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

Friday, April 3rd, 2026
	Andover's Illini superfan ready to see his team in the Final Four Dennis Shenalt has been an Illini fan for 50 years.
	Iowa State Patrol’s ‘Operation ICE Wall’ triggers more litigation Two more immigrant truck drivers picked up by the Iowa State Patrol and ICE officers along Interstate 80 are suing the federal government.
	Illinois designates Moline as a River Edge Redevelopment Zone, opening up development incentives The designation makes the city eligible for financial incentives that city leaders hope will spur downtown development and attract private investment.
	3 tornadoes confirmed from Thursday evening storms The National Weather Service has confirmed three tornadoes from Thursday evening’s storms.
	City of Moline named River Edge Redevelopment Zone by the Illinois Department of Commerce The RERZ designation means eligible property owners can receive sales tax savings on building materials, historic tax credits and more.
	Bird's-eye views from across the Quad Cities region during the week of April 3, 2026 Sit back, relax and enjoy these scenes captured by the News 8 drone from across the Quad Cities region this week.
	Online property tax payment system malfunctioned, including in Scott County; fix in progress Some Iowa property taxpayers were charged twice and some scheduled payments weren't processed because of an error with a third-party online processing system, Catalis. Fixes are done or in progress.
	Adult conversions to Catholicism surge across U.S., data shows The Diocese of Des Moines has seen a 51% rise in converts compared to last year. Here are some of the reasons one Iowa expert thinks this is happening.
	State names Moline as River Edge Redevelopment Zone The Illinois Department of Commerce has officially designated the City of Moline as a River Edge Redevelopment Zone (RERZ), making the city eligible for a powerful package of state financial incentives aimed at spurring downtown development and attracting private investment.The designation covers about 3.4 square miles of Moline's downtown core, bordered by the Mississippi River and extending [...]
	Ride the Island with River Action on Father's Day Take a Father's Day family bicycle ride and celebrate America's 250th birthday! Kathy Wine joined Our Quad Cities News with details on River Action's Ride the Island. For more information, click here.
	University of Illinois Springfield faculty go on strike The strike comes as state lawmakers consider overhauling how funding is allocated to Illinois universities.
	What does Bettendorf have planned for Fourth of July festivities? In addition to the parade and festival on July 4, the Bettendorf Public Library will host lead-up events to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
	Spring cleaning tip: ‘Zooming out’ may help you let go of clutter A new U of Iowa study shows abstract thinkers have an easier time decluttering. They also noticed a connection between loneliness and not letting go of things.
	NWS: EF-1 tornado hits parts of Clinton and Jackson counties in Iowa The National Weather Service Quad Cities has confirmed at least one tornado during Thursday night's storms.
	2 tornadoes confirmed from Thursday evening storms The National Weather Service has confirmed two tornadoes from Thursday evening’s storms.
	McDonough County ambulance service uncertain amid contract changes McDonough District Hospital plans to end its ambulance contract, but leaders said negotiations are underway to avoid service disruption by May 3.
	Most book clubs fade within a few years. These Iowa clubs have lasted a century In an era when many book clubs fizzle out within a few years, the Browning Literary Club, Ingleside Study Club and Serendipity Book Club are among those quietly defying the odds — by decades.
	Adult conversions to Catholicism surge across U.S., data shows The Diocese of Des Moines has seen a 51% rise in converts compared to last year. Here are some of the reasons one Iowa expert thinks this is happening.
	FIRST ALERT DAY: Live Weather Blog for Friday’s severe risk Severe weather is possible across the Quad Cities area Friday evening.
	Spring cleaning tip: ‘Zooming out’ may help you let go of clutter A new U of Iowa study shows abstract thinkers have an easier time decluttering. They also noticed a connection between loneliness and not letting go of things.
	Police: Woman wanted for theft in Sterling The Sterling Police Department is asking for the public's help in locating a suspect wanted for theft.
	3-vehicle crash closes eastbound lanes of I-80 Illinois State Police are investigating.
	Sterling police searching for woman wanted for theft Shawna Saenz, 37, is wanted on a Whiteside County arrest warrant for theft.
	Congressman Sorensen convenes roundtable discussion on first responders’ mental health U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen, a union representing correctional officers and law enforcement, and Gray Matters Collective met on Thursday, April 2 with local first responders on mental health challenges.
	Pinwheel garden planted in Rock Island for Child Abuse Prevention Month The display is in conjunction with the group Every Child for Child Abuse Prevention Month.
	KWQC streaming app bug resolved; Roku fix expected by end of night KWQC is resolving the technical issue that caused our news app to close unexpectedly for many users this week.
	Inside Iowa Politics: Why this Iowans thinks ‘No Kings’ last past the rallies "No Kings Day" Iowa organizer explains why she thinks this movement is growing.
	EF-1 tornado confirmed from Thursday evening storms The tornado tore through Welton, Charlotte and Preston with peak winds of 105 mph causing damage to homes, buildings, trees and powerlines.
	No injuries after fire in Davenport home No injuries were reported after a fire in a Davenport home.
	Thursday night tornado CONFIRMED by NWS - Welton, Charlotte and Preston hit with 105 mph winds Meteorologists with the NWS have confirmed a tornado hit the towns of Welton, Charlotte and Preston on Thursday evening. Early info suggests it was an EF-1 tornado with winds of about 105 mph. The tornado width, length of path and exact location will be released later today or tomorrow. We'll post those details when they [...]
	Severe t'storms likely (again) Friday in Quad Cities area After a couple rounds of severe weather in our area Thursday, mother nature is back at it again Friday night. We're looking at an 80% chance of a watch being issued south of the Quad Cities Friday afternoon. This could be a tornado watch or a severe t'storm watch and will likely be issued for [...]
	2 dogs safely reunited with owners after Davenport house fire The Davenport Fire Department responded to a house fire in the 4900 block of Candlelight Drive on Thursday.
	Family dogs safe after Davenport home fire There were no reported injuries following a fire in Davenport. According to a release, the Davenport Fire Department responded to the 4900 block of Candlelight Dr. for a reported structure fire April 2 at approximately 4:13 p.m. Crews discovered a home with heavy smoke conditions and found and extinguished a fire in the kitchen area. [...]
	No injuries, dogs rescued in Davenport kitchen fire Thursday afternoon Two family dogs were rescued and no injuries were reported after a kitchen fire in a Davenport home on Candlelight Drive Thursday afternoon.
	Trump's ballroom fight sheds new light on an underground White House bunker The status of a decades-old bunker beneath the now-demolished East Wing is unclear, but the Trump administration has cited security concerns in its legal filings in favor of continuing construction.
	Sterling Police seek woman on theft charges A news release from the Sterling Police Department says Shawna L. Saenz, 37 (DOB: 03/25/1989) is wanted on a Whiteside County arrest warrant for larceny-theft. Saenz is wanted in connection with an incident that happened on January 9 in the 200 Block of E. Third Street in Sterling. Anyone with information on Saenz’s whereabouts can [...]
	West Liberty sirens malfunction during storm West Liberty found out at the worst time that the storm sirens in the city weren’t functioning -during last night’s storm. Chris Jasper, Director of Emergency Management and 911 for Muscatine County, spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to give an update on the siren situation and what happened. “At this point, we're [...]
	Death Notice: Patricia Curtis A graveside funeral service for Patricia Lynn Curtis, 70, of Blue Grass, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, April 8, at St. Ann's Cemetery, Long Grove. Visitation will be Tuesday, April 7, from 5-7 p.m. at Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge. Mrs. Curtis died Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at MercyOne Genesis, Davenport. Online condolences may be made at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com. A full obituary will appear in the April 8 edition of The NSP.
	What's happening in Springfield? Illinois Quad-Cities lawmakers give updates on state budget challenges Lawmakers gave updates on the state's budget uncertainty, university funding and a bill that would regulate the volume of commercials for streaming services.
	4 Your Money \| About Face A significant reversal in interest rate expectations occurred from the beginning of January until the end of March. David Nelson, CEO of NelsonCorp Wealth Management, shares how market expectations for interest rates shifted over first quarter and especially in the last several weeks.
	Dock repair to begin at Lost Grove Lake Repair work will begin next week on the docks next to the boat ramps at Lost Grove Lake.
	Off-duty Quad Cities firefighters honored for saving two lives The Davenport Fire Department is honoring two of their own for taking action at separate incidents in Iowa and Florida that saved the lives of two people.
	North YMCA to relocate to Kimberly Road in Davenport The North YMCA announced its relocation to a new facility at 1010 E. Kimberly Rd. in Davenport.
	Enjoy bilingual storytimes at East Moline Public Library Families can enjoy storytimes in Spanish and English at the East Moline Public Library, 745 16th Avenue. Families can listen to a Spanish Bilingual Storytime on Saturday, April 11 at 11 a.m. and a French Bilingual Storytime on Saturday, April 25th at 11a.m. Storytimes include a story and fun activity in the Children’s Area of [...]
	‘Domestic violence court is not a hunting ground’: Officials condemn continued ICE presence at Cook County courthouses Elected officials and advocates condemn the Trump administration’s continued ICE activity at Cook County’s Domestic Violence Courthouse, warning it violates state law.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for April 3, 2026 The Quad City Storm is holding its last two home games against Huntsville, and the QC Animal Welfare Center is hosting a golf fundraiser for pets in need.
	Going up! 'Elevator Songs' is a high-concept, emotionally turbulent ride On a new album, the experimental vocal group Roomful of Teeth and songwriter Gabriel Kahane take up residence in a multidimensional hotel with a time-traveling elevator and a quirky clientele.
	Iowa Department of Corrections names Janie Mendez as new warden of Iowa State Penitentiary The Iowa State Penitentiary has a new warden. Janie Mendez has been named as the new warden of the Iowa State Penitentiary (ISP) by the Iowa Department of Corrections (DOC). Mendez brings over 20 years of experience within the DOC to her new position, having served in several leadership and frontline roles across multiple institutions, [...]
	A guide to creating your first lead scoring model A guide to creating your first lead scoring modelIf you’re drowning in leads but your close rate isn’t improving, you’re not alone. Most B2B sales teams waste hours chasing dead-end prospects while hot leads go cold in their CRM. The fix? A lead scoring model that automatically tells you which prospects deserve your time right now.Every sales rep knows the frustration — you’ve got a list of 500 leads, but no clue who to call first. You could go alphabetically (spoiler: That doesn’t work), or you could build a system that ranks leads based on how likely they are to buy. That’s where lead scoring comes in.In this guide, Apollo walks you through creating your first scoring model. You’ll learn exactly which criteria matter, how to weight them, and how to implement a system that separates tire-kickers from serious buyers — so your team can focus on conversations that actually close.What is lead scoring?At its core, lead scoring is a methodology that helps businesses evaluate the quality and potential of leads based on predefined criteria.By assigning scores to different attributes, businesses can focus their efforts on leads that are more likely to convert into customers. Typical lead scoring models assign “points” to individual leads based on factors like company size, revenue, industry, if they’ve shown intent to buy, etc. The higher the points, the more likely they are to convert into customers.With lead scoring, you remove the manual vetting of which high-potential leads to tackle next (which is prone to human error), and instead, you use a data-driven methodology that can be easily optimized to drive better results.The value of lead scoringImprove lead prioritization and prospecting efficiencyBy assigning scores to leads based on predefined criteria, you can focus your time, resources, and efforts on the most promising leads. This leads to better allocation of resources and increased efficiency in your sales and marketing activities.Make marketing and sales an allied revenue duoWith a clear understanding of lead quality, both sales and marketing teams can work together to target high-scoring leads more effectively. Marketing can tailor campaigns and content to match the needs and interests of specific lead segments, while sales can focus their efforts on leads with the highest scores, resulting in improved conversion rates and higher revenue generation.Increase conversion rates and revenueLead scoring helps you identify leads that exhibit characteristics or behaviors indicative of strong buying intent. This enables you to personalize your outreach and engage with leads in a more targeted and meaningful way. As a result, your conversion rates improve, leading to a higher return on investment (ROI) for your sales and marketing efforts.Types of lead scoring modelsNot all lead scoring models are built the same. The best ones usually blend a few different types to get a complete picture of a lead’s potential. Think of it as looking at a lead from multiple angles to decide if they’re the right fit and if they’re interested right now.Here are the core types you’ll work with:Demographic and Firmographic Scoring: This is all about fit. It answers the question, “Is this the right type of person at the right type of company?” It uses explicit data points like job title, industry, company size, and revenue. If a lead matches your ideal customer profile (ICP), they get a high score here.Behavioral Scoring: This is all about interest and intent. It answers, “How engaged is this lead with us?” This model tracks actions like visiting your pricing page, downloading a whitepaper, opening your emails, or attending a webinar. The more they engage, the higher their score.Negative Scoring: Just as important as adding points is knowing when to subtract them. This model deducts points for actions that signal a poor fit. For example, you might subtract points if a lead is a student, comes from a non-target country, or only visits your careers page. This helps weed out unqualified leads automatically.A truly powerful lead scoring system doesn’t just pick one; it combines all three. This way, you’re prioritizing leads that are both a great fit for your product and are actively showing interest in buying.Step-by-step guide to creating your first scoring modelStep 1: Define your criteriaTo start, identify the criteria that matter most to your business. Consider factors such as demographics, firmographics, and behavior-based indicators. What characteristics align with your ideal customer profile? Defining these criteria will form the foundation of your scoring model.Here are a few commonly used demographic and firmographic attributes on contacts or companies:Job titles or departmentsLocationIndustriesNumber of employeesRevenueTechnologies usedAnd here are a few commonly used behavioral attributes that are relatively easy to collect (depending on the tools you use):Opened or clicked an emailExpressed buying intent by researching online for your serviceFilled out a form on your websiteRegistered or attended your webinarStart by simply selecting a few of the criteria above and add more as you learn more about what works and what doesn’t. Your first scoring model can be very simple and still make a huge impact on how you prioritize your leads.Step 2: Weight your attributesNot all criteria carry the same weight in determining lead quality. Assign appropriate weightings to each criterion based on their relative importance to your business.There are two ways you can think about assigning weightings:Scale (e.g. not important, somewhat important, neutral, important, or very important)Numerical (e.g. 0-20 where 20 is the max)If this is your first time setting up a scoring model, the scale might be the easier approach. However, either way will still tally up scoring points between 0-100 where the higher number indicates better customer fit than a lower number.For example:Each attribute can be weighted differently — a lead’s level of engagement like attending a webinar might be more significant than their job title.The options within an attribute can be weighted differently — a VP or director might be more significant than a manager job title.Step 3: Gather and integrate dataTo effectively score leads, you need reliable data. Collect and integrate data from various sources, such as your CRM, website analytics, marketing automation systems, and sales intelligence platforms.Whatever data sources you’ll use for scoring, make sure it’s accurate, up-to-date, and clean to avoid any misleading scores.Step 4: Build your scoring modelNow it’s time to build your scoring model.Select your target type: For example, people or companiesAdd the criteria and weightings:Persona (e.g., sales leadership)Location (e.g., US)Number of employees by department (e.g., at least 5)Contact engagement - # of times opened (e.g., at least 10)Render distribution and see how many of your saved contacts match the criteria as excellent, good, fair, or not a fit.Step 5: Test and refineOnce your scoring model is set up, it’s time to put it to the test. Start by applying the model to a sample set of leads and analyze the results.The next step is to personalize your outreach based on the data insights provided.For example, you could try sending a personalized email that says "Hey, we’ve seen that you’ve been opening our emails a few times, and would love to chat about what caught your eye!"Continuously refine and optimize your model based on real-world feedback and outcomes. Remember, lead scoring is an iterative process, and it will evolve as you gain more insights.Lead scoring best practicesBuilding your model is the first step. Keeping it effective is an ongoing process. A great lead scoring model isn’t static; it’s a living system that you refine over time. Here are a few best practices to make sure your model keeps delivering high-quality leads to your sales team.Get sales and marketing in the same room: Your lead scoring model will fail if your sales team doesn’t trust it. Sit down with them from day one. What signals do they see in their best deals? What makes a lead “sales-ready” in their eyes? Build the criteria together to ensure everyone is aligned on what a good lead looks like.Start simple, then expand: You don’t need 50 different criteria on day one. You’ll get lost in the complexity. Start with the 5-10 most impactful attributes you identified with your sales team. You can always add more nuance later as you gather more data.Work with clean data: A scoring model is only as reliable as the data that fuels it. If your contact data is outdated or incomplete, your scores will be meaningless.Review and iterate regularly: Don’t just set it and forget it. Schedule a quarterly review of your model. Look at your closed-won deals. Did they have high scores? If not, it’s time to adjust your weights and criteria. The market changes, and your model should, too.Unlock new opportunities with lead scoresThe scores generated by your model provide valuable insights into lead quality. Leverage this information to tailor your outreach and engagement strategies. High-scoring leads deserve more attention, personalized messaging, and targeted offers.By aligning your efforts with lead scores, you can enhance efficiency, improve conversion rates, and drive revenue growth.Lead scoring isn’t just another sales tool — it’s your competitive edge in a world where speed wins deals. You’re now equipped with everything you need to build a model that transforms how your team prioritizes prospects. Start simple, test often, and watch as your close rates climb.Frequently asked questions about lead scoring modelsWhat is the formula for lead scoring?There isn’t one universal formula because it should be customized to your business. However, a simple and effective structure is: Lead Score = (Demographic Fit Score) + (Behavioral Interest Score) - (Negative Score). You decide the points for each attribute based on what matters most for converting a lead into a customer.What’s a good lead score range to use?Most businesses use a 0-100 scale. The key isn’t the range itself, but the thresholds you define within it. For example, you might decide that leads scoring 80+ are “sales-ready” and get routed to an AE immediately, while leads scoring 50-79 enter a nurture sequence to build more interest.How often should I update my lead scoring model?You should plan to review your model at least quarterly. The market changes, and so do your buyers. Look at your recent closed-won deals. Did they have high scores? If not, your model needs tweaking. Treat it as an iterative process, not a one-time setup.What’s the difference between behavioral and demographic scoring?It’s the difference between “fit” and “interest.” Demographic scoring measures fit—does this lead match your ideal customer profile based on things like job title, industry, or company size? Behavioral scoring measures interest—what actions has this lead taken, like visiting your pricing page or downloading a guide? You need both for a complete picture.How do I know if my lead scoring model is working?The ultimate test is your conversion rate. Are leads with higher scores converting into customers at a significantly higher rate than leads with lower scores? If the answer is yes, it’s working. Also, get qualitative feedback from your sales team. Do they agree that the high-scoring leads are better opportunities? Their buy-in is crucial.This story was produced by Apollo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Child survivor to speak at Davenport Holocaust Remembrance Yvonne Aronson will be the 2026 Yom HaShoah - Holocaust Remembrance Keynote Speaker. She will speak about her family’s experiences at the Rogalski Center Ballroom at St. Ambrose College on Sunday, April 19 at 7 p.m. The Ballroom is located at 518 W. Locust Street in Davenport. The presentation is free and open to the [...]
	Illinois child torture bill advances A bill in Illinois would provide new criminal penalties for people convicted of torturing children. Child abuse is a crime in every state, but 14 states, including Illinois, have no laws specifying child torture. House Bill 5562 defines torture as degrading or abusive treatment for extended periods of time. Supporters say offenders can traumatize children [...]
	A U.S. jet goes down over Iran, a U.S. official confirms A U.S. official confirmed the Iranian state media report and added that a search is underway by U.S. forces.
	Big men, bigger lineups: How length, size got Illini to Final Four Tarris Reed Jr. sat at his locker Thursday, fielding questions about his run as the interior-scoring, rebound-snagging force in UConn's latest Final Four push. Yet he wasn't the main attraction. That's because across the room, an even bigger gaggle of reporters waited for freshman guard Braylon Mullins — the Indiana kid who hit an all-timer [...]
	YMCA of Iowa Mississippi Valley moving to new facility this summer The YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley has announced the date for the relocation of the North YMCA to a new facility at 1010 E. Kimberly Road in Davenport. “The North YMCA has made a meaningful impact on our community for decades, and we are proud of that history,” said Josh Whitson, CEO of the [...]
	FOODIE FRIDAY: One Bite and It’s “Holy Cluck" at Enzo’s Chicken The morning show hit the road for this week's Foodie Friday, to East Moline, to get a 'peck' at Enzo's Chicken. Watch the interview above to get a taste of what's being served. For more information on the menu, click here.
	How to know if a digital marketing agency is good How to know if a digital marketing agency is goodHave you ever gotten nervous before a big purchase? When you’re buying an expensive product — say, a new car — it’s easy to feel worried about the quality of that product. What if there ends up being something wrong with it? How can you be sure that it’s good?It’s not just buying a product that can bring on this feeling, though. When evaluating professional services, many wonder how to know if a digital marketing agency is good. Maybe you’re considering a specific partnership, but you’re having doubts. Or maybe you just want a guideline to go by before you start researching options.Below, WebFX shares several indicators of a quality marketing agency.1. They assign you a dedicated account representativeSomething you’ll often see with low-quality agencies is that when you want to talk to them about something, they’ll throw you into a generic support line queue. That kind of impersonal approach makes it hard to talk to someone who’s directly involved with your account.An indicator of a good marketing agency is that they assign you a dedicated account representative. That representative is only responsible for a few different clients, so they have the time to get to know each one personally. That makes it way easier to talk to them about what’s happening with your marketing.2. They don’t rely too heavily on automationWhen you evaluate a marketing agency, make sure that it assigns actual humans to manage your marketing. Some agencies try to cut corners by automating as much as they can, to the point where they have automated programs fully running all of your ad spend and data analysis.A good agency will take a human-first approach. They’ll have actual marketing experts making campaign decisions, assessing your data, creating your content, and more. That doesn’t mean that any automation is bad — it can actually be really helpful. But you want big, important decisions in the hands of actual people, not machines.3. They have a lot of marketing experienceThe reason human marketers are so important is that they have a lot of marketing experience. That experience informs all the decisions they make regarding your campaigns. Of course, not every agency meets this requirement equally.If you want high-quality marketing results, you should look for an agency that has many years of experience in the field. An agency that’s only been around a short while hasn’t really proven itself yet and may still be learning the ropes. That doesn’t mean newer agencies are inherently bad — it just means a more experienced agency is a safer bet, and it will probably produce more reliable results.4. They give you full ownership over all accounts and dataNot all marketing agencies are completely honest. Some of them behave unethically, and one way they might do that is by keeping all your campaigns and data somewhere they have ownership over. That means if you ever try to leave for another agency, you won’t be able to take any of your campaigns with you. You’ll have to start from scratch.When you evaluate a marketing agency, one of the things you should check for is whether they give you full ownership over all your campaigns and data. For example, if they create an account for your business to better monitor your search traffic, they should give you ownership over the account.5. Their own marketing is high-quality and effectiveImagine you visit a marketing agency’s website, only to find that it’s poorly put together, with badly written content that doesn’t rank in search results. That’s not exactly a glowing endorsement of their skills. If they can’t even create good marketing campaigns for themselves, how will they do so for you?One strategy for choosing a digital marketing agency is to find one that has a stellar marketing strategy for itself. You want an agency that has a clean, functional website, plenty of pages ranking high in Google search results, an engaging social media presence, and so on. If they can do all of that for themselves, they can do it for you.6. They’re transparent with their processesOne sure sign that you’re not choosing the right digital marketing agency is if they refuse to be transparent and open with you. If they promise to fix your marketing but then proceed to do all of it behind closed doors without letting you in on what they’re doing, that’s a giant red flag.A good agency will be very transparent and honest about how they’re handling your campaigns. In addition to giving you any information you ask for, reputable agencies will send you regular reports on what they’ve done with your campaigns and what results they’ve driven. That gives you peace of mind about the state of your marketing.7. They drive a significant profit for their clientsWhen you evaluate a digital marketing agency, one of the biggest considerations you may have is cost. And of course, that’s a good thing to consider. You want to make sure their price is within your budget. Arguably, the more important consideration, though, is whether they drive a profit.It might seem like a less expensive agency is always better, and sometimes it is, but that’s not always the case. Even if an agency costs a lot, it’s worth it if it drives so much revenue for your business that you receive a high return on investment (ROI). In other words, focus on the ROI when deciding if a particular agency is a cost-effective option.8. They have plenty of positive reviewsThere might not be any better indicator of a good marketing agency than positive reviews. If you want to know what kind of treatment to expect from an agency, just look at how they’ve treated their other clients. Check out some different review sites to see what people are saying about them.Are the reviews largely negative, or an even mix of good and bad? In either of those cases, the agency you’re looking at may not be worth it. But if you find an agency with a huge number of positive reviews, that’s a great sign. Every agency will have a few negative reviews, of course, but the key is finding one where the consensus among clients is overwhelmingly positive.This story was produced by WebFX and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Iowa bill would allow civil lawsuits over access to some library material DES MOINES, Iowa — Some librarians are speaking out after a bill originally intended to prevent cities from creating their own city health departments was amended this week to allow civil lawsuits against libraries. The amendment, H-8277, was written by Representative Charley Thomson of Charles City and was attached to Senate File 2432, a bill [...]
	4 tips to keep you healthy in a hurry with eggs 4 tips to keep you healthy in a hurry with eggs In a perfect world, our calendars would be wide open for quiet relaxation, energizing workouts, and quality time with the people we love. But real life is busy, and taking care of ourselves can easily fall to the bottom of the day’s to-do list.The good news is you don’t need a complete lifestyle overhaul to feel stronger. Small, simple choices can add up in a big way; even taking one step a day in the right direction can make a difference. And one of the easiest, most accessible steps you can take starts right in your kitchen.If you’re short on time but still committed to making smart choices, you’re in the right place. The Incredible Egg shares four tips to help you eat healthy, even when you’re in a hurry.Tip #1: Care for your whole body, including your brainMaintaining healthy muscles isn't just for fitness goals. Muscle is the organ of health and longevity, and high-quality fuel from high-quality protein, like eggs, is important for sustaining muscle and supporting bone health throughout life. What’s more is that emerging research even suggests that muscle health and brain function are connected, with physical activity playing a role in supporting cognitive function and mental well-being. When you choose to eat eggs, you're not just feeding your body, you're feeding your brain, too. Eggs are one of the highest sources of choline in the American diet — a nutrient that helps support brain health at every stage of life, including brain development, memory, and mood. In fact, 90% of Americans don't get enough choline. Eating two eggs any time of day provides 50-70% of your daily choline requirement.Whether it’s your brain or your body, eggs offer nutritional support from head to toe. Tip #2: Stock up for the week by batch-prepping meals Sara Hass // the Incredible Egg One time-saving tip for busy families is to batch-prep meals, and that can be as easy as picking up an extra carton of eggs from the local grocery store. Take some time on a day that isn’t as busy to prepare several dishes at once, making it easier to quickly have a nourishing meal on those hectic days ahead.Look to eggs for an easy, healthy choice to boost the nutritional value of your meal. Many egg dishes can be cooked ahead and served throughout the week, such as breakfast tacos, egg-stuffed pitas, egg casseroles, hard-boiled eggs, and sandwiches.Nearly half of an egg's protein and most of its vitamins and minerals — including choline and antioxidants — are found in the yolk, so adding eggs to your meal rotation is a real no-brainer. Meal prep helps reduce decision fatigue and can help simplify days and alleviate stress, making it easier to eat healthy on even the busiest days. Eggs are incredibly versatile and can be cooked in bulk, such as hard-boiling a dozen or making a batch of egg bites at the beginning of the week. Tip #3: Make it easier to meet protein goals Sara Hass // the Incredible Egg Protein is an essential component of a healthy body. It helps build and maintain muscle, and along with regular exercise, can keep you strong. Each egg contains 6 grams of complete protein, including all nine essential amino acids in a bioavailable form. This makes them one of the highest-quality protein sources — food scientists often use eggs as a standard to assess the protein quality of other foods. Eggs provide energy and key nutrients that support all the 600-plus muscles in your body, which play a central role in movement and everyday physical activity. Here are some creative ways to increase protein intake with eggs: Add hard-boiled eggs to salads or pasta.Make a veggie-packed omelet for breakfast.Incorporate eggs into a stir-fry or grain bowl.Maintaining muscle with regular physical activity and a healthy eating pattern can help support your metabolism, keep your weight in check, and may also help prevent disease.Tip #4: Bring fiber to the tableWhile fiber has been trending across social media, fiber consumption remains a significant public health concern. The data shows that approximately 90% of women and 97% of men do not meet the recommended daily fiber intake of 25-38 grams per day. As a favorite food and with ease of prep, eggs are an easy food to partner with fiber-rich ingredients like fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Try adding more vegetables, grains, or shredded potatoes to your favorite egg dishes. Combining the fiber from these ingredients with the protein from eggs creates a delicious and filling meal.When life refuses to slow down, your nutrition routine doesn’t have to disappear with your free time. By keeping simple, nourishing staples on hand like eggs and following practical tips, you can fuel your body without adding stress to your schedule. Start small and let each smart choice in the kitchen move you one step closer to feeling your best, no matter how full your calendar may be.This story was produced by the Incredible Egg and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	St. Ambrose University dance team wins 5th national title The St. Ambrose University dance team joined Quad Cities Today to detail their NAIA Competitive Dance National Championship win.
	Another risk of storms after last night's round After already receiving severe thunderstorms with damaging winds and a confirmed tornado, we already are preparing for round 2. While most of our Friday is going to remain dry, by later into the evening around 8pm, a cold front will move through the Quad Cities to bring in more showers and potentially severe thunderstorms. A [...]
	These states make the smartest sports picks, according to PrizePicks data These states make the smartest sports picks, according to PrizePicks dataSports innately drive intense competition, leading to the constant desire to win. Perhaps that’s cheering on your favorite team or your latest sports predictions.Over the last year, hundreds of millions of player picks revealed which states actually know their sports — and the answers aren't always obvious. Does Minnesota's hockey culture translate to smarter picks? Do Dodger fans know baseball, or is their team just running hot? Does Indiana — the home of basketball — really know ball?PrizePicks data has provided the ultimate proof of which states have the smartest sports fans, with a list of the top states in win rate on their predictions via PrizePicks’ daily fantasy sports game. Data was pulled from Feb. 24, 2025, to Feb. 24, 2026, for all sports and each professional sports league, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.Which states proved they know ball this year? Let’s dig into the numbers for all sports and each league to find which states are the smartest.The States Making The Smartest Sports PicksBefore diving into the numbers of which states are making the smartest sports picks, it’s vital to explain the process for the “smartest states.” After pulling data over the last year, PrizePicks corrected for sample size differences by applying a statistical adjustment that pulls small-state win rates toward the national average.The numbers boil down to genuine skill, not a hot streak in a small sample size, to determine the smartest states. PrizePicks 5 States with the Highest Pick Win RatesHere are the five states with the highest Bayesian-adjusted win rates on single picks from Feb. 24, 2025, to Feb. 24, 2026.1. Illinois2. Indiana3. KansasT-4. FloridaT-4. TennesseeThe Midwest did most of the heavy lifting, with Illinois, Indiana, and Kansas boasting the highest adjusted win rates for player picks, followed by Florida and Tennessee in the South.In short, Illinois and Indiana found most of their success thanks to basketball and baseball, while Kansas thrived in NFL and MLB picks. Florida and Tennessee showcased high success across several sports, but they do not match some of the dominant win rates from Illinois and Indiana.Below is an in-depth look at the highest win rates for the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL picks.Among the top five highest win rates, Florida had the highest market share (or total volume of picks), the fourth-highest volume among all 32 states. For context, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, and Tennessee all finished far behind Florida’s total market share.5 States with Highest Lineup Win Rates on PrizePicksAlthough some of these states didn’t get the most picks right, they did cash the highest rate of Lineups — which are awarded when players hit on at least two picks — based on adjustments.CaliforniaUtahIllinoisMinnesotaNebraskaCalifornia tops the charts as the state cashing the highest adjusted percentage of Lineups. The Golden State ranked top three in NBA, MLB, and NHL win rates, including leading all states in NHL win rate.Utah comes in second with adjusted win-rate, and also has the third-highest win rate pre-adjustments — the only state that placed over 1 million Lineups to hit that mark. Utah cashed the highest percentage of Lineups in NBA, and ranked second in NHL.Interestingly, Utah had the third-lowest pick win rate in NFL, but ranked fifth highest in Lineup win rate — likely pointing to a higher volume of lower-pick Lineups with a higher implied probability of cashing.Illinois led the United States in NFL ball knowledge, with the highest adjusted win rate across all NFL Lineups. Minnesota’s strong suit was MLB (first) and NBA (third).5 States with Lowest Pick Win RatesThe margin between a “winning” state and “losing” one is relatively small — less than 1.5%. Not all states fell on the winning end, as six states stand out with the five lowest win rates, including a tie for the fifth-lowest win rate.1. South Carolina2. Georgia3. Arkansas4. WisconsinT-5. Rhode IslandT-5. MissouriArkansas, Wisconsin, and Missouri all posted similar market shares to the top five highest win rates — so it’s not a sample size issue.Despite a minuscule volume from Rhode Island, it still managed to finish in the bottom five win rates — perhaps leaving an even larger sting for the state’s morale.High volumes may have harmed South Carolina’s and Georgia’s win rates. In fact, Georgia was third in overall pick volume, while South Carolina ranked fifth in the category. PrizePicks NFL Ball-Knowledge is Nationwide, But North Carolina is No. 1Now, let’s move our attention to the highest win rates on picks by leagues, beginning with the country’s most popular sports league: the NFL. Here are the top five states in NFL ball knowledge:1. North Carolina2. New Mexico3. Florida4. KansasT-5. TennesseeT-5. CaliforniaLooking for regional trends by sport can be one of the most interesting tidbits from this data. However, we aren’t getting that from the NFL. The top five states truly come from sea to shining sea, from Florida to California.California, Florida, and North Carolina had the highest NFL market share of all picks among the six mentioned states.Despite not making it on the list for picks, Illinois was No. 1 in Lineup win rate, followed by Wisconsin and Indiana.South Carolina, Georgia, Utah, Minnesota, and Texas finished with the five lowest NFL picks win rates, with Georgia ranked last in adjusted Lineup win rate. PrizePicks The States Where Basketball Knowledge Runs DeepUnlike the NFL, the NBA picks rankings by state on PrizePicks featured a specific region for the top win rates.1. Indiana2. IllinoisT-3. FloridaT-3. Tennessee5. KentuckyMost of these states go hand-in-hand with major basketball programs, whether it’s the NBA or college basketball. For example, Indiana has always been known as a basketball state, led by the Indiana Hoosiers, Purdue Boilermakers, and Indiana Pacers.Illinois features the Chicago Bulls, while Florida certainly has a winning culture between the Miami Heat and Florida Gators. Of course, Tennessee and Kentucky have diehard fan bases for the Tennessee Volunteers, Kentucky Wildcats, and Louisville Cardinals.However, when it came to Lineups, Utah and California led the way in adjusted Lineup win rate.In SEC country, South Carolina, Georgia, and Arkansas formed the bottom three win rates for their NBA picks. In terms of Lineups, you can add Missouri to the list, which ranked last out of the 32 eligible states. PrizePicks Florida, Illinois, and Indiana Are Home to the Smartest MLB FansThe smartest states in the NFL and NBA continued to thrive with their MLB picks.1. Florida2. Illinois3. Indiana4. CaliforniaT-5. TennesseeT-5. KansasDespite tying in the top five win rate rankings across other categories, among 32 states, Florida boasts the top win rate on their picks for two major sports, including MLB.As one of seven states with two MLB teams, the Tampa Bay Rays and Miami Marlins, Florida had the fourth-highest market share for MLB picks. For reference, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee, and Kansas finished far behind Florida in volume.Despite that, Florida may have been swinging for the fences with their Lineups, ranking just 22nd in adjusted Lineup win rate; Minnesota, Oregon, and California were tops in that category.However, California led MLB market share across all states, as it’s built a reputation as a baseball state, with its year-round warm weather and massive Dodger fanbase.The Smartest NHL Fans Live in Florida and MinnesotaRounding out the four major league sports, let’s look at the biggest winners for NHL picks.1. Florida2. Minnesota3. New HampshireT-4. District of ColumbiaT-4. TennesseeFlorida makes its second appearance as the top winner for a sport. Florida's hockey culture has exploded in recent years — the Panthers have back-to-back Stanley Cups, and the Lightning went back-to-back in 2020 and 2021. Four titles in five years has a way of sharpening fan knowledge.The Sunshine State’s No. 1 NHL pick win rate, paired with the fourth-highest market share for NHL picks, suggests Florida may have become a hockey state in the post-LeBron James era.Minnesota lived up to its name as a hockey state, finishing second in pick win rate with the sixth-highest volume.Excluding Florida, the remaining top five winners are no strangers to a brutal winter — sitting in line with hockey stereotypes.However, the highest percentage of winning NHL Lineups came from California — and by a wide margin, even with a higher market share than any other state. Texas also knows hockey, ranking fourth in overall Lineup win rate.This story was produced by PrizePicks and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Advancing Hope: The Evolving Landscape of Pediatric Cancer Research Sorry, but your browser does not support the video tag. var bptVideoPlayer = document.getElementById("bptVideoPlayer"); if (bptVideoPlayer) { var cssText = "width: 100%;"; cssText += " background: url('" + bptVideoPlayer.getAttribute("poster") + "');"; cssText += " -webkit-background-size: cover;"; cssText += " -moz-background-size: cover;"; cssText += " -o-background-size: cover;"; cssText += " background-size: cover;"; bptVideoPlayer.style.cssText = cssText; var bptVideoPlayerContainer = document.getElementById("bptVideoPlayerContainer"); if (bptVideoPlayerContainer) { setTimeout(function () { bptVideoPlayerContainer.style.cssText = "display: block; position: relative; margin-bottom: 10px;"; var isIE = navigator.userAgent.match(/ MSIE(([0 - 9] +)(\.[0 - 9] +) ?) /); var isEdge = navigator.userAgent.indexOf("Edge") > -1 \|\| navigator.userAgent.indexOf("Trident") > -1; if (isIE \|\| isEdge) { fixVideoPoster(); } }, 1000); } var bptVideoPlayButton = document.getElementById("bptVideoPlayButton"); if (bptVideoPlayButton) { bptVideoPlayButton.addEventListener("click", function () { bptVideoPlayer.play(); }, false); bptVideoPlayer.addEventListener("play", function () { bptVideoPlayButton.style.cssText = "display: none;"; }, false); } var mainImage = document.getElementById("mainImageImgContainer_sm"); if (mainImage) { mainImage.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } var mainImage = document.getElementById("photo-noresize"); if (mainImage) { mainImage.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } var assetGallery = document.getElementsByClassName("asset_gallery")[0]; if (assetGallery) { assetGallery.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } var assetGallery = document.getElementsByClassName("trb_article_leadart")[0]; if (assetGallery) { assetGallery.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } var assetGallery = document.querySelectorAll("[src='https://d372qxeqh8y72i.cloudfront.net/f84a63b9-710b-4273-825a-b27b587ad0cd_web.jpg']")[0]; if (assetGallery) { assetGallery.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } } function fixVideoPoster() { var videoPlayer = document.getElementById("bptVideoPlayer"); var videoPoster = document.getElementById("bptVideoPoster"); fixVideoPosterPosition(videoPlayer, videoPoster, true); window.onresize = function() { fixVideoPosterPosition(videoPlayer, videoPoster); }; videoPoster.onclick = function() { videoPlayer.play(); videoPoster.style.display = "none"; }; videoPlayer.onplay = function() { videoPoster.style.display = "none"; }; } function fixVideoPosterPosition(videoPlayer, videoPoster, display) { setTimeout(function () { var videoPosition = videoPlayer.getBoundingClientRect(); videoPoster.style.position = "absolute"; videoPoster.style.top = "0"; videoPoster.style.left = "0"; videoPoster.style.width = videoPlayer.offsetWidth + "px"; videoPoster.style.height = (videoPlayer.offsetHeight + 20) + "px"; if (display) { videoPoster.style.display = "inline"; } }, 1010); } (BPT) - Significant breakthroughs in medical research have transformed the outlook for childhood cancer. Today, 85% of children diagnosed with cancer will survive at least five years, a monumental leap from just a generation ago when survival rates were nearly 30% lower.The Reality for Families Today Despite these milestones, the journey remains a significant challenge for thousands. Nearly 15,000 children are diagnosed annually in the U.S., leaving families to navigate overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial hurdles. Continued investment in pioneering research is the most effective way to close the gap for those still fighting the disease.Turning Research into Reality By directing critical funding to over 175 medical institutions nationwide, pediatric cancer initiatives are turning scientific discovery into life-saving therapies. Young survivors, now thriving as national ambassadors, serve as a powerful reminder that when we prioritize the science behind the cure, we provide every child the opportunity to grow up and realize their dreams.For more information on how research is changing lives, visit http://www.hyundaihopeonwheels.org/.
	How to merge finances with a partner while keeping your autonomy How to merge finances with a partner while keeping your autonomyMerging finances is one of the most consequential steps couples take together — and one of the most misunderstood. Many people assume it’s an all-or-nothing decision: Either you combine everything or you keep finances completely separate. That framing can feel especially limiting for modern couples who value independence, transparency, and flexibility.Most couples experience varied degrees of alignment, with just 27% of recent survey respondents saying they rarely feel financially misaligned with their partners. That means the other 73% are navigating some mixed feelings on how they manage financial planning, responsibilities, and decisions.If you’re wondering how to merge finances after marriage, or how to combine money with a partner you live with or you’re planning a future with, the good news is this: Merging finances doesn’t have to mean giving up control or clarity. Today’s banking tools make it possible to share what matters while keeping personal autonomy intact.This guide from Mercury, a fintech platform that offers business and personal banking services, breaks down a more nuanced, modular approach to merging finances. It works just as well for married couples as it does for long-term partners, founder couples, or households that don’t fit a traditional mold.Forget the binary: Think in modulesFor a long time, couples were presented with two extremes: fully joint accounts or fully separate finances. Both approaches can work, however, they’re no longer the only, nor best, options.“Joint” and “separate” are outdated labels for a reality that’s much more flexible. Most couples don’t actually want to merge everything. They want shared visibility into household spending, clarity around goals, and a system that feels fair, without losing the freedom to manage personal money.A modular approach reframes the question: Instead of asking whether to combine finances, you’ll decide what to combine and how. Rent or mortgage payments might be shared. Long-term savings goals might be joint. Everyday discretionary spending might stay individual.This mindset shift is key when thinking about how to merge finances after marriage in a way that feels sustainable over time. It also reduces tension by making financial structure a design choice, rather than a moral one.The four core models of couple finance (and their trade-offs)There’s no single right way to merge finances, but most couples fall into one of these core models, or a hybrid of them.1. Fully combined financesAll income flows into joint accounts, and all expenses are paid from the same pool. This can feel simple and symbolic, especially early in a marriage, but it requires a high degree of trust, alignment, and ongoing communication. It can also make personal spending feel scrutinized if expectations aren’t clearly set.2. Proportional contributions to a shared accountEach partner contributes to shared expenses based on income or agreed-upon percentages, while preserving autonomy through personal accounts. This model often feels more equitable for couples with different income levels. It works well when shared costs are clearly defined and regularly revisited.3. Equal contributions plus personal accountsBoth partners contribute the same amount to a shared account for household expenses, while keeping personal accounts for individual spending. This structure is popular because it creates clarity without micromanaging personal choices. It’s often cited as the best way to merge finances after marriage for couples who value both unity and independence.4. Fully separate accounts with shared budgetingMoney stays separate, but expenses are tracked collaboratively. This can work for couples who prefer maximum autonomy or aren’t legally tied, but it requires discipline and transparency.The key takeaway: Merging finances after marriage, or with a partner, is about choosing a system that reflects how you actually live and plan together.Tools that support autonomy and alignmentA thoughtful structure is a strong start, but it only works if your tools reinforce it in a practical way. The right setup should make sharing money feel easier, less emotional, and more transparent. It shouldn't introduce new friction or guesswork.Modern banking makes it easier to support shared systems without collapsing everything into one account. Sub-accounts for specific goals, individual cards tied to shared balances, real-time transaction visibility, and automated transfers all reduce the mental overhead of managing money together.These features matter because they replace constant check-ins and manual tracking with transparency. Trust grows naturally when both partners can see what’s happening without needing permission or explanations. The right setup removes ambiguity, which is often the real source of money stress.Conversation first, configuration secondIt’s tempting to start with logistics: which account, what percentage, which app. But the real work happens before any of that. The clarity that makes a financial system successful comes from setting shared expectations, not shared passwords.This doesn’t mean agreeing on everything. It means discussing roles, defaults, and boundaries. Who manages recurring bills? How often do you review shared spending? Which purchases require a heads-up, if any?Monthly check-ins can be short and practical. Look at shared balances, upcoming expenses, and whether any adjustments are needed. When money systems are visible and predictable, these conversations become less charged and more routine. By talking and reviewing your shared finances together, you can reduce the number of surprises that pop up.Technology can streamline almost everything about managing money together. What it can’t do is define what feels fair, comfortable, or empowering in your relationship. Make sure you have that conversation first.Three examples of modern finance setupsHere are three ways different types of couples can approach merging finances without sacrificing autonomy.1. A married couple with different incomesThis couple uses a proportional contribution model. Both partners direct a percentage of their income into a shared account, which covers rent, utilities, groceries, and joint savings goals. Personal accounts remain separate.This setup supports fairness without requiring constant recalculation. It also acknowledges that income can change over time, making it easier to revisit contributions as your careers evolve. For couples learning how to merge finances after marriage, this approach often feels both practical and respectful.2. Founders who are partners in life and businessThis couple separates their personal and business finances entirely, but applies the same modular thinking to both. They maintain a shared personal account for household expenses and savings. To handle discretionary spending, they each have their own individual accounts.Clear boundaries reduce cognitive load. Shared visibility means neither partner feels in the dark, even when cash flow fluctuates. This structure supports alignment, without over-entanglement. This is critical when professional and personal lives overlap.3. Partners living together without legal tiesThis couple keeps personal accounts but creates a shared account for rent and utilities. Automated transfers ensure contributions happen consistently, and both partners have real-time visibility into the shared balance.This model respects independence while still creating a sense of partnership. It’s a common answer to the question of how to merge finances after marriage, or with a partner when long-term commitment exists without marriage.A more empowering way to share moneyMerging finances should feel like a step forward, not a concession. Whether you’re married, partnered, or somewhere in between, the goal is the same: shared clarity without losing yourself.A modular approach lets couples design systems that evolve alongside their lives. With the right structure, conversations become easier, trust grows naturally, and money becomes a tool for alignment, and not a source of tension.Mercury is a fintech company, not an FDIC-insured bank. Banking services provided through Choice Financial Group and Column N.A., Members FDIC.This story was produced by Mercury and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The labor market springs back to life in March as employers add 178,000 jobs The U.S. job market perked up last month as employers added 178,000 jobs. The unemployment rate dipped to 4.3%, mainly because the number of people seeking work declined.
	Davenport police plant pinwheel garden for Child Abuse Prevention Month The pinwheel gardens will stay on display through April.
	Trump calls for a major increase in defense spending alongside cuts in domestic spending In his annual budget, President Trump is asking Congress to boost defense spending to $1.5 trillion, the largest such request in decades.
	Trump budget seeks $1.5 trillion in defense spending alongside domestic program cuts In his annual budget, President Trump is asking Congress to boost defense spending to $1.5 trillion, the largest such request in decades.
	The US cities where the American Dream is still alive, and buying a home is still possible The US cities where the American Dream is still alive, and buying a home is still possibleHomeownership has become more challenging over the past two decades, amid successive financial crises the United States has faced. It is also projected to face slowing growth in the next decade, according to the Harvard University Joint Center for Housing Studies. This puts immense pressure on people who want to choose a property to invest in and a place to call home.However, when it comes to picking a place to settle down, real estate prices aren’t the only metric to consider. Many cities and small towns have dirt-cheap properties, but they lack the fundamental aspects of a high-quality life. Think parks, walkable streets, reliable public transit, as well as, of course, job opportunities.PropertyReach compiled this list of five cities where real estate ownership is attainable, and other quality-of-life metrics are also on the rise. Let’s take a closer look.5 US Cities Where Quality of Life is Improving (and Housing is Still Attainable)We used the National Association of Realtors Median Sales Price of Existing Single-Family Homes for Metropolitan Areas index, as well as the AARP Livability Index Top 100 list of U.S. cities, to compile this list to include affordable cities that are also a joy to live in. The list isn’t ranked in order because each city has its own charm and, depending on what you’re looking for, could be the right choice for you.1. Portland, MaineMedian Home Price: $554,200Overall Livability Score: 66AARP Ranking: No. 3 Mid-Size CommunitiesAt a population of just over 68,000, Portland, Maine, is shaping up to be one of the nicer mid-size communities to join, thanks to the many boxes it ticks for quality of life.Aside from the easily attainable housing, Portland also has a strong public transit network and scores 14.69 on the 1-20 walkability index. Not to mention how engaged and politically conscious the population is, with a 77% voter turnout and anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination city policies.2. St. Paul, MinnesotaMedian Home Price: $394,900Overall Livability Score: 64AARP Ranking: No. 5 Large CommunitiesIf you’re seeking out a larger community, St. Paul, Minnesota, could be the one to go for. The median home price is below the national average of $415,000, and options for multi-family and subsidized housing are available.St. Paul also has a great walkability score of 14.43 and over 13 buses and trains per hour, making transportation easier. It is a little less civically engaged than Portland, Maine, but that’s to be expected with more than quadruple the population.3. Harrisburg, PennsylvaniaMedian Home Price: $283,200Overall Livability Score: 64AARP Ranking: No. 9 Mid-Size CommunitiesWith housing costs well below the national average, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, is a unicorn among East Coast state capitals. Thanks to the city’s policy of providing over 600 subsidized homes per 10,000 people, housing is highly attainable here.As for walkability, it has one of the highest scores at 15.88, but this comes at the cost of a lack of public transit. It more than makes up for it, though, with ample employment opportunities, beating the median U.S. city by over 27% in job availability per worker.4. Madison, WisconsinMedian Home Price: $458,300Overall Livability Score: 63AARP Ranking: No. 9 Large CommunitiesAnother large community, Madison, Wisconsin, with a population of 275,000, is a strong contender on this list. It may not have the largest city-subsidized housing ratio, but it makes up for it with the availability of multi-family homes.With a decent walkability score of 14.14 and an astonishing 26 buses and trains per hour, transportation in Madison is pretty easy and convenient. Job opportunities are also readily available, with 0.94 jobs per worker.5. Lincoln, NebraskaMedian Home Price: $312,200Overall Livability Score: 62AARP Ranking: No. 16 Large CommunitiesLincoln, Nebraska, shares many similarities with Madison, Wisconsin, but it wins out in the median home price category, thanks to its spot $103,000 below the national figure.It’s a decently large city with a population of 291,000, but it maintains walkability and a good concentration of job opportunities. The state also passes significant legislation to mitigate the cost-of-living crisis, such as raising the minimum wage and expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act.Want to Learn More?The list put together is by no means comprehensive. There are many great cities where one can be a property owner and enjoy a culturally rich and affordable life. For example, this list has omitted the Very Large (population >1 million) and Small (population <25,000) community options because housing costs tend to rise in both categories.If you have more money to invest in a property and would like to scope them out, you can start by choosing the city you want to research, then use a property records search tool to zero in on stats from the neighborhood you want to look up.Final ThoughtsIt’s true that choosing a home comes with more than just the four walls you’re buying. A city with opportunities and a vibrant cultural scene significantly improves a person’s quality of life and makes them much less likely to want to relocate.The list above is a starting point to give you some inspiration to find out where the next chapter of your life might take you.This story was produced by PropertyReach and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Cook review: 'Super Mario Galaxy' is colorful, action-packed ... and weak on plot If you want a lot of eye candy and video-game Easter Eggs, this is the movie for you. But if you want a fun plot, you might have to wait for the next installment. "The Super Mario Galaxy Movie" isn't big on story. It looks great, and the Illumination animation is fun to watch, though. [...]
	Mediapolis school district receives educational grants to expand student opportunities The $100,000 grant will be dispersed between the Mediapolis Middle and High Schools to expand STEM-related opportunities.
	Muscatine Art Center facing questions with impending $200,000 budget cut The board president says he'll have to reevaluate services and operations in the next few months.
	Augustana College education student continues a family legacy of teaching Ben Polyak is an Augustana College student studying education, continuing a family legacy. His father was recently named the Superintendent of the Year by the Illinois Association of School Administrators.
	East Moline School District to sell Hoffman School site 40 years after closure The site of D.B. Hoffman, which has been closed for almost 40 years, will be sold after decades of being defunct.
	6 trends shaping backyards this year (BPT) - Outdoor living isn't just a trend; it's a priority. According to the International Casual Furnishings Association, 77% of U.S. homeowners wish they spent more time outside, and nearly 60% plan to invest in their backyards this year, prioritizing durability and practicality."Homeowners want outdoor spaces that deliver style with substance that can stand up to everyday life," said Jodi Lee, senior vice president of marketing for Trex Company, the world's #1 brand of wood-alternative decking and railing. "We're seeing an increased focus on materials built to take on sun, moisture and changing climates, so backyards aren't just beautiful, they're built to last."Here are six trends set to define outdoor living this year:1. Micro-Resort Living: Everyday Escapes at HomeBackyards are evolving into resort-style retreats with zones for yoga, dining and entertaining. Outdoor kitchens, ambient lighting, fire features and water elements create a vacation vibe at home. Thanks to low-maintenance, durable materials like Trex composite decking and all-weather furnishings, these outdoor retreats don't just look like a vacation, they feel like one, too. 2. Back to Earth: Warm Browns and Mixed MaterialsWarm, earthy tones are making a comeback, replacing the cool grays that have dominated for years. Sun-kissed browns add richness and sophistication to any outdoor space. Homeowners are also mixing materials like stone, wicker and metals, and using deck boards of varying widths to create personalized, architecturally interesting layouts. 3. Climate-Resilient Materials Are a MustFrom sun-drenched backyards to moisture-rich coastal settings, homeowners want materials that can stand up to the elements. Composite decking rises to the challenge, offering marine-grade durability and even heat-mitigating properties that keep surfaces cooler under the sun — all while maintaining long-lasting beauty and performance through extreme weather and changing seasons. 4. Small but Stunning: Maximizing Every Square FootHomeowners are embracing smaller, highly curated outdoor spaces that pack a visual punch and deliver maximum functionality. Creative design choices like layered textures, built-in seating and bold color accents can make even a modest patio or deck feel luxurious. Installing an under-deck drainage system, like Trex® RainEscape®, can instantly double outdoor living area by keeping the space under the deck dry and usable as a patio, spa area or fully functional outdoor room. 5. View-Optimization: Sleek Railing SolutionsModern railing systems featuring sleek aluminum, cable and glass enhance sightlines while providing durability. These low-profile options allow homeowners to enjoy uninterrupted views without compromising safety or style. 6. Privacy, Please: Fencing and ScreensPrivacy is now a design statement. Pergolas, shade screens and low-maintenance fencing create enclosed, personal retreats while maintaining aesthetics. With so many options, privacy features are no longer just functional, they're design statements helping to transform backyards into personal sanctuaries that are both beautiful and highly livable. Across all of these trends, one theme stands out: performance is powering design and giving homeowners more ways to create outdoor spaces that are beautiful, functional and built to last. For more outdoor living ideas and inspiration, visit Trex.com.
	Dark wedding comedy 'The Drama' has a provocative premise — but it never commits Early on, Zendaya and Robert Pattinson's new movie The Drama takes a turn. We're talking about it here: spoilers ahead.
	Court of Appeals upholds Clinton woman's first-degree murder conviction and life sentence A Clinton County jury found Kimberly Anne Hammond, 28, guilty of first-degree murder after a week-long trial in January of 2025. The Iowa Court of Appeals upheld her conviction.
	Iran hits Gulf refineries as Trump warns U.S. will attack Iranian bridges, power plants Iranian officials said one of the longest bridges linking Tehran to the city of Karaj was destroyed overnight, while Iranian missiles and drones hit Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait's largest oil refinery, setting some units on fire.
	Reverend Hitchcock This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.From the moment it was founded in 1843, the little manufacturing village of Moline grew rapidly. New England…
	Verdicts against Meta and Google may bring a new era of big tech accountability Advocates hope recent verdicts against social media platforms will build momentum for bigger changes in Silicon Valley.
	After the release of the Epstein files, why have there been so few arrests? Legal experts tell NPR five possible reasons that, despite the accusations made against rich and powerful people in the files, the DOJ have made no additional arrests. The big one? Lack of evidence.
	Evacuation of U.S. troops from Mideast base sends community groups scrambling to help Troops and their families have been pushed back to the United States after their bases in the Middle East were threatened by Iranian counterattacks. Community groups are scrambling to react.
	Takeaways from Trump's tough week, as war and gas prices take a toll President Trump faces mounting political pressure on multiple fronts, particularly when it comes to his handling of the war and the consequences it's having on the economy.
	Out of this world: What Artemis II astronauts are eating Hot sauces, barbecued beef brisket, cake, 58 tortillas – here's a look at what the astronauts aboard Orion have to eat during their journey.
	Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni tossed out but robust case remains Blake Lively's sexual harassment claims against Justin Baldoni over the movie "It Ends With Us" were dismissed Thursday by a federal judge who left intact three claims, including retaliation, that will let a jury hear many of the allegations anyway.
	New North YMCA location to open in July The current location will close on June 19 and the new facility will open on July 6, officials said.
	Cuba releasing 2,010 prisoners as the US pressures the island's government The Cuban government said the pardons were a "humanitarian gesture" in connection with Holy Week and didn't mention mounting pressures with the U.S.
Thursday, April 2nd, 2026
	Galesburg soldier named Illinois Army National Guard’s Best Warrior A soldier from a Galesburg-based unit is being recognized as one of the best in the state— after winning the Illinois Army National Guard’s Best Warrior competition.
	Illinois home care advocates push for pay increase Home care advocates say a pay increase is the only way to solve a worker shortage in the industry
	Advocates push for more mental health resources for first responders Illinois leaders brainstormed ways to get more mental health resources into the hands of first responders who need them
	ICE detention deaths are on a record pace. One Texas facility bears the brunt ICE inspectors in February found 49 violations to detention standards at Camp East Montana, including failure from staff to"accurately document required checks to prevent significant self-harm and suicide."
	YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley announces new location of North Y The YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley has announced the relocation of the North YMCA to its new facility at 1010 E. Kimberly Road in Davenport.
	Davenport police mark Child Abuse Prevention Month with pinwheel garden Officials said the blue pinwheel is a symbol of the healthy, happy and full childhoods all children deserve.
	One Quad City Facebook group saves baby animals with help from community With winter turning into spring, warmer weather won't be the only thing people will see. You might notice more baby animals in the wild. With the fluctuating weather, storms, and human impact, some animals become sick, hurt, orphaned, or separated from their parents. The "Save the Wild - Wildlife Rehab in the QC" group on [...]
	Scott County EMA explains when emergency sirens are used during severe weather During severe weather, sirens will sound for tornado warnings, storms with winds over 70 miles per hour, and/or storms with hail the size of golf balls or larger.
	Muscatine Art Center facing questions with impending $200,000 budget cut The board president says he'll have to reevaluate services and operations in the next few months.
	Davenport police mark Child Abuse Prevention Month with pinwheel garden Officials said the blue pinwheel is a symbol of the healthy, happy and full childhoods all children deserve.
	Davenport North YMCA to move locations The YMCA will find a new home on E Kimberly Road. The last day at the current location will be June 19.
	Training EMS on how to best respond to people with autism A family in the area is working to ensure emergency workers know how to help people with autism when responding to a call. It's the focus of the Snaith Family ASD Sensory Project. The Snaith family has personal reasons to provide this training. "One in 36 children are diagnosed with autism at this point - [...]
	Muscatine County Sheriff's Office: 'Observed tornado' damages 2 properties Deputies wrote that occupants at both properties were found safe after the tornado passed.
	Muscatine County Sheriff's Office: 'Observed tornado' damages 2 properties Deputies wrote that occupants at both properties were found safe after the tornado passed.

Friday, April 3rd, 2026

Thursday, April 2nd, 2026