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

Monday, April 27th, 2026
	Blain's Farm & Fleet earns spot on Newsweek’s Greatest Workplaces for Mental Well-Being 2026 This recognition highlights commitment to associate well-being and a supportive workplace culture.
	Thee Collective upscale cocktail lounge to open in Rock Island New cocktail lounge, Thee Collective, will have a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, May 1.
	Issy, The Cabin Boy This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.It’s customary, they say, for the captain to go down with his ship. But for loyalty, here's a Rock Island story that…
	Vote to name Bettendorf's new snowplows You can vote to name two of Bettendorf's new snowplows in 2026. According to a release from the City of Bettendorf, nearly 100 submissions were received for the Snowplow Naming Contest between April 7 and April 23. You can vote on the 10 most popular submissions here. The poll will be open through Monday, May [...]
	Musk vs. Altman: Tech CEOs head to court Monday over fate of OpenAI The former OpenAI business partners are embroiled in a high-stakes dispute over the future of one of the world's top AI companies.
	Inflation is sucking the life out of teacher pay raises, report says A new review of state education data shows teacher pay increases can't keep up with inflation and fewer students are enrolled in public schools.
	Scientists search the microbiome for clues to the rise in colorectal cancers Unlike many cancers, colorectal cancer has become more lethal for people at younger ages. Doctors are sleuthing out why.
	Alleged White House Correspondents' Dinner shooter set to appear in federal court The suspected gunman will face charges, including assault on a federal officer using a dangerous weapon.
	FIRST ALERT DAY: Severe storms possible Monday First Alert Day issued for potential Midwest storms
	Palestinian officials hail local elections in a Gaza community and the West Bank Palestinian officials say local elections in Gaza and the West Bank mark a step toward a long-delayed presidential election. The Palestinian Authority hasn't held a presidential election in 21 years.
	Monte Coleman, who won 3 Super Bowls as a Washington linebacker, dies at age 68 The hard-nosed linebacker, who won three Super Bowls and later coached Arkansas-Pine Bluff, has died. UAPB and the Commanders announced his death Sunday. No cause of death was disclosed.
Sunday, April 26th, 2026
	An Overlooked Detail That Can Make or Break Your Outdoor Space (Feature Impact) From fully equipped outdoor kitchens to cozy lounge seating and thoughtfully designed landscaping, outdoor living upgrades have become some of the most sought-after renovations for today's homeowners. There's one detail, though, that's surprisingly often overlooked: heat. Though backyards, patios and decks are increasingly expected to function as extensions of interior living spaces, rather than occasional warm-weather escapes, nearly 92% of respondents in a survey of more than 2,000 homeowners conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of Bromic Heating, a global leader in premium infrared outdoor heating appliances, said their outdoor areas have untapped potential, suggesting it could play a bigger role in daily life than it does today. Homeowners are prioritizing furniture, lighting and fire features when planning for their outdoor spaces, with just 23% of homeowners ranking outdoor heating as a top priority. Despite this, 67% of survey respondents confirmed heating would have the biggest impact on extending outdoor usage - especially in the evenings when the sun sets and temperatures drop. Many homeowners don't think about outdoor heating until after their space is finished and they are left in the cold. To simplify the planning of outdoor living spaces and ensure invisible features like heating are considered as early as the visible elements, Bromic offers a complimentary design service alongside its best-in-class product portfolio that gives homeowners unmatched flexibility to create inspired spaces. End-to-end support ensures an optimized layout, proper installation and alignment with your budget and design aesthetic. Whether classic or contemporary, built-in and freestanding heating options are designed to complement the existing architecture and provide performance that can extend memorable outdoor moments from season to season. Explore these outdoor heating solutions and experience the complete portfolio at bromic.com. Contemporary Design with Illuminating Elegance The built-in and freestanding Eclipse Smart-Heat Collection seamlessly blends sculptural elegance with dual functionality, combining 2,900 watts of radiant heat and dimmable LED ambient light. Its standout features include a sleek circular design and ceramic-glass face to bring a modern, luxurious touch to any space. Seamless Integration with Effortless Harmony The Platinum Smart-Heat Collection, available in electric, marine and gas models, is crafted in premium stainless steel with a sleek ceramic-glass face - bringing refined design and unmatched performance to environments ranging from private patios and coastal residences to luxury vessels. Distinctive Form with Powerful Impact Available in electric, gas, built-in and freestanding models, the Tungsten Smart-Heat Collection pairs lasting performance with timeless style. Crafted from durable 304-grade stainless steel and finished with a signature honeycomb mesh face, the design blends enduring strength with contemporary elegance for any outdoor setting. Intelligent Design for Meaningful Connections Achieve precise control of your outdoor heating experience with Affinity Smart-Heat Controls, which offer 1% incremental adjustments and compatibility with most home or building automation systems. Easily program timers and zones to maintain the ideal temperature and atmosphere in any outdoor setting. Experience customizable control including: Timer and schedule settings Heater grouping within zones and multiple sites Voice control integration Connection with home automation or building management systems
	8 Ways to Help Protect Your Vision Right Now (Feature Impact) As you get older, your risk for some eye diseases may increase. However, there are steps you can take to keep your eyes healthy - and it starts with taking care of your overall health. Set yourself up for a lifetime of seeing your best with these eight tips from the experts at the National Eye Institute in honor of Healthy Vision Month: 1. Find an eye doctor you trust. Many eye diseases don't have any early symptoms, so you could have a problem and not know it. An eye doctor can help you stay on top of your eye health. Find an eye doctor you trust by asking friends and family if they like their doctors. You can also check with your health insurance plan to find eye doctors near you. 2. Ask how often you need a dilated eye exam. Getting a dilated eye exam is the single best thing you can do for your eye health. It's the only way to find eye diseases early, when they're easier to treat - and before they cause vision loss. Your eye doctor will decide how often you need an exam based on your risk for eye diseases. 3. Add more movement to your day. Physical activity can lower your risk for health conditions that can affect your vision, like diabetes and high blood pressure. If you have trouble finding time for physical activity, try building it into other activities. Walk around while you're on the phone, do push-ups or stretch while you watch TV or dance while you're doing chores. Anything that gets your heart pumping counts. 4. Get your family talking about eye health history. Some eye diseases - like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration - can run in families. While it may not be the most exciting topic of conversation, talking about your family health history can help everyone stay healthy. The next time you're chatting with relatives, ask if anyone knows about eye problems in your family. Be sure to share what you learn with your eye doctor to see if you need to take steps to lower your risk. 5. Step up your healthy eating game. Eating healthy foods helps prevent health conditions - like diabetes or high blood pressure - that can put you at risk for eye problems. Eat right for your sight by adding more eye-healthy foods to your plate, such as dark, leafy greens like spinach, kale and collard greens, and fish high in omega-3 fatty acids like halibut, salmon or tuna. 6. Make a habit of wearing your sunglasses - even on cloudy days. The sun's UV rays can not only harm your skin, but the same goes for your eyes. However, wearing sunglasses that block 99-100% of both UVA and UVB radiation can protect your eyes and lower your risk for cataracts. 7. Stay on top of long-term health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Diabetes and high blood pressure can increase your risk for some eye diseases, like glaucoma. If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, ask your doctor about steps you can take to manage your condition and lower your risk of vision loss. 8. If you smoke, make a plan to quit. Quitting smoking is good for your entire body, including your eyes. Kicking the habit can help lower your risk for eye diseases like macular degeneration and cataracts. Quitting smoking is hard, but it's possible - and a plan can help. Test your eye health knowledge with a quick quiz and find more vision resources at nei.nih.gov/hvm. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
	Bold Beverages to Elevate Cinco de Mayo Celebrations (Feature Impact) Few things say Cinco de Mayo like festive drinks and a lively atmosphere. This year, give your glass a signature chile-lime kick and turn every sip into a celebration. Elevating classic beverages is effortless with the bold trifecta of chile peppers, lime and sea salt - the perfectly balanced blend that delivers tangy, zesty and mildly spicy notes to take drinks from ordinary to unforgettable. Raise a glass with these easy, at-home recipes designed to make even novice mixologists feel like pros. For a refreshing option, try a vibrant Watermelon Agua Fresca that combines the natural sweetness of fresh watermelon with the irresistible kick of Taj n's Chamoy Sauce and a rim of its Cl sico Seasoning for a craveable finish. If you love the timeless taste of a margarita, the Spicy Jalapeno Margarita is a perfect choice, bringing bar-quality flavor to your celebration in just a few simple steps. Both beverages feature a Taj n Cl sico Seasoning rimmer that adds eye-catching color and a burst of flavor, complementing the sweetness of fresh fruit. Citrus like orange and lime, tropical options such as pineapple and mango, and melons including cantaloupe, watermelon and honeydew all pair beautifully. It's an easy, fun way to add a pop of color and make everything from orange juice to fruity mocktails feel festive and special. With a little prep, you can turn Cinco de Mayo into a truly unforgettable fiesta. For more swoon-worthy recipes ideas, visit Tajin.com. Watermelon Agua Fresca 2 cups fresh watermelon, cubed 1 ounce fresh lime juice 1/2 ounce agave syrup (optional) 1/2 cup cold water ice Rim: Taj n Chamoy Sauce Taj n Cl sico Seasoning Garnish: lime slice watermelon slice Dip glass into Taj n Chamoy Sauce then into Taj n Cl sico Seasoning. In blender, blend fresh watermelon cubes; lime juice; agave syrup, if using; and cold water until smooth and well combined. Fill prepared glass with ice and pour watermelon mixture into glass. Sprinkle with pinch of classic seasoning on top. Garnish with lime slice and watermelon slice. Spicy Jalapeno Margarita 2 slices fresh jalapeno 1 ounce fresh lime juice 2 ounces blanco tequila 1 ounce orange liqueur 1/2 ounces agave syrup ice Rim: Taj n Chile Lime Sauce Taj n Cl sico Seasoning lime wedge Garnish: jalapeno slice or lime wheel To rim glass, brush Taj n Chile Lime Sauce on side of glass then dip into Taj n Cl sico Seasoning to coat. Set aside. In shaker, muddle jalapeno slices with lime juice to release heat and flavor. Add tequila, orange liqueur and agave syrup. Fill with ice and shake vigorously 10-15 seconds. Fill prepared glass with ice and strain margarita into glass. Garnish with lime wedge and jalapeno slice.
	Join the Fight Against ALS: Register and Make a Difference (Feature Impact) Every year, doctors tell more than 5,000 Americans they have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, better known as ALS. It is a life-changing diagnosis. Still, it’s hard to estimate the total number of ALS cases in the United States. No one knows what causes most cases of ALS, something the U.S. National ALS Registry is working to change. In honor of ALS Awareness Month, learn more about the registry, how the information is used and how to enroll if you have ALS. What is ALS? ALS is a disease that affects the nerve cells that make muscles work in the body. This disease makes the nerve cells stop working and die. The nerves lose the ability to trigger specific muscles, which causes the muscles to become weak and leads to paralysis. What is the registry? “The National ALS Registry is a program of, by and for those living with ALS,” said Dr. Paul Mehta, principal investigator of the Registry. “The program collects, manages and analyzes data about people with ALS in the United States. It includes data and information provided by individuals who choose to register and complete the risk factor surveys.” What is its purpose? The main purpose is to gather information that can be used in the fight against ALS. The information is used to: Estimate the number of new cases of ALS diagnosed each year Estimate the number of people who have ALS at any given point in time Better understand who gets ALS and what factors affect the disease Enhance research that could improve care for people with ALS How do researchers use the data? Researchers can use the data to look for disease pattern changes over time and try to identify whether there are common risk factors among people with ALS. Since 2010, the registry has funded more than a dozen studies exploring potential ALS risk factors. What does participation look like? Individuals with ALS are encouraged to share their stories, enhancing ALS data and supporting research efforts. People living with ALS can help the National ALS Registry by completing up to 18 risk factor surveys, covering topics such as occupational history and environmental exposures, which help create a more complete picture of their ALS story. How can someone join? Anyone living with ALS can enroll. By joining and taking the risk factor surveys, individuals living with ALS can help future generations. Get started at cdc.gov/als.
	Top Trends for Swoon-Worthy Cruise Vacations (Feature Impact) From immersive dining to wellness at sea and elevated entertainment, cruise vacations are becoming some of the most experience-rich trips travelers can take. “Our industry has long been known for innovation, but what’s most compelling now is how that scale is being leveraged to invest in more immersive entertainment, wellness experiences and purpose-driven exploration at destinations around the world,” said Chiara Giorgi, global event and brand director for Seatrade Cruise Global, the largest and longest-running annual event of its kind serving every sector of the international cruise industry, including cruise lines, suppliers, travel agents and partners. To take advantage of the evolution of the industry when planning your next vacation at sea, consider these emerging trends identified at the conference. The Rise of Floating Wellness Retreats Once upon a time, wellness meant spas, saunas and massages. Wellness in 2026 is much more luxurious and is deeply embedded into the cruise experience. For example, Cunard’s “Wellness at Sea” voyages integrate expert-led fitness, nutrition, mindfulness and recovery programming, turning wellness into a structured, goal-driven experience and elevating wellness as a core pillar of the onboard experience. Additional cruise lines, including Virgin Voyages and Celebrity Cruises, are also helping raise the bar on floating wellness. Think thermal suites, meditation spaces and sleep-focused programming, along with wellness excursions and destination-inspired spa rituals that extend the experience to the shore. Dining Becomes the Experience Dining has long been a key component of many cruises, but now, food and drink are evolving from a cruise staple to a central form of entertainment and cultural discovery. Cruise lines are investing in immersive dining environments, destination-inspired menus and beverage programs that connect guests more directly with the places they visit. From location-specific cuisine to interactive dining concepts and destination-driven cocktail programs, F&B@Sea, Seatrade Cruise Global’s companion show, found culinary experiences are increasingly designed to be memorable punctuation points of the journey itself. Across the industry, cruise lines are investing heavily in culinary programs that blur the line between dining and entertainment. Tapping into the supper club trend, Royal Caribbean introduced the Empire Supper Club to turn dinner into a night out at sea, combining multi-course menus, craft cocktails and live music for a full evening experience. Exploring Expeditions with Purpose Expedition travel is having more than a moment. It continues to grow as travelers seek deeper engagement with the natural world. Leading the shift toward purpose-driven explorations, operators such as National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, long recognized for pioneering modern expedition travel, helped define this category through a model rooted in education, conservation and hands-on exploration. Built on the belief that exploring the world can inspire people to care more deeply for it, expert-led expeditions, such as kayaking among glaciers, participating in citizen science programs studying seabirds and learning directly from naturalists and scientists, place a strong emphasis on stewardship and real-world learning. Ships as Cultural HubsEntertainment at sea is expanding beyond traditional stage shows to include immersive productions, music residencies and partnerships with leading performing arts brands. For example, Holland America Line joined forces with The Verdon Fosse Legacy to debut “Fosse and Verdon, The Duet That Changed Broadway,” a live musical and multimedia tribute celebrating the revolutionary work of Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon by bringing it to an international stage at sea for the first time. As cruises continue to expand their global footprint, the Seatrade Cruise Global event positions itself not simply as a trade gathering, but as the central forum where trends are explored and defined. To learn more, visit seatradecruiseevents.com. Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
	Make-A-Wish Iowa grants 5,000th wish: a puppy for a teen battling leukemia A Bettendorf gala celebrating Make-A-Wish Iowa’s 5,000th granted wish ended with a surprise puppy for a 15-year-old Quad Cities teen undergoing leukemia treatment.
	Make-A-Wish Iowa grants 5,000th wish: a puppy for a teen battling leukemia A Bettendorf gala celebrating Make-A-Wish Iowa’s 5,000th granted wish ended with a surprise puppy for a 15-year-old Quad Cities teen undergoing leukemia treatment.
	Emergency crews respond to rollover crash in Moline News 8 has reached out to officials for more information.
	Augustana fraternity fundraises for elementary school The event brought students and community together with proceeds going toward a charitable effort organized by a campus fraternity.
	Where to find Davenport’s mobile speed cabinets Davenport drivers, here’s where to find the city’s mobile speed cabinets this week.
	Alleged Colorado attacker's family released after nearly a year in detention A Texas judge ordered Hayam El Gamal and her five children released Thursday. Two days later, their lawyers say, ICE re-arrested and tried to deport them.
	The Atlas Collective celebrates Indie Bookstore Day as a community building space The shop marked Indie Bookstore Day with special deals, giveaways, and new merchandise, bringing in a steady crowd of customers throughout the day.
	QC Magic Makers Spring Market held with dozens of local vendors Organizers say the event is all about supporting small businesses, with a portion of the proceeds going towards animal rescue efforts.
	East Moline man found guilty of 2024 shooting near Davenport Skybridge 21-year-old Jonathan Terrones, was charged with first-degree murder for a 2024 shooting near the Davenport Skybridge.
	2 Davenport squad cars involved in collision Two Davenport police cars collided while responding to a disturbance call on Marquette and 3rd Streets. No injuries were reported.
	The Atlas Collective celebrates Indie Bookstore Day as a community building space The shop marked Indie Bookstore Day with special deals, giveaways, and new merchandise, bringing in a steady crowd of customers throughout the day.
	Moline emergency crews respond to rollover crash on 19th Street and 12th Avenue News 8 has reached out to officials for more information and will provide updates on any injuries as
	Crews respond to rollover crash near 19th Street and 12th Avenue in Moline First responders were at the scene of a rollover crash in Moline just after 5 p.m. near 19th Street and 12th Avenue. Officials are working to clear the roadway.
	Arconic Davenport Works seeks public input to name eaglets on Eagle Cam Arconic Davenport Works is asking the public to help name two newly hatched eaglets on its Eagle Cam. Submissions are open through an online survey.
	Part of 19th Street blocked due to rollover crash, road reopened A section of 19th Street was blocked due to a rollover crash Sunday evening.
	What you need to know ahead of tomorrow's storms It has been a couple of days now since we have been tracking these potential storms for Monday tomorrow and now here is an update for you. The strongest of these storms will be occurring during the late afternoon and into the early evening from around 3-7pm. By the later hours, they will pass. The [...]
	Jury finds East Moline man guilty of first-degree murder in 2024 Davenport riverfront shooting A jury found a 21-year-old East Moline man guilty of first-degree murder in the 2024 shooting death of Mason Payne in downtown Davenport.
	Quad Cities area teen’s wish marks Make a Wish Iowa’s 5,000th wish Joshua Smith was granted his wish of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy named Samantha.
	Teen’s wish marks Make a Wish Iowa’s 5,000th wish Joshua Smith was granted his wish of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy named Samantha.
	Bennett under boil order after water main break Officials also said there was a water main break and the city’s water had been shut off.
	A fast-growing Georgia wildfire tops 31 square miles, with evacuations possible One of two large wildfires in southeastern Georgia continues to grow and now exceeds 31 square miles.
	A chaotic White House Correspondents' Dinner, as told by NPR reporters in the room Top government officials were rushed out of the Washington Hilton after gunshots were heard at the dinner. NPR journalists describe hiding under tables and scrambling for information as the night unfolded.
	What we know about Cole Allen, suspected White House Correspondents' dinner shooter The 31-year-old teacher and engineer from California sent an alleged message to family members saying that he wanted to target administration officials.
	QCA lawmakers, representatives respond to shots fired at White House correspondents’ dinner Quad City Area representatives and lawmakers responded swiftly to the news of shots being fired Saturday evening at the White House correspondents’ dinner.
	Midwest Technical Institute announces 2026 high school welding competition winners from Moline High School Midwest Technical Institute (MTI) hosted its annual High School Welding Competition at its Moline campus in April, awarding scholarships to students.
	Details emerge of alleged shooter at White House correspondents' dinner The alleged gunman has been identified as Cole Allen, according to two sources familiar with the matter.
	4 the Record Web Extra: Death of fifth member of U.S. House this Congress renews question of term limits or mandatory retirement Thanks for checking out this web extra. We didn't have time to bring you all of our panel discussion on 4 the Record. The conversation turns to members of Congress who are now a lot older than they used to be. Let's revisit an issue we haven't talked about in a few years, and it [...]
	Clucking egg prices as of 4/24/26 Here’s this week’s egg price update. This is the USDA’s average price per dozen when delivered to the warehouse on Jan. 20, 2026, compared to where prices are now. To see the price, click on the video above. Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and [...]
	Ivermectin rule might be an odd fit with Iowa's version of Make America Healthy Again Act Iowa state lawmakers move forward with their version of a make America healthy again plan. Let's take a look at House File 3 going through the Iowa legislature. House lawmakers gave their OK to the so-called Make America Healthy Again bill supported by Gov. Kim Reynolds. It now goes back to the state senate. This [...]
	Children's Social Media Safety Act in Illinois well intentioned, but seems flawed Illinois could adopt a law to force any business that connects to the internet to verify how old the people using it are. We will start in Illinois with House Bill 5511, known as the Children's Social Media Safety Act. The measure would require what it defines as internet-enabled devices and websites to verify the [...]
	Habitat for Humanity dedicates new East Moline home to local family After three years of work, Habitat for Humanity is dedicating a new East Moline home to a local family.
	Wahls points to difference on immigration with Turek in Iowa's Democratic Primary for U.S. Senate We're back on track focused on the Iowa primary coming up June 2. Votes will be counted in 37 days. We're paying attention again to the primary for the U.S. Senate seat that will ultimately replace Joni Ernst next January. Two Republicans are vying for their party's nomination, Jim Carlin and Ashley Hinson. We brought [...]
	Officials: Davenport’s Fairmount Street, Hickory Grove Road to be closed for construction Beginning Monday, reconstruction work will begin on Fairmount Street between Hickory Grove Road and Heatherton Drive, public works officials said.
	Sunday Puzzle: Blank to blank NPR's Ayesha Rascoe plays the puzzle with WPLN listener Nancy Bieschke and Weekend Edition Puzzlemaster Will Shortz.
	World Press Photo Contest winners cast a lens on resilience, pain and bliss A selection of prize honorees from the 2026 World Press Photo Contest capture the pain of the past year — but also focus on moments of strength, determination and joy.
	Trump doubts shooter motivated by Iran war as peace talks on hold A shooting incident at the White House Correspondent's Dinner took focus away from the war in Iran, as Iran's foreign minister planned to return to Islamabad, the site of previous peace talks.
	St. Croix Hospice to hold ribbon cutting at their new facility The St. Croix Hospice team provides in-person care for hospice patients wherever they call home, including private residences, nursing homes and assisted living facilities.
	1,213 South Dakotans could lose Medicaid as federal work requirements take effect, department says An economic assistance application for the South Dakota Department of Social Services. (Photo illustration by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)The South Dakota Department of Social Services estimates 1,213 people on expanded Medicaid, about 4% of the group, could be disenrolled after federal work requirements are implemented in 2027. Medicaid is government-funded health insurance for people with low incomes. South Dakotans voted in 2022 to expand Medicaid to adults with incomes up to 138% of the poverty level, a decision that allowed the state to capitalize on a 90% federal funding match. Congress passed a law, signed by President Donald Trump, last summer to implement federal work requirements for expanded Medicaid. The federal work requirements will mandate that enrollees from ages 19 to 64 work, volunteer or go to school 80 hours a month. Participants will have to meet those requirements a month before they enroll, and Medicaid renewal will be moved from an annual basis to every six months. The federal government allows exceptions for people who are disabled, pregnant, eligible for the Indian Health Service, in foster care, were formerly in foster care and are younger than 26, or were released from incarceration in the last 90 days, among others. Passage of federal Medicaid work requirements leads SD to withdraw its own proposal Division Chief of Children and Family Services Tiffany Wolfgang shared the assessment and estimate with the Board of Social Services at its Tuesday meeting in Pierre. Of the 29,504 patients enrolled in expanded Medicaid at the end of 2025, the department identified 6,066 patients, or about 20%, who “could not be determined” as meeting exemptions, work requirements or community engagement requirements outlined by the federal law. “We do not yet collect information on volunteer service, medical frailty or veteran disability status, as these are not current factors of eligibility,” Wolfgang said in an emailed statement. The assessment found that 39% of participants are already enrolled and compliant with other federal programs with work requirements and another 29% already meet federal work requirements. About 37% meet tribal membership exemptions and 29% meet caretaker exemptions. Recipients could be counted in multiple categories. Of the remaining 6,066 people, Wolfgang estimates 20% will not meet the requirements by implementation, resulting in possible disenrollment. That estimate is based on what other states experienced after implementing state-level work requirements, she told South Dakota Searchlight. Previous estimates from health policy organization KFF projected 13,000 disenrollments when the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed the House of Representatives. Wolfgang told board members the department is working on communicating the change with tribal representatives, the department’s Medicaid advisory council, and medical providers to ensure recipients aren’t surprised by the change. Department Secretary Matt Althoff told members of the board that the estimated number of potential disenrollments is “if we do nothing.” “We don’t intend to do nothing,” Althoff said. “We want to make sure they understand and ultimately help put them in a position to make informed decisions that you can choose not to do the community engagement, but you won’t be eligible for Medicaid.” The disenrollment would occur over the course of 2027, as recipients are up for Medicaid renewal. Courtesy of South Dakota Searchlight
	At 17, Rockridge's Cullen Schwigen is a two-sport star and quiet leader "If people know my name because of football or whatever, I want them to see me as a good person, too," the 17-year-old Rockridge High School junior said.
	Wallace's Garden Center opens new greenhouse After a fire destroyed over 12,000 square feet of greenhouse space in May 2025, Wallace’s start its 45th spring season with an upgraded facility.
	Watch your (special) language: Arkansas lawmakers need to rein in strings attached to budget bills Outside the House of Representatives chambers at the Arkansas State Capitol in Little Rock, Arkansas on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)Known in legislative jargon as “special language,” the strings lawmakers attach to budget bills used to be a dirty little secret of the Arkansas Legislature. They were a way to sneak major policy changes in without the public noticing. In an era of live-streamed hearings and social media tracking moves at the Capitol in real time, that language is no longer much of a secret. It’s harder to fold these provisions into bills without many people noticing. But that doesn’t mean it’s not still a problem for the Legislature, especially during the abbreviated fiscal sessions that are meant to focus on the state’s budget. In simple terms, special language refers to instructions lawmakers insert into bills often restricting how or when money can be spent. Sometimes, they can also take the form of specific policy. Arkansas Explained: Translating legislative lingo during the session Last week’s marathon session of the subcommittee that takes up these tacked-on instructions shows lawmakers still have work to do to rein them in. But it’s becoming more difficult to do so, with these attachments a workaround to the limits that were intended to keep fiscal sessions from blowing up into regular ones that take up a wider range of issues. Among the most glaring examples were the proposals to effectively end the University of Arkansas’ King Fahd Center for Middle East Studies by cutting off its funding and to prohibit institutes of higher education from funding chapters of the Middle East Studies Association. Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan pulled the proposals without seeking a vote on them. The proposals are part of increasing pressure by GOP leaders to dictate how the state’s colleges and universities are run. Sullivan indicated that the issue remains on his radar ahead of next year’s legislative session. Several other proposals failed before the special language panel, including ones that dealt with the use of artificial intelligence for prescription renewals and an effort to block the salary of a Little Rock city director who hasn’t been attending board meetings. When Arkansas voters in 2008 approved moving from the Legislature meeting every other year to annually, the argument was that lawmakers needed to be able to respond more quickly to changes in the economy. A two-year budget cycle made that more difficult, and the amendment was proposed after the Legislature had been regularly forced into special sessions over the years to respond to school funding litigation. Special language already had a checkered history in the Legislature and played a role in the corruption scandal that ensnared former state Sen. Nick Wilson in the 1990s. Wilson, a longtime Democratic lawmaker, was charged with steering millions from state programs to enrich himself and others. He eventually pleaded guilty to racketeering. But the use of special language to get around the fiscal session’s rules that non-budget items need a two-thirds vote in both chambers is a bipartisan problem. So are the complaints about its usage. Former Gov. Mike Beebe raised concerns about special language when he vetoed a natural gas tax exemption that was attached to an agency’s budget bill in 2014. Lawmakers later overrode that veto. Ironically, former Gov. Asa Hutchinson voiced worries about special language being used to craft policy. But he did so when he vetoed a budget provision that would have ended the state’s Medicaid expansion – language he had sought under an unusual parliamentary maneuver to save the program. Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders has seen other ways the budget process can be used as a political weapon, with the personnel subcommittee rejecting language that would have eliminated former Corrections Secretary Joe Profiri’s six-figure job as an adviser in her office. The effort grew from lawmakers’ frustration with Profiri not responding to questions before legislative panels. Defenders of the special language process and its use during fiscal sessions say there are already safeguards in place against its misuse, noting that most budget bills require at least three-fourths approval of the House and Senate. The challenge lawmakers face is where to draw the line. Lawmakers pushing for special language during the fiscal session argue their riders are still fiscal issues, even if they’re making major policy changes. Those lawmakers argue some of these changes can’t wait, including the provision that’s aimed at assisting smaller, newly formed school districts. For now, “special” remains in the eye of the beholder. In other words, lawmakers like special language when it’s their favored issue. That’s a standard that can’t be sustainable if the Legislature wants to keep its attention during fiscal sessions strictly on the state’s budget. Courtesy of Arkansas Advocate
	Big Brothers This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Frequent visitors to Rock Island have noticed a peculiarity along the Upper Mississippi Valley: the towns on the west…
	King Charles U.S. visit comes at tense moment in transatlantic relationship King Charles and Queen Camilla arrive Monday for a four day U.S. state visit. Some hope the royal touch can heal the transatlantic rift that's emerged under Trump.
	GUILTY: Jury convicts East Moline man of fatal Davenport shooting near sky bridge On Friday, a jury found a 21-year-old East Moline man guilty in a fatal 2024 shooting near the sky bridge in downtown Davenport. After a trial that began April 6 in Scott County Court, a jury found Johnathan J. Terrones guilty of first-degree murder, according to Scott County Court records. He is scheduled to be [...]
Saturday, April 25th, 2026
	Ranked Pleasant Valley and Linn Mar draw Both ranked teams Pleasant Valley and Linn Marr faced off in girls soccer and ended in a 0-0 draw.
	River Bandits walk it off in extra innings over Lugnuts River Bandits walk it off in 10 innings defeating the Lugnuts 3-2.
	Drake Relays: April 25th The final day of the Drake Relays finished up on Saturday with more local athletes competing.
	Iowa football opens spring game to fans with new faces at key positions Iowa football welcomed fans back to Kinnick Stadium for spring practice Saturday.
	Group gathers at Veteran's Memorial Park to honor organ donors Organizers say the event is held to raise awareness for organ and tissues donors and honor people who've gifted life to others.
	Habitat for Humanity dedicates new East Moline home to local family After three years of work, Habitat for Humanity is dedicating a new East Moline home to a local family.
	Newcomer Liban Mohamed wins a rowdy Utah Democratic convention Liban Mohamed, a political newcomer, celebrates after receiving the nomination from Utah Democratic Party delegates in the race for the state's 1st Congressional District on Saturday, April 25, 2026. (Alixel Cabrera/Utah News Dispatch)A hot competition for Utah’s blue 1st Congressional District brought out not only a crowd of candidates vying for the Democratic nomination, but also a hint of what felt more like Republicans’ rowdy energy during Democrats’ state convention. Amid controversy over allegations of two candidates’ past problematic behavior, nominees’ speeches were briefly interrupted by a heckler and some boos, a change from what are otherwise short and sweet party conventions for Utah Democrats. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Newcomer Liban Mohamed, a 27-year-old Salt Lake City resident, ended up winning 51% of delegates’ votes in the CD1 race, the most coveted ticket of the day. That’s according to preliminary results of a ranked-choice election after a lengthy voting process on Saturday. Former Utah Rep. Ben McAdams, the last Democrat to represent Utah in Congress, narrowly followed with about 49% of votes. ‘Hate is an opportunity to educate and unite,’ says latest Utah Democrat to launch bid for Congress “It’s just the beginning,” Mohamed told reporters after the results were unveiled Saturday night. “The support is growing as people get to know us. What we’re about, the campaign that we’re running, the positivity that we seek to put out into our community, the fact that we’re focused on tangible outcomes for our communities and not headlines.” Earlier that day, Mohamed announced that Minnesota Rep. Ilhan Omar had endorsed him, joining other high-profile endorsements from Utah House minority leader, Rep. Angela Romero. But, the race for Democrats’ support is far from over. Mohamed will still have to face McAdams, state Sen. Nate Blouin and Michael Ferrell, who all gathered signatures and will appear on the June primary ballot. It’s one of the biggest races for Utah Democrats in years after a yearslong legal battle in an anti-gerrimandering lawsuit resulted in a map with a compact CD1 encompassing northern Salt Lake County, a blue dot in deep red Utah. Liban Mohamed, a candidate for the 1st Congressional District speaks with reporters after winning the delegates support at the Utah Democratic Party convention on April 25, 2026 (Alixel Cabrera/Utah News Dispatch) After the results were posted, McAdams said he was happy and looking forward to moving on to the next phase of his campaign. “That’s the thing about primary elections. They bring out good candidates,” McAdams said. “But, we made the case that I have a track record of delivering, of actually delivering results. And I think that really resonated with the delegates.” CD1 pitches Thousands of delegates and the most influential Democrats in the state gathered in the auditorium at Jordan High School in Sandy to make their choice on candidates for congressional offices and contested Utah Legislature seats. Congressional race is energizing Utah Democrats ahead of state convention, but chaos keeps emerging With recent news of the Department of Homeland Security’s purchase of a Salt Lake City warehouse with intentions to turn it into a detention center, immigration issues fired up Democratic leaders the most during the convention. However, the specific facility wasn’t mentioned in many of the candidates’ speeches. As McAdams spoke in favor of Democrats standing together and fighting against Republicans and not each other, a heckler interrupted his allotted three-minute speech yelling, “you’re a liar.” However, that person was quickly escorted out of the auditorium. During his speech McAdams directed delegates to think about people who weren’t in the room when casting their votes, while showing off his track record as a former congressman. Ben McAdams, a candidate for the 1st Congressional District speaks with reporters after narrowly losing the delegates support at the Utah Democratic Party convention on April 25, 2026 (Alixel Cabrera/Utah News Dispatch) “They cannot afford for us to get this wrong, because being progressive has to be making progress to pass a law, not just promise one,” he said. “I know because I’ve done it.” Some delegates booed embattled candidates Blouin and Eva Lopez Chavez as they made their way onstage. Lopez Chavez didn’t address the allegations from multiple people who accused her of unwanted sexual advances and brought her family in her support. Eva Lopez Chavez speaks during the Democratic Party state convention on April, 25, 2026. (Alixel Cabrera/Utah News Dispatch) “I’m Eva Lopez Chavez. I am the proud granddaughter of Graciela Corona and I’m asking you to vote for the future of this party, a future where Latino families like mine can belong and to be the next member of Congress,” she said. “Memorize these faces, these smiles and wrinkles, because they depend on you.” She ended up only gathering 13 votes out of 699 ballots and was disqualified on the first round of voting. Blouin did reference the hit his campaign took since Punchbowl News revealed comments he posted on online forums between 2009 and 2015 making jokes about sexual assault, using slurs and denigrating The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Utah’s predominant religion, and its members. He came in third place in the Saturday race, meaning the signatures he gathered will put him on the ballot. Nate Blouin speaks during the Democratic Party state convention on April, 25, 2026. (Alixel Cabrera/Utah News Dispatch) “I was humbled last week. Reckoning with your past mistakes is an important part of life. It hurts. It can make you feel physically ill, but it also makes you stronger, and today, I am stronger. We are stronger,” Blouin said. “That’s why I’m here, because we built a campaign that can weather the storm, and that makes some people nervous, the people who keep selling us the same bill of goods.” While those campaigns have received much attention from voters, Mohamed’s speech drew the most cheers, as he walked onstage alongside Utah House Minority Leader Angela Romero. Mohamed is new to Utah politics, having most recently worked on tech companies’ public policy teams. “I’m grateful for these leaders right here, who carried the weight when it was heavy, who walked the path when it was uncertain, who made it so somebody like myself can look at each and every one of you guys in this beautiful, massive crowd and say with confidence that I too belong in this race,” Mohamed said. Mohamed’s January announcement that he was running for Congress swiftly drew hateful comments online focused on his race and religion. Utah Democratic Party delegates gather for their state convention on April, 25, 2026. (Alixel Cabrera/Utah News Dispatch) Ferrell focused on the standards “that Utahns deserve” with new representation in Congress. “This is the time to build something new, something exciting, something that is worth fighting for. Because what is the point of voting for someone who’s going to go in there and do nothing for two years? We need someone who’s going to go in there and be a fighter,” he said. And, Luis Villareal, like Lopez Chavez, won’t appear on the ballot since he didn’t gather enough signatures to qualify. He pitched fighting against economic inequities, and for an immigration system that expands the workforce with more legal immigration pathways. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Utah News Dispatch
	In first keynote since ‘24 loss, Kamala Harris calls for ‘revival of the American dream’ Kamala Harris, right, with Jannie Cotton, vice chair of the Democratic Party of Arkansas at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, April 25, 2026. (Photo by John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)In a speech billed as her first keynote since her 2024 election loss, former Vice President Kamala Harris accused the Trump administration Saturday of not paying attention to Americans’ cost of living concerns and called for a “revival of the American dream” as she addressed a packed ballroom in Little Rock. Harris’ remarks at the Democratic Party of Arkansas’ annual Fisher Shackelford Dinner came as the former party standard-bearer mulls a possible third run for president in 2028. Her remarks occurred before a reported shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner in Washington, which President Donald Trump was attending for the first time as president before he was evacuated. Trump uninjured after gunfire at Washington press dinner; suspect in custody The president was unharmed, according to the Secret Service and posts on Trump’s social media accounts. While much of Harris’ speech focused on criticism of her former campaign foe and his administration, she also urged Democrats to look beyond him toward a “revival of the American Dream” where workers could afford homes, groceries, childcare and vacations. “To spark an American revival, we must start with a bold agenda where our public dollars go to affordable housing and healthcare and childcare, not spent on reckless foreign wars that no one wants,” Harris said. Harris portrayed a dire picture of American political, economic and civic life, and accused the Trump administration of breaking core campaign promises to lower the cost of living and end foreign wars through his tariff policies and involvement in the war in Iran. She also criticized Trump’s artificial intelligence policies, saying he is allowing tech companies to be in charge while AI “is about to upend our workforce and economy,” as well as the tax and spending cut law that passed last summer. Harris condemned Arkansas’ Republican-led state Legislature, too, including over Arkansas’ role as the only state not to expand Medicaid for postpartum mothers. Harris blamed both national Republicans and Democrats for historically supporting policies and positions that harmed working Americans, saying both had bought into the idea that stock market growth and cutting social programs will spur economic prosperity for all. Kamala Harris former vice president, speaking to attendees of the Fisher-Shackleford Dinner, held at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Saturday, April, 25. (Photo by John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate) “Even though working people did everything right, worked from the day through the night, we saw that the economic system essentially stopped delivering for them, and over time, the American dream for many has all but turned into an American myth,” Harris said. Harris said these broken systems contributed to economic inequality, polarization and disenchantment with America’s political and civic systems, specifically calling out social media companies for using algorithms that “fuel rage.” Harris said “a certain collection of leaders” are exploiting this “epidemic of discontent and distrust” for personal gain — though she said Trump was a “source and symptom of the problem,” rather than just a source. “Let’s also understand there will be no term limit on the broken system that produced him. And the entrenched elite who continue to benefit from the current status quo have a vested interest in preserving it,” Harris said. Harris said that a better future can be built “if we’re willing to fight for it.” The better future would require more than legislation, with fractures in American society needing mending, she said. Kamala Harris, former vice president, speaking to attendees of the Fisher-Shackleford Dinner, held at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, April 25, 2026. (Photo by John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott watches as Kamala Harris hold aloft her key to the city at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, April 25, 2026 (Photo by John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott prepares to present Kamala Harris a key to the city at the Fisher-Shackleford Dinner, held at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, on Saturday, April 25, 2026 (Photo by John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)Kamala Harris with Lottie Shackelford. Kamala Harris former vice president,speaking to attendees of the Fisher-Shackleford Dinner, held at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, April 25, 2026. (Photo by John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)Kamala Harris former vice president, speaking to attendees of the Fisher-Shackleford Dinner, held at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, April 25, 2026. (Photo by John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)Kamala Harris former vice president, speaking to attendees of the Fisher-Shackleford Dinner, held at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, April 25, 2026. (Photo by John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)Kamala Harris former vice president, speaking to attendees of the Fisher-Shackleford Dinner, held at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, April 25, 2026. (Photo by John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)Kamala Harris former vice president, speaking to attendees of the Fisher-Shackleford Dinner, held at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, April 25., 2026. (Photo by John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)Kamala Harris former vice president, speaking to attendees of the Fisher-Shackleford Dinner, held at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, April 25, 2026. (Photo by John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)Kamala Harris former vice president, speaking to attendees of the Fisher-Shackleford Dinner, held at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, April 25, 2026. (Photo by John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)Kamala Harris, right, with Jannie Cotton, vice chair of the Democratic Party of Arkansas at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, April 25, 2026. (Photo by John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate)A mobile billboard from the Republican Party of Arkansas sits outside the Marriott Hotel in downtown Little Rock on Saturday, April 25, 2026. (Photo by John Sykes/Arkansas Advocate) Harris’ Arkansas visit, which also included a stop earlier at Little Rock Central High School, brought her to a predominantly Republican state where she lost to Trump by 30 percentage points in the 2024 presidential election. Republicans hold every statewide office, all of Arkansas’ congressional seats, and a majority of both chambers of the Legislature. Arkansas Republicans hit out at Harris’ visit too. The state Republican party paid for a mobile billboard to drive around Little Rock’s downtown carrying ads slamming several donations made by Hallie Shoffner, the Democratic nominee challenging incumbent Republican Sen. Tom Cotton, to Harris’ and former President Joe Biden’s presidential campaigns. When Harris’ visit was announced, Shoffner said she didn’t plan on attending the speech. Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the former press secretary for the first Trump administration who is now also widely viewed as a potential 2028 hopeful, welcomed Harris to Arkansas in a Facebook post earlier Saturday. Sanders’ post cited Harris’2024 loss and criticized her “radical, crazy agenda.” “You’re welcome to visit anytime, and maybe while you’re here you’ll see why residents of your state are fleeing the left’s crazy, failed policies in California and moving to Arkansas,” Sanders wrote. Courtesy of Arkansas Advocate
	Trump safe after gunman tries to breach Washington dinner The president was attending the White House Correspondents' Association dinner when a security incident erupted.
	Trump rushed from White House Correspondents' Dinner after sounds of possible gunfire President Trump and several cabinet members were rushed from the event in Washington, D.C. after several loud sounds were heard. The Secret Service appeared to have one person in custody.
	Trump rushed from White House Correspondents' Dinner after shooting incident President Trump and several cabinet members were safely rushed from the event in Washington, D.C. after several loud sounds were heard. The Secret Service said one person was in custody.
	Trump rushed from White House Correspondents' Dinner after shooting incident President Trump and several cabinet members were safely rushed from the event in Washington, D.C. after several loud sounds were heard. The Secret Service said one person was in custody.
	Watch: President Trump speaks about shooting incident at correspondents' dinner President Trump and several cabinet members were safely rushed from the event in Washington, D.C. after several loud sounds were heard. The Secret Service said one person was in custody.
	A suspect is in custody after Trump is rushed from correspondents' dinner President Trump and several cabinet members were safely rushed from the event in Washington, D.C. after several loud sounds were heard. The Secret Service said one person was in custody.
	National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day held at multiple Rock Island County locations National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day was held Friday, giving people a chance to get rid of unwanted medications safely.
	New CEO Steve O'Donnell vows to unite NASCAR and return the fun Steve O'Donnell was introduced as the sanctioning body's chief executive officer at Talladega Superspeedway on Saturday and vowed to "make some moves" that will return the storied racing series to its roots.
	New museum dedicated to AI promises an ethical approach As some continue to pushback on AI art, artist Refik Anadol seeks to base his new venture on ethical and environmental principles.
	Crews respond to Moline vehicle fire Moline firefighters responded to a vehicle fire on John Deere Road. No injuries were reported.
	Iowa Democratic candidates talk policy proposals at political forum in Davenport Iowa Secretary of Agriculture candidate Chris Jones, U.S. Senate candidate Zach Wahls and U.S. House candidate Travis Terrell all attended the event.
	Bettendorf Parks and Recreation asks for community input on Forest Grove Park Bettendorf Parks and Recreation is asking for community input on developing Forest Grove Park.
	What we know about Monday's upcoming storms After a week of very nice weather across the Quad Cities, we are looking ahead for a chance of severe weather on Monday after a very nice weekend. An enhanced risk of severe weather is possible on Monday as a line of storms through the afternoon and evening. All modes of severe weather are possible [...]
	Glover and Mohr top list of feature winners at Davenport Speedway After two consecutive rainouts at Davenport Speedway, the 2026 campaign finally started Friday, with the Koehler Electric Season Opener. Curtis Glover made the trip to Davenport pay off with a victory in the Outhouse/Storage to Go - IMCA Late Models. Glover took the lead midway through the 25-lap main. Late in the race, Curtis [...]
	Dirk Kempthorne, former Idaho governor and U.S. Interior secretary, dies at 74 Dirk Kempthorne, a Republican, was elected mayor of Boise at age 34 and served seven years before serving one term in the U.S. Senate and then as governor until 2006.
	In a rare interview, a leader of the world's largest right-wing group talks to NPR The second-in-command of the RSS, a Hindu nationalist organization in India, rarely speaks to the Western press. Here's what he said about his group's controversial history.
	Rocky Balboa statue takes up a new home inside Philly art museum The bronze sculpture is on display inside the Philadelphia Museum of Art as part of a new exhibition on the impact and cultural importance of statues.
	Roommate charged with two counts of murder in death, disappearance of two USF students Authorities have filed murder charges against the roommate of a Bangladeshi doctoral student who disappeared with his girlfriend from the University of South Florida.
	2 Davenport police cars collide during disturbance call Two Davenport police cars collided during a disturbance call Friday evening. No injuries were reported.
	Volunteer firefighter dies while battling wildfire in Florida Officials said the incident occurred Thursday during brushfire suppression operations on the fifth wildfire to break out in the region within a week.
	Children's toothbrush boxes recalled over battery 'ingestion hazard' Button cell batteries can cause “immediate, devastating and deadly” consequences if swallowed, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) explains.
	Clinton police asks public for help locating man who has been missing since April 16 Dermot Bly, 30, has not been seen nor heard from since April 16. He was last seen crossing the North Bridge wearing a blue shirt with "Surf Style" on it.
	Name that plow: Community invited to vote in Bettendorf Snowplow Naming Contest The City of Bettendorf is inviting the community to vote for their two favorite snowplow names in its Snowplow Naming Contest.
	Pope Leo reiterates opposition to death penalty on same day U.S. approves firing squads Pope Leo reiterated the Catholic Church's teaching that the death penalty is "inadmissible," in a video message released hours after the Justice Department said it would allow firing squads for federal executions.
	Select Iowa high schools recognized for student voter registration efforts A total of 5,404 high school students aged 17 and 18 registered to vote, officials said.
	Resignations, hirings and other Moline School District personnel news from April 13 See the personnel items from the March 9 agenda of the Moline-Coal Valley School District. The board met at the Moline Education Center, 1900 52nd Avenue in Moline.
	Maryland joins lawsuit against EPA for failing to follow rules on airborne ‘fine particulate matter’ Maryland and 13 other jurisdictions are suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, saying it has failed to live up to revised standards in the Clean Air Act for airborne fine particulate matter, putting public health at risk. (Photo by Kristina Blokhin/Stock.adobe.com)Maryland joined 13 other jurisdictions that sued the Environmental Protection Agency Friday for its failure to meet a February deadline to determine which parts of the country are in compliance with a 2024 standard for “fine particulate matter.” That lack of federal guidance affects the states’ ability to set local plans that would address unhealthy air in “nonattainment” areas, or those not meeting the air quality standards, the lawsuit says. “Marylanders deserve clean air, and federal law requires EPA to protect it,” Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown (D) said in a statement Friday. “We will not stand by while the Trump Administration abandons standards that would save thousands of lives each year.” A representative with the Environmental Protection Agency declined to comment Friday evening. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for Northern California against EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, claims the agency missed a February deadline imposed two years earlier, during the Biden administration, to identify which parts of the country met new standards for fine particulate matter — airborne particles that are 2.5 microns or smaller, invisible to the naked eye. For sake of comparison, the EPA says the average human hair is 70 microns in diameter. Because of their size, fine particles, of 2.5 microns or less, can “travel deep into the lungs and even into the bloodstream” causing sometimes severe health problems, or premature death, to those already suffering from heart or lung disease, irregular heartbeat and other respiratory problems. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE “The size of the particulate matter is directly linked to its potential for causing health problems, with smaller particles posing the greatest risks,” according to the suit. EPA’s failure to identify nonattainment areas “seriously endangers public health,” the suit says. But it also prevents state and local governments, which have primary responsibility under the Clean Air Act for air pollution control at the source, from implementing plans to fix the problem, the states charge. Failure to designate nonattainment areas “strips states and local governments … of regulatory tools and incentives that Congress provided to them to control air pollution. Promulgation of the designations will equip State and Local Government Plaintiffs with the full suite of Clean Air Act mechanisms to reduce fine particulate matter pollution within their borders,” according to the lawsuit. When the fine particulate matter standards were updated in 2024, several Republican-led states and various chambers of commerce sued to block the new rules. Maryland and about a dozen other states joined that case in support of EPA and the new standards, but the case is still pending. The EPA under President Donald Trump, meanwhile, reversed course and asked a court last June to vacate the 2024 standards, but that case is also pending. Because neither case has been acted on, the 2024 standards are still in effect and must be enforced. Friday’s suit argues. Besides Maryland, jurisdictions on Friday’s suit include the states of California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin, the District of Columbia, New York City and Harris County, Texas. Those same jurisdictions and about two dozen other states, counties and cities joined in a legal document, or petition for review, against Zeldin and the agency last month for EPA’s “unlawful” attempt to rescind its 2009 “endangerment finding” that classified greenhouse gas emission a threat to public health. Attorney General Brown: Biggest challenge against Trump is protecting ‘the rule of law’ The agency said in its decision in February that the “EPA lacks statutory authority under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act to prescribe standards for GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions for various vehicles and engines.” The agency claims this would save more than $1.3 trillion. Meanwhile, Brown’s office is leading on the filing of an amicus brief Friday in U.S. District Court in Maryland that supports a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education and its secretary, Linda McMahon, over the department’s waiver of the Randolph Sheppard Act as it applies to the Army. The Education Department oversees the 1936 Randolph-Sheppard Vending Facility program, which gives priority to blind vendors for contracts to operate food service and vending facilities on military bases. In December, the department published a notice in the Federal Register that the Randolph-Sheppard program on Army installations “adversely affects the interests of the United States.” In Maryland, the program is administered by the Business Enterprise Program for the Blind within the state Department of Education’s Division of Rehabilitation Services. According to the brief, the Business Enterprise program is operated at 60 locations with 47 licensed blind vendors. The program has contracts at two dining halls at Fort Meade. “This program exists to give blind Marylanders the tools, training and access to build thriving businesses. Dismantling it doesn’t just close doors, it tears down the whole doorway,” Brown said. “We will not stand by while the federal government attempts to strip those opportunities away.” Maryland is joined by attorneys general from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Virginia and the District of Columbia. Courtesy of Maryland Matters
	Pilot travel center celebrates remodel of Walcott location with $10,000 donation to Durant School District, pledges commitment to community A Walcott travel center received an upgrade and now the company is paying it forward to its nearby community as well.
	Registration open for ‘Quad Cities Construction Hike for Hope’ It’s an event to honor loved ones lost to suicide, and provide resources focused on mental health awareness in the construction industry.
	Bettendorf’s Forest Grove Park ready to grow with help of community input The Bettendorf Parks & Recreation Department wants your input on developing Forest Grove Park into a regional destination.
	Mali hit by wave of coordinated attacks from armed groups Gunfire and explosions have rocked Mali's capital Bamako and other key cities in one of the most significant coordinated attacks in years, as armed groups, including jihadist insurgents and separatist rebels exploit worsening insecurity in the Sahel region.
	Man found guilty in fatal shooting near Davenport Skybridge On Friday, a jury found Johnathan J. Terrones guilty of first-degree murder in a 2024 shooting at the Davenport Skybridge.

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