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

Friday, April 24th, 2026
	Director of GEMA/HS speaks on wildfire emergency Josh Lamb, Director of Georgia Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency speaks on wildfire emergency
	Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission speaks on wildfire emergency Johnny Sabo, Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission, speaks on wildfire emergency
	Henry County Sheriff’s Office seeks owners of unclaimed bicycles The Henry County Sheriff’s Office is asking people to claim bicycles found in rural Mount Pleasant in July 2025.
	Carol’s Village Gardens brings 30 new affordable units to Davenport After five years of planning, a new affordable housing project is open in Davenport. Here’s who qualifies and what it offers.
	Vera French dedicates Carol`s Village Gardens housing development in Davenport Vera French dedicated a new supportive and affordable housing development in Davenport. Carol`s Village Gardens provides 30 fully-leased apartment homes to community members. Six units offer permanent supportive Housing for those who have experienced homelessness. Vera French works to advance mental health for all and deliver accessible living solutions. Carol`s Village Gardens is located at [...]
	Davenport man accused of kidnapping, human trafficking Police said Phillip J. Williams, 39, human trafficked a woman in Davenport and attempted to do the same to her in Missouri.
	Gog Dynasty Buffet shutters for staff training, deep cleaning after health inspector citations Health inspectors found zero health code violations one week after finding 16.
	Programming note: Happy’s Place finale to air overnight on KWQC Happy’s Place will run at 2:30 and 3 a.m. Saturday morning.
	Gog Dynasty Buffet shutters for staff training and sanitation after health inspector citations Health inspectors found zero health code violations one week after finding 16.
	Death Notice: Michael Meek A celebration of life for Michael A. Meek, 70, of Princeton, will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 2, at Three 33 Bar and Grill in Princeton. Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded. The McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Bettendorf, is assisting the family with arrangements. Mr. Meek died Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at his residence. Online condolences may be made at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com. A full obituary will appear in the April 29 edition of The NSP.
	Scott County rural property tax rate to see 15-cent increase in $136M budget The 15-cent increase would generate about $198,000 new dollars to bring the county's rural service fund, which pays for library services and secondary roads, into the black.
	Tuition to increase at Iowa's public universities Tuition will increase at Iowa's three public universities. The Iowa Board of Regents approved a tuition hike of 3% at the University of Iowa, Iowa State University and the University of Northern Iowa. The increases will be in effect for the 2026-27 academic year, starting on August 24. Varying tuition rates for nonresident, graduate and [...]
	Iowa City Police arrest man taking a shower in a stranger’s home An Iowa City man was arrested Thursday night after police found him using a stranger’s shower.
	Iowa Board of Regents approves tuition increases for upcoming year The Iowa Board of Regents approved tuition increases Thursday for students attending Iowa’s public universities in the upcoming academic year.
	Driver killed in rollover crash in Jo Daviess County A driver was killed in a single-vehicle rollover crash Thursday afternoon in Jo Daviess County after striking a garage and a utility pole.
	Learn about IL 84/IL 92 improvement project at East Moline meeting The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) invites the public to learn more about the proposed reconstruction and improvements to the Illinois 84/Illinois 92 corridor at an open house in East Moline. IDOT is hosting an open house public meeting on Tuesday, May 12 from 1 – 6 p.m. at The Bend Event Center, 910 Bend [...]
	Power restored to more than 1,100 in Iowa Quad Cities The outage started at 6:21 a.m.
	More than 1 in 3 American workers are delaying or canceling major purchases due to job security concerns More than 1 in 3 American workers are delaying or canceling major purchases due to job security concernsAs global socioeconomic stress continues to rattle markets, American consumers are facing a difficult period. Inflation is rising, investors are uneasy, mortgage rates are elevated, and many people are uncertain about the future. But beyond spending concerns, fears around AI’s impact on jobs and the economy are further spooking workers.That uncertainty is shaping financial decisions. According to a Redfin survey conducted by Ipsos between March 9-10, 2026, more than 1 in 3 (36%) American workers are delaying or canceling a major purchase like a home or car due to their feelings about job security. On the flip side, 31% have either already made a major purchase sooner than expected or plan to due to their feelings about job security. Redfin Real Estate More than 1 in 3 (36%) of respondents say their feelings about job security have no impact on their timeline for any major purchase decisions.When Redfin asked the same question in August 2025, 42% said they were delaying or canceling plans to make a major purchase due to feelings about job security, six percentage points higher than today. However, the shares who said in August that they had already made (or planned to make) a major purchase sooner than expected (29%) are largely unchanged from today, as is the share who said they had made no changes to their plans (32%).Most American workers are confident about their job securityMore than two-thirds (69%) of workers say they are either somewhat confident or very confident about their job security—a similar share (66%) said the same last August.In comparison, 27% now say they are either somewhat concerned or very concerned about their job security. Redfin Real Estate Nearly 1 in 3 workers are more concerned about job security now than 6 months agoRoughly one-third (32%) of workers are more concerned about their job security than six months ago. In comparison, 18% are more confident about their job security. Redfin Real Estate Of the workers who indicated they are concerned about their job security, 74% said they were more concerned now than they were six months ago, while only 7% felt more confident.Company performance and AI are the top reasons for job insecurityRoughly 3 in 10 (29%) workers who are concerned about their job security cited their company’s performance as the primary reason; a near-equal share (32%) said the same in August 2025. Redfin Real Estate The next most-cited reason for job security concerns was the impact of artificial intelligence (18%), followed by government restructuring efforts (14%) and personal performance (12%).Nearly 20% of workers have recently missed rent or mortgage payments, or paid lateSeven percent of workers say they have missed a rent or mortgage payment entirely in the last three months, and another 10% say they have been late on a housing payment.These shares were notably higher among those who are concerned about their job security. Nearly 3 in 10 members of this group (28%) have missed or been late on a recent housing payment. An overwhelming majority (70%) of workers who are confident in their job security have made all recent housing payments on time. Redfin Real Estate Fifteen percent of full-time workers said they are “very” or “somewhat” likely to be late on their mortgage or rent in the next three months. Thirteen percent said they are “very” or “somewhat” likely to miss a housing payment entirely in the next three months.A slim majority of American workers have an emergency fund for housing paymentsMost (55%) workers say they have an emergency fund to cover their monthly rent or mortgage payments if they face a financial crisis, while approximately one-third (34%) do not have such a fund.These figures vary slightly among workers who expressed concern about their job security and those who are confident; the former are slightly less likely to have a housing emergency fund (50%), while the latter are slightly more (59%). Redfin Real Estate When asked how many months of housing payments their emergency funds cover, 1 in 5 workers with one say six months. Three months (16%) was the next most-selected time frame.MethodologyThis is according to a Redfin survey conducted in partnership with Ipsos between March 9-10, 2026. The nationally representative survey was fielded to 1,005 U.S. residents, including 452 who are employed full-time and 112 who are employed part-time. The results for the combined group of workers have a credibility interval of +/- 5.1 percentage points.This story was produced by Redfin Real Estate and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Learn about criminal record expungement at free clinic from Prairie State Legal Services Rock Island County residents who have criminal records can get a fresh start at a free criminal records relief clinic from Prairie State Legal Services (PSLS). The clinic will be on Wednesday, July 15 from 1:30 - 4 p.m. at the Rock Island Public Library’s Downtown Branch, 401 19th Street, Rock Island. A fresh start [...]
	2 men injured after 2-pickup trucks crash One man was airlifted and another taken by ambulance to a local hospital after two pickup trucks crashed.
	4 Your Money \| Breaking Even There are many events in the world today that are impacting the markets- the Iran conflict, trade tensions, and even questions about Fed independence. David Nelson, CEO of NelsonCorp Wealth Management, shares the Treasury breakeven inflation curve to show how the bond market is processing it all and what it means for investors
	Justice Department drops inquiry into Fed Chair Jerome Powell The move paves the way for the Senate to confirm Kevin Warsh, the president's nominee to head the central bank.
	How to design an outdoor entertainment space that adds value to your home How to design an outdoor entertainment space that adds value to your homeWhen you’ve decided to build an outdoor living space, you make the decision to invest equity into your home. Outdoor living spaces can yield an ROI (return on investment) from 60% to 600%, depending on the features you equip it with, according to Extra Space Storage. Whether you decide to install a patio or outdoor kitchen or both, Wildfire Outdoor Living is here to guide you every step of the way to create the ideal outdoor living space.The first step in creating your outdoor living space is establishing areas, or “zones,” that serve a specific function, and including backyard amenities that ensure an increase in home value and higher return on investment.The Cooking Zone: This is where you take on the role of outdoor chef with a luxurious outdoor grill to cook your favorite meals while hosting. The outdoor kitchen can be expanded to include a sink, storage, an outdoor refrigerator, and a griddle — all dependent on your budget. According to Halligans Hearth and Home, an outdoor kitchen typically adds 5% to 20% to a home’s value. Make sure to design your outdoor kitchen around your outdoor grill and include plenty of counter space to get the best return on your investment.The Dining Zone: Play host and entertain at this designated zone that includes a dining table, chairs, and possibly a pergola for shade during those hot summer months. Apollo Opening Roof reports that a well-installed and well-designed pergola can increase home value by 10%-20%. Before installing your pergola, measure the covering height and width and ensure that it can accommodate a good number of guests and that everyone can comfortably move around.The Lounge Zone: Imagine a big comfy outdoor sofa set with fluffy pillows where you and your loved ones can converse and relax with glasses of wine around a fire pit. Firepits Direct estimates that fire pits can increase home value from 67% to 78% of their installation cost. Location is important for fire pits, as you want to make sure it’s out in the open to maximize safety.The Entertainment Zone: The pool is usually the focal point, with lounge chairs set up nearby for lazing about, while lawn games and a TV may also be included in this area. Redfin reports that, depending on the location and climate, in-ground pools typically increase home value by 5% to 10%, especially in warmer climates. Adding underwater lights is a small detail that goes a long way in ensuring you have a higher return on your in-ground pool investment.Keeping the blueprint above in mind when you design your dream backyard living space is key to increasing your home value and return on investment. This is your home, customize it the way that you want to, but be mindful of the elements that will capture the next homeowner’s eyes.By taking a more comprehensive approach to due diligence, buyers can identify potential issues before they become costly problems. Even a small amount of additional research upfront can make a significant difference in protecting a long-term investment.This story was produced by Wildfire Outdoor Living and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Decades-old, newly restored Smithsonian carousel reopens -- to children's delight The carousel was first desegregated when part of Gwynn Oak Amusement Park in Baltimore in 1963. It was moved to the National Mall after the park closed.
	Davenport man arrested, charged with human trafficking, kidnapping A man from Davenport is being held in the Scott County Jail on no bond after police say he posted a woman he met on an online marketplace for adult services and took her to Missouri against her will. The criminal complaint filed in the case in Scott County Court said Davenport Police learned about [...]
	Top 8 revealed, head-to-head matchups begin in Coolest Thing Made in Iowa Contest DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Coolest Thing Made in Iowa Contest has announced its Top 8, with the competition now moving to a head-to-head matchup voting round. The Coolest Thing Made in Iowa Contest is a newer competition, hosted by the Iowa Association of Business and Industry and MidwestOne Bank, which highlights items that are [...]
	Why do I wake up at 3 a.m.? Why do I wake up at 3 a.m.?If you’re one of the 35.5% of people who wake up in the middle of the night at least three times per week, you know how frustrating it can be.Not only does it impact your mood, energy levels, and concentration, but it can also have adverse effects on your overall well-being. Below, Oura explains what you can do if you’re lying awake at 3 a.m. and some of the underlying lifestyle factors that may be contributing to your nighttime awakenings.What Should I Do When I Wake Up at 3 a.m.?Waking up in the middle of the night and not being able to get back to sleep can be stressful and frustrating—and the more you stress about it, the worse it gets. Research has even found that “clock watching” can make it harder for people with insomnia to go back to sleep.First of all, keep in mind that it’s relatively common to wake up in the middle of the night. As Oura advisor and sleep researcher Rebecca Robbins, Ph.D., says:“Realize that it can be common, but when you struggle, the important thing to keep in mind is that staying in bed, tossing and turning, will make the problem worse. When you toss and turn, get out of bed, keep the lights low, and do something relaxing, like a couple gentle yoga poses or meditation exercises.”Getting out of bed and doing something relaxing will help your brain maintain an association between your bed and sleeping, rather than being awake. When you start to feel tired, you can go back to bed.Recommended activities to fall asleep quickly include:Listening to a guided meditation, relaxing music, or sleep soundsReading a bookDeep breathing exercisesProgressive muscle relaxation techniquesOne thing you should avoid doing when you wake up at 3 a.m.? Do not look at your phone or other electronic devices. The blue light can interrupt melatonin production, preventing you from going back to sleep.Why Do I Always Wake Up at 3 a.m.?Below are some lifestyle habits that could be the culprit behind your middle-of-the-night wake-ups, plus potential solutions to sleep more soundly in the future.1. Elevated Cortisol LevelsCortisol, the stress hormone, is involved in a number of key processes, including regulating your sleep-wake cycle. Alongside other hormones like melatonin, cortisol is produced cyclically in tune with your circadian rhythm. Your cortisol levels start to rise in the early morning, usually at around 3 a.m. and peak in the first hour after waking. This is the cortisol awakening response, and it helps you feel awake and energized in the morning.However, elevated cortisol levels—either from a medical condition or excess stress—can disrupt this diurnal rhythm. So, as your cortisol levels naturally rise at 3 a.m., they might spike excessively, waking you up.Additionally, stress can impact your sleep architecture, preventing you from moving seamlessly through each sleep stage. This can also be responsible for those middle-of-the-night wakeups.Solution: If you notice your stress levels are often elevated, try to incorporate more stress management techniques, like breathwork, exercise, and time in nature.2. Your Dietary ChoicesConsuming the wrong foods and drinks can significantly disrupt your sleep patterns. For instance, eating too close to bedtime can keep your digestive system working even as the rest of your body winds down for sleep.Large meals in the evening can cause indigestion, heartburn, or acid reflux, especially if you lie down soon after eating. This is because when you’re in a horizontal position, it’s easier for stomach acid to flow back into the esophagus, leading to discomfort and potential sleep problems.Additionally, eating can rev up your metabolism, which can raise your body temperature. An increased body temperature can interfere with your body’s ability to fall asleep, as a cooler body temperature is more conducive to sleep.Blood sugar may also be playing a role in your sleep issues. For instance, a meal that’s rich in sugars or simple carbohydrates can cause a spike in blood sugar. Research indicates that in healthy individuals, blood sugar rises during sleep. However, a sugar spike before bed can cause your blood sugar to crash during the night, causing early morning awakenings.If you have diabetes or insulin insufficiency, your body doesn’t release enough insulin to regulate this natural blood sugar rise—known as the “dawn phenomenon.”Consuming large amounts of caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine, especially later in the day, can also disrupt sleep. Finally, if you find yourself taking regular bathroom breaks during the night, it could be from drinking too much water before going to bed.Solution: Eat your last meal at least two to three hours before bedtime, and stay away from carbohydrate-rich foods right before you go to sleep. If you’re hungry before bed, eat a light snack that balances protein, fats, and carbs.3. A Less-Than-Ideal Sleep EnvironmentYour sleep environment includes everything that surrounds you when you sleep, and making a few adjustments can improve your sleep quality and prevent frequent sleep disruptions.Here are a few factors to consider to help you get a good night’s sleep.Light ExposureLight, especially blue light from electronic devices, can suppress melatonin production, which can make you have trouble falling asleep. Even ambient light from streetlights or a full moon can disturb some people.Solution: Use blackout curtains or wear a sleep mask and limit screen time before bed.NoiseSudden or loud noises, such as from traffic, neighbors, or alarms, can jolt you awake, interrupting important restorative sleep phases like deep sleep and REM sleep. This can increase your stress hormones—such as adrenaline and cortisol—and elevate your heart rate and blood pressure, further fragmenting your sleep.Solution: Fill your room with soft materials like cushions, rugs, and curtains to absorb unwanted noise. Additionally, try using earplugs, white noise machines, or apps that play calming sounds.Ambient TemperatureA room that’s too hot or too cold can disrupt the sleep cycle, although research indicates that high temperatures are more detrimental to sleep quality than low temperatures.Optimal sleep typically occurs in a slightly cool environment, typically between 60 and 68 degrees F (15.6 to 20 C), since your core body temperature lowers during sleep. Additionally, new research indicates a link between body temperature and REM sleep cycle length.Solution: Adjust the thermostat, use appropriate bedding, or employ fans or heaters as needed.Uncomfortable BeddingAn old mattress, lumpy pillows, or scratchy sheets can cause physical discomfort, leading to frequent awakenings.Solution: Invest in a good-quality mattress, comfortable pillows, and soft bedding.AllergensDust mites, pet dander, and pollen can trigger allergies, causing symptoms like sneezing, itching, or difficulty breathing, which can disrupt your sleep.Solution: Regularly clean and vacuum the bedroom, use hypoallergenic bedding, and consider using air purifiers.PetsYou may love sleeping with your furry friend, but animals can move, make noise, or even take up too much space, leading to sleep disturbances.Solution: Train pets to sleep in their own beds or designate a specific area for them.Unpleasant OdorsStrong or unpleasant smells can be distracting and make it difficult to relax and fall asleep.Solution: Ensure good ventilation, consider using calming essential oils or scents, and avoid strong-smelling foods or products in the bedroom.InterruptionsBeing woken up by family members, roommates, or unexpected phone calls can disrupt your sleep cycle in the middle of the night.Solution: Communicate your sleep schedule to those you live with and consider turning off your phone or using “Do Not Disturb” mode.3. Your Sleep ScheduleGoing to bed and waking up at different times can confuse your body’s internal clock, which can make it hard to fall and stay asleep. Your circadian rhythm is genetically hardwired and influences when your energy levels, hunger, and alertness. You may not realize it, but you often feel best when your lifestyle aligns with your body’s natural rhythm.Solution: Aim to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.4. Daytime StressStress is the body’s mental and physiological response to a perceived threat, which can rear up when you feel anxious, worried, under pressure, overwhelmed, or in danger.Unfortunately, your body can’t tell the difference between the stress of being chased by a lion and the stress of work deadlines, family obligations, or financial worries. Stressing over these problems can impact sleep quality and create a feedback loop of stress and poor sleep.Solution: Create a bedtime routine that helps you wind down and tells your brain and body it’s time to get some rest. Experiment with yoga, guided meditations, or breathing exercises to see how they affect your sleep.5. Hormonal ChangesMenopause—and its accompanying symptoms, like hot flashes and night sweats—can lead to sleep changes and cause poor sleep. Roughly half of all people going through menopause experience insomnia and other sleep problems.Solution: Practice good sleep hygiene, avoid caffeine and large meals late in the day, and consider incorporating light exercise into your routine—research shows that regular exercise can improve sleep quality. Additionally, try some deep breathing exercises or relaxation techniques before bed to help you relax and unwind, or consider speaking to your healthcare provider about hormone replacement therapy (HRT).Why Do I Wake Up After Only 2 Hours of Sleep?Maybe your issue isn’t that you wake up at 3 a.m. Maybe it’s that you wake up soon after falling asleep—perhaps just an hour or two. Why does this happen? It can often be linked to specific triggers that disrupt the transition into deeper sleep stages, which usually happens in the first hour or so after falling asleep. Noise, temperature fluctuations, or light pollution can be the culprit.Eating a heavy meal or spicy foods may trigger indigestion or acid reflux, which also may wake you up, as this reaction tends to worsen in the hours following eating. While staying hydrated throughout the day is vital for good sleep, you don’t want to drink too much in the hour before bed. Otherwise, you might be waking up after just a couple of hours to use the bathroom.When Should I Be Concerned About Waking Up at 3 a.m.?While adjusting lifestyle factors will be enough to help many people sleep better, some may find that the problem persists. Consult your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following symptoms.Waking up frequently in the middle of the night consistently for several weeks or long.Excessive daytime sleepiness.Breathing difficulties, such as waking up gasping for air, choking, or coughing.Mood changes, such as irritability, depression, or anxiety.Restless legs, especially the urge to move them as you’re trying to fall asleep.Frequent nightmares or night terrors.A change in your sleep quality after starting a new medication.Finally, be aware of other concerning sleep behaviors: If you experience unusual behaviors during sleep, such as sleepwalking, talking, or other unusual movements, it’s worth talking to your doctor.FAQs About Waking Up at 3 a.m.Why do I wake up at 3 a.m.?There are many reasons why you wake up at 3 a.m., from stress and anxiety to environmental disruptions like noise or light. A cortisol spike at 3 a.m.—the natural rise of the stress hormone that helps prepare your body to wake—can also play a role. If your stress levels are already elevated, this spike may wake you up more abruptly.Why do I always wake up at 3 a.m.?If you’re wondering why you always wake up at 3 a.m., it may be tied to recurring lifestyle factors. Eating too close to bedtime, drinking alcohol or caffeine late in the day, or having an inconsistent sleep schedule can all increase the likelihood of middle-of-the-night awakenings.Why do I keep waking up at 3 a.m.?Stress, hormonal changes, and even temperature fluctuations in your bedroom can cause people to keep waking up at 3 a.m. every night. In some cases, conditions like sleep apnea or restless legs syndrome may also be contributing.Is waking up at 3 a.m. every night normal?Occasionally waking up during the night is normal. But if you say, “I keep waking up at 3 a.m. every night,” and it’s been happening for weeks, it may be worth investigating. Persistent awakenings can signal issues like poor sleep hygiene, elevated stress, or underlying health conditions.How can I get back to sleep after waking up at 3 a.m.?If you find yourself waking up at 3 a.m., the best approach is to avoid clock-watching and get out of bed to do something calming—like reading, meditating, or deep breathing—until you feel sleepy again. Keeping lights low and avoiding screens will help your brain re-associate your bed with sleep.When should I be concerned about waking up at 3 a.m.?If you keep waking up at 3 a.m. and experience daytime fatigue, mood changes, or symptoms like gasping for air, frequent nightmares, or restless legs, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider. These can be signs of a sleep disorder or another underlying condition.This story was produced by Oura Ring and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Stocks and funds to watch as SpaceX prepares for an IPO Stocks and funds to watch as SpaceX prepares for an IPOThe company planning to launch humanity onto other planets is gearing up for one of its biggest launches yet. SpaceX, founded and primarily owned by billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk, is expected to go public on the stock market this year, possibly as early as this summer.The initial public offering (IPO) could be the largest one ever, with SpaceX potentially seeking a valuation of more than $1.75 trillion.If the offering takes place, individuals with access to stock trading accounts would be able to buy into Musk’s corporate empire, which, until now, has only been open to large-scale accredited investors.The event represents a crucial milestone in SpaceX’s aggressive expansion plans. It may also signal a near-future upswing for its existing suppliers and investment partners.Finder dives into the stock offering, SpaceX’s plans for growth, and related investments that may rise with the tide when SpaceX goes public.About the SpaceX IPODespite the enormous buzz surrounding the IPO, much remains yet to be confirmed.According to a report published on April 1, 2026, sources close to the matter revealed to Bloomberg News that SpaceX confidentially filed for an IPO with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Other major media outlets confirmed the news, including CNBC and The New York Times.The sources indicated that SpaceX is targeting a $1.75 trillion valuation and hopes to raise between $50 billion and $75 billion from the IPO. The exact date has not been announced but it is expected to take place in June.Rumors of a public offering began swirling in December 2025 when Musk tweeted his response to an article suggesting SpaceX would soon go public, calling the author’s conclusion “accurate.”About the same time, it was reported that SpaceX CFO Bret Johnsen had sent a letter to shareholders saying that the company was preparing for “a possible IPO in 2026.”“Whether it actually happens, when it happens, and at what valuation are still highly uncertain,” he said at the time.The move comes as a surprise to many, given Musk’s resistance to taking SpaceX public in the past. One apparent motivator is the need to raise capital for the company’s larger-than-life expansion plans (more on that later).However, the change may also lure investment dollars away from other tech juggernauts that are exploring plans to go public later this year, such as Anthropic and OpenAI.“SpaceX is going to soak up a lot of liquidity,” said Glen Anderson, president and CEO of the investment bank Rainmaker Securities, in an interview with TechCrunch. “There’s only so much money out there allocated to IPOs.”8 investments to watch as SpaceX goes publicThe largest IPO ever to hit the stock market will doubtless impact other businesses and investments tied to SpaceX.Investors looking to ride the wave should keep an eye on SpaceX’s suppliers as well as companies and funds that privately hold its shares.Alphabet Inc. (GOOG), a SpaceX investorAlphabet, Google’s parent company and one of the “Magnificent 7,” invested around $900 million in SpaceX in 2015 for less than 10% of the company. Today, its private shares are worth just over 6%, which would translate to over $105 billion if SpaceX debuts at a $1.75 trillion valuation.Nvidia (NVDA), a SpaceX supplierAI infrastructure and computer graphics giant Nvidia is the largest company in the world by market capitalization, with a valuation of over $4.8 trillion. It’s also a major chip supplier to SpaceX, one of its biggest customers.Despite SpaceX’s plan to move chip production in-house through the Terafab project, Musk has confirmed as recently as mid-March that the company is still ordering Nvidia chips at scale.Investors may see Nvidia’s stock benefiting from SpaceX’s growth, although time will tell how the relationship between both companies will evolve as SpaceX becomes more self-reliant.Intel Corporation (INTC), a SpaceX supplierWhile Nvidia focuses on chip design rather than manufacturing, Intel is positioning itself to become a leading chip manufacturer for AI systems with its Intel Foundry business, launched in 2024.On April 7, 2026, Intel announced on Twitter that it would be partnering with SpaceX on the Terafab project. Its precise role is not yet clear, but the move signals the company’s relevance in the AI era, in which demand for chips is skyrocketing.STMicroelectronics (STM), a SpaceX supplierSTMicroelectronics has been a key chip supplier for Starlink satellites for over 10 years. The company both designs and manufactures semiconductors and is valued at over $39 billion.Given the sizeable contribution Starlink makes to SpaceX’s current revenue and the role investors expect it to play in compounding that revenue, STMicroelectronics stock may very well see a bump in value following SpaceX’s debut on the public market.Fidelity Contrafund (FCNTX), a mutual fundLike Google, Fidelity Investments privately invested in SpaceX in 2015. While Fidelity isn’t a publicly traded company, it manages publicly traded funds that hold SpaceX shares.An annual report revealed that the Fidelity Contrafund (FCNTX) paid around $43 million in 2015 for over 550,000 shares. As of December 2024, those shares were valued at $1.03 billion. As of April 7, 2025, about 5% of the Contrafund’s holdings are in SpaceX.Baron Partners Retail (BPTRX), a mutual fundOver 50% of the Baron Partners Retail fund is tied up in SpaceX and Tesla shares, with the former accounting for 33% of the fund’s holdings (as of the end of March 2026).Investors who want to bet more heavily on SpaceX may be drawn to this investment, although its less diversified holdings make it riskier than the Fidelity Contrafund.ARK Venture Fund (ARKVX), an interval fundThe ARK Venture Fund has allocated the greatest proportion of its holdings—just over 17%—to SpaceX stock. OpenAI and Anthropic are also among its top holdings.This closed-end interval fund only allows investors to redeem quarterly, unlike many open-end mutual funds, which allow daily redemption.ERShares Private-Public Crossover ETF (XOVR), an ETFThis exchange-traded fund does not directly invest in SpaceX shares but rather invests in a special purpose vehicle (SPV) that holds SpaceX shares. An SPV is a subsidiary created to isolate securities from a company’s balance sheet, usually to reduce financial risk.Over one-third of its holdings are indirectly allocated to SpaceX through the SPV; other holdings include Meta (Facebook) and Nvidia.Easier to trade than interval funds, ETFs often come with low fees. As of the time of writing, this fund’s management fee sits at 0.75%.Is SpaceX a good investment?SpaceX’s value to the average investor’s portfolio depends on how the company grows following the influx of capital from its IPO and whether it can sustain an upward revenue trajectory.How does SpaceX make money, and how does it plan to compound revenue? Currently, its operations are spread across four key areas:Spaceflight (for humans and cargo)Satellite internet services (for individual and government clients)Artificial intelligence servicesComputer chip-building (a newly announced venture)Sources familiar with the company’s financial results told Reuters that SpaceX’s 2025 revenue was $15 billion–$16 billion, of which around $8 billion was profit.As much as 50%–80% of this is believed to be from Starlink satellite services, while launch services also account for a chunk of the company’s earnings.However, these undertakings only scratch the surface of what Musk wants to achieve. The long-term vision is to launch humanity into the stars by developing reusable spacecraft that can carry people to Mars and other destinations throughout the solar system.Of course, financial experts eyeing SpaceX stock and other space stocks are far more interested in business activities with a clear path to profitability and measurable time frames.Expansion post IPOOne such initiative is expanding Starlink’s satellite internet business to include “direct-to-cell” services, or smartphone connectivity via low-Earth-orbit satellites instead of traditional cell towers.Investors are also keen to see SpaceX continue to capitalize on its position as a go-to space transportation service for commercial, civil, and government clients. Notably, the company was behind 52% of all global orbital launches in 2025. Its clients include NASA, Amazon, OneWeb, and the U.S. Department of Defense.Investors may have another reason to expect SpaceX stock to move up and to the right if Musk’s newly announced initiative, Terafab, is successful.The project—a joint effort between SpaceX, Tesla, and xAI—aims to bring computer chip design and manufacturing entirely in-house to meet SpaceX’s extensive needs.Doing so could enhance the performance of SpaceX technology and cut costs. It could also help position the company as a leader in AI technology and infrastructure, given the critical role chips play in achieving Musk’s ambition to produce more than 1 trillion watts of AI computing power per year.Much of SpaceX’s value hinges on the company successfully executing incredibly ambitious plans. But its talented workforce is hardly sitting around, and real revenue streams are arising amidst capital-guzzling initiatives.Ultimately, investors considering buying SpaceX stock may need patience to withstand the turbulence that comes with reimagining the world according to Musk’s vision.This story was produced by Finder and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	One dead following rollover accident in Jo Daviess County One person is dead following a rollover accident in Jo Daviess County. According to a release from the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, deputies and medical personnel responded to N. Elizabeth Scales Mound Rd. near County Rd. O on April 23 at 4:44 p.m. for a single-vehicle rollover accident. EMS personnel initiated advanced life-saving measures [...]
	81-year-old killed in rollover crash An 81-year-old woman was killed in a rollover crash Thursday afternoon.
	Illinois' I-Cash program sets $2.5 billion record for returning money The Illinois State Treasurer's Office set a new record for returning unclaimed money. Treasurer Michael Frerichs reports the state returned $2.5 billion to residents, businesses and nonprofits through the I-Cash missing money program. Frerichs said work with lawmakers, insurance companies and new technology helped make it happen. More than 90% of claims were paid out [...]
	How does laser hair removal work for different skin types? How does laser hair removal work for different skin types?As a convenient alternative to waxing or shaving, laser hair removal continues to rise in popularity. The global market value for 2025 was approximately $1.44 billion, and the industry is projected to reach $4.72 billion by 2032. Impressive results are enticing more people to schedule appointments and switch to laser hair removal from traditional methods, such as plucking or waxing.However, the results may differ depending on your skin type. This guide by SkinSpirit examines the effectiveness of laser hair removal, skin type considerations, what to expect during the procedure and aftercare instructions.How Does Laser Hair Removal Actually Work?Using a concentrated laser beam, the laser hair removal procedure removes hair in areas including the bikini line, upper lip, legs and armpits. The hair pigment (melanin) absorbs the light and converts it into heat. Heat from light energy damages the sacs within hair follicles that generate hair, preventing hair growth for several weeks.Despite the effectiveness of laser hair removal in almost all areas, it is advisable not to treat skin with tattoos and the eyelid areas. You may require multiple treatments and additional maintenance treatments in the future. Results also depend on where you fall on the Fitzpatrick scale.What Is the Fitzpatrick Scale?Developed by dermatologist Dr. Thomas Fitzpatrick in 1975, the Fitzpatrick scale determines how skin responds to ultraviolet (UV) light. The reactions fall into categories on the Fitzpatrick scale, which ranges from Type 1 to Type 6.Other factors impact your rating on the scale, including hair color, skin tone, eye color and how your skin reacts to the sun. Here is an overview of the different skin types:Type 1: Your skin type easily burns in the sun and is unable to tan. Some individuals within this group may have red or blonde hair, accompanied by green or blue eyes.Type 2: Your skin is sensitive to sunlight and likely to burn. Caucasians with blue eyes and blonde hair usually fall into the Type 2 category.Type 3: After sunburn, your skin may gradually develop a tan. People of various ethnicities, including Caucasian, may fall into this category, along with varying hair and eye colors.Type 4: Individuals who tan naturally and have an olive skin tone sit within the Type 4 category. They usually have darker hair as well. People of Asian descent always have Type 4 skin or above.Type 5: If you have a brown skin tone that always tans and rarely burns, you sit within the Type 5 category. Your features, such as hair and eye color, are also dark.Type 6: You fall within the Type 6 category if you have very dark skin and dark brown eyes. Your skin has a high melanin content and absorbs sunlight easily.All skin types achieve some degree of success with treatment. However, laser hair removal is traditionally most effective for patients with darker hair and lighter skin tones. Courtesy of SkinSpirit Safety Considerations of Laser Hair RemovalLaser hair removal results can be life-changing. However, following safety precautions is vital to avoid damaging side effects. Avoid the procedure in the following circumstances.Skin conditions: Laser hair removal is not recommended for patients with conditions such as severe eczema or psoriasis, active skin infections such as herpes or cold sores, or skin cancer. If you experience skin conditions, you may be prone to pigmentation changes and even burns.Pregnancy: It's recommended that you wait until after your pregnancy to undergo laser hair removal. At-home laser hair removal treatments should also be avoided while pregnant.History of keloid scarring: If you have active keloid scars or a history of scarring, laser hair removal can trigger inflammation and irritate the scar tissue. The light and heat may cause new scars to appear.Certain medications: Patients taking certain antibiotics, including isotretinoin (a retinoid medication used to treat acne), may be advised to avoid laser hair removal. Isotretinoin and other medications may cause skin sensitivity to sunlight.Laser Hair Removal Effectiveness by Skin TypeBased on the Fitzpatrick scale, the effectiveness of laser hair removal varies by skin type. Below are the essential factors to consider before booking your first treatment:Fair Skin Laser Hair RemovalFor individuals with lighter skin types — Type 1-3 on the Fitzpatrick scale — laser hair removal is typically effective. The practitioner will likely use shorter-wavelength lasers to achieve greater focus on the hair follicle, given the contrast between dark hair and lighter skin.There's a reduced risk of unwanted absorption because the epidermis has low melanin content. Potential side effects, including redness and slight irritation, are also mild and tend to resolve quickly.Fair-skinned patients typically have low skin pigmentation, indicating a lower risk of skin pigmentation problems. However, it's still advisable to follow aftercare instructions and avoid direct sunlight.Medium and Olive Skin Laser Hair RemovalPatients with skin types between 3 and 4 can achieve optimal results from the procedure. The practitioner will adjust the laser settings using technology such as a 755-nanometer diode laser. These lasers further penetrate the skin and limit the possibility of damage to the treatment area.For medium and olive skin tones, the results are still positive. However, you may require additional treatments as your melanin levels are marginally higher than those of fairer-skinned patients. Your practitioner should avoid using strong and aggressive lasers, as they may cause hyperpigmentation.Additionally, there's a risk that the treatment area may appear lighter or darker if you do not follow the aftercare instructions.Dark Skin Laser Hair RemovalThe relationship between dark skin and laser hair removal can prove more complex. Darker skin contains higher melanin levels. Patients with dark skin may be at a higher risk of developing pigmentation changes or burns.Practitioners may choose to use an Nd:YAG laser for its deep penetration and longer wavelength. A stronger laser enables the technology to target the pigment on your skin’s surface. Overall, results can still be successful. However, they may take more time to appear than in other skin types.Sensitive Skin Laser Hair RemovalRegardless of skin tone, your practitioner will take extra care during the procedure if you have sensitive skin and are prone to irritation. Before proceeding, your practitioner should offer patch tests to assess how well your skin responds to the laser.Alongside using longer pulse durations and conservative settings, cooling technology is also beneficial for patients with sensitive skin. Through methods such as cooling gel or cooling air systems, there is a limited risk of side effects, including irritation, swelling, and heat sensation.A combination of proper procedure techniques and quality aftercare helps reduce the likelihood of side effects.What to Expect During Laser Hair RemovalThe laser hair removal procedure requires various stages.Before starting the procedure, your practitioner provides a topical anesthetic cream for the treatment area. The cream is especially beneficial for sensitive areas, such as your underarms or bikini line.Your practitioner instructs you to wear eye protection throughout the procedure.The practitioner sets up the equipment and laser technology based on the treatment area.You may experience slight discomfort from the light pulses during the procedure. The sensation is similar to a rubber band springing on your skin.The first treatment is likely to be the most sensitive of the eight to 10 recommended treatments. Courtesy of SkinSpirit What's the Recovery Time for Laser Hair Removal?The recovery time for laser hair removal is typically between 24 and 48 hours, regardless of the individual's skin type. The side effects are minimal, including a warm sensation that usually dissipates within a few hours. Despite the general recovery time, there may be some additional aftercare instructions.Use a cool compress: Applying a cool compress, such as an ice pack or a cold washcloth, can help cool down the treatment areas and minimize mild swelling.Avoid fragrant products: Using skin moisturizers and other fragrant products may irritate your skin and increase the risk of redness.Protect treatment areas from sunlight: Tanning after treatment can potentially cause hypopigmentation, as your skin becomes particularly sensitive.How Permanent Is Laser Hair Removal?Many assume that laser hair removal is a permanent solution. However, despite the growing technology, the procedure only reduces hair growth for a limited time, and results may vary. When you choose an experienced practitioner who follows correct practices, you'll likely see optimal results.Regarding the level of permanency across skin types, there is little evidence to suggest significant differences. The interval between treatments will vary depending on the treatment area. For example, with areas such as your back, the duration may be between 12 and 16 weeks. With the upper lip, treatments may be every four to eight weeks.For a solution with more permanent results, electrolysis is the only FDA-approved treatment available.Electrolysis vs Laser Hair RemovalAlthough electrolysis and laser hair removal have the same purpose, there are key differences between them.Electrolysis: Using an epilator device and short radio-frequency waves, electrolysis aims to prevent new hair growth and destroy the hair follicles. The procedure causes existing hairs to fall out and is suitable for all parts of the body. Electrolysis is more permanent than laser hair removal, but the procedure tends to be more time-consuming and causes more discomfort.Laser hair removal: This procedure also damages hair follicles by using high-heat lasers to slow hair growth. Like electrolysis, laser hair removal usually requires multiple treatments to achieve and maintain your results. However, electrolysis generally requires more sessions because it treats individual hairs one by one, while laser hair removal targets multiple hairs at once. While electrolysis is ideal for light hair, laser hair removal typically works best for dark hair.In a nutshell, laser hair removal is faster and covers larger areas. Electrolysis is slower and more meticulous to target smaller areas, and is considered the only truly permanent method.Other Factors Influencing Laser Hair Removal EffectivenessThe effectiveness of laser hair removal treatments differs from person to person. From a lack of preparation to underlying conditions, the results of laser hair removal depend on several factors.Hormonal ImbalancesEspecially if you are a female experiencing unwanted hair growth, you may have a hormonal imbalance, which can affect the hair growth cycle. A few common conditions can affect hormonal balance.Cushing’s disease: Also known as Cushing’s syndrome, Cushing’s disease may lead to hirsutism — excessive hair growth — due to the activation of androgen receptors and elevated cortisol levels.Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): A relatively common condition in women, PCOS may also cause hirsutism due to a rise in testosterone levels.Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: Adrenal glands that produce increased levels of male hormones can lead to congenital adrenal hyperplasia, resulting in excessive hair growth.Your Hair Growth CycleThe three hair growth cycle phases — anagen for active growth, catagen for transitional growth, and telogen for resting — contribute to laser hair removal results. Effectiveness is only present for the first anagen phase because the hair follicle has a connection to your blood supply.Hair growth in the other phases is not suitable for treatment. Due to their unresponsiveness, you may require multiple treatments.Lack of PreparationInadequate preparation for laser hair removal treatments significantly affects the results. A few key practices to avoid before treatment are:Tanning: It is advisable to stay out of the sun for a minimum of four to six weeks. Staying in the shade allows your skin to return to its natural pigment and helps the laser perform with better precision.Shaving: Thoroughly shave the treatment area at least a day or two before your appointment. This ensures the laser can properly penetrate the hair follicles.Waxing and plucking: Avoid waxing or plucking the area for at least six weeks before treatment. Waxing or plucking hair follicles can affect the laser's target performance.Practitioner KnowledgeDensity, growth cycles, and hair thickness differ depending on the treatment area. Your practitioner must possess the necessary knowledge and experience to adjust the treatment settings, including beam size and wavelength, as needed.To achieve lasting results, do your homework and book treatments with a qualified and experienced practitioner. Treatments from an unlicensed practitioner can lead to serious consequences, such as burns and scarring.Medicines Promoting Hair GrowthSome medications can counteract the effects of the laser hair removal procedure by promoting hair growth. For example, hair loss treatments such as minoxidil may stimulate hair growth in areas beyond the scalp. Anabolic steroids, corticosteroids and birth control containing drospirenone are other medications that affect laser hair removal results.Laser Hair Removal for Effective ResultsLaser hair removal is a proven method for reducing hair growth. The key to achieving decent results is to approach a practitioner with relevant experience and the best technology suitable for your skin.By following pretreatment and aftercare instructions, you can achieve results with minimal side effects and discomfort.This story was produced by SkinSpirit and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Prescription drug take back event set for Saturday in Rock Island County Residents with unused or expired medications can dispose of them Saturday during National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
	Two injured in crash on Highway 34 near Rome in Henry County Two people were injured in a two-vehicle crash near Rome in Henry County just before 6 p.m. Thursday, April 23, according to an Iowa State Patrol crash report.
	What's a condensate drain line, and why should you care? What's a condensate drain line, and why should you care?As warming spring weather gives way to summer swelter, your air conditioner becomes your home’s unsung MVP. Not only does it turn your house into a comfortably cool respite from the heat outside, but it also pulls double duty to fight humidity. As your cooling system pulls humidity from the air, the resulting liquid it collects in your indoor AC unit needs to go somewhere — and that’s where the condensate drain line comes in.When enough condensate accumulates during the hot, humid months, it could begin backing up. Even a minor drainage issue could result in overflowing around the unit, causing pricey water damage, mold growth and other issues that’ll put a damper on your summer fun fast.For those reasons, HomeServe put together a go-to explainer about the importance of your home’s condensate drain line.What Is a Condensate Drain Line?As your air conditioner removes humidity from the air, moisture forms on the evaporator coil, drips into the condensate pan or drain pan, and then moves through the condensate drain line so it can leave the system safely.Most commonly, the condensate line is a small PVC pipe connected to the indoor AC unit. Your systems may also include a condensate trap, which helps the line drain properly as water moves through the HVAC system. It’s a simple mechanism, but it does a disproportionately important job every time the air conditioner runs.Where Is the Condensate Drain Line Located?The condensate drain line typically is located near the indoor AC unit rather than the outdoor condenser. Yours could be in a basement, attic, closet, garage or utility room.If you’re trying to spot it, look for a white or light-colored air conditioner drain pipe connected to the indoor portion of the system. The line may run to a floor drain, a condensate pump or an approved drain point outside the house. Some AC units also have a secondary line that handles overflow if the main line gets blocked.Should an AC Drain Line Have Water in It?Yes, some water in the AC condensate drain is completely normal during air conditioning season. Your AC creates condensation as it removes humidity, so moisture should move through the line while the system runs. A healthy system channels that water out steadily. Standing water in the drain pan, damp spots near the indoor AC unit, stains around the line or dripping in the wrong place usually point to a drainage issue.What Happens If the AC Condensate Drain Is Clogged?Over time, dirt, dust, algae and other debris — in addition to a sickening, snotty sludge called zooglea — can collect inside the line. Once that buildup narrows the opening, the flow of water is impeded. As the clog worsens, the line may stop draining entirely, and the condensate pan can fill up.That resulting backup can have consequences for your air conditioner and your house, including:Seepage around the indoor unit. A clogged AC drain line can push water out of the drain pan and onto the floor, especially during periods of heavy AC use.Water damage. Drywall, flooring, insulation and wood framing can all suffer as moisture collects.Musty smells. Damp conditions around the condensate line and drain pan create conditions conducive to mildew and mold growth.System shutdowns. Some systems have a safety switch that turns the AC off when water rises too high in the pan — leaving you sweating amid the stoppage.Drain line clogs often start small, which makes early signs easy to overlook. A faint odor, a little extra moisture or a pan that keeps filling up can all signal that the AC drain needs to be cleared.Where Can I Drain My Condensate Line?In many homes, the condensate drain line runs to a floor drain, utility sink, condensate pump or spot outside where water can drain away safely. When that path is unobstructed, moisture leaves the indoor unit instead of collecting in the drain pan or around the system.Every home setup is a little different, as the drain location depends on the system design and local code. Before making any changes to where the line drains, check the manufacturer’s guidance and local requirements so the system can keep moving water out properly.How to Clean a Condensate Drain LineStart by checking the drain pan and the visible opening of the drain pipe for sludge, debris or standing water. To remove a simple clog, a wet/dry vac connected to the outside end of the PVC pipe — wrapped with duct tape to create a seal — can help pull out the blockage. To keep it clear, every two weeks to a month pour a cup of distilled white vinegar, bleach or manufacturer-approved AC line cleaner into the access point, followed by a cup of water, to flush out remaining residue.Follow these steps:Turn off the power. Safety comes first anytime you’re working near the indoor unit.Check the condensate pan. Water sitting in the pan can signal a slow drain or a full clog.Use a wet/dry vac. Strong suction may remove the clog from the outside drain opening.Flush the line. To help clean the drain, pour a cup of cleaning agent into the access point, then flush it with water.Watch for steady drainage. A smooth flow to the drainage point usually means the line is open again.Some clogs need more than a quick flush. Repeated backups, hidden pipe runs, heavy buildup or water damage around the unit often call for a closer inspection. In those cases, consulting a trusted HVAC technician can help identify the source of the blockage and make sure the rest of the system is draining the way it should.Why the Condensate Drain Line MattersMost homeowners spend very little time thinking about the condensate drain line, and that makes sense. It usually works quietly in the background. However, if it gets blocked, a small drainage issue can turn into a massive mess and a major repair.A clear condensate line helps your air conditioner manage moisture the way it’s designed to. Keep an eye on the drain pan, pay attention to puddles or musty smells and act immediately when drainage slows down. A little maintenance goes a long way with this vital moisture-mitigating component of your cooling system.This story was produced by HomeServe and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	2026 My Favorite Teacher \| Stephen LaCroix at Geneseo High School Stephen LaCroix has been conducting students in Geneseo's choir for 31 years, and with this year being his last year as a conductor, his students are honoring him.
	5 ways to eliminate credit card debt in 30 days 5 ways to eliminate credit card debt in 30 daysCredit card debt can feel overwhelming, especially when high interest makes it harder to make progress. For that reason, CreditNinja shared five tested ways to get rid of your credit card debt in 30 days, all without needing to earn another dollar.Key TakeawaysSome ways to eliminate credit card debt include using a balance transfer card to cut interest, consolidating balances with a personal loan, borrowing strategically from a 401(k), leveraging home equity, or enrolling in a debt management plan to lower rates and simplify payments.Balance transfer cards and personal loans work best for fast relief because they immediately reduce high interest, freeing more of your payment to attack the principal.Borrowing against assets like a 401(k) or home equity can drastically lower interest costs, but only makes sense with stable income due to serious repayment and collateral risks.Debt management plans don’t require new loans and can improve credit over time, but they take longer to set up and are better for long-term stability than quick payoff. Courtesy of CreditNinja Using Balance Transfer CardsThe first way is by getting a balance transfer credit card, which is similar to a balance transfer loan. Say you’ve got a bunch of credit card debt on your current credit card at 25% interest every month, which eats away at your finances. You don’t know what to do. Well, if your FICO score is high enough, you could apply for a balance transfer credit card that transfers your debt from the previous card with 25% interest to a new credit card with 0% interest for the first 12 to 18 months. It usually takes just a few days to set up.A balance transfer card may be worth it because it’s going to give you a lot of breathing room to tackle credit card debt without being bogged down by interest fees. So, what’s the catch? Firstly, if you don’t have a credit score above 690, it’ll be hard to get approved for a credit card with 0%. If you’re in that 580-669 range, you might be able to qualify for a balanced transfer card, but your rate might be closer to 10%, which is better than your current APR. However, keep in mind, these low rates are temporary, just like the 0% interest, and after six months to a year, they will shoot back up to the mid-20s.The second catch is that 0% interest may come with a one-time transfer fee of 3% to 5% of the total amount you transfer. So, if you’re transferring $10,000 worth of credit card debt, you could be looking at a transfer fee between $3 and $500. But this is still a great option if the transfer fee is less than the interest you would pay over time, which it usually is.Using Personal LoansThe next way to get rid of credit card debt is to get a personal loan to pay off high credit card balances. This option is a favorite amongst people who are looking to combine a bunch of different debts into just one loan, aka debt consolidation, or if they’re looking to take a high-interest credit card debt and trade it for a personal loan with a lower interest rate. Personal loans can be a good option because, with debt consolidation, instead of dealing with a bunch of different credit card companies all sending you different letters and written warnings, you can just deal with one company. And that also means you only have to keep track of one bill instead of 10.Even if your credit score isn’t the best, there are different personal loans out there for all credit score ranges. Regardless of what personal loan you end up going with, remember to pay down the debt aggressively. The goal is to eliminate debt, not just transfer it to another account.Using a 401(k) LoanThe next method for eliminating credit card debt is borrowing against your 401(k) employer plan. Now, this can be risky, but it might make sense for you if you have an employer-sponsored retirement plan but also have a low credit score.If your employer’s retirement plan allows it, you can typically borrow up to $50,000 or 50% of your 401(k) balance, whichever is less. There’s no credit check because you’re technically borrowing your own money. That means the interest rate is usually in the single digits instead of 20% or more. Not to mention, instead of paying interest to the loan provider, the interest paid on your 401(k) loan goes right back to your retirement account. And once you request the loan, it usually takes a few days to a couple of weeks to get the money. You can then use it to pay off your high-interest debt in one shot. From there, you start paying the loan back through payroll deductions. And because it comes out of your paycheck automatically, it’s pretty easy to stay on track with repayments.But that certainly doesn’t mean it’s not without a lot of risk. If you leave your job or get laid off, most 401(k) plans require you to pay back the full balance quickly, sometimes within 60 to 90 days. And if you can’t do that, the IRS may charge income taxes on it and probably a 10% early withdrawal penalty if you’re under 60. So, it’s vital that you have a super stable job if you want to use this method.Using a Home Equity LoanA home equity loan gives you a lump sum payment, and a HELOC gives you a flexible line of credit. Both offer lower interest rates than credit cards because, like the 401(k) plan, you’re offering something valuable as collateral. In this case, your home. So, once again, only consider this option if you’re confident you can handle the payments and you’ve got a stable income.Using a Debt Management PlanA debt management plan (DMP) could help you get your credit card debt under control without borrowing more money. Here’s how it generally works:You talk to a credit counselor. They take a look at everything you owe, and then you go to your credit card companies to negotiate lower interest rates for you.If the creditors agree, your interest rates drop, and your payments get rolled into one monthly payment that you send to the agency.The credit counselor handles the rest, making sure your credit card companies get paid on time every month.Enrolling in a DMP doesn’t hurt your credit score. And in many cases, your score starts to go up as your balances go down and your payment history gets back on track. So, it’s a solid option for people who are overwhelmed with minimum payments, need lower interest, but don’t want or can’t qualify for a debt consolidation loan, but it’s probably not the best option if you’re looking for fast results. Because if you contact a nonprofit credit counselor now, it will probably take a few weeks to set up your DMP.This story was produced by CreditNinja and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How Pittsburgh — host of this year's NFL draft — became a sports mecca The Pennsylvania city is hosting the draft for the first time in almost 80 years. Pittsburghers say the city's passionate fanbases and winning teams make the selection a natural fit.
	More than 1100 without power in the Iowa Quad Cities The outage started at 6:21 a.m.
	Pleasant Valley High School robotics team travel for world championship PV's 'Deviation from the Norm' is the first team from the high school to qualify for the international competition, which starts April 29.
	Get your hands dirty with Rock Island and Davenport's seed libraries Both public libraries offer five packets of seeds a month to take home and grow yourself.
	Federal budget changes to SNAP could cost Alabama up to $261 million Brandon Hardin, Alabama SNAP director, speaking at the April DHR meeting in the Gordon Persons Building on April 23, 2026, in Montgomery, Alabama. If DHR does not lower its error rate by October, the state will have to pay up to 15% of SNAP benefits under changes implemented by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)Federal changes to the supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP) will cost Alabama between $174 and $261 million, state officials said Thursday. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) introduced a penalty for states that have a high error rate in the SNAP program. Currently, Alabama’s error rate is around 10%, SNAP Director Brandon Hardin said at a quarterly meeting of the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR), which administers the program in the state. “We won’t get that final number until June of this year to even know what our FY25 rate is officially. That’s what makes a lot of this so difficult, is because when you’re dealing with quality control data, it’s always six months behind,” Hardin said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The penalty will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2027, and will be based on the error rate the state had at the end of fiscal year 2026. Errors are mostly from clients overpaying or underpaying for their benefits by not reporting a need within their household. In FY28, the state will be responsible for 10% or 15% of benefits for SNAP, which it has never had to pay for. Alabama is currently between penalty tiers. The state will be responsible for 10% of benefits if the error rate is between 8 and 9.99%, and 15% of benefits if the error rate is 10% or more. Hardin said there were 678,278 Alabamians enrolled in the SNAP program, about 44,200 less than October when a federal government shutdown left enrollees without benefits. Hardin said the disenrollments are due to federal eligibility changes, including requiring that able-bodied adults without dependents on SNAP must report 80 hours per month of work or volunteering. “We work closely with the food banks, and they do a tremendous job at filling that aid,” Hardin said in an interview after the meeting. “For every meal they provide, SNAP provides nine. Maintaining the SNAP program is very important.” Commissioner Nancy Buckner said that the agency submitted a waiver to the federal government to only count client errors and not county agency errors in an effort to lower the rate, but it was denied. “For instance, in October of this year, we had x amount of dollars, 75% of those were client errors. That doesn’t mean it was client fraud, just client errors,” Hardin said. Hardin said that other states have reached out to Alabama to ask questions about the error rate, and Alabama has done the same. “We’re going to continue to move forward,” Hardin said. “We’ve made over 15 changes already, significant changes, to our policy.” The Legislature appropriated $148.4 million, but it will only be released if the department lowers the error rate to 6%, which would prevent the state from paying for part of the program, by Oct. 1, or develops a plan to cover the cost of federal funding cuts. For fiscal year 2024, Alabama’s error rate was 8.32%, under the national average of 10.93%, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Senate Finance and Taxation General Fund budget chair Greg Albritton, R-Atmore, said in a phone interview Thursday afternoon that the state does not have the $174 to $261 million additional funds to cover SNAP benefits if the error rate is not reduced. “We don’t have the extra funds to fund it, that’s part of the law also. DHR’s gotta figure out a route to meet the benefits of the needy that are on these programs if the error rate does not come down,” Albritton said. Lawmakers have been preparing for smaller budgets since pandemic-era relief funds have gone away. Kirk Fulford, legislative fiscal officer, told lawmakers in January to be “conservative” with budgets and that 2028 will be a “rock fight.” Albritton said Thursday that the Legislature’s priority remains getting services to Alabamians and funding agencies, but it may look different due to a reduction in revenue. “I remain optimistic that we’re gonna be OK. We’re not the only state facing this brick wall. Most states are,” Albritton said. “We’re going to do everything we can to meet the needs that are there.” This story was updated Friday at 8:58 a.m. to correct that the cost-sharing penalty will go into effect on Oct. 1, 2027, not 2028, which marks the beginning of FY28. Courtesy of Alabama Reflector
	Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is extended by 3 weeks as tensions rise in Strait of Hormuz Hezbollah and Israel traded fire just hours after the ceasefire extension was announced, underscoring its fragility.
	Iowa lawmaker to host Q&A with author who detailed journey as transgender woman in memoir State Rep. Ken Croken will host an Illinois author for a Q&A Saturday who detailed her journey as a transgender woman in a recent memoir.
	65th QC Honor Flight scheduled for May 6 On May 6, the 65th Honor Flight will leave the Quad Cities International Airport with more than 80 veterans on their way to Washington D. C. to see the memorials built in their honor, a news release says. Among those veterans will be a World War 2 veteran who is 102. Although the first Quad [...]
	Eldridge eyes new city hall and police station, could put referendum on November ballot The city is considering going to the voters in November to ask for permission to bond and build a new combination city hall-police station and move its public works facility.
	Alabama Department of Corrections abruptly cancels $1 billion health care contract A prison cell in Holman Correctional Facility in Atmore, Alabama, as seen on Oct. 22, 2019. The Alabama Department of Corrections abruptly canceled a $1 billion health care contract for what it said was the contractor's "failure to adequately fulfill its contractual duties." (File)The Alabama Department of Corrections has terminated a $1 billion health care contract with a troubled Tennessee company for what it called a “failure to adequately fulfill its contractual duties.” ADOC said it terminated the 5-year contract that it awarded in 2023 had with Tennessee-based YesCare after it was reported that the company could not meet payroll to pay its employees. “To ensure uninterrupted medical service, ADOC is working to execute an emergency agreement with NaphCare to provide inmate healthcare services,” Corrections said in a statement on Thursday. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX ADOC also said it would officially change the vendor to NaphCare on May 3. A message was sent to the company on Thursday seeking comment. Charles Williams, deputy commissioner for ADOC, told lawmakers at a meeting of the Joint Prison Oversight Committee on Wednesday that ADOC had switched to NaphCare, based in Birmingham, “over the weekend.” “We are on an emergency contract right now,” he said. “It is an emergency contract with NaphCare because we wanted to make sure that the population gets the care that they should receive.” Williams did not disclose the terms of the new contract that was approved, but it will eventually be before the Legislature at the Contract Review Committee that meets monthly. “Our immediate focus is making sure this transition is smooth—for both patients and staff,” NaphCare said in a statement that was included in the ADOC news release. “Continuity of care is critical, and we’re committed to maintaining it from day one.” The leadership that will oversee the health care in the prisons will be comprised of people from both companies, according to Williams, but the staff that provides health care to people in ADOC custody will remain the same. The change happened several days after reports that several YesCare employees did not report to work because they had not been paid. Their paychecks were eventually deposited after a few days. “The ADOC continues to work with YesCare to ensure health care services are uninterrupted for the inmate population,” ADOC said in a statement provided on April 14. “The ADOC is also in discussions with YesCare to prevent any future payroll delays.” Members were surprised when they learned that ADOC had terminated the contract. “We just found out today,” Rep. Chris England, D-Tuscaloosa, said in an interview following the meeting. “We literally just found out that we have a new health care provider in our health care system today.” He added, “Did we break news today?” The Wall Street Journal reported in March that YesCare forfeited its protection from Chapter 11 bankruptcy after it failed to make its required payment installments to a creditor last month. “Who knew that a company that started off bankrupt, who took this deal so it can pay creditors, ended up bankrupt?” England said. “Who couldn’t see that coming? What is going to be the collateral damage to our budget? Because it is going to grow the health care budget from now until next year exponentially by terminating one contract and hiring another company midstream.” England and other members of the Contract Review Committee raised questions about the YesCare contract when it came up for review in February 2023. During the meeting, Mary Coleman-Roberts, then the acting general counsel for ADOC, said the company did not submit the lowest bid but that it was within 10% the lowest bid and offered competitive salaries to allow Corrections to reach the federally-mandated staffing requirements. England also raised questions at the 2023 meeting about the presence of Bill Lunsford, a private attorney who has made millions of dollars representing DOC in lawsuits, on an advisory board for YesCare during bidding. Coleman-Roberts said at the time that Lunsford was not involved in the first round of bidding on the contract and had left the company by the time a second round began. Lawmakers said they warned Corrections about the company’s financial situation even prior to the Committee learning of the $1 billion contract that was awarded at the February 2023 meeting. “Rep. England was talking about this before the contract was signed with YesCare,” said Rep. Matt Simpson, R-Daphne, in an interview following the meeting on Wednesday. “He was bringing up this specific issue; he was bringing up the history of this company. We had these conversations years ago. Before the contract was signed, he was bringing this up.” Courtesy of Alabama Reflector
	Cook review: 'Normal' is extraordinary thriller with action, laughs There's nothing "Normal" about this clever little thriller. And that's a good thing. This is full of action, dark humor, and quirky characters in a great small-town setting (yes, it's named for the town in Illinois, but it takes place in the non-existent town of Normal, Minnesota.) Bob Odernkirk, who now is a bonafide action-movie [...]
	Quiet weekend followed by more severe storms While severe weather was widespread across the Plains and the Midwest Thursday, a few strong storms moved across the Quad Cities area. Now that the rain is moving away, quiet weather is expected this weekend. Heavy rain and the threat of severe weather return by Monday. Here's your complete 7-day forecast.
	Moline High School junior to join University of Illinois cancer research lab for summer Anjali Kumar, a junior at Moline High, will be taking her interests in STEM to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's cancer research lab this summer.
	Trains and Planes This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Several times a day, airplanes descend over Rock Island, riding the wind down toward the airport, one or two hundred…
	'Self-aware' robots can learn complex tasks by watching humans. Is that a good thing? Scientists say they've made a key breakthrough that would allow robots to figure out complex tasks on their own — but experts say it raises questions about how much risk comes with letting robots be in charge of their own learning.
	Why Trump wants to spend $1 billion on Great Salt Lake Utah's Great Salt Lake has been labeled an "environmental nuclear bomb" and it has the attention of the president of the United States.
	After 2 failed votes, Mike Johnson unveils new plan to extend key U.S. spy powers With an April 30 deadline fast approaching, Johnson unveiled his latest proposal to extend the controversial surveillance program known as FISA 702.
	Heated socks sold at Costco recalled after wearers report second-degree burns The recall covers roughly 207,800 pairs of 32 Degrees-branded socks which the CPSC says are tied to at least 14 "heat-related incidents." Thirteen of those incidents involved burns.
	2 young people arrested in alleged plot to attack Houston synagogue Two young people have been arrested in an alleged plot to attack a Texas synagogue that involved driving through the congregation to "kill as many Jews as possible," according authorities.
	Severe Thunderstorm Warning until FRI 12:45 AM CDT Severe Thunderstorms with Damaging Winds Expected Overnight
	Trump administration vows crackdown on Chinese firms 'exploiting' U.S. AI models The Trump administration is vowing to crack down on foreign tech companies' exploitation of U.S. artificial intelligence models, singling out China at a time that country is narrowing the gap with the U.S. in the AI race.
	EU approves a $106 billion loan package to help Ukraine after Hungary lifts its veto The European Union on Thursday approved a $106-billion loan package to help Ukraine meet its economic and military needs for two years, ending months of political deadlock.
Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
	Tornado Warning until FRI 12:30 AM CDT Tornado Warning: Immediate Action Required in Southeastern Cedar, Scott, and Clinton Counties
	Wiffle-ball wizards: Quad-Cities robotics team heads to world championship The team qualified for the championship at the 2026 State of Iowa Championship, according to a media release.
	Drake Relays: April 23rd Local athletes were in action for the first day of Drake Relays. Burlington junior Kylee Hill won the shot put championship at the Drake Relays on Thursday
	PV girls soccer pick up win, North and Assumption boys soccer tie Pleasant Valley girls soccer defeated Central DeWitt in DeWitt 2-0. Davenport North boys soccer hosted Assumption and tied 0-0
	Geneseo softball defeats Alleman 5-1 making it programs 1,000th win Geneseo softball picked up the program’s 1,000th win Thursday defeating Alleman 5-1.
	Storms weakening as they approach Quad Cities Thursday night As expected, storms are weakening quite a bit as they approach the Quad Cities late Thursday night. There's still a chance for a few t'storms around midnight, but widespread severe weather is not expected tonight. Rain wraps up early Friday morning.
	Putnam Museum fundraising to bring triceratops skeleton to museum If secured, the triceratops would be the first permanent dinosaur skeleton in Iowa.
	Libraries in the Quad Cities offering seeds as well as books Residents can pick up free packs of seeds from the library and grow them in their own backyards!
	Derby Day at the Mansion returns to Rivermont Collegiate You can watch the Kentucky Derby in style with food, drinks & contests on May 2 at the historic Bettendorf Mansion. The money raised will support Rivermont students.
	Quad City Animal Welfare Center seeking hospice home for calico cat Born in 2017, Luna has a pituitary tumor and requires some extra care, but shelter officials said she still has plenty of love to offer.
	Quad Cities runner completes 50 marathons in 50 states Danny Fleener is one of very few people to ever complete 50 marathons in 50 states.
	102-year-old WWII veteran to go on 65th Honor Flight Officials said it’s been several years since a World War II veteran has volunteered to go on a flight.
	Ride the rails for historic trains in the QCA All aboard! Area locomotive enthusiasts are on track for an unforgettable adventure discovering historic trains. Our Quad Cities News photojournalist Mike Colón takes us for a ride with Railroading Heritage of Midwest America at Silvis Train Days. For more information, click here.
	Nominee for Alaska Police Standards Council defends conspiracy theories An Alaska State Trooper's shoulder patch is seen on Thursday, Jan. 25, 2024. (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)Members of the Senate Judiciary committee put questions to a governor’s nominee for the Alaska Police Standards Council about her social media posts during a confirmation hearing Wednesday. Veronica Lambertsen defended conspiracy theories around the Holocaust, blood-harvesting from children and the Jan. 6 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. Lambertsen has been nominated by Gov. Mike Dunleavy to serve a three-year term representing one of four public seats on the 13-member Alaska Police Standards Council, which oversees law enforcement standards across the state. Lambertsen has served on the council since being nominated in August, but her name was removed from the council’s website Thursday afternoon, following the hearing and media coverage of the posts. Dunleavy’s office did not respond to a request for comment about her nomination, her social media posts and the removal of her name from the website on Thursday. Lambertsen is the owner and operator of a motel in Birch Creek, a small neighborhood in Turnagain Arm that is part of the municipality of Anchorage. She also serves as a voluntary member of the local Turnagain Arm Community Council, according to her resume. Lawmakers in the House expressed skepticism in a hearing earlier this month and questioned Lambertsen’s experience, connections with law enforcement and eligibility for the seat. Sens. Matt Claman, D-Anchorage, and Löki Tobin, D-Achorage, are seen in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on Apr. 20, 2026. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon) In a second confirmation hearing on Wednesday, following questions about her background, chair Sen. Matt Claman, D-Anchorage, asked about several social media posts going back many years. “One of the postings that I saw was a posting that you didn’t believe the Holocaust was real,” Claman said. “Do you believe the Holocaust occurred during World War II?” Lambertsen said it was a tragedy, but that she has questions. “Do I believe something happened at the Holocaust, and a tragedy and a lot of people died?” she said. “Yes, I believe that actually happened. Are we being told the true story about it all? No, I don’t believe we’re being told the true story about it all.” “What do you believe is the true story?” Claman asked. “That I don’t know yet,” she replied. The Alaska Police Standards Council is charged with setting and enforcing standards for law enforcement, including police, probation, parole and correctional officers. They’re also tasked with reviewing regulation and investigating misconduct, like officer discipline and use of force. A zip drive of selected posts from Lambertsen’s public Facebook page compiled by legislative staff and reviewed by the Alaska Beacon includes posts going back to 2021 related to a variety of conspiracy theories — questioning the shape of the Earth, the moon landing, the 2020 election results and the Jan. 6 insurrection, as well as posts related to the far-right internet conspiracy theory movement QAnon. Claman asked about a QAnon claim that children are being harvested for a chemical called adrenochrome from their blood. After a long pause, Lambertsen responded similarly that she had questions. “From information I have seen and documentation that was provided the question that should be asked,” she said. Claman said in an interview Thursday that he found the hearing troubling. “For this position, which really means you’re providing some degree of supervision and regulation of our public safety officers, I just have a lot of concerns, given her perspective,” he said. Lambertsen did not respond to a request for comment on Thursday. She told the Juneau Independent that what she posts on social media is separate from what’s involved in serving on the council. Sen. Löki Tobin, D-Anchorage, raised the issue that Lambertsen may not be eligible to serve on a seat reserved for a member of the public from a rural district. Two of the four public seats are reserved for members representing communities with a population of 2,500 people or less. “I think this is unfortunately a situation of where Ms. Lambertsen has been put into a seat that she is not qualified to hold based on statute and practice,” she said. “I would encourage Ms. Lambertsen to consider withdrawing her own name, as she is, in my estimation and read of the statute, not legal to sit in the seat.” The Senate Judiciary Committee forwarded Lambertsen’s nomination on Wednesday to a vote by a joint session of the Legislature. But whether she will be considered is uncertain, as her name is no longer listed on the state website describing the council. A joint session for state appointments to boards and commissions, including for Attorney General Stephen Cox, is scheduled for May 7. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Alaska Beacon
	'Is AI Coming For Your Job?' \| Free public forum on May 8 As part of the Quad Cities Civic Conversations, the talk in Rock Island will explore both the promise and disruption tied to AI, particularly in the classroom.
	Quad City Animal Welfare Center seeking hospice home for calico cat Born in 2017, Luna has a pituitary tumor and requires some extra care, but shelter officials said she still has plenty of love to offer.
	City of Rock Island, Augustana College, plan public meeting about Southwest RI Wetlands The City of Rock Island and Augustana College will co-host a public information meeting on their partnership to study the Southwest Rock Island Wetlands and the status of the proposed Land and Water Reserve of 550 acres. Through the partnership, Augustana students and faculty will contribute applied research and data analysis to help inform the [...]
	Sudden cannabis reclassification leaves Maryland industry, regulators confused Workers at gLeaf Medical tend to plants in a grow room at a medical marijuana facility in Richmond, Virginia. (Photo by Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury)A surprise reclassification of medical marijuana to a less dangerous drug on Thursday has left many Marylanders with more questions than answers. Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order Thursday that would move medical marijuana from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug, moving it from the category of drugs like heroin and LSD to the same category as some pain medicine, ketamine and testosterone. “This rescheduling action allows for research on the safety and efficacy of this substance, ultimately providing patients with better care and doctors with more reliable information,” Blanche said in a press release announcing the change. The announcement represents perhaps the biggest change in 50 years for cannabis since the passage of the Controlled Substances Act. It also came without warning or advance notice, said Maryland regulators and businesses, who are scrambling to understand the changes. “While the federal government pursues rescheduling, Maryland law remains fully operative and unchanged, and state licensing and enforcement continues as enacted by Maryland General Assembly,” said an emailed statement from the Maryland Cannabis Administration, the state’s cannabis regulatory agency. “The Maryland Cannabis Administration is currently reviewing the federal action in coordination with legal counsel and state leadership and will provide further guidance to Maryland medical patients, consumers, and licensed businesses,” the statement said. In calls to cannabis shops around the state Thursday, the answers were virtually identical: Employees said they’re not sure what the changes mean to Maryland, they’re waiting for guidance from the Cannabis Administration and, in the meantime, they plan to conduct business as usual.” Part of the problem is that Blanche’s order applies only to medical marijuana, which is allowed in 40 states. But Maryland is one of 24 states and the District of Columbia that have also legalized marijuana for recreational use for adults 21 and older. “We are still figuring out some of these answers ourselves as we speak with partners across other states and federally,” said Maryland Cannabis Administration Director Tabatha Robinson in an interview Thursday. Blanche said the change was also designed to allow for more research on cannabis. But questions remain for some about whether the order will make research easier. Research on Schedule III drugs is still subject to stringent regulations. The biggest benefit of the change comes in the form of a tax break. Even as states moved to legalize the sales of medical and recreational cannabis, the substance remained illegal at the federal level, where provisions in the federal tax code impose a penalty on the sales of Schedule I drugs. Businesses typically pay taxes on the gross income minus expenses. Corporations pay about 21%, with small businesses paying less, according to the Marijuana Policy Project. Cannabis businesses in Maryland, though legal and licensed in the state, are not eligible to claim the federal deduction. “The industry has suffered underneath that provision, especially dispensaries, because they can write almost nothing off, you know, the way, the way it’s structured,” said Jake Van Wingerden, owner of Cecil County-based SunMed Growers. The General Assembly fixed the law on the state level so cannabis businesses can claim the write-off on their state tax returns. “My tax returns are a big, complicated mess, because we file one set based on state taxes for profits versus the federal, which is based on sales,” Van Wingerden said. Changing the classification of cannabis eliminates the federal tax penalty on medical marijuana. “So the entire industry is now not penalized with taxes,” Van Wingerden said. “They’re treated just like every other business in America for taxes, where they’re taxed on their actual profits.” The state’s medical cannabis program began in earnest in 2014. But it would be two years before the first licenses were issued, and the first medical sales did not happen until December 2017. When the state legalized the drug for recreational use, it relied on the existing system of licensed growers, manufactures and dispensaries. The medical dispensaries at the time were transitioned over into a hybrid license model that sold to both medical and recreational users. The only difference was that medical cannabis cardholders were exempt from the taxes paid by recreational users. It’s not clear if or how cannabis sold for recreational use would be tracked or how the order would apply. The order also contains a provision that appears to require manufacturers to sell their product to the federal government for a nominal fee. The Federal government would then sell the product to a “registered purchaser” at the same price. Bringing in the federal government as a mid-level distributor of sorts sets up a potential federal cannabis tax or surcharge. Cannabis growers would be required to pay an “administrative fee for such transactions,” according to the order. Even with the uncertainties and confusion, Van Wingerden said the order “represents the next step in legitimacy for the industry.” It may also open the door to changes in federal banking laws. Federal restrictions and a lack of clear federal policy in the face of a patchwork of laws across the country have hamstrung business in the cannabis industry. Many banks are hesitant to help cannabis businesses with financing or even corporate banking accounts. “Now that rescheduling has been done, some of those other legislative steps have momentum now to get done,” Van Wingerden said. Courtesy of Maryland Matters
	Wildfires rage in Georgia, Florida \| In The News Now Wildfires burning across Southeast Georgia and Northeast Florida have destroyed dozens of homes and forced evacuations. Historic drought is fueling the flames.
	Davenport man sentenced to federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon He was sentenced Wednesday after pleading guilty in December.
	USDA cuts create worries for family farms The Trump Administration has proposed an almost $5 billion cut to USDA programs aimed to help small family farms, bringing worries for those who use the programs.
	Michael Beane named Eastern Iowa Community Colleges vice chancellor Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) has named Michael Beane as its next vice chancellor of student services. According to a release from EICC: According to the release, Beane will lead student services across the district and support ongoing work to strengthen how students are served. He will transition into the role over the next few [...]
	U.S. soldier charged with suspected Polymarket insider trading over Maduro raid It's the first time suspected insider trading on Polymarket has led to criminal charges in the U.S.
	U.S. soldier charged with using classified information to bet on Maduro's removal It's the first time suspected insider trading on Polymarket has led to criminal charges in the U.S.
	SC farmers say they’re in crisis. Senators propose $35M in assistance. Senators want to offer farmers $35 million in financial assistance on top of federal help as rising costs risk closing farms under a budget clause added Thursday, April 23, 2026. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Courtesy of S.C. State Ports Authority)COLUMBIA — Small farmers say they’re in trouble, and legislators want to help. On Thursday, senators added a clause to the state budget that would collectively give farmers $35 million in financial assistance. And representatives proposed their own, separate legislation that upped the aid to $50 million. The Senate’s budget clause, which is part of its $15.3 billion spending plan, would give farmers money based on how many acres of crops they have planted, with grants maxing out at $135,000 each. The state assistance would be in addition to the $70 million farmers are expected to receive under the federal Farmer Bridge Assistance program, created under the One Big Beautiful Bill to give farmers nationwide a combined $12 billion. As more SC farms give way to suburban sprawl, a land preservation program is on the rise So far, South Carolina farmers have received about $52 million under the federal program. Even with the proposed state help, the total is still not enough, said Harry Ott, a Calhoun County farmer and head of the state Farm Bureau. “We’re asking for a Band-Aid on top of a Band-Aid,” said Ott, the former state House minority leader. The state’s row croppers, who grow corn, soybeans, cottons and produce, have lost about $700 million over the past two years, according to Farm Bureau data. “There is no sugarcoating the situation that our state is in right now with regard to our agricultural economy,” said Sen. Wes Climer, a Rock Hill Republican who proposed the budget clause. “It is in absolute crisis right now.” A number of problems converged to create such a crisis, Ott and senators said. The number of farms has dwindled as stagnant sales prices for crops and increasing costs drove many out of business. With farmers already on the edge, the war in Iran drove up fertilizer and fuel prices, Ott said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A drought during what would normally be planting time for several crops only made matters worse, he said. “We’re sitting still and waiting for the good Lord to send some rain,” said Ott, who farms cotton, corn and soybeans. As the state’s population grows, many farmers are tempted to sell their land to developers looking to build homes and businesses, causing farmland to dwindle even faster. That has left “an entire industry on the brink,” said his son, Sen. Russell Ott. “There’s nothing we can do up here this week that is absolutely going to save everyone,” the St. Matthews Democrat said on the Senate floor Tuesday. “There are going to be farmers in your communities that go out of business this year. That is the sad reality of where we are.” Nothing the state can do will solve the problems, most of which are national problems, said Sen. JD Chaplin, a fourth-generation farmer and Darlington Republican. Stopgap funding can at least get farmers through the coming year, with the hope that costs eventually go back down and next year brings a better crop, he said. Farms closing means more than simply the loss of a business for the state, said Chaplin, who abstained from voting. Crops grown on his farm include corn, cotton, soybeans and grains. Farmers are struggling mentally under the stress of trying to balance their livelihoods with rising costs. Calls to a suicide hotline dedicated specifically to those who work in agriculture, called AgriSafe, have increased in recent years, according to the latest data in the nonprofit’s annual report. Running a generational farm can be a lot of pressure as farmers worry about being the one to lose land their family has tended for decades, Chaplin said. He worries about his own friends amid the financial pressures. “It’s hard,” Chaplin said. “It’s very difficult, what’s going on in our industry right now.” Under the Senate plan, the money would come from a fund the Department of Commerce uses to encourage businesses to locate in the state. Amid frustration over cost overruns in the construction of a Scout Motors plant in Blythewood, senators added a separate clause in the budget requiring the economic development agency to go through the Legislature before spending any money on new economic development projects, freeing up that money to spend elsewhere. Representatives introduced a different plan Thursday in the House that would dole out $50 million in grants through a “farm aid” fund. The bipartisan bill would put the Office of Resilience in charge of distributing the grants, with help from the Department of Agriculture in developing the details. So far, 72 representatives have signed on. “South Carolina farmers are the backbone of our rural communities and our state’s economy,” said the bill’s primary sponsor, Bamberg Democrat Rep. Justin Bamberg, in a statement. “When they’re struggling, it affects all of us.” Local beef Cattle farmers could use some help too, said Sen. Everett Stubbs. While the situation isn’t as dire as it is for those who farm row crops, a budget clause Stubbs proposed would study the feasibility of building a central processing facility in South Carolina where beef cattle spend the final months of their lives before being slaughtered and packaged for sale — called a feed lot. The Senate adopted the proposal by voice vote. If there aren’t any good locations to build such a facility, the state should consider whether to give farmers grants to cover the cost of processing cattle on their own farms, Stubbs said. Most farmers ship their cattle to other states for that process, which is known as finishing, because South Carolina doesn’t have anywhere to house or process those cows, said Stubbs, a Republican from Rock Hill. When Chaplin used to farm cows, he shipped them off to Michigan, then to California for processing, he said. “It wasn’t really an option here,” Chaplin said. That adds to the cost, and it makes people think they’re buying beef from other places when it could be advertised as homegrown, Stubbs said. “I believe that South Carolinians are loyal people,” Stubbs said. “I think if we were able to at least market, ‘Hey, this cow was South Carolina originated, fed with South Carolina corn, I think people, including myself, would probably pay a premium” to help out their neighbors. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of South Carolina Daily Gazette
	The Heart of the Story: For the love of cars Our Quad Cities News is partnering with award-winning journalist Gary Metivier for The Heart of the Story. Each week, Gary showcases inspiring stories of everyday people doing cool stuff, enjoying their hobbies and living life to the fullest. Stories that feature the best of the human condition. Bringing old classic cars back to life is [...]
	This is the ‘hard cap’ vs. ‘soft cap’ difference delaying property tax deal Two Iowa Republican leaders are optimistic about a property tax reform deal this year despite several differences on policy.
	Iowa bill would ban warrant resolution clinics A bill in Iowa could make things a bit more complicated when it comes to resolving low-level warrants without arrest. House Study Bill 780 would ban warrant resolution clinics, defined as any formal or informal gathering that allows people with outstanding warrants to resolve them without being arrested. The first-ever warrant resolution clinic in Iowa [...]
	1 billion pounds recycled at Scott Area Recycling Center The Scott Area Recycling Center has sorted 1 billion pounds from the Quad Cities area since curbside collection started in 1995, according to a media release.
	Rock Island and Augustana College to host public meeting on future study of wetlands The city and Augustana College are partnering on the project, giving students a chance for hands-on experience studying the wetlands.
	Tuition to rise for 12th year in a row at Oregon’s public universities Graduates celebrate at Oregon State University-Cascades in Bend on June 18, 2024. Tuition at Oregon's public universities will increase in the fall, the 12th school year in a row that prices have gone up. (Photo courtesy of Oregon State University)Tuition will be up again at Oregon’s seven public universities this fall, marking the 12th school year in a row that each of the state’s four-year post-secondary institutions raised the cost of admission for incoming freshmen. The continued reliance on rising tuition to cover the bulk of university costs without greater investment by the state year-over-year means Oregon’s public four-year institutions are, on average, the most expensive public higher education institutions in the West, according to the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education. For six of the last 10 years, resident undergraduate tuition increases in Oregon have exceeded the rate of inflation, averaging 4.3% each year for the last decade, or about $430 more each year. Schools need permission from the state’s Higher Education Coordinating Commission if they seek to raise tuition by 5% or more. <img decoding="async" src="https://public.flourish.studio/visualisation/28670461/thumbnail" alt="chart visualization" style="margin-bottom: 10px; max-width:100%;" /> None of Oregon’s four-year public universities has frozen or lowered resident undergraduate tuition since the 2014-15 school year, according to commission data. “Tuition in Oregon is too high,” commission director Ben Cannon said in an email. He characterized the state’s investment in higher education as “meager” and said that “as long as Oregon continues to rank among the lowest third of states for public investment in higher education, we can expect that tuition — and tuition increases — here will be relatively high.” Along with underfunding from the state, board members at the University of Oregon, Oregon State University, Portland State University, Oregon Institute of Technology and Western and Southern Oregon universities who approved the tuition increases cited enrollment volatility, inflation, rising labor costs and budget deficits as reasons for the increases. Eastern Oregon University’s Board of Trustees will vote on a proposed increase at the end of May, but the board typically approves recommendations from administrators. Student tuition and fees make up more than half of revenue at every Oregon university. That’s one of the highest proportions in the nation, according to a 2022 report commissioned by lawmakers from the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems, a nonprofit think tank in Colorado. About 25 years ago, public funding accounted for up to 75% of the cost of each full-time employee at an Oregon university. Now, it pays for about 50% or less, researchers found. Oregon’s per-pupil funding for full-time college students is significantly less than what California and Washington provide per student. In 2025, the state spent about $6,500 per full-time-enrolled student at a public university, well below the national average of $11,150 per full-time student and less than all but four other states, according to the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association. Students and their families have largely covered the difference by taking out loans. More than 500,000 Oregonians are paying back federal loans, with an average college debt load of $38,000. More than 40% are under the age of 35, according to U.S. Department of Education and U.S. Census Bureau data. Enrollment at Oregon’s public universities in the past decade has, on average, remained flat or declined. Oregon State University is the exception, with about 17% more students enrolled last year across all levels than were enrolled in 2017. Portland State University’s enrollment, on the other hand, has declined by nearly 40% since 2017, going from more than 27,000 students in 2017 to about 19,700 students in 2025. Another revenue boosting measure for universities has been accepting more students from out of state, who pay roughly two to three times as much as Oregon residents to attend the state’s public universities. Students from other states make up about half of enrollment at Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. For non-resident undergraduate students, tuition next year will rise on average by $1,200, higher than the average $988 annual increase for the past ten years. window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}); Cannon added that prospective students should look behind the “sticker price” of college tuition, however. “Thanks to direct support from the federal and state government, and from institutions themselves, many students pay far less than the published tuition price,” he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Courtesy of Oregon Capital Chronicle
	Kansas ag leaders weigh solutions for veterinarian shortages that affect rural communities Kansas faces a shortage of veterinarians choosing to practice in large animal clinics in rural areas, and Kansas agriculture leaders are working to change that. (Photo by Morgan Chilson/Kansas Reflector)TOPEKA — Kansas and the nation face a veterinarian shortage, and state agriculture experts are collaborating to draw more vets to practice in rural areas. Kansas State University officials are supporting programs that introduce veterinary students to rural lifestyles and gathering data to understand where shortages exist, said Brad White, director of K-State’s Beef Cattle Institute and director of the Veterinary Training Program for Rural Kansas. The United States has lost about 90% of its food animal veterinarians since the 1940s, according to a 2023 Johns Hopkins study. But it is challenging to get a handle on specific needs within the state, White said. About 2,500 licensed vets practice in Kansas, a number that has been steady for a few years, according to a survey published last year by the Farm Journal Foundation and the Kansas Department of Agriculture. The difficulty is tracking specific areas in Kansas that have veterinary shortages and in what practice areas those shortages are occurring, White said. Veterinarians may have mixed animal practices, meaning they care for large and companion animals, or they may specialize, he said. In 2020, K-State surveys of veterinarians and producers gathered data about vet practices, but couldn’t define exactly what services were offered or needed in different areas, White said. “It helped us identify that many producers feel there’s a shortage area, and there’s not an easy mathematical or numerical way to define it,” he said. In general, the shortage is felt more in rural areas where vets are needed to support ranchers and, ultimately, the food system. K-State works with other agricultural organizations through the Rural Veterinary Workforce Committee, White said, including the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Farm Bureau, the Livestock Marketing Association, and the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association. That group tackles the shortage from various angles, including considering needs to serve agricultural producers, increasing numbers of trained veterinarians, and understanding the needs in different parts of the state, he said. “We’re more focused on that mixed animal livestock service component because agriculture in general, and livestock specifically, are really important to our rural Kansas,” he said. Megan Kilgore, executive director at the Kansas Veterinary Medical Association, said other states are considering solutions that include creating a para-professional role that could work with veterinarians, much like nurse practitioners in health care, or doing more veterinary work by telemedicine. Colorado created a mid-level practitioner position in 2024, which wasn’t widely supported among veterinarians, she said. Many vets also are unsure about telemedicine because, unlike human patients, animals can’t talk and veterinarian work is very hands on, Kilgore said. At K-State, veterinary students can enroll in a program that introduces them to rural communities, the practices located there and the challenges of working as a veterinarian in those areas, White said. Nationally, about 12% of graduating veterinary students go into mixed or large animal practices, he said, with most leaning toward companion animal practices. But at K-State, 25% to 30% of students go into mixed or large animal practices, he said. Part of that is attributable to K-State’s location in an agricultural state, he said, but it is also because of the university’s focus on introducing students to rural options. “Since about 2012, we’ve really emphasized the additional training for those students and the additional building of their knowledge base to make them comfortable in both selecting the right practice and forming a good cohort as they get to those rural communities,” he said. Practicing in a rural community can be lonely and professionally isolating, White said, and helping veterinarians connect to others in their field has made a difference. “The result of that has been that over 95% of them have fulfilled their four-year commitment, which is a good starting point,” he said. “The goal is to keep them there for four years.” White said 80% of veterinarians in the program continue to practice in Kansas after four years. Rural living Justin Welsh, a veterinarian and executive director of food animal technical services at Merck Animal Health, said his company partnered with the Farm Journal Foundation to address vet shortages. Just 3% of graduating veterinarians nationally went into food animal services last year, he said. Young people who grew up on a farm aren’t returning to the farm as often, he said. Sometimes the farm isn’t big enough to support them or their family sold the farm, and sometimes they want a different lifestyle, Welsh said. Although programs offering to pay student loans attract veterinarians to rural areas, Welsh said that is a short-term solution. The problem needs to be considered from a larger perspective, he said. “Human nature, and also some generational factors, have told us or shown us that at some point, for a lot of people, money is not the biggest thing,” he said. “I think long-term the things that we have to address are fitting the person to the environment, and that includes the social aspect of small towns.” Rural practices may not pay as well as those in the cities, he said. Add in that many young people are looking for better work-life balance than previous generations, and that, too, can make rural practices less attractive, Welsh said. “They have to be on-call practically all the time. Emergencies are one of the big detractors from rural practice,” Welsh said. The area rural vets cover can be demanding, with emergencies taking a vet three hours away from home, he said. “One of the solutions is training people when they can — and it’s not always the case that they can — to bring emergencies to a centralized point,” Welsh said. “That’s one thing that a lot of practices are being designed around.” Welsh said transparency and immersion help veterinary students know what to expect, rather than recruiting them to rural areas just for them to be surprised by the practice style. ‘Work isn’t everything’ Kilgore said about 80% of veterinarians in Kansas are female, a significant shift from decades past. Work hours are always a discussion when veterinarians get together, she said, and that increased since COVID because “everybody figured out that work isn’t everything.” “I think people have decided that family may come first now, and 20 years ago even, family would take a backseat,” she said. “That changes the dynamics of veterinary medicine because most of the females who have gotten into veterinary medicine also want to have families, and committing 24 hours, seven days a week to your clients is tough.” Kilgore said there are women veterinarians who choose to do that, but the pool is smaller. In rural areas, there are few opportunities to share the work by splitting emergency calls with another veterinarian, she said. “When we talk about shortage of employees, it’s more a shortage of folks who desire to have that practice type,” she said. White identified transparency as a way to appeal to K-State students who enroll in the school’s food animal certificate program, which includes preparing them for the lifestyle, time, finances and business acumen needed to be successful as a solo practitioner. “It provides those students with skills and aptitudes for food animal medicine that will help them be successful early on, which helps lead to retention,” White said. “Because one of the reasons you leave a job is ‘I don’t feel like I can do this job.’” The food animal certificate costs nothing for veterinary students but gives them a pathway to explore that type of medicine, he said. In classes of 120 vet students, about 30 to 35 per class enroll in it, he said. “We’ve actually had out-of-state people come here because of that food animal certificate program, and some of those have ended up staying in Kansas,” White said. Courtesy of Kansas Reflector
	New USPS vehicles making their way to the Quad Cities More than 100,000 of the new postal service delivery trucks are rolling out, and they've been spotted on the streets of Rock Island.
	New USPS vehicles making their way to the Quad Cities More than 100,000 of the new postal service delivery trucks are rolling out, and they've been spotted on the streets of Rock Island.
	French police probe suspected weather device tampering after odd Polymarket bet The incident is the latest eyebrow-raising bet on Polymarket, as allegations of rigging and manipulation continue to haunt the popular prediction market site.
	When to expect tonight's storms After a long week of some very nice weather with temperatures reaching into the 80s with lots of sunshine, things are changing for tonight. We are expecting a line of some showers and thunderstorms moving in later tonight that will be hitting the Quad Cities by midnight. These showers and thunderstorms do have a chance [...]
	Sherrard Schools honors retiring teachers, trains next generation As teacher shortages continue to impact districts across the country, Sherrard Schools is highlighting why some educators have stayed for decades — and how the district plans to prepare the next generation to step in.
	American Lung Association data says Quad Cities among most polluted area for smog in the country The report points to smog levels that can worsen breathing problems for children, older adults and those with lung conditions.
	Alabama active voter numbers down ahead of May primaries Booths await voters at the Pennington County Administration Building during early voting on Jan. 19, 2026, for a municipal election in Rapid City, South Dakota. (Photo by Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight)With less than 30 days until primary elections, new statistics show that the number of active voters in Alabama has decreased since 2022. Voter statistics for March that were given to the Voting Registration Advisory Board members during its meeting on Thursday show Alabama has 3.29 million active voters. This is a 17,000 person decrease from four years ago, when the state had 3.31 million active voters. Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen said in a statement that “Alabama boasts one of the cleanest and most accurate voter files in the country.” The state also saw an increase in inactive voters going from 392,000 in 2022 to over 500,000 last month. Voter Registration Advisory Board Chairman John Lackey said after the meeting “there are fluctuations in voter numbers at different times during elections.” Inactive voters are still able to vote in person if they fill out the proper paperwork. “If they show up at the polls where they’ve been voting, we let them vote, or we send them to where they need to vote, but we hand them an update from them, and just say, fill that out and go vote,” Lackey said. Board member Sydney Dean said after the meeting voters are able to check their status by visiting the Alabama Secretary of State website. “It’s very easy. They just put in their name and address, and actually it’ll populate even a little map that shows them where to go vote with their precinct,” she said. “When you go inactive, there’s been an issue and we’re just saying to the voter when they come into the polls, please complete an update for them because nine times out of 10, it’s a situation like that.” Courtesy of Alabama Reflector
	Davenport Municipal Airport holds Kid in Aviation Day Local preschoolers got a neat opportunity to tour the airport and experience some on-the-ground airplane exploration.
	Rock River near crest, draws crowds to Moline business The Rock River is right near its crest in Moline, spilling into riverfront areas and drawing crowds to Len Brown's North Shore Inn & Marina to watch the high water.

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