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

Pleasant Valley’s Mazie Sweers wins Spotlight Athlete of the Week

Pleasant Valley’s senior outside hitter and setter Mazie Sweers is the Spotlight Athlete of the Week.

Quad City Animal Welfare Center holds Mutt Strut at Milan Harvest Festival

Over 50 dogs participated with proceeds going toward the Quad City Animal Welfare Center.

Build Heart-Healthy Habits That Last with 4 Simple, Everyday Steps

(Feature Impact) Your heart works around the clock, making heart health one of the most important parts of your overall well-being. The good news is improving heart health doesn't require an overnight transformation. Small, consistent lifestyle changes and healthy habits, including staying active and making smart food choices, can help support cardiovascular health. Sit Less Throughout the Day If you work in an office setting, spending long periods sitting may be the norm. Even if you exercise regularly, those long-seated hours may affect heart health. Look for opportunities to move more by taking short walking breaks, standing while on the phone, stretching between meetings or taking the stairs instead of an elevator. Prioritize Foods That Support Heart Health A heart-healthy eating pattern can begin with foods that are low in saturated fat and sodium, and provide beneficial vitamins and plant compounds, like fresh, juicy grapes. They contain 7% of the daily recommended intake of potassium per serving, are a good source of vitamin K and deliver beneficial antioxidants and other polyphenols, including flavonoids, that can help relax blood vessels and promote healthy circulation. Some studies also suggest grapes have a beneficial impact on blood lipids and more. In fact, one study found women who consumed 1 1/4 cups of grapes every day benefited from reduced blood triglyceride levels, LDL cholesterol levels, inflammatory proteins and other markers of heart disease. Whether enjoyed as a snack, added to salads or blended into smoothies, Grapes from California make it easy to add more heart-smart nutrition throughout the day. For example, this Warm Lentil, California Grape and Arugula Salad includes a quick homemade rosemary lemon vinaigrette to pack in the flavor and complement black lentils and sweet grapes. Cut Back on Added Sodium Adding heart-healthy foods like grapes to your menu is a good place to start, but caring for your cardiovascular system is also about what you're not eating. Many packaged and restaurant foods contain more sodium than some people realize, making it important to read nutrition labels, prepare more meals at home and flavor foods with herbs, spices, citrus or vinegar instead of extra salt to support healthy blood pressure. Make Good Sleep a Priority Quality sleep affects many aspects of health, including cardiovascular. Adults should aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night in a cool, comfortable environment. To get a good night's rest, try limiting screen time before bed, blocking out light and avoiding alcohol or caffeine in the evenings. To learn more about the heart-health benefits of grapes and find additional health-supporting recipes, visit GrapesFromCalifornia.com.   Warm Lentil, California Grape and Arugula Salad Servings: 6 1          pouch (8 ounces) precooked black lentils 1 1/2    cups Grapes from California, halved 1          cup radicchio, torn 1          cup arugula chopped toasted walnuts Rosemary Lemon Vinaigrette: 1/4       cup extra-virgin olive oil 3          tablespoons lemon juice 2          tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves 2          teaspoons honey 1/2       teaspoon sea salt 1          clove garlic freshly ground pepper, to taste To make rosemary lemon vinaigrette: In small blender or food processor, process olive oil, lemon juice, rosemary, honey, salt, garlic and pepper, to taste, until rosemary is finely chopped; set aside until ready to use. May be made 2 days in advance and refrigerated in covered container until ready to serve. Bring to room temperature before using. In large glass bowl, microwave lentils 45 seconds, or until warm. Add grapes, radicchio, arugula and dressing to bowl and toss lightly to coat. Sprinkle with walnuts. Nutritional information per serving: 160 calories; 4 g protein; 18 g carbohydrates; 9 g fat (51% calories from fat); 1.5 g saturated fat (8% calories from saturated fat); 0 mg cholesterol; 200 mg sodium; 4 g fiber.

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist: 8 Steps to Prepare Your Home for Cold Weather

(Feature Impact) As temperatures cool, now is an ideal time to prepare your home for winter. Taking care of seasonal maintenance before the cold weather arrives can help protect you and your wallet from unexpected and costly repairs. From clearing gutters to scheduling an HVAC tune-up, tackling a few projects now can help set your home up for a safe and comfortable winter. Consider this your ultimate fall home maintenance checklist from the experts at Carrier. 1. Clean Gutters Leaves and debris collect quickly in home gutters and downspouts. Make sure they are clear so water can drain properly and away from your home's foundation. If you wait until after temperatures drop, you run the risk of ice dams and water damage. 2. Inspect Your Outdoor HVAC Equipment Remove leaves, grass clippings and debris that may have accumulated around your outdoor unit. Maintaining proper clearance can help support airflow and system performance throughout the season. 3. Replace HVAC Filters A dirty filter can restrict airflow and force your system to work harder, potentially increasing energy use and reducing comfort. A simple filter check can also help prepare your heating system for increased use. Check your HVAC filter before turning on your heating system and continue inspecting it throughout the winter. To help maintain proper airflow, Carrier typically recommends replacing air filters every 1-3 months. 4. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors When changing clocks, test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace batteries as needed. Working carbon monoxide alarms are especially important as temperatures fall and home heating systems begin running more frequently. 5. Schedule Your HVAC Tune-Up Before Winter Arrives Don't wait until the first cold day of the season to find out your heating system isn't ready for winter. Annual maintenance can help improve efficiency, extend equipment life and identify potential issues before the heating season begins. Experts often recommend having an HVAC professional perform annual furnace maintenance in the fall before heating season begins. Routine maintenance can help keep a system operating in tip-top shape and allow a technician to identify smaller issues before they become costly repairs. However, if replacement is recommended, the upfront price doesn't necessarily have to stand between you and a more comfortable home. Consider options from Carrier, which offers flexible financing options through participating dealers. Depending on the financing plan you qualify for and your home's heating and cooling needs, a new system could cost less than you think. Homeowners can also explore utility rebates on qualifying equipment. 6. Test Your Thermostat Testing your thermostat early helps ensure your heating system is communicating properly before temperatures drop. Switch to heating mode early to make sure your system responds properly (just don't forget to turn it back off). Replace batteries, if necessary, and consider whether a smart thermostat could provide additional comfort and control over your home's heating schedule. 7. Seal Air Leaks Around Doors and Windows Drafts can make a home feel colder and allow warm air inside your house to escape. Inspect weatherstripping around doors and windows and replace it where needed. Caulk visible gaps to help keep conditioned air inside and improve your family's comfort. 8. Check Your Home's Insulation Finally, look at insulation in areas such as the attic, crawl spaces and basement. Doing so can help keep heated air where it belongs and reduce the workload on your heating system all winter long. To learn more about preparing your heating or cooling system for the season, exploring financing and rebates or finding a local expert, visit Carrier.com.

3 Steps to Support Mental Health for Rural Youth

(Feature Impact) Young people face a growing number of pressures, including academic expectations, social responsibilities, complex family situations and uncertainty about their own futures. Mental health support is important for all - but in many rural areas, those pressures are even greater. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the suicide rate for rural youth ages 15-19 is 74% higher than their urban counterparts. Barriers like limited insurance coverage, unreliable internet for telehealth, scarce providers, long drive times and lack of public transportation make it harder to get mental healthcare when it's needed. Plus, asking for help can feel like opening oneself up to judgment and stigmatization. That's why Rural Minds, the only nonprofit focused on mental health for rural communities, created the Rural Youth Mental Wellness pilot program supported by Boehringer Ingelheim. It was developed by an advisory committee made up of rural youth to provide their peers with practical, free, accessible mental health resources. Incorporating feedback on the pilot, the updated program sponsored by the Sompo Foundation is now launching its national rollout. "A young person's ZIP code should never determine whether they can access meaningful mental health support where and when they need it," said Jessica L. Schleider, Ph.D., director, Lab for Scalable Mental Health, Northwestern University. "Our lab is thrilled to partner with Rural Minds as they champion evidence-based, anonymous, freely available support tools designed to overcome barriers to help-seeking faced by rural youth across the country." If the rural mental health crisis affects you or a loved one, consider these ways to help. Break the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health In communities where self-reliance is valued, asking for help can sometimes be viewed as a sign of weakness. Young people who feel unheard and unsupported often struggle with being vulnerable, so they continue carrying their increasingly heavy burdens alone. Parents, educators, healthcare providers, community leaders and peers can work to change that culture by normalizing mental health conversations. This includes helping teenagers feel seen and accepted by educating them on mental health issues and coping strategies, listening to their experiences without judgment, sharing your own stories and reminding them it's courageous to seek support. Consider Single-Session Interventions The first step is always the hardest when it comes to seeking mental health support, and not every struggling young person is ready or able to see a therapist. With access to free, confidential, self-guided materials to begin building mental wellness skills, the first step may be less scary. Single-Session Interventions (SSIs) are brief, structured online courses designed to teach youth practical skills for handling stress, low mood, self-image and more. The Rural Youth Mental Wellness Program offers SSIs in partnership with Project YES (Youth Empowerment and Support), a free digital resource developed with Northwestern University's Lab for Scalable Mental Health at the Feinberg School of Medicine. Anonymous access to SSIs through the partnership provides strategies for: Improving mood Rethinking body image Reframing negative thoughts Knowing your power to change Taking steps toward goals Protecting LGBTQ+ pride Handling self-harm urges Staying safe amid dark thoughts Each SSI typically takes 5-10 minutes. Although SSIs are not a replacement for therapy, they provide a research-backed source of support for young people experiencing bouts of stress or low-to-moderate distress. Know When to Seek Professional Help Self-guided resources and supportive conversations are a valuable starting point, but sometimes young people need qualified professional help. Look for symptoms like worsening mood or behavior, substance use, self-harm or difficulty managing everyday tasks, and take teens seriously when they express dark feelings. Doctors and counselors can provide personalized support for youth in crisis, and the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers free, confidential 24/7 support for mental health by dialing 9-8-8. "I grew up in a small town where mental health was almost taboo," said committee member Asheton Medlin. "Being part of the committee that built this program let me help make sure rural youth today have the support I didn't. I'm excited to help bring these resources to them because this generation deserves the chance to grow up and change the world." Find more information at RuralMinds.org.   Photos courtesy of Shutterstock

8 Daily Habits to Support Your Heart, Kidney and Metabolic Health

(Feature Impact) When it comes to protecting your heart, supporting your kidney function and improving your metabolic health, you'll find the advice for each one looks similar. That's because your body's systems are deeply interconnected: what affects one will have ripple effects across the others. Cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic health, or CKM health, is a perfect example. When any one of these systems is compromised, it can lead to problems with the others. Therefore, it's not uncommon for health problems like heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease to develop or worsen simultaneously - a condition collectively known as CKM syndrome. The reverse is also true, so habits that are healthy for your heart will have a positive effect on your kidneys and metabolic system and vice versa. Consider these simple strategies that align with the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8, a list of healthy steps that can improve overall health. Learn more about how these habits and health measures affect your CKM health at Heart.org. Choose Healthy Foods - Food is your body's fuel, so fill your tank wisely. Certain types of foods can help your blood pressure, cholesterol, blood glucose and triglycerides stay within healthy ranges, while poor nutrition can push those numbers into more dangerous territory. Focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, plant-based proteins (e.g. beans, legumes and nuts) and lean animal proteins (e.g. seafood, skinless poultry and low-fat dairy). Drink plenty of water throughout the day and limit added sugar and salty or fatty foods.   Stay Physically Active - Exercise doesn't have to feel like a chore - in fact, some of your favorite hobbies may already count. The American Heart Association recommends aiming for 150 minutes per week of moderate physical activity like dancing, gardening or walking, moving quickly enough to elevate your heart rate and break a light sweat. Alternatively, choose 75 weekly minutes of vigorous exercise that gets you breathing hard and fast; think running, swimming, playing tennis or riding your bike on hilly terrain.   Avoid Nicotine - Tobacco and other nicotine products can raise your blood pressure, damage blood vessels and increase your risk of heart attack and stroke, which are all bad news for your CKM health. If you're currently trying to quit, you aren't alone, so don't be afraid to seek out support groups and resources to help.    Prioritize Healthy Sleep - Sleep gives your body a chance to rest and recover from the day, but it's often one of the first things people sacrifice when life gets busy. Poor sleep can increase your risk for heart disease, weight gain and other issues. Aim for a solid 7-9 hours a night. Keep your bedroom cool, dark and comfortable, and do your best to limit distractions like late-night smartphone scrolling.   Watch Your Blood Pressure - When your blood pressure is high, it forces your heart to work harder to pump blood through the body, which can weaken it over time. It can also damage the delicate arteries in and around the kidneys, putting CKM health further at risk. Information is power, so check your blood pressure frequently to know whether further action is needed to keep it under control.   Manage Your Blood Sugar - High blood sugar can damage the kidneys, eyes, blood vessels and more, thereby increasing your chance of developing harmful CKM conditions. Controlling blood sugar is particularly important for people with diabetes. If you don't have diabetes and still experience frequent blood sugar spikes and crashes, talk to your doctor.   Control Your Cholesterol - Cholesterol comes in both "bad" (LDL) and "good" (HDL) forms, requiring a balancing act to keep your levels within a healthy range. If LDL is high and HDL is low, your risk of clogged blood vessels, heart attack and stroke are higher. Healthy levels keep blood flowing to your heart and kidneys, supporting your metabolic health in the process. See your doctor for regular bloodwork so you can monitor cholesterol changes.   Maintain a Healthy Weight - Since excess body weight puts pressure on the heart, kidneys and other organs, a healthy body weight helps lower your risk of CKM syndrome. Whether you're hoping to maintain or reduce your weight, regular exercise, healthy eating and quality sleep are all great ways to achieve your goals.  

Avoiding a Costly Lockout: 4 Reasons to Duplicate Your Car Key

(Feature Impact) Losing your keys may be frustrating, but realizing you're locked out of your car - without a spare key - can be truly panic-inducing. The price of getting back on the road can depend on several factors, including your vehicle make and model, the type of key that needs replacing and whether the situation calls for emergency roadside assistance. Avoiding a potentially pricey and stressful lockout, which occurs for nearly 4 million Americans each year, starts by planning ahead. According to KeyMe Locksmiths, a service that makes it easy to duplicate car keys at up to 70% off dealership prices, creating a spare before the original is lost, addressing worn keys before they break and keeping backups in secure locations can reduce the need for emergency locksmith services. "A good rule of thumb is to have at least two working keys for your vehicle," said Samantha Jahnke, chief experience officer for KeyMe Locksmiths. "If you're down to one, make a spare while you still have a working key. It can save you stress and expense if you're ever locked out." Consider these four common reasons drivers make duplicate keys, and how planning ahead can help prevent a lockout from becoming a costly problem. Have a Backup for Lost or Damaged Keys One car key isn't enough, because all it takes is one accident or memory lapse to disrupt your day. Maybe you already had a spare key, but it's been a while since you've seen it. Or perhaps you have a habit of locking your key inside your vehicle, so you'd feel better with an extra. Having a spare - or a spare for the spare - gives you peace of mind you have another way to get back on the road without additional hassle. Give Another Driver Convenient Access If you share a vehicle with another member of your household, it makes life more convenient for each driver to have their own keys. Instead of passing the primary set back and forth, or arguing over who saw them last, both of you will have reliable access to the car when you need it. Plus, a spare set of keys makes a nice surprise when it's time to give a new driver in the house access to the car. Keep a Spare Set for Travel When you're far from home, it can be especially risky to only have one set of keys with you. If they happen to fall out of your pocket or get misplaced at the hotel, you could wind up stranded hundreds of miles away, facing the stress of finding a replacement service in an unfamiliar area. Bring a spare to keep in a secure location, like a purse or backpack that always stays on you, so you can focus on enjoying your vacation. If you realize before a trip you don't have a spare, plan ahead and get a duplicate made before you hit the road. Make an Extra for a Used Vehicle Sometimes buying a used vehicle means the previous owner has already done the work of losing the spare key. If your car only comes with one key, make a backup as soon as possible. Having two working keys can also pay off when it's time to sell or trade in your vehicle, as a missing spare may reduce its value or give a buyer another reason to negotiate. Learn more about duplicating keys for more than 40,000 different vehicle makes, models and years at CopyKeys.com.

Proteja su corazón y su cerebro conociendo los signos y síntomas de la fibrilación auricular

(Feature Impact) Hay muchas cosas que pueden hacer que su corazón palpite, se acelere o se salte un latido. En sentido figurado, podría ser la sonrisa de un ser querido, el susto de una película o el momento en que la montaña rusa llega a la cima. En un sentido mucho más literal, un latido irregular podría indicar que está experimentando fibrilación auricular, o FA. Los síntomas de la fibrilación auricular no siempre son tan evidentes como esos momentos que provocan adrenalina. De hecho, según investigaciones de la American Heart Association, el 62% de las personas con FA no tenían conocimiento previo de la afección antes de ser diagnosticadas. Dado que la FA puede aumentar hasta cinco veces las probabilidades de sufrir un accidente cerebrovascular, informarse con anticipación puede ser una forma eficaz de proteger su salud a largo plazo. La FA es un tipo de arritmia, o trastorno del ritmo cardíaco, que ocurre cuando las señales eléctricas del corazón se activan de forma anormal, provocando un latido irregular. Más de 10 millones de personas en los EE. UU. viven con FA; si usted es una de ellas, hay muchas maneras de encontrar conexión, apoyo y recursos que pueden ayudarle. “Es importante que las personas comprendan sus factores de riesgo, reconozcan los posibles síntomas y mantengan conversaciones regulares con su profesional de la salud”, dijo el Dr. Javier Sánchez, electrofisiólogo cardíaco de HCA Healthcare. “La detección temprana y el manejo proactivo pueden marcar una diferencia que salve vidas.” Esta información de expertos puede ayudarle a entender qué debe buscar y qué medidas tomar si usted o un ser querido vive con fibrilación auricular. Síntomas comunes Aunque la FA no siempre causa síntomas perceptibles, conocer las señales puede ayudarle a proteger su salud. La FA puede sentirse como una sensación de aleteo en el pecho, un corazón que golpea fuerte o latidos que se saltan. Algunas personas también sienten fatiga, mareos o dificultad para respirar. Los síntomas pueden aparecer y desaparecer, y pueden variar de leves a más graves. Experimentar cualquier tipo de síntoma cardíaco puede ser aterrador y abrumador, pero intente mantener la calma y preste atención a la sensación para poder describirla a su médico. Factores de riesgo Cualquier persona puede desarrollar FA, pero ciertos factores la hacen más o menos probable. Algunos factores de riesgo de arritmia, como envejecer o tener antecedentes familiares, son inevitables. Otros, como fumar, consumir alcohol o vivir con presión arterial alta sin control, le dan el poder de realizar cambios que reduzcan el riesgo. Las personas con diabetes, obesidad, apnea del sueño u otras afecciones cardíacas también tienen más probabilidades de experimentar FA. La relación entre la fibrilación auricular y derrame cerebral Cuando el corazón late de forma irregular, la sangre no puede circular por él con eficiencia. Esto puede provocar coágulos sanguíneos que, a su vez, pueden bloquear el flujo de sangre al cerebro y causar un accidente cerebrovascular. Aunque derrame cerebrales una de las principales causas de muerte y discapacidad en los EE. UU., en gran medida es prevenible y tratable. Incluso alguien que ya ha tenido un accidente cerebrovascular puede recuperarse, controlar su afección y encaminarse hacia una mejor salud. Diagnóstico de la fibrilación auricular Detectar la FA a tiempo puede marcar una diferencia significativa; por eso, aunque no haya experimentado síntomas evidentes, es recomendable hablar con su médico sobre sus factores de riesgo e inquietudes. Su equipo de atención médica puede realizar pruebas para confirmar un diagnóstico y recomendarle el mejor plan de acción. Opciones de tratamiento Dependiendo de la etapa de su FA, su médico podría sugerirle medicamentos, procedimientos quirúrgicos o no quirúrgicos, o cambios en el estilo de vida, como el programa Los 8 Pasos Esenciales Para Mi Salud de la American Heart Association, para apoyar la salud de su corazón. Mantenerse físicamente activo, dejar el tabaco, mantener un peso saludable y controlar su presión arterial, entre otras medidas, pueden ayudarle a manejar afecciones cardíacas y reducir su riesgo futuro de accidente cerebrovascular. Recuerde: la prevención es la mejor cura, así que, aunque no haya recibido un diagnóstico de arritmia, puede comenzar a trabajar hacia estos hábitos más saludables. Explore más información y recursos en Heart.org/AFibfacts.   Fotos cortesía de Shutterstock

From Pregnancy to Parenthood: How Medicaid Supports Women Across the Maternal Health Journey

(Feature Impact) When women are planning, expanding or raising families, access to healthcare is a vital source of physical and mental support. For millions of women and families across the U.S., Medicaid provides that support, enabling parents and children to access the reproductive, maternal and pediatric healthcare they need to thrive. It's there for anyone who needs it, from working adults to families navigating unemployment or disability. To learn about how Medicaid supports growing families through every stage of the parenthood journey, consider this information from the maternal health experts at Community Catalyst. Making Family Planning Possible When people are able to plan and prepare to welcome children into the world, it can remove a lot of stress, uncertainty and complication from their journeys. Medicaid family-planning coverage may include reproductive health counseling, pre-pregnancy screenings, many forms of FDA-approved contraception and other preventive services. Comprehensive access to birth control allows women and couples to make their own decisions about pregnancy timing or spacing between siblings. Supporting Healthy Pregnancies Pregnancy is no small endeavor, and a woman with a healthcare team at her side is better prepared to face whatever challenges may arise. Pregnancy often requires frequent appointments for ultrasounds, laboratory testing and monitoring - all of which are made possible and affordable through Medicaid. Since 1 in 4 Medicaid recipients are women ages 15-49, this care can make a difference during their childbearing years. Covering Labor and Delivery Costs Labor and birth can be unpredictable, but being able to afford them shouldn't be. Without Medicaid, which finances approximately 41% of U.S. births, based on data from the National Center for Health Statistics, the cost of hospitalization and delivery could be financially devastating to young families. Coverage for labor, delivery and NICU care, if needed, gives parents the ability to focus on their new babies instead of overwhelming medical bills. Providing Postpartum Care The need for maternal healthcare doesn't end when mother and child are discharged from the hospital. Physical recovery takes time, especially if there were any complications during the pregnancy or delivery. Beyond that, postpartum women may need mental health support, treatment for chronic conditions, contraception renewals and other health services that Medicaid can provide. Currently, 49 states plus Washington, D.C. have extended postpartum Medicaid coverage to 12 months, which helps new mothers get continuous care without worrying about insurance lapses. Caring for Growing Kids Nearly half of all Medicaid recipients in the U.S. are children ages 0-18 - and sometimes kids qualify for Medicaid even when their parents don't. The program can help new parents stay up to date with well-child visits for infants, immunizations and ongoing preventive care throughout childhood. To learn more about access to essential services at every stage of life, visit communitycatalyst.org/maternalhealth. Filling Gaps in Pregnancy and Postpartum Care: Kayla and Tru's Story When Kayla found out she was pregnant at 24 years old, she had no idea how she was going to afford all the costs that were coming. Despite having part-time employment and primary insurance through her mother, she faced gaps in coverage for pregnancy care. Qualifying for Medicaid changed everything. Not only did it cover Kayla's prenatal visits, labs, ultrasounds and delivery, but once her son Tru was born, both mother and baby required an extended hospital stay. Medicaid made it possible for Tru to get the care he needed in the NICU while Kayla recovered from birth complications. Afterward, the program continued to cover Kayla and Tru for follow-up appointments and well-child visits. She's grateful it was there during her time of need and has one simple message to share: If you qualify for Medicaid, apply. "You never know what's going to happen," she said. "I didn't expect to be in the hospital as long. I didn't expect for him to be where he was. But it was definitely needed and helpful."   Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (mother leaning over hospital bassinet)

Rock Island's First Murder

This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.You can't blame the judge, the fourteen lawyers, the prospective jury members, and the audience for all being just a…

Scott County Sheriff's Department investigating unresponsive child

The Scott County Sheriff's Department is investigating an unresponsive child that was flown to Iowa City.

Iowa DNR investigating fish kill, likely manure spill in Dry Branch Creek

The Iowa DNR is investigating a fish kill and high ammonia levels in Dry Branch Creek after reports of cloudy water and a strong manure smell near Ossian.

RICo Dems: Pritzker to be guest speaker at EM Labor Picnic

The Rock Island County Democrats announced Gov. JB Pritzker will be the featured speaker at it annual Labor Picnic.

Iowa labor experts speak on UnityPoint unionization efforts, worker challenges

Labor experts on Iowa Press discuss falling union membership rates, corporate opposition, and workforce challenges facing Iowa workers.

Child airlifted to Iowa City; sheriff investigating

Emergency crews responded Sunday afternoon to a Maysville Road home in Scott County after an unresponsive child was reported and airlifted to UI Hospitals.

Moline hosts Illinois State Horseshoe Tournament with nearly 100 competitors

Nearly 100 competitors are in Moline for the Illinois State Horseshoe Tournament, where defending champion Austin Bailey is facing a tough field.

Quad City Animal Welfare Center holds mutt strut at the Milan Harvest Festival

Proceeds from the mutt strut event support the Quad City Animal Welfare Center.

Bald Eagle Campground fills with families for Labor Day weekend

Families spending Labor Day weekend at Bald Eagle Campground are making the most of the long holiday weekend with time outdoors, campfires and family traditions.

‘It would just paralyze me’; Illinois farmer shares mental health struggles, concerns over new policy

Data from the National Rural Health Association indicates the suicide rate for farmers is 3.5 times higher than the general population.

Dyersville businesses see summer sales boom from Velocity Festival, MLB game, and RAGBRAI

Dyersville restaurants and businesses say the Field of Dreams keeps customers coming through the doors, and a string of special events this summer added even more business.

Buffalo voters to decide on selling city water system to Iowa American Water

Buffalo, Iowa, residents will vote on a deal to sell the city's water and sewer system to Iowa American Water amid concerns over PFAS and discolored tap water.

A much more comfortable week ahead

After a scorching hot week to start the month of September heading into this weekend, things have finally started to cool down. After 4 straight days with high temperatures at least 95 degrees we are looking at a much more bearable week with temperatures mainly in the low to mid 80s. Dew point temperatures are [...]

McDonald’s dumps pumpkin spice for caramel apple

McDonald’s is dropping its pumpkin spice latte after a decade, replacing the fall beverage with a new caramel apple pie flavored coffee.

'Multiple patients' after Amazon cargo plane crashes at Miami airport

Video showed thick smoke rising from the plane crash of the Boeing 767 that the Federal Aviation Administration says overran the airport runway in Miami.

Five dead after Amazon cargo plane crashes at Miami airport

Video showed thick smoke rising from the plane crash of the Boeing 767 that the Federal Aviation Administration says overran the airport runway in Miami.

Milan Labor Day Parade draws crowd with veterans, antique vehicles, marching band

Crowds gathered Saturday morning as the annual Milan Labor Day Parade kicked off with marching bands, antique cars, and strong community support.

Motorcyclist airlifted after hitting parked cars in Walcott

A 24-year-old Davenport motorcyclist was airlifted to the hospital after hitting two parked cars early Sunday morning in Walcott, Iowa.

German exit polls suggest far-right party has big lead in regional election

The Alternative for Germany party has a strong lead in a regional election, but it is unclear if it will be able to form Germany's's first far-right state government since WWII, exit polls indicate.

The Iowa Investigator will present program in Fulton

The next Miller Program will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, at Fulton’s Windmill Cultural Center. The facility is at 111 10th Ave. in downtown Fulton, across the street from De Immigrant Windmill. The event is free and open to the public. JT Vonderhaar is a social media creator from Bettendorf. Known as [...]

IL/IA Center for Independent Living hosts 16th Senior and Disability Expo

The free event will have numerous information booths, vendors and will include a continental breakfast and other refreshments.

Security measures continue to evolve for Quad-Cities courthouses, jails

As technology and security protocols more widely have changed over the past 25 years, so have the procedures used at Quad-Cities jails and courthouses.

MARK-TO-MARKET: Americans to pack roads and airports for Labor Day weekend

This year, the American Automobile Association (AAA) projects one of the busiest Labor Day travel weekends on record.

North Scott superintendent reflects on 9/11 and what he learned as an educator

Joe Stutting has been the superintendent of North Scott School District for 13 years. But before that, he was a principal of a middle school in Wisconsin on Sept. 11, 2001.

Bishop Hill Old Settlers will celebrate 180th anniversary of Bishop Hill

Bishop Hill Old Settlers’ Association has organized a full weekend of events in celebration of the180th anniversary of the Bishop Hill Colony founding in 1846, a news release says. Activities will start on Friday night, Sept 11, with a street dance at the Colony Inn. Saturday, Sept. 12, is a full day of family friendly [...]

Retired Rock Island Deputy Fire Chief traces 9/11’s lasting impacts for firefighters

On Sept. 11, 2001, Greg Marty was a young firefighter attending fire school at the University of Illinois. What happened that day in New York changed fire service forever.

American Muslims are giving Texas barbecue a halal makeover

Even as anti-Muslim rhetoric rises in Texas, Muslim pitmasters are winning over diners and reshaping one of the state's most iconic culinary traditions.

US envoys Witkoff and Kushner set for talks in Kyiv after meeting with Putin in Moscow

U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to arrive in Kyiv on Sunday in their first visit to the Ukrainian capital as part of a renewed push for peace in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

U.S. envoys Witkoff and Kushner set for talks in Kyiv after meeting Putin in Moscow

U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to arrive in Kyiv on Sunday in their first visit to the Ukrainian capital as part of a renewed push for peace in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

U.S. envoys Witkoff and Kushner land for talks in Kyiv after meeting Putin in Moscow

U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are set to arrive in Kyiv on Sunday in their first visit to the Ukrainian capital as part of a renewed push for peace in Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Sprint Invaders heat up West Liberty Raceway

Saturday was a wild night of racing at West Liberty Raceway. The program was highlighted by the winged warriors of the Sprint Invaders. The Sprint Invaders feature started out with three cautions in the first two laps. The first yellow involved three cars, with the second collecting five race cars. The third caution was for [...]

Public invited to see renovated Rejuvenate Housing home in Davenport

Rejuvenate Housing will celebrate the completion of its sixth renovated home with a property showcase 4-6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 8, at 613 W. 13th St., Davenport, a news release says. The public is welcome to tour the completed home and see the transformation of a property that had been vacant and deteriorating. In addition to [...]

Our QC Crime Watch: Suspect arrested after QCA bank robbery: Episode 79

Watch crime reporters Linda Cook and Sharon Wren talk about crime and courts in our area with the latest episode of the Our Quad Cities Crime Watch Podcast. In this episode Linda and Sharon discuss: updates on: A suspect is in custody after a Muscatine bank robbery A man is arrested in Mexico in connection [...]

Soul of the City festival emphasizes community

Vendors, organizations and thousands of attendees filled Franklin Field in Rock Island to celebrate the community.

Kiwanis Club of East Moline-Silvis to hold fall flea market

The Kiwanis Club of East Moline-Silvis will hold its fall flea market from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Sept 27, at the Rock Island County Fairgrounds, 4200 Archer Drive, East Moline. Admission is $3 at the gate. Proceeds will benefit the Children's Therapy Center, QC Food Pantries, scholarships, UTHS sports, East Moline and Silvis libraries, and [...]

Sundance for Our Soldiers will bring horses to RI Arsenal Suicide Stand Down

September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and Sundance for Our Soldiers (SOS) is preparing to take horses into the community to raise awareness, create connections, and remind veterans, active-duty service members, and their families that there is hope, help, and purpose beyond difficult moments, a news release says. On Sept. 23, SOS will participate in the Rock Island Arsenal [...]

Extreme Heat Warning until SAT 9:00 PM CDT

Extreme Heat Warning in Effect Until 9 PM CDT This Evening

Motorcyclist in critical condition following Walcott crash

The driver of a motorcycle was airlifted to Iowa City and remains in critical condition following a crash in Walcott. According to a release from the Scott County Sheriff's Office, the Scott Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call in reference to a motorcycle accident at the Walcott Mobile Home Park on Saturday, September 5 [...]

Milan Harvest Fest returns ahead of Labor Day

On Saturday, festival attendees got to enjoy the battle of the bands, featuring performers from eight local high schools.

Motorcyclist airlifted after crash in Walcott early Saturday morning

Investigators said the motorcyclist is believed to have passed through an intersection without obeying a stop sign and crashed into two parked vehicles.

Soul of the City festival celebrates Rock Island community

Vendors, organizations, and thousands of attendees filled Franklin Field in Rock Island to celebrate the community.

Rock Island police searching for missing child

Anyone who has seen 12-year-old Jayceon Coleman is asked to call 911.

Motorcyclist in critical condition after crash in Walcott early Saturday morning

Investigators said the motorcyclist is believed to have passed through an intersection without obeying a stop sign and crashed into two parked vehicles.

Rock Island police asking for help locating missing child

Anyone who has seen 12-year-old Jayceon Coleman is asked to call 911.

Extreme Heat Warning until SAT 7:00 PM CDT

Extreme Heat Warning in Effect Until 7 PM CDT

Rock Island High School band keeping cool during Friday night football

The band held some practices inside, wore t-shirts instead of uniforms and brought extra water for the game.

Death Notice: William Carter

A memorial visitation for William K. Carter, 66, of Princeton, will be held from 3-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12, at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Bettendorf. Mr. Carter died Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, at his home. Memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be made at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com. A full obituary will appear in the Sept. 9 edition of The NSP. 

Motorcyclist critically injured after striking parked vehicles

A man was airlifted to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics after being ejected from his motorcycle when it struck two parked vehicles in Walcott.

Rock Island Police seek help finding missing boy

The Rock Island Police Department is seeking help from the community finding a missing boy. Jayceon Coleman, 12, is missing. If you or anyone you know has information about Coleman's whereabouts, the Rock Island Police Department encourages you to call 309-732-2677.

Moline Police Department goes pink for October

The Moline Police Department is going pink for October. According to a Facebook post, beginning October 1, the Moline Police Department is inviting everyone to help support those who have been impacted by cancer by going pink. The department is making shirt sales open through September 10 to the public to help paint Moline pink [...]

Last of three men in Quad-Cities meth conspiracy sentenced to lengthy federal prison term

The last of three men caught in a meth trafficking conspiracy in the Quad-Cities has been sentenced to more than 20 years in federal prison.

Extreme Heat Warning until SAT 7:00 PM CDT

Extreme Heat Warning in Effect Until 7 PM CDT

US military hits 3 Iranian oil tankers after saying Navy warships were targeted

The strikes come a day after President Trump appeared to downplay the war with Iran as "small potatoes" during an exchange with reporters in the Oval Office.

U.S. strikes Iranian oil tankers in retaliation for missile attacks on Navy ships

One of the Iranian tankers struck was near a key area in Iran's oil-export system, according to U.S. Central Command.

U.S. and Iran trade attacks on ships as fighting flares up again

Knox-Galesburg Symphony will present 'A Little Night Music'

Conductor Maurice Cohn will lead the Knox-Galesburg Symphony in the opening concert of its 75th season. "A Little Night Music" will include Mozart, Rimsky-Korsakov, and Gabriela Ortiz.Galesburg native Maurice Cohn, currently music director of the West Virginia Symphony, returns home to conduct. The featured work for the evening will be Rimsky-Korsakov’s "Scheherazade," the symphonic suite [...]

DOT plans water main, storm sewer installation in Kewanee

The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced that, weather permitting, construction on Illinois 81 in Kewanee will begin Monday, Sept. 14, a news release says. The work zone is from the city’s western limits to Lexington Avenue. ​ Work will install water mains and storm sewers in the work zone in advance of a larger [...]

Friday morning fire damages Silvis duplex

Firefighters were sent to a two-story duplex in the 1000 block of 10th Street at 2:23 a.m. Friday for a report of a cooking appliance fire.

What's open for Labor Day?

Forgot something for your Labor Day celebration? You're in luck.

Mobile home park owner plans to build apartments on State Street in Bettendorf

The city approved a development agreement that would rebate up to $2.7 million in increased taxes generated by new construction on the property.

QC Deckmate prep classes scheduled for upcoming tryouts

The Quad City Deckmates have announced the inaugural QC Deckmate Prep Classes, giving aspiring dancers an opportunity to prepare for upcoming Deckmate tryouts while gaining an inside look at what it takes to be part of the team. The Quad City Deckmates are the official dance team of the Quad City Steamwheelers, entertaining fans throughout the season [...]

Butterworth Center, Deere-Wiman House host annual Porch Party

Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House is celebrating its 70th anniversary as an arts and culture community center, and will host its annual Porch Party from noon until 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at Butterworth Center and Deere-Wiman House, 1105 8th St., and 817 11th Ave., Moline., a news release says. The community is invited to [...]

Whatever happened to the floating schools of Bangladesh?

It was a light bulb moment: If monsoon rains keep kids from safely getting to school, let's create a floating school to pick them up! Bangladesh pioneered the idea. How's it doing?

U.S. envoys in Moscow in new push for peace between Russia and Ukraine

U.S. envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner have arrived in Moscow to revive efforts to end Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a halt to air attacks during their visit, but Moscow has not publicly responded.

Nahant Marsh, Davenport, to host Monarch & Friends Party

Nahant Marsh Education Center will host its annual Monarch & Friends Party, a free, family-friendly celebration of monarch migration and the incredible diversity of insects and other invertebrates found at Nahant Marsh, from 9 a.m.-noon Saturday, Sept. 12, at 4220 Wapello Ave., Davenport. Visitors will have the opportunity to catch, tag, and release monarch butterflies, including wild [...]

40 years later, 'The Baby-Sitters Club' is still helping readers see themselves

Ann M. Martin's beloved series has influenced generations of readers. We're still asking: Which babysitter are you?

If you prefer puzzles to doomscrolling, here are 5 great games to check out

NPR's Linda Holmes is a daily puzzle devotee. She recommends games that will test your knowledge of geography, history, and even the most obscure corners of Wikipedia.

Memories of Muscatine: A 1916 book by Seymour Eaton and V. Floyd Campbell

This week for Memories of Muscatine: "The Traveling Bears Across the Sea" from 1916.

Flock cameras draw opposition from across the political spectrum

As political races heat up heading into the midterms, candidates from both parties are increasingly joining the fray to voice concerns over Flock surveillance cameras.

Voters are fed up with data centers. Both parties are trying to cash in for midterms

Democrats and Republicans have found common ground in this campaign season. Both parties have poured millions into ads attacking data centers as the public continues to protest the AI facilities.

Extreme Heat Warning until SAT 7:00 PM CDT

Extreme Heat Warning in Effect Until 7 PM CDT

Philippines Vice President Sara Duterte posts bail after arrest

Philippines Vice President Sara Duterte has posted bail after order issued for her arrest on charges she publicly threatened to arrange assassination of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and two others.

YMCA

This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.By 1850, fifteen years after their founding, the three small villages around Rock Island were on their way to becoming…

West Nile virus found in Whiteside County mosquitoes

Officials said the positive test, which was found near Prophetstown, is significant because it makes certain that there are more infected mosquitoes around the area.

No one injured in Silvis duplex fire

No one was injured in an early-morning Silvis structure fire, according to a news release from the Silvis Fire Department. Crews responded shortly before 2:30 a.m. Friday to a reported cooking-appliance fire at a multifamily residential structure on the 1000 10th Street in Silvis. Shortly after the initial dispatch, the incident was upgraded to a [...]

Whiteside County sheriff calls for changes to Illinois' pretrial release system

Amid concerns about repeat violations of Illinois' pretrial release system, Sheriff John Booker is asking lawmakers to refine laws to better handle such cases.

Rock Island High School band beating the heat during Friday night football

The band held some practices inside, wore t-shirts instead of uniforms and brought extra water for the game.

River Bandits defeat Peoria, clinching playoff spot

The Bandits will host the South Bend Cubs Tuesday night at Modern Woodmen Park.

Traffic alert: 27th Street bridge in Moline to close for bike path construction

The construction is part of a project to install a shared-use path along the 19th Street/27th Street corridor between Avenue of the Cities and 26th Avenue.

HOT start to Labor Day weekend in the Quad Cities

Friday was the hottest day of the year so far! Well, we tied July 27th's 96° anyway. And this is definitely the hottest stretch of the year so far too...The highs in September so far have been 95°, 95°, 95° and 96°! It's been more than 40 years since we had 4 days as hot [...]

Water-detention ponds in DeWitt will support industrial growth

Community leaders and development partners recently celebrated the groundbreaking of five regional water detention ponds in an expansion of the Crossroads Business Park, marking a major milestone in preparing the site for future industrial growth in DeWitt. The project is the first phase of infrastructure improvements that will make about 125 acres of development land [...]

Extreme Heat Warning until SAT 7:00 PM CDT

Extreme Heat Warning in Effect Until 7 PM CDT Saturday

Whiteside County sheriff calls for reform to Illinois' SAFE-T Act

Amid concerns over repeat violations of Illinois' pretrial release system, Sheriff John Booker is asking lawmakers to refine laws to better handle such cases.

Highlight Zone: Week 3

Week 3 of Highlight Zone

WATCH: New video produced by KWQC to celebrate Roger Craig Stadium

A new video produced by KWQC will begin playing at the newly renamed Roger Craig Stadium.

Portion of US 150 in Galesburg dedicated to fallen soldier

Sgt. 1st Class Kyle Wehrly was a Galesburg native and served in the Illinois Army National Guard. He was killed in Iraq in 2005.

Moline man who died at Rock Island County Jail identified

Daniel R. Stromberg, 60, died at the Rock Island County Jail Thursday. An autopsy found no trauma, but his cause of death remains unknown.

Trump executive order aims to ease meat processing rules for ranchers

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing the USDA to make it easier for smaller processors to get meat products to market on their own.

QC Botanical Center offers pay-what-you-want admission this weekend

The Quad Cities Botanical Center in Rock Island is offering a pay-what-you-want admission promotion through Sunday.

Portion of US 150 dedicated to fallen soldier from Galesburg

Kyle Wehrly was killed while serving in Iraq in 2005.

The U.N. backs a new world map showing Africa in its true relative size

The U.N. has backed a new map showing Africa in its true relative size, with the U.S. standing alone in opposition.