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

Friday, January 23rd, 2026
	Community mental-health conference scheduled for Moline Learn about the connection between anxiety and trauma at a community mental health conference Friday, March 20. at Black Hawk College. "Strength in Numbers – The Anxiety & Trauma Connection: Empowering Individuals, Supporting Professionals" will be 8 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. at the college’s Quad-Cities Campus in Moline. Cost is $45 and includes a light [...]
	School buses and the cold, how fleet managers prepare Brutally cold temperatures can impact how your child gets to school on time.
	Highlight Zone: Week 3, high school basketball This week’s episode brings some heat to the frigid QCA.
	Tips for protecting your pets from the cold With dangerously cold temperatures, it’s important to know how to keep your furry friends warm.
	Crews battle house fire in Clinton in bitterly cold temps Crews are battling a house fire in Clinton.
	TSA releases 10 best ‘catches’ of 2025, Moline makes list The TSA released their list for the 10 best “catches” of 2025 and the Quad Cities International Airport made the cut.
	Girl Scouts spotlight skills, service and a new cookie flavor Girl Scout cookie season is underway, bringing a new rocky‑road‑inspired flavor and offering girls across eastern Iowa and western Illinois the chance to build skills while raising funds that stay local to support camps, programs and financial assistance.
	Opening night for musical comedy 'Lucky Stiff' at Circa '21 The murder mystery comedy musical is Circa's first show of the year. It opens Friday night, Jan. 23, in Rock Island and runs through March 7.
	-45° "wins" as lowest wind chill of Friday morning Lowden, Iowa hit the cold wind chill jackpot - if there is such a thing. The combo of bitter cold temps and strong winds sent the wind chill in Cedar County (Lowden) plummeting to -45° at 7:01 Friday morning. In the Quad Cities we had wined chills of -38° and -37° from Rock Island to [...]
	Learn about veterinary careers at Black Hawk College Teddy Bear Hospital Black Hawk College and Kewanee Animal Shelter are presenting a Teddy Bear Hospital on Saturday, January 24th at 9a.m. to 12:00p.m. The event will be at the Black Hawk College East Campus Veterinary Sciences Center, 26230 Black Hawk Road Galva, IL. Kids are encouraged to bring in their teddy bears for a checkup that includes [...]
	Niabi Zoo's baby fennec foxes staying warm in the cold The fennec kits were born to mom Dahlia and dad Cosmo.
	Cook review: 'The Rip' tears up the screen with Damon, Affleck, mystery, action "The Rip" involves a huge stash of cash, a group of dirty-cop suspects, and the dependable duo of Affleck/Damon. It's the perfect cure for the winter blues for grownups who like a good mystery and thriller. The setting is present-day Miami, right after what appears to be the assassination of a well-respected police captain. Matt [...]
	ComEd files $15.3 billion grid plan proposal addressing rising demand The plan, if approved in full by state regulators, would add between $2.50 and $3 to the average customer’s monthly bill.
	Quad Cities International Airport makes TSA's list of top 10 unusual finds for 2025 Among the top 10 were turtles found in pants, pills in a shampoo bottle and bullets hidden in a container of strawberry Nesquik.
	Illinois saw no fatal expressway shootings last year The number of shootings on Illinois highways has dropped for the fourth consecutive year, with no fatal shooting incidents on the expressways.
	Clinton barn fire still under investigation No one was injured in a barn fire Thursday evening in Clinton, according to a news release from the Clinton Fire Department. The fire began about 4:30 p.m. on the 2600 block of West Stockwell Lane, where crews responded with one engine, one tanker, a command vehicle, and one ambulance. The remaining on-duty crews were [...]
	Crews respond to early morning fire in Rock Island The Rock Island Fire department responded to a house fire shortly after 1:15 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 23.
	Iowa Quad-Cities lawmakers look to ramp up energy production in the state Area lawmakers gave their views on property taxes, workforce training, energy production and public safety and mental health initiatives to help the few people who repeatedly require emergency resources.
	Get help planning the wedding of your dreams at the Jaycees of the Quad Cities' Wedding Expo If you need help planning the wedding of your dreams and need ideas, you're in luck! Brianna Powell and Drew Grace stopped by Our Quad Cities News to talk about the Jaycees of the Quad Cities' Wedding Expo. For more information, click here.
	3 new members join Empowering Abilities Board of Directors Empowering Abilities has announced the addition of three new members to its Board of Directors: Tracy Lindaman, Kendra Mulcahy Glazier, and Eric Langan. Each new board member brings valuable professional experience, strong community connections, and a shared commitment to Empowering Abilities’ mission of supporting individuals with disabilities to live, work, and thrive in the community. according [...]
	Minnesotans turn out in the frigid cold to protest Trump's immigration crackdown Minnesota residents took to the streets of downtown Minneapolis to protest the federal government's immigration campaign in the state, after weeks of sustained resistance in their communities. Businesses across the region closed in solidarity.
	Police responding to report of threat on UW-Whitewater at Rock County campus Police are responding to a threat Friday at the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater at Rock County campus.
	Trump expands policy banning aid to groups abroad that discuss or provide abortions In addition to adding to the list of groups that will lose funding for providing or discussing abortion, the policy now also calls for ending aid to groups that embrace DEI.
	What you need to know about water main breaks: Iowa American Water Freezing temperatures aren’t just a threat to people and animals; they pose a threat to plumbing inside and outside your home as well. Lisa Reisen, senior manager of external communications with Iowa American Water, spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to give an update on the condition of water pipes in the Iowa [...]
	Trump heading to Iowa, how to reserve a spot, tickets President Donald Trump is scheduled to travel to Iowa next week.
	What to know about the deal to keep TikTok in US Questions remain about whether TikTok users’ experience will change after the deal to keep the app in the US and whether the changes actually address security concerns around the app.
	Rock Island family displaced after early morning house fire A family was displaced after a fire on 25th Street near 33rd Avenue in Rock Island early Friday morning.
	No injuries reported following early morning Rock Island fire No injuries to residents or firefighters were reported following an early morning fire in Rock Island. According to a release, the Rock Island Fire Department was dispatched January 23 at 1:17 a.m. for a structure fire in the 3300 block of 25th St. Firefighters discovered a single-story home with light smoke coming from the inside. [...]
	Two Rock Island residents displaced after early Friday house fire The Rock Island Fire Department was dispatched at 1:17 a.m. Friday, Jan. 23, to a report of a structure fire in the 3300 block of 25th Street.
	Quad-City Times building for sale The former Quad-City Times building along Davenport’s riverfront has been listed for sale online for $4.2 million.
	At Davos, U.S. allies question a fraying world order It was a volatile week for trans-Atlantic relations, marked by President Trump statements that unsettled global markets and strained ties with U.S. allies — on topics ranging from Greenland to Gaza.
	Catch Ms. Pat at Rhythm City Casino Spend an evening with Ms. Pat in the Rhythm City Casino Event Center on Friday, August 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale to the public on January 28 at 10 a.m. and this event is intended for mature audiences ages 18+. Click here for tickets or buy them at The Market at Rhythm [...]
	Firefighters battle early morning house fire in Rock Island A family was displaced after a fire on 25th Street near 33rd Avenue in Rock Island early Friday morning.
	No injuries reported in early morning rollover crash in Davenport Police said driver got distracted and crossed the center line, rolled and hit the back of a trailer.
	Pleasant Valley School District announces finalist for superintendent replacement Next, the board will meet for a special meeting on Thursday, Jan. 29, to interview the three candidates in open session.
	Death Notice: Richard 'Rich' Meyer A Mass of Christian Burial for Richard Peter "Rich" Meyer, 70, of Eldridge, will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Long Grove. Burial will be in St. Ann's Cemetery. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the church. The Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport, is assisting the family with arrangements. Mr. Meyer died Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf. Memorials may be made to St. Ann's Catholic Church or to the Ohl Strong Foundation to support patients and families with pancreatic cancer. Online condolences may be made at www.hmdfuneralhome.com. A full obituary will appear in the Jan. 28 edition of The NSP.
	Gladys West, mathematician whose work paved the way for GPS, dies at 95 A self-described "little farm girl" in the Jim Crow Era, Gladys West's complex and pioneering work for the U.S. Navy helped to improve billions of lives — and keep us from getting lost.
	Murder-for-hire trial ends in acquittal after other Operation Midway Blitz cases fell apart A federal jury in Chicago on Thursday found Juan Espinoza Martinez not guilty in a murder-for-hire case alleging he solicited a $10,000 bounty on U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino.
	ICAN reschedules candidate event in Andalusia Extreme weather has caused the Illinois Conservative Action Network (I-CAN) to reschedule tonight’s meeting with candidates for state office in Andalusia. Annette Parchert, chairman of the Illinois Conservative Action Network (ICAN), spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to announce the cancelation and upcoming event dates. “The weather is so severe and we sent [...]
	Rheumatoid arthritis has no cure – but researchers are homing in on preventing it More than 18 million people worldwide suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, including nearly 1.5 million Americans. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune, inflammatory form of arthritis, meaning a person’s immune system attacks their joints, causing substantial inflammation. This inflammation can cause pain, stiffness and swelling in the joints, and in many cases, patients report fatigue and a flu-like feeling. If left untreated, rheumatoid arthritis can lead to damage of the joints. But even when treated, this condition can lead to significant disability. In highly active disease or advanced stages, patient may have difficulty performing daily tasks, such as preparing food, caring for children and getting dressed. Up to now, this condition has been treated once patients have already developed symptoms. But a growing body of evidence suggests this disease can be identified earlier – and maybe even ultimately prevented. I’m a physician specializing in rheumatoid arthritis and a researcher who has conducted a clinical trial on treatments for this condition. I believe this research is moving us toward being able to identify people who are at risk for rheumatoid arthritis before the disease fully develops, and to finding treatments that will delay or prevent it altogether. My hope is that this could lead to changes in how we manage rheumatoid arthritis in the next several years. Finding the disease before it causes harm Currently, when someone visits their health care provider because they are experiencing joint pain or other symptoms of an immune attack, health care providers can make a diagnosis by examining the joints for swelling. The health care provider will also run tests to find blood markers called autoantibodies, which help in confirming the diagnosis. While not all people with rheumatoid arthritis will have abnormal blood markers, the two autoantibodies that are seen in up to 80% of people with rheumatoid arthritis are rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide. In addition to joint pain, rheumatoid arthritis affects a person’s entire immune system. But multiple studies have now confirmed that rheumatoid arthritis has a preclinical stage of development. This is a time about three to five years or longer, prior to the onset of swollen joints when markers like rheumatoid factor and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide are detectable in the blood. The presence of these markers indicates that autoimmunity is occurring, yet the body and organs are still functioning well, and a person who is at risk of getting rheumatoid arthritis may not feel sick yet. Now that researchers have identified this preclinical stage, health care providers can use markers such as autoantibodies and symptoms like prolonged early morning joint stiffness to identify people who are at risk for rheumatoid arthritis but do not yet have joint inflammation. At this point, predicting future rheumatoid arthritis is still in the research stage, although the field is working toward established ways to test for risk for rheumatoid arthritis as a routine part of health care. This is akin to how cardiovascular disease risk is assessed through measuring cholesterol levels. Ongoing research Because of advances in the ability to predict who may get rheumatoid arthritis in the future, researchers are now working on identifying treatments that can delay or prevent the full-blown condition from developing. In particular, trials have been performed in people who tested positive for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide, or who have other risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis. These risk factors include joint pain and subclinical joint inflammation, which is when an imaging study, like magnetic resonance imaging, sees joint inflammation that can’t be seen by a clinician examining the joints. To date, almost all of these trials have used immune drugs that are commonly used to treat full-blown rheumatoid arthritis, such as methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and rituximab. Researchers have been testing whether a short course of any of these drugs could lead to a lasting reset of the immune system and prevent rheumatoid arthritis from developing. While there is not yet an approved drug for rheumatoid arthritis prevention, these studies offer hope that researchers are on track to find the right drug – as well as the right dosage and duration of that drug. Researching the preclinical stage of rheumatoid arthritis Some challenges remain to be addressed before preventive treatments become the norm in clinical care. First, researchers need to better understand the biology of the preclinical stage of disease. Until recently, most studies have focused on patients with full-blown arthritis and generally ignored people at risk for developing the disease. But now, researchers can use blood markers like anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies to identify those who are at risk much more easily. And a growing number of studies of people with this marker are informing how scientists understand the biology of rheumatoid arthritis development. In particular, it is now apparent that the preclinical stage is marked by multiple circulating immune system abnormalities in cells, autoantibodies and inflammation. The hope is that researchers will find interventions that effectively target the immune system abnormalities driving the development of rheumatoid arthritis before the patient’s joints begin to swell. Researchers are also finding that the abnormalities in the immune system during the preclinical stage may be coming from sites in the body other than the joints. An emerging idea called the mucosal origins hypothesis posits that the early autoimmunity of rheumatoid arthritis is caused by inflammation at mucosal surfaces of the body, such as the gums, the lungs and the gut. According to this theory, the joints are involved only later as the disease progresses. More research is needed, but the mucosal origins hypothesis may help explain why periodontal disease, emphysema or other forms of lung disease and exposure to tobacco or forest fire smoke are risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis. It would also explain why certain bacteria have been associated with the disease. Future trials targeting interventions to a mucosal process could help researchers better understand the nature of this disease. At some point, testing for biomarkers of rheumatoid arthritis may become routine. For now, it can still be difficult for health care providers to determine which of their patients may be at risk for rheumatoid arthritis. MoMo Productions/DigitalVision via Getty Images via The Conversation Making predictions But while biomarkers like the anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies are strongly predictive for future rheumatoid arthritis, one difficulty remains: Some people who test positive for them never develop the full-blown disease. Studies have shown that about 20% to 30% of people who are positive for anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies develop rheumatoid arthritis within two to five years, although the presence of combinations of risk factors can identify people who have a greater than 50% risk for developing the condition within one year. This makes it difficult to find participants for clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis prevention. If you can’t predict who will get the disease, it’s hard to know whether you’re preventing it. So far, researchers have tried to recruit people who have already come to their health care provider with early joint symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis but still no swollen joints. That has worked well, but there are likely far more people at risk for rheumatoid arthritis who have not yet sought care. Since health care providers are not yet testing everyone for blood markers for rheumatoid arthritis, researchers will need larger, international networks that can test for risk factors like autoantibodies to identify candidates for participation in prevention trials. More needs to be done, but it’s exciting to see the field advancing toward the point where prevention may be part of routine clinical care for rheumatoid arthritis. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Kevin Deane, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Read more: Newly discovered species of bacteria in the microbiome may be a culprit behind rheumatoid arthritis Pregnancy brings unique challenges for people with autoimmune diseases – but with early planning, pregnancy outcomes can be greatly improved What is inflammation? Two immunologists explain how the body responds to everything from stings to vaccination and why it sometimes goes wrong Dr. Deane has received grant funding from the Arthritis Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, Boehringer Ingelheim, Gilead and ThermoFisher, and has had consulting/advisory board participation with Werfen, Boehringer Ingelheim, AllInBio, and Lilly. Dr. Deane also part of task forces for prediction of rheumatoid arthritis that are sponsored by the American College of Rheumatology and the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology.
	4 Your Money \| Long-Term Cycles When investors evaluate long-term stock market returns, it is helpful to look through the lens of rolling 20-year periods. Nate Kreinbrink, Financial Planner at NelsonCorp Wealth Management, shares the history of S&P 500’s returns and where the index stands now.
	Feeling unprepared for the AI boom? You’re not alone Journalist Ira Glass, who hosts the NPR show “This American Life,” is not a computer scientist. He doesn’t work at Google, Apple or Nvidia. But he does have a great ear for useful phrases, and in 2024 he organized an entire episode around one that might resonate with anyone who feels blindsided by the pace of AI development: “Unprepared for what has already happened.” Coined by science journalist Alex Steffen, the phrase captures the unsettling feeling that “the experience and expertise you’ve built up” may now be obsolete – or, at least, a lot less valuable than it once was. Whenever I lead workshops in law firms, government agencies or nonprofit organizations, I hear that same concern. Highly educated, accomplished professionals worry whether there will be a place for them in an economy where generative AI can quickly – and relativity cheaply – complete a growing list of tasks that an extremely large number of people currently get paid to do. Seeing a future that doesn’t include you In technology reporter Cade Metz’s 2022 book, “Genius Makers: The Mavericks Who Brought AI to Google, Facebook, and the World,” he describes the panic that washed over a veteran researcher at Microsoft named Chris Brockett when Brockett first encountered an artificial intelligence program that could essentially perform everything he’d spent decades learning how to master. Overcome by the thought that a piece of software had now made his entire skill set and knowledge base irrelevant, Brockett was actually rushed to the hospital because he thought he was having a heart attack. “My 52-year-old body had one of those moments when I saw a future where I wasn’t involved,” he later told Metz. In his 2018 book, “Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” MIT physicist Max Tegmark expresses a similar anxiety. “As technology keeps improving, will the rise of AI eventually eclipse those abilities that provide my current sense of self-worth and value on the job market?” The answer to that question, unnervingly, can often feel outside of our individual control. “We’re seeing more AI-related products and advancements in a single day than we saw in a single year a decade ago,” a Silicon Valley product manager told a reporter for Vanity Fair back in 2023. Things have only accelerated since then. Even Dario Amodei – the co-founder and CEO of Anthropic, the company that created the popular chatbot Claude – has been shaken by the increasing power of AI tools. “I think of all the times when I wrote code,” he said in an interview on the tech podcast “Hard Fork.” “It’s like a part of my identity that I’m good at this. And then I’m like, oh, my god, there’s going to be these (AI) systems that [can perform a lot better than I can].” What will happen to workers who have spent their entire lives learning a skill that AI can replicate? jokerpro/iStock via Getty Images via The Conversation The irony that these fears live inside the brain of someone who leads one of the most important AI companies in the world is not lost on Amodei. “Even as the one who’s building these systems,” he added, “even as one of the ones who benefits most from (them), there’s still something a bit threatening about (them).” Autor and agency Yet as the labor economist David Autor has argued, we all have more agency over the future than we might think. In 2024, Autor was interviewed by Bloomberg News soon after publishing a research paper titled Applying AI to Rebuild Middle-Class Jobs. The paper explores the idea that AI, if managed well, might be able to help a larger set of people perform the kind of higher-value – and higher-paying – “decision-making tasks currently arrogated to elite experts like doctors, lawyers, coders and educators.” This shift, Autor suggests, “would improve the quality of jobs for workers without college degrees, moderate earnings inequality, and – akin to what the Industrial Revolution did for consumer goods – lower the cost of key services such as healthcare, education and legal expertise.” It’s an interesting, hopeful argument, and Autor, who has spent decades studying the effects of automation and computerization on the workforce, has the intellectual heft to explain it without coming across as Pollyannish. But what I found most heartening about the interview was Autor’s response to a question about a type of “AI doomerism” that believes that widespread economic displacement is inevitable and there’s nothing we can do to stop it. “The future should not be treated as a forecasting or prediction exercise,” he said. “It should be treated as a design problem – because the future is not (something) where we just wait and see what happens. … We have enormous control over the future in which we live, and [the quality of that future] depends on the investments and structures that we create today.” At the starting line I try to emphasize Autor’s point about the future being more of a “design problem” than a “prediction exercise” in all the AI courses and workshops I teach to law students and lawyers, many of whom fret over their own job prospects. The nice thing about the current AI moment, I tell them, is that there is still time for deliberate action. Although the first scientific paper on neural networks was published all the way back in 1943, we’re still very much in the early stages of so-called “generative AI.” No student or employee is hopelessly behind. Nor is anyone commandingly ahead. Instead, each of us is in an enviable spot: right at the starting line. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Patrick Barry, University of Michigan Read more: More than half of new articles on the internet are being written by AI – is human writing headed for extinction? What are Hollywood actors and writers afraid of? A cinema scholar explains how AI is upending the movie and TV business AI isn’t what we should be worried about – it’s the humans controlling it Patrick Barry does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
	Is being virtuous good for you – or just people around you? A study suggests traits like compassion may support your own well-being Virtues such as compassion, patience and self-control may be beneficial not only for others but also for oneself, according to new research my team and I published in the Journal of Personality in December 2025. Philosophers from Aristotle to al-Fārābī, a 10th-century scholar in what is now Iraq, have argued that virtue is vital for well-being. Yet others, such as Thomas Hobbes and Friedrich Nietzsche, have argued the opposite: Virtue offers no benefit to oneself and is good only for others. This second theory has inspired lots of research in contemporary psychology, which often sees morality and self-interest as fundamentally opposed. Many studies have found that generosity is associated with happiness, and that encouraging people to practice kindness increases their well-being. But other virtues seem less enjoyable. For example, a compassionate person wants to alleviate suffering or misfortune, but that requires there be suffering or misfortune. Patience is possible only when something irritating or difficult is happening. And self-control involves forgoing one’s desires or persisting with something difficult. Volunteers who drive homeless people to shelters talk with a person from Ukraine in Berlin on Jan. 7, 2026. Michael Ukas/dpa/picture alliance via Getty Images via The Conversation Could these kinds of virtues really be good for you? My colleagues and I investigated this question in two studies, using two different methods to zoom in on specific moments in people’s daily lives. Our goal was to assess the degree to which, in those moments, they were compassionate, patient and self-controlled. We also assessed their level of well-being: how pleasant or unpleasant they felt, and whether they found their activities meaningful. One study, with adolescents, used the experience sampling method, in which people answer questions at random intervals throughout the day. The other, studying adults, used the day reconstruction method, in which people answer questions about the previous day. All told, we examined 43,164 moments from 1,218 people. During situations that offer opportunities to act with compassion, patience and self-control – encountering someone in need, for example, or dealing with a difficult person – people tend to experience more unpleasant feelings and less pleasant ones than in other situations. However, we found that exercising these three virtues seems to help people cope. People who are habitually more compassionate, patient and self-controlled tend to experience better well-being. And when people display more compassion, patience and self-control than usual, they tend to feel better than they usually do. In short, our results contradicted the theory that virtue is good for others and bad for the self. They were consistent with the theory that virtue promotes well-being. Why it matters These studies tested the predictions of two venerable, highly influential theories about the relationship between morality and well-being. In doing so, they offered new insights into one of the most fundamental questions debated in philosophy, psychology and everyday life. Moreover, in the scientific study of morality, lots of research has examined how people form moral judgments and how outside forces shape a person’s moral behavior. Yet some researchers have argued that this should be complemented by research on moral traits and how these are integrated into the whole person. By focusing on traits such as patience, compassion and self-control, and their roles in people’s daily lives, our studies contribute to the emerging science of virtue. What still isn’t known One open question for future research is whether virtues such as compassion, patience and self-control are associated with better well-being only under certain conditions. For example, perhaps things look different depending on one’s stage of life or in different parts of the world. Our studies were not randomized experiments. It is possible that the associations we observed are explained by another factor – something that increases well-being while simultaneously increasing compassion, patience and self-control. Or maybe well-being affects virtue, instead of the other way around. Future research could help clarify the causal relationships. One particularly interesting possibility is that there might be a “virtuous cycle”: Perhaps virtue tends to promote well-being – and well-being, in turn, tends to promote virtue. If so, it would be extremely valuable to learn how to help people kick-start that cycle. The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Michael Prinzing, Wake Forest University Read more: Even as polarization surges, Americans believe they live in a compassionate country Transform the daily grind to make life more interesting – a philosopher shares 3 strategies to help you attain the good life What 13th-century Christian theologian Thomas Aquinas can teach us about hope in times of despair This research was made possible through the support of grants from the John Templeton Foundation (#61221, #62208). The opinions expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the John Templeton Foundation.
	Dogs can need more than kibble, walks and love − consider the escalating expenses of their medical care before you adopt Many Americans struggle to pay for health care for themselves and other members of their families, even if they have insurance coverage. Some very big bills arise when the furriest members of their households get sick or just need an annual checkup: their dogs. Americans spend an average of about US$1,700 annually on their dogs’ food and care, including $580 for veterinary bills. All told, Americans spent more than $41 billion on their pets’ veterinary care in 2025, primarily on dogs and cats. Veterinary costs have soared in recent years, rising much faster than inflation in the past decade. The average cost of any visit to a veterinarian for a dog is about $214 today. Appointment costs for a routine examination for a dog range from $70 to $174, depending in part on the vet’s location and your dog’s conditions. Estimating future costs Aidan Vining, a Canadian public policy scholar, and I, a public policy researcher based in the U.S., considered the extent to which economics can explain our canine relationships in our 2024 book “Dog Economics.” Our own love of dogs helps us understand how people bring dogs into their lives without fully taking account of future costs. One of these often unanticipated costs is for veterinary bills that may break the family budget. Indeed, a Gallup survey of dog and cat owners conducted for PetSmart Charities in 2024 and 2025 found that 42% of respondents had declined veterinary care for their pets because they could not afford it. In the same study, an additional 38% declined care because they did not believe it was worth the cost. I think that people should consider the risk of bearing these costs before bringing a dog into the family. Part of the family Between 60 million and 68 million U.S. households include at least one dog. That means that as many as half of all occupied U.S. homes include a dog. Most families with dogs revere them. A survey I conducted with colleagues in 2018 found that 73% of people with pet dogs strongly agreed with the statement “I consider my pets to be part of the family.” A 2023 Pew Research Center survey found that 51% of pet owners viewed their animals as being as much a member of their family as their human relatives. Because many of us will spend whatever we can to save the life of our family members, being unable to afford lifesaving care for dogs can be very upsetting. Steep veterinarian bills But sometimes dogs require very expensive care. And veterinarians in cities where the costs of living are high tend to charge more than elsewhere. Treating some fairly common dog ailments can cost a bundle: as much as $3,000 for gastroenteritis, $7,000 for intestinal obstruction surgery, $5,000 for severe pancreatitis and $8,000 for stomach bloat. The tab for canine cancer treatments involving chemotherapy or radiation can set you back more than $10,000. The initial phase of treatment for immune-mediated hemolytic anemia for my family’s poodle, for example, cost more than $10,000 in veterinary costs. She is doing well but needs continuing medical care. Ming, the author’s family poodle, needs continuing veterinary care. Dave Weimer Sometimes pooches require overnight veterinary supervision. That can cost you as much as $1,500 per night they spend in an animal hospital on top of those other expenses. Many Americans cannot afford to pay for such expensive care – only 41% could cover a $1,000 unanticipated expense of any kind from their savings. Although only a stopgap,there are charities that provide free or lower-cost veterinary care for the pets of low-income people? Insurance coverage is rare and often falls short Pet insurance can help make these expenses more manageable, but it covers only about 4.9 million dogs – about 8% of all American dogs. Most of those policies have deductibles you have to meet before they’ll reimburse you for at least part of the cost of your animal’s care. Some policies cover treatment only for accidents. Many exclude routine checkups and impose caps on total claims, typically at $5,000. Ironically, people who can most easily afford pet insurance are also the most likely to have enough money to pay for veterinary expenses. Insurance premiums for dogs, which depend on breed, where you live, their age and coverage terms, average about $62 per month. Premiums that cover well visits and either have high caps – annual limits on what you can be reimbursed through pet insurance policies – or no caps at all cost more than that. And pet insurers may exclude preexisting conditions. That is, unlike human patients protected by the Affordable Care Act, insurers can decline to cover dogs with prior illnesses. To be sure, some claims of over $60,000 have been paid by insurers through policies without any claim caps. But in most cases, it’s clear that having a dog can mean you’ll bear substantial financial risks when your dog gets injured or ill. And that’s true whether or not you’re paying pet insurance premiums throughout its lifetime – which on average lasts about a dozen years. Going into debt to pay the vet Americans who do pay big veterinary bills often have to borrow to do so – 39% of pet owners say they have gone into debt to pay for veterinary care, according to a survey conducted by MetLife’s pet insurance division. Even when they can afford those bills, many families often find providing care demanding and difficult to accommodate, given their work schedules and the caregiving that other relatives require. People who cannot afford the cost or lack the time to provide their dogs with the veterinary care required may choose to euthanize, give their dogs to someone else – known as rehoming – or surrender them to shelters. There’s no reliable data about this but I’m certain that veterinary issues contribute to the 6% of the pet surrenders that happen for financial reasons. And these surrenders contribute to the over 330,000 dogs that U.S. shelters euthanize each year. 3 considerations before acquiring dogs Although dogs can enrich your life with their devotion and companionship, I urge anyone considering bringing a dog into your home to think through these financial issues first. 1. The potential cost of veterinary care for dogs is high and likely to increase. Veterinary science will continue to develop new treatments, and some inevitably will be very expensive. As a result, dog owners will more often face heartbreaking choices between extending the life of an animal they consider to be a family member and destabilizing their own finances. 2. Like your human relatives, dogs tend to have more medical problems as they age. Most people with dogs will outlive their pets and will eventually have to confront canine medical problems. In other words, veterinary costs will at some point challenge almost all pet parents. 3. Whether or not our relatives want to get expensive medical care, we usually err on the side of providing whatever we can afford unless they demand a switch to palliative care only. Despite our emotional bonds with our dogs, they cannot tell us how they feel about the trade-off between quality of life and longevity. We should not ignore their suffering even when we can afford extensive veterinary care. Sometimes, euthanasia is the most loving decision. Those facing these difficult end-of-life decisions may benefit from seeking out veterinary palliative and hospice care, which is increasingly available. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: David L. Weimer, University of Wisconsin-Madison Read more: Raccoons break into liquor stores, scale skyscrapers and pick locks – studying their clever brains can clarify human intelligence, too Your dog’s nose knows no bounds – and neither does its love for you Thousands of genomes reveal the wild wolf genes in most dogs’ DNA David L. Weimer does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
	Your brain can be trained, much like your muscles – a neurologist explains how to boost your brain health If you have ever lifted a weight, you know the routine: challenge the muscle, give it rest, feed it and repeat. Over time, it grows stronger. Of course, muscles only grow when the challenge increases over time. Continually lifting the same weight the same way stops working. It might come as a surprise to learn that the brain responds to training in much the same way as our muscles, even though most of us never think about it that way. Clear thinking, focus, creativity and good judgment are built through challenge, when the brain is asked to stretch beyond routine rather than run on autopilot. That slight mental discomfort is often the sign that the brain is actually being trained, a lot like that good workout burn in your muscles. Think about walking the same loop through a local park every day. At first, your senses are alert. You notice the hills, the trees, the changing light. But after a few loops, your brain checks out. You start planning dinner, replaying emails or running through your to-do list. The walk still feels good, but your brain is no longer being challenged. Routine feels comfortable, but comfort and familiarity alone do not build new brain connections. As a neurologist who studies brain activity, I use electroencephalograms, or EEGs, to record the brain’s electrical patterns. Research in humans shows that these rhythms are remarkably dynamic. When someone learns a new skill, EEG rhythms often become more organized and coordinated. This reflects the brain’s attempt to strengthen pathways needed for that skill. Your brain trains in zones too For decades, scientists believed that the brain’s ability to grow and reorganize, called neuroplasticity, was largely limited to childhood. Once the brain matured, its wiring was thought to be largely fixed. But that idea has been overturned. Decades of research show that adult brains can form new connections and reorganize existing networks, under the right conditions, throughout life. Some of the most influential work in this field comes from enriched environment studies in animals. Rats housed in stimulating environments filled with toys, running wheels and social interaction developed larger, more complex brains than rats kept in standard cages. Their brains adapted because they were regularly exposed to novelty and challenge. Human studies find similar results. Adults who take on genuinely new challenges, such as learning a language, dancing or practicing a musical instrument, show measurable increases in brain volume and connectivity on MRI scans. The takeaway is simple: Repetition keeps the brain running, but novelty pushes the brain to adapt, forcing it to pay attention, learn and problem-solve in new ways. Neuroplasticity thrives when the brain is nudged just beyond its comfort zone. Tasks that stretch your brain just beyond its comfort zone, such as knitting and crocheting, can improve cognitive abilities over your lifespan – and doing them in a group setting brings an additional bonus for overall health. Dougal Waters/DigitalVision via Getty Images via The Conversation The reality of neural fatigue Just like muscles, the brain has limits. It does not get stronger from endless strain. Real growth comes from the right balance of challenge and recovery. When the brain is pushed for too long without a break – whether that means long work hours, staying locked onto the same task or making nonstop decisions under pressure – performance starts to slip. Focus fades. Mistakes increase. To keep you going, the brain shifts how different regions work together, asking some areas to carry more of the load. But that extra effort can still make the whole network run less smoothly. Neural fatigue is more than feeling tired. Brain imaging studies show that during prolonged mental work, the networks responsible for attention and decision-making begin to slow down, while regions that promote rest and reward-seeking take over. This shift helps explain why mental exhaustion often comes with stronger cravings for quick rewards, like sugary snacks, comfort foods or mindless scrolling. The result is familiar: slower thinking, more mistakes, irritability and mental fog. This is where the muscle analogy becomes especially useful. You wouldn’t do squats for six hours straight, because your leg muscles would eventually give out. As they work, they build up byproducts that make each contraction a little less effective until you finally have to stop. Your brain behaves in a similar way. Likewise, in the brain, when the same cognitive circuits are overused, chemical signals build up, communication slows and learning stalls. But rest allows those strained circuits to reset and function more smoothly over time. And taking breaks from a taxing activity does not interrupt learning. In fact, breaks are critical for efficient learning. Overdoing any task, whether it be weight training or sitting at the computer for too long, can overtax the muscles as well as the brain. Halfpoint Images/Moment via Getty Images via The Conversation The crucial importance of rest Among all forms of rest, sleep is the most powerful. Sleep is the brain’s night shift. While you rest, the brain takes out the trash through a special cleanup system called the glymphatic system that clears away waste and harmful proteins. Sleep also restores glycogen, a critical fuel source for brain cells. And importantly, sleep is when essential repair work happens. Growth hormone surges during deep sleep, supporting tissue repair. Immune cells regroup and strengthen their activity. During REM sleep, the stage of sleep linked to dreaming, the brain replays patterns from the day to consolidate memories. This process is critical not only for cognitive skills like learning an instrument but also for physical skills like mastering a move in sports. On the other hand, chronic sleep deprivation impairs attention, disrupts decision-making and alters the hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism. This is why fatigue drives sugar cravings and late-night snacking. Sleep is not an optional wellness practice. It is a biological requirement for brain performance. Exercise feeds the brain too Exercise strengthens the brain as well as the body. Physical activity increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, a protein that acts like fertilizer for neurons. It promotes the growth of new connections, increases blood flow, reduces inflammation and helps the brain remain adaptable across one’s lifespan. This is why exercise is one of the strongest lifestyle tools for protecting cognitive health. Train, recover, repeat The most important lesson from this science is simple. Your brain is not passively wearing down with age. It is constantly remodeling itself in response to how you use it. Every new challenge and skill you try, every real break, every good night of sleep sends a signal that growth is still expected. You do not need expensive brain training programs or radical lifestyle changes. Small, consistent habits matter more. Try something unfamiliar. Vary your routines. Take breaks before exhaustion sets in. Move your body. Treat sleep as nonnegotiable. So the next time you lace up your shoes for a familiar walk, consider taking a different path. The scenery may change only slightly, but your brain will notice. That small detour is often all it takes to turn routine into training. The brain stays adaptable throughout life. Cognitive resilience is not fixed at birth or locked in early adulthood. It is something you can shape. If you want a sharper, more creative, more resilient brain, you do not need to wait for a breakthrough drug or a perfect moment. You can start now, with choices that tell your brain that growth is still the plan. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, University of Pittsburgh Read more: Why ‘unwinding’ with screens may be making us more stressed – here’s what to try instead Eating less ultraprocessed food supports healthier aging, new research shows Wearing a weighted vest can promote bone health and weight loss, but it’s not a cure-all Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
	Iowa House passes bill banning use of eminent domain for carbon pipelines The legislation would prohibit companies from using eminent domain to obtain land for pipelines designed to transport carbon dioxide.
	The Botanical Center keeps temperatures in low 80's for tropical plants The Botanical Center keeps tropical plants thriving during the winter months with temperature and humidity control, with temperatures in the 80's.
	Your guide to Oscar-nominated movies and where to watch them There are a lot of films and we are here to help! We've assembled details and coverage for the 14 films nominated in six major categories — all in one place.
	Extreme Cold Warning until FRI 12:00 PM CST Extreme Cold Warning and Advisory in Effect: Dangerous Wind Chills
	Davenport man sentenced to three years for firearm as a felon A Davenport man was sentenced January 20 to three years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. According to public court documents, Areion Watson, 29, had a loaded pistol, which was recovered during a traffic stop. Watson fled on foot during the stop. Watson was prohibited from possessing firearms because he was [...]
	Davenport man sentenced to 3 years in federal gun case A Davenport man was sentenced in to three years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm as a felon.
	Iowa Republican gubernatorial candidates share priorities in QCA campaign forum Four Republican candidates running to be Iowa's next governor shared their priorities if elected during a campaign forum in Eldridge, covering a lot of issues that need answers. Our Quad Cities News reporter Gavin Waidelich tracks the event for Your Local Election Headquarters.
	Luke Bryan to perform at Vibrant Arena Luke Bryan's, "World on the Street Tour" is coming to Vibrant Arena.
	An AI judge, a time-traveling 10-year-old and more in theaters In a not-too-distant future, an artificial intelligence entity determines the fate of the accused in Mercy, starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson.
	New technology Center reopens at Muscatine Community College Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) celebrated the completion and reopening of the Muscatine Technology Center (MTC) with a ribbon cutting on January 22. MTC, located at 152 Colorado Street in Muscatine, on the Muscatine Community College (MCC) campus, added over 5,000 square feet of state-of-the-art lab and classroom space. This significantly increases the capacity for EICC’s welding and [...]
	Be My Valentine Sweepstakes 2026 Rules Complete rules for the Be My Valentine Sweepstakes
	Burlington seeks input on community trail extension Burlington needs your input on a new community trail extension. The city was awarded $875,000 in grant funding to advance a planned extension of the community trail network between Summer Street and Madison Avenue. The funding includes $750,000 from the Statewide Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and $125,000 from a REAP grant. Construction is expected to [...]
	Extreme Cold continues into the weekend We are seeing the worst of the cold on this Friday morning at the time of posting this story with wind chills reaching -37 degrees below zero at the coldest in the Quad Cities. Further up north in areas like Galena and Mt. Carroll even saw wind chills exceed 40 below and we are still [...]
	Elevator tech startup shares plans for the KONE Tower Hyprlift, Inc. will use the tower to get its self-propelled elevator system certified.
	"Word on the Street": Luke Bryan coming to Vibrant Arena this summer Luke Bryan’s “Word On The Street Tour” kicks off on May 29 in New Hampshire and stops at the Vibrant Arena in Moline on July 10. Joining him on stage are Shane Profitt, Lauren Watkins, Raelyn & DJ Rock. Tickets go on sale on Friday, January 30 at 10 a.m. here. Bryan’s fan club members can [...]
	Vietnam leader To Lam consolidates power as country targets 10% growth Lam, 68, pledged to accelerate economic growth and was reappointed unanimously by the 180-member Central Committee at the conclusion of the National Party Congress.
	Iowa Ag Secretary hopeful says state must rethink ethanol if pollution of waterways is to be controlled If Iowa wants to have clean waterways, reduce the nitrates its drinking water and have economic outcomes that benefit the people, the current agricultural model of growing corn and soybeans is going to need to change.
	How to instantly elevate your game day spread (BPT) - Excited to gather with fellow football fans for the big game? You can score big with your guests — without too much fuss — by choosing premium products that turn a ho-hum cheese plate into a delectable charcuterie board, transforming so-so game day appetizers into a chef's kiss-worthy experience.What's the secret? Président® Cheese. From flavorful Pub Cheese to creamy Brie and more, Président Cheese will be the MVP of game day, bringing a taste of dairy mastery to your snacks and creating surprisingly simple but elevated culinary masterpieces.Get ready for kickoff with an elevated snack boardAn easy way to get the party started is offering a fun, shareable game day board that brings the energy of the stadium to your table. Classic bites get an irresistible upgrade with Président® Pub Cheese® Sharp Cheddar, generously spread on top or served in inviting bowls for dipping. This mix of savory favorites, fresh veggies and crispy sides creates an effortless spread that will keep everyone reaching for one more taste.Président® Pub Cheese® Stadium Snack Board Prep time: 30 minutes; Servings: 12Ingredients2 packs Président® Pub Cheese® Sharp CheddarChicken wingsHasselback sausagesLarge soft pretzelsSoft pretzel bitesCrispy waffle friesChili-spiced nutsCelery sticksCarrot sticksPita chipsCrostinisInstructions1. Warm the Pub Cheese: Place Président® Pub Cheese® in small cast-iron or regular pan, reserving a second pack to serve raw. Heat over medium on stovetop about 2 minutes, stirring continuously to ensure a smooth, even melt.2. Prepare board: Arrange Président® Pub Cheese®, chicken wings, Hasselback sausages, pretzel bites, large soft pretzels, waffle fries, chili-spiced nuts, pita chips and crostinis on large serving board or platter.3. Add fresh elements: Tuck celery and carrot sticks around the board to add color and a crisp, refreshing bite.4. Set up the cheese: Serve melted Président® Pub Cheese® Sharp Cheddar in small bowls — or keep in its pan — and place around the board for easy dipping and spreading.5. Serve and enjoy: Dip, spread and snack freely, mixing and matching favorite bites with Président® Pub Cheese® Sharp Cheddar.Boost your game plan with BrieRich and creamy Brie was made for entertaining. Whether served as is or warmed up, it's perfect for spreading on crusty bread or crispy crackers. Président Brie Cheese is incredibly versatile for any occasion, from grilled to charcuterie boards. You're sure to score a touchdown with this delicious combo of nuts and honey with Brie. Simply grill Brie, then top with seasonal fruit, pistachios and honey for something so delicious in just 10 minutes.Grilled Président Brie with Pistachios & Honey Prep time: 5 minutes; Cook time: 10 minutes; Servings: 6Ingredients1 package (8 ounces) Président® Brie1 apple, sliced1/4 cup pistachios, unshelled2 tablespoons honey, for drizzlingSalt, to tasteCrostinis, for servingInstructions1. Preheat grill: Set grill to 350°F.2. Prepare the Brie: Score the top of the Brie in a crosshatch pattern.3. Place in skillet: Add Brie to lightly greased 8–10 inch cast iron skillet and place directly onto a preheated grill. Close lid and let warm about 5–7 minutes, until soft and melty.4. Add seasonal fruits and nuts: Place apple slices and pistachios around Brie in the skillet. Close the lid again and warm another 2–3 minutes to warm the fruit and meld the flavors.5. Finish with extra honey: Drizzle the entire skillet generously with honey.6. Serve and enjoy: Serve warm with crostini for dipping. Enjoy!Dip it, spread it and dive in on game dayYour game watch party all-star? Chips and dip. But there's no need to stick to the same-old, same-old. Instead, let Feta cheese add more zip to your dip. This easy dip combines sweet, juicy NatureSweet Cherubs® tomatoes with creamy, oven-baked Président feta for a warm, savory appetizer. Perfect for game day, this simple dip pairs beautifully with pita chips for a crowd-pleasing recipe everyone will love.Baked Feta and Tomato Dip Prep time: 10 minutes; Cook time: 15 minutes; Servings: 4IngredientsOlive oil, drizzle1 teaspoon garlic, minced1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced1 1/2 cup NatureSweet Cherubs® tomatoes1 package (8 ounces) Président® Feta Chunk1 teaspoon fine herbsSalt and pepper to taste2 teaspoon fresh parsley, choppedPita chipsInstructions1. Mix olive oil, garlic, red onion, Cherubs®, Président® Feta Chunk, pepper, fine herbs and salt in a baking dish.2. Bake at 360°F for 15 minutes.3. Mix and garnish with parsley. Serve with pita chips.Score extra points with a trendy butter boardIf you haven't tried a butter board yet, now's your chance! Just one look, and friends and family will tackle this dessert board with gusto. This recipe takes a decadent twist on the savory approach with three sweet variations of high-quality Président® Salted Butter. Creamy dessert butter is perfect for spreading, and is even more tasty enhanced with flavors like sweet honey, sultry caramel and spiced cinnamon.Président® Butter Board Prep time: 25 minutes; Servings: 10IngredientsHoney Butter1 cup Président® Salted Butter, softened to room temperature1/4 cup powdered sugar3 tablespoons raw and unfiltered honeyCaramel Butter1 cup Président® Salted Butter, softened to room temperature1/3 cup caramel sauce2 tablespoons powdered sugarCinnamon Butter1 cup Président® Salted Butter, softened to room temperature1/2 cup powdered sugar2 teaspoons ground cinnamonInstructions1. In three separate small bowls, mix ingredients for each butter until smooth and lump free, about 20 seconds each.2. Spread butter onto a wooden board (lined with parchment first).3. Fill board with a variety of cookies, fruits and side dipping sauces.Win big with exciting new recipesYou'll be the champion of this year's big game with a little help from Président Cheese. Visit PrésidentCheese.com for more recipe inspiration, and check out their social media on Instagram, Facebook and X. President Cheese is a product of Lactalis USA.
	Two boys with fascinating hobbies: How travel made their wishes possible (BPT) - Although they live in different states and have never met, Michael and Andrew have a lot in common. Both boys love to immerse themselves in their favorite subjects — trains for Michael and penguins for Andrew — and they are both dealing with critical illnesses. And thanks to Make-A-Wish® and corporate partner Chase, both boys were able to see their long-cherished wishes come true.For Michael, that meant traveling from his home near Fresno, California, to Cheyenne, Wyoming, to see Big Boy 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive and one of his favorite trains! Animal lover Andrew and his family were able to travel across the world, from their home town of Draper, Utah, to Dunedin, New Zealand, to see the country's unique yellow-eyed hoiho penguins up close and personal.According to Make-A-Wish, which has granted over 390,000 wishes for children with critical illnesses in the U.S. since 1980, approximately 75% of children's wishes involve some form of travel. To help meet this need, Chase has donated more than $4 million in Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, allowing Make-A-Wish to have more resources to grant even more wishes, and helping to ensure that a child's wish is granted at the best time to support their journey to fight their critical illness. Since their partnership began in 2024, Chase has helped grant over 800 wishes."Airfare costs are often the largest expense for granting wishes," said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. "And for every wish we grant, two more children with critical illnesses are still waiting. With Chase's ongoing support, Make-A-Wish can continue to create lasting memories for children and families, bringing them hope and joy during their most challenging times."Life-changing journeysMake-A-Wish strives to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness, because wish experiences can help improve their emotional and physical health.* For eight-year-old Michael, learning about trains and wishing to see one of his favorite locomotives in person brought him hope, uplifted his spirits and gave him strength to continue his fight against cancer. Michael and his family were able to fly from Fresno, California, to Denver, Colorado, where they picked up a rental car to drive to Cheyenne. Michael experienced memorable visits to the High Plains Railroad Preservation Association and Cheyenne Depot Museum, but the trip's highlight was his afternoon at the Union Pacific Steam Shop and private tour of Big Boy No. 4014. Michael's wish uplifted his spirits and brought him hope. Twelve-year-old Andrew, who has a critical genetic disorder, is an avid reader who has always loved animals — especially penguins — and enjoys swimming. Thanks to the partnership with Chase, Andrew and his family were able to travel halfway around the world to New Zealand, where they spent time at the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital to witness hoiho chicks being fed and cared for, as well as seeing these distinctive penguins in the wild. The family also enjoyed a trip to the beach at Otago peninsula and a visit with some alpacas, completing a once-in-a-lifetime trip that Andrew will never forget. Most wish kids go on to overcome their illness and lead healthy lives, often crediting their wish as a turning point in their emotional and physical health. By helping grant these travel wishes, Chase's donation enables children to replace fear with confidence, sadness with joy, and anxiety with hope. Research shows that a wish can have significant physical and emotional benefits, increasing the chances of survival for children facing critical illnesses.How you can helpWould you like to make a difference in the life of a child with a critical illness? Chase cardmembers can support Make-A-Wish by donating at Wish.org/Chase, then redeem Ultimate Rewards for the value of the donation by using Pay Yourself Back® through the Ultimate Rewards portal. You can also learn more about children who have been granted wishes at Wish.org.Source: Make-A-Wish 2022 Wish Impact Study, wish.org/impactstudy
	Orion School Board OKs STEM lab materials purchase; hires new middle school principal The school board on Wednesday voted to spend $188,902 on SmartLab HQ Explorer program materials to equip the STEM lab at the grade school.
	Hubbell-Waterman Foundation grants more than $2 million to 67 Quad-Cities nonprofits Since its founding, the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation has granted more than $43 million to local organizations.
	Exhibition by Sandburg, Galesburg, alumna is first art show of 2026 Sandburg’s first art show of the new year highlights the work of alumna Madelyn Havens through March 24. The opening reception for Havens’ exhibit, “Lingering Forms,” will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 23 in the Sandburg art gallery in building D on the college’s Galesburg campus. The show and reception are free and open to the public. Regular gallery hours are weekdays from [...]
	Muscatine Police Department to host training on Iowa Crime Free Multi Housing Program The program aims to reduce crime, improve resident safety and enhance quality of life in rental communities.
	National parks are key conservation areas for wildlife and natural resources View of Western North Carolina from Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park (Photo by Jim Renfro/Courtesy of the National Park Service) Sarah Diaz, Coastal Carolina University and Linda Lane, Coastal Carolina University The United States’ national parks have an inherent contradiction. The federal law that created the National Park Service says the agency — and the parks — must “conserve the scenery and the natural and historic objects and the wildlife … unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” That means both protecting fragile wild places and making sure people can visit them. Much of the public focus on the parks is about recreation and enjoyment, but the parks are extremely important places for research and conservation efforts. These places contain a wide range of sensitive and striking environments: volcanoes, glaciers, sand dunes, marshlands, ocean ecosystems, forests and deserts. And these areas face a broad variety of conservation challenges, including the effects of climate change, the perils of popularity driving crowds to some places, and the Trump administration’s reductions to park service staff and funding. As scholars of recreation who study the national parks and teach a course on them, we have seen the park service make parks far more than just recreational opportunities. They are living laboratories where researchers — park service personnel and others — study nature across wide-ranging ecosystems and apply what they learn to inform public and private conservation efforts around the country. A wolf howls while standing near Blacktail Pond in Yellowstone National Park on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2019. (Photo by Jim Peaco/Courtesy of the National Park Service) Returning wolves to Yellowstone One of the best known outcomes of conservation research in park service history is still playing out in the nation’s first national park, Yellowstone. Gray wolves once roamed the forests and mountains, but government-sanctioned eradication efforts to protect livestock in the late 1800s and early 1900s hunted them to near extinction in the lower 48 states by the mid-20th century. In 1974, the federal government declared that gray wolves needed the protections of the Endangered Species Act. Research in the park found that the ecosystem required wolves as apex predators to maintain a healthy balance in nature. In the mid-1990s, an effort began to reintroduce gray wolves to Yellowstone National Park. The project brought 41 wolves from Canada to the park. The wolves reproduced and became the basis of a Yellowstone-based population that has numbered as many as 120 and in December 2024 was estimated at 108. The return of wolves has not only drawn visitors hoping to see these beautiful and powerful predators, but their return has also triggered what scholars call a “trophic cascade,” in which the wolves decrease elk numbers, which in turn has allowed willow and aspen trees to survive to maturity and restore dense groves of vegetation across the park. Increased vegetation in turn led to beaver population increases as well as ecosystem changes brought by their water management and engineering skills. Songbirds also came back, now that they could find shade and shelter in trees near water and food sources. A black bear eats cherries in Great Smoky Mountains National Park on Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023. (Photo by Betty Blanton/Courtesy of the National Park Service) Black bear protection in the Great Smoky Mountains Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most biologically diverse park in the country, with over 19,000 species documented and another 80,000 to 100,000 species believed to be present. However, the forests of the Appalachian Mountains were nearly completely clear-cut in the late 1800s and early 20th century, during the early era of the logging industry in the region. Because their habitat was destroyed, and because they were hunted, black bears were nearly eradicated. By 1934, when Great Smoky Mountains National Park was designated, there were only an estimated 100 bears left in the region. Under the park’s protection, the population rebounded to an estimated 1,900 bears in and around the park in 2025. Much like the gray wolves in Yellowstone, bears are essential to the health of this ecosystem by preying on other animals, scavenging carcasses and dispersing seeds. Water preservation in the Everglades The Everglades are a vast subtropical ecosystem located in southern Florida. They provide drinking water and irrigation to millions of people across the state, help control storm flooding and are home to dozens of federally threatened and endangered species such as the Florida panther and American alligator. When Everglades National Park was created in 1947, it was the first time a U.S. national park had been established to protect a natural resource for more than just its scenic value. As agriculture and surrounding urban development continue to pollute this natural resource, park professionals and partner organizations have focused on improving habitat restoration, both for the wildlife and for humans’ water quality. Inspiring future generations To us, perhaps the most important work in the national parks involves young people. Research shows that visiting, exploring and understanding the parks and their ecosystems can foster deep connections with natural spaces and encourage younger generations to take up the mantle of stewardship of the parks and the environment as a whole. With their help, the parks — and the landscapes, resources and beauty they protect — can be preserved for the benefit of nature and humans, in the parks and far beyond their boundaries. An alligator protests her nest in Everglades National Park in 2015. The average American alligator nest size is 38 eggs. An estimated 24 hatchlings will emerge from nests that survive predation or flooding. By end of the first year, only 10 of the alligator hatchlings will still be alive. To help their young survive, mother alligators will often guard the eggs during incubation, release them from the nest upon hatching and escort them to the relative safety of the water where she will continue to guard them. Baby alligators stay with their mother for the first year, until she will need to protect her new young. (Photo courtesy of the National Park Service) This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
	What are IEPs and how do they look different in Iowa and Illinois? An Individualized Education Program helps students with disabilities navigate school. Here's how they work:
	Week in Iowa: Three Republican property tax proposals in the air and how much each gubernatorial candidate raised in 2025 A round of of this week's news from across Iowa.
	'Necklaces' and a warm place to sleep: Moline shelter houses 40 on opening night Forty people spent the night in the new emergency winter shelter in Moline.
	The Burlington Zephyr This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Even a state as quiet and peaceful, and as rural as Iowa generally provides several possible entertainers for idlers.…
	How cuts to federal climate funds could threaten polar vortex research Tens of millions of people are in the path of a major winter storm. Federal cuts threaten efforts to understand the causes of such weather.
	Who's Board of Peace and who's bored of peace? The quiz knows — do you? Plus: The Oscars, tool-using animals, Nobel drama and more.
	Extreme Cold Warning until FRI 12:00 PM CST Extreme Cold Warning and Cold Weather Advisory in Effect
	Venezuela opens debate on an oil sector overhaul as Trump seeks role for US firms Venezuela's legislature advanced a bill on Thursday to loosen state control over the country's vast oil sector, the first major overhaul since parts of the industry were nationalized in 2007.
Thursday, January 22nd, 2026
	‘He asked me to call 911, so I did’: KWQC reporter summons help as freezing cold hits Quad Cities While waiting outside, Brindley said a man walked up to his car and asked for help.
	Knox County senior services receive funding commitment Officials said the commitment secures almost 25 percent of the total annual local cash match needed to secure more than $600,000 in federal funding.
	Bettendorf School Board removes extension from superintendent contract The Bettendorf superintendent's extension year was removed by school board Thursday night.
	Local hero: Clinton boy named Children’s Miracle Network national champion Sawyer Dawes has chronic kidney disease and is treated at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
	Four Republican gubernatorial candidates lay out priorities during Eldridge forum About a hundred people filled the Regional Innovation Center in Eldridge on Thursday night to hear from Adam Steen, Eddie Andrews, Brad Sherman, and Zach Laye.
	TikTok finalizes deal to form new American entity TikTok has finalized a deal to create a new American entity, avoiding the looming threat of a ban in the United States that has been in discussion for years.
	Quad Cities schools to decide on closures with low temps ahead With frigid temperatures set to hit the Quad Cities on Friday, school districts are preparing for what they will do.
	CNH plans to lay off 209 employees in Burlington The layoffs will take effect between the end of March and the end of May.
	East Moline cattle farm using ear tags that track cow's biometrics The technology is similar to smart watches for humans, allowing the Bohnerts to keep tabs on their herd's health at all times.
	Elevator tech startup shares plans for the KONE Tower Hyprlift, Inc. will use the tower to get its self-propelled elevator system certified.
	Iowa House passes bill to ban eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Iowa House passed a bill banning the use of eminent domain for the construction of carbon capture pipelines. In just a couple weeks, HF 2104 was introduced and cleared through a House subcommittee before House members on Wednesday passed the bill 64 to 28. The bill would prohibit "exercising the [...]
	Iowa man arrested for first-degree murder in case of man missing since 2020 On May 2, 2020, the family of Christian Balke-Thompson, 26, reported him missing to law enforcement. Since that time, Balke-Thompson has not been found, according to a news release from the Iowa Department of Public Safety. On Thursday, Albert John Wolfe, 33, of Lanesboro, Iowa, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder for the death of Balke-Thompson. The [...]
	What EV drivers should know as temperatures drop As temperatures drop across the region, electric vehicle owners face a seasonal reality: cold weather can significantly reduce battery performance and driving range.
	Farmers prepare livestock for cold weather East to West Farm in Columbus Junction takes extra precautions as below-zero temperatures are expected this weekend.
	Iowa woman sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison for embezzling from employer According to court documents, the embezzlement began in June of 2021, about eight months after she began working for a new company. She has multiple past convictions for financial crimes.
	The Heart of the Story: A need for speed 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. Retirement usually means slowing down, but not for [...]
	Project NOW, Moline's new overnight shelter helps 40 people on first night The temporary shelter opened in Moline on Jan. 21 and is capable of sleeping up to 60 people. To help, here are the donation items Project NOW is asking for.
	63 straight hours coming with below 0° wind chills in the Quad Cities It's a long stretch of VERY cold weather in the Quad Cities! We're looking at more than 2 and a half straight days with below 0° wind chills! The worst of it looks to be Friday morning when wind chills dip to -35° in the Quad Cities. The NWS, not surprisingly, has issued an Extreme [...]
	How to protect your home against the incoming sub-zero temperatures The below-freezing temperatures on their way to the QCA this weekend mean homes are at risk of major damages if you're not prepared. Whether it's a furnace failure or burst pipe, homeowners have a lot to look out for while they try to stay warm this weekend. Our Quad Cities News spoke with Petersen Plumbing [...]
	Worst case scenario is -40° in Quad Cities Friday morning We're locked in with dangerously cold wind chills Friday morning...and the worst case scenario puts us at -40° in the morning! "Best" case scenario still places us at -25° early Friday morning. Most likely? That gives us a wind chill of -32° Friday morning. There's limited relief coming next week, here's the 7-day forecast:
	Republican-led House blocks effort to limit President Trump's war powers in Venezuela Two Republicans joined Democrats to vote for the war powers resolution, but the motion failed in a 215-215 vote.
	45 out of 50 states slammed with winter weather alerts! It doesn't happen often, but 45 out of the 50 states have at least one county included in some form of a winter weather alert from the NWS right now! Some of the products in effect right now include Extreme Cold Warnings, Cold Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings to name a few! 2 factors [...]
	Muscatine Community College opens expanded technology center Muscatine Community College cut the ribbon on an expanded technology center, adding new lab and classroom space for welding and advanced manufacturing.

Friday, January 23rd, 2026

Thursday, January 22nd, 2026