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

Friday, April 10th, 2026
	1 injured escaping a motorhome fire One person was injured while escaping a motorhome fire in Davenport, firefighters say.
	Quad City Arts receives $15,000 as part of America 250 celebration The Illinois Arts Council (IAC), the Office of the Governor JB Pritzker and Illinois Humanities awarded more than $325,000 to 22 public art projects throughout Illinois to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. These grants are part of a broader statewide effort by the Illinois America 250 Commission to celebrate the nation's [...]
	Zendaya and Robert Pattinson vow to surprise you in 'The Drama,' for better or worse Zendaya and Robert Pattinson star in 'The Drama,' a new movie from A24 about a happily engaged couple whose love is called into question after a dark secret is revealed.
	One injured in motorhome fire in Davenport Davenport firefighters battled a motorhome fire yesterday afternoon on Northwest Boulevard. A news release from the Davenport Fire Department said crews responded to a report of a motorhome on fire in the 8600 block of Northwest Boulevard on April 9 at about 5:10 p.m. The first fire units arrived on scene at 5:18 p.m. and [...]
	Five things to know about Hungary's election Hungary votes Sunday in a pivotal test of Viktor Orbán's "illiberal democracy," as challenger Péter Magyar taps voter frustration, with stakes for Europe, NATO and the U.S.
	Iowa farmers send hundreds of bales of hay to Nebraska ranchers affected by historic wildfires Tractor-trailers carrying 350 bales of hay left Iowa on Wednesday, bound for ranchers affected by wildfires in Nebraska.
	'How are you using AI?' Your therapist should ask you that question, experts argue A paper in JAMA Psychiatry says mental health providers should ask if patients are using artificial intelligence chatbots, just as they would ask patients about sleep habits and substance use.
	Inflation surges to highest level in nearly two years as energy costs spike Consumer prices in March were up 3.3% from a year ago, the biggest annual increase in nearly two years. Higher gasoline prices tied to the war with Iran accounted for much of the surge.
	Inflation surges to highest level in nearly 2 years as energy costs spike Consumer prices in March were up 3.3% from a year ago, the biggest annual increase in nearly two years. Higher gasoline prices tied to the war with Iran accounted for much of the surge.
	More rain is coming as drought conditions improve A decent rain maker moved across the Quad Cities Thursday night into Friday morning bringing around one-half inch to more than an inch of rain. Dry hours are in the forecast Friday into Friday night, but more rain is coming. After mild temperatures Friday and Saturday, we start to warm up again Sunday into much [...]
	China's Xi meets Taiwan opposition leader ahead of key summit with Trump Xi Jinping and the KMT's Cheng Li-wun agreed to pursue peace, but Taiwan's ruling party worries it will enable Beijing to undermine its democracy.
	Trump says Iran 'doing a very poor job' in reopening the Strait of Hormuz The fragile ceasefire agreement was tested again on Friday after Iran refused to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Israel and Hezbollah traded strikes in Lebanon, and Kuwait was attacked with drones.
	Last Picture House, Davenport, will unleash two-day 35mm Kung Fu Film Festival The Last Picture House, 325 E. 2nd St., Davenport, will unleash the Grindhouse Old 35mm Kung Fu Film Festival, a two-day celebration featuring classic Kng-Fu films on original 35mm prints, along with live demonstrations. The festival runs Friday, April 17, through Saturday, April 18, showcasing nine action-packed Kung Fu features, live Kung Fu demonstrations, and [...]
	Norma Jean Elephant This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Whoever made that silk purse out of a sow's ear has nothing on the citizens of Oquawka, Illinois, just downstream from…
	Communities are waiting on billions in disaster funding from the Trump administration States say disaster funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency has slowed to a trickle under the Trump administration. That's delaying projects to protect communities from wildfires and hurricanes.
	Women are getting most of the new jobs. What's going on with men? Over the past year, the vast majority of new jobs have gone to women. One economist says to help men find work, we need to embrace ways to "make girly jobs appeal to manly men."
	This week's quiz reveals a dramatic twist! OR DOES IT? If you keep up with secret identities, you'll get at least one question right this week!
	Hip-hop pioneer Afrika Bambaataa dies at age 68 Afrika Bambaataa, a man widely considered one of the main pioneers of hip-hop, died in Pennsylvania of prostate cancer on Thursday, according to his lawyer.
	Well-timed bets on Polymarket tied to the Iran war draw calls for investigations from lawmakers Calls are increasing inside Congress for investigations into the prediction market platform Polymarket after the latest instance where groups of anonymous traders made strategic, well-timed bets on a major geopolitical event hours before it occurred.
	Immigration board denies Mahmoud Khalil's appeal The Board of Immigration Appeals has denied Mahmoud Khalil's latest attempt to dismiss his deportation case. This decision brings the Palestinian activist one step closer to possible expulsion.
	Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel tells NBC News that he will not step down Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel has told NBC News' Meet the Press that he would not step down in his first interview with a U.S. network.
Thursday, April 9th, 2026
	Get your motor running at the QC Family Motorcycle Expo Support the next generation of mechanics, meet fellow motorcycle enthusiasts and more! Arthur Panick spoke with Our Quad Cities News about the upcoming QC Family Motorcycle Expo. For more information, click here.
	Local athletes compete in Jesse Day relays The rain didn’t stop athletes from hitting the track at Brady Street Stadium for the 91st annual Jesse Day Invitational.
	River Bandits beat Timber Rattlers 11-1 The Quad Cities River Bandits pick up their first win of the season in game 3 against Wisconsin Timber Rattlers 11-1.
	Davenport native Divine Bourrage transfers to Illinois from LSU Divine Bourrage has found her new home at Illinois after entering the transfer portal following her first year at LSU.
	I-80 East entrance ramp blocked for towing operation, roadway reopened The ramp from U.S. 61 South was blocked while a towing operation was in progress, according to Iowa 511.
	4th Street conversion construction continues in Davenport Construction season is upon us and that means work is continuing on the 4th Street construction project in Davenport. Work started late last year along the road, and now people will see traffic disruptions continue throughout the rest of this year. Currently, there are two sections being worked on - Telegraph Road to Pine Street [...]
	Traffic Alert: Work to impact Geneseo middle and high school traffic Work will be done at the intersection of Ogden Avenue and State Street after the contractor discovered infrastructure issues impacting water and sewer services to the high school, according to a media release.
	The Heart of the Story: A fishy mission 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. A Quad-City hatchery helps ensure local waterways stay [...]
	QCA poverty convention pinpoints affordable housing as the 'problem' Hundreds of people gathered at the fourth-annual 'Rooting Out Poverty' conference on Thursday at the Waterfront Convention Center. Data shared at the event, put on by Project NOW, pinpoints housing insecurity in Illinois as the primary issue to address. "I can't look at the numbers, I can't know the data, see the realities around town, [...]
	Traffic Alert: I-80 East entrance ramp blocked for towing operation The ramp from U.S. 61 South is blocked while a towing operation is in progress, according to Iowa 511.
	Park View man charged with stalking According to the Scott County Sheriff's Office, Chad Metcalf left a GPS tracking device on a vehicle.
	Delegation going to D.C. to ask for Galesburg infrastructure funding The Knox County Area Partnership wants to get funding for three main projects, with a trip planned for next week.
	Davenport activates 3 new red-light cameras The new cameras are active as of April 9, but there will be a 30-day warning period before citations are issued. After that, violations will carry a $100 fine.
	Rock Island Deputy Chief of Police retiring for new role with Coal Valley After leaving Rock Island, Jamie Morris will become Coal Valley's new chief of police.
	Parkview man charged with two counts of stalking A Parkview man has been charged with stalking. According to a release from the Scott County Sheriff's Office, the Scott Emergency Communication Center received a call March 25 at approximately 4:06 p.m. from a Scott County resident that he found a GPS tracking device on his and his girlfriend's car. The Scott County Sheriff's Office [...]
	Traffic Alert: Part of 16th Avenue to close for lead service line replacement project A section of 16th Avenue will be closed for a lead service line replacement project.
	Madigan’s high-powered appeals team urges 7th Circuit to overturn speaker’s conviction s former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan approaches six months in a West Virginia federal prison, the high-profile legal team he hired to handle his appeal made long-awaited arguments Thursday, urging the longtime Democratic power broker’s conviction on bribery and other corruption charges be overturned.
	Hop to the LeClaire Spring Shop Hop this weekend The event runs from 10 a.m. through 4 p.m. on Saturday.
	4th Annual G-Ales-Burg Fest to be held for a good cause The 4th Annual G-Ales-Burg Fest is happening Saturday to benefit The Vascular Anomalies Alliance.
	Man charged with stalking after GPS tracking device found on car, deputies say A man has been charged with stalking after a GPS tracking device was found on a car.
	Update on severe weather chances next week While we have been seeing a lot of rain through the start of this month, some of it severe, we have another chance next week. So far this year we have already received 11 confirmed tornadoes in our area from storms, 3 on the Iowa side of the river, and 8 on the Illinois side. [...]
	Mother-daughter duo among QC Restaurant Week service stars A mother-daughter duo was served a special surprise Thursday as part of QC Restaurant Week.
	Rock Island nonprofit gives books to more than 200 students Each student was given three new books to take home, while teachers received classroom copies to encourage reading throughout the year.
	QC Restaurant Week continues with deals, special menus from more than 90 restaurants You have until Sunday, April 12, to dine out at a local restaurant for a chance to win gift cards and prizes! Here's how to sign up for free.
	CropGPT?: Farmers now have their own AI chatbot It’s called CropWizard and was developed by the University of Illinois. Farmers can ask questions about pests, diseases, or crop management and receive research-based answers.
	Nearly 2,500 people without power in Rock Island News 8 has reached out to MidAmerican energy for details on what caused the outage.
	Downtown Moline given River Edge Redevelopment Zone designation The designation unlocks tax incentives aimed at boosting development along the Mississippi River corridor.
	Second Saturday returns with free admission, activities at the Figge The facility will host its next free Second Saturday on April 11, offering all‑day admission and special activities including yoga, a scavenger hunt and themed programming tied to abstract art.
	Traffic Alert: Part of alley behind East 8th Street to close The alley behind 110 East 8th Street will be closed to through traffic on Friday.
	'Bleed Cubbie blue' \| Cubs fans tie the knot on opening day at Galesburg Cubs bar Chris and Nancy McKillip met at Duffy's five years ago while watching a Cubs game. So what better way to kick off their marriage than at that same spot?!
	Over 2400 without power in Rock Island Our Quad Cities News is on scene near Hyvee on 18th Avenue in Rock Island where it appears a car clipped a utility pole around five p.m. MidAmerican Energy Company reports 2457 people are without power in Rock Island as of 5:45 p.m. Our crew saw live power lines down near Hyvee and Rudy's Tacos. [...]
	Homelessness is bigger than the count — and growing, Quad Cities leaders say Leaders and advocates from across the Quad Cities gathered Thursday to take a closer look at homelessness — and the challenges that often go unseen.
	Rock Island Academy students gifted with free books The books were gifted by nonprofit "Planting Seeds 4 a better Future" as part of their mission to improve childhood literacy.
	Cook Political Report shifts Iowa governor’s race to tossup Cook Political Report changes rating of Iowa governor's race to "tossup."
	3 strikes and you’re in: Iowa eyes mandatory 20-year sentences Iowa is on the verge of one of the toughest repeat-offender laws in the country.
	Rock Island Deputy Police Chief Jim Morris sworn in as new Coal Valley Police Chief Rock Island Deputy Police Chief Jim Morris has been sworn in as the new Police Chief of the Village of Coal Valley and will be retiring from Rock Island effective April 17.
	Winter shelter demand rising in the Quad Cities More than 250 people used Project NOW’s winter shelter this season, and leaders say resources still aren’t keeping up with demand.
	More April showers through next week With another Thursday comes another update to the drought monitor and from the rain we have been getting through the past week, things are finally improving. Most of the area is under dry drought conditions, the lowest level with still more rain on the way through the next week. We are going to get a [...]
	Thanks to everyone who donated to WQAD's food drive! All the food collected will be given out to local food pantries, along with $400 in monetary donations.
	Planting Books gives free books to Rock Island Academy students First through third graders at Rock Island Academy were surprised with brand new books on Thursday. It's part of a donation from Planting Books - Seeds 4 a Better Future, an organization started by Tamara Felden. Students each received three books packaged with ribbon, an addition that Felden says is important. "We include a letter [...]
	State education officials present $10.9B budget request to fund public schools The request includes $300 million in new spending for schools, plus $50 million for property tax relief grants.
	Mother-daughter duo on Celebrate Belle Riverboat honored with Restaurant Services Star Brandy and Kyrstin Hall were recognized for their love of their work and helping customers have amazing experiences aboard the cruise.
	Pair of Chicago Cubs superfans tie the knot at Cubs bar on opening day Chris and Nancy McKillip joined The Current to talk about their storybook romance and how a magical day came to be.
	Why Pokemon cards are one of the hottest speculative booms right now If you collected Pokemon cards as a kid, here's hoping you held onto them. The Japanese franchise has been popular for decades, but it's become the latest speculative boom.
	Homelessness causes and possible solutions addressed at QC conference Homelessness is a major issue in the Quad Cities, and was a major topic Thursday, April 9 as part of the 4th-annual Rooting Out Poverty Conference, presented by Project NOW.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted by Iowa Department of Corrections for escape Charles Singleton III, 24, is wanted by the Iowa Department of Corrections High Risk Unit for escape on a felony conviction for theft.
	Crime Stoppers: Extension cords stolen from lot of Moline business The person was wearing a baseball cap, black hoodie, green pants and boots. Police said the person also had a large black backpack.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted by East Moline police for armed robbery Jordan Velasquez, 21, is wanted by the East Moline Police Department for armed robbery.
	Quad Cities Restaurant Week runs through Sunday Katrina Keuning with Visit Quad Cities joined The Current to share how many restaurants are participating and the impact it has for our local businesses.
	Rock Island deputy chief of police to retire Deputy Chief of Police Jamie Morris is set to retire from the Rock Island Police Department.
	See which bills Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law on Thursday Gov. Reynolds signed 25 bills into law on Thursday, covering topics ranging from child care assistance to the disposition of human remains.
	Moline begins lead service line replacement project Work to replace lead service lines in Moline means a road through the city must temporarily close. Moline will start work on a lead service line replacement (LSLR) project on Friday, April 10 and there will be a temporary road closure along 16th Avenue from the Rock Island border to 7th Street. The closure is [...]
	Police claim Davenport woman had marijuana, prescription drugs in system during fatal crash Carri Neff, 37, tested positive for marijuana and several prescription drugs in her system at the time of fatal crash.
	Melania Trump denies close ties to Jeffrey Epstein in rare public statement The first lady made a rare public statement on Thursday saying she was not friends with the late sex offender. She also said Epstein did not introduce her to President Donald Trump.
	Deputy Chief Jamie Morris retires from Rock Island Police Department Deputy Chief of Police Jamie Morris is retiring from the Rock Island Police Department after accepting a job as chief of police with the Village of Coal Valley. Morris was hired as a police officer by the City of Rock Island on Dec. 11, 2000. He has worked in a variety of roles in the [...]
	Gov. Reynolds signs child care assistance bill into law The measure previously passed unanimously in the Senate and overwhelmingly in the House.
	Rock Island Deputy Chief of Police retiring for new role with Coal Valley After leaving Rock Island, Jamie Morris will become Coal Valley's new chief of police.
	Cool Doggie Den opens in Colona offering private rental space for dogs The Cool Doggie Den in Colona is the newest private, indoor center for dogs.
	Davenport adds red-light cameras at three intersections The new red-light cameras add to five existing red-light camera locations in Davenport that ticket motorists for running red lights.
	Children's advocacy group establishes endowment with Moline Regional Community Foundation The Rock Island County Children’s Advocacy Center (RICCAC) has taken steps to ensure it will be able to continue its mission of reducing trauma to children. The center established a permanent endowment fund with Moline Regional Community Foundation (MRCF) to ensure long-term support for its mission to reduce trauma to children through coordinated, multidisciplinary abuse [...]
	How an ancient resin traded for centuries got snarled up by the Iran war It's not just energy supplies that have been disrupted by the Iran war. It's also hitting frankincense, a commodity that's been defining trade routes in the Middle East for thousands of years.
	Davenport activates 3 new red-light cameras The new cameras are active as of April 9, but there will be a 30-day warning period before citations are issued. After that, violations will carry a $100 fine.
	Backwater Gamblers concerned with Illinois plans for dam changes on Rock River The nonprofit organization is concerned about options the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is considering for the Sears and Steel Dams.
	Muscatine man sentenced to 15 years in prison for transporting child sex abuse materials He had pleaded guilty to a single count in December and was sentenced on Tuesday.
	Learn about quilting, fiber arts at Bettendorf Public Library An award winning quilter is sharing what she’s learned after decades of working as a fiber artist at a free presentation at the Bettendorf Public Library. Diane Murtha will share wisdom she gained from 50+ years as a fiber artist on Saturday, April 25 from 2 – 3 p.m. at the Bettendorf Public Library, 2950 [...]
	The most memorable moon movies aren't even about space While marveling at Artemis II's mission, NPR's film critic went down a rabbit hole about moon-themed movies. Most have nothing to do with space.
	New Asian American convenience store opening Friday in Davenport Chill Stop QC is inviting the public to its grand opening to their Asian American convenience store on Friday.
	House fire in Lowden destroys home, occupants escape Crews responded to a house fire Thursday morning in Lowden. The home was destroyed, but all occupants escaped safely.
	Davenport adds more red light cameras Davenport is expanding its Automated Traffic Enforcement (ATE) program with several new red light cameras at high traffic intersections in the city. A news release from the city says the new cameras add to Davenport’s existing ATE efforts and reflect the City’s commitment to preventing serious accidents. The new camera locations were chosen based on [...]
	Red light cameras coming to 3 busy Davenport intersections New red light cameras are coming to three busy Davenport intersections.
	Traffic Alert: Illinois 40 bridge to be replaced at I-80 in Bureau County The Illinois Department of Transportation is replacing the Illinois 40 bridge over I-80 in Bureau County.
	How aquatic therapy can help patients at Hammond-Henry Hospital Physical and occupational therapy can come in many forms, including water.
	Rental fee limits, detention center regulations among bills to pass Illinois House After a short spring break, House lawmakers returned this week to pass dozens of bills out of the chamber.
	What draws people into cults? A new book tracks the journeys of two followers Harrison Hill's book The Oracle's Daughter is a story about the terror of losing the self — but it's also, gratifyingly, a story about finding the way back to it.
	Your complete guide to buying an electric vehicle in 2026: What US consumers need to know Your complete guide to buying an electric vehicle in 2026: What US consumers need to knowElectric vehicles (EVs) are here to stay, and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most interesting years for the EV market yet. With expanding model choices, evolving incentives for drivers, and changing federal policy, choosing the right EV isn’t just about selecting a car. It’s about understanding the costs, charging options, and long-term value ina shifting landscape.The General has pulled together a comprehensive guide to the EV market, analyzing market trends and data across sources including Kelley Blue Book, the Department of Energy, and Kiplinger. Whether you're a first-time EV shopper or looking to make a change, here’s what to know before signing on the dotted line.The State of the EV Market in 2026Electric vehicles are rapidly expanding their footprint globally. Based on a mid-year BloombergNEF press release summarizing data from its annual Electric Vehicle Outlook, global EV and plug-in hybrid sales were on track for a record year with nearly 22 million units—up roughly 25% from 2024. Even as growth seemingly slowed in some major markets, China has dominated the rollout of these cars, accounting for nearly two-thirds of global EV sales.Europe has been following closely behind with significant volume, but the United States experienced a slowdown, with only around 7% of global EV sales in 2025. While the exact causes are still emerging, early analysis suggests that changes in U.S. policy and incentives may be a key factor.These mixed signals mean that the EV market in 2026 remains vibrant, but more challenging to navigate for buyers seeking value.Some key industry developments that are likely shaping the 2026 market include:Model availability and diversification continue to expand, with many traditional automakers breaking into the EV industry.EVs are accounting for an increasing slice of new car sales in global powerhouses, including Europe and China.Production and supply chain shifts, including battery manufacturing investments, are shaping pricing and availability.Despite temporary slowdowns in certain markets, it’s clear that the electric vehicle market is here to stay on a global scale.Understanding EV Costs in 2026Electric vehicle pricing isn’t just about the sticker price. As with any vehicle, you’ll also want to consider total cost of ownership, incentives, and operating costs. New EVs typically carry a higher upfront price compared to a standard gasoline vehicle. Data from Kelley Blue Book shows that the average transaction price for an electric vehicle in August 2025 was $57,245, compared to $49,077 for all cars.The technology used in EVs, specifically the powerful batteries that keep the car moving, is the primary factor in higher upfront prices. Even after incentives, which were arguably more present in the early years of the industry, many new EVs still cost more than the average gas-powered car. This gap may narrow as batteries and technology improve, lowering prices by enabling manufacturers to achieve greater scale.Purchase price and incentives aren’t everything. The total cost of ownership is the factor that can make a major difference in the long run. Assessing all costs related to owning and using a car throughout its life, there are three main areas where EVs may lower costs over time:Fuel Savings: EV charging costs are generally much lower than gasoline costs per mile driven.Maintenance Costs: EVs typically have fewer moving parts than gas cars, meaning no oil changes, spark plug replacements, or complex transmissions that require service.Insurance Variations: Some EVs may carry higher insurance premiums, but the gap may begin to narrow as insurers adjust to EV costs.However, as outlined by EV marketplace provider Motor Watt, the total cost of ownership may not shift in favor of EVs until the sixth year of ownership on average. This means that for the first six years, you are likely to be paying higher costs than a gas car.Federal and State Incentives for EVsOne of the main reasons people chose electric vehicles in recent years was the incentives offered by federal and state governments. That’s changing in 2026. .Federal Tax CreditsFor much of the early 2020s, federal tax credits of up to $7,500 helped to offset high EV sticker prices. This tax credit expired on September 30, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. This means buyers can no longer claim the federal EV tax credit. The future of other existing federal incentives, such as charger credits, is unclear, but expiration dates and limits will likely apply. A federal tax credit for home EV chargers—covering up to 30% of costs (capped at $1,000)—is set to expire on June 30, 2026, also as a result of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.State and Local IncentivesEven with some federal credits phased out, state, local, and utility incentives can remain a valuable way to save. Some common examples include:Point-of-sale rebatesIncome-based incentivesHOV lane accessUtility-sponsored charger rebatesThe U.S. Department of Energy maintains a comprehensive database of all available incentives by state; check your state’s current incentives so you don’t miss potential savings. California residents, for example, may qualify for rebates worth several thousand dollars as part of the state’s Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, and other states offer rebates or credits for charger installation.Understanding EV Range and Real-World PerformanceRange—often based on EPA estimates—is a key factor when deciding if an EV is right for you. Real-world range can vary based on several factors, including driving speed, weather and temperature, terrain, use of HVAC systems, and more. Early EVs had a very limited range, but recent model years are starting to push longer ranges.Per the Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuels Data Center highlight report, most all-electric vehicles can go about 110 to 300 miles on a single charge and plug-in hybrid EVs can go 15 to 60 miles on battery power alone. This means that most drivers can use EVs for daily commuting, where mileage typically doesn’t exceed 30 to 50 miles per day, especially if they have a home charger. Longer trips may still require some planning around public fast chargers, but the infrastructure is set to grow rapidly throughout 2026.Charging Infrastructure: Home and Public OptionsCharging is a key part of owning an EV and one of the factors behind the industry’s growth. A combination of both home charging solutions and public charging networks has made owning an EV far more convenient. According to U.S. News and World Report, there are two home charging options available today:Level-1 (120v): These are standard outlet chargers, which are slow but sufficient for overnight top-ups to your EV.Level-2 (240v): These chargers can be ideal for home use and can provide fast charging, but installation is usually a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars.Not having access to a home charger can make EV ownership more challenging, but it’s still possible. The public charging network around the globe is extensive. Tesla alone has 75,000 global Superchargers, and other brands such as Electrify America DC, ChargePoint, and EVgo are expanding rapidly. The federally run Alternative Fuels Data Center also maintains an active list of electric vehicle charging stations across the United States and Canada specifically, even featuring smartphone applications for quick reference.The buildout of these chargers and the broader charging network has made owning an EV more convenient by helping make EVs more practical for everyday driving.Key Considerations Before Buying an EVWith growing interest in electric vehicles and prices starting to get closer to gas-powered cars, it may feel like a good time to consider an EV. However, before making that choice, it’s important to think through a few key questions:How many miles do you drive daily?Do you need a longer driving range for highway trips?Will you need to install home charging?Do you regularly tow or need extra cargo space?These questions can help you decide if an EV or gas-powered car fits your lifestyle. You also need to take into account your budget. While it’s true that the cost gap is beginning to close, EVs can still cost more upfront. Despite having fewer moving parts and lower potential maintenance costs on average, some repairs can be expensive due to the technology involved.Before deciding to buy, you should evaluate the sticker price, installation costs for chargers, insurance differences, and fuel and maintenance savings to see if the vehicle fits your budget. Also, take into account potential warranty coverage offered (especially for batteries) and the expected depreciation of the vehicle to get a better picture of the long-term value. Kelley Blue Book offers tools to help you decide if an EV fits your lifestyle.Making the Purchase DecisionIf you’ve crunched the numbers and determined that purchasing an EV in 2026 is the right choice for you, there are some final items to consider before signing on the dotted line. First and foremost, you will need to think about whether buying or leasing the vehicle is right for you. Buying means you own the car and can keep it long term, while leasing may offer lower monthly payments and the option to upgrade after two to three years if you’re unsure about the vehicle. If you’re on a tighter budget or unsure about EVs, leasing may be more appealing.When trying to find the right EV to suit your needs, regardless of leasing or buying, you should research directly on manufacturer websites and trusted sources like Consumer Reports and Kelley Blue Book, where you can find reviews of different EVs. This will allow you to read test reviews and see owner feedback based on real-world insights, which specs alone don’t typically show.Finally, always take a test drive before purchasing a new EV. Pay attention to how the car handles, how the range estimate compares to real driving, how easy the charging app is to use (if applicable), and overall comfort and visibility. Driving dynamics for EVs can differ significantly from gas-powered cars, which is why it’s important to make sure you’re comfortable.Electrify your Next Ride with ConfidenceBuying an EV in 2026 means navigating a market with more choices, changing incentives, and new technology. Federal tax credits may no longer apply in all cases, but state or local incentives may help balance this. At the same time, lower operating costs, more vehicle options, and a growing charging network continue to make EVs appealing to drivers across the country and around the world.If you’re considering an EV, focus on evaluating the total cost of ownership, range expectations, and real-world suitability to ensure this type of vehicle is right for you. The future of driving may be increasingly electric and, with the right knowledge, you can get a jumpstart on that future.This story was produced by The General and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	710,000 fewer babies were born last year in U.S. compared with two decades ago The U.S. fertility rate continued its slide to historic levels, due to plunging teen pregnancies and far more women delaying motherhood into their 30s and 40s.
	IDOT to replace Illinois 40 bridge in Bureau County The Illinois Department of Transportation has announced the start of a major construction project in Bureau County. Work is underway to replace the Illinois 40 bridge crossing Interstate 80 in Bureau County. The current bridge will be demolished, a replacement built and lighting replaced. The bridge will be built one half at a time and [...]
	Tax season comes with a deadline. For people with disabilities, it also comes with a wall. Tax season comes with a deadline. For people with disabilities, it also comes with a wall.Every year, millions of Americans sit down to file their taxes online. It's become the default, with roughly 94% of returns now filed electronically according to a federal review of the 2025 filing season, which means for most people, tax season looks something like this: pull up a website, enter some information, hit submit. It's not anyone's favorite task, but it gets done.For the roughly 70 million Americans living with a disability, it's often not that simple.Think about what it actually takes to do almost anything online. You navigate menus, fill out forms, read instructions, respond to error messages, and confirm everything went through. Most of the time, it works. Now think about doing all of that on a website that wasn't designed to work with a screen reader, requires a mouse to get around, or has text that's too low-contrast to read clearly.Tax filing is just one example, but it's a particularly high-stakes one. These aren't hypothetical problems, and they show up on the very websites people are required to use every year.Where things standA GOBankingRates survey found that 14% of Americans would rather report for jury duty than file their taxes, which, when you think about it, says a lot about how the process feels even when everything works. For people who also have to navigate websites that weren't built with them in mind, that number makes even more sense.According to AudioEye's Digital Accessibility Index, the average government webpage contains 307 accessibility issues, one of the highest rates of any industry analyzed. When people with disabilities are navigating these sites, they may not be able to find the right form, finish a payment, or even confirm their submission went through. Government sites also ranked last on keyboard accessibility across all sectors, and 77% of pages had unclear links, making basic navigation a challenge for anyone using assistive technology.Financial services sites have similar gaps. After filing, people still need to check refund status, confirm banking details, and manage their accounts, and AudioEye found that finance sites had one of the highest rates of inaccessible forms across all industries. That matters especially right now, because the IRS is phasing out paper refund checks and pushing everyone toward electronic payments. According to CNBC, about 1.4 million filers are already experiencing delays as a result.What an accessible experience actually looks likeMost of these issues are fixable, and accessibility isn't about overhauling everything from scratch. It comes down to a few core features that, when done right, make a meaningful difference for a lot of people. In practice, this means:The entire page can be navigated using only a keyboard. Every form field, button, and link can be reached and activated without a mouse.Every image and chart has a text description. Screen readers can't interpret visuals on their own, so alt text ensures people with visual disabilities can access the same information as everyone else.Text is readable for people with low vision. Sufficient contrast between text and background means someone can actually read what's on the page without straining or guessing.Links and buttons clearly describe where they go or what they do. Rather than generic labels like "click here" or "learn more," descriptive text tells users exactly what to expect, which is critical when navigating an unfamiliar government portal or financial platform.This isn't just a tax problemTax season makes the stakes obvious because filing is mandatory and the deadline is fixed. There's no option to just skip it if a website doesn't work for you. But the same issues exist across the web, on retail sites, healthcare portals, and banking apps, and any organization with a digital presence has users who rely on assistive technology to get around.Accessibility standards like Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) exist because tools that serve the public should work for everyone who uses them, and the Department of Justice has been reinforcing that through updates to Title II of the ADA and stronger Section 508 compliance rules. For businesses, it's becoming less of a best practice and more of a baseline expectation.The organizations getting this right aren't waiting to be told to. They're building products that more people can actually use, and it turns out that's good for everyone.This story was produced by AudioEye and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The commercial vehicle tax break business owners are missing before tax day The commercial vehicle tax break business owners are missing before tax dayMost business owners know Section 179 exists. Fewer know how favorable it became in 2025. And almost none realize that a used commercial bus qualifies for a first-year write-off that can reach the full purchase price.BusesForSale.com breaks down how Section 179 applies to commercial buses — and why the 2025 rule changes make this year’s deadline worth paying attention to. With Tax Day on April 15, here’s what fleet operators, church administrators, school transportation directors, and corporate shuttle managers need to understand before filing.What Section 179 actually doesSection 179 of the IRS tax code lets businesses deduct the full purchase price of qualifying equipment in the year it was placed in service — rather than depreciating it over five to seven years. For a business that bought a used shuttle bus or coach in 2025, that means a potential six-figure deduction on this year’s return instead of a fraction of it spread across nearly a decade.The deduction applies to both new and used vehicles, as long as the vehicle is new to your business and was placed in service by December 31 of the tax year.What changed in 2025The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, signed July 4, 2025, made two significant changes. First, it raised the total Section 179 deduction limit from $1,160,000 to $2,500,000, with a phase-out beginning at $4,000,000 in total qualifying purchases. Second, it reinstated 100% bonus depreciation for qualifying property placed in service after January 19, 2025 — reversing a planned phase-down that would have limited the deduction to 40%.For businesses that purchased equipment in Q1 2025 under the old limits, amended returns may capture the higher deduction. That is a question for a tax professional, not a filing assumption.Where buses fitVehicle weight determines how Section 179 applies, and this is where commercial buses have a significant advantage over passenger cars and light trucks.The IRS classifies vehicles by Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. Passenger-type SUVs and light trucks under 14,000 lbs face a Section 179 cap of $31,300. Vocational and commercial vehicles over 14,000 lbs — which includes the majority of school buses, transit buses, coach buses, and full-size shuttle vehicles — face no such passenger vehicle cap. A qualifying bus purchase can be written off in full, up to the $2,500,000 overall limit.Shuttle vehicles carrying more than nine passengers behind the driver’s seat are specifically categorized by the IRS as non-passenger vehicles, which removes them from the lighter-vehicle deduction caps regardless of weight.Bonus depreciation on topSection 179 and bonus depreciation can work together. The standard approach is to apply Section 179 first up to the allowable limit, then apply bonus depreciation to any remaining purchase cost basis. With 100% bonus depreciation restored for 2025, a business that exceeds its Section 179 limit can still write off the remaining cost in year one rather than carrying it forward.For a church or nonprofit purchasing a used bus for $85,000, the math is straightforward: the full purchase price may be deductible in 2025, assuming it qualifies and was placed in service before December 31.The filing requirementClaiming Section 179 requires filing Form 4562 with the tax return for the year the vehicle was placed in service. Businesses should maintain purchase invoices, financing agreements, and documentation of business use. If business use falls below 50%, recapture rules apply.What this is notThis is not tax advice. The deduction that applies to any specific vehicle purchase depends on vehicle classification, total equipment purchases for the year, taxable income, business-use percentage, and the acquisition and placed-in-service dates. Any business considering a Section 179 election should work with a qualified tax professional before filing.What it is: a deduction most commercial vehicle buyers underuse, in a year when the rules shifted significantly in their favor.Tax Day is April 15. The 2025 return is where this plays out.Data sourced from the IRS Publication 463, IRS Form 4562 Instructions, and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (P.L. 119-21). BusesForSale.com is a U.S. marketplace for new and used buses. Consult a qualified tax professional before making filing decisions.This story was produced by BusesForSale.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Friday, April 10th, 2026

Thursday, April 9th, 2026