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

Thursday, August 6th, 2026
	The Hippie Priest This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Earlier this summer, Father James Grubb celebrated the 40th year of his ordination with a solemn High Mass at his…
	Celebrity culture is one thing. For TMZ, Congress is the new 'reality show' TMZ is trading Hollywood gossip for Capitol Hill scoops with a new D.C. bureau, launched in April. The online tabloid's two-man crew has brought an unconventional reporting style to the Congress beat.
	The keepers of the Grateful Dead's history The Grateful Dead understood the importance of recording its legacy. A number of archivists and historians are dedicated to maintaining the band's immense collection of music and memorabilia.
	Does permanent daylight saving time save energy? What studies have found With a little less than three months until our clocks are set to "fall back" to standard time, the pressure to pass a bill that could prevent that is on, including from the Oval Office.
	Senate committee set to vote on whether to hold Fauci in contempt of Congress Republicans on the Senate Homeland Security Committee want to hold Fauci in contempt of Congress after he refused to answer their questions about the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
	Drone with explosives found at German airport, official sees 'new quality' of threat Regional police and prosecutors said an airport employee discovered a drone near the airport's south runway with "an unknown explosive device," and the object was examined by police
Wednesday, August 5th, 2026
	Traveling ‘Americans and the Holocaust’ exhibit coming to Burlington Public Library The Burlington Public Library will host the national Americans and the Holocaust Traveling Exhibition from Aug. 19 to Sept. 30, offering visitors a free, in‑depth look at how Americans understood and responded to the Holocaust through contemporary news, media and government communications.
	Galena 5K Stair Challenge marks 25th anniversary of 9/11 The Galena Area EMS District will host the 5K Stair Challenge on Sept. 12, honoring 9/11 heroes and raising funds for local first responders through a family‑friendly run, walk and climb event in historic Galena.
	Numbers up for social security in Iowa and Illinois: What's next? Federal data from the end of 2025 shows more than two million people in Illinois and more than 717,000 people in Iowa get social security. As more than 70 million Americans utilize social security in some way, Our Quad Cities News NewsNation correspondent Gabrielle Caracciolo reports there's bipartisan agreement the financial problem can't be ignored.
	Iowa State football opens fall camp under first-year coach Jimmy Rogers Iowa State football completed its first day of fall camp Wednesday under first-year head coach Jimmy Rogers, who takes over a roster with zero returning starters from last season.
	High school football preview: Moline Maroons Moline football opened practice on the first official day of the fall season in Illinois, coming off a 9-2 record and a Western Big Six Conference championship in which the Maroons went undefeated in conference play.
	WATCH: Illinois House Speaker Welch breaks silence on ethics controversy When new allegations about Benton came to light earlier this year, Welch’s office said they submitted what had been documented in 2023 as part of their complaint.
	National Dek Hockey Summer Tournament kicks off in the Quad Cities The tournament continues through Sunday, and games can be livestreamed.
	Gateway Bridge takes shape over Middle Road The Iowa Department of Transportation plans to reconfigure the Interstate 80 and Middle Road Interchange, a news release says. Just south of that, the Gateway Bridge will allow walkers, runners, and bicyclists to cross Middle Road safely in one of the fastest-growing regions in the area that includes the TBK Bank Sports Complex, The Plex [...]
	Iowa DNR sharing changings to deer hunting season 8 counties in western Iowa will have more restrictions than the rest of the state. Hunters will have to decide where they hunt when they get a deer license.
	Quad Cities International Airport to conduct mass casualty drill on Wednesday, Aug. 12 The Federal Aviation Administration mandates that a drill be done every three years.
	Clinton data center ordinance advances to City Council The planning council recommended a draft version of the ordinance, but council members can still decide which parts are included.
	Mississippi Valley Fair announces 2 performers for next year The Mississippi Valley Fair might be underway, but you can start getting excited for next year.
	Davenport plans Goose Creek restoration using multiple grants Davenport is using 8 to 9 state and local grants to restore Goose Creek, add bioretention cells, and improve nearby parks and trails. Construction starts this fall.
	Morrison man faces sexual assault charges Illinois State Police arrested the man on Wednesday following an investigation into allegations of sexual crimes in Wisconsin and Illinois.
	Davenport takes next step to prevent trucks from hitting low railroad bridge The Davenport City Council voted to take the next step to prevent trucks from hitting a low railroad bridge in the Village of East Davenport. The plan involves getting money from the State of Iowa. City council approved applying for a traffic safety improvement grant for $68,000 from the Iowa Department of Transportation. The money [...]
	Quad City Bank & Trust renews Riverfront Pops sponsorship for 5 years Officials from the Quad City Bank & Trust and the Quad City Symphony Orchestra announced they’re extending the sponsorship through 2031.
	Illinois offers temporary sales tax reduction on back-to-school shopping From Friday, Aug. 7, through Aug. 16 the state’s sales tax on school supplies will be reduced from 6.25% to 1.25%.
	Iowa DNR changes deer hunting rules in 8 northwest Iowa counties Under the new rules, general deer licenses in certain counties will only be valid for antlered bucks.
	Pritzker signs bills allowing state to review insurance rate hikes The new laws, which take effect July 1, 2027, prohibit companies from charging “excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory” rates and prohibit them from shifting the cost of losses in other states onto Illinois consumers.
	Kewanee man faces DUI charge after pickup crashes into a building He faces drunken driving and other charges after his pickup crashed into a building in the 600 block of Edwards Street Tuesday evening, police said.
	Illinois law expands assistance for homeless students A new law in Illinois expands emergency assistance for students who are homeless. House Bill 4137 amends the Education for Homeless Children Act to allow school district to provide for an extended motel stay for students who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Previously, districts could only provide help with things like rent, [...]
	Davenport boy with cystic fibrosis selected as 2026 Iowa Kid Captain 6-year-old JJ Ward has been chosen as one of this year's Kid Captain. Over the years his family has raised thousands of dollars for cystic fibrosis research.
	CDC says cyclosporiasis outbreak has spread to Iowa That brings the total number of affected states to 15. Illinois is also on the list.
	Bridgeway planning behavioral health crisis center in Galesburg Bridgeway plans to transform the former Knox-Galesburg Symphony building into a walk-in center for those experiencing a mental health or substance-use crisis.
	4-H kids showcase months of hard work at Mississippi Valley Fair After months of raising, feeding and caring for their animals, 4-H members are finally stepping into the show ring to showcase their hard work.
	3 projects around the Quad Cities nominated for Iowa League of Cities community award Projects in Bettendorf, Riverdale and Muscatine are in the running for the All-Star Community Award. The first round of voting closes on Aug. 14.
	National Democrats target Iowa congressional districts in House flip push with millions in spending With 90 days until Election Day, national Democrats are targeting three Iowa congressional districts in a push to flip the U.S. House.
	Federal funding cuts cancel Imagination Station event long-time educational event for Quad Cities youth will not happen this year because of federal funding cuts.
	Rain chances decrease for Keith Urban at the Mississippi Valley Fair tonight As the Mississippi Valley Fair opened up yesterday, we were already seeing cloudy skies and some light showers from last night. We continue to see some more rain for this afternoon as one of the big performances is gearing up for the fair later tonight with Keith Urban. While the worst of the rain will [...]
	Quad Cities welcome Belgian professors looking to learn, educate Two Belgian professors, their son and grandson are exploring the Belgian culture in the Quad Cities, rich with countless Belgian immigrants searching for jobs, especially in Moline, where they have the Center for Belgian Culture. Dirk and Jan Wouters are Belgian professors. From 2016-2020, Dirk was the Belgium ambassador to the U.S. Nowmthey're looking to [...]
	New Farm Bill proposal includes support for year-round, nationwide E15 sales After the language passed the House on its own in the spring, farmers are hoping adding it to the omnibus bill will give it a boost.
	Meet one of the 3 local kids chosen for this year's Iowa Kid Captains Six-year-old JJ Ward will be honored during Iowa's game at Washington on Friday, Oct. 9. He has been diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.
	Dubuque County Sheriff’s Office warns of scammers demanding bond money from inmates’ families The sheriff said the Sheriff's Office will never call and demand bond money for inmates.
	Belgian Dignitaries make cultural connections, revisit history in QCA Members of the Belgian Delegation make cultural connections while visiting the Quad Cities at the Wyndham Moline John Deere Commons.
	Morrison man facing predatory sexual assault charges Illinois State Police launched an investigation in May after receiving allegations of sexual crimes that happened in Wisconsin and Illinois, troopers said in a media release.
	Kewanee man arrested after vehicle crashes into building A Kewanee man was arrested for DUI after a vehicle crashed into a building. According to a release from the Kewanee Police Department, officers responded to the 600 block of Edwards St. August 4 at approximately 7:47 p.m. for a report of a vehicle that had struck a building. Initial information showed that the driver [...]
	Davenport man charged in sex abuse case pleads guilty A Davenport man has entered guilty pleas in connection with the sexual abuse of an 11-year-old girl.
	QCA man faces Class X felony sexual-assault charges after bi-state investigation A 53-year-old Morrison man faces Class X felony charges of predatory criminal sexual assault, according to a news release from the Illinois State Police (ISP.) ISP Division of Criminal Investigation Zone 2 special agents have arrested Brian S. Coers after a bi-state investigation. In May, ISP opened an investigation after receiving allegations of sexual crimes [...]
	Kewanee man charged with DUI after truck crashes into building 48-year-old Neil Gardner was charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving and more.
	Quad City Bank & Trust to continue sponsoring Quad Cities Symphony Orchestra pop-up concerts The sponsorship was extended for another 5 years.
	Kewanee man arrested after truck crashes into building 48-year-old Neil Gardner was charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving and more.
	US cyclosporiasis cases on the rise All but three states have reported cases potentially linked to the outbreak.
	Rock Island Public Library offers weekly events for 'littles' and school-aged kids The Rock Island Public Library is offering weekly events for 'littles' and school-aged kids! According to a release, the Rock Island Public Library Downtown children’s room offers events for ages five and under every Thursday at 10:00 a.m. Additionally, Ready, Set, Build offers building fun for families from 3:00-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 6, 20 [...]
	Kewanee man charged after truck crashes into building, police say A Kewanee man is facing several charges after a truck crashed into a building, police say.
	Iowa confirms first case of West Nile virus in 2026 The case was detected in an adult from eastern Iowa.
	Quad City Bank & Trust extends sponsorship of Riverfront Pops by five years Quad City Bank & Trust (QCBT) announced Wednesday, Aug. 5 that they are renewing their sponsorship of the Quad City Bank & Trust Riverfront Pops Concert for five more years.
	Ousted Bangladeshi leader vows to return from exile despite facing a death sentence Hasina's speech marked the second anniversary of her ouster. She fled Bangladesh by helicopter following nearly two months of protests in 2024 that left nearly 1,400 people dead, according to the United Nations.
	First Iowa African Film Festival comes to Des Moines this weekend The films will be screened at Drake University Aug 6-8. The festival ends on Aug. 8 with the Motherland Experience Festival, a day of African arts, culture and community.
	City of East Moline hires consultant to bring more retail business to the community Under the partnership, Retail Strategies will work with the City to attract retail development to East Moline.
	Dr. Erica Schwartz confirmed as CDC director, filling a leadership vacuum Schwartz takes command of a public health agency that has lost thousands of employees, amid layoffs, resignations and leadership turmoil.
	20th year of Trains, Planes & Automobiles coming to Geneseo The event is being held Sept. 10 through 12 throughout Geneseo.
	Davenport man charged after 2 officers were injured during arrest, police say Two Davenport police officers were injured while arresting a man Tuesday.
	WQPT PBS cancels Imagination Station for 2026, cites federal funding cuts WQPT said it has lost federal funding that accounted for 53% of the station's annual operating budget.
	The new rules of grocery inventory: Why visibility matters The new rules of grocery inventory: Why visibility mattersImagine walking into an independent grocery store at 7 a.m. Employees are stocking shelves, receiving deliveries, rotating produce, checking dates, and making final preparations for the morning’s customers. Doing all of this while juggling an early rush can make those morning hours a particularly hectic time for store operators.While other types of retail can carry inventory that sits on a shelf for months, the items a fresh food store carries can’t sit that long. The store has little control over vendor delivery times, and the majority of its items are sold on very thin margins. It’s not beneficial to let even a few of those items expire. This makes having an effective grocery store inventory management system one of the most critical competitive advantages an independent grocer can have.But inventory management in today’s supermarket goes beyond tracking what’s on offer in the store. Rapid POS looked at how the new methods of purchasing are being driven by advanced inventory management, which also serves to improve sales forecasting, reduce waste, and provide customers with the best shopping experience possible.Grocery Inventory Has Never Been More ComplexThe average supermarket today carries over 33,000 stock-keeping units (SKUs) of inventory, according to the Food Industry Association (FMI). These thousands of items can quickly become a business owner’s best friend or worst enemy.Some items sell every day, while others only move during holidays. Fresh produce changes with the seasons, certain vendors experience delays, and consumer buying habits shift with the economy.Manually tracking this data using spreadsheet software that can’t be integrated with other business management tools can be quite challenging, especially with a large inventory. At its worst, it may pose a risk to your bottom line.This information often lives in different programs: purchase contracts and ordered quantities in one, historical sales figures in another, invoices from vendors sent by email, and current stock figures noted down on paper by store staff.Instead of managing your store, you’re spending time gathering the information you need to do your job.Small Margins Leave Little Room for ErrorThe average supermarket has a net profit margin of approximately 2.1%, per the FMI. That means for every $100 in sales, the average supermarket realizes a net profit of $2.Because margins are tight, it adds gravity to every inventory decision. Dead stock fills your shelves with items nobody wants, but ordering too little will send customers somewhere else. On top of that, user error in the form of pricing mistakes can further reduce margins, and unnecessary markdowns chip away at profitability.These problems stem from thousands of products being managed by manual means, and the problems inherent in that approach. Modern inventory management systems provide a great deal of visibility to enable better product-buying decisions. Rapid POS Visibility Beats GuessworkExperienced grocery managers have traditionally made key inventory decisions based on experience. They knew which products sold well before football season, they knew when barbecue supplies would spike, and they remembered which holiday items needed larger orders. Even with better tools for managing inventory, that experience still matters. A good inventory management system supports a seasoned manager’s in-depth knowledge instead of trying to replace it.Imagine preparing your next purchase order while being able to see last year’s sales for the same period, your current inventory on hand, see that some products are selling faster than expected, and being able to note the slow-moving items taking up shelf space – it’s a much different starting point than just relying on memory!Inventory Isn’t Just About What’s on the ShelfInventory management is usually associated with counting products on the shelves, but that’s only the tip of the iceberg. It influences purchasing, cash flow, shrink, customer satisfaction, labor, and even marketing.For example, using historical sales data for salsa, you’d know that it typically sells big in the summer, so you’d cross-merchandise salsa with chips, grilling supplies, and beverages that customers would also be buying that season. Dairy sales typically trend up prior to holidays, so with that knowledge you can adjust purchasing and staff accordingly. And if fresh bakery products are becoming waste before they can be sold, you know when to start running promotions for items at risk of spoilage.Good inventory data doesn’t just tell you what happened. It helps you understand why, and what to do next.Reducing Waste Without Sacrificing AvailabilityWaste is perhaps the greatest challenge facing grocery retail today. ReFED estimates that 31% of the food produced in the United States each year goes unsold or uneaten, with its value as potential lost sales estimated at $108 billion.Not all waste in the supply chain is the retailer’s concern, but the retailer does have a role to play. Better inventory visibility means managers can recognize slow-moving items sooner and departments can adjust ordering quantities while stock that’s close to expiration can be used for promotions. Decisions in the fresh departments can be based on sales history rather than assumptions.The goal isn’t simply to reduce waste, but to have the right products available for sale at the right time while minimizing losses of unsold products. That’s the difference between reactive and proactive inventory management. Rapid POS Forecasting Is Becoming a Competitive AdvantageFor many independent retailers, forecasting has meant referring to last year’s numbers and increasing them by a percentage to account for growth. That approach worked well when customer behavior stayed fairly consistent. Today, changes in consumer preferences happen at a different rate, and a more formalized approach to forecasting is needed.Supplier delivery schedules have always had occasional delays, but we see them more frequently. Seasonal weather shifts and local events can cause huge swings in sales; some products spiking while others decline. The independent stores that switch to a more informed decision-making process will come out ahead. It isn’t the size of the store that matters, it’s the people making the decisions.The grocery industry is moving toward smarter methods of inventory management, including artificial intelligence and advanced analytics, to keep inventory levels correct and eliminate unnecessary food waste. Most independent retailers don’t need the latest AI advances to see improvement; in most cases, simply putting the information they already have to better use is enough to bring about positive change.That means looking at questions like: Does a supplier consistently arrive late? Are seasonal items selling earlier each year? Which categories generate the highest margins? Which products end up on markdown on a regular basis? Store owners and managers can become proactive instead of reactive by identifying trends and making decisions based on this information.Inventory Should Support Every DepartmentInventory isn’t the buyer’s responsibility alone – and it affects the whole store, too. The produce department needs timely receipt of fresh inventory to stay full without unnecessary shrink. The meat department needs time to sell fresh product before it expires. Center-store managers want visibility into fast-moving items before shelves go empty. Front-end employees need correct pricing and stock information for customers. Even your marketing department benefits, too; there’s little value promoting an item that’s out of stock or running low.Every department relies on the same inventory information; ensuring it’s accurate helps a store function more efficiently.Bringing Your Systems TogetherMost problems in a grocery store aren’t technology problems. They’re issues that happen because the technology doesn’t communicate with other parts of the store. One system manages sales, while another tracks accounting. Another handles e-commerce, while reports come from somewhere else. Inventory counts get updated manually, and the extra hours land on the retailer’s staff.A modern inventory management system ties together the various components of a store’s business, automatically linking inventory, purchasing, customer, reporting, and sales data into one central place to view information and make decisions. A connected system reduces the work a manager has to do, increases the accuracy of counts, and gives the manager the insight they need to see how the store is actually performing.Five Ways Connected Grocery Technology Makes a DifferenceTechnology at a grocery store should make running the store easier, not more complicated. Here are five ways a connected system helps:Make purchasing decisions with confidence. Use historical sales data, seasonality, and current stock levels to make more informed purchasing decisions and reduce overstocking.Reduce shrink before it happens. Identify slow-moving products before they become waste. Real-time inventory data lets managers adjust price, run a promotion, or change future buying habits before an item goes bad.Improve customer loyalty. Inventory and customer information can be your most valuable assets — and they’re even more powerful together. Being able to offer personalized promotions helps build loyalty and rewards customers.Gain better business insights. Running a simple report should never require you to export spreadsheets from multiple programs. Owners that have real-time visibility into their sales trends, department performance, vendors, inventory turnover, and profit can use the time they save to invest in other parts of the business.Manage multiple locations more efficiently. Up-to-date inventory information across store locations is essential. A connected multichannel point-of-sale (POS) system lets managers see inventory, sales, vendors, turnover, and profitability across every location. Rapid POS This story was produced by Rapid POS and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Stove fire damages East Dubuque duplex, kills 3 animals An accidental stove fire caused an estimated $75,000 in damage to an East Dubuque duplex Tuesday morning. Three animals were found dead inside.
	Elementary students in Silvis celebrate first day of school George O. Barr Elementary School students celebrated the first day of school with some surprise guests.
	Learn about obesity at Dr. V.R. Alla Community Symposium Obesity affects millions of Americans and is recognized as a chronic disease that can contribute to serious health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and sleep issues. Trinity Health Foundation is hosting the 18th annual Dr. V.R. Alla Community Symposium on Tuesday, Sept. 22 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at Bally’s Quad Cities Casino & Hotel, [...]
	Quad City Animal Welfare Center holding open house for 10th anniversary of clinic QCAWC Spay/Neuter and Wellness Clinic in Milan is inviting the community to an open house later this month to mark its 10th anniversary.
	Quad City Bank & Trust renews sponsorship of Riverfront Pops Quad City Bank & Trust (QCBT) announced its renewed sponsorship of the Quad City Bank & Trust Riverfront Pops Concert for five additional years at a press conference in LeClaire Park in Davenport. This year is the final year of the current sponsorship contract with the Quad City Symphony Orchestra (QCSO). Representatives from QCBT and [...]
	How Midwest doldrums became a gift for Kevin Morby Morby's Little Wide Open is a love letter to a part of the country he finds endlessly inspiring.
	Peoria bomb squad called after explosive device found in Canton Authorities said Peoria’s bomb squad was called to Canton on Tuesday to defuse an explosive device in a vehicle, and search for bomb making material in a Farmington home.
	Davenport firefighters contain Harrison Street apartment fire Davenport firefighters quick response stopped a Harrison Street building fire Tuesday night, keeping all residents safe and uninjured.
	WQPT PBS’ annual Imagination Station outreach event canceled for 2026 due to federal cuts WQPT PBS will not host its annual Imagination Station outreach event this year due to the loss of over 50% of its annual operating budget in federal funding cuts.
	The most common jobs in Iowa and Illinois: Federal data State-by-state differences show how regional economies shape employment.
	Rock Island Arsenal honoring outgoing commander with cannon fire QC residents may hear cannon fire later this week as Rock Island Arsenal hosts two ceremonies for an outgoing commander. Cannon fire will be heard coming from Rock Island Arsenal on Thursday, August 6 and Friday, August 7 for the First Army Relinquishment of Command ceremony honoring LTG Mark Landes and his retirement ceremony. The [...]
	Rock Island-Milan Schools superintendent outlines priorities ahead of first day Superintendent Sharon Williams shares details on academic goals, school safety upgrades, and attendance priorities as Rock Island-Milan students return.
	Rivermont Collegiate names new head of school for upcoming school year Richard Wiley will lead the private school for the next year, having decades of experience in education.
	Have you seen these suspects? Crime Stoppers wants to know! Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities wants your help catching two fugitives. It’s an Our Quad Cities News exclusive. You can get an elevated reward for information on this week’s cases: REGGION ANDERSON, 25, 5’9”, 120 pounds, black hair, brown eyes. Wanted by Iowa Department of Corrections District 7 High Risk Unit on probation violations [...]
	Davenport police to host Cops and Cones Davenport police are hosting their annual Cops and Cones event Tuesday, offering free ice cream and a chance to connect with local officers.
	Enjoy free ice cream, meet officers at Cops and Cones, Davenport The Davenport Police Association invites residents to the annual Cops and Cones Ice Cream Social at Vander Veer Botanical Park, 215 W. Central Park Avenue, on Tuesday, August 11 from 6 – 8 p.m. The event is family-friendly and will be held near the playground, offering the public an opportunity to enjoy a free ice [...]
	Pakistan's ruling party leads in Kashmir vote despite boycott call by banned group Candidates backed by twice-elected former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League-N party have won 24 of the 34 seats decided in the first two phases of voting, the election commission, said Wednesday.
	Rivermont Collegiate names new interim Head of School Rivermont Collegiate has a new interim Head of School. Richard Wiley has been named the interim Head of School for the 2026-2027 academic year. The appointment comes after a selection process that included candidate videos and community input, as well as feedback from families, faculty, staff and stakeholders. "We are excited to welcome Richard Wiley [...]
	Under China's new 'unity' law, Tibetans fight to preserve language and culture A 73-year-old retired nurse's decision to learn to write Tibetan language offers a glimpse into how some embrace their language and cultural identity in Tibet.
	WQPT cancels Imagination Station due to federal budget cuts Federal funding cuts mean WQPT won’t be able to hold an annual family event. WQPT PBS announced that it will not hold its annual Imagination Station event in 2026 due to significant budget reductions from the loss of federal funding. Imagination Station has been a free educational experience for Quad Cities families for years, with [...]
	Iowa suspends license of prison medical worker accused of having sex with inmate patient Iowa regulators suspended the license of Kyle L. Parks, a physician associate accused of an improper sexual relationship with an inmate patient.
	Getting to know Riley Hemmer Get to know our newest morning anchor!
	Investing in outdoor living: 5 of the biggest backyard trends of 2026 Investing in outdoor living: 5 of the biggest backyard trends of 2026Homeowners are transforming their backyards into destinations for gathering, unwinding and enjoying the outdoors, with personal enjoyment taking priority over resale considerations for many renovation projects.According to the 2026 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study from Houzz, the AI-powered software platform for home construction and design, homeowners are increasingly transforming their outdoor spaces for everyday living rather than future resale value. The study surveyed nearly 1,200 U.S. homeowners on Houzz who recently completed, were undertaking or were planning an outdoor renovation. The share motivated by making their spaces more accommodating rose to 25% (up from 22% in the 2024 U.S. Houzz Outdoor Trends Study), while those renovating to improve resale value fell to 15% (down from 18% in 2024). The result is a new generation of backyards, patios and gardens that function as true extensions of the home.Below, Houzz shares five of the biggest outdoor design trends shaping homes in 2026. Design: A\ Typical Studio; Photo: Nick Neuberger 1. Outdoor Spaces Are Being Divided Into Purposeful ZonesToday's outdoor spaces are designed to support an array of activities, with distinct zones that turn backyards into multifunctional extensions of the home. According to Houzz's report, lounge or seating areas are the most common outdoor living space, included by more than four in five renovating homeowners (83%), followed by dining areas (55%), quiet retreats or reading areas (53%), gardening areas (49%) and outdoor cooking areas (48%). Together, these spaces create a backyard that can support everything from family dinners to gardening and quiet relaxation.2. Backyards Are Becoming Outdoor Living RoomsPerhaps the biggest story in outdoor design this year is the rise of fully realized outdoor living spaces. Rather than treating patios and decks as occasional-use spaces, homeowners are furnishing them much like indoor family rooms, with comfort and functionality top of mind.Of the more than two-thirds of homeowners who have outdoor lounge or seating areas, 71% feature sofas or lounge chairs, more than half (55%) include coffee or side tables and 48% include a fireplace or fire pit. Homeowners are also investing in features that extend the usability of these spaces beyond daylight hours. Two-thirds (66%) of lounge areas incorporate outdoor lighting, creating inviting environments for evening relaxation and entertaining.3. Low-Maintenance Landscaping Continues to Gain GroundWhile homeowners are spending more time outdoors, many are looking for ways to spend less time maintaining their landscapes.Houzz research points to a growing preference for lower-maintenance yards and more climate-conscious planting choices. The share of homeowners replacing their original lawn with natural grass has dropped to 63%, down 9 percentage points since 2024. Meanwhile, hardscape, mulch and synthetic turf are becoming increasingly popular alternatives.Plant selections are shifting as well. Nearly three-quarters of homeowners (73%) choose low-maintenance plants, while more than half opt for native (55%) and pollinator-friendly (56%) varieties. Drought-resistant plants are also on the rise, selected by nearly half of renovating homeowners (49%). HomeTech Construction & Design 4. Outdoor Kitchens Are Bigger, Better Equipped and Built to LastFor many homeowners, outdoor kitchens now serve as year-round hubs for cooking, dining and entertaining.According to Houzz's research, 1 in 6 of homeowners upgrading an outdoor structure added or renovated an outdoor kitchen (12%), while 8% added or upgraded a built-in bar. And these aren't simple refreshes: nearly all outdoor kitchen projects (95%) are built from scratch, up 7 percentage points from 2024.Outdoor kitchens are also becoming more elaborate. More than two-thirds of homeowners (68%) incorporate infrastructure improvements such as plumbing, electrical or heating systems. Storage has seen the biggest jump in popularity, with 37% of projects now including built-in cabinetry or other storage solutions, up 15 percentage points from 2024.Grills remain nearly universal (85%), while many homeowners also install beverage refrigerators (62%), sinks (59%) and cooktops (36%). Pizza ovens (29%) and televisions (38%) underscore how outdoor kitchens are evolving into gathering spaces as much as cooking spaces. David Morello Garden Enterprises, Inc. 5. Professional Help Is Reaching New HighsAs outdoor projects become more sophisticated, homeowners are increasingly turning to professionals for help.In fact, professional involvement in outdoor renovation projects reached a new high, with 71% of homeowners hiring at least one pro for their project. That's up from 65% in 2024 as outdoor spaces become more ambitious and multifunctional. Landscape contractors are the most commonly hired professionals (26%), up from 21% in 2024, followed by general contractors (17%) and landscape architects (15%). Stone, paver and concrete specialists (20%), masonry specialists (14%) and deck, patio or outdoor enclosure specialists (12%) are also in demand.The TakeawayThe findings suggest homeowners are investing in outdoor spaces with long-term lifestyle goals in mind. Whether creating a lounge area, outdoor kitchen or low-maintenance landscape, the focus in 2026 is making the outdoors feel like home.This story was produced by Houzz and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	International Clown Week: Meet clown Brian Weckerly August 1-7 is International Clown Week, and we're celebrating clowns and how they got into clowning. From hometown clowning to The Greatest Show on Earth and beyond, we spoke with Our Quad Cities News' Brian Weckerly about his career in clowning, how he got started and what keeps him clowning.
	Learn about areola restoration tattooing with Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois at Gilda's Club Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois at Gilda’s Club is hosting an informative workshop on 3D areola restoration tattooing on Wednesday, August 19 from 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. at Gilda’s Club Davenport, 1351 W. Central Park Avenue, Suite 200. Nikki Murray, owner and operator of Aligned Beauty and Wellness in Davenport, will lead [...]
	Why one of the most common sleep disorders often goes undiagnosed Why one of the most common sleep disorders often goes undiagnosed Sleep apnea awareness is growing today, but diagnosis rates continue to lag behind.A Common Condition Hiding in Plain SightSleep apnea is a chronic disorder that impacts millions of people globally: 83.7 million adults in the U.S. are estimated to have sleep apnea, according to a 2025 study published in the journal Respiratory Medicine. Sleep apnea is slightly more common in men, with 59% of cases occurring in men and 41% in women. While the estimated rate continues to increase, sleep apnea diagnosis rates aren’t catching up.Undiagnosed sleep apnea greatly affects quality of life over time. Left untreated, sleep apnea can lead to numerous health conditions and even affect lifespan, as Sleeping.com examines here. Greater public education on sleep apnea helps people recognize sleep apnea symptoms earlier and receive preventative care.What Is Sleep Apnea and Why Is It Often Undetected?Sleep apnea is a chronic sleep disorder. There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea, and mixed. Most people have OSA, where their upper airway becomes obstructed while they sleep. This makes it difficult to breathe, and people may repeatedly stop breathing throughout the night. Central sleep apnea happens when the brain stops sending signals to breathe, while mixed sleep apnea is a combination of both central and obstructive.Sleep apnea is one of the most common sleep disorders. Almost 1 billion people globally suffer from sleep apnea. Yet many people who suffer from sleep apnea don’t realize they have it and remain undiagnosed.Sleep apnea symptoms are easy to miss and range in severity. Since the primary signs of sleep apnea happen while asleep, people often don’t realize they are struggling. They often only seek diagnosis after a partner notices their symptoms.Commonly Overlooked Sleep Apnea SymptomsSleep apnea symptoms aren’t always obvious. Many symptoms seem benign or overlap with other health conditions.The following can all be symptoms of sleep apnea:SnoringFeeling exhausted despite getting enough sleepLow libidoWaking up with a headache, dry throat, or feeling confusedCognitive issues like trouble concentrating or impaired memorySleep disturbances such as frequently waking up, tossing and turning, gasping, or chokingChanges in mood or personalityThe Consequences of Sleep ApneaUndiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious health conditions. Sleep apnea can cause cardiovascular disease, cognitive issues, metabolic disorders, and even early mortality.Sleep apnea leads to chronic sleep deprivation, resulting in more problems over time. If left untreated, sleep apnea is linked to increased risk of dementia, insulin resistance, diabetes, hypertension, heart attacks, and stroke.Sleep apnea will also increasingly impact general mental and physical wellness. It may cause chronic fatigue, impaired concentration, mood and personality changes, memory issues, depression, anxiety, and low sex drive. Any of these changes or conditions creates an unnecessarily lower quality of life and could be resolved by treating sleep apnea.Why Diagnosis Rates Remain LowSleep apnea diagnosis rates are considered low today and do not capture the prevalence of this disorder. An estimated 80% of Americans with sleep apnea aren’t diagnosed. People who have mild and moderate sleep apnea, or who are not obese, are the least likely to be diagnosed. People often don’t know that they are experiencing symptoms, and their provider may not recognize them.Widespread misconceptions about who is most at risk for sleep apnea can hinder detection and diagnosis. The prevalence of sleep apnea greatly increases with age and obesity. Yet common sleep apnea symptoms, like fatigue and cardiovascular disease, are less likely to be investigated in individuals within these groups, further hindering diagnosis.Even if someone suspects they have sleep apnea, they may encounter several barriers that make it difficult to obtain a diagnosis. Not everyone has access to qualified providers or insurance. Screening may not be covered by insurance or included in routine health check-ups. People might feel hesitant or anxious about getting tested and find the process overwhelming. These factors can all impact diagnosis rates.How Screening and Testing Have Become More AccessiblePeople can now easily obtain information on sleep apnea, thanks to the internet and social media. There’s readily available, free education on the risk factors, tell-tale signs, and long-term impact of sleep apnea. Increased awareness has helped people seek preventative care, instead of only receiving a diagnosis after years of declining health. People today may feel more prepared to speak to a doctor and advocate for themselves.While sleep apnea education is growing, it still remains underdiagnosed. Testing for sleep apnea previously required an overnight stay at a facility, which can feel overwhelming for many. Depending on a person’s work schedule, lifestyle, and location, getting a sleep test might not be possible.At-home sleep testing is now available, so getting diagnosed no longer requires an office visit or sleepover. People can now get a diagnosis, referral, and treatment plan from home. Some at-home sleep apnea tests are even eligible for insurance reimbursement.This story was produced by Sleeping.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Human remains found in Coralville identified as man missing since 2023 Human remains found in Coralville have been identified as a man reported missing in 2023. The investigation remains ongoing, police said.
	Man pleads guilty to crash that killed girl more than a decade later A Marion man will soon be sentenced a second time in connection to a fatal crash that happened 13 years ago.
	I-74/John Deere Road cloverleaf interchange to be replaced with diverging diamond The city of Moline is redesigning the I-74 and John Deere Road interchange. IDOT says the new diverging diamond design will reduce crashes and improve traffic flow.
	Davenport man charged after robbery at Hilltop Grocery, police say A Davenport man is facing felony charges after robbing the Hilltop Grocery with a gun, police say.
	University of Iowa publishes data center decision framework The tool is meant to be used by city and county leaders to help them decide what’s best for residents and businesses in their community.
	Iowa corn growers hope for boost from year-round E15 sales in new proposed Farm Bill After the language passed the House on its own in the spring, farmers are hoping adding it to the omnibus bill will give it a boost.
	Avoid the mistake of using retirement savings to pay for your kid's college Avoid the mistake of using retirement savings to pay for your kid’s collegeHelp paying for college is a wonderful gift to help your child get launched in life. Even while you give your child the best chance of an affordable education and a successful start to their future career, you can stay the course toward your own financial goals. With careful planning, you can navigate the journey of helping your kid pay for college while also saving for your own retirement and paying off debt.Freedom Debt Relief took a look at the big picture of what helping your kid pay for college might mean for your money—and how you can help your whole family have a brighter financial future.Key Takeaways:According to Sallie Mae, parents pay an average of 49% of their kids’ college costs.Helping your child pay for college doesn’t have to hurt your retirement savings or credit score—or force you to take on credit card debt.It’s possible to help your kid pay for college while keeping up with your other financial goals.Parents Pay 49% of College Costs—Is That Too Much?You don’t have to cover 100% of your child’s college costs by yourself. According to the 2025 How America Pays for College survey from Sallie Mae, parents paid 49% of the average student’s college costs. That includes money paid out of parents’ income, savings, or parent loans. Grants and scholarships covered about 27% of college costs, and most of the remaining portion was paid for by the students themselves—with income or student loans.If you can afford it, helping your child pay for college is great. But paying for college shouldn’t damage your financial stability. Some parents have to stretch a little too far to pay for their kids’ college costs and end up making big sacrifices in other areas. About 17% of Sallie Mae survey respondents said they took money out of their own retirement accounts to help pay their children's college expenses.It’s okay if you can’t afford to pay for all of your child’s college costs—many families can’t. Take the pressure off yourself and don’t overspend or overborrow to help your kid pay for college.Your child doesn’t want you to get financially overstretched for their sake. You shouldn’t have to take on credit card debt or fall behind on other bills to help pay for your kid’s college education. It won’t help your children or you in the long run.How to Reduce College CostsInstead of overborrowing and getting financially stressed by college costs, parents do better by planning ahead and having some honest, open conversations with their child about paying for college.Here are a few ideas for how to make college more affordable for you and your child.Go public instead of privateYou might save significant money with in-state tuition at a public university. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of attendance (including tuition, room and board) for in-state tuition at a four-year public university is about $27,146 per year. That’s less than half the price of attending a four-year private (nonprofit) university: $58,628 per year.Shave off some college time with free summer classesNot everyone knows this, but it’s sometimes possible to take summer classes for free if you're an undergraduate student and meet certain eligibility requirements, particularly regarding financial aid. The most common way is through the Year-Round Pell Grant (or similar state programs), which can provide additional funds for summer enrollment.Summer classes could shorten the time your child spends attending college. Additionally, earning extra credits during the summer could free up some time during the academic year for a part-time job.Look beyond private tuition sticker priceIf your child has their heart set on a private school, that can be a fine choice. Be sure to apply for lots of financial aid and try to negotiate a discount based on your family’s financial need. Some private colleges offer generous financial aid packages in the form of grants and scholarships that make their actual costs closer to what you’d get at a public university. You may have better results with scholarships and merit aid if your child’s high school grades are high. Start the conversation early about how your child can do their part to bring costs down.Search for grants and scholarshipsDon’t assume that college scholarships are only for top students or star athletes. The survey How America Pays for College found that 34% of families who didn’t apply for scholarships simply didn’t know about them. And more than one-fourth didn't apply because they didn't think they'd win. One place to start is your child's high school guidance counselor. They should be able to point you to local scholarship opportunities or help you identify websites where you can search.Have your child earn college credits while still in high schoolIf your child is just getting started in high school, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about college. Have your child plan ahead to earn college credit by taking Advanced Placement (AP) classes and the College Board CLEP exams. Your child should take advantage of any options in your school district to earn college credit while still in high school. Every requirement your child satisfies during high school is a class you won’t have to pay for.Start with community collegeIf your child is not 100% sure where they want to go to school or what major they’re interested in, they could start at a two-year community college. This is a great way to earn college credits at a lower cost. Another bonus: If the school is near your home, you can save on room and board costs by having your child live at home.Think strategically about your child’s career pathThis might be the most important part of helping your kid pay for college: Understand how college will connect your child to their future career. Does your child know what they want to be? Not every kid does, and that’s fine. And people’s plans and career paths can change over time. Ideally, before you borrow money or ask how to pay for college, you and your child need to have conversations about the larger plan for why they want to go to college.Ask your child:Are you responsible enough to take on a college-level academic workload?Can you get work experience in your chosen career field while taking classes?Are you highly motivated to earn a college degree and get launched in a specific career?How much money can you realistically expect to earn after college? Use the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard to look up and compare different colleges, as well as the typical income of students at each college within 10 years of starting classes there. If your child isn’t ready for college, they might wait to enroll. There’s nothing wrong with taking a gap year to work, save money, travel, and experience life before starting a college degree. All these ideas can help your child minimize student loans, boost their chances of college success, and make sure that your investment in a college education is money well spent.Helping Your Kid Pay for College Doesn’t Have to Hurt Your FinancesThe bottom line for parents in today’s high-cost world of college tuition is simple: Yes, it’s great to help pay for college. If you can afford to save for college in advance, consider using a 529 plan to invest your college savings—you might even get a state income tax break. (Before you choose a 529, learn about the restrictions. You’ll lose the tax advantages if you use the money for something other than qualified education expenses.)Don’t get overextended. If your kid’s college costs are driving you into credit card debt, reevaluate how much you’re paying.Learning how to let go of some of the things we want in life, like a more prestigious school, is part of growing up. A great time to practice this kind of moderation is while your child still lives with you. Then when they’re grown and gone, they might be better equipped to make hard choices that help them avoid debt as independent adults.Choose the right college for your family. Get savvy about comparing private college costs versus in-state public university costs. Apply for scholarships, even if you think your kid won’t qualify. You won’t know until you try.And if your family is struggling with high balances on private student loans and other unpaid debts, you might want to consider seeking debt relief. Some private student loans can be negotiated down with debt settlement programs.This story was produced by Freedom Debt Relief and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Progressive Abdul El-Sayed wins Michigan's Democratic primary for Senate El-Sayed, an epidemiologist, backs Medicare for all and decries corporate money in politics. He beat Rep. Haley Stevens, whose supporters said she would have had a better chance in the fall.
	Louisa County bar fight ends in tasing, assault on officer charge Eric Brewer of Wapello faces a felony assault charge after allegedly fighting a deputy and being tased by authorities during a bar fight.
	Rental property cash flow checklist: 15 ways to increase profit Rental property cash flow checklist: 15 ways to increase profitIf your rental property is generating income but still feels like it’s costing more than it should, you’re not alone. Many landlords focus on collecting rent without regularly reviewing the dozens of smaller decisions that affect long-term profitability.The good news? Improving rental property cash flow usually isn’t about making one dramatic change. It’s about consistently optimizing rent, reducing unnecessary expenses, planning for major repairs, and running your rentals with clear financial visibility.Whether you own one rental or an expanding portfolio, this checklist from RentRedi will help you identify practical ways to strengthen monthly cash flow while protecting your investment for years to come.Quick Answer: How can landlords improve rental property cash flow?The fastest way to improve rental property cash flow is to regularly review rental income, reduce recurring expenses, prevent costly vacancies, carefully screen tenants, and track financial performance monthly. Small improvements across multiple areas often yield larger long-term gains than relying solely on rent increases.Who This Checklist Is For?This guide is designed for:Independent landlordsRental property investorsOwners with one to 20 rental unitsNew landlords looking to improve profitabilityExperienced investors reviewing portfolio performanceWhy Rental Property Cash Flow MattersCash flow is the money left over after collecting rent and paying all operating expenses, debt payments, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and other property costs. Positive cash flow helps landlords:Handle unexpected repairsReinvest in their propertiesGrow their portfolioReduce financial stressBuild long-term wealthEven properties with strong appreciation can become financial burdens if monthly cash flow consistently falls short.Rental Property Cash Flow Checklist1. Review Your Rent Every Six to 12 MonthsCompare your rent against similar local properties using Zillow, Rentometer, or local listings. Even a modest $50–$100 monthly increase can generate hundreds or thousands of dollars in additional annual income while keeping your property competitively priced.Takeaway: Small annual rent adjustments often outperform large, infrequent increases.2. Create Additional Income StreamsRent isn’t always your only revenue source. Consider charging separately for:ParkingStorage unitsPet rent or pet feesWasher and dryer rentalsFurnished unitsPremium internet packages (where applicable)These optional amenities can improve monthly cash flow without significantly increasing operating costs.3. Pass Utilities to Tenants When PossibleIf local laws and property setup allow, shifting utilities to tenants reduces one of the most unpredictable operating expenses.Examples include:ElectricGasWater (with submetering)InternetPredictable expenses make budgeting far more accurate.4. Reduce Vacancy Before It StartsEvery vacant month is difficult to recover. Start renewal conversations 60–90 days before lease expiration, market vacancies early, and reward reliable tenants with reasonable renewal incentives. Keeping a great tenant is usually less expensive than replacing one.Reduce Expenses Without Cutting Corners5. Review Your Mortgage RateInterest rates change. If you’ve owned your property for several years, refinancing—or shopping lenders when buying your next investment—could improve monthly cash flow. Even small interest rate reductions may save hundreds each month.6. Compare Insurance Every RenewalInsurance markets change constantly. Request multiple quotes every renewal period and ask about:Multiproperty discountsBundle pricingHigher deductibles (if appropriate)Many landlords overpay simply because they never compare options.7. Challenge Your Property Tax AssessmentProperty taxes are often one of the largest operating expenses. If your property’s assessed value exceeds comparable recent sales, consider filing an appeal during your county’s assessment window. According to research from the National Taxpayers Union Foundation, approximately 40% to 60% of property tax appeals result in a reduced assessment.8. Stay Ahead of MaintenancePreventive maintenance almost always costs less than emergency repairs. Create recurring schedules for:HVAC servicingGutter cleaningRoof inspectionsCaulkingPlumbing inspectionsRoutine maintenance extends equipment life and reduces surprise expenses.9. Build a Dedicated Reserve FundUnexpected repairs aren’t optional. Many investors recommend saving 5%-10% of monthly rental income in a dedicated reserve account for future capital expenses, such as:Roof replacementHVAC systemsAppliancesFlooringWater heatersCash reserves prevent repairs from disrupting positive cash flow.10. Negotiate Vendor ContractsLandscapers, cleaners, pest control companies, and snow removal services often offer flexible pricing. Ask about:Annual agreementsMultiproperty discountsEarly payment discountsSmall savings across several vendors add up quickly.Optimize Taxes and Financing11. Track Every Deductible ExpenseMany landlords miss legitimate deductions.Examples include:Mortgage interestRepairsProperty management softwareMileageProfessional servicesOffice suppliesMaintaining organized records throughout the year simplifies tax season and may reduce taxable income.12. Ask Your CPA About Cost SegregationCost segregation allows certain property components to depreciate faster than the building itself. For qualifying investors, this strategy can significantly increase near-term tax deductions. Because every situation differs, consult a qualified CPA before making tax decisions.13. Review Your Entity StructureAs your portfolio grows, your legal and tax structure should evolve too. Depending on your circumstances, an LLC or another entity may improve:Liability protectionTax flexibilityPortfolio managementWork with a real estate attorney or tax professional to determine the best approach.Strengthen Your Operations14. Screen Tenants CarefullyOne bad tenant can erase months of positive cash flow. A comprehensive screening process should verify:Credit historyIncomeEmploymentRental historyEviction recordsReferencesStrong tenant selection often reduces late payments, vacancies, and property damage.15. Know Your Numbers Every MonthMany landlords only review finances during tax season. Instead, maintain a monthly profit and loss statement that tracks:IncomeOperating expensesRepairsVacancyNet cash flowConsistent reporting helps identify trends before they become expensive problems.Example: Small Improvements Add UpImagine a landlord with a single rental property generating $2,000 per month. By making a few strategic changes, they could improve annual cash flow without purchasing another property: RentRedi None of these changes is dramatic individually. Together, they meaningfully strengthen long-term profitability. Common Cash Flow Mistakes Landlords MakeAvoid these common pitfalls:Waiting years to review rentIgnoring recurring monthly expensesUnderfunding maintenance reservesChoosing tenants too quicklyWaiting until tax season to organize financesManaging everything manually with disconnected spreadsheetsThe most successful landlords review cash flow consistently—not just when something goes wrong.Why This Matters Right NowOperating costs continue to fluctuate due to inflation, insurance premiums, property taxes, labor costs, and financing expenses.That makes proactive cash flow management more important than ever. Landlords who regularly review income, expenses, and operations are better positioned to maintain profitability regardless of changing market conditions.Improving rental property cash flow isn’t about finding one magic solution. It’s about making consistent, informed decisions across your income, expenses, taxes, financing, and day-to-day operations.Working through this checklist once a year—and reviewing your financial performance every month—can help you reduce unnecessary costs, increase profitability, and build a more resilient rental business over time.If you’re managing your rentals manually, using property management software that tracks income, expenses, maintenance, rent collection, and reporting in one place can make it much easier to monitor cash flow and identify opportunities for improvement.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is good rental property cash flow?Positive rental property cash flow means your rental income exceeds all expenses, including mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and vacancies. Many investors also aim to maintain a reserve fund for future capital expenses.How often should landlords review rental rates?Review comparable rental listings every six to 12 months and adjust pricing when market conditions and local regulations allow.What expenses have the biggest impact on rental cash flow?Mortgage payments, vacancies, property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and unexpected repairs are typically the largest expenses affecting cash flow.How much should landlords save for repairs?A common guideline is to reserve 5%-10% of monthly rental income for future maintenance and capital expenditures, though the ideal amount depends on the property’s age and condition.What’s the fastest way to improve rental property cash flow?For many landlords, the quickest wins come from reducing vacancies, reviewing rent against market rates, minimizing recurring expenses, and screening tenants carefully to reduce costly turnover and unpaid rent.This story was produced by RentRedi and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Bettendorf plans Learning Campus Discovery Fair The Bettendorf Learning Campus Discovery Fair will be 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 15, at the Betendorf Public Library, Family Museum, and Faye’s Field, a news release says. Bettendorf Public Library Family Museum Faye’s Field Registration is not required. For more details, visit here. The Learning Campus Discovery Fair is sponsored by the Bettendorf Public [...]
	The rise of ‘sleepmaxxing’: Why people are obsessed with better sleep The rise of ‘sleepmaxxing’: Why people are obsessed with better sleep Sleep spent years sitting behind diet and exercise in conversations about better health. But over the past few years, that balance has started to look different as bedtime routines and better rest have become regular topics across wellness culture.Much of that attention now falls under the label "sleepmaxxing," which describes the growing effort to sleep better through everyday habits. And along the way, sleep has become closely associated with health and performance, while longevity and self-care have brought even more attention to the hours people spend in bed.Here, CPAP examines how that same demand for honest answers has grown past sleep problems and into everyday questions about health, placing sleep among the wellness topics people care about most right now.From Hustle Culture to Recovery Culture“Rise and grind” once summed up a work culture that treated exhaustion as proof of ambition. Years of longer hours and shorter nights made the cost harder to ignore, especially as burnout became a recognized workplace problem rather than a private failure.The World Health Organization now defines burnout as an occupational phenomenon tied to chronic workplace stress that has not been successfully managed. Neurologist Aatif Husain told HealthCentral that many Americans still treat sleep loss as a badge of honor rather than a health risk.His warning aligns with recovery taking a larger place in everyday health decisions. Sleep offers the most immediate place to begin, giving the body regular time to restore energy and helping people stop treating rest as something earned only after every task is finished.The Technology Fueling the Sleep MovementSleep had always been part of daily life, yet most people had little more than a rough guess about how well they actually rested. But wearable devices have changed that experience by tracking movement and heart rate while a person sleeps, then showing the findings on a phone or watch after waking.The screen first shows how long a person slept, then estimates how much time was spent across different sleep stages. Many devices also combine those measurements into a daily recovery score, giving people an easy way to compare one night's sleep with another over time.The American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that 48% of U.S. adults have used a sleep tracker, and 55% of users changed their habits after reviewing the data. Sleep scientist Carleara Weiss told Healthline that most commercial trackers cannot diagnose sleep disorders, yet their numbers let people follow patterns that once went unnoticed.Social Media Turned Sleep Into a Lifestyle TrendThe American Academy of Sleep Medicine found that 56% of U.S. adults had tried a viral sleep trend, giving researchers a clear view of how online advice is changing bedtime habits. Much of that influence comes from TikTok and Instagram, where creators film evening routines and show viewers how they prepare their bedrooms for sleep.YouTube carries the same format into longer videos, giving viewers more time to follow each part of the routine from start to finish. With more people watching and copying those habits, sleep physician and AASM spokesperson John Saito said social media can expand health knowledge, though he warned that viral trends may distract people from advice supported by research.His caution reflects how easily sleep content moves from a screen into daily life. As those routines become part of everyday behavior, better sleep also becomes part of the wellness image many users present online.Why High Performers are Paying AttentionProfessional teams now plan bedtimes and travel schedules around the sleep athletes need before competition. And much of that planning reflects research from sleep specialist Cheri Mah, whose Stanford study linked additional sleep among basketball players with faster sprints and better shooting accuracy.Her findings later became practical guidance for NBA champion Andre Iguodala, who worked with Mah on his sleep timing and evening routine after years of poor rest. The same concern with mental performance has also reached business executives whose decisions affect employees and customers throughout the day.United Airlines chief Scott Kirby has described closing his office door for a 20-minute nap, telling McKinsey that a tired brain operates below full capacity and should not be making important decisions. His routine follows the same reasoning Mah brought to professional sports, since fatigue slows reaction time and makes careful judgment more difficult.The Business of Better SleepCompanies follow where people are spending, and growing interest in better sleep has opened a new line of business across the wellness industry.The Global Wellness Institute estimated that people spent $73 billion on sleep products and services during 2024, following average annual growth of 12.6% since 2019. Its research covers home-based products and sleep apps, along with travel services built around better rest.Sleep also forms part of the wider mental wellness market, which reached $268.3 billion during 2024 and is projected to grow to $434.6 billion by 2029. Its place inside such a large market has encouraged established companies and newer businesses to keep expanding what they offer.And those businesses are now moving beyond traditional sleep products by adding digital services and travel experiences designed around better rest.When Optimization Meets RealityOne issue with sleepmaxxing is that it often focuses on perfect routines and better scores, yet sleep specialists warn that trying to control every night can create more anxiety than rest. Researchers use the term orthosomnia for an excessive pursuit of ideal sleep, often driven by numbers that leave people worried before the next bedtime.Sleep scientist Rebecca Robbins told ABC News that this stress can make people struggle again the following night. And when so much attention goes toward refining a routine, symptoms of an actual sleep disorder may be mistaken for a problem that another habit can fix.Better sleep depends on consistent habits, but diagnosed sleep disorders also require the treatment recommended by a healthcare provider.What the Sleepmaxxing Trend Says About Modern HealthSleepmaxxing may have given better rest a new name, but experts expect the attention surrounding sleep to last far beyond the trend itself.Research connecting healthy sleep with heart health and long-term brain function gives people a stronger reason to take nightly problems seriously. Greater attention to those problems should also help people recognize when poor sleep has moved beyond an occasional difficult night.Symptoms such as persistent exhaustion, loud snoring, or waking up gasping deserve medical evaluation from a qualified healthcare provider. An evaluation can identify conditions such as sleep apnea and lead to the proper treatment.With clearer guidance and consistent care, sleep is likely to join diet and exercise as a regular part of preventive health. Better rest, then, becomes easier to recognize in daily life through stronger focus and more energy after waking.This story was produced by CPAP and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Governor candidate Francesca Hong bets Wisconsin will embrace Democratic Socialism Governor candidate Francesca Hong bets Wisconsin will embrace Democratic SocialismEarly on a Friday morning in June at the 76th annual Musky Fest in Hayward, Wisconsin, a sprawling conversation between state Rep. Francesca Hong (D-Madison), who is running for governor, and dried gourd vendor Pam Boesch ended with an exchange of pregnancy stories.“I worked in the kitchen at the restaurant until about five hours before my water broke,” said Hong, who has worked as a dishwasher, executive chef and bartender.Boesch laughed.“I was bowling in a tournament right up till two days before I had the baby,” she said in response. “I bowled so good. I couldn’t cross that arm over for nothing,” she added, making a swinging motion with her arm. “That baby was keeping me straight.”The exchange lasted a few moments before the two parted ways. Boesch, a retiree who makes and sells decorative gourds with her husband in northern Wisconsin, told the Wisconsin Examiner that she is not likely to vote for Hong, but the moment represents part of how Hong, a two-term state lawmaker from one of the bluest cities in Wisconsin, is working to break out in a crowded Democratic primary.Hong is betting that her working-class background and her pledge to build a government that works for people will connect with a broad swath of Wisconsinites and fuel a movement that crosses partisan lines in a closely divided battleground state.Building on a national political movementHong, a single mom and self-proclaimed “outsider” known for her prodigious cussing and for her Democratic Socialist politics, is running in a six-way primary for a spot on the November ticket in the race to succeed Gov. Tony Evers. The other candidates in the race are Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, former Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, state Sen. Kelda Roys (D-Madison), Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, and former head of Gov. Tony Evers’ Department of Administration Joel Brennan.Hong, the first Asian American to be elected to the state Legislature, has represented a big section of deep blue Madison since 2020. She ran for office motivated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the urgent need for more relief for working Wisconsinites. At the time, Hong owned and operated the restaurant Morris Ramen in downtown Madison, which was closed in 2024 due to financial difficulties.Her candidacy for the state’s top executive office comes at a moment when Democratic Socialist and progressive candidates are winning races around the country, challenging establishment Democrats. Socialist New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani won last year and, in June, three of his endorsed congressional candidates in New York won their primary races, two of them by defeating longtime incumbents. More recently, Melat Kiros, a 29-year-old Democratic Socialist, defeated a 15-term Democratic incumbent congresswoman in Colorado.Hong’s run for statewide office in a state that President Donald Trump won twice, in 2016 and 2024, is a new test for the movement.Hong has sought to connect with voters on the ground, while also tapping into a growing national progressive movement to bolster her campaign. Ever since she launched her longshot campaign for governor, momentum has been steadily growing behind her campaign.In Marquette Law School polls, Hong has repeatedly polled at the top of the Democratic field, although more than 60% of voters said they were still undecided. She came in second behind Lt. Gov. Rodriguez in a straw poll conducted by WisPolitics at the state Democratic Party convention, winning 138 votes, or 23.1%.At a rally at Atwood Music Hall in Madison on the same weekend as the convention, Hong filled the room with excited supporters. Ro Khanna, the progressive Democratic congressman from California and Kat Abughazaleh, the former congressional candidate who made waves by running an upstart campaign as a young progressive in Chicago, both campaigned for her. Along with Khanna, Hong has the endorsement of progressive Minnesota U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar.At the Atwood Music Hall rally, Hong pitched herself there as following in the footsteps of Wisconsin’s progressive trailblazers former Gov. Gaylord Nelson, founder of Earth Day and the “father of environmentalism,” former Secretary of State Vel Phillips, the first Black statewide officeholder in Wisconsin who spent much of her career combating racial discrimination in housing and former governor and Sen. Robert “Fighting Bob” La Follette, leader of the progressive movement who helped pioneer progressive taxation and workers’ compensation.Hong said all of these Wisconsin leaders were called “unreasonable” in their time, but today they are “thought of as visionaries.”“Did you know that it is our state where environmentalism was born? It was our state where sewer socialism was born. It was our state where Social Security was born,” Hong said to the crowd. “Our progressive roots run deep. F*** Robin Vos and the Republicans, who’ve been trying to uproot our history,” she added, referring to the longtime Republican Assembly speaker who is retiring this year. “That time is over.”Hong also noted at the rally, which was held immediately after the close of the Democratic state convention in Madison, that she has been repeatedly fielding a lot of the same questions.“I got asked over and over again about, ‘We love your campaign. We love what you stand for. Your policies are amazing. It’s so thorough, but can you win?’” Hong said to shouts of “Yes!” from the crowd, “I wouldn’t be running if I didn’t think we could win.”While she has growing support, Hong has had to navigate a number of controversies in recent months. She was sued for a $30,000 credit card debt, accumulated by her now-closed restaurant, although she said it was paid off by her parents shortly after Capital One Bank filed the lawsuit, according to the Capital Times. She has also taken to social media to answer criticism of her past statements that she supports policies to “defund the police.”Another controversy popped up this week during livestreams Hong appeared on to raise money and bolster her candidacy nationally. Just ahead of a key fundraising deadline, Hong flew to California to speak with Hasan Piker, the left-wing Twitch streamer who has made controversial comments including saying that the U.S. “deserved 9/11,” which he later said was “inappropriate.” During the same week, she appeared on a show with streamer Michael Beyer, also known as Mike from PA, who has been criticized for saying that Jews are “demonic.”Hong raised over $92,000 for her campaign during the appearances on Beyer and Piker’s streams. Piker also said during the stream that he would come to Wisconsin to campaign for Hong.Hong’s campaign responded to the criticism in a lengthy statement, saying “antisemitism, Islamophobia, racism, transphobia, and all forms of dehumanization have no place in Wisconsin politics or in the movement we are building,” condemning all violence including the Hamas attack on Israelis on Oct. 7, and that she was unaware of the comments made by Beyer before going on.However, the campaign also said the discussion was a distraction from the substance of the conversation on the live streams where she said she was trying to reach voters who have typically ignored and disengaged from politics.“Appearing on a podcast or livestream is not an endorsement of every statement a host has ever made,” the campaign said. “Fran is willing to go anywhere and talk to anyone about her vision for a better, more compassionate world… If we refuse to show up, those voters will hear only from the right, from the conspiracy theorists, or from people who do not share our values.”Hong’s Democratic primary opponent David Crowley, the Milwaukee County executive, said on X that he would not go on Piker’s broadcast if invited, as his statements are “beyond the pale.” Another opponent, Kelda Roys, also criticized the appearance, saying it “wasn’t about trying to persuade voters who disagree with you and having an honest conversation across differences; it was about raising money” and that it was “a deliberate choice about what you’re willing to tolerate when you’re seeking campaign cash.”The livestreams did not include discussion of the controversial comments, but focused on Hong’s campaign, including her proposals for taxing the rich, funding public schools, implementing universal child care, paid family and medical leave and putting a moratorium on data center development.Hong also promoted establishing a public grocery store, noting wryly that a similar policy is being implemented in “communist” Indiana. She proposed a public bank, which would be modeled after the country’s only such bank in North Dakota (“famously a communist state,” she joked), that would be used to give small businesses subsidized loans.“If it is radical to have free child care and public grocery stores, I would say, let’s be radical, let’s embrace that,” Hong said on Piker’s stream. “That hasn’t been what we’ve done in the past, and look at where we are now using the same playbook and strategy. We’ve been incremental in the past, and it’s led to complacency.”Reaching voters in Tom Tiffany’s districtBeyond Madison and national livestreams, Hong is taking her message to voters across the state.During her day visiting a handful of towns north of Highway 29, in the heart of the 7th Congressional District currently represented by Republican gubernatorial candidate and U.S. Rep. Tom Tiffany, Hong spent the majority of the day meeting with Democrats and progressives. But she started the day at the 76th Musky Fest in Hayward, an annual celebration of the area’s deep fishing culture, where she spoke with Republicans and politically unaffiliated Wisconsinites.Boesch, the retiree, who makes “thunder gourds” — percussive instruments made from dried gourds that make a sound like thunder when shaken — that she sells with her husband mostly at farmers’ markets. It’s a side gig for the couple who are on a fixed income and expressed concerns about rising property taxes. Boesch said she plans to vote for Tiffany, the presumptive Republican nominee for governor, and said he had “blessed” her and her husband.During the conversation, Hong learned that the retirees were friends with Rep. Chanz Green (R-Mason), her colleague in the Assembly, and Green had once referred them to Tiffany’s office when they weren’t able to cash a check from Veterans Affairs. Tiffany helped them recover the money.“[Tiffany] does care about people, and he’s very down to earth and very personable, too, and he makes a presence in this north country. That is important, just like she is,” Boesch said, referring to Hong.While she appreciated the conversation and Hong’s visit to the Northwoods, Boesch questioned some of the ideas that Hong articulated, including taxing billionaires to pay for bolstered government services. Baylor Spears // Wisconsin Examiner Hong has said that she wants to take the burden of school funding off property taxpayers by increasing state funding to two-thirds of the cost of public schools, but that it will be necessary to bring more revenue into the state by taxing rich individuals and megacorporations. She has said that she would also want to legalize and tax cannabis to help pay for her policy priorities, as well as explore putting in place a small payroll tax and eliminating tax exemptions for data centers.Boesch asked how many billionaires there are in Wisconsin to tax. According to In Business Madison, there are seven.“Is that the answer? Taxing the millionaires and billionaires? Is that the whole answer to it? I don’t know,” Boesch said. “I think cutting spending is a good answer… We have to learn how to live within a budget. We shouldn’t have to look for another way to find more money so you can spend more money.”Boesch added that she and her husband are low-income, but never borrow money. “I mean, living in a budget is something everyone has to do,” she said.Hong then spotted Robert Olson, who was wearing a “Trump 2028” hat. He told the Examiner he only wore the hat “to get the flakes going.”The two spoke about patriotism and public schools. Olson said he was worried about the lack of training in the trades, including shop classes in the schools, while Hong said the state could get rid of Act 10, the Walker-era law that stripped collective bargaining rights from public employees including teachers, so they could get paid more. When his wife, Lolita, who is a town clerk and on the county Board of Supervisors, walked up, the conversation turned to shared revenue, the state’s system for funding local governments.Olson said after that, it’s not a “shoo-in” that he’ll vote for Tiffany. He described him as “OK” and not “breaking any records.” He said if there is a Democrat with better ideas, he’d be open to voting for them.“She pays attention very close, and she’s got her mind on the issues,” Olson said of Hong. “And she never said what party she’s with, which to me is very important.”Progressives and Democrats in the NorthwoodsAfter spending the morning talking with skeptical Republicans and independents at Musky Fest, Hong faced a different audience: Democrats and progressives. In that safer forum, she addressed, in her words, the “big scary S word.”In Luck, Wisconsin, about an hour and a half south of Hayward, Hong told a small group of progressives and Democrats that she had “some really good conversations” with voters who wanted to talk about issues like public schools and property taxes.“It turns out folks are pretty excited about taxing the rich, too,” Hong said. “Wisconsin voters care more about solutions than labels.”University of Wisconsin-Superior political scientist Alisa Von Hagel told the Examiner in a phone interview that while the Northwoods has trended more Republican over the past decade, the region also has deep roots in labor unions and progressive politics.“It isn’t the progressive liberalism you would see in San Francisco… but a progressivism that has roots here in the northern Midwest,” Von Hagel said.Von Hagel said there continues to be a strong Democratic base in the area, and it’s important for candidates looking to make inroads in the area to show up.“Thinking about campaign visits as purely reciprocal… getting as many votes as possible, [a visit] doesn’t have that transactional outcome, perhaps, for visitors coming to the area. However, it’s still symbolically important,” Von Hagel said. Baylor Spears // Wisconsin Examiner Even so, Von Hagel said Hong’s biggest challenge may not be convincing voters about Democratic Socialism but simply introducing herself to them.“Especially in a primary election, name recognition is the primary concern that most candidates who aren’t already an incumbent struggle with,” she said.William Johnson, a former member of the Polk County Board of Supervisors and Frederic resident, told the Examiner that he supports Hong because she is more progressive than other Democratic candidates.During the meeting at a coffee shop in Luck, Johnson asked Hong about how she plans to overcome name identification challenges across the state. He said some residents in their part of the state know more about Minnesota politics than Wisconsin and some have even claimed that former Minnesota Gov. Jesse Ventura was their governor.Hong said that’s why she launched an aggressive social media campaign early. On social media Hong has sought to reach voters with frequent video posts and has addressed controversies including her credit card debt. Her campaign has also hosted and attended over 300 in-person events since it launched in September.During a Polk County Democratic Party meeting, Hong started by talking about public schools and wanting to end the state’s school voucher system, implementing a public option for healthcare and ensuring that the state’s natural resources aren’t “for sale” to data center and AI companies.“We can do this, especially when we have a trifecta. We’ve got an opportunity this year to make sure that we flip the Legislature,” Hong said, referring to Democrats’ hopes of winning majorities in the state Assembly and Senate as well as the governor’s office.As she took questions, the broader concern about the Democratic Socialist label came up.“If you’re more left than center, I mean we live in a state that, let’s face it, we have a lot of Republicans in this state,” one attendee said, “what is your plan to win those people over if and when you win the primary election?”Hong explained that she has embraced the label because it aligns with her values.“Republicans have made it so that we think government has to be dysfunctional, but the policies that we’re running on make government a force of good,” Hong said. “That’s what it’s actually supposed to be… a social insurance space.”Hong compared “mutual aid,” a term used in urban activist and progressive circles for pooling resources to help communities, to neighbors in rural Wisconsin helping their neighbors mow their lawns and plow driveways in the snow.Von Hagel said she thought the message could be effective with people in the Northwoods, pointing to the tradition of community spaghetti dinners for people facing hardships.“It’s one small example, but I think it’s a philosophy and a tradition that resonates with people who are from here and live here,” Von Hagel said.Hong described her conversations at Musky Fest. She said she didn’t know whether the people she spoke with there would vote for her, adding that if the guy wearing the Trump hat Googled her, he might find things he dislikes.But, she said, she hopes when he remembers the conversation, he feels that “Democratic Socialism isn’t scary, that I’m someone that is an ordinary person trying to make it so that folks can live easier lives, be able to take care of themselves, their kids, aging parents, and help their neighbors.”Editor’s note: The Examiner is running periodic profiles of the contenders in the Aug. 11, 2026, gubernatorial primary as well as the candidates in the general election on Nov. 3.This story was produced by Wisconsin Examiner and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Quad-Cities National Night Out events draw hundreds to interact with first responders National Night Out events in Silvis and East Moline drew hundreds of people to interact with first responders in a positive way.

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