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

Win Jump Passes and a $200 VISA Gift Card at Elevate Trampoline Park in Milan, IL

Elevate Trampoline Park in Milan, IL, is hosting a summer contest with weekly jump pass prizes and a $200 VISA gift card grand prize. Enter by September 6, 2026.

Critter Kingdom Gift Shop & Pet Boutique opens Thursday; grand opening this weekend

The new shop in Milan offers a mix of pet supplies and gifts for both pets and their two-legged companions. It is holding a grand opening event this weekend.

The Band Loula, August 26

Lauded by DanDenney.com as artists who “possess a haunting quality laced with a yearning that mirrors the fragility of human connection,” the country-folk musicians of The Band Loula headline an August 26 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, the group's 2025 debut EP Sweet Southern Summer hailed by Soundlink Magazine as “everything I want country music to be – raw, honest, haunting, and full of heart.”

Ellis Bullard, August 27

His 2024 album Honky Tonk Ain't Noise Pollution praised by Metal Planet Music as “a damned fine slice of good ol' country music” that's “well-written, well-played, well-sung, and very well-produced,” Ellis Bullard headlines an August 27 concert at davenport's Raccoon Motel, the artist also lauded by Saving Country Music for “making country music that actually sounds country, while also making it cool.”

G. Love & Special Sauce, August 22

Composed of bandleader Garrett Dutton on lead vocals, guitar, and harmonica, Chuck Treece on drums, and Jim Prescott on string bass, the touring talents of G. Love & Special Sauce headline an August 22 concert at Maquoketa's Codfish Hollow Barn, the group's hit songs including such Billboard charters as “Stepping Stones,” “Rodeo Clowns,” “Astronaut,” “Go Crazy,” and “Peace, Love, & Happiness.”

Ms. Pat, August 21

Lauded by the Washington Post as "unforgiving and darkly hilarious" and the New York Times as "brutally honest and outrageous," comedian, author, podcast host, and actor Patricia Williams - better known by her stage moniker Ms. Pat - returns to Davenport's Rhythm City Casino Resort Rhythm Room on August 21, the headliner beloved as the star of the Emmy-nominated The Ms. Pat Show and new web series Whiskin’ It All.

North Scott Activities Calendar 2026-2027

Tom Briscoe, August 22

Instructing and entertaining audiences on the art of “Old Manspaining,” touring comedian and popular radio presence Tom Briscoe brings his comedy show to Galesburg's Orpheum Theatre on August 22, offering hysterical advice on maintaining agood marriage, raising daughters, empty nesting, and the fine art of unsolicited advice.

Kim Sigafus: “Please Meet Singing Bird,” August 27

You’ve likely heard about the great Native American warrior Black Hawk who made the Rock Island area his home. On August 27, the Rock Island Public Library's Downtown Branch invites you to Please Meet Singing Bird, Black Hawk's less-memorialized wife whose life story is the subject of this presentation by Illinois Humanities Road Scholar Kim Sigafus.

“The Mermaids,” August 21 through 20

Presented as the latest selection in the theatre's “Andy Bro Show New Works Commission,” the world premiere of composer Billy Reece's musical The Mermaids enjoys an August 21 through 30 run at Mt. Carroll's Timber Lake Playhouse, treating audiences to a debuting stage experience as the final show in the theatre's 2026 summer season.

“Everyday Lives, Extraordinary Voices: Ruth Suckow's Iowa,” August 22 through November 15

Inspired by her upbringing at the turn of the 20th century and considered “Iowa’s first feminist writer,” Ruth Suckow was largely forgotten until researchers rediscovered her story in the 1980s. Consequently, the Ruth Suckow Memorial Association, with the support of Humanities Iowa, has developed a traveling exhibition celebrating the life and work of this Iowa novelist and short-story writer who lived from 1892 to 1960, the exhibit Everyday Lives, Extraordinary Voices: Ruth Suckow's Iowa on display at Davenport's German American Heritage Center from August 22 through November 15.

Retirements, hirings and personnel news from Rock Island-Milan School District from July 28

The following personnel items are from the July 28 agenda of the Rock Island-Milan School District.

“Ruth Suckow's Lost Story: Iowa's Great German American Writer,” August 23

Held in conjunction with the Davenport venue's new exhibition “Everyday Lives, Extraordinary Voices: Ruth Suckow's Iowa,” The latest event in the German American Heritage Center's popular “Kaffee und Kuchen” series, August 23's Ruth Suckow's Lost Story: Iowa's Great German American Writer, will find President of the Ruth Suckow Memorial Association Barbara Lounsberry exploring the extraordinary backstory of this too-little-known German-American writer.

Rod Stewart cancels Iowa State Fair concert to recover from heart procedure

The fair is working on finding a replacement act.

Severe storms leave damage, power outages across Quad Cities

Severe storms hit the Quad Cities for a second straight day, leaving thousands without power, closing roads in Moline, and downing power lines.

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: SHANE MONTGOMERY, 51, 5'10", 200 pounds. Wanted by IDOC 7th District High Risk Unit for probation violations and absconding supervision. LESTER TABOR, 45. Wanted [...]

How much do your district’s teachers make? A breakdown of QC schools

Both states are working to attract new teachers.

Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine announces 2026-27 Board of Directors

“We are grateful for this talented team of visionary leaders who provide strategic insight, multi disciplinary expertise, and dedication,” Foundation President Charla Schafer said.

Woman who fired gun at Davenport police enters guilty pleas to weapons, drug charges

A woman who fired a gun at police investigating a domestic disturbance at her home and then was wounded by return fire has pleaded guilty to several weapons charges.

MercyOne Genesis, Davenport, on emergency power due to outage

MercyOne Genesis Davenport Medical Center, 1227 E. Rusholme Street, is currently operating on emergency power because of a temporary power outage. The hospital is coordinating with MidAmerican Energy to resolve this issue. MercyOne will continue to provide all care. The hospital will send out a news release once it has been reconnected to MidAmerican Energy.

What you need to know to stay safe during power outage?

Over 20,000 Quad Cities residents are without power after high winds; here are essential Red Cross safety tips to protect your food and home.

Grief counseling in the workplace: What HR should have ready

Grief counseling in the workplace: What HR should have readyGrief counseling in the workplace matters because grief does not arrive at work as a neat, visible event. It shows up as:The employee who was once responsive and now goes quiet for days.The manager who keeps rescheduling one-on-ones because every conversation feels too heavy.The high performer whose deadlines start slipping after a loss nobody on the team fully understands.The employee who is physically back at work after bereavement leave, but still carrying the fog, exhaustion, and isolation that grief can bring.For HR leaders, grief creates both a human need and an organizational risk. When employees do not have timely support, grief can affect focus, attendance, communication, engagement, and performance, Spring Health reports. It can also overlap with deeper mental health challenges that are harder to see until they begin showing up in workforce data.Key takeawaysGrief is a workforce mental health issue, not just a short-term leave event.Spring Health research found that employees who selected grief as a top mental health challenge were twice as likely to also report depression or mood-related concerns, 2.2 times as likely to report isolation or disconnection at work, and 1.7 times as likely to be experiencing burnout.Grief can affect focus, energy, connection, communication, attendance, and performance, even when it is not visible to a manager.HR leaders should have clear policies, manager guidance, flexible return-to-work options, and mental health support in place before an employee experiences loss.What the data says about grief and other mental health needsSpring Health’s 2026 Workplace Mental Health Annual Report revealed how connected grief is to other workplace mental health concerns. Employees who selected grief as a top mental health challenge in the past year were:2 times as likely to also report depression or mood-related concerns.2.2 times as likely to report isolation or disconnection at work.1.7 times as likely to be experiencing employee burnout.Grief may begin with a death, a miscarriage, a divorce, a health diagnosis, a pet loss, or another life change, but it rarely stays contained to the moment of loss. It can change how employees relate to their work, their managers, their colleagues, and themselves.Bereavement leave helps employees step away when loss is immediate. A stronger grief support strategy helps them continue getting care after they return. That means clear policies, trained managers, flexible return-to-work options, and a mental health benefit that can connect employees to the right support when grief changes what they need.What does grief look like at work?Grief at work can look like lower focus, withdrawal, missed deadlines, emotional swings, exhaustion, or a sudden change in how someone communicates. It can also look like nothing at all, because many employees try to keep functioning while privately carrying a major loss.Common signs include difficulty concentrating, low energy, withdrawal, irritability, tearfulness, missed work, changes in performance, or increased anxiety. These signs do not prove someone is grieving, and managers should not diagnose. They should notice changes, check in with care, and connect the employee to available support.What is disenfranchised grief?Some grief is visible and socially recognized. Some is not. Disenfranchised grief describes grief that is minimized, dismissed, or not openly acknowledged by others. In the workplace, this can happen after losses that do not fit a traditional bereavement policy, including pregnancy loss, estrangement, the loss of a former partner, or pet loss.Pet loss grief counseling is a good example of where an employee’s needs and workplace policy can be misaligned. For many people, a pet is part of the family. If an employee loses that relationship and feels embarrassed to acknowledge the loss at work, they may be less likely to ask for support.Can grief affect performance?Yes. Grief can affect attention, memory, motivation, sleep, and emotional regulation. It can also increase workplace isolation and mental health concerns when employees feel their loss is invisible or misunderstood. Performance conversations should make room for support before moving straight to correction.Why is bereavement leave alone not enough?Bereavement leave is important, but it often covers the first few days after a loss. Grief can continue for months or years. Employees may also need schedule flexibility, workload adjustments, manager check-ins, peer support, and access to therapy, coaching, or other mental health resources.What employees need when they are grievingEmployees need support that is timely, flexible, and respectful of how personal grief can be. They may not know what they need right away, so HR should make the path simple before the moment arrives.At a minimum, grieving employees need:Time away from work without having to over-explain.Flexibility as they handle practical responsibilities.A manager who checks in without prying.Clear guidance on leave, accommodations, and benefits.Confidential access to mental health care.Support that recognizes different kinds of loss.Grief support should also account for cultural, religious, family, and personal differences. Some employees may need time for rituals or travel. Some may want privacy. Some may want colleagues to acknowledge the loss. Some may be grieving something their workplace does not usually name.This is where manager training matters. Many managers want to be kind, but they worry about saying the wrong thing. Mental health training for managers can help them respond with care, stay within their role, and connect employees to resources.What HR leaders should have in place before grief happensHR leaders should have a grief support system that combines policy, manager guidance, and fast access to mental health care. Waiting until a loss happens forces the employee, manager, and HR team to improvise during an already painful moment.A strong workplace grief support plan includes five parts.A bereavement policy with room for different kinds of loss. Define what leave is available, how employees request it, and where managers have flexibility. Consider how the policy handles pregnancy loss, chosen family, close friends, and other losses that may not fit narrow family definitions.A manager playbook for grief conversations. Give managers simple language for check-ins, guidance on what not to say, and clear instructions for when to involve HR. The playbook should remind managers that their role is support and connection, not diagnosis.Flexible return-to-work options. Employees may benefit from reduced hours, remote work, lighter meeting loads, adjusted deadlines, or temporary workload changes. For some employees, grief may also intersect with mental health leave or accommodations.Confidential mental health support with fast access. Grieving employees should not have to search through provider directories, make repeated calls, or wait weeks for care. They need a simple path to therapy, coaching, medication management when clinically appropriate, and other support matched to their needs.A culture that validates grief without forcing disclosure. Employees should know that grief does not have to be hidden to be respected. This is especially important for disenfranchised grief, including pet loss, fertility loss, estrangement, or the end of a relationship.FAQWhat is grief counseling in the workplace?Grief counseling in the workplace is confidential mental health support that helps employees process loss while staying connected to care, work, and daily life. It may include therapy, coaching, or other services, depending on the employee’s needs and the benefits their employer offers.Should employers offer pet loss grief counseling?Employers do not need a separate benefit for every kind of loss, but they should make mental health support broad enough to include pet loss grief counseling when an employee needs it. The most helpful approach is a confidential, flexible mental health benefit that lets employees seek support without proving their grief is “serious enough.”How can HR leaders support grieving employees without overstepping?HR leaders can support grieving employees by offering clear leave options, flexibility, manager guidance, and confidential mental health resources. They should avoid asking employees to share personal details they do not want to disclose. Support works best when employees can choose what they need.What should managers do when grief affects performance?Managers should start with care and curiosity before performance correction. They can name the change they have noticed, ask what support would help, and connect the employee to HR or mental health resources. If performance expectations need to shift, document the plan clearly and revisit it regularly.This story was produced by Spring Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

ChatGPT ads aren't just for big brands anymore: What small businesses should know

ChatGPT ads aren't just for big brands anymore: What small businesses should knowFor most of the year, ChatGPT Ads have only really made sense for massive companies with large budgets. They could run the ads and learn the ins and outs of the platform, but there was almost no way to know if any of it actually led to conversions. The ads may have gotten a click, but that was about the extent of what advertisers could see. Bigger brands didn't mind much because they were just paying to get in early, not necessarily to see a financial return off the bat.For this reason, it was difficult for small and medium-sized businesses to make a case for spending advertising budget on this channel. But as of July 2026, a more robust infrastructure is in place, making it a much easier sell to decision makers, Floodlight reports.TL;DR: In July 2026, ChatGPT Ads rolled out a new update that includes better targeting, real conversion tracking, and more flexible daily budgets. Thanks to these new updates, small and mid-sized businesses finally have a reason to join the platform instead of writing it off as “too new to trust.”What Changed in the ChatGPT Ads Update?The focal point of the update is the addition of conversion-optimized cost-per-click bidding (oCPC). Advertisers now have the ability to set a goal, and the platform leans toward showing ads to people likely to actually convert, while still billing per click. More of that process will now be handled automatically.Another main perk of this update is that daily budgets are changing to an average daily budget model over a rolling seven-day period. This gives campaigns a bit more room to vary spend around demand instead of hitting a specific daily ceiling. The advertisers who are already running Meta or Google Ads will recognize this format immediately.Product ads also picked up pricing and star ratings directly in the unit, which is a minor change, but a very useful one. SearchEngineLand reported that the Ads API now handles asynchronous bulk creation and updates across campaigns, ad groups, and ads. This isn’t a feature that moves the needle for smaller businesses running a handful of ads, but it’s a huge step forward for agencies and large advertisers running high volumes of campaigns at once.Why Better Attribution MattersBusiness owners don’t want to commit significant ad budget without some proof that it's doing something.As platforms collected more data, they got smarter. ChatGPT Ads has only been running as an ad platform since early 2026, so it's been working with a much thinner dataset than platforms like Google and Meta. This update begins to close that gap a bit more.While this update doesn’t launch flashy new ad types, it helps propel the platform forward on the technical side. It may not look different at face value, but these new features make ChatGPT Ads easier to compare against Google and Meta since they now have better targeting, better tracking, and campaigns that don't take nearly as much manual work to manage.In layman’s terms, this update means that a business running a campaign can really start to see which conversations, clicks, and interactions actually turned into leads or purchases. Whereas before, businesses were relying on impressions and just hoping for the best. Having actual data moves ChatGPT Ad budget from ‘a test’ to a real media investment.How Do The New Tracking Tools Work in ChatGPT Ads?Two new integrations, AppsFlyer and Adjust, let app-based businesses track installs and in-app activity the same way they'd track it on any other ad channel.On the website side of things, OpenAI shared that Automatic Advanced Matching will now use hashed customer data to improve conversion attribution information (this can be enabled directly under Tools > Conversions > Data Source inside the Ads Manager). Let’s say someone browses on a phone during lunch, but makes the purchase later on their laptop. It’s now possible to track this conversion in ChatGPT Ads.While this is all a great starting point, it’s important to keep in mind that the platform currently only measures click-through attribution. Although advertisers can customize the length of that attribution window to fit their sales cycle, view-through attribution (meaning crediting a conversion to someone who saw an ad but didn't click it) isn't supported on the platform just yet. This is crucial for businesses running top-of-funnel (TOFU) and awareness campaigns because some conversion credit won't show up in reporting. Hopefully, this capability is on the horizon for ChatGPT Ads.Should SMBs Start Testing ChatGPT Ads Now?These new updates finally give advertisers a way to focus on actual sales and leads generated instead of just clicks alone. Finally having the ability to bid toward real customers and accurately track where they came from is how to convert a small marketing test into a permanent line item in the marketing budget. Overall, these tracking tools give ChatGPT Ads a much stronger case to businesses, because the last thing they want to do is pay for ads they can't prove are working.Businesses considering the channel should treat it the way they'd treat any new platform:Start with a modest budget (as low as $10 per day can be a great starting point for certain industries).Confirm tracking is set up correctly through Advanced Matching and the app integrations.Set a click-through attribution window that matches how long the sales cycle actually takes.Account for the fact that view-through activity won't yet show up in the numbers.While these updates are a great stepping stone in the right direction, ChatGPT Ads only launched several months ago and is still a much newer entrant compared to giants like Google and Meta. Its conversion-tracking infrastructure is still being built out, so businesses that pair it with a broader media strategy will likely see more reliable results than those running it alone.This story was produced by Floodlight and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Report: 82% of new small businesses have insurance, but many SMBs remain at risk

Report: 82% of new small businesses have insurance, but many SMBs remain at riskSmall businesses founded in the past year are more likely to have insurance than those that have been operating longer, according to a new survey of small business owners by ERGO NEXT.Today’s entrepreneurs are thinking about protection earlier, but buying insurance and being adequately protected aren’t always the same thing.The survey also found that many entrepreneurs still struggle to determine what coverage they need, leaving critical risks exposed.This report explores why underinsurance persists even as more businesses are getting insured — and what that says about the changing nature of small-business risk.Below, learn more about what the report means for small businesses and the potential risks they face when they don’t have the right protection.Key findingsThe survey of 501 small business owners reveals:Eighty-two percent of small businesses in their first year of operation have insurance, compared with 67% in their first two to five years of operation.Seventy-three percent of small businesses have no insurance or less coverage than they need.Twenty-five percent of small businesses don’t have insurance.Sixty-four percent of small businesses with coverage are underinsured.Fifty percent of small businesses without insurance say it’s too expensive, and 20% say it’s too confusing.New entrepreneurs are prioritizing protection earlierWhen is the best time to buy business insurance? The data suggests that many entrepreneurs invest in protecting their business early.Among businesses in their first year, 82% report having business insurance, compared with 67% of businesses that have been operating one to five years. ERGO NEXT The higher insurance adoption rate among newer entrepreneurs may reflect a combination of economic realities and changing business habits.The last 12 months have brought economic uncertainty and an expanding range of business risks, especially cyber threats, that make insurance a more pressing consideration from day one.At the same time, digital-first business tools have made purchasing insurance easier than ever. Entrepreneurs who are accustomed to opening bank accounts, running payroll and managing finances online can now research, compare and purchase insurance through similar digital channels.But while it’s encouraging that more small business owners are prioritizing insurance, significant protection gaps remain.73% of all small businesses are underinsuredA business is considered underinsured when its coverage doesn’t adequately protect against the most significant risks it faces.Coverage gaps can leave business owners financially responsible for unexpected costs after liability claims, property damage, cyber attacks or other types of disruptions.The data highlights just how common these coverage gaps have become. A quarter of small businesses (25%) don’t have business insurance, and nearly two-thirds of those who do (64%) say they’re not covered for all major risks. Of these, 14% aren’t sure what their policy covers.So overall, 73% of all small businesses either have no insurance or less coverage than they ideally need.At a time when 33% of entrepreneurs worry about their business closing on a weekly basis, having the right coverage in place can provide peace of mind for small business owners when challenges arise. Digital tools and online options make access easier than ever.Why are most small businesses underinsured?The findings point to three factors driving underinsurance among small business owners:Compliance requirementsCost pressureUncertainty about coverage needsIt’s likely these reasons are interlinked: Entrepreneurs unsure of what insurance they truly need may default to buying the minimums required by law. ERGO NEXT It also makes sense that compliance and cost go hand in hand. More than a third of small business owners (37%) say maintaining steady cash flow is a top source of stress.When resources are limited, coverage beyond the minimum required can be difficult to prioritize alongside expenses that directly support day-to-day operations and business growth.Eighty-four percent of small business owners say they have prioritized other expenses over business insurance in the past six months.So what are they spending on instead? Most are investing in activities directly tied to business growth and operations, such as inventory and equipment (38%) and marketing efforts (36%). ERGO NEXT When coverage isn’t required, and resources are limited, many entrepreneurs feel forced to make difficult decisions about which risks they can afford to address.Insurance confusion can lead to coverage gapsCost and legal requirements aren’t the whole picture. For many entrepreneurs, understanding what coverage they need and whether they already have it can be a challenge in itself.Nearly a third of small business owners who are underinsured (32%) say it’s too confusing to identify and address coverage gaps, while 27% say it’s too hard to compare providers. Twenty-two percent say it’s too time-consuming. ERGO NEXT The survey results point to a common challenge for growing businesses: Risk exposure evolves, but insurance coverage doesn’t always keep pace.Despite that reality, only 37% of small business owners strongly agree that they regularly review and update their coverage as their company grows. As a result, policies that fit at launch may no longer align with the business’s current risks.”Businesses evolve constantly, but insurance coverage doesn’t automatically keep pace, says Phil Natoli, vice president and chief actuary at ERGO NEXT. ”As companies add employees, adopt new technologies or expand into new markets, their risk exposure changes. Reviewing coverage regularly is one of the simplest ways to make sure protection keeps up with the business.”MethodologyERGO NEXT Insurance surveyed 501 U.S. small business owners, founders and sole proprietors about their business risk profiles. The respondent pool consisted of 250 entrepreneurs in their first year of business and 251 entrepreneurs in their first two to five years of business. The survey was conducted April 29-May 12, 2026.Frequently asked questions about small business insuranceWhat percentage of small businesses are underinsured?A 2026 ERGO NEXT survey found that 73% of small businesses are underinsured, and 64% of insured small businesses are not covered for all major risks they face.Why are small businesses underinsured?The most common reasons include concerns around insurance costs, lack of legal requirements, difficulty identifying coverage gaps and confusion about what policies are needed to protect the business.Why don't some small businesses have insurance?ERGO NEXT found that among businesses without insurance, 54% say coverage is not legally required, and 50% say it costs too much. Other business owners report uncertainty about what coverage is needed.How often should a small business owner review insurance coverage?Insurance coverage should be reviewed any time a business experiences meaningful growth, adds employees, purchases equipment or expands operations. Regular reviews can help prevent coverage gaps from developing over time.Are recent startups more likely to have business insurance?Yes. ERGO NEXT found that 82% of businesses in their first year have insurance coverage, compared with 67% of businesses that have been operating for one to five years.This story was produced by ERGO NEXT and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

MidAmerican assessing after storms knock out power to thousands

As of 9 a.m., service to nearly 26,000 customers was impacted by the storm.

Severe weather leaves more 24K without power

The First Alert Weather team is tracking severe storms on Wednesday.

Inflation eases in July as gasoline and grocery prices fall

Consumer prices in July were up 3.4% from a year ago — a smaller annual increase than in May or June. The news makes it less likely the Fed will feel the need to raise interest rates in September.

Sleep is important, so why do so few people get help for sleep problems?

Sleep is important, so why do so few people get help for sleep problems?Sleep has entered health conversations with the same seriousness given to diet and exercise, yet concern about rest often ends before a healthcare visit begins. Even so, a 2026 Resmed survey of 30,000 people found that 53% ranked sleep as the most important behavior for a long and healthy life.Such strong awareness should make ongoing sleep problems harder to dismiss, but the same survey found that only 23% of respondents had sought professional help. This low rate of professional consultation reflects what Sleeping.com has observed: Many people live with sleep problems for years without receiving a diagnosis. This is particularly true for people with sleep apnea—one of the most common sleep disorders.Other sleep disorders can also go untreated when rest and recovery keep falling behind work or family demands. With poor sleep repeatedly pushed aside, many people wait until exhaustion begins interfering with daily life before asking a healthcare provider for help.Sleep Has Become a Mainstream Wellness TopicHealth trends compete for attention every year, but sleep has become part of everyday conversation through watches, phone apps, and wellness media. And much of that attention comes from technology that gives people a nightly score and keeps restfulness visible after morning begins.An American Academy of Sleep Medicine survey found that 48% of U.S. adults had used a sleep tracker, up from 35% during 2023. AASM spokesperson Shalini Paruthi said these devices help people see that sleep quality deserves the same attention given to nutrition and exercise.Her comment reflects how sleep has become a primary factor in health decisions, with some people changing their routines after reviewing their data. Even so, increased attention to sleep does not always help individuals recognize when poor rest has become a chronic issue in their daily lives.Why So Many People Normalize Poor SleepSleep often becomes the first sacrifice when work runs late or family demands take over the evening. Harvard sleep researchers note that many people treat rest as a luxury, believing extra waking hours offer more value than time spent asleep.However, that belief makes exhaustion easier to excuse the next morning, especially when a busy schedule appears to be the obvious cause. While sleeping in on Saturday may offer brief relief, fatigue often returns as soon as the workweek begins.Sleep experts also warn that loud snoring and poor concentration are frequently blamed on stress or age, allowing them to continue unaddressed. After months or years of the same routine, waking up tired can begin to feel ordinary, even when the poor sleep behind it has never been explained.The Cost of Ignoring Sleep ProblemsIgnoring ongoing sleep problems carries a cost that often manifests long before the cause is recognized. The CDC notes that staying awake for 17 hours impairs performance about as much as a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%, making focus and reaction times noticeably slower during everyday tasks.Stanford Medicine's Dr. Andrea Goldstein-Piekarski says sleep and mood are closely connected, helping explain why chronic sleep disruption so often overlaps with anxiety and depression.The American Academy of Sleep Medicine also links sleep deprivation to high blood pressure, heart disease, and lasting changes in brain function as the years pass.And all of those individual effects add up across the workforce, with WorldHealth.net reporting that poor sleep costs the U.S. economy an estimated $428 billion to $867 billion in lost productivity each year.The Barriers Preventing People From Seeking HelpRecognizing a possible sleep problem still leaves many people unsure of how to proceed. A 2025 American Academy of Sleep Medicine survey found that 45% of adults had never discussed sleep with a healthcare professional, meaning many concerns never lead to a clinical referral.Part of that silence stems from brief primary care visits, where more immediate complaints often fill the appointment before sleep is ever mentioned. Even if a patient raises the issue, the next step may feel daunting, especially if they expect an evaluation to require an expensive overnight stay in a sleep laboratory.For many people, getting evaluated and treated for a sleep disorder is not a straightforward process. Access to care can be limited, particularly in communities with few sleep specialists. Sleep epidemiologist Dayna Johnson has reported that some patients face wait times of several months before they can even be seen by a provider.Even after receiving a diagnosis, additional hurdles can delay treatment. Insurance coverage and reimbursement requirements often vary by health plan, sometimes requiring separate claim forms, receipts, or prescriptions. Misconceptions about treatment can also discourage people from moving forward. While continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines for sleep apnea are still widely associated with being loud and uncomfortable, modern devices are designed to operate quietly and automatically adjust air pressure throughout the night. Together, these logistical and perception-based barriers can make it harder for people to access the care they need.How Sleep Medicine Has EvolvedSleep care begins very differently for many patients now than a generation ago. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine now recognizes home sleep apnea testing as an option for certain adults with symptoms, allowing their breathing to be recorded from their own bed under medical guidance.AASM President Dr. Ilene Rosen has called home sleep testing a valuable part of the evaluation process, while emphasizing that a board-certified sleep physician should interpret results within the context of a patient's overall health. This clinical approach has also become easier to access through telehealth, allowing consultations and follow-up visits to occur remotely rather than requiring a trip to a specialist.Remote appointments may shorten the path from early concerns to a professional evaluation, especially where local sleep services are limited. And the experience itself has changed alongside that progress, with smaller machines and quieter operation replacing much of the bulk associated with earlier generations of equipment.Even primary care has started bringing sleep questions into routine visits, helping some patients enter the evaluation process before symptoms linger for years. Together, these changes have made the first step toward reliable answers easier to understand and begin.Awareness Is Only the First StepSleep may not guarantee perfect health, but Harvard sleep experts say it gives cells and tissues time to recover from daily wear, while supporting repair throughout the body.Growing medical attention to those functions is bringing sleep closer to routine preventive care, where clinicians look for problems before they become harder to manage. And public health researchers are also pressing for earlier conversations about ongoing sleep concerns, since many disorders remain undiagnosed for years.Wider screening during regular medical visits could help more patients reach an evaluation before poor rest begins, directing how they work or feel each day. And that earlier conversation often begins with specific symptoms, including persistent loud snoring or daytime sleepiness that continues without a clear reason.Bringing those symptoms to a healthcare provider may help explain why the hours after waking feel harder than they should, from the energy needed to begin the day to the focus required to get through it.This story was produced by Sleeping.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

America's love for pets is fueling creative naming

America's love for pets is fueling creative namingPet ownership has increased significantly in the U.S. over the past 30 years, with data from the American Veterinary Medical Association showing a 45% rise. The combined population of domestic cats and dogs now tops 163 million.Many pet owners invest deeply in their animals—not just financially, but emotionally. The evidence is in the data: creative, elaborate pet names signal how some Americans view their animal companions, not as accessories but as family members. For pet insurance companies, retailers, groomers, and veterinary services, this presents a market opportunity: passionate pet owners likely to expect premium experiences and willing to pay for them. Understanding what drives these naming choices—whether humor, cultural references, or status signaling—provides businesses insight into customer psychology and the emotional drivers that shape the multi-billion-dollar pet care industry.Analysis carried out by Spot Pet Insurance, a provider of pet insurance plans for dogs and cats, evaluated active policies nationwide by pulling the ten longest pet names by character count across every U.S. state and Washington, D.C. — creating a focused dataset of 510 names. This analysis reveals two key findings: Pet owners are picking extraordinarily long pet names and pop culture-inspired choices.A Preference for Long, Elaborate NamesPeople who are into creative naming of their pets and take the path of picking a title that’s as long as possible tend to do so for humorous reasons. The more words, letters and honorifics included, the sillier the juxtaposition between the haughtiness of the name and the cuteness of the creature. The longest names typically include prefixes and suffixes, as evidenced by the overall winner, Queen Beatrice Lenore of Westchester, aka Beaty Bop, which totals 50 characters and belongs to a dog living in the state of Virginia.That top-ranked name for length is up for debate, however, because Beaty Bop’s full name technically contains the name and a pseudonym. The second-placed name, with 49 characters, doesn’t trip over this technicality. Marshmallow Papi Jabarkus Barkabious Barcelona Ra, a dog from Georgia, is not only extravagantly long but also avoids the trap of including an honorific. It’s pure creative naming, with unbridled expression of the pet parent’s personality, as much as the animal’s.Third place is shared by The Duchess Jasmine Katya Bergamot of House Moss, a cat from Washington, D.C., and Chairman peewee briefcase dumptruckpotatobottom, a dog from California. Within this 510-name dataset of state-by-state record holders, the shortest entry to qualify among a state's top ten longest names was Deathclaw vom Crescent, belonging to a dog in Arkansas. At 22 characters, it represents the lower boundary of the dataset's longest names while remaining significantly more creative than traditional names like Fido or Max.Giving Pets the Royal TreatmentRoyal and aristocratic titles, calling a pet Queen or Duke, conveys importance and reflects how deeply Americans value their animals.Virginia is the place with the highest proportion of pets with royal titles. Sixty percent of the names in the list of the longest in that state had some form of high-ranking honorific, including Lord, Lady, Duchess, and the simply chivalric Sir. Meanwhile, in Arkansas, the largest proportion of the pet population has an alias, with all three of the longest names from the state including an “aka.”It’s worth noting that these names come from official insurance policy documentation. Pet parents not only use them at home but also in formal contexts—showing how deeply they identify with their creative choices.Geographic Patterns in Pop Culture Pet NamesLonger pet names that go beyond basic options don't always originate with pet parents. Names either directly taken from or heavily inspired by pop culture references are commonly found in the insurance data, with over 451 examples identified. The most common single source of inspiration is George Lucas’ space opera classic “Star Wars,” with furry alien Chewbacca from the original trilogy being listed as a name on 67 policies. Obi-Wan featured in some capacity in 30 pet names, while Princess Leia came close behind at 28.The most notable non-“Star Wars” point of inspiration comes from DC Comics, with Harley Quinn appearing 34 times across policies nationwide. The erratic yet lovable personality of this antihero may be something that connects well with certain pets.Interestingly, within this 451-name pop-culture dataset, clear geographic concentration emerged. Zero pop-culture or celebrity names appeared in the sample entries for Washington, D.C., Montana, and Oklahoma. Conversely, California, Florida, and Texas represented the primary hotbeds for celebrity-inspired naming, with California’s ties to entertainment culture potentially driving higher adoption of pop-culture names.Pet Naming Trends as a Window Into Customer Spending BehaviorThe country’s animal obsession will continue playing out in rising pet ownership levels and the reflection of people’s passion for their pets in the creative names they choose for them. This will result in more households having to budget for the additional costs that come from looking after a pet, from daily food to vet bills. The fact that people are choosing to give their pets long, involved, culturally relevant and human-like names suggests that they’re equally willing to foot any bills and treat them as true members of the family.MethodologyPrimary Longest-Name Dataset: Spot Pet Insurance analyzed active policy records nationwide, extracting the ten longest pet names by character count across all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. (510 total entries).Secondary Pop-Culture Dataset: A separate sample of 451 active policies featuring celebrity-, character-, and pun-inspired pet names was evaluated to track geographic distribution and pop-culture trends.Evaluation Metrics: Names were evaluated based on total character count (including formal titles, prefixes, suffixes, and pseudonyms) and categorized by regional origin and thematic elements.This story was produced by Spot Pet Insurance and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Silvis seeks $800,000 in federal funding for 1st Avenue $8-million water main project

Democratic U.S. Rep. Eric Sorenson (IL-17th) is seeking $803,000 in federal Community Project Funding to support critical water infrastructure improvements along the Silvis 1st Avenue corridor.

Storm brings power outages to QCA

This morning’s storm has led to multiple power outages in the Quad Cities. MidAmerican Energy’s Outage Map says there are 27,218 customers currently without power. The Iowa Quad Cities has 11,783 customers without power and the Illinois side has 13,034 customers without power. A power outage led to the Rock Island-Milan School District canceling classes [...]

Greetings from a surreal expanse of sand dunes dotted with freshwater lagoons in Brazil

The pristine white sand dunes of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park are bordered by thick jungle on one side and the Atlantic Ocean on the other. Thousands of lagoons fill up after the rainy season.

Power out at 3 RIMSD schools

There are no classes today for students at three schools in the Rock Island-Milan School District. A notification from the district says there is no power at Rock Island Academy, Frances Willard Elementary and Rock Island High School. “Scholars at these schools are excused from attendance today,” the notification said. The district will provide updates [...]

1 in 3 older adults feel lonely. Here's how pickleball may be helping

1 in 3 older adults feel lonely. Here's how pickleball may be helpingPickleball has become America's fastest-growing sport, drawing millions of new players over the past few years, with a particularly devoted following among older adults. It’s also the subject of “The Dink,” the new Apple TV+ comedy about a sidelined tennis pro who trades his racquet for a paddle and finds himself taken in by a group of older players. Writer Sean Clements said the film grew out of his own experience getting "adopted by a whole crew of older women" at pickleball mixers.That detail points to something bigger about the sport: Pickleball is as much about the people you meet on the court as the game itself. With about 1 in 3 adults ages 50 to 80 reporting loneliness, the connection it offers may be part of why it’s so good for well-being later in life.LifeStance Health explains how a backyard game became a national obsession, and what the research says it may be doing for mental health.How pickleball became America's fastest-growing sportPickleball was invented in 1965 by two neighbors on Bainbridge Island, Washington, using random sports equipment to entertain their children. While the children eventually moved on, the adults kept playing. For decades, it remained an under-the-radar favorite, passed along by friends, neighbors and word of mouth.When the pandemic hit, many people went looking for something they could do outdoors, and pickleball found its moment. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), participation grew from 4.2 million players in 2020 to more than 24 million in 2025, making it the fastest-growing sport in the country for five years running.But perhaps pickleball stuck because of what came with it: a standing game, a rotating cast of partners and easy conversation between points. What looks like a game may actually be community.5 ways pickleball supports well-being later in lifeMost people take up pickleball for the exercise, but a growing body of research suggests its biggest payoff may be mental, and the benefits may be strongest later in life.1. It helps fight loneliness.In a 2025 national survey of 825 U.S. adults over the age of 50, published in the Journal of Primary Care & Community Health, those who had never played pickleball were about 1.5 times as likely as current players to report feeling lonely. Pickleball players, both current and former, also reported more social connections than those who never played. Part of it may be the court itself: At roughly 30% the size of a tennis court, it keeps players close enough to talk and laugh throughout a match.2. The more you play, the better you tend to feel.A 2025 study of 1,667 players in Frontiers in Psychology found a dose-response relationship between pickleball and mental well-being. Those who played three or more times a week, and for longer sessions, reported higher well-being scores. The effect was strongest among older adults, particularly those ages 63 to 77. A 2023 systematic review came to similar conclusions, associating pickleball with improvements in life satisfaction along with lower stress and symptoms of depression.3. It keeps the mind engaged.Pickleball asks a lot of the brain at once: tracking the ball, reading opponents and adjusting shots quickly. Researchers call this kind of dynamic and reactive play open skill exercise, and a growing body of evidence suggests it may benefit the brain more than closed skill activities like running or swimming. While this research spans racquet sports broadly rather than pickleball specifically, it points to why a fast, strategic game may do more for the mind than a repetitive one.4. It can pull you into the moment.A 2026 study in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity found that adults 60 and older who played recreational doubles pickleball reported stronger flow states, or feelings of total concentration and losing track of time, than other activities. Pickleball may offer a welcome mental break from the day's worries.5. It offers routine and a sense of purpose.Beyond the numbers, a 2025 qualitative study in the Journal of Positive Psychology and Wellbeing found that older pickleball players described the sport as a source of autonomy, purpose and belonging, with many prioritizing community and connection over competition. A standing game gives the week a rhythm and something to look forward to, weaving movement and connection into everyday life rather than leaving them to chance. That kind of built-in structure can matter most in retirement, when the routines and relationships of work tend to fall away.Pickleball isn't a cure-all or a replacement for mental healthcare, but perhaps the game itself was never really the point. What seems to keep people coming back is each other, and that connection is worth showing up for.This story was published by LifeStance Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Wildfire misinformation is mutating online, thanks to AI slop

Wildfire misinformation is mutating online, thanks to AI slopOntario is grappling with one of the worst wildfire seasons in recorded history, which has put thousands of people, especially those in the province’s north, at risk. Last month, two Indigenous communities — Namaygoosisagagun First Nation and Whitewater Lake First Nation — were burned to the ground. The scale of the crisis has made headlines around the world and prompted a blaze of posts on social media.But many of those posts contain misinformation, both AI-generated and hand-crafted: maps that purport to show Ontario wildfires labeled with communities that don’t exist; false information about air quality and evacuation alerts; captions with conspiracy theories about 15-minute cities and arson.Look closely, and you might see clues about what’s real and what isn’t. One viral AI-generated graphic purports to show the location of Ontario wildfires, but directs people to a nonexistent Ontario government website. Another claims 10,000 people in Alberta were under evacuation orders as of July 16 (not true), and includes a map where Jasper National Park appears to cover most of the province. One map puts Ontario on the west coast, Quebec over the southern United States and Alberta up around Alaska — and includes a made-up province called “Onjebio,” where the wildfire situation looks pretty bad.But often, it’s hard to tell fact from fiction. And it’s getting harder. In May, Statistics Canada reported 43% of Canadians find it more difficult to distinguish between facts and misinformation online, compared to three years ago. Those with less trust in news media reported even more difficulty.Each year, it seems, the onset of wildfire season in Canada is accompanied by the onset of wildfire misinformation season on social media. As AI-generated content becomes more ubiquitous — and often tougher to spot — across social media, it presents new challenges to Canadians looking for trustworthy information about unfolding crises across the country. Wildfires are getting worse because of climate change. But what’s driving the escalation of misinformation? Below, The Narwhal explores that question.SummaryThe 2026 wildfire season in Canada, which has been particularly severe in Ontario, has prompted significant interest on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok.Many of these posts contain misinformation, including AI-generated maps with incorrect details on the locations or severity of fires across Canada, or conspiracy theories linking wildfires to lasers, 15-minute city initiatives or eco-terrorism.Many posts focus on mismanagement and place blame on Canadian governments, which complicates valid critiques of wildfire response and funding with destabilizing misinformation.2023 marked a shift in online wildfire misinformationGwen Roley, a digital verification journalist covering Canada for the international outlet Agence France-Presse, recently reported on some of the AI-generated maps spreading across social media platforms. “The labels on it were really wonky, and the symbols for the wildfires didn’t make sense,” she says. Roley has covered wildfire misinformation extensively, and there are certain trends that come up each year — eco-terrorists, directed energy weapons, also known as lasers — but this year’s maps struck her as a new trend.Roley has been debunking wildfire misinformation since 2023 — a “really superlative year, as we all remember,” she says. In addition to being the worst year for wildfires in Canada so far, there were also devastating fires in Hawaii. “These were almost like never-before-seen events, very scary events, where people are looking for explanations,” she says. In some parts of Canada, wildfires are familiar, even if the scale of recent years is not. But when wildfires rage in New Brunswick or the Northwest Territories or Hawaii, they may prompt more fear — and more speculation — than usual. When something that feels extraordinary happens, people are inclined to look for extraordinary explanations. Even back in 1954, residents of Bellingham, Washington, became convinced that hydrogen bomb tests or space rays were responsible for a sudden rash of damage to car windshields.Climate change denial, likewise, is not a new phenomenon. Chris Russill is an associate professor in the school of journalism and communication at Carleton University, where he’s also an academic director of Re.Climate, a center focused on public engagement and climate communication. He says denial or skepticism of climate science dates back decades.But he agrees 2023 was an inflection point for wildfire misinformation online. Some of that was because of what was happening in the real world, such as the impact of Canadian fires on American air quality.But many were linked to shifts happening on major social media platforms: “Elon Musk had just bought Twitter,” he recalls. The Canadian government had passed the Online News Act, an attempt to make foreign social platforms pay to share news. Instead, Russill remembers, “Meta was refusing to negotiate with journalists around the News Act and stripped out Canadian journalism” from its platforms Facebook and Instagram. It was also the first wildfire season since the widespread adoption of generative artificial intelligence; within two months of its release in November 2022, ChatGPT had more than 100 million monthly active users.That chain of events is definitely still reverberating today. Though Canadian news has been banned by Meta since 2023, a majority of Canadian users still don’t know that, according to a June 2026 report by the Media Ecosystem Observatory at McGill University. Of 1,518 Canadians surveyed for the report, only one in four Instagram users knew that news outlets in Canada could not publish on Meta platforms. Many people believe they’re seeing news on Facebook and Instagram when what they’re seeing is misinformation and conspiracy theories. And users searching Google for wildfire updates are shown AI-generated summaries, which launched in Canada in October 2024, and may contain inaccuracies. Over the August long weekend, a Narwhal editor looking for air quality information at a lake in the B.C. Interior was shown a summary that incorrectly stated the lake was closed — the information was pulled from social media posts about two different places that were closed.Russill also attributes the 2023 sea change to the post-pandemic atmosphere of suspicion. “There was a more adversarial, conspiratorial way that climate was being dragged into other culture-war type issues that were becoming more and more salient through the [COVID-19] period,” he says.This year, once again, Canadian wildfire smoke is impacting the United States, triggering posts from President Donald Trump on his Truth Social platform and AI-generated graphics that distort the impact of smoke on Americans.Who benefits from wildfire misinformation on social media?As much as they complain about it, Russill says American politicians are also finding an opportunity in the effects of wildfire smoke on air quality.“The U.S. politicians, MAGA politicians, definitely have an interest in leveraging narratives — misinformation, conspiracies, false and misleading content — around wildfires to pursue a narrative they have about Canada as a bad neighbor, and leveraging that for trade and security,” he says. In a post on July 17, Trump threatened that the “cost of this pollution must of necessity be added to the TARIFFS Canada is currently paying.”Researchers call this “participatory disinformation,” in which political leaders and influencers seed disinformation across platforms, and it’s then amplified and reproduced by ordinary users, in this case shaping online narratives about extreme weather events. Disinformation is distinguished from misinformation by the intentions of the person sharing it. While people may unintentionally share misinformation, disinformation is false information shared on purpose.The McGill report on Canadian news notes, “When journalism loses visibility on social media, it is not replaced by nothing — it is replaced by content that serves a different function.” Conspiracy theories and images that distort the reality of wildfires get engagement, and a real crisis presents a fertile opportunity for content generation.Ad revenue from Google and other ad exchanges is another motivating factor, the Media Ecosystem Observatory also reported in June. It’s the push behind a coordinated, international network of Facebook accounts pushing “news slop” — AI-fabricated stories — onto Canadian users.It’s easy for everyday users to get caught up in spreading untruths, too. Across social media, engagement is currency, which may provide an incentive to use the most dramatic or striking images without checking or caring about accuracy. “You can find a real map that you can very easily take a screenshot of that is using real data,” Roley says. But the real maps aren’t as dramatic as the AI-generated ones, “where it looks like all of Ontario has been burnt to a crisp, or one of the videos I saw where it looks like the wildfires are visible from space.” And lingering on those images — even if you’re skeptical of them — rewards the algorithm.As Russill points out, it’s “faster, easier and cheaper than ever before to generate fake and misleading content with AI.” It’s also easy to see what does well with your audience, and react accordingly, he says. “Like, let’s make the smoke bigger. Let’s put a fleeing polar bear in there. Who knows, right?” Some people may be diehard believers in climate conspiracies, and others might be deliberately seeding disinformation, but some are almost certainly agnostic to the culture wars; they just want the engagement.Whether users want to gain followers or further a political agenda, Russill says, they have “almost nothing to lose.” While AI posts may be flagged and removed on some platforms, it’s easy to replace them. “In these moments like wildfire evacuations and emergencies, this surges forward because it’s a real high engagement opportunity,” he says.This happened in 2025, he adds, prompting the BC Wildfire Service to warn of AI-generated images circulating on social media. And it’s happening this year, too.From climate change denial to ‘mismanagement’: the narrative online has shiftedMisinformation typically downplays or denies the role of climate change in worsening wildfires, and displaces it onto other, implausible explanations. A few years ago, it was space lasers and 15-minute cities.But no part of the world’s media ecosystem is free of Trump’s influence, including reporting on wildfires. After the 2025 wildfires in Los Angeles, which killed 31 people, the president blamed mismanagement of California forests. Experts attributed the disaster to climate change, prolonged drought and southern California’s high winds, which spread the fire rapidly.“So the impacts people were seeing were a result of government mismanagement, not climate, not other types of things,” Russill says. The same argument is now being directed at Canada; in July, a Michigan senator posted on X, “Unless you want to become the 51st state, learn to manage your forests.” Such a task would be impossible in Canada, which has 369 million hectares of forest — covering more than a third of its landmass — 260 million of which is boreal forest in the sparsely populated north. Much of these forests have never been “managed,” but are experiencing more severe and frequent wildfires because the planet is getting hotter, a crisis that cannot be solved with rakes.In part, this is a problem of our own making. In 2023, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith dodged a question about climate change and wildfire by pivoting to arsonists. And she’s not the only Canadian leader minimizing the severity of the climate crisis, while pushing more fossil fuel investments. “As politicians everywhere have gotten more quiet about climate, it becomes more difficult for people to understand why these situations are becoming much more unmanageable,” Russill says.The question of government responsibility is legitimate, he adds. There are valid criticisms of the Ontario government’s response to recent wildfires, or its habitual underfunding of emergency wildfire response. But in a news ecosystem rife with disinformation, it can be hard to balance valid criticism with simply undermining Canadian authorities. “It’s being leveraged as a frame in which to challenge and create distrust of authorities during these moments of crises in a more substantive way,” he says.Wildfire misinformation can bring real-world risk to Canadian firefighters — and everyone elseAI-generated images are annoying and are possibly being weaponized to destabilize democracy. What researchers don’t know yet is whether they are also putting individual lives at risk.“One of the things I would be curious to know is how it’s impacting people’s understanding of wildfires,” Roley says. “Like, is someone fleeing from their home because they saw this AI-generated map? I have no idea.”Wildfire agencies are now also spending precious time and resources combating misinformation or pushing back on AI-generated images — especially when it targets them. Russill says that degrades trust that is already wearing thin. “In B.C., you know, BC Wildfire is not trusted by every rural community that experiences wildfire, so they already have that issue to deal with.” The effect of untruths and conspiracy theories on public trust is just one of the mental health stresses faced by frontline firefighters.Russill adds people might also be overly reliant on AI overviews to check for news on evacuation orders, park access or campfire guidelines. “But I think more likely it’s inducing a sort of widespread cynicism or distrust or confidence in people.”Online misinformation is a problem without a simple solution. Providing facts is important, but there is a depressingly robust body of research suggesting they’re not enough to change people’s minds or strongly-held beliefs.“Certainly around moments of crisis like this, [providing fact checks] can introduce friction into the ways people are engaging with content,” Russill says. “Maybe they share a little less. Maybe they reset and ground-truth on something that’s happening, as opposed to letting their feelings start to overwhelm them.”Wildfires are still at their worst during hot, dry seasons; misinformation can burn all year long. At least for now, you can still limit your exposure to one of those risks by closing an app.This story was produced by The Narwhal and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

LIVE BLOG: Severe weather Wednesday

The First Alert Weather team is tracking severe storms on Wednesday.

His wedding guests gave $6k to fund a health startup. Now it's won a $3 million prize

Dr. Raj Panjabi founded Last Mile Health to bring healthcare to people living in remote areas. The group is the 2026 recipient of the Conrad H. Hilton Humanitarian Prize.

What are unsettled funds?

What are unsettled funds?Before online trading platforms were available, owning a stock meant possessing a physical stock certificate, and it took several days to complete a trade. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) created settlement periods to allow time for buyers and sellers to physically exchange their respective halves of the trade.While it no longer takes days to transfer money, settlement periods are still a factor in securities trading, creating the concept of unsettled funds, Ally Financial reports.What are unsettled funds?The proceeds created by selling a security are considered unsettled funds from the time you place a trade order until the end of the settlement period, when the sale is considered completed. As of May 28, 2024, stocks have a one-business-day (T+1) settlement period, so proceeds generated by selling stock in a cash account are considered unsettled for one business day following the trade date.What are settled funds?After the settlement period has ended, the proceeds from the sale become settled funds. Similarly, cash you deposit or wire into your brokerage account to use for trading is considered settled. Let's look at an example: Ally Financial What is a settlement period?A settlement period is from the date the trade is executed on the market to the date on which the trade is finalized — a one-business-day period (T+1). By the end of the settlement period, a buyer must have paid for the trade completely and the seller must have delivered the security.For example, if a stock is sold on Monday, the trade is settled on Tuesday. ETFs and option trades follow the same rules as stocks and have a T+1 settlement period.Can you buy other securities with unsettled funds?While your funds remain unsettled until the completion of the settlement period, you can use the proceeds from a sale immediately to make another purchase in a cash account, as long as the proceeds do not result from a day trade.Depending on your brokerage, the cash you can use to buy securities may be referred to as your “cash buying power" or “cash available to trade." It combines settled cash and unsettled proceeds.If you purchase a security in a cash account with either insufficient funds or unsettled funds, you must hold that security until either you pay for it fully with a new deposit, or the settlement date of the trade that generated the funds for the purchase.When you use unsettled sale proceeds to purchase another security, you agree in good faith to hold the new purchase until the funds from the original sale settle.Can you withdraw unsettled funds?While you can use unsettled funds to make another purchase in a cash account, you typically cannot withdraw unsettled funds. Only when they are fully processed and settled can you withdraw the funds.What are the settlement violations?If you trade using unsettled funds in good faith, you should be aware of these potential settlement violations:Cash liquidation violation: Occurs when you don't have sufficient cash to cover the cost of a trade.Freeride violation: Occurs when you purchase a security in a cash account with insufficient funds and sell the same security before paying for it in full by the settlement date.Good faith violation: While unsettled funds may be used to purchase a security in good faith, you cannot sell any part of the newly purchased security before the funds have settled.Can you sell a stock before the settlement date?The key is knowing if you bought the stock using settled or unsettled cash. If you bought it using settled cash, you can sell it at any time. But if you buy a stock with unsettled funds, selling it before the funds used to purchase have settled is a violation of Regulation T (aka a good faith violation). If you commit a violation, you'll be penalized with a 90-day restriction on your account.Settle down and trade onWhile stock trades don't require the in-person cash handoff they did in the past, settlement periods still remain. Understanding unsettled funds and how you can and cannot use them will help you keep your trades in-line.This story was produced by Ally Financial and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

‘I’m not giving up so easily’: After 4 months in detention, an asylum fight begins

‘I’m not giving up so easily’: After 4 months in detention, an asylum fight beginsAndrea Pedro-Francisco feels like part of her is still trapped in a nightmare — back in the crowded, windowless cell block of the Texas detention center she left weeks ago.“My mind is halfway here, thinking ‘Yes, I’m back,’ but the other half feels like I’m still there,” said Pedro-Francisco, a migrant from Guatemala who was among thousands of people detained during the winter immigration crackdown in Minnesota.Her account, reported by the Minnesota Reformer, provides a rare glimpse into the Trump administration’s deportation machine, which as of July holds more than 65,000 people in detention, about 70% of whom have no criminal convictions.Few whose fate remains in limbo have shared their stories publicly, fearing reprisals from the federal government against themselves or their family. Others who vanished overnight from their communities have remained invisible to the outside world.Pedro-Francisco’s experience was particularly hellish because she was dealing with a potentially life-threatening ovarian cyst while in custody, an ailment that drew the attention of members of Congress, who ultimately got her a temporary reprieve from deportation in June.The likelihood that Pedro-Francisco would ever return to her family in Minnesota was vanishingly small. Immigrants without legal status seldom get out of detention under the Trump administration — unless to be deported.Chained up in TexasPedro-Francisco, 24, has a slight frame and long black hair. Speaking to the Reformer in Spanish from her second-floor apartment in Burnsville, her soft voice was at times drowned out by the lawn mower running outside.She sat still on the sofa with her hands folded in her lap — moving still causes her pain. Her loose black pants barely hid a heavy ankle monitor.Pedro-Francisco arrived in the United States in 2019 when she was 16 years old, presenting herself at the border with her mother to seek asylum. They traveled from Guatemala’s Western Highlands, a region long marked by poverty and violence against Indigenous people like them; Spanish is their second language after their native Mayan language.They made their way to Minnesota with virtually nothing and took on significant debt throughout the journey, but quickly built a new life. They found jobs cleaning houses, moved into a small apartment in the suburbs and joined a church, where Pedro-Francisco sang in the choir and played the bass guitar. Her mother had two more children, a boy and a girl, in the United States.When thousands of federal immigration agents arrived in Minnesota this winter, they tried to keep a low profile. But they couldn’t afford not to work.On Feb. 5, at the height of Operation Metro Surge, Pedro-Francisco and her mother were stopped by immigration agents on their way to a job. The agents released her mother after she pleaded with them to let her return to her 5- and 1-year-old children who have no one else to care for them.Pedro-Francisco, who at the time was scheduled to have surgery for the cyst in less than a week, was taken to the Bishop Henry Whipple Federal Building, and then put on a plane to El Paso, Texas — before a lawyer could challenge her detention.She was taken to Camp East Montana, a troubled tent prison at Fort Bliss where the federal government once held Japanese Americans detained during World War II. Paul Ratje for The Texas Tribune It’s now a well-worn path for immigrants arrested in Minnesota. More than 2,300 of the roughly 3,500 people detained in Minnesota during three months of Operation Metro Surge were sent to Camp East Montana. Most were eventually deported, according to a Reformer analysis of data from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement obtained by the Deportation Data Project.The detention center, the country’s largest, has been beset by reports of inhumane conditions since being hastily constructed last year to hold upward of 5,000 people in five massive tents.Pedro-Francisco was kept in a room with about 60 people except for about an hour a day, when they were chained together and taken outside.“They chain us up as if we had committed a very serious crime,” Pedro-Francisco said in an interview with the Reformer while in detention in March. “They treat us like animals.”Medical emergencies pervade ICE detentionWithin days of Pedro-Francisco’s arrival, there was an outbreak of tuberculosis and COVID-19. Later that month came an outbreak of measles that led the facility to close to visitors and attorneys for weeks.Detention is no place for the sick. Pedro-Francisco said she lost around 15 pounds because the food was inedible. The roof leaked when it rained. She froze at night under a thin blanket while lying on a hard mattress.Within a couple of days she was taken to a hospital, where a doctor confirmed the cyst, yet declined to operate. While her doctor in Minnesota had prescribed opioids for the pain, Pedro-Francisco said she received only Tylenol and ibuprofen in ICE custody.As the weeks passed and Pedro-Francisco grew sicker, her family and attorneys worried her life could be at risk. Large ovarian cysts can rupture, leading to deadly infections, or twist, cutting off blood supply to the ovary and causing infertility.More than 50 immigrant detainees have died in federal custody since the beginning of Trump’s second term — a fifth of them suicides — according to an investigation by the Associated Press.One of Pedro-Francisco’s attorneys, Asra Syed — who was connected to her through the informal network of volunteer lawyers that sprang up during Operation Metro Surge — reached out to members of Congress, including U.S. Rep. Angie Craig, seeking help.Craig, pictured below, put in inquiries to the Department of Homeland Security, hoping to leverage her position to secure medical treatment, but she said she was ignored. Nicole Neri // Minnesota Reformer Instead of medical care, ICE offered Pedro-Francisco another solution: self-deportation. Every two or three days, she said, ICE officials entered their room to ask people to sign forms agreeing to voluntary removal.Immigration attorneys and human rights advocates say ICE is intentionally making living conditions unbearable and withholding treatment to coerce people to voluntarily leave.The American Civil Liberties Union and the Texas Civil Rights Project filed a federal lawsuit against ICE in May alleging that the conditions inside Camp East Montana amount to “unconstitutional punishment” with widespread medical neglect, physical and sexual abuse by officers, inadequate food and lack of access to attorneys.ICE spokesperson Leticia Zamarripa, in response to requests for comment on Pedro-Francisco’s treatment, shared a statement boasting of the agency’s “comprehensive medical care.”“This is the best health care that many individuals have received in their lives,” the statement said, a claim belied by Pedro-Francisco’s story as well as the government’s own assessments.Pedro-Francisco was moved to the El Paso Processing Center in March, a low-slung tan stone building next to the airport. No one explained why she was moved, though she said it seemed like the sickest detainees were held there. The conditions were only marginally better.Faith in freedomDuring the months Pedro-Francisco spent locked up, she often turned to the Bible, finding her faith growing that God would help her.She turned to Psalm 91:15, in which God promises protection to the faithful: “When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honor him.”She read and reread Acts 12, which tells of an angel freeing the disciple Peter from prison, throwing off his chains and leading him past the guards and iron gates.Suddenly, Pedro-Francisco herself was freed.It came weeks after her lawyers and advocates had exhausted seemingly every available avenue to free her.A federal judge in Texas rejected Pedro-Francisco’s habeas corpus petition challenging the legality of her detention without bond. ICE rejected her request for humanitarian parole so she could receive surgery.U.S. Sen. Tina Smith, who had seen news coverage of Pedro-Francisco’s case, first reported by the Reformer, called a senior official at the Department of Homeland Security. About a week later, on June 3, Pedro-Francisco was called for a meeting after dinner, and a detention official told her that they were letting her go. She thought he was joking.“It was such a huge surprise,” Pedro-Francisco said. “I can’t even explain how I felt that day because I thought there was no hope — I’d been turned down so many times.”When she got back to the housing unit, no one else could believe that she was being released that very day, not even the guard.ICE strapped a monitor to her ankle and dropped her off at a shelter for migrants, Annunciation House, which has become a waypoint for immigrants arrested in Minnesota who are allowed to return home. Nicole Neri // Minnesota Reformer She spent two nights in the shelter and then flew back to Minnesota with a ticket paid for by a donor — four months to the day after she was arrested.Home for nowPedro-Francisco underwent surgery to remove the cyst within days of returning to Minnesota.During the operation, doctors found another mass they believe was caused by endometriosis — a condition in which uterine-like tissue grows outside the uterus, causing pelvic pain, sometimes leading to serious health complications.She said she’s feeling better since the surgery, but still has pain and struggles to sit up for long periods. She hasn’t been able to pick up her bass guitar to play again.Doctors want to wait to see how the condition progresses before deciding if another surgery is necessary.By then, Pedro-Francisco could be in Guatemala.Her asylum case has been transferred from Texas to Minnesota, and it’s unclear how soon an immigration judge will decide whether to grant her asylum, said her attorney Ruby Powers.She faces the possibility — the likelihood, really — of deportation as she pleads for asylum before an increasingly restrictive immigration court system.Unlike regular federal courts, immigration courts are part of the executive branch, and the Trump administration has reshaped them to pursue its goal of mass deportation.Just 0.2% of asylum claims were granted in Minnesota in the first two months of the year, down from 13% in early 2024 before Trump took office, according to a Minnesota Star Tribune analysis of data from Mobile Pathways.Pedro-Francisco has been coming to terms with the prospect of being sent back to Guatemala — to the place where she says she no longer has a home. And yet, she’s keeping the faith that sustained her through detention.“In my heart I’ve always felt like I still have to fight,” Pedro-Francisco said. “Come what may — good or bad — I accept it, but I’m not giving up so easily.”She remains connected to the El Paso Processing Center through a woman she became close to there, who was also detained in Minnesota.Pedro-Francisco talks to her on the phone and sends some money, though she has little to spare.The donations that poured in for immigrants in Minnesota during the surge have largely dried up even as ICE ramps up its deportation goals.“The people (in detention), it’s like they’re part of me now, because I know the situation now — I’ve gone through the same thing,” Pedro-Francisco said. “I’m here, but I’m always thinking about them.”Madison McVan contributed translation.This story was produced by Minnesota Reformer and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

UPDATE: Over 20,000 in Quad-Cities without power, weather warnings and school delays issued

The Quad-Cities region is experiencing power outages affecting more than 20,000 MidAmerican customers due to severe thunderstorms Wednesday morning.

The latest on Tuesday's derecho

The Storm Prediction Center confirmed that the damaging winds that started early in the morning over northern Iowa was a derecho. More severe weather is possible today. Here's your full 7-day forecast.

Zhu Rongji, who drove China's 1990s economic reforms, has died at 97

Zhu was renowned for reforms that sought to transition China from the post-Maoist years to a more global market-oriented financial system, without ceding party control over the economy.

More severe weather today into Friday

Very warm and muggy weather will stick around the Quad Cities through the weekend. Strong to severe weather is possible over the next three days. Here's your full 7-day forecast.

Flash Flood Warning from WED 7:18 AM CDT until WED 10:15 AM CDT

Flash Flood Warning in Effect Until 10:15 AM CDT

Back-To-School Morning Reset: How to Elevate Breakfast Routines in Minutes

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As busy families return to back-to-school routines across the country, Galbani Cheese, Italy's No. 1 cheese brand, is pulling up a seat at the breakfast table to help deliver on both, simplifying even the most hectic mornings.With a delicate, smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor, Galbani is unlocking its whole milk ricotta as the star ingredient of a new lineup of morning reset recipes.Whether your taste buds lean sweet or savory, ricotta's balanced taste brings versatility to the kitchen, reimagining breakfast in minutes. Always ready to enjoy straight from the container, just spread it on toast or whip it into a smoothie for an extra morning boost of protein to start the day off right. It's a simple breakfast solution meant to meet the needs of today's consumers — no skipping breakfast necessary!For parents and kids alike, Galbani's latest ricotta recipes can be prepared in five minutes or less: Ricotta Peaches & Honey Bagel – a satisfying option to help fuel first period.1/2 cup Galbani Whole Milk Ricotta1 bagel (plain or sesame recommended!), toasted and cut in half lengthwise6–8 peach slices, fresh or frozen (defrosted)2 tbsp. honey2–3 tbsp. walnuts, toasted and coarsely choppedDirections:Cut bagel in half and toastSpread 1/4 cup ricotta on each bagel halfPlace 3–4 peach slices on top of ricottaDrizzle each bagel half with 1 tablespoon honeySprinkle walnuts on top Ricotta Berry Breakfast Bowl – a fresh, nutrient-rich start to the school or long work week.1/2 cup Galbani Whole Milk Ricotta1 tbsp. lemon zest, plus more for garnish1/4 cup granola with sliced almonds3/4 cup mixed berries (blueberries, raspberries, strawberries), halved or quarteredDirections:Place ricotta in half of a medium-sized bowlMix 1 tbsp. lemon zest with ricottaWash the fruit and remove stems and leaves from strawberriesCut strawberries in halves or quartersAdd the fruit to the other half of the bowlTop with granola Ricotta Berry Banana Smoothie – an easy make-the-night-before (or make-ahead), grab-and-go option for the mornings that come with a time crunch.1/2 cup Galbani Whole Milk Ricotta1 ripe banana1 cup whole milk1 cup frozen whole strawberries1/4 cup frozen blueberries1/4 cup frozen tart cherries or raspberriesFresh berries and mint sprigs, for optional garnishDirections:Blend banana and milk in a blender on high speed/smoothie settingAdd ricotta, strawberries, blueberries, and cherries or raspberriesGarnish with fresh fruit and mint, if desired"A new school year is a natural opportunity for families to reset their morning routine with fresh and convenient recipe ideas, no matter if it's around the table together or on-the-go," said Karine Blake, Galbani brand marketing director at Lactalis USA. "Our creamy Galbani Ricotta adds a delicious richness and protein boost to any breakfast, while still remaining quick, easy and accessible for busy families. It's a flavorful way to shake up breakfast creations — especially when there's little time to spare to beat the morning rush!"Galbani Ricotta is available on shelves at retailers across the country. Head to the online product locator to find a tub near you. To find even more inspiration to spice up — and speed up — morning routines, explore ricotta breakfast recipes from Galbani's team of chefs.

Capones Bar & Lounge grand opening to be held Saturday in East Moline

Capones Bar & Lounge will bring a new nightlife option to East Moline with its grand opening slated for Saturday at 9 p.m.

North Scott School District resignations, hirings and other personnel news for July 27

The following personnel items are from the July 27 agenda of the North Scott School District. The school board met at Junior High.

Vibrant Credit Union expands equipment lending with Manitou Group North America

Through this partnership, Vibrant will support Manitou and GEHL dealers.

GQCHCC launches entrepreneurship program for Muscatine and Louisa counties

The new bilingual, six-month program will equip entrepreneurs with education, mentorship and access to capital to build lasting businesses.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning until WED 7:15 AM CDT

Severe Thunderstorms with High Winds and Hail Expected This Morning

Track champions will be crowned Friday at Davenport Speedway

Season Championship night at Davenport Speedway will be this Friday, Aug. 14. Track champions will be crowned in six weekly classes, a news release says. Many of the point battles remain close. Three of the six weekly classes have a point difference between first and second place in the single digits. Here is what to look for, [...]

Rock Island-Milan School Board approves superintendent contract extension through 2030

Her contract from this year to 2030 starts at a base salary of $240,723 annually.

UnityPoint launches first QC rehab program for blood-vessel condition

For many people living with peripheral artery disease (PAD), a common condition affecting the blood vessels, even a short walk can be painful, according to a news release. UnityPoint Health – Trinity Heart Center is helping patients take those first steps withconfidence by becoming the first in the Quad Cities to offer a supervised exercise [...]

Keystone Academy & Early Learning to hold open house Saturday

Keystone Academy & Early Learning, a full-time childcare and preschool, is celebrating its launch with an open house on Saturday.

Meet John Elkin, Bettendorf’s new interim superintendent

The 1990 Bettendorf High School graduate started on July 27.

Everyday People: A father gives his son a love of Transformers

Kevin Brimeyer waits tables at a Rock Island Italian restaurant to help pay his way through college.

Andrew Tate's extradition fight tests his influence with Trump's America

After President Trump took office, Andrew Tate proclaimed, "The Tates will be free." A year later, Tate is being held in federal prison after he was arrested following a U.K. extradition request.

The Chicago and Rock Island Railroad

This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.At five in the afternoon on Washington's Birthday in 1854, a small locomotive gaily decorated in streamers and bunting…

Feel so busy you don't even realize you're busy? Try doing a time audit

The exercise can help you identify what's wasting your time — and make room for what matters, says psychotherapist Niro Feliciano. Take a moment to try it. You might be surprised with what you find.

AI chatbots are offering financial advice. Should you trust them?

Experts say AI can get personal finance fundamentals right but may struggle with nuanced questions.

Here's how gyms, salons and ice cream are changing America's Main Streets

Shoppers' changing habits are fueling a major shift in what types of businesses are occupying storefronts.

How a road could change West Africa's urban future

A 600-mile journey along the shores of Nigeria, Togo, Ghana and Ivory Coast reveals one of the world's most consequential transformations.

Four takeaways from Tuesday's primaries in six states

Voters in half a dozen states went to the polls Tuesday, and results highlight the ongoing conflicts within both parties ahead of the November midterms.

Nearly 30,000 pounds of beef recalled under highest 'Class 1' risk level

The USDA has categorized the recall as Class I, indicating a “high or medium risk” situation.

Former U.S. Marine held in Russia on disputed charges has been released

Russia released an American military veteran, allowing his return to the U.S. after four years of what his family and U.S. officials allege was wrongful incarceration and abusive treatment.

Earthquake response strains Colombia's new government and rescuers

The earthquake killed at least 181 people and left 2,595 injured, according to Colombian authorities. At least 195 remained missing, but civilian-run databases put that number closer to 4,000.

Neurologist explains vascular dementia following Roger Craig’s diagnosis

As Roger Craig was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame he revealed he’s been diagnosed with vascular dementia.

Social Security expands disability fast-track list, adds 14 conditions

Here are the 14 conditions the Social Security Administration just added to a list for fast-tracking disability claims.

Inside Iowa Politics: What Sen. Ernst wants to do before leaving office

Sen. Joni Ernst confirmed what she wants to accomplish before she leaves Congress.

$1 billion Powerball jackpot: Which payout option is best if you win?

A $1 billion Powerball jackpot is up for grabs.

The Challenge of Hybrid Security Threats

(NewsUSA) - Modern conflict goes beyond troops and physical weapons. Warfare tactics now include cyber attacks, disinformation campaigns, election interference, and economic coercion.Dr. Teija Tiilikainen, director of the European Center of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats (Hybrid CoE), outlined hybrid security threats in an interview on NatSec Tech, a podcast produced by the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP) covering emerging technology and national security.Hybrid CoE defines hybrid threats as "a mixture of different tools used against democracies, against the democratic principle, against democratic practices in our societies to undermine trust in government," Tiilikainen said — tools used by authoritarian regimes to shore up their own power. What sets them apart: "The whole logic of these threats is to surprise us unprepared." The toolkit spans cyber and information operations, election interference, instrumentalized migration, and attacks on critical infrastructure from energy grids to data cables.Artificial intelligence has raised the stakes. AI "is a huge tool to affect the so-called cognitive sphere, our understanding of reality," Tiilikainen said. When threat actors deploy it ahead of elections or on social media, "we don't know with whom we are communicating." Increasingly, "we don't necessarily recognize the real actors from AI produced actors." AI may eventually help defenders, she noted, but for now attackers hold the advantage.Tiilikainen singled out the information space. In the Russian war against Ukraine, "How do we see the war, who is the victim, who is the responsible actor? This tends to vary not only in Europe, but also outside Europe, very much due to efficient and successful Russian disinformation campaigns." Information is "a very dangerous tool in the hands of hybrid threat actors," she said, amplifying every other tool they use.Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea are the principal state actors, she said, often working through proxies: criminals, hackers, extremists, and unwitting citizens. Attribution is "very, very difficult," and "this is one of the assets that the threat actors are using."Countering them "all starts with our broad societal resilience," Tiilikainen said. More proactive measures include international sanctions and publicly calling out responsible states. "China, for instance, is still quite keen on maintaining its reputation as a responsible international actor," she said.Education matters too. Tiilikainen pointed to the Nordic and Baltic states, where an informed public helps small countries defend themselves, and to Ukraine and Taiwan, which have used transparency to expose and correct disinformation. The private sector must also engage, since much critical infrastructure is privately owned.Hybrid threats are dangerous because they are hard to see, and they test vulnerabilities with larger conflict in mind. "We have the old saying that this is about preparing the battlefield," she said. "From that point of view the threat to democracies can be very existential."Progress has been made — "I see resilience being strengthened" — but more is needed to prepare for "the malign use of modern technologies." Failure to do so, she warned, would "weaken the credibility of the democratic principles."Visit scsp.ai to learn more.

Trump-backed Mike Lindell loses primary for Minnesota governor to Lisa Demuth

Lindell had President Trump's endorsement but he lost to Lisa Demuth, the speaker of the state house. She'll face Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar in the fall for governor.

Community members sounds off on proposed battery storage facility in rural Rock Island County

Fire officials are worried about challenges responding to potential thermal runaway incidents. Some residents aren't happy, either.

Tuesday's derecho damaged public safety radio in Cambridge, Illinois

A temporary tower is being used while officials work to secure a permanent replacement.

Derecho hit the Midwest on Tuesday morning, NWS confirms

The storm traveled more than 330 miles, with wind speeds nearing 100 mph in several places.

What parents of teens need to know about meningitis

(BPT) - It's back-to-school season. That means your schedule is packed with fall prep like gathering your child's school supplies, scheduling sports physicals, shopping for a new wardrobe and preparing to send your young adults to college. As you write down your to-dos, make sure to add one more item to your list: vaccinating your teen against meningitis.What is meningitis?Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes (called meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord. Different viruses, bacteria and fungi can cause meningitis, but cases caused by meningococcal disease are especially urgent because they can progress rapidly and may be life-threatening. Of those who develop meningococcal disease, one in 10 will die.How does meningitis spread?Meningitis spreads quickly through close contact, including coughing, sneezing, kissing, and sharing drinks, utensils and vapes. Anyone can contract meningococcal disease, but certain groups like preteens, teens and college-age students are at a particularly high risk. At these ages, students spend more time in close contact with their peers in classes, locker rooms, dorms, parties and other group settings.What are the signs and symptoms?Meningitis may not seem serious at first. In fact, it can feel like a cold or flu. However, meningococcal disease can become life-threatening within 24-48 hours. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms:Fever/flu-like symptomsSevere headacheStiff neckNausea or vomitingSensitivity to lightConfusionA dark rash (in some cases)Symptoms can escalate quickly. If your child's symptoms appear suddenly, worsen quickly or feel unusually severe, seek medical attention.Those who survive the disease may face lifelong complications, including brain damage, hearing loss and limb loss. Recognizing symptoms quickly is important, but preventing meningococcal disease before exposure is the best decision you can make for your teen this fall.How can I protect my children from meningococcal disease?Vaccination is the best way to reduce your teen's risk of meningococcal disease. There are two meningitis vaccines that protect against the most serious types (A, B, C, W, Y). Together, these vaccines offer your teen protection against meningococcal disease. These vaccinations are recommended for ages 11-23.If you're not sure whether your child has received the recommended meningococcal vaccines, talk with your child's doctor. They may be able to help review your child's health records and identify what vaccines may be missing.Don't wait until school is back in sessionThis fall, add meningococcal disease prevention to your back-to-school routine. Make sure to check your child's vaccination records. If they haven't received their meningococcal vaccines or need a booster, make sure to schedule an appointment before the first bell rings so you can tackle the new school year with confidence. Or, if they are already back at school, have them get vaccinated at their local clinic. To learn more, visit AmericasMeningitisAlliance.org.

Two Rivers YMCA in Moline breaks ground on phase 2 of $25-million building campaign

The Two Rivers YMCA in Moline is not only building to expand its facilities, it’s building a new future to meet community needs, officials said in a groundbreaking Tuesday morning, Aug. 11.

Public, fire chief, share concerns about RICO proposed battery-storage site

People gathered in Milan on Tuesday night to voice their opposition to a proposed lithium-ion battery storage site. Concerns lie in a potential major fire hazard for an unprotected area south of Milan. "How can you in good conscience put this through and endanger the safety of the residents, the firefighters, the livestock, the ground, [...]

NWS confirms a derecho hit the Midwest on Tuesday morning

The storm traveled more than 330 miles, with wind speeds nearing 100 mph in several places.

Rock Island School Board terminates Thurgood Marshall principal's contract

The board said his termination was due to "job abandonment and insubordination."

New mental health crisis center coming to Galesburg

A new walk-in crisis center planned for Galesburg aims to give adults experiencing a mental health crisis another place to get immediate care outside of an emergency room.

Storm Prediction Center confirms QCA storm as derecho

The Storm Predication Center said the derecho moved from Eastern Iowa to Northern Indiana, according to a post on X.

Proposed battery storage facility in rural Rock Island County raises fire safety concerns

Fire officials are concerned about challenges responding to potential thermal runaway incidents.

Rural Rock Island County proposed battery storage facility raises fire safety concerns

Fire officials are concerned about challenges responding to potential thermal runaway incidents.

Two Rivers YMCA breaks ground on next phase of expansion project

People who go to the YMCA in Moline are one step closer to enjoying some new improvements at the facility. Leaders at Two Rivers YMCA broke ground on phase two of a big expansion project. The project includes a new gymnasium, and it's expected to bring more opportunities for youth sports and other community activities. [...]

Silvis looking to replace century-old water, sewer lines with federal help

Just on Monday, the city closed Seventh Street and issued a boil order for some residents due to a break in an aging water main.

DERECHO hits Quad Cities Tuesday morning

6 years and one day after the worst derecho ever in the Quad Cities, another one hit us early Tuesday morning. The Storm Prediction Center has given the preliminary classification of a derecho to the line of storms that rolled across the Midwest Tuesday. Storm winds were at their worst around Chicago and Gary, Indiana. [...]

Team Iowa looks to upset at Tug Fest 2026; What's new this year?

Saturday morning, when this year's tuggers step into the sand tug pits across the Mississippi River from each other, it will be a matchup similar to David vs Goliath. Last year, the Illinois team swept the competition to make it 15 consecutive victories. Now Iowa is looking to come out on top while leaning on [...]

Iowa Head Start programs await impact of federal overhaul

Iowa Head Start programs serving thousands of low-income children are waiting to learn the full impact of a sweeping federal overhaul proposed by the Trump administration.

Emergency communications still working after storms damage Cambridge radio tower

A severe thunderstorm damaged the tower, located at the Henry County Courthouse in Cambridge, around 9:20 a.m., according to a media release.

Illinois bill keeps rural ambulance services staffed and on-call

Policies to keep rural ambulance services staffed and on-call to help save lives have been signed into law in Illinois. House Bill 5446 provides flexibility to rural ambulance services to meet legally mandated staffing requirements, improve response time, and get patients to the hospital even fasterthe legislation also updates staffing requirements to ensure ambulance crews [...]

In South Carolina, GOP Voters decide who they want to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham

Sen. Darline Graham, who is serving out the remainder of her brother's term, faces a crowded field of candidates to replace him on the ballot as the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate in November.

In South Carolina, Sen. Darline Graham advances to a GOP special primary runoff for US Senate

Sen. Darline Graham, who is serving out the remainder of her brother's term, didn't secure enough votes to win the primary outright, but she did receive enough of the total to advance to a runoff.

In South Carolina, Sen. Darline Graham advances to a GOP special primary runoff for U.S. Senate

Sen. Darline Graham, who is serving out the remainder of her brother's term, and Rep. Ralph Norman advance to the special primary runoff later this month.

Davenport man arrested after allegedly driving teens with stolen guns

A Davenport man was arrested early Tuesday morning after allegedly transporting teens, including his son, with guns in their possession.

More storms moving in for tomorrow

After already being hit with some storms, some being severe from earlier this morning, the weather has cleared up for the afternoon. However, we are still expecting more showers and storms for the rest of the week, with some more potentially severe storms tomorrow. The National Weather Service has once again issued a marginal risk [...]

Davenport man faces charges on separate gun, willful injury cases

A Davenport man was booked into the Scott County Jail on Sunday for gun charges while out on bond in a separate case involving the July assault of a man.

Quad City Arts names executive director

Quad-City Arts announced Ben Gougeon as executive director, bringing more than 30 years of experience as an artist and arts leader.

Geneseo Police Department's K9 Kauzi dies

K9 Kauzi, who served with the Geneseo Police Department, has died. According to a post on the Geneseo Police Department's Facebook page, K9 Kauzi served the Geneseo Police Department beginning May 2019. He began his career partnered with Officer Dan Davis and was partnered with Sgt. Jamison Weisser in 2021. For more information, click here.

New executive director of RiverCenter and Adler Theatre announced

Jim Wynkoop has been appointed as the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre's executive director.