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

Friday, March 13th, 2026
	Former Scott County sheriff's sergeant alleges wrongful termination in lawsuit The county board settled with a former employee who sued for wrongful termination last fall.
	St. Pat's Day float vandalized, but McGuire family, friends rebuild to continue tradition For over 40 years the McGuire family has built a float for the Quad Cities St. Patrick's Day parade. This year was nothing normal. They're only a month removed from the passing of the man who was instrumental behind getting the float together. And all the work the family did get done over the past [...]
	Winter Storm Watch for Quad Cities - Sunday night into Monday night What a weather week we've had! And there's more wild weather on the way. Saturday will be relatively quiet with some clouds and highs in the 40s. Then Sunday looks ACTIVE! We'll see highs in the 60s Sunday with a chance for showers and storms during the afternoon. then as it gets cold Sunday evening [...]
	Statistics indicate traffic deaths on the decline in Iowa Traffic deaths are at a historic low in Iowa.
	New kaleidoscope exhibit at Putnam Museum, Davenport, will dazzle visitors The Putnam Museum and Science Center invites visitors to step inside a dazzling world of color, light, and reflection with the opening of Kaleidoscope Odyssey, a vibrant new exhibit debuting Saturday, March 14 and on view through Sept. 7. Featuring more than 24 large-scale, immersive kaleidoscopes created by world-renowned artist and Davenport native Tom Chouteau, [...]
	Davenport man sentenced to 7.5 years in federal prison for gun charges Cedrick Dequn Willingham, 39, has been sentenced federal prison.
	New Illinois program helps first-time home buyers A new program in Illinois helps people afford to buy their first home. The IHDAccess Home program from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) will offer up to $15,000 to help cover down payments and closing costs for first-time home buyers. The assistance would be interest-free with a deferred payment. Eligibility is based on income, [...]
	Black Hawk College, Moline, presents art exhibition, jazz Admission is free for art and music events at Black Hawk College, Moline. The ArtSpace Gallery at Black Hawk College is exhibiting “Imperfect Objects” – mixed media assemblage by Wayne Bertola – through Friday, April 3. Everyone is invited to a closing reception from 4-5:15 p.m. Thursday, April 2, with an artist talk at 4:15 p.m. Light refreshments [...]
	Imprisonment to property ownership: How a QCA investor turned his life around An area investor turned his life around, going from imprisonment to now owning 19 properties in the QCA. Donald Hinton's full-circle story has led him to success and how he shares his wealth of knowledge with the community. "I used to kill my community with the products I sold, so I created some products that [...]
	Quad Cities prepare for 40th St. Patrick Society Grand Parade The St. Patrick Society will hold its 40th Grand Parade in the Quad Cities as businesses prepare for one of the region’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
	Iowa American Water says it's working to address aging infrastructure Iowa American Water said it invested $55M to upgrade water systems in eastern Iowa, including a Blue Grass plant renovation and lead service line replacements.
	YMCA program helps Quad Cities teen rebuild life after foster care, homelessness It's just one story of many to come out of the YMCA Iowa Mississippi Valley's Achievers program, which assists our most vulnerable local students and families.
	Jo Daviess County sheriff stepping down after accepting new state position The Jo Daviess County Board has voted to appoint Chief Deputy Klaus Kretschmer as sheriff.
	Great River Days festival returning to Muscatine after nearly a decade The beloved festival is returning with concerts and carnival rides, July 29 through August 2. Here's why the city says now is the right time for it to return.
	Iowa American Water invests $55M in upgrades across eastern Iowa, including Quad Cities area projects Iowa American Water said it invested $55M to upgrade water systems in eastern Iowa, including a Blue Grass plant renovation and lead service line replacements.
	Fresh Films-Roku series includes QC short film on Moline business Augustana College sophomore Sawyer Carver now has a short documentary available on Roku, “Rock Island Change Maker,” which highlights The Atlas Collective.
	East Moline Public Library invites community to Spring Break Bash The event will feature crafts, games, snacks and giveaways and it is free to anyone in the community.
	Death Notice: Melvin Illian A funeral service for Melvin Charles "Mel" Illian, 98, of Walcott, will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 20, at Calvary Church of Walcott. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Friday at the church. Burial will be in the Walcott Cemetery. Bentley Funeral Home, Durant, is assisting the family with arrangements. Mr. Illian died Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Better Living of Walcott. Memorials may be made to Calvary Church of Walcott, the Walcott Historical Society or the Walcott Lions Club. Online condolences may be made at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com. A full obituary will appear in the March 18 edition of The NSP.
	WATCH: Iowa rescue group, sheriff's office, save, release owl found in roadway The barred owl sits quietly, looking dazed, in the roadway. Then the Johnson County Sheriff's Office and members of The RARE Group arrive to help. A Facebook post from the sheriff's office includes a short video of the successful rescue and release of the bird. "Thank you to The RARE Group for rehabilitating this beautiful [...]
	Class-action lawsuit filed after the Potomac sewage spill A class-action lawsuit has been filed after part of a decades-old sewer line in Maryland collapsed in January, sending raw sewage into the Potomac River. After weather delays, repair work has resumed.
	River Drive at the Arsenal Bridge overpass closes for construction Monday This project will replace the bridge deck, parapets and lighting. It will also include steel repairs to improve safety.
	Bird's-eye views from across the Quad Cities region during the week of March 13, 2026 Sit back, relax and enjoy these scenes captured by the News 8 drone from across the Quad Cities region this week.
	Kennedy Center president departs – months before the art complex's scheduled closing In a post on Truth Social, President Trump announced Friday afternoon that Richard Grenell is leaving the Kennedy Center. The arts complex is scheduled to close in July for renovations.
	YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley's Achievers Program is changing lives A local teenager named AJ spent years homeless or in foster care. At 18, she had no documentation or a place to go. That's when the YMCA Achievers stepped in.
	Augustana College, Rock Island partner on Milan Bottoms ecological survey Augustana College and the city of Rock Island have formed a partnership to guide planning for a proposed 600-acre land and water reserve in the Milan Bottoms.
	Sheriff: District ordered airborne bus back to school after students injured The district did not respond to KWQC’s inquiry on Friday about why the bus left the scene before police or first responders arrived.
	Nearly 600 Iowa National Guard soldiers return home The guard members were stationed in the Middle East for Operation Inherent Resolve.
	The 24 cities where Gen Z workers actually out-earn everyone else Gen Z earnings premium: Cities where young workers are excellingWhile some members of Gen Z may still be working entry-level jobs while attending high school or college, much of this cohort has now entered the workforce in earnest. As the least experienced generation on the schedule, Gen Z is generally paid less than their older counterparts, with this holding true in 93% of cities. But in a handful of locations, Gen Z offers skills and expertise — and sometimes youth itself — that help these workers pull ahead against the odds and earn more than older generations.With this in mind, SmartAsset ranked 354 of the largest U.S. cities based on the percentage difference between the local median income for people aged 15 to 24 compared to the rest of the local population.Key FindingsGen Z earns a 70% premium in Hollywood, Florida. The median Gen Z household earned $121,317 in Hollywood in 2024, compared to $71,067 for all households — a 70.7% difference. Clearwater, Florida, has the second-highest advantage for Gen Z households with a 58.7% disparity. Young households earned $105,280 compared to a $66,357 median across all households.In all, Gen Z out-earns other generations in 7% of cities. While it’s rare for young up-and-comers to outperform older households for income, some economic dynamics make it possible. Studywide, Gen Z had a positive earnings premium in 24 out of 354 cities, with roughly half in Florida or California. Others include Federal Way, Washington; Lynn, Massachusetts; Kent, Washington; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Newport News, Virginia; Jackson, Michigan; and Brownsville, Texas, among others.The median Gen Z income in this city is over $160,000. Gen Z earns the most in Sunnyvale, California, where the median income for that age group is $162,486. However, this is 10.2% lower than the median income across all households in this high-earning city ($181,022). This negative earnings premium puts Sunnyvale at the 37th best overall for Gen Z’s earnings.The median Gen Z income is less than $50,000 in more than half of cities. For most young people, income tends to be lower than across all households. People aged 15 to 24 are generally at the bottom of the earnings totem poll. In fact, the median Gen Z income is lower than the 2024 U.S. median household income in 91% of cities surveyed. SmartAsset 24 Cities Where Gen Z Makes More Than the Median HouseholdOut of 354 cities, Gen Z earns more than their older counterparts in just a handful of places.Hollywood, FloridaGen Z earnings premium: 70.71%Median Gen Z income: $121,317Median household income: $71,067Clearwater, FloridaGen Z earnings premium: 58.66%Median Gen Z income: $105,280Median household income: $66,357Rio Rancho, New MexicoGen Z earnings premium: 43.24%Median Gen Z income: $140,907Median household income: $98,374Moreno Valley, CaliforniaGen Z earnings premium: 37.26%Median Gen Z income: $127,262Median household income: $92,716Federal Way, WashingtonGen Z earnings premium: 34.92%Median Gen Z income: $120,105Median household income: $89,022Lynn, MassachusettsGen Z earnings premium: 23.14%Median Gen Z income: $90,314Median household income: $73,340Lehigh Acres, FloridaGen Z earnings premium: 19.29%Median Gen Z income: $84,460Median household income: $70,800Inglewood, CaliforniaGen Z earnings premium: 16.88%Median Gen Z income: $81,069Median household income: $69,362Tracy, CaliforniaGen Z earnings premium: 16.08%Median Gen Z income: $140,202Median household income: $120,776Deltona, FloridaGen Z earnings premium: 15.15%Median Gen Z income: $88,026Median household income: $76,446Palm Coast, FloridaGen Z earnings premium: 13.06%Median Gen Z income: $92,801Median household income: $82,083Visalia, CaliforniaGen Z earnings premium: 9.87%Median Gen Z income: $93,146Median household income: $84,781Hesperia, CaliforniaGen Z earnings premium: 9.71%Median Gen Z income: $79,056Median household income: $72,059Kent, WashingtonGen Z earnings premium: 6.99%Median Gen Z income: $98,967Median household income: $92,497Fort Wayne, IndianaGen Z earnings premium: 6.86%Median Gen Z income: $65,648Median household income: $61,436Hialeah, FloridaGen Z earnings premium: 6.26%Median Gen Z income: $60,727Median household income: $57,151Newport News, VirginiaGen Z earnings premium: 6.25%Median Gen Z income: $73,234Median household income: $68,927New Bedford, MassachusettsGen Z earnings premium: 4.96%Median Gen Z income: $60,077Median household income: $57,240Waterbury, ConnecticutGen Z earnings premium: 4.62%Median Gen Z income: $50,092Median household income: $47,881Corona, CaliforniaGen Z earnings premium: 3.36%Median Gen Z income: $106,984Median household income: $103,507Antioch, CaliforniaGen Z earnings premium: 3.13%Median Gen Z income: $101,070Median household income: $97,998Jackson, MississippiGen Z earnings premium: 2.75%Median Gen Z income: $45,739Median household income: $44,516Brownsville, TexasGen Z earnings premium: 0.7%Median Gen Z income: $59,908Median household income: $59,491Lafayette, LouisianaGen Z earnings premium: 0.2%Median Gen Z income: $59,564Median household income: $59,445Data and MethodologyData comes from the U.S. Census Bureau 1-Year American Community Survey for 2024. The median household income for households where the main householder is aged 15 to 24 is compared to the median household income across all local households to determine the Gen Z earnings premium. Data for 354 U.S. cities with a population over 100,000 was available.This story was produced by SmartAsset and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Car and train involved in minor crash in Davenport Deputies with the Scott County Sheriff's Office said the train was moving slowly and appears to have only clipped the car.
	Great River Days returning to Muscatine after nearly 10-year hiatus After nearly a 60-year run, Muscatine's Great River Days festival stopped happening in 2017. It's now making a comeback at the end of the summer.
	Iowa pharmacist imprisoned for million-dollar scam will keep his license An Iowa pharmacist imprisoned for his role in a million-dollar scheme to defraud retailers will be allowed to keep his pharmacist’s license, regulators have ruled.
	NSP e-newsletter coming soon Most of our readers get the North Scott Press every week in their mailbox. Now you can get it in your inbox, too. The NSP is excited to announce a weekly e-newsletter which will bring you our top stories every Wednesday morning, along with a short introduction from someone on our staff. We never miss an opportunity to say hello. The e-newsletter is free and open to subscribers and non-subscribers alike. If you are not a subscriber, or if you are a subscriber without a website account, you can sign up for the newsletter at northscottpress.com by entering your email address on the left-hand side of our homepage. If you are an active NSP subscriber with an account on our website, you are already on our digital mailing list. The newsletter will bring you the headlines and first lines of our top stories. To read the full stories behind our digital paywall, you will need to become a subscriber. You can become a subscriber using the “Subscribe” button on the top-right corner of our website.
	Judge blocks DOJ's criminal probe of Federal Reserve, blasting it as political A federal judge has put the brakes on a criminal probe of the Federal Reserve, saying it was part of an improper campaign by the Trump administration to pressure the central bank into cutting interest rates.
	Crime Stoppers Solved: Woman suspected of stealing from Aldi turns herself in Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities is asking for help identifying a woman suspected of stealing from the Aldi in Bettendorf.
	A cholesterol test you've never heard of is now recommended to prevent heart disease The test can help assess your lifetime risk for cardiovascular disease. That, along with earlier treatment for high cholesterol, is part of new doctors' guidelines.
	Jo Daviess County sheriff stepping down after accepting new state position The Jo Daviess County Board has voted to appoint Chief Deputy Klaus Kretschmer as sheriff.
	Iowa sled hockey Paralympian is going for fourth gold medal Kevin McKee said the pressure is on for the U.S. sled hockey team to win gold after the wins of the U.S. women’s and men’s teams at the Olympics. The sled hockey team would secure their fifth consecutive gold medal if they win on Sunday’s game.
	Lutheran Living, Muscatine, hosting Easter Egg Hunt Lutheran Living Senior Campus (Lutheran Living), 2421 Lutheran Drive in Muscatine, is hosting a Community Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, March 20 at 1:30 p.m. Participants can take photos with the Easter Bunny, enjoy refreshments, check out the petting zoo and gather Easter eggs. The event is free and open to the public. Lutheran Living [...]
	Vaccinating bats could be good for people. But how do you vaccinate a bat? In a new study, bats lap up vaccine-laced saline or chow down on vaccine-carrying mosquitoes. Will that have any impact on the flying mammal's immune system?
	High Wind Warning until FRI 3:00 PM CDT High Wind Warning Set to Expire This Afternoon
	Learn about high potency THC at seminars in Muscatine Laura Stack, Founder and CEO of Johnny’s Ambassadors, will speak at two seminars on the dangers of high-potency marijuana products and their impact on youth mental health. Both seminars are on April 30 and are both free and open to the public. For more information about these two events, contact Sara Carlson at saracarlson@ruhlhomes.com. The [...]
	Who can talk to the media? Bettendorf School Board members have differing opinions The Bettendorf School Board debated a policy limiting who can speak to the media after a dispute over comments about the superintendent’s contract. The revised rule will be voted on next meeting.
	Quad-Cities legislators talk cancer, crime at mid-session update in Davenport “We’ve done nothing about the jaw-dropping cancer rates that are literally keeping people awake at night,” House Rep. Ken Croken, D-Davenport, said.
	Electric Doctor Generator Giveaway OFFICIAL RULES Official rules for this sweepstakes
	What's a good profit margin for your business? What’s a good profit margin for your business?There’s a quick answer to this question.A good profit margin is usually 10% or higher for most businesses, though this varies significantly by industry. A net profit margin of 5% is considered low, 10% is healthy, and 20% or above indicates strong profitability. Compare your margin to industry-specific benchmarks for a more accurate assessment.It’s common for small businesses to struggle with cash flow management, especially as operations begin to scale. According to Bluevine’s cash flow management survey, 39% of small businesses have less than one month of cash on hand, meaning almost two of every five small businesses are operating without consistent profit.To help you make informed financial decisions, this guide from Bluevine will explain different types of profit margins, the benchmarks you can use to assess them, and which investment and cost-cutting strategies can improve your margins.Key takeaways:There are three types of profit margins: gross, operating, and net. They each measure profitability at different stages of your business operations.Industry benchmarks vary dramatically: Software companies average 71% gross margins while food wholesalers average just 15%.Improving profit margins requires the right balance of strategic pricing and cost control.Always benchmark against direct competitors rather than generic targets, as margin norms differ significantly across sectors.What is a good net profit margin?The answer varies slightly based on your industry, business model, cost structure, and business stage. The table below offers a general view of net profit margins across industries, but you should use industry-specific benchmarks to assess your progress. For example, a grocery store can be considered comfortably profitable with a low margin of 2%–3% because they sell a high volume of products and pay high distribution costs. Bluevine Specialized expertise, intellectual property, and premium positioning can also affect a business’s profit margin. These are unique to each company, so you’ll have to assess them in addition to industry benchmarks. These expenses also tend to be non-necessary, so consider the value they add to your business if you’re looking to cut costs during a cash flow analysis.Types of profit marginSmall business owners tend to focus on net profit margins (“the bottom line”), but gross and operating profit margins are just as important for cash flow management—each metric measures profitability at different stages.Keep in mind that measuring profit is more than just adding up inflows and subtracting outflows. It’s important to understand the difference between profit and cash flow before making financial decisions. A business can show healthy profit margins while still struggling with cash flow if customers pay slowly or inventory ties up working capital.Gross profit marginThink of the three categories of profit margin as your business’s profitability at each stage of the accounting process. Gross profit margin is the first level: You calculate it by dividing your gross profit (Revenue – Cost of Goods Sold) by your revenue, then multiplying the result by 100 to get a percentage.Gross Profit = Revenue – Cost of Goods SoldGross Profit Margin = (Gross Profit ÷ Revenue) × 100Example: If your business generates $500,000 in revenue and your COGS is $300,000, your gross profit is $200,000. Your gross profit margin is ($200,000 ÷ $500,000) × 100 = 40%.A healthy gross profit margin typically ranges from 50% to 70% for product-based businesses, while service businesses often achieve higher margins due to lower direct costs. This metric is essential for making pricing and product decisions.Bluevine Tip: To improve gross profit margin, negotiate better rates with suppliers, consider bulk purchasing for discounts, or explore alternative vendors without sacrificing quality.Operating profit marginTo calculate operating profit margin, subtract the cost of goods sold (COGS) and operating expenses from your total revenue. (Operating expenses include rent, utilities, salaries, marketing, and other day-to-day business costs.)Operating Profit = Revenue – COGS – Operating ExpensesOperating Profit Margin = (Operating Profit ÷ Revenue) × 100Example: If your business has $500,000 in revenue, $300,000 in COGS, and $100,000 in operating expenses, then your operating profit is $100,000. Your operating profit margin is ($100,000 ÷ $500,000) × 100 = 20%.This profit margin ratio is useful because it excludes interest and taxes, focusing purely on operational efficiency and cost control.Bluevine tip: Audit your operating expenses quarterly. Look for redundant software subscriptions, renegotiate lease terms, or implement automation to reduce labor costs on repetitive tasks.Net profit marginNet profit margin is often called “the bottom line” because it appears at the bottom of the income statement. It measures the percentage of revenue remaining as profit after subtracting all expenses (including COGS, operating expenses, interest, and taxes). This is the most comprehensive measure of your business’s overall profitability.Net Profit = Revenue – All ExpensesNet Profit Margin = (Net Profit ÷ Revenue) × 100Example: If your $500,000 revenue business has a net income of $50,000 after all expenses, your net profit margin is ($50,000 ÷ $500,000) × 100 = 10%.Track net profit margin over time and compare your business to others in your industry. Viewing your different profit margins at each stage of your accounting can provide the insights you need to improve your profit margins sustainably.Bluevine tip: Work with a tax professional to identify deductions and credits you may be missing. Strategic tax planning can significantly impact your net profit margin without changing your operations.Profit margin benchmarks by industryLet’s look at how industry benchmarks work. The table below shows the average gross, operating, and net profit margins for a select group of industries, as collected from multiple data services by the New York University Stern School of Business. Understanding your industry standards and how margins fluctuate across the stages of accounting can help you set realistic expectations for your business. Bluevine Data as of January 2026*Banks have unique cost structures where traditional operating margin calculations don't apply in the same way as other industries.Additional factors affecting profit marginsIndustry benchmarks help provide an idea of where you should be, but you’ll need to assess how the factors below are affecting your business’s individual profit margins. For a more complete analysis, track a few key financial KPIs, too.Cost structure: Industries with fluctuating cost of goods sold (COGS) tend to have lower profit margins. Restaurants are good examples of this because labor and food costs account for a large share of their operating expenses.Growth stage: Startups and early-stage companies may have low or inconsistent margins while they build products and expand into their market. Mature businesses may see unpredictable margins during times of investment and ambitious growth.Margin trends: Cutting costs or increasing your prices can improve profit margins, but these things can also decrease profit margins if done incorrectly or without proper consideration. Make adjustments regularly, as needed.Tax considerations: Taxes are only factored in when calculating net profit. That’s important to remember when assessing your gross and operating margins.Bluevine Tip: Don’t confuse higher revenue with strong margins. A business generating $2 million with a 5% margin keeps less money than one generating $1 million with a 15% margin. Focus on profitability percentages, not just top-line growth.Ways to improve your profit marginThere are many ways to increase profits in addition to acquiring new customers:Raise prices strategically: Don’t be afraid to increase prices when your costs go up, but pricing should be fluid and transparent, especially in industries with inflationary costs or products in high demand.Reduce cost of goods sold: You can cut back on necessary costs by renegotiating supplier contracts, switching to more affordable vendors, or taking advantage of bulk order pricing offers.Streamline operating expenses: Newer companies usually don’t have much operational waste, while more established businesses may accumulate inefficiencies over time. Assess which expenses can be streamlined or eliminated.Improve product or service mix: Low-margin offerings can be eliminated or bundled with higher-margin products to improve profitability. Retail companies often use clearance sales to do this. A paid service contract can also improve your margins.Increase customer lifetime value: Calculate the lifetime value (LTV) of each customer. Look for ways to increase it. Upsells and secondary offerings are good for this. Customer loyalty programs also work if you offer discounts or buying incentives.Improve inventory management: Reduce holding costs by implementing better demand forecasting and purchasing discipline.Get funding that helps your margins growUnderstanding profit margins is a positive step toward building a financially healthy business. Learn to track gross, operating, and net margins. Find industry-specific benchmarks you can use to measure your company against your closest competitors. With accurate expectations, you can work on cutting costs and increasing revenue to improve your margins.If you need funds to take the next step, a business line of credit gives you the flexibility to invest in margin-improving initiatives when opportunities arise, without the pressure of a lump-sum loan or the need to reapply each time.Profit margin FAQsIs 50% profit margin good in a small business?A 50% profit margin is excellent by most standards, but the answer depends on which type of margin (gross, operating, or net) you’re measuring and which industry you’re in. For instance, a 50% gross margin is below average for a software-as-a-service or healthcare product business, but a 50% operating or net profit margin is excellent for any business type.How can operating expenses affect operating margin?Operating expenses directly reduce operating margin because they're subtracted from gross profit to calculate operating income. Every dollar spent on rent, salaries, utilities, marketing, insurance, or software subscriptions reduces your operating profit.What is a good profit margin for a small business?The average profit margin for a small business varies by sector, with service businesses often achieving higher margins (15%-20%) than retail or manufacturing (5%-10%). Many small businesses also face common challenges when starting out that can impact margins.How much profit should you make on a product?Ideal profit margins vary significantly by industry, business model, and competitive positioning. In addition, your gross, operating, and net margins will vary significantly as you factor in costs at each stage of your accounting process.This story was produced by Bluevine and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Jo Daviess County Sheriff retiring March 15 A news release from the Jo Daviess County Sheriff's Office says Sheriff Craig Ketelsen will retire from the office, effective Sunday, March 15. He is retiring to accept a position with the State of Illinois. The Jo Daviess County Court voted on March 10 to appoint Chief Deputy Klaus Kretschmer to become sheriff, effective Monday, [...]
	And the Oscar goes to — wait, why is it called an Oscar? The Academy Awards officially adopted the "Oscars" nickname in 1939. But who is Oscar, and who started calling them that? We may never know. But here are four enduring legends to consider.
	TSA workers miss a full paycheck, while travelers keep paying airport security fees Many TSA workers received no money in their paychecks Friday as the partial DHS shutdown drags on. Fees paid by airline passengers keep piling up, even as airport security officers work without pay.
	South Carolina has spent $1.6M to combat its huge measles outbreak, and it’s not over yet South Carolina has spent $1.6M to combat its huge measles outbreak, and it’s not over yetSouth Carolina has spent an estimated $1.6 million so far on public health efforts to combat its huge measles outbreak, according to information the state’s health department provided to Healthbeat on March 4.The outbreak, which began with just five known cases in October, surged in January following the winter holidays, and has slowed in recent weeks. The total number of people infected in the outbreak, which is centered around Spartanburg County, reached 990 as of March 3.Most of the estimated $1.6 million spent so far on the outbreak response has been for personnel, the South Carolina Department of Public Health said in response to Healthbeat’s questions.As the outbreak grew, the number of staff assigned to work full-time on the outbreak grew to as many as 90 people, said Dr. Linda Bell, the state epidemiologist.Most of these staff, Bell said, have been involved in doing investigations of individual measles cases and tracing their contacts to help identify and quarantine those at risk of infection and further spread of the disease.Funding for some of the outbreak’s public health costs has come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, through an immunizations cooperative agreement, which helps with outbreak response activities, the South Carolina DPH said. Additional funding has come from an H5N1 Public Health Crisis Response Cooperative Agreement, which funds influenza and other public health emergency preparedness and response, the department said, as well as some other state and federal funds.Although the number of new measles cases being detected each week has dropped significantly, the outbreak continues. The department said that final costs will be calculated once the outbreak is over.But the threat the outbreak could surge again remains — especially with the potential for the virus to spread during the upcoming spring break travel period, Bell said.“We remain concerned and must be mindful of the fact that we can see cases increase again from the low number that we’re seeing now,” she said. In recent weeks, the outbreak has slowed to about 10 new cases a week amid increases in measles vaccination in the Spartanburg County area and across the state.The increased travel during school spring break raises the potential for the kind of increased spread of measles that South Carolina experienced over schools’ winter break period. “In the two consecutive weeks following the Christmas holidays, we had over 200 cases reported in each of those weeks,” Bell said.This story was produced by Healthbeat and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Illinois primary voters can watch candidate interviews before Tuesday’s election Those interviews will air in a special Decision 2026 livestream at 2 p.m. on the station’s website and streaming platforms.
	$4.3M in federal funding awarded to SAL Family and Community Services Congressman Eric Sorensen announced the grant will help expand access to infant and toddler care through the Early Head Start program.
	Jo Daviess sheriff to retire after 28 years in law enforcement Jo Daviess County Sheriff Craig Ketelsen will retire Sunday after 28 years in law enforcement.
	The hidden cost of AI anxiety: What businesses need to know about this workplace stressor The hidden cost of AI anxiety: What businesses need to know about this workplace stressorAI adoption is accelerating across industries. Organizations are focused on productivity gains and automation. But employees are asking a different question:What does this mean for my job, my income, and my future?In early 2026, Spring Health surveyed over 1,500 full-time employees across five countries. In the past 12 months, these employees said the emergence of AI has affected them in a variety of ways, including:Worsened mental health due to information overload (24%)Reduced employees’ sense of control over the future (23%)Increased financial stability concerns (20%)Worsened job/work life stress (19%)AI anxiety is not theoretical. It is measurable. And as this article from Spring Health outlines, it is already affecting employees in specific, tangible ways.Defining AI anxietyAI anxiety is not simply a general fear of technology. It is a complex psychological response to rapid, systemic change.“In the last few years, AI came along,” said Spring Health Chief People Officer Karishma Patel Buford. “It’s a disruption. A positive disruption. But any disruption has its own emotional and psychological journey that comes with it.”What does a response to AI anxiety look like? It can be: Fear of losing their jobsFear that skills become obsoleteCareer ambiguity or uncertaintyFinancial insecurityCognitive overload from rapid tool adoptionEthical and societal uncertaintyIt is critical to distinguish AI anxiety from employee burnout. Burnout is chronic, unmanaged stress often resulting from workload or toxicity. AI anxiety is anticipatory stress driven by uncertainty and perceived instability.Anxiety is fundamentally about uncertainty. AI introduces uncertainty at scale, creating a mental health challenge that requires a specific strategic response.While AI anxiety and burnout can be quite different, AI can actually help to reduce employee burnout.The cognitive overload problemNearly 1 in 4 employees (24%) said that AI has worsened their mental health due to information overload. In practice, this manifests as a relentless stream of new tool rollouts, endless AI headlines, and rising productivity expectations.Employees feel intense pressure to "stay ahead" and a fear of falling behind technically if they miss a single update. Even employees who feel excited about AI may still feel overwhelmed by its pace.This data suggests that for many workers, AI anxiety is often cognitive exhaustion, not just fear of layoffs. The mental energy required to constantly adapt to new workflows creates a "cognitive drag" that reduces focus and increases error rates.The control problemWhen employees feel their role may change, their skills may depreciate, or that decisions are happening "above them" without their input, the future feels opaque. They experience anticipatory stress and rumination.Loss of perceived control is one of the strongest predictors of anxiety escalation. When an employee feels they are no longer the driver of their own career trajectory, engagement drops, and withdrawal increases.The financial insecurity layerFinancial instability reframes AI anxiety from a purely professional concern to a "whole-person" survival issue.Employees are asking fundamental questions: Will my income decline?Will automation reduce my earnings potential?Should I switch careers entirely?Should I be saving more aggressively?This intersects directly with financial stress, a known mental health amplifier. When employees are worried about their long-term financial viability, they cannot bring their best selves to work.The hidden business costsThese costs won’t show up in your AI budget line item. But they are real, and they are expensive. AI anxiety could drive:Presenteeism: Employees are physically present but mentally distracted by worry and cognitive overload.Leave escalation: When uncertainty compounds burnout, employees are more likely to take mental health leave or disability.Manager strain: Managers are often on the front lines of fielding questions they can’t answer, increasing their own stress.Retention risk: High performers who sense instability may leave for organizations that offer clearer long-term career paths.Cultural trust erosion: Silence from leadership regarding AI’s impact breeds distrust and toxicity.What good looks like: A framework for HR leadersHR leaders and business leaders in general are uniquely positioned to mitigate these risks. By treating AI anxiety as a strategic workforce or team challenge, you can build a culture of resilience.1. Treat transparency as a mental health interventionUncertainty fuels anxiety. Transparency reduces it. HR leaders and business leaders in general must clearly define AI use cases. Be explicit about where AI is intended for augmentation versus replacement.Communicate reskilling timelines and opportunities clearly.Avoid vague language that leaves room for catastrophic thinking. When employees understand the plan, they can prepare for it rather than worrying about it.2. Reduce cognitive overloadDon’t just launch tools. Curate the rollout. Sequence change initiatives to avoid overwhelming your workforce.Provide clear, structured learning pathways rather than throwing employees into the deep end of "always-on" experimentation. Normalize the learning curve and make it clear that no one is expected to master every new tool overnight.3. Rebuild a sense of controlControl is stabilizing. Give employees a view of their future. Offer skills roadmaps that show how their current capabilities map to future roles.Provide transparency around internal mobility and career paths. Invest in mental health coaching to help employees navigate career ambiguity. When employees see a path forward, they regain a sense of agency.4. Normalize emotional response to AIDon’t frame discomfort as resistance. Frame it as adaptation stress. It is a normal human response to rapid environmental change.Provide self-guided stress tools, coaching, and therapy access. Train managers to recognize the signs of uncertainty-driven stress and how to have supportive conversations.The companies that win in 2026AI implementation strategy without a mental health strategy leaves organizations open to challenges.Most AI strategies focus on efficiency and productivity. Few account for the psychological impact on the humans doing the work.In 2026, the advantage will belong to organizations that deploy AI tools within their day-to-day processes responsibly. They will reduce information overload, restore employee control, and support adaptation psychologically rather than just technically.AI may increase your organization’s efficiency. But how you manage AI anxiety will determine whether it increases or erodes your workforce stability.About the surveysThis report is based on two original surveys among 500+ HR leaders and 1,500+ full-time employees across five different countries (United States, Canada, Mexico, India, and the United Kingdom).The HR survey was submitted to a variety of HR roles, from Chief Human Resource Officers and Vice Presidents of Benefits to Benefits Managers and Human Resource Directors. HR professionals must have been actively employed within those roles at organizations with at least 500 employees. The full-time employee survey included anyone 18 years of age or older who was actively employed full time. Both surveys were conducted from Friday, Jan. 30 to Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.This story was produced by Spring Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	4 Your Money \| Crisis Events Markets have been reacting to the recent conflict involving Iran. David Nelson, CEO of NelsonCorp Wealth Management, joins us to provide insight into how geopolitical crises typically affect the stock market.
	How Italy became the darlings (and contenders, too) of the World Baseball Classic With espresso shots, kisses on the cheek and Andrea Bocelli singalongs, Team Italy has charmed the baseball world. But their mission is more ambitious: Turn Italy into a bona fide baseball factory.
	Meet the Perplexity Merchant Program: What e-commerce stores need to know Meet the Perplexity Merchant Program: What e-commerce stores need to knowSearch — and shopping — is changing.With Perplexity, consumers can buy what they need without ever leaving the platform. For e-commerce stores, this AI-powered shopping experience opens a new revenue channel.And it starts with the Perplexity Merchant Program, which WebFx dives into here.What is the Perplexity Merchant Program?The Perplexity Merchant Program is like Google Merchant Center — businesses can share their product catalog, including reviews, prices, and specs, so Perplexity can deliver the most relevant and up-to-date product options to searchers. Courtesy of WebFX Consumers can then purchase these products, with Pro users being able to complete their purchase within Perplexity using the “Buy with Pro” feature, which also includes free shipping.Who is eligible for the Perplexity Merchant Program?Companies must sell and ship to the U.S. to be eligible for Perplexity’s Merchant Program. Businesses can apply to join the program by completing the official application form.Completing the form takes less than five minutes and only requires:Your brand nameYour websiteYour nameYour emailYour vertical (like home goods)Do products outside Perplexity’s Merchant Program appear in results?Yes — for Shopify stores, at least. Courtesy of WebFX Through its Shopify partnership, Perplexity can serve products outside its Merchant Program if those products exist on a Shopify store. The company has also partnered with the tech company Firmly to support other e-commerce setups.How much does the Perplexity Merchant Program cost?The Perplexity Merchant Program is free. There are no initial or ongoing costs.Why join Perplexity’s Merchant Program?Joining Perplexity’s Merchant Program offers a few perks.Reach more relevant shoppers with zero feesEven though it’s smaller than other AI platforms, like ChatGPT, Perplexity’s Merchant Program still offers access to more than 22 million users, who use the platform that is similar to a search engine or news feed.For e-commerce stores with a target market of high-income college graduates, it’s a worthwhile place to appear since 80% and 65% of its users are college graduates and high-income earners, respectively.Remove checkout friction for higher conversion ratesEach year, U.S. businesses lose an estimated $260 billion from abandoned shopping carts. Perplexity pushes back on this behavior with an agent-driven shopping experience (for Pro users) that removes friction points, like:Completing multiple checkout stages.Entering shipping and billing addresses.Adding payment information.Navigating shipping costs and taxes.Build AI-powered shopping experiences on siteWith free access to Perplexity’s API, you can build AI-powered shopping experiences on your own site to do things like help users find the suitable plan or product size for their unique needs.This kind of setup can:Streamline research times for bigger purchases.Help users find the appropriate product fit faster.Increase purchase confidence.Provide insight into how users are searching.Improve audience insights with AI search dataBesides providing businesses with a new marketplace, Perplexity is also offering valuable audience insights through its AI search data. You’ll have access to a custom dashboard for seeing:Search trendsShopping trendsLinks from Perplexity to your website also include UTM parameters, so you can see:Which product listings generate traffic.How users interact with those listings on your site.Whether users convert, exit, or visit other site pages.You can use this data to make strategic marketing decisions, like:Improving a product listing’s design, offer, or copy.Creating personalized offers for Perplexity traffic, like free shipping.Building remarketing campaigns for different product groups.How to generate an ROI from the Perplexity Merchant ProgramGet a better return on investment (ROI) from the Perplexity Merchant Program by:Making product profiles complete, like providing dimensions to price ranges.Using high-quality product images, including lifestyle photos and studio shots.Getting specific with product details, like highlighting use cases, who it’s suitable for, and more.Including relevant phrases and keywords, like ‘headphones for running’ or ‘suitable for kids under 5.’Increasing product reviews, like through email drip campaigns, offer codes, or packaging inserts.These optimizations align with other merchant programs, like:Google Merchant CenterAmazon Seller CentralMicrosoft Merchant CenterHow does Perplexity’s Merchant Program compare to Google Merchant Center?When it comes to Perplexity’s Merchant Program versus Google’s Merchant Center, there are noticeable differences (in part because of age and how these platforms approach search): WebFX This story was produced by WebFX and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	High Wind Warning until FRI 3:00 PM CDT High Winds Persisting Until 3 PM CDT with Potential for Power Outages
	Davenport man sentenced to federal prison for gun charges A Davenport man was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. According to public court documents, Cedrick Willingham, 39, fled from officers in Bettendorf after an attempted traffic stop. During an August 2024 search of Willingham’s home, officers found a firearm, drum magazine and rounds of ammunition. Willingham [...]
	‘Do what we can’: Senate committee passes bill regulating loud commercials on streaming A Senate bill regulating the volume of commercials on streaming services so they can’t be noticeably louder than entertainment content passed the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee on Thursday.
	America’s most popular athletes by state, according to fantasy sports data America’s most popular athletes by state, according to fantasy sports dataOver the last year, millions of picks from people across America told the story of the most popular athletes in every state.Across the country, users backed MVPs, breakout stars, and hometown heroes in significant numbers on sports picks app PrizePicks.Based on that data, PrizePicks has created this state-by-state look at the most popular athletes in America across the NBA, NFL, and MLB.In the NBA, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t just take over the MVP title — he took over the country as the most popular NBA player. In the NFL, Christian McCaffrey emerged as America’s favorite football pick in over half of the country, while regional loyalty ran strong elsewhere.And in MLB? The dual-position three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani stood in a league of his own, topping the charts in every state where PrizePicks operates.Here are the most popular athletes in every state between February 2025 and 2026, according to PrizePicks data.Most Popular NBA Basketball Players in Every State PrizePicks Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning MVP of the NBA, and he’s the MVP for PrizePicks users, too.Over the last year, SGA was the most popular pick in 31 of 36 states, plus Washington, D.C.The only other players who were the most popular NBA picks in a state were Luka Doncic (California, New York), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota, North Dakota), and Nikola Jokic (Colorado) — all of whom were the most popular in their home states.Of course, it doesn’t hurt that SGA played a full season, including seven games in the NBA Finals to take the title.Here’s the full list of the most popular NBA players in every state covered by PrizePicks data.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming Luka Doncic — California, New York Nikola Jokic — Colorado Anthony Edwards – Minnesota, North DakotaThese five players dominated across every state, though three other players cracked the top three most popular NBA players, usually in states where they play.Chet Holmgren was No. 2 in the Thunder home state of Oklahoma, Giannis Antetokounmpo was No. 3 in Wisconsin, and Jaylen Brown ranked No. 3 in Maine and New Hampshire.The Most Popular NFL Football Players in Every State PrizePicks There was a clear leader for the most popular NFL player across the country, according to overall NFL picks: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. CMC was the most popular NFL pick on PrizePicks in 19 of 35 states (New York excluded).However, the results were more spread out across states than in the NBA, with some regional biases. Drake Maye led in five New England states, while Josh Allen was the top pick in several southern states, plus his alma mater state of Wyoming.Here’s the full list of the most popular NFL players in every state where daily fantasy sports (DFS) is available, according to PrizePicks data.Christian McCaffrey — Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia Drake Maye — Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont Josh Allen — Alabama, Washington, D.C., Georgia, Kentucky, West Virginia, Wyoming Patrick Mahomes — Kansas, Missouri Bo Nix — Colorado Jalen Hurts — Delaware Caleb Williams — Illinois Jordan Love — WisconsinIn addition to popular players by region, the data also shows that states lean on their hometown NFL athletes more than in the NBA.Patrick Mahomes was the most popular NFL pick in Kansas and Missouri, with Kansas City straddling the border. Just as it did with Jokic in the NBA, Colorado also showed affinity for its hometown team by selecting Bo Nix more than any other NFL player. What really stands out about McCaffrey as America’s most popular NFL pick is that CMC is the only running back on this list; all other players are quarterbacks.That’s likely a product of the vast selections McCaffrey has on the board for every game as a threat in the rushing and receiving games. McCaffrey’s 102 receptions were sixth-most in the NFL this year, and most among running backss — next was Bijan Robinson (79), who was the third most popular pick in Georgia, the only state where he ranked in the top three picks.The same could be said for Allen and Maye; Allen led all quarterbacks in rushing in the 2025 regular season with 579 yards, while Maye was fourth with 450.During his breakout season on his way to winning the AFC, Maye dominated the Northeast. The MVP candidate accounted for 3.5% of all NFL handle — the entry fees for predictions — in Massachusetts. That was the most of any player in any state, and almost double the second-ranked player, McCaffrey.Shohei Ohtani: The Most Popular MLB Player Across the U.S. PrizePicks Of all three sports, no one was more popular in their league than Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani was across MLB picks. Ohtani was the most picked player in every state by total picks and entry fees.Ohtani had many factors working in his favor to earn the title of most popular MLB player.First, he made 18 starts as a pitcher, giving users more ways to select Ohtani in their lineups. Second, the Dodgers made a run to the World Series, giving users more games to pick Ohtani in.Lastly, Ohtani ranked second in the MLB in total wins above replacement (WAR) at 9.4, per FanGraphs, on his way to his third-straight MVP award.Ohtani was also the only non-NBA player to crack the top three in total pick volume in any state, ranking third in his home state of California.For the most part, Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was the third most popular MLB player in every state. However, other third-place players were mostly picked by their home or neighboring state, including Freddie Freeman (California), Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas), Elly De La Cruz (Kentucky), Cal Raleigh (Oregon), and Christian Yelich (Wisconsin).MethodologyPrizePicks pulled data from user picks across the three most popular sports (NBA, NFL, MLB) in every eligible state over the last year (Feb. 24, 2025 to Feb. 24, 2026).This data measured total picks on each player in the app, as well as total entry fees backing those players. Data is based on the state where entries were placed.PrizePicks Player Picks is available in 36 states and Washington, D.C. Additionally, New York has a small data set, as it just became eligible for Player Picks in February 2026. Some states are excluded in this data due to eligibility restrictions.The most popular NBA players are also the most popular athletes overall, both in total picks and entry fees. This is because the NBA has consistently been the most popular sport in overall picks for PrizePicks users, partly due to its 82-game regular season and extended postseason.This story was produced by PrizePicks and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	'Scarpetta' is a captivating murder mystery — and a high-wire balancing act Based on a series of novels by best-selling author Patricia Cornwell, Scarpetta follows two different mysteries from two different timelines. It's structurally complicated — but it all holds up.
	H-1B lottery history and data: Selection rates 2008-2026 H-1B lottery history and data: Selection rates 2008-2026Every year, thousands of skilled workers compete for a chance to work in the United States. This is the H-1B lottery.By law, the government can only approve 85,000 new H-1B visas each year: 65,000 for general workers and 20,000 for those with advanced degrees from a U.S. institution. The lottery was created to parcel out these limited slots. But the demand and the rules have shifted since its inception.Data on H-1B visas goes by fiscal year. The government’s fiscal year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. So for example, fiscal year 2011 began Oct. 1, 2010 and ended Sept. 30, 2011.In this article, Manifest Law provides an overview of the history and evolution of the H-1B lottery.Key takeawaysH-1B lottery selection odds have fallen over time—from nearly 100% in early years to about 35% recently.The lottery occurs when registrations exceed the annual cap of 85,000 visas.Electronic registration, introduced in 2021, significantly increased the number of entries.Starting with the FY 2027 season, the lottery will prioritize workers offered higher salaries.The H-1B first lotteryThe H-1B program began with the Immigration Act of 1990. For many years, there were enough visas for everyone who applied. If you had a job offer and the right skills, you got the visa.That changed in April 2007. For the first time, the government received more applications than the law allowed. Employers sent in about 150,000 applications for the 85,000 available spots.The rise in demand led U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to create a new regulation to use a random lottery to decide who got a spot. What was once a sure thing became a coin flip—the selection rate that year was 57%. This marked the beginning of the H-1B lottery.The H-1B lottery during the recession yearsAlmost as soon as it was created, the need for a lottery effectively disappeared. The world economy crashed in 2008.Between fiscal years 2010 and 2013, the annual demand for H-1B visas fell below the 85,000 limit. During the years following the Great Recession, the filing window stayed open for months because of a lack of demand. In FY 2011, it took 300 days to reach the cap.This meant the selection rate was effectively 100%. If you were qualified and applied before the limit was reached, you could get an H-1B visa. There was no need for a lottery.H-1B Lottery Selection Rates (FY 2008 to 2020) Manifest Law After H-1B registration went electronicIn 2020, the rules changed. Before this, applying for an H-1B was an analog, paper-based process. To enter the lottery, the employer had to submit the full H-1B petition.This changed with the electronic registration system in FY 2021. Today, to enter the lottery, all employers have to do is pay a fee and submit information online.This lowered the barrier significantly. Within four years, the number of entries jumped from about 269,000 when the system was introduced to a record peak of 758,994 in FY 2024.The government also changed its process. In the table below, you might notice that selected registrations are much higher than the visa limit of 85,000.The government over-selects lottery winners because it expects that some people won’t finish the paperwork or will be denied. It picks enough winners to make sure all 85,000 spots are filled with successful petitions. Manifest Law Recent reformsBy FY 2024, the selection rate hit an all-time low of 25%. Because digital entry was so accessible, some people had multiple companies submit their names. To address this, the government introduced beneficiary-centric selection in FY 2025.Under these rules, each worker enters the lottery just once, no matter how many companies sponsor you. This reduced the number of beneficiaries with multiple registrations, and may have helped push the selection rate back up.The lottery is changing further for FY 2027 by introducing a wage-weighted system. Instead of a random drawing, the system will prioritize workers with the highest salaries.Navigating the changing rulesThe history of the H-1B lottery often reflects how America views outside talent. The long filing windows of the early 2010s reflected the struggles of the economy, while the electronic registration system and the subsequent beneficiary-centric selection rules show how the government can open the door, then close it to foreign workers, depending on the priorities of the time.Frequently asked questionsWhat’s the difference between the two tables for H-1B registration?Before FY 2021, a lottery entry was a full paper petition. After FY 2021, entering the lottery became much easier and cheaper. Because of that, the number of entries skyrocketed.Where does the limit of 85,000 H-1B visas come from?Congress set a hard limit of 85,000 H-1B visas in a law that took effect in 1996. The government can invite more people to apply through the lottery, but it’s legally forbidden from approving more than 85,000 new visas per year.What triggers the H-1B lottery?In the pre-registration era, by regulation, the government had to accept applications for at least the first five business days of April. If, during those five days, the government receives more than 85,000 applications, they stop accepting applications and run the lottery. (This regulation is still on the books, but has been superseded by electronic registration.)If it receives fewer than 85,000 applications, there’s no lottery. The application window stays open, and visas are awarded on a first-come first-served basis until every spot is gone. This is what happened from FY 2010 to FY 2013.Starting in FY 2021, under the electronic registration system, the government keeps the registration period open for at least 14 calendar days. There have been more than 85,000 registrations each year since.This story was produced by Manifest Law and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Silvis man sentenced to five years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon A 45-year-old Silvis man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
	'Derry Girls' creator returns with a gleeful riff on the murder mystery In the hilarious Netflix series How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, three women learn that a long estranged school friend has died in a suspicious manner — and take it upon themselves to investigate.
	Davenport man arrested; accused in sexual abuse of 13 year old A Davenport man is being held in the Scott County Jail on a secured $200,000 bond after police say gave a 13-year-old girl marijuana before they engaged in sex acts. Criminal complaints filed in the case say Davenport Police received a report on February 3 about a juvenile female sending and receiving inappropriate images/videos. The [...]
	Americans' average debt keeps rising, but pace of growth has slowed, according to Intuit Credit Karma data Americans' average debt keeps rising, but pace of growth has slowed, according to Intuit Credit Karma dataIn the fourth quarter of 2025, Americans’ average total overall debt increased to $58,712 from $55,879 in the fourth quarter of 2024, a 5% year-over-year gain, according to an analysis of 99.5 million Intuit Credit Karma members with a combined overall debt of more than $9.9 trillion.That’s almost the same as 2024’s year-over-year average debt gains (4.9%). However, in the last quarter of 2025, quarter-over-quarter average debt growth decelerated to just 0.53%. Data in the spring will reveal whether this is just a blip or a stronger signal of changing winds.For this report, overall debt is defined as any type of debt noted on a Credit Karma member’s credit report. This includes credit card, mortgage, student loan, medical loan, auto lease and auto loan debt. Intuit Credit Karma Gen Z continues to see the fastest-growing average debtGeneration Z still leads the way in debt growth among generations, with the highest YoY increase in average overall debt in Q4 2025 (15.29%). That’s almost double the debt growth of millennials (8.36%), which had the second-fastest growing debt average. Gen Z’s trajectory is even more eye-popping when their average debt in Q4 2023 ($19,441) is compared to that of Q4 2025 ($25,062): an increase of 28.91%.Gen Z led all generations in year-over-year growth of average debt (Q4 2024 vs. Q4 2025) across all debt categories, but had the most significant gains in:Education: 13.55%Mortgage: 7.12%Credit cards: 5.79%Gen Z debt growth saw its biggest quarter-over-quarter jump in the Q3 of 2025 — then in the last quarter had its lowest quarter-over-quarter gain (2.87%) in at least a couple years.Average student loan debt continued to rise, but the pace temperedStudent loan debt grew 7.59%, the most of all debt categories year over year (Q4 2025 versus Q4 2024), driven largely by Gen Z and millennials (13.55% and 9.06%, respectively) — though Baby Boomers still held the highest average student loan debt in Q4 2025 ($48,965).Notably, after a 3.39% quarter-over-quarter increase in Q1 2025, student loan debt overall slowed, with quarter-over-quarter increases the rest of the year averaging just 1.34%.Decline in average inquiries and a rise in average open collections signal financial stress for younger generationsPressures from debt growth and general economic uncertainty are likely causing Credit Karma members to pump the brakes when it comes to taking on more debt. In the last quarter of 2024, average inquiries across generations was 3.14. In the last quarter of 2025, the average dipped to 2.95.This hesitance to apply for news credit like cards and loans may be due to increased financial hardship, particularly among younger members. Gen Z and millennials saw the biggest year-over-year drops in average credit inquiries in Q4 — along with some of the bigger increases in average open collections: Intuit Credit Karma Gen Z’s YoY average debt growth was 15.29%, the highest of all generations.Still, Generation X continues to hold the highest average amount of debt — nearly three times that of Gen Z at $70,710 in the last quarter of 2025.Average debt by credit score band Intuit Credit Karma The highest credit score bands may have seen greater YoY growth in average debt because people with higher credit scores have greater access to credit on better terms. But in the last quarter of 2025 near prime members had the greatest increase in average debt year over year (8.08%).Average credit card debtIn the last quarter of 2025, approximately 94.3 million Credit Karma members with at least one credit card held a total of approximately $589 billion in credit card debt, an increase of about 9.7% year over year.Among generations, year-over-year gains in average credit card debt were most striking for the youngest generations (Gen Z at 5.79%, followed by millennials at 2.64%). In contrast, the oldest generations showed relatively flat or decreases in YoY average card debt.Average credit card debt by generation Intuit Credit Karma Gen X continued to have the highest average credit card debt ($10,354 in the last quarter of 2025).Average credit card debt by credit score band Intuit Credit Karma Average card debt grew the most year over year among members in the prime score band, while subprime members were the only group with a decrease.Near prime members continued to have the highest average card balances in Q4 2025.Average auto loan debtIn the last quarter of 2025, approximately 66.9 million Credit Karma members with at least one auto loan open held more than $1.17 trillion in loan debt. The average next payment was $673.The average auto loan balance among members in Q4 was $25,806 — a modest 1.63% increase year over year.Average auto loan debt by generation Intuit Credit Karma Average auto loan debt by credit score band Intuit Credit Karma Average mortgage debtFrom October through December 2025, approximately 36.7 million Credit Karma members with at least one mortgage held a total of more than $7.4 trillion in mortgage debt. The average next payment was $2,185.The average mortgage balance among members was up slightly year over year in Q4 at $272,382, a 3.57% increase from $262,997.Average mortgage debt by generation Intuit Credit Karma In a continuing trend from last year, millennials and Gen Z led the way in average mortgage debt gains year over year.Average mortgage debt by credit score bandAverage mortgage debt increased the most year over year among members in the lowest credit score band. Intuit Credit Karma Average student loan debtIn the last quarter of 2025, approximately 32.4 million Credit Karma members with at least one student loan open held a total of more than $801 billion across 84.5 million student loans.The average next payment was $123. The average student loan balance among members in the last quarter of 2025 was $34,072 — up 7.59% compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, when average student loan debt was $31,667. This marks the largest YoY increase in average debt across the debt categories, driven in large part by Gen Z (up 13.55% YoY).Average student loan debt by generation Intuit Credit Karma Average student loan debt by credit score band Intuit Credit Karma Average credit scores among those with debtThe average VantageScore 3.0 credit score for Credit Karma members with debt dropped year over year, from 676 in the last quarter of 2024 to 673 in the last quarter of 2025.While Baby Boomers and the Silent generation had minor dips year over year, the decline in average credit scores for the youngest generations was more significant — with Gen Z dropping eight points to 651, and millennials dropping four points to 665 in Q4 2025.Average VantageScore 3.0 score among those with debt by generation Intuit Credit Karma Accounts in collectionsFor this report, accounts in collections are any credit card, mortgage, student loan, medical loan, auto lease or auto loan accounts that have been sent to collections agencies, according to their credit reports. Creditors may have different standards for when they transfer debt to collections, but the typical cutoff is 120 to 150 days past due. For this report, Credit Karma is able to determine if an account is in collections but not how many days past due it is.Among Credit Karma members with accounts in collections, the average number of open accounts (among those with collections on their credit reports) in the last quarter of 2025 was 2.5 — a slight lift year over year from 2.4 in the fourth quarter of 2024.Keep in mind that this measure only looks at members who have open accounts in collections, not the Credit Karma member population as a whole. That means that it only captures people who are already potentially struggling with their finances.Average number of accounts in collections by generation Intuit Credit Karma Average number of accounts in collections by VantageScore 3.0 credit score band Intuit Credit Karma For this report, credit inquiries are applications for new credit, such as credit cards or loans.In Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2025, inquiries fell across all generations and scorebands (except for super prime, which had no change) — continuing a year-plus downward trend. This likely reflects a pullback on credit applications given signs of increasing stress, including rising debt and an uptick in collections along with persistent macroeconomic uncertainties (tariffs and interest rates, for example).Subprime and near prime members had the biggest decreases in inquiries among score bands in 2025. Intuit Credit Karma Intuit Credit Karma MethodologyThis report drew on insights from the aggregated reports of roughly 99.5 million Credit Karma users. All aggregate data analyzed was pulled on Jan. 5, 2026, and came from members’ TransUnion credit reports. Averages were based on information from the previous 90 days.This story was produced by Intuit Credit Karma and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Rock Island seeks public comment on railroad crossings improvements The City of Rock Island is seeking public comment on improvement ideas as part of the Citywide Rail Corridor Safety Study.
	Safer Foundation celebrates 50 years of empowering second chances in the Quad-Cities Since 1976, the organization has worked to eliminate barriers to successful reentry for individuals with arrest and conviction records.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for March 13, 2026 This weekend, spring is in bloom at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island, and residents in Davenport should stay away from Goose Creek after a sewer overflowed.
	High Wind Warning until FRI 3:00 PM CDT High Winds Persist Until 3 PM CDT with Potential Power Outages
	The cost of raising a kid now tops $44,000 a year in one state Cost of raising a child in each US state in 2025In 2025, the average annual cost of raising a child under five in the United States reached $27,743. These costs — which cover additional housing, food, transportation, healthcare, miscellaneous items and childcare for a working couple — rose 4.5% between 2024 and 2025, slightly outpacing the 2.82% inflation rate during the same timeframe. But costs vary by up to tens of thousands of dollars in either direction depending on the state a family calls home, and some states saw large swings in the cost of raising a child over just one year.With this in mind, SmartAsset ranked 50 states based on the estimated additional annual income needed by two working adults to support a child under five years old.The cost of raising a child in Massachusetts now tops $44,000 per year. Two working parents in the Bay State should aim to earn at least $124,842 between them to support themselves and a preschooler, versus $80,621 for just themselves. In just one year, the cost of raising a child increased 5.72% from $41,828 to $44,221.Vermont and New Jersey join the top 10 most expensive states to raise a child. Vermont ranked third most expensive for raising a child this year, up from 11th just a year prior. The estimated annual cost jumped from $30,542 to $38,272, the highest increase nationwide. Meanwhile, New Jersey jumped from 13th last year to fifth this year, with an increase from $30,184 to $35,069.The cost to raise a child remains below $20,000 per year in one state. Mississippi remains the most affordable state to raise a child, despite a 10% increase in costs year over year. The estimate now sits at $19,178 per year. Alabama ($20,550); Kentucky ($20,758); South Dakota ($21,174); and Georgia ($21,299) are also among the least expensive states for raising a child.This year, it became more affordable to raise a child in 10 states. Despite double-digit percentage increases in other states, parents saw lower costs in 20% of the U.S. Costs in Hawai‘i declined the most, dropping $8,116 year over year. Costs also dropped in Delaware (-$4,792); Iowa ($-3,667); Michigan (-$2,772); Nevada ($-2,480); New York (-$1,551); Georgia (-$1,407); North Carolina (-$570); Alabama (-$51); and Arizona (-$35). SmartAsset Cost of Raising a Child by StateStates are ranked based on the estimated cost of raising a young child for two working parents in 2025.MassachusettsAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $44,221Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $41,828One-year change: 5.72%ConnecticutAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $41,808Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $38,995One-year change: 7.21%VermontAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $38,272Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $30,542One-year change: 25.31%CaliforniaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $35,651Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $33,441One-year change: 6.61%New JerseyAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $35,069Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $30,184One-year change: 16.18%WashingtonAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $35,027Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $30,671One-year change: 14.20%ColoradoAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $34,986Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $34,616One-year change: 1.07%Hawai‘iAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $33,363Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $41,479One-year change: -19.57%New YorkAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $33,280Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $34,831One-year change: -4.45%MinnesotaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $33,197Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $31,789One-year change: 4.43%OregonAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $33,114Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $30,954One-year change: 6.98%AlaskaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $32,947Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $29,538One-year change: 11.54%New HampshireAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $32,739Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $30,721One-year change: 6.57%Rhode IslandAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $32,614Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $31,187One-year change: 4.58%PennsylvaniaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $31,741Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $27,859One-year change: 13.93%MarylandAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $31,283Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $27,802One-year change: 12.52%MontanaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $28,954Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $23,514One-year change: 23.13%MaineAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $28,912Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $28,207One-year change: 2.50%VirginiaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $28,330Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $27,293One-year change: 3.80%WisconsinAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $27,955Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $27,426One-year change: 1.93%IndianaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $27,914Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $23,837One-year change: 17.10%OhioAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $27,706Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $25,454One-year change: 8.85%IllinoisAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $27,206Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $26,962One-year change: 0.91%NevadaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $27,123Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $29,603One-year change: -8.38%UtahAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $26,957Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $23,667One-year change: 13.90%ArizonaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $26,624Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $26,659One-year change: -0.13%MissouriAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $26,042Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $22,409One-year change: 16.21%NebraskaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $25,709Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $25,369One-year change: 1.34%New MexicoAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $25,210Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $22,452One-year change: 12.28%OklahomaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $25,210Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $21,567One-year change: 16.89%North DakotaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $24,752Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $23,297One-year change: 6.25%DelawareAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $24,544Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $29,336One-year change: -16.33%IdahoAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $24,378Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $23,609One-year change: 3.26%FloridaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $24,045Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $22,986One-year change: 4.61%North CarolinaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $23,587Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $24,157One-year change: -2.36%MichiganAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $23,587Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $26,359One-year change: -10.52%South CarolinaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $23,296Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $22,129One-year change: 5.27%WyomingAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $22,755Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $22,022One-year change: 3.33%TexasAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $22,672Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $22,194One-year change: 2.15%West VirginiaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $22,422Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $21,807One-year change: 2.82%IowaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $22,173Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $25,840One-year change: -14.19%ArkansasAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $21,840Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $19,212One-year change: 13.68%LouisianaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $21,798Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $19,483One-year change: 11.88%KansasAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $21,757Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $21,480One-year change: 1.29%TennesseeAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $21,424Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $20,755One-year change: 3.22%GeorgiaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $21,299Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $22,706One-year change: -6.20%South DakotaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $21,174Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $20,143One-year change: 5.12%KentuckyAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $20,758Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $20,423One-year change: 1.64%AlabamaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $20,550Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $20,601One-year change: -0.25%MississippiAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $19,178Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $17,444One-year change: 9.94%Data and MethodologySmartAsset used MIT Living Wage Calculator data to compare the living costs of a household with two working adults and one child to that of a childless household with two working adults in 50 U.S. states. The data is as of February 2025 and compares to data from February 2024. Costs include additions for food, housing, childcare, healthcare, transportation and other necessities.This story was produced by SmartAsset and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Hammond-Henry's SPARK program helps healthcare professionals graduate without debt Hammond-Henry Hospital has a new educational support initiative that helps future healthcare professionals graduate without student debt while securing guaranteed employment. SPARK (Supporting Professionals through Accountability, Resources, and Knowledge) offers qualified students full tuition assistance, paid clinical hours and a four-year employment commitment with the hospital upon graduation. The program was created to both strengthen [...]
	The hidden infrastructure behind every prescription drug in 2026 The hidden infrastructure behind every prescription drug in 2026A customer steps up to the counter at a neighborhood pharmacy. An insurance card is scanned. A pharmacist asks if there are any questions. A small paper bag with the medication inside slides across the counter.What most of us don’t see is the vast system that made that moment possible.Before a prescription drug reaches a shelf in your town, it has passed through research laboratories, clinical trial sites, regulatory review teams, highly controlled manufacturing facilities, and global supply chains. It has generated mountains of data and documentation. It has been inspected, tested, and tracked.The bottle may be small. The infrastructure behind it is not. Kivo, a document management platform that helps life sciences teams collaborate efficiently, looks at the typical journey of prescription medication.Most Drugs Fail in the LabThe journey typically begins years earlier in a research lab. Scientists screen thousands of chemical or biological compounds, looking for one that shows promise against a disease.Most never make it far.As a report from the Congressional Budget Office explains, drug development often takes more than a decade from early discovery through approval. And only a small fraction of experimental drugs that enter clinical testing ever reach patients.After laboratory and animal testing, companies must apply to begin human trials. Clinical trials unfold in phases:Phase I tests safety in a small group of volunteers.Phase II looks at effectiveness and side effects in patients.Phase III expands testing to hundreds or thousands of participants to confirm results and monitor safety.At each stage, researchers collect detailed data on dosing, side effects, interactions, and outcomes. Independent review boards oversee patient protections. Data monitoring committees evaluate safety signals.By the time a drug finishes late-stage trials, it has generated years of evidence about how it behaves in the human body.Even then, approval is not guaranteed.Navigating Government OversightIn the United States, every prescription drug must be reviewed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before it can be sold.The application process is intentionally exhaustive in order to help protect patients. Drugmakers submit detailed evidence showing that the medication is safe and effective for its intended use. But the review goes far beyond whether the drug works.Regulators also examine:How the drug is manufactured.Where ingredients come from.How quality is tested.How the product will be labeled.What warnings and usage instructions will appear.Applications can run to hundreds of thousands of pages, including clinical data, statistical analyses, manufacturing details, and quality control procedures.Across the Atlantic, the European Medicines Agency performs a similar role for the European Union, coordinating scientific evaluation across member states.Approval is not simply a yes-or-no decision about a molecule. It is a judgment about whether an entire development system meets strict safety and quality standards.Pharmaceutical ManufacturingIf approval is granted, manufacturing begins at scale. That’s where another layer of invisible infrastructure comes into play.Pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities operate under strict quality standards known as “good manufacturing practice,” or GMP. These standards govern everything from air filtration to employee training.Inside these facilities, conditions are tightly controlled:Rooms may be temperature- and humidity-regulated.Air is filtered to reduce contamination risks.Workers wear protective clothing to prevent particles from entering production areas.Equipment is calibrated and validated regularly.Every batch of medication is tested before release. Tablets are checked for correct dosage and uniformity. Liquids are analyzed for purity and stability. Packaging is verified for accuracy.If something falls outside approved specifications — even a slight variation in weight, a deviation in environmental conditions, or a documentation error — a batch can be rejected.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration conducts routine inspections of manufacturing facilities in the United States and abroad. Inspectors review records, examine equipment, and assess whether companies are following required procedures.The goal is consistency. A patient in one state should receive the same quality and dosage as a patient in another.The Global Journey to Your PharmacyMany prescription drugs do not come from a single location.Active pharmaceutical ingredients, often called APIs, may be manufactured in one country. Those ingredients might then be shipped elsewhere to be formulated into tablets, capsules, or injectable products. Packaging and labeling could occur at yet another facility.The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has noted that a significant share of active pharmaceutical ingredients used in U.S. medicines are manufactured overseas, reflecting the global nature of modern supply chains.This international coordination can improve efficiency and specialization. It can also introduce complexity.During the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions to transportation and manufacturing contributed to shortages of certain medications and medical supplies. The experience highlighted how interconnected the system has become.Today, drugmakers and regulators rely on tracking systems that assign unique codes to products. These systems help verify authenticity and prevent counterfeit medications from entering the supply chain. In the United States, federal law requires many prescription drugs to carry serialization information to improve traceability.By the time a prescription reaches a local pharmacy, it may have crossed multiple borders, passed through distribution centers, and been scanned and verified at several checkpoints.A common misconception is that once a drug is approved, oversight stops.In reality, monitoring continues for as long as the drug remains on the market.Health care providers and patients can report side effects to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration through systems such as MedWatch. Manufacturers are required to track and report adverse events. Regulators review this information for emerging safety signals.If new risks are identified, agencies can require updated warnings, restrict usage, or in rare cases, withdraw a drug from the market.Manufacturing facilities also continue to face inspections. The FDA conducts both routine and “for cause” inspections to verify compliance with safety and quality standards.Recalls, when they occur, are another example of the system at work. Companies may voluntarily recall a product if testing reveals a quality issue, such as incorrect labeling or potential contamination. Regulators oversee the process to ensure affected products are removed from distribution.While recalls can be concerning, they also reflect the existence of surveillance systems designed to catch problems.In 2026, much of this infrastructure relies on digital systems.Manufacturers maintain electronic records of production steps, quality tests, and distribution data. Audit trails track who entered or modified information. Automated systems can flag deviations in real time.Regulators increasingly emphasize data integrity, ensuring that records are accurate, complete, and protected from unauthorized changes.Digital tracking also plays a role in fighting counterfeit drugs. Under U.S. law, prescription medications moving through the supply chain must be traceable at the package level. This makes it easier to verify authenticity and isolate products if a problem arises.For patients, these systems are largely invisible. But they support the reliability many people take for granted.When a pharmacist scans a barcode, that code connects to layers of information about origin, batch, and distribution history.The Ordinary Moment, RevisitedBack at the pharmacy counter, the exchange feels routine. A label with your name. Instructions for use. A pharmacist offering guidance.Behind that ordinary moment are:Years of scientific research.Large-scale clinical trials.Regulatory evaluation.Controlled manufacturing environments.International logistics networks.Ongoing safety monitoring.The infrastructure behind every prescription drug is rarely visible to the people who depend on it.It is designed that way. Patients experience the final step: a bottle in hand, ready to use.What they don’t see is the coordinated effort across laboratories, government agencies, factories, and supply chains that made that bottle possible.In 2026, as medicine grows more advanced and more global, that hidden system continues to operate quietly in the background: complex, data-driven, and constantly under review.The pill may be small. The system behind it spans the world.This story was produced by Kivo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Illinois hunters harvest 627 bobcats The 2025-2026 Illinois bobcat season concluded Feb. 15 with 627 bobcats harvested by hunters and trappers, a news release says. A total of 405 (62%) bobcats were taken by hunting, while trapping accounted for 222 (34%) of the harvest. Twenty-seven (4%) were salvaged by permit holders from circumstances such as roadkill. The Illinois Department of [...]
	How many Friday the 13ths are in 2026? It’s not even two-and-a-half months into 2026, and we’re already on our second Friday the 13th.
	How to plan a successful company retreat How to plan a successful company retreatA well-crafted company retreat agenda means every moment—whether it’s a high-level strategy session, an informal idea session over lunch or a team building adventure—contributes to the bigger purpose of your retreat. Without one, you risk an expensive trip with little ROI. Too much structure and you’ll burn people out. Too little and you’ll miss the opportunity to create real impact.A good agenda strikes the perfect balance between productivity and space to breathe, while allowing for the connection teams crave. It keeps discussions focused, sparks creativity and ensures team members carry breakthroughs forward into daily life.This guide by Villa Punto De Vista breaks down everything you need to know to plan a successful retreat agenda.The Pitfalls of One-Size-Fits-All RetreatsAn immaculately planned retreat agenda can inspire confidence on paper, yet disappoint profoundly in practice. A primary culprit? The pervasive reliance on generic agenda templates. You’ve likely encountered them—boring icebreakers, a couple of lengthy strategy sessions, a mandatory team-building exercise and perhaps a fleeting wellness workshop.This “one-size-fits-all” approach is fundamentally flawed and virtually guaranteed to undermine your retreat’s success for several critical reasons:Absence of defined objectives: Generic agendas frequently bypass the crucial step of establishing clear, well-crafted objectives. Without shared, measurable goals, every activity risks becoming disconnected and purposeless, failing to build cohesive progress.Outdated activities: A common pitfall is the inclusion of traditional, often stale retreat activities. Without thoughtful consideration for their relevance to your specific objectives, these exercises become ineffective time fillers, missing vital opportunities for genuine engagement.Exclusion of employee insight: Imposing a generic agenda without involving the participating team members inevitably leads to disengagement. When employees aren’t integral to the planning process, activities feel dictated rather than designed for their benefit, fostering apathy instead of enthusiasm.Poor time allocation: Generic schedules often fail to allocate sufficient time for meaningful engagement or, conversely, over-extend less impactful sessions. Crucially, they rarely account for the spontaneity essential for sparking breakthroughs and fostering authentic interaction.Prioritizing ‘what’ over ‘why’: These templates typically focus only on what to include, not on why each element is necessary. This oversight can lead to neglecting activities that genuinely address your team’s unique challenges and developmental needs.Ultimately, every organization possesses distinct challenges, dynamics and aspirations. An agenda that might superficially suit one company is almost certainly ill-suited for another.Start With a Purpose: Why Are You Hosting a Company Retreat?Before diving into wine tastings, waterfall horseback rides, or sunset catamaran cruises, start with the why. A company retreat without a clear purpose is just an expensive trip. The best retreats have a defined goal that shapes the agenda, ensuring every session, activity, and conversation adds value to your company’s greater mission and goals.Is your retreat about:Strengthening team dynamics for a newly formed group?Celebrating milestones and rewarding a year of hard work?Developing leadership through structured, high-impact sessions?Giving a remote team much-needed in-person connection time?When everyone understands the reason they’re there, the retreat takes on a different energy. Discussions feel more focused, sessions have meaning, and the experience becomes more than just a getaway—it becomes a strategic investment in your team’s growth.Choose the Perfect LocationYour retreat location is actually a catalyst for your agenda. You could book a conference center in the city, gather your team in a windowless room and power through slide decks under fluorescent lights. Or, you could transport them to places that shift their perspective, where the very air inspires fresh thinking. The second option is usually more impactful.When choosing a location for your retreat, consider the following:Retreat objective: A wellness-focused retreat may call for a secluded, nature-driven setting, while a leadership summit might thrive in a high-end private resort with executive-level amenities.Meeting spaces: Look for venues with flexible indoor and outdoor areas that encourage both structured discussions and informal brainstorming.Environment: Natural light, expansive views and access to verdant outdoor breakout areas can enhance productivity and engagement.Balance: The best retreats balance deep work sessions with activities that foster connection—think sunset catamaran sails, rainforest hikes or private chef dinners.Accessibility: A breathtaking destination loses its charm if the journey is demanding. Factor in flights, transfers and overall ease of travel.Team-building opportunities: On-site experiences like cooking classes, surf lessons or guided mindfulness sessions can enhance the retreat’s impact.Logistics: On-site event coordinators, meal planning and tech-ready meeting rooms help ensure everything runs smoothly.Choosing the right retreat location isn’t just about aesthetics—it directly impacts engagement, creativity and the overall experience. A well-chosen setting reinforces your purpose and seamlessly shapes the energy of every session, making retreat planning easier.Balance Work and PlayA retreat should be a time for both work and play. You do not want to organize a retreat that is simply a marathon of presentations. On the other extreme, a retreat shouldn’t be an all-expenses-paid escape with no purpose either. Striking a balance between meaningful work and enjoyment is necessary.Here are a few approaches to integrating both elements effectively:Block scheduling with dedicated segments: This approach separates work-focused from play-focused blocks throughout a retreat. It could involve scheduling intensive work sessions for mornings when energy levels are typically high. As the afternoon rolls around, attendees can shift to more relaxed activities.Alternating work and play: If your goal is to keep energy levels up consistently, consider weaving shorter work and play sessions throughout the day. You can start the morning with a work-focused session, then move to a short play-focused activity. After energizing the team, continue with another work session before a more extended break. Repeat this pattern in the afternoon and evening sessions.Work-integrated play: Rather than strictly separating work and play, blend elements of both into single sessions. For example, teams might engage in a scavenger hunt where clues at each stop relate directly to real company goals or challenges.Sandwich structure: This method involves beginning and ending each day with strong play elements, while the middle hours are dedicated to core work objectives.No matter the approach you choose, communication is essential for success. Your best bet is to inform participants of your proposed approach beforehand. This way, they know what to expect and can be present in each segment.Allow for Flexibility and SpontaneityStructure is great for retreats, but there is nothing wrong with a bit of spontaneity. Sometimes, the magic happens organically. So, it’s good practice to allow for some flexibility.Have a plan, but be open to making adjustments if necessary. For instance, if a discussion is taking longer than anticipated and participants are generating great ideas, you may need to extend this session. Doing this may mean trimming a less critical activity scheduled for a later time.Communicate Retreat Details ClearlyWhen orchestrating a company retreat, transparent communication is paramount—it is always better to overcommunicate than to leave participants in the dark.Providing a clear understanding of the retreat agenda and its overarching objectives well in advance empowers attendees. When they know the goals, they can arrive prepared, mentally align with the retreat’s purpose and fully engage with the essence of each activity.This proactive sharing of information cultivates clarity and reduces uncertainty, allowing everyone to maximize their participation and benefit.Crafting a Comprehensive Retreat AgendaSeveral elements make up a successful retreat, from focused work and impactful sessions to team-building activities and essential downtime. When done right, these elements make for productive and rejuvenated experiences for participants. Outlined below are some critical elements to include in your retreat agenda.Strategic SessionsStrategic sessions present opportunities for critical decision-making. During these core blocks in the retreat, teams should review past performances, address challenges, brainstorm new ideas and initiatives and set future goals. Here are some ideas you can explore to make the most of strategic sessions:Interactive and creative workshops: These are excellent alternatives to conventional presentations and monologues. The idea is to get everyone involved and thinking, not just listening. Some examples include collaborative vision-building exercises and roundtable debates.Breakout groups: At the end of each session, break large teams into small groups where everyone can share their thoughts or tackle specific problems. Afterwards, everyone can regroup to share their ideas or key takeaways.Team Building ActivitiesTime away from office desks and bustling workspaces offers an invaluable opportunity for teams to forge deeper bonds and enhance collaboration. In serene environments with breathtaking vistas, participants are naturally drawn into engaging team-building experiences.Activities like collaborative games and challenges, such as charades or scavenger hunts, provide an excellent way for team members to connect, problem-solve and work together in a low-pressure setting. Similarly, outdoor adventures foster significant bonding—teams learn to communicate in new ways, share laughter and build a camaraderie that often proves unattainable within a traditional office environment.Professional DevelopmentIntegrating professional development into a retreat prioritizes the growth of individual employees, with direct and tangible benefits for the entire organization. Retreats offer an ideal setting to foster this growth through various engaging formats.For instance, inviting guest speakers or conducting specialized workshops allows employees to tap into the skills, insights and experiences of inspiring thought leaders. Additionally, dedicated skill-building sessions can train teams in crucial areas such as advanced communication, effective leadership or strategic thinking, directly enhancing their capabilities and collective impact.Social and Relaxation TimeThoughtfully scheduling curated social and relaxation sessions is crucial for allowing teams to bond organically, recharge and reflect. These pockets of time enable participants to explore the unique offerings of your retreat location or simply rejuvenate.For example, group dinners and social events, ranging from themed culinary adventures and unstructured meals to silent discos or outdoor movie nights, foster natural connection and shared experiences. Equally vital are wellness activities. Incorporating elements like yoga, meditation sessions or organized walks and hikes into the agenda helps strike a perfect balance between productivity and personal rejuvenation, ensuring attendees return refreshed and engaged.Time Blocking for Your Corporate Retreat AgendaA successful company retreat schedule balances structured sessions with opportunities for team bonding and free time. If you’re not sure where to begin, here’s a tried-and-true framework to follow that will help you schedule each day with ease:Morning (Focused Strategy and Innovation):8:00 a.m. – Breakfast and networking9:00 a.m. – Productive workshop led by a professional facilitator10:30 a.m. – Break and reflection time11:00 a.m. – Team meetings (different departments collaborate on challenges)Afternoon (Team Building and Physical Activities)12:30 p.m. – Lunch with roundtable discussions1:30 p.m. – Outdoor team bonding activities (ziplining, surfing or horseback riding)3:30 p.m. – Small group organized sessions on key topics5:00 p.m. – Free time (relaxation, beach walks or poolside networking)Evening (Celebration and Connection)7:00 p.m. – Group dinner and wine tastings8:30 p.m. – Retreat venue fireside chats and informal networking10:00 p.m. – Optional activities (spa treatments, night walks or game night)Pro tip: Not everyone wants to be scheduled the entire time—build in flexibility.You’ll want to shift this cadence based on your retreat goal, too, obviously. So, if this is an incentive trip full of celebration, skip the roundtable discussions and add more free time to laze and recharge at the pool. If the goal is to get a new team to work together a bit more seamlessly, skip the inter-department meetings and focus on departmental team building.4 Tips for Making the Most of Your Retreat AgendaThese tips help enhance the structure and flow of your agenda, ensuring a truly productive and memorable experience. Villa Punto De Vista 1. Prioritize Pacing and Time ManagementWhile a well-crafted agenda is essential, how you use the time ultimately determines the retreat’s value. Effective time management is key to optimizing participant energy and productivity:Set realistic time allocation: Focus not just on the clock, but on optimizing participants’ energy and productivity. Build in ample breathing room to allow conversations and activities to unfold naturally.Start and end on time: The schedule must start and end on time, demonstrating respect for participants’ valuable commitments.Have dedicated facilitators: Assign facilitators to manage the clock and keep activities on track, maintaining the retreat’s rhythm.2. Balance Structured Activities With BreaksIt’s tempting to minimize breaks, fearing lost time, yet these pauses are vital for recharging, informal networking and preventing burnout. Achieving the right balance between structured activities and periods of rest is paramount. Consider the following:Frequent short breaks: Slot in short 10-15 minute breaks after extended periods of structured activities. These breaks allow participants to stretch, refresh and mentally prepare for the next activity.Longer recharge breaks: Make provisions for more extended breaks of at least 30 minutes, providing ample time for genuine rest and reflection.Optional downtime: Participants should be allowed to choose whether to engage in optional activities, empowering them to manage their own energy levels.3. Avoid Agenda FatigueAn overly packed agenda that attempts to include every possible activity often leads to disengagement and burnout. The objective should always prioritize quality over quantity, favoring depth over a crammed schedule. The following can help keep your schedule engaging:Incorporate energizers: Get participants moving with fun, physical activities during breaks, reinvigorating their focus.Manage information overload: Provide extensive information as pre-reads or post-read materials, preventing burnout from absorbing large amounts during sessions.Vary activity types: To keep engagement levels high, switch between dynamic presentations, interactive group conversations, team challenges and hands-on workshops.4. Have Backup Plans for Weather or Unforeseen CircumstancesDespite meticulous planning, things may not always unfold as expected.Unexpected weather changes or unforeseen circumstances can arise, making alternative plans indispensable. If rain unexpectedly cancels an outdoor hike, for example, have activity alternatives ready, such as an indoor board game tournament or a creative group challenge.Similarly, prepare for technical alternatives by having spare batteries, chargers, adapters and projectors on hand to circumvent any potential tech difficulties and ensure seamless continuity.Why Private and Unique Venues Make for an Easier Agenda and Retreat Planning Than HotelsCorporate retreats aren’t just about getting people in a room—they’re about creating the right environment for big-picture thinking, meaningful conversations and authentic connection. And where you host the retreat plays a bigger role than you might think.Sure, you could book a hotel or conference center, shuffle between generic meeting rooms and hope for the best. Or, you could host your retreat in a private venue like a villa or resort—where the setting works with your agenda, not against it.Here’s why high-performing teams are skipping hotels and opting for unique retreats instead:Distraction-free focusHotels and conference centers mean shared spaces, unexpected noise and competing events. A private venue removes those variables. There are no distractions or interruptions. It’s just your team, fully present and engaged.Flexible meeting spaces that inspireWhy settle for fluorescent lighting and ballroom chairs when you could be strategizing on an oceanfront terrace or workshopping ideas in a breezy open-air lounge? Unique venues like private resorts offer adaptable spaces that make sessions feel less like meetings and more like conversations that matter.Seamless work-life flowThe best agendas balance productivity with space to recharge. At a private venue, there’s no need to carve out “wellness time” between rigid meeting slots because it happens naturally. Morning yoga, afternoon catamaran sails, sunset debriefs by the pool. No shuttling between venues. No rushed transitions. Just a retreat that flows.Personalized experience, no one-size-fits-all itinerariesAt a hotel, you’re on their schedule—set meal times that are less flexible when catering to an entire conference center, preset meeting room blocks and rigid service structures being shared with other groups on-site. At a private retreat, the schedule revolves around you. Want a brainstorming session over breakfast? Done. Need snacks at 3 p.m. instead of noon? No problem. Prefer lunch on the beach? That can happen.Everything is customized to fit the way your team works best.Stronger team connectionIn a hotel, teams scatter to their rooms or blend into the crowd. In a private venue, shared spaces foster organic conversations. These conversations are the kind that don’t happen in structured sessions but lead to real breakthroughs. The moments over a casual meal or a sunset toast? That’s where the magic happens.Best Team Building Activities for Corporate RetreatsSo, what activities do you fill your free time with? Here are the top options to consider:Ziplining: Go ziplining through an amazing landscape. This activity is a thrill and gets team members out of their comfort zones, building trust and support within the group.Whitewater rafting: Whether your team is rowing down Class II or Class IV rapids, this activity promotes teamwork, communication and a little healthy competition when multiple boats navigate the waters.Beach Olympics: Fun and challenging games like beach volleyball, tug-of-war and relay races encourage collaboration, strategy and team spirit.Private charters: Whether it’s a sailing trip, snorkeling adventure or sunset cruise, being on the water is an excellent way for team members to connect on a personal level outside the work environment.Corporate social responsibility: Engage in meaningful community service projects that align with your company’s values, from beach cleanups and tree planting to hands-on community development initiatives.Realizing Your Company Retreat’s PotentialA company retreat should be a truly impactful experience, one that leaves employees feeling valued, refreshed and inspired. Achieving this requires meticulous planning and flawless execution.By thoughtfully designing a well-crafted agenda, selecting the perfect location and integrating the right activities, you can curate a transformative retreat. Participants will enjoy their time away and return to the office with fresh insights and renewed energy, ready to influence their approach to work and contribute with greater purpose.This story was produced by Villa Punto De Vista and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Rain and snow on the way for Sunday As the festivities for Saint Patrick's Day approaches today and Saturday, we are watching for some active weather coming for Sunday. During the day when temperatures are warm toward the mid to upper 50s, we are looking to see rainfall and showers through the day. The National Weather Service is issuing a marginal risk for [...]
	Van hit by train in Davenport Details are limited.
	Gen Z is finally buying life insurance, but not for the reasons you might expect Gen Z is finally buying life insurance, but not for the reasons you might expectWhy is Gen Z embracing life insurance now — and how does their buy-in impact the life insurance industry? Everly Life explains.Life insurance carriers are presented with a challenge and an opportunity to keep Gen Z engaged. While the narrative was once “life insurance as a family protection tool”, this cohort is leaning into life insurance as a tool that provides flexibility, living benefits, and financial resilience.Gen Z is delaying milestones, like marriage, parenthood, and home ownership — some of the traditional drivers of life insurance demand. When they do consider life insurance coverage, misconceptions about premium costs often discourage them from buying enough — or any — coverage.Despite these barriers, 42% of Gen Z adults aged 18-27 say they have life insurance, and 49% admit they need to obtain or increase coverage.This growth signals a generational shift: a group that was once uninformed about legacy financial products is becoming life insurance consumers. But many aren’t motivated to buy insurance to protect their loved ones. Instead, they're attracted to life insurance policies that they can benefit from now. As such, “living benefits”, or coverage that policyholders can access while they’re alive — like cash value and insurance riders — can easily resonate with Gen Z.The reasoning behind this shift reveals how younger consumers are redefining life insurance — and they might surprise you.Why Life Insurance Is Gaining Traction with Gen ZFinancial security concerns are shaping their decisions.Gen Z entered adulthood during COVID-19, inflation spikes, layoffs, and rising healthcare costs. These experiences have shaped their view of finances. In fact, a third of Gen Z are stressed about their finances, and of those, 52% say economic instability is a root cause. As a result, they make financial decisions with caution. Consequently, 70% of Gen Z agree that they are more careful with their finances than in the past.In comparison to other generations, Gen Z is more focused on meeting their day-to-day financial obligations rather than future financial security. Because they are concerned with managing immediate financial obligations, Gen Z can view life insurance as a means of protection against uncertainty, not just a family-planning tool.Living benefit coverage matters more than future protection.Living benefits — such as cash value — can provide access to funds during illness, income disruption, or emergencies. Since Gen Z is concerned about financial resilience, they may be increasingly attracted to policies that can provide financial support while they are living.Gen Z is spending more time with financial products that can help them manage debt and lifestyle choices. Because traditional life insurance doesn’t support these goals, it’s not always an attractive option for this younger audience. On the other hand, life insurance policies with living benefits may satisfy this demand through tangible financial support, like cash value options that allow policyholders to build wealth and access their funds when they need them.Digital-first innovations make life insurance more accessible.As digital natives, Gen Z expects financial services to be accessible online. Although slow to make the shift, some life insurance carriers offer digital-first solutions with simplified applications, faster approvals, and transparent pricing. By meeting younger generations where they are, life insurance is becoming more accessible, relevant, and appealing to this younger audience.Gen Z is choosing an education-first approach.Gen Z is considered the most educated, diverse generation in history. Many turn to online resources, social media, and financial influencers to learn about policy options, benefits, and costs. This contrasts with earlier generations, who typically rely on agents or family advice. In fact, 96% of Gen Z conduct online research to help them make decisions before purchasing a policy. Gen Z’s educational approach hints at their desire to be better equipped to buy life insurance than other generations may have been in the past.Gen Z Is Redefining Life InsuranceGen Z’s emphasis on financial wellness often leads them to prioritize experiences, health, and personal fulfillment. Life insurance can support Gen Z’s holistic financial approach. For example, cash value can complement their long-term goals, like retirement plans, and can also give them options to support short-term goals, like a car down payment.Forty-three percent of Gen Z are concerned about job security and maintaining a steady income. So, it’s unsurprising that they view life insurance as a safety net from economic uncertainty and a means to provide financial stability.Life insurance may finally have Gen Z’s buy-in, but maintaining that momentum requires the industry to rethink its traditional approach to coverage.This story was produced by Everly Life and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	256 without power in the Quad-Cities Friday morning; winds hit 59 mph in Davenport There is no estimated time of repair.
	How much you actually need to earn to be in the top 10% in every state What it takes to reach the top 10% in every stateNew state-by-state data reveals what it takes to reach the top 10% — and how living costs and inequality reshape what “rich” really means. BuchhaltungsButler, DataPulse Research In the United States, a household needs anywhere between $198,000 and $387,000 in annual income to be considered among the top 10% earners. Breaking into the richest 10% looks very different in West Virginia than in Massachusetts.To understand where America’s highest paychecks really are, the Germany-based tax platform BuchhaltungsButler and the Berlin-based data studio DataPulse Research ran the numbers. They compared gross (pre-tax) household income across states, showing where the cost of living can eat into earnings and noting where it’s hardest for middle-class households to climb the income ladder.While many studies focus on the wealthiest individuals who sit at the very top of the income ladder, this study focuses on the population that just meets the limit for being within the top 10% of the country. This threshold marks the point where households earn significantly more than the vast majority (90% of the population), yet still low enough to reflect real households, not just the ultra-wealthy few. Household income accounts for all income earned by people within the same household who are at least 15 years old, even if they are not related.In some states, $200,000 puts you in the top 10%. In others, it gets you about halfway there.As the map below shows, the threshold to be in the top 10% is generally higher in the North Atlantic and the Pacific regions than in the middle of the country. In five states — Massachusetts, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, and Washington — households need over $325,000 to crack the top tier. Washington, D.C., though not a state, stands alone as an outlier: The threshold there is roughly $635,000, driven by high-paying and traditionally stable jobs in government-affiliated industries such as law and policy. BuchhaltungsButler, DataPulse Research Massachusetts leads the country on the high end: Households must earn a minimum of $386,800 to be considered in the richest 10% in the state. In West Virginia, $198,000 will make the cut. For those keeping score at home, this means households in Massachusetts that just crack the top tier have about double the income of their counterparts in West Virginia.Dollars stretch further in some statesEven among the rich, geography matters: In some states, the same income buys twice the lifestyle. As the chart below shows, the threshold to be rich generally goes up with living costs. States on the right side of the chart have higher prices than the U.S. average — housing, energy, and everyday goods cost more. States on the left have lower costs, meaning every dollar buys a bit more comfort. BuchhaltungsButler, DataPulse Research But not all high incomes are created equal. Some states, like Massachusetts or New Jersey, combine soaring prices with steep income thresholds, making them places where it’s expensive both to live and to be rich. Meanwhile, states such as Arkansas or Mississippi sit on the opposite end: Living costs are among the lowest in the country, while the threshold to be rich falls well below most other states.States like Vermont, Minnesota, and Delaware offer some of the best value for high earners: strong incomes paired with moderate living costs. They are among 16 states where the rich are earning at least $270,000 annually, yet prices are below the national average, making those dollars stretch further than in relatively expensive places like California, Hawai’i, or New York.In short, America’s map of income of the top 10% shows two kinds of privilege: earning a lot, and living where a lot goes further. That’s why the “best” state to be rich isn’t necessarily the one with the highest salaries, but the one where those salaries translate into real comfort.However, the cost of living only explains part of the story. In some states, the real divide isn’t about rent and grocery prices, but about how much more the top households earn compared to everyone else. The next section compares households within the same state that are subject to similar costs of goods, to reveal where the gap between the rich and the middle class is widest.The distance between the middle class and the top 10%In every state, making it to the top 10% means earning at least double what the middle class earns. But that divide is much wider in some states. In New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts, for example, middle-income households would need to roughly triple their earnings to join the top 10%. The chart below compares the households with median incomes (50th percentile) to the households right at the cusp of the richest group. The resulting gap shows how far the top has pulled ahead of the middle. BuchhaltungsButler, DataPulse Research This gap is not new. It’s been gradually widening for decades, according to Pew Research Center, which noted in a report last year that middle-class incomes have not kept pace with upper-class incomes. Since 1970, upper-income households have increased 78% compared with only 60% for middle-income and 55% for low-income households. Across Europe, income gaps look narrower but follow the same trend. On average, the richest 10% of households earn about 107% more than the middle class, roughly double their income. In the U.S., by comparison, top earners make at least double — and sometimes triple — the median household income, reflecting greater income inequality. For more context, see the companion analysis on income inequality across Europe.The challenge of defining the ‘rich’ in the USDefining what it means to be “rich” in America is deceptively tricky because the numbers are so relative, both across the country and within individual states. This study shows that the definition depends heavily on where you live, what life there costs, and how it compares to other lower-income tiers in the state. For these reasons, a $200,000 household income may be considered solidly upper class in one state but closer to middle class in another.At the same time, it’s worth noting that households earning enough to enter the top 10% occupy a very different reality from the ultra-wealthy few whose fortunes stretch into the millions or even billions. The difference between making it to the top 10% and the top 0.1% is vast and growing every year, as the highest echelons keep advancing upwards faster and faster. The richer the richest of us become, the harder it is to agree on what being rich even means.MethodologyThis study analyzed total household incomes by state. Values reflect the gross income thresholds to be in the top 10% of (90th percentile) and the middle class (median, or 50th percentile) in each state. Household income accounts for all income earned by people within the same household who are at least 15 years old, even if they are not related.To measure inequality within states, researchers calculated the percent difference between the 50th and 90th percentile household incomes. The 50th percentile income, or the median, represents a typical “middle-class” household. This metric was chosen over an “average income” for the state because averages can be distorted by very high earners.The relationship between income and cost of living is based on state-level price parity data from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA). The data is based on an index where the states‘ values are relative to the country-level benchmark of 100.Washington, D.C., was excluded from most of the analysis because its 90th-percentile household income for the city is substantially higher than that of any state and skews comparative scaling.Underlying data for this study came from IPUMS USA, using the American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year sample.This story originally appeared on BuchhaltungsButler, was produced in collaboration with DataPulse Research, and was reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	High winds delay Bettendorf recycling pickup A news release from the City of Bettendorf says Public Works crews will only pick up garbage and bulky waste on Friday, March 13. Residents who are scheduled to have their recycling picked up today should place their recycling carts out on Monday, March 16 to be picked up.
	Giant robots battle it out in Detroit's Robowar Fighting robots is a cultural fantasy going back at least to Richard Matheson's 1956 story "Steel." One Detroit impresario is now bringing the idea to the stage — and real audiences.
	Power outages reported in Illinois, Iowa Quad Cities Multiple customers were without power Friday morning.
	The science of dog food palatability: Why your pup loves certain foods The science of dog food palatability: Why your pup loves certain foodsEver wonder why one dog inhales their bowl in seconds, while another sniffs at it and walks away? Dog food palatability, or what makes food delicious to your dog, isn’t simply about taste. It’s also about evolutionary biology, sensory perception, and nutritional chemistry working together.he closer a dog’s meal resembles real meat—which is in their DNA to consume as descendants of wolves—the more it aligns with how dogs evolved to eat. To understand what makes food truly appealing to pups, you have to start with how dogs actually experience a meal: through freshness, smell, texture preferences, moisture, and flavor.In this guide, Ollie dives into all of that, and examines how the pet food industry relies on masking agents and flavor enhancers for dogs in dry kibble to force palatability. Let’s look at the science behind what’s really happening in your dog’s nose and mouth at dinnertime.Dog Sense of Smell vs. Taste: The Nose KnowsDogs don’t perceive food in the same way that humans do. While we have about 10,000 taste buds in our mouths, dogs have closer to 20,000—meaning they’re experiencing taste on an entirely different level than we are. Despite that, their nose is their superpower when it comes to eating, and aromas are often more influential than flavor itself. Your pup has a highly developed olfactory system, which includes the vomeronasal Jacobson’s organ that allows them to taste aroma compounds the moment food enters their mouth.This explains why freshness matters. Despite the stereotype that dogs dig in the trash because they love foul odors, they are biologically wired to avoid smells associated with spoilage and decay, which signal potential microbial danger. Dogs also show a strong aversion to bitter compounds as an evolutionary safeguard against toxins. Together, these traits mean pups are most attracted to foods that smell like fresh, safe animal tissue rather than heavily oxidized or degraded ingredients.Dog Food Texture Preferences: Freshness for the WinDogs are biologically wired to prefer moist, fresh food over dry, crunchy kibble. Why? Because the moisture in fresh food is much more similar to the fresh meat their ancestors would have eaten in the wild. It’s more hydrating, easier to eat, and carries a much stronger, more enticing aroma than dry formats.Studies consistently show that dogs prefer moist diets over dry ones, particularly when protein and fat are present in forms similar to fresh meat. Hard or brittle textures require more effort and can reduce the amount of food they eat, especially in small dogs, seniors, or dogs with dental sensitivity. Moist foods also release aroma compounds more readily during chewing, which enhances sensory stimulation for your pup and makes the meal more enjoyable.Picky Eating and Taste PreferencesIf you’ve ever wondered, “Why is my dog a picky eater?” you’re certainly not alone. Despite the reputation that dogs will wolf down anything, they do in fact have preferences when it comes to what’s in their bowl. And just like humans, sometimes dogs get bored! This is actually an old survival instinct called the “novelty effect.” In the wild, seeking out new flavors helped ensure an animal received a complete and balanced variety of nutrients. If your dog is suddenly acting picky, they might just be experiencing olfactory fatigue from their dry food or looking for a new protein to mix things up.Aside from obvious sources of flavor like protein, macronutrients can also influence whether a dog is enjoying the taste of their food. Pups inherently show a distinct bias toward energy-dense nutrients—particularly fat and simple sugars—since these provide efficient calories for survival. Fiber, by contrast, tends to reduce dog food palatability when added at higher levels, despite the fact that it plays an important role in digestive health.Liver is another ingredient that can improve the taste of fresh dog food. Most dogs go crazy for liver because it is a natural palatability booster.The Truth Behind Dry Kibble and Flavor Enhancers for DogsDry kibble has a palatability challenge when it comes to dog food. During extrusion or baking, much of the natural aroma of its meat is lost. So to compensate, kibble manufacturers rely heavily on palatants, which are coatings applied after cooking to help stimulate your dog’s appetite.The most common palatants in pet food are hydrolyzed animal digests, which are created by breaking down animal tissues into amino acids and peptides. These compounds generate savory odors when sprayed onto kibble. Many palatants also use Maillard reaction products, which are formed when amino acids react with sugars to produce roasted, meat-like flavors. While these roasted, savory flavors occur naturally when cooking meat, in kibble, it is often created with artificial flavoring and added sugars to rebuild aroma after processing.Fresh dog food does not require this workaround. Because it is cooked gently and retains its natural fats and proteins, it inherently produces aroma compounds that are palatable to dogs.This story was produced by Ollie and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Open the Door for Your Health By Heidi Schwarzwald, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, Signify Health(NAPSI)—As a physician, I have spent my career learning that a person’s health is determined by so much more than what we see during a brief exam in a clinic. While traditional office visits are vital, they can often lack the one thing both patients and doctors crave most: time. This is why I am such a strong advocate for In-Home Health Evaluations (IHEs) offered by Signify Health.I recently saw the power of this approach when I learned about Carol and John, a couple who have been married for nearly 60 years. Like many older adults, their health needs became more complex as they aged. John was diagnosed with diabetes and Parkinsonism syndrome, which requires him to use a wheelchair. For them, the logistics of getting to a doctor’s office became a hurdle.A New Chapter in Preventive CareThrough their Medicare Advantage plan, Carol and John were able to schedule an IHE. Unlike a standard office-based health care appointment, the IHE brings an experienced physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant from Signify’s national clinician network directly to the member’s home at no additional cost to them.Carol told us, “I really like the fact that my husband and I see a Signify clinician together. She spent time with us talking about our general well-being, rather than focusing on just one specific issue.”That is the heart of what we do during an IHE. When we sit down at a health plan member’s kitchen table or living room couch, we aren’t just conducting health tests and checking vitals. We are listening. Our clinicians may spend up to an hour with a person—often more than a traditional office visit allows. This gives us the opportunity to uncover what we call “the full picture” of their health.IHEs are a valuable health service to ensure that people are getting the care, screening and follow-up support they need.Connecting the DotsDuring an IHE visit, we often identify things that might be missed in an office setting. We review all medications to prevent adverse interactions, conduct testing and screening for chronic conditions, and look for potential safety concerns in the home, like trip hazards or lighting issues that could lead to a fall.In fact, our clinicians can capture over 300 clinical and social data points about a member’s health. This information isn’t meant to replace a member’s regular doctor; rather, it’s meant to support them. After every visit, we share a summary with the member, their primary care provider and health plan, so they have a comprehensive understanding of needs and can further coordinate care.Supporting the Whole FamilyOne of the most rewarding aspects of the IHE is the support it can offer to caregivers. During Carol and John’s in-home health visit, our clinician noticed that Carol was feeling overwhelmed and anxious due to the demands of caregiving.Because our clinician was in her home, she was able to have an honest conversation about not only Carol’s physical health, but also her emotional and mental well-being. The clinician encouraged Carol to connect with her own primary care provider for additional support, a need that might have remained hidden.Since an IHE starts with a conversation between the member and clinician, there’s a greater opportunity to explore those more subtle and easily overlooked health challenges which may not come up organically during a traditional office visit with a primary care provider. For Carol and John, it also helped open important lines of communication between them. As Carol put it, “After 58 years, it’s good to hear each other tell someone else what their concerns are. It helps us understand what each one of us is going through.”Your Health, Your HomeThe feedback we receive from health plan members who complete an IHE with Signify Health across the country is overwhelming: 70% of people who complete an IHE say they would do it again, underscoring the value of in-home health visits.I believe that by meeting people where they are, we can help people stay exactly where they want to be—healthy, independent and at home.Are you or a loved one eligible for an IHE? I encourage you to take a moment to prioritize your health from the comfort of your own home. Check your eligibility for a no-cost In-Home Health Evaluation by visiting HelloSignify.com or calling 1-855-984-5121 today.Word Count: 717
	Your brain can be trained, much like your muscles; a neurologist explains how to boost your brain health Your brain can be trained, much like your muscles; a neurologist explains how to boost your brain healthIf you have ever lifted a weight, you know the routine: challenge the muscle, give it rest, feed it and repeat. Over time, it grows stronger.Of course, muscles only grow when the challenge increases over time. Continually lifting the same weight the same way stops working.It might come as a surprise to learn that the brain responds to training in much the same way as our muscles, even though most of us never think about it that way. Clear thinking, focus, creativity and good judgment are built through challenge, when the brain is asked to stretch beyond routine rather than run on autopilot. That slight mental discomfort is often the sign that the brain is actually being trained, a lot like that good workout burn in your muscles.Think about walking the same loop through a local park every day. At first, your senses are alert. You notice the hills, the trees, the changing light. But after a few loops, your brain checks out. You start planning dinner, replaying emails or running through your to-do list. The walk still feels good, but your brain is no longer being challenged.Routine feels comfortable, but comfort and familiarity alone do not build new brain connections, University of Pittsburgh neurology professor Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse writes for The Conversation.Research in human brain activity shows that electroencephalograms, or EEGs, are remarkably dynamic. When someone learns a new skill, EEG rhythms often become more organized and coordinated. This reflects the brain’s attempt to strengthen pathways needed for that skill.Your brain trains in zones, tooFor decades, scientists believed that the brain’s ability to grow and reorganize, called neuroplasticity, was largely limited to childhood. Once the brain matured, its wiring was thought to be largely fixed.But that idea has been overturned. Decades of research show that adult brains can form new connections and reorganize existing networks, under the right conditions, throughout life.Some of the most influential work in this field comes from enriched environment studies in animals. Rats housed in stimulating environments filled with toys, running wheels and social interaction developed larger, more complex brains than rats kept in standard cages. Their brains adapted because they were regularly exposed to novelty and challenge.Human studies find similar results. Adults who take on genuinely new challenges, such as learning a language, dancing or practicing a musical instrument, show measurable increases in brain volume and connectivity on MRI scans.The takeaway is simple: Repetition keeps the brain running, but novelty pushes the brain to adapt, forcing it to pay attention, learn and problem-solve in new ways. Neuroplasticity thrives when the brain is nudged just beyond its comfort zone.The reality of neural fatigueJust like muscles, the brain has limits. It does not get stronger from endless strain. Real growth comes from the right balance of challenge and recovery.When the brain is pushed for too long without a break — whether that means long work hours, staying locked onto the same task or making nonstop decisions under pressure — performance starts to slip. Focus fades. Mistakes increase. To keep you going, the brain shifts how different regions work together, asking some areas to carry more of the load. But that extra effort can still make the whole network run less smoothly.Neural fatigue is more than feeling tired. Brain imaging studies show that during prolonged mental work, the networks responsible for attention and decision-making begin to slow down, while regions that promote rest and reward-seeking take over. This shift helps explain why mental exhaustion often comes with stronger cravings for quick rewards, like sugary snacks, comfort foods or mindless scrolling. The result is familiar: slower thinking, more mistakes, irritability and mental fog.This is where the muscle analogy becomes especially useful. You wouldn’t do squats for six hours straight, because your leg muscles would eventually give out. As they work, they build up byproducts that make each contraction a little less effective until you finally have to stop. Your brain behaves in a similar way.Likewise, in the brain, when the same cognitive circuits are overused, chemical signals build up, communication slows and learning stalls.But rest allows those strained circuits to reset and function more smoothly over time. And taking breaks from a taxing activity does not interrupt learning. In fact, breaks are critical for efficient learning.The crucial importance of restAmong all forms of rest, sleep is the most powerful.Sleep is the brain’s night shift. While you rest, the brain takes out the trash through a special cleanup system called the glymphatic system that clears away waste and harmful proteins. Sleep also restores glycogen, a critical fuel source for brain cells.And importantly, sleep is when essential repair work happens. Growth hormone surges during deep sleep, supporting tissue repair. Immune cells regroup and strengthen their activity.During REM sleep, the stage of sleep linked to dreaming, the brain replays patterns from the day to consolidate memories. This process is critical not only for cognitive skills like learning an instrument but also for physical skills like mastering a move in sports.On the other hand, chronic sleep deprivation impairs attention, disrupts decision-making and alters the hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism. This is why fatigue drives sugar cravings and late-night snacking.Sleep is not an optional wellness practice. It is a biological requirement for brain performance.Exercise feeds the brain, tooExercise strengthens the brain as well as the body.Physical activity increases levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, or BDNF, a protein that acts like fertilizer for neurons. It promotes the growth of new connections, increases blood flow, reduces inflammation and helps the brain remain adaptable across one’s lifespan.This is why exercise is one of the strongest lifestyle tools for protecting cognitive health.Train, recover, repeatThe most important lesson from this science is simple. Your brain is not passively wearing down with age. It is constantly remodeling itself in response to how you use it. Every new challenge and skill you try, every real break, every good night of sleep sends a signal that growth is still expected.You do not need expensive brain training programs or radical lifestyle changes. Small, consistent habits matter more. Try something unfamiliar. Vary your routines. Take breaks before exhaustion sets in. Move your body. Treat sleep as nonnegotiable.So the next time you lace up your shoes for a familiar walk, consider taking a different path. The scenery may change only slightly, but your brain will notice. That small detour is often all it takes to turn routine into training.The brain stays adaptable throughout life. Cognitive resilience is not fixed at birth or locked in early adulthood. It is something you can shape.If you want a sharper, more creative, more resilient brain, you do not need to wait for a breakthrough drug or a perfect moment. You can start now, with choices that tell your brain that growth is still the plan.This story was produced by The Conversation and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Smithfield Foods and its employees raise $118,848 for United Way Smithfield Foods and its employees have raised $118,848 for United Way of West Central Illinois, a news release says. Each year, Smithfield provides tens of thousands of dollars in nutritional food and monetary donations to regional nonprofits in the greater Monmouth, Illinois, community. This list includes: ReCharge Teen Center; Special Olympics; River Bend Food Bank; [...]
	Windy conditions no match for Davenport St. Patrick's Day participants This year will be the 40th Annual St. Patrick's Day Grand Parade, the only one in the US that bridges two states.
	Suspected arson destroys Rock Island family's St. Patrick's Day parade float The McGuire family says a man threw a Molotov cocktail at their trailer early Thursday morning. They got right to work on a new float for this weekend's event.
	Davenport felon sentences to federal prison for possessing firearms A 27-year-old Davenport man has been sentenced to federal prison after admitting to a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
	It's National Girl Scout Day We're celebrating Girl Scouts and Troop 3866 explains the significance of Girl Scout cookie day.
	Ottumwa International Film Festival returns for a 2nd year The second annual Ottumwa International Film Festival returns to the Bridge View Center March 20-21 for a two-day celebration of cinema.
	Spring into summer with tech that lets you capture and explore it all (BPT) - Planning a special spring break trip, exciting weekend getaway or a bucket-list experience? The best travel experiences happen when you embrace simplicity, immersing yourself in and capturing each moment with thoughtful planning and the freedom to explore, unburdened by constant notifications or overpacking.So before you head out on your spring or summer getaways, make sure you're fully equipped to make the most of every experience — enjoying and sharing each moment with loved ones right away, and cherishing those memories long after the travel dust has settled.The experts at Motorola share their tips to help ensure you have an amazing journey wherever you're headed, plus smartphones designed to go wherever you do.Plan smartLooking for simple ways to research and organize your itinerary, build a packing list, and stay on top of travel to-do's? Motorola razr devices feature Google Gemini, acting as your personal AI assistant. From brainstorming destinations to generating custom packing lists in seconds, Gemini helps streamline every step of your trip planning.Even better, Gemini is accessible directly on the external display, so you can interact with AI, manage plans, and check details without opening the phone.Travel light, experience bigWhen space in your weekender bag is at a premium, devices that fold neatly into your pocket and open when inspiration strikes allow you to stay immersed in the experience, not weighed down by it. The motorola razr family — including the motorola razr, razr+ and razr ultra — delivers pocket-sized freedom without the compromise.Whether you're capturing a quiet sunrise or setting up a hands-free photo with friends, the motorola razr, razr+ and razr ultra help preserve every moment, without the added weight of bulky cameras or tripods. Thanks to the device's versatile form factor and advanced camera capabilities, you can effortlessly capture high-quality photos and videos that are social media-worthy, even when you're on the go or your hands are occupied.Motorola razr devices blend design-forward innovation with style, performance and ease, giving you access to AI-powered functionality and enhanced camera capabilities in a compact form that's perfect for making the most of your travel and entertainment experiences. Think fashion-forward with colorThe warmer months are the perfect excuse to refresh your look, and when you're moving from one destination to the next, color and texture are some of the easiest ways to make a bold, visual statement. Think breezy fabrics, playful hues and tactile details that feel as good as they look. You can coordinate your fresh spring and summer travel wardrobe with the latest, trending motorola razr colorways developed in partnership with Pantone. From the soft, optimistic energy of Parfait Pink to the fresh vibrancy of Spring Bud and the rich, coastal-inspired depth of Gibraltar Sea, each shade is paired with Motorola's signature finishes and textures — from luxe, soft-touch vegan leather to thoughtfully crafted tactile details — designed to elevate both your style and your everyday carry. It's a seamless way to incorporate your tech into your look, not just something you pack. Live fully in the momentSpring and summer travel is also about balance: knowing when to capture a moment or simply live it. Don't let text and email notifications interrupt your ability to soak in what's happening all around you.With the razr family's unique external display and AI features like "Catch Me Up," you can quickly manage notifications and access key information at a glance, keeping you in the moment when exploring a fascinating new city, discovering picturesque landscapes or cheering on your favorite team.When you truly want to disconnect, take advantage of unique software experiences like Moto Unplugged. This enables you to tailor a digital break based on your individual needs. Simply choose which apps are permitted to send notifications during a customizable time frame and block out the noise from everything else for as long as you choose.Capture once-in-a-lifetime experiencesNo matter where your travel takes you, make sure to seize opportunities that are like no other and find ways to celebrate the kinds of peak experiences that offer a global impact. From electric stadium atmospheres to spontaneous celebrations in city streets, the most unforgettable trips are often shaped by events that unite fans around the world.In celebration of one of the year's biggest sporting moments, the motorola razr FIFA World Cup 26™ Edition captures the energy and excitement of the season in one distinctive device. Inspired by the passion, pride and shared spirit that define the tournament, it's a statement piece designed for fans who want to carry a piece of the magic wherever the game takes them.Inspired to hit the road and discover new magical moments? Get ready for whatever journeys await you this year with help from motorola razr.
	Davenport street gang member sentenced to more than 14 years in federal prison A Davenport street gang member was sentenced to more than 14 years in prison after pleading guilty to possessing ammunition as a felon in connection with a 2023 shooting incident.
	Davenport approves wholesale in commercial with special use permit Davenport will allow wholesale in commercial districts as a special use. A commercial real estate broker hopes it will prime vacant big box stores in Davenport for redevelopment.
	Why 'Sinners' should win best picture (but probably won't) — and more Oscar predictions NPR critics share their hopes and predictions for the 2026 Academy Awards, which air on Sunday.
	Countries are negotiating rules to mine the deep sea. The U.S. is pushing ahead alone With growing interest in mining critical metals from the seafloor, countries are now negotiating international rules. The Trump administration is forging ahead on its own, speeding up environmental review for mining the fragile ecosystem.
	Augustana student has film selected for streaming by Roku Sawyer Carver, a 20-year-old filmmaker at Augustana, is working on films heading to Roku.
	Moline School District gets rare visit from the Illinois State Board of Education The Moline-Coal Valley School District was only two schools to be the host site for the Illinois State Board of Education in the whole state. Read what they had to say about their visit.

Friday, March 13th, 2026