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

Trump endorsements take center stage for Miller-Meeks, Hinson in Iowa

Trump’s endorsements were front and center as Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Ashley Hinson rallied Iowa Republicans in Bettendorf Tuesday night. Here’s what they told voters.

Two Rock Island seniors selected for first Kindness Wins with Madison Keys Scholarships

Averi Vroman and Matteo Gomez were awarded a scholarship of $1,500 each for their dedication to volunteering and love of tennis.

Hottest day this year for Wednesday

We've already had three days this year with highs of 86° in the Quad Cities, but we'll easily beat that today. It's been a dry May and that will not change and June looks to start out dry, too. Here's your full 7-day forecast.

Everyday People: Young entrepreneur finds purpose in hard work

He mowed lawns as a kid. Now the 19-year-old Sherrard graduate is building a pressure washing business while training to become a firefighter.

Inside the effort to save one of America's most imperiled salamanders

When a species is facing extinction, it takes an enormous human effort to stave it off. Case in point: the painstaking campaign to save the frosted flatwoods salamander.

The Sauk Trail

This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.In patches of virgin Illinois woods near Rock Island, one can still find remnants of the Sauk Indian Trail at least two…

The movie 'Pressure' leans into the drama of high-stakes weather forecasts

The new movie tells a story about how good meteorology can literally win wars. It also takes us back in time, to when the United States was at a disadvantage when it came to weather science.

Texas general election matchups are finally set. Here's what you need to know

The Texas primary runoffs are over and November election matchups are set in major contests, like one for the U.S. Senate, as the results deliver lessons for both parties.

Clyburn's district stays intact as South Carolina Republicans scrap redistricting

The majority-Black district held for 34 years by South Carolina Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn will survive intact, for now, after Republican state lawmakers rejected a plan to redraw congressional maps.

Dana White says it's an 'honor' to build a fight arena on the White House lawn

NPR's Steve Inskeep speaks with Dana White, president and CEO of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, about his plans to build a fighting arena on the White House lawn.

Toyota initiates recall for nearly 50K trucks

Officials say the recall was launched because debris from the manufacturing process may contaminate the engine and cause a main bearing to fail.

NASA lays out moon base plans with landers, buggies and drones at the top of the list

The space agency outlined the first phase of its moon base plans on Tuesday, awarding hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts to four U.S. companies.

8 of 10 most common jobs pay below average: Federal data

The 10 largest occupations in the U.S. account for more than 30 million workers.

Biden sues DOJ to stop release of audio and transcripts tied to special counsel probe

Joe Biden sued the Justice Department to block the release of audio recordings and transcripts of the former president's interview with a ghostwriter that were obtained by the special counsel.

Trump gathers Cabinet as he looks to seal deal to end war

President Trump will meet with his Cabinet on Wednesday at a precarious moment for talks aimed at ending the war with Iran. The emerging deal has already exposed the president to fierce criticism.

Clinton City Council considers bringing a data center inside city limits

A proposed data center came into the spotlight during Tuesday's Clinton City Council meeting. Some Clinton residents worry about the water and energy a data center would use. At the meeting, dozens of people spoke in opposition to the data center: At the meeting, Clinton Mayor Scott Maddasion read a statement on behalf of Grow [...]

University of Virginia students stop in Muscatine on cross-country ag trip

Six college students are learning about agricultural systems from top to bottom as they bike and drive from Seattle to Washington, D.C.

John Cena stops in the Quad Cities

Turns out, you can see John Cena. That’s if you were in Davenport on Tuesday.

Here's where K-12 kids can find free summer meals

Several local school districts and organizations have announced free summer meal sites where kids can get a bite to eat.

Here’s how Iowa Democrats hope to make caucuses first again

Iowa Democratic Party leaders hope to convince their national counterparts that the state once again deserves to host its caucuses before other states.

Bethany, Community Health Care, to expand mental-health services in Clinton County

Two mission-driven organizations are partnering to strengthen and expand mental health services for individuals and families in Clinton County through a strategic transition designed to enhance care for the communities they serve, according to a news release. Beginning in June, Bethany for Children & Families and Community Health Care, Inc. (CHC) will begin a phased [...]

Texas Republicans nominate Ken Paxton for Senate seat, ousting incumbent John Cornyn

Controversial Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton challenged Sen. John Cornyn's reelection and won President Trump's endorsement in the bitter primary fight that cost Republicans more than $100 million.

QC author's 'Paw & Order' detectives are on the case in new book

"Paw & Order," a Children’s Book Council Kids’ Favorite selection, returns with an all-new case, and this time the clues point to the sky. Purrlock and Marlowe are back on the trail in "Paw & Order Vol. 3," arriving this summer from Papercutz, the kids’ imprint of Mad Cave Studios, with more mystery, humor, and charm. Written and [...]

Davenport to christen Big Red, its new fire rescue boat

The Davenport Fire Department's new fire rescue boat now has a name, and you can witness its christening ceremony on June 9. Big Red is the name voted on by area residents, and it's about ready to serve the community. The Davenport Fire Department ordered the new boat in 2023 after receiving a $600,000 FEMA [...]

Rock Falls hosting 'Salute to America' for nation's 250th birthday

You can find more celebrations around the Quad Cities at wqad.com.

Clinton to discuss data center concerns amid AI growth

Clinton city leaders will meet Monday to discuss the environmental impact of data centers, including high water and electricity demands.

Davenport School Board may rename Brady Street Stadium for Hall of Famer Roger Craig

At its June 15 meeting, the Davenport School Board will consider naming Brady Street Stadium, 3603 N. Brady St, Davenport, after NFL Football Hall of Famer Roger Craig, who graduated in 1979 from Central High School, Davenport. The proposal was on the board discussion agenda Tuesday. Board member Jon Flynn, whose father coached Craig as [...]

Former student turned staff member marks 50 years at Bettendorf High School

Denis Glynn has spent the last 50 years working in nutrition services at Bettendorf High School, becoming a familiar and beloved face to generations of students and staff.

Reynolds signs 5-cent vape tax into law, providing funding for pediatric cancer research

Gov. Kim Reynolds answered questions from reporters at a media availability Feb. 26, 2026. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)Joined by pediatric cancer survivors and family members at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City, Gov. Kim Reynolds on Tuesday signed a measure into law imposing a 5-cent tax on vapes and alternative nicotine products that will be used to fund up to $3 million in pediatric cancer research. Senate File 2480 establishes a tax on products like vapes and nicotine pouches and directs the revenue from that tax to the state’s health care trust fund, a Medicaid appropriation program. From there, up to $3 million in funding generated by the tax will go to the Iowa Board of Regents annually, specifically to conduct pediatric cancer research, clinical therapy trials and provide physician-scientist leadership at the University of Iowa children’s hospital where Reynolds, legislative leaders and families advocating for the funding gathered Tuesday for the bill signing. Reynolds thanked the parents and families of pediatric cancer patients and survivors who made repeated trips to the Capitol to advocate for the measure. “By standing up for all the children of our state, you’ve honored your loved ones in the greatest way possible, and your advocacy is turning awareness into action, as Iowa now commits $3 million each year to the cause you’ve so effectively championed,” Reynolds said. “As governor, even more so as the wife of someone living with cancer, I could not be more grateful.” Providing $3 million in additional funding for pediatric cancer research was a goal shared by these families, advocates, and a majority of lawmakers in both chambers. But the measure Reynolds signed into law drew some pushback as it went through the legislative process in 2026 because it tied the continued funding for the research to the use of nicotine products. Speakers like Rep. Austin Baeth, D-Des Moines, called during floor debate for lawmakers to instead move forward  House File 2758, which would create a standing appropriation of $1 for every Iowan — up to $3 million — for pediatric cancer research in the UIHC system. During subcommittee meetings on the proposal, anti-tobacco and healthcare advocates said the measure did not propose a high enough tax to effectively deter people from using nicotine products. The measure implements a 5-cent tax on a per-unit basis. Vape products would have a tax of 5 cents per milliliter of nicotine or a nicotine analog in a solution, and containers of nicotine pouches containing up to 20 pouches would be taxed 5 cents, with a proportionate tax for each unit above 20 within a container. Advocates also disputed whether or not the tax would generate $3 million annually. The Legislative Services Agency note on the bill also stated it would take until 2031 for the tax to generate the $3 million in a year — but Sen. Kara Warme, R-Ames, said industry representatives said the tax is estimated to generate between $15 million to $18 million during the first year of implementation. Funding in excess of $3 million going to the UI system would stay within the health care trust fund and go toward funding Iowa Medicaid. Phil Jeneary, a lobbyist for Iowans for Alternatives to Smoking and Tobacco, said his organization supports funding for pediatric cancer research, but expressed concerns about the regulation of vape products. “We were registered neutral on the bill. The issue we have is the overall policy as it comes to the regulation of vape products,” Jeneary said. Jeneary said that the implementation of House File 2677 in 2024 which limits which vaping products can be sold in Iowa and has been challenged in federal court, has affected businesses because consumers have fewer options. He said he wants a statewide environment that regulates vape products when necessary, but expressed a desire for small shops to stay open. “We’re trying to get the regulation right, keep the bad stuff out, get rid of the bad actors but also have an environment where the ‘good guys’ can stay open,” Jeneary said. Rashay Reasoner, the regional manager of ABC Smoke in Ames, expressed frustration with the new law. Reasoner said the implementation of House File 2677 has negatively impacted businesses and the new nicotine tax will only drive regulations further. “We have to pass the prices onto consumers, and they don’t like it when we have to do that,” Reasoner said. “It seems like the government is trying to shut us down.” Though there were disputes with the tax portion of the bill, family members and survivors of pediatric cancer spoke at the Tuesday event about the importance of providing funding for research. Scott Kaas, the father of Devyn Kaas, who was diagnosed with cancer at seven months old, held his daughter as he spoke on the importance of the research for families like his. After his daughter’s cancer went into remission, Kaas said, “we wanted to make a difference for other families that would have to go through this same journey that we went through,” and after speaking with doctors, they told him the best way to support families was to find more funding for pediatric cancer research. “So we took it on as an opportunity to do something at the state level, where we needed to help get the funding for the kids, for the researchers, and just continue the fight against cancer,” he said. “The governor said (pediatric) cancer is rare — and we’ve argued that many times with doctors, that it’s not, as you can see standing here, there’s quite a few people impacted. But we’re so very thankful for all the legislators, the governor, all the folks that worked with us.” Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch

Gov. Kim Reynolds signs Iowa bill for pediatric cancer research

Iowa's governor Kim Reynolds signed a law intended to reduce pediatric cancer in the state, providing up to $3 million a year for research through the University of Iowa Hospitals and clinics. Our Quad Cities News Iowa Capitol Bureau correspondent Teodora Mitov shows how the move is a win for families impacted by the disease.

Davenport-area truck driver inducted into National Driver Hall of Fame

Matthew Dosland has driven more than three million miles without a preventable accident during his 27-year career. Here's how he's seen the industry change.

U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen advocates for E15, sustainable agriculture at Galva farm

U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen visited Brian Corkill's farm in Galva on Tuesday, talking about topics including E15 fuel and sustainable agriculture practices like bioreactors and cover crops.

A hot stretch for the Quad Cities

While this week has started out in the hot seat with both yesterday and today reaching into the mid and upper 80s, that trend will continue through the weekend. Temperatures will be nearing the 90s tomorrow whereas the rest of the week will still be in the mid and upper 80s for a hot end [...]

‘No bueno’: Higher gas, supply costs puts pressure on food trucks like La Flama on Wheels

Rising gas prices are putting pressure on food truck owners across the Quad Cities, increasing the cost of transportation, supplies and day-to-day operations.

Moore’s housing package among more than 270 new laws approved at final bill signing

Gov. Wes Moore and Housing Secretary Jake Day shake hands over parts of the administration's housing reform legislation that were signed into law Tuesday. (Photo by Bryan P. Sears/Maryland Matters)Gov. Wes Moore (D) approved new laws Tuesday that will encourage housing development around transit hubs and grant developers so-called vesting rights that will keep approved housing projects from being held up by new regulations from local jurisdictions. The bills were part of the governor’s housing priorities this session, and came a year after the administration saw lawmakers reject its push for legislation that would grant more “certainty” for developers as a project progressed. Moore said he hopes the Housing Certainty Act and the transit-oriented development law will help whittle down the state’s 94,000 housing unit shortage, making housing more affordable by increasing supply. “We’re grateful that more people are coming to Maryland – in fact, our state population is growing faster now than it has in any point in the past decade. That is a good thing,” Moore said. “However … it doesn’t just highlight that we have a housing shortage in Maryland, we have a housing crisis in Maryland.” The two housing bills were among a dozen highlighted by officials of the more than 270 bills signed Tuesday, the last bill signing for the 2026 legislative session. ‘Vesting rights’ bill heads to governor’s desk, his other housing bills less certain They bring the number of new laws enacted this year to more than 860, according data from the General Assembly. Nine Senate bills and five House bills will go into effect without the governor’s signature, and Moore plans to veto a handful of bills. It’s also the final bill signing of Moore’s current term as governor. He is seeking reelection this fall. Moore said the bills approved Tuesday will help make Maryland more affordable and ease day-to-day challenges Marylanders may face — including the ongoing housing shortage. He said state policy has been getting in the way of new development and that the bills signed Tuesday would smooth the path to development of more housing. Officials say developers are often deterred or unable to finish housing projects because they have to adapt to new building requirements in the middle of construction. House Bill 548 and Senate Bill 325, the Maryland Housing Certainty Act, will delay the payment of certain fees to county officials for new housing development and create “vesting rights” for developers: The assurance that a project would be subject to the local regulations in place when its application is completed, and not subject to later changes. Moore’s second housing bill, the Maryland Transit and Housing Opportunity Act, will encourage new housing around transit hubs by restricting parking minimums and other local decisions in specific situations. It also prohibits the collection of certain county taxes until a project is close to completion. “Let’s make sure we can put better use to underutilized land,” Moore said. “The two bills that we’re signing into law today allow us to open up more than 300 acres of land near transit, and we’re going to build at least 7,000 new homes in Maryland. We’re going to make sure that once a project is approved, that rules cannot change, and costs cannot soar.” The third bill in Moore’s housing package died in committee. The “Starter and Silver Homes Act”  would have encouraged the development of smaller units to help new families find starting homes and give older Marylanders a chance to downsize, but it failed to get a committee vote in either chamber. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The governor was joined by Senate President Bill Ferguson (D-Baltimore City) and House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk (D-Prince George’s and Anne Arundel), who both voiced their support for the housing bills. “The Housing Certainty Act makes one promise, that once a project is underway, the rules don’t move out from under it and kills the homes that families are counting on,” Ferguson said. Ferguson also highlighted juvenile justice reform efforts and legislation to expand collective bargaining options for graduate students and nontenured university faculty, as well as come less complicate bills, like House Bill 474. It requires that drivers clear snow and ice from the tops of their vehicles before getting on the road, to prevent sheets of ice from flying off while on the highway, posing a safety hazard for those behind. Ferguson called Tuesday’s bill signing “the culmination of all the excellent and productive, important work over our last 90-day session.”. Peña-Melnyk flagged Senate Bill 829 and House 1121 to help “women of a certain age” receive care when going through menopause. The legislation adds training on menopause, to better identify and provide care for it, as part of continuing education for health providers. “Menopause is a natural and inevitable result of aging, yet it remains one of the most under-researched, underdiscussed and stigmatized stages of life. It’s time to change that,” she said.  “Women deserve providers that can recognize the signs, understand the physiological changes occurring during this transition and offer appropriate evidence-based health care.” Among the hundreds of other bills signed without fanfare Tuesday were Senate Bill 169 and House Bill 447, ensuring that women who need abortions in emergency medical situations can terminate their pregnancy at any Maryland health care institution. House gives final OK to bill codifying guarantee to emergency abortions Reproductive rights activists had pushed for the bill as the Trump administration moves to weaken federal emergency abortion protections laid out in the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, or EMTALA. The bill enshrines EMTALA in state law as it relates to emergency abortion care, requiring a hospital to treat and stabilize a patient with an emergency pregnancy-related medical condition, including the termination of a pregnancy if needed — or transfer that patient to another facility, so long as the patient’s risk would not be worsened by the transfer. Opponents had argued that the bill could infringe on the religious freedoms of physicians and medical institutions that oppose abortion. Another bill signed into law Tuesday will require statewide police training on “elopement,” when people with certain disabilities, such as autism or dementia, run away or wander off from supervision. The LEAD Act, for Laila’s Elopement Awareness and Dissemination Act, was named for a young autistic girl who wandered away from her family before being found safe. While relatively common, elopement can be traumatizing or even deadly when those individuals are not found quickly. House Bill 634 and Senate Bill 745 will train law enforcement to more quickly find those individuals and guide officers on how to interact with them once found. Peña-Melnyk said she wished she had time to talk about more of the measures being signed into law. “When you put it all together,” Peña-Melnyk said, “the overarching message today is we are … making it easier for Marylanders to live here, work here, do business here, raise a family here and grow old here.” Courtesy of Maryland Matters

Quad Cities Criterium enthusiasm 'lasts generations'

A bicycle race with roots dating back to the 1960s returned on Memorial Day in Davenport. Riders from across the country came to compete in the 58th Quad Cities Criterium. The criterium draws cycling enthusiasts and connects people nationwide, featuring competition from both professional and semi-professional racers. Dean Mathias, a local legend known as "the [...]

State reduces fine for nursing home charged with ‘life-threatening’ injuries

The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing oversees nursing homes in the state of Iowa. (Photo via Getty Images; logo courtesy of the State of Iowa) State regulators have reduced the fine imposed against a Des Moines care facility after mistakenly tripling the penalty due to a previous regulatory violation. The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing has cited Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center, a Des Moines nursing home located on Woodland Avenue, for failing to safely transfer a resident into her bed while using a mechanical lift. According to the state inspectors, that failure resulted in “severe harm” to the resident, who on April 29 fell from the lift “and sustained life-threatening injuries,” including a subdermal hemorrhage, which is a surface-brain bleed; a subarachnoid hemorrhage, which is an inner-brain bleed; a broken neck bone; a broken collarbone; and a broken thigh bone in one leg. The inspectors’ written report indicates the resident was taken by ambulance to a hospital and admitted to the intensive care unit for consultation with a neurosurgeon. One employee of the nursing home reportedly told inspectors she didn’t examine or check the lift straps or hoops on the mechanical lift to ensure they were securely attached before attempting to transfer the resident. She allegedly said that when the woman fell, she struck the floor with her face. As a result of the incident, the inspections department initially assessed a $7,750 fine and then tripled that to $23,250 due to it being the second resident-safety citation in the past 12 months. However, state records show the facility had last been cited for a resident-safety violation in January 2025, which was 15 months before the April 29, 2026, incident — outside the 12-month window for tripling the fine. Last week, after the Iowa Capital Dispatch asked DIAL whether a separate resident-safety violation had been cited in the past year but not publicly disclosed, the department checked its records and reversed course on the tripling of the 2026 penalty, bringing it back down to $7,750. DIAL’s records show the January 2025 penalty against Scottish Rite Park was itself a tripled fine due to the repeat nature of the violation. Originally, Scottish Rite was to be penalized $5,000 for injuries sustained by a resident who fell and fractured an ankle while being the staff was transferring her to a recliner. Because the home had been cited in July 2024 for a similar safety violation involving a resident transfer, the January 2025 penalty was then tripled from $5,000 to $15,000. Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch

Rock Falls to celebrate America 250 with 2-day event

Rock Falls Tourism is hosting Salute to America 250, a two-day event celebrating the county’s milestone, according to a media release.

Iowa brings together federal, state officials to secure June primary elections

Iowa election officials announced federal and state security teams will monitor the June 2 primary elections for cyber threats, with the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and Iowa National Guard working alongside state officials.

Whitewater Junction in Rock Island closes: What to know

The Memorial Day holiday may have marked the unofficial start of summer, and the weather is warming up for pool season, but Whitewater Junction in Rock Island announced it's closed until further notice. Our Quad Cities News reporter Riley Hemmer finds out what's wrong, why their doors had to close and when they plan to [...]

Junior Board of Rock Island gives $33,000 in grants to QC non-profits

The Junior Board of Rock Island has given $33,000 to 28 Quad Cities non-profit organizations: “Moline Regional Community Foundation is honored to partner with Junior Board of Rock Island on the 2026 grant process. For over 90 years, the passion and dedication of JBRI have uplifted our community as the women annually raise funds and [...]

Rollins signs disaster declaration to provide relief for Pa. fruit growers following freeze

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins signed a disaster declaration to allow growers to obtain emergency loans to recover from the late freeze that decimated fruit blossoms across the commonwealth last month. (Photo courtesy of PACast)U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins signed a federal disaster declaration for 17 Pennsylvania counties to assist growers affected by last month’s spring freeze that decimated fruit blossoms. The catastrophic late freeze from April 19-21 caused widespread damage to blooming crops including apple, peach and pear orchards. “Our farmers cannot control the weather, but Washington can make sure they are not left to shoulder these losses alone,” U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-8th District) said. Bresnahan spoke at a news conference Tuesday in Lackawanna County. The secretarial disaster declaration will help get relief to farmers who keep communities fed and the commonwealth’s agricultural economy strong, Bresnahan said.  The U.S.Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) will make available emergency credit to producers recovering from the natural disaster. The loans may be used for recovery needs, including the replacement of essential items such as equipment or livestock, reorganization of a farming operation, or to refinance certain debts.  The agency will review the loans based on the extent of the losses, security availability and the ability to repay. State officials visited Cherry Hill Orchards in Lancaster County on May 8, 2026, calling for federal aid following a damaging April crop freeze. (Photo from PACast) “This designation is a first step forward to help agricultural producers access emergency loans and programs in the aftermath of freezing temperatures. Under President Trump, USDA will continue to put farmers first and make sure they have the resources they need,” Rollins said at a roundtable with farmers, community leaders, and agricultural stakeholders in Bresnahan’s district. Fruit growers in Adams, Columbia, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Luzerne, Lycoming, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Susquehanna, Wayne, Wyoming, and York Counties have until Jan. 26, 2027, to apply for loans. The USDA is reviewing disaster designations for the remaining counties in Pennsylvania and is gathering data. In addition to emergency loans, the USDA offers programs to farmers and ranchers recovering from disasters such as additional loan programs, loan servicing options, risk management tools such as crop insurance and financial assistance and conservation. The declaration comes more than two weeks after state officials called on the federal government to provide assistance. Early estimates then put the economic losses for the commonwealth’s special crop industry between $150 million and $200 million. Some growers and fruit varieties will experience total losses. Additional USDA disaster assistance information can be found on farmers.gov, including USDA resources specifically for producers impacted by winter weather. Courtesy of Pennsylvania Capital-Star

4-year-old among 2 people killed in Clinton County UTV crash

Both victims were riding in a single UTV that left a trail in Calamus. The UTV landed on its top when it crashed, and the driver was declared dead on scene.

Korean artist with QCA link honored with painting hung in the Pentagon

Seoul Kyung-Chul's father fought alongside American soldiers in the Korean War, and his son works for the U.S. military on the Rock Island Arsenal. Now the artist has created a piece of art to represent the partnership between the U.S. and South Korea. The two countries have been allies since the signing of the Mutual [...]

Judge asks New Mexico, Meta to be ‘pragmatic’ as bench trial ends

New Mexico First Judicial District Chief Judge Bryan Biedscheid listens to testimony on May 22, 2026, the final day of the second phase of New Mexico’s case against Meta, held in Santa Fe. (Eddie Moore/Albuquerque Journal)A New Mexico state district judge on Friday asked state prosecutors and social media giant Meta to be “pragmatic” in their written closing statements, which must be submitted by June 12.SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. The second phase of the state’s trial against Meta — a bench trial without a jury — wrapped after two weeks of testimony. New Mexico Department of Justice attorneys allege Meta’s platforms — including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp — constitute a “public nuisance” to teen health within the state. Among its list of demands, NMDOJ requested the court order the company to operate differently for its youth users; issue monetary relief; and appoint an independent monitor. First Judicial District Judge Bryan Biedscheid wrapped the trial with the same reservations he mentioned at its onset: “I am not a legislative, executive and judicial branch rolled into one that is going to put some overarching, new governmental mechanism in place,” he said. New Mexico Department of Justice rests case in second phase of Meta child safety lawsuit The bench trial follows a Santa Fe jury’s March 24 verdict finding Meta violated New Mexico’s Unfair Practices Act, and misled the public on the risks of its sites for underage users’ mental health and risk of sexual exploitation. The verdict, which Meta said it will appeal, also ordered the company to pay $375 million in damages. In a statement issued after the bench trial’s conclusion, New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez expressed optimism about the state’s prospects. “New Mexico’s victory, and the $375 million in civil penalties, changed the legal landscape for Big Tech, establishing that they can — and will — be held accountable when they violate laws that protect kids,” Torrez said. “It is time for Mark Zuckerberg to finally prioritize child safety, and I am looking forward to hearing the judge’s ruling on the changes Meta must make to protect children in New Mexico.” Attorneys for Meta have argued New Mexico’s requests, if granted, would violate free speech for the platform and its users and have called the proposed changes unlawful and redundant with existing protocols. “Throughout this trial, the New Mexico attorney general has continued his misguided strategy of proposing mandates that would risk leaving teens less safe, infringe on parental rights, and stifle free expression. Even the judge has noted those mandates could be an ‘overreach,’” an unnamed Meta spokesperson said in a statement provided to Source NM. “The state’s case ignores the hundreds of apps teens use daily and fails to provide scientific or legal justification for their demands of Meta. We remain committed to providing safe, age-appropriate experiences and have already launched many of the protections the state seeks, including 13 safety measures this past year.” Meta officials previously said they would consider withdrawing Facebook and Instagram platforms from the state if the judge granted state prosecutors’ operation requests. Biedscheid asked both parties to seek a middle ground in their final requests. “I am hoping that what I’m going to get are ideas that I can put together, that maybe are less maximalist than some that I have seen in the last three weeks, and more along the lines of, ‘here’s what actually might be reasonable.’” He concluded that he is more comfortable changing the “mechanics of the platforms, rather than the content of the platforms,” citing federal law and the U.S. Constitution. “I do have concerns still about, most importantly, I’d have to say, the degree to which I am a court dealing with one party,” Biedscheid said. “So much of what I’ve heard is about the entire industry of social media as a whole.” Courtesy of Source New Mexico

Bill regulating powerful AI models advances in Illinois as advocates say it’s only the first step

The Illinois Senate approved SB315, requiring large AI developers like OpenAI and Meta to report catastrophic risks and undergo third-party audits.

Davenport truck driver inducted into National Private Truck Council Driver Hall of Fame

Matthew Dosland joined The Current on News 8 to discuss his history as a truck driver and what the award means to him.

America 250 celebrations around the Quad Cities Area

The Quad Cities and surrounding areas will celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

Michigan health officials sunset early vaccination recommendation after measles outbreak ends

iStock / Getty Images PlusMichigan health officials are no longer recommending infants receive an early dose of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine, announcing Tuesday they had phased out their previous guidance aimed at reducing the spread of measles in several Michigan counties. At the beginning of April, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services began recommending early vaccination for infants 6 to 11 months old residing in Washtenaw, Monroe, Wayne, Oakland, Jackson, Livingston or Lenawee counties, after eight cases of measles were identified in Washtenaw and Monroe counties.  While the vaccine is routinely given to children between 12 and 15 months old, the department recommended early vaccination to provide additional protection to infants in the midst of the measles outbreak.  As no additional cases were identified as a result of the outbreak in Washtenaw County, the early vaccination recommendation ended on Saturday, May 16. Between April 8, when the guidance was issued, and when it ended, 2,371 doses of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine were administered to infants 6 through 11 months within the counties facing risk of transmission. State health officials urge vaccination amid measles spread in southeast Michigan “The increase in early MMR vaccines helped protect Michigan babies during this measles outbreak,” Natasha Bagdasarian, the state’s chief medical executive, said in a statement. “Measles is incredibly transmissible and because people can transmit the virus before they experience symptoms, we made this recommendation to keep the most vulnerable members of our communities safe, after a recent outbreak of measles in southeast MI.” Bagdasarian advised residents to protect their families and communities by staying up to date on all vaccines.  Measles is one of the most contagious diseases in the world. Measles symptoms usually appear seven to 14 days after exposure and can include a high fever above 104 degrees Fahrenheit, a cough, runny nose, red and watery eyes, and white spots inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms start.  Three to five days after symptoms appear, individuals with measles will develop a rash that appears on the face and spreads downward across the body, though immunocompromised patients may not develop a rash. Measles infection can lead to severe complications including hospitalization, lung infection, brain swelling and death.  The Department of Health and Human Services recommends individuals with a measles infection, or who have been exposed call a health provider, so they can make arrangements to evaluate the patient if needed. Likewise, the department advises anyone in need of an emergency room to call ahead and let them know they may have measles. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Michigan Advance

Police: Teen crashes stolen car after fleeing police in Moline

A 16-year-old has been charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle following a police chase and crash in Moline on Tuesday morning.

Road closures in Bettendorf and Davenport

Davenport's Locust Street Is closed to westbound traffic and closures have expanded on Bettendorf's Central Avenue.

Willi Carlisle, June 5

Touring in support of his most recent album Winged Victory, which Glide magazine praised as "timeless folk music" that "addresses these times without being straight-out protest music," singer/songwriter Willi Carlisle headlines a June 5 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Moon, the artist's frequently cheeky recording also hailed by SputnikMusic as "Chock-full of innuendos, comedically verbose tangents and brutally honest horniness."

TsuShiMaMiRe, June 6

Praised by the Memphis Flyer for "eschewing de rigueur hoarse screaming for simple but effective melodies (and yes, screaming!)," resulting in "an irresistible combination," the Japanese punk rockers of TsuShiMaMiRe return to Davenport's Raccoon Motel on June 6, the female trio famed for mixing pop instrumental sounds with idiosyncratic, quirky, and oftentimes funny and disturbing lyrics.

Season to Risk, June 8

Touring in support of 2025's remastered version of their album In a Perfect World, a 30th-anniversary release for which, according to New Noise magazine, the artists were "sounding as powerful and vital as ever," the post-punk and alternative rockers of Season to Risk headline a June 8 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, other fan-favorite albums including 1-800-Meltdown, Men Are Monkeys, Robots Win, and their sefl-titled 1993 debut.

Ellis Bullard, June 9

Hailed by Saving Country Music as "the hot thing of the Austin honky tonks," singer/songwriter Ellis Bullard headlines a June 9 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, the artists' sophomore album Honky Tonk Ain't Noise Pollution lauded by Metal Planet Music as "a damned fine slice of good ol’ country music: well written, well played, well sung, and very well produced."

Spiral Fracture, June 10

Touring in support of their 2026 recording Grace in Decay that Headbangers Australia said "moves with complete and total purpose," the heavy-metal artists of Spiral Fracture headline a June 10 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, the group's latest also hailed by Rock-Expert as a work that "reflects the band's view of the modern world, exploring themes of inner struggle, collapse, resilience, and personal truth."

What's happening at Moline's Historic Block Courtyard?

You can get out and enjoy live music, fitness classes, tournaments and community gatherings in one of Moline's most unique outdoor spaces. Jennifer Smith joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about what's happening at the Historic Block Courtyard in downtown Moline. For more information, click here.

Fifth-Annual Bellson Music Fest, June 6

Celebrating the legacy of Louie Bellson (1924 2009), the Rock Falls native who became a world-renowned drummer, composer, band leader, and six-time Grammy nominee, the Fifth Annual Bellson Music Fest will be held at Rock Falls' RB&W Park on June 6, the hosted by Rock Falls Tourism in collaboration with Bellson’s widow Francine Bellson and music director and local favorite Josh Duffee.

Genesis Guild's “Love's Labour's Lost,” June 6 through 14

One of William Shakespeare's most delightful and infrequently staged romantic comedies opens Genesius Guild's 2026 summer season at Rock Island's Lincoln Park, with Love's Labour's Lost, from June 6 through 14, treating audiences to what the New York Times' Ben Brantley called a work that "may well be the first and best example of a genre that would flourish in less sophisticated forms five centuries later: the college comedy."

“Guys & Dolls,” June 11 through 21

One of the greatest and most beloved musicals in the history of American theatre opens the 2026 summer season at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, with Guys & Dolls running from June 11 through 21, and treating audiences to a nine-time Tony Award winner that the New York Times called “the show that defines Broadway dazzle.”

“A Golden Age for Whom?”, June 6 through September 20

Bringing together contemporary artists responding to the themes and aesthetics explored in the Davenport venue's concurrent exhibition The Golden Age: Featuring Northern European Works from the National Gallery of Art, the Figge Art Museum's A Golden Age for Whom? will be on display June 6 through September 20, the two exhibitions' adjoining galleries allowing visitors to move directly between historic works and contemporary responses.

39 World Cup teams will be based in the U.S. Here's which squad will be closest to you

This week, FIFA finalized the list of where competitors will train during the tournament. Here's a breakdown of the U.S. cities that are included.

“Quiet Intersections,” June 5 through July 31

Four Chicago-based artists will present concurrent solo exhibitions across the galleries of Dubuque's Voices Studios from June 5 through July 31, with the collective Quiet Intersections exhibit a multi-faceted experience that reveals how individual artistic voices can converge, diverge, and share creative space.

“Pride,” June 10

With the 2014 dramatic comedy hailed by The Guardian as “impassioned and lovable,” the Iowa Industrial Workers of the World General Membershiip Branch hosts a special June 10 screening of Pride at Rock Island's Rozz-Tox on June 10, a celebration of Pride Month that demonstrates the crucial solidarity that continues to exist between the queer community and the working class.

“Rent,” June 4

Presented as the first in a month-long series of screenings held in celebration of Pride Month, Chris Columbus' 2005 film adaptation of Rent enjoys a June 4 showing at the Figge Art Museum, this special series made possible by the Art Bridges Foundation in conjunction with the Felix Gonzalez-Torres exhibition now on view at the Davenport venue.

“Dallas Buyers Club,” June 11

Presented as the second in a month-long series of screenings held in celebration of Pride Month, the three-time Oscar-winning drama Dallas Buyers Club enjoys a June 11 screening at the Figge Art Museum, this special series made possible by the Art Bridges Foundation in conjunction with the Felix Gonzalez-Torres exhibition now on view at the Davenport venue.

2026 Iowa Arts Festival, June 5 through 7

A tradition of 40-plus years that has attracted more than 25,000 people each summer to downtown Iowa City, the Iowa Arts Festival, from June 5 through 7, will showcase a wide array of visual artists from local and national levels.

4-year-old and 61-year-old identified as two killed in Clinton County UTV crash

The crash occurred at 3:22 p.m. Sunday in the 2400 block of 158th Avenue in Calamus.

“Hamilton” Sing-Along Party, June 6

On June 6, the Bettendorf Room at the Bettendorf Public Library will definitely be "the Room where it happens," with the venue hosting a 2 p.m. Hamilton Sing-Along Party in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Kansas legislative leaders approve extended monitoring of three residents exposed to hantavirus

Will Lawrence, Gov. Laura Kelly's chief of staff, speaks to the Legislative Coordinating Council about extending an emergency declaration related to hantavirus during a May 26, 2026, meeting. (Photo by Baya Burgess/Kansas Reflector)TOPEKA — Kansas legislative leaders on Tuesday approved the governor’s request to extend an emergency declaration in response to three residents who are being monitored for a potential hantavirus infection. Will Lawrence, the governor’s chief of staff, revealed new details about how the three individuals had been in close contact with someone who died from the disease. Gov. Laura Kelly declared an emergency May 12 after health officials learned about the exposure. Lawrence said the declaration allowed the state to transport individuals to the University of Kansas Medical Center for monitoring, and for the state to continue to monitor the patients after they were discharged last week. The three patients, who are all asymptomatic, remain in voluntary isolation at home. Those cases are connected to an individual who was on the MV Hondius cruise ship, where an Andes hantavirus outbreak caused at least three deaths. The governor’s declaration was set to expire Tuesday night. Instead of asking for a traditional 30-day extension, Lawrence said, the governor asked legislative leaders to extend the declaration through June 7 because that is the end of the potential 42-day incubation period for the hantavirus. “They are doing well, they’re asymptomatic at this point in time, and they’re staying in contact with us on a daily basis,” Lawrence said. “So we’re monitoring that, but if things change, if we need to transport them or anything like that, we need to have the declaration in place, just so we can move quickly.” The Legislative Coordinating Council, a panel of six Republican and two Democratic leaders that handles administrative tasks when the Legislature isn’t in session, voted 7-1 to approve the governor’s request. Sen. Tim Shallenburger, a Baxter Springs Republican who serves as the Senate vice president, objected to the request. “I just want to see if I can wrap my head around that,” he said. “We got three people, none of whom are sick, who may have been in contact with somebody who may not have been sick, and we consider that an emergency in the state of Kansas?” Senate Vice President Tim Shallenburger was the lone dissenting vote on extending an emergency declaration. (Photo by Baya Burgess/Kansas Reflector) Lawrence said concerns about the exposure to hantavirus originated with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which contacted Kansas officials after a patient in another state died. “What’s happened here is that these three individuals were on a flight with someone who was symptomatic sitting in front of them, and this person ultimately got off the airplane, did test positive for antivirus, and did pass away,” Lawrence said. Shallenburger was the lone “no” vote. Senate President Ty Masterson, an Andover Republican who is seeking the party’s nomination for governor, said he wanted to make sure the quarantine was voluntary, “because of the sensitivities of what went on during COVID.” During the pandemic, some Kansans complained about emergency health orders that required them to isolate when contagious. “My understanding is no one is showing symptoms, i.e. not sick,” Masterson said. “I just want to make sure nobody’s being held not sick against their will.” Lawrence told him “no one is being held without their consent.” “This is all voluntary,” he said. “They have been working with us very well to report every day any potential symptoms.” Courtesy of Kansas Reflector

Absentee voting underway ahead of Iowa elections

Primary Election Day in Iowa is next Tuesday and county officials are ready to help residents vote in person or by absentee ballots. David Troester, Clinton County Auditor, and Kerri Tompkins, Scott County Auditor, spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to give an update on absentee voting in the two counties. “So at [...]

To stop leaks, the Trump administration wants federal workers to sign NDAs

The Trump administration has proposed creating a new government-wide nondisclosure agreement for new and existing federal employees.

Inside the digital hubs where gamers build, compete, and connect

Inside the digital hubs where gamers build, compete, and connectEstimates for the size of the global video game market vary, but it’s comfortably a $300 billion industry, with Precedence Research projecting it to exceed $720 billion by 2034.. Despite its big-business credentials, one reason it holds so much sway in culture today is the democratizing power of some of the underlying technology. Notably, the implementation of community servers shows that developers and publishers are happy to give players a stake in the experiences they offer.Servers operated by the player base have been around for as long as online connectivity itself, although this has come a long way from its amateur origins, and the industry has reached a point where these digital hubs are an economic force in their own right. MineRank The Importance of Third-Party Server SolutionsThe market for game servers is valued at $5.85 billion, according to Business Research Insights, and will top $10 billion by 2035, with projected year-on-year growth of 6.95%. While major games of all kinds arrive with first-party server support as standard, this market analysis clearly shows that third-party servers are even more significant. In fact, 61% of titles developed in the U.S. host the online portion of the experience outside in-house infrastructure.Community servers represent a much smaller slice of this market, but their impact is arguably greater when taken as a whole. Data from community server analytics platform MineRank suggests that many players migrate toward community-run hubs once they have exhausted a game’s standard content. These independent servers offer a blend of unique game modes and social circles that operate outside the direct oversight of major corporate publishers.“Minecraft” is a major example of a game that continues to flourish and grow thanks to community servers, but it’s not the only online IP that has perpetuated its long-term commercial viability through this route. For instance, RockStar’s “Grand Theft Auto V,” originally released in 2013, continues to make its publisher $1.3 million every day, and third-party server support feeds back into first-party profits. So, players have a reason to stick around, and companies keep wringing revenue out of long-established games.The Social BenefitsThe financial side of the community server ecosystem is interesting to outsiders, but there are other benefits to encouraging the proliferation of these digital hubs where people can play together, and the social aspect is perhaps the most important of them all. Despite calls for a ban on social media for under-16s in many countries, and arguments from some corners that our modern obsession with digital experiences is detrimental to our broader social skills and mental health, online gaming could be the exception to this.A recent meta-analysis of studies on online gaming argued that it has the potential to bring about positive change at both the individual and societal levels. Players encouraged to communicate and collaborate in these digital hubs develop skills and build empathy with others, and are exposed to a range of interactions beyond direct gameplay, such as watching live streams on Twitch and YouTube.Rather than being a socially isolating activity, community servers in particular and online gaming more broadly impart a sense of belonging in those who might traditionally have struggled to fit in with face-to-face social scenarios. The World Health Organization is in the process of exploring the benefits of digital play from a public health perspective, once again drawing attention to just how advantageous this widespread and often misunderstood pastime can be. This move suggests these digital spaces are finally being seen as vital tools for building community in a disconnected world.What Next for Digital Hubs?Online gamers have the opportunity to engage and interact with other players in ways that were previously impossible, and accessibility is better than ever, since finding community servers can be readily reviewed, ranked, and checked for safety, thanks to the range of independent platforms designed to do just that.It’s apparent that more research is needed to better understand the full picture of how these digital hubs really pay dividends for player social skills and mental health. However, it’s refreshing to see that this is an active line of research, given that so much attention in the media points to the negative effects of the likes of gaming addiction.This story was produced by MineRank and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Adoptable pet: Meet Stuart

Stuart came to the shelter as a stray but is fully trained. Isenberger said Stuart is believed to be about a year old.

Iowa women’s basketball to play against UConn next season

UConn holds 12 national titles, the most in women’s basketball history.

4-year-old one of two dead in UTV crash

The names of those who died have not been released.

Portugal's golden visa moved from property to private capital. Here's what changed.

Portugal's golden visa moved from property to private capital. Here's what changed.For years, Portugal's golden visa was a property story. Foreign investors bought homes, apartments, or development-linked assets, and Portugal granted residency rights in return. Sales materials looked more like luxury real-estate brochures than immigration filings, and the program quietly became one of Europe's most popular routes to a Schengen residence card.Then Lisbon pulled the plug on the real estate route. Portugal's current Residence Permit for Investment Activity, known locally as ARI, still allows non-EU nationals to obtain residency through qualifying investment, but the menu has been rewritten. The current Portugal Golden Visa rules spell out the new routes. AIMA's official guidance now lists job creation, scientific research, cultural support, business capitalization, and a 500,000 euro investment into non-real-estate collective investment undertakings established under Portuguese law. Qualifying funds must have a maturity of at least five years at the time of investment, and at least 60% of the fund's capital must be invested in commercial companies based in Portugal.That change has quietly altered the economics of one of Europe's better-known investor residency programs. The advisers running deal flow look more like fund placement specialists than estate agents now, and the diligence files look more like private equity subscription packs than property closings.The old model was simple — and politically fragileThe old version of Portugal's golden visa was easy to explain. An investor could buy qualifying real estate, hold the investment, meet minimum stay requirements, and use the residence permit as a long-term pathway to Portugal and the Schengen Area. That clarity made it popular with high-net-worth families and easy to market to anyone with a passport from outside the EU. It also made it an obvious political target.Movingto examines how Portugal's golden visa program changed after real estate was removed from the eligible investment menu.Investor residence programs across Europe have faced growing scrutiny from policymakers. The European Commission's January 2019 report on investor citizenship and residence schemes flagged risks around security, money laundering, tax evasion, corruption, and weak oversight. A March 2022 recommendation pushed member states to review or repeal these programs in light of geopolitical risks. In Portugal, the real estate-linked version of the golden visa got tangled up with a separate, very domestic argument about housing affordability. When investor capital flows into property in cities already struggling with affordability, the political optics turn sour quickly. A program designed to attract capital can be reframed as a program that prices residents out of homes, and that reframing usually wins.Portugal's response was not to scrap the program. Lisbon redirected it through Law 56/2023 ("Mais Habitação"), which entered force in October 2023. The law removed real estate from the eligible investment menu while preserving fund, scientific research, arts and heritage, business capitalization, and job-creation routes.The new model asks where the money goesThe current fund route is more technical than the old property route. Investors are no longer simply checking whether a property hits a threshold. They are looking at fund structure, maturity, asset allocation, legal documentation, depositary, auditor, and underlying investments — and whether all of that satisfies immigration rules in addition to financial ones.A qualifying fund investment is part of an immigration file, not just a financial product. The fund has to fit the legal route. The investment has to be maintained over the holding period. The applicant still has to document the transfer of funds, source of funds, family eligibility, criminal record checks, and ongoing compliance. None of that disappeared with the move away from real estate; if anything, the underwriting got slower because there are now more moving parts to verify.Investor risk has shifted, too. Property risk is visible and familiar: location, valuation, rental demand, maintenance, taxes, and resale. Fund risk is harder to see and harder to model. It involves a manager’s track record, investment strategy, underlying portfolio exposure, valuation policy, redemption rules, gates, side pockets, fund extensions, and whether the fund's investment activity remains compatible with the post-2023 ARI rules over a multiyear holding period that may outlast the underwriting team.That is partly why the new market is more difficult to navigate, but it is also why it is potentially more economically productive. Instead of routing foreign capital into apartments, Portugal is trying to route it into companies, innovation, research, culture, and employment.Portugal's startup economy gives the shift contextThe timing was not accidental. Portugal's startup ecosystem has matured substantially over the past decade, and official data suggests it is no longer a fringe part of the economy. Startup Portugal's 2025 ecosystem report counted 5,091 active startups, an 8% increase from 2024. The same report estimated startup turnover at 2.856 billion euros and employment at roughly 28,000 workers. It also found that startups contributed around 1% of Portugal's GDP and that nearly 70% were founded in the previous five years.AICEP, Portugal's trade and investment agency, describes the country's startup ecosystem as rapidly expanding, internationally oriented, and concentrated around technology hubs such as Lisbon, Porto, and Braga. AICEP also highlights ICT, artificial intelligence, fintech, biotechnology, and renewable energy as the sectors driving growth.That does not mean every golden visa fund is a startup fund. Some focus on private equity, credit, listed securities, operating companies, infrastructure-linked businesses, or diversified portfolios. The broader policy direction is clear, regardless of fund type: Portugal wants investor residency capital to support productive economic activity rather than simply inflate property demand.‘Golden visa eligible’ does not mean ‘appropriate’The shift away from real estate is sometimes marketed as an upgrade. That framing is partly true and partly a sales pitch. Funds can offer diversification, professional management, regulatory oversight by CMVM, and exposure to Portugal's operating economy. They can also be opaque, illiquid, expensive to exit, and badly suited to a particular investor's tax situation. A fund can be regulated and still be risky. A strategy can be perfectly legal and still be the wrong fit for the person writing the check.The most expensive assumption in this market is that "golden visa eligible" automatically means "appropriate." Eligibility answers one narrow question: whether the investment can support the residency application under current ARI rules. It does not answer whether the investment is fairly priced, whether the manager has a credible record of returning capital, whether the fee stack is reasonable, whether the exit is realistic, or whether the investment makes sense for a U.S. taxpayer, a family office, or an investor who may need liquidity before the fund matures.Portugal's securities regulator, CMVM, maintains lists of entities authorized or registered to carry out regulated financial activities in Portugal. Regulatory status is a starting point for due diligence, not a substitute for it.What investors should actually ask nowThe question used to be: "Can I buy property and qualify?" That question no longer exists. The better question is: "Where will my money actually go, and what happens to it over the next five to seven years?"In practice, that means looking past headline return targets. Investors should ask whether the fund is open or closed-ended, when redemptions are allowed, whether the fund can extend its term, how the net asset value is calculated, who the depositary and auditor are, and whether the fund manager has a credible history of returning capital to limited partners. They should also ask whether the fund has any direct or indirect exposure that could create immigration risk, given that Portugal's current ARI fund route is explicitly framed around non-real-estate collective investment undertakings. Anything that resembles real estate by another name needs careful scrutiny, and the eligibility opinion should come from a Portuguese immigration lawyer rather than the fund's own marketing team.For American investors, the review is more involved. A Portuguese fund will almost always create U.S. tax reporting issues, including FBAR/FATCA reporting on foreign accounts and likely Passive Foreign Investment Company (PFIC) treatment requiring annual Form 8621 filings. A QEF election may help, but the modeling has to happen before subscription, not after the wire is sent. Skipping that step has cost American applicants real money in tax friction they did not anticipate.The bottom linePortugal's golden visa has become more targeted, more technical, and slower to research. The old program rewarded capital entering the country. The new version cares more about what the capital does once it arrives — whether it supports companies, finances research, preserves culture, creates jobs, or contributes to sectors Portugal wants to grow.For investors, the practical takeaway is concrete. Treat a Portugal Golden Visa fund subscription as two separate decisions made in parallel: an investment decision (manager, strategy, fees, exit, tax treatment, redemption mechanics) and an immigration decision (eligibility under current ARI rules, family file, holding period, renewal obligations, source-of-funds documentation). Use separate advisers wherever possible so the investment review and the immigration review don't collapse into one conflicted conversation, and verify every claim against current AIMA guidance and CMVM authorization records before signing.The route still works. It just stopped being a property purchase with a residence card stapled to it.This story was produced by Movingto and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Gen Z is the AI generation. So why are they calling travel advisors more than Boomers?

Gen Z is the AI generation. So why are they calling travel advisors more than Boomers?The headlines predicted AI would replace travel advisors. The opposite is happening. AI writes the itinerary, ranks the hotels, and finds the deals. The travel advisor does the same, then takes the booking and picks up the phone when the flight gets canceled at midnight. According to new research from ALG Vacations, AI users across generations are still calling travel advisors, and Gen Z and Millennials are leaning on them hardest. ALG Vacations Among AI users, 51% of Millennials and Gen Z say they have used a travel advisor when booking a vacation, the highest rates of any generation. Baby Boomers, who came of age before the smartphone, report 44%. Younger does not mean wanting less human help.They are not avoiding AI either. In fact, the same generations most likely to use a travel advisor are also the most AI savvy. Among AI users, 31% of both Gen Z and Millennials say they completely trust travel recommendations generated by AI. Among Baby Boomers, the figure is 12%. Gen Z and Millennials are not picking sides. They are picking both.Older generations show a sharper preference. Among Baby Boomers, 59% trust a travel advisor more than AI for final vacation decisions, while 15% trust AI more. ALG Vacations AI is a useful tool for inspiration and research. The travel advisor has the same skills but brings firsthand experience and judgment. They have the relationships with the people who actually run the resorts, the access the public does not always see, and the kind of knowledge that comes from booking these trips for a living. ALG Vacations That preference for travel advisors is highest in higher-stakes travel situations. Asked when they would prefer working with an advisor over AI, 36% of AI users say when something goes wrong, such as a canceled flight or a double-booked hotel. They also turn to advisors for complex multidestination trips, family or group travel, and luxury bookings.“Travel advisors are the essential link between travelers and the global travel industry. They offer trusted expertise, simplify complex choices, and bring peace of mind in an era when navigating travel can feel overwhelming. Unlike AI tools that rely on algorithms alone, travel advisors bring human insight, creativity, and education to every trip,” said Zane Kerby, president and CEO of the American Society of Travel Advisors.The data does not show AI replacing travel advisors. While AI plays a role, advisors bring the expertise, relationships, and support that AI users keep coming back for. The youngest, most AI-fluent travelers are using both more often than anyone older.MethodologyALG Vacations commissioned Atomik Research to conduct an online survey of 1,000 U.S. adults who currently use AI tools. The margin of error is plus or minus 3 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. Fieldwork was conducted between April 24 and April 28, 2026. Atomik Research, part of 4media group, is a creative market research agency.This story was produced by ALG Vacations and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Gulf shrimpers want help from congress as fuel costs climb

The declining number of Gulf shrimpers who are still in business are now struggling as gas prices rise and competition with cheaper imports remains high.

Widow defends wrongful-death claim against Iowa nursing home

Parkridge Specialty Care in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. (Photo via Google Earth)New allegations of wrongdoing have emerged in the latest wrongful death lawsuit involving a Pleasant Hill nursing home. Court records indicate Parkridge Specialty Care of Pleasant Hill has been sued three times in recent years for wrongful death. The most recent case, filed in August 2025 by the estate of Maris Bergis, seeks unspecified compensatory and punitive damages from the home’s corporate owner, Care Initiatives of West Des Moines, for alleged dependent adult abuse, recklessness, negligence and wrongful death. The lawsuit alleges Parkridge “negligently cared for Bergis and violated numerous regulations, laws, rights, and industry standards, causing (him) personal injury, illness, harm, and a decline in health.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. According to the lawsuit, Bergis was admitted to Parkridge on Sept. 1, 2023, for what was initially planned to be a 48-hour stay following his hospitalization for pneumonia. Upon admission, he was allegedly alert, awake and oriented, and Parkridge was tasked with providing physician-prescribed breathing treatments and monitoring him for difficulty with breathing and any signs of anxiety, confusion or restlessness. During the course of Bergis’ stay at Parkridge, the staff at the home allegedly failed to administer the breathing treatments. The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing subsequently cited Parkridge for its care of Bergis, finding that it had delayed providing necessary medical care and treatment. While the lawsuit does not indicate when, where or how Bergis died, it claims the “gross negligence, and/or recklessness” of Care Initiatives and Parkridge “were the cause of Bergis’ decline in health, injuries, damages and untimely death.” State inspection reports indicate Bergis was alive, but was increasingly nonresponsive, late in the afternoon on Sept. 4, 2023, which was three days after his admission to Parkridge. The inspection records indicate Bergis was sent to a hospital by ambulance at his spouse’s insistence, but they provide no information as to the hospital’s diagnosis or treatment outcome. Widow: ‘Staff frequently failed to respond’ In recent case filings, Bergis’ widow, Leila Bergis, recounted in a sworn affidavit her version of what transpired at Parkridge during her husband’s stay at the facility. “When he arrived at Parkridge, he was not in a diaper,” she stated. “However, he called to go to the restroom once, and they did not come quickly enough, so he urinated in his pants. After that, they put him in a diaper – not because he was incontinent, but because they were not attending to his calls for assistance to use the bathroom … On multiple occasions, Maris and I used the call light to request assistance. Staff frequently failed to respond in a timely manner. Many times, staff took more than fifteen minutes and up to at least 30 minutes to respond. “On one occasion, I arrived at Parkridge and found Maris in bed with his clothing soaked in urine. I called for staff to assist him. Although staff changed his undergarments, they did not bathe him or otherwise clean him… After Maris’ stay, while cleaning out his room, my daughters and granddaughter discovered a pair of his sweatpants in a dresser drawer that were soaked with urine.” In her affidavit, Leila Bergis described the physician-ordered breathing treatments her husband was to receive while at Parkridge. “The Parkridge staff did not set up Maris’ breathing treatment equipment or have the albuterol — the medication — in his room,” she alleged. “The equipment sat unplugged underneath the TV. Because of this, Parkridge did not give Maris the breathing treatments that were ordered by his physician. Even if I wanted to help give him a breathing treatment while he was at Parkridge, I couldn’t. This is because Parkridge did not have any albuterol in the room.” Attorney: ‘They stripped Maris of his dignity’ She said that one day she arrived at the facility and found her husband “partially out of his bed and struggling to breathe. I demanded he be taken by ambulance to the hospital. When the paramedics arrived, Maris was barely breathing. At that time, a nurse attempted to cover up Parkridge’s neglect by administering a breathing treatment as if it was part of their routine care. This was the first and only time Parkridge ever attempted to provide him with a breathing treatment. “When Maris arrived on September 1, 2023, his prognosis was to come home. However, in about three days, Parkridge treated him so poorly and neglected him so badly — by letting him soak in his own urine and failing to give him prescribed treatment — that we had to rush him out of Parkridge by ambulance to the hospital.” Care Initiatives has denied any wrongdoing, and is seeking to have the case dismissed due to the plaintiffs’ failure to file a certificate of merit signed by an expert witness who can attest to Parkridge’s alleged failure to meet the standard of care expected of the home. In response to that argument, the Bergis family’s attorney, Matthew M. Sahag, has filed a brief with the court arguing that Care Initiatives is claiming “you need an expert to say it’s wrong to strip a man of his dignity – leaving him to sit in his own urine while he struggled to breathe. The Iowa Supreme Court says otherwise. So does common sense … They stripped Maris of his dignity and now ask this court to believe that ordinary Iowans cannot understand that.” The court has yet to rule on the motion to dismiss the case, and a trial in the matter remains scheduled for Oct. 4, 2027. Two other wrongful-death claims In recent years, two other families have sued Parkridge and Care Initiatives, alleging wrongful death: In August 2024, the family of the late Kerry Morris sued, alleging that Morris died at age 58, one week after being admitted to Parkridge for what was supposed to be a temporary stay to assist with recovery from a leg amputation. The lawsuit claims that on the evening of Aug. 23, 2022, two nurses failed to respond to a certified nurse aide’s request that they come to the assistance of Morris, who was in respiratory distress at the time. In March 2025, with Care Initiatives attempting to force the matter into arbitration, the parties reached a settlement in the case and the lawsuit was dismissed with no public disclosure of the terms of the deal. In June 2024, the family of Neuang Boun Sisamouth sued Parkridge and Care Initiatives, alleging that on June 20, 2022, the staff at Parkridge failed to respond to her deteriorating condition, despite dangerously low blood sugar levels. Licensed Practical Nurse Dezaree Major failed to call 911 as ordered, and there was a 90-minute delay in transporting Sisamouth to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead a short time later, the lawsuit claims. A trial is scheduled for March 29, 2027. In 2022, the Iowa Board of Nursing alleged Major was working at an unspecified Iowa nursing home in 2021 where, for five months, she falsified various medical records and performed nursing services beyond the scope of her license. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch

North Scott Press — May 27, 2026

The cheapest new cars for 2026

The cheapest new cars for 2026The cheapest new car on sale today is the Hyundai Venue subcompact crossover, with a starting price of $21,695. According to Edmunds data from July 2025, the average transaction price of a new vehicle in the United States was $47,976, more than twice that cost. When you combine that with high interest rates and inflation rising faster than wages, it may seem like purchasing a new car is out of reach for many shoppers, especially young buyers looking for their first car. Yet new cars can be found in today's market for under $25,000. To that point, while the average price of a new car is higher than ever, there are still plenty of relatively cheap, reliable cars on sale today. This article covers the 21 most affordable new cars on sale in 2026, topping out at around $30,000. (Note: The starting price was also listed.) You can certainly go higher up the trim levels for more features, especially if you want a cheap car that looks expensive, but it'll cost more. This list has cars, hatchbacks, and SUVs, including some with turbocharged powertrains and a handful with all-wheel drive. There are even fuel-efficient hybrids, though even the pure-combustion cars on this list offer solid fuel economy ratings.Read on to learn more about 21 of the cheapest new cars on sale today.  Hyundai Cheapest new crossover: 2026 Hyundai VenueThe most affordable crossover SUV on sale today is the Hyundai Venue. Like other compact crossovers, the front-wheel-drive Venue is more of a hatchback with a lift. It offers good passenger and cargo space alike. And because the Venue sits higher than some sedans and hatchbacks, it's easy to load in people or cargo. Standard features include keyless entry, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and USB charging ports. The Venue, though, is not available with all-wheel drive, a concession often made for this class of crossovers to help keep prices down. Its practical layout and solid features make it worth your time to check out. Starting price, including destination: $21,695Fuel economy: 31 mpg combined2026 Chevrolet TraxThe Chevy Trax is one of the newest and most affordable crossovers available. While the original Trax felt cheap and uninspired, this second-generation model looks and feels much better inside and out. The interior space is not only improved, but there's also enough room for four adults plus all their belongings. The Trax's standard three-cylinder engine is one of the few powertrains on this list to feature a turbocharger and feels peppy around town. Standard features include LED headlights, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a few driver aids. As with some other small crossover SUVs, all-wheel drive isn't available on the Trax.Starting price, including destination: $23,495Fuel economy: up to 30 mpg combined Kia Cheapest available hatchback: 2026 Kia K4The Kia K4 replaces an old model, the Forte. The K4 is larger, more stylish, and more modern. Of course, it's also more expensive, but there's a solid list of standard features available in exchange for the steeper pricing. Those include driver aids, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, and automatic high beams. The Kia's larger trunk and more plush interior also make it easier to live with than the outgoing Forte, but the tepid base engine remains. For 2026, a hatch joins the lineup, but pricing is a full $3,000 more than the cheaper sedan model.Starting price, including destination: $23,535, $26,085 (hatch)Fuel economy: up to 34 mpg combined Nissan Cheapest new sedan: 2026 Nissan SentraThe Nissan Sentra receives an update for 2026, with entirely new looks both in and out. They'll help the Sentra continue to deliver on what it promises above all else: value. The latest look is more modern, and the interior features much higher-quality materials than the outgoing model. Moreover, a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen comes standard, and SL models benefit from luxuries like a power sunroof, heated steering wheel, automatic climate control, faux leather seats, and alloy wheels.Starting price, including destination: $23,845Fuel economy: up to 34 mpg combined2026 Hyundai ElantraThe Hyundai Elantra received an update for the 2024 model year that brought refreshed front and rear designs, and some additional tech and driver assistance features. The latter, including lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, and rear cross-traffic alert, will now notify the driver via haptic feedback in the steering wheel. The base engine sadly didn't see any changes and remains a little on the slow side, but hybrids deliver on efficiency and power. 2024's updates aside, the Elantra isn't changing much for 2026. No matter what, it remains a stylish small sedan with great interior room, though some of the materials feel a bit cheap.Starting price, including destination: $23,870Fuel economy: up to 36 mpg combined Nissan Cheapest available all-wheel drive: 2026 Nissan KicksThe new-for-2025 Kicks is a fully redesigned successor to Nissan's inexpensive and spacious small crossover. Though the new Kicks suffers from the same lack of power as the old one, its redesign helps soften the blow with some attractive new looks. There's also new tech in the Kicks, including an optional 12.3-inch screen and a Bose sound system. The SUV also features some comfy chairs and a still affordable price point. The fuel economy, though, has dropped a bit from the previous model.Starting price, including destination: $23,925Fuel economy: up to 31 mpg combined  Toyota Cheapest available hybrid: 2026 Toyota CorollaThe Toyota Corolla is one of the most popular cars in its class, but the small sedan does come with some trade-offs. The Corolla is comfortable despite some cramped rear seats, and the car's controls and tech are all easy to use. The four-cylinder's fuel economy is respectable in this group, but it comes with lots of road noise. Meanwhile, a Corolla hybrid can help with fuel economy, offering up to 50 mpg combined. Caveats aside, the Corolla has a healthy list of standard features, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, automatic climate control, and keyless entry. Notably, Toyota also includes adaptive cruise control as standard equipment. Starting price, including destination: $24,120 (sedan), $26,560 (hatchback), $25,970 (hybrid)Fuel economy: 35-50 mpg combined2026 Chevrolet TrailblazerThe Chevy Trailblazer is close in size and price to the other Chevy on this list, the Trax. The two have similar interiors and cargo space, and both come with similar standard features. However, Trailblazer was more comfortable and nicer inside than the average compact crossover. Even the entry-level Trailblazer comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a six-speaker audio system, but it lacks some of the driver aids you'll find standard on other compacts. The Trailblazer does have a few tricks up its sleeve that the Trax can't offer, notably a more powerful engine and available all-wheel drive. Both drive up the price, but all-wheel drive helps make the Trailblazer a standout for budget shoppers in four-season climates.Starting price, including destination: $25,095Fuel economy: up to 31 mpg combined2026 Volkswagen JettaThe 2025 VW Jetta's redesign removed the manual transmission option in favor of the more fuel-efficient but less fun automatic. The higher-performance GLI model is now the only way to row your own gears. There's plenty of storage inside the Jetta's updated cabin, which features a new dash and a newly standard 8-inch screen. SE models feature wireless charging, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and satellite radio, all of which were previously only available on SEL trims.Starting price, including destination: $25,270Fuel economy: 33 mpg combined2026 Kia SeltosThe 2026 Kia Seltos is Kia's take on the affordable subcompact SUV, sitting below the larger Sportage but offering more space than the discontinued Kia Soul. Kia notably doesn't offer a hybrid for the Seltos, and what's more, some of our test team noted that the front seats aren't very comfy over long periods. Still, the Seltos is rather practical, offering plenty of cargo space and a great array of standard features, including forward collision warning, all-wheel drive, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, and an 8-inch screen.Starting price, including destination: $25,135Fuel economy: up to 31 mpg combined Mazda Best affordable luxury option: 2026 Mazda 3 sedanThe Mazda 3 consistently impresses in the compact car class. Sharp styling, engaging handling, and an interior that feels nicer than almost anything else at this price help set the 3 apart. The 3's base engine also offers more power than some rivals' upgraded powertrains, and all-wheel drive is optional. Standard features are average for the class, though the list of driver aids does include adaptive cruise control. Compared to other small sedans, it offers less rear legroom and cargo space and lower fuel economy. Though its slightly higher price means it doesn't make the list, Mazda also sells a 3 hatchback that offers all of the same features with a bit more cargo space than the sedan.Starting price, including destination: $25,785Fuel economy: up to 31 mpg combined2026 Honda CivicThe Honda Civic is a go-to economy car, and the latest generation is no exception. It’s also one of those rare economy cars that manages to do just about everything well across the offered sedan, hatch, and hybrid models. No matter which one you choose, you're getting a fun car to drive with spacious seating and cargo areas and simple, straightforward tech. Standard features include automatic climate control, a 7-inch infotainment touch screen, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration.Starting price, including destination: $25,890Fuel economy: 31-49 mpg combined2026 Buick EnvistaThe Buick Envista is Buick's entry-level model, serving as an alternative to the slightly more premium Encore GX. The Envista is related to the Chevy Trax underneath the Buick's stylish sheetmetal. The pair shares the same 1.2-liter turbocharged engine that offers good but not outstanding fuel economy. It drives and handles well, too, and it offers a slightly more premium cabin than most other vehicles on this list. Standard features include 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, an 11-inch touch screen display, a digital instrument cluster, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Standard driver aids include automatic emergency braking and lane keeping assistance. For all the good the Envista offers, however, we're disappointed the small SUV doesn't offer all-wheel drive, something similarly priced alternatives do.Starting price, including destination: $26,495Fuel economy: 30 mpg combined Subaru Cheapest standard all-wheel drive: 2026 Subaru ImprezaThe Subaru Impreza was last redesigned in 2024, but some larger changes mean the little hatch is now more expensive by default, with the death of its base trim level in 2026. That leaves the Sport and RS trims, which do offer greater standard equipment, like an 11.6-inch screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as Subaru's suite of driver aids under its EyeSight assistance system. As with nearly every Subaru model, all-wheel drive is standard on the Impreza. It's a huge advantage since no other vehicle on this list comes standard with AWD. The interior is comfortable and spacious but somewhat hampered by Subaru's software interface. Still, for the Impreza's relatively low starting price, Subaru includes features like dual-zone automatic climate control, LED headlights, and adaptive cruise control as standard equipment. Starting price, including destination: $27,790Fuel economy: up to 30 mpg combined2026 Toyota Corolla Cross2026 brings a new grille to the Toyota Corolla Cross compact SUV, as well as a new console design and an available 10.5-inch center screen. In that vein, there's also a hybrid offered, which takes the price just above our self-imposed $30,000 limit of this list, but it nets a solid 42 mpg combined. Whatever powertrain you choose, the SUV's solid driver aids and excellent cargo capacity make the Corolla Cross a serious contender.Starting price, including destination: $26,485Fuel economy: 32 mpg combined2026 Hyundai KonaThe 2026 Kona offers stylish looks, practicality, and relative affordability. The SUV has a roomy, comfortable cabin, available all-wheel drive, and a big enough cargo space for all your things. Hyundai's tech and features offerings are excellent as well, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration via a 12.3-inch touch screen, a blind-spot warning system, LED headlights, and more.Starting price, including destination: $27,100Fuel economy: up to 31 mpg2026 Mitsubishi Outlander SportStandard all-wheel drive is a bit of a rarity among subcompact SUVs, but the Outlander Sport delivers. The small SUV is also, unfortunately, a little long in the tooth. The SUV carries over unchanged for another model year, and mechanically, it’s also very similar to the original Outlander Sport, which came onto the scene more than a decade ago. There is a solid warranty, but the Outlander Sport leaves a lot to be desired with its harsh ride, slow transmission, and serious noise from the unrefined powertrain. Spend a lot more on the mostly unrelated Outlander, and you can solve many of those issues.Starting price, including destination: $32,205Fuel economy: up to 26 mpg combined2026 Ford MaverickThe Ford Maverick is what a small truck should be: It is light on the wallet, fits everywhere, and hauls a surprising amount of cargo. 2025 brought some new looks to the Maverick, as well as a stylish and mildly sporty Lobo trim inspired by modified street trucks. More importantly, a 13.2-inch infotainment display is standard, complete with phone projection. The Maverick has impressive fuel economy, a hybrid powertrain (now available with AWD), and competitive pricing. Because the Maverick shirks the traditional body-on-frame layout used by larger trucks, it also rides like a car thanks to its unibody construction, making it very comfortable. However, there are compromises, namely in the form of a cheap-feeling interior, a driver's seat with limited adjustability, and a price tag that creeps ever upward.Starting price, including destination: $29,990Fuel economy: up to 37 mpg combinedThis story was produced by Edmunds and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

6 ways to free up room in your budget without support from high-interest loans

6 ways to free up room in your budget without support from high-interest loansWhen you’re in a financial crisis, it may be tempting to turn to short-term solutions that actually worsen your financial burdens in the long run. Some of the most accessible types of debt, like payday loans, come with incredibly high costs that can push people into a continuous cycle of borrowing to make payments.What can you do to lessen your financial burdens in the short run without digging deeper into a hole? Finder shares some strategies to free up your resources and create more breathing room in your budget.Request temporary reliefMany of the biggest items in a typical budget—such as car loans, student loans, mortgages and utilities—may seem unmovable. But these often come with temporary relief options for those who are struggling.For instance, borrowers experiencing financial hardship may be able to pause or reduce their mortgage payments for a time if they meet the eligibility requirements laid out by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) in the U.S. or the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMCH) in Canada.Likewise, it’s not uncommon for gas, electricity and water service providers to offer extensions or postponements for customers who need a little extra time to pay their bills (if you express a reliable intention to pay).Similar options may be available for car loans, public and private student loans and other financing arrangements.Be aware that payments are deferred, not wiped out, in most cases. So, any bills you temporarily offset now will need to be settled later. However, you may be able to extend your repayment term to accommodate the extra amount you owe or roll over unpaid amounts into future payment plans.Forbearance and deferrals can be a welcome source of relief when life hits. But make sure you understand how these choices will impact your future budget. Don’t sign up for any modified payment schemes you can’t handle down the road.Reduce your employment tax withholdingsNo one wants to be stuck with an income tax bill. That’s why many employees opt to deduct a little more than necessary every paycheck and receive the excess as a refund when they file their annual tax returns.But every dollar counts when you’re in a financial squeeze, so it might be worthwhile to contact your employer and reduce your income tax withholdings to the required amount and no more.The difference may not seem big, but it can add up more than you think.For example, reducing your income tax deductions by $50 per month puts $600 more in your pocket every year for gas, groceries, medical expenses or any other costs.Don’t try to deduct less than the required amount of income tax, or you’ll be hit with a bill when you file your annual tax return. But eliminating excess tax payments means you’ll have more in your pocket to meet your most pressing needs.Temporarily pause or cancel your subscriptionsThe average U.S. household spends $69 per month on streaming, according to Deloitte. That adds up to $828 per year.Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO and Disney+ are among the most popular video streaming platforms. Spotify is the most popular music streaming platform in the U.S., while Amazon Music and Apple Music/iTunes are also widely used.Take a close look at the platforms you pay for. How many do you use regularly?Subscriptions may seem like permanent commitments. But you can add or drop them on rotation, signing up for one platform, then canceling your subscription after a month or two and signing up for another platform to watch different shows.Doing so could potentially save you hundreds of dollars per year without permanently sacrificing your access to entire libraries of entertainment.Use apps to find discounted groceriesGrocery prices in the U.S. rose more in April than in any other month over the past four years. In Canada, grocery costs have risen 22% since 2022, with price changes accelerating especially toward the end of 2025 and into 2026.Food is a must in any household budget. But you may not have to spend as much as you think on groceries if you hunt down bargains on unsold or nearly-expired food at local stores and restaurants.That’s where apps like Flashfood and Too Good To Go come in handy. Available for Android and iOS devices, these apps let you browse and purchase discounted food for pick up at nearby partner stores.These types of services typically don’t charge a fee to sign up. But there may be a small fee of up to several dollars per order, which can be worth it given that you’ll find food discounts of up to 50% or more.Start a side hustleSpending some of your spare time on profitable activities can help take your mind off your financial worries and put a little more in your pocket.Not all side hustles involve massive upfront efforts to start your own business. Simple ways to earn money range from getting paid for small tasks (like playing games, watching videos or completing surveys) to earning cash rewards for signing up for new products or services.If you have enough free time and energy, you could become an online tutor, content creator, virtual assistant or remote call center representative.Many side hustles don’t pay enough to sustain a household, and some require a lot of time and consistency to yield a profit. While your side gig may not radically increase your household income, it may help you stay afloat when costs rise or unexpected financial events occur.Take advantage of 0% or low-interest financingGoing into debt may seem unwise when your budget refuses to balance, given that the cost of debt (including interest and fees) can intensify your financial load.However, low-cost debt can also let you spread out important costs that are difficult to afford up front.If you’re in the market for a new vehicle, some dealers and manufacturers offer 0% financing. Credit cards occasionally run no-interest or low-interest balance transfer promotions for new customers who transfer existing balances from other cards. A number of lenders offer small loans that can be used like an overdraft when unforeseen expenses arise.With no-interest or low-interest credit, you’ll typically be hit with higher interest rates if you don’t fully repay your debt after a limited time, often ranging from one month to a year or more.Affordable financing can help responsible borrowers who repay their debt within a short time frame. However, those who struggle with debt and financial management should steer clear of this option and instead focus on solutions that work with the resources they already have.This story was produced by Finder and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Voy 61 Drive In Theater receives $20,000 grant

Voy 61 Drive In Theater is one of 505 small businesses in the country to receive the grant, run by Main Street America and American Express.

Eldridge community survey arrives this week

As Eldridge continues to grow, residents no doubt have opinions on its future. They’ll get the chance to voice their thoughts on public facilities, services and long-term community planning in a survey set to hit mailboxes this week. Last month, the city council authorized the community survey, which will be facilitated by Community Perceptions, an independent research group based out of Slinger, Wis. All Eldridge residents will receive the survey in the mail the week of May 25. The deadline to respond is Monday, June 15, and the survey may be completed online via a QR code on the survey or by returning the mailed form. City administrator Nevada Lemke said Friday each survey will have a unique code that will only allow residents to take it once. Residents may also pick up a hard copy of the survey at city hall. The survey will outline the city’s recommended plan for construction of a new public works facility, as well as a new city hall/police station, while repurposing and redeveloping existing city-owned properties. The proposed facilities plan is estimated at $32.9 million and would require voter approval through a bond referendum. In order for the city to take out a loan to pay for the new facilities, the referendum would require 60% voter approval.  “The future of Eldridge is shaped by the people who call it home. We encourage every resident to participate in the survey and help ensure Eldridge continues to grow responsibly while maintaining the small-town atmosphere that makes our community special,” read a press release sent out by the city on Friday. City officials said that Eldridge’s current city hall and police department and public works facility were both originally intended for smaller operations and populations. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Eldridge has grown nearly 20% over the last 15 years, which city officials say has put increasing demand on municipal services and added strain on ageing facilities. The current city hall, which is 5,600 square feet, was purchased by the city in 1987. According to the survey, it was only intended to be used for about 10 years. Now, the police department lacks adequate security features and areas for police interviews, suspect holding and evidence storage. There is a lack of office and meeting space at the current city hall, and members of the public have frequently had to sit on the floor during meetings at the current council chambers. The current public works facility was built in 1980 and purchased by the city in 1996. There is also a significant lack of storage and office space at that facility. Due to the lack of storage, the city spends $25,000 per year renting space in an off-site warehouse and also has to store some equipment outside, even during harsh weather. What does the survey include? The survey will include an informational letter with more detailed information regarding the challenges facing the current facilities and the proposed solution to construct new facilities. It will also include information on the potential funding plan and the impact on Eldridge residents. The potential loan would be repaid over 22 years at an approximate interest rate of 5% The letter will share the proposed location of the new city hall/police department, which would be built on a portion of the land that currently houses the public works facility. A new, 16,600 square foot police station/city hall is estimated at $12.2 million. This facility would include separate space for the police and city staff, secure parking, space for community meetings and events, and room for future expansion if necessary.  The new public works facility is estimated at $20.7 million and would be constructed on a parcel of land on South 1st Street between Lincoln Road and Blackhawk Trail that is owned by the city. It would have room for indoor storage, including for vehicles, increased salt storage, and meeting spaces for events such as employee training, as well as room for future expansion if necessary. The current city hall and the rest of the land where the current public works facility could then potentially be sold, which would help offset the cost of the new facilities. While there is an estimate for the tax impact to residents, it does not currently take into account the potential proceeds from the sale of these existing properties. The question put to survey participants will ask whether they would support a bond referendum that would allow the city to issue debt. “Our growing community is facing key public infrastructure questions,” said mayor Scott Campbell. “And while city staff has been diligent in planning potential solutions, it is now imperative for the city council to receive citizen input as it determines how to best evaluate future needs. We encourage every resident to complete the survey and help guide these important decisions that will affect Eldridge for many years to come.” There will also be several additional questions on the survey asking about community satisfaction and communication preferences; priorities for city services, including public safety (police and fire), snow removal, parks and street maintenance; and future operations of city utilities, including water, sewer and electric. In addition to a brief section asking for demographic information, there are five questions on the survey, and space for optional comments. Next steps In addition to the survey, the city will also host an informational meeting on Thursday, June 4, from 5-6 p.m. at city hall. Residents will be able to learn more about the proposed project and city officials will be available to answer questions. Lemke said the meeting will be an informal open house, and attendees will also have the opportunity to tour the current city hall and police station that night. The city is also hoping to have a second informational meeting before the survey deadline. City staff will also have additional information available on the city website and social media. There will be a dedicated project page on the city website, as well as information and resource guides on Facebook. Once the survey is completed, the results will be analyzed by Community Perceptions, and a report will be prepared for the city council and the public.  

In remembrance on Memorial Day

Many area communities held Memorial Day services this weekend, including in the McCausland Cemetery on Sunday morning. Mayor Bill Gillespie presided over the service, with Grace Knapper reading the invocation and benediction prayers. Gillespie's address included a short story regarding the bugle call, Taps, and a poem about the American flag. Alan Knapper played Taps, and members of the American Legion Buffalo Bill Cody Post of LeClaire provided an honor guard. The crowd also sang patriotic songs, including "God Bless America," and Lee Greenwood's "God Bless the USA."  

Just a drill for area firefighters

Area firefighters spent Saturday morning getting hands on training as they burned down an old house near Allens Grove Road and 275th Avenue in rural Donahue. Area agencies included Donahue, Dixon, Long Grove, Eldridge and Maysville. While all departments train with the equipment frequently, this was a rare opportunity to train with an active structure fire. Keith Schneckloth of the Eldridge Fire Department said it was just the second such exercise in five years. 

Council will wait for market analyses to list Eldridge Community Center

A public hearing on the sale of the Eldridge Community Center yielded little public comment, but some new information from the council. The hearing was held during the May 18 regular meeting. The lone comment from the audience was from Dale Grunwald, who asked if the city had determined an asking price. Mayor Scott Campbell said the city was still waiting on the results of a second market analysis. Assistant city administrator Jeff Martens said the city has received one such analysis from Mel Foster and is getting a second from Ruhl & Ruhl Commercial. Martens said representatives from Ruhl & Ruhl have already done a walk-through and requested blueprints for the building. Martens said he suspected the Ruhl analysis might be more extensive than what the city has already received, “based on the amount of questions and the time they’re putting into it.” Campbell said the probable timeline includes discussion on both analyses at the first council meeting in June. Council member Ryan Iossi asked city administrator Nevada Lemke to explain further next steps. She said once the analyses are discussed, the council can also determine whether it wants to use a real estate firm to represent the city in the sale, or if it will market and sell the property on its own. “Once that decision is made, we’ll proceed accordingly, and we will directly negotiate sale with any interested buyers through that process.” Citywide tobacco-free policy Council members heard a presentation from Vianka Herrera, community tobacco consultant for the Scott County Health Department, about consideration for a citywide nicotine and tobacco-free facilities policy. This would include parks and city-owned property, including vehicles. “This policy is about protecting public health, setting a positive example for future generations in the youth and creating cleaner community spaces,” said Herrera. She said that, since city parks are places families, children and other residents go to enjoy the outdoors, the policy could help reduce secondhand smoke exposure. She said vapes and other nicotine products are not currently covered under the Iowa Smoke Free Air Act. Herrera said having a citywide policy could also help reduce the normalization of tobacco and nicotine use for young people. “Young people are highly influenced by what they see, so when tobacco and vape products are visible in parks and all these other city facilities, it could influence them on some of the actions they take, especially at sporting events and by the playground. They could send the message that these are socially acceptable products. Creating an environment where these products are not allowed could support prevention efforts aimed and reducing use leading to nicotine addiction.” A policy could also lead to an overall cleaner community. Herrera said cigarette butts are among the most littered items, with about 4.5 trillion worldwide. Vape cartridges are also commonly discarded, and the plastic and chemicals can lead to environmental damage, such as getting into the water supply. Herrera provided a draft ordinance, which she said could be modified to fit the Eldridge community, and she said she would be willing to work with Lemke to rework the language if necessary. She said the Scott County Health Department could also provide signage and education resources. “At the end of the day, this ordinance will help create environments where all residents, especially children and families, can feel comfortable, safe and healthy,” said Herrera. “Parks and city properties should be places people go to improve their quality of health, not places where they’re potentially exposed to harmful substances or unhealthy behaviors.” Lemke said she would provide council members with the draft ordinance via email, as well as a list of area communities that have adopted similar policies by resolution or ordinance. Council member Adrian Blackwell indicated support for the policy on health and environmental grounds. He pointed out that several Eldridge parks have access to waterways or drainage that could be contaminated by cigarette and vape product litter.  “You made an excellent point here, and you would definitely have my support,” he told Herrera. Shortly after the presentation, the council considered the tobacco permit renewal for Casey’s General Store. “Cover your ears,” quipped council member Brian Dockery to Herrera, to a laugh from the audience. Updates Campbell said it has been a month since the city received any communication from the Eldridge Fire Department. The last information received was that the department is delaying a vote of the membership on next steps. “It was kind of in their court whether they want to stay independent or if they want to come under us and become a city department. So, they need to decide.” Campbell said he also received an update on the fire consolidation study proposed by state Sen. Scott Webster from Donahue mayor Ken Schoenthaler, who is on the study committee representing communities with populations below 5,000. Campbell said his understanding is that the committee may be ready to move forward with a recommendation to the state legislature that would allow four or more government entities to come together to form a regional fire department. These new regional departments would have a publicly elected three-member commission to provide oversight and tax-levying authority. He said the recommendation could come as soon as June. “On the surface, it would appear that might be good for a city like us, with where we’re located,” said Campbell. “I’m not so sure that’s the case for smaller communities across Iowa that are feeling pinched.” Lemke thanked city employees during Public Works Appreciation Week, which was May 17-23. “We’re really fortunate to have a really good team that puts in a lot of effort and is really proud of what they do. We’re definitely thankful for their work and dedication. They show up here every day and work together and get things done.” 

Trump-backed redistricting plan is rejected in the South Carolina Legislature

Republican state senators don't face election this year. Trump's urging for them to redistrict to help flip the House seat held by prominent Democrat Jim Clyburn was met with opposition.

Cabos liquor license issues resolved in special meeting

Cabos Cantina and Grill in Eldridge is once again able to serve liquor after issues surrounding its expired license have been resolved. The Eldridge City Council met Saturday afternoon in a special session to approve the new license. The meeting was 96 seconds long. Council members Brian Dockery, Ryan Iossi and Scott La Plante attended to make up the quorum. The meeting was announced Saturday morning, outside of the normal 24 hour required notification time. City officials learned at approximately 4 p.m. Friday afternoon that the state had turned approval of the license over to local authority. “The council finds good cause exists under Iowa Code Section 21.4-2A for providing less than 24 hours of notice to approve the liquor license for a longstanding business partner in our community,” said mayor Scott Campbell during Saturday’s meeting. “The city could not consider the application for action until the state completed its review and returned the application for local action. Because the approval was received less than 24 hours before the holiday weekend, delaying consideration would unnecessarily expand the applicant’s inability to operate under the requested license and would result in additional economic harm.” The council members present unanimously approved the new Class C license. As soon as the meeting adjourned, city administrator Nevada Lemke notified state officials of the council’s approval via the online GovConnect portal. As soon as the state approved the license, Cabos was able to start serving liquor again. Cabos’ license expired earlier this month due to an oversight, which the business owners were not aware of until just two hours before the deadline to renew. The owners attempted to contact state officials, who were unresponsive for several days. The lack of a license impacted several special events at the restaurant, including Cinco de Mayo and Mother’s Day. Council members asked about the situation at Cabos at the May 18 meeting. City clerk Tracy Northcutt said Cabos’ owners suggested they might even need to personally go to Des Moines to get the issue resolved. “Everyone is very frustrated by the situation,” she said. At the May 18 meeting, council members Dockery and La Plante said they would be willing to have a special meeting to resolve the situation. Council member Iossi also encouraged residents to still support the business, even if it could not serve alcohol.

Police: Teen crashes stolen car after fleeing police in Moline

A 16-year-old has been charged with possession of a stolen motor vehicle following a police chase and crash in Moline on Tuesday morning.

CIPCO requests permit to advance power plant

Central Iowa Power Cooperative has asked a state board to waive local zoning restrictions and allow a natural gas power plant to site on agricultural land in unincorporated Scott County. CIPCO filed for a generating certificate with the Iowa Utilities Commission Tuesday, May 19, six weeks after a public information meeting in Davenport that signaled the cooperative’s intention to move forward with the controversial plant. In February, Scott County supervisors rejected CIPCO’s request for a zoning variance that would have allowed the project to move through local zoning processes. The IUC—which permits all utility-scale energy projects in Iowa—has asserted the authority to supervene local zoning laws. The 400-page filing reveals that CIPCO intends to bid construction of the plant this month and break ground next spring. “Requests for Proposals will be issued in May 2026 with the intent to award in Q3 2026 in order to support a Q2 2027 mobilization for site construction,” the filing reads. CIPCO has already procured or begun to procure a range of equipment for the plant, according to the filing. It signed a contract for delivery of a Siemens natural gas turbine in the first quarter of 2025 and has since solicited bids on a range of plant equipment: “medium and low voltage switchgear, auxiliary transformers, compressed air systems, miscellaneous pumps, and tanks, among other items.” “Most of these equipment supply contracts will be finalized by the end of 2026,” the filing reads. The “long lead time of critical equipment” required advance procurement, it states. John Maxwell, chair of the county board of supervisors, said the procurement timeline made local concerns about the project appear “insignificant.” “Them coming to us was somewhat of a formality, that they thought they would do just to appease the people of the county,” Maxwell said. “We didn’t stand for it, and now they’re giving us the strong arm approach.” “CIPCO doesn’t care what we had to say,” he added. The filing explicitly asks the IUC to supervene Scott County zoning laws if it elects to issue a zoning certificate. Iowa code “makes clear that county zoning approval is not required,” it states. “CIPCO further believes that any determination regarding the public necessity or need for new electric generation facilities rests with the Iowa Utilities Commission under Iowa Code section 476.6, not local government,” the filing continues. Iowa code states that “the failure of a facility to meet zoning requirements” established by local governments “shall not preclude the commission from issuing the certificate.” Last month, the IUC held that Iowa code “unequivocally establishes that compliance with local zoning is not a condition precedent” to allowing construction to proceed on utility-scale energy projects. The bulk of the filing is composed of appendices detailing project specifications and potential impacts on air quality, sound pollution, natural habitat and nearby historical resources. According to the filing, CIPCO would construct a paved road due east from their project site to Allen’s Grove Road, and would pave or pay the county to pave the stretch of Allen’s Grove Road south from their road to 115th Avenue. CIPCO would construct intersecting lines east to a north-south power transmission line, and south to east-west natural gas pipeline. It has secured utility easements for the additional pipeline, the filing records. Key project details have remained roughly constant since the project debuted before the Scott County Planning and Zoning Commission late last summer. The “peaking” plant will run a single, 240 MW natural gas turbine 15% to 20% of the time to backstop fluctuations in energy demand and generation. If the plant is completed, CIPCO would own 95 acres of Scott County land, and approximately 25 acres of that land would be taken up by plant facilities. It would employ about five to seven full time employees. The filing asks the IUC to issue a generating certificate by December to guarantee construction remains on schedule. Opposing the plant In coming months, CIPCO will defend its request for a generating certificate in a series of hearings before the IUC. Opponents of the power plant may choose to “intervene” as a party to the case. Both the Scott County Board of Supervisors and the Concerned Citizens of Scott County, an advocacy group formed to oppose the plant, have considered intervening. But the choice would carry considerable costs. Interveners must hire lawyers and experts to build a case against CIPCO. Jerry Mohr of the Concerned Citizens said that the group was marshaling resources to oppose CIPCO before the IUC. “We have to build our bench, and we have to build it professionally,” he said. “It’s doable.” Although supervisors Jean Dickson and Maria Bribriesco have expressed support for intervening against CIPCO, the board has yet to discuss formal action.  Members of the public can file a comment opposing or supporting the plant on the IUC website, efs.iowa.gov. The Concerned Citizens will gather at the Eldridge branch of the Scott County library Thursday, May 28, from 6–7 p.m. to help residents file comments with the IUC. The full list of filings concerning the proposed plant can be found by searching docket number “GCU-2026-0001” on the IUC website.  

Checkbook opens for road, vehicle spending

Spending season is underway at Scott County. Supervisors approved three road resurfacing projects, four truck purchases, one contract for bridge materials, bid letting on a box culvert, and the purchase of 26 new iPads last week. All purchases passed unanimously. The county will bid three road resurfacing projects and one box culvert reconstruction in coming weeks. They include: • 157th Avenue from Territorial Road to Wisconsin Street, and from Wisconsin Street east to LeClaire city limits. • 170th Avenue from 290th Street north for 0.6 miles. • 130th Avenue from 210th to 240th Streets. • Box culvert on 240th Avenue southeast of McCausland. All four projects are included in the capital improvement plan for the coming fiscal year, which begins July 1. On the advice of County Engineer Angie Kersten, supervisors also approved a contract for bridge materials that arrived at $229,457.39, about $29,000 over engineering estimates. “We believe that’s likely due to current material dressing and limited bidder participation on smaller bridge material projects,” Kersten said. She said the county was unlikely to see savings—and could face new costs—if they rebid the materials. The materials will be used to rebuild a 35th Avenue bridge that spans a tributary of Mud Creek. The county Secondary Roads crew plans to construct the small bridge themselves rather than hire a contractor, Kersten said. Four new truck purchases range from a small Ford Ranger to a plow truck chassis and body. The county Health Department will purchase a 2026 Ford Ranger XL 4x4 from Stivers Ford at the cost of $40,024. It will replace a 2011 Ford Ranger driven 90,000 miles. County fleet manager Mark Garrow said the health department transported ladders and other light equipment in the truck bed. A 2026 Ford F150 Super Crew Cab 4x4 for $49,740. Garrow said the purchase will allow the county to sell a 2016 Chevy with approximately 150,000 miles. The supervisors also approved the purchase of a chassis and body for a new, single axle plow truck with snow removal equipment. The body will cost $151,106.75 from Henderson products of Manchester. The chassis will cost $136,677 from Ascendance Truck Centers of Davenport. Surcharges on a pair of truck purchases from Ascendance Truck Centers frustrated supervisors in March. Two trucks delivered three years after they were purchased arrived with $14,307 surcharges. Supervisor Ross Paustian called the surcharges “ridiculous.” “What were the reasons? Chain disruptions, parts shortages, industry-wide pricing volatility. That’s all BS,” he said. Garrow said nearly all vehicle contracts now note possible delays and material surcharges. Lead times for truck chassis have dropped dramatically since 2023, he said. Ascendance predicts delivery of the new chassis in 90 to 120 days. “That’s what it was industry-wide 10 years ago,” he said. “There was no surcharge then.” The 26 iPads and accompanying docks and chargers will be placed in Medic EMS ambulances. A range of simple applications will help paramedics and EMTs calculate medication dosages, respond to overdoses, and perform other critical functions, Medic Training and Development Manager Kyle Beale said. The iPads and accompanying technology will cost $37,960. Two grants will cover $32,311 of that sum, Beale reported. Budget amendment passes Supervisors also passed the county’s second budget amendment of the year, and the last before the end of the fiscal year June 30. The amendment provisions for nearly $2 million in additional spending with public safety, legal services and the county attorney. That includes $877,000 for risk management, liability estimates and over hiring contingencies at the Attorney’s Office. The Sheriff’s Office and Youth Justice and Rehabilitation Center received an additional $532,945 and $40,200 respectively. That sum includes out of county placement at the jail. Secondary Roads will also increase spending, by $522,000. The bulk of that spending—$355,000—will go to road maintenance. In another shift, the county administrators reclassified annualized spending on high-value technology contracts—known as SBITAs—as debt service. Examples of SBITAs include jail management and community development software used across the county. Other news In other business, the board: • Recognized Board of Health member Ann O’Donnell for 20 years of service on the board, and appointed Dr. Francis Kane to her place. • Recognized the retirement of Medic EMS Paramedic Kevin Lange after 38 years of service to the county. He was named Iowa Paramedic of the Year in 2002, and Medic EMS employee of the year in 1998 and 2025. • Completed the third and final reading of an ordinance to allow snow tubing hills to serve hot food at their concession buildings. • Renewed four liquor licenses and two tobacco licenses. • Renewed a three-year contract with Holmes Murphy and Associates to consult on employee health benefit plans. The contract will total $95,400 plus a 10% commission on county vision plans. • Approved a routine tax suspension.      

Meet the candidates for the Scott County Board of Supervisors

Who are the candidates? Incumbent supervisors John Maxwell and Jean Dickson hope to keep their seats on the board. Maxwell, a Donahue dairy farmer, has served as board chair since January 2025. Dickson, a lawyer in private practice, has served the same term as board vice chair. Former Davenport state representative Luana Stoltenberg and current department of corrections officer Jennifer McAndrew Lane will also appear on the Republican primary ballot. McAndrew Lane is married to Scott County Sheriff Tim Lane. Democrats nominated only Kevin Randle, an urban planner at the city of Davenport, for the board. He does not face a competitive primary. There are no competitive primaries for the county recorder, treasurer, auditor, or attorney’s offices. We sent all five candidates for the board of supervisors a list of eight questions, and asked them to respond to each in 100 words or less. Here are their responses. What motivated you to run for the board of supervisors? Maxwell: After serving on the board of supervisors for the past 7½ years, I have seen firsthand both the challenges and opportunities facing Scott County. I originally ran to give a voice to all of Scott County, not just the larger population centers. That experience has strengthened my commitment to public service and motivated me to continue the work we’ve started. I believe there is still more good we can accomplish by supporting responsible growth, improving county services, keeping taxes reasonable, and ensuring Scott County remains a strong place to live, work and raise a family. Dickson: My experience serving our county over the last four years has reinforced my commitment to our community and inspired my campaign for a second term. Together, our board has tackled significant, complex challenges, from securing the future of emergency care with Medic EMS to standing firm against the CIPCO utility variance to protect our agricultural heritage. I have spent my term researching the issues, asking critical questions, and listening face-to-face to the residents I represent. I am eager to continue contributing to our county’s progress while keeping our budget fiscally sound. Lane: My motivations to run were simple. I serve my community in my employment and want to extend that to the board. There are opportunities to make a difference at a more local level.    Stoltenberg: I love people and serving in government. I enjoyed serving in the Iowa House, so when I heard there was going to be an open seat on the board of supervisors, I prayed and felt it would be a good fit. Randle: I’m running for the board of supervisors to help build a stronger future for all Scott County residents. As a parent, I want my son to grow up in a community with opportunity and a high quality of life. I believe my experience and long-term vision can help move the county in a positive direction and ensure every resident has the chance to thrive.   What relevant experience will you bring to the board? Maxwell: I bring extensive leadership and public service experience. I have served on the River Valley Cooperative associate board, spent 12 years on the North Scott School Board — including four years as board chair — and served 20 years with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach in Scott County. I currently serve on the Scott County Board of Supervisors and have spent 1½ years as board chair. These experiences have given me valuable insight into budgeting, leadership, and responsible decision-making during challenging financial times, while also reinforcing the importance of listening to and representing the constituents who elected me to serve. Dickson: Primarily, legal expertise and community involvement.  I interned for the Scott County Attorney’s office and clerked for the Iowa Court of Appeals. Since 1993, I have been in private practice, representing major corporations, family farm operations, schools, cities, and counties across Iowa. As to community involvement, I served two four-year terms on the Pleasant Valley School Board and parish council president at Our Lady of Lourdes. I serve on the Bettendorf Civil Service Commission and the St. Joan of Arc Foundation. I volunteer in the jail. This diverse leadership has allowed me to develop strong, trusted relationships across the county. Lane: I am the boots on the ground, so to speak. I work directly with the jail, Community Services, and the County Attorney's Office. I also can give both rural and city experience. I  am active in the bills addressed in the legislature and how it affects my community and family.  I'm not interested in this position to get self-serving or for cronyism, but how else can I serve to make a difference in the future of Scott County. Stoltenberg: I have management experience as well as being a business owner. I have worked with and balanced budgets. I served in the Iowa House of Representatives for District 81, so I have an understanding of government. I have served on many non-profit boards as well. I have been attending supervisors’ committee of the whole and regular meetings faithfully since December 2025, to give me a better understanding of the job. Randle: I bring over a decade of public‑sector experience in public works, zoning, planning, land development, and transportation. I hold a master’s in urban and regional planning from the University of Iowa and will complete my MBA with a concentration in public administration this summer. I also bring leadership experience as President of AFSCME Local 887.   What vision do you have for the next 10 years in Scott County? Maxwell: My vision for Scott County over the next 10 years is to continue building a county that is financially responsible, safe, and a great place for families and businesses to thrive. We must keep spending under control, reduce the tax burden whenever possible, and continue supporting strong public safety and essential services. I want Scott County to grow in a smart and responsible way, so we remain one of the best counties in the state to live, work, and raise a family. Through fiscal responsibility and long-term planning, we can create opportunities for future generations while maintaining our community values. Dickson: My vision for Scott County is a thriving community that honors its agricultural roots and respects the taxpayer. Our Comprehensive Plan hasn't seen a full overhaul since January 2008. By 2028, the board should deliver an updated plan that prioritizes our prime farmland and natural resources while supporting robust economic vitality in our cities. Whatever decisions come out of Des Moines or the Iowa Utilities Commission, Scott County must control its own destiny. By establishing a structured, predictable framework for growth management, we can preserve our beautiful rural landscape while maintaining our longstanding commitment to low property taxes. Lane: My priorities will be to be direct and only vote for an agenda that keeps Scott County first. I am a proponent of not having unfunded mandates handed down from the legislature. Stoltenberg: The people that work for Scott County everyday know what works and what needs to be improved, so listening to them will be my first priority. I would like to have round tables with people and business owners in the community to hear their ideas, and hear what we, as a county, can improve on. We can do audits to see where there is overlap or unnecessary spending. We can collaborate with the cities on certain services so there is consistency, and administrative costs are lowered. We can all help make our community a place everyone wants to live. Randle: I want Scott County to be the best place to live, work, and raise a family. Over the next decade, I envision diverse employment opportunities, a strong economy, affordable housing, high quality public services, and a clean environment. My goal is a county that residents are proud to call home.   The board of supervisors voted down a zoning variance that would have allowed for construction of a power plant in rural Scott County.  Do you support this decision? Maxwell: Yes, I supported the decision and voted against the zoning variance. As supervisors, we must make thoughtful, well-informed decisions that are in the best interest of Scott County residents. That means gathering all necessary information and carefully considering the long-term impact on our communities, farmland, and quality of life—not simply rubber-stamping proposals. If additional power infrastructure is needed in the future, it should be placed in an appropriate location that balances growth, safety, and respect for surrounding property owners and rural areas. Dickson: Yes. Lane: I am very clear, I'm against the power plant coming to Scott County. The entire concept of the Maysville Power Plant stinks of back scratching of the benefitting and lip-service; appeasement of the residents of Scott County.  Stoltenberg: Yes, I support the decision to vote down changing the zoning for the power plant. The people opposed it, and we need to hear the will of the people. Randle: I understand the necessity of preserving precious farmland while balancing the needs of private property rights, reliable electricity, and good local jobs. Across Iowa, electricity load is projected to grow significantly over time. I wish the board had worked with CIPCO to select an industrial brownfield site and required them to sign a project labor agreement to ensure that the construction would be performed by local skilled workers. When done wisely, utility upgrade projects can grow the county’s tax base while providing good jobs for our residents.   A new state law may tighten tax revenues in coming years. What county services or programs would you select for spending cuts, if necessary? Maxwell: It is still too early to fully understand the long-term impact this new state law may have on county revenues. As we begin the budget process in January, the board will carefully review the actual financial impact before making decisions on services or programs. My priority will be protecting essential services, maintaining public safety, and being responsible with taxpayer dollars. Any spending reductions should be made thoughtfully and based on the county’s actual financial needs at that time. Dickson: Governor Reynolds signed SF 2472 into law on May 18. Rather than indiscriminately cutting vital public services or community programs, my strategy will focus on managing operational growth. Personnel salaries and benefits represent a major portion of the budget. To achieve these targets without compromising safety, I recommend implementing a targeted hiring review process outside of the Sheriff’s Office. By carefully evaluating vacancies as they occur and reallocating responsibilities among existing teams, we can protect the taxpayer while maintaining peak efficiency. I have not selected any service or program at present, but this will be discussed in the coming year. Lane: I am supportive of lowered property taxes put forth by the legislature, SF 2472. Scott County will have to operate with less. The decision to purchase a building for a satellite General Store was excessive at $2.4 million. I would want to review salaries of non-essential employees. There are six-figure salaries of employees that I still do not know what they do. It appears there are many who have jobs that are the actual job of the board. The people would elect me and not a lobbyist. Stoltenberg:The 2027 budget has been approved and so we will have a year as a board and team to look at what can be done to meet those needs. I would like to do audits of departments and see if there are things we are spending on that are no longer needed, or services and departments that could be consolidated. Maybe we can find cost effective ways to partner with the cities on services like golf courses, libraries, and parks. Randle: Rather than cutting valued programs, I would focus on growing Scott County’s economy and tax base to offset state restrictions. Strategic economic development can create jobs, expand the tax base, and increase county revenue. This approach helps preserve the public services and programs residents rely on. I would reverse the effective county ban on utility-scale solar and battery storage.   What can the board of supervisors do to make Scott County a top choice for young families? Maxwell: To make Scott County a top choice for young families, we must keep taxes affordable and maintain a safe community where families feel secure. We also need to support economic development that creates good-paying jobs and long-term opportunities. Investing in parks, recreation, and quality community spaces helps make Scott County a place where families want to live and stay. By focusing on fiscal responsibility, public safety, job growth, and strong community amenities, we can continue attracting and retaining young families in Scott County. Dickson: My goal is to ensure Scott County remains a place where families want to plant their roots and stay for generations. Achieving this requires commitment to public safety and smart, managed growth. We will support the Sheriff’s Office, the Youth Justice and Rehabilitation Center, and Medic, keeping our community safe at home. Also, we do need to keep property taxes low and control our growth. Thanks to our proactive Comprehensive Plan, reliable future land-use map, and strict zoning guidelines, Scott County will remain focused on its mission of controlled, orderly expansion and continue to protect our prime agricultural land. Lane: Definitely, focus on property taxes and review why there are a million apartment buildings, but few homes. Scott County needs to tax outside County investors higher than their own residents. Rental properties levies need to go up on multi-units. Stoltenberg: This is a question I’ve been asking constituents and the answers I’m getting are: • Public safety is important, neighborhood watch and Sheriff Reserves can be expanded, retired Vets utilized for their experience. • Affordable single family housing, 1500–2000 sq. ft homes built so they are not too large for new families to afford. • Work with businesses to see how we can work together to draw younger families back to Scott County. • Create a system similar to Hope Florida that engages faith leaders, non-profits and the community to meet the needs in the county. https://hopeflorida.com. Randle: To attract young families, Scott County should prioritize employment opportunities, affordable housing, strong public services, clean water, and recreational opportunities. Families need stable jobs, attainable housing options, and well-funded services and amenities. Investing in these areas makes the county more appealing to those looking to build their future here.   What can the board do to encourage new business and employment opportunities? Maxwell: The board of supervisors can encourage business growth by working closely with economic development partners to ensure sites are ready for investment and expansion. We must keep taxes competitive, maintain efficient county services, and create a welcoming environment for businesses. Just as importantly, Scott County must remain an attractive place for young people and families to live and work. By supporting strong communities, quality amenities, and good-paying jobs, we can retain our youth, strengthen our workforce, and attract new employers and opportunities to Scott County. Dickson: Again, we need to keep Scott County as a great place to live and then businesses will follow. A thriving local economy also requires regional collaboration. I support our continued, active partnerships with the Quad Cities Chamber and Visit Quad Cities. Also, by linking smart local zoning with aggressive regional marketing, we can attract high-quality jobs, boost tourism, and expand our tax base without putting the burden on everyday homeowners. Lane: I would want to review what we could do and consider what be beneficial for Scott County.  Any incentives for a big business to come in would be on the backs of our businesses that are already here, including small businesses as well. Stoltenberg: This is also a question I have been asking people in the community, and responses I’m getting are: Continue to work with existing businesses in the county to ensure they are partnering with local schools for internships, and training for the jobs that are needed in those businesses, so we keep our young people here in Scott County. A great idea I was given is to focus on a “Made in Scott County” initiative identifying products made in Scott County, and products that are consumed in the county that can be manufactured economically in the area. Randle: Scott County can expand local employment by adopting responsible bidder ordinances and project labor agreements to ensure that our tax dollars support local workers and local employers. Updating zoning regulations to allow more types of economic development, such as utility-scale solar with battery storage, can also remove barriers and open new areas for business growth.   What is one recent county decision that you support or oppose? Why? Maxwell: I supported the county’s decision to purchase Medic, the ambulance service serving all of Scott County. Public safety is one of the county’s most important responsibilities. Without a countywide system, we risked creating a patchwork of providers that could leave parts of the county underserved. When someone calls 911, they expect fast and reliable emergency care. This decision helps ensure all residents, no matter where they live, have access to dependable ambulance service and emergency medical response when they need it most. Dickson: I stand behind our vote against the zoning amendment that would have opened prime agricultural farmland to a thermal energy generation plant. Scott County made a deliberate, forward-thinking commitment to prioritizing agricultural preservation. We have legislative authority and responsibility to protect our county’s most productive soils. CIPCO ignored those foundational zoning standards. I was elected to represent the voices of our citizens, and our community overwhelmingly rejected this variance. Standing up for our landowners was an easy decision, and I will continue to defend Scott County’s agricultural zoning autonomy regardless of future challenges or state-level appeals. Lane: I have been absolutely aggravated at the fact that we have $800,00 extra dollars going to repair the juvenile detention center because no one figured that adjudicated delinquents would damage it?  The concept in the building did not take into account who was being housed.  I don't agree with the lack of aggression used to instill Home Rule regarding the power plant. I certainly don't agree with writing checks on frivolous lawsuits and wasting taxpayer's money.  Stoltenberg: I supported the decision to turn down re-zoning for the power plant. I believe it is important to listen to the people because we work for them. The land the power plant wants to locate on is zoned preserved agricultural, we need to keep our precious agricultural land whenever we can. We may need a new power plant soon because of new housing and growing technology, but it could be put on industrial land we have created just for those needs. Randle: I oppose the board’s decision to defund the Center for Active Seniors. CASI provides essential services and opportunities that support the well-being of our senior community. Jane's Place Adult Day Services (Jane's House) at CASI was explicitly designed to help seniors and disabled adults remain in their homes and communities. Cutting this funding harmed residents who relied on these programs. Investing in seniors strengthens the entire community.  

Trump DOJ mass-deletes info on Jan. 6 riot cases, including violent assaults on cops

The Trump Department of Justice purged government news releases with information about prosecutions of rioters who attacked the U.S. Capitol and assaulted law enforcement on Jan. 6, 2021.

The real cost of CRM software that’s catching small businesses off guard

The real cost of CRM software that’s catching small businesses off guardYou budgeted for software, but ended up with a costly system.That’s the reality for many small businesses when they receive a CRM vendor invoice, and the price doesn’t match what’s on the company’s pricing page. A $25 per month per user plan is pretty easy to swallow. But then, the user has to upgrade to the next tier to unlock automation, which comes with an additional integration fee. And let’s not forget the onboarding fee that’s added to get your team trained on the software.The cost of CRM software is the total monetary commitment to acquire, use, and support the platform. And the reality is that the final cost is often significantly more than what’s indicated on the pricing page.In reality, the subscription fee is just the beginning, and this Nutshell analysis shines a spotlight on these hidden costs. Understanding all the costs involved before signing the contract separates a CRM investment from a purchase that sinks your budget.Key takeawaysThe cost of CRM software is typically much more than what’s initially advertised. The remaining balance is made up of implementation, training, and the required add-on costs.Many of the useful features small businesses need from a CRM can be found in higher-cost tiers.CRM systems can generate, on average, a return of $3.10 per dollar spent, as long as small businesses are mindful to set the right goals when budgeting for the investment, according to a 2024 Nucleus Research study.What does CRM software really cost?CRM expenditures extend beyond the monthly fee for the purchase, application, and upkeep of the platform. For many small businesses, the total dollar figure ends up being many times more than what the figure shows on the vendor’s pricing page. And the difference tends to increase the more features the business requires and adds.Subscription pricing can generally be broken into three tiers: Nutshell The problem is that the entry-level plans of popular CRM vendors almost always exclude the features that many small businesses require. Those capabilities are typically found in their midrange or enterprise plans, forcing many businesses to upgrade. As a result, a team that signs on at $14 per user often pays $40 to $100 per user within a quarter.The cost of a CRM is also shaped by factors that go beyond the per-seat cost. And it can also increase based on the contact database size, volume of data storage, API call limits, and number of active pipelines, depending on the platform. All of that is often glossed over in the headline number.What hidden fees should you watch for in CRM packages?Vendors bundle feature sets into CRM packages that determine their pricing tiers. The gaps between those packages are where teams discover the budget surprises.These are the core costs that impact business CRM budgets most:Feature gating and tier upgrades: The features that make CRM truly valuable and useful, such as workflow automation, advanced reporting, and pipeline analytics, are almost never available on the entry-level plans. Budget for the tier above the cheapest option before you begin the vendor comparison process.Data migration: Data migration refers to the importation of contact, deal, and pipeline data from an old system or spreadsheet to a new CRM. The price of data migration services ranges from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on how simple or complex the migration is, so take this into account.Integrations: A CRM integration occurs when a separate business tool is connected to the CRM. Connections between these business tools and the CRM may be Zapier, Slack, QuickBooks, or email marketing software. Integrations could require paid connectors, developer time, or a higher-tier plan to access.Onboarding fees: Many platforms charge separately for guided onboarding. Some implementations even require third-party consultants who charge $150 to $250 per hour.Per-contact and storage overages: Some CRM platforms charge based on the size of the contact database or per contact email sent. These charges scale as your business grows and can add up quickly.Premium support: Most packages include basic support. Response times that meet your service level agreements, dedicated account managers, and service level assurance (SLA) support usually come at an additional cost.But this is not the case with all CRMs. There are platforms with transparent CRM pricing where the advertised price is the actual cost, and includes full access with no hidden costs. Transparency is a differentiator that those vendors will prioritize.Implementation and training: The costs buyers often forgetThe implementation cost of a CRM system is the investment of time, money, and other resources that a company has to absorb to get the platform fully operational. And more often than not, it’s an expense that many underestimate.Peer-reviewed research published in the Journal of Database Marketing & Customer Strategy Management found that poor planning and not having clear goals are the main reasons for the failure of a CRM system. The good news is that most cost overruns are preventable.Here’s what should be in your CRM software budget for implementation and training:Internal time: Someone from your company has to take ownership of making the platform fully operational. The value of that person's time should be included in the budget, even if you don't see the cost in an invoice.Staff training: Purchasing a CRM means your employees have a tool to use. If your employees aren't properly educated on the framework, then there's no return on investment for getting the CRM in the first place. The time spent on training should be planned for, because it’s time and money that you won’t get back.Productivity dip: Staff output will typically drop during the transition and will return to normal within two to six weeks. This is to be expected, and the time impact will depend on the size and nature of your business. Even a temporary decrease in productivity has an impact on the bottom line.Consultant fees: There’s a loss incurred for engaging consultants to address the integration of complicated pieces. This could be in the context of a customized framework or the migration of a significant amount of data. You should allow for this in your projections.For small businesses, the total cost of implementing a basic CRM, such as a free platform, will be at the zero-cost end of the range. Third-party integrations or complex platform configurations will be closer to the $5,000 end of the estimate.How to build a CRM budget that actually holds upTotal cost of ownership (TCO) is the complete view of the cost of a CRM. It includes the annual purchase of the CRM, the implementation costs, the annual operational costs, and the maintenance costs over the course of one to three years. This number should be the basis for your budget, not the advertised price per seat.Here's a practical cost calculation framework to follow:Calculate your annual subscription cost: Consider purchases at the total cost of the subscription for the actual tier you’ll use. Multiply the per-user fee by the number of seats, then by 12.Add implementation costs: Include the costs you’ll incur to migrate your data and any consultant fees attached. Bear in mind the value of your team’s time and what that translates to in costs during the transition.Add training costs: Determine the time your team will spend training and the number of users that’ll need training. Then, multiply that by the average training cost per hour to get an estimate.Add integration and add-on costs: Identify each tool you’ll need to connect to your CRM. Verify what’s included and what will result in additional costs.Subtract tools you can retire: A good CRM usually comes with several tools built in, which means you may be able to shed some external tools. If these are native within your CRM, you could potentially cancel your standalone emailing tool, contact database, and deal-tracking spreadsheet.Let’s walk through an example: If you calculate for a five-person team on a mid-tier plan at $50 for each user per month, the minimum annual subscription cost is $3,000 a year. But after including training, data migration, and a single integration, a more realistic first-year cost would be between $5,000 and $7,000. So, instead of presenting the CRM software cost as $3,000 to stakeholders, budget for $5,000 to $7,000.How do you justify the CRM investment to stakeholders?Justifying a CRM investment boils down to quantifying the financial returns realized from the CRM platform as compared to the total cost incurred to purchase and maintain the platform.In 2024, Nucleus Research found that for every dollar spent on their CRM, companies earned an average of $3.10. A combination of CRM benefits makes this return possible, including shorter sales cycles, increased close rates, lowered administrative overhead, and reduced customer churn. And as CRM technology advances, those overall returns increase.Use these three categories to support your business case:Time saved: CRM automation reduces time spent on sales and marketing-related, repetitive tasks such as data entry, follow-ups, and pipeline reports. If a CRM solution can save a five-person sales team one hour per person per week, it equates to 250-plus hours saved in a year. That value needs to be calculated.Pipeline visibility: CRM pipeline visibility means your team can see all the active deals in the pipeline, along with the current deal stage and an estimated likelihood of closing. Because the lead pipeline is actively managed, the deals that fall through the cracks are minimized.Revenue impact: The time from CRM system implementation to realized revenue impact is shortened due to the faster time to close, resulting from improved follow-up and more consistent and better targeted outreach. These factors and the resulting impact on revenue are measurable.The true CRM software implementation investment goes above and beyond the system purchase. Offer your stakeholders the real cost, including the hidden costs, then show them what that equates to in returns.Frequently asked questions1. What is the average cost of CRM software for small businesses?Small business CRM software typically costs between $30 and $80 per user per month for a fully functional mid-range plan. First-year total costs, including implementation, training, and integrations, commonly run much higher than the base subscription price.2. What are the most common hidden fees in CRM packages?The most common hidden CRM costs include forced tier upgrades to access core features, data migration fees, integration costs for tools like Zapier or QuickBooks, onboarding charges, per-contact or storage overages, and premium support fees.3. How long does CRM implementation take for a small business?Most small business CRM implementations take between two and eight weeks, depending on setup complexity, data migration volume, and the number of integrations required. Simpler platforms with strong onboarding support typically have shorter timelines.4. How do you calculate CRM return on investment?CRM ROI is calculated by comparing the total cost of ownership, which includes subscription fees, implementation, training, and add-ons, against measurable gains in revenue, time saved, and customer retention. Nucleus Research found companies earn an average of $3.10 for every dollar spent on CRM when properly implemented.5. What should a small business look for in CRM pricing to avoid surprises?Prioritize platforms with transparent, all-inclusive pricing that doesn’t gate core features behind higher tiers. Confirm whether data migration, onboarding, and integrations are included or charged separately. Always calculate the cost at the tier you’ll actually use, not the lowest advertised price.Budget for reality, not the brochureUnlike brochures, a reality-based budget sways technology decisions.The price tag for the CRM system is just the beginning of the technology cost. Small businesses that see the whole picture are able to select the correct platform, circumvent budget traps, and achieve the anticipated returns.This story was produced by Nutshell and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

The cost of living is skyrocketing. Here's what you can do to manage it now

The cost of living is skyrocketing. Here’s what you can do to manage it nowThe cost of living in the United States has increased significantly over the past several years. Many households are now facing higher expenses across essential categories such as housing, food, transportation, and healthcare. As a result, even individuals with stable incomes are experiencing increased financial pressure.Understanding where these rising costs are coming from—and how to respond strategically—can help you better manage your finances and maintain long-term stability. In this guide, CreditNinja examines these rising costs and offers strategies to help you manage financially.How Much Has the Cost of Living Increased?While inflation has cooled from its peak in 2022, prices remain elevated across most categories. Since 2020, overall consumer prices have risen significantly, increasing the cost of everyday goods and services.Even as inflation slows, higher baseline prices mean households continue to feel the impact. In fact, according to BankRate’s Financial Outlook Survey, about 32% of Americans expect their financial situation to worsen in the near future.Housing Costs Are the Primary DriverHousing remains the largest expense for most Americans and one of the biggest contributors to rising costs.Higher interest rates and limited housing supply have made both renting and buying more expensive. Mortgage rates have more than doubled since 2020, significantly increasing monthly payments for new buyers.At the same time, affordability challenges have pushed more people into the rental market, increasing demand and keeping rent prices elevated.Why Housing Costs Keep RisingSeveral factors are contributing to higher housing costs:Higher borrowing costs due to rising interest rates.Limited housing supply in many regions.Increased demand for rentals as homeownership becomes less accessible.Affordability remains a major concern and is expected to continue impacting consumers in the coming years.Rising Everyday ExpensesIn addition to housing, everyday living costs have increased across multiple categories.The Consumer Price Index shows continued increases in essential categories such as food, energy, and medical care.These increases compound over time, making routine expenses more difficult to manage.Why Costs Still Feel High, Even as Inflation SlowsA common misconception is that lower inflation means lower prices. In reality, inflation measures the rate of increase, not the overall price level.This means:Prices are still rising, just more slowly.Most goods and services remain more expensive than a few years ago.Additionally, wage growth has not consistently kept pace with rising costs, contributing to ongoing financial strain.The Current Job MarketThe labor market has shifted from a period of strong demand to a more balanced and uncertain environment.Economic indicators suggest slower hiring and increased caution among employers.This shift may lead to:Increased competition for jobs.Slower wage growth.Reduced confidence in job mobility.Preparing for Economic UncertaintyGiven the possibility of continued economic pressure, preparation is essential.Recommended StepsBuild an emergency fund covering three to six months of expenses.Keep your resume updated and ready.Develop transferable skills to remain competitive.Taking proactive steps can reduce financial risk and improve long-term stability.Managing Debt in a High-Rate EnvironmentRising interest rates have made borrowing more expensive, particularly for credit cards and personal loans.Total U.S. credit card debt has reached record levels, reflecting increased reliance on credit as living costs rise.Higher interest rates also mean that carrying balances is more costly than in previous years.Leveraging Higher Savings RatesOne positive development is the increase in savings account interest rates.Many high-yield savings accounts now offer higher returns than in previous years, helping savers grow their emergency funds more efficiently.While these returns are modest, they can help offset inflation and improve overall financial resilience.Final ThoughtsRising costs across housing, food, and transportation have created meaningful financial challenges for many households. These increases are driven by a combination of inflation, higher interest rates, and supply-and-demand imbalances.Although broader economic conditions may remain uncertain, focusing on controllable financial decisions can improve stability over time. Reducing discretionary spending, managing debt strategically, building savings, and preparing for potential income disruptions are all essential steps.A structured and proactive approach can help maintain financial resilience—even in a higher-cost environment.This story was produced by CreditNinja and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Rivermont Collegiate retains one accreditation, but loses another

The private school in Bettendorf remains accredited by Cognia, but its accreditation from the Independent Schools Association of the Central States will end next month.

Council gets farmland survey update

Walcott Mayor Jake Puck hopes to keep residential development at the top of the city council’s list of priorities. He presented council members with a 2024 survey of city farmland that could be subdivided and developed to grow the town. Several landowners said then that they were open to development. Puck said the council will begin to check in on development efforts regularly, and make it clear to the public and to private developers that the city hopes to expand.  “We’ll keep it in the forefront, and then tell people we’re interested in expanding,” Puck said. “Hopefully someone will come forward that is interested.” Council members Bobbie Martinez and Joe Quick have joined the council since the survey was conducted. Puck said he wanted to make sure all members of the council were kept informed. Utility rates rise Walcott City Council completed the first reading of ordinances to raise water and sewer rates, and the third and final reading of an ordinance to raise garbage rates. Water and sewer rates will rise 5% July 1. Garbage rates will rise a contracted 4%. Other news In other business, the council: • Approved an estimated $47,500 payment to IMEG for engineering services on the upcoming well construction. • Approved a worksheet for crack sealing on Main Street, Sterling Drive, and Walcott Heritage Trail. The project is estimated to cost about $27,323.26.

Off and running

Neil Armstrong's annual Eagle Marathon was a somewhat chilly affair last Friday — principal Tim Green said it was certainly the coldest in recent memory. But that didn't stop students from having a great time. While third through sixth graders sprinted around Park View, Armstrong's youngest Eagles were back at the school, ready to supply cheers and high-fives as runners approached the finish line. The cool weather made for a fast course.