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

Monday, September 21st, 2026
	Our QC Crime Watch: Jamison Fisher in court: Episode 80 Watch crime reporters Linda Cook and Sharon Wren talk about crime and courts in our area with the latest episode of the Our Quad Cities Crime Watch Podcast. In this episode Linda and Sharon discuss updates on: No more Flock cameras in Moline New Rock Island Police K-9 officer Jamison Fisher in court Click the [...]
	The McCurrens will bring their 'Songs & Stories' to Rock Island Library Touring musicians Forrest and Margaret McCurren will bring their "Songs & Stories" show to the Rock Island Public Library Downtown Library, 401 19th St. The free live performance is from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. The pair have played previously at the Rock Island Public Library, where their folksy Americana/country style is always [...]
	UnityPoint Health names new Quad Cities Market President Her experience will help further improve performance and financial sustainability in ways that directly support patients.
	UnityPoint Health creates rural health leadership role to strengthen local access The Executive Director of Rural Health Partnerships helps strengthen access to local, quality healthcare in rural communities.
	North Scott School District resignations, hirings and other personnel news for Sept. 14 The following personnel items are from the Sept. 14 agenda of the North Scott School District. The school board met at Junior High.
	More rain on the way While it won't be as heavy as the past few days, showers are expected today, tonight, and Tuesday. Cooler weather is in the forecast this week. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	Coal Valley Fareway grand opening, Judy's Family Cafe opens, new Mexican restaurant, and more Quad-Cities business news Coal Valley Fareway grand opening, Judy's Family Cafe opens, Mexican restaurant opens, new Dollar Tree, and more Quad-Cities business news.
	Rock Island County real estate transactions for September 20, 2026 Here are homes sales and property sales in Rock Island County.
	Resignations, hirings, athletic assignments, and other Moline School District personnel news from Sept. 14 See the personnel items from the Sept. 14 agenda of the Moline-Coal Valley School District. The board met at the Moline Education Center.
	German chancellor stands his ground after his party loses in state elections German Chancellor Freidrich Merz conceded that the night spells "disaster" for the political center, but assured the public he'd push ahead with his federal agenda of tax and welfare reforms.
	Many GOP candidates still echo Trump's 2020 claims. Lots of voters want to move on While many Republican candidates, even in some critical tossup races, still back President Trump's baseless claims about election integrity, some GOP voters say they are ready to move on.
	What to know as world leaders converge at the United Nations this week United Nations head António Guterres returns to New York for his final U.N. General Assembly as diplomacy falters over wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the global body faces deep divisions.
	The data center backlash is reshaping American politics — one community at a time With striking speed, the widespread debate around data centers has become a fault line in American communities, cutting across political parties and forging unexpected alliances.
	This farm raised thousands of pigs for slaughter. Now it's growing mushrooms instead The U.S. gets nearly a third of its pork from Iowa. One family is making the switch from pigs to more sustainable specialty mushrooms and trying to show other pig farmers how they did it.
	18 suspects accused in the 2021 killing of Haiti's president being extradited to U.S. Eighteen suspects who were arrested in the July 2021 killing of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse were being extradited to the U.S. on Sunday to face justice in Florida.
	Software breach affects three Pa. courts and Environmental Hearing Board West Publishing, a division of Thomson Reuters, said it detected unauthorized activity involving its C-Track case management system June 30. (Getty photos)Three Pennsylvania courts and the state Environmental Hearing Board were hit by a cybersecurity incident affecting case management software that may have compromised individuals personal information. West Publishing, a division of Thomson Reuters, said it detected unauthorized activity involving its C-Track case management system June 30. It announced the breach, which had been ongoing since March, on Sept. 2. It affected more than two dozen courts nationwide including the Allegheny County, Monroe County and Washington County common pleas courts and the state Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Environmental Hearing Board, which handles appeals to environmental permitting decisions. Court administrators in Allegheny, Monroe and Washington counties did not respond to requests for comment or referred questions to the Pennsylvania Administrative Office of the Courts (AOPC). A spokesperson for the AOPC said questions about the breach, including the scope and potentially affected information,should be directed to Thomson Reuters. The DEP did not immediately respond to questions. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Thomson Reuters said in a statement that it has notified all affected customers. “There has been no operational disruption to C-Track as a result of this incident. Our products and services remain fully operational and are safe to continue to use. Independent cybersecurity experts assisted in the investigation and validated the remediation measures implemented,” a company spokesperson said. In a notice online, West Publishing said the company promptly started an investigation into the incident, engaging law enforcement and third-party experts, and took steps to contain the unauthorized activity and its systems. Based on the investigation, West said, a subset of court records was affected which could include individuals’ names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, medical information, date of birth and health insurance information. Confidential, redacted or sealed court information may also have been exposed in certain courts, according to the notice. “While these courts’ data was affected, the incident was not caused by the courts’ networks, systems or data security. There is no evidence that systems used to process financial transactions were impacted by the incident,” West said. The company said it has no evidence the incident led to any fraud or misuse of information and it has undertaken significant mitigation steps to minimize the risk of fraud or misuse.  West said it has undertaken additional security measures to improve the security of its systems and data. It also advised individuals who may have been affected to remain alert. It offered support through a phone number, 833-918-5294, and complimentary access to the Experian credit reporting bureau’s identity protection service. More information is available at https://www.ctracknotification.com/ Courtesy of Pennsylvania Capital-Star
	Higher education in Pa. should challenge itself the same way we challenge our students. Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) campus on Jan. 21, 2026. (Photo by John Beale for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star)Higher education teaches our students to ask hard questions. Colleges and universities should be ready to do the same. That was the thought I shared recently during a summit of higher education leaders from across Pennsylvania. While I am chancellor for the 10 state universities of Pennsylvania, I believe it applies to every institution represented in that room and across the industry. As the fall semester begins, colleges are urging students to be curious and brave, to push beyond their expectations, understand that taking a thoughtful risk can move them forward, and not to accept something simply because it’s always been that way. Colleges and universities must do the same because the students we serve, and the world we’re preparing them to lead, are rapidly changing. People on the University of Pittsburgh’s Oakland campus, with the Cathedral of Learning towering in the background on Feb. 6, 2024. (Photo by Stephanie Strasburg/Pittsburgh’s Public Source) Pennsylvania is changing. It’s an aging state with fewer young people and a declining population in many regions, which leads to an overall shortage of workers. By 2032, our state is projected to have 218,000 jobs without enough workers with postsecondary credentials. What is our solution? The universe of students who want a college education is also changing. Most higher education institutions are structured to teach 18-year-olds fresh out of high school. But increasingly, we need to educate working adults, such as mid-career workers who are balancing jobs, children, mortgages and more. What is our solution? What about those who started college, but life “happened” and they got derailed? They took jobs, gained experience, and now want to strengthen their skills so they can advance their careers. But going back, or starting college for the first time, can be overwhelming. Pennsylvania has 1.2 million people who started college but left without a credential. What is our solution? These are just some of the hard questions that Pennsylvania’s colleges and universities cannot ignore. We must be willing to push the boundaries of who we serve and how we serve them if we are going to find solutions. The good news is we have remarkably talented faculty and staff who know how to solve problems. They know that the most critical skills our students graduate with will serve them throughout their lifetimes. The ability to think critically, solve complex problems, communicate clearly, work in teams and adapt to new circumstances are all skills that will allow humans to direct artificial intelligence, not be directed by it. We should design every course, whether in the sciences, humanities, business or the arts, to strengthen these core skills. Doing it well takes time, something in short supply on busy campuses where people are pulled in many directions. We already do it well, but we can do it even better. Addressing the workforce shortage means connecting with and supporting those working adults. It means awarding course credit for learning on the job, in the military and in life. That is harder than it sounds, but it’s worth the effort. It’s also time to ask whether we should build more pathways to a degree. For some students, in a limited number of carefully selected programs, that could mean earning a degree in three years instead of four. Those programs would be built around the competencies that a graduate needs, but with fewer classes. That could give some students new options that better fit their lives while still meeting licensure requirements and demonstrating to employers that they can do the jobs. A statue of the Penn State Nittany Lion at Penn State’s New Kensington campus on Jan. 16, 2026. (Photo by John Beale for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star) Of course, challenging the status quo raises legitimate questions about quality and impact. I welcome that scrutiny because it leads to better solutions. We ask our students to assess difficult problems, challenge assumptions and find new opportunities. Shouldn’t higher education be willing to do the same? No one can do it alone. It will take trade schools, community colleges, state universities, state-related institutions and independent colleges doing their part. Some are already leading the way. Many have room to improve, including my own system. Higher education cannot control the future, the impact of artificial intelligence, or shifting cultural and economic forces. But we can control how we respond. We can ensure that every course strengthens the thinking and communication skills students need throughout their lives, better serves working adults and others who need more flexibility, and creates new pathways to a degree without sacrificing quality. None of those solutions will be easy. But asking hard questions, considering new ideas and solving problems is exactly what we expect from our students. We should expect the same from ourselves. Higher education changes lives. I am confident we can change too. Christopher Fiorentino is chancellor of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. Courtesy of Pennsylvania Capital-Star
	Hundreds evacuated after flooding at O’Connell’s RV Campground near Amboy Fast-rising water flooded part of O’Connell’s RV Campground in Amboy Sunday morning, forcing hundreds of campers to evacuate and leaving vehicles, golf carts and some campers damaged.
	Family says water rose nearly four inches in an hour, trapping them before a rescue with a picnic table About 250 people evacuated a Lee County, Illinois campground after fast-rising floodwater trapped a family, forcing a rescue by picnic table.
	IL Supreme Court reviewing 21-day window to file pretrial detention petition as mandatory or directory Illinois law requires attorneys to file a petition to deny pretrial release within 21 days of a person’s arrest and release.
	Reading proficiency remains a challenge for students across the country The Nation’s Report Card shows only 31% of fourth graders are at or above the proficient level.
	Pleasant Valley’s Ari Steward wins Spotlight Athlete of the Week Steward made her diving season debut a few weeks ago for the Spartans against Moline. She took first place and set a career-high score. That score ranked her second in the state.
Sunday, September 20th, 2026
	Lessons in Life Insurance: 4 Reasons Getting It May Be Easier Than You Think Lessons in Life Insurance: 4 Reasons Getting It May Be Easier Than You Think (Feature Impact) Life is the most valuable thing you have – and like all valuable things, it should be insured. Even thinking about life insurance can be stressful, so it’s one of those things that’s easy to put off and tell yourself you’ll do another day. If that’s how you feel, you aren’t alone. According to the 2026 Life Happens Life Insurance Survey, nearly half (46%) of U.S. adults have getting life insurance on their to-do list but plan to deal with it later or not at all. Confusion, procrastination and cost concerns are among the main reasons people kick this can down the road, according to 45% of respondents. Yet the survey also uncovered an interesting disconnect: 69% of Americans said they personally know someone who had life insurance or whose family used a life insurance policy, most often a parent or parent figure (33%), but still haven’t made getting coverage a priority. “Life insurance isn’t unfamiliar to most Americans,” Life Happens Executive Director Brian Steiner said. “The challenge is turning that awareness into action. People may think life insurance is something they can deal with later, but waiting can leave the people they love financially vulnerable. Getting started doesn’t have to be complicated, and professional guidance can help you find protection that fits your needs and budget.” Consider these four ways to make getting life insurance simpler than you thought. Watch this video to learn more 1. Find a policy that’s a fit. Roughly 4 in 10 survey respondents reported feeling overwhelmed, anxious or some combination of both about planning for life insurance, with 12% citing thinking it’ll be too expensive as a reason they’ve delayed looking into, buying or updating life insurance. The good news: There’s a policy that’s right for your current needs. It may be term life insurance, which provides protection for a specific period of time, like to cover a mortgage or tuition for children. There’s also permanent life insurance, which offers lifelong protection, as long as you pay the premiums. 2. Take advantage of digital tools One-quarter of respondents said they’d be more likely to look into life insurance if they learned it was easier to get than they thought, and digital tools can help make that demand a reality. It can take as little as two minutes to find out how much you need, for example, with the life insurance needs calculator from the nonprofit Life Happens. Just answer a few simple questions to estimate the amount of life insurance coverage you may need to take care of your family. 3. It’s about protection, not perfection. Part of the anxiety around life insurance may be the perception that it should be perfect. For more than 1 in 5 survey participants, the plan is to seriously look at it when they feel more financially stable, and another 12% simply said they’ll do it when they’re older. However, life insurance doesn’t have to check all the boxes for every stage of your life – you can find what works for your family right now then adjust as things change over time. 4. Professional help is available. Perhaps the biggest hurdle to tackling life insurance is the feeling that you’re in it alone. Overall, 55% of respondents said if they learned life insurance may be easier to get than they expected, they’d be more likely to start the process. With professional help only a few clicks away, you can rest assured you’re on the path to a life insurance fit that’s right for you by visiting findapro.lifehappens.org. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
	Changing the Landscape of Childhood Cancer Survivorship Changing the Landscape of Childhood Cancer Survivorship (Feature Impact) While “cancer” is a term no family wants to hear, especially when it comes to their children, there is reason for hope. Today, 85% of children diagnosed with cancer survive at least five years, according to the National Cancer Institute, up from 75% three decades ago. Watch this video to learn more “This progress is driven in large part by dedicated research,” Hyundai Hope on Wheels Board Member Kevin Reilly said. “Over the last 28 years, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has committed over $300 million in pediatric cancer research and program grants, awarding more than 1,600 grants to 210 medical institutions nationwide, impacting thousands of young lives each year.” Survival is only part of the journey, however. Nearly half (46%) of U.S. adults believe a child ringing the hospital bell after cancer treatment means the child is cancer-free and their medical journey is largely over, according to a survey conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of Hyundai Hope on Wheels. For the children and families living through a diagnosis, the reality is far more complex. “The reality is that healing continues long after treatment, which is why sustained investment in survivorship care is a priority for us,” said John Guastaferro, executive director of Hyundai Hope on Wheels. Isabella Franco-Capps, 11, understands that journey firsthand. Diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 5, her journey took two years before she could say she’s “a cancer survivor.” “I was diagnosed with b-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia,” she said. “This began my two-year-long journey of scans, pokes, chemotherapy and hospital stays. And now I’m a cancer survivor.” Fellow Hyundai Hope on Wheels National Youth Ambassador, Jackson Trihn, 12, is using his voice to call for continued research and to bring hope to others. “The role … is being able to share my story,” he said. “Not just to spread awareness but to spread hope to kids that need it. And awareness is so important because people don’t understand how hard pediatric cancer can be.” Continued progress can help ensure more children ring the bell and receive the care and support they need long after they’ve had the opportunity to do so. To learn more about these efforts and how you can help, visit HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org.
	5 Hidden Ways to Save on Home Insurance Costs (Feature Impact) When you're planning home improvements, you're often thinking about improving the comfort, safety, aesthetic or value of your home. Many changes and renovations have the added bonus of unlocking insurance discounts, but these savings opportunities can easily fly under the radar when you aren't actively on the lookout for them. "Homeowners tend to think about their insurance when they buy the house or when they have a claim, but a lot can change in between," said Larry Anderson, director of underwriting operations at Mercury Insurance. "Something as simple as reviewing your policy with your agent once a year can help make sure your coverage still reflects your home today and identify improvements or other factors that may qualify you for additional savings." The experts at Mercury Insurance, a multiple-line insurance carrier emphasizing competitive rates and excellent customer service, encourage homeowners to consider these five ways to save on home insurance costs. Updating Older Parts of the Home As a home ages, it's wise to look at what parts and systems may be deteriorating and need upgrades for modernity or safety reasons. Replacing older electrical, plumbing or other major systems can protect your home from emergencies and loss risks. Depending on the state you live in, your specific policy and the improvements you made, it can also qualify your property for an updated-home insurance discount. Keep records of major improvements - including receipts, work permits and information about when the work was completed - and plan to discuss the upgrades during your next insurance review. Adding Protective Technology Beyond replacing the batteries in your smoke detectors, you can outfit your home with a variety of protective devices that make a difference to insurers. Consider options like monitored burglar and fire alarms, smart water sensors and automatic water shutoff systems designed to detect problems before they become major losses. Remember, while security upgrades can make your home less risky to insure, they won't save you money if your insurer doesn't know you've installed them. Improving Resilience to Damage If you live in an area prone to extreme weather or other hazards, resilience upgrades could both safeguard your home and access insurance savings. Depending on your location, qualifying improvements could include a stronger roof, wildfire mitigation measures or flood defense options. Local insurance agents can provide more specific guidance on ways to make your home less vulnerable to damage - or whether you're eligible for discounts because of work you've already completed. Qualifying for Community Programs Even if you haven't personally made renovations to your home, certain changes in your community could help you save on insurance. That could include local wildfire mitigation measures, membership in a qualifying homeowners association or other neighborhood characteristics that affect coverage options, but specific programs vary by location. Reviewing Insurance Products and Discounts Whether something significant has changed in your home or community or not, it's always valuable to review your insurance coverage on a regular basis. For instance, there may be new products or discounts that simply didn't exist when you originally purchased your policy. Beyond savings considerations alone, ask your agent questions to make sure your coverage still reflects your circumstances and goals. "Finding savings is always welcome, but the bigger goal of a policy review is making sure your insurance keeps pace with your life and your home," Anderson said. "A house isn't static. We improve it, maintain it and protect it in new ways over time. Your insurance should keep up with those changes." For more information on homeowner coverage and discount eligibility, visit MercuryInsurance.com. Questions to Consider During Your Annual Insurance Checkup An annual insurance review is an opportunity to look for savings and update coverage. Use these questions as a jumping-off point for discussions with your agent: What has changed about my home? What has changed about my property or community? Have my circumstances changed? Are discounts available today that weren't when I purchased my policy? Does my coverage still reflect what it would cost to repair or rebuild my home today? Photos courtesy of Shuttersotck
	Culturally Relevant Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Care Strategies (Feature Impact) Driven by rising rates of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and other risk factors, cardiovascular disease has surpassed cancer as the leading cause of death among Hispanic adults in the United States. Hispanic people represent nearly 1 in 5 of the U.S. population and are the nation's largest ethnic minority group, yet many continue to face barriers to achieving heart health and accessing high-quality healthcare. A new scientific statement published in the American Heart Association's flagship journal, "Circulation," revealed how social, economic, cultural and environmental factors contribute to persistent disparities in cardiovascular health, calling for culturally tailored prevention strategies, equitable access to care and greater representation of Hispanic populations in cardiovascular research. "Hispanic populations in the U.S. are incredibly diverse even within their own communities with differences in genetic ancestry, language, cultural traditions and social experiences that can significantly influence cardiovascular health," said Johanna Contreras, M.D., M.Sc., FAHA, director of the Division of Heart Failure and medical director of the Hispanic Heart Center within the Mount Sinai Health System. "Yet Hispanic people remain underrepresented overall in the research that guides prevention and treatment strategies Without better representation and more detailed data, we risk overlooking important differences that can help us improve care and save lives." Hispanic Cardiovascular Health by the Numbers Cardiovascular risk factors - obesity (nearly 46%), type 2 diabetes (15.5%) and high blood pressure (approximately 44%) - are prevalent among Hispanic adults and often emerge at younger ages and occur more frequently among Hispanic adults compared with white adults. According to the report, only about 1 in 5 Hispanic adults achieves ideal cardiovascular health as defined by the American Heart Association's original Life's Simple 7 metrics. Updated analyses using the Life's Essential 8 framework demonstrated persistent disparities for heart and brain health, as well as suboptimal dietary quality, sleep patterns and levels of physical activity. Social and Economic Barriers Matter Biology alone does not explain cardiovascular health disparities. The environments where people live, work and age, along with social and economic challenges, impact heart health. In fact, approximately 17% of Hispanics live below the federal poverty threshold, compared with 8.2% of white adults. "Many Hispanic adults face obstacles that extend far beyond the doctor's office," Contreras said. "Limited health insurance coverage, language differences, food insecurity, environmental exposures and concerns related to immigration status can make it more difficult to prevent disease, manage chronic conditions and receive timely treatment." Contreras emphasized the cultural values and practices of Hispanic people also influence how they perceive their health and healthcare options. "Family plays a central role in many Hispanic communities and can be an extraordinary source of strength, support and resilience," Contreras said. "At the same time, family members are often called upon to translate medical information, navigate health systems and help make healthcare decisions for loved ones. Those responsibilities can shape how health information is understood and acted upon." An Action Plan for Improving Hispanic Health There are practical opportunities to achieve equitable cardiovascular health and reduce disparities through community engagement, culturally responsive care, inclusive research and policies that address the underlying drivers of health. "Reducing cardiovascular disease among Hispanic populations demands action at every level," Contreras said, "from improving access to culturally responsive care and expanding research participation to addressing the social and environmental conditions that shape health." By addressing both medical risk factors and the social conditions that shape health, experts believe there is an important opportunity to reduce disparities and help more people live longer, healthier lives. Learn more at Heart.org. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
	Beef for Breakfast: 3 Savory Recipes for Protein-Packed Mornings (Feature Impact) People often think of beef as a dinner staple, but it deserves a spot at the breakfast table, too. Endlessly versatile and packed with protein, beef can turn everything from breakfast burritos to sandwiches into hearty, satisfying fuel for the day. Breakfast is important even though mornings are busy, according to a study published in "Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine," which found children who eat breakfast tend to have higher math scores, fewer absences and better on-time attendance at school. That's why Beef Loving Texans is inviting families to join its free 30-Day Breakfast Challenge. You'll receive breakfast inspiration, nutrition and meal prep tips and encouragement to help your household start the day right. If you need something you can grab on the way out the door, Beef Breakfast Burritos combine sauteed ground beef, peppers and onions with scrambled eggs and flavorful sauces, all wrapped inside a warm tortilla. For a make-ahead breakfast or brunch, whip up a Beef and Veggie Quiche, folding beef and vegetables into a savory mixture of eggs, cheese and cream before baking it in a flaky, buttery crust. Or give leftover steak a second life with a Beef and Spinach Breakfast Sandwich, a portable take on the classic cowboy-style steak and eggs that combines leftover beef with spinach, cheese and eggs. Whether you're feeding growing kids before school or trying to instill healthier habits for yourself, the challenge helps to make consistent, protein-rich breakfasts feel realistic, even on your busiest mornings. Discover more recipes and join the 30-Day Breakfast Challenge at BeefLovingTexans.com/BreakfastChallenge.com. Beef Breakfast Burritos Recipe courtesy of Beef Loving Texans Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 12 ounces ground beef (93% lean or leaner) 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 teaspoons ground ancho chili powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 4 eggs, beaten 2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro nonstick cooking spray 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) 1/3 cup reduced-fat shredded Mexican cheese blend or shredded cheddar cheese 4 medium spinach or plain flour tortillas (10-inch diameter), warmed salsa (optional) Lime-Cilantro Cream: 1/2 cup reduced-fat dairy sour cream 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro To make lime-cilantro cream: In small bowl, combine sour cream, lime juice and cilantro. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. To make burritos: Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef, bell pepper, onion, chili powder and cumin; cook 8-10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160 F, breaking into small crumbles and stirring occasionally. Pour off drippings, as necessary. Remove beef mixture from skillet; keep warm. In medium bowl, combine eggs, water and cilantro. Spray same skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Pour into skillet; cook over medium heat 2-3 minutes, or until scrambled, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, if desired. Stir in beef mixture and cheese; cook 1 minute or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Spoon beef mixture evenly in row across center of each tortilla, leaving 1-inch border on right and left sides. Fold right and left sides of tortilla over filling. Fold bottom edge up over filling and roll up; cut diagonally in half. Serve with lime-cilantro cream and salsa, if desired. Cooking Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness. Substitution: 1 cup egg substitute may be used in place of beaten eggs and water. Beef and Veggie Quiche Recipe courtesy of Beef Loving Texans Cook time: 59 minutes Servings: 8 Nonstick cooking spray 1 refrigerated pie crust (1/2 of 14.1-ounce package) 1/2 pound ground beef (80% lean or leaner) 1 tablespoon beef sausage seasoning mix 1 cup fresh baby spinach 1/4 cup cut fresh asparagus 1/4 cup chopped onion 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper 6 eggs 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. Unfold pie crust on flat surface, pressing out fold lines with fingers. Place crust in pie plate, crimping edge as desired; set aside. Heat large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef and seasoning mix; cook 4-5 minutes, breaking into small crumbles, stirring occasionally. Pour off drippings, as necessary. Add spinach, asparagus, onion and bell pepper to skillet; cook 3-5 minutes, or until softened. Cool slightly. In large mixing bowl, whisk eggs and cream. Gently stir in beef mixture. Pour into prepared pie crust; sprinkle with cheese. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until egg mixture is set and just beginning to brown. Cool 5-10 minutes; cut into wedges. Beef and Spinach Breakfast Sandwich Recipe courtesy of Beef Loving Texans Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 4 eggs or 1 cup egg substitute 1/2 cup chopped fresh baby spinach 1/2 cup diced tomatoes nonstick cooking spray salt (optional) pepper (optional) 4 slices reduced-fat Swiss cheese 12 ounces leftover cooked beef (such as steak, prime rib roast, pot roast or deli roast beef), thinly sliced 4 whole-wheat round, thin sandwich breads, split and toasted In medium bowl, combine eggs, spinach and tomatoes. Spray large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat until hot. Add egg mixture; cook 2-4 minutes, or until eggs are almost set, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired. Divide egg mixture into four separate portions in pan. Evenly top with cheese and beef. Remove from heat and cover. Let stand 1-2 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Place one egg portion on each bread bottom. Close sandwiches with bread tops; serve immediately.
	Entertain with Ease Using Fresh Fall Flavors Entertain with Ease Using Fresh Fall Flavors (Feature Impact) When seasonal celebrations start to fill up your calendar as you host friends and family, an appetizer that is delicious, yet simple, quickly moves from a new addition at the table to a tried-and-true shareable that guests look forward to year after year. This Baked Feta with Roasted California Grapes recipe delivers warm and rich flavors while being incredibly easy to prepare in a rush. Juicy Grapes from California are roasted to deepen their sweet flavor then served over baked feta for a bite that is sweet, tangy and comforting. Don’t forget: Grapes make an excellent healthy and fresh snack any time during the fall season, whether you need an after-school pick-me-up, a break between meetings or a quick on-the-go breakfast. Fall into more flavorful recipe ideas at GrapesFromCalifornia.com. Watch video to see how to make this recipe! Baked Feta with Roasted California Grapes Servings: 6 1 1/2 cups red and black seedless Grapes from California1 tablespoon olive oil, plus additional for drizzling, divided1-2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar1 pound block feta1-2 tablespoons fresh thyme1 teaspoon dried oreganored pepper flakes, to tastecrusty bread slicesHeat oven to 400 F.In medium bowl, toss grapes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and balsamic vinegar to coat then place on baking tray. Roast 10-15 minutes, or until grapes just begin to soften. Remove from oven and let rest in pan 5 minutes.Slice block of feta into two thick slices and place in baking dish. Sprinkle with thyme, oregano and red pepper flakes, to taste, and drizzle with olive oil. Top with roasted grapes. Bake about 10 minutes, or until cheese has softened. Serve with crusty bread slices.
	How to Plan and Prepay for a Funeral (Feature Impact) Planning for the future often means making thoughtful decisions that bring clarity, reduce uncertainty and ease the burden on those you love. Taking the time to plan a funeral or memorial service is one of the most meaningful ways to provide that kind of support. By outlining your wishes now, you ensure that when the time comes, your family can focus on honoring your life and beginning their grief journey, rather than navigating difficult decisions during an emotional time. The days following a loss are often a blur of emotion and high-stakes decision-making. From choosing a casket or urn to coordinating the details of a service, there are many decisions that must be made quickly. When a plan is in place, the burden of "guessing" is lifted from grieving loved ones. Instead, they can move forward with confidence, knowing they are honoring your wishes. "Every life has a story worth telling," said Dan Ford, president of the National Funeral Directors Association. "When you plan a service in advance, you are essentially writing the outline of that story yourself. It allows your family the space to grieve and remember without the added pressure of making difficult choices during their darkest hours. It is, quite truly, a gift of peace." The Financial Security of Prepaying While planning involves documenting your wishes, prepaying involves funding those arrangements in advance. For many, it's a way to lock in today's prices for services and merchandise provided by a funeral home. This can help protect your loved ones from future inflation and ensure funds are set aside specifically for this purpose. Funeral directors are trained professionals who guide families through the emotional and practical aspects of planning, helping them understand their options and make informed decisions. Because every funeral home offers different services, pricing structures and approaches, it's important to speak with more than one provider. Asking questions and comparing options can help ensure you find a funeral director and funeral home that align with your family's values, preferences and budget. Your Story, Your Way Planning is a creative act that ensures your personality and values are reflected in your final farewell, but it's also an opportunity to bring your family into the conversation. While your wishes are important, involving loved ones can help create a service that balances your preferences with what will be most meaningful and healing for them. Start by defining the atmosphere, including whether you'd prefer a traditional, somber or vibrant celebration of life. Consider the music that shaped your life, whether that's hymns, classic standards or a favorite film score. If there is a cause or charity close to your heart, request donations be made in your name. Finally, choosing a final resting place provides your loved ones with a permanent place to visit and remember. Starting the Conversation For many families, the hardest part of planning ahead is starting the conversation, but these discussions don't have to be formal or uncomfortable. "We encourage families to 'Have the Talk of a Lifetime,'" Ford said. "It can happen over a meal or while looking through old photo albums. Simply saying, 'I want to make sure things are easy for you someday,' is a beautiful way to open the door to a very healthy and necessary discussion." Plan with Confidence For more information on how to begin the planning process or to find a qualified funeral director in your community, visit RememberingALife.com. This initiative offers checklists, conversation starters and expert guidance to help families navigate these decisions with confidence and care. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
	Button, Button This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.If you come for a visit to our Mississippi Valley and want to bring a souvenir back to the relatives in Potosi,…
	Heavy rainfall across the region brings evacuation efforts Heavy rainfall brought flood warnings and watches across our region. Flooding in Lee County forced an emergency evacuation at an RV campsite in the area. Our Quad Cities News correspondent Marico Holland looks at the evacuation effort as crews worked throughout the day to rescue residents from the rising waters.
	Soles for Children event provides clothing and more for Rock Island kids Families across the Quad Cities are facing rising expenses, prompting Soles for Children to provide shoes and winter clothing at their annual event.
	Butterworth Center and Deere-Wyman House hold porch party Attendees got to tour all four buildings at the facility, as well as the tunnel connecting the Deere-Wyman House to the carriage house.
	Rock Island stabbing leaves 1 dead 26-year-old Shandon A. Babers has been charged with first-degree murder.
	To control weeds in your garden, late summer and early fall is the best time to make a difference As late summer fades into early autumn, garden care shifts from active harvesting to preparation and planning for the next growing season. Weeds can feel like an overwhelming management task as the summer species burst into flower and spread seeds. However, late summer and early fall is the single best time for weed control that lasts year-round. What gardeners do at this time of year will determine how clean, productive and manageable their garden beds will be when spring arrives. As a professor of horticulture who is involved in teaching gardening skills to commercial gardeners and homeowners, here’s what I recommend for weed management during that time period: A single dandelion can produce dozens, perhaps hundreds, of seeds. Markus Bernet via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 1. Manage late-summer weeds The immediate priority is stopping mature late-summer weeds from reproducing. A single mature crabgrass or dandelion plant can drop thousands of viable seeds that lie dormant in the soil for years. If time is limited, prioritize cutting off seed heads and flower structures. Late-summer and early fall weeds typically feature fingerlike grass spikes, papery composite daisylike heads, or dense, spiked seed clusters. Mowing or shearing off blooms before they set seed halts the next generation. Annual weeds, such as crabgrass, purslane and pigweed die with the first hard frost. So your main objective is preventing them from spreading their seeds. Slice them off at or just below the soil line with a hoe. That will kill them without disturbing deep soil layers, which carry nutrients and feed the roots of the plants you want to keep in your garden. Perennials, such as dandelions, field bindweed, ground ivy and thistles all survive the winter by storing energy reserves in deep taproots or horizontal rhizomes. Pull or dig these out completely while the soil is moist, ensuring you extract the whole root system. Never leave uprooted perennials directly on bare soil while waiting to bag them; species such as bindweed or field horsetail can quickly reroot overnight in moist soil. Remember to wash or wipe down spade blades and hoe edges after working in heavily infested beds, so that you are not transporting creeping root fragments – like quackgrass rhizomes and nutsedge tubers – to weed-free soil. You can also attack perennials with herbicides or organic weed-killing chemicals. In late summer and early fall they begin moving carbohydrates down into their root systems for winter storage. If you spray those plants during that period, they will naturally carry those chemicals deep into their root networks. That is much more effective at killing roots than applying weed killer in the spring. When disposing of cut or uprooted weeds, especially if they have seeds or are perennials, don’t put them into your home compost pile. Standard backyard composting rarely reaches temperatures high enough to destroy weed seeds or persistent rhizomes. Instead, seal them in a dark plastic bag and bake them in direct sun for a few weeks to kill all seeds and roots before trashing them, or send them to a commercial or municipal composting facility. Home or community-garden composting systems do not normally get hot enough to kill the seeds of stubborn weeds. Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images via The Conversation 2. Disrupt winter annual germination Just as there are summer weeds, there are winter weeds, too. Chickweed, henbit, hairy bittercress, dead nettle and shepherd’s purse all germinate in late summer and early autumn. They pass the winter as low-lying rosettes, waking up early in spring to flower before the crops are planted. Keep an eye out for tiny seedlings sprouting in bare soil during late September and October. Rake or surface-hoe them while they are small and easy to disrupt. Applying organic controls such as corn gluten meal in late August to early September is another option to suppress winter annual seeds without using synthetic chemicals. A gardener spreads mulch on a garden bed in preparation for winter. Harold Hoch/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images via The Conversation 3. Prepare and protect garden beds Exposed, unplanted soil invites weed seeds to take root. To prepare beds for winter, cover bare earth to deprive weeds of light, moisture and space to grow. Minimize fall tilling. Digging and overturning soil can bring buried, dormant weed seeds to the surface layer, where autumn rains and sunlight can get them growing. In vegetable gardens after harvest, sow quick-growing cover crops such as field peas. The living mulches build root structure by deeply penetrating compacted soil, prevent erosion by physically binding soil particles with roots and softening raindrop impact with surface foliage, and outcompete opportunistic weeds by utilizing moisture, nutrients and light for their growth. For bare soil or areas heavily infested with persistent weeds, apply a 2- to 3-inch-thick layer of organic mulch directly over the bare soil. This barrier smothers dormant weed seeds and breaks down into rich soil by spring. The fallen autumn leaves can be left in the garden to serve as a carbon-rich winter cover that suppresses weeds just as effectively as wood bark mulch. Spending time pulling weeds in the fall and preparing your garden for winter can help eliminate the spring weed explosion before it starts. By stopping seed production and protecting exposed soil, you can ensure healthier crops, weed-free beds and significantly less labor next season. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Manjot Kaur Sidhu, University of Maine Read more: Climate change is shifting the zones where plants grow – here’s what that could mean for your garden Planning for spring’s garden? Bees like variety and don’t care about your neighbors’ yards Chaos gardening – wild beauty, or just a mess? A sustainable landscape specialist explains the trend Manjot Kaur Sidhu is affiliated with University of Maine, Orono, ME.
	Concerned Citizens of Scott County holding public meeting amid petition to state to deny a gas-fired power plant The meeting is at the Eldridge Public Library Monday from 6 to 7:45 p.m. The purpose is to update residents on the group’s petition to participate in a public hearing later this year and help residents submit their own opposition to the IUC.
	Fifteen schools participating in River Bend Food Bank’s 40th-annual Student Hunger Drive Last year, the drive, along with the Million Meals Match, a tandem initiative for local businesses, provided more than three million meals. The food bank notes the goal is not only to procure food for operations but to teach kids the importance of understanding food insecurity.
	Soles for Children provides free winter essentials to hundreds of Quad Cities kids Hundreds of children received free coats, shoes and other winter essentials Sunday during the annual Soles for Children Shoes and Coat Giveaway.
	1 dead after Rock Island stabbing 26-year-old Shandon A. Babers has been charged with first-degree murder.
	Below average temperatures to start the week After a lot of rain from this past week has caused their own problems here in the Quad Cities, as the rain dries out soon, the temperatures are dropping. Starting the week off with temperatures in the mid 60s, as they will gradually warm up throughout the week back into the 70s by next weekend. [...]
	Federal immigration agent shoots and injures man in Austin, Texas The person shot is in serious but stable condition, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said in a press conference.
	Poison suspected in deaths of ten lions in game reserve in Tanzania The lions were found dead inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a popular wildlife reserve in Tanzania. Deaths raise concerns over wildlife poisonings in East Africa.
	Heavy rains result in QCA flooding; Bettendorf park has raging waters After recent heavy rains, streets and rivers were flooded Sunday in the Quad Cities area. The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Rock River near Joslin affecting Rock Island, Whiteside and Henry counties and the Rock River at Moline affecting Rock Island and Henry counties. Additional rainfall from Sunday through Monday [...]
	Crossing Keokuk’s sanctuary damaged in morning fire Early morning fire sets the Keokuk Crossing locations auditorium on fire.
	Jury convicts Illinois father of shooting and killing son A man faces decades behind bars for fatally shooting his 31-year-old son in 2025.
	About 250 rescued from Lee County campground following heavy flooding The O’Connell’s RV Campground, formerly Yogi Bear Campground, in Amboy is being fully evacuated, according to the Lee County Emergency Management Agency.
	Police arrest suspect after fatal Rock Island stabbing Rock Island police have arrested a 26-year-old suspect in connection with a fatal stabbing early Sunday, according to a news release. Shortly after 6:15 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to a residence in the 2700 block of 13th Avenue for reports of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers found a 43-year old man outside with life-threatening injuries. [...]
	Man charged with fatal stabbing in Rock Island Rock Island Police arrested a man in connection with a fatal stabbing.
	South Dakota’s top election official, a Republican, endorses a Democrat to succeed her South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson addresses the state Republican convention on June 27, 2026, at The Monument events center in Rapid City. (Photo by Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight)Four years after refusing to acknowledge the legitimacy of a Democratic president’s electoral victory, the Republican who serves as South Dakota’s top election official has endorsed a Democratic candidate to succeed her. “I understand that this decision will disappoint some people in my party and anger others,” Secretary of State Monae Johnson said Saturday in a written statement. The announcement was the culmination of a shift that Johnson had been signaling for several years. She won her office in 2022 with the support of activists calling for changes such as hand-counting instead of machine-counting votes, due to allegations that vote-counting machines — which are not connected to the internet in South Dakota — could be hacked. [Voter Guide: 2026 general election Voter Guide: The candidates, the ballot measures, and the tools you need to cast your vote.] Some of the activists who supported Johnson were motivated by Republican President Donald Trump’s claims of fraud in his 2020 election loss to Democratic President Joe Biden. When South Dakota Searchlight interviewed Johnson before her election four years ago, she said “I don’t know” in response to a question about whether she believed those claims. After she got the job, Johnson helped usher in changes including the implementation of post-election audits in all South Dakota counties, the results of which helped prove the accuracy of vote-counting machines. She did not pursue some other changes, such as shifting from machine-counting to hand-counting all results, and she lost some support. Four years after delegates at the Republican state convention backed Johnson as their nominee over an incumbent who was perceived as insufficiently devoted to changing election laws, delegates at this year’s convention chose Heather Baxter, a challenger who supports some of those changes, as their nominee over Johnson. During the June convention, Johnson made it clear she had moved away from some of the positions of her former supporters. She referenced vote-counting machines when she said in a speech, “I fully support the use of secure, tested ballot tabulators.” Heather Baxter addresses the state Republican convention on June 27, 2026, at The Monument events center in Rapid City just prior to winning the party’s nomination for secretary of state. (Photo by Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight) Then, on Saturday, Johnson endorsed Democratic nominee Terrence Davis to succeed her. Johnson made the endorsement in a written statement published by the South Dakota War College political blog. It’s operated by Pat Powers, a Republican who worked for a previous secretary of state. Johnson wrote that after serving as an employee in the office and then in the elected post, “I know the difference between campaigning for this office and carrying the responsibility of leading it.” “I cannot remain silent when I believe the integrity, stability, and professionalism of this office is at stake,” Johnson wrote. She said her time in office taught her that in response to calls for overhauling election systems, the secretary of state “must consider the law, the information available, the effect on county officials, the security of statewide systems, the rights of voters, the cost and workload created by a change, and whether the proposal can be implemented within the deadlines the law requires. It also requires a willingness to review new information and change course when the evidence supports doing so.” Johnson did not mention Baxter by name or identify specific concerns about Baxter’s positions but said “South Dakota deserves a Secretary of State who will strengthen confidence through performance rather than provocation; who will support election officials rather than burden them for political effect; who will protect voter access and election security without pretending those goals are enemies; and who will treat the office’s employees, voters, candidates, and business owners with dignity.” Davis responded by writing on social media that he is “deeply grateful” for Johnson’s support. “Monae and I come from different political parties. We will not agree on every issue,” Davis wrote. “That is exactly why her confidence in me means so much.” Davis, a former state trooper, would be the first Democratic secretary of state in South Dakota since the late Lorna Herseth, whose last year in office was 47 years ago in 1979. Davis would also be the first Black person to win a statewide elected office in South Dakota. He advocates policies to make voting easier, including automatically registering all South Dakotans to vote on their 18th birthday. Terrence Davis is the Democratic nominee for South Dakota secretary of state. (Courtesy of Davis for South Dakota) Baxter is a Republican state representative from Rapid City who lost her reelection bid for that office in the June primary election before winning the party’s nomination for secretary of state. She responded on social media Saturday, writing that her win over Johnson at the Republican convention was not the result of “confusion.” “The letter beside a name is not decoration,” Baxter wrote. “It tells voters what governing philosophy they will carry into the office that runs our elections and business services.” Baxter also pledged support in her post for “election integrity” measures including voter identification, paper ballots and proof of citizenship — all things that South Dakota already requires. She did not call for hand-counting of votes in her response to Johnson. At the time of her nomination by the Republican state convention in June, Baxter’s campaign website said she wanted to “ensure every vote is counted accurately via paper ballots that are hand counted.” Her website now has modified language, saying she supports “improved hand counting methods.” The race for secretary of state also includes a Libertarian nominee, Tamara Lesnar. Besides overseeing elections, the secretary of state’s responsibilities include the management of campaign finance reporting, lobbyist registrations, business corporate filings and concealed pistol permits. Advance voting for the Nov. 3 general election is underway, and the voter registration deadline is Oct. 19. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of South Dakota Searchlight
	Man charged in fatal Rock Island stabbing It happened early Sunday, police said.
	Germany's Merz vows to press ahead with reforms after historic state election defeat German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has faced a major electoral setback in two state elections, with his center-right party losing ground. The far-right Alternative for Germany party made significant gains.
	Iowa Down Ballot podcast: Grassley’s 93, constitutional question, candidate visibility U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, attended the Republican 4th Congressional District convention in Carroll on April 23, 2022. (Photo by Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Iowa Down Ballot with Dave Price 9/19/26 by Iowa Writers Collaborative We have Laura Belin, Kathie Obradovich, and Eric Woolson here to discuss Grassley’s future, an amendment on the ballot, and plenty on the governor and senate races. Read on Substack Eric Woolson joins the crew again this week, marking Sen. Chuck Grassley’s 93rd birthday and issues of elected officials’ age and capacity, the proposed constitutional amendment on Iowa’s November ballot, candidate visibility and more. Listen here. The Iowa Down Ballot Podcast with Dave Price is a production of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Please consider a paid subscription today to help us cover production costs, or moving up to the benefactor level — or sending a gift subscription to a friend — if you’re already a paid subscriber. And please spread the word to friends who might enjoy the podcast. Thanks! Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Traffic Alert: Flooding closes River Drive near Howell Street River Drive near Howell Street is closed Sunday morning after heavy rain caused flooding in the area.
	4 the Record WEB EXTRA: Sorensen addresses affordability concerns before election year Thanks for clicking on this web extra. We didn't have enough time to bring you all of my conversation with Illinois congressman Eric Sorensen on 4 The Record. We pick up the discussion with arguably the biggest concern from Americans this election year. Affordability is the buzzword this election year from Democrats and Republicans. What [...]
	Breakfast Bankroll for week ending 9/18/26 Here's this week's update on retail prices for the breakfast staples of bacon, eggs and milk. This is the USDA's average price for a dozen of large Grade A eggs, a pound of bacon and a gallon of milk on January 20, 2025, compared to where the prices are now. To see the price, click [...]
	EPA makes controversial decision to rollback greenhouse gas regulations A couple of moves by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week get slammed by environmentalists and deliver wins for power plants known to contribute to pollution. The EPA got rid of rules adopted during the Biden administration that forced power plants run by coal and natural gas to cut greenhouse gas emissions or [...]
	Iowa farmers make push to break up what they call fertilizer monopoly Farmers in Iowa get angry about the rising cost of fertilizer drastically impacting their business. They're certainly not alone. Radio Iowa reports farmers brought their complaints to U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden on a recent trip to the state. They want the government to do something about what they call a monopoly in [...]
	Dysfunction in DC not deterring Sorensen from seeking third term on Capitol Hill A check of the calendar this morning puts us 44 days away from election day. You can tell by the ads running on television this is a bitter fight to see which party will control congress in the new year. Democrats hope to flip the House of Representatives. They will need to hold onto the [...]
	Trump says his D.C. arch will serve as 'military complex' with snipers and drones President Trump has claimed that military operations are needed at his proposed triumphal arch in Washington D.C., in order to protect national security. A federal court is weighing the arch's legality.
	The state panel handling labor disputes in Vermont is short on members at a critical moment State employees enter the state office complex in Waterbury as the Vermont State Employees Association opposes Gov. Phil Scott’s return to work mandate in October 2025. File photo by Glenn Russell/VTDigger The Vermont Labor Relations Board, whose members are appointed by Gov. Phil Scott to resolve disputes between workers and their managers, has been down a third of its members for months — and hasn’t been at full strength in nearly two years. Scott’s office says the governor is making progress on getting the board filled. But labor leaders argue the persistent lack of staffing suggests his administration is not prioritizing what they describe as a key safeguard for unions in the state. “It’s not how good government should function,” said Jeff Fannon, executive director of the state’s largest union, the Vermont NEA, in an interview. “It’s somewhat disrespectful — or unfair — to working people and employers who deserve, really, to have their cases heard and have their questions and issues addressed fairly and quickly.” The board’s executive director, Judith Dillon, said not since the end of 2024 has the panel had all six of its seats filled. Dillon’s administrative role supports the board’s six appointees, who also oversee union elections, investigate complaints of unfair labor practices and intervene when contract negotiations deadlock, among other roles. In the same time period the board has had slimmed ranks, the number of cases it deals with have increased, Dillon said. There were 62 cases filed with the board in 2025, compared to 48 cases in 2024, according to its data. Among the board’s most high-profile recent decisions was an order in April rescinding Scott’s directive that state employees must return to work in-person three days a week. The panel’s order — which prompted Scott to accuse the board of bias against him — is now being reviewed by the Vermont Supreme Court. A ruling is expected soon. Beyond state workers, the Labor Relations Board also weighs in on disputes at the University of Vermont and the Vermont State Colleges, as well as at municipal governments, school districts and private employers around the state. Amanda Wheeler, a spokesperson for Scott, said in a statement that the governor’s office was in the process of appointing a new member to one of the board’s two current vacancies. The position, which has been open since June, should be filled by the end of next week, she said Tuesday. The other seat was vacated just last month. State law says the governor must fill seats on the board within 60 days after they open up, though the process is not entirely up to him. The law requires the governor to pick from nominees suggested by a separate body, the Labor Board Review Panel. Fannon, of the NEA, sits on the review panel and said in an email that even as someone who plays a role in the appointment process, “I don’t understand why the governor is taking so long.” Steve Howard, executive director of the Vermont State Employees’ Association, also questioned the timeline, saying in an interview that it shows fully staffing the labor board “hasn’t risen to the level of priority” for the Scott administration. Asked why the governor hadn’t kept the board full, Wheeler pointed to “the added layer of oversight” created by the separate panel and said it can be hard to recruit qualified candidates. “It’s also important to note that throughout this process, the Board has maintained a quorum and been able to continue to carry out its work,” she said. Beyond the two seats open right now, another recent appointment to the labor board took the Scott administration far longer to finalize. Wheeler said Tuesday that Scott had appointed Linda Joy Sullivan, the former mayor of Newport and a former state legislator, to the board effective Sept. 1. Sullivan was appointed to the seat previously held by a member who stepped down at the end of 2024. The seat is one of two on the board for members whose backgrounds aren’t closely tied to labor or to management, known as “neutrals.” Of the four other seats, two are for members who have more experience in organized labor and two are for those who have served in management. According to Fannon, the review panel finished interviews for that neutral seat in January, after which he said the Scott administration would have had candidates to choose from. Even though Sullivan’s appointment took effect Sept. 1, according to Wheeler, it wasn’t until Tuesday, Sept. 15, that the governor’s office informed Dillon that Sullivan had been appointed. That was the same day VTDigger first contacted the governor’s office asking about the status of labor board appointments. When VTDigger first spoke to Dillon last week, she was under the impression the seat was empty — and that the board had only three current members. The board has been able to get by with fewer than six members, Dillon said. It needs a bare minimum of three to function, she explained, with a goal of cases being heard by one panelist each from the labor and management perspectives, as well as one neutral. Still, she said the board members are regular citizens who work part-time and for modest pay. A post last year soliciting applicants cited members making $125 per day. Having fewer members, Dillon said, means more work for each. Citing the board’s increased workload, Dillon raised concerns to state legislators earlier this year that the board was able to dedicate just three days for hearings in 2025 compared to an average of 14 days over the decade prior. Operating with just one neutral member for the better part of two years also made it difficult for the board to get its work done, Dillon said. It meant the sole neutral member it had before this month’s appointment, Gwenna Peters, had to attend a number of more meetings and hearings than she would have otherwise. “We’re very excited,” Dillon said of the new appointment. “The statute was designed and created to have six people, and it’s best to have six people, and we’d love to have six people.” Read the story on VTDigger here: The state panel handling labor disputes in Vermont is short on members at a critical moment. Courtesy of VT Digger
	How many crashes will it take to build a roundabout? Dear Editor, I am discouraged by the discussions about possible roundabouts in Chittenden County. The intersection of Route 2 and Clay Point Road in Colchester, just off Exit 17 on the way to Grand Isle, has seen multiple fatal crashes in recent years. A study by the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission suggested a roundabout as a solution. The cost was estimated at more than $5 million, and the Vermont Agency of Transportation thinks it would take 10 to 20 years to complete. At a recent meeting on the proposed change to a roundabout at the intersection of Route 116 and Route 2A in St. George, the Transportation Agency official running the project said it has been a high-crash area for a long time, although he didn’t know how many crashes specifically, which seems unprofessional to me. He added that construction wouldn’t start until 2030. What on earth is the holdup? How many crashes or deaths do we accept during a permit process for a roundabout? READ MORE It isn’t the high taxes that bother me. It’s that the value we get doesn’t seem to line up with the amount we are putting in. Roger BrownRichmond, Vt. Read the story on VTDigger here: How many crashes will it take to build a roundabout?. Courtesy of VT Digger
	PHOTOS: The precarious life of fisherfolk In the bustling heart of the southern Indian city of Chennai is a market that never sleeps, where residents from the poorest neighborhoods wage a battle of survival with the sea.
	Resignation, hirings and transfers from Bettendorf School District for Sept. 9 The following personnel items are from the Sept. 9 agenda of the Bettendorf Community School District. The School Board met at the Administration Center in Bettendorf.
	MARK-TO-MARKET: AI’s ripple effect on the construction and manufacturing sectors According to research and consulting firm Gartner, this year, global spending on AI is expected to reach $2.6 trillion.
	Resignations, hirings from United Township School District in September See the following personnel items from the Sept. 14 agenda of the United Township Board of Education in East Moline.
	Pleasant Valley School District resignations, hirings from Sept. 14 school board agenda The following personnel items are from the Sept. 14 meeting of the Pleasant Valley School District. The School Board met at the Belmont Administration Center.
	Judge orders Fox to hand over hundreds of documents in shareholders' case Fox Corp. must turn over hundreds of documents that could shed light on how founder Rupert Murdoch handled some of his media companies' biggest scandals.
	Flash Flood Warning until SUN 7:30 AM CDT Flash Flood Warning: Ongoing and Expected Flooding Until 7:30 AM CDT
	U.S. childcare costs are astronomical. More families are turning to grandparents Grandparents taking care of their grandkids is nothing new. But the surging cost of childcare in the U.S. has made familial support even more critical for some parents who struggle to afford it.
	Ukraine fires over 1,000 drones at Russia, including hundreds launched at Moscow Moscow's mayor described the wave of drones as the "largest ever" attack on the Russian capital and said there had been damage to a Moscow oil refinery and a residential building.
	NPR's College Podcast Challenge is back for 2026 Students: It's time to turn on the mic and hit 'record.' Send us your podcasts and we'll pick the best ones. It's $5,000 for our grand prize and $500 for our finalists.
	Thousands of planned launches, terms of deal, worry some near Louisiana SpaceX site State officials say the new SpaceX site will be a $100 billion investment and launch thousands of rockets. Lawmakers helped ease regulations and negotiations were covered under nondisclosure agreements.
	Flash Flood Warning until SUN 7:30 AM CDT Flash Flood Warning in Effect Until 7:30 AM CDT
	Flash Flood Warning from SUN 1:38 AM CDT until SUN 7:30 AM CDT Flash Flood Warning in Effect Until 7:30 AM CDT
Saturday, September 19th, 2026
	Special Weather Statement until SUN 1:00 AM CDT Strong Thunderstorms Bringing Gusty Winds Overnight
	Augustana falls to Illinois Wesleyan 17-10 Augustana football falls to Illinois Wesleyan 17-10. The Vikings are 1-2 on the season.
	No. 18 Iowa has three go over 100 yards rushing as Hawkeyes roll to 55-0 win over Northern Iowa Iowa had three running backs in Xavier Williams, Nathan McNeil and Braeden Jackson rush for more than 100 yards apiece as the No. 18 Hawkeyes defeated Northern Iowa 55-0 on Saturday.
	John Buford This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.If you have ever visited the Battlefield of Gettysburg in Pennsylvania, you may have seen the statue of John Buford at…
	After preschool closes, Davenport church holds sale After nearly 50 years, the preschool at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 2363 W. 3rd St., Davenport, is closing, a news release says. Now the preschool items will be sold, with free books given away with every purchase. A large selection of items will include Sale hours: For more information, email here. Payment of cash, Venmo, [...]
	Saudi Arabia says Houthis tried to attack its capital Saudi Arabia on Saturday said that Yemen's Houthi rebels tried to attack Riyadh with a ballistic missile, the first time the Saudi capital has been targeted since the escalation in fighting with the Iran-backed rebels opened a new front in the Iran war.
	More heavy rain still for our Sunday After a lot of constant rain over this past week and for the start of the weekend, we are still not out of the woods yet. More heavy rain is expected through the rest of our Saturday night and more heavy rain moving in through Sunday morning with at least another inch of rain possible.
	Trinidad Chambliss leads No. 8 Mississippi past No. 7 LSU 32-24 in Lane Kiffin’s return to Ole Miss OXFORD — Lane Kiffin’s new team at LSU couldn’t deny Trinidad Chambliss — the quarterback Kiffin helped transform into a star after recruiting him from a Division II program to Mississippi last year. Chambliss passed for 363 yards and two touchdowns and ran for a tiebreaking score in the fourth quarter, and No. 8 Ole Miss delighted a crowd that was already revved up about Kiffin’s return, beating the seventh-ranked Tigers 32-24 on Saturday night. Mississippi running back Kewan Lacy (5) leaps between LSU safety Ty Benefield (2) and cornerback PJ Woodland (11) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. The play was called back. Credit: AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis READ MORE: The Grove, the crowds, the rivalry: Football fans party together, and taunt each other, on LSU-Ole Miss game day READ MORE: Shakespeare could have written this LSU-Ole Miss football plotLSU stormed back from a 24-7 halftime deficit to tie the game before Chambliss engineered a 75-yard touchdown drive without the services of top running back Kewan Lacy, who left the game with an injured left shoulder. LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt (10) attempts to fight off a arm tackle by Mississippi linebacker Luke Ferrelli (12) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Credit: AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis Chambliss faked a handoff and ran 14 yards against the grain, outracing LSU safety Ty Benefield to the left pylon, and Ole Miss (3-0, 1-0 Southeastern Conference) added a 2-point conversion to take an eight-point lead with 6:14 to go. Ole Miss drew LSU offside twice while lining up for the conversion before converting it from a half-yard out on a direct snap to JT Lindsey. LSU answered by driving 69 yards to the Ole Miss 6 before Sam Leavitt missed open tight end Zach Grace along the goal line with a third-down pass, and then had his fourth-down pass deflect off the helmet of defensive end Kam Franklin. Jaylon Braxton intercepted the ball in the end zone to seal it as Kiffin virtually collapsed to his knees. Leavitt passed for 153 yards and a touchdown and ran for 63 yards and a score for LSU (2-1, 0-1). The Tigers’ comeback bid began in earnest with pressure by Benefield, whose blitz forced Chambliss into a rushed throw that was intercepted by Ja’Keem Jackson and returned 10 yards to the Rebels 33. LSU head coach Lane Kiffin gestures towards an official during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Credit: AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis Leavitt took it from there, gaining 10 yards on a scramble up the middle that ended with the QB being flipped upside down by multiple tacklers before crashing down hard on the 4-yard line. Leavitt responded to the big hit with a tackle-slipping scoring run on the next play to make it 24-14. After Lucas Caneiro missed a 53-yard field goal attempt wide right, LSU pulled within 24-21 on Leavitt’s 26-yard pass to Ole Miss transfer Winston Watkins Jr., who made a leaping, twisting catch near the right corner of the end zone and touched one foot down. LSU was driving to potentially take the lead when star tight end Trey’Dez Green injured his right knee on a first-down catch in Ole Miss territory. The Tigers wound up tying it with a field goal before Ole Miss drove for the decisive score. Ole Miss has defeated LSU in consecutive seasons, with Chambliss starring in both games — the first with Kiffin as his coach. Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, who was instrumental in an LSU athletic department shake-up last fall that precipitated Kiffin’s hiring, smiled widely as he posed for a picture with Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill on the field during pregame warmups. But they couldn’t have been happy about how the game began. Mississippi quarterback Trinidad Chambliss (6) attempts to pass against LSU during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Credit: AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis Chambliss sparked Ole Miss to a 17-0 lead, highlighted by Lacy’s 5-yard power run through the middle of the line and Chambliss’ 21-yard pass to Traylon Ray. Ray, who finished with seven catches for 115 yards, was instrumental on the first touchdown drive, outleaping two defenders for a 36-yard catch along the right sideline. LSU trimmed the Rebels’ lead to 17-7 on Dilin Jones’ 2-yard run with 1:57 left in the half — enough time for Chambliss to direct another scoring drive. After eluding the LSU pass rush, Chambliss rifled a 20 yard pass to Deuce Alexander in the middle of the end zone to make it 24-7 just 7 seconds before halftime, and Ole Miss fans stood and roared in approval as the Rebels trotted to the locker room. The takeaway LSU: The Tigers will be disappointed by their slow start but encouraged by a strong second half that took a tough road game down to the wire in Kiffin’s third game in charge. But Green’s injury could loom large. The Tigers also lost linebacker-safety Dashawn Spears to a lower left leg injury in the first half. Ole Miss: Chambliss’ calm under pressure and dynamic play made the difference, especially after Lacy had to leave the game in the third quarter. The Rebels will have to hope Lacy’s injury doesn’t keep him out for too long. Up next LSU: Hosts current No. 9 Texas A&M next Saturday. Mississippi: Visits Florida next Saturday. Courtesy of Mississippi Today
	Faith and Freedom Coalition rallies Iowa Republicans ahead of November election More than 1,200 people gathered in Des Moines for the Faith and Freedom Coalition’s annual banquet, where Republican leaders urged voters to turn out in November.
	It's 'nothin' but a good time' at Circa '21's 'Rock of Ages' musical Wrapping up the Rock Island theater's 49th season of live entertainment, Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse invites audiences to travel back in time to the 1980s in the Tony Award-nominated Broadway smash "Rock of Ages." This charming and energetic musical comedy was hailed by NY1 as “an irresistible, offbeat trip of a show that hits all [...]
	US Sen. John Kennedy, in Iowa, predicts end of Iran war in 6 months U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican, delivered a speech at the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition fall fundraiser Sep. 19, 2026 at the Airport Holiday Inn in Des Moines. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)U.S. Sen. John Kennedy of Louisiana told a crowd of Iowa conservatives Saturday he believes current high inflation is being caused by the U.S.-Iran war — but said he sees an end to the conflict within six months. Kennedy was the keynote speaker for the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition’s annual fall fundraiser in Des Moines Saturday evening. The crowd of more than 1,300 expanded into an overflow room at the Airport Holiday Inn. During his address, Kennedy spoke in support of U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson’s campaign to join him in the Senate, while defending Republicans’ move to lower taxes through the “One, Big Beautiful Bill” Act. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. While praising 2025 tax cuts for small businesses and Social Security recipients, Kennedy also acknowledged high costs from recent inflation — though he claimed inflation was higher under former President Joe Biden. He said the 3.7% increase in inflation, referencing the personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index, is because of the U.S. war with Iran. Kennedy said, “That’s just a fact.” “There’s no sense bubble-wrapping it,” Kennedy said. “That is that is the genesis of the inflation that we have right now.” He said inflation caused by the conflict is because “oil is in everything, folks,” and fuel costs have gone up due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict. According to data from AAA-Iowa, average prices for regular unleaded gas stand at $4.39 per gallon in Iowa, a 47% spike from the $2.98 average price per gallon a year ago. Diesel currently sits at $6.21 per gallon, the highest ever recorded average price in Iowa. “It’s affected the price of everything, but we’re going to get it down,” Kennedy said. “And I believe — I don’t get want to get off the subject — but I believe that that war will be concluded within the next six months. And I think you will see the price of oil come down and inflation come down with it.” In August, Kennedy said on “Meet the Press” that his stance on President Donald Trump making a deal to end U.S. military involvement in Iran was that, “No deal is just fine. Not preferable, but it’s fine. A bad deal isn’t.” He instead advocated for continued sanctions and a blockade against Iran. “I don’t know whether the president should start a new bombing campaign again, because I don’t have the military intelligence,” Kennedy said in August. “Now, that’s a problem too, because it’ll cause a lot of pain. It’ll cause energy prices to go up, and a lot of inflation for the American people. They’re all hellish choices. But for the moment, I’d maintain the status quo.” Kennedy’s visit also came in support of Hinson, who aims to join him in the U.S. Senate in the 2026 election. He praised Hinson as “temperate,” “thoughtful,” and “an adult,” while adding, “If you don’t like Ashley, you’re probably going to hell.” “Yeah, she’s charming, but if you get between Ashley and what is best for the people of Iowa, she will devour you like a light snack,” Kennedy said. “She will beat you. She will beat you like you stole Thanksgiving, man. Now, I don’t want to tell the good people of Iowa how to vote, OK? But I want to tell you: If you don’t vote for Ashley Hinson, you probably need to change your meds.” Hinson faces state Rep. Josh Turek, a Council Bluffs Democrat, in the general election. Political forecasters including Cook Political Report rate the race as a “toss-up,” seeing the seat as more competitive in the 2026 midterms than in previous election cycles. Kennedy is visiting Iowa, Kansas and Nebraska to attend fundraisers supporting GOP Senate candidates. According to the Washington Post, Kennedy told reporters Thursday: “If you told me six months ago I was going to be having to spend my time in those three states, I wouldn’t have believed you. Those ought to be fat guy layups for us.” Speaking to the group, Hinson called for Iowans to support her and Republicans’ track record in the November election. “I would echo what Senator Kennedy said — we’ve gotten some really amazing things done, despite some incredible headwinds in this country, not just from the Democrats but from the national media as well,” Hinson said. “But I can tell you this: we’re all fearless in this room, right? What they lie about us, what do we do? We tell the truth about them. We’re going to do that.” Earlier Saturday, Hinson campaigned in Ankeny with U.S. Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, promoting the elimination of taxes on tips and overtime work including in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. [subed]GOP congressional candidates call for GOP voters to not be ‘demoralized’[/subhed] Republican 4th District candidate Chris McGowan, U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller Meeks, and GOP 2nd District candidate Joe Mitchell answered questions during a portion of the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition fall fundraiser Sep. 19, 2026 at the Airport Holiday Inn in Des Moines. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Three of Iowa’s four Republican congressional candidates — incumbent Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in the 1st District, as well as Republican Joe Mitchell running for the 2nd District and Chris McGowan running in the 4th — introduced themselves to the crowd in a question-and-answer segment hosted by state Rep. Charley Thomson. Iowa currently has an all-Republican congressional delegation. But three of the state’s four U.S. House seats are considered “toss-up” races by political forecasters heading into the 2026 midterms. In addition to Miller-Meeks and Mitchell’s races, the 3rd District contest between incumbent Rep. Zach Nunn and Democratic state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott is also considered one of the most contentious races in the country. McGowan, who is running for the seat currently held by Rep. Randy Feenstra in Iowa’s longtime conservative stronghold, said his goal was to “maximize turnout” in the 4th District and beyond helping support other candidates like Hinson and gubernatorial candidate Zach Lahn. He also said Republicans should not be discouraged by polls and political forecasters, highlighting the crowd of 1,300 who attended the fundraiser. “The media is going to try and tell us that we’re demoralized, that we’re battling headwinds,” McGowan said. “Well, I’ll tell you something. I got here about two hours ago, and I’m parked in another zip code. That tells me about the energy right now.” Miller-Meeks agreed, referencing her position in the Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll published before the 2024 election. She joined the lawsuit brought by President Donald Trump against the Des Moines Register and pollster J. Ann Selzer over poll results, which showed Trump behind former Vice President Kamala Harris. “Remember, they underestimate us every single time, every single time,” Miller-Meeks said. “Remember that poll? I was going to lose by 16 points. I’m still here. I’m elected.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	The Grove, the crowds, the rivalry: Football fans party together, and taunt each other, on LSU-Ole Miss game day OXFORD — A sea of red and blue tents filled the Grove at the University of Mississippi as tens of thousands of people converged on campus Saturday for the long-anticipated Top 10 game between LSU and Ole Miss. The longstanding rivalry became a grudge match after Lane Kiffin ditched his job as the Ole Miss head coach before the end of the 2025 season for a bigger paycheck in Baton Rouge. Ole Miss fans toted hand-lettered signs that mocked Kiffin, calling him a traitor and worse. ESPN broadcast its “College GameDay” from the Grove, and Ole Miss student James Whitehead won $1 million by kicking a field goal on air. Ole Miss student James Whitehead participates in Pat McAfee’s field goal challenge during “College GameDay” at the University of Mississippi on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. The freshmen won $1 million after a successful 33-yard field goal. Credit: Richard Lake/Mississippi Today Oscar-winning actor Morgan Freeman — a Mississippi native and resident, and frequent front-row fan at Ole Miss basketball games — served as the celebrity guest picker for the weekend’s college football games, wearing an Ole Miss baseball hat and choosing the Rebels to win. “If I go for what’s his name,” Freeman said, as the ESPN hosts said Lane Kiffin, “I will not be able to go home tonight.” READ MORE: Shakespeare could have written this LSU-Ole Miss football plot The vibe varied widely on campus. Some families and friends who have opposing allegiances shared food and drinks at tailgate parties. “I’m not going to show up and not wear purple and gold,” Brock McGoogan said, sporting the Tigers’ colors as he stood with his girlfriend, Summer Huerkamp, who is an Ole Miss fan An Ole Miss fan holds a homemade sign above his head during ESPN’s “College GameDay” at the University of Mississippi on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Credit: Aaron Lampley/Mississippi Today In other areas, Ole Miss and LSU fans shouted at each other — some of them, after getting their fill of chicken fingers, potato salad and beer or bourbon. As kickoff drew closer and the Mississippi heat beat down even harder, the crowd was elbow-to-elbow and many partiers grew rowdier. Ole Miss fans erupted in cheers as their team walked through the Grove on the way to Vaught Hemingway stadium. The Rebels were led by two star players who declined to transfer to LSU with Kiffin and are now being being promoted by Ole Miss as Heisman candidates — quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy. An homemade sign referring to Lane Kiffin’s dog, Juice, is held above the crowd at the University of Mississippi on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Credit: Aaron Lampley/Mississippi Today Ole Miss fans crowd the Grove at the University of Mississippi on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Credit: Aaron Lampley/Mississippi Today The front page of the student newspaper, The Daily Mississippian, depicts LSU head coach Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026, at the university in Oxford. Credit: Aaron Lampley/Mississippi Today The Williams and Seal families tailgate together at the University of Mississippi on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2026. Credit: Aaron Lampley/Mississippi Today Ole Miss graduate Justin Sabb, left, and LSU senior petroleum engineer Carson Gillespe talk with reporters in the Grove at The University of Mississippi on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2026. Sabb and Gilespe grew up together in Georgia. Credit: Aaron Lampley/Mississippi Today LSU and Ole Miss fans taunt each other before a football game at the University of Mississippi on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Credit: Aaron Lampley/Mississippi Today Football fans crowd the Grove at the University of Mississippi before the LSU-Ole Miss game on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Credit: Aaron Lampley/Mississippi Today Ole Miss fans display a sign of previous head coach Lane Kiffin on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. From left, Ken Ford, Chris Kirk, Bo Jarrell and Timothy Ford. Credit: Aaron Lampley/Mississippi Today Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy, in dark jacket, walks through the Grove at the University of Mississippi on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, before the LSU-Ole Miss game. Credit: Aaron Lampley/Mississippi Today Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss walks through the Grove at the University of Mississippi on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2026, before the LSU-Ole Miss game. Credit: Aaron Lampley/Mississippi Today Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss walks through the Grove at the University of Mississippi on Saturday, Sept. 16, 2026, before the LSU-Ole Miss game. Credit: Aaron Lampley/Mississippi Today Former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour takes a phone call at the University of Mississippi on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, before the LSU-Ole Miss football game. Credit: Aaron Lampley/Mississippi Today Fans fill the Grove at the University of Mississippi in anticipation for the LSU-Ole Miss football game on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Credit: Aaron Lampley/Mississippi Today Courtesy of Mississippi Today
	Hinson, Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming highlight GOP tips, overtime tax cuts U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, running for Iowa's U.S. Senate seat, and Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming, right, listened to Jacob Carnes, a McDonald's manager in Ankeny at a campaign event held at Whiskey River in Ankeny Sep. 19, 2026, focused on tax changes made by Republicans through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)ANKENY — U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson and U.S. Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming said Saturday that keeping Republicans in control of Congress was needed to ensure Democrats do not reverse changes made through the 2025 “One Big, Beautiful Bill” Act like tax cuts to tips and overtime. Barrasso joined Hinson, a Republican who is running for Iowa’s U.S. Senate seat, at Whiskey River in Ankeny, where they hosted a group of local business owners and workers to talk about the impact of the OBBB Act. The speakers, who included people in the food and hotel industries, as well healthcare, said they and coworkers have been able to keep more of their income because of the tax law changes made by Republicans in Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Jacob Carnes, a manager at a McDonald’s restaurant in Ankeny, said removing taxes on overtime has helped him pay for expenses as a college student at Des Moines Area Community College and begin to save money for long-term expenses and retirement. “I’m lucky enough where I’m able to get those hours, those overtime hours, and I’m able to keep all that money for myself,” Carnes said. “And trust me, when that paycheck hits, it’s so much nicer when I know my work is really paying towards helping me in my future. I can hopefully help other people down the road with that as well.” Barrasso told the group Democrats running for election in 2026 want to reverse these tax law changes. “What we do see, a number of the Democrats who are running this year, they want to end all of this stuff,” he said. “They want to end it immediately, which we think would be hurtful to the economy, take the money out of your pockets.” At the event, Hinson repeated claims that her opponent, state Rep. Josh Turek, a Council Bluffs Democrat, would support removing the OBBB tax cuts to tips and overtime if elected. Turek has said he agrees with President Donald Trump that “we should have no tax on tips and overtime,” but has also criticized the measure for making cuts to Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Hinson said she supports public assistance programs but wants to ensure the assistance is going to people in need. “We want some of these safety net programs to be … to be robust, right,” Hinson said. “And they’re for people who need them — keyword, ‘for people who need them,’ right? And if you look at some of the changes we’ve made to ensure the long-term integrity of these programs, including requiring a little bit of work or even volunteer hours every day. … Of course, we know there are people who need them, and that’s why we want them to be there. But we don’t want people gaming the system to the point that we have here.” A majority of people receiving public assistance are working full-time, according to the nonpartisan U.S. Government Accountability Office. Democrats argue that work requirements and other eligibility restrictions serve mostly to cut off qualified recipients due to burdensome red tape. Other speakers like Kathy Sullivan, a practitioner working in acute dialysis, said she had previously used SNAP for food assistance. When Hinson asked how she felt about people “fraudulently taking these benefits,” Sullivan said the situation was “infuriating.” “I was a single parent for so long, and when I needed the food stamps, I was so grateful — but I’m also very a little bit prideful, and I did not want to live on the system,” Sullivan said. “… You’re embarrassed that you have to (use) the food stamps, but they came at such a great time for me and the kids. So I got them, I used them, and then immediately was able to go to school and better myself and get off of the system. So, yes, I’m grateful that it was there, but not to live off of, and that people game the system by living off my hard work.” Sullivan said she was “worried about socialism” heading into the 2026 election. Hinson said she believed America was facing a problem with increased dependence on government assistance. “I worked hard, I got to the next thing, I got to the next thing, because I wanted to build that safety and security now for my family, and I did not want to rely on the government to do that,” Hinson said. “I think that’s an Iowa value — I actually think that’s an American value. … I do think that we value hard work, and we value being able to achieve the American dream the right way. Equity is not better than equality. I think it’s about, you know, everybody gets the shot, and that’s what our country is built on, is the shot.” Barrasso said the Iowans at the event shared the same values as Wyomingites. “In Wyoming, we have this thing called the Cowboy Code,” Barrasso said. “And by that, you’re all cowboys, which is, you live each day with courage, you take pride in your work, you do what needs to be done. So that’s what that’s what you’re all doing.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Here’s how VP Vance visit could help Iowa GOP candidates Vice President J.D.
	The new lines of southern Lebanon The U.N. expanded the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon's mandate 20 years ago to include monitoring adherence to a ceasefire in fighting between Israel and Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah — the militant group created in 1982 to counter a second Israeli invasion.
	Death Notice: Beverly McCreary Funeral services and a Mass of Christian Burial for Beverly "Bev" McCreary, 90, of Davenport, will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 21, at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, Davenport. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service on Monday at the church. Burial will be in Rock Island National Cemetery. Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport, is assisting the family with arrangements. Mrs. McCreary died Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, at MercyOne Genesis East, Davenport. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church. Online condolences may be made at www.hmdfuneralhome.com. A full obituary will appear in the Sept. 23 edition of The NSP.
	CNN, MS NOW, Politico reporters denied access to White House following Trump ban Three reporters were blocked from the White House grounds Saturday morning, a day after President Trump said CNN, Politico, and MS NOW would be banned for reporting "FICTION and LIES."
	Donate, 'shop' for free art supplies at Rock Island Public Library The Rock Island Public Library will accept gently used or new art and craft items at all library locations now through Sept. 24, a news release says. Donated supplies will be available for free at the library’s 2nd Annual Studio Exchange Community Art Supply Swap on Saturday, Sept. 26. The free event runs from 10 [...]
	Free vaccine clinic for dogs to be held at St. Anthony's, downtown Davenport The Quad City Animal Welfare Center (QCAWC) and the Humane Society of Scott County are joining together once again to help keep dogs throughout the Quad Cities healthy and protected with Vax & Wags, a free vaccine clinic for dogs from 10 a.m. until noon Saturday, Oct. 3, at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 417 N. [...]
	Dispose of hazardous waste at East Moline collection event The State of Illinois is hosting Fall Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) one-day collection events this year in eight communities throughout the state. These collection events give residents a way to safely dispose of unused or leftover hazardous products commonly found in homes at no cost. In the Quad Cities, Illinois residents can drop off HHW [...]
	Cancer Support Community at Gilda's Club to present session on biology of cancer The Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois at Gilda's Club invites the public to join - in-person or virtually - an informative and supportive workshop to discuss the biology of cancer. Join Russ Dunn for a discussion about universal aspects of cancer in the context of how cancer cells differ from healthy cells. Dunn [...]
	Mississippi oyster industry rebuilds as reefs show signs of growth PASS CHRISTIAN — Mississippi’s oyster reefs are showing signs of growth ahead of the 2026-27 season, but for fishermen like James Miller, rebuilding the industry also means finding enough buyers to make getting on the water worthwhile. “We’ve just got to get our market moving again,” Miller said. “It’s going to happen. It will take time.” At a Sept. 8 stakeholder meeting in Pass Christian, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources estimated there are just under 400,000 sacks of oysters across surveyed reefs in the Mississippi Sound, up from about 275,000 last year. The growth follows a roughly 50,000-sack harvest during the 2025-26 season, which MDMR said was the largest harvest in more than a decade. Joe Spraggins, executive director of MDMR, said Mississippi is moving in the right direction. “We’ve got big oysters. That’s what started last year, right? That’s all that’s in Mississippi,” Spraggins said. “We can get that reputation back by bringing in 100,000 sacks of market-sized oysters.” Reef health Mississippi’s oyster industry is still rebuilding from the effects of the 2019 Bonnet Carré Spillway openings, which sent large amounts of freshwater into the Mississippi Sound and caused salinity levels to fall. MDMR estimated oyster mortality across major reefs in the western Mississippi Sound at nearly 97% following the openings. Since then, the department has used reef monitoring, cult placement and other restoration efforts to rebuild oyster populations. Jason Rider, director of MDMR’s Shellfish Bureau, pointed fishermen toward Henderson Point and St. Joe, where population estimates increased and harvest pressure was relatively low last season. Fishermen and Mississippi Department of Marine Resources officials gather for an oyster stakeholder meeting Sept. 8, 2026, in Pass Christian, Miss. Jason Rider, director of the MDMR’s Shellfish Bureau, walks up the aisle prior to his 2026 reef report. Credit: RHCJC News “We’re seeing the growth across nearly every size class with the spats. That’s picking up significantly,” Rider said. “That’s really encouraging for us. That’s a really good, strong sign of growth.” Other reefs did not see the same gains. According to MDMR, the density of market-size oysters at Pass Christian Dredging declined from 19 oysters per square meter, or per 10.76 square feet, in 2025 to 8.2 in 2026. At Pass Christian Dredging, density dropped from 2.7 to 1.2 oysters per square meter. MDMR officials said Pass Christian Tonging, Pass Christian Dredging and Pass Marianne were among the areas affected by heavy rainfall and lower salinity this summer. Rider said the department will continue monitoring the reefs and investing in restoration efforts. This summer, MDMR placed limestone and shell, known as cultch, across 236 acres of oyster habitat. Much of that work was concentrated on reefs affected by the heavy rainfall. Managing the harvest MDMR plans to maintain a 30% harvest quota for individual reef areas this season. Because the quota is based on oyster population estimates, the number of sacks available for harvest can increase or decrease as populations change. During the 2025-26 season, harvest exceeded the 30% quota in several areas. MDMR reported harvests of roughly 41% at Pass Christian Tonging, 37% at Pass Christian Dredging and 34% at Pass Marianne. Henderson Point and St. Joe were much lower, at about 8% and 1%, respectively. A pile of oysters sits on the deck of the vessel Royster in Pass Christian, Miss. The stateestimates nearly 400,000 sacks of oysters across surveyed reefs in the Mississippi Sound ahead of the 2026-27 season. Credit: Justin Glowacki/RHCJC Miller said he believes individual reefs should be closed once they reach the 30% quota to prevent too much harvesting in one area. “They keep the reef sometimes open too long in areas,” Miller said. “Once they meet their quota, they need to shut it down.” The Roy Howard Community Journalism Center has reached out to Rider for more information about why harvest exceeded the 30% quota in some areas last season and how MDMR plans to manage the quota this season. Rider has not yet responded. MDMR also plans to maintain last season’s daily commercial limits of 15 sacks per tonging vessel and 20 sacks per dredging vessel. Those daily limits are separate from the 30% seasonal harvest quota. Miller supports keeping the daily limits in place. He said allowing fishermen to bring in more oysters would do little good if there are not enough buyers. “If you can’t sell them, why bring them in?” Miller said. Rebuilding the market The 2026-27 oyster season is scheduled to open Oct. 1, nearly two weeks earlier than last year’s Oct. 13 opening. Miller, a lifelong fisherman from D’Iberville, supports the earlier opening because he said lower rainfall in the fall can give fishermen more opportunities to harvest before river conditions lead to reef closures. He said the commercial market remains another challenge after years of limited Mississippi harvests. “When you’re off for five years, your market is slowly progressing, coming back,” Miller said. He said oysters from other Gulf states, including Louisiana and Texas, have filled some of the demand that Mississippi fishermen previously served. “We’ve got a kind of show that we do have a good oyster for them to buy, and we can boost our market back up,” Miller said. “It’s going to take time.” Operating costs are another concern. Miller said fuel costs have cut into his income from fishing and shrimping. He estimated he has recently spent $3,500 to $4,000 a week on fuel while working on the water. Still, Miller said he believes keeping harvest limits in place while Mississippi rebuilds both its oyster populations and commercial market is the best approach. “We had a good thing last year,” Miller said. “It’ll be a good thing this year.” Courtesy of Mississippi Today
	Airplane banner will take jab at Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith before big Ole Miss game Ole Miss fans nursing bloody marys in the Grove before Saturday’s LSU game may notice something unusual overhead: a plane towing a “Cindy High-Prices” banner. The nickname is one Democratic Senate candidate Scott Colom has used for his Republican opponent, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith. The plane is expected to fly over the Ole Miss campus starting at 10 a.m., then over Vaught-Hemingway Stadium from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. as more than 68,000 fans arrive for the 6:30 p.m. kickoff, according to a news release from public relations firm Downfield Strategies. It’s unclear who’s behind it, though it’s a third-party, likely a political action committee. A Colom campaign spokesperson said the campaign is not responsible. Nathan Calvert, communications director for the Hyde-Smith campaign, said the group behind the airplane is wasting their money just like Colom will “waste our tax dollars if he wins.” Courtesy of Mississippi Today
	Special Weather Statement until SAT 7:45 AM CDT Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Causing Minor Flooding This Morning
	Students leave their mark on Earl Hanson Elementary’s cafeteria mural Earl Hanson students helped transform their cafeteria with a food-themed mural, building creativity, connections and a lasting school memory.
	OneTable QC launches nonpartisan ‘Quad Cities Votes Together’ campaign, voter toolkit QneTable QC has launched a nonpartisan campaign providing free tools to help local nonprofits share reliable voting information with the communities they serve.

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