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

Thursday, May 21st, 2026
	John Deere commits $250k to disaster preparedness and relief The investment continues the company’s 109-year partnership with the American Red Cross.
	2-time NASCAR champ Kyle Busch dies at 41 after 'severe illness' Kyle Busch, who won more races than anyone across NASCAR's three national series, has died at 41. A joint statement from the Busch Family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR said he died after being hospitalized.
	Des Moines man who drove to Davenport to meet a minor sentenced to in prison He was arrested at a hotel on April 11, 2024, after he drove from Des Moines to Davenport to meet the 13-year-old girl.
	Davenport launching Park Ambassadors program The ambassadors will visit parks and trails throughout Davenport, answer community questions, and keep an eye out for safety concerns.
	AirCare introduces new helipad in Davenport The new helipad is at the University of Iowa's health clinic near the Target on Elmore.
	Have feedback on Davenport parks this summer? The parks ambassadors want to hear it Read the story for more details about what Davenport's three parks ambassadors will be doing this summer.
	Channel Cat Water Taxi opens for the 2026 season this Friday New this season, local musicians will perform live on the boat during regular operating hours. Here are the details.
	Residents displaced after attached garage catches fire Officials said no injuries were reported.
	ACLU dropping lawsuit against Mary Davis Home The juvenile detention center closed in March. It was being sued over allegations the center placed minors in solitary confinement.
	Here’s how we know why Iowa has competitive races in 2026 Recent visits, endorsements, and financial commitments show that Iowa could have multiple competitive races in 2026.
	Quad-City Times Bix 7 offering local runners chance at $2,500 prize Do you have what it takes to race against the winner of this year's Bix? Here's how to apply for the 2026 Russell's Beat the Elite Challenge.
	Your Memorial Day weekend forecast Temperatures continue to stay cooler than average for the time of year, but the holiday weekend is only days away and things are looking good. Temperatures will be jumping back up to the 70s by Saturday and even breaking into the 80s for Sunday and Memorial Day on Monday.
	Man hands over $39,000 after scammer accessed his computer, officials say Officials said a woman scammed a man out of $39,000 by gaining access to his computer and convincing him to give her the cash in person.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted for probation violation Reggion Anderson, 24, is wanted in Scott County for a probation violation and escape.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted for escape, probation violation George Wesley III, 25, is wanted by the Iowa Department of Corrections District 7 High Risk Unit and the Scott County Sheriff’s Office.
	ACLU dropping lawsuit against Mary Davis Home The juvenile detention center closed in March. It was being sued over allegations the center placed minors in solitary confinement.
	What's ahead this summer at the Davenport Public Library? School will be out before you know it, and you're probably looking for summer options for the students in your life. Tessa Wallace joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about summer programs at the Davenport Public Library. For more information, click here.
	Quad-City Times Bix 7 offering local runners chance at $2,500 prize Do you have what it takes to race against the winner of this year's Bix? Here's how to apply for the 2026 Russell's Beat the Elite Challenge.
	Trump's towering arch clears another federal hurdle, despite public pushback The Commission of Fine Arts gave the arch design its final approval, even though it's missing some visual components. The president said Thursday that he doesn't need approval from Congress.
	Hammond-Henry dietitian: helping admitted and outpatient clients Diet is important for losing weight and for building strength.
	American passenger feels 'betrayed' by federal order to stay in hantavirus quarantine Two passengers from the cruise ship that had a hantavirus outbreak were blocked by the federal government from leaving the quarantine unit. One says she is being detained against her will.
	University of Iowa AirCare opens new helipad in Davenport After operating in the Quad Cities two years, University of Iowa Health Care’s AirCare formally celebrated opening a new helipad Thursday at 3385 Dexter Court, Davenport.
	2 people injured, 1 airlifted in rural Muscatine County crash The crash happened just before 9:39 p.m. at Taylor Avenue and 155th Street, around seven miles north of Muscatine.
	Coroner identifies Davenport woman killed in fall at Cantwell Cliffs in Hocking Hills State Park Officials said that officers received a report of the fall just after 2:45 p.m. Wednesday.
	Silvis School District superintendent retiring, successor announced Dr. Terri VandeWiele has served in the role for over a decade. Here is who will succeed her.
	Iowa’s First Congressional district candidate interviews KWQC interviewed each candidate for Iowa’s First Congressional district from both parties.
	Republicans stall votes on partisan ICE funding amid party infighting Republicans had planned to try to pass a major funding bill for Immigration and Customs Enforcement by the end of the week but plans collapsed over unrelated policy disagreements.
	Muscatine County EMS Day offers hands-on experiences this weekend The 31st annual Muscatine County EMS Day will be held on Saturday, May 23, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Blain’s Farm & Fleet.
	University of Iowa Aircare expanding service to the Quad Cities At an event Thursday, officials marked the next stage of the medical emergency service with a new, permanent helipad.
	Palestinians drop bid for a senior U.N. role after U.S. pressure The Palestinian delegation to the United Nations has dropped its bid to secure a top U.N. job after the U.S. threatens to revoke their visas.
	Democrats wanted answers for what went wrong in 2024. Now, there are more questions The Democratic Party wanted a review of the 2024 election. Then, the DNC learned the report was incomplete and unverifiable, party chairman Ken Martin said Thursday, releasing an annotated version.
	Memorial Day 2026 events around the Quad Cities region Here are some events in and around the Quad Cities area that honor the meaning behind the day.
	Silvis schools announce superintendent transition for 2027 Silvis schools are preparing for a leadership transition as Superintendent Terri VandeWiele plans to retire after next school year. Find the details here.
	Who's running in the 2026 Iowa primaries for state and local offices The Iowa primary election is set for Tuesday, June 2. WVIK compiled a list of races statewide and locally that Iowans will see on their ballots.
	Galesburg opens outdoor aquatic facilities this weekend There's plenty of ways to enjoy the great outdoors in Galesburg this summer. The city is opening its outdoor aquatic facilities for the summer season on Saturday, May 23. Residents and visitors can enjoy a wide variety of summer amenities, including free splashpads and wading pools and Lakeside Water Park. Seasonal aquatic amenities will remain [...]
	Glock ban in Illinois? Bill seeks to ban pistols that can be modified into automatic weapons Illinois lawmakers pass a bill targeting specific semiautomatic pistol designs like Glocks, citing safety concerns, alongside new mental health rules.
	Retirements, hirings and personnel news from Rock Island-Milan School District for April 28 The following personnel items are from the April 28 agenda of the Rock Island-Milan School District. The School Board met at the Administration Center.
	'It's one of my dreams,' Rose Byrne says of her comic turn on Broadway Byrne is one of the few actors to receive both an Oscar and a Tony nomination in the same year —for the indie film If I Had Legs I'd Kick You, and for Fallen Angels on Broadway.
	Public reviews two remaining options for replacing Centennial Bridge The iconic Centennial Bridge will be demolished as the Illinois and Iowa Departments of Transportation pursue a preferred alternative in a long-term study of the U.S. 67 (Centennial Bridge) Corridor.
	Davenport man accused of using kitchen knife to stab man A Davenport man is charged after police said he used a kitchen knife to stab a man.
	Pleasant Valley School District principal retirement, resignations, hirings from April 27 school board agenda The following personnel items are from the April 27 of the Pleasant Valley School District. The School Board met at Belmont Administration Center at 525 Belmont Rd., Riverdale, Iowa.
	Resignations, hirings and other personnel news from East Moline School District The following personnel items are from the April 27 agenda of the East Moline District 37 Board of Education. The School Board met at Glenview Middle School, 3100 7th St. in East Moline.
	Weekend Rundown with WLLR \| May 21, 2026 There are many family-friendly events going on this weekend, and we've brought in Dani Howe from WLLR to break it down.
	Two people injured in Muscatine County crash on Monday Two people were transported, one by ambulance and one by AirCare, due to injuries.
	Olympic athlete speaking at John Deere Classic's Executive Women's Day The John Deere Classic and Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois present this year’s Executive Women’s Day on Tuesday, June 30 at 8 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at TPC at Deere Run, 3100 Heather Knoll in Silvis. This event offers an inspiring and energizing experience for all professionals across all industries. Click here [...]
	Deere reports second quarter income of $1.773B, net sales up 5% Net income attributable to Deere & Company for fiscal year 2026 is forecast to be $4.5 to $5 billion.
	After the sirens: Lebanon's first responders swing between duty and grief Nearly 3,000 people have been killed and nearly 1 million have been displaced the war in southern Lebanon began in March. Nearly 400 have been killed since a ceasefire began in April.
	An unlikely opera for America's birthday summons dissonance and harmony When John Cage composed an opera commemorating the American bicentennial audiences walked out. Now, it's being reinterpreted by new artists in a Detroit Opera production, as the nation turns 250.
	Park Ambassadors help keep Davenport parks fun and safe Davenport Parks and Recreation has a new program that will help residents enjoy the city’s parks. The department is introducing its new Park Ambassadors program. They are visiting parks, trails and public spaces throughout Davenport as a friendly, visible presence. Park Ambassadors will help answer programming questions, engage park visitors with activities and games and [...]
	12 tips to actually get sleep on an airplane, even in economy 12 tips to actually get sleep on an airplane, even in economySleeping on a plane can feel like a battle against limited space, constant noise, and zero privacy. But with the right strategies and a little preparation (like an organic travel pillow), you can turn even a cramped seat into a decent sleep setup for the duration of your flight. Let Naturepedic take you through the details on how to sleep on a plane.Step 1: Choose Your Seat StrategicallyNot all airplane seats are created equal, especially when sleep is your goal. But with a little preplanning, you can choose the optimal seat for creating a dreamy space for yourself.Window Seat versus Aisle SeatFirst off, the window seat is your best bet if your mission is to sleep. You’ll have a place to lean your head and won’t be as affected by interruptions like seatmates climbing over you or jostling from people walking up and down the aisle. Plus, you control the window shade, which can help manage light exposure.Front of Plane versus Back of the PlaneThe front of the plane tends to be quieter, with less engine noise and an overall smoother ride. This way, there’s less noise and movement to potentially disturb your in-flight nap. Plus, you’re also more likely to get quicker service, so you can settle in and fall asleep sooner.Avoiding the Restroom RowSeats near the restrooms can mean constant foot traffic, door slamming, bright lights, flushing sounds, and fellow passengers bumping into you. To avoid sleep disruption, check the seat map before booking and steer clear of these high-traffic zones. It might be tempting for convenience, but choose peace and sit somewhere with less potential for disturbances.Step 2: Create a Sleep-Friendly EnvironmentNext up, be sure that you’re packing your carry-on with smart travel essentials for sleep success. Even the best seat won’t help if you can’t create a suitable environment.Block Out Light and NoiseAn eye mask and noise-canceling headphones or earplugs are nonnegotiables. Together, you can create a little cocoon to remain blissfully unaware of what’s happening three rows behind you. Sure, choosing the right seat can help lessen the impact, but there’s no avoiding light and noise entirely on a plane. Blocking light helps to let your body know it’s time for sleep, while minimizing noise drowns out distractions from passengers and crew.Dress for Sleep, Not StyleComfort is the priority on the plane. Worry about fashion after you land. Opt for breathable layers made of natural fibers to regulate temperature, and wear compression socks to help circulation. You’ll stay cozy without overheating — and yes, you can still look put-together and chic if you style it right.Use a Travel Pillow (the Right Way)The best way to sleep on a plane involves supporting your head and neck properly. That means not just slumping sideways. If you’ve been left wondering how to use a travel pillow effectively, try wearing it backward for better chin support or tucking it under one shoulder while leaning against the window. These alternate positionings allow for better alignment and improved neck support.Step 3: Set the Stage Before TakeoffWhat you do before boarding matters just as much as your in-flight setup. Here are a few tips to take care of before boarding.Adjust Your Schedule Ahead of TimeIf you’re crossing time zones, try shifting your sleep schedule by an hour or two in the days leading up to your flight. This can help ease the transition, and while it won’t completely avoid the effect of jet lag, it can certainly soften the blow.Skip the Caffeine and AlcoholCaffeine and alcohol can mess with your ability to fall and stay asleep, even if they initially seem helpful. Caffeine may keep you alert, but it can delay sleep onset and mess with your circadian rhythm. And while alcohol may sedate you at first, it will disrupt your sleep cycle, especially your REM (rapid eye movement) stage. Consider caffeine alternatives like herbal teas and avoid alcohol entirely if you wish to sleep on the flight.Eat Light, Hydrate OftenHeavy meals and salty snacks can leave you feeling bloated or uncomfortable midflight. Opt for light, nutrient-rich snacks and keep a bottle of water handy. Airplane cabins are dehydrating, and water is your best defense against dehydration, fatigue, and grogginess.Step 4: Try Mindful Techniques or Sleep AidsStill struggling to drift off in the air? Consider natural ways to nudge your body toward rest.Breathing Exercises or MeditationLet yourself have a meditative moment. Deep breathing can signal your nervous system to slow down. Even a few minutes spent on a simple 4-7-8 breathing pattern, guided meditation, or even just focusing on your breath can shift your body into sleep mode.Natural SupplementsSome travelers turn to herbal remedies like valerian root, magnesium, or maca root to unwind naturally. While results vary, many people find gentle support in nature-based options — just make sure to test anything before your trip. And check with your doctor to ensure the natural supplements won’t interfere with any of your prescriptions or medical conditions.Should You Take a Sleep Aid?Over-the-counter and prescription sleep aids can help in a pinch, but they also come with side effects like grogginess when you wake up. Use them cautiously, and always talk to a healthcare provider if you’re unsure. Sometimes, more organic and holistic options — like a better pillow and a bit of planning — are all you need.Set Expectations, But Don't Expect PerfectionLet’s be honest: Even the best way to sleep on a plane won’t compare to your bed at home. And that’s okay. Your goal should be rest, not the best sleep of your life. It won’t be the luxurious sleep you’re accustomed to at home, but it doesn’t have to be miserable either. Even a few short naps in-flight can help you feel more alert and adjusted upon arrival.This story was produced by Naturepedic and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Walmart plans price cuts using tariff refunds as shoppers get skittish Now that the U.S. government must refund most tariffs, Walmart says it might put its refund money toward lowering store prices. Executives say the cost of gas has shoppers increasingly under stress.
	How to stop putting off your estate plan, and why it matters more than you think How to stop putting off your estate plan, and why it matters more than you thinkRecent data from financial planners reveals that most people are hesitant to commit to any sort of estate planning, instead opting to defer when possible — a trend which could have negative impacts down the line if not addressed early.The 2026 Financial Advisor Insights report by Jump shows that when advisors bring up estate planning, 72% of clients express interest but defer concrete action, citing reasons such as wanting to consult an attorney (26%), needing more information (25%), and having other priorities take precedence (17%).“Most people don’t start because they don’t know where to begin, not because they don’t care,” says Matthew Koppelman, the co-founder of Precision Wealth Planners, a financial planning firm based in California.Indeed, most American adults have done no estate planning whatsoever, with Gen X being the worst offenders, with what experts are labeling “The Sandwich Gap” between Boomers (over half of whom have done some estate planning) and Millennials (who have more estate planning documents than Gen Xers).Some may be taking the research into their own hands. Pew research conducted in June 2025 showed that the majority of Americans use AI multiple times a week. Though OpenAI doesn’t make search volume data publicly available, it’s not much of a leap to think that people are turning the questions they once brought to Google to ChatGPT for quick answers, reassurance, and even legal advice — a move that lawyers are advising strongly against.The best time to start estate planningGetting ahead of estate planning will solve a number of problems for you and your family down the line. Problems like unexpected costs, long probate periods, and tax horror stories. If you don’t know where to begin, a financial planner is a good place to start.“My role is to educate clients on what an estate plan actually does,” says Koppelman. “Using real stories of successes and failures, reframing the outcome from ‘documents’ to peace of mind for them and their families.”The way advisors deal with estate planning conversations is equally important. Advisors often avoid the topic, fearing it will be uncomfortable, but the data says the opposite is true. Conversations that involve estate planning often result in a lift in client sentiment by nearly 5% and reduced neutral to negative outcomes.The timing is equally important. Estate planning topics are shorter and less interactive than tax or retirement planning, reflecting their placement towards the end of calls. Surfacing estate planning topics earlier gives more time for the subject to breathe. Clients can ask questions and engage more thoroughly with their options, with less likelihood of deferral.“Leading with empathy and support rather than lecturing is important,” Koppelman says. The report shows that advisor emotional intelligence has a direct correlation to improving client outcomes, especially with heavy topics like estate planning.Advisor emotional intelligence is one of the strongest differentiators of client outcomes, measured by talk-time discipline, open-ended questions, empathetic statements, and emotional check-ins.The mechanics of a good estate planning conversation are learnable: Ask more than you tell, check in on how the client is feeling, and leave room for the conversation to go somewhere.The cost of waitingEstate planning is one of the few financial decisions where procrastination has consequences that fall entirely on the people you leave behind. Probate is expensive. Assets without designated beneficiaries can end up in the wrong hands or tied up in court for years.The data makes clear that the barrier is rarely money or complexity, but inertia. The conversation is not the hard part. Starting it is.This story was produced by Jump and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Davenport man arrested, charged with possession of child sex abuse material A man from Davenport accused in a shots-fired incident at St. Ambrose earlier this month has been arrested again, this time in connection with possessing CSAM (child sex abuse material) on an iPhone. The criminal complaints filed in Scott County Court said Davenport Police officers were investigating a shots-fired incident in a parking lot at [...]
	Your employees’ hidden AI habits that put your business at risk Your employees’ hidden AI habits that put your business at riskToday's employees are stretched thin. They're juggling multiple Slack channels, hundreds of unread emails, back-to-back meetings, and hair-pulling deadlines. When they discover that AI can summarize reports, draft emails, and generate campaign ideas in seconds, their feelings of relief are palpable.The problem is, they’re often using these AI tools without company approval or oversight. According to an Upwork survey of 2,400 U.S.-based workers that was conducted in March and April of 2026, 55% of full-time employees admit to using unapproved AI tools at work.In this article, Upwork explores this often under-reported use of AI, also known as shadow AI, and the serious risks it can create for your business.How everyday work pressures lead to unsafe habitsEmployees who turn to unapproved use of AI tools aren’t being rebellious. They’re drowning in their workloads and they see AI tools as a life raft. What many don’t realize is their life raft might have a hole that’s quietly leaking your business’s most sensitive data.How is this possible? When a user gives an AI tool a prompt, the AI often stores any data the prompt contains. Later, this data can be used to train future AI models. When users then ask these new models the right questions, your private info can unintentionally become public.Here's how easily that could happen:Your marketing manager pastes your unreleased product roadmap into ChatGPT with a prompt to make the language more exciting.Your finance lead uses an AI code assistant to automate error checks in their weekly report.Your service agent feeds customer emails into a writing assistant to draft faster responses.Even a single seemingly harmless prompt can spark serious consequences, including compliance violations, leaked client data, and reputational damage.Shadow AI is becoming such a problem that, according to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025, it has been the cause of a security breach for 1 in 5 companies, and the average cost per breach is $4.4 million. Moreover, Gartner estimates that shadow AI will cause security and compliance incidents for over 40% of global organizations by 2030. The cost per incident and the scope of the issue should make any company take note, and be a particular concern for small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs). Upwork Why bans can backfireFor leadership, a natural reaction may be to ban AI tools. However, that 55% of employees admit to already using shadow AI tools suggests that an outright ban might simply be ignored. And according to IBM, 28% of employees explicitly stated they’d keep using AI even if it were forbidden.In sum, banning AI use may create more secrecy rather than more security. Upwork Keep in mind that your employees’ intentions are good; it’s their execution that’s risky. And that’s not entirely their fault.The same IBM report shows most businesses lack proper AI oversight and guidance:97% of organizations that experienced AI-related security incidents lacked proper access controls.63% had no governance policies in place to manage AI use or detect unauthorized tools.Moreover, the research found that 68% of full-time employees want more support from their organization to experiment with AI tools.These are people looking for solutions and finding, on the one hand, a lack of organizational guidance, and, on the other, an abundance of AI tools on the market.You can fix thisThe employees testing AI tools on their own are innovative and curious. Upwork research shows that this is a majority of employees; 78% of full-time employees surveyed educate themselves about AI outside of their organization when they aren’t getting enough through work.Innovation, curiosity, and the drive for self-improvement are all valuable traits. Instead of shutting them down, consider channeling them safely.Start with the right approachBefore you write a single policy, shift how you think about the use of artificial intelligence at work. Don’t treat AI use as though it’s rule breaking. Your employees aren't being sneaky; they're being creative. So work with them to set boundaries.Tap into their curiosityIf someone discovers a helpful AI tool, create a culture that encourages them to tell you about it, not hide it. Set up approved ways for people to test new tools and share what they learn. That's how innovation happens.Find out what's really happeningSend a quick, anonymous survey to your team. Ask:What AI tools are you using right now?What do you use them for?What tools do you wish you had?Tell them up front that you’re not policing them; you’re trying to better support them. You might be surprised by what you learn. Some employees might already be AI power users. Others might have creative productivity hacks you can safely scale across the business.Create a simple AI guideBalance experimentation with safety through guardrails. Create a one-page AI quick guide that covers:Tools you've approved and why they're safe.Information they should never put in AI (e.g., client data, financials, passwords, unreleased products).How to request and test a new tool.Who to contact with questions.Post the guide where everyone can easily find it, and update it as you learn.Bring in people who've solved this beforeIf you don't have the time or in-house expertise to tackle this, consider bringing in freelance AI specialists to help. The Upwork research shows that freelancers are more likely than their full-time employee counterparts to cite having extensive experience in some key areas of AI use and development. These include building and training AI models, data science, and chatbot development.By accessing this skilled talent on demand, you can better support your employees in their search for AI tools, without compromising your organization’s security.Keep the conversation goingSet up a Slack or Microsoft Teams channel where people can share what's working, ask questions, and trade tips. You could also have a power user host short monthly gatherings where anyone can join and explore new tools and use cases together.Make AI your advantage, not your riskYour employees are going to use AI tools. The real choice is whether they use them in the shadows or out in the open.When you encourage responsible use and put simple guardrails in place, AI shifts from a potential risk to a shared engine for business growth. That’s when teams start to see real benefits.Research note: This article includes findings from the Upwork Research Institute’s 2026 Future Workforce Index survey of 2,400 U.S.-based workers (March-April 2026).This story was produced by Upwork and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Mortgage or marriage? Create a savings plan for both Mortgage or marriage? Create a savings plan for bothAs you and your partner decide to start a life together, you may be faced with a decision: Throw a dream wedding to celebrate your love, or save for a down payment?Good news: You might not have to choose. With smart saving and plenty of planning, you can kick off your marriage and homeowning journeys at the same time. Ally Financial shows you how.Wedding spending considerationsFrom venues to outfits, food, and decor, the cost of a wedding can add up quickly. But with enough time to plan ahead and save, you’ll be prepared for the expenses that come your way.Decide your wedding prioritiesIs it important to you to have a big wedding? Do you want to book a special venue? Are you a foodie who cares most about your wedding menu? As you plan, keep in mind where you might want to splurge and where you could cut back. Agree on your priorities with your partner so you can set a corresponding budget and start saving for any big-ticket items.Set a realistic budgetEstablishing a wedding budget is essential to avoid overspending. Based on your priorities, come up with a realistic estimate of all expenses. With a budget set in advance, you can start saving for your wedding costs.Think about how much you’ve budgeted and your timeframe — this will help you figure out how much you’ll need to save each month. Smart savings tools can help you reach your savings goals faster.Explore cost-saving strategiesReady to get creative? Consider cost-saving strategies like DIYing some of your decor, picking a nontraditional dessert, or serving a signature cocktail with wine and beer instead of a full open bar. Finding ways to lower your wedding spending could help you save more for your future home.Set up multiple savings buckets to work toward your wedding and down payment at the same time.Planning to save for a houseSaving for a home at the same time as your wedding isn’t impossible. It just takes some careful planning. Start with these strategies.Decide your home must-havesJust as you set your wedding priorities, start your homebuying journey by hashing out must-haves with your partner. Think location, size, or amenities. By picking your essentials, you make the search easier, and it can help you and your partner figure out where you might be able to compromise.Set a realistic budget and start saving for a down paymentLike with your wedding, use these priorities to determine your homebuying budget. It’s important to take into account your current financial situation, including income, expenses, and any current debts. Not only will these factors help determine your budget, but they can also affect your interest rate and loan terms.Combining wedding and homebuying goalsWith savings buckets, you can track your progress by setting up multiple buckets to work toward your wedding and down payment at the same time. To calculate how much to contribute to each bucket, consider your savings timeline. Say you want a wedding in two years and a new home in three. If you plan to set aside $800 in savings a month, you can distribute $500 in your wedding bucket and $300 to your down payment.‘I do’ meets ‘I’m a homeowner’By setting timelines, determining budgets, and using tools that help you plan ahead and stay on track, you can save for multiple goals at once. By balancing both, you don’t have to choose between a mortgage and marriage — you can walk down the aisle and into a home of your own.This story was produced by Ally Financial and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	This fashion-forward new footwear brand is trending Content by Kelley Kouture. This Richmond, Virginia–based brand introduces a refined new perspective in luxury footwear.
	Man charged in St. Ambrose shooting faces child sex abuse material charges The man accused of shooting at a driver in a St. Ambrose University parking lot is now facing child sexual abuse material charges.
	2 injured in Muscatine County crash One person was airlifted and another taken to a Muscatine hospital after two cars crashed Wednesday night.
	How to convince your boss to invest in generative engine optimization (GEO) How to convince your boss to invest in generative engine optimization (GEO)A recent WebFX study found that generative AI traffic grew 796% from January 2024 to December 2025. If your customers are now using AI tools during their research, does your brand — or one of your competitors — appear in those answers?One effective way to convince leadership to invest in generative engine optimization (GEO) is to turn that visibility question into a business case. Start by auditing the AI answers your prospects might see, including “best provider” or “best product” prompts.Then, use those findings to frame the risk by showing how those gaps could affect your revenue and market share. From there, recommend a small-scale GEO test project to see whether GEO can improve your AI visibility and support revenue growth before you ask for a larger budget.Use this guide from WebFX to build a GEO pitch for your boss and learn how to handle common objections.How to pitch GEO to leadershipWhen you’re justifying AI SEO investment, use language that your leaders use, like revenue, risk, pipeline, efficiency, and competitive pressure. Your goal is to show how buyers now discover, compare, and shortlist vendors across search engines and AI answer platforms.A GEO pitch should answer three questions for your boss:What business risk does GEO address?What opportunity is being missed today?How can we test this without committing to a full program too soon?Here’s how to pitch GEO to leadership in a way that’s practical, measurable, and tied to your company’s bottom line.1. Start with the business problem, not the channelAvoid opening your pitch with a cliché like “AI search is the future.” Leadership has likely heard that before, and it may sound like another trend competing for budget.Instead, start with the business problem: Your buyers may use AI tools to compare vendors before they visit your website, but you may not know whether your brand appears in those answers. You also may not know which competitors show up or which sources AI platforms cite.That framing makes GEO easier to evaluate because it focuses on visibility, competitive risk, and missed demand. It also helps leadership see GEO as part of your search and revenue strategy, rather than a disconnected AI experiment.For example, if you market a heavy equipment rental company, a buyer might ask an AI tool, “What is the best equipment rental company for commercial construction projects near me?” If your competitors appear in that answer and your company doesn’t, the buyer may build their shortlist before reaching your website.Highlight this business problem to management, then present GEO as a way to measure and improve that visibility.2. Show how buyer behavior is changingThe next step is showing that AI-driven discovery has started to influence search behavior.The generative AI traffic study found that traffic from AI sources accounted for only 0.18% of total sessions in 2025. That number keeps your pitch grounded: AI traffic is growing, but it still represents a small share of total traffic compared to organic search.That balance matters. Your pitch should not claim that AI traffic will replace organic search overnight. A stronger case is that AI visibility is becoming a new layer of search behavior, especially for buyers who use AI tools to compare options, validate vendors, or ask decision-stage questions.Competitors that appear in AI answers can influence buyers before those buyers ever reach your website.Use this point to show why GEO deserves attention now. Search behavior is changing, and brands that start tracking AI visibility earlier will have more time to understand where they appear, where they get cited, and where competitors have the advantage.3. Audit your current AI visibilityA GEO pitch becomes more persuasive when you can show real examples from your market. Before asking for a GEO budget, run a simple AI visibility audit.Start with prompts that typical buyers use for researching your products or services. Include prompts like:“Best (product or service) companies for (industry)”“Top (product or service) providers near me”“(Your brand) vs. (competitor)”“How much does (product or service) cost?”“What should I look for in a (product or service) provider?”Then document what happens. Does your brand appear? Do competitors appear? Does the AI tool cite your website, third-party review sites, industry publications, Reddit threads, or comparison pages?For example, if you market an industrial parts supplier, you might test prompts about “best industrial parts suppliers for manufacturers” or “where to buy replacement parts for production equipment.” If AI tools cite competitor category pages, distributor profiles, or third-party directories, you now have a concrete visibility gap to show leadership.This audit turns GEO from an abstract idea into a business case. It gives your boss evidence of an opportunity you may be missing.4. Differentiate GEO from SEO without making it an either/or choiceOne of the most common objections is, “We already invest in SEO. Why do we need GEO?”That question is fair. SEO helps your pages rank in traditional search results, earn organic traffic, and attract buyers through Google and other search engines. GEO adds to that work by helping your brand, content, and proof points appear in AI-generated answers.The two strategies overlap because AI systems often depend on content, authority, technical accessibility, and third-party credibility. Strong SEO gives GEO a better foundation.When you explain the difference to your boss, keep it simple:SEO helps buyers find your pages in search results.GEO helps AI tools understand, mention, and cite your brand in generated answers.GEO adds another layer to your SEO strategy by focusing on how your brand appears in AI answers, not just where your pages rank in search results.5. Connect GEO to revenue outcomesLeadership will likely ask one question in different ways: “How does GEO make money?”To answer it, connect GEO to revenue outcomes in stages. AI visibility may first influence brand discovery.Then, it can attract qualified prospects to visit your website. On your site, they might fill out a lead form, request a quote, book a demo, or make a purchase.For example, a facilities manager researching commercial HVAC providers for an office building may ask an AI tool for the best HVAC companies for multi-location businesses.If your company appears in the answer with a strong explanation and a cited source, that mention can influence whether the buyer visits your site, searches your brand, or includes you in an internal comparison.You may not always attribute that journey perfectly. That being said, you can still measure useful signals, including AI-referred visits, conversion rates from AI traffic, branded search lift, assisted conversions, and sales-team feedback.6. Recommend a small-scale GEO test project before asking for a full budgetA test project helps your boss say yes without feeling locked into a large, unproven investment.Instead of getting approval for a full GEO program immediately, recommend a small-scale GEO test project for priority products, services, or industries.This project includes:AI visibility tracking for a defined prompt setCompetitor visibility monitoringUpdates to priority SEO pagesNew content for high-intent buyer questionsStructured data and technical improvementsThird-party profile updatesMonthly reporting on AI visibility, citations, traffic, and conversionsMake sure the test project has enough budget and time to produce useful data. A tiny test may feel safer, but it can also set the strategy up to fail.If the pilot only covers a handful of prompts and no meaningful content or technical updates, leadership may conclude that GEO doesn’t work when the real reason was just underinvestment.A better test gives your team enough room to measure current visibility, make strategic updates, and compare performance over time.Key metrics and benchmarks to include in your GEO pitchYou don’t need to drown your boss with all the AI SEO KPIs. Focus on the metrics that connect AI visibility to business decisions.Show the metrics as the measurement slide in your pitch deck. Use it to show what you will track, why it matters, and how it connects to revenue. Courtesy of WebFX 1. AI visibility rateAI visibility rate measures how often your brand appears across a tracked set of AI prompts.For example, if you track 50 prompts and your brand appears in 10 answers, your AI visibility rate is 20%. You can also segment this metric by prompt type:Branded promptsUnbranded promptsComparison promptsPricing prompts“Best provider” or “best company” promptsIndustry-specific promptsThis metric helps leadership see whether your brand appears in relevant questions that your prospects ask AI tools.2. AI citations and mentionsAI mentions and AI citations are related, but they are not the same.An AI mention means the platform names your brand in an answer. An AI citation means the platform links to or references a source, such as your website, an industry article, a review profile, or a comparison page.Citations give you a stronger signal because they show which sources may influence the answer. For example, if an AI platform mentions your competitor and cites a third-party review site, you may need to improve your presence on that source or build stronger content that answers the same buyer question.Track both metrics, but explain the difference in your pitch. Leadership should understand whether AI tools simply know your brand or use your content and proof points to support answers.3. AI-referred trafficAI-referred traffic shows how many visitors come to your site from AI platforms.Track traffic from tools like:ChatGPT (which accounted for 82.6% of all generative AI traffic in the WebFX study)PerplexityGeminiCopilotOther AI referrers where your analytics setup can capture themThis metric may start small, especially because AI referral traffic still accounts for a small share of total sessions in many datasets.That doesn’t make the metric useless, though. Pair traffic volume with engagement and conversion quality.A small number of high-intent visitors can still matter if they request quotes, call your team, or view bottom-of-funnel pages like your pricing pages.4. Engagement and conversion qualityEngagement and conversion metrics show whether AI visitors behave like qualified prospects. Track metrics like:Engagement rateTime on pagePages per sessionForm fillsPhone callsDemo requestsQuote requestsAssisted conversionsLead quality notes from salesFor example, if AI-referred visitors view pricing pages, service pages, and case studies at a higher rate than average organic visitors, that behavior can support your case for continued GEO investment.5. Competitor visibilityCompetitor visibility shows which of your competitors AI tools mention when buyers ask high-intent questions.This metric often gets leadership’s attention because it makes the cost of inaction easier to see. If your boss sees that competitors appear across comparison and recommendation prompts while your brand doesn’t, GEO becomes a competitive visibility issue.To measure competitor visibility, track:Which competitors appear most oftenWhich prompts trigger competitor mentionsWhich sources AI tools cite for competitor answersWhether competitors appear with stronger descriptions, proof points, or positioningCommon objections to GEO and how to address themGEO can trigger understandable objections because it feels newer, harder to attribute, and less controlled than traditional search. Your pitch will be stronger if you prepare for those objections before the meeting.Use this table as a starting point. Courtesy of WebFX One effective response to these objections is usually a small-scale GEO test project. It gives leadership a way to test GEO with defined expectations, scope, and metrics.Best practices for getting leadership’s approval for GEOA strong GEO pitch needs more than the right data. It also needs the right framing, timing, and internal plan.Use these best practices to make your pitch easier for your boss to approve.1. Speak in business outcomesYour boss may not care about prompt engineering, schema markup, or AI citations at first. They care about how those activities help the business grow.Translate GEO work into outcomes like:More visibility during buyer researchBetter representation in AI answersStronger competitor coverageMore qualified trafficMore sales conversationsMore revenue opportunitiesBetter reporting on emerging search behaviorFor example, instead of saying, “We need to optimize for AI answer engines,” say, “We need to know whether AI tools recommend us, recommend competitors, or use outdated sources when buyers ask about our category.”That version gives your boss a business reason to listen.2. Show what you will start, stop, and continueLeadership often worries that a new initiative will pull resources away from existing priorities. A start-stop-continue framework can reduce that concern.You can frame it this way:Start: Tracking AI visibility, AI citations, competitor mentions, and AI-referred traffic.Stop: Treating AI search as a vague trend with no reporting plan.Continue: Investing in SEO foundations, high-quality content, technical improvements, and authority-building work.This framework shows that GEO fits into your current strategy. It also helps your boss see where the work overlaps with existing marketing investments.3. Negotiate the GEO test project scopeIf your company has budget concerns, don’t push for a large GEO program before proving the opportunity. Negotiate a smaller but meaningful test project.A meaningful test project should include enough work to produce useful data. That might mean tracking a defined prompt set, updating a group of priority pages, improving structured information, and reporting on results for at least a few months.Avoid a pilot that only tracks five prompts or updates one page. That type of test may feel affordable, but it will not give you enough evidence to make a budget decision.A better pitch sounds like this: “Let’s test GEO for one priority service line over 90 days. We’ll track AI visibility, compare competitor mentions, update key pages, and report on AI-referred traffic and conversions. Then, we’ll decide whether to scale, adjust, or pause.”That approach respects budget constraints while still giving the test a fair chance.4. Set expectations before the work beginsSet expectations early. Explain that the test project will measure both leading indicators and business outcomes.Leading indicators may include:More AI mentionsMore AI citationsBetter prompt visibilityMore cited owned assetsImproved competitor comparison resultsMeanwhile, business outcomes to track are:AI-referred trafficAssisted conversionsForm fillsCallsDemo requestsSales feedbackInfluenced pipelineThis expectation-setting helps prevent your boss from judging GEO only by immediate direct conversions or one-off prompt successes. It also gives your team a more realistic way to evaluate progress.Is now the right time to invest in GEO?The right time to invest in GEO depends on your market, buyers, competition, and current search performance.GEO may deserve a place in your marketing budget if any of these signs apply:Your organic traffic has declined while impressions remain high.Competitors appear in AI answers for high-intent prompts.Your sales team hears prospects mention ChatGPT, Perplexity, Gemini, or other AI tools.Your content answers your prospects’ questions, but doesn’t appear in AI summaries.Your company sells high-value products or services that buyers research carefully.Your team already invests in SEO, content, analytics, and digital PR.This last point matters. GEO works best when you already have a strong search foundation. If your website has thin content, weak technical performance, and poor tracking, invest in SEO first.If your SEO program already produces qualified traffic and leads, GEO can help extend that strategy into AI-driven discovery.How to prove the ROI of GEO over timeMeasure both leading indicators and business outcomes. AI visibility and citations show whether your brand is becoming more discoverable.AI-referred conversions, assisted conversions, lead quality, and sales feedback show whether that visibility supports revenue. Think of GEO return on investment (ROI) in stages:Visibility: Does your brand appear in AI answers?Authority: Do AI tools cite your website or trusted third-party proof points?Traffic quality: Do AI-referred visitors engage with meaningful pages?Conversions: Do those visitors submit forms, call, request quotes, or book demos?Revenue influence: Do AI-assisted journeys contribute to pipeline or closed deals?This framework helps your boss evaluate progress before every metric becomes perfectly attributable.Use a simple before-and-after view:Prompt visibility before and after optimizationAI citations before and after content updatesCompetitor mentions before and after credibility improvementsAI-referred traffic month over monthConversion quality compared to other channelsMake sure you connect these metrics to business goals. If leadership cares about quote requests, report on quote requests. If they care about qualified calls, report on qualified calls. If they care about pipeline, work with sales to understand whether prospects mention AI tools during research.This story was produced by WebFX and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Will a HELOC affect my ability to refinance later? Will a HELOC affect my ability to refinance later?Life has a way of presenting opportunities, sometimes when we least expect them. Maybe you’ve decided that the time is right to refinance, but you’re wondering if your home equity line of credit (HELOC) might complicate things. Or you’re considering borrowing against your equity for a major expense, but you don’t want to box yourself out of a refinance in the near future.Having multiple financial tools working for you doesn’t necessarily mean you have to choose between them. Many homeowners with a HELOC have successfully refinanced their mortgage.Achieve explains what you need to know.Can you refinance your mortgage if you have a HELOC?Yes, it's possible to refinance your mortgage even if you also have a HELOC. A refinance loan is one type of mortgage. A HELOC is another.Refinancing replaces your existing mortgage loan with a new one. You might choose to refinance if you want to:Change your mortgage repayment termLower your interest rateMove from an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) to a fixed-rate loanGet a different monthly paymentSwitch to a new lenderA possible drawback of refinancing when you have a HELOC is that you may need to meet additional requirements to get final approval for a new loan.What is a HELOC? It's a flexible line of credit that's secured by your home, just like your mortgage. Your HELOC credit limit is determined by your credit standing, how much home equity you have, and other factors. Home equity is the difference between what you owe on the home and its value.If you qualify for a HELOC, you could use it for just about any purpose:Consolidate credit card debtMake much-needed home improvementsCover a large expense, like a wedding or college tuitionWhen you get a HELOC, the first few years are called the draw period. That’s when you can borrow, repay, and borrow more as often as you like, up to your credit limit. When the draw period ends, you enter the repayment period and can’t borrow more. You’ll pay back what you borrow with interest, typically over five to 30 years.What does ‘subordination’ mean on a mortgage, and why does it matter?You can refinance your mortgage when you have a HELOC, but you may need to jump through some extra hoops to do so. Specifically, you may need to get your HELOC lender to agree to subordination.Subordination is the order in which mortgages are paid off when there's more than one loan against the home. Here's a quick primer:The mortgage you used to buy the home is a first mortgage or senior lien.HELOCs and home equity loans are second mortgages or junior liens.If you sell your home, the lender who holds the primary mortgage gets paid first. Second mortgages are paid next. You get what’s left.If you lose your home to foreclosure, the order is the same, but you don’t get to keep the profit because at that point, the bank owns the home.When you refinance a first mortgage, you pay off your old mortgage. That makes the HELOC automatically move into the first lien spot. But your refinance mortgage lender will insist on being in the first lien position. This is normal for mortgage lenders. You won’t be able to finalize your refinance loan unless the HELOC lender agrees to stay in the second lien position.Subordination is insurance for the refinance lender. If you can't pay your mortgage or you sell your home, the refinance lender knows they'll get paid first because your HELOC is still considered a second lien.Will a HELOC make it harder to qualify for a mortgage refinance?A HELOC could make it harder to qualify for refinancing if the lender requires subordination to complete the loan process. The HELOC lender has to agree, which you might assume would be a given, but that's not always the case.If the HELOC lender turns down a subordination request, that will narrow your options a little. You might need to repay your line of credit in full to move ahead with a refinance loan. If you don't have enough cash to clear the balance, you might not be able to refinance.Even if the HELOC lender agrees, you still need to meet the refinance lender's other requirements. Generally, that means you have:Good creditSufficient equitySteady incomeA debt-to-income (DTI) ratio low enough to afford your debt payments, including the new loanYour DTI ratio shows how much of your gross income goes to debt repayment and housing each month. If your DTI is high because of your monthly HELOC payments, that could affect your ability to qualify for a refinance loan.Expert tip: Use a debt-to-income ratio calculator to find your DTI.Another option: refinance the HELOCRather than ask your HELOC lender to subordinate, you could apply for a cash-out refinance mortgage that replaces your mortgage and your HELOC. If you qualify, you could get a new mortgage big enough to pay off both loans, making the issue of subordination a moot point. You'd have one payment going forward.Refinance plans aren't a reason to back away from a HELOC. You'll just need to consider how your HELOC lender will approach the situation when you're ready to refinance.If you've picked out a lender but have yet to apply for a home equity line of credit, ask about the subordination policy. Clarify what requirements you may need to meet, if any, before you can refinance a mortgage while your line of credit is open.And if you don't have a HELOC lender yet, consider a fixed-rate home equity line of credit from Achieve Loans. We offer flexible funds and terms, low monthly payments, and fast funding once approved.What’s next?Use a home equity calculator to estimate how much equity you have in your home and what you may be able to borrow with a HELOC.Compare refinance rates to find out which lenders offer the best terms on a new home loan.Talk to a HELOC expert about subordination and how that could affect your ability to refinance your current mortgage.This story was produced by Achieve and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Summer camp opportunities opening up at Nahant Marsh Activities participants can expect range from basic survival skills to environmental studies, and are open to children of all ages.
	Preview of the first Quad Cities Comic Con Comic fans can start planning their costumes. Quad Cities Comic Con 2026 is coming to the Bend XPO isn East Moline. Joey Mills joined us in the studio to tell us what we can expect.
	Susan Collins brings federal dollars to Maine. She's hoping that's worth it to voters As Maine's Senate matchup is all but set, incumbent Republican Sen. Susan Collins urges voters to pick her over Democrat Graham Platner because she can fund state priorities due to her seniority.
	Rock Falls plans Memorial Day services Rock Falls American Legion Post #902, invites the community to Memorial Day Services on Monday, May 25, as the community comes together to honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country, a news release says. The day’s schedule is: For more information, contact: Commander John Roush of [...]
	Muscatine, Louisa counties foundations award over $684,000 in scholarships The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine and its affiliate, the Community Foundation of Louisa County, awarded over $684,000 in scholarships to graduates of Columbus Community, Louisa-Muscatine, Muscatine, Wapello, West Liberty, and Wilton High Schools, a news release says. Over 210 scholarships were awarded through funds established by Community Foundation donors to support students pursuing post-secondary [...]
	Sandburg, Galesburg, announces poetry competition winners Sandburg, Galesburg, has announced the winners of the 37th annual Sandburg Poetry Competition. First through third place and honorable mentions were selected in four categories: elementary (grades K-5), junior (grades 6-8), intermediate (grades 9-12) and adult. Award winners were invited to attend a banquet April 30 in the Student Center on Sandburg’s Galesburg campus. Elementary [...]
	Limited rain chances for the Quad Cities While we may see a few sprinkles or light showers today, our best chance over the next few days is on Friday. It'll be cooler than average today and tomorrow, but warmer days are ahead. Here's your complete 7-day forecast.
	Riverside Riverslide, Moline, prepares to open for season The City of Moline Parks and Recreation Department has announced the official of Riverside Riverslide for the 2026 season starting at noon Saturday, May 23, a news release says. Features include: zero-depth entry to the 5' pool that includes a basketball hoop, spray features, ADA chair lift and lap pool.; three slides: Tube, drop and [...]
	Geneseo High School dedicates new career center to long-time leader Here’s what Ted McAvoy and others said at the dedication of the new career center named in his honor at Geneseo High School.
	Brews Energy in Sherrard opens in brick and mortar Brews Energy was operating out of their mobile trailer in Sherrard and upgraded into a permanent dine-in storefront location across the street from their new storefront.
	Kindergarten This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.For twenty years, Marian Lardner taught kindergarten at Earl Hansen School in the city of Rock Island.Mrs. Lardner's…
	Explore emergency vehicles and meet first responders in Muscatine EMS Week is May 17-23, and families can explore emergency vehicles and meet first responders in Muscatine. According to a release from the City of Muscatine, the Muscatine County EMS Day is May 23 at Blain’s Farm & Fleet. Local emergency responders and partner agencies will offer demonstrations, activities and safety education for all ages: [...]
	Amid allegations of abuse on Epstein's 'Zorro Ranch,' New Mexico opens new probes Epstein owned a 10,000-acre property with a mansion. After calls by the public, the state attorney general searched the property and the state House created a "Truth Commission."
	Researchers say the Trump administration is finding new ways to punish science Even with federal grants largely restored, scientists say the Trump administration is still preventing those funds from reaching them. The consequences, they say, are already becoming clear.
	Sisters reunite in Ali Smith's 'Glyph,' bringing light after the darkness of 'Gliff' The author restores balance in the homophones with her latest novel; both stories are thought-provoking, although somewhat less beguiling than her usual fare.
	TSA's new 'Gold+' program looks to increase private security screening at airports The agency calls the program an update to the Screening Partnership Program, in which 20 U.S. airports currently use private security screeners rather than federal workers.
	Even as anxieties grow under Trump, these swing voters aren't ready to back Democrats Swing voters in North Carolina say they are frustrated with President Trump and the state of the economy, but aren't ready to abandon him or his party as the midterms inch closer.
	Spencer Pratt is 'winning the internet,' but can he become mayor of Los Angeles? Pratt, a former reality TV star, is flooding social media with edgy humor, AI slop and combative rhetoric as a way of grabbing attention and winning the vote of the very online. It's a strategy some political experts see as the future of online campaigning.
	A guide to converting your lawn into a wildlife friendly garden Turning your grass into a garden isn't as complicated as you think, but it will take time and effort. This step-by-step guide breaks down the process, from killing your lawn to picking plants to grow.
	Illinois in top 10 of highest gas prices Gas is over $4 in every U.S. state for the first time since the war in Iran began.
	Officers who defended Capitol from rioters sue to block payouts from fund Two police officers who helped defend the U.S. Capitol during the Jan. 6 riot are suing to block anyone from receiving payouts from a new settlement fund.
	Ex-prosecutor charged with sending to herself report on Trump classified probe The former prosecutor faces federal charges over allegations that she sent a report on Jack Smith's investigation into President Trump's hoarding of classified documents to her personal email account.
	Ebola fears surge on the ground in Congo over rapid spread of a rare type Healthcare workers in eastern Congo said Wednesday they are underprotected and undertrained in a rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak of a rare type of the virus in one of the world's most vulnerable places.
Wednesday, May 20th, 2026
	Liberal U.S. mayors team up with European counterparts to fight authoritarianism Ten U.S. mayors from cities such as Chicago and Cincinnati have joined a pact with European mayors to defend democracy and progressive values and fight right-wing populists and authoritarianism.
	Davenport man charged in shooting arrested for alleged possession of child sex abuse materials Officers found the images while investigating a shots-fired incident that occurred earlier this month.
	Public gives input after officials narrow alternatives for Centennial Bridge The options for what will happen with the Centennial Bridge have been narrowed down. Read about what they are and what members of the public are saying.
	Community members sound off on future of Centennial Bridge Rehabbing, rebuilding, or adding a span are all but a no-go. The more likely option is that the Mississippi River would get an entirely new bridge.
	‘That final achievement’: Project SEARCH honors 7 interns at graduation Project SEARCH celebrated seven interns as they finished their internship program at a graduation ceremony Wednesday.
	Community members sound off on future of Centennial Bridge Rehabbing, rebuilding, or adding a span are all but a no-go. The more likely option is that the Mississippi River would get an entirely new bridge.
	Senate panel hears testimony on online sports betting, prediction markets Senate lawmakers grilled sports betting industry officials during a hearing focused on recent cheating scandals, companies' marketing tactics and regulatory battles.
	HVAC classes at QCA college supplement aging workforce Students at Eastern Iowa Community College are in their first week of a program focused on a labor shortage for heating and air conditioning companies. They're taking a nine-week program to learn the skills needed for the trade. Wednesday marked three days into the program. Students meet four hours a day, four days a week. [...]
	Open house gives opportunity for public input on the Centennial Bridge project Plans for the future of the Centennial Bridges got more attention on Wednesday. The Iowa and Illinois Department of Transportation held an open house for the public to give their input. It's part of the long process to determine whether to rehabilitate the 85-year-old bridge or replace it. The final three options are to rehab [...]
	Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse, Rock Island, will present 'The Tale of Custard the Dragon' A joyous family musical and off-Broadway hit will make its debut at Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse when the Rock Island theater premiers Ogden Nash's "The Tale of Custard the Dragon." Hailed by Kennedy Center Vice-President of Education Derek Gordon as a show that “will delight both the young and the young at heart," this hour-long [...]
	When the school year ends, their paychecks do too. Lawmakers could change that The Illinois General Assembly is considering helping educational support staff workers like Taylor whose incomes dry up each summer by allowing them to collect unemployment benefits between academic terms beginning on June 1.
	Field of Dreams press box to be named in honor of Voice of the Hawkeyes Gary Dolphin The press box at the Field of Dreams ballpark under construction will honor the name of Gary Dolphin, the “Voice of the Iowa Hawkeyes.”
	Project opponent files federal lawsuit; uranium drilling permit hearing paused A view of Craven Canyon in South Dakota's southern Black Hills, where a company has proposed an exploratory drilling project. (Photo by Meghan O'Brien/South Dakota Searchlight)The status of a hearing on an exploratory uranium drilling permit was left uncertain Wednesday after a state board adjourned until further notice, following a private session to discuss legal matters. The permit application is from Clean Nuclear Energy Corporation, which is seeking to drill dozens of holes up to 700 feet deep on state land. The proposed site is near the rim of Craven Canyon in South Dakota’s southern Black Hills. Dozens of people and some organizations have raised formal complaints about the project to the Board of Minerals and Environment, which will decide on the permit. Opponents have said the drilling could disturb ancient Native American petroglyphs on the canyon’s walls, disrupt Lakota ceremonies and potentially contaminate groundwater, among other concerns. On Monday, the board started a hearing in Hot Springs on the permit application. The hearing was scheduled to continue through Friday. Tension grows between state board and project opponents at hearing on uranium drilling permit On Wednesday, the third day of the hearing, project opponent Elizabeth Lone Eagle filed a federal lawsuit against the board, the state’s Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Clean Nuclear Energy and state employees involved in evaluating the permit application, alleging violations of due process. Lone Eagle filed the lawsuit herself, without representation by an attorney. Lone Eagle, along with six other people, including five described as Lakota first-language speakers, are listed as plaintiffs in the suit. The suit alleges “systematic, ongoing, and deliberate denial of meaningful participation to Lakota first-language speaking” project opponents. Lakota is spoken by western South Dakota tribes, which once controlled the Black Hills as part of the Great Sioux Reservation. The board agreed prior to the hearing that the state Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources would provide a Lakota interpreter for the proceedings. The department failed to provide an interpreter on Monday, but provided interpreters Tuesday. At times on Tuesday, project opponents objected from seats in the audience when parts of the hearing proceeded without interpretation. The lawsuit also alleges that a “significant multi-jurisdictional law enforcement presence” creates an “atmosphere of intimidation” at the hearing. The board did not provide a date to resume the hearing, which was being held at the Mueller Civic Center in Hot Springs, a little more than 20 miles from the proposed drill site. Several project opponents who’d been attending the hearing told South Dakota Searchlight on Wednesday evening that they were going home to await a further announcement. Neither the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources nor Clean Nuclear Energy immediately responded to Searchlight’s requests for further information. For broadcasters Host script. Courtesy of South Dakota Searchlight
	Scott County using opioid settlement funds to expand addiction recovery resources Opioid care coordinators are paid entirely through settlement funds. They help connect those dealing with opioid use disorder to resources and treatment.
	Future of Centennial Bridge sparks debate as DOT narrows options A major decision about the future of the Centennial Bridge could reshape the Quad Cities skyline for generations as transportation officials narrow down alternatives for the aging structure.
	Sewer replacement, resurfacing projects continue in Bettendorf This week, crews will begin replacing the sewer from 14th Street to 18th Street in Bettendorf, according to a news release. To complete their work safely, 15th Street to 17th Street will be closed to through traffic with the rest of the section open to local traffic only. A detour will be in place using [...]
	Local researcher uses eDNA testing to search for endangered turtles in Milan Bottoms Are there Blanding's Turtles in the Bottoms? Elizabeth VanCamp thinks so. Here's how she's using new technology to try and prove it.

Thursday, May 21st, 2026

Wednesday, May 20th, 2026