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

Thursday, April 23rd, 2026
	Two startlingly different views on long-awaited data on America's anti-HIV efforts After a year without data, the State Department released figures on PEPFAR, the program launched by George W. Bush and credited with saving millions of lives. How did Trump's aid cuts affect it?
	Spoonbill Catfish This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Before I moved to the Mississippi River, I used to worry about God. He never seemed to have much fun. Oh, no question…
	Sycophantic AI flatters and suggests you are not to blame The AI models and chatbots that we interact with tend to affirm our feelings and viewpoints — more so than people do, with potentially worrisome consequences.
	Democrats dominate midterm fundraising, but Republicans have a huge cash advantage The latest campaign finance reports show Democratic enthusiasm in key House and Senate races, but national Republican groups have far more in the bank to potentially spend down the road.
	Senate GOP is kickstarting budget reconciliation to fund ICE. Here's how that works. After a historic partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security, Congressional Republicans are looking to a budgetary tool called reconciliation which could enable them to fund immigration enforcement agencies without any Democratic support.
	World Press Photo announces Photo of the Year 2026 The executive director of World Press Photo said this image shows the inconsolable grief of children losing their father in a place built for justice. It is a stark and necessary record of family separation following the U.S. reform policies.
	How TikTok is driving American expats to Southeast Asia Americans who moved to Vietnam and Thailand say their lives are now lower-stress and lower-cost. But glamorous videos on TikTok don't tell the whole story.
	Trump administration flies 10-year-old back from Cuba amid custody fight President Trump's Department of Justice sent a plane this week to Cuba to return a 10-year-old from Utah who is at the center of a custody fight involving the child's gender identity.
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026
	Illinois House approves megaprojects bill, but the Bears want changes The measure, which passed 78-32, is ostensibly a step toward keeping “the pride and joy of Illinois” from bolting for Indiana, where Hoosier lawmakers have tried to lure the NFL’s founding franchise with the promise of more than $1 billion in public subsidies to build a football palace just across the state line in Hammond.
	Bettendorf police adding 2 drone first responders The drones will be used to help provide real-time video footage of crashes, fires, suspect pursuits and more.
	Safer Foundation packs up lunches for annual sack lunch fundraiser The money raised helps provide education and job training for members of the community with criminal records.
	Scott County Waste Commission celebrates collecting 1 billion pounds of recycled goods The milestone amount is enough to fill over 68,000 recycling trucks.
	One occupant transported to hospital after car hits power pole in Silvis One person was transported to a hospital after a car hit a power pole Wednesday morning in Silvis, according to a news release from the Silvis Fire Department. About 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, the Silvis Fire Department responded to a reported vehicle crash in the 900 block of 1st Street involving a vehicle that lost control [...]
	Warrant issued for teen charged with 5 counts of attempted murder in Iowa City shooting The Iowa City police chief said investigators have since received more than 150 tips, served three dozen search warrants, and recovered three firearms.
	Bettendorf City Council approves use of Drone First Responders On Tuesday, April 21, Bettendorf City Council approved a resolution authorizing Bettendorf Police Department to purchase two Drone First Responder (DFR) units, a news release says. These drones will serve as rapid-response aerial resources, allowing officers and firefighters to assess emergency situations more quickly and make informed decisions before arriving on scene, the release says. [...]
	Illinois progresses on school bus driver shortage Illinois is making progress on its school bus driver shortage. First Student is the largest nationwide school transportation provider, working with districts in 38 states. The company collaborated with Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias to lower barriers to hiring, raised pay and expanded training. A State of School Transportation nationwide survey by the Associated Press [...]
	‘Best of the Quad Cities’: Hob Nosh highlights local businesses, bites and beats The Quad Cities Chamber held it’s annual Hob Nosh business showcase at the Bend Expo Center Wednesday night.
	Muscatine appoints new finance director The City of Muscatine has appointed LeAnna McCullough as its next finance director, bringing more than a decade of municipal finance experience and a strong record of service to the Muscatine community, according to a news release. McCullough was officially sworn in by Mayor Brad Bark during the April 21 Muscatine City Council meeting. McCullough [...]
	Vehicle damages power pole, catches fire in crash A vehicle crashed into a power pole Wednesday morning sparking a fire.
	One person suffers minor injuries in Silvis crash that caused power outage The crash downed power lines, which caused a power outage, and the vehicle caught fire.
	Pebble Creek Golf Club, LeClaire, opens under new ownership Pebble Creek Golf Club, 3851 195th St., LeClaire, has opened under new ownership,according to a news release. Under the direction of General Manager Brady Randall, Pebble Creek is embracing a welcoming, semi-private club model designed to offer both members and public guests an elevated yet approachable golf experience. “Our goal is simple,” said Randall. “We [...]
	Two Davenport firefighters recognized for off-duty life-saving efforts One incident took place while the firefighter was working out at the YMCA, while the other happened while the firefighter was on vacation in Florida.
	Two people arrested, one wanted in connection with Rock Island stabbing Officers responded to the area of 20th Street and Third Avenue at 2:55 p.m. Monday to investigate a report of a fight involving three men and a male juvenile.
	Quad City Animal Welfare Center seeking help finding hospice homes for senior pets One of their animals looking for a home is Luna, an affectionate and gentle cat born in 2017. She has a pituitary tumor, which requires some extra care.
	Officials warn of invasive 'crazy worm' in Iowa and Illinois, other states There are no effective eradication methods for the worm.
	Illinois bill to require surgical technician certification A bill in Illinois would require surgical technicians to be certified before working in the operating room. The Operating Room Patient Safety Act (House Bill 1598) would to require surgical technologists to be certified by January 1, 2028. Currently, surgical technicians in Illinois are allowed to support operations if they have on the job training. [...]
	Chemical leak at a W.Va. plant kills 2 people, sends 30 more to hospitals, officials say The leak occurred at the Catalyst Refiners plant, a silver recovery business. An emergency management official says workers were preparing to shut down at least part of the facility when the leak occurred, causing a chemical gas reaction.
	Iowa House approves bill adding restrictions on automated license plate reading cameras The Iowa House approved a bill adding restrictions on using automated license plate reading cameras.
	Senate passes tax on vapes, other nicotine products to fund pediatric cancer research The Senate passed a bill Wednesday to implement a nickel tax on alternative nicotine products like nicotine pouches and vapes, with funding to go toward pediatric cancer research at the University of Iowa.
	Bug season could be more active than usual: How to prepare Many people are eager to get outside in the spring, whenever the weather allows. It's the same time that many bugs wake up out of their dormant winter. This year, insects are expected to be more active than usual, and it's all because of the weather from the past months. "Even though it feels like [...]
	Advocates discuss housing bill for people returning from prison Local housing advocates came together Wednesday to learn about a bill providing support for people returning from prison.
	Transportation providers, schools, state officials ease school bus driver shortage In response to the nationwide school bus driver shortage, a partnership emerged between Illinois schools, transportation providers and the secretary of state.
	Pentagon says Navy secretary is leaving, the latest departure of a top defense leader Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said John Phelan, the Navy's top civilian official, was "departing the administration, effective immediately." Navy Undersecretary Hung Cao will become acting secretary of the Navy.
	Illinois launches new tax credits for environment-friendly film projects Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has announced a new tax incentive that gives film and TV productions an extra tax break if they meet environmental sustainability standards.
	Tesla's profits beat expectations, but Elon Musk says big costs are ahead Tesla's profits were up from this time last year. But the company warned investors to prepare for expensive investments in next-generation technology like humanoid robots and AI.
	Latest Hero Street documentary will screen at free Morrison, Ill., film festival The Northwest Illinois Film Office has announced the return of its signature event. The Sixth Annual Northwest Illinois Film Festival: Shorts‑A‑Palooza 2026, taking place Wednesday,April 29, at Morrison Tech, 701 Portland Ave., Morrison, Ill. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. withscreenings beginning at 7 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public. “Shorts‑A‑Palooza continues to [...]
	Sunset nearing 8pm in the Quad Cities Have you noticed more and more daylight lately in the Quad Cities? That's the case for early risers AND for people enjoying some of this nice weather in the evening. Our sunset is now approaching 8pm! A couple months ago it was much earlier, and 4 months ago it was setting before 5pm! 2 months [...]
	Tick season off to strong start nationwide, experts urge precautions Tick-related emergency room visits are more than double the usual nationwide, according to the CDC. Experts share why this is and how to stay safe outdoors.
	Bettendorf City Council approves emergency response drone purchase to enhance public safety The Bettendorf Police Department will be getting two drones for emergency response situations.
	From furniture store to music hub: Davenport building to become Sound Factory Bruce’s New & Used Furniture in downtown Davenport is getting a new life—one centered around music and community.
	New bill to create housing opportunities for formerly incarcerated people Project NOW and dozens of community partners got together on Wednesday to discuss what opportunities a new affordable housing bill could present in Illinois. Known as the Home for Good Act (House Bill 624), it would expand housing, focusing on housing for people who are getting out of prison. It would fund an option that [...]
	Geifman Group to buy former Quad-City Times building The sale of the former Quad-City Times building is pending, with the Geifman Group set to take ownership.
	Volunteers pack hundreds of lunches for Safer Foundation fundraiser The lunches are for the Safer Foundation’s sack lunch fundraiser, which supports programs that help previously incarcerated people with reentry into society.
	Iowa Board of Regents to make decision on tuition increases at state universities The Iowa Board of Regents is set to make a final decision on tuition increases at state universities. The board is set to meet April 22 and April 23 at the Iowa State University Alumni Center in Ames. Members will discuss and take action on increasing resident undergraduate tuition by 3%.A vote on the proposal [...]
	Riverdale students give back to community on Earth Day, National Volunteer Week In total, the middle school students had the opportunity to volunteer with one of 18 projects.
	Peking restaurant in Muscatine announce closure The news comes after recent reductions in hours and menu options.
	Muscatine bond rating reflects 'responsible financial stewardship' Moody’s Investors Service has assigned the City of Muscatine an Aa2 credit rating for its upcoming $5 million General Obligation Corporate Purpose Bonds, Series 2026A, citing the city’s stable population trends, expanding tax base, consistent financial operations, and healthy reserves, a news release says. The city will receive bids for the bonds on Tuesday, May [...]
	Teen charged in Iowa City shooting that injured 5 Police are searching for a Cedar Rapids teenager who has been charged in connection with the Pedestrian Mall shooting in Iowa City on April 19.
	Lou Fusz Kia cuts ribbon on new facility The dealership's state-of-the-art new space has an upgraded showroom, expanded service department and a boost in customer hospitality.
	Warrant issued for teen charged with 5 counts of attempted murder in Iowa City shooting The Iowa City police chief said investigators have since received more than 150 tips, served three dozen search warrants, and recovered three firearms.
	Field of Dreams to open new ballpark with high school baseball series The Field of Dreams Movie Site will open its new ballpark with a high school baseball series in June featuring teams from eastern Iowa.
	Scam Alert: Iowa State Patrol warns of court hearing text scam Multiple phones have gotten a text claiming to be a final court notice from the state, according to a Facebook post.
	Free Autism Acceptance Walk set for April 25 in East Moline The walk is hosted by the Autism Society of the Quad Cities. Another nonprofit, the Quad Cities Autism Center, says the local need for services is rising.
	Spring Fling fundraiser to support Quad Cities refugees You're invited to join the nonprofit, Tapestry Farms, for an evening of food, music, auctions and a flower bar. The money supports local refugees and urban gardens.
	Davenport police conduct death investigation near railroad tracks The body was found near the 3300 block of Hickory Grove Road. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death.
	River Action Quad Cities cleans up Indian Spring Park for Earth Day Organizers say the event helps build a relationship with the land we live on.
	Iowa bill for pediatric cancer research funding advances A bill unanimously passed in the Iowa House of Representatives for funding for pediatric cancer research. House File 2057 would provide almost $3 million to the state board of regents for pediatric cancer research at the university of Iowa hospitals and clinics. The bill now heads to the Senate for approval. For more information, click [...]
	Quad Cities Summer Games return for 35th year with new events, expanded access Formerly known as the QC Senior Games, this year's event runs from May 16-30. A mix of athletic, crafting & performing competitions are open to those 40 and older.
	QCA teams to christen new Field of Dreams ballpark in If You Build It series Several Quad Cities-area baseball teams will play in a series at the new professional ballpark built at the Field of Dreams movie site.
	Bettendorf police adding 2 drone first responders The drones will be used to help provide real-time video footage of crashes, fires, suspect pursuits and more.
	Vacunas de rutina para personas mayores: qué es lo que quiere el farmacéutico que usted sepa sobre la culebrilla y más (BPT) - Para varias personas, la culebrilla no es una preocupación habitual, sino simplemente una erupción dolorosa sucede. Pero, en realidad, es mucho más grave, ya que aproximadamente una de cada tres personas adultas es afectada por la culebrilla en el transcurso de su vida.1 Para algunas de ellas, la típica erupción dolorosa es solo el principio. Algunas de las consecuencias duraderas, que se suelen subestimar, pueden ser dolor nervioso intenso y persistente, sensación de ardor y comezón que continúa por largo tiempo después de la desaparición de la erupción. Es fundamental reconocer todos los síntomas de esta enfermedad, para comprender por qué la prevención con la vacunación es un elemento esencial para un envejecimiento saludable, especialmente para las personas mayores de 50 años o con un sistema inmunitario debilitado.Más que "un sarpullido"La culebrilla es causado por el mismo virus que provoca la varicela, el virus varicela-zóster. Según los Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC), más del 99% de los estadounidenses nacidos antes de 1980 han tenido varicela, aunque no lo recuerden.1 Después de que una persona se recupera de la varicela, el virus permanece inactivo en el organismo y puede reactivarse años más tarde y provocar la culebrilla. Cuando se reactiva, las consecuencias pueden ser graves."La culebrilla puede provocar dolor intenso, complicaciones como dolor de nervios y hasta hospitalización", afirmó Samantha Picking, doctora en Farmacia y directora (Senior) de inmunizaciones de Walgreens. "Una de las complicaciones más frecuentes de la culebrilla es la neuralgia posherpética, una condición que puede provocar un dolor ardiente de los nervios y persistente por un largo tiempo después de que desaparece la erupción. Para algunas personas, este dolor puede interferir su vida diaria al dormir, trabajar y en las actividades cotidianas, y prolongarse durante meses o incluso años."La mejor defensa es la prevenciónAunque las consecuencias de la culebrilla pueden ser graves, esta es también una enfermedad altamente prevenible. Según las recomendaciones de la CDC, las personas mayores de 50 años y las personas mayores de 19 años con un sistema inmunitario debilitado deben darse dos dosis de la vacuna contra la culebrilla.2 Los estudios demuestran que la vacuna tiene una eficacia del 97% en la prevención de la culebrilla en personas adultas de entre 50 y 69 años con un sistema inmunitario sano, y del 91% en la prevención de la neuralgia posherpética.Algunas personas podrían tener síntomas secundarios leves tras la vacunación, pero estos suelen desaparecer en unos días."Aunque es posible que algunas personas sientan molestias después de obtener la vacuna contra la culebrilla, como dolor en el brazo o cansancio, estas son considerablemente menos dolorosas que el dolor y las posibles complicaciones asociadas con una infección por la culebrilla", afirmó Picking.Además, la mayoría de los planes de seguro, incluida la Parte D de Medicare y varias aseguradoras médicas privadas, cubren las vacunas contra la culebrilla, por lo que son accesibles y, en general, son gratuitas para las personas que cumplen los requisitos.Más allá de la culebrilla: otras vacunas importantes para personas mayoresTener todas las vacunas de rutina al día es una de las formas más sencillas de proteger su salud a medida que uno avanze en edad."Además de la culebrilla, recomiendo la consulta con un farmacéutico sobre otras vacunas de rutina que son fundamentales para que uno avance en edad de la manera más saludable; se trata de tener un enfoque preventivo en el cuidado de la salud y no reactivo", afirmó Picking.Si tiene 50 años o más, es posible que sea elegible para recibir las vacunas contra el neumococo y el virus sincicial respiratorio (VSR), además de una dosis de refuerzo de la vacuna contra el tétano, la difteria y la tos ferina (Tdap). La CDC también recomiendan una segunda dosis de la vacuna contra la COVID-19 para las personas mayores de 65 años, y es posible que las personas con un sistema inmunitario debilitado sean elegibles para obtener una dosis adicional."Es totalmente normal tener dudas sobre las vacunas", afirmó Picking. "Para eso precisamente están los farmacéuticos locales. Somos expertos altamente especializados y de fácil acceso, y estamos dispuestos a orientarle, atender sus inquietudes, y ayudarlo a tomar decisiones informadas sobre su salud".Walgreens: su aliado en la saludTener las vacunas de rutina al día puede parecer complicado, pero en Walgreens es más fácil, ya que ofrece la posibilidad de programar varias vacunas en una misma visita y con horarios flexibles, lo que incluye citas en el mismo día, por la noche y los fines de semana. También se aceptan visitas sin cita previa.Acérquese sin cita previa o programe una cita en Walgreens.com/ScheduleVaccine, a través de la aplicación de Walgreens o por teléfono al 1-800-WALGREENS.1 Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades. "Acerca de la culebrilla (herpes zóster)". 17 de enero de 2025.https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/es/about/acerca-de-la-culebrilla-herpes-zoster.html2 Centros para el Control y la Prevención de Enfermedades. "Vacunación contra la culebrilla (herpes zóster)". 19 de agosto de 2025.https://www.cdc.gov/shingles/es/vaccines/vacunacion-contra-la-culebrilla.html
	A chance for some storms tomorrow night We have been getting a lot of very nice weather for us here in the Quad Cities with temperatures in the 80s. But it is not going to last forever. We are watching a chance for some showers and thunderstorms tomorrow late into the night by around midnight, and hitting the Quad Cities closer to [...]
	Free Autism Acceptance Walk set for April 25 in East Moline The walk is hosted by the Autism Society of the Quad Cities. Another nonprofit, the Quad Cities Autism Center, says the local need for services is rising.
	Eldridge rejects three proposals to lease community center and roller rink Council members said the proposals would have required more city subsidies to operate and indicated they'd like to sell the building.
	Clinton Hy-Vee breaks ground on new community garden Hy-Vee in Clinton marked Earth Day with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new community garden. The garden will provide more fresh produce to people in Clinton County as part of a partnership between the Clinton Hy-Vee and two local organizations. The Clinton Hy-Vee is hosting the garden on its property, providing water for the plants [...]
	WATCH LIVE: Iowa City police to hold first press conference on Ped Mall shooting The Iowa City Police Department is preparing for a press conference about the shooting at Iowa City’s pedestrian mall over the weekend.
	More immigrants are being held in detention for over a year. NPR followed one family's ordeal. The El Gamal family has been held in ICE detention for more than 320 days. They are not alone: the number of immigrants who've been in ICE detention for over a year has skyrocketed.
	How Busy Families Can Balance Time, Taste and Nutrition (Feature Impact) In those precious few minutes between waking up and heading out the door or arriving home from school pickup, the pantry is a common destination. Seeking a grab-and-go lunch, sending your student off with a bite of protein or searching for an afternoon snack can leave you scanning the shelves for a go-to solution. With snackers increasingly mindful about what they put in their bodies, you’re not alone if you’re looking for a snacking shakeup – in fact, in a recent survey conducted by Bumble Bee Seafoods and FleishmanHillard’s TRUE Global Intelligence, 50% of Americans agreed it’s hard to find snacks that meet all their needs. According to the survey, people are looking for foods that offer: “Bang for their buck” (78%) Affordability (61%) Protein packed (51%) Meet specific dietary goals (48%) Easy to eat on the go (35%) Among all factors, however, 70% said great taste is most important, proving flavor remains the single biggest driver of snacking decisions. In response to demand for powerhouse snacks that do it all while tasting amazing, Bumble Bee Snackers easy-open, single-serve cans are shaking up snack time with a variety of bold flavors that are perfect for any time, place, budget or craving. The various unique flavors can be eaten right from the can and are perfect for snacking occasions, from zesty Lemon Pepper to bold and savory Hickory Smoke, tastebud-tingling Sweet Heat, spicy Thai Chili and nostalgic Tuna Salad while traditionalists can opt for classic Chunk Light Tuna. “Snacking has evolved,” said Dana Kowal, senior director brand marketing and corporate affairs at Bumble Bee Seafoods. “People want it all: bold flavor, real protein and grab-and-go simplicity – and they want it at a price that makes sense.” The 3-ounce cans are premixed and can be enjoyed straight from the can, paired with crackers or veggies, or tossed in salads, sandwiches or wraps. To turn them into quick, family-friendly dinners or make-ahead lunches, consider these adorably colorful and crave-worthy Rainbow Tuna Bowls balanced with sweet mango, creamy avocado, crisp radish and spicy tuna. For a perfect addition to game day, these Bang Bang Tuna Sliders are spicy, creamy, crunchy and easier to make than they look with just a few ingredients and fun flavor. Tuna is topped with a layer of coleslaw and spicy mayo to solve those afternoon hunger pangs whether you’re in the office or enjoying the comforts of home. To find more snacking solutions that are packed with flavor while saving time and money, visit BumbleBee.com. Rainbow Tuna Bowls Servings: 2 2 cups cooked sushi rice 2 radishes, sliced 1 can Bumble Bee Snackers Sweet Heat Tuna 1 mango, cubed 3 tablespoons shelled edamame 1 avocado, sliced 1/4 cup shredded red cabbage 2 tablespoons thinly sliced scallion furikake, for serving Sriracha, for serving In two shallow bowls, layer rice on bottom then evenly divide radish, tuna, mango, edamame, avocado, cabbage and scallion. Sprinkle with furikake and Sriracha. Bang Bang Tuna Sliders Servings: 2 8 ounces tri-color shredded cabbage (coleslaw mix) 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice (1 lime) 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon sea salt 1/4 cup mayo 2 tablespoons sweet Thai chili sauce 1 can Bumble Bee Snackers Thai Chili Tuna, included whole chili minced and reserved 4 slider buns In small bowl, mix cabbage, lime juice, oil and salt. In another small bowl, mix mayo, chili sauce and minced chili from tuna can. On bottom of each bun, evenly divide layer of coleslaw followed by tuna. Drizzle sauce over top, to taste. Cap with top bun and serve.
	Spring Fling fundraiser to support Quad Cities refugees You're invited to join the nonprofit, Tapestry Farms, for an evening of food, music, auctions and a flower bar. The money supports local refugees and urban gardens.
	Davenport police investigating after man found dead near railroad tracks Police were called to the 3300 block of Hickory Grove Road at 9:41 a.m. for a report of a body located near the tracks.
	Have you seen these suspects? Crime Stoppers wants to know! Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities wants your help catching two fugitives. It’s an Our Quad Cities News exclusive. You can get an elevated reward for information on this week’s cases: BRANDON KUTZMAN, 44, 6'2", 190 pounds. Wanted on a Rock Island Police Department warrant for possession of stolen vehicle. MICHELLE ROE, 43, 5'3", 170 [...]
	Body found near Hickory Grove Road Police said at 9:41 a.m. Wednesday officers found the body of a man. An autopsy is scheduled.
	Bettendorf hotel to convert to Holiday Inn Express with $3M renovation A Bettendorf hotel will convert to a Holiday Inn Express this summer, with a $3 million renovation planned later this year.
	Quad Cities Summer Games return for 35th year with new events, expanded access Formerly known as the QC Senior Games, this year's event runs from May 16-30. A mix of athletic, crafting & performing competitions are open to those 40 and older.
	Davenport police conduct death investigation near railroad tracks The body was found near the 3300 block of Hickory Grove Road. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the cause of death.
	Field of Dreams to open new ballpark with high school baseball series The Field of Dreams Movie Site will open its new ballpark with a high school baseball series in June featuring teams from eastern Iowa.
	REVIEW: The Charitable Sisterhood of the Second Trinity Victory Church at Richmond Hill Players Fans of the popular “Church Basement Ladies” franchise have a similar but “different” show to add to their compendium of favorites, that being Richmond Hill Players current production of Bo Wilson’s The Charitable Sisterhood of the Second Trinity Victory Church directed by Mike Skiles.
	Judges overseeing Louisiana's landmark oil cases have financial stakes in defendants Judges overseeing Louisiana's landmark oil cases have financial stakes in defendantsA dozen federal judges have presided over some of the most consequential environmental lawsuits in Louisiana’s history despite having investments in or business connections to the petrochemical companies being sued, an investigation by Floodlight, WWNO/WRKF and Type Investigations has found.Their ties took various forms: holding stock or corporate bonds while presiding over the cases, having previously worked as attorneys for the oil companies, receiving large sums of money from investments in the companies prior to hearing the cases, leasing mineral rights to defendants or having a spouse who was a partner at a law firm defending the oil companies.But even when they appear to have direct conflicts of interest, almost none of those judges broke the ethical rules governing the judiciary.Judges with ties to defendants in cases they directly presided over Floodlight Floodlight Judges with ties to defendants in the series of coastal damage lawsuits (though not to parties in cases they presided over) Floodlight Floodlight Floodlight “To the extent they're following the rules, they can't really be faulted,” said Charles Geyh, a professor at Indiana University Maurer School of Law and an expert in judicial disqualification. “But from a systemic standpoint, do you really want judges to be drawn from a pool of people who have a stake in the industry?”Examples include:Judge Carl Barbier of the U.S. Eastern District Court of Louisiana held over $100,000 of corporate bonds in five oil companies while presiding over four different cases in which one or more of those companies was a defendant.Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown, of the same court, reported that she or her husband traded tens of thousands of dollars of Exxon and Chevron stock while she presided over a case in which both companies were being sued.Judge Jerry Smith of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled in favor of oil companies in one of the cases after receiving over $100,000 in mineral royalties since 2013, when the litigation first arrived in federal court.Judges must be impartial in their rulings and avoid even the appearance of impropriety. Yet, in practice, that standard is poorly enforced. The judiciary itself decides in most cases what constitutes a conflict, and its current guidelines state that judges may even receive payments from defendants while a case is ongoing — so long as the judge’s ruling will not impact the amount they get paid.In Louisiana, where many judges profit from petrochemical investments, the question of whether the courts can be trusted to fairly judge the oil industry has enormous stakes.Enormous stakesFor decades, oil companies working in Louisiana dredged canals through wetlands and dumped billions of gallons of waste in unlined pits that leached salts and toxic heavy metals into the surrounding soil and waters. That pollution killed cattle, crawfish, oysters, crops and wetland plants. It has also seeped into aquifers that provide drinking water to local communities and contributed to a land-loss crisis that threatens to wipe southern Louisiana off the map. Courtesy of Veron Bice Now, through a series of about 40 related lawsuits, the state and several parishes are seeking tens of billions of dollars in damages from hundreds of these companies to pay for the cost of cleaning up the mess. The litigation could rank among the most expensive environmental damage cases in U.S. history if the plaintiffs succeed.Last year, a Louisiana jury’s verdict in one of these lawsuits found Chevron liable for $745 million in damages. The oil companies have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to move the cases from state to federal courts, where judges could decide to vacate the jury’s verdict. (Federal courts already dismissed an early case in the series before it ever reached a jury). Garrett Hazelwood with support from SouthWings If the oil companies prevail with the Supreme Court, which is expected to release a decision this spring, the cases will likely wind up back on the dockets of the federal judges named in this story.An investigation by Floodlight, WWNO/WRKF and Type Investigations found that 12 of the 46 federal judges who have already made rulings in the coastal damage lawsuits had investments in or business connections to petrochemical companies that were defendants in the cases.Since 2013, nine of these judges have collected nearly one million dollars in income from their investments in the defendants, according to an analysis of their financial disclosures. That income was gained during the period while the cases were litigated in federal courts, though not exclusively while the cases were on each of the judgesâ€™ dockets. Brad Racino // Floodlight built with Claude It's difficult to determine if and how financial ties influenced judicial decisions — and many of these judges, like Barbier, actually ruled against the oil companies. But even the appearance of impropriety can undermine trust in the rule of law.“It's only natural for the public to be increasingly suspicious about whether those judges are a little too friendly with the industry to be impartial arbiters,” said Geyh.Even beyond the direct ties to the defendants, judges’ investments in the fossil fuel industry more broadly could raise eyebrows. The outcome of these coastal damage cases could impact the industry at large, with the potential to establish a roadmap for anyone seeking to hold oil companies accountable for environmental destruction.Where’s the money coming from?The stakes in these cases are enormous for oil companies and their investors — possibly exceeding $100 billion in liability, said the author and historian John Barry. Christiana Botic // Verite News and Catchlight Local / Report for America The industry’s damage has accelerated the state’s coastal erosion: Since the 1930s, an area about the size of Delaware has slipped into the sea.In response, Louisiana spent decades creating its Coastal Master Plan to repair its wetlands and address the land loss. But enacting it will require tens of billions of dollars over the coming decades.Where that money might come from is an open question, and one that these lawsuits seek to resolve.“Without money, there's no master plan,” said Barry. “The stakes are the existence of Louisiana. It’s pretty simple.” Christiana Botic // Verite News and Catchlight Local / Report for America In his former position on the board of a New Orleans flood protection agency, Barry, pictured above, was an architect of a lawsuit that became a model for the dozens of parish lawsuits that followed it. His team argued their case in front of Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown starting in 2013 — but she dismissed it, finding that the flood protection agency had no standing against nearly 100 oil companies and keeping the case from ever reaching a jury. She later presided over two additional coastal damage cases.Brown and her husband traded tens of thousands of dollars in Exxon and Chevron stock while those companies were defendants before her. She held the stocks for about 18 months, while the price of both increased significantly. She then sold them before issuing any additional rulings — likely keeping her within the disqualification rules. Brad Racino // Floodlight built with Claude At the time, Brown’s husband was one of Entergy’s most senior executives, and the couple held millions of dollars of the company’s stock. Entergy was a defendant in one of the coastal damage cases, though not one over which she presided."I always take great care to ensure that I comply with all judiciary ethics guidance, rules and rule of law," Brown wrote in response to Floodlight findings.The statute has limitationsFederal recusal rules set a high bar for when a judge must step aside — and impose no real penalty when they don't.Congress requires judges to recuse themselves whenever their impartiality "might reasonably be questioned," including when they hold any financial interest in a party. But words like "reasonably" and "financial interest" leave wiggle room, and judges themselves decide whether a conflict exists. The only remedy when they get it wrong is an appeal — a thorny process with a high bar for success. Brad Racino // Floodlight built with Claude However, experts widely agree that if a judge owns any amount of stock in a company that is a party to the case, they are required to step aside.One judge appears to have crossed that bright line.U.S. Fifth Circuit Court Judge Edith Jones held roughly $50,000 of ConocoPhillips stock while voting in 2024 on a case where a ConocoPhillips subsidiary was a defendant.That ruling likely violated the federal disqualification statute and Code of Judicial Conduct, according to three judicial experts.Ways to fix thisLouisiana’s federal judges have so many ties to the oil and gas industry that some cases have led to mass recusals. In one coastal damage case, nine judges recused, including at least five who had investments in the defendants.The judiciary also has a poor record of policing its conflicts. The Wall Street Journal found in 2021 that over 130 federal judges nationwide had failed to recuse themselves despite owning stock in companies involved in cases they oversaw.Relatively simple judicial reforms, like requiring judges to put their holdings in blind trusts, could eliminate many of the conflicts that cause these situations, according to Geyh.“You kind of expect that there are certain sacrifices you need to make in order to preserve public perception of your impartiality, your integrity, and your independence,” Geyh said.In a small step forward in 2022, the courts updated their conflict-screening procedures and lawmakers passed the Courthouse Ethics and Transparency Act, which established stricter disclosure rules and a requirement that judges’ disclosures be made available to the public online.This investigation relied in part on those documents.Disappearing communitiesAs the dispute over who should pay to clean up the coast enters its 13th year of litigation, the communities living with the destruction are losing ground fast.“Most people don't have a clue about how extensive the damage can be to landowners,” said lawyer Warren Perrin, who estimates the oil companies have caused hundreds of acres of his family land to disappear into the water.Perrin traces his family roots back to the Acadians, or Cajun people, who settled in Louisiana in the late 1700s. He says the loss of wetlands, increasing flood risk, and pollution caused by oil companies have taken a toll on the close-knit Cajun family and community in Vermillion Parish.“ As we lose the lands, people move away,” he said. “The intensity of the culture is destabilized as more people move away.”If the oil companies get their way, it’s not clear where the money to preserve these lands will come from — or how much longer the coastal parishes can hold on.Despite the odds, Perrin’s family is working to restore the coast in whatever modest ways they can, dumping boulders and rebuilding the coastline to keep their land from becoming open water.“I'm a chronic, hopeless optimist that it will work out and we're gonna save our lands,” he said. “It's a struggle. But I believe in the system of justice, in our laws — usually the right thing happens.”This story was published in partnership with Type Investigations with support from the H.D. Lloyd Fund for Investigative Journalism, and in collaboration with Verite News and WWNO/WRKF.Floodlight is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates the powers stalling climate action.This story was produced by Floodlight and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	QCA baseball teams to play in ‘If You Build It’ series at new Field of Dreams Movie Site ballpark Several Quad Cities-area baseball teams will play in a series at the new professional ballpark built at the Field of Dreams movie site.
	8 ways to squeeze more miles from every tank, according to America's fleet pros 8 ways to squeeze more miles from every tank, according to America's fleet prosThe trucking industry has turned fuel efficiency into a science. Here's what everyday drivers can borrow from their playbook.Diesel hit $5.03 per gallon for U.S. commercial fleets in early 2026 — and fuel already eats up roughly 21–24% of what motor carriers spend just to operate. That financial pressure turned fuel management into one of the most carefully engineered problems in the trucking industry. Fleet operators have cameras, sensors, and software all pointed at one question: How do you stop wasting fuel?The answers they've landed on aren't mysterious or trucking-specific. Most of them apply just as well to a Honda Civic as to an 18-wheeler. Samsara shares eight things the pros do that you can start doing today.1. Stop idling. Seriously.This one sounds obvious until you add up how often you actually do it. Sitting in a drive-through, waiting for someone outside a building, letting the car "warm up" before a winter drive — it all adds up. Commercial trucks burn close to a gallon of fuel per hour while idling, and the widely held belief that idling is easier on an engine than restarting is flat-out wrong. Restarting costs less.Fleet companies track idling per driver and flag anything that looks excessive. At home, the rule of thumb is simple: If you're stopped for more than a minute and going nowhere, shut it off.2. Drive like you're trying to protect a full cup of coffee on the dashboard.The way you use your right foot is probably the single biggest variable in your fuel economy. Hard acceleration, speeding, and aggressive braking can reduce fuel efficiency by as much as 40%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. That’s nearly half your gas budget.Commercial fleets coach their drivers specifically on smooth throttle inputs: gradual acceleration, cruise control on highways, and coasting into stops instead of braking late and hard. The physics don't care what size vehicle you're driving.3. Pay attention to your own numbers.One discovery from the fleet world: When you show drivers their own efficiency scores, they improve without being told to. Companies that introduced driver performance dashboards and friendly competition between drivers saw measurable gains — one fleet tracked a jump from 6 MPG to 7.5 MPG after making individual scores visible.Most cars already give you this data. If yours has a fuel economy display, watch it. If you want to go further, note your mileage at each fill-up and calculate your MPG manually. Setting a personal monthly target and trying to beat it month over month is genuinely effective, mostly because awareness changes behavior.4. Think like a dispatcher when you plan your errands.The cheapest gallon of fuel is the one you never have to buy. Commercial dispatchers obsess over route efficiency because unnecessary miles are pure cost with no upside. That logic applies in your driveway, too.Before you run errands, spend 90 seconds thinking about the most logical order — fewest backtracks, least highway-to-city switching, combining stops you'd otherwise make on separate days. Apps like Google Maps and Waze handle the turn-by-turn, but the trip consolidation decision is yours to make before you leave.5. Find cheaper gas before you're running on empty.Fuel prices can vary by 30 cents or more per gallon within just a few miles. Fleet operators now route drivers toward lower-cost fuel stops using real-time price data. You can do the exact same thing with GasBuddy, Waze's gas prices layer, or the gas station search in Google Maps, which pulls in nearby prices.The habit that makes this work: Check prices before your tank is low, not after. Desperation-fueling — stopping at whatever's convenient when the warning light is on — is reliably the most expensive way to fill up.6. Watch for fraud at the pump.This is less about efficiency and more about not losing money you didn't know you were losing. Fuel theft and card skimming at gas stations are more common than most drivers realize, and fraudulent charges from a compromised card often go unnoticed for weeks. Fleet companies use real-time transaction alerts to flag unusual purchases immediately.For personal use, a few practical habits help: Use tap-to-pay instead of swiping when the terminal allows it (skimming devices can't read contactless transactions), check your bank and credit card statements weekly, and consider a card with real-time transaction notifications turned on.7. Your tire pressure is costing you money right now.Here's a number that tends to surprise people: For every 1 PSI drop in tire pressure, your vehicle loses roughly 0.4% of its fuel efficiency. Tires lose pressure slowly and steadily — a few PSI over a few months is completely normal and easy to miss. By the time you notice a tire looks low, it's been costing you at the pump for weeks.Fleet maintenance teams tie tire pressure checks directly to fuel economy because the correlation is consistent and measurable. For personal vehicles, checking tire pressure once a month takes about five minutes. While you're at it, a clogged air filter, old engine oil, or worn spark plugs all carry similar slow-drain effects on efficiency that a routine tune-up addresses.8. Track your MPG over time — and notice when it changes.Fleets benchmark fuel performance across their vehicles and flag outliers: a truck getting meaningfully fewer miles per gallon than similar trucks is likely developing a mechanical problem before it becomes a breakdown. The fuel data is an early warning signal.Your car works the same way. If you track your MPG over several fill-ups and see a notable drop without a change in how or where you're driving, something is usually going on mechanically. Catching it at the "slightly worse MPG" stage is almost always cheaper than catching it at the "broken down on the highway" stage.Fuel cost analysis and fleet efficiency data referenced in this article are drawn from Samsara's research on commercial fleet fuel management.This story was produced by Samsara and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The 8 fastest-growing outdoor and mobile businesses this summer The 8 fastest-growing outdoor and mobile businesses this summerFrom high-tech car washes to mobile mixology, the distance between professional services and a customer’s front door is shrinking. Driven by a nationwide shift toward on-demand services, successful entrepreneurs are ditching the storefront and taking their expertise literally and directly to customers — especially during the weather-friendly summer months.These trends reflect a mix of market growth, changing consumer expectations and the rapid adoption of mobile-first service models. Based on their market research, ERGO NEXT has analyzed and picked eight of the fastest-growing outdoor and mobile service businesses near you.1. The mobile pet grooming revolutionMobile pet grooming is no longer just a premium service; it’s a common choice for busy households. Urban dwellers account for over 83% of all mobile grooming customers, according to one 2026 study. Per that study, consumers are prioritizing services that simplify their life, with 73% reporting higher satisfaction due to reduced pet anxiety and time-savings.Many mobile pet grooming business owners consider general liability insurance and animal bailee coverage to help protect their business interests.2. Cardio is the new community with social fitnessGoing to the gym is a grind. Outdoor social fitness interest is growing as people ditch indoor workout boredom for local pods that meet in parks, beaches and public squares. This shift is repositioning the weekly workout as more of a community event than a chore.In 2026, Adult Recreation and Sport Clubs broke into the American College of Sports Medicine top 10 for the first time, signaling a growing interest in activities like outdoor pickleball and running clubs. Even more telling? 73% of club members report that community connection is their primary motivator for staying consistent, according to a 2025 report by ABC Fitness.For a fitness-minded entrepreneur, this can create opportunities. Launching a mobile fitness boutique — bringing gear like portable rowers or kettlebells to a local park — can build a business with lower real estate and startup costs.Note that if your business operates in public spaces, there can be added risks from uneven ground and other passersby. Many fitness professionals consider business liability insurance to help cover some unexpected events.3. The rise of onsite car washing and eco-detailingDriven by tightening water restrictions and a surge in EV ownership, the mobile car wash and detailing market is estimated to reach $137 billion globally this year. Mobile operators are gaining share in part because customers increasingly value at-home convenience and flexible scheduling — as well as eco-focused washes and detailing.Waterless car washes mean you don't need a massive water tank trailer. A high-end kit can fit in a standard SUV. And while a basic exterior wash might only net a 15%-20% margin, premium eco-services like ceramic and graphene coatings — which require waterless prep — can push profit margins over 60%.4. The Amazon-effect: On-demand home repairThe home repair services market is growing quickly, with some estimates projecting a 26.6% growth rate for on-demand and app-based services. Homeowners want Amazon-level immediate service; a 2025 survey conducted by Jobber found that over 70% of customers expect a same-day response.The solution to meet this demand? Mobile platforms and marketplaces like Jobber, Thumbtack and Taskrabbit can help sole proprietors and small teams handle instant quotes and real-time scheduling with less back-office staff overhead.But speed doesn't mean skipping the safety net. If you’re a handyman, plumber, electrician or any other type of home repair contractor working inside a client’s home, you’re facing significant liability. Many contractors and repair professionals — no matter how small — consider general liability insurance and Contractor’s E&O insurance to help manage risks tied to on-site work and service-related claims.5. A boom in mobile tire repairMobile tire repair and installation has become a growing part of the on-demand automotive economy, a sector some say is growing 8.5% annually. From busy families to delivery fleets, drivers aren’t willing to sacrifice half a day at a repair shop when the shop can come to them.For the modern entrepreneur, this is an essential service model with a built-in, recurring customer base. Whether you’re handling emergency roadside flats, scheduled seasonal swaps or offering semi-annual rotations and checks at an office park, you’re selling something more valuable than rubber: convenience and time savings.But jacking up a vehicle in a public space comes with high-stakes responsibility. You aren't just a mechanic; you’re a risk manager. Many operators consider business liability insurance coverage to help protect their business interests.6. Mobile e-bike repair: The ‘tech-medic’ on wheelsBike repair used to mean a patch kit and some grease. But e-bikes are changing the industry. Part vehicle, part computer, owners are looking for experts to help keep them rolling. With the e-bike maintenance market’s growth rate at 12.7% — reaching nearly $700 million this year — the mobile bike shop has evolved into a specialized industry.For the modern entrepreneur, the beauty of this business is convenience. Because hauling a 60-pound electric bike to a shop is a real chore, customers are willing to pay a premium for a driveway tune-up or repair.But with high-tech gear comes high-tech risk. You aren't just turning wrenches; you’re handling lithium-ion batteries and complex mid-drive motors. Business liability insurance could help protect your business from driveway mishaps. and tools and equipment coverage may safeguard the specialized tech and tools inside your van. Bailee coverage could also help protect you from the costs of customer property while it’s in your hands.7. Mobile precision sharpening for knives and bladesAn unexpected industry is leading the “right-to-repair” charge in 2026: mobile sharpening. And home chefs, restaurants, salons and stylists, and landscapers are reaping the ease and benefits of a sharper edge from the convenience of their driveways.The global sharpening market is projected to reach $1.7 billion in 2026, fueled by a 6.3% growth rate. Growth is driven in part by the rising cost of tools and a broader shift toward repairing equipment instead of replacing it. While the residential market is the largest by volume, the commercial sector (restaurants, hotels, food processing) still generates steady, contract-based revenue.Because the work involves handling expensive, razor-sharp tools on other people’s property, small mistakes can lead to costly damage or injury. Many business owners consider liability insurance to help manage risk while working on-site.8. Small managed service providers bring IT on-site for small businessesSmall businesses rely on technology, but many are saving on IT costs by turning to managed service providers (MSPs) for ongoing, outsourced support.The market is expanding steadily. The global managed services market was valued at over $401 billion and is growing at a rate of 9.9%, reflecting strong demand for flexible, scalable IT solutions.For entrepreneurs, this has opened the door to a mobile, hybrid IT model. Many smaller MSPs operate as fractional IT partners, combining remote monitoring with on-site visits for setup, troubleshooting and system upgrades. This allows them to serve multiple clients and build recurring revenue through service contracts.Because this work often involves access to client systems and office visits, many providers consider professional liability insurance or errors and omissions insurance (E&O), along with general liability and cyber liability insurance to help manage their business risk.This story was produced by ERGO NEXT and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Volunteers clean up park to celebrate Earth Day About 20 to 30 volunteers showed up to help clean up Indian Springs Park in the Village of East Davenport and spruce up areas around the railroad tracks.
	Watch the Kentucky Derby at Carriage Haus Bar, Rock Island Catch what’s called “the fastest two minutes in sports” at the Carriage Haus Bar on the Hauberg Estate, 1300 24th Street in Rock Island. The Carriage Haus Bar is hosting a Run for the Roses Kentucky Derby watch party on Saturday, May 2nd from 3 – 7 p.m. at the Hauberg Estate. “Derby Day is [...]
	10 warning signs your aging parent may need more help than they're willing to admit 10 warning signs your aging parent may need more help than they're willing to admitA parent's aging usually isn’t noticeable all at once. There’s no single moment when a beloved family member crosses the line from fully independent to struggling, in most cases. Typically, it’s a slow accumulation of small things that can easily be dismissed or explained away during a visit.Sudden clutter, missed appointments, or bruises they can’t explain all seem minor taken individually. Together, however, they can tell a different story.QMedic has gathered data from leading sources, including the National Safety Council, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Institute on Aging, Kaiser Permanente, the Alzheimer's Association, Age Safe America, and more, to outline 10 key warning signs about your parent’s ability to manage daily life.Category 1: Physical Health1. Declining personal hygieneWhen someone who has always taken pride in their appearance suddenly has a change of behavior, it’s worth taking note. This can take the form of showing up unshowered, wearing the same clothes for several days, or having noticeably unkempt hair and nails. Poor hygiene in older adults can be a signal of depression, cognitive decline, and mobility limitations that make keeping up with regular tasks difficult. Approach this situation gently and without judgment. Simply ask your parents how they’ve been feeling lately, rather than commenting on the change in personal hygiene.2. Unexplained bruises, cuts, or frequent fallsFalls are one of the leading causes of injury and death among older adults in the U.S. If your parent has unexplained bruises, mentions stumbling more often, or seems hesitant to move around on their own, take it seriously. They may be concealing falls out of fear that you may want to move them out of their home. One sensitive way to approach these delicate situations is to ask whether they’ve had any recent falls or near-misses and to do a home safety assessment to see if installing grab bars or other safety measures may be necessary.3. Unexplained weight changesSignificant weight loss in older adults can be another indicator of depression or anxiety. Difficulty preparing meals, trouble chewing or swallowing, or an underlying medical condition that hasn’t been diagnosed can also be to blame. Weight gain can also signal limited mobility or changes in medication having an adverse effect. Should you notice either, check their kitchen on your next visit and make a note of how much food they have. Talk to their doctor if you have any concerns.4. Medication mismanagementA parent missing doses of their medicine, doubling up, or even mixing up medications is more common and dangerous than you may think. If you notice pill bottles that haven’t moved, a jumbled collection of unlabeled medicine, it’s a warning sign. Ask your parents to clearly describe what they take and why. Offer to help your parents organize a pill box or set up a reminder system for each day and medication type.5. Unsafe or deteriorating drivingFew conversations are harder than asking a parent to consider giving up their car keys. Driving represents a sense of freedom for many and, particularly with older adults, losing it can feel like giving up a source of independence. Telltale signs of issues with driving are unexplained dents or damage to their car, stories of getting lost on familiar roads, or instances of violating traffic laws. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to have a conversation for their safety and that of others.Category 2: Cognitive changes6. Increased forgetfulness that disrupts daily lifeEveryone forgets where they put their keys every once in a while. However, forgetting how to get home from a place you’ve been to hundreds of times, missing appointments repeatedly, or asking the same question over and over are signs of something potentially wrong. Should you notice cognitive decline, chat with your parents’ doctor about conducting a screening to identify any issues. Early detection opens the door to more treatment options.7. Mood, personality, or behavior changesA parent who was always even-tempered suddenly becoming irritable or frequently suspicious should raise an eyebrow. This, along with other seemingly random changes, can be indicative of the onset of dementia, depression, or a response to untreated pain. These shifts can be hard to see, though. Keep a watchful eye out and chat with their doctor if things get worse.8. Social withdrawal and loss of interest in activitiesIssues of loneliness and social isolation among older adults are well-known but still remain something of an underreported problem. It’s not without serious consequences. Loneliness can contribute to an increased risk of cognitive decline, depression, and early mortality. If your parents have stopped calling friends or have quit their favorite activities, it’s worth following up with them.Category 3: Home environment9. Unusual household clutter or deteriorating cleanlinessSimilar to a decrease in proper hygiene, a home that has become unusually dirty, cluttered, or chaotic is often a sign of an invisible struggle. Your parent may be overwhelmed, physically unable to keep up with cleaning, or experiencing cognitive changes that make managing tasks harder. Don’t treat it as a character flaw. Instead, ask if they’d like some help getting organized and consider regular housekeeping.Category 4: Financial management10. Signs of financial disorganization or exploitationIf you notice unopened bills, lapsed policies, weird bank withdrawals, or general confusion on finances, it can be another warning sign. Older adults are disproportionately targeted by financial scams. Additionally, financial disorganization can be reflective of cognitive decline. So, if you notice behavior that is out of the ordinary, offer to help review bills and set up automatic payments, framing it as a way to make life simpler.Having the tough conversationNoticing the signs is often just the first step. The bigger challenge is bringing up the issue of cognitive decline to parents who may not be ready to hear it. Generally, it’s best to approach your loved ones with curiosity instead of confrontation and to let them know they still have control over their lives. If you’re not sure where to start, your parent’s primary care physician can be an excellent resource.This story was produced by QMedic and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Heavy police presence south of Duck Creek Our Quad Cities News is on the scene of a developing story. There is a heavy police presence just west of Hickory Grove Road and south of Duck Creek.
	Europe is closing a major e-commerce loophole: How the end of duty-free shipping drives up costs for brands Europe is closing a major e-commerce loophole: How the end of duty-free shipping drives up costs for brandsWith over 450 million consumers, the European Union is one of the most attractive international markets for DTC ecommerce brands. And much of that growth has been driven by policies that make it easier to ship low-value goods into the region.In 2025 alone, more than 5.8 billion low-value ecommerce parcels were shipped into the EU, which shows just how big this channel has become.But now, a major policy shift is about to change how brands access that opportunity.In 2026, the EU will begin phasing out a key regulation that has influenced cross-border ecommerce for years. The €150 duty de minimis threshold (which allowed low-value goods to enter duty-free) is going away.This is a major change for brands that rely on direct-to-consumer shipping into Europe, Passport reports.The End of Duty-Free Treatment for Low-Value GoodsBeginning on July 1, 2026, the EU will remove the €150 duty de minimis threshold. This means that no matter the order value, all imports into the region could be subject to customs duties.Even though VAT still applied, up until now, many e-commerce shipments were able to enter the EU without paying any duties. This made it much easier for brands to test market demand, keep pricing competitive, and launch in new markets without taking on too much extra cost.However, as de minimis is being eliminated, brands will likely see:More shipments subject to dutyHigher landed costs on low-value ordersPressure to show full pricing upfront at checkoutA New Flat Duty on Small ImportsThe EU is also introducing a temporary flat €3 customs duty per item category for low-value ecommerce imports as part of the transition.This fee is applied at the product category level based on HS6 classification (not quantity), which can trigger multiple fees if a shipment includes different types of products.For example:One shipment with two t-shirts = a single feeOne shipment with a t-shirt and a pair of jeans = two separate feesThis new structure adds additional layers of cost and operational complexity, especially for brands shipping bundles or mixed carts.The €3 duty rule takes effect on July 1, 2026, and applies to imported goods valued under €150. This is part of a broader EU customs overhaul with more reforms expected as they continue to implement a standardized approach to e-commerce imports.Fees Are Already Rolling Out at the Country LevelMany countries have already introduced new fees for small packages, even before the EU-wide changes take effect.These include:Italy – €2 per parcel starting in July 2026Romania – around €5 per parcel (in effect as of January 2026)France – €2 per product category (in effect as of March 2026)Even more countries are expected to follow this trend as the EU moves towards a unified framework later in 2026.These additional fees are collected even when taxes are prepaid and are charged on top of both VAT and customs duties. In some cases, countries will apply costs based on the point of customs clearance, while others apply them based on the final delivery destination.The EU has also approved a €2 handling fee per parcel, which is expected to roll out across all member states later in 2026. Over time, this could potentially replace individual country-level fees as early as November 1.With all these new regulations layered together, the cost structure for low-value ecommerce shipments begins to get much more complex.What This Means for E-commerce BrandsThese changes aren’t simple regulatory updates; they indicate a bigger trend in how DTC shipments will be handled in one of the world’s largest consumer markets.The impact is already affecting brands:Costs are rising – With duties now applying to all shipments, even low-value orders can become less profitable unless you make adjustments to your pricing.Checkout expectations are changing – Accurate, upfront pricing is more important than ever, as customers are less willing to deal with surprise fees at delivery.Operations are getting more complex – Import location, product classification, and fulfillment models all now play a bigger role in total cost and the delivery experience.Compliance is becoming a competitive factor – Brands that can manage duties, taxes, and fees correctly have a clear advantage over those that can’t.With additional fees and enforcement still rolling out, this isn’t a one-time change; it’s something that will continue to develop.The Global Shift in E-Commerce Import RulesThe EU isn’t acting alone. Governments around the world are rethinking how low-value imports should be handled for e-commerce.The United Kingdom, for example, has announced plans to remove its £135 duty threshold by 2029 after a transition period.Together, these updates point to a push for more consistent duty collection and an effort to level the playing field between domestic and international sellers.Preparing for a New Era of E-commerce ImportsEurope continues to be one of the most valuable e-commerce markets in the world, but it’s becoming more complicated to access.The elimination of duty-free treatment for low-value goods is ending the era of simpler cross-border selling into the EU.What comes next is a more demanding market where cost control, compliance, and operational strategy play a much bigger role in success.With implementation already underway and more updates expected through 2026, brands have a limited window to prepare.This prep might include:Reassessing pricing and margin strategies to account for new duties and feesImproving landed cost visibility at checkout to avoid any surprise chargesEvaluating fulfillment models and import approaches, including where goods are clearedStrengthening compliance processes around classification, documentation, and duty calculationReviewing product assortment and bundling strategies to minimize unnecessary costsAs international trade keeps changing, brands that invest in the right infrastructure and strategy will be in a much better position to manage costs, protect margins, and deliver a consistent customer experience.This story was produced by Passport and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The tariff refund process has begun for businesses. What about customers? While shipping companies are pledging refunds for customers who directly paid tariff fees, the situation is much trickier for retailers.
	WV leaders bought a new CPS referral system after a girl starved to death; it was never implemented Law enforcement found Kyneddi Miller, 14, emaciated in her Boone County home on April 17, 2024. (Photo courtesy of WCHS)In 2024, police found the body of a 14-year-old Kyneddi Miller in a skeletal state in her Boone County home. She weighed only 58 pounds. She’d been laying on the bathroom floor for four to five days. In the weeks that followed, the Justice administration maintained that Child Protective Services didn’t know about Miller prior to her death, despite reporters obtaining documents showing that a CPS referral had been made about her. In July of 2024, the state Department of Human Services said — in the wake of Miller’s death — that it would change how it screens referrals for child abuse and neglect. The department announced in a news release a partnership with a nonprofit organization, Evident Change, for the new system. Del. Josh Holstein, R-Boone “This system will enable the department to better serve families in West Virginia, particularly in cases that do not meet the standards for abuse and neglect investigation but still require our attention and support,” said then DoHS Secretary Cynthia Persily. Evident Change was never implemented, a DoHS spokesperson told West Virginia Watch in an email, despite the state paying the nonprofit $223,000. “It’s shocking to hear,” said Del. Josh Holstein, a Republican who represents Boone County. “My initial thought is I’m shocked that we weren’t at least notified about it.” A Freedom of Information Act, filed by West Virginia Watch, showed that the state ended its contract with the company in March 2025 under the Morrisey administration. DoHS moved on to a different system. Sen. Vince Deeds, R-Greenbrier, speaks on the Senate floor on Feb. 25, 2026. (Photo by Will Price/West Virginia Legislative Photography) Sen. Vince Deeds, R-Greenbrier, has pushed for increased transparency from DoHS about West Virginia’s troubled foster care system. He wasn’t aware that the department didn’t implement Evident Change’s referral system. “We haven’t made any improvements after Kyneddi as of yet,” Deeds said. “We have to make improvements. Not just allow it to be the same ole, same ole, over and over again.” “Ultimately, we’ve just wasted $223,000 of taxpayer money, and we don’t have anything to show for it,” he continued. “That’s my biggest issue with Human Services every time. There’s all kinds of saber rattling whenever something terrible and tragic happens, and everybody’s going to make improvements, and then they let the attention to the matter fade away, then there’s no improvement.” Angel Hightower, a communications specialist for Human Services, did not respond to a question in an email about who had made the decision not to implement Evident Change or cancel the contract. “Evident Change was never implemented,” Hightower wrote in an email to West Virginia Watch on April 16. “However, families referred to Centralized Intake are not automatically referred for supportive services. If the information provided meets the legal definition of abuse and/or neglect, the intake is assigned to a district office for assessment and referral for supportive services, if needed.” She added, “There was a lack of measurable outcomes from Evident Change in other states,” so DoHS decided to implement a different model. A spokesperson for Evident Change declined to answer questions and directed inquiries back to DoHS. The announced move to Evident Change was one of the only major reforms that state leaders announced after Miller’s death. “To hear that we never implemented any changes that I thought we had is a little disappointing, to say the least,” Holstein said. “I’m hopeful we can rectify that in some way.” West Virginia screens in CPS referrals at the highest rate in the country, more than double the national average. Jim McKay, state coordinator for Prevent Child Abuse West Virginia, noted that when the CPS intake system is overwhelmed, “Children who are truly in danger can get lost. That is part of the tragedy of what happened to Kyneddi Miller.” “A lot of what comes into CPS today is not abuse or neglect. It’s families struggling with poverty or unmet needs, and those families should be connected to community-based services like local Family Support Centers and home visitation programs,” he said. “We have to build the kind of front-end support that keeps families from ending up in the CPS system in the first place.” Federal officials, spurred by Miller’s death, audited West Virginia’s CPS referral process and found that the state didn’t properly investigate 91% of abuse and neglect reports in the time period reviewed. Gov Jim Justice’s Chief of Staff Brian Abraham held a press briefing on June 6, 2024, to discuss findings in an investigation into Kyneddi Miller’s death in Boone County. Department of Human Services Secretary Cynthia Persily, West Virginia State Superintendent of Schools Michele Blatt and West Virginia State Police Chief of Staff Maj. James Mitchell also attended to answer questions. (Office of the Gov. Jim Justice/Courtesy photo) DoHS implements a different CPS referral model The state uses a centralized intake system for its abuse and neglect referrals. It is supposed to determine when a child needs a CPS investigation or could use supportive services, like food assistance or mental health care. State leaders said in 2024 that Miller’s starvation issues wouldn’t have triggered a CPS investigation; they said she needed mental health support since she had reportedly suffered from an eating disorder. In response, the department said they’d develop “a differentiating response system” for referrals that don’t meet the statutory requirements for abuse of neglect but still involve a child in need of help. Evident Change, based in Wisconsin, was supposed to design and implement a “Structured Decision Making intake tool” for the state’s Centralized Intake for Abuse and Neglect, according to DoHS. The department set a rollout date of January 2026; a contract showed it would cost the state around $560,000. It was billed as helping the state make “consistent, accurate and equitable decisions” with children and families. Hightower said on April 13 that the move from Evident Change to a different system was “part of a broader effort to strengthen how child safety is assessed and to ensure consistency across the system.” “Previously, the Evident Change model was used primarily as an intake support tool. Through ongoing evaluation of internal data and external reviews, the department identified the need for a more comprehensive and unified approach to safety,” Hightower said. West Virginia’s online Child Welfare Dashboard shows data on its Centralized Intake System for child abuse and neglect referrals on April 22, 2026. (The West Virginia Department of Human Services) After the state cancelled the contract, an Evident Change employee wrote to DoHS on April 3, 2025, “We were all very disappointed to receive the cancellation notices for our contracts with West Virginia, and that we will no longer be working with your agency to help children and families and vulnerable adults receive better outcomes.” DoHS transitioned to the Safety Assessment and Family Evaluation model, or SAFE, according to Hightower, to support its centralized intake system for abuse and neglect referrals. “This approach supports greater statewide consistency, improves the quality of safety assessments and provides staff with clearer guidance in making decisions … This change reflects an effort to strengthen the overall safety practice model, rather than simply replacing one tool with another,” Hightower said. DoHS received more than 11,000 child abuse and neglect referrals in to its centralized intake system in 2025, according to the department’s child welfare data. About 50% of the referrals were accepted. “The implementation of the SAFE Model needs to include a system for referring screened-out families to local supports in their community. We have to invest in the community infrastructure that meets families where they are, before a CPS report is the only option,” McKay said. Lisa Zappa is CEO of Prestera Health Services, one of West Virginia’s six Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. Prestera, which has been in the state for 59 years, offers children mental and behavioral health services and partners with hospitals and schools to support children in need. Supportive mental health services play a role in preventing children from entering the foster care system or the state’s juvenile facilities, Zappa said. Connecting a child with services like Prestera could reveal issues at home that need to be addressed. “A lot of those kids do need, you know, if they had some intervention beforehand, it would help,” she said, noting kids should be connected with providers using evidence-based models. “Sometimes those children end up in foster care, at no fault of their own, but they live with the guilt sometimes of thinking that they did something wrong, especially if they’re younger, when they go into foster care.” Julie Ann Stone Miller, Kyneddi Miller’s mother, was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison for child abuse connected to her daughter’s death. A trial date is scheduled this summer for Donna Stone, Kyneddi Miller’s grandmother, for murder charges related to the girl’s death and her role in failing to provide basic necessities that contribute to the death. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of West Virginia Watch
	16 ways small businesses are funding growth in 2026 16 ways small businesses are funding growth in 2026With banks tightening lending standards for the third consecutive year, owners are tapping a wider funding toolkit—and the data shows it’s working.Three-quarters of small businesses used some form of financing in the past 12 months, according to the Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Insights January 2026 survey. Not because traditional lending got easier—banks tightened lending standards for business loans through late 2025, a pressure point documented in the 2026 QuickBooks Small Business Index Annual Report—but because the range of funding options available to small businesses expanded.From CDFI loans to equity crowdfunding to invoice factoring, owners are reaching for options their local branch never offered. The results are clear: businesses that access financing are nearly twice as likely to be in an active growth phase as those relying solely on personal funds—54% versus 28%—according to the 2025 Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Financing Report.Intuit QuickBooks shares 16 funding paths worth knowing in 2026:1. Traditional bank loansCompetitive interest rates and long repayment terms make bank loans a strong fit for established businesses with solid credit histories and documentation. The trade-off is time—applications are detailed, approval windows are long, and qualification standards are high.2. SBA 7(a) loansThe Small Business Administration’s flagship loan program covers general-purpose needs up to $5 million, with government backing that reduces risk for lenders. That backing opens doors for businesses that wouldn’t qualify through conventional channels.3. SBA microloansFor newer businesses or smaller capital needs, SBA microloans reach up to $50,000. The program is especially useful for businesses operating for less than two years—a group that struggles most with traditional lending.4. Business credit cardsAmong employer firms, business credit cards are the single most common financing source, used by 58% of employers, per the 2025 Financing Report. They offer rewards, float, and quick access. The catch: 55% of small business owners carry a balance, and the share paying off their full monthly balance dropped from 58% to 45% between April 2024 and January 2026, according to the January 2026 Small Business Insights survey.5. Business lines of creditA line of credit works like a revolving account—a set limit you draw from and repay as needed. You only pay interest on what you borrow. It’s a common tool for smoothing seasonal dips and cash crunches. Businesses dealing with late invoices are 1.5 times more likely to use lines of credit (31% versus 21% of those with timely payments), per the 2025 Intuit QuickBooks Late Payments Report.6. Equipment financingEquipment loans use the asset itself as collateral, which lowers the qualification bar. Instead of paying full price upfront for machinery, vehicles, or technology, businesses spread payments over time—matching the cost of the tool to the revenue it generates.7. Invoice factoringWhen cash is tied up in unpaid invoices, factoring converts those receivables into immediate funds. A third party buys your outstanding invoices at a discount and advances most of the value upfront. It’s faster than a loan and sidesteps credit requirements. The trade-off: fees reduce margin.Unpaid invoices are a genuine drag. The average small business is owed $17,500 in outstanding invoices, and 47% have at least one invoice more than 30 days overdue, according to the 2025 Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Late Payments Report.8. Merchant cash advancesA merchant cash advance (MCA) provides a lump sum repaid through a percentage of daily card sales. Funding can arrive same-day—useful for businesses with high card volume and a short-term need. Interest costs can run steep, so MCAs work best as a bridge, not a long-term solution.9. Angel investorsAngels are individuals who invest personal capital, typically $25,000 to $500,000, in early-stage businesses. They often bring mentorship and networks alongside funding. In exchange, investors take an equity stake—you’re sharing ownership, not borrowing.10. Venture capitalVC is for high-growth businesses pursuing significant scale. Firms invest across stages—seed through Series B and beyond—in exchange for equity and often a seat at the table. Most small businesses don’t match the growth profile VCs look for. This path fits a narrow slice of the market.11. Equity crowdfundingPlatforms like Wefunder and SeedInvest let businesses raise capital from a broad pool of investors in exchange for equity. SeedInvest has facilitated over $300 million in fundraising to date from more than 500,000 investors. It’s more accessible than VC for early-stage businesses, but carries regulatory requirements and ongoing investor communications.12. Rewards-based crowdfundingKickstarter, Indiegogo, and similar platforms let businesses presell products or offer perks to backers—no equity required. A strong campaign also functions as market validation before you commit to production. According to Grand View Research, the U.S. crowdfunding market generated $372.3 million of revenue in 2024 and is projected to reach $928.6 million by 2030.13. CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions)CDFIs are mission-driven lenders built to serve businesses that fall outside traditional credit standards. They offer loans, lines of credit, and technical assistance—often at more flexible terms than banks.14. Business grantsGrants don’t require repayment. Federal programs include SBIR grants (up to $1.8 million for tech-focused firms) and USDA rural energy grants. Corporate programs from American Express, Amazon, and Verizon add more options. Competition is stiff, and applications take time, but the payoff is capital with no strings attached.Demographic-specific programs have expanded significantly. Minority-owned businesses represent 42.3% of all U.S. small business ownership, per QuickBooks’ grants research, and a growing number of grant programs are designed to reach them directly.15. BootstrappingPersonal savings and reinvested revenue remain the most common funding source for solo owners. Among non-employer businesses, 28% rely on personal savings as their primary source, per the 2025 Financing Report. Bootstrapping keeps you in full control, but it moves slowly and carries personal financial risk. For early-stage businesses not yet ready to take on debt, it's often the lowest-risk place to start.16. Product presalesSelling before you build generates cash without debt or dilution. It’s most practical for product-based businesses: a presale campaign funds the production run, and early buyers function as both customers and validators. Combined with rewards-based crowdfunding, it can generate funding and validate demand at the same time.Making the mix workChoosing the right funding option matters more than the type of funding itself. The 2025 Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Financing Report found that businesses with access to financing were 74% more likely to plan near-term investments, compared to 37% of those without. This difference is reflected in cash flow (56% versus 43% reporting healthy flow) and profitability (88% versus 76%).Owners of color are more likely to identify successful financing access as their single most important business benefit—35% compared to 21% of white owners, per the same report. That finding points to both the stakes involved and the persistent barriers many owners still face when trying to get in the door.Start by identifying which funding options align with your business needs and timeline—then pursue the one that fits, not just the one that’s familiar.MethodologyData in this article is drawn from the 2025 Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Financing Report, based on the July 2025 wave of the Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Insights survey (n=2,200+ U.S. small business owners/decision-makers, 0–100 employees). Additional data from the 2025 Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Late Payments Report (January 2025 survey wave, n=2,487 U.S. small businesses, 0–100 employees) and the Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Insights January 2026 survey (~5,000 small businesses across the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia; Dynata panel plus QuickBooks customer panel). The 2026 QuickBooks Small Business Index Annual Report provided macroeconomic context. Grant data sourced from the QuickBooks small business grants guide. Crowdfunding data from the QuickBooks crowdfunding sites guide. All cited findings are statistically significant.This story was produced by Intuit QuickBooks and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	A slew of new Bigfoot sightings, on-screen and off-Broadway Bigfoot is popping up everywhere — in low-budget horror films, in festivals around the country, and even in a critically acclaimed musical.
	Local AI citation strategy: How to own your brand in AI search Local AI citation strategy: How to own your brand in AI searchAI search often cites forums and third-party sites for general queries, but local searches behave differently. A Yext study shows that for location-specific queries, the majority of AI citations come from brand-controlled sources—your website, business listings, and social profiles.This makes local AI citations critical: They shape how your business appears in AI-powered local results. By managing your local AI citation strategy, you can influence which sources AI references and ensure your brand is accurately represented.WebFX explores the study’s key findings and a framework for building an effective strategy for local AI citations.What is a local AI citation strategy?A local AI citation strategy is a business approach that helps companies ensure AI-powered search results for location-based queries point to their own website, listings, and social profiles—so your brand shows up where it matters most.Introducing the AMP method: Your local AI citation blueprintUnderstanding how to strategically manage brand presence in AI search is essential for modern digital visibility. To bridge that gap, a framework can be used to effectively boost a brand’s voice in AI search. This is known as the AMP method.This method serves as a blueprint to increase a brand’s authority and make it a source for local queries. The strategy is simple yet powerful:Amplify: Amplify your authority on your website.Mold: Mold your brand narrative across all controllable and influenced platforms.Perfect: Perfect your strategy through continuous performance analysis.The following techniques can be used for a local search AI citation strategy. WebFX A: Amplify your authorityThese five strategies are all about enhancing your website’s authority to make AI models choose your website as the authoritative source for local answers.1. Improve your site’s crawlabilityBefore anything else, you want to make sure that you haven’t blocked web crawlers and AI crawlers from accessing your site.If you are blocking them, web crawlers can’t index and rank your pages, and AI crawlers won’t be able to read your content and share it with AI search engine users.Check your robots.txt file to see if you’re blocking any bots. If you are, you’ll typically have a disallow tag associated with the bot’s name. WebFX You can also improve crawlability by organizing content into clear, understandable sections and improving your site’s navigation.2. Master thought leadershipAI likes to cite content that demonstrates relevance, authority, and factual reliability. This creates a need for up-to-date content, thought leadership perspectives, and data-informed insights to grab the attention of AI search engines. Here are four best practices for success:Practice topical authority: Focus on writing about specific, niche topics within your industry. Think about what information you want your website to be the go-to for.Create in-depth, data-informed content: In your articles, provide information that other articles don’t cover. Provide unique insights, original research, and more comprehensive answers to local queries.Cite reputable sources and verifiable data: Build trust with AI models by backing up your claims with credible evidence.Develop a unique author voice and credentials: Establish yourself as an expert in the field by cultivating a distinctive voice and including an author bio to validate your experience and skills.3. Use structured dataStructured data or schema markup is information organized into a specific format, making it easy to scan for both humans and machines. Some schema content formats include FAQ pages, How-tos, and product markup.Using the right formats for your pages is crucial to helping AI models understand the context and quality of your article.You can send out better signals about your business, industry, offerings, and common questions with “best X” content and product, FAQ, and local business schema.4. Target conversational search queriesWhen people turn to AI search engines, they’re often using longer, conversational search queries.To ensure that AI cites your answers, structure your content to directly address questions and write clear, specific information about the topic.Using AI tracking technology can help you identify the most prominent questions among your audience and target citations for those queries.5. Regularly re-optimize contentAI search engines prioritize up-to-date content. Create a refresh schedule for your content and do regular content audits to find outdated or inaccurate information.Continuously ensuring currency, accuracy, and relevance to your audience will help you maintain visibility on AI platforms.M: Mold your brand narrativeHere, you’ll focus on controllable and influenced channels to shape and enhance your brand’s narrative and presence.6. Optimize business listingsAI search engines often refer to directories, especially industry-specific ones, for up-to-date information about your business, such as contact details, address, working hours, or even reviews.Common directories include Google Business Profile, TripAdvisor for food services, and ZocDoc for healthcare businesses.Some tips for ensuring consistency, accuracy, and completeness in business listings include:Keeping information consistent across all listings to avoid confusing AI modelsFilling in all the relevant company detailsWriting a comprehensive and helpful business description7. Cultivate reviews and case studiesEncourage customers to post reviews on business review sites like Yelp and Google. More positive reviews will help you build trust.You also need to respond to reviews, whether good or bad. Engaging with customers and responding to feedback will give AI models a clearer perception of your brand.For particularly positive reviews, create review pages and case studies on your website to showcase customer success stories and testimonials. These create more citable sources on your website.8. Diversify your web presence strategicallyBeyond your own website and listings, you want to show AI models that your brand is a big deal outside of those sources. Share your content on social media platforms where your target audience is active.Encourage more shares and local community discussions. You especially want to have discussions on credible third-party platforms and create guest posts on expert sites within your industry to really position your brand as an industry leader.With increased engagement, you’ll enhance content visibility and potentially increase the chances of AI models being trained on your content.P: Perfect your strategyIn this final phase, you’ll want to follow two best practices for continuous improvement and management of your AI citation plan to perfect your strategy.9. Identify influential AI citations within your industryMonitor the AI citations within your industry. Doing so will help you identify influential categories, visibility gaps, and sources in AI responses. Using specialized SEO tools can provide real-time insights to inform a strategy.10. Adapt your strategy based on opportunitiesAre there query categories you could be cited for, but aren’t? Is your citation frequency fluctuating too much?Use the local AI search information you gathered to refine your content and listing optimization efforts. This will help you create a content plan or strategy that consistently improves AI visibility and accurate budget allocation.The overlooked truth: Where local AI answers really come fromRecent studies show that AI often cites third-party sources like Reddit for general queries.But a recent Yext study presented a finding — 86% of AI citations for local search queries come from brand-influenced sources, such as websites and business listings. WebFX This means that when AI considers a user’s location and specific circumstances, it relies on more authoritative sources to provide fact-based answers over general commentary.The study categorizes the 6.8 million AI citation sources they found into four groups based on a brand’s capacity to control the information that comes from it:Full control (websites): This is the most cited category for local queries, with over 2.9 million citations.Controllable (listings): The study saw over 2.9 million citations for third-party platforms and directories where brands can manage their profiles.Influenced (reviews and social): While these third-party platforms are primarily user-generated, businesses can still interact with users and influence reviews. The study saw that these platforms gained over 545,000 citations.Uncontrolled (news and forums): Lastly, the study showed a surprisingly low percentage of around 6% for local AI citations from the sources that brands have no direct control over.Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the various categories, the 86% coming from a combination of full control and controllable groupings: WebFX These numbers suggest that brands can have a direct influence over the majority of local AI citations. Optimizing website content for AI citations can impact brand visibility in local search results.This story was produced by WebFX and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Hotel by TBK Sports Complex to undergo $3M rebrand to be Holiday Inn Express The Cambria Hotel near the TBK Bank Sports Complex is undergoing a $3 million conversion to a Holiday Inn Express, bringing new amenities to the Quad Cities.
	Davenport police: Death investigation underway near Hickory Grove Road A KWQC crew on scene is gathering more details.
	4 dream cars you can buy used for under $50,000 4 dream cars you can buy used for under $50,000The average transaction price for a new car (the amount a car is typically sold for, after discounts and incentives are applied) in October 2025 was just over $49,000, according to Edmunds sales data. Yes, many of the sales are for higher-end cars, which pushes up the average; however, you might be surprised by how many people are spending close to $50,000 on a new mainstream car. It could be a fully loaded SUV, an entry-level luxury car, or a top-of-the-line full-size pickup truck. This raises the question, what if they spent that same amount (or less) on a used car? Would that open up more possibilities for an attainable dream car? Yes. How is this possible? In a word: depreciation.Depreciation describes the loss of value a car experiences over time. Some vehicles will depreciate faster than others due to several market factors, such as popularity in the market, perceived reliability, maintenance costs, and wear and tear. As a used-car shopper, however, this depreciation can work in your favor because it gives you the opportunity to upgrade to an attainable dream car that would typically be out of your price range when new.With this in mind, CarMax highlights four attainable dream cars to consider the next time you're in the market. They have already taken the initial new-car hit in depreciation, and in subsequent years, prices tend to stabilize.Summary:Why Used Cars Unlock Dream‑Car Status Depreciation lets buyers afford higher‑end, performance, or luxury cars that were far pricier when new.Electric Performance Without Supercar Prices Cars like the Audi e‑tron GT deliver exotic looks, premium interiors, and thrilling speed at used‑car prices.Luxury and Performance for Everyday Driving These picks balance comfort, power, and style, making them exciting yet usable daily drivers.Dream Cars That Make Financial SenseBuying post‑depreciation means more car for the money, with prices stabilizing after the initial value drop.Audi E-tron GT (Premium plus)For those considering an electric car and a Tesla Model 3, here's a lesser-known alternative.The Audi e-tron GT is a sport sedan that shares its basic design with the Porsche Taycan. It comes standard with a 93-kWh battery pack, which, according to the EPA, gives the e-tron GT an estimated range of 238 miles on a full charge. While it may seem underwhelming at a glance, the GT managed a much more respectable 273 miles in the Edmunds EV Range Test. With its 522-horsepower dual-motor setup, the e-tron GT is properly quick.The e-tron GT feels special simply by virtue of being a rarer model. Meanwhile, you can't go more than a city block without seeing a Tesla Model 3. The interiors of both cars feel like a night-and-day difference. On the one hand, you have the Audi, with its premium materials, futuristic dashboard layout with buttons, and a digital instrument panel, and on the other hand, you have the Model 3, with its bare-bones interior and nearly every possible function of the car relegated to a single touchscreen.Shopping tipTo stay within the $50,000 budget, you'll need to focus your search on the Premium Plus trim level. It comes well-equipped and has many of the features that should satisfy most shoppers' needs.BMW M4Sports car enthusiasts have long regarded BMW's M cars as among the best coupes and sedans on the road. But even the "least expensive" M2 starts at around $67,000 when new. The solution? Check out a used BMW M4.The current M4 features a polarizing beaver-tooth front grille, but the first-generation BMW M4 is more conventionally handsome. This M4 was produced for the 2015-2020 model years and was available as a coupe or a hardtop convertible. The M4 boasts a high-revving turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that delivers 425 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque.There are two transmission options to choose from: a standard six-speed manual with automated rev matching or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission featuring steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. At the Edmunds test track, an M4 coupe with the manual transmission sprinted to 60 in 4.4 seconds.Shopping tipStick to earlier model years and the base trim, and you should be able to find several under $50,000.Ford BroncoFor about the same price as a top-of-the-line Honda CR-V, you can get into a larger and far more capable Ford Bronco SUV. The Ford Bronco made a comeback for the 2021 model year, marking the end of a decades-long hiatus. This modern Bronco is available in two- and four-door versions. It is a body-on-frame vehicle, meaning it is based on a more rugged pickup truck architecture rather than a car-based one. Be careful not to confuse it with the Bronco Sport, though, as that's an entirely different, smaller, and less capable car that's based on the Ford Escape crossover SUV.The big Bronco is equipped with either a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine or an optional, more powerful turbocharged V6. Taking inspiration from the Jeep Wrangler, it also features cool touches like easily removable roof and doors, as well as available rubberized floors with drain plugs. If you remove them, you can actually see the ground underneath.Shopping tipEdmunds recommends that most people consider the Big Bend trim, particularly with the Mid package, as it offers several feature improvements over the base model. For those who want more off-roading capability, keep an eye out for Broncos equipped with the Sasquatch package.Genesis GV70Haven't heard of the Genesis brand? It is the luxury car spin-off of the Hyundai brand, and the GV70 is one of Edmunds' top-rated small luxury SUVs. If anything, its lack of familiarity might be part of the appeal, as you're in on a secretly good SUV that will pleasantly surprise most people. A used GV70 can be had for about the cost of a well-equipped Toyota RAV4.The GV70 offers a lot of bang for your buck, featuring standard all-wheel drive and a premium interior for thousands less than its rivals. Drivers can choose between two capable turbocharged engines: a four-cylinder producing 300 horsepower or a V6 rated at 375 hp. Like other Genesis models, the GV70 stands out with its exhilarating driving experience, a high-quality interior, and a long list of included luxury features.Shopping tipUnless you're dead set on a V6 engine, the four-cylinder engines will be easier to find and offer plenty of power for most people. Keep an eye out for GV70s with the Select package, which adds features such as ventilated front seats, a panoramic sunroof, a power-tilting steering wheel, and more.Final Note to ConsiderBecause many of these picks are luxury vehicles, it is essential to note that they can be more expensive to service and repair, may require premium fuel, and could potentially cost more to insure. These caveats aren't meant to scare you away but rather to make you aware of the total costs. This comes with the territory of owning a higher-end vehicle. If you're OK with that, you'll be getting a car that should feel nicer to drive, have more features, and is offered at a more attainable price.This story was produced by CarMax and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Quad City Animal Welfare Center seeks foster for cat after owner’s death, third return Quad City Animal Welfare Center is seeking a forever foster home for Max Barr, a cat with a heart condition looking for a quiet place to land.
	Remains of unclaimed Iowans to be laid to rest This weekend, the cremated remains of 170 unclaimed Iowans will be laid to rest in Des Moines.
	Parts of Milan under boil order Parts of Milan are currently under a boil order due to a hydrant replacement, according to a news release from the Village. The boil order is in effect for residents in the 100 to 700 blocks on 28th Avenue West to 34th Avenue West, also known as the Hillcrest, Candlelight and Shadow Wood additions. Click [...]
	Why poor sleep is the top mental health challenge for employees Why poor sleep is the top mental health challenge for employeesThe top mental health challenge your employees are experiencing today might come as a surprise to you. Spring Health surveyed over 500 HR professionals and more than 1,500 full-time employees for its 2026 Workplace Mental Health Annual Report, and a massive misalignment emerged.More than one-third (36%) of employees cited sleep issues related to mental health as a top challenge in the past year. In fact, sleep challenges tied to mental health were the #1 answer to the question about mental health challenges experienced in the past year, ahead of chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout.However, HR professionals ranked sleep as only the fifth-most-prevalent challenge within their own workforces, with only 21% believing it to be a top concern for their workforce. This perception gap means that many organizations are unaware of the earliest signal of a well-being crisis.The hidden cost: Sleep’s impact on businessesIgnoring sleep health can affect both employee well-being and workplace performance and safety. Insufficient sleep costs U.S. businesses an estimated $136 billion in lost productivity every year.The impact on daily operations is staggering, as shown by data from the National Sleep Foundation:Productivity drain: 60% of Americans report a negative impact on their productivity due to poor sleep.Error rates: About 60% of employees say poor sleep leads to problems managing workloads and avoiding mistakes.Workplace safety: Sleep disruption is a leading indicator of reduced recovery capacity. Sleepy employees are 70% more likely to be involved in a workplace accident than those with enough sleep.The nonobvious mental health signalSleep is often the first thing people disregard when they are under stress. And the relationship between sleep and mental health is bidirectional: Mental health impacts your ability to sleep, and your sleep quality impacts your mental health.If an employee is struggling with depression, they may sleep too much. If they are under chronic stress, they may sleep too little. Sleep procrastination, also called “bedtime procrastination,” is where employees avoid going to bed as a psychological way to delay the arrival of the next workday. When the workday feels unsustainable, the only way to "reclaim" time is to sacrifice rest.The correlation between sleep issues related to mental health and other mental health challenges showed up in Spring Health’s research. When compared with those who didn’t say they had experienced sleep issues, those who experienced sleep-related mental health challenges in the past year were:Twice as likely to have also experienced trauma/PTSD.Twice as likely to have also experienced anxiety or panic symptoms.1.9 times more likely to have also experienced depression or mood-related concerns.In fact, for every other mental health challenge that employees could identify in the question that they were asked about sleep issues, the rates for other mental health challenges were higher among employees who had identified that sleep-related mental health concerns were a top challenge. That included incidents of isolation/disconnection at work, grief, financial stress, and many more.Who is at the highest risk for sleep issues related to mental health?Spring Health’s research shows that sleep issues are even more prevalent in specific, high-impact segments of your workforce:Managers: 4 in 10 managers report sleep issues, making them nearly 1.5 times more likely to experience this than individual contributors.High earners: Sleep issues increased to 42% among U.S. employees with a household income of at least $100,000.Younger generations: 40% of employees under the age of 55 cite sleep as a top challenge, making them nearly twice as likely to experience sleep issues as those 55 years of age and older (21%).Global populations: In India, more than half (53%) of employees cited sleep as a top mental health challenge.What organizations should do next1. Support the supportersSince managers are the most vulnerable segment and your first line of defense against team burnout, they need targeted help. Ensure they have access to manager-specific mental health training so they can identify sleep-related performance issues early and direct employees to appropriate resources without trying to diagnose or treat them themselves.2. Encourage healthy rest habitsOrganizations should explicitly normalize sleep hygiene as part of their culture. Here are a few basics to encourage:Stay off digital screens one hour before bed.Avoid work two hours before bed.Avoid eating three hours before bed.Avoid caffeine 10 hours before bed.3. Provide specialized clinical pathwaysGeneral talk therapy is not always the answer for chronic sleep issues. Organizations should provide access to specialized tools and therapists trained in cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I). High-performing programs use care navigation to route employees to the right level of support before a lack of rest turns into a leave of absence.4. Audit your workload norms"Better habits" cannot fix an unsustainable workload. If your employees are reporting high rates of sleep issues, it is a signal to diagnose systemic drivers of distress. Use pulse surveys to map the employee journey and determine if your culture is the cause of the sleep issues.This story was produced by Spring Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Bettendorf City Council approves $134M budget and Flock Safety agreements Under the approved budget for the year starting July 1, property taxes and fees on the average Bettendorf home would go up about $200 a year.
	If these 10 celebrities were famous pieces of furniture, they would be… Photo Illustration by Stacker // Shutterstock // Getty Images If these 10 celebrities were famous pieces of furniture, they would be… Ever wondered what piece of furniture your favorite celebrity would embody if they stepped into the world of interiors? With their unique personalities, styles, and vibes, it's a fun way to reimagine them as iconic design staples. Here's our take on 10 celebrities and the furniture they'd transform into. Fred Duval // Shutterstock ; House of Leon 1. Jason Statham - Gordon Von Steiner Chair #2 Tough, sleek, and meticulously crafted, Jason Statham is undoubtedly the Gordon Von Steiner Chair #2. Its sleek steel and no-nonsense design reflect Statham's action-star persona and effortless cool. A chair you can rely on for style and substance—just like Statham. Featureflash Photo Agency, Roman Belogorodov // Shutterstock 2. Timothée Chalamet - Wassily Chair Eccentric, artistic, and a little avant-garde, Timothée Chalamet fits perfectly as the Wassily Chair. With its Bauhaus roots and minimalistic allure, this chair is a modern classic that captures Chalamet's blend of contemporary flair and timeless elegance. Silver Screen Collection // Getty Images; Destinyweddingstudio // Shutterstock 3. Charlie Chaplin - Rocking Chair Quirky, comforting, and timeless, Charlie Chaplin could only be a rocking chair. Just like his iconic tramp persona, this piece of furniture has universal appeal and evokes nostalgia while still being endlessly entertaining. Peter Serocki // Shutterstock; House of Leon 4. Oprah Winfrey - The Papa Teddy Chair Warm, inviting, and full of depth, Oprah Winfrey is the Papa Teddy Chair. Its plush, enveloping design is all about comfort and support, embodying Oprah's nurturing and empowering energy. Karwaii Tang // Wireimage/Getty Images; House of Leon 5. Anne Hathaway - Provence Chaise Lounge Sophisticated, versatile, and effortlessly chic, Anne Hathaway would be the Provence Chaise Lounge. This piece captures her graceful beauty and ability to embody both strength and comfort in her roles—a lounger for dreaming big. DFree, indonesiaphotographer // Shutterstock 6. Chris Pratt - Pull-Out Sofa Practical, approachable, and full of surprises, Chris Pratt is the pull-out sofa. Much like Pratt's comedic timing and action-star roles, this piece is both functional and unexpectedly charming. A true everyman of furniture. DFree, TORSupachai // Shutterstock 7. Beyoncé - The Throne Chair Royal, commanding, and undeniably powerful, Beyoncé is the throne chair. With its bold design and luxurious presence, it's a piece that exudes confidence and demands attention, much like Queen Bey herself. Karwaii Tang // Wireimage / Getty Images; IMG Stock Studio // Shutterstock 8. Lady Gaga - The Bubble Chair Whimsical, futuristic, and endlessly creative, Lady Gaga would be the bubble chair. This iconic piece screams individuality and boldness, perfectly encapsulating Gaga's daring style and boundary-pushing artistry. Steve Jennings // WireImage / Getty Images; Jonas San Luis // Shutterstock 9. Keanu Reeves - The Hammock Relaxed, philosophical, and a bit of a wanderer, Keanu Reeves is the hammock. A symbol of peace and introspection, the hammock mirrors Reeves' zen-like demeanor and love for simplicity and adventure. Fred Duval // Shutterstock; House of Leon 10. Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson– The Ceramic Coffee Table This piece speaks for itself… This story was produced by House of Leon and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Thursday, April 23rd, 2026

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026