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

Saturday, April 18th, 2026
	Life jacket worn by a passenger who survived the Titanic auctioned off for over $900,000 A life jacket worn by a passenger on the RMS Titanic has sold at auction for 670,000 pounds, which is more than $900,000.
	Crews respond to Rock Island fire Fire crews respond to fire.
	Flood warning issued for Rock and Mississippi rivers, rains erase local drought conditions All the rain that has fallen over Iowa and Illinois has erased the drought conditions in the Quad-Cities region, but it also is causing local rivers to flood.
	A mass shooting in Ukraine's capital leaves 6 dead before police shot and killed the gunman A gunman has killed six people and injured at least 14 in a mass shooting in Ukraine's capital before he was shot and killed by police.
	MercyOne Genesis Woodhull Family Medicine to open April 20 A public ribbon cutting for the new location will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 1.
	Rock Island's 2026 Annual Action Plan available for public inspection and comment A draft of Rock Island's 2026 Annual Action Plan is now available for public inspection and comment.
	Trump signs order fast tracking review of psychedelics for mental health disorders President endorses psilocybin and ibogaine: "Can I have some, please?"
	Lena Strong Community Fund to support storm relief efforts The Foundation for Northwest Illinois says it will match donations up to $50,000.
	Traffic Alert: Eastbound I-74 closure in Knox County Traffic is being rerouted to U.S. Highway 150 East and Illinois Route 97, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
	Recovery efforts underway in Lena after likely tornado tears through town Friday's storm caused destruction across the village.
	Geneseo Chamber of Commerce to host annual Artwalk Visitors can stroll through the heart of the city while exploring a diverse mix of artists, makers and vendors showcasing their work and products.
	Viola coffee shop damaged by Friday storms The Bean Field coffee shop, 1708 13th Street, sustained damage after Friday nights storm, the business shared to Facebook.
	Severe weather causes 2 separate truck tractor semi trailer crashes on Knox County interstate Friday’s severe weather caused some truck tractor semi trailers to overturn on an interstate. No injuries were reported.
	Mural artist will give Volunteer Millers program in Fulton The Volunteer Millers at Fulton’s Windmill Area will host mural artist Eve Van Kampen for a program on her work at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, a news release says. The presentation will be held at the Windmill Cultural Center, 111 10th Ave. in downtown Fulton. Van Kampen is a mural artist and designer based [...]
	Photos: How overfishing in Southeast Asia is an ecological and human crisis A rare look at one of the world's most critical and understudied environmental crises. Southeast Asia produces more than half of the world's fish, yet its waters are among the most depleted and contested.
	Photos: In this part of the world, nearly every pepper farmer is a woman A rare look at one of the world's most critical and understudied environmental crises. Southeast Asia produces more than half of the world's fish, yet its waters are among the most depleted and contested.
	Learn how to care for trees in free Moline session The City of Moline and Moline Community Development Corporation will host a tree education session from 11 a,m, until noon Saturday, May 9, at Riverside Park, 3300 5th Ave., Moline. The City of Moline and Moline Community Development Corporation are partnering for the second year to invite residents, homeowners, and community members. The session will [...]
	Opinion: Remembering Kevin Klose, former NPR president and broadcasting icon We remember Kevin Klose, former NPR president, who helped secure financial stability for the network while supporting and encouraging its journalism.
	Tired of waiting for your EV to charge up? One Chinese company has a novel solution Chinese car company NIO is putting up EV battery swapping stations all around the world. NPR took a ride in one car for the experience.
	Holocaust Film Series will be held at Figge Art Museum, Davenport The Holocaust Film Series 2026 will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 26, with "Orchestra of Exiles" at the Figge Art Museum auditorium, 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport, according to a news release. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and military, free for students. All films have won multiple awards and all have [...]
	Front Street Brewery will present cruise for QC Honor Flight Front Street Brewery has announced the Front Street Topless Cruise for Charity at noon Saturday, May 16, a news release says. This is part of the nationally recognized Go Topless Day, the annual tradition for Jeep owners and outdoor vehicle enthusiasts across the country. This year, Front Street Brewery will join the celebration, with all [...]
	School board splits on installing synthetic turf at Rock Island High School Rock Island High School will get synthetic turf in the following years, but the decision came down to a deciding vote on Tuesday night's school board meeting.
	Muscatine Power and Water receives national awards, including for safety and reliability “Our employees take pride in doing their work the right way, and these awards highlight that dedication across every part of our organization," MPW General Manager Gage Huston said.
	Kiwanis Club of Moline plans Music Bingo night The Kiwanis Club of Moline is teaming up with Think and Drink Trivia to host its first Music Bingo night, a news release says. The goal is to raise money to go toward becoming an IMPACT Club with Kiwanis International while improving the lives of children in the community through fundraising. The event will be [...]
	Memories of Muscatine: The Gardener This week for Memories of Muscatine: A watercolor by Katheryn Rogers.
	Rivers and Lakes This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.We Rock Islanders who live along the Mississippi River don't hold much for lakes, those little puddles that dot the…
	Caracas' iconic macaws threatened by vanishing palm trees In the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, flocks of colorful macaws that once brightened city skies now face disappearing nest sites — and with them, a unique urban bond.
	She invited her friends to come together to make her casket Friends gathered at a weaver's studio in Massachusetts to help MaddyChristine Hope Brokopp make her casket.
	Uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz remains, as ceasefire nears its end Iran's military said on Saturday the Strait of Hormuz has "returned to its previous state." The announcement came after President Trump had said the blockade on Iranian ports would remain in place.
	Martha and the Vandellas recorded an anthem for the civil rights era – and fought for fair pay Motown’s Martha and the Vandellas inspired future generations of girl groups in pop music, including En Vogue, SWV and Destiny’s Child. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)The CBS television show “It’s What’s Happening Baby” aired a music video featuring Martha and the Vandellas performing their hit song “Nowhere to Run” to kick off its national broadcast dedicated to Detroit on June 28, 1965. In the video, the Detroit-based trio sang about how they could not escape missing an ex-lover after a breakup while sitting in a white Mustang moving slowly down the assembly line in the Ford Motor Co.’s River Rouge plant. As a cultural and labor historian, I see the “Nowhere to Run” video as an iconic testament to Detroit’s reputation as the “Motor City” and the role of the autoworker in the American imagination. Motown founder and CEO Berry Gordy, Jr. worked on the Ford assembly line and used it as inspiration for Hitsville U.S.A., the famed headquarters and music recording studio that served as a space to train performers and perfect the “Motown sound” for the masses. Martha and the Vandellas were part of Motown’s illustrious roster of artists in the 1960s. Initially comprised of Martha Reeves, Rosalind Ashford and Annette Beard, and with members changing over the next three decades, they helped establish the Black “girl group.” They presented themselves as working class in videos like “Nowhere to Run.” Their classic anthem “Dancing in the Street” reflected the revolutionary mood of civil rights protesters, especially Black Americans in the 1960s. As lead singer, Reeves also emerged as a pioneering R&B “diva,” helping pave the way for Black female solo vocalists like Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige and Beyoncé. A patient path to stardom Martha Reeves was born in Eufaula, Alabama, on July 18, 1941. Soon after, her family moved to Detroit’s east side. Music occupied a central place in her life from childhood. Reeves writes in her 1994 memoir, “Dancing in the Street: Confessions of a Motown Diva,” about her father serenading her mother with his guitar while she was pregnant with Martha. Her mother, Ruby, also sang. Reeves’ parents passed their love for music to her, and she sang in her church choir and aspired to a life of performance. “At that young age I was already hooked on pleasing the crowd with my singing,” Reeves wrote. Reeves graduated from Northeastern High School. As a teenager, she used fake IDs to get into night clubs to watch singers perform, and she sang in open mics and talent shows. She scored her first break after earning a three-night performance at the 20 Grand, a popular Detroit night club located on 14th Street and Warren Avenue. It was after one of those performances when she met William Stevenson, Motown Records’ executive for discovering new talent. Stevenson invited Reeves to the label’s headquarters. Reeves came to the studio, but she didn’t audition for reasons that aren’t entirely clear today. Instead, Stevenson told her she could answer the phones. That’s how she got a job in the A&R Department and began working with other Motown artists. In 1957, Reeves joined her first group, the Del-Phis. Formed by Edward “Pops” Larkins, the Del-Phis also included leader Gloria Jean Williamson, Rosalind Ashford and Annette Beard. Reeves soon caught another break. In September 1962, Stevenson called for her to fill in for Mary Wells in a Marvin Gaye studio session. Reeves enlisted the other Del-Phis, and they performed so well that they became the supporting vocal group for Gaye. After the Del-Phis toured with Gaye and recorded “I’ll Have to Let Him Go,” Gordy offered Reeves, Beard and Ashford a recording contract. The group also took on a new name, Martha and the Vandellas. Martha and the Vandellas enjoyed commercial success soon after, with songs like “Come and Get These Memories,” “Quicksand” and “Heatwave.” An anthem for revolution set to a groove “Dancing in the Street,” written by Gaye, Stevenson and Ivy Jo Hunter, was released in the summer of 1964 and became a signature hit for Martha and the Vandellas. Reeves wrote in her autobiography that she did not like “Dancing in the Street.” However, she made it her own, and Reeves later acknowledged that the song embodied the spirit of civil rights protests. “It became the anthem of the decade,” Reeves wrote. She was right. At the time of the song’s release, the Civil Rights Movement was in full swing. Black Americans in Harlem took to the streets to protest the killing of 15-year-old James Powell by an off-duty New York Police Department officer. The 1960s set off a string of “long, hot summers” as racial tensions intensified. Black folks in the Watts neighborhood in Los Angeles in 1965 protested in the streets in response to police violence. More than 100 protests were organized in response to Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in 1968, from Chicago to Washington and Baltimore. Detroit erupted a year earlier, in July 1967, after Detroit police officers raided a “blind pig,” or an unlicensed bar, on 12th Street. The iconic opening lines of “Dancing in the Street” announced a new attitude among Black folks: “Calling out around the world/ Are you ready for a brand new beat?” The high-octane, optimistic song is laced with slogans interpreted as invitations to take action. Martha and the Vandellas’ declaration that “Summer is here and the time is right for dancing in the street” reflected Black Americans’ willingness to not only march, but to take measures in their own hands and fight for equality and justice. Battle for fair pay and recognition The late 1960s and early 1970s were a time of transition for Reeves and the Vandellas. The Supremes were on the rise and threatened to displace them as the most prominent girl group on the Motown label. Reeves also experienced creative differences with Motown executives and struggled with drug addiction. Then, in 1972, Gordy moved Motown to Los Angeles so he could try his hand at filmmaking. Martha and the Vandellas broke up later that year after the release of their album, “Black Magic.” However, Reeves continued as a solo artist, releasing five albums, including her self-titled debut “Martha Reeves” in 1974, “The Rest of My Life” in 1976 and “We Meet Again” in 1978, among others. Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, along with many Motown artists, experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 1980s. Motown Records’ 25th anniversary show in Pasadena, California, in 1983 launched them back into the mainstream. The group reunited and started performing again in 1989. Also, Reeves and the group sought to resolve their old conflicts with Motown Records. Reeves and various members of the Vandellas sued Gordy and Motown in 1989 for unpaid royalties. Motown Records settled the suit in 1991 for an undisclosed amount. Four years later, the B-52s inducted Reeves and the Vandellas into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The diva archetype Martha and the Vandellas played a vital role in laying the foundation for future all-Black female groups like En Vogue, TLC, SWV and Destiny’s Child. They helped set the standard for turning songs about the trappings of love and heartbreak into anthems. Reeves embraced being an “R&B Diva” long before music critics applied the persona to singers like Mary J. Blige and Beyoncé. Reeves was not just a larger-than-life vocal presence; she showed future generations of Black female vocalists that, to be a diva, one must have control of one’s own career. “We became the Vandellas and with me being the only lead singer, my name was put out there because I did all the work,” Reeves said in a 2020 interview. “I did all the singing. … I managed to just come up with my own destiny, with my own future in show business.” This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Austin McCoy is an assistant professor of History at West Virginia University. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. Courtesy of Kansas Reflector
	I-80 Mississippi River bridge washing begins April 20 Washing of the Interstate 80 Mississippi River bridge begins April 20. According to a release from the Illinois Department of Transportation, as maintenance on the bridge in Rock Island County begins, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction from 8:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. daily. Work is anticipated to be completed in [...]
	US Census Bureau lists 1,000 most common first names in America The U.S. Census Bureau just released a list of the 1,000 most common first names in the country, based on data collected during the 2020 Census.
Friday, April 17th, 2026
	Quad Cities NWS office issues 2nd most severe weather warnings in one day ever! amccrayEdit Profile After hours (and hours) of severe t'storms rolling through the area - the final #s are in. And meteorologists all around the QC had a very busy day. That includes the meteorologists at the National Weather Service. Our local office issued a total of 50 severe t'storm and tornado warnings combined. That's the [...]
	Stormy stretch comes to an end in the Quad Cities 3 out of the last 4 days - severe weather hammered parts of the Quad Cities area. As of Friday night, we're finally out of this pattern and things are looking up for this weekend. Well, except for the temperatures. It will be cool with highs in the upper 40s and lower 50s this weekend. [...]
	U.S. Army ends collective bargaining agreements with federal union workers The U.S. Army canceled union agreements with AFGE local unions, impacting up to 3,000 workers at the Rock Island Arsenal. Labor leaders call the move “vindictive.”
	Former Quad Cities baseball player dies at 53 Former Quad Cities Angel Garret Anderson passed away at 53.
	Severe storm damage reported across the greater Quad Cities region A line of severe storms swept across eastern Iowa and western Illinois Friday evening. Here's a look at storm damage reports News 8 has received.
	People asked to avoid Lena, Illinois, due to tornado damage, officials say The Stephenson County Sheriff's Office said there is no way to get into the town due to downed trees and wires.
	Bat tests positive for rabies in Rock Falls The bat was found inside a Rock Falls residence. Community members are reminded not to touch or handle bats indoors without protective equipment.
	Severe storm damage reported across the greater Quad Cities region A line of severe storms swept across eastern Iowa and western Illinois Friday evening. Here's a look at storm damage reports News 8 has received.
	Funeral mass held for former Davenport bishop Catholics gathered at Sacred Heart Cathedral to remember a former bishop of the Diocese of Davenport Friday morning.
	I-74 eastbound closed in Knox County Officials with the Illinois DOT said they need to make emergency pavement repairs to the bridge deck over Spoon River. Work should be done by Wednesday.
	Programming note: Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy! to re-air overnight Friday’s episode of Wheel of Fortune will run at 1:12 a.m. Jeopardy! will follow at 1:45 a.m.
	Judge halts local TV giant Nexstar's takeover of rival Tegna until trial U.S. Judge Trevor Nunley ruled that consumers could suffer irreparable harm if Nexstar integrated Tegna's stations into its own operations ahead of an antitrust trial.
	Groundbreaking to be held for apartments at former Dispatch building, downtown Moline The groundbreaking for the Dispatch Apartments project, 1720 5th Ave., Moline,will be 3:15 p.m. Monday, April 20, a news release says. LA Nights, LLC is redeveloping the former Dispatch newspaper building into 40 market-rate apartments, including 26 one-bedroom and studio units and 14 two-bedroom units. The project also includes construction of an off-street parking lot on the east side of the [...]
	Rock Island's Annual Action Plan ready for public review A draft of Rock Island’s 2026 Annual Action Plan (AAP) is now open for public comment and review, according to a news release. The plan outlines the city’s projects and activities that will be funded, or have the potential to be funded, with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing [...]
	WATCH: Strong storm arrives in Lena, Illinois Strong storms hit Lena, Illinois on Friday. The video above is courtesy of JCWIFI via Storyful.
	Suspected tornado hits Lena, severe damage reported Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall reported his office is not aware of any fatalities and no injuries have been reported at this time.
	Deaths of migrants in ICE custody hit record high under Trump Twenty-nine people have died in ICE custody since October, the start of the federal government's fiscal year, already surpassing 2004's toll of 28, the previous record, according to government data.
	West Carroll students witness possible tornado in Lena Students in the West Carroll school district were headed to a music competition in Lena when severe weather rolled through the area.
	WIU announces consortium to strengthen maritime workforce Western Illinois University has announced the formal establishment of the Corn Belt Ports Rural Logistics & Maritime Training & Education Consortium, a multi-state collaboration designed to strengthen the inland maritime workforce and support economic growth across the Midwest, according to a news release. The consortium brings together a broad network of institutions of higher education [...]
	Wes Urbaniak to perform at Bishop Hill Creative Commons Crossroads Cultural Connections is hosting an evening of music and storytelling featuring Wes Urbaniak on Friday, April 24th at Bishop Hill Creative Commons, 309 North Bishop Hill Street. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. with an optional potluck dinner. Attendees can bring a dish to share if they want to participate. The concert will [...]
	Village of Lena, Illinois shut down from storm damage Following widespread extreme storm damage, the Village of Lena, Illinois, has been shut down. According to a Facebook post from the Stephenson County Sheriff's Office: There is a second storm coming. Also, the village of Lena is shut down. There will be NO traffic in or out of town per Sheriff Stovall until further notice. [...]
	Project Renewal will present family Fit-Fest in Davenport Project Renewal’s annual Fit-Fest, a fitness festival, will be held 9-11 a.m. Saturday, April 18, at 513 Warren St., Davenport, according to a news release. Fit-Fest consists of an obstacle course with 10 obstacles/challenges that may be a physical activity or sport drill with options for people of all abilities to participate. Examples of the [...]
	Nebraska legislative session ends for 2026; lawmakers sustain five vetoes State lawmakers gather on the final day of Nebraska's 2026 legislative session. Not pictured: State Sens. Jana Hughes of Seward and Dan Quick of Grand Island. April 17, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)LINCOLN — The Nebraska Legislature adjourned for 2026 Friday, deciding on the final day to sustain five gubernatorial vetoes after 30 lawmakers flipped from support to backing objections across four different bills. Gov. Jim Pillen, in the lead-up to Friday’s last day of session, vetoed five legislative bills, all from progressive lawmakers in the officially nonpartisan body. Four of the five bills had passed with 31 or more votes, more than the 30 needed to override a veto, and bill sponsors sought to overcome Pillen’s objections. One bill he vetoed had passed unanimously, 49-0. Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen greets State Sen. Ben Hansen of Blair on the final day of the 2026 legislative session. April 17, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) But the four veto override attempts Friday fell well short of 30 votes. The sponsor of the fifth bill, who had 29 supporters on passage, accepted the fate of her bill. “I’m grateful to those in the Legislature who sustained my commonsense bill vetoes today,” Pillen said on social media shortly after the votes. “With these carefully selected vetoes, we protected Nebraska taxpayers and prevented new and onerous regulations.” Five bills vetoed in 2026 In total, Pillen vetoed five bills in 2026, all this week: Legislative Bill 839, from State Sen. Victor Rountree of Bellevue, related to multifamily housing projects and accessible housing for people with mobility impairments and hearing or vision impairments. The bill had passed 34-15. The override failed 19-28. LB 878, from State Sen. Dunixi Guereca of Omaha, to offer six weeks of paid parental leave for any permanent state employee after the birth of a child or the adoption of an infant up to 1 year old. The bill had passed 41-7. The override failed 21-27. LB 929, from State Sen. John Fredrickson of Omaha, to explicitly let managed care organizations cover the cost of co-pays, deductibles and other Medicaid charges. The bill had passed 31-18. The override failed 22-26. LB 1029, from State Sen. Danielle Conrad of Lincoln, to clarify reporting requirements of colleges and universities in interactions with businesses or entities from foreign adversarial nations. The bill had passed 29-20. No override was attempted. LB 1256, from State Sen. John Cavanaugh of Omaha, which was meant to clarify that snow and ice removal and flood management are “emergency management” duties. The bill had passed 49-0. The override failed 23-22. State Sen. Terrell McKinney of North Omaha, chair of the Legislature’s Urban Affairs Committee, told Rountree a saying he learned from former State Sen. Justin Wayne of Omaha: When a veto comes, “You’re probably fighting for just causes.” Rountree said he had been told by one senator, “I always vote yes” to pass a bill. “We vote ‘yes’ even though we don’t believe in it,” Rountree said. “Deception, just deception.” Flipped votes Seventeen supporters stood by their original votes on each bill again Friday, including 14 of 15 Democrats, the body’s lone nonpartisan progressive and two of 33 Republicans: State Sens. Tom Brandt of Plymouth and Myron Dorn of Adams. Two more Republicans, State Sens. Merv Riepe of Ralston and Dave Wordekemper of Fremont, stayed consistent between passage and the overrides. Wordekemper supported all but the Medicaid bill, as he did before, and Riepe supported the Medicaid and emergency management bills, as he previously did. State Sen. Tom Brandt of Plymouth, left, talks with State Sen. Jana Hughes of Seward. April 7, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) The remaining 29 Republicans and one Democrat changed positions at least once on the bills. Of them, four senators flipped support across all four bills, nine lawmakers flipped three times, 10 legislators flipped twice and seven policymakers flipped support once. State Sens. Stan Clouse of Kearney, Ben Hansen of Blair, Rita Sanders of Bellevue and Tony Sorrentino of the Elkhorn area voted to pass all four bills but later backed Pillen. Clouse said the governor’s reasoning “made sense” and that a couple of the bills could be tweaked and then return next year. Brandt said he “thought they were good enough the first time around.” Now in his eighth and final year, Brandt said he wasn’t contacted by anyone on how he would vote. “The reasons that were given weren’t sufficient for me to change my vote,” Brandt said. ‘Another set of eyes’ State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, who flipped on three of the four bills from support to sustaining Pillen’s objections, said the Governor’s Office is “another set of eyes,” especially on bills that might not pass with a large margin. State Sen. Dave Murman of Glenvil, center, meets with State Sens. Jared Storm of David City and Tanya Storer of Whitman on the floor of the Nebraska Legislature. April 8, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Typically, legislative observers and lobbyists have seen bills passing with 30 or fewer votes as most at risk of being successfully vetoed, but bills with up to 35 or 36 votes still face some risk. It’s unusual for a bill that passed with unanimous support to be vetoed, and even rarer for one to fall to a veto in the end. Murman said he agreed with Pillen’s concerns that the housing bill could add hurdles, especially when Nebraska needs fewer obstacles, not more. Murman said providing maternity leave for all state employees is already a “big step in the right direction,” and on the emergency management bill, Murman said he didn’t want to “risk” raising property taxes. “Sometimes the Governor’s Office might see some things that we actually missed,” Murman said. “I’m grateful for another opportunity, another set of eyes to look on those bills.” State Sen. Eliot Bostar of Lincoln was the lone Democrat to break from the proverbial pack and be “present, not voting,” on Guereca’s parental leave bill Friday. Bostar said he did so after talking with state troopers, whom Guereca brought the bill for, and in light of Pillen’s request for labor negotiations on requiring negotiations, including possible maternity leave for troopers. Thanks to Guereca, Bostar said, the door might open to paternity leave for more state employees, too. ‘Abrogation of your duty’ But others saw Friday’s flip-flop votes differently. State Sens. Victor Rountree of Bellevue, left, and Wendy DeBoer of Omaha. March 31, 2026. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) State Sen. Wendy DeBoer of Omaha called out Pillen’s vetoes as “an attempt to look like he was owning the progressives.” She said conservatives who backed Pillen, especially after a unanimous bill, either didn’t understand what they were voting for or don’t control their votes. “That seems like something the voters ought to know, but it doesn’t show that you won, and it won’t make anyone cry,” DeBoer said. “It just shows that either you weren’t doing your job in the first three rounds of debate, or you aren’t doing your job now.” State Sen. Bob Hallstrom of Syracuse, who changed his position on all but Rountree’s bill, which he already opposed, said DeBoer’s comments were “a little bit over the top.” But DeBoer said flipping votes is an “abrogation of your duty.” State Sen. Megan Hunt of Omaha, the nonpartisan progressive in her final year alongside Hansen, Murman, DeBoer and nine others, said veto overrides become less about the bill subject and more about the “dignity” of those impacted by the bill and the body itself. “You are willing to subvert yourselves and get on your knees for a man in another branch of government who has nothing to do with you in your capacity in this work,” Hunt said. “All he has to do is give you a wink and a phone call, and you will do his bidding every time.” Flipped votes on veto override motions Friday for LBs 839, 878, 929, 1256 Lawmakers attempted to override four of Gov. Jim Pillen’s five vetoes this year. Some senators previously supported the bills but flipped their position to later keep Pillen’s objections and block the bills. No senators opposed a bill and then voted to override a veto, thereby making it law. Maintained position on 4/4 vetoed bills (19): Tom Brandt, John Cavanaugh, Machaela Cavanaugh, Danielle Conrad, Wendy DeBoer, Myron Dorn, George Dungan, John Fredrickson, Dunixi Guereca, Megan Hunt, Margo Juarez, Terrell McKinney, Jason Prokop, Dan Quick, Jane Raybould, Merv Riepe, Victor Rountree, Ashlei Spivey and Dave Wordekemper. Flipped support on 4/4 vetoed bills (4): Stan Clouse, Ben Hansen, Rita Sanders and Tony Sorrentino. Flipped position on 3/4 vetoed bills (9): Barry DeKay, Rob Dover, Brian Hardin, Rick Holdcroft, Teresa Ibach, Fred Meyer, Dave Murman, Brad von Gillern and Bob Hallstrom. Flipped position on 2/4 vetoed bills (10): John Arch, Beau Ballard, Mike Jacobson, Kathleen Kauth, Dan Lonowski, Glen Meyer, Mike Moser, Tanya Storer, Jared Storm and Paul Strommen. Flipped position on 1/4 vetoed bills (7): Bob Andersen, Christy Armendariz, Carolyn Bosn, Eliot Bostar (present-not voting), Rob Clements, Jana Hughes (present-not voting) and Loren Lippincott. *State Sen. Merv Riepe opposed two of the bills, and State Sen. Dave Wordkeemper opposed one. Both maintained support or opposition when the bills returned for the veto override motions. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Courtesy of Nebraska Examiner
	Tornado Warning until FRI 6:45 PM CDT Tornado Warning: Immediate Action Required for Northeastern Scott and Central Clinton Counties
	Rabid bat discovered in QCA home A bat found inside a residence in Rock Falls was sent to the Illinois Department of Public Health by Whiteside County Animal Control. The animal has tested positive for rabies, according to a news release from the Whiteside County Health Department. The release includes a reminder that everyone should have their dogs and cats vaccinated. [...]
	Severe Thunderstorm Warning from FRI 5:51 PM CDT until FRI 6:45 PM CDT Severe Thunderstorms with 70 mph Winds Threaten Northwestern Illinois and East Central Iowa
	Black Hawk College generates nearly $291M for regional economy, new report finds Most of that money comes from the 98% of Black Hawk alumni who live and work in the region after graduation. Here's how the college says it will shape future growth.
	New report: Black Hawk College generates nearly $291M for regional economy Most of that money comes from the 98% of Black Hawk alumni who live and work in the region after graduation. Here's how the college says it will shape future growth.
	Local company donates HVAC system to Kings Harvest Ministries homeless shelter Northwest Mechanical Inc. donated an HVAC system to Kings Harvest Ministries homeless shelter.
	MidAmerican Energy preparing for Friday night's severe weather Additional crews are on standby to assist with power outages and downed trees that might occur during forecasted storms.
	Civilian employees at the Arsenal working without union contracts amid Army’s realignment push impacting hundreds of employees The Army announced Thursday that it’s canceling the collective bargaining agreement with AFGE, citing President Donald Trump’s executive order stripping workers at 40 agencies of their bargaining rights. A representative from the AFGE claims the move is unprecedented in its nearly century-long history and that the union will take the Trump administration to court.
	Traffic Alert: I-74 East closed at Exit 54 Traffic is being rerouted to U.S. Highway 150 East and Illinois Route 97, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
	DeSantis administration gets pushback for its child health policies The DeSantis administration has not expanded Florida families' access to a low-cost health insurance plan for children despite a 2023 law requiring it to do so. (Getty Images)The DeSantis administration is getting pushback for its children’s health care policies and its decision to remove tens of thousands of children from a subsidized health insurance program. During a Joint Legislative Budget Commission meeting held Friday, Medicaid Director Brian Meyer said enrollment in the Florida KidCare program was lower than what the state’s top economists had predicted. That led to a recommendation to sweep $32 million from the program and redirect it to the state’s general revenue fund. The legislative panel, authorized to make spending decisions while the Legislature is not in session, voted to sweep the money from the low-cost health insurance program but the vote wasn’t unanimous and it followed concerns raised by a bipartisan group of legislators. Lori Berman (Photo via Florida Senate) “I’m really disappointed, and I’d like to see [the Agency for Health Care Administration] actually help the people of the state of Florida who are struggling with having to insure their children, to give their children health insurance. And I find this whole thing very troubling,” said Sen. Lori Berman, a Democrat from Boca Raton who opposed the $32 million sweep. Specifically, Meyer was asked about the DeSantis administration’s decision to defy a federal law that requires the state to keep children enrolled for up to 12 months in the federal children’s health insurance program, which operates in the state under the Florida KidCare moniker, even if their parents don’t pay monthly premiums, which range between $15 and $20 a month. The DeSantis administration challenged the policy in federal court, arguing the continuous eligibility requirement runs afoul of a state law requiring families to contribute to the costs of coverage and, moreover, that the premiums are a vital financing component for the program. And it disenrolled tens of thousands of children whose families didn’t pay premiums. While the state dropped its legal challenge in February, Meyer said conversations between the state and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) over the policy continue. “As recently as last week, I’ve had conversations with CMS about this, so we are actively trying to get to an agreeable place between both parties so we can move this program,” Meyer said. When Berman asked whether the state continues to disenroll children, Meyer said, “I believe that is the case.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Florida KidCare is an optional Medicaid expansion for children whose families earn too much to qualify for the traditional Medicaid program. It is the state’s version of the federal children’s health insurance program (CHIP), passed by Congress in 1997. The federal government pays about 69 cents of every dollar. The rest is funded through a combination of state funds and family premiums. The dispute between the DeSantis administration and the federal government over the continuous eligibility requirement goes beyond whether children should remain eligible for coverage when premiums aren’t paid. AHCA Deputy Secretary for Medicaid Brian Meyer (via LinkedIn) It has also prevented the state from moving ahead with implementing a 2023 law championed by former House Speaker and Republican gubernatorial hopeful Paul Renner. Passed unanimously by the Florida Legislature, HB 121 boosted the maximum qualifying family income from 200% to 300% of the federal poverty level. In 2026, that’s the difference between earning $66,000 annually for a family of four versus $99,000 annually. An estimated 42,000 uninsured children were estimated to benefit from the change. The state needed approval from CMS to increase the income limit, which it received in December 2024. But the approval came with the caveat that the state abide by the continuous eligibility requirements. Stuart Republican Sen. Gayle Harrell voted Friday to sweep the surplus from KidCare, but said she wanted to know more about the administration’s efforts to implement the 2023 law. “I’d like very much to get further detail on where that is, and I think that is a significant issue that we need to address,” she said. Harrell’s comments were echoed by Sen. Ed Hooper, R-Clearwater, the Senate budget chair. He told reporters following the meeting that “wouldn’t it be lovely” if the DeSantis administration followed edicts from the Legislature. He said agencies should remember to carry out the “wishes of the Legislature. He added that “KidCare is pretty darn important.” Courtesy of Florida Phoenix
	Wallace's Garden Center rebuilds greenhouse after fire in May 2025 On May 31, 2025, Kate Terrell stood just outside of Wallace's Garden Center in Bettendorf, watching the greenhouse full of plants become engulfed in large flames and a thick, dark smoke. It was Terrell's business, one she took over from her parents, that was on fire and at risk, but she didn't just stand around [...]
	New northwest Illinois film festival coming up on April 29 "Shorts-a-palooza" will feature a variety of short films produced by Illinois filmmakers.
	'Iowa is not for sale' Zach Lahn says while campaigning for governor in Davenport Zach Lahn, one of five Republicans running for Iowa governor, pledged to fight monopolies and consolidation in agriculture if elected governor during a stop in Davenport.
	6th annual Shorts-A-Palooza brings Illinois filmmakers to Morrison The free short film festival is returning on Wednesday, April 29 with a documentary, comedy, drama, suspense, animated short film and more.
	Netflix's 'Barbecue Showdown' star raises money for Family Resources in the QC Winner of season 2 of the Netflix show "Barbecue Showdown" Thyron Mathews was in Rock Island Friday to raise money for victims of domestic and sexual violence by selling some barbecue. The pop-up outside of Bent River Brewing in Rock Island is giving all tips received on sales to Family Resources. That money will go [...]
	Live updates: Storms expected in the Quad-Cities on Friday, April 17 The National Weather Service has issued tornado and flood watches for the Quad-Cities ahead of potential severe storms this afternoon and evening.
	Death Notice: Donald Rathjen A funeral service for Donald H. Rathjen, 90, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, April 20, at Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge. Burial will be in Long Grove Christian Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, April 19, from 3-5 p.m. at the funeral home. Mr. Rathjen died Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at Genesis MercyOne, Davenport. Memorials may be made to Holy Family Catholic Church to benefit the Blessing Box food pantry outreach program, or to Faith Lutheran Church of Eldridge. Online condolences may be made at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com. A full obituary will appear in the April 22 edition of The NSP.
	New Mexico to impose new federal food aid document requirements to reduce errors The New Mexico Health Care Authority will begin imposing additional documentation requirements for federal food assistance recipients beginning May 1, 2026. (Getty Images)The New Mexico Health Care Authority will soon impose additional requirements on federal food assistance recipients, part of an effort to bring down the state’s high rate of errors and thereby avoid huge financial penalties established in the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” Beginning May 1, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients will be required to provide documentation regarding costs for housing, utilities and dependents to receive SNAP benefits. Those costs factor into how much in monthly food benefits recipients receive.SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX In addition to ensuring that recipients receive the correct benefit amount, according to a Thursday announcement from the HCA, implementing more documentation requirements will bring down the state’s high rate of SNAP administration errors. The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” President Donald Trump signed last year threatens stiff penalties for states with high rates of SNAP over- or underpayment to recipients. New Mexico’s error rate is 14.6%, according to recent estimates from the federal Agriculture Department, which is among the nation’s highest. If the state does not bring down its error rate significantly, it could be required to pay for a portion of the total SNAP benefits it receives from the federal government, which otherwise fully funds SNAP benefits. Failure to bring the rate below 6% could mean New Mexico is required to come up with $153 million. New Mexico has the nation’s highest SNAP participation rate. More than one in five New Mexicans receive federal food assistance. Tim Fowler, an HCA spokesperson, told Source NM in an email Friday that the HCA does not have an estimate of how much the new documentation requirements will bring down the error rate. “However, this is key to ensuring accurate case determination, which will improve our overall accuracy rates,” he said. “Our team will regularly assess how this new process improves compliance levels.” State officials have previously attributed the state’s high rate of miscalculations to staffing and technological issues. The state also waived multiple documentation requirements at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which officials said resulted in more errors. New Mexico agency seeks funds to bring down SNAP error rate — but not too quickly New documentation requirements include rental or mortgage statements, utility bills or letters from childcare providers showing monthly costs. The authority will also accept sworn statements in certain circumstances, and the HCA officials said caseworkers can assist households in obtaining the required records. “When families provide complete information about their expenses, we can make sure their benefit amount is calculated correctly,” said Acting HCA Deputy Secretary Niki Kozlowski in a statement. “Without verification, those expenses may not be counted, which could result in lower SNAP benefits than a family actually qualifies for.” Authority officials noted that the new requirement won’t immediately disrupt benefits for current SNAP recipients. Beginning next month, SNAP recipients will be asked to provide the records the next time they renew their benefits, according to the HCA. “Our priority is to provide benefits to eligible New Mexicans,” Fowler said, “as we continue evaluating the fiscal and operational effects of this change.” Courtesy of Source New Mexico
	Project NOW to hold Kids Automobile Discovery Day The event gives kids the opportunity to explore several kinds of vehicles, including those used by first responders.
	Rock Island County Children’s Advocacy Center starts new endowment The Rock Island County Children’s Advocacy Center (RICCAC) has established an endowment fund with Moline Regional Community Foundation to ensure support for its mission of reducing trauma to children.
	Hundreds of power outages reported in eastern Iowa, western Illinois The entire News 8 viewing region is under a 3 out of 5 risk for severe weather on Friday. Here's a look at power outages.
	MidAmerican Energy announces severe weather preparation With active tornado warnings across the region, MidAmerican Energy announced preparation for the severe weather. According to a release, threats to the electric system include isolated tornadoes, high winds and frequent lightning. MidAmerican reports the following steps to respond: To report an outage, click here or use the MidAmerican Energy mobile app via the iOS [...]
	Combating stubbornly high Black maternal mortality with ‘Justice and Joy’ in Pa. Black Maternal Health Caucus chairs Rep. La’Tasha Mayes (D-Allegheny), Rep. Gina Curry (D-Delaware) and Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia) lead a meeting on hospital accountability for Black maternal health on April 14, 2026. (Photo from the Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee)In a country with one of the highest maternal mortality rates among wealthy nations, Black women are two-to-three times more likely to die in childbirth than their peers. Years of repeated attention have barely moved the needle, but dozens of state Capitol advocates this week were clear-eyed about how they’d change those numbers. “This is about justice, but justice is not enough to sustain us alone. We also need joy,” said Rep. La’Tasha Mayes (D-Allegheny) on Tuesday. “Because ‘justice’ is the fight and ‘joy’ is the inspiration. Joy is what keeps us going when we’re overwhelmed by the numbers. Black Maternal Health Week press conference in the Pennsylvania Capitol drew dozens from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia. (Photo from the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus) “Joy is what reminds us to keep fighting for healthy families, thriving communities and lives that are not cut short,” she added. “Every single week, we find the joy and the justice.” Justice and joy are themes for Black Maternal Health Week events across the country, where an estimated four in five pregnancy-related deaths are preventable. In Pennsylvania, 129 women died in 2021 — the most recent year available — 98% of which were preventable, according to the state’s maternal mortality review committee. Black mothers shared their stories before crowds and with each other, detailing the close calls and doctor indifference that brought them into the advocacy space. Keynote speaker Mercedes Sheri Wells made national news after an Indiana hospital discharged her ten minutes before she gave birth on the side of the road in November. “What should have been a safe hospital birth became a frightening and dangerous situation,” Wells said before a policy committee on hospital accountability. “Our daughter survived that night, but many mothers and babies across our country do not.” Wells and her husband Leon, who delivered their child in his truck, are the inspiration behind legislation sponsored by Mayes and another before Congress to reform how hospitals discharge pregnant patients. Members of the Black Maternal Health Caucus — co-chaired by Mayes, Rep. Gina Curry (D-Delaware) and Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia) — have a package of bills, dubbed MOMNIBUS 2.0, seeking to reduce disparities and improve maternal well-being. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The number of deaths has been relatively flat since the caucus launched in late 2023, but Black women are still twice as likely to die despite being a smaller portion of the population. “I feel like this particular caucus has brought light and attention in such a way that people can’t deny,” Curry told the Capital-Star. “We want people to know that until this statistic gets better, we’re here for the fight.” Spotlight on hospitals The vast majority of Pennsylvania births take place in a hospital and most babies are delivered non-vaginally, making the health providers a key intervention point for reducing deaths. “Access to and improved maternal health is no longer just a goal or something that we’re all conversating about. It is a top strategic priority for HAP,” said Arielle Chortanoff, the vice president of state advocacy for the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania. “Hospitals are taking steps and they’re not waiting for the crisis to solve itself.” Arielle Chortanoff, the vice president of state advocacy for the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, speaks before a committee on April 17, 3026. (Photo from the Pennsylvania House Majority Policy Committee) Chortanoff said hospitals were expanding remote blood pressure monitoring, initiating free home health visits and hiring staff to identify non-clinical barriers to care. But public reporting purposefully anonymizes deaths to protect the deceased, offering little information about geographical area or hospital specifics. Members of the Pennsylvania Maternal Mortality Review Committee sign non-disclosure agreements, a point of frustration for some. Cephas pushed to increase transparency for each facility, floating the possibility of hospitals sharing their birthing history with patients. “How are we holding them accountable to ensure that their numbers absolutely do change?” Cephas asked. “If you don’t understand the devil in the details, if you don’t understand the bad actors in the hospital structure, we cannot hold you accountable. “I understand it’s not solely the hospital system that’s causing challenges, but you all represent about 30% of deaths. So if we can fully address what you all have concerns with or how they contribute to this crisis, it will inevitably bring our numbers down.” Chortanoff noted several challenges for hospitals, including low Medicaid reimbursement, expensive liability policies, staffing shortages and financial pressure amid ongoing federal cuts. “I want to be clear that hospitals are not avoiding responsibility. We take full responsibility,” said Chortanoff. “Nobody wants this outcome for their patients … but there are all sorts of variables that are difficult to identify and control as part of the patient experience.” Identifying solutions Last month, the Shapiro administration released its five-year Maternal Health Strategic Action Plan, informed in part by a statewide survey and 16 roundtable discussions. The budget proposal approved by the state House earlier this week included an additional $7.5 million on top of the Department of Health’s $12.3 million dedicated to maternal and child health programs. Prior to the plan’s publication, so much of the discussion around maternal health felt like “just talking about the problem,” said Sara Goulet, who co-led the report with the state Department of Human Services. “It got to the point where we all knew the problem, but we have to do something about it.” Goulet said part of the work was collaborating with community-based organizations already pushing for change, two of which recently received grants. But the state is also hoping to become a go-to site for trusted information, and is currently developing an app for new moms across the commonwealth. Goals under the Maternal Health Strategic Action Plan include: Improving perinatal health outcomes by supporting access to and utilization of high-quality perinatal care. Improving detection of behavioral health needs versus risks during pregnancy and postpartum while also improving referrals and treatment uptake. Strengthening maternity care resources in rural communities and maternity deserts. Increasing awareness of and utilization of support for health-related social needs. Building trust and better connections between patients and providers. “Think about when you leave the hospital and they’re handing you papers and, ‘Here you go, here’s the baby.’ And you don’t even know what you’re doing,” said Goulet about the app. “To have something that you feel comfortable to look at in the middle of the night when you’re not quite sure what’s going on?” “That’s the kind of stuff that we really feel is going to make a big difference for people getting credible information,” she continued. Goulet noted that women — and specifically Black women — have age-old reasons to distrust the medical system. The field of gynecology was founded by someone who experimented on enslaved Black women and drug trials didn’t include women until recently, often with deadly results. “If you think about it, women (were used to) not really being listened to for their health care needs,” said Goulet. “These things are exacerbated for Black women, and so women will not seek care — whether it’s because they don’t trust the health system or the access to care isn’t there.” Just 72% of mothers in the Commonwealth get “early and adequate” prenatal care. Goulet said Medicaid, which covers one-third of births, might not even realize an enrollee is pregnant until after the birth because she didn’t get any care. “Get to care as early as you can in your pregnancy and post-pregnancy,” advised Goulet. Finding hope and joy Capitol attendees pointed specifically to support from midwives or doulas, two different professions that can coach women through the pregnancy and birthing process. Sharee Livingston, a licensed OB-GYN, noted that poor birthing outcomes don’t just impact Black mothers during another event this week, adding that “white women in America are four times more likely to die than their global counterparts.” From left: Rep. Gina Curry (D-Delaware) speaks to Amber Edmunds, with the Maya Organization, and Sharee Livingston, a licensed OB-GYN. (Screenshot from livestream) “We are the wealthiest nation with access to the best health care,” said Livingston. “Let’s ask ourselves what our other country counterparts are doing.” In Chile, for example, there are 80 midwives and medically trained doulas for every 1,000 births, compared to eight in the United States. But adding those practitioners won’t be enough, she continued. “I think we have to be careful not to put too much on doulas. It’s not up to doulas to solve this Black maternal health crisis,” added Livingston. “It’s system-level change.” Despite the “mind-boggling numbers” Livingston emphasized that “Black people birth beautifully,” encouraging optimism. “I want everyone to leave this room today with hope and strategy. Because hope should lead to strategy,” said Livingston. Diversifying providers, a long-term goal of the state plan, could also help, said Livingston, sharing that just 10% of OB-GYN providers identify as Black. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Curry pushed for all of her legislative colleagues to take action on her caucus’ proposals, saying that systems were failing Black women. “We are here today because we believe in something greater. We believe in justice, where every woman is heard, protected and receives the care and services that she deserves. We believe in joy, not just survival, but the ability for mother to live whole, healthy and abundant lives after birth,” said Curry. “Joy should not be a privilege. It should not be optional.” Courtesy of Pennsylvania Capital-Star
	Advocates call for investigation into Alamance County facility polluting Haw River The Haw River at Bynum Bridge, near Pittsboro's drinking water intake (Photo: Lisa Sorg/NC Newsline)An environmental group is asking the North Carolina Dept. of Environmental Quality to address ongoing wastewater pollution flowing into the Haw River. The Saxapahaw wastewater treatment plan in Alamance County has been discharging high levels of fecal bacteria into the Haw River for months, according to a statement released Friday by Haw River Assembly. During water quality sampling conducted since the beginning of 2026, Haw River Assembly detected E. coli levels that are more than 12 times greater than levels deemed safe by Open Water Data in the plant’s discharge. Some samples were brown in color, carried a foul odor and contained floating solid material, according to Haw River Assembly. DEQ found similar readings on March 2, documenting fecal coliform in the plant’s discharge that exceeded the state water quality standard, the statement said. High levels of E. coli in water used for recreation can cause sickness, sometimes serious, in people who come in contact with it. It’s not unusual for public health officials to close beaches and river access points where bacteria levels are high. A local canoe and kayaking company rents to individuals a little upstream of the wastewater discharge point, which could lead to people traveling directly through the contaminated zone. “The Haw River is a beloved resource for our community — people swim here, paddle here and bring their families here,” said Emily Sutton, Haw Riverkeeper and executive director at Haw River Assembly. “With swim season fast approaching, we need this to be remedied as quickly as possible.” Fuquay-Varina seeks new water source due to growth, drawing opposition Haw River Assembly is calling for DEQ to investigate the facility’s treatment failures. The group also wants the agency to review the plant’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit, incorporating stronger monitoring requirements and enforceable limits. Residents and visitors in Saxapahaw have reported ongoing foul smells coming from the facility, according to Haw River Assembly. DEQ and the Alamance County Environmental Health Department did not immediately respond to NC Newsline’s request for comment. Courtesy of NC Newsline
	Death Notice: Patricia Fatty A Celebration of Life for Patricia Ruth (Alley) Fatty, 63, will be held from 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 24, at the Maysville Community Center. The family will travel to Main this summer to lay Patty to rest. Ms. Fatty died Thursday, April 9, 2026. Memorials may be made to the Ohl Strong Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer or the Humane Society of Scott County in Davenport. Online condolences may be made at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com. A full obituary will appear in the April 22 edition of The NSP.
	Springtime means morel mushroom season is sprouting in the Quad Cities News 8's Emma Buker ventured out with a local morel mushroom expert on the hunt for a rare forest treasure known as morel mushrooms.
	Judge tells Jamison Fisher to stop filing motions without his attorneys The man accused of killing Trudy Appleby filed seven motions in March without consulting his defense team.
	LIVE BLOG: Strong to severe storms Friday afternoon into night The First Alert Weather Team is tracking strong to severe storms with threats of damaging wind and hail on Friday.
	Gasoline could drop below $4 in coming days Gasoline costs should start to fall soon, although a full recovery to pre-war prices is expected to take months. That's assuming that peace holds and traffic flows resume through the Strait of Hormuz.
	Friday - Tornado Watch issued for Quad Cities It's our THIRD Tornado watch of the week in the Quad Cities! This one goes until 8pm Friday and includes all of the Quad cities metro area. Severe t'storms will be capable of producing tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds this afternoon and evening. We will have frequent updates on television and at ourquadcities.com all [...]
	Retirement savings by state Retirement savings by stateTax-advantaged retirement accounts can give savers a leg up in building their nest egg. While many American workers qualify for Social Security benefits in retirement, these benefits are rarely enough to cover expenses — especially since retirement often brings added costs for health care and aging. On average, Americans have roughly one year’s worth of their current annual income saved in tax-advantaged accounts. For most households, that figure hovers around $80,000. However, the face value may not reflect true purchasing power, because different accounts and investments are taxed differently at the time of distribution.With this in mind, SmartAsset ranked the 40 U.S. states with available data by average household retirement savings, including comparisons to household income and a breakdown of retirement account preferences.Key FindingsMassachusetts residents have the most retirement savings. Households have an average of $150,000 in retirement savings in the Bay State. Massachusetts also holds the record for retirement account prevalence, with 74.8% of households taking advantage of tax-advantaged retirement accounts.Mississippi residents are saving the least for retirement. The average household has just $35,000 in retirement savings in Mississippi, or 59.2% of the median $59,127 annual income. Only 41.8% of households are using retirement-specific accounts, the lowest adoption rate studywide.65% of households in Maryland use 401(k)s. Maryland has the highest preference for 401(k)s as retirement vehicles studywide. The average retirement savings across the state is $120,000, ranking fifth overall. Massachusetts (60.9%), Utah (60.3%), Washington (60.2%), and Minnesota (59%) also have among the highest rates of 401(k) use.IRAs are most popular in these states. Montana households have the highest preference for IRAs — including Roth and Keogh accounts — with a 46.4% use rate and a median retirement savings of $76,000. Households in Minnesota and Oregon also tend to use IRA accounts, with 45.2% and 45.1% of households funding these accounts, respectively. SmartAsset Retirement Savings by StateStates are ranked based on the median household savings in tax-advantaged retirement accounts.MassachusettsMedian retirement savings: $150,000Median household income: $104,828Retirement account prevalence: 74.8%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 40.6%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 60.9%Hawai‘iMedian retirement savings: $149,000Median household income: $100,745Retirement account prevalence: 65.0%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 43.6%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 56.2%WashingtonMedian retirement savings: $143,400Median household income: $99,389Retirement account prevalence: 70.3%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 43.6%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 60.2%New JerseyMedian retirement savings: $134,000Median household income: $104,294Retirement account prevalence: 66.7%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 33.5%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 56.1%MarylandMedian retirement savings: $120,000Median household income: $102,905Retirement account prevalence: 73.5%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 39.3%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 65%ConnecticutMedian retirement savings: $118,400Median household income: $96,049Retirement account prevalence: 69.9%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 38.1%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 58.8%MinnesotaMedian retirement savings: $111,000Median household income: $87,117Retirement account prevalence: 71.4%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 45.2%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 59%IllinoisMedian retirement savings: $111,000Median household income: $83,211Retirement account prevalence: 66.7%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 36.9%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 55.7%PennsylvaniaMedian retirement savings: $101,800Median household income: $77,545Retirement account prevalence: 62.6%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 33.2%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 51.3%ColoradoMedian retirement savings: $100,000Median household income: $97,113Retirement account prevalence: 68.5%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 38.3%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 55.4%CaliforniaMedian retirement savings: $100,000Median household income: $100,149Retirement account prevalence: 61.8%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 34.2%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 51.7%OhioMedian retirement savings: $100,000Median household income: $72,212Retirement account prevalence: 61.1%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 35.2%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 46.3%OregonMedian retirement savings: $92,400Median household income: $85,220Retirement account prevalence: 70.3%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 45.1%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 56.7%IdahoMedian retirement savings: $89,000Median household income: $81,166Retirement account prevalence: 70%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 37%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 58.6%VirginiaMedian retirement savings: $85,200Median household income: $92,090Retirement account prevalence: 70.6%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 42.0%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 57.9%MichiganMedian retirement savings: $85,000Median household income: $72,389Retirement account prevalence: 63.2%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 33.3%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 53.3%New YorkMedian retirement savings: $80,000Median household income: $85,820Retirement account prevalence: 60.6%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 32.2%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 49.1%FloridaMedian retirement savings: $78,000Median household income: $77,735Retirement account prevalence: 55.4%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 30%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 43.4%MontanaMedian retirement savings: $76,000Median household income: $75,340Retirement account prevalence: 68.4%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 46.4%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 49.7%TennesseeMedian retirement savings: $74,500Median household income: $71,997Retirement account prevalence: 60%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 29%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 49.1%GeorgiaMedian retirement savings: $72,000Median household income: $79,991Retirement account prevalence: 50.4%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 22.9%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 43.5%IndianaMedian retirement savings: $71,700Median household income: $71,959Retirement account prevalence: 63.8%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 29.6%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 56.4%IowaMedian retirement savings: $70,000Median household income: $75,501Retirement account prevalence: 72.4%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 42.8%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 55%NevadaMedian retirement savings: $70,000Median household income: $81,134Retirement account prevalence: 55.1%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 27.5%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 43.1%ArizonaMedian retirement savings: $69,500Median household income: $81,486Retirement account prevalence: 64.9%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 33.2%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 53%UtahMedian retirement savings: $62,800Median household income: $96,658Retirement account prevalence: 73.7%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 32.7%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 60.3%WisconsinMedian retirement savings: $58,000Median household income: $77,488Retirement account prevalence: 72.9%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 40.2%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 55.6%MissouriMedian retirement savings: $57,000Median household income: $71,589Retirement account prevalence: 57.0%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 31.6%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 46%North CarolinaMedian retirement savings: $56,000Median household income: $73,958Retirement account prevalence: 63.5%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 32.4%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 54.5%KansasMedian retirement savings: $56,000Median household income: $75,514Retirement account prevalence: 71.6%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 37.3%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 53.3%TexasMedian retirement savings: $55,000Median household income: $79,721Retirement account prevalence: 55.2%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 27.6%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 47.3%ArkansasMedian retirement savings: $54,490Median household income: $62,106Retirement account prevalence: 42.9%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 16.9%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 36.4%West VirginiaMedian retirement savings: $54,400Median household income: $60,798Retirement account prevalence: 47.4%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 14.7%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 41.2%South CarolinaMedian retirement savings: $50,300Median household income: $72,350Retirement account prevalence: 56.6%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 23.7%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 48.8%New MexicoMedian retirement savings: $50,000Median household income: $67,816Retirement account prevalence: 53.6%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 18.8%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 47%KentuckyMedian retirement savings: $50,000Median household income: $64,526Retirement account prevalence: 51.7%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 22.7%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 41.7%LouisianaMedian retirement savings: $50,000Median household income: $60,986Retirement account prevalence: 44.1%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 13.3%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 38.3%AlabamaMedian retirement savings: $46,000Median household income: $66,659Retirement account prevalence: 43.1%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 21.9%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 33.7%OklahomaMedian retirement savings: $39,450Median household income: $66,148Retirement account prevalence: 47.9%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 19.7%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 39.9%MississippiMedian retirement savings: $35,000Median household income: $59,127Retirement account prevalence: 41.8%IRA or Keogh Account prevalence: 10.4%401(k) & Thrift Savings Plan prevalence: 35.8%Data and MethodologyHousehold retirement data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau for 2023, published July 2025. Median household income data comes from the U.S. Census Bureau 1-Year American Community Survey for 2024. Full data was available for 40 states (data for Alaska, Delaware, Maine, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wyoming was unavailable).This story was produced by SmartAsset and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Burlington potato chips make Top 16 in 2026 Coolest Thing Made in Iowa competition The top 16 will move on to a bracket-style tournament where Iowans will decide who advances, organizers said.
	How often men should wash their face How often men should wash their faceWhen it comes to face-washing, a lot of men are left wondering: Is splashing some water enough? And does skincare have to be complicated to actually work? The truth is that your face doesn’t need a 10-step routine to look healthy. What it does need is consistency, the right cleanser, and an understanding of how your skin type affects your daily habits. Dove Men + Care breaks it down.The face wash lowdown for menHow often should men really wash their faces? In short: Washing twice daily is the gold standard, but your skin type ultimately determines whether you should stick with that or adjust for comfort. Cleansing in the morning and at night is ideal for most men, but oily, dry, or sensitive skin may benefit from slight tweaks:Oily skinIf your face looks shiny a few hours after washing and you often notice enlarged pores or breakouts, you likely have oily skin. Extra oil production means you’ll benefit from both morning and night cleansing. Look for cleansers or cleansing bars labeled “oil control”, “mattifying,” or “deep clean” to reduce shine without stripping. Charcoal in face cleansers acts like a magnet for dirt and excess oil, making it especially effective for men with oily skin who want a deeper, shine-free clean without over-drying.Dry skinIf your skin often feels tight, rough, or flaky — especially after showering — it’s a sign of dryness. Over-washing can make things worse. A thorough evening cleanse with a hydrating formula is usually sufficient, while a splash of water in the morning can refresh without drying.Sensitive skinIf your skin easily turns red, is blotchy, feels irritated after shaving, or reacts to fragranced products, you likely fall into the category of sensitive skin. Gentle, fragrance-free cleansers once daily — often in the evening — tend to work best, with a light water rinse in the morning if needed.This way, you get the benefits of regular cleansing without overdoing it — keeping your routine simple, effective, and tailored to your skin’s needs. Dove Men + Care When is the best time to wash my face?Ideally, a quick rinse with lukewarm water in the morning should set you up for the day.But an evening cleanse is a non-negotiable. This is because your skin gets exposed to sweat, oil, and pollutants. If you skip washing before bed, all of that build-up stays on the surface and starts to clog pores, which could potentially lead to breakouts.A good nighttime cleanse also preps your skin to absorb moisturizer, helping it repair overnight. Dove Men + Care Can I wash my face with body wash?Body washes are designed for the thicker skin on your arms, chest, and legs. So reaching for the nearest body wash to clean your face could be a mistake. The skin on your face is thinner, so the body wash may be too harsh, stripping away protective oils and leaving your face feeling tight, dry, or irritated.Face-specific cleansers or body and face bars are formulated differently. They’re designed to remove dirt and excess oil without damaging your skin barrier. Many contain moisturizing ingredients to keep your facial skin balanced. If you can protect your skin’s natural barrier, you’re less likely to get blotchiness or irritated skin.If convenience is what you’re looking for, go for a face and body cleansing bar.Any quick tips for better face washing?A few small tweaks can make your face-washing routine more effective. Here’s what to do to get the most out of your cleanse:Wash for at least 60 seconds to give your cleanser time to remove all the day’s impurities.Always pat (don’t rub) dry with a clean towel.Wash your pillowcase often, as it absorbs sweat and oil, and could also contribute to dirt build-up.Get into a good routine by washing daily.What are common face washing mistakes I should avoid?Even if you’re washing daily, small missteps can undo your progress:Using water that’s too hot. Lukewarm water won’t strip away natural oils.Scrubbing too hard. Wash in gentle, circular motions.Skipping moisturizer. Replenish moisture after cleansing with a light moisturizer.Avoiding nighttime cleansing. Going to bed with dirty skin can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. Dove Men + Care Is there a simple routine I can follow?Yes. Keeping it effective doesn’t mean making it complicated. Here’s what to do:In the morning, rinse your face with lukewarm water or use a gentle cleanser to remove overnight oil.At night, wash with a face-specific cleanser to clear dirt, sweat, and pollution build-up from the day.Apply a lightweight face moisturizer in the morning (with SPF if you’re outdoors) and a hydrating cream at night.Washing your face doesn’t need to be complicated. Twice a day with a face-specific cleanser, paired with moisturizer, is enough to keep most men’s skin healthy. Skipping body wash and choosing products made for your face ensures your skin barrier stays strong, balanced, and protected.This story was produced by Dove Men + Care and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Student health centers at colleges must offer abortion pills under Colorado bill A person walks in front of the Jac Kephart Fine Arts Building on the Colorado Mesa University campus in Grand Junction in 2024. (Quentin Young/Colorado Newsline)Paola Ordonez Sanchez experienced an unintended pregnancy in October during the fall semester of her senior year at Colorado State University. The logistical, financial and emotional burden she faced while trying to access abortion care would have been significantly reduced if she could have received that care at her school’s student health center, she told the Colorado House Education Committee Thursday. “Accessing care meant coordinating transportation, missing classes, dealing with long wait times, and trying to figure out how to afford everything while already dealing with immense emotional stress,” Sanchez said. “For students who may not have transportation, supportive environments, or flexible schedules, these barriers can feel overwhelming and isolating.” Since colleges already offer essential health care services on campus — recognizing the “unique challenges” students face when seeking care off campus — reproductive health care “should be no different,” she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX A Colorado bill that intends to increase that access for college students passed its first hearing Thursday. House Bill 26-1335 would require higher education institutions that have student health centers to provide medication abortion services on-site. The House Education Committee approved the bill on an 8-5 vote along party lines, with Republicans opposed. Any institution that has a pharmacy on-site would need to maintain a stock of abortion medication for students enrolled at the school. If an institution does not have a pharmacy, it would be required to send a prescription to a pharmacy off campus or dispense the medication through the health center if it has proper licensure to do so. Schools with “sincerely held” religious beliefs against abortion would be exempt from the requirements of the bill. Given the fact that now we have a constitutional right to abortion care in this state, it’s imperative that we make sure that all of our institutions ensure that that right exists. – State Rep. Lorena García The right to access abortion care is enshrined in the Colorado Constitution after voters approved Amendment 79 in 2024. Public workers and Medicaid recipients can have abortion care covered as of 2026 because of the amendment. When a measure like Amendment 79 passes at the ballot box, said Rep. Lorena García, an Adams County Democrat and sponsor of HB-1335, there are typically steps that must be taken to realize access for people, and her bill would do that for university students in Colorado. “Your life is on campus when you are in college, and that limits the ability to access certain services that might not be available on campus when you’re there,” García said. “Given the fact that now we have a constitutional right to abortion care in this state, it’s imperative that we make sure that all of our institutions ensure that that right exists.” ‘It’s about increasing abortion’ California, Massachusetts, New York, Illinois and Delaware have similar policies that require student health centers to provide abortion medication or referrals to clinics that can offer it, Rep. Kenny Nguyen, a Broomfield Democrat and sponsor of the bill, said. Some members of the committee doubted the bill’s claims that it doesn’t cost any money from the state budget. Bill sponsors clarified that the bill does not mandate institutions cover the cost of the abortion pills, and students would still have to pay for the medication out of pocket or through their health insurance like with any other medication. A few amendments passed the committee, the first of which clarifies that the bill does not force health centers that receive federal grants to violate their grant agreements with the federal government by complying with the bill. Others clarified language around prescriptions and the state’s protections for personal identifying information, as well as the bill’s religious exemptions. Three Republican-backed amendments from members of the committee all failed. Organizations that testified in support of the bill included Cobalt, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, the ACLU of Colorado, New Era Colorado, the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity and Reproductive Rights, and Soul 2 Soul Sisters. Shan Lagard, Black civic engagement and policy coordinator at Soul 2 Soul Sisters, said women aged 20-24 had the highest rate of unintended pregnancies in 2024, which is “the prime age range for college students.” With abortion continuing to be restricted throughout the country, Lagard said Colorado will continue to see an influx of people seeking abortion care, including college students. “The statistics are showing how the right to abortion access is not just about bodily autonomy, but is also about lessening gender gaps in higher education, considering women are the ones more likely to disenroll from school once finding out about an unintended pregnancy,” Lagard said. “This impact is felt even more by Black women, especially when we consider that historically, Black women were not always granted the opportunity to pursue higher education in this country.” Anti-abortion groups and religious advocates, including Christian Home Educators of Colorado, Colorado Right to Life, the American Association of Pro-Life Obstetricians and Gynecologists Colorado, and the Colorado Catholic Conference, testified against the bill in the House Education Committee. “Colorado law already provides broad access for abortion in Colorado, for those in it and outside of it,” Nathan Fisher, associate director of the Colorado Catholic Conference, said. “This bill’s not about access, it’s about increasing abortion, forcing the institutions (in) higher education to be complicit in abortion.” Rep. Chris Richardson, an Elbert County Republican who voted against the bill, said it mandates and compels universities to offer abortion services. He said while the bill says it won’t cost the state any money, those costs will actually be shifted elsewhere. “Amendment 79 may prevent the government from blocking abortion, but this bill goes further than just simply not interfering,” Richardson said. Sen. Katie Wallace, a Longmont Democrat, is the Senate sponsor of the bill. It will need to pass two votes on the House floor before it goes to the Senate for approval. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Colorado Newsline
	State approves investment grants for four Quad-Cities area businesses Manufacturers across the state received Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment grants, including three in Scott County and one in Muscatine County.
	Iowa Supreme Court overturns ruling in State Auditor Rob Sand vs. City of Davenport case Iowa Auditor Rob Sand gets a setback in his attempt to subpoena City of Davenport closed city council session minutes and recordings related to $1.9 million in settlements of three employee harassment claims approved in 2023. The Iowa Supreme Court overturned a District Court ruling related to attorney-client privilege involving the minutes and recordings. The [...]
	Amboy woman accused of having meth, faces other drug charges An Amboy woman faces several drug charges following an investigation in Lee County.
	The ultimate spring cleaning checklist for dog owners The ultimate spring cleaning checklist for dog ownersSpring Cleaning Isn’t Just for Your HomeThere’s something about spring that makes people want to hit the reset button. Windows get thrown open. Closets get cleared out. Suddenly, that pile of “I’ll deal with it later” turns into a full weekend cleaning project.It’s the season of fresh starts and for many households, that includes a deep clean from top to bottom. But if you’re a dog owner, there’s one important detail that often gets overlooked. Spring cleaning isn’t just about your home, it’s about your dog, too, Spot & Tango notes.After months of winter routines, dogs head into spring carrying a little extra with them. Think loose winter fur, muddy paws, lingering odors, and a surprising amount of buildup in the places they use most: beds, bowls, toys, and favorite lounging spots.That means more shedding on the couch, more dirt tracked in after walks, maybe even a bit more scratching as pollen levels rise. Which all makes sense, as dogs experience seasonal changes differently than we do. They’re closer to the ground, constantly interacting with grass, dirt, and whatever else the outdoors throws their way.Which is why a true spring refresh for dog owners goes beyond wiping down counters or vacuuming the floors. It means taking a closer look at your dog’s environment, hygiene, and daily routine, and giving it all a seasonal reset.The good news? It doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a few simple steps, you can create a cleaner, healthier space for both you and your dog, and start the season feeling fresh in more ways than one.Why Spring Cleaning Matters for Your Dog’s HealthSpring cleaning might feel like a cosmetic upgrade, something you do to make your home look and smell better. But when you have a dog, it’s much more than that. It’s directly tied to their health. As temperatures rise, a few key changes happen all at once:Dogs begin shedding their winter coats, often more heavily than expectedPollen, grass, and dust levels increase in the environmentMoisture and warmer air create ideal conditions for bacteria and allergensAll of this adds up quickly, especially in the spaces your dog uses every day. Take your dog’s bed, for example. Over time, it can collect fur, dirt, oils from their skin, and even microscopic allergens. Food and water bowls can develop invisible bacterial buildup if not cleaned regularly. Toys, especially chew toys, can harbor germs in small cracks and crevices.Individually, these things might not seem like a big deal. But together, they can contribute to issues like:Skin irritation or itchinessAllergies or seasonal flare-upsEar infectionsDigestive issues (from contaminated bowls)According to studies from the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), pet bowls are consistently ranked among the germiest items in the home, often containing more bacteria than kitchen surfaces.There’s also the indoor environment to consider. During spring, dogs track in pollen and outdoor debris on their paws and fur. Without regular cleaning, those allergens can settle into carpets, furniture, and bedding, affecting both pets and people. The bottom line is simple: A clean environment helps support a healthy dog.Beyond tidiness, spring cleaning is about reducing exposure to irritants, minimizing bacteria, and creating a space where your dog can feel comfortable and thrive.“If you use springtime as a moment to get your own annual tasks in order, add your pet to the list,” Dr. Stephanie Liff, Spot & Tango’s vet advisor, suggests “Make sure their vaccines are up to date and that their annual exam is scheduled on time. This will also help prevent any lapses in flea, tick, and heartworm prevention.”And once you understand that connection, the checklist becomes a lot more meaningful.The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist for Dog OwnersSpring cleaning with a dog is about tackling the areas that matter most for your dog’s health, comfort, and daily routine. Think of it as a reset, a chance to clear out what’s been building up over winter and make room for a cleaner, healthier season ahead. Here’s where to start:1. Refresh Your Dog’s Living SpaceYour dog’s bed is one of the most-used and most overlooked areas in your home. Over time, it collects fur, dirt, oils, and allergens that can build up without you realizing it.Start by:Washing all dog beds, blankets, and crate linersVacuuming around sleeping areas (especially under furniture)Using pet-safe cleaners on floors and nearby surfacesIf your dog has a favorite “spot” on the couch or rug, give that extra attention, too. These high-use areas tend to hold onto more fur and odor than expected. A clean resting space doesn’t just smell better; it helps reduce allergens and irritation.2. Clean (and Declutter) Your Dog’s ToysTake a quick look at your dog’s toy collection; chances are, there are a few that have seen better days. Chew toys, in particular, can develop small cracks that trap dirt and bacteria over time.For a proper refresh:Wash rubber and plastic toys with warm, soapy waterToss any toys that are broken, heavily worn, or difficult to cleanRotate toys to keep things fresh and engagingNot only does this help keep things sanitary, but it also makes playtime feel new again, without buying anything extra.3. Deep Clean Food and Water BowlsFood and water bowls are used every day, but they’re often cleaned less frequently than they should be. Even if they look clean, bacteria can build up quickly, especially in small scratches or along the edges. It’s a small habit that can make a big difference in your dog’s digestive and overall health.To stay on top of it:Wash bowls daily with hot, soapy waterRun them through the dishwasher regularly (if safe)Replace bowls that are chipped or worn4. Give Your Dog a Seasonal Grooming ResetAs temperatures rise, many dogs naturally shed their thicker winter coat. Without regular grooming, that loose fur ends up everywhere.Now’s the time to:Brush your dog more frequently to remove excess hairBathe them with a gentle, dog-safe shampooTrim nails and check paw pads for buildup or debrisClean ears to prevent moisture-related issuesRegular grooming not only keeps your home cleaner, it also helps prevent matting, skin irritation, and discomfort for your dog.“A healthy adult dog’s coat looks smooth, uniform, and sometimes shiny,” Dr. Jordyn Zoul, Spot & Tango vet advisor, explains “Their skin should not be overly pink, red, flaky, or smelly. If you notice any of these signs, it may be an indicator that allergies or other dermatologic issues are flaring up. Longer-haired or double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers, Huskies, and Newfoundlands can definitely benefit from a summer cut, especially in warm climates.”5. Tackle Pollen, Dirt, and Outdoor AllergensSpring walks are one of the best parts of the season but they also come with extra baggage. Pollen, grass, and dirt can cling to your dog’s fur and paws, then get tracked straight into your home.A few simple habits can help:Wipe your dog’s paws after walksRinse their belly or legs if they’ve been in tall grassKeep your yard trimmed to reduce exposureThese small steps can help limit allergens in your home and keep your dog more comfortable, especially if they’re prone to seasonal itching.6. Declutter and Organize Pet SuppliesSpring cleaning is the perfect excuse to take stock of everything your dog uses daily.Check your cabinets, bins, and drawers for:Expired treats or old foodWorn-out leashes, harnesses, or collarsEmpty or messy storage containersCleaning and organizing these items makes daily routines smoother and helps you avoid reaching for something that should’ve been replaced months ago.7. Clean Your Dog’s “High-Touch” AreasSome of the dirtiest spots in your home aren’t obvious; they’re the places your dog interacts with constantly.Think about:Feeding stationsEntryways where your dog comes insideCar seats or travel cratesFavorite lounging areasGiving these spaces a quick refresh can reduce lingering odors and prevent buildup you don’t see right away. Even tackling a few of these areas can noticeably improve your dog’s environment and your home overall.The Hidden Health Benefits of a Clean Environment For DogsSpring cleaning might start as a way to tidy up your home, but for dogs, it can have real health benefits that go far beyond appearances.A cleaner space helps reduce everyday exposures that can quietly affect your dog over time. When you remove built-up dirt, bacteria, and allergens, you’re also helping to:Reduce skin irritation and itching caused by pollen and debrisLower the risk of ear infections linked to moisture and bacteriaImprove digestion, especially when food and water bowls are properly cleanedSupport respiratory health by minimizing dust and dander indoorsThere’s also a behavioral side to it. Dogs are incredibly sensitive to their environment. Clean, organized spaces can help them feel more relaxed and comfortable, especially in areas where they sleep and spend most of their time.Common Spring Cleaning Mistakes Dog Owners MakeEven with the best intentions, spring cleaning for dog owners can sometimes miss the mark. Here are a few common mistakes that are easy to overlook:1. Using Harsh Cleaning ProductsSome household cleaners contain chemicals that can irritate your dog’s skin or paws, especially since dogs spend so much time close to the ground. Whenever possible, stick to pet-safe cleaning products for floors and surfaces.2. Forgetting Everyday ItemsIt’s easy to focus on big cleaning tasks and forget the smaller ones, like bowls, leashes, and collars. But these everyday items can collect just as much dirt and bacteria over time.3. Overbathing Your DogWhile bathing helps remove dirt and allergens, too many baths can strip your dog’s skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. A balanced approach, combined with regular brushing, tends to work best.4. Ignoring Worn-Out Toys and GearOld toys, frayed leashes, and worn harnesses aren’t just clutter; they can also be safety risks. Spring is a great time to replace anything that’s no longer in good condition.5. Skipping Grooming During Shedding SeasonThis is when grooming matters most, yet it’s often overlooked. Regular brushing during spring can significantly reduce fur buildup and improve your dog’s comfort.A Simple 7-Day Spring Cleaning Plan for Dog OwnersIf the full checklist feels like a lot, breaking it down into smaller steps can make it much more manageable. Here’s a simple way to tackle it over the course of a week:Day 1: Wash your dog’s bedding and blanketsDay 2: Clean and declutter toysDay 3: Groom your dog (bath, brush, nails, ears)Day 4: Deep clean food and water bowls + feeding areaDay 5: Organize and refresh suppliesDay 6: Vacuum, mop, and clean high-traffic areasDay 7: Tidy outdoor spaces and wipe down entry pointsBy the end of the week, both your home and your dog’s routine will feel noticeably refreshed, without needing to do everything all at once.This story was produced by Spot & Tango and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Parent advocates thank Nessel for hosting roundtable, urge passage of social media restrictions Attorney General Dana Nessel and state Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) meet with parents, students, physicians, and advocates to discuss the harmful impact of social media and AI chatbot use on Michigan children. April 16, 2026 \| Michigan Department of Attorney General photoMichigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and state Sen. Dayna Polehanki (D-Livonia) joined parent advocates at a roundtable Thursday on the harms young people experience on social media platforms and with AI chatbots, advocating for the passage of the Kids Over Clicks bill package proposed by Senate Democrats to increase social media limitations and regulation for children. Advocates from the Michigan Parent Alliance for Safe Schools, which participated in the roundtable, thanked Nessel for hosting the event. “We are grateful to Attorney General Dana Nessel and Michigan legislators for standing with families who simply want our children to be safe when they go online, whether to chat with friends, play games or check out fashion trends,” said Jennifer Tuksal, an Oakland County parent of teen children and a Michigan Parent Alliance for Safe Schools member, in a press release from the alliance. “No child should ever be exposed to dangerous content so Big Tech can keep them glued to screens to make more profits.” “From social media addiction and data privacy abuses to dangerous, inappropriate chatbot interactions, the harms caused to our kids by social media and AI companies are not only disturbing and unacceptable — they’re also preventable,” Polehanki said. “As courts across the nation begin to recognize the real consequences of allowing Big Tech to go unchecked, it’s more important than ever to hold these companies accountable.”SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Social media and tech companies have been found liable in two landmark trials in March that led to rulings against social media companies — in New Mexico, where a jury found that the social media algorithms used by Facebook’s parent company Meta are harmful to children’s mental health and in violation of state consumer protection law, and in California, where a judge ruled that Meta and Google were negligent in social media algorithms fueling a youth mental health crisis. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer participates in a demonstration of the “red flags” of social media during a panel on tech company accountability. April 7, 2026. \| Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance. The roundtable was hosted the week after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer attended a summit in East Lansing calling for increased accountability and regulation of social media companies — especially on a federal level, but adding that the state can play a key role in holding tech companies accountable. “There’s great momentum behind those bills, and Michigan currently has a chance to lead legislation and finally, make sure we’re holding big tech accountable for the harms that their social media platforms are doing to children,” Tuksal noted in an interview with Michigan Advance prior to the East Lansing summit. That legislation has passed through the Senate Finance, Insurance, and Consumer Protection Committee, but still faces both a vote in the full Senate and a pathway through the Republican-controlled House. But Tuksal emphasized that this is not a partisan issue from her perspective, saying that this is an issue that touches every parent and child in the state. Courtesy of Michigan Advance
	You can't fake this: 'The Christophers' is a witty film about forgery and friendship In Steven Soderbergh's new dark comedy, Ian McKellen plays a famous painter, and Michaela Coel is an art restorer hired to infiltrate his home by his greedy grown-up children.
	Iowa Supreme Court rules auditor can't access City of Davenport's private legal records The Iowa Supreme Court rules the state auditor cannot access Davenport’s attorney–client records during an audit, reversing a lower court decision.
	Currency and commodity hedging for middle markets Currency and commodity hedging for middle marketsMore than five years of cross‑current volatility in currencies, commodities and interest rates has middle market companies thinking longer and acting faster about hedging risk. Markets moved hard in 2025: The dollar sold off roughly 10% in the first half, then settled into a tighter range, reminding treasurers that timing and tenor matter."We’ve seen all kinds of things happen. What we’ve mainly seen is a real push to look at longer‑dated hedges versus short term,” said Michael Orefice, managing director for foreign currency and commodity sales at Fifth Third Bank. “Clients want to help their business not just today but into the future.”In this article, Fifth Third explains what middle market businesses need to know about currency and commodity hedging.Key TakeawaysVolatility is the new normal. Middle market companies face persistent swings in currencies, commodities and interest rates, making proactive hedging strategies essential for protecting margins and reducing risk.Fuel and commodity hedging remains critical. Even with stabilized fuel prices, sudden spikes can strain budgets. Customized hedge solutions help businesses manage exposure to oil, metals and grains over multi-year horizons.Forward contracts offer flexibility. Compared to futures, forward contracts provide tailored terms and timing, making them well-suited for businesses with irregular transaction schedules or specific currency needs.Long-term planning and alignment matter. Companies increasingly hedge three to five years forward to mitigate shocks from market volatility and climate risks. Success requires cross-departmental alignment and regular reviews.Middle market currency: the strong dollarDollar volatility underscores that urgency. The U.S. Dollar Index ended October 2025 near the high 90s. That’s well below late‑2024 highs, yet still elevated versus mid‑year lows. Such moves can reshape margins for exporters and importers, making currency risk one of the biggest catalysts for change.When the dollar's strength combines with bouncy commodity prices and rising borrowing costs, business viability could be on the line. The trick is to manage that exposure strategically as well as cost-effectively.For a company that sells abroad, or conversely, imports equipment or components, that’s potentially a huge bottom-line impact. In Q3 2025, Coca‑Cola’s comparable EPS rose 6% yet foreign exchange shaved six points off that growth, according to the company’s Q3 2025 release. Some firms that import components and sell domestically may see a tailwind when the dollar is firm, while exporters can face headwinds when it strengthens. That’s why many treasurers increased hedging programs in early 2025 as the dollar surged.For middle market firms that are often focused on sales and customer retention rather than currency risk, navigating these dynamics can feel like uncertain territory. Increasingly, corporate treasurers and CFOs are learning about hedging strategies as a way to mitigate inherent risk rather than engage in speculation.Hedging oil pricesFuel costs may have stabilized compared to the wild swings of prior years, but volatility hasn’t disappeared. For middle market businesses, small moves matter. The EIA’s weekly Gasoline and Diesel Fuel Update show that U.S. on‑highway diesel averaged about $3.66 per gallon while fuel price volatility eased.Looking ahead, the EIA’s outlook expects gasoline to average near $3.00 in 2026 with diesel around $3.50, driven by softer crude. Global crude markets echoed that trend with a sharp spring 2025 selloff followed by months of choppy stabilization.For companies with heavy fuel exposure, a sudden spike can still hit budgets hard. That’s why the logic of hedging remains unchanged: cap exposure and reduced budget variance.Orefice cited the example of a mid-sized building services company. ”They’ve got $3 million to $5 million of annual expense for fuel. This was a business that hadn’t ever hedged before,” he said. ”Instituting a hedge program enabled the company to protect against rising fuel costs. Had they not executed on their hedge program, they would have spent an additional $3.5 million on fuel over an 18-month period.”One form of hedging is the purchase of a futures contract, which is an agreement where the buyer of the futures contract locks in a price where they can purchase an agreed-to volume amount in the future. For a manufacturer that knows it will need a certain amount of a raw material input at a fixed time and wants that expense effectively to be fixed, a futures contract can be purchased.A different approach can be a prudent alternative for middle market executives who must keep a broader focus. Futures contracts aren’t the only tool available for managing price risk, and they may not be best suited for what a company needs. Hedge products available through financial counterparties can provide much more customized solutions to managing commodities and foreign exchange price risk. That’s why understanding the tools, futures and forwards, is critical for building a resilient hedge strategy.How do futures and forward contracts compare?In addition to a futures contract, for example, companies may opt for a forward. With a forward contract, the terms are set at the time of agreement, and the price does not fluctuate with the market. It also establishes when the asset will be delivered.Whereas futures contracts are often used by speculators as well as for hedging, and are traded on public exchanges, a forward contract is a customized agreement between parties who are obliged to make good on the pact at the time specified. A supplier’s market price, or a currency, may rise or fall, but the ”forward” ensures that the agreed-to terms will still apply. For both, the risk is contained.Sometimes the hard duration of such an agreement is too inflexible to suit a business’s needs. If a company has a regular European customer, for example, but on an irregular transaction schedule, a ”window forward” can take currency risk out of the equation.“This type of forward gives businesses the opportunity to deliver or to receive a currency within a certain date range at the same price,” Orefice said. “If it does a one-month forward to receive euros at $1.10, it doesn’t matter if it’s delivered on day one or day 30, the client gets $1.10.” He added that a key advantage is that with window forwards, businesses can move dates. ”They can be very customized to the client’s needs in terms of both prices and duration.”Easing the hedgeDollar volatility is also changing hedge percentages. ”What we’re starting to see is businesses that were doing 50% to 75% of their hedging in one year and leaving 25% open, are now moving a little bit back,” Orefice said. ”Their percentages have reduced in order to take advantage of the dollar move. We call that layering in hedges.”For example, middle market businesses that last year would have hedged against three quarters of the value of their European currency exposure, have reduced their hedging program to around 50%. They are trying to time the market instead rather than taking advantage of the strong dollar.”On the other side, an exporter facing losses from a higher dollar, for example, needs to hedge right away,” Orefice said.Why is hedging commodities so important?Protecting against currency risk is just one of the available types of hedges companies can use to improve their bottom line. Another concern for manufacturers is commodity price risk.Bloomberg’s commodity index look‑back shows that in 2025, precious metals surged and industrial metals rose. Energy and grains lagged. Copper hit record territory mid‑year, supported by supply tightness and strong demand from electrification.Grains saw ample supply and softer prices. USDA’s 2025/26 outlook projected lower season‑average prices for corn and wheat on higher stocks‑to‑use. FAO also reported record global cereal production and rising stocks in late 2025.Protecting over the long termWith dizzying swings in commodity prices becoming the norm, businesses are increasingly turning to commodity price risk management to help protect against price movements three to five years forward.Volatility is now a baseline, and decision time frames are shorter. Many teams moved faster in 2025 to avoid unanticipated losses. And today, businesses are protecting commodity inputs three to five years forward. That discipline reduces shock risk when markets swing or when climate conditions bite.“Drought conditions are affecting agricultural prices across most of the U.S. and need to be considered as part of a hedge program,” Orefice said. This is similar to supply chain and production issues affecting metals markets due to global events. These are ongoing market conditions for which the risks need to be managed.Supply chain disturbances can always vary by region, but the lesson sticks. Choose instruments and durations that match your exposure, then review quarterly. And it’s important that all divisions within an enterprise be aligned on a hedge program’s benefits and costs. What might suit the procurement teams could have the accounting office later seeing red. ”If the CFO knows what a hedge does, but all of a sudden the hedge turns negative and the business has hedge liabilities, their accounting team needs to know that,” Orefice said.Education in turbulent times can make a real difference to the bottom line. Middle market businesses should consider finding a trusted advisor to discuss building a hedge program that protects against today’s volatility.This story was produced by Fifth Third and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
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