Tuesday, October 13th, 2026 | |
| HVAC units targeted by copper thieves, Normal Police warnHVAC units keep businesses running, but the copper inside them can make the units a target for thieves. |
| Iowa City mother deported before judge could rule on stay motionAn Iowa City woman arrested by I.C.E. in September has been deported to Sierra Leone, despite a plea from Iowa Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks to request her release. |
| Sheriff urging drivers to put their phones down after 2 injured in crashThe Muscatine Sheriff’s Office is urging drivers to put their phones down after two people were injured in a crash on Tuesday. |
| Acetaminophen sold on Amazon recalledConsumers reported finding discolored tablets, according to the recall notices. |
| Person injured after Monday night shooting in ClintonOfficers were called to the 500 block of Second Avenue South just before 11 p.m. on Oct. 12. |
| Muscatine Humane Society sees pet surrender increaseThe Muscatine Humane Society is overcrowded and needs help as demand for its services increases. A post on the Humane Society’s Facebook page explains why they’re having to turn down pets in need. “We have a crisis,” the post said. “Each and every day we are getting a minimum of five calls from pet owners [...] |
| Bipartisan group of senators call on Trump to rescind Russian diesel dealSix Democratic and six Republican senators wrote a letter calling on President Trump to withdraw from his recent deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin. |
| One injured in late-night Clinton shooting; police investigatingOne person was shot in Clinton late Monday night. Here's what police have released about the investigation so far. |
| A judge blocks the government's tree-clearing spree at a municipal D.C. golf courseLocals and preservationists have long opposed Trump's plan to redevelop a municipal D.C. golf course. That legal fight escalated after the government cleared hundreds of trees on short notice. |
| Catch interactive paranormal theatre at Last Picture HouseParanormal investigator Aaron G. Thompson from Netflix's 28 Days Haunted, has a brand-new live paranormal experience for the Quad Cities, just in time for Halloween. THE BEST DAMN GHOST TALK... OF YOUR LIFE! is a 90-minute interactive paranormal theater show at The Last Picture House, 325 E. 2nd Street in Davenport, on Friday, October 30 [...] |
| Illinois reminds drivers to watch out for deerThe Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois Department of Natural Resources are reminding drivers to anticipate more deer on the roads as peak mating season lasts through December. |
| Cornell University bans frat parties, vows to address 'disturbing' campus cultureIn a letter, Cornell's president apologized for what happened to the student who alleges she was raped by several men at a fraternity house in 2024 and promised 'meaningful action.' |
| Zelenskyy tells NPR Ukraine wants peace but will hit Russia until it follows ceasefireIn an interview with NPR, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he was informed the U.S. warned it could cut off access to U.S. weapons and intelligence, but that it hasn't happened yet. |
| Last Picture House screening controversial film after half a century in purgatoryBritish filmmaker Ken Russell's 1971 film "The Devils" adapts Aldous Huxley's 1952 non-fiction classic "Devils of Loudun," detailing how an entire French city tore itself apart over allegations of witchcraft stemming from manipulation by the church and state. |
| City Council to designate portion of East 12th as ‘Roger Craig Way’On Wednesday, Davenport City Council members will designate a portion of East 12th Street as Roger Craig Way. |
| | Obituary: Tracy BrinkmeyerTracy Joy Regan Brinkmeyer, age 46, of Orono, Minn., passed away peacefully on Oct. 4, 2026, in Minneapolis, Minn. Tracy was born Dec. 22, 1979, in Davenport, to Pat and Sue Regan. She grew up in Long Grove with her sister, Holly, and a large extended family. She graduated from North Scott High School in Eldridge and earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University. She built a successful career in engineering and leadership roles within several medical device companies in Minneapolis. Tracy married Greg Brinkmeyer on April 4, 2009, and together they built their life in Orono and became deeply rooted in the community and their church, Trinity Lutheran Long Lake. Her greatest joy was being a mom to their sons, Cole, 14, and Drew, 12. She loved simply being with her boys, was always up for whatever they wanted to do, and treasured the conversations they shared. Tracy was loving, faithful, generous, hardworking, funny, and kind. She was quick with a joke, often said “I love you,” and was absolutely not a multitasker, something she would have been the first to laugh about. She treasured her friendships, from those that began in childhood to those she made in college, through her work, at church, and around the community. She adored her extended family and always looked forward to the next gathering. She loved traveling with family and close friends, experiencing new places and making memories together. Throughout a difficult illness, Tracy continued to show the strength, grace, faith, and humor that defined her life. Tracy is survived by her husband, Greg; sons, Cole and Drew; parents, Pat and Sue Regan; sister, Holly Regan Matoesian (Charles Matoesian) of Lincoln, Ill., her father-in-law John Brinkmeyer, Altoona, Wis., sister-in-law Suzanne Brinkmeyer, Eau Claire, Wis.; a large extended family and circle of friends and of course Rocky. She was preceded in death by her mother-in-law Judy Brinkmeyer and cousin Cory Selby. Above all, Cole and Drew will carry with them the certainty that they were deeply and completely loved by a wonderful mom. Visitation will be held at Trinity Lutheran in Long Lake, Minn., on Friday, Oct. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Oct. 24, from 10 to 11 a.m. A funeral service will follow at 11 a.m., with burial at Trinity Lutheran. Custom obituary |
| | Obituary: Randy ClaeysRandy George Claeys, 38, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, in Bettendorf. A celebration in honor of his life was Friday, Oct. 9, at 10 a.m. at The Runge Mortuary. Visitation was Thursday, Oct. 8, from 4 to 8 p.m., at the mortuary. Interment was at the National Cemetery with military honors. In lieu of flowers, memorials may go to Randy’s family. He was born Oct. 22, 1987, in Davenport, the loving son of Allen and Susan (Fury) Claeys. After graduating from North Scott High School in 2006, Randy enlisted in the U.S. Army and proudly served his country until his honorable discharge in April 2009. Following his service, Randy received a bachelor’s degree in aeronautical engineering from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona, Fla. He served as a product development specialist for John Deere for 10 years, however, being a talented craftsman, especially in woodworking and carpentry, Randy established and owned his company, Claeys Construction. He met the love of his life, Brandy Lea Dawson and they married on Oct. 28, 2017, at the Rock Island Botanical Center. His strong family values brought him to join his father on the family farm. He took great interest in raising cattle and showed them in local community fairs. He won many blue ribbons and trophies, most proudly for “Best in Showmanship.” Randy was a strong supporter of 4H and often mentored and sponsored 4H members. Randy put others’ needs ahead of his own. He was the driving force behind many charities, memorials and benefits to support those in need. Randy was the kind of person who would always put his family ahead of his own needs. He gave his time, energy, and heart to his family without hesitation. One of his many talents besides his cattle was baking and cooking, especially grilling. Some of the family favorites included delicious ribs, pot roast, and savory prime rib dinners. With his easy-going, magnetic personality, Randy never knew a stranger. He looked forward to his “wing and whiskey Wednesdays.” However, the greatest joy was spending time with family and his many friends. Those left to honor his memory and carry on his legacy include his devoted wife, Brandy; son, Braeden Claeys; daughters, Hanna Huerta (Hunter Kaufman) and Isabel Huerta; parents, Allen and Susan (Fury) Claeys; brother, Brian (Erin) Claeys and their children, Rose, Grace and Jackson; Brandy’s parents, Dan and Lori Dawson; sister-in-law, Nikki (Chad) Holladay; brother-in-law, Dustin (Lindsay) Dawson; nieces, Kaelyn, Annie, Emmry; nephews, Finley and Oliver; best friends, Charlie Guthiel and Quinn Smith, and his adorable fur-baby, Marley. Preceding him in death are his grandparents, George and Rita Claeys and Bob and Gladys Fury. Online condolences may be made at www.rungemortuary.com. Custom obituary |
| | Obituary: Alan KentAlan Clayton “Tater” Kent, 79, of McCausland, passed away at his home on Oct. 2, 2026. Alan was born April 4, 1947, in Davenport, the son of Donald Clayton and Betty (Jensen) Kent. He graduated from Central Community Schools, DeWitt, in 1965. Following high school, Alan served his country in the United States Army, completing several tours of duty in Vietnam. Over the years, Alan made his home in Grand Mound, Calamus, and McCausland. He worked for Hawkeye Chemical in the Clinton/Camanche area and later at Anderson Quarry in DeWitt. Alan was a member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, Grand Mound. To say that Tater enjoyed life would probably be an understatement. He enjoyed just about everything and had a way of finding something to appreciate wherever life took him. He was a self-proclaimed “river rat” and spent countless hours on the Wapsi. He will be remembered for the life he lived, the people he loved, and the many memories he leaves with family and friends. Surviving are his son, Andy Kent of Arizona; granddaughter, Brooke Andrea Kent of Arizona; his sister and brother-in-law, DeAnn and Ron Larson of McFarland, Wis.; sister-in-law, Becki Kenton of DeWitt; nephews, Karl Larson, Lars-Erik Larson, and Leif Larson; and other extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Betty Kent; and his brother, Steve D. Kent. In keeping with his wishes, no services will be held. Cremation is being provided by the Schultz Funeral Home family at their crematory in DeWitt. Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com Custom obituary |
| | Obituary: Viola SpinsbyFuneral services for Viola Faye Spinsby, 92, of Davenport, were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Bettendorf. Burial followed at Glendale Cemetery, LeClaire. Family greeted friends on Monday from 5:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Viola passed away on Friday, Oct. 9, 2026, at Harmony Utica Ridge, Davenport. Viola Birney was born on March 5, 1934, in Princeton, on the farm to Orvie and Lillie (Fletcher) Birney. She was the youngest of four girls, Zella Erling, Millie Lively, and Edna Dodds. Her and her sister Edna would ride their pony a mile to their one-room school and as always, the pony would get loose and run home, so always a long walk home. Their teacher Bessie Sierk (who was their cousin) taught them “Old Maid” and they ran home blabbing about playing cards, and that was the end of playing cards. Vi was a very quirky little lady, there was her way and no other way. On June 14, 1952, she married Russ (Spinner) Spinsby in Princeton. They have two children, Vickey and Rusty Spinsby. Vi worked for Bridgeview School in LeClaire for most of her 33 years. She and the principal (Ray Andregg) started together and retired together. Those to honor and cherish her are, Vickey (Sharon Moore) Spinsby, Rusty (Cathy) Spinsby of LeClaire, grandchildren, Jake (Bobbi) Spinsby, Brad (Rosie Hanneke) Spinsby, Andrew (Elizabeth) Spinsby, Lisa Moore and Russ Moore. Eleven great-grandchildren and seven great-great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her husband, “JR” her little poodle, her parents, her in-laws, her siblings, brothers-in-law and sister-in-law. The family would like to thank everyone at Harmony in Davenport and Heartland Hospice for their wonderful and loving care to the end. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com. Custom obituary |
| | Obituary: Mark BeitelMark Alan Beitel, age 64, of rural Stockton, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Oct. 20, 2025. Cremation rites have been accorded. Burial of his cremated remains will take place at a later date next to his parents in the Walcott Cemetery. A Celebration of Life luncheon will be held at the Walcott American Legion on Saturday, Oct. 17, starting at 11 a.m. Memorials can be made to the Walcott American Legion Post #548, Walcott Legion’s Auxiliary and Walcott Fire Dept. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com. Mark was born on Sept. 11, 1961, the son of Ben and Loretta (Hayne) Beitel in Davenport. He graduated from Davenport West High School with the Class of 1979. Mark married Jill Niebuhr in 1986 in Davenport. Mark was a farm equipment enthusiast whose passion for machinery and history shone through every aspect of his life. In his earlier years, he could often be found at farm sales, always hunting for deals and carefully searching for the perfect relic to add to his growing collection. His love for Farmall tractors and memorabilia became not only a treasured hobby but a reflection of his deep appreciation for the legacy of farming and a hard day’s work. A talented mechanic and carpenter, Mark had a gift for woodworking and bringing such projects to life. Whether it was a tractor, another piece of equipment, home improvement, or a vehicle in need of attention, he took pride in every project and found joy in the process. His skill and attention to detail were matched only by his enthusiasm for sharing what he learned with others including his daughter, Alyssa. Beyond his mechanical pursuits, Mark cherished time spent with his family. He especially enjoyed traveling with them out west to Yellowstone and other scenic destinations, where he could take in the beauty of the open land and be one with nature. Mark will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Alyssa (Brett) Marbach of Manchester; and one brother, Darren (LaDonna) Beitel of Davenport. Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Ben and Loretta; and one sister, Cyndi Beitel. Custom obituary |
| | Obituary: Richard RekemeyerRichard A. Rekemeyer, 80, of Maquoketa, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, at Mercy One Genesis East Campus, Davenport. Rich was born April 9, 1946, in Bennett, to Jack and Alverna (Goettsch) Rekemeyer. He grew up on a farm outside of Davenport and graduated from Central High School in 1965. Richard proudly served his country in the United States Army and was stationed in Fort Hood, Texas. Following his service, Richard was united in marriage to Janet Beck in Galena, Ill., on May 6, 1971. Rich worked for many years building and testing guns at the Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island. He later worked at Rasmussen’s in Maquoketa, worked in construction for Ostwinkle Construction, was a supervisor at D.A.C. in Maquoketa, before retiring as a dump truck driver for Seven Hills Paving. Richard was an avid outdoorsman. He loved all hunting, but especially deer hunting. He would go on daily deer runs, where he would drive his favorite gravel roads and count all the deer and wildlife he saw. Rich also enjoyed trout fishing, taking his granddaughters, Maddy and Abby, to teach them the skills and patience to catch fish. He also enjoyed bird watching and in later years feeding the pigeons while visiting his sister in Arizona. Rich enjoyed grilling, collecting arrowheads and buying rough turquoise stones and having them made into jewelry for his loved ones. He enjoyed playing cards with his family. Rich was a very kind, loving and giving man who would help anyone at any time with anything. Rich lived by the motto “think love” and this was apparent by his loving, patient nature. In his later years Rich enjoyed traveling to Arizona to visit his sister and her family. His favorite pastime there was to go to the desert and collect spines from the dead saguaro cacti and make walking sticks. Richard was a member of the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Maquoketa. Those left to honor his memory include his daughters Whitney (Nick) Meyer of Maquoketa, and Annette Green of Idaho; his son Jason Rekemeyer of Maquoketa; sister Peggy (Renee) Mejia of Mesa, Ariz.; his nephew and hunting buddy Mike Rekemeyer of Davenport; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Jan, and his identical twin brother Ron Rekemeyer. At Peace Cremation Services were provided by the Carson Celebration of Life Center. A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date. Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com. Custom obituary |
| | Obituary: Patricia BrunerPatricia Ann Bruner, 91, passed away at home on Sept. 23, 2026. Per her wishes, cremation rites have been accorded, and a celebration of life will be held Oct. 18 at the Crane & Pelican in LeClaire. Patricia Drenter was born April 9, 1935, on the homestead family farm outside of LeClaire’s “Argo Corner.” She was married to Richard Burkamper from 1953-1966. She later married Art Bruner in 1976. Survivors include two daughters, Susan Williams and Juli Burkamper (Susanne Michaud), and a sister, Linn Lilienthal. Memorials may be made to the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, the LeClaire Fire and Police departments, the LeClaire Buffalo Bill Museum or the LeClaire Community Library. |
| | View the Scott County Sheriff's report from the Oct. 14 NSP!SUNDAY, SEPT. 27 11:17 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a two-vehicle accident in the 500 block of Park View Drive, Park View. A vehicle driven by Jacob Allen Stewart, 33, Eldridge, was northbound on Park View Drive. The vehicle struck a vehicle that was legally parked on the street and a mailbox. Stewart was charged with OWI – 1st offense and cited for failure to maintain control. THURSDAY, OCT. 1 7:55 p.m. — Jason Wayne Fransene, 48, Des Moines, was charged with OWI – 2nd offense, following an incident near Hickory Grove Road and North Fairmount Street. FRIDAY, OCT. 2 12:16 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 100 block of West 65th Street. 9:54 a.m. — Deputies responded to a vandalism complaint in the 4900 block of North Pine Street. 10:37 a.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 400 block of West 4th Street. 11:38 a.m. — Felipe de Jesus Cruz Magana, 26, Moline, was cited for possession of drug paraphernalia, following a traffic stop near Indiana Avenue and Wells Ferry Road, Bettendorf. 1:45 p.m. — Deputies responded to a harassment complaint in the 24500 block of Valley Drive. 2:33 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem in the 1100 block of East High Street. 3:49 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 2400 block of Avalon Drive. 4:12 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 1900 block of West 40th Street. 4:21 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 6100 block of Lakeland Court. 4:48 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a juvenile problem in the 100 block of West Meuse Street. 7:29 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 5700 block of Jessica Court. 11:13 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem near Devils Glen Road and 53rd Avenue. 11:36 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury near Jersey Ridge and East Kimberly roads. SATURDAY, OCT. 3 1:32 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance near North Elsie Avenue and West 43rd Street. 6:11 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a burglary/home invasion in the 1600 block of West 38th Street. 8:15 a.m. — Deputies responded to a trespassing complaint in the 30500 block of 210th Avenue. 9:20 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of theft in the 22500 block of 270th Avenue. 12:14 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem in the 26600 block of 278th Avenue. 1:35 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 5300 block of 306th Street. 4:49 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of theft in the 5500 block of Elmore Avenue. 6:06 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage in the 4800 block of State Street. 7:38 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 500 block of South 2nd Street. 7:45 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a juvenile problem on Park View Drive. 10:16 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a juvenile problem on Park View Drive. 11:43 p.m. — Emareon Jamaal Warren, 21, Davenport, was cited for driving while barred (habitual offender), following a traffic stop near West 53rd and North Division streets, Davenport. SUNDAY, OCT. 4 3:24 a.m. — Izayah Demonte Cooper, 20, Muscatine, was charged with OWI – 1st offense and cited for failure to obey a traffic control device and violation of financial liability coverage, following a traffic stop in the 200 block of West 14th Street, Davenport. 9:57 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem in the 300 block of Hacker Street. 4:24 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of theft in the 700 block of West Iowa 80 Road. 4:52 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 200 block of East Price Street. 9:36 p.m. — Roy Milton Herr, 51, Davenport, was cited for driving while barred (habitual offender), following a traffic stop in the 100 block of West 76th Street, Davenport. MONDAY, OCT. 5 4:31 a.m. — Deputies responded to a weapons complaint in the 1200 block of East Rusholme Street. 5:45 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a one-vehicle accident near 300th Street and 220th Avenue, where a vehicle driven by Irene Margaret Wiese, 62, McCausland, struck a deer that entered the roadway. 5:55 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury. 9:11 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of theft in the 2300 block of Spruce Hills Drive. 9:36 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 6300 block of Crow Creek Road. 10:27 a.m. — Deputies responded to a fraud complaint in the 400 block of Main Street. 11:48 a.m. — Janet Kay Mastin, 76, Davenport, was charged with trespassing – 1st offense, following a trespassing complaint in the 17900 block of Spencer Road, Pleasant Valley. 12:19 p.m. — Deputies responded to a drug complaint in the 300 block of West River Drive. 12:56 p.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 300 block of South 4th Street. 3:20 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a one-vehicle accident in the 500 block of Belmont Road, Riverdale. A vehicle driven by Rodney Byron Turner, 74, Bettendorf, was westbound on Belmont Road. Turner’s vehicle crossed into the other lane and struck a vehicle driven by Nicole Elizabeth Norton, 18, Davenport. Turner’s vehicle then left the roadway and went into a residential yard. Turner was cited for failure to maintain control. 4:02 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a two-vehicle accident near 210th and Brady streets, Davenport. A vehicle driven by Sean David Mehmert, 23, Eldridge, was eastbound on 210th Street. Mehmert changed lanes and struck a vehicle driven by Jace Malachi Armbruster, 20, Maquoketa. Mehmert was cited for an improper lane change. 4:12 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of theft in the 600 block of Belmont Road. 5:15 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 500 block of South 2nd Street. 7:17 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem in the 11200 block of 140th Street. 8:01 p.m. — Deputies responded to a drug complaint in the 400 block of North 5th Street. 8:17 p.m. — William Holley, 32, Davenport, was charged with interference with official acts, trespassing – 1st offense and public intoxication – 1st offense, after deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 21400 block of Scott Park Road, Davenport. 11:07 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem near 235th Street and 277th Avenue. TUESDAY, OCT. 6 5:50 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage in the 700 block of West Iowa 80 Road. 6:25 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage near 140th Street and 90th Avenue. 9:23 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a juvenile problem in the 2100 block of Devils Glen Road. 9:23 a.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 3400 block of Holiday Court. 10:40 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 400 block of West 4th Street. 12:19 p.m. — Deputies responded to a trespassing complaint in the 17900 block of Great River Road. 1:02 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a vehicle in a ditch near 130th Avenue and Slopertown Road, Davenport. 3:50 p.m. — Deputies responded to a weapons complaint in the 900 block of West River Drive. 7:01 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a one-vehicle accident in the 9000 block of 200th Street, where a vehicle driven by Vickie Lynn Geest, 63, Walcott, struck a deer that entered the roadway. 10:17 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 7 2:43 a.m. — Deputies responded to a shots fired call in the 5900 block of Elmore Avenue. 7:27 a.m. — Jonaya Lee Sutton, 22, Davenport, was cited for driving while barred (habitual offender), driving while suspended/denied/revoked license or registration, and violation of financial liability coverage, following a traffic stop in the 5300 block of Brady Street, Davenport. 7:35 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a one-vehicle accident in the 2800 block of Slopertown Road. A vehicle driven by Ashley Shermaine Manyfield, 30, Gary, Ind., was westbound on Slopertown Road. The vehicle left the roadway and rolled into a ditch, striking a power pole and coming to rest in a farm field. Manyfield was cited for failure to maintain control. 1:18 p.m. — Deputies responded to a shots fired call near South Schultz Drive and East Grove Road. 1:20 p.m. — Deputies responded to a fraud complaint in the 400 block of West 4th Street. 1:24 p.m. — Deputies responded to a complaint of identity theft in the 700 block of Davenport Street. 7:20 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a one-vehicle accident in the 27700 block of Scott Park Road, where a vehicle driven by Andrea Lynn Triplett, 51, Eldridge, struck a deer that entered the roadway. |
| 1 person hurt in Clinton shooting, investigation ongoingClinton police officers went to the 500 block of 2nd Avenue South for a reported shooting around 11 p.m., according to a media release. |
| | View the Eldridge Police report from the Oct. 14 NSP!MONDAY, OCT. 5 5:46 a.m. — Complaint of a dog problem near Lancer Court and North 16th Avenue. Handled by officer. 8:19 a.m. — Report taken for damage to property in the 1900 block of South 5th Street. 1:24 p.m. — Complaint of a minor accident between two vehicles in the 200 block of South 1st Street. The drivers exchanged information. Handled by officer. 2:11 p.m. — Complaint of a vehicle stuck on landscaping rock near East Franklin Street and North 6th Avenue. Handled by officer. 5:15 p.m. — Complaint of a disturbance between neighbors in the 500 block of South 2nd Street. Handled by officer. 6:15 p.m. — Complaint of theft of property in the 500 block of North 5th Place. 9:33 p.m. — Complaint of a suspicious vehicle in the 800 block of East Iowa Street. Handled by officer. 9:47 p.m. — Complaint of suspicious activity in the 400 block of South 16th Avenue. Handled by officer. 10:36 p.m. — Complaint of a reckless driver in the 100 block of North 1st Street. Handled by officer. TUESDAY, OCT. 6 3:12 a.m. — Report of an alarm sounding in the 100 block of South 3rd Avenue. Keyholder contacted. Handled by officer. 9:02 a.m. — Performed a welfare check in the 2700 block of East Daniels Court. Handled by officer. 3:26 p.m. — Jonathan Leone, 16, of Eldridge, was cited for failure to yield on a left turn, following a two-vehicle accident in the 200 block of South 1st Street. 4:55 p.m. — Complaint of a disabled vehicle on Highway 61. Handled by officer. 10:58 p.m. — Complaint of a suspicious subject in the 800 block of North 1st Street. Handled by officer. WEDNESDAY, OCT. 7 1:07 a.m. — Phathenia-Myra Butler, 30, of Davenport, was cited for no driver’s license, following a traffic stop near Harrison Street and Slopertown Road. 4:10 p.m. — Report taken for damage to property in the 900 block of Fox Ridge Road. 5:31 p.m. — Complaint of a minor accident between two vehicles near South 1st Street and West LeClaire Road. The drivers exchanged information. Handled by officer. 5:59 p.m. — Complaint of a suspicious subject near South 8th and West Iowa streets. Unable to locate. Handled by officer. 6:14 p.m. — Complaint of a reckless driver near West Donahue and North 5th streets. Unable to locate. Handled by officer. 8:21 p.m. — Complaint of a subject walking in the roadway near Hillandale and Slopertown roads. Handled by officer. 8:42 p.m. — Complaint of a reckless driver near North 2nd and West Davenport streets. Handled by officer. 10:18 p.m. — Complaint of a disabled vehicle on Highway 61. THURSDAY, OCT. 8 4:42 a.m. — Assisted another agency with a weapons call near North Division Street and Research Parkway. 7:51 a.m. — Complaint of a reckless driver in the 200 block of South 1st Street. Handled by officer. 12:05 p.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 900 block of Trails Road. 5:27 p.m. — Complaint of dog neglect in the 700 block of East Price Street. The complaint was unfounded. Handled by officer. 6:44 p.m. — Tommy Moore, 66, of Davenport, was arrested for driving while barred and defective or unauthorized muffler system, following a traffic stop near Slopertown Road and North Division Street. FRIDAY, OCT. 9 8:16 a.m. — Complaint of a suspicious vehicle in the 400 block of South 9th Avenue. Handled by officer. 12:43 p.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 300 block of Country Club Court. 1:42 p.m. — Complaint of a reckless driver in the 600 block of West Valley Drive. Unable to locate. Handled by officer. 4:53 p.m. — Complaint of a reckless driver on Highway 61. Unable to locate. Handled by officer. 5:36 p.m. — Complaint of a disturbance in the 200 block of West Sheridan Drive. Handled by officer. 8:03 p.m. — Complaint of a suspicious vehicle in the 18200 block of 240th Street. Unable to locate. Handled by officer. SATURDAY, OCT. 10 1:02 a.m. — Assisted another agency with a report of a disturbance on Manor Drive. 1:56 a.m. — Reid Pettifer, 49, of Andalusia, Ill., was arrested for OWI – 1st offense, possession of a controlled substance, driving the wrong way on a two-way highway and person ineligible to carry weapons, following an incident on Highway 61. 9:00 a.m. — Complaint of a disabled vehicle on Highway 61. Handled by officer. 10:49 a.m. — Complaint of a dog running loose in the 100 block of North 2nd Street. The animal was returned to its owner. Handled by officer. 12:24 p.m. — Paul Montgomery, 37, of Milan, Ill., was cited for operating a non-registered vehicle, following a traffic stop on Highway 61. 1:02 p.m. — Report of a parking complaint in the 300 block of West LeClaire Road. Handled by officer. 1:12 p.m. — Timothy O’Neill, 42, of DeWitt, was cited for operating a non-registered vehicle, following a traffic stop in the 1000 block of East LeClaire Road. 5:38 p.m. — Complaint of a juvenile riding an e-bike recklessly near Rustic View Court and South 11th Avenue. Unable to locate. Handled by officer. 7:32 p.m. — Complaint of a suspicious vehicle in the 100 block of South Scott Park Road. Handled by officer. 7:48 p.m. — Complaint of an assault in the 200 block of South 1st Street. Handled by officer. 8:13 p.m. — Complaint of a suspicious vehicle in the 700 block of East Sheridan Drive. Handled by officer. 8:36 p.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 200 block of South 1st Street. 9:02 p.m. — Complaint of a suspicious vehicle in the 700 block of South 10th Street. Unable to locate. Handled by officer. 9:55 p.m. — Performed a welfare check on a stranded motorist near East LeClaire and North Scott Park roads. SUNDAY, OCT. 11 3:44 a.m. — Assisted another agency with an incident in the 500 blcok of West Prairie Vista Drive. 11:48 a.m. — Complaint of an unwanted subject on property in the 100 block of South 4th Avenue. Handled by officer. 3:21 p.m. — Complaint of a suspicious vehicle in the 100 block of South Scott Park Road. Handled by officer. 3:30 p.m. — Report taken for hit-and-run damage to a vehicle parked in the 300 block of South Tombergs Drive. 4:24 p.m. — Complaint of a disabled vehicle in the 500 block of South Scott Park Road. Handled by officer. 10:42 p.m. — Brianna Bennett, 32, of Davenport, was arrested for driving under suspension, following a traffic stop in the 21400 block of Scott Park Road. |
| | After 18 holes, North Scott in fourth placeNorth Scott’s boys’ golf team put itself in position to compete for two state titles after Monday’s state golf tournament opening round at Davenport Country Club. Bunched-up team and individual leaderboards set the stage for anyone to claim state golf glory on Tuesday. On the team side, five schools are within nine shots of the lead. Top-ranked Dallas Center-Grimes held steady with a 294. The Mustangs hold a four-shot advantage over second-place Cedar Rapids Prairie. Dubuque Wahlert shot an even 300 to stick in third place, while North Scott remains a threat in fourth place with a 301. Waukee Northwest is fifth with a 303, while home course advantage has not proven helpful for Pleasant Valley. The Spartans are in sixth place after a 306 round. North Scott is led by junior Andrew Vollbeer, who ended his day with a 1-over 72. He is in a four-way tie for fourth place. Vollbeer was tied for the lead at 1-under with one hole to go, but a double bogey on 18 dropped him down into a chasing position. The Mississippi Athletic Conference and district tournament champion opened 1-under through six holes, but made the turn at 1-over. He got to 2-over through 12 holes, but Vollbeer birdied three of his next four holes to get back under par and into contention. Senior Jaxon Adkisson, seeking a consecutive medal at state, is in a massive tie for ninth place at 3-over 74. Adkisson was 1-under through six holes, but three consecutive bogeys halted his progress at the turn. Adkisson steadied the ship with eight pars on the back nine with just one bogey to settle his scorecard. Sophomore Michael Phillips was North Scott’s third-best scorer at state last season. He is in that position again after one day with a 6-over 77 and in a tie for 27th place. Phillips played the front nine 1-over, but played the back nine at 5-over without finding a birdie. Junior Luke Leverenz scored for North Scott with a 7-over 78, while junior Max McClintock (9-over 80) and freshman James Vollbeer (12-over 83) will look to help the team finish strong. Cal Martineau of Wahlert Catholic clings to first place as the only golfer to go under par on Monday. He shot a 1-under 70 made up of four birdies and three bogeys. Henry Sobaski of Cedar Rapids Prairie and Avery Van Zelderen of Dallas Center-Grimes are tied for second at even par. North Scott is seeking to win its first state golf title in school history, and be the first MAC team to win since current head coach Mike Wuertz led Bettendorf to state titles in 2005 and 2006. The North Scott Press will have complete coverage of the state golf tournament in its Oct. 21 edition. |
| | Back On Track: Lancers down River Kings on senior nightYou cannot win a game in the first quarter. You cannot win a game in the second quarter. You cannot win a game in the third quarter. You can win a game in the fourth quarter. North Scott was not at its best Friday night. But the Lancers brought their best when it was needed, scoring 21 fourth-quarter points to run away from Clinton 35-14 in the home finale. “We’ve been working to put together that full second half. Honestly, we really did it in this game,” Lancer senior AJ Huber said. “We really achieved it. That’s been one of our goals this whole season: to finish off the game well. “Ryder (Maher) with those catches, oh my gosh. Mason (Anderson) with those catches. Conlan (Panther) with those throws. My fellow o-line getting the blocks done. It was a great team effort.” North Scott trailed Clinton 7-0 during the second quarter, but tied the game before halftime. The Lancers went ahead early in the third quarter before pouring it on late in the fourth quarter to keep their season alive. The team kept the pressure up, even after recovering Clinton’s onside kick with 90 seconds left in the game while up by 14. “It’s great because we talk about putting four quarters together,” Lancer coach Tony Stewart said. “Some things we did at the end — so good to see the glance to Ryder on the third and short when we needed a first down. “I have a ton of respect for them. Their coaches are great people. We’re not trying to run up the score or anything. RPI matters. That 17-point margin matters. That’s why we’re doing it.” Panther posted his best game as a varsity quarterback, throwing for 214 yards and three touchdowns while rushing for 106 yards and another score. He did so with two of his top three receiving options, Ryan Block and Landon Gronewold, unavailable for this game. Maher stepped up and caught nine passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns, both of which came in the final four minutes of the game. “(Panther has) been great all year, even when he wasn’t starting at the beginning of the season. Super proud of him the way he’s stepped up, the way he’s handled it,” Maher said. “Coming in, he probably thought he wasn’t getting many minutes. He stepped up, and he’s risen to the occasion very well.” The Lancers, which turned the ball over either on downs or by fumble three times in the first half, looked like a completely different team out of halftime. Second halves have been a struggle for North Scott. Entering Friday’s game, North Scott had outscored its opponents by a net of two points in the first half, but was outscored by a net of 43 points in the second half. Clinton had set up its halftime area by the edge of the track by Lancer Stadium’s south end zone. Realizing his team was fully in the game, River King head coach Nathan Herrig ordered his team in the opposite direction toward the visitor’s locker room. Meanwhile, in North Scott’s shed, the team got its wake-up call. “They told me I need to be harder on them sometimes,” Stewart said. “I may need a new whiteboard in there. I might need to see Doc Lyons for my wrist. I got in their kitchen a little bit. It wasn’t about how we were playing. It was about the operational things. “We get a huge third down stop (and then get a taunting penalty). I don’t care if they think it’s a bad penalty or not. That’s not who we want to be. That’s not how we coach. I was tired of it. They heard me loud and clear. They told me I need to be harder on them, so I was.” North Scott came out of the intermission, and Maher returned the third-quarter kick to midfield. The Lancers marched down the field and scored on a Panther rushing touchdown in less than four minutes. It set the Lancers up for success for the rest of the night. “My kick return team put me in a great situation, got me some crucial blocks that allowed me to have a great return,” Maher said. “We knew we wanted to change the tone of the game, and we got it done. “In the first half, we were playing against Clinton. Second half, we were playing for each other. Believing in our teammates and doing the right things. Playing for each other and had the right motivation.” The ensuing drive by Clinton, which drove into Lancer territory, was halted by a forced fumble from senior Aaron Bergfeld and recovery by senior Carson Pike. After a pair of punts, the Lancers drove down the field again. After a River King personal foul set the ball up inside the red zone, Panther hit sophomore Finnegan Carlson in the front corner of the end zone on a scramble rollout. “We were running the ball trying to chew clock. It was really a one-man route to Vincent (Hugaert). He got caught up; he got out late. Conlan made a play,” Stewart said. “That’s the type of quarterback Conlan Panther will be. Can be. He’s still getting his feet under him, and he made some big throws. “Finn Carlson is a sophomore. He has played every receiver role for us. We moved him to ‘M’ because Aaron (Bergfeld) can’t play every snap. Moving guys around, they don’t hesitate.” Maher capped off the game with two touchdowns in the final three and a half minutes. The first one went for 12 yards, and the second one came on a 42-yard go ball down the home sideline. It gave the Lancers a 21-point win, maximizing their tiebreaker margin in the district standings. After seven weeks, North Scott sits at 2-1 and tied for second place. “It feels great, especially after last week, homecoming, losing to Western Dubuque. That was rough,” Maher said. “Coming in on Sunday, and throughout the week, we had our heads down and were ready to go to work. We knew we didn’t want to feel like that again, especially at home.” It meant more on senior night as 31 kids played their final football game at Lancer Stadium. “Extra special,” Stewart said. “Started with them in eighth grade; probably six of them started lifting with us. Obviously, my son is a senior. One of the most fun classes. Worked hard. Great kids. It’s been a fun group. I love ‘em.” Huber added, “I transferred here my freshman year. These guys took me in. It’s basically a home away from home. These guys are great. We’ve built relationships these past four years. It flew by. It’s incredible the way we ended it.” North Scott may not play another home game, but it wants at least three more games in 2026. The team is guaranteed two more, which come on the road at Burlington this Friday and at Davenport North in week nine. The Iowa High School Athletic Association’s Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) tabs the Lancers as the No. 22 team in Class 4A, confirming that the Lancers must win out to earn a playoff spot as district runners-up. This week’s opponent, Burlington, ranks 30th in the RPI. The Lancers have dominated this rivalry for years, going 10-1 in the last 11 matchups with the lone loss coming in 2009. Burlington is once again a run-first offense averaging 5.2 yards per carry. The team’s two lead running backs, Justin Hudley (6.1 yards per carry) and Cecil Owens (8.0 yards per carry), are far more efficient than the team’s quarterback Caden Zaugg (4.2 yards per carry, 42.5 completion percentage). “(Burlington) are good people. My son has an FCA camp in the summer with them and is actually really good friends with their quarterback. Stuff like that is cool,” Stewart said. “They’re a well-coached team with a good tradition. I love going to Bracewell; it’s a neat place to play. Our guys will have to show up. They put it on West, so we’ll have to come ready to play.” |
| | Top Lancers runners begin state pushNorth Scott wants to get three runners to the state meet this year. All three hopefuls took another step towards that goal last week at Central DeWitt’s Jim Hetrick Invitational. Senior Parker Hamly, senior Khloe Hamilton and junior Natalie O’Flahrity all won medals from their races at Grace Lutheran Church Camp. Hamly placed fifth in the large school varsity boys’ race, and Hamilton and O’Flahrity were separated by less than a tenth of a second in 11th and 12th place in the large school varsity girls’ race. North Scott placed fifth on both team scoreboards, giving everyone a boost heading into the conference and state qualifying meets. “The DeWitt meet is always a great tune-up for us heading into the final stretch of the season,” Lancer coach Amy Knoche said. “It gives us one last opportunity to see most of our MAC schools before the conference meet, which is valuable as we get a better sense of where we stand and what we need to focus on moving forward.” Hamly notched his second-best career time at 16:38.82. Second place through fifth place in this race were separated by only 3.6 seconds. He went under 17 minutes for the second time this season, chasing his PR set in Cedar Rapids at 16:30.2. “I’d been in a rut the past couple of meets, so I knew it was time for a change. DeWitt usually was my worst-performing meet the past couple of seasons, so I decided to change that,” Hamly said. “I’ve known the competition for years now, and it was just about sticking with them. By the second mile, I knew I had to make a break for it if I wanted to place well, so I kicked hard. I’m super proud of my performance.” Sophomore Bryton Dougherty, junior Zeke Skyles and senior Ben Clayton all finished in the top half of this 65-person field. Dougherty placed 23rd at 17:43.72, Skyles placed 29th at 18:06.06, and Clayton placed 32nd at 18:12.67. Sophomore Miles Unwin (18:19.56 — 35th place), freshman Jeremiah Stanley (18:26.74 — 37th place) and freshman Cooper Esch (18:40.52 — 41st place) were all not far behind. The girls’ race had a photo finish for North Scott, with O’Flahrity and Hamilton crossing the finish line at the same time. By milliseconds, O’Flahrity (20:52.91) got the edge over Hamilton (20:53.05). “It was a lot of fun to watch. Natalie and Khloe are both competitors, and neither one of them likes to lose, so seeing them battle it out like that was pretty special,” Knoche said. “They ran shoulder to shoulder for pretty much the entire race. I can’t say that I’ve seen a 0.1-second difference between the top two girls in our lineup, but it was exciting to see them push each other all the way to the finish. That’s the kind of competition that makes both runners better, and it’s great to see that competitive fire from both of them.” This was the second time this season the two top Lancer girls have gone sub-21 minutes together in a meet. That will be a requirement as both girls want to qualify for state together this fall. “Khloe knows how close she was last year, missing out by just one spot, and Natalie has the talent to make that same goal a reality,” Knoche said. “They’re both hungry to get to state, and I think that motivation is a big part of what makes them such strong competitors. At this point in the season, it’s about trusting the work they’ve put in, staying healthy and continuing to push themselves and each other.” Sophomore Vivian Ohsann continued her strong season as well, running within four seconds of her personal record at 22:07.09. This earned her 27th place in the 67-girl field. Fellow sophomores Amelia Bowers and Zoey Ayers scored for the team with their times of 23:19.04 and 23:34.84 and their placements in the low 40s. Senior Emma Reif (23:47.74 — 47th place) and freshman Kayla Stortz (24:38.43 — 54th place) completed the Lancer lineup. One additional highlight from Thursday came in the junior varsity race, where senior Sophi Schneckloth made her return to competition after suffering a foot injury during track and field season. This injury prevented her from competing at state track and cost her most of this cross-country season. She made up for lost time, finishing in fourth place with a time of 23:09.08. This time would have scored for the varsity team, and it has earned her a spot back in the varsity lineup for this week’s conference race at Crow Creek Park. So long as she comes out of that race feeling well, she will run for North Scott at state qualifying, too. “Sophi has been working hard all season to come back, and it was great to see her for the first time this season,” Knoche said. “It has been a long process for her, and I’m proud of the work she’s put in to get back to this point. As we head into the postseason, having another experienced and talented runner available gives our team an added boost and some valuable depth at just the right time.” North Scott, along with the rest of the state, is still awaiting its state qualifying meet assignment. Class 4A will compete on Wednesday, Oct. 21 at locations near Dubuque, Iowa City, Johnston, Marshalltown and Southeast Polk. |
| | Lancer volleyball goes 2-4 in tough weekFor the first time since 2022, Pleasant Valley has defeated North Scott in volleyball. The Lancers enjoyed a three-year streak of success, but this year’s seventh-ranked Spartans put that streak to bed, winning 25-14, 25-20, 25-18 at home last Tuesday (Oct. 6). After a quick first set and a half, the Lancers began to find their footing in set two before running out of time in the race to 25. Pleasant Valley got off to a slow start in set three, but won comfortably in the end to snap their losing streak to North Scott. The highlight of the night came from senior Alyssa Schroeder who reached the 100-block mark for her career. Schroeder led the Lancers with three blocks Tuesday night and is now up to 102 for her career. Schroeder has 47 and counting this season to go along with 55 during her junior campaign. Senior Kamilah Eller led North Scott in both kills and digs against Pleasant Valley with eight and 16, respectively. Junior Kenna Kibler took all of the setting duties, accounting for each of North Scott’s 26 assists. Soppe had six kills on 24 attacks in the match to go along with nine digs. Schroeder also had six kills on an efficient 16-17 night on attacks. Senior Olivia Graham had seven digs, while junior Brinley Schroeder and junior Adelynn Temple both had six digs. From behind the service line, sophomore Kaylee Ervin had the Lancers’ lone ace. The team had an 88.9 service percentage. On Saturday, North Scott took its annual trip to the Clear Creek-Amana Invitational in Tiffin. There, the Lancers went 2-3 in round-robin play. North Scott defeated Pleasantville (21-12, 15-21, 15-7) and Mid-Prairie (9-21, 21-11, 15-12) and lost to Clear Creek-Amana (10-21, 16-21), Anamosa (21-23, 21-14, 13-15) and Union Community (16-21, 16-21). Statistics for the tournament were unavailable as of Monday evening. North Scott plays its final two home matches of the season this week. The team started against 5A No. 11 Bettendorf on Tuesday, and then concludes its regular season on Thursday against Clinton. |
| | Swimmers post strong times in specialty strokesThe North Scott girls’ swim team took its annual trip to Pleasant Valley High School last Thursday for a Mississippi Athletic Conference dual meet against the Spartans. Pleasant Valley won 127-31 and took first place in all 11 events. The Lancers still had plenty of solid races, particularly in the specialty strokes. Senior Madelyn La Plante and freshman Jessenia Webb placed second and third in the 100-yard backstroke, swimming faster than two Spartans. La Plante recorded a 1:17.87 time in this race while Webb had a 1:26.57 time. Sophomore Julie Enlow was not far behind with a 1:34.64 time. Junior captain Olivia Durkin took third place in the 100-yard breaststroke with her time of 1:23.25. Fellow captain Lillian Farro also swam in this event to a 1:51.25 time. Durkin also placed second in the 200-yard individual medley, touching the wall after 2:36.95. Sophomore Madyson Sparkman’s time of 1:12.78 was good for third place in the 100-yard butterfly — exactly two seconds shy of second place. Additionally, in the 200-yard freestyle relay, the North Scott team scored third place with its time of 2:08.64. North Scott will wrap-up its regular season over the next eight days. It took to the pool in Williamsburg on Monday (Oct. 12) for its final invitational of the regular season. The Lancers will honor their two seniors on Thursday, Oct. 15 against Bettendorf. The team will then travel to the Bulldogs’ pool next Monday to conclude the regular season and enter a taper. Last week, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union announced this season's swimming regional sites. North Scott will travel back to Linn-Mar for regionals on Nov. 7 and compete against the Lions, Burlington, Clinton, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Dowling Catholic, Dubuque Senior and Muscatine in the last meet of the year. |
| | EPA head says agency is updating Iowa’s impaired waterway listALTOONA — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin said Sunday in Iowa that the federal agency is processing “updates” on Iowa’s list of impaired waterways amid a lawsuit challenging the decision to delist seven waterways that had been added due to nitrate impairment. The EPA administrator toured Summit Products in Altoona, his first Iowa stop of a trip which also included events Monday in Iowa City and Dyersville. Speaking with reporters, Zeldin said the EPA was taking steps to address Iowans’ concerns about water quality — specifically about nitrate levels and potential environmental factors that may be contributing to the state’s high and rising cancer rates — by partnering with local businesses, farmers and the state government. “Here in Iowa, there are so many farmers and others who understand that they have an obligation to protect their land, the water,” Zeldin said. “And that concern that Iowa residents have to make sure that rivers, waterways are clean … they want to pursue more answers, they have more questions, and all that is important to communicate to EPA. And then for EPA to do our part with our statutory obligations, with the opportunities that are in front of us in the months and the years ahead, to help find those answers.” He said “when necessary,” the EPA sets new maximum contaminant levels on the levels of nitrate allowed in water, adding, “respecting the fact that we believe that a state and local community knows their water better than anyone who’s sitting behind a desk in Washington, D.C.” in this consideration. Concerns about EPA recognition — and potential regulation — on nitrate levels in Iowa waterways has been a point of concern in the state after the EPA attempted in late 2024 to add seven additional segments to Iowa’s Impaired Waterways list due to nitrate impairment. This list determines if a water segment meets designated criteria for uses like fishing, recreation and drinking water using retroactive data — if a segment is listed as impaired, it triggers a restoration process under the federal Clean Water Act. After the Iowa Department of Natural Resources challenged the EPA’s seven additions to the list, the federal agency removed these waterways from the 2024 list. This decision was challenged in a May lawsuit brought by Food & Water Watch, the Iowa Environmental Council, and the Environmental Law & Policy Center, which called for the court to order the EPA to relist these segments as impaired waterways. While this lawsuit is ongoing, the EPA finalized its decision to delist the waterways in late September. A Thursday news release from the Environmental Law & Policy Center criticized this move for not taking action to address high nitrate levels in the state. “Iowans know that we have a water quality crisis. We deserve more than the Trump EPA putting their head in the sand and refusing to act on water quality,” ELPC Senior Attorney Josh Mandelbaum said in the news release. “That’s why we will continue our lawsuit to provide accountability to the Trump EPA and to push for action on water quality for Iowans.” But Zeldin said the EPA is focused on advancing “cooperative federalism between the federal government and the state government,” and working with the Iowa state government to address water quality concerns. “We’re going through a process with recent updates in the last couple weeks with regards to impaired waterways, not just with adjudicating Iowa’s list from 2024, but also Iowa’s submission of a new list for 2026, that partnership is key,” Zeldin said. “I do not feel like our agency is or should be in conflict with the state of Iowa and the people of Iowa. It should be a partnership working together to make Iowa residents proud to be able to answer their questions when they have them, and to to set regulations according to law that are appropriate to help strengthen Iowa’s land, air, and water.” Zeldin touts EPA action to certify aftermarket vehicle products The first stop of Zeldin’s Iowa trip to a motor vehicle parts and accessories manufacturer comes after the EPA’s move to allow the Specialty Equipment Market Association, known as SEMA, to certify aftermarket vehicle products to show compliance with the EPA Clean Air Act. Before President Donald Trump signed a July memorandum making this change, Zeldin said the only body able to perform this certification was the California Air Resource Board (CARB) – which he said made the process “backlogged” and “very expensive,” with the certification process taking a year or more to complete. Albert Marasco, CEO of Summit Products, thanked Zeldin for visiting their facility and said steps recently taken by the EPA to help certify aftermarket products has been “helpful to our business,” especially as the business is expanding. “We got another 30,000 square feet going up this year, more on the way,” Marasco said. “and I don’t know if we can do it without proper support from the government.” Summit Products was one of “hundreds of SEMA members, just in the state of Iowa” Zeldin said who will benefit from Trump’s memorandum. Zeldin said the SEMA certification process shows “Iowa issues are front and center for this agency” – and said the action builds off his agency’s other work in the Office of Air and Radiation. He brought up the work he discussed during his last trip to Iowa in 2025 to the Iowa State Fair, where he announced guidance to engine and equipment manufacturers to prevent sudden shutdowns and power losses that occur in diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems. These are issues related to “right to repair” efforts to prevent manufacturers from banning independent repairs. In February, the EPA issued a clarification letter stating the Clean Air Act does not prohibit repairs to offroad diesel equipment like farm machinery. In Dyersville, was joined by U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in 2026, to tour an energy facility. Because he was visiting Iowa in his official capacity, Zeldin said he would not offer “personal” opinions on the Senate race or other contentious elections in Iowa. However, he said Iowa’s federal delegation has “strong influential leadership in Washington D.C.” and that many of the issues the EPA has taken action on have been driven by one-on-one discussion with Iowa leaders. “That’s something that serves, in my opinion, Iowa’s best interests when you have a delegation as strong and as influential as Iowa has had,” he said. |
| | House Speaker Johnson rallies with Miller-Meeks in contentious raceDAVENPORT — U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson asked Iowans at a Davenport rally Friday to send U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks back to Congress — telling the crowd, “I gotta have her,” as she runs in one of the nation’s most competitive U.S. House races in November. Miller-Meeks running for reelection against Democrat Christina Bohannan, who also ran for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District in 2022 and 2024. While Miller-Meeks defeated Bohannan in those two elections, political forecasters and polls predict the Democratic candidate could pull ahead in the Nov. 3, 2026 election. Earlier Friday, Cook Political Report moved their race ratings for Miller-Meeks’ seat, as well as for Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District, currently represented by Rep. Zach Nunn, from “toss-up” to “leans Democrat.” The political forecaster’s move for these Iowa seats — as well as shifting Iowa’s 2nd Congressional District from a “leans Republican” to a “toss up” race — were three of 18 race ratings to shift in Democrats’ favor with less than a month before the election. Cook Political Report editor Erin Covey wrote in an analysis about the race rating changes, “In the final weeks of the election, Republicans have hoped that a massive ad campaign effort could dent Democratic candidates’ images and shore up Republicans struggling to free themselves of the anchor of President Donald Trump. With less than four weeks to go, that heavy spending has yet to move the needle.” Miller-Meeks and Johnson both noted the high amount of spending going into this year’s midterm elections, as well as the spending happening in Iowa alone — Punchbowl News reported Tuesday Iowa’s 1st District had reached $37.4 million in ad spending. Johnson said he believed the 1st District race “is going to be a $50 million dollar race” leading up to Election Day. “This is not what the founding fathers intended, OK, but this is what we got,” Johnson said. “We have to put the resources onto it. We have to make sure that our warriors like Mariannette Miller-Meeks get reelected, because we’re in the battle for saving the future of the republic.” The Davenport visit was one of Johnson’s many campaign stops leading up to Nov. 3 as he and Republicans aim to keep control of the U.S. House. The speaker said he had been to “40 districts, 22 states this month alone” supporting Republicans. He said Miller-Meeks’ district was one of the “top five districts” in the country that will determine which party gains majority control of the House. There are several reasons why GOP candidates are facing tougher election odds in states like Iowa, which supported President Donald Trump and Republicans in 2024. High fuel costs driven in part from the war with Iran, the impacts of tariff policies and concerns about Medicaid cuts through the 2025 “One, Big Beautiful Bill Act” amid rising healthcare costs and rural hospital closures are all issues Democrats say are top concerns for Iowans on the campaign trail, and reasons voters are frustrated with GOP majorities. While Johnson highlighted tax cuts, immigration enforcement and some of the “pro-growth” policies supporting U.S. businesses in his speech, he focused on Democrats running in the 2026 election, who he said were “radicals” and “communists.” “The insurgent left is taking over the Democrat Party, and it is a very dangerous thing,” Johnson said. “The Marxists, the communists, the socialists are on the rise, and they are winning races all around America. They’re putting people like Bohannan in this race. … Now in the campaign right now, they’re trying to pretend like they’re moderates, but we all know the truth.” Miller-Meeks claimed her opponent was “OK with the Socialist Party,” and said Bohannan’s voting record as a state politician and her work as a law professor at the University of Iowa on issues related to diversity, equity and inclusion shows her positions are out of touch with most Iowans. She contrasted this with her own support for the $15 billion Mesabi Metallics steel mill project announced by Trump earlier in October, which has a planned location in the 1st District. “Would you rather have someone that delivered the largest tax cut in American history and the largest steel mill in American history, or would you rather have someone that’s perfectly OK with the Socialist Party before it even became hip to be elected as a socialist in the Democrat Party?” Miller Meeks asked. Miller-Meeks and Republicans have linked Bohannan with movements like the Democratic Socialists of America. But a September campaign event, when Bohannan was asked if she supports or is a member of DSA, she responded, “I’m not a socialist. I don’t support that.” “It’s a laughable charge,” Bohannan campaign manager Dan Driscoll said in a statement responding to Johnson’s visit. “Christina criticized President Biden for failing to secure the southern border and disagreed with him on college loan forgiveness. She’s an advocate for small business, innovation and competition, and she has worked extensively in rural economic development. “What’s out of touch with voters is Rep. Miller-Meeks’ record of siding with billionaires, corporations, special interests and party bosses like Speaker Johnson, who is stumping in Iowa in a sad attempt to rescue her flailing campaign.” Johnson had also come to Iowa in support of Miller-Meeks, as well as Nunn, during the 2024 election cycle as they were expected to face tight reelection races. The House speaker said Miller-Meeks’ victory in 2024 by less than 800 votes after a recount — as well as her initial 2020 win by a margin of six votes — shows the importance for Republicans to get out the vote. “This district, more than any in America — when we say close election, we mean close election,” Johnson said. |
| | Try your hand at making maple syrup this winterIowa State University Extension and Outreach has released a publication designed to help beginning and experienced producers prepare for the syrup season ahead. The four-page guide, “Maple Syrup Production,” is available for download from the ISU Extension Store. Making maple syrup is labor-intensive, and success often depends on decisions made well before the first sap flows. Iowa’s season runs from mid-February through early March. Newcomers can use the fall to identify maple trees large enough to tap and begin gathering equipment, while experienced producers typically start preparing their gear in January. Guidance from tree selection to bottling The guide walks readers through each stage of the process. Key points include: Choosing the right trees: Sugar and black maples produce sweeter sap than silver maples or boxelders, which can mean far less time boiling. Tapping with care: Learn how many taps a tree can handle based on its size and how to place them from year to year. Boiling sap into syrup: Become familiar with how hobby producers can get started with a flat pan over a hearth of concrete blocks, as well as how modern evaporators work. Handling sap and finished syrup: Sap is perishable and best processed within 24 to 48 hours and involves filtering and bottling the finished product. “Whether someone is interested in tapping a few maple trees in their backyard or exploring maple syrup production as a business opportunity, this guide offers the information needed to get started,” said Emma Kerns, forestry field specialist with ISU Extension and Outreach. “Beyond the finished product, tapping trees and making syrup gives Iowans a chance to spend time outdoors, learn more about their woodlands and experience one of the unique benefits our forests have to offer.” For more information, download the publication or contact Billy Beck at wjbeck@iastate.edu, Emma Kerns at erkerns@iastate.edu or Julia Baker at jaclymer@iastate.edu. |
| Leftover Halloween candy? Bettendorf financial group to collect candy for soldiers and veteransThe goal is to gather 600 pounds of candy to donate to Soldiers' Angels, in addition to donating $3 for every pound collected. |
| Rock Island among top counties for deer crashes: IDOTFall can be a dangerous time for drivers as crashes between vehicles and deer become more common. According to statistics from Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). Rock Island County came in at #10 for the top Illinois counties for crashes involving deer in 2025, with 310. Cook County came in at #1 with 559. Paul [...] |
| Muscatine garage fire causes $50,000 in damagesCrews responded Sunday evening to the 1200 block of Dale Street for a garage fire. |
| Wharton Field House could gain historic designation for its place in NBA historyBefore the NBA became a global powerhouse, its first post-merger game tipped off in Moline. A historic designation could recognize that milestone. |
| Garage destroyed in Muscatine fire; no injuries reportedNine Muscatine firefighters and five Fruitland firefighters responded to a Sunday afternoon garage fire that left an estimated $50,000 in damage. |
| John Deere Foundation announces $18.5 million Farm-to-Plate strategyThe John Deere Foundation has announced an $18.5 million, multi-year Farm-to-Plate strategy that will support Feeding America partner food banks. As part of a $17 million commitment to Feeding America and a $1.5 million partnership with The Farmlink Project, the Foundation will help recover surplus produce, build direct pathways that connect farmers with food banks and mobilize John Deere employees to address [...] |
| Moline Coal Valley School Board requesting state historic designation for Wharton Field HouseThe nearly century-old sports arena hosted the first official National Basketball Association game after the merger of the two former leagues in 1949. If the state approves, the district will place a plaque on the field house. |
| Reports: GOP super PAC shifts resources away from Miller-Meeks as reelection race tightensThe New York Times reports that a Republican Congressional PAC tied to House Speaker Mike Johnson is canceling advertisements for U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks. |
| NIU, IDOT announce $40M research project to protect environment during road constructionNIU and IDOT are launching a partnership to study how road construction affects wildlife, wetlands and communities across northern Illinois. |
| Iowa's 3 top congressional races move in Democrats' favor | ReportThe battle for Iowa's three top-targeted U.S. House seats has shifted in favor of Democrats, according to nonpartisan election analysts at the Cook Political Report. |
| Hog building destroyed in fire, 2,400 pigs killedThe fire department also credited Randy Vopel Farms for combining an adjacent field after embers flew into standing corn. |
| Semi overturns on U.S. 20 east of GalenaU.S. Route 20 semi rollover east of Galena leaves driver with minor injuries after rig hits an embankment trying to re-enter road. |
| Traffic Alert: Parts of Monmouth intersection closed for water main replacementSections of a Monmouth intersection are closed for a water main replacement which started Monday. |
| Moline council to receive update on wastewater plant upgradeThe $120 million South Slope wastewater treatment plant upgrade aims to improve environmental safety and expand aging infrastructure. |
| | 68% of small business owners are open to AI in payroll, but only 11% trust it to take overBusiness owners know what payroll costs on paper: wages, taxes, and maybe a software subscription. What doesn't show up in the budget are the hours spent double-checking a time sheet, the worry about whether a rate was entered correctly, or the awkward conversation if a paycheck lands short.To see just how deep those costs run, OnTheClock surveyed more than 500 small and mid-sized business owners and payroll decision-makers. The results show how the type of training someone receives relates to payroll error rates, why fixing mistakes costs more than just money, and why leaders are eager to lean on AI to handle pay day, with one critical catch.Key Takeaways65% of respondents are comfortable letting AI handle parts of payroll, but there's no consensus on who's responsible if it makes a mistake.Paying someone the wrong amount is the most common payroll mistake at 41%, followed by miscalculated taxes (21%), late payments (18%), and missed payments (14%).Time is the most common cost of payroll errors. Among those asked, 45% say a payroll error cost them time in the past 12 months, compared with 30% who lost money.Respondents who were taught by a predecessor are more likely to report their company has made payroll mistakes than those trained through any other method.With Hours of Payroll to Do Each Pay Period, 68% of SMB Owners, CEOs Are Open to AI's HelpPayroll isn't a task most small business leaders hand off. Among the CEOs, founders, and owners polled, 68% say they handle payroll themselves day-to-day, the highest share of any role surveyed.Half of these leaders said payroll takes them three hours or more to complete each pay period. One in 10 say the same tasks take them six or more hours. For a company running biweekly payroll, three to five hours a period adds up to roughly two to three full workweeks. At six hours or more, that's closer to four weeks. OnTheClock The time it takes to complete these tasks isn't the only cost for SMB leaders. The majority (83%) could name at least one part of payroll they find stressful. This includes keeping up with tax and compliance rules (31%), calculating overtime or hourly rates correctly (17%), and catching time sheet errors before payday (14%).This survey found that worry outlasts the actual work, with 40% of small business owners, CEOs, or founders calling payroll accuracy a major concern they think about constantly.Given how much time owners spend on payroll themselves, it makes sense that they're open to handing off some of those tasks.When asked, 68% of SMB owners, founders, and CEOs felt postively about AI-powered automation taking on payroll tasks. Just 15% were hesitant or against it. That sentiment tracks with all the experts surveyed: 64% feel positively about AI taking on payroll tasks. OnTheClock But only 11% of owners would let AI handle their payroll todayOpenness isn't the same as readiness, though. Only 11% of owners, CEOs, or founders say they're fine with letting AI handle their payroll today. Here's what they say they need to feel more comfortable letting AI support payroll:The ability to review payroll before it's submitted: 50%A financial guarantee from the provider if it makes an error: 40%Proof that similar businesses use the AI tool successfully: 35%A recommendation from someone they trust: 30%Legal review or compliance certification: 30%The Stakes of Misusing AI Are High: 63% of SMBs Have Already Made a Payroll MistakePayroll errors rarely look like a full system crash. They're usually just small enough to slip by unless someone is looking for them. For SMBs, these slips occur more often than not: 63% of owners and payroll handlers say their companies have made payroll errors.Paying someone the wrong amount is the most common slip-up at 41%, nearly double the next issue on the list. Miscalculated or misfiled payroll taxes follow at 21%, along with late payments (18%) and completely missed payments (14%). OnTheClock Crucially, payroll can only be as accurate as the time sheets it starts with—meaning the 63% mistake rate only reflects the errors employers actually caught. The real number could be even higher.If SMB owners are going to use AI, they want assurance that it will be 100% accurate. If it isn't, owners could take the blame. Overall, these are the three main culprits respondents identified when AI makes a payroll error:The AI or software company: 50%The manager overseeing payroll: 33%The business owner: 25%However, when you look at job titles, business owners, CEOs, and founders are far harsher on themselves than their teams are. Thirty-eight percent say the business owner is ultimately responsible for AI's payroll mistakes. By comparison, only 19% of HR leaders and 15% of operations leaders feel the same.When these discrepancies do come to light, new data shows the fallout can be costly. Among respondents whose company made a payroll error, 45% say it cost them time, and 30% lost money due to reimbursements or tax penalties. Another 14% saw an employee resign over the issue. OnTheClock The Training Method That Leads to the Fewest Payroll MistakesIf you want to reduce payroll errors, look at how your team learns. Formal training and certification yield the lowest mistake rates across the board.More than one-third (35%) of professionals with formal training reported their company has never made a payroll mistake—the highest rate in the study. By contrast, error rates climb steadily as training becomes more informal:Formal training or certification: 65% reported mistakes, 35% were error-free.Trial and error on the job: 72% reported mistakes, 28% were error-free.Self-taught via online resources: 73% reported mistakes, 27% were error-free.Taught by a predecessor: 76% reported mistakes, 24% were error-free.Teams relying on informal training saw nearly half (49%) pay an employee the wrong amount and 21% miss a payment entirely (compared to 41% and 14% overall).While many professionals rely on a mix of learning methods, supplementing informal mentorship with structured training and certification can help break inherited bad habits and protect payroll accuracy.Accepting the responsibility of using AI for payroll means proactive prevention can't be an afterthought. To avoid taking the fall for preventable errors, companies need guardrails built directly into their workflow. Tips for a Bullet-Proof Payday: Checkpoints, Training, and Smart TechBetween juggling multiple timecards, informal training, and software settings, payroll rarely breaks down in just one place. Stopping mistakes takes a clear, proactive strategy long before payday arrives.Here are a few payroll best practices SMBs can use to protect their time and bottom line.Standardize training instead of handing off informal notes: Being great at running payroll doesn't automatically make someone a great teacher. Passing down tasks informally transfers habits without the reasoning behind them, leading to errors when unusual time sheets pop up. Standardize your onboarding with clear documentation, HR-led training, and trusted third-party courses or webinars.Keep a human in the loop with AI: Automation should speed up your workflow, not run on total autopilot. Software notifies the team of anomalies but lets managers inspect, adjust, and approve final numbers before submission.Build intentional checkpoints into your process: Mistakes happen when work is pushed through a conveyor belt without any quality assurance. Build in at least one dedicated review stop before funds are released. If you only have time to inspect one item, check the final pay amounts. That's the area where most things go off track.MethodologyThe survey was conducted online by Centiment with a total sample size of 525 small to mid-sized U.S. business owners and HR or operations decision-makers. Each was required to have direct, hands-on responsibility for reviewing/approving employee time sheets and payroll, as well as between two and 250 hourly employees whose hours are self-reported, rather than fully salaried office staff.Fieldwork was undertaken from Aug. 15-21, 2026. Data are unweighted, and the margin of error is approximately ±4% for the overall sample at a 95% confidence level.This story was produced by OnTheClock and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | Most privacy cases against businesses share one problemCalifornia regulators have announced more consumer privacy penalties this year than in all earlier years combined, and the pattern behind the fines is as notable as the total. Five settlements under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) have been announced so far in 2026, adding up to $17.1 million, more than double the $7.9 million from the nine settlements announced between 2022 and 2025.Clym reviewed all 14 CCPA settlements announced by the California Attorney General and the California Privacy Protection Agency, known as CalPrivacy, since the program's first case in 2022. One problem came up more often than any other: a broken or missing way for people to opt out of having their personal data sold or shared.The totals use the dollar amount in each agency's announcement through Sept. 29, 2026, and exclude fines for failing to register as a data broker, which have been five-figure amounts, according to the IAPP.One Settlement Drove Most of the TotalThe biggest settlement is $12.75 million from General Motors, announced May 8 by the attorney general, several county prosecutors, and CalPrivacy. State officials said the company sold the names, contact information, location, and driving data of hundreds of thousands of Californians to data brokers without giving notice. "Californians must have confidence that they know what data is being collected, how it is used, and what their opt-out rights are," San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins said at the time. It's the largest CCPA penalty on record, and it was subject to court approval when announced.That one settlement makes up about three-quarters of this year's total. The other four settlements announced in 2026 average about $1.09 million, roughly a quarter more than the average settlement before this year.Why Does It Keep Coming Back to Opt-Outs?Look past the record total, and a single problem shows up again and again. Of the 14 CCPA settlements Clym reviewed, 12 involved how a business handled requests to opt out of the sale or sharing of personal data, by far the most common issue regulators have cited since the program began.Some companies had no working opt-out at all: mobile game maker Jam City had no compliant opt-out in any of its 21 apps. Others made the option difficult to find or use. Clothing retailer Todd Snyder left its opt-out request page broken for 40 days and required identity verification to use it. Ford paid $375,703 in March after CalPrivacy found it required an extra email verification step before processing an opt-out. "Opting out is supposed to be easy," CalPrivacy's head of enforcement, Michael Macko, said of the Ford case. "Unnecessary steps in the opt-out process can discourage consumers from exercising their privacy rights."Several companies also ignored Global Privacy Control, the browser setting that's supposed to send an opt-out signal automatically without a person having to find a settings page, an issue regulators flagged as far back as the first settlement in 2022. A few cases also involved children's or teenagers' data, including a settlement over a mobile game that collected and shared kids' information without parental consent.The Fines Reach Well Beyond Big TechThese cases aren't limited to household names or one industry. Carmakers alone (Honda, Ford, and General Motors) account for more than half of every dollar collected since 2022. Honda's $632,500 settlement centered on a cookie banner that took two clicks to decline tracking but only one to accept it. CalPrivacy, the newer of the two regulators, has brought six of the 14 settlements, typically for smaller amounts against businesses like Todd Snyder; its largest so far is $1.35 million.Any covered business that sells or shares California visitors' personal data, including through ordinary advertising tools on a website or app, has to offer a working opt-out and honor it. Retailers, restaurants, medical offices, and app makers all run the kinds of websites and apps these cases involved, and the law allows fines of up to $2,663 per violation, or $7,988 for each intentional violation.Regulators Say the Fines Are Only Going UpIn remarks reported by the IAPP in April, Macko said fines under the law "could become a cost of doing business if they're not higher" and called the size of fines "an area to watch." The record $12.75 million settlement was announced five weeks later. CalPrivacy has also announced more than a dozen actions against data brokers that failed to register on time, including one in August against a broker that also required part of a Social Security number just to process an opt-out.What California’s Privacy Enforcement Means for BusinessesThe settlements reviewed by Clym show that some of the most common enforcement issues involve how businesses handle consumer privacy choices in practice, not simply what their privacy policies say.For businesses subject to the CCPA, the cases highlight several areas worth reviewing:Opt-out choices work consistently across devices, browsers, and versions of an appGlobal Privacy Control and similar browser signals are recognized automaticallyOpt-out process doesn’t introduce unnecessary steps, such as identity verification or email confirmationHow consent is handled when collecting or sharing data from children and teenagersData broker registration requirements apply and are being metOpt-out requests are carried through to third parties that also receive the consumer’s dataThe enforcement record suggests that privacy controls alone are not enough. Regulators have repeatedly focused on whether those controls actually work as intended when consumers try to exercise their rights.This story was produced by Clym and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| Davenport phasing in 4th Street two-way conversionA post on the City of Davenport’s website has an update on 4th Street’s conversion to two-way travel. The city will phase in two-way travel on 4th Street, starting with the section between Harrison Street and E. River Drive. “Over the next two weeks, you’ll see shifting travel lanes between Harrison and E River Drive [...] |
| Inside Iowa Politics: Why Dr. Oz visited an Iowa hospitalDr. Mehmet Oz traveled to an Iowa hospital to explain how he said funding changes could benefit rural areas. |
| | Cargo theft losses have more than doubled ahead of the holiday rushThe FBI defines cargo theft as, “The criminal taking of any cargo including, but not limited to, goods, chattels, money or baggage that constitutes, in whole, or in part, a commercial shipment of freight moving in commerce.” That covers goods stolen from warehouses or trailers, as well as shipments collected or redirected through fraud.Cargo theft losses across the United States and Canada reached an estimated $304.6 million in the second quarter of 2026, which is more than double the $135.7 million that was recorded during the same period in 2025, Videoloft reports.Despite an increase in the value of losses, the actual number of incidents was down. Verisk CargoNet recorded 677 incidents between April and June, which is down 26% year over year. This could suggest that criminals are choosing their targets more carefully. Metals, enterprise computers and networking equipment have been among some of the commodities stolen during 2026.Businesses are now preparing for the period when holiday stock moves through warehouses and distribution centers, leaving valuable items vulnerable to theft. The FBI has also warned that criminals are hacking business accounts, impersonating carriers and persuading companies to release shipments to the wrong people.Thieves are looking for valuable loadsMetal theft rose from 54 incidents in the second quarter of 2025 to 80 in the same period of 2026, according to CargoNet’s quarterly analysis. Almost 7 in 10 metal thefts targeted copper — as a key element in transportation, power and clean energy copper demand, prices have increased over the last few years, inspiring thieves to take action.Other metals, enterprise grade computers, networking equipment and cryptocurrency mining hardware have also been targeted.CargoNet states that losses from cargo theft across the United States and Canada reached nearly $725 million in 2025, 60% higher than in 2024.A legitimate delivery driver can still be sent to the wrong placeMost cargo thefts are committed by sophisticated organized crime groups, who are using intelligent tactics to try and impersonate legitimate carriers and redirect valuable shipments.The FBI has issued a warning about a new type of scheme where a shipment is collected by a real driver, and then taken to a destination controlled by criminals. Hackers have been able to gain access to the carrier's computer systems — usually with a phishing email to an unsuspecting employee — to get information about current loads and shipments, and then they’re able to divert these shipments to different addresses where criminals are waiting to transfer the load onto another vehicle.Because of tactics like this, the FBI has advised businesses to confirm any changes through a second method. For instance, when collection details or destinations change, staff should contact the carrier or broker to double check the changes are legitimate.Companies also should educate their employees on common hacking techniques to prevent themselves being put at risk in the first place.Thanksgiving and Christmas are cargo theft hotspotsUnsurprisingly, Christmas and Thanksgiving are the times of year when cargo theft is most prevalent. During the holiday season, warehouses may close while loaded trailers remain onsite and skeleton staff might mean some areas aren’t supervised as often as they should.The figures back this up. CargoNet recorded 353 thefts, attempted thefts and fraud events between Dec. 23 and Jan. 2 over five years, with almost 7 in 10 happening during the week ending Dec. 29, with Dec. 23 the busiest day.The items that get stolen also follow holiday demand and include things like vehicle parts, alcohol, televisions, computers, tools, footwear and appliances, which all appear regularly in CargoNet’s year-end figures.Reduced staffing over the holidays may make it harder to check an unfamiliar driver or confirm an unexpected change to a collection. Businesses also need to decide where loaded trailers will be kept if they cannot be moved before a site closes.What businesses should check before the holidaysThe FBI recommends documenting things such as the driver's name, license plate, cab number, trailer number, Department of Transportation number and motor carrier number to make sure every collection has a clear record.It’s a good idea to use cameras to cover critical areas — for example, where vehicles arrive, drivers report, loading bays and where goods change hands. Video surveillance recordings from the site entrance, loading bay and exit can also help establish who collected a shipment and which direction the vehicle traveled.Cameras should be regularly checked to show that they’re recording and that footage is accessible. A quick and simple test could include asking someone to retrieve footage of a vehicle entering and leaving the site. The same test can then be repeated across other locations if the company operates over several warehouses.Holiday plans should cover the following:How carriers and changed instructions will be verifiedWhere loaded trailers can be left securelyWho can retrieve and preserve recordingsHow footage and shipment records will be given to police and insurersBusinesses should also check how long video is retained. A recording may have been captured successfully and still be missing by the time a delayed shipment is reported.Missing cargo can leave records in several placesThe information that needs to be given to the police after a theft can often be divided between several different departments. For example, warehouse staff may hold the driver’s details, the transport team might have the vehicle details and the IT department might need to investigate a suspicious email. Similarly, any camera footage might be stored at the warehouse itself, and if the location uses a different system from the rest of the business, only a small number of employees may know how to retrieve it.That’s a lot of loose ends when you need to find out what’s happened. The first few hours after a load goes missing should be spent tracing it, not finding passwords, waiting for someone to visit a recorder or discovering that a camera stopped recording.A written plan can set out who will contact the carrier, access the camera footage and report the incident. It can also identify where emails, access records and vehicle details are kept.Before the holiday season kicks in, businesses should run through the process using a recent delivery. Pick one load, verify the driver and vehicle details, then find the footage showing it arriving and leaving. Any gaps will be easier to fix while the goods are still where they should be.Reviewing these arrangements in October leaves time to fix any gaps before Thanksgiving shipments begin arriving and holiday staffing changes take effect.This story was produced by Videoloft and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | How to get an FHA loan for a mobile home or manufactured homeBuying a manufactured home can be a more affordable path to homeownership, and an FHA loan may make that path even more accessible.These loans, backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), are designed to help more people qualify with lower down payment requirements, flexible credit standards, and competitive interest rates.Below, Neighbors Bank explains how to get an FHA loan for a mobile, manufactured and modular home.In a NutshellPeople often use “mobile home” and “manufactured home” interchangeably, but there is an important difference: Mobile homes were built before June 15, 1976, while manufactured homes were built on or after that date to federal HUD standards.Homes built before June 15, 1976, aren't eligible for FHA manufactured home financing.Manufactured homes must meet specific FHA and HUD guidelines to qualify.FHA has different financing options depending on whether you're buying the home by itself or the home and land together.Not every FHA-approved lender offers manufactured home financing, so it's worth checking with a lender before you get too far into your home search. Can you get an FHA loan for a mobile home?Technically, no. Homes built before June 15, 1976, are considered mobile homes and aren't eligible for FHA manufactured home financing. Homes built on or after that date are considered manufactured homes and may qualify if they meet FHA and HUD requirements.The terminology can be confusing because “mobile home” is still commonly used as a catch-all for factory-built housing. If you're shopping for what you would typically call a mobile home today, there's a good chance you're actually looking at a manufactured home that may be eligible for FHA financing.Mobile vs. Manufactured vs. Modular HomesBefore looking at FHA financing, it helps to know what type of home you're buying. Mobile, manufactured and modular homes may look similar, but they're built under different standards and can have different financing requirements. Neighbors Bank In short, mobile homes aren't eligible for FHA manufactured home financing, manufactured homes may qualify under FHA's manufactured housing requirements, and modular homes are generally financed under the same FHA guidelines as traditional site-built homes.FHA Manufactured Home GuidelinesThe exact guidelines depend in part on how the home and land are being financed. For a typical FHA mortgage secured by a manufactured home and its site, the home will need to meet additional standards beyond the general FHA loan requirements.These include:The home must have been built on or after June 15, 1976, and meet applicable HUD construction standards.The home must have the required HUD Certification Label (aka HUD tag) or documentation confirming compliance.You must plan to use the home as your primary residence.The home must contain at least 400 square feet of living space for FHA Title II financing.The property must meet applicable FHA minimum property standards.You must work with an FHA-approved lender that offers manufactured home financing.An FHA appraisal may be required to confirm the home's value, condition and compliance with applicable property requirements.For FHA Title II financing, the home and property must also fall within the applicable FHA loan limit for your area.FHA Title I vs. Title II Manufactured Home LoansOne detail that's easy to miss is that FHA offers two different ways to finance manufactured housing.FHA Title I can be used to finance a manufactured home, a lot, or a home and lot together. In some cases, the home can be located on leased land, which means you don't necessarily have to own the property underneath it.FHA Title II works more like the FHA mortgage you may be familiar with for a traditional home. The manufactured home is financed as real property along with its site and must meet the FHA's applicable manufactured-home and foundation requirements.Can I finance just the home?Potentially. FHA Title I financing can be used for a manufactured home without purchasing the land underneath it.That can be helpful if you plan to place the home on leased land. FHA has specific requirements for leased lots, though, and lenders may have additional guidelines of their own.What is considered a foundation for a manufactured home?For FHA Title I and Title II financing, the manufactured home must be set on a permanent foundation that complies with HUD standards. Acceptable foundation types include piers, slabs, and crawl spaces. Setting up a home on an approved foundation can be costly, so it’s essential to budget for this if upgrades are needed.What if the home is in a mobile park?FHA Title I financing can allow a manufactured home to sit on leased land, including a site in a manufactured home community, as long as applicable FHA lease and property requirements are met.That doesn't mean every lender will finance this type of property. Individual lenders can have their own guidelines in addition to FHA requirements.FHA Modular Home GuidelinesModular homes follow a different set of construction rules than manufactured homes.Unlike manufactured or mobile homes, modular homes are built in sections off-site to meet local or state building codes. They are then transported to the property and assembled, making them indistinguishable from stick-built homes. This classification means they do not have additional requirements specific to modular construction when applying for an FHA loan.With FHA loans, modular homebuyers must meet the standard qualifications for any FHA purchase loan, including minimum credit scores, debt-to-income ratios, and down payment requirements.The property will also need to pass an FHA appraisal, but no special HUD guidelines apply to modular homes. This streamlined process makes financing modular homes through FHA loans as straightforward as financing a traditional house, giving buyers a wider range of affordable options.Pros and Cons of Using FHA For Manufactured HomesThe pros of an FHA loan for mobile homes or manufactured homes include a lower down payment and flexible credit requirements, making it accessible to a larger pool of borrowers.However, borrowers should be aware of potential downsides, such as the requirement for FHA mortgage insurance premiums and property standards. Neighbors Bank Manufactured Home Down Payment AssistanceEligible buyers may be able to pair an FHA loan with down payment assistance when purchasing a manufactured home. Depending on the program, assistance may help cover some or all of the required down payment and, in some cases, closing costs.Down payment assistance programs have their own eligibility requirements and may not be available with every property or lender, so it's important to confirm your options early in the homebuying process.Is an FHA Loan Right for Your Manufactured Home?FHA financing can make buying a manufactured home more accessible, but the home itself and the buyer must qualify. The type of home, how it was built, where it will be placed and whether you're financing the land can all affect your loan options.If you're considering a manufactured or modular home, talking with an FHA-approved lender early can help you understand which financing options are available and whether the property you're considering meets the necessary requirements.This story was produced by Neighbors Bank and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| Man who fell to his death while riding Six Flags roller coaster identifiedPolice have identified the man who died on a roller coaster at Six Flags Over Georgia Monday afternoon. |
| Moline hosting meeting on 15th St/16th Ave roundaboutThe City of Moline is hosting a public meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 14 from 5 – 7 p.m. to share preliminary plans for converting the intersection at 15th Street and 16th Avenue to a five-legged roundabout. The proposed project also includes pedestrian accessibility improvements. The meeting will be in the gymnasium at Seton Catholic School, [...] |
| Iowa voters set to vote on measure changing state constitutionIn November, Iowa voters can keep the same supermajority or raise the threshold to change Amendment One of the state constitution. |
| | How to spot imposter scamsA customer came into a Florida branch concerned about her bank account. She had received an email from an antivirus software company she recognized, saying she was going to be charged a payment unless she called a specific phone number. When she did, she was immediately talked into giving control of her computer to an individual, who was then able to log in to her banking account and complete unauthorized transfers and transactions. At the branch, the banker reached out to all the appropriate departments to secure the customer’s account and block the scammers from taking more money, but the damage was done.Imposter scams were the top fraud category in 2024, according to the Federal Trade Commission, with reported losses of $2.952 billion. These sophisticated scams start with a phone call, email, or text that appears to come from a trusted source, so it’s important to know who you’re really talking to. “We are continuously innovating and evolving the way that we protect our customers from losing their hard-earned money to scams and fraud,” said Margarita Alvarez, head of Wells Fargo Consumer Deposits and Payments Risk Program.Below, Wells Fargo shares tips to help fight fraud and scams. Key takeawaysImposters pretend to be your bank, the government, a technical support expert, or other trusted figure, business, or organization. They can also masquerade as a relative in distress.Scammers can spoof official phone numbers and may even have information about you.The latest imposter scams involve card replacement, AI-enhanced family emergency calls, payment app refunds, and cryptocurrencies.Fraudsters find ways to take advantage of the busy holiday season, so take special care during this time of year.Guard your personal and financial information.Only send money to people you trust and have verified, and don’t feel pressured to make rushed or out-of-the-ordinary payments.Report impersonators and identity fraud immediately.What is an imposter scam?These are scams that involve people pretending to be your bank, the government, a technical support expert, or other trusted figure, business, or organization. They can also masquerade as a relative in distress. “Their sole intent is to get access to your bank accounts and rob you of your funds,” said Alvarez.Scammers can spoof official phone numbers and may even have some information about you. By appearing legitimate, they attempt to convince you to give them your personal information and your money. Scammers posing as an IRS agent, IRS collection agency, or another government agency may use phishing emails, smishing texts, or vishing phone calls to obtain a payment or personally identifiable information (PII), including sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, Social Security numbers, and account details. Scammers may also attempt to contact you through social media or use video calls. Bank imposter scammers may attempt to get you to send them money, provide access to your device (phone, computer, laptop, or tablet), or share your password, PIN (personal identification number), or one-time access codes, tricking you by saying you need to reverse a transfer, receive a refund, “stop fraud,” or something similar. The information can be used to access your account, apply for benefits or refunds in your name, or steal your money.What’s the difference between fraud and scams?Fraud is when a bad actor uses stolen information, such as a Social Security or credit card number, in an unauthorized way, like filing a false tax return, without the victim’s knowledge or consent. Scams trick people into authorizing a financial transaction or willingly supplying personal information, making it difficult to recover any money.What are the current imposter scams?Scammers are constantly trying to add a new trick to old scams. For example, according to the FTC, in reporting from 2020 to 2023, scams starting with a phone call have plummeted, while those starting with a text or email have increased. In that same period, people reported skyrocketing losses through bank transfer and cryptocurrency. Many scammers impersonate more than one business or government organization in a single scam. For example, a fake retail employee might transfer you to a fake bank or federal employee for “help.” The latest types of fraud involve card replacement, AI-enhanced family emergency calls, payment app refunds, and cryptocurrencies. These are trending imposter scam examples Alvarez’s team is tracking, so you know what to look out for:1. Card replacementThe scheme: You receive a call or text from someone posing as a banker, who claims your debit card has fraudulent charges or has been compromised. They may ask you for your PIN for “verification.” Then, in order to get you a “new card” or to “recycle your compromised one,” they may ask you to mail your actual card — even if they tell you to cut it up first — to a specific address, which they say is your bank. Or they may even send a “bank representative” to pick up your physical card at your home. “Literally, a real person drives to your home to pick up the card,” Alvarez said. “It sounds absurd, but it’s happening.”The truth: This puts your card and PIN directly in the hands of the fraudster. These bad actors may use a spoofed number and may even have some identifying information about you to make it sound legitimate. Most banks will never send you an unexpected or unsolicited communication asking for your card or send someone to collect it. Instead, they may send you a code when prompted by an action that you initiated, such as signing on to online banking, sending money, or calling us directly. What to do: Do not provide personally identifiable information such as one-time passcodes, passwords, or PINs, as they can give scammers access to your account and your funds. If you provide a scammer with that information to access your accounts, you may not be able to get your money back, no matter how fast you report the scam. 2. AI-enhanced family emergencyThe scheme: You receive a call from a grandchild, child, or another close relative or friend in crisis, who asks you to wire money to bail them out of jail or similar. This is commonly known as the grandparent scam. More recently, scams have targeted parents of college students, and there are even con artists claiming to be a grandparent calling their grandchild for “help.”The truth: Scammers are using AI (artificial intelligence) to clone the voice of a loved one or trusted individual and to create deepfake calls, images, and videos. Voice impersonation is becoming easier and more effective with AI. According to online security firm McAfee, scammers using AI only need three to four seconds of a voice recording — shorter than the average video posted to social media — to clone a voice. “Scammers are even able to visually mimic a loved one, in order to get you to transfer funds on their behalf,” said Alvarez.What to do: Only send money to someone you know and trust. If you do get an unexpected or suspicious call, confirm the caller’s identity with a secret code word or similar. Remember, once you approve sending the funds, the money leaves your account and, in most cases, it’s unrecoverable. 3. Payment app refund scamsThe scheme: You receive a text or email asking you to confirm or decline a fake payment or charge. If you reply to the message, “a bank representative” may call you back. To “reverse” the payment or to keep further “fraud” from occurring in your account, you are asked to send money via another peer-to-peer payment method, a gift card, a wire transaction, or directly into another account.The truth: These payment methods are immediate forms of payment, which, like cash, are unlikely to be recovered once they have left your account. What to do: Don’t be pressured or rushed into making a transaction. If someone asks you to make a payment using a gift card, cryptocurrency, or a prepaid card, it’s a clear sign of a scam. Don’t do it.4. Bitcoin and other cryptocurrency investment scamsThe scheme: You receive a text or email — either out of the blue or from a trusted new acquaintance — that promises big, quick returns on an investment in cryptocurrency, digital currency that includes bitcoin. They might even have a fake investment website or app, which will be thin on details, but look legit. The truth: The fraudster will ultimately vanish with your funds. There has been a rise in investment and cryptocurrency scams, a trend likely to continue.What to do: Trust your gut. If you receive an unexpected text, email, or phone call, do not respond or click any links. Pause to check the legitimacy of the communication. To help protect yourself when making investments, always verify that the financial professional or institution is properly licensed and registered. Remember, if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.Package shipmentsThe scheme: You receive an email or text stating there is a problem with a delivery. You click on what looks like a tracking code link to confirm your address or provide your phone number or other personal information.The truth: You are taken to a fake site, which captures your personal or financial information. Clicking the link can even install malware onto your device.What to do: If you’re not sure a message is legitimate, contact the shipping company directly using a phone number from a website or other source you know is real. Don’t use the information in the message, and don’t click any links.If you recently ordered something, go to the site where you bought the item and verify the shipping and delivery status. Shopping onlineThe scheme: You see an ad in your social media feed or receive an email offering merchandise with unbelievably low prices. The link takes you to an unfamiliar website, where you enter your credit card information to make a purchase.The truth: Although you recognize the seller as a legitimate or well-known brand or even as a friend, their online profile may have been hacked or spoofed. What to do: Does a price look too good to be true? Try finding the brand’s official product page or see if the deal is reflected on other pages for the same product. If an ad looks suspicious, check if “https” is at the beginning of the linked webpage’s URL and that there’s a closed lock or broken key icon next to it. If so, then the site is valid, and the data submitted on the site is encrypted.Use caution when doing business with sellers you don’t know who push you to pay quickly through immediate payment apps, online wire transfers, or gift cards. These methods are immediate forms of payment, just like cash, making funds very hard to recover once the money has left your account. Take extra care during the holidays “We see scammers taking advantage of people’s emotions and the hustle and bustle of the season,” Alvarez said. Quick financial decisions you make under pressure — like that dash to grab a hard-to-find present or limited-time deal you click on your phone — can put you at greater risk of cybercrimes like credit card fraud, phishing, or buying fake products.Don’t take the bait from scammers Although the details of the latest scams may change, the ways you can protect yourself are constant. It’s up to you to stay aware and alert in case someone does approach you. Here’s how to thwart imposters:Wait and validate. Verify any unexpected requests that come through email, phone calls, and texts to confirm you’re speaking with a legitimate source. Don’t trust caller ID. Scammers can spoof legitimate numbers by altering caller ID.Guard your personal information. Don’t share sensitive data such as passwords, PINs, or one-time passcodes with people you don’t know. Put safeguards on your computer to ensure that messages are encrypted and that your computer is safe. Change account numbers, phone numbers, credit and debit card numbers, and passwords if your information is compromised.Add security tools to your accounts. This includes account alerts, card controls, and sign-on authentication and verification. Be skeptical. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.Be leery of sending money in any form. Verify intended recipients. Only send money to someone you know and trust, and whose identity you can confirm. Once you approve sending the funds, the money leaves your account and, in most cases, it’s unrecoverable.Stay connected. Maintain open communication with trusted contacts, seek advice, and say something if you’re ever solicited for any money.Pause before clicking. Avoid links in suspicious emails or texts.“Recently, I got a call from someone saying there was fraudulent activity on my account, and I needed to provide my password and authentication so they could stop the fraud. I quickly checked my app to make sure everything was in order and then hung up,” Alvarez said. “It’s super important to stay vigilant and don’t hesitate to step away from the situation.” This story was produced by Wells Fargo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | 79% of company execs say employees work around their AI governance policiesCompanies have done the homework on AI governance. They've written the policies, built the frameworks, and filed the documentation. And 91% of executive leaders say their organizations have them.But when you dig a little deeper, it turns out that the rules are a theoretical object, like a unicorn or a balanced budget. They exist in the document, but they're not in the room with us.According to a Zapier survey of 548 U.S.-based directors, VPs, and C-suite executives at companies with 500 or more employees, nearly 4 in 5 say their employees are actively bypassing or working around governance processes to deploy or modify AI-powered workflows faster.The organizations that got ahead of this didn't do so by writing a better PDF but by building the governance into the tools themselves. This means there’s no need to remember to follow the rules since it's the only thing the tool will let you do.This report digs into what's driving the workarounds and what tighter oversight looks like when it's more than a PDF.Key findings:41% of executives say their organization's goal is moving fast and refining governance as they go, even if it risks compliance.80% of execs say their companies have audit processes, but 28% say their AI policies aren't actually consistently enforced.41% of executives say AI governance ownership varies by department, leaving accountability inconsistent across the organization.41% of executives say their organization's goal is to move fast and refine governance as they go, even if it risks complianceStart with the scale of the problem: 52% of executives say employees bypassing governance processes is a widespread problem at their organization. Another 27% say it's concentrated within specific teams. Only 1 in 5 say it rarely or never happens. Which means 4 in 5 executives are essentially describing their own organization as a governance suggestion box. Zapier At organizations with 500 to 4,999 employees, roughly 81%–82% of executives report employees working around governance processes. It's only at companies with 5,000 or more employees that the number drops, dipping to 64%.That gap makes it sound like the largest companies have their act together, but it might indicate the opposite: At these massive organizations, there are countless layers between leadership and the actual work, which means many executives simply can't know how much rule-skirting is happening. Less rule-breaking reported isn't the same as less rule-breaking happening.Part of what's driving this visibility problem is a split in how companies approach deployment. Forty-one percent of executives say their company's primary approach is to move fast and iterate, getting workflows into production quickly—even if that means refining governance and compliance guardrails along the way.Meanwhile, 47% say their organization holds off on deployment until governance and testing are fully locked in. Those numbers are close enough to call it a coin toss, which means employees aren't really bypassing governance so much as picking a side in a debate their own leadership hasn't settled. If the executive suite can't agree on the approach, the policy document was never going to hold the line anyway.It's the same tension that has existed in software deployment forever: Ship it and fix it later, or get it right before it goes out. The difference is that when a buggy feature ships, you push a patch. When an ungoverned AI workflow touches your CRM, Slack, and billing system simultaneously, the patch becomes a little harder to write.The consequences are often tangible. Forty-seven percent of executives say AI workflow issues have led to increased manual workload or operational costs. Forty-one percent say it caused client- or customer-facing errors. Twenty-six percent say it has affected revenue, which tends to be the number that finally makes a policy document feel urgent. And with 85% of executives saying AI is running highly critical or mission-critical workflows across their entire enterprise, this clearly isn't the time or place to wing it.80% of execs say their companies have audit processes, but 28% say their AI policies aren't actually consistently enforcedHaving an audit process and actually enforcing what it surfaces are two separate challenges.The audit infrastructure is mostly there. Eighty percent of executives say their organization has a formal process for reviewing its AI governance policy on a regular schedule.At the same time, 28% of the executives Zapier surveyed say their formal policies exist on paper but are not consistently enforced across teams or use cases. This lack of governance can stall AI transformation: Employees use AI in isolation and you don't have a way to meaningfully or reliably scale AI usage throughout your organization. Zapier Sixty-four percent of executives at organizations that don't consistently enforce policies say their AI-powered workflows support critical business functions where disruptions would cause noticeable operational or financial impact. That means finance approvals, customer communications, and HR processes are running on workflows that don't consistently follow the rules the organization set for them. Apparently, the guardrails are optional.Company size tells an interesting story here. Midsized organizations are struggling the most with consistent enforcement. At companies with 1,000 to 2,499 employees, 41% of executives report that while formal policies exist, they aren't consistently enforced. That's compared to 26% at companies with 500 to 999 employees, and 23% at companies with 2,500 or more employees.Most executives have at least a vague sense that something needs to change. Nearly half (49%) say their organization has an appropriate system of checks and balances in place, but feel improvements could be made. Almost all of the remaining respondents land on the opposite end: 46% say their current approach is appropriate and needs no changes, which is way more optimism than the data warrants. The executives who say governance is actively failing them are a small minority at only 4%. But considering what's running on these workflows, that's not a completely reassuring number.And some companies aren't checking in much at all. Twenty-nine percent of executives say their organization reviews its AI governance policy quarterly or less often, while 2% review it annually or less often. For workflows touching finance approvals and customer data, reviewing governance quarterly is roughly the same energy as checking your smoke detector batteries when you smell smoke.AI capabilities are moving fast, and the way teams use them is changing just as quickly. Keeping governance strategies on track through it all is harder than it sounds. Building more resilient governance means implementing AI tools that control access and track actions in real time, so oversight moves at the same speed as the tools themselves.41% of executives say AI governance ownership varies by department, leaving accountability inconsistent across the organizationOrganizations are almost evenly split on who owns AI governance. More than half (51%) of executives say their company has one dedicated team responsible for AI governance, while 41% say ownership varies by department or business unit. In practice, that means two employees at the same company could be operating under entirely different rules.Zapier asked executives what happens when a workflow fails, and they often say the blame typically lands on several parties, including: A centralized AI team: 57%The individual or team operating the workflow: 51%The person who built or configured it: 46%Those groups frequently overlap, making it easy for actual accountability to be lost entirely when something breaks. In practice, this means the answer to "who owns this?" is technically everyone, which in meetings means nobody.With ownership this fragmented, AI ethics questions about data use, bias, and accountability don't have a clear home either.Thankfully, a few things tend to actually make a difference, and none of them involve writing a better policy document.Know exactly what's running across your organizationWhen agents and automated processes connect to company tools without IT's knowledge, things can go sideways fast.If you can't answer—without asking someone first—how many AI workflows are active across your organization and who authorized each one, that's the gap. Centralizing access management is a decision that has to come from the top because IT can only enforce what leadership has actually mandated.Define ownership before deployment, not afterAccountability gets murkier as AI workflows grow more complex and touch more teams. The question of who answers when something breaks should be decided before a workflow goes live, not after an incident forces the conversation. Nearly 1 in 4 executives say accountability is shared across teams but is inconsistently assigned, suggesting ownership often isn't resolved before launch.Anyone who's been in a post-incident meeting knows how this goes. Something breaks, and people look around the table like deer in headlights. With AI workflows touching multiple systems and teams simultaneously, nobody ever seems to have a straight answer; it's just whoever's left in the room when everyone else finds a reason to leave.Build guardrails into the workflow itselfWritten policies only go so far when employees are incentivized to move fast, and the tools themselves don't enforce any boundaries. Governance that travels with the workflow means the rules are in effect, whether or not anyone remembers to read the handbook. The goal is to give teams the freedom to use AI productively while the organization retains control over what those tools can access and act on.MethodologyThe survey was conducted by Centiment for Zapier. The survey was fielded between May 7, 2026, and May 11, 2026. The results are based on 548 completed surveys. To qualify, respondents were screened to be U.S. directors, VPs, and C-suite executives at companies with 500 employees or more that use AI in core business workflows. Respondents have direct knowledge of their company's AI strategy and governance practices. Data is unweighted, and the margin of error is approximately ±4% for the overall sample with a 96% confidence level.This story was produced by Zapier and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| - International enrollment falls at Augustana, but overall student numbers hold steadyAugustana College welcomed fewer international students this fall, but gains in domestic enrollment and transfer students helped keep overall enrollment on the rise. |
| Rock Island NAACP to hold candidates forumThe forum will be from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Martin Luther King Center in Rock Island. |
| Crews respond to Muscatine garage fireMuscatine firefighters responded to a garage fire on Sunday afternoon. A news release from the Muscatine Fire Department said the Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received a 911 call about a structure fire in the 1200 block of Dale Street on Oct. 11 at about 4:25 p.m. When crews arrived, they found heavy fire coming [...] |
| | Family Yard Fall To-Dos(NAPSI)—Fall’s a paw-some time to enjoy your family yard—and prep it for a lush spring, say the experts at The TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for outdoor living and the care and stewardship of yards, parks, schoolyards and other green spaces, for the benefit of all. Here’s how to keep your lawn TurfMutt-approved:Mulch Those Leaves: Skip the rake; shred leaves to feed your grass and help the planet.Aerate the Lawn: Loosen soil to let water, air, and nutrients reach grass roots.Mow Smart: Keep mowing ‘til frost. Check advice on mowing height for your grass type, but you want to aim usually for 2–3 inches.Water Wisely: If rain’s scarce, keep watering. Use smart irrigation to save H2O.Learn MoreFor further tips, visit TurfMutt.com.Word Count: 123 |
| | Your kid is officially an adult. Is your insurance ready for that?Your kid isn’t a kid anymore. Maybe he’s off to college, or she’s boomeranged back home following graduation. Wherever they now live, be aware that your existing homeowners and car insurance policies may not cover your grown child the same way they’ve done in the past.Welcome to the somewhat muddled middle years, when your offspring is technically an adult and quite possibly independent, but their insurance status remains at least somewhat dependent on you. It’s this “tweener” age that can cause lots of confusion for families and lead to incorrect assumptions.“Many parents assume coverage automatically follows their child into adulthood. But insurance policies are based on factors such as household membership, vehicle access, residence, and property ownership,” says Janet Ruiz, director of strategic communication for the Insurance Information Institute. “Once a young adult purchases a vehicle, signs a lease, moves out, or otherwise establishes an independent household, coverage needs can change significantly.”Below, TheZebra.com clears up some misconceptions and overlooked areas, and provides handy checklists, so you can ensure your child has proper insurance protection.Scenario 1: They’re Living at HomeLet’s say your son or daughter has finished high school but remains full-time under your roof, whether or not they go to college. It’s natural to wonder: To what extent are they covered by my policies?First, adult children living in the household must typically be listed on your auto policy, even if you don’t plan to let them drive (some states will allow this exclusion, but risks are involved).“Insurance companies want to know about anyone living in your home who could possibly drive your car. It can’t feel a little invasive, but it’s really just a carrier assessing risk in case someone other than the named insured — you — gets behind the wheel,” Beth Swanson, insurance analyst with The Zebra, explains. “Permissive user coverage protects you when someone borrows your car. But if you haven’t disclosed a driver who actually lives in your home and has regular access, that omission complicates things. You risk a denied claim, a damaged car, and a rate increase on top of it.”If they aren’t allowed to drive your vehicles, you can lower your premium by signing an official form (exclusion clause) with your insurer indicating your child is forbidden from using these cars and won't be insured if they drive them under any circumstances.When it comes to homeowners insurance coverage, the good news is that your child’s belongings are usually covered under your policy while they live under your roof. However, Ruby Finley, an insurance agent with A Plus Insurance, cautions that any filed claim involving your child’s belongings could raise your rates in the future.“And if your adult child owns anything overly expensive, it could exceed standard policy limits. It’s definitely worth speaking with your agent to discuss scheduled personal property endorsements or maybe an increased personal property limit,” adds Finley.Another vulnerability some parents ignore or overlook relates to homeowners liability coverage.“If your adult child throws a party on your property and someone is injured, both you and your child could potentially be named in a claim or lawsuit,” says Geoffrey Conrad, vice president of Property Claims for Advanced Adjusting Ltd.The same is true if your child damages a neighbor’s property. And this same liability risk applies to the additional scenarios below, as well.ChecklistVerify driver status and vehicle access.Review vehicle usage during school breaks.Inquire about a good student discount (GPA 3.0 or higher often required).Sign a driver exclusion form if you decide not to allow them access to your vehicles.Update your homeowners carrier about any new valuable possessions purchased by your child.Review liability limits and exposure, especially before gatherings and holidays.Scenario 2: They’re Away at CollegeIf your child is living on campus but returns home on breaks, the same rules as above apply, and some new rules apply, too.If your student takes a vehicle to school, the garage and address usually needs to reflect where the vehicle is primarily kept, so don’t forget to update your carrier.“Also, many insurers offer a distant student discount when the student attends school a qualifying distance from home and does not regularly have access to the insured vehicle,” Finley says.Your homeowners insurance should continue to cover your child’s personal belongings if they are a full-time student living in on-campus housing, like a dorm. However, standard policies usually limit off-premises personal property to 10% of your total personal property coverage. Once they move into an off-campus apartment, homeowners coverage usually ends, which is why it’s smart to get a separate renters policy.“This can provide clearer personal property, liability, and additional living expense coverage, and it may allow the student to establish insurance in their own name rather than relying entirely on your homeowners policy,” notes Conrad.ChecklistVerify the correct garaging address with your auto insurance carrier.Ask whether you qualify for a distant student discount and good student discount.Confirm that all licensed household drivers are accurately listed on your policy.Determine whether renters insurance is necessary for off-campus housing.Confirm coverage limits of your child’s personal property.Scenario 3: They're Back After GraduationWhat if your adult child moves home for the indefinite future? Consider that one-third of adults under age 35 continue to cohabitate with their parents.Fortunately, so long as you notify your insurer that they’re back for good, their belongings and personal liability should fall under the protection of your homeowners policy.“But this one lives in a bit of a gray area,” Swanson says. “Is that coverage enough for what they actually own at this point in their life, or is it worth it to get their own renters policy instead?”Additionally or alternatively, you could opt for a supplemental umbrella policy that provides extra liability coverage beyond the limits of your standard home and auto policies.Meanwhile, your car insurance carrier requires all resident licensed family members to be listed as drivers, so remember to add them back to your policy. However, if your child’s vehicle is titled solely in their name, they must carry their own separate auto policy unless a parent is listed as a co-owner on the title.ChecklistNotify your insurance companies of the move.Determine if your child should be added back to your auto policy.Confirm that all licensed household drivers are accurately listed on your policy.Verify their vehicle title registration to determine if they need a separate auto policy.Confirm coverage of your child’s personal property.Review liability limits and exposure.Determine whether renters insurance and/or an umbrella policy is needed.Scenario 4: They’ve Moved Out“Once a child establishes a separate residence, they often need their own renters insurance policy and may require their own auto policy, depending on circumstances,” Ruiz recommends.If your child no longer resides at your address, their garage address also needs to change, or you could run into problems later if they’re involved in a filed auto claim.ChecklistHave your child purchase renters insurance.Remove them from your homeowners policy.Provide your auto insurer with proof of your child’s new residence to update household addresses and officially remove them as a listed driver.The Boomerang Generation is RealNearly half of recent college graduates have found themselves back in their childhood bedrooms (49%), and most haven't left yet (46%), according to new data from Clever Real Estate. Whether your kid is back on the couch or finally out on their own, one thing is certain: Your insurance situation isn't the same as it was when they left.This story was produced by TheZebra.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| | AI is moving onto the construction siteIn early 2027, in the German city of Koblenz, a construction team will begin work on a new residential “micro living” project. But some of these workers don’t wear hard hats: a part of the team is made up of four-legged, AI-powered robots designed by London-based startup All3, which is developing a system to automate large-scale construction projects.“It looks pretty much like ‘Starship Troopers’. A shipping container arrives at the construction site, the doors open, and the robots autonomously go onto the site, getting all the instruments they need from the same container,” co-founder and CEO Rodion Shishkov told The Infinite Loop by Nebius. Courtesy of All3 The Koblenz project will provide an early commercial test of All3’s approach. The company is aiming to prove that powerful new AI models, combined with modern robotics technology, can transform the construction industry: a sector that has been slow to digitize and automate.“While every other industry in the world has been progressing in productivity in the past 50 years, productivity in construction has actually gone down rather than up,” Shishkov said. “The housing crisis, and unaffordable housing, are significant problems. When you dig a bit deeper, you see that high costs and low labor productivity are a big reason for these problems.” Source: Productivity growth: Federal Reserve Board, All3 is part of a growing crop of startups using AI to address complex inefficiencies in construction. In 2025, 77% of construction tech funding went to AI-enabled solutions, compared to 35% in 2024.But construction sites are less controlled than factories. Applying data and automation to messy building sites is a challenging task, which, in some cases, requires rethinking construction from the ground up. Automating uniqueness Shishkov said that construction has historically resisted mass automation partly because, unlike a car or laptop which can be made identically on a production line, every urban building project presents different problems to solve.“Every building plot is unique. Neighboring buildings are unique. The visuality of the street we are building on is unique, which means the building has to be unique as well,” he said.All3 is developing an integrated construction system with three core elements: an AI-led architectural design platform; factories that automate fabrication of individual building components; and its four-legged robots that put those components together on the site. Shishkov said the integrated approach is intended to keep building designs within the bounds of what today’s robotics technology can achieve. Courtesy of All3 “We realized we would need every building to be designed not just for the plot, not just for compliance, but also for the constraints of robots that can actually be built and be operated today,” he told The Infinite Loop.All3’s robots aren’t yet able to automate every stage of the construction process – some human labor will still be required – but the company said that buildings it designs can cut up to 30% of costs compared with conventional construction methods. It also said project timelines can be reduced by up to 50% and that CO2 emissions can be reduced by up to a quarter. “Beyond human capability”: Adding AI to conventional job sites All3’s robots present a futuristic, sci-fi vision of how construction could look in the coming years, but other companies are using AI to drive efficiencies on more traditionally run building sites.Buildots, founded in 2018 in Tel Aviv, has developed a platform that combines sensor data from lidar and cameras with computer vision models, to track construction site progress and measure progress and identify activities at risk of delay. It does this by ingesting 3D models from architectural designs and plans, and comparing installed work with the model and planned construction schedule. Courtesy of Buildots “As a superintendent, I can have as many as 20 different trades working at the same time. Each and every one of those will employ dozens of different workers. Traditionally, I don't really have the ability to calculate the precise progress that they’re making on a daily and a weekly basis,” explained Amir Berman, the company’s VP of industry transformation.“Without Buildots, they might think they're kind of on track, but then eventually realize something like: ‘Oh shit, I am 12 months into the job now and I’m noticing that I haven’t started my electrical work. That should have started three months ago.’”Berman said that Buildots helps contractors to avoid costly delays that impact tight margins on construction sites, by being able to predict what jobs need to start and when. He added that keeping track of so many shifting and interacting variables is a perfect job for AI, which can spot patterns and recommend how to optimize a project better than any human project manager.“Without the ability to comprehend the status on the job site at scale, it becomes something that is beyond human capability, no matter how good your team,” Berman said. Laying new data foundations for construction Buildots said it has now analyzed more than 425 million square feet of construction site data, and the company is now looking to turn this vast dataset into a platform that can inform better building projects before they’ve even begun.“We started noticing that there are different patterns for what dictates a good project, and what dictates that a project has higher possibility of risk along the years,” Berman said. “Companies measure every project and its own original schedule, but who told them that that original schedule was good?”Buildots is now developing a new set of industry metrics and benchmarks to help project planners optimize construction from the word go, something it believes will reduce waste and the industry’s environmental impact globally.In comparison, All3 is still in relatively early days when it comes to building a proprietary dataset, as it prepares to begin construction work on its first project, but Shishkov said that its robots will quickly learn and improve based on the information their sensors gather.“We have literally terabytes of data from video cameras, lidar, radar and other sensors, which all goes to the cloud to enhance the future behavior of our models,” he told The Infinite Loop.As All3’s Mantis robots get smarter, they will begin taking on more tasks on the construction site, with Shishkov predicting that the company will be able to reduce the need for human labor by 10-12 times.And, in an industry that is facing acute labor shortages, the efficiencies that All3 and Buildots are trying to drive are likely to be welcomed by developers around the world that are grappling to deliver projects on tight margins.This story was produced by The Infinite Loop by Nebius and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| Man shot in the neck in Rock IslandRock Island police responded to the 2400 block of 7th Avenue for reports of shots fired and an injured victim. |
| | Rent near all 30 NBA arenas, ranked: Where fans pay a premium and where they don'tThe NBA season is underway with the first preseason game having taken place on Oct. 3 and the regular season starting on Oct. 20. For NBA fans, one coveted spot to live is within walking distance of the stadium, but, as you’d expect, that convenience comes at varying prices.Apartments.com found the most expensive and affordable neighborhoods near each of the league's 30 arenas. Stadium-adjacent rents run 27.1% above the city average on average, though several still come in under it.For the analysis, the researchers identified neighborhoods within a 15-minute walk of each arena, extended to 30 minutes for San Antonio and Philadelphia. Each neighborhood was ranked by rent versus the city average, walk time, overall walkability, and transit score.Atlanta Hawks (State Farm Arena) — AtlantaAtlanta is a standout in this ranking as it is the only city where both neighborhoods rent for less than the citywide average of $1,651/month.Most affordable neighborhood: Vine CityScore: 73/100Average Rent: $1,207/monthRent vs. City Average: -26.9%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 16 minutesWalkability: 70/100Transit: 60/100Vine City sits just west of State Farm Arena and, as a mostly residential neighborhood, it gives fans a quieter walk on shaded streets before the energy of downtown picks up near the arena. Though Northside Drive separates the two, elevated pedestrian bridges and crosswalks allow for a fast break to the stadium.Most expensive neighborhood: Castleberry HillScore: 69/100Average Rent: $1,537/monthRent vs. City Average: -6.9%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 15 minutesWalkability: 80/100Transit: 60/100South of the arena, Castleberry Hill offers a more arts-district feel with converted warehouses turned into galleries, independent shops, local restaurants, and lofts. Residents have a straight shot up Walker Street, which turns into Centennial Olympic Park Drive and runs right by the stadium.Boston Celtics (TD Garden) — BostonBoston's rental market is one of the priciest in the NBA at $3,580/month citywide, but it comes with unmatched proximity. TD Garden sits directly above North Station, where the Green and Orange Lines connect with MBTA commuter rail and Amtrak's Downeaster.Most affordable neighborhood: West End BostonScore: 90/100Average Rent: $3,468/monthRent vs. City Average: -3.1%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 10 minutesWalkability: 100/100Transit: 100/100West End Boston may not be where TD Garden is located, but its proximity means it’s still a short walk. What makes it stand out from North Station is its pedestrian-friendly landscape with dedicated paths beneath a canopy of trees.Most expensive neighborhood: North StationScore: 82/100Average Rent: $4,251/monthRent vs. City Average: +18.7%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 5 minutesWalkability: 100/100Transit: 100/100North Station is basically built around TD Garden and the transit hub itself, with newer apartment high-rises just a block or two away. Wide sidewalks make it easy to navigate the area, even during the busiest times.Brooklyn Nets (Barclays Center) — Brooklyn, New YorkBrooklyn's citywide average rent of $3,119/month is already steep, and living near Barclays Center pushes rent higher still. These neighborhoods are more than convenient; each has unique character.Most affordable neighborhood: Prospect HeightsScore: 74/100Average Rent: $3,586/monthRent vs. City Average: +15.0%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 13 minutesWalkability: 100/100Transit: 100/100Lined with brownstones, Prospect Heights has a calmer residential core, with most of the businesses and activity concentrated along Flatbush, Vanderbilt, and Washington Avenues. Residents pass brownstone-lined blocks and Vanderbilt Avenue's restaurant strip before opening onto the plaza in front of Barclays Center.Most expensive neighborhood: Fort GreeneScore: 62/100Average Rent: $4,390/monthRent vs. City Average: +40.8%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 16 minutesWalkability: 100/100Transit: 100/100Walking to Barclays Center from Fort Greene may be a longer walk, but it’s a scenic one that passes historic brownstones, the neighborhood’s namesake park, Atlantic Terminal Mall, and several marquees as the atmosphere transitions from a local feel to a bustling city.Charlotte Hornets (Spectrum Center) — Charlotte, North CarolinaWhile Spectrum Center is accessible from most of Uptown Charlotte, the closest neighborhoods are First Ward and Second Ward. They offer a mix of city and residential living at a premium over Charlotte's $1,470/month citywide average rent.Most affordable neighborhood: First WardScore: 79/100Average Rent: $1,586/monthRent vs. City Average: +7.9%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 6 minutesWalkability: 90/100Transit: 80/100Spectrum Center sits in the western corner of First Ward. The neighborhood leans more residential, with mid-rises built around courtyards, parks, and trails that give the trip to the stadium a more suburban feel.Most expensive neighborhood: Second WardScore: 69/100Average Rent: $1,800/monthRent vs. City Average: +22.4%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 10 minutesWalkability: 80/100Transit: 90/100Second Ward consists of high-rises containing apartments and offices, giving the area a more urban feel. Yet, heading to the arena doesn’t mean traversing blocks of concrete, as the Charlotte Rail Trail and additional paths through parks and plazas keep much of the walk off the street.Chicago Bulls (United Center) — ChicagoEven though Chicago can get expensive with an average rent of $2,059/month, the United Center’s separation from downtown means that nearby neighborhoods still offer comparable or even more affordable rents.Most affordable neighborhood: Near West SideScore: 80/100Average Rent: $1,779/monthRent vs. City Average: -13.6%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 11 minutesWalkability: 80/100Transit: 90/100Near West Side’s streets are a mix of rowhomes, smaller apartment communities, and mid-rise buildings. The network of sidewalks and quiet nature of many of the roads make it easy to get to the United Center.Most expensive neighborhood: West Loop (Western side)Score: 67/100Average Rent: $2,774/monthRent vs. City Average: +34.7%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 14 minutesWalkability: 100/100Transit: 100/100West Loop circles the Fulton Market neighborhood, so renters looking to be near the United Center should focus on the area’s west side. Trips to the stadium here are more urban, passing by modern apartment communities and parking lots with a couple of crossings across major streets.Cleveland Cavaliers (Rocket Arena) — ClevelandRocket Arena is in the heart of Downtown Cleveland, so the nearest neighborhoods are priced higher than the citywide average rent of $1,379/month. However, the city is still one of the more affordable in the ranking.Most affordable neighborhood: Playhouse SquareScore: 70/100Average Rent: $1,450/monthRent vs. City Average: +5.1%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 12 minutesWalkability: 80/100Transit: 70/100Playhouse Square sits east of Rocket Arena, anchored by Cleveland's theater district. As part of downtown, you’re already surrounded by towering buildings and theaters the minute you start your trek. Most of the walk will be along Euclid Avenue’s brick sidewalks lined with shops, restaurants, and office buildings.Most expensive neighborhood: Public SquareScore: 67/100Average Rent: $1,615/monthRent vs. City Average: +17.1%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 11 minutesWalkability: 70/100Transit: 80/100Rocket Arena is in the southern corner of Public Square. This is Downtown Cleveland’s historic civic center, with apartment communities among historic buildings. The walk lets you marvel at the distinct architecture and enjoy the greenery and history of Cleveland Public Square and the Mall’s Fountain of Eternal Life.Dallas Mavericks (American Airlines Center) — DallasDallas has the shortest walk to the arena of the entire ranking, but the convenience of living downtown comes with some of the highest neighborhood rents compared to the city average of $1,408/month.Most affordable neighborhood: Victory ParkScore: 64/100Average Rent: $2,283/monthRent vs. City Average: +62.1%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 2 minutesWalkability: 90/100Transit: 70/100Victory Park is home to American Airlines Center, and the number of apartment communities surrounding it means walks are only a couple of minutes. Victory Park Lane and the surrounding streets offer generously sized sidewalks for the short stroll, while the Katy Trail ends just a block or so away from the arena, making it easy to pull off a buzzer-beater arrival for tip-off.Most expensive neighborhood: Uptown DallasScore: 53/100Average Rent: $2,416/monthRent vs. City Average: +71.6%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 11 minutesWalkability: 100/100Transit: 70/100Where you live in Uptown Dallas changes the walk to the stadium. Those closer to the Katy Trail get a protected path that heads straight to the arena. Those living among the high-rises will pass by those buildings along city blocks lined with shops and restaurants.Denver Nuggets (Ball Arena) — DenverDenver's citywide average rent of $1,618/month climbs for renters who want to walk to Ball Arena. The Ball Arena sits right above the Metropolitan State University of Denver, meaning that most of the residential neighborhoods are to the east.Most affordable neighborhood: LoDoScore: 67/100Average Rent: $2,046/monthRent vs. City Average: +26.5%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 12 minutesWalkability: 80/100Transit: 100/100Denver's historic warehouse district-turned-nightlife hub, LoDo (Lower Downtown), lies northeast of Ball Arena. Bike lanes line the roads, and sidewalks provide plenty of space, making walking easy even in this distinctly urban part of the city.Most expensive neighborhood: Riverfront ParkScore: 63/100Average Rent: $2,145/monthRent vs. City Average: +32.6%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 10 minutesWalkability: 70/100Transit: 80/100Riverfront Park not only puts residents near Ball Arena, but also right along the South Platte River. Trips to the arena will wind through riverfront green spaces, like Commons Park, before heading down Cherry Creek, all on multi-use trails.Detroit Pistons (Little Caesars Arena) — DetroitDetroit isn’t just for NBA fans — Little Caesars Arena, Comerica Park, and Ford Field all sit in a tight cluster, within walking distance of each other. This connectivity means that these neighborhoods are pricier than the city’s average rent of $1,120/month.Most affordable neighborhood: District DetroitScore: 58/100Average Rent: $1,644/monthRent vs. City Average: +46.8%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 10 minutesWalkability: 80/100Transit: 70/100District Detroit is on the other side of I-75, but the QLINE and overpasses make getting to the arena on foot easy. It’s also home to numerous other attractions, like the Fox Theatre and Comerica Park, giving renters plenty to fill their weekends.Most expensive neighborhood: WoodwardScore: 57/100Average Rent: $1,718/monthRent vs. City Average: +53.4%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 8 minutesWalkability: 80/100Transit: 60/100For renters who want to live in the same neighborhood as Little Caesars Arena, Woodward is the right choice. Even the outer edges of the neighborhood are less than a 10-minute walk to the stadium, and some apartment communities sit practically across the street. If you'd rather not walk the whole way, the QLINE will do the carrying for you, no referee required.Golden State Warriors (Chase Center) — San FranciscoSan Francisco's citywide average rent of $3,632/month is already one of the highest in this ranking, and rents in both neighborhoods near Chase Center rise well above it.Most affordable neighborhood: DogpatchScore: 65/100Average Rent: $4,845/monthRent vs. City Average: +33.4%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 12 minutesWalkability: 80/100Transit: 100/100Dogpatch follows Third Street south of Chase Center, where glimpses of the bay are visible as you head to the stadium. It has a historic-yet-contemporary feel, with many old warehouses converted into apartment communities, shops, and restaurants, and a low-rise skyline that keeps the neighborhood feeling cozy.Most expensive neighborhood: Mission BayScore: 61/100Average Rent: $5,110/monthRent vs. City Average: +40.7%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 10 minutesWalkability: 60/100Transit: 100/100Mission Bay is pricey. It’s a modern district built up around UCSF's biomedical campus and close to downtown. The neighborhood is split by Mission Creek Channel, so depending on which side you live on, you may cross a bridge to reach Chase Center.Houston Rockets (Toyota Center) — HoustonThe Toyota Center sits close to the center of Downtown Houston, so though the city has a lower average rent of $1,177/month, the downtown neighborhoods within walking distance come at a higher price. However, you’ll also get the extra perks of living downtown: entertainment, dining, shopping, and more.Most affordable neighborhood: Skyline DistrictScore: 60/100Average Rent: $1,819/monthRent vs. City Average: +54.5%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 12 minutesWalkability: 90/100Transit: 100/100Skyline District sits right next to Toyota Center, and walks here are easy despite the dense high-rise setting. Sidewalks were built to accommodate downtown foot traffic and are often filled with people heading to a nearby destination or joining you on the journey to the game.Most expensive neighborhood: Discovery GreenScore: 54/100Average Rent: $2,091/monthRent vs. City Average: +77.7%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 7 minutesWalkability: 80/100Transit: 90/100Fans can cut right through the neighborhood’s namesake park, Discovery Green, to get to Toyota Center. This makes it a pleasant walk, even with Texas weather.Indiana Pacers (Gainbridge Fieldhouse) — IndianapolisIndianapolis has one of the lowest citywide average rents in the ranking at $1,128/month. However, both neighborhoods near Gainbridge Fieldhouse have rents well over that number.Most affordable neighborhood: Circle CityScore: 60/100Average Rent: $1,500/monthRent vs. City Average: +33.0%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 10 minutesWalkability: 80/100Transit: 50/100Residents in the southern parts of Circle City are within walking distance of Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The route isn’t far from the Soldiers & Sailors Monument, which many fans walk past on their way to the game.Most expensive neighborhood: Market EastScore: 60/100Average Rent: $1,601/monthRent vs. City Average: +41.9%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 11 minutesWalkability: 80/100Transit: 80/100Market East sits just as close to the fieldhouse as Circle City, though the walk is through a more residential stretch of downtown. Many blocks consist of apartment communities or townhomes, with a few government buildings and corporate offices mixed in.LA Clippers (Intuit Dome) — Inglewood, CaliforniaInglewood is home to the Intuit Dome and the expanding entertainment district surrounding the area, including SoFi Stadium and the Kia Forum. This makes it a convenient spot, even though some nearby neighborhoods have average rents over the city’s $1,808/month.Most affordable neighborhood: InglewoodScore: 69/100Average Rent: $1,809/monthRent vs. City Average: +0.1%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 10 minutesWalkability: 70/100Transit: 50/100Inglewood is the overarching city that is home to the Intuit Dome, and those looking to live within walking distance should investigate its central portion. Apartment communities closer to Intuit Dome and the surrounding entertainment venues tend to command higher rents. Surrounding blocks are generally residential, until you get closer to the stadium, where the streets fill with fans.Most expensive neighborhood: Morningside ParkScore: 57/100Average Rent: $2,370/monthRent vs. City Average: +31.1%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 8 minutesWalkability: 50/100Transit: 50/100Just north of the Intuit Dome is Morningside Park. It encompasses the entertainment corridor in the southwest, with big-box retail on the southeast side. Apartment communities sit among the entertainment venues and shopping malls, offering a balanced landscape for renters.Los Angeles Lakers (Crypto.com Arena) — Los AngelesLos Angeles's citywide average rent of $2,200/month climbs for renters near Crypto.com Arena, though the neighborhoods near the stadium offer some of the shortest walks in the ranking.Most affordable neighborhood: South ParkScore: 73/100Average Rent: $2,887/monthRent vs. City Average: +31.2%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 5 minutesWalkability: 80/100Transit: 100/100South Park wraps around Crypto.com Arena and the L.A. Live entertainment complex, turning game day into a night out. With a higher concentration of high-rises to the north and a lower-rise mix of mid-rises to the south, renters can find the right fit without straying far from the arena.Most expensive neighborhood: Financial DistrictScore: 61/100Average Rent: $3,070/monthRent vs. City Average: +39.5%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 16 minutesWalkability: 90/100Transit: 100/100North of Crypto.com Arena, the Financial District is the quintessential downtown L.A. experience, with high-rise after high-rise filling the blocks. Walks are straightforward if you stick to the streets. Choose a more scenic route by detouring through the plazas and parks on the way to the entertainment district.Memphis Grizzlies (FedExForum) — Memphis, TennesseeMemphis has the lowest citywide average rent on this list at $1,045/month, which means even the more expensive neighborhoods downtown are still quite affordable compared to the other metros in this ranking.Most affordable neighborhood: Medical DistrictScore: 54/100Average Rent: $1,216/monthRent vs. City Average: +16.4%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 16 minutesWalkability: 70/100Transit: 30/100Medical District sits east of downtown, anchored by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center's campus. Renters wanting a short walk to FedExForum should look toward the west side of the neighborhood, where the route heads into downtown’s grid before reaching the arena.Most expensive neighborhood: Downtown MemphisScore: 59/100Average Rent: $1,370/monthRent vs. City Average: +31.1%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 6 minutesWalkability: 50/100Transit: 50/100The FedEx Forum is right in the center of Downtown Memphis. The arena is just a block or so away from Beale Street, so the fun can start well before the game and keep going after the final buzzer.Miami Heat (Kaseya Center) — MiamiMiami's citywide average rent of $2,253/month rises sharply for renters who want to walk to Kaseya Center. The arena is right on Biscayne Bay, providing a slam-dunk game experience with waterfront views that no other stadium can compare to.Most affordable neighborhood: Bayfront ParkScore: 62/100Average Rent: $3,207/monthRent vs. City Average: +42.3%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 12 minutesWalkability: 80/100Transit: 100/100The Bayfront Park neighborhood and its namesake park provide a scenic way to get to the game. You’ll stroll along the water through the park before heading to the waterside shopping center of Bayside Marketplace. Biscayne Boulevard is also a comfortable place to walk, and it’s a major route where you’ll see plenty of fans in jerseys heading to the game.Most expensive neighborhood: Park WestScore: 58/100Average Rent: $3,423/monthRent vs. City Average: +51.9%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 13 minutesWalkability: 80/100Transit: 100/100With Kaseya Center on its waterfront edge, Park West offers close connectivity. Even from the farthest corner of the neighborhood, you’re only blocks from Biscayne Boulevard. In addition, the area contains the Pérez Art Museum, Miami's waterfront galleries, the Phillip & Patricia Frost Museum of Science, and Maurice A. Ferre Park for those looking for a scenic detour.Milwaukee Bucks (Fiserv Forum) — MilwaukeeMilwaukee's citywide average rent of $1,224/month jumps in neighborhoods near Fiserv Forum.Most affordable neighborhood: WestownScore: 74/100Average Rent: $1,441/monthRent vs. City Average: +17.7%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 7 minutesWalkability: 80/100Transit: 90/100Westown sits directly south of Fiserv Forum, with apartment communities clustered in its southeast corner and the rest of the neighborhood given over to venues, shopping, and dining at the Avenue and along Doctor M.L.K. Junior Drive. The most direct route is often the scenic Milwaukee RiverWalk, which leads into the city a couple of blocks before reaching the arena entrance.Most expensive neighborhood: Brewery DistrictScore: 51/100Average Rent: $1,672/monthRent vs. City Average: +36.6%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 12 minutesWalkability: 50/100Transit: 50/100Brewery District occupies the former Pabst Brewing Company complex, now redeveloped into apartment communities. The compact layout of the neighborhood means the entire area is quite walkable, so the journey to the stadium isn’t too long.Minnesota Timberwolves (Target Center) — MinneapolisTarget Center sits in Downtown Minneapolis, near neighborhoods that have both benefited from the city's skyway system and ongoing downtown residential growth. These neighborhoods have a higher average rent than the city’s $1,411/month, due to their popularity.Most affordable neighborhood: Downtown WestScore: 73/100Average Rent: $1,663/monthRent vs. City Average: +17.9%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 11 minutesWalkability: 90/100Transit: 100/100Downtown West surrounds Target Center and Nicollet Mall, all connected by the Minneapolis Skyway System. Much of the walk can be done entirely indoors via the skyway, connecting directly into the arena on the coldest game days.Most expensive neighborhood: North LoopScore: 63/100Average Rent: $1,926/monthRent vs. City Average: +36.5%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 13 minutesWalkability: 80/100Transit: 100/100North Loop is Minneapolis's former warehouse district. Most apartment communities are right next to Target Field, and just a block or two farther from Target Center. As a bike-friendly city, many streets have bike lanes, providing another way to get to Target Center.New Orleans Pelicans (Smoothie King Center) — New OrleansRents near Smoothie King Center are much higher than New Orleans's citywide average rent of $1,279/month. The center sits right next to Caesars Superdome, so renters here share the downtown sports district on NFL game days as well as NBA ones.Most affordable neighborhood: New Orleans CBD (Central Business District)Score: 67/100Average Rent: $1,674/monthRent vs. City Average: +30.9%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 13 minutesWalkability: 100/100Transit: 90/100New Orleans CBD is just west of Smoothie King Center, between the arena and Canal Street's historic streetcar line into the French Quarter. The easiest way to get to the arena is to head up to Loyola Avenue and take that straight there.Most expensive neighborhood: Warehouse DistrictScore: 54/100Average Rent: $2,042/monthRent vs. City Average: +59.7%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 14 minutesWalkability: 100/100Transit: 70/100The Smoothie King Center sits at the top of Warehouse District, which stretches all the way to the Mississippi River. Also known as the Arts District, the streets you’ll traverse are lined with museums and galleries, and you may even get to pass through historic Lafayette Square along the way.New York Knicks (Madison Square Garden) — Manhattan, New YorkMadison Square Garden sits atop Penn Station in the middle of Manhattan. In the heart of New York, it comes with high rents, as the borough average is $4,211/month.Most affordable neighborhood: Garment DistrictScore: 83/100Average Rent: $4,714/monthRent vs. City Average: +11.9%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 6 minutesWalkability: 100/100Transit: 100/100Just a street above Madison Square Garden is the Garment District. 8th Avenue leads directly to the stadium in just a couple of minutes. Fans call out chants on the walk to the game, and the streets stay packed the whole way.Most expensive neighborhood: ChelseaScore: 69/100Average Rent: $5,455/monthRent vs. City Average: +29.5%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 13 minutesWalkability: 100/100Transit: 100/100Madison Square Garden resides in Chelsea’s northeast corner, but it’s easily reachable from any part of the neighborhood. The subway runs under 8th Avenue, and the arena sits right next to Penn Station. Like most of New York, though, Chelsea is quite walkable, and you’ll find the streets packed whether there’s a game or not.Oklahoma City Thunder (Paycom Center) — Oklahoma CityOklahoma City has the lowest citywide average rent among all 30 cities in this ranking, at just $937/month. However, that low baseline makes the downtown premiums look even higher, even though the actual rents are much lower than in other cities.Most affordable neighborhood: Deep DeuceScore: 36/100Average Rent: $1,644/monthRent vs. City Average: +75.5%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 17 minutesWalkability: 70/100Transit: 50/100Deep Deuce is the primarily residential area above Bricktown. That means that residents have easy access to the Paycom Center but can also make a full evening of it, thanks to the shops, restaurants, and activities on the canal in Bricktown.Most expensive neighborhood: Arts DistrictScore: 46/100Average Rent: $1,535/monthRent vs. City Average: +63.8%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 17 minutesWalkability: 70/100Transit: 90/100Arts District covers a large portion of downtown with the Paycom Center in its southeastern corner. It may mean a longer walk depending on where you live, but you’ll get to experience a slice of OKC’s history by passing its museums, shops, gardens, and restaurants.Orlando Magic (Kia Center) — Orlando, FloridaOrlando’s average rent of $1,584/month is right between the most affordable and most expensive neighborhoods within walking distance of the Kia Center. The center is located at the interchange of I-4 and FL-408 (Spessard L. Holland East-West Expressway).Most affordable neighborhood: ParramoreScore: 70/100Average Rent: $1,247/monthRent vs. City Average: -21.3%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 17 minutesWalkability: 70/100Transit: 60/100Parramore may have fewer apartment communities than nearby neighborhoods, but the area offers unmatched access to the Kia Center. Some communities are adjacent to the stadium, meaning residents just have to cross the street. Even those further out get well-maintained, well-lit sidewalks that make the trip simple.Most expensive neighborhood: Lake EolaScore: 57/100Average Rent: $2,091/monthRent vs. City Average: +32.0%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 15 minutesWalkability: 70/100Transit: 80/100While locals will have to pass under I-4 to get to the Kia Center, it’s not complicated thanks to clear sidewalks and crosswalks. The upside of living in Lake Eola is that restaurants are plentiful for a pre- or post-game meal, and the area has more of a city feel.Philadelphia 76ers (Xfinity Mobile Arena) — PhiladelphiaThe Xfinity Mobile Arena is a bit different from the other stadiums as it is located in a more commercial and entertainment area, next to Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park, and parking lots. That means renters will have to travel farther to get to the stadium, but its location also means rents vary both on the higher and lower side compared to the city’s average of $1,775/month.Most affordable neighborhood: South Philadelphia WestScore: 54/100Average Rent: $1,575/monthRent vs. City Average: -11.3%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 30 minutesWalkability: 70/100Transit: 70/100South Philadelphia West is the stretch of rowhome blocks west of the sports complex. Those looking to be within walking distance of the arena will need to look near Franklin Delano Roosevelt Park, which is surrounded by major roads such as Pattison Avenue and Broad Street for direct connections to the arena. Just know that the commute runs a bit longer out here. Any farther and the refs would have to call traveling.Most expensive neighborhood: South Philadelphia EastScore: 37/100Average Rent: $2,368/monthRent vs. City Average: +33.4%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 22 minutesWalkability: 40/100Transit: 40/100South Philadelphia East is a large neighborhood that includes the entertainment area with Xfinity Mobile Arena, sandwiched between League Island and the southern edges of Philadelphia proper. League Island contains a few apartment communities that keep residents near a direct path to the arena via Broad Street, where the sidewalk has been repaved into a two-lane path for even easier trips.Phoenix Suns (Mortgage Matchup Center) — PhoenixLiving near the Mortgage Matchup Center means that renters will face higher rents than Phoenix’s average of $1,302/month.Most affordable neighborhood: Roosevelt RowScore: 52/100Average Rent: $1,792/monthRent vs. City Average: +37.6%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 15 minutesWalkability: 60/100Transit: 70/100Roosevelt Row is the artsy heart of the city, with theaters, art galleries, and murals covering walls. It also has an urban feel, with plenty of high-rises and compact streets. This unique combination makes for a scenic walk to the center.Most expensive neighborhood: Warehouse DistrictScore: 53/100Average Rent: $1,880/monthRent vs. City Average: +44.4%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 7 minutesWalkability: 40/100Transit: 60/100Warehouse District sits right next to the Mortgage Matchup Center, and the surrounding area carries more of a city air as a result. Apartment communities here all sit within a block or two of the venue, making trips short and easy.Portland Trail Blazers (Moda Center) — Portland, OregonPortland's citywide average rent of $1,530/month rises only modestly for renters near Moda Center, making it one of the more affordable markets in this ranking. The Moda Center sits in East Portland, so renters looking to live near it can avoid the high prices of Downtown Portland. Most affordable neighborhood: South EliotScore: 66/100Average Rent: $1,584/monthRent vs. City Average: +3.5%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 16 minutesWalkability: 80/100Transit: 70/100South Eliot is right above Lloyd District and the Moda Center, so many residents won’t have to cross I-5 to get there. Those in the northern parts of South Eliot who do have to cross the interstate will find bridges built for that purpose, with bikers, pedestrians, and cars regularly using them.Most expensive neighborhood: Lloyd DistrictScore: 74/100Average Rent: $1,635/monthRent vs. City Average: +6.9%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 11 minutesWalkability: 80/100Transit: 90/100Lloyd District is home to the Moda Center. Since the center sits near the Willamette River with I-5 separating it from the neighborhood’s residential blocks, most renters headed to the game will have to make that crossing. However, several roads pass under the highway with wide sidewalks and bike lanes.Sacramento Kings (Golden 1 Center) — Sacramento, CaliforniaSacramento's citywide average rent of $1,576/month rises much higher for renters who want to walk to Golden 1 Center. Golden 1 Center is centrally located, just blocks away from Old Sacramento Waterfront and the California State Capitol, with the Downtown Commons shopping and dining district right next to it.Most affordable neighborhood: Capitol ParkScore: 62/100Average Rent: $2,095/monthRent vs. City Average: +32.9%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 12 minutesWalkability: 80/100Transit: 80/100Capitol Park is the more urban part of Sacramento. This makes it easy to walk around, and you might even be able to pass through the beautiful California State Capitol Park on your way to the game. With the historic buildings scattered throughout, you’ll also pass several distinct landmarks along the way.Most expensive neighborhood: Old SacramentoScore: 47/100Average Rent: $2,419/monthRent vs. City Average: +53.5%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 9 minutesWalkability: 50/100Transit: 40/100Living in Old Sacramento means a waterfront location, historic scenery, and being mere blocks from the Golden 1 Center. Its historic setting makes the neighborhood feel like a different city entirely, even though a short walk down Capitol Mall takes you to the Golden 1 Center and the high-rises of downtown. The historic district is highly walkable, and Capitol Mall continues that walkability to downtown.San Antonio Spurs (Frost Bank Center) — San AntonioLike in Philadelphia, San Antonio’s Frost Bank Center is in a cluster of venues and convention halls, all surrounded by parking lots. This means that walks will be longer, even in the closest neighborhoods. This provides nearby neighborhoods with rents lower than the city average of $1,060/month.Most affordable neighborhood: Eastside PromiseScore: 48/100Average Rent: $839/monthRent vs. City Average: -20.8%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 30 minutesWalkability: 50/100Transit: 30/100Right to the west of the Frost Bank Center is Eastside Promise. While it’s close to the center, railroad tracks mean residents cross major roads before reaching the area. Even so, the neighborhood’s residential character makes for a peaceful walk.Most expensive neighborhood: Coliseum Willow ParkScore: 47/100Average Rent: $957/monthRent vs. City Average: -9.7%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 23 minutesWalkability: 30/100Transit: 30/100Coliseum Willow Park is a large neighborhood where renters living in the southern parts pass through the commercial and industrial area separating the residential part from the Frost Bank Center. Locals more west will have a longer walk; however, the Salado Creek Greenway offers a nice rebound, giving residents a car-free path straight to the center.Toronto Raptors (Scotiabank Arena) — Toronto Toronto's citywide average rent of $1,979/month (CAD) rises sharply for renters near Scotiabank Arena, as it is in the cluster of entertainment along the waterfront. Most affordable neighborhood: Bay Street CorridorScore: 55/100Average Rent: $2,710/monthRent vs. City Average: +36.9%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 10 minutesBay Street Corridor is centered on Bay Street, as its name implies, and is Toronto's financial district. Renters will have to look closer to the Scotiabank Arena in the southern parts of the neighborhood to be within walking distance. Fans can walk much of the route on the city streets or through the underground PATH system, slipping underground and surfacing near Scotiabank Arena's entrances.Most expensive neighborhood: Waterfront Communities-The IslandScore: 20/100Average Rent: $3,002/monthRent vs. City Average: +51.7%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 26 minutesWaterfront Communities-The Island runs all along the waterfront, offering the scenic Martin Goodman Trail to get to the arena while passing numerous attractions. Bremner Boulevard provides a more urban walk by skyscrapers and venues.Utah Jazz (Delta Center) — Salt Lake CitySalt Lake City's citywide average rent of $1,414/month rises only modestly for neighborhoods near the Delta Center. However, walkability and transit scores differ widely between the two options.Most affordable neighborhood: Downtown Salt Lake CityScore: 49/100Average Rent: $1,527/monthRent vs. City Average: +8.0%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 16 minutesWalkability: 40/100Transit: 20/100Some apartment communities in Downtown Salt Lake City sit right across the street from the stadium, or just a block or two away. The Gateway, a major shopping mall, sits right next to the center, if you want a full evening or day out. The city’s streetcar also runs through the area if you want an alternative to walking.Most expensive neighborhood: Central Salt Lake CityScore: 67/100Average Rent: $1,589/monthRent vs. City Average: +12.4%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 10 minutesWalkability: 60/100Transit: 80/100Apartment communities are spread throughout Central Salt Lake City, so renters can live as close or as far as they’d like — some even as close as just across the street from the Delta Center. Central Salt Lake City sits closer to Capitol Hill, in the shadow of the Utah State Capitol's domed rotunda overlooking the valley.Washington Wizards (Capital One Arena) — Washington, D.C.Washington's downtown core proves that proximity to the arena doesn't come cheap. The citywide rent averages $2,305/month, and both neighborhoods surrounding Capital One Arena come in even higher. However, those prices come with the positives of near-perfect walkability and excellent transit access found in few other cities.Most affordable neighborhood: ChinatownScore: 84/100Average Rent: $2,588/monthRent vs. City Average: +12.3%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 5 minutesWalkability: 100/100Transit: 100/100Chinatown is built directly around Capital One Arena, marked by its ornamental Friendship Archway. It's one of the shortest walks in this ranking, running right through the neighborhood's restaurant and theater strip.Most expensive neighborhood: Penn QuarterScore: 72/100Average Rent: $2,681/monthRent vs. City Average: +16.3%Average Walk Time to Stadium: 15 minutesWalkability: 100/100Transit: 100/100Penn Quarter is west of Chinatown, a historic district known for its 19th-century architecture, art galleries, and museums. It's a longer walk to the arena, through some of downtown D.C.'s most historic blocks. Yet, there are still plenty of restaurants and shops to stop at before or after the game.Live Close to the ActionSome of the best game-day moments happen before you even reach your seat, like weaving through a street packed with fellow fans, grabbing a bite steps from the arena, or making the short walk home after a win. Living near an NBA stadium puts that experience within reach.FAQsWhich NBA city is the best to live in?The best NBA city to live in depends on who you are. Renters chasing walkability and nightlife might love Boston or Chicago, while those wanting lower costs and a quieter pace could prefer Memphis or Oklahoma City.What state has no NBA teams?Many states have no NBA teams; in fact, 29 states don’t have one.What is the biggest city without an NBA team?A lot of major cities don’t have NBA teams. This includes Seattle, Las Vegas (though it has plans to create one), and more.This story was produced by Apartments.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker. |
| Man in critical condition after being shot in neck at Rock Island gas stationA 20-year-old man is in critical condition after being shot in the neck at the Corner View gas station and convenience store in Rock Island on Monday. |
| Still warm, but not as hotWe won't see record highs again today in the Quad Cities, but it'll still be warmer than usual. Colder air is on the way. A few showers and storms are possible today with better rain chances coming. Here's your full 7-day forecast. |
| Marriage and Family Counseling Service names Executive DirectorDerek Ball will lead the Marriage and Family Counseling Service, succeeding William Hiebert, who will remain a senior therapist/director emeritus. |
| The Spicy Brain Tattoo Studio opens in NorthPark MallThe tattoo shop has over 1,600 square feet of room. The newly expanded studio offers more comfort and accessibility for clients. |
| No place like home: Sean Moeller brings his favorite music to his hometownSean Moeller is the mind behind some of the Quad-Cities’ most beloved venues, including the Raccoon Motel and Codfish Hollow. |
| Gretchen at Work: Of all the jobs I've tried, this one was my favoriteAfter four years of telling the Quad-Cities' stories, Gretchen Teske is turning the page. |
| Devontae Brooks, loan officer with Rate, to host a ribbon-cutting and open houseRate is built on low rates, innovative technology, and a culture focused on exceptional service and transparency for clients and partners alike. |
| Charla Schafer recognized with 2026 Kay Anderson Friend of Iowa AwardCharla Schafer, President of the Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine, has received one of the HousingIowa Conference's most prestigious honors. |
| What ice cream has to do with this year's Nobel Prize in economicsPrices can get sticky. That helps explain why recessions hurt so much — and what policymakers can do about them. |
| Model TrainsThis is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.By day, Lou Belby is a perfectly normal professor of Spanish and Latin American literature. Late each afternoon he… |
| One way to protect coral reefs? Bring back seabirdsCoral reefs are facing increasing threats around the globe. But on a remote Pacific island, scientists have found that reefs can get help from a surprising ally: seabirds. |
| Win or lose, independent candidates want to meet voters in the middleNearly 200 independent candidates in more than 100 congressional races are trying to prove there's an alternative to the two party system — even though the chance of winning is very low. |
| Should states force cities to build cheaper houses? Voters here will decideVoters in Massachusetts will decide whether to require cities and towns to allow smaller homes on smaller lots. A growing number of states are doing the same to help ease a housing shortage. |
| Polls are a snapshot, and other helpful things to remember during the midterm electionsWith Election Day just a few weeks away — and millions of votes already cast — midterm polls are everywhere. While polling can be a helpful tool to understand the electorate, it's not a crystal ball. |
| Iowa ranks #3 for states loving candy cornWhile it's traditionally known as part of the Corn Belt region, Iowa can now lay claim to coming in at number three in states loving candy corn! Producing nearly 20 million pounds every year and making up the vast majority of candy corn sold in the U.S., Brach’s has released new data listing the top [...] |
| DNA and vehicle-tracking help French investigators recover stolen RenoirsDNA left on a protective painting cover helped investigators recover two stolen Renoirs and uncover what they suspected were preparations for another art heist, a French prosecutor said Monday. |
| RJ Mitte, 'Breaking Bad' actor and disability rights champion, dies at 34Actor and disability rights advocate RJ Mitte, who brought a lifetime of experience with cerebral palsy to fictional family struggles in an essential role on "Breaking Bad," died Monday at age 34. |
Monday, October 12th, 2026 | |
| Illinois Red Cross chapters looking for more volunteersRecruiting volunteers has been more difficult since the pandemic, but the Quad Cities chapter leader says it's rewarding work. |
| Rock Island city and county combining law enforcement tactical teamsThe units handle high-risk situations like drug search warrants, hostage-barricaded subjects and active shooters. |
| Semi truck driver suffers minor injuries in rural Stockton rollover crashInvestigators believe the truck was headed west on Route 20 when it exited the roadway while trying to navigate a curve. |
| | Lights, Camera, Snackers: How Aspiring Filmmakers Can Enter to Win $25,000Lights, Camera, Snackers: How Aspiring Filmmakers Can Enter to Win $25,000 (Feature Impact) The director’s chair is open and the opportunity to create the next great snack-sized movie could be yours. For the second year, Bumble Bee is bringing back its Tuna “Cans”Film Festival, giving aspiring filmmakers and creators the chance to turn a script written by comedian and actress, Grace Reiter, into an original short film starring its deliciously convenient tuna Snackers. Watch the video to learn more! “I love a chance to support those starting out in the film industry – and this time, I’m partnering with Bumble Bee for the Tuna Cans Film Festival to do it,” Reiter said. “Plus, I’m making it easy: I already wrote the script.” Using Reiter’s scripted lines, creators can make the story entirely their own, bringing their vision to life through original characters, settings, music, editing and creative flair. The creative brief is simple: The finished film must be 60 seconds or less and Bumble Bee Snackers™ need to get their moment in the spotlight. Plus, the stakes are bigger than ever: The winning filmmaker will take home a $25,000 grand prize to help make their filmmaking dreams a reality. Creators can submit their original short film by Oct. 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. PT. The film can be funny, dramatic, unexpected or all three. The lines are already written but the order, arrangement and any additions are open to creative interpretation. Now it's time to see what you can do with it. Visit tunacansfilmfest.com, where you can find Reiter’s original script, submission instructions and complete contest details, to get started. |
| Miller-Meeks makes two stops in Bettendorf as part of national business tourCongresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, made two stops in Bettendorf on Monday as part of a national business tour. Your Local Election Headquarters is tracking the campaigns nearly three weeks out from Election Day. The Iowa Republican joined the U. S. Chamber of Commerce’s Free Enterprise Express Opportunity Tour. The first stop was Small Town Pastry, [...] |
| Iowa voters can cast early ballots soon: Scott County auditor discusses processEarly voting is already underway in Illinois, and Iowa voters can join in starting Wednesday. Scott County Auditor Kerri Tompkins says starting then, voters can cast their ballots at the county auditor's office or at one of 14 satellite locations. Some important deadlines are coming up next week. “If you would like to vote from [...] |
| Illinois Red Cross chapters looking for more volunteers after busy summerRecruiting volunteers has been more difficult since the pandemic, but the Quad Cities chapter leader says it's rewarding work. |
| Iowa sees 3rd consecutive year of above-average precipitationThe state's climatologist says this won't erase Iowa's years of drought. Plus, the increased rainfall has not been evenly spread in area or timing. |
| United Way of Whiteside County gets grant to provide food for local childrenUnited Way of Whiteside County is getting a $10,000 grant to help provide food for local children. The money will support its “Let’s Feed Our Children” summer meal program. This summer, the program provided nearly $50,000 grab-and-go meals to children through 17 distribution sites across Whiteside Count. Kids don’t need to register. They can just [...] |
| Rock Island voters can meet candidates at NAACP forumVoters in Rock Island will have a chance to hear directly from candidates ahead of the November election. The NAACP will host a voter forum from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Martin Luther King Jr. Center in Rock Island. Races include the 17th Congressional District, Illinois Senate District 36, and Illinois House Districts 71 and [...] |
| Rock Island police and sheriff to formally combine tactical teamsCity leaders approved an agreement to formally combine the two agency’s tactical teams during a meeting Monday evening. |
| Muscatine mayor works with IDOT to minimize disruption from bridge closureMuscatine’s mayor is working with the Iowa DOT to minimize disruptions from a planned closure of the Interstate 80 Bridge next year. The Norbert F. Beckey Bridge over the Mississippi River will close form four to six weeks in 2027. In a letter to the community, Mayor Brad Bark says the crossing is a vital [...] |
| Fire severely damages longtime restaurant in PrincetonCrews responded to the Big Apple on Main Street around 7:45 p.m. Saturday in Princeton, Illinois. Firefighters found flames in the dining area that caused heavy damage. Heat and smoke also damaged the rest of the restaurant. The fire marshal determined that the fire started with an electrical issue. A GoFundMe has been set up [...] |
| | After 18 holes, North Scott in fourth place at state golfNorth Scott’s boys’ golf team put itself in position to compete for two state titles after Monday’s state golf tournament opening round at Davenport Country Club. Bunched-up team and individual leaderboards set the stage for anyone to claim state golf glory on Tuesday. On the team side, five schools are within nine shots of the lead. Top-ranked Dallas Center-Grimes held steady with a 294. The Mustangs hold a four-shot advantage over second-place Cedar Rapids Prairie. Dubuque Wahlert shot an even 300 to stick in third place, while North Scott remains a threat in fourth place with a 301. Waukee Northwest is fifth with a 303, while home course advantage has not proven helpful for Pleasant Valley. The Spartans are in sixth place after a 306 round. North Scott is led by junior Andrew Vollbeer, who ended his day with a 1-over 72. He is in a four-way tie for fourth place. Vollbeer was tied for the lead at 1-under with one hole to go, but a double bogey on 18 dropped him down into a chasing position. The Mississippi Athletic Conference and district tournament champion opened 1-under through six holes, but made the turn at 1-over. He got to 2-over through 12 holes, but Vollbeer birdied three of his next four holes to get back under par and into contention. Senior Jaxon Adkisson, seeking a consecutive medal at state, is in a massive tie for ninth place at 3-over 74. Adkisson was 1-under through six holes, but three consecutive bogeys halted his progress at the turn. Adkisson steadied the ship with eight pars on the back nine with just one bogey to settle his scorecard. Sophomore Michael Phillips was North Scott’s third-best scorer at state last season. He is in that position again after one day with a 6-over 77 and in a tie for 27th place. Phillips played the front nine 1-over, but played the back nine at 5-over without finding a birdie. Junior Luke Leverenz scored for North Scott with a 7-over 78, while junior Max McClintock (9-over 80) and freshman James Vollbeer (12-over 83) will look to help the team finish strong. Cal Martineau of Wahlert Catholic clings to first place as the only golfer to go under par on Monday. He shot a 1-under 70 made up of four birdies and three bogeys. Henry Sobaski of Cedar Rapids Prairie and Avery Van Zelderen of Dallas Center-Grimes are tied for second at even par. The North Scott Press will have complete coverage of the state golf tournament in its Oct. 21 edition. |
| 2 men accused of selling fake phones to West Burlington Walmart kioskPolice officials said 89 transactions earned the suspects just shy of $6,800. |
| Record high temperature set Monday in Quad CitiesWe did it! We hit 88° for the first time ever on October 12th in the Quad Cities. This breaks the old record of 87° from the 1940s. Tuesday looks warm too, but not quite as hot. We'll be in the low to mid 80s Tuesday. |
| USDA Rural Development invests nearly $13M into Iowa communitiesUSDA announced investments of more than $12.9 million in Iowa cooperatives to help support their pass-through and revolving loan funds. |