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

Monday, July 13th, 2026
	Boil order issued for Aledo Aledo residents and businesses connected to the city water system are under a boil order until repairs are completed and water testing confirms it is safe.
	Mercer County libraries begins summer readathon Mercer County libraries are holding a summer readathon to support local children enrolled in Dolly Parton's Imagination Library.
	Iowa hosting the 2026 National Balloon Classic More than 100 balloons are expected to be featured.
	Muscatine boat launch temporarily closes for American Serenade docking The City of Muscatine will temporarily close the downriver boat launch and adjacent parking lot near the Iowa Avenue entrance to Riverside Park on Tuesday, July 14, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accommodate the arrival and docking of the American Serenade, a river cruise vessel operated by American Cruise Lines, a news release [...]
	Mercer County readathon to support Dolly Parton's Imagination Library The nonprofit Mercer County Better Together is trying to raise enough money to provide free books for hundreds of county kids through Dolly Parton's book program.
	East Moline Fire Department: Scammers pretend to raise money for charity East Moline Fire Department warns residents and local businesses that scammers are falsely claiming to represent the department and are requesting donations for a fundraiser or charitable drive, according to a Facebook post. "Please do not provide any personal or financial information if you receive one of these calls," the post says. "At this time, [...]
	Pritzker signs new laws on birth control, AI regulations, play-based learning Gov. JB Pritzker signed 31 new laws on Friday as he continues evaluating measures passed in the spring session, including bills banning certain ingredients from cosmetics and correct the state’s property tax laws.
	Expect single-lane closures on Government Bridge The Government Bridge will have intermittent single-lane closures for electrical work from 8:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, according to a news release. Flagmen and signage will be in place during the single-lane closures.
	Augustana College may get new school street name signs Augustana College is looking to add a little more school pride to the streets surrounding the campus. The Rock Island City Council will consider a request from the college to install street name signs featuring both the City of Rock Island and Augustana College logos throughout the campus neighborhood. The proposal includes 60 new signs [...]
	1 injured after single-vehicle crash on Credit Island Officials said one person suffered minor injuries after a vehicle crashed into the woods on Credit Island Sunday.
	Semi spills granite on I-80 off-ramp in LeClaire A semitrailer spilled large pieces of granite onto the I-80 off-ramp in LeClaire on Monday morning. The driver was not injured or cited.
	Lanes to close on Government Bridge for electrical work Lanes on the Government Bridge will close Tuesday for electrical work.
	Government Bridge to have lane closures July 14 It's an Our Quad Cities News traffic alert. According to a release from the U.S. Army Garrison Rock Island Arsenal, the Government Bridge will have intermittent single lane closures for electrical work Tuesday, July 14 from 8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Flagmen and signage will be in place during the single lane closures.
	MidAmerican Energy seeks to increase gas delivery fee MidAmerican Energy customers in Iowa were recently notified about a potential gas rate adjustment, pending approval by the Iowa Utilities Commission. Geoff Greenwood, spokesperson for MidAmerican Energy, spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to explain why the adjustment is necessary and how it will make service safer for customers. He says the request [...]
	Scott, Muscatine residents invited to REAP conservation meeting Want a say in local conservation? Attend the Region 9 REAP assembly July 24 and help guide future projects.
	Trump's HHS abandons threat to withhold Medicare and Medicaid funding over trans care NPR has learned that the Department of Health and Human Services will not be finalizing its most aggressive attempt to end gender-affirming care for youth nationally.
	Rock Island Public Library Watts-Midtown branch closing remainder of Monday due to heat The Watts-Midtown branch does not have air conditioning.
	South Carolina's governor names Lindsey Graham's sister to serve out his term South Carolina's governor says he is appointing Darline Graham Nordone to finish the term of her late brother. Top Republicans, including President Trump, have coalesced around the pick.
	Rock Island Public Library Watts-Midtown Branch temporarily closed due to heat The Rock Island Public Library has closed the Watts-Midtown Branch for the remainder of Monday due to heat concerns with no air conditioning. The Downtown and Southwest branches remain open.
	Cancer support organization schedules educational workshop on cancer biology Curious about the biology of cancer? Attend a July 27 workshop with guest speaker Russ Dunn in person or on Zoom.
	Boil order issued for City of Aledo Aledo residents and businesses connected to the city water system are under a boil order until repairs are completed and water testing confirms it is safe.
	'Caught Caring' recognizes Moline residents making a difference Moline has a new way to recognize the everyday people working to make the city better. Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati is launching "Caught Caring," a new program that will award 30 commemorative challenge coins to the people making Moline a better place, often without anyone noticing. She will personally present commemorative challenge coins to people and [...]
	Heartland British Autofest brings British cars to LeClaire The Quad Cities’ British Auto Club is holding its 39th Annual Heartland British Autofest on Saturday, August 1 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on the levee in LeClaire. Admission is free for spectators. The event showcases an array of classic British cars, including Jaguars, Land Rovers, MGs, Triumphs, Austin Healeys, Mini Coopers and more. [...]
	Davenport Sleep Inn evacuated Monday morning after pool wiring overheats Officials said the fire was caused by the pool’s wiring overheating and burning the sheeting around the pump’s wires.
	Standard time could become permanent: What to know While a House bill to make daylight saving permanent could be voted on this week, another new bill calls for an opposite approach.
	Two no-party candidates seek Scott County Board seats with focus on housing, engagement Eight candidates are competing for three Scott County Board seats. Meet the two running without party affiliation.
	Rock Island Library closes branch due to excessive heat Rising temperatures have led to a branch of the Rock Island Public Library to close early. The Rock Island Public Library Watts-Midtown Branch, 2715 30th Street, will close for the remainder of Monday, July 13 due to a lack of air conditioning and rising temperatures inside the building. The closing took effect as of 1 [...]
	Mitchell Tenpenny coming to Rust Belt Multi-platinum selling artist Mitchell Tenpenny is extending his “Speed of Light Tour” with a stop at The Rust Belt, 533 12th Avenue in East Moline on November 14. Jake Banfield will appear as a special guest. Tickets go on sale to the public on Friday, July 17 at 10 a.m. A pre-sale for members of [...]
	Aledo under water boil order Officials said the order was caused by a water system maintenance issue.
	Death Notice: Celeste Murphy A funeral service and Mass of Christian Burial for Celeste M. Murphy, 100, of Long Grove, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 15, at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Long Grove. Burial will be in Mount Calvary Cemetery, Davenport. Visitation will be Tuesday, July 14, from 4-7 p.m. at the church, where a prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. Additional visitation will be one hour prior to Mass on Wednesday at the church. Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport, is assisting the family with arrangements. Mrs. Murphy died Thursday, July 9, 2026, at the Kahl Home, Davenport. Memorials may be made to St. Ann's Parish or to the Kahl Home. Online condolences may be made at www.hmdfuneralhome.com. A full obituary will appear in the July 15 edition of The NSP.
	Gov. Reynolds plans farewell 99-county tour At the Iowa GOP Lincoln Dinner, outgoing Gov. Kim Reynolds announced one final 99-county tour.
	Aledo issues boil order for entire city Aledo has issued a boil order for the entire city, according to a news release. Aledo is now under a water boil order for all residents and businesses connected to the Aledo water system. An unforeseen maintenance issue with the water system led to the boil order, which will remain in effect until the issue [...]
	How the duo behind 'The Invite' wrote a sex comedy (that's not really about sex) Rashida Jones and Will McCormack met decades ago, when McCormack's sister set them up on a date. It didn't work out as a romantic pairing, but it was the start of a long-running creative partnership.
	MercyOne Clinton launches Air Med 4, patient shuttle service MercyOne Clinton is expanding care beyond its walls with Air Med 4 and new patient transportation services.
	Scam alert: East Moline Fire says impersonators calling for donations The East Moline Fire Department is warning of callers falsely asking for donations. Learn how to spot the red flags and protect your money.
	Semi loses part of load on I-80 LeClaire offramp A flatbed semi lost part of its load on an offramp from I-80 this morning. Our Quad Cities News was on the scene and saw a semi that lost part of its load on the I-80 offramp to LeClaire this morning. Glass was reportedly strewn along the side of the offramp and into the grass. [...]
	Trump says the U.S. will reinstate its blockade on Iran and charge a toll on ships The move comes after the U.S. and Iran exchanged fire for the third weekend in a row, raising the specter of a return to all-out war after a shaky ceasefire took effect in June.
	Trump says the U.S. is back to blockading Iran and will charge ships a toll in Hormuz The U.S. and Iran are fighting for control of the Strait of Hormuz, threatening a return to all-out war after agreeing to a ceasefire last month.
	Trump says the U.S. will blockade Iran again and charge ships a toll in Hormuz The U.S. and Iran are fighting for control of the Strait of Hormuz, threatening a return to all-out war after agreeing to a ceasefire last month.
	East Moline Fire Department warning of donation scam The East Moline Fire Department is warning the public of a scam, where the caller claims to be from the department and asks for charitable donations.
	Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club hosts biology of cancer workshop Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club is hosting an informative and supportive workshop to discuss the biology of cancer. Russ Dunn, who has a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and a Master of Science degree in molecular biology, will discuss universal aspects of cancer and how cancer cells differ from healthy cells on Monday, [...]
	States sue to stop Paramount-Warner Bros blockbuster merger California is among the states suing to block Paramount from buying Warner Bros. Discovery in a Hollywood mega-merger that would unite some of the nation's largest movie studios and TV newsrooms.
	MercyOne Clinton adds Air Med helicopter service MercyOne Clinton Medical Center is expanding emergency transportation services in eastern Iowa with a new air ambulance and patient shuttle program.
	Red Cross declares emergency blood shortage The American Red Cross is declaring an emergency blood shortage after the blood supply fell nearly 25% in June. Blood donors are urgently needed to donate to help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care without delay. The shortage is especially critical for platelets and types O positive and B negative blood. There has been a [...]
	Moline hosts open house for Comprehensive Plan draft Moline is hosting an open house to share a draft of its Comprehensive Plan. The city invites residents, business owners and community members to attend a Comprehensive Plan Open House on Thursday, July 16, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Moline Public Library, 3210 41st Street. The event is free and open to the [...]
	Best of the Wurst competition returns to Davenport The German American Heritage Center and Museum hosted its ninth annual Best of the Wurst competition, featuring bratwurst tastings and more.
	Find unique items at A Very Vintage Market, Burlington A Very Vintage Market is back, bringing vintage finds, handmade goods, food, music, shopping and summer fun to downtown Burlington. Downtown Partners, Inc. is hosting the 11th Annual A Very Vintage Market on Saturday, July 18, from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. in downtown Burlington. The open-air market stretches throughout the downtown district, featuring over [...]
	Silvis alderman steps down amid ethics complaint Silvis Ald. Craig Pirmann has resigned immediately. An investigation into an ethics complaint will continue as the city looks to fill his seat.
	Crews respond to fire at Sleep Inn in Davenport Crews respond to fire at Sleep Inn in Davenport
	Playcrafters hosting paranormal investigation fundraiser Hunt for ghosts while raising funds for Playcrafters Barn Theatre. The second paranormal investigation fundraiser will be held at Playcrafters Barn Theatre, 4950 35th Avenue in Moline on Saturday, July 18 from 6 – 8 p.m. QC Haunts & History and S&S Paranormal Investigations lead the investigations, with all proceeds going directly to Playcrafters. Is [...]
	Countdown to the Bix: Events begin with Senior Bix The 52nd Quad City Times Bix 7 is coming up. From the Senior Bix to the main race on July 25, here is the full event schedule in Davenport.
	Heat index could reach 100 degrees in parts of the Quad-Cities region Hot and humid weather is expected through Friday, with heat index values possibly reaching 100 degrees. Stay updated as the forecast evolves.
	Moline to unveil draft Comprehensive Plan at public open house The City of Moline is inviting the public to review its draft Comprehensive Plan and share feedback before it’s finalized. Learn more about Thursday’s open house.
	Mainstream Home Improvement opens second location in Bettendorf "Opening a second location while celebrating 25 years in business makes this an exciting milestone for our entire team."
	Lost and Found Again consignment and thrift store grand opening Three days of shopping at new retail shop with food, drinks, raffles and lots of sales.
	IMEG expands Southeast footprint with Phillips Gradick Engineering Phillips Gradick Engineering, P.C., a multidisciplinary engineering firm in Georgia and North Carolina specializing in mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and telecommunications services.
	Rock Island and Henry County real estate transactions for July 12, 2026 Here are homes sales and property sales in Rock Island County and Henry County.
	Mexican restaurant opens, new consignment and thrift store, Lock 14 Kitchen opens, and more Quad-Cities business news Consignment and thrift store grand opening, new Mexican restaurant, two temporary restaurant closures, new commercial kitchen, and more Quad-Cities business news.
	Summer heat builds this week Abundant sunshine is in the forecast for much of the upcoming week along with climbing temperatures. Rain chances slowly increase later this week and weekend, but are still slim. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	The Rock Island Argus This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Newspaper editors are almost as apt as other folks to change their minds when a better idea comes along. Here's a local…
	Pythons' extreme biology may hold clues for treating human disease These snakes can go for months without eating, grow and shrink the size of their hearts and jump start their metabolism on a dime.
	How federal prison guards stop lawsuits before they start Prisoners are allowed to file complaints about mistreatment — but doing so often comes with retaliation. That's according to an investigation by NPR and The Marshall Project.
	He was having a mental health crisis. Memphis task force agents came and shot him Jonah Neal, 25, was struck by a Homeland Security Investigations agent in May. There have been at least four deadly shootings related to the task force.
	Was your favorite music influencer paid to post that song? Social media can make a song go viral — even push it up the pop charts — seemingly overnight. Perhaps it's not surprising that some influencers are being paid to promote music without disclosing it.
	Flea and the Honora Band: Tiny Desk Concert After four decades as a founding member of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Flea goes solo with a stellar jazz band.
	He Is an Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Tyke Who's from Bikini: Quad City Music Guild's “The SpongeBob Musical,” at the Prospect Park Auditorium through July 19 While many children attended on opening night, I hardly heard a peep from them during the show – it was the over-25 crowd who were clapping and screaming upon each first entrance of these beloved characters from the underwater city of Bikini Bottom.
	These Keds Are Made for Walkin': “Grandma Gatewood Took a Walk,” at the Black Box Theatre through July 18 Do I have any interest in hiking the Appalachian Trail? Absolutely not. Do I want to hear about the 67-year-old who was the first woman to hike the entire trail solo? Absolutely. And trust me, so do you.
	Welch Turns Up the Heat on Some Indicted Dems to Resign and Turns on the Air Conditioner for Others Representative Luis Arroyo, D-Chicago, was arrested by the FBI on October 28, 2019, for attempting to bribe a state senator. House Speaker Michael Madigan, who was under investigation himself, called on Arroyo to resign that same day. The next day, Representative Emanuel “Chris” Welch, D-Hillside, was one of three House Democrats who signed a petition to automatically trigger the creation of a Special Investigating Committee. Welch and the two others included the sworn federal criminal complaint against Arroyo as evidence.
	Bros Before Woes: “Heaven Help Me,” at the Richmond Hill Barn Theatre through July 19 Though the show is billed as a comedy, I only laughed a few times. I was much more invested in its dramatic scenes.
	A Lion, a Witch, and Their Wardrobe: “The Wizard of Oz,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through September 5 Nostalgia has a funny way of raising the stakes. A mediocre production wouldn’t just be disappointing; it would feel like someone had replaced my ruby slippers with muddy boots and then trounced all over my childhood memories. Thankfully, director Tony Parise’s production bursts to life with color, imagination, and obvious affection for the material.
	Cook review: 'Live-action' 'Moana' remake is shallow compared to original Except for the ocean, which I consider to be a character in the new "Moana" remake, much of the film is shallow, as thought much of the emotion and enchantment have been filtered out. Calling this a "live-action" film is a cheat. Beyond any other descriptor, the phrase "CGI reboot" fits this movie perfectly. Yes, [...]
	Sam Neill, known for 'Jurassic Park' and 'The Piano,' dies at 78, his family says In 2023, Neill disclosed he had been diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma, a rare type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Neill died on Monday in Sydney, according to a statement posted to the actor's social media page.
	Get a little spooky at Summerween in Rock Island Embrace the spooky, weird and creepy side at Summerween! Halloween may not be until October 31, but QC Haunts & History is bringing the Summerween spirit July 26, because just one spooky holiday a year isn’t enough! According to a release, this spooky market cranks up the spooky fun with the following: QC Haunts’ Summerween [...]
	McConnell says a fall led to his hospitalization, breaking weeks of silence Sen. Mitch McConnell on Sunday revealed that a fall led to his hospitalization, breaking the silence about his condition after weeks of mounting speculation about the Kentucky Republican's health.
Sunday, July 12th, 2026
	Hey Chairman of the FED Print Some Debt For Me Hey, Chairman of the FEDPrint some debt for meIt’s no secretThere’s no money in the Treasury"Parody Gold": Sound Money Lyrics Inspired by Bob Dylan
	Volatilizing Iowa's State Trees Chemical Trespassing on Iowa's State Tree Cannot Be PunishedTony Singh's 20-Year Quest to Address Pesticide Damage in His Oak SavannaIn 1996, Tony Singh began rewilding a plot of land in LeClaire, hoping to restore its oak savanna, native prairie, woodlands, and wetlands. Fewer than five years later, he noticed the leaves on his oak trees were in tatters.
	Supercharge Summer Grilling with Tender Pork Chops (Feature Impact) If you're planning on firing up the grill for an upcoming summer gathering, you might be trying to brainstorm options beyond the traditional burgers and dogs. Luckily, there are recipes that let you keep things interesting without becoming too complicated. These Super Moist Boneless Pork Chops might just make you the favorite grill master in the neighborhood. Salt, sugar and aromatic ingredients like juniper berries and bay leaves give the meat a rich, complex flavor, and the combination of brining and grilling helps you achieve a tender but juicy finished product. Since the recipe features Coleman Boneless Pork Chops, which deliver exceptional flavor from pork raised with no antibiotics ever and no added hormones, it's easy to elevate your cookout with high-quality protein that you can feel good about serving to family and friends. Make it an extra memorable occasion with family-favorite sides like grilled asparagus, a light summer salad, diced potatoes and dinner rolls then round out your flavor-infused evening with an all-American tradition such as apple pie. If your grilling plans get rain-checked, you can easily sear the pork chops in a skillet or bake them in the oven to take the party indoors. Find more summer recipe ideas by visiting ColemanNatural.com. Super Moist Boneless Pork Chops Prep time: 7 hours Cook time: 40 minutes Servings: 4 1 quart water 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup kosher salt 1 bay leaf 12 juniper berries 6 cups ice 4 Coleman Boneless or Bone-In Pork Chops (1 1/2 inches thick) 1 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground 1 teaspoon sea salt 2 scallions, thinly sliced, for garnish In large pot, heat water, brown sugar, kosher salt, bay leaf and juniper berries over high heat until sugar and salt are dissolved. Remove from stove and add ice. Liquid should be cool to touch. Add pork chops to liquid, cover and refrigerate 4-6 hours, or overnight. Approximately 10-15 minutes before grilling, heat grill to medium heat, remove chops from brine and pat dry with paper towels. Season with freshly ground black pepper and sea salt. Grill until desired doneness, or until internal temperature reaches at least 145 F for medium finish. Garnish with scallions. Serve with side dishes of choice.
	The Evolution of Retail Technology: Connecting Consumers to Valuable Product Information The Evolution of Retail Technology: Connecting Consumers to Valuable Product Information (Feature Impact) For more than 50 years, traditional universal product codes (UPCs), better known as barcodes, have automated checkout, powered retail and kept the world’s products moving one scan at a time. Watch this video to learn more Now it’s time for the next chapter. Brands and retailers are transitioning to QR codes powered by GS1 to enhance everyday shopping experiences, unlock more information and empower customers to make informed purchase decisions with a simple smartphone scan – while still going “beep” at the register. For decades, UPC barcodes simply provided the price of an item, but today’s shoppers are looking for more information. This retail-labeling transformation will include advanced QR codes that unlock information about ingredients, allergens, freshness, product origin, sustainability details, recipes and more. Retailers have set a 2027 target to accept these QR codes at checkout, which can help them better operate and serve their customers in numerous ways, such as preventing recalled products from being sold. They can also help reduce food waste, save consumers money and help people make smarter purchases by encouraging shoppers to have a richer experience with the products they’re putting in their carts. Visit gs1us.org/smarter to discover more about the future of shopping and checkout.
	Flush Smart: 7 Tips for Good Bathroom Etiquette (Feature Impact) Relationships and plumbing have something in common: they can both benefit from practicing smarter bathroom habits. Whether you're sharing a household with your family, a partner or roommates, good etiquette in these frequently shared spaces can save everyone's sanity - just like rethinking your flushing routines can save your pipes. From simple annoyances like leaving the toilet seat up to potentially costly mistakes like clogging your plumbing by flushing the wrong items, a new survey from the Responsible Flushing Alliance (RFA) illuminated a variety of bad habits that cause the most tension in American homes. In addition to shedding light on these problems, the alliance outlined solutions you can implement at home to restore peace in your restroom. Plus, you can gamify the habit changes to make them more entertaining. "Our goal is to revolutionize public education by keeping it highly engaging, memorable and fun," RFA President Lara Wyss said. "We are challenging the public to rethink their everyday habits." Get started with these seven tips: Replace the toilet roll properly Don't be the reason someone gets stranded with nothing but a cardboard tube in their moment of need. Keep extra rolls nearby, and when you're down to the last square of toilet paper, make it a race against the clock to replace it. Use the (flush) force An unflushed toilet was listed as the biggest bathroom pet peeve by 37% of survey respondents. To make it fun for the family, introduce a new tradition: before you leave the bathroom, pretend there's an invisible force field pushing you back to make sure you've flushed and are good to go. Hunt for sink and shower hair Leaving hair in the drain isn't just a source of potential plumbing clogs - it's also an irritant for 35% of respondents. After you shower or style your hair, make it a game to see how many stray strands you can capture and deliver to the trash can. Clean it and close it You've probably heard jokes about people who leave the toilet seat up, so don't make yourself the punchline. For a completely un-mockable routine, grab the brush to give the bowl a quick swish after you flush, ensure the seat is down and use an anti-bacterial wipe to leave everything sparkling. You'll notice cleaning wipes bear the Do Not Flush symbol, which means they go in the trash and never the toilet. Conquer the counter Toothpaste and water often splatter all over the place, so to be a polite bathroom roommate, wipe up the mess before it's even had a chance to dry. Keep cleaning wipes or rags within easy reach and give yourself a 10-second deadline to leave surfaces spotless. Practice good towel etiquette Wet towels don't belong on bathroom floors. If they still have a use or two left in them, banish them back to your towel rack. Otherwise, challenge yourself to a game of laundry basketball, aiming for the hamper. Don't flush the un-flushable According to an RFA survey, half of Americans are still flushing things they know they shouldn't, like paper towels, feminine hygiene products and non-flushable wipes. Since clearing a clog in your home can cost anywhere from $300-$15,000 or more, the only thing you'll be draining with habits like these is your wallet. "Always check wet wipes for the Do Not Flush symbol and disposal instructions, which helps us protect not only the health of our homes and environment but our relationships, too," Wyss said. Visit FlushSmart.org to learn more about good bathroom etiquette, take an interactive quiz and put these tips into practice with a seven-day challenge. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (throwing away non-flushable wipe)
	Support Your Brain with a Peanut-Powered Snack Support Your Brain with a Peanut-Powered Snack (Feature Impact) Young or old, all can benefit from giving the brain a healthy boost. Emerging nutritional science makes it clear that good cognitive function goes beyond mental exercises as food can help shape memory, mood and cognitive health. A study published the “Journal of the Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease” found adults 60-80 years old who did not eat peanuts and peanut butter regularly were 30-50% more likely to perform poorly on tests measuring learning, memory, language, processing motor speed and attentiveness compared to those who did consumer peanuts and peanut butter. Additionally, research published in “Clinical Nutrition” highlighted a study of college students ages 18-33 which showed consumption of peanuts and peanut butter was associated with improved memory function and decreased anxiety, depression and stress. Peanut butter is the key ingredient in these Protein Balls, a snack time favorite with a pinch of protein that serves as a perfect pick-me-up after a day in the office or following your favorite workout routine. Despite their small stature, peanuts pack a nutrition punch. Their unique blend of various vitamins, minerals and bioactive compounds includes: Niacin, which can slow cognitive decline and reduce the risk for Alzheimer’s disease, according to the “Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry” Vitamin E, found to promote healthy brain aging and delay cognitive decline Resveratrol, believed to be beneficial in fighting against Alzheimer’s disease and other nerve degenerating diseases, per the “Journal of Biological Chemistry” P-coumaric acid, an antioxidant that appears to target the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood, stress and anxiety To find more ways to support your brain with the right nutrition, visit GAPeanuts.com. Watch video to see how to make this recipe! Protein Balls Recipe courtesy of The Peanut Institute Servings: 24 1 cup chunky peanut butter1 tablespoon vanilla1/4 cup honey2 cups quick oats2 tablespoons ground flaxseed1/2 cup shredded coconut1/2 cup dried, chopped cranberries1/8 teaspoon iodized salt1/4 cup waterUsing stand mixer, combine peanut butter, vanilla, honey, quick oats, flaxseed, coconut, cranberries, salt and water; mix until well combined.Form dough into 1-ounce portions and refrigerate 30 minutes before serving.Nutritional information per serving: 130 calories, 7 g fat, 14 g carbohydrates, 3 g protein, 2 g fiber, 60 mg sodium.
	Encouraging Creativity in the Age of AI (Feature Impact) In an era when machines can generate ideas in seconds, hands-on learning and creativity may be more important for today's children than ever. In fact, due to the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), 73% of parents believe creativity is an essential trait for their children to develop. This finding comes from a survey commissioned by Crayola and conducted by Talker Research of 2,000 U.S. parents of children ages 8-12, along with children in that same age range. The survey also revealed the impact of technological advances, such as AI, on how parents nurture their kids' creativity and how kids and parents view AI differently. While parents worry about what skills kids may lose due to AI usage, children themselves are more focused on what technology could unlock and seem to be far more optimistic about the impact of AI. According to the study, 35% of parents said they worry AI will reduce their child's ability to think creatively and 30% fear it will compete with them, limiting their opportunities in the workforce. In contrast, only 22% of kids share their parents' concerns about AI hurting their creative thinking abilities and only 21% fear job competition. Consider these additional trends identified in the survey. Kids Crave Hands-On Creativity Despite growing up in a digital-first world, the children surveyed expressed a strong desire to engage in hands-on creative experiences. When they make something by hand, they're more likely to preserve it (46%), display it at home (68%) or give it as a gift (48%), turning creativity into something tangible, lasting and meaningful. The children surveyed also said they want adults to ask for their creative ideas and listen to them (52%), provide supplies for creating (51%), encourage problem-solving (47%) and give them more time to create (46%). Feedback Provides Motivation Creativity flourishes when adults praise young artists for their effort, ideas and decision-making rather than judging how "good" the art looks, the survey found. While the least creatively motivating feedback parents can provide is to tell kids their art looks good (22%), creating with parents or other family members (65%), having their art displayed (45%) and being recognized for the work involved (46%) were some of the most motivating actions. "When we emphasize effort, process and thinking over outcomes, kids feel safer taking creative risks," said Cheri Sterman, senior director of education at Crayola. "Research - and kids themselves - are pointing us toward a more supportive way to nurture creativity in the age of AI." Purposeful support from parents and teachers also helps to minimize speed bumps that may interfere with kids' creative growth. This belief is deeply personal with 8 in 10 parents polled admitting they wish the adults in their lives had done more to nurture their creativity when they were children. Creativity is Essential to Future Success In a world increasingly shaped by AI, parents recognize creativity as one of the few skills machines can't easily replicate with the majority of respondents (85%) agreeing that creativity equates to success for children in the future. In fact, creative individuals were viewed as stronger problem-solvers (49%), better communicators (35%) and more likely to succeed in their careers (34%) than non-creatives. "As AI continues to insert itself into our lives, this study suggests that creativity won't disappear, but warns that nurturing it must be intentional," Sterman said. "For parents and educators, the challenge isn't resisting technology, but ensuring imagination, experimentation and original thinking remain central to how children grow up alongside it." Find more ways to nurture creativity at Crayola.com/CreativeMoments. Everyday Moments of Creativity Adults can nurture creativity by weaving simple, creative moments into daily routines. That belief is at the heart of efforts like Crayola's Create More Creative Moments initiative, which has sparked conversations about why creativity matters and how it shapes children's future success. Consider these kid-tested creative experiences to boost imagination and creative confidence: Sketch during an outdoor walk. Draw a new book cover. Make up a new ending to a story. Write new song lyrics. Plan meal theme nights and experiment with new recipes as a family. Turn errands into small games. Ask "what if ?" to help children imagine.
	Knock Out Summer Meal-Planning with a Nutritious, Make-Ahead Solution Knock Out Summer Meal-Planning with a Nutritious, Make-Ahead Solution (Feature Impact) If your summer schedule is already crammed with cross-country trips, social events and activities for the kids, the last thing you likely want to think about is meal-planning. Fueling up for all those fun moments that summer can bring requires a little extra energy, making North Carolina Sweetpotatoes a family-friendly solution that can enhance both flavor and nutrition in sweet and savory dishes. While you might not be ready to think about next week’s meal plans, these Sweetpotato Meal Prep Jars offer an easy way to give your brain a break. They’re perfect for grab-and-go lunches during busy workweeks or quick bites over hectic weekends. Packed with beta-carotene antioxidants the body converts to vitamin A for healthy vision, immune defense and skin, sweetpotatoes are a delicious base ingredient. Plus, the fiber in sweetpotatoes supports digestion and steady energy, pairing well with satisfying, protein-packed beef and black beans. When it’s time to eat, just dump the contents of the jars onto a plate and enjoy complementary flavors without the hassle. This ready-to-eat recipe includes a refreshing pico de gallo dressing that makes it feel like you’re enjoying a fresh-cooked meal. Find more nutrition-boosting summer solutions at ncsweetpotatoes.com. Watch video to see how to make this recipe! Sweetpotato Meal Prep Jars Recipe courtesy of the North Carolina Sweetpotato Commission Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: 3Dressing: 1/4 cup pico de gallo3 tablespoons sour cream1/2 teaspoon taco seasoning2 medium sweetpotatoes, chopped olive oil 2 1/2 tablespoons taco seasoning, divided1 pound ground grass-fed beef1 can black beans, rinsed1/2 cup cooked corn1/2 cup pico de gallo1/2 cup shredded cheese2 cups romaine lettuce, choppedTo make dressing: In medium glass, whisk pico de gallo, sour cream and taco seasoning.Preheat oven to 400 F.Toss sweetpotatoes with olive oil and 1 tablespoon taco seasoning. Spread in even layer on baking sheet and bake 20-25 minutes, tossing halfway.In skillet, brown beef with remaining taco seasoning.Assemble three meal prep jars with dressing on bottom followed by black beans, corn, pico de gallo, cooked beef, cheese, sweetpotatoes and romaine.To serve, dump from jars onto plates.
	Easy, Restaurant-Worthy Meals for Busy Days (Feature Impact) When life gets busy, your home should be a place of reprieve, not extra stress - and that includes your kitchen. If you're juggling work, chores, errands, hobbies, studies, a social life, caretaking or the other million-and-one things keeping your schedule full right now, the idea of spending an hour putting together a home-cooked meal might sound exhausting or downright impossible. In seasons like this, rather than waiting for a table at your favorite restaurant or standing in line for takeout, turn to quick, easy recipes that offer nutritional balance and don't skimp on flavor. By using pre-seasoned Minute Rice Cups - like the new, crave-worthy Garlic Parmesan to satisfy comfort cravings and Veggie Stir-Fry that lets you enjoy the flavor of takeout without the wait - you can have a flavorful base for your meals ready in 1 minute. You won't even have to pull out the rice cooker or go scrounging in the spice cabinet. If you're craving a savory, cheesy dinner, this high-protein Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet, ready in only 6 minutes, is an ideal choice for busy home chefs searching for that elusive balance between simple and sophisticated. Plus, the recipe can easily be adapted to your household's tastes; try tossing some spinach or chickpeas into the skillet or swapping the shrimp for chicken or tofu. To enjoy takeout flavors without the trip, opt for this restaurant-inspired Egg Roll in a Bowl recipe. Savor the umami notes of soy sauce and enjoy the convenience of tender onions, carrots and peas mixed into the stir-fry rice cup that forms the base of your meal. The toppings are what give this recipe its deconstructed egg roll vibe: flavorful sauteed cabbage joins crunchy wonton strips and a protein of choice for a bowl that comes together in just 20 minutes. For more meal ideas to keep you going when life is moving quickly, visit MinuteRice.com. Garlic Parmesan Rice and Shrimp Skillet Prep time: 1 minute Cook time: 5 minutes Servings: 1-2 1 Minute Garlic Parmesan Rice Cup 1 tablespoon olive oil 8 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped lemon wedges, for garnish (optional) Heat rice according to package directions. In medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add shrimp to skillet and cook until pink, about 3 minutes. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside. In same skillet, add rice, lemon juice and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and heat through, 1 minute. Return shrimp and stir to combine. Garnish with parsley. Squeeze lemon wedge over top, if desired, and serve. Substitution: Use sauteed mushrooms or crispy tofu to make vegetarian. Egg Roll in a Bowl Prep time: 2 minutes Cook time: 18 minutes Servings: 2 1 Minute Veggie Stir-Fry Rice Cup 1/2 pound ground turkey or pork 1 cup coleslaw mix 1 garlic clove, minced 2 tablespoons soy sauce 1 teaspoon ginger, freshly grated 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil 1/2 cup fried wonton strips 2 tablespoons sweet and sour sauce Heat rice according to package directions. In large pan, cook meat over medium heat 10 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease. Add coleslaw, garlic, soy sauce, ginger and sesame oil to pan. Cook 8 minutes, or until coleslaw is softened. Add rice during final 4 minutes. Top with wonton strips, drizzle sweet and sour sauce and serve. Tip: To add more vegetables, try mushrooms, bell peppers, snap peas or green onions. For extra spice, drizzle on sriracha or hot sauce of choice.
	West Burlington police warn residents of rental scam The West Burlington Police Department is warning the residents after one person lost money to a scammer posing as a rental company.
	Buttigieg calls to abolish Electoral College; Iowa Democrats optimistic for midterms Former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg returned to Iowa as the keynote speaker for the state's Liberty and Justice Celebration in Altoona.
	Moline dance studio remains open after break-in Arthur Murray Dance Studio in Moline is assessing damage after a break-in caused significant damage.
	Pete Buttigieg says Democrat candidates could send message to D.C. in November elections Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg headlined the Iowa Democrats’ Liberty and Justice Dinner Sunday, urging voters to use the November election to drive change across the country.
	Mercado on Fifth bounces back with packed crowds after weather postponement Meta Description (140 Characters) Mercado on Fifth returned Sunday in downtown Moline after weather delayed its weekly kickoff.
	Hundreds of Pokémon Go players gather at Vanderveer Park ‘hot spot’ for global festival Hundreds of Pokémon Go players gathered at Davenport's Vanderveer Park on Sunday to celebrate the global festival and enjoy free outdoor activities.
	Geneseo steps back in time with vintage baseball The Geneseo Historical Museum hosted vintage 1860s-style baseball games and unveiled a new exhibit showcasing local baseball history and artifacts.
	Crews respond to Rock Island house fire No injuries were reported and the cause of the fire remains under investigation.
	Arthur Murray Dance Studio to hold event to recover after break-in The Break-In to Dance Fundraiser is open to students and the public Friday evening from 6:30 to 8:30.
	Lemonade For a Cause raises over $9,400 for Muscatine shelter A Muscatine shelter is getting a big donation thanks to a local lemonade stand. Lemonade For a Cause donates all its proceeds to the Muscatine Center for Social Action domestic violence shelter. This year, the stand raised over $9,400. Over the last five years, the stand has generated almost $36,000 for the shelter. In 2025, [...]
	Christmas in July bike ride raises money to put more kids on two wheels Riders of all ages pedaled through the Quad Cities on Sunday for the annual Christmas in July Bike Tour, with every dollar raised helping more children receive a bike this Christmas.
	How long flags will fly at half-staff for Sen. Lindsey Graham President Trump ordered flags to be lowered Sunday following the death of Sen. Graham.
	More hot weather coming this week After a fairly comfortable weekend with temperatures staying close to normal in the mid 80s, the heat is making a return for next week. More temperatures in the 90s are expected throughout this upcoming week and even into next weekend with feels like temperatures possibly hitting the triple digits. So far this year we have [...]
	Crews put out heavy flames at Rock Island house fire Firefighters responded to a residential fire in Rock Island on Saturday. The sole occupant escaped safely, and the cause remains under investigation.
	Crews battle evening Rock Island house fire No injuries were reported following a Rock Island house fire. According to a release from the City of Rock Island, the Rock Island Fire Department responded to reports of a house fire in the 500 block of 19th Ave. July 11 6:38 p.m. Crews encountered a 1 1/2-story home with heavy fire from both the [...]
	Rock Island firefighters extinguish house fire; no injuries reported A resident escaped safely after a house fire in Rock Island Saturday evening. Firefighters extinguished the blaze, and the cause remains under investigation.
	Iowa, Illinois leaders remember Graham Meta Description (146 Characters) U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has passed away at age 71 after a sudden illness. Leaders across the nation pay tribute to his legacy and leadership.

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