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

Saturday, March 14th, 2026
	Controlled burn underway in Carbon Cliff-Barstow area A controlled burn is taking place in the Carbon Cliff-Barstow Fire District area.
	State Police: 1 dead after crews respond to Rock Island County crash on I-88 Crews are on-scene after a crash Saturday morning on I-88 involving a semi truck.
	Crews respond to Rock Island County crash on I-88 Crews are on-scene after a crash Saturday morning on I-88 involving a semi truck.
	Russian strike on Kyiv region kills 4 and wounds 15, with peace talks stalled The strikes comes after the United States paused ceasefire talks between Russia and Ukraine due to the war with Iran.
	Spring Valley experiences ‘siren malfunction,’ city leaders say There is no emergency at this time.
	QC Environmental Film Series announces first awards QC Environmental Film Series Announces First Annual Awards River Action has announced its 2026 QC Environmental Film Series (QCEFS) awards. This season featured seven documentary films and reflection speakers designed to connect the Quad Cities community with the wonders of our planet and inspire us to protect it. Committee Chair Kristen Bergren and River Action Director [...]
	5 American airports where you won't actually mind a long layover 5 best airports in the US to get stuck in during layoversEven the most avid travelers can have their enthusiasm dampened by endless security lines, delayed flights, and interminable layovers. Luckily, more airports are figuring out that passengers on a layover shouldn’t feel like they’ve been trapped in Dante’s nine circles of hell! So, Way.com provides a countdown of the best airports in the U.S. to get stuck in. These airports offer pretty awesome layover experiences for travelers passing through them and are a destination in themselves.Over the past decade, there’s been a concerted effort to make airports more welcoming and hospitable. As a result, airports across the U.S. now offer a wide range of amenities. These include free Wi-Fi, nap pods, soothing spas, fantastic food, premium shopping, and yoga rooms. Some airports, of course, do more than others. AirHelp recently revealed its list of the world’s best airports — here are the top five in the U.S., where layovers seem like mini vacations.Salt Lake City International AirportSalt Lake City International Airport, the busiest airport in Utah, currently holds the coveted tag of the “best airport in the United States.” Just because the airport is super busy doesn’t mean it’s crowded and gloomy. If you’re a regular flyer from here, you’ll know why this airport is a traveler’s delight. With a whole lot of amenities and processes tailored to make your experience trouble-free, SLC is one of the best airports in the world. It’s not all about the amenities, though.SLC Airport often ranks high for on-time departures and arrivals and the fewest flight cancellations. SLC underwent a $5.1 billion overhaul that got rid of its outdated terminals and replaced them with a more flyer-friendly modern version. It’s a lot easier to get around the airport now, thanks to a tunnel connecting the concourses.Here’s why you won’t mind getting stuck in Salt Lake City Airport:The remodeled airport now offers breathtaking views of the stunning views of the nearby Wasatch Mountains.SLC has two airport lounges, Delta Sky Club and Minute Suites, offering much-needed amenities like food, free Wi-Fi, private rooms, and more during your stay at the airport.Hunger pangs can strike without warning, especially when you’re traveling. The SLC has over 40 restaurants and cafes that satiate that rumbling tummy.There are plenty of stores located in both concourses, with prices comparable to those in the city (aka street pricing), so you can indulge in a shopping spree without guilt before or after you fly.Special care is offered here for your pets with three animal relief stations.There’s free Wi-Fi, a family-friendly greeting room with a fireplace, restrooms every 150 feet, and ample charging outlets.Los Angeles AirportLos Angeles International Airport (LAX) is the fifth busiest airport in the United States and the 11th busiest in the world, with millions of travelers passing through each year. It is also the busiest airport in the world for both origin and destination flights. According to AirHelp, LAX is ranked as the second-best airport in the U.S. for 2025. With tons of amenities to help travelers, LAX is especially great for business travelers.Here’s what makes this a great airport for layovers:With 180 dining and shopping options spread across its 9 terminals, you’ll be spoiled for choice.The art program at LAX offers a unique way to enjoy your time at the airport. You can see art exhibitions, view permanent art installations, and attend live performances, all of which enhance your travel experience.If you’d like to learn about Southern California’s aviation history, there’s an aviation museum, the Flight Path Museum and Learning Center, on the airport grounds.You’ll love the Pets Unstressing Passengers (PUP) program! LAX created this program involving therapy dogs with which travelers can interact.LAX is set to introduce the Automated People Mover, which will help passengers navigate the airport more easily.The award-winning Tom Bradley International Terminal, with its ultra-modern design and wide range of dining and shopping options, raises the level of traveler experience at LAX.Minneapolis-St. Paul AirportMinneapolis-St. Paul Airport ranks fourth on the list of best airports in the US. The airport is the busiest airport in the Upper Midwest, welcoming over 37 million travelers each year. The airport is known for being one of the best in the country because it offers a friendly atmosphere and good amenities.MSP Airport is a great place to be stuck for several reasons:MSP was voted the winner of America’s best restroom of 2016.The Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport treats you to some stunning artwork. “The Aurora” is an artwork by popular artist Jen Lewin in Terminal 1. There’s also the See 18 film screening room located in Terminal 1, a special film screening room that shows short films and award-winning documentaries. Cinephiles would love it!There’s a giant mural honoring the late Minnesota-born musician Prince, and a dedicated Prince store sells branded merchandise.The airport has 46 therapy dogs and a therapy cat to help travelers overcome their travel jitters and stress.The airport boasts a 55-foot escalator, the tallest in the state, a hotel inside the airport (Intercontinental MSP Airport hotel), and hundreds of restaurants, shops, and other services.Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson AirportAirHelp has ranked the Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport as the 36th best airport in the world, and the fourth best in the United States. And just in case, you didn’t know, it’s been the busiest airport in the world for many years. ATL is the primary hub for Delta and offers 1,000 flights daily to 225 destinations from here. With top-notch amenities and a lively atmosphere, ATL is the kind of airport where you wouldn’t mind spending extra time.The airport has racked up some accolades over the years, like Business Traveler Award for North America’s Best Airport in 2023 and One Flew South being named one of the top 10 full-service airport restaurants in the U.S. in Newsweek’s 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards and.These are some other reasons why ATL is popular:They focus on the basics. The Air Transport Research Society (ATRS) at the University of Maryland has named Hartsfield-Jackson the most efficient airport globally multiple times.The Plane Train and the Sky Train make it very easy and quick to get around the airport.Like several other airports, ATL has pet relief areas, but what sets them apart is the dog park. It’s a 1,000-square-foot outdoor park called Poochie Park.They have temporary and permanent art exhibits, as well as a tribute to Martin Luther King Jr.The restaurants at ATL raise the bar for airport food. Outside of the award-winning One Flew South, there is also Cat Cora’s, Chicken and Beer, Phillips Seafood, and a hundred others.Portland International AirportTravelers seem to love the Portland Airport, which probably explains all the awards it’s garnered — it’s been crowned the best airport in the U.S. by Travel + Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler multiple times! PDX is probably one of the few airports you’ll want to arrive a few hours early.Here’s what makes the Portland Airport so popular:Sample some of the best craft beer in America at the outposts of local breweries, or try some whiskey at the world’s first airport distillery tasting room, House Spirits.The main terminal offers a literal walk through the forest! The terminal’s 9-acre mass timber roof hovers over a grove of deciduous trees and lush planters.Portland Airport has a highly regarded food selection, with plenty of locally sourced food and international cuisine, all for the same price as their off-airport locations, thanks to their street pricing.Shop to your heart’s content — there’s no sales tax in Oregon, and there’s no need to go through an annoying duty-free process.Watch short movies by Oregon filmmakers at the 17-seater microcinema, Hollywood Theater.Check out the rotating art exhibits or the live music shows while you’re there.So, the next time you plan your travel, including a layover, if it’s at any of the above best U.S. Airports to get stuck in, it’s a safe bet!This story was produced by Way.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	“Kaleidoscope Odyssey,” March 14 through September 7 Featuring more than 24 large-scale, immersive kaleidoscopes created by world-renowned artist and Davenport native Tom Chouteau, the traveling exhibition Kaleidoscope Odyssey will be housed at Davenport's Putnam Museum & Science Center through September 7, this fascinating walk-through event designed to celebrate the intersection of visual art, science, and optics.
	March 26 career fair at Black Hawk College to feature dozens of employers The Black Hawk College Career Fair on Thursday, March 26, is free and open to the public.
	As the risk of measles grows, why are parents so divided on vaccines? In South Carolina, some parents embrace vaccines, others opt out. Why do people make such different choices? A mix of politics, distrust and misinformation is pushing neighbors apart.
	In South Carolina, measles shows how far apart neighbors can be on vaccines In South Carolina, some parents embrace vaccines, others opt out. Why do people make such different choices? A mix of politics, distrust and misinformation is pushing neighbors apart.
	‘Live From QC… It’s Saturday Nite!’ returns with comedy, community support March 28 The “Live From QC… It’s Saturday Nite!” fundraiser returns March 28 with comedy, live music and a silent auction to support the no‑cost programs offered by Cancer Support Community at Gilda’s Club.
	Brazil's ex-President Bolsonaro is in intensive care with pneumonia, hospital says One of Bolsonaro's doctor's described the former Brazilian president's medical condition as "serious."
	Two candidates running for GOP nod in Illinois' 36th Senate District Retired Illinois State Police officer Brad Beekman and fuel truck driver Patrick Harlan vie for Republican nomination to take on Mike Halpin for Illinois 36th Senate District.
	Opinion: An ancient, sophisticated palate Researchers looking at foodcrusts on the pottery shards of ancient humans say there's evidence of a wide variety of ingredients, indicating that they may have been experimenting with "recipes."
	UnityPoint Health – Trinity recognized for excellence in hip and knee replacement Designated knee and hip replacement facilities have an average of 21% fewer readmissions and 21% fewer complications within 90 days after knee and hip replacement surgery.
	Why women have an especially tough time in Senegal's prisons Women charged with a crime in Senegal are at the mercy of a slow judicial process and prisons that may lack basic supplies. They also face stigma that robs them of familial and community support.
	SCWPro presents EPIC professional wrestling in Rock Island with Samuray Del Sol SCWPro will presents EPIC professional wrestling at 6 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at The Stern Center in downtown Rock Island, a news release says. SCWPro’s EPIC promises an evening of intense rivalries, championship-caliber competition, and unforgettable moments for wrestling fans of all ages. From rising stars to seasoned veterans, the SCWPro roster will deliver the athleticism, drama, and excitement that [...]
	Geneseo considers solar for middle school property Geneseo schools are considering a 348-panel solar array at the middle school that could offset 36% of electricity use and save about $458,000. The school board did not decide.
	Memories of Muscatine: Baxter Piano Company This week for Memories of Muscatine: Victrolas outside Baxter Piano Company.
	Davenport cigar lounge owners raise glass to bill that would allow alcohol sales A bill that would allow cigar lounges to sell alcohol has passed the Iowa Senate.
	A River Essay This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Whenever a writing project is not going well, I leave my study and walk down to the Mississippi River for another…
	The Oscars are Sunday night. Here's how to watch The Oscars start at 7 p.m. Eastern, 4 p.m. Pacific on Sunday, airing on ABC and streaming on Hulu.
	With boom in prediction markets, some lawmakers worry about how to police themselves House and Senate ethics committees give no financial disclosure guidance on event contracts or prediction markets — unlike stock, cryptocurrency and bond trades.
	Helpful or harmful? How to vet tax advice from social media So you heard a piece of tax advice from a friend or on social media that sounds interesting. Should you try it? A certified public accountant explains how to vet the claim — and avoid getting scammed.
	House GOP leadership silent as more members post anti-Muslim statements A growing number of Republicans in Congress are embracing rhetoric against Muslims. Their remarks have faced little public pushback from leadership.
	Reframing Georgia O'Keeffe's legacy and protecting the land she loved Georgia O'Keeffe called the New Mexico high desert "my country," but Pueblo peoples predated her. A more complex view is emerging amid efforts to preserve the land.
	Bachelor's Decree: “Company,” at Augustana College through March 15 Augustana College's production of Company is expansive, lively, and musically superb.
Friday, March 13th, 2026
	Former Scott County sheriff's sergeant alleges wrongful termination in lawsuit The county board settled with a former employee who sued for wrongful termination last fall.
	St. Pat's Day float vandalized, but McGuire family, friends rebuild to continue tradition For over 40 years the McGuire family has built a float for the Quad Cities St. Patrick's Day parade. This year was nothing normal. They're only a month removed from the passing of the man who was instrumental behind getting the float together. And all the work the family did get done over the past [...]
	Winter Storm Watch for Quad Cities - Sunday night into Monday night What a weather week we've had! And there's more wild weather on the way. Saturday will be relatively quiet with some clouds and highs in the 40s. Then Sunday looks ACTIVE! We'll see highs in the 60s Sunday with a chance for showers and storms during the afternoon. then as it gets cold Sunday evening [...]
	Statistics indicate traffic deaths on the decline in Iowa Traffic deaths are at a historic low in Iowa.
	New kaleidoscope exhibit at Putnam Museum, Davenport, will dazzle visitors The Putnam Museum and Science Center invites visitors to step inside a dazzling world of color, light, and reflection with the opening of Kaleidoscope Odyssey, a vibrant new exhibit debuting Saturday, March 14 and on view through Sept. 7. Featuring more than 24 large-scale, immersive kaleidoscopes created by world-renowned artist and Davenport native Tom Chouteau, [...]
	Davenport man sentenced to 7.5 years in federal prison for gun charges Cedrick Dequn Willingham, 39, has been sentenced federal prison.
	New Illinois program helps first-time home buyers A new program in Illinois helps people afford to buy their first home. The IHDAccess Home program from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) will offer up to $15,000 to help cover down payments and closing costs for first-time home buyers. The assistance would be interest-free with a deferred payment. Eligibility is based on income, [...]
	Black Hawk College, Moline, presents art exhibition, jazz Admission is free for art and music events at Black Hawk College, Moline. The ArtSpace Gallery at Black Hawk College is exhibiting “Imperfect Objects” – mixed media assemblage by Wayne Bertola – through Friday, April 3. Everyone is invited to a closing reception from 4-5:15 p.m. Thursday, April 2, with an artist talk at 4:15 p.m. Light refreshments [...]
	Imprisonment to property ownership: How a QCA investor turned his life around An area investor turned his life around, going from imprisonment to now owning 19 properties in the QCA. Donald Hinton's full-circle story has led him to success and how he shares his wealth of knowledge with the community. "I used to kill my community with the products I sold, so I created some products that [...]
	Quad Cities prepare for 40th St. Patrick Society Grand Parade The St. Patrick Society will hold its 40th Grand Parade in the Quad Cities as businesses prepare for one of the region’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
	Iowa American Water says it's working to address aging infrastructure Iowa American Water said it invested $55M to upgrade water systems in eastern Iowa, including a Blue Grass plant renovation and lead service line replacements.
	YMCA program helps Quad Cities teen rebuild life after foster care, homelessness It's just one story of many to come out of the YMCA Iowa Mississippi Valley's Achievers program, which assists our most vulnerable local students and families.
	Jo Daviess County sheriff stepping down after accepting new state position The Jo Daviess County Board has voted to appoint Chief Deputy Klaus Kretschmer as sheriff.
	Great River Days festival returning to Muscatine after nearly a decade The beloved festival is returning with concerts and carnival rides, July 29 through August 2. Here's why the city says now is the right time for it to return.
	Iowa American Water invests $55M in upgrades across eastern Iowa, including Quad Cities area projects Iowa American Water said it invested $55M to upgrade water systems in eastern Iowa, including a Blue Grass plant renovation and lead service line replacements.
	Fresh Films-Roku series includes QC short film on Moline business Augustana College sophomore Sawyer Carver now has a short documentary available on Roku, “Rock Island Change Maker,” which highlights The Atlas Collective.
	East Moline Public Library invites community to Spring Break Bash The event will feature crafts, games, snacks and giveaways and it is free to anyone in the community.
	Death Notice: Melvin Illian A funeral service for Melvin Charles "Mel" Illian, 98, of Walcott, will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, March 20, at Calvary Church of Walcott. Visitation will be from 10:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m. Friday at the church. Burial will be in the Walcott Cemetery. Bentley Funeral Home, Durant, is assisting the family with arrangements. Mr. Illian died Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at Better Living of Walcott. Memorials may be made to Calvary Church of Walcott, the Walcott Historical Society or the Walcott Lions Club. Online condolences may be made at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com. A full obituary will appear in the March 18 edition of The NSP.
	WATCH: Iowa rescue group, sheriff's office, save, release owl found in roadway The barred owl sits quietly, looking dazed, in the roadway. Then the Johnson County Sheriff's Office and members of The RARE Group arrive to help. A Facebook post from the sheriff's office includes a short video of the successful rescue and release of the bird. "Thank you to The RARE Group for rehabilitating this beautiful [...]
	Class-action lawsuit filed after the Potomac sewage spill A class-action lawsuit has been filed after part of a decades-old sewer line in Maryland collapsed in January, sending raw sewage into the Potomac River. After weather delays, repair work has resumed.
	River Drive at the Arsenal Bridge overpass closes for construction Monday This project will replace the bridge deck, parapets and lighting. It will also include steel repairs to improve safety.
	Bird's-eye views from across the Quad Cities region during the week of March 13, 2026 Sit back, relax and enjoy these scenes captured by the News 8 drone from across the Quad Cities region this week.
	Kennedy Center president departs – months before the art complex's scheduled closing In a post on Truth Social, President Trump announced Friday afternoon that Richard Grenell is leaving the Kennedy Center. The arts complex is scheduled to close in July for renovations.
	YMCA of the Iowa Mississippi Valley's Achievers Program is changing lives A local teenager named AJ spent years homeless or in foster care. At 18, she had no documentation or a place to go. That's when the YMCA Achievers stepped in.
	Augustana College, Rock Island partner on Milan Bottoms ecological survey Augustana College and the city of Rock Island have formed a partnership to guide planning for a proposed 600-acre land and water reserve in the Milan Bottoms.
	Sheriff: District ordered airborne bus back to school after students injured The district did not respond to KWQC’s inquiry on Friday about why the bus left the scene before police or first responders arrived.
	Nearly 600 Iowa National Guard soldiers return home The guard members were stationed in the Middle East for Operation Inherent Resolve.
	The 24 cities where Gen Z workers actually out-earn everyone else Gen Z earnings premium: Cities where young workers are excellingWhile some members of Gen Z may still be working entry-level jobs while attending high school or college, much of this cohort has now entered the workforce in earnest. As the least experienced generation on the schedule, Gen Z is generally paid less than their older counterparts, with this holding true in 93% of cities. But in a handful of locations, Gen Z offers skills and expertise — and sometimes youth itself — that help these workers pull ahead against the odds and earn more than older generations.With this in mind, SmartAsset ranked 354 of the largest U.S. cities based on the percentage difference between the local median income for people aged 15 to 24 compared to the rest of the local population.Key FindingsGen Z earns a 70% premium in Hollywood, Florida. The median Gen Z household earned $121,317 in Hollywood in 2024, compared to $71,067 for all households — a 70.7% difference. Clearwater, Florida, has the second-highest advantage for Gen Z households with a 58.7% disparity. Young households earned $105,280 compared to a $66,357 median across all households.In all, Gen Z out-earns other generations in 7% of cities. While it’s rare for young up-and-comers to outperform older households for income, some economic dynamics make it possible. Studywide, Gen Z had a positive earnings premium in 24 out of 354 cities, with roughly half in Florida or California. Others include Federal Way, Washington; Lynn, Massachusetts; Kent, Washington; Fort Wayne, Indiana; Newport News, Virginia; Jackson, Michigan; and Brownsville, Texas, among others.The median Gen Z income in this city is over $160,000. Gen Z earns the most in Sunnyvale, California, where the median income for that age group is $162,486. However, this is 10.2% lower than the median income across all households in this high-earning city ($181,022). This negative earnings premium puts Sunnyvale at the 37th best overall for Gen Z’s earnings.The median Gen Z income is less than $50,000 in more than half of cities. For most young people, income tends to be lower than across all households. People aged 15 to 24 are generally at the bottom of the earnings totem poll. In fact, the median Gen Z income is lower than the 2024 U.S. median household income in 91% of cities surveyed. SmartAsset 24 Cities Where Gen Z Makes More Than the Median HouseholdOut of 354 cities, Gen Z earns more than their older counterparts in just a handful of places.Hollywood, FloridaGen Z earnings premium: 70.71%Median Gen Z income: $121,317Median household income: $71,067Clearwater, FloridaGen Z earnings premium: 58.66%Median Gen Z income: $105,280Median household income: $66,357Rio Rancho, New MexicoGen Z earnings premium: 43.24%Median Gen Z income: $140,907Median household income: $98,374Moreno Valley, CaliforniaGen Z earnings premium: 37.26%Median Gen Z income: $127,262Median household income: $92,716Federal Way, WashingtonGen Z earnings premium: 34.92%Median Gen Z income: $120,105Median household income: $89,022Lynn, MassachusettsGen Z earnings premium: 23.14%Median Gen Z income: $90,314Median household income: $73,340Lehigh Acres, FloridaGen Z earnings premium: 19.29%Median Gen Z income: $84,460Median household income: $70,800Inglewood, CaliforniaGen Z earnings premium: 16.88%Median Gen Z income: $81,069Median household income: $69,362Tracy, CaliforniaGen Z earnings premium: 16.08%Median Gen Z income: $140,202Median household income: $120,776Deltona, FloridaGen Z earnings premium: 15.15%Median Gen Z income: $88,026Median household income: $76,446Palm Coast, FloridaGen Z earnings premium: 13.06%Median Gen Z income: $92,801Median household income: $82,083Visalia, CaliforniaGen Z earnings premium: 9.87%Median Gen Z income: $93,146Median household income: $84,781Hesperia, CaliforniaGen Z earnings premium: 9.71%Median Gen Z income: $79,056Median household income: $72,059Kent, WashingtonGen Z earnings premium: 6.99%Median Gen Z income: $98,967Median household income: $92,497Fort Wayne, IndianaGen Z earnings premium: 6.86%Median Gen Z income: $65,648Median household income: $61,436Hialeah, FloridaGen Z earnings premium: 6.26%Median Gen Z income: $60,727Median household income: $57,151Newport News, VirginiaGen Z earnings premium: 6.25%Median Gen Z income: $73,234Median household income: $68,927New Bedford, MassachusettsGen Z earnings premium: 4.96%Median Gen Z income: $60,077Median household income: $57,240Waterbury, ConnecticutGen Z earnings premium: 4.62%Median Gen Z income: $50,092Median household income: $47,881Corona, CaliforniaGen Z earnings premium: 3.36%Median Gen Z income: $106,984Median household income: $103,507Antioch, CaliforniaGen Z earnings premium: 3.13%Median Gen Z income: $101,070Median household income: $97,998Jackson, MississippiGen Z earnings premium: 2.75%Median Gen Z income: $45,739Median household income: $44,516Brownsville, TexasGen Z earnings premium: 0.7%Median Gen Z income: $59,908Median household income: $59,491Lafayette, LouisianaGen Z earnings premium: 0.2%Median Gen Z income: $59,564Median household income: $59,445Data and MethodologyData comes from the U.S. Census Bureau 1-Year American Community Survey for 2024. The median household income for households where the main householder is aged 15 to 24 is compared to the median household income across all local households to determine the Gen Z earnings premium. Data for 354 U.S. cities with a population over 100,000 was available.This story was produced by SmartAsset and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Car and train involved in minor crash in Davenport Deputies with the Scott County Sheriff's Office said the train was moving slowly and appears to have only clipped the car.
	Great River Days returning to Muscatine after nearly 10-year hiatus After nearly a 60-year run, Muscatine's Great River Days festival stopped happening in 2017. It's now making a comeback at the end of the summer.
	Iowa pharmacist imprisoned for million-dollar scam will keep his license An Iowa pharmacist imprisoned for his role in a million-dollar scheme to defraud retailers will be allowed to keep his pharmacist’s license, regulators have ruled.
	NSP e-newsletter coming soon Most of our readers get the North Scott Press every week in their mailbox. Now you can get it in your inbox, too. The NSP is excited to announce a weekly e-newsletter which will bring you our top stories every Wednesday morning, along with a short introduction from someone on our staff. We never miss an opportunity to say hello. The e-newsletter is free and open to subscribers and non-subscribers alike. If you are not a subscriber, or if you are a subscriber without a website account, you can sign up for the newsletter at northscottpress.com by entering your email address on the left-hand side of our homepage. If you are an active NSP subscriber with an account on our website, you are already on our digital mailing list. The newsletter will bring you the headlines and first lines of our top stories. To read the full stories behind our digital paywall, you will need to become a subscriber. You can become a subscriber using the “Subscribe” button on the top-right corner of our website.
	Judge blocks DOJ's criminal probe of Federal Reserve, blasting it as political A federal judge has put the brakes on a criminal probe of the Federal Reserve, saying it was part of an improper campaign by the Trump administration to pressure the central bank into cutting interest rates.
	Crime Stoppers Solved: Woman suspected of stealing from Aldi turns herself in Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities is asking for help identifying a woman suspected of stealing from the Aldi in Bettendorf.
	A cholesterol test you've never heard of is now recommended to prevent heart disease The test can help assess your lifetime risk for cardiovascular disease. That, along with earlier treatment for high cholesterol, is part of new doctors' guidelines.
	Jo Daviess County sheriff stepping down after accepting new state position The Jo Daviess County Board has voted to appoint Chief Deputy Klaus Kretschmer as sheriff.
	Iowa sled hockey Paralympian is going for fourth gold medal Kevin McKee said the pressure is on for the U.S. sled hockey team to win gold after the wins of the U.S. women’s and men’s teams at the Olympics. The sled hockey team would secure their fifth consecutive gold medal if they win on Sunday’s game.
	Lutheran Living, Muscatine, hosting Easter Egg Hunt Lutheran Living Senior Campus (Lutheran Living), 2421 Lutheran Drive in Muscatine, is hosting a Community Easter Egg Hunt on Friday, March 20 at 1:30 p.m. Participants can take photos with the Easter Bunny, enjoy refreshments, check out the petting zoo and gather Easter eggs. The event is free and open to the public. Lutheran Living [...]
	Vaccinating bats could be good for people. But how do you vaccinate a bat? In a new study, bats lap up vaccine-laced saline or chow down on vaccine-carrying mosquitoes. Will that have any impact on the flying mammal's immune system?
	High Wind Warning until FRI 3:00 PM CDT High Wind Warning Set to Expire This Afternoon
	Learn about high potency THC at seminars in Muscatine Laura Stack, Founder and CEO of Johnny’s Ambassadors, will speak at two seminars on the dangers of high-potency marijuana products and their impact on youth mental health. Both seminars are on April 30 and are both free and open to the public. For more information about these two events, contact Sara Carlson at saracarlson@ruhlhomes.com. The [...]
	Who can talk to the media? Bettendorf School Board members have differing opinions The Bettendorf School Board debated a policy limiting who can speak to the media after a dispute over comments about the superintendent’s contract. The revised rule will be voted on next meeting.
	Quad-Cities legislators talk cancer, crime at mid-session update in Davenport “We’ve done nothing about the jaw-dropping cancer rates that are literally keeping people awake at night,” House Rep. Ken Croken, D-Davenport, said.
	Electric Doctor Generator Giveaway OFFICIAL RULES Official rules for this sweepstakes
	What's a good profit margin for your business? What’s a good profit margin for your business?There’s a quick answer to this question.A good profit margin is usually 10% or higher for most businesses, though this varies significantly by industry. A net profit margin of 5% is considered low, 10% is healthy, and 20% or above indicates strong profitability. Compare your margin to industry-specific benchmarks for a more accurate assessment.It’s common for small businesses to struggle with cash flow management, especially as operations begin to scale. According to Bluevine’s cash flow management survey, 39% of small businesses have less than one month of cash on hand, meaning almost two of every five small businesses are operating without consistent profit.To help you make informed financial decisions, this guide from Bluevine will explain different types of profit margins, the benchmarks you can use to assess them, and which investment and cost-cutting strategies can improve your margins.Key takeaways:There are three types of profit margins: gross, operating, and net. They each measure profitability at different stages of your business operations.Industry benchmarks vary dramatically: Software companies average 71% gross margins while food wholesalers average just 15%.Improving profit margins requires the right balance of strategic pricing and cost control.Always benchmark against direct competitors rather than generic targets, as margin norms differ significantly across sectors.What is a good net profit margin?The answer varies slightly based on your industry, business model, cost structure, and business stage. The table below offers a general view of net profit margins across industries, but you should use industry-specific benchmarks to assess your progress. For example, a grocery store can be considered comfortably profitable with a low margin of 2%–3% because they sell a high volume of products and pay high distribution costs. Bluevine Specialized expertise, intellectual property, and premium positioning can also affect a business’s profit margin. These are unique to each company, so you’ll have to assess them in addition to industry benchmarks. These expenses also tend to be non-necessary, so consider the value they add to your business if you’re looking to cut costs during a cash flow analysis.Types of profit marginSmall business owners tend to focus on net profit margins (“the bottom line”), but gross and operating profit margins are just as important for cash flow management—each metric measures profitability at different stages.Keep in mind that measuring profit is more than just adding up inflows and subtracting outflows. It’s important to understand the difference between profit and cash flow before making financial decisions. A business can show healthy profit margins while still struggling with cash flow if customers pay slowly or inventory ties up working capital.Gross profit marginThink of the three categories of profit margin as your business’s profitability at each stage of the accounting process. Gross profit margin is the first level: You calculate it by dividing your gross profit (Revenue – Cost of Goods Sold) by your revenue, then multiplying the result by 100 to get a percentage.Gross Profit = Revenue – Cost of Goods SoldGross Profit Margin = (Gross Profit ÷ Revenue) × 100Example: If your business generates $500,000 in revenue and your COGS is $300,000, your gross profit is $200,000. Your gross profit margin is ($200,000 ÷ $500,000) × 100 = 40%.A healthy gross profit margin typically ranges from 50% to 70% for product-based businesses, while service businesses often achieve higher margins due to lower direct costs. This metric is essential for making pricing and product decisions.Bluevine Tip: To improve gross profit margin, negotiate better rates with suppliers, consider bulk purchasing for discounts, or explore alternative vendors without sacrificing quality.Operating profit marginTo calculate operating profit margin, subtract the cost of goods sold (COGS) and operating expenses from your total revenue. (Operating expenses include rent, utilities, salaries, marketing, and other day-to-day business costs.)Operating Profit = Revenue – COGS – Operating ExpensesOperating Profit Margin = (Operating Profit ÷ Revenue) × 100Example: If your business has $500,000 in revenue, $300,000 in COGS, and $100,000 in operating expenses, then your operating profit is $100,000. Your operating profit margin is ($100,000 ÷ $500,000) × 100 = 20%.This profit margin ratio is useful because it excludes interest and taxes, focusing purely on operational efficiency and cost control.Bluevine tip: Audit your operating expenses quarterly. Look for redundant software subscriptions, renegotiate lease terms, or implement automation to reduce labor costs on repetitive tasks.Net profit marginNet profit margin is often called “the bottom line” because it appears at the bottom of the income statement. It measures the percentage of revenue remaining as profit after subtracting all expenses (including COGS, operating expenses, interest, and taxes). This is the most comprehensive measure of your business’s overall profitability.Net Profit = Revenue – All ExpensesNet Profit Margin = (Net Profit ÷ Revenue) × 100Example: If your $500,000 revenue business has a net income of $50,000 after all expenses, your net profit margin is ($50,000 ÷ $500,000) × 100 = 10%.Track net profit margin over time and compare your business to others in your industry. Viewing your different profit margins at each stage of your accounting can provide the insights you need to improve your profit margins sustainably.Bluevine tip: Work with a tax professional to identify deductions and credits you may be missing. Strategic tax planning can significantly impact your net profit margin without changing your operations.Profit margin benchmarks by industryLet’s look at how industry benchmarks work. The table below shows the average gross, operating, and net profit margins for a select group of industries, as collected from multiple data services by the New York University Stern School of Business. Understanding your industry standards and how margins fluctuate across the stages of accounting can help you set realistic expectations for your business. Bluevine Data as of January 2026*Banks have unique cost structures where traditional operating margin calculations don't apply in the same way as other industries.Additional factors affecting profit marginsIndustry benchmarks help provide an idea of where you should be, but you’ll need to assess how the factors below are affecting your business’s individual profit margins. For a more complete analysis, track a few key financial KPIs, too.Cost structure: Industries with fluctuating cost of goods sold (COGS) tend to have lower profit margins. Restaurants are good examples of this because labor and food costs account for a large share of their operating expenses.Growth stage: Startups and early-stage companies may have low or inconsistent margins while they build products and expand into their market. Mature businesses may see unpredictable margins during times of investment and ambitious growth.Margin trends: Cutting costs or increasing your prices can improve profit margins, but these things can also decrease profit margins if done incorrectly or without proper consideration. Make adjustments regularly, as needed.Tax considerations: Taxes are only factored in when calculating net profit. That’s important to remember when assessing your gross and operating margins.Bluevine Tip: Don’t confuse higher revenue with strong margins. A business generating $2 million with a 5% margin keeps less money than one generating $1 million with a 15% margin. Focus on profitability percentages, not just top-line growth.Ways to improve your profit marginThere are many ways to increase profits in addition to acquiring new customers:Raise prices strategically: Don’t be afraid to increase prices when your costs go up, but pricing should be fluid and transparent, especially in industries with inflationary costs or products in high demand.Reduce cost of goods sold: You can cut back on necessary costs by renegotiating supplier contracts, switching to more affordable vendors, or taking advantage of bulk order pricing offers.Streamline operating expenses: Newer companies usually don’t have much operational waste, while more established businesses may accumulate inefficiencies over time. Assess which expenses can be streamlined or eliminated.Improve product or service mix: Low-margin offerings can be eliminated or bundled with higher-margin products to improve profitability. Retail companies often use clearance sales to do this. A paid service contract can also improve your margins.Increase customer lifetime value: Calculate the lifetime value (LTV) of each customer. Look for ways to increase it. Upsells and secondary offerings are good for this. Customer loyalty programs also work if you offer discounts or buying incentives.Improve inventory management: Reduce holding costs by implementing better demand forecasting and purchasing discipline.Get funding that helps your margins growUnderstanding profit margins is a positive step toward building a financially healthy business. Learn to track gross, operating, and net margins. Find industry-specific benchmarks you can use to measure your company against your closest competitors. With accurate expectations, you can work on cutting costs and increasing revenue to improve your margins.If you need funds to take the next step, a business line of credit gives you the flexibility to invest in margin-improving initiatives when opportunities arise, without the pressure of a lump-sum loan or the need to reapply each time.Profit margin FAQsIs 50% profit margin good in a small business?A 50% profit margin is excellent by most standards, but the answer depends on which type of margin (gross, operating, or net) you’re measuring and which industry you’re in. For instance, a 50% gross margin is below average for a software-as-a-service or healthcare product business, but a 50% operating or net profit margin is excellent for any business type.How can operating expenses affect operating margin?Operating expenses directly reduce operating margin because they're subtracted from gross profit to calculate operating income. Every dollar spent on rent, salaries, utilities, marketing, insurance, or software subscriptions reduces your operating profit.What is a good profit margin for a small business?The average profit margin for a small business varies by sector, with service businesses often achieving higher margins (15%-20%) than retail or manufacturing (5%-10%). Many small businesses also face common challenges when starting out that can impact margins.How much profit should you make on a product?Ideal profit margins vary significantly by industry, business model, and competitive positioning. In addition, your gross, operating, and net margins will vary significantly as you factor in costs at each stage of your accounting process.This story was produced by Bluevine and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Jo Daviess County Sheriff retiring March 15 A news release from the Jo Daviess County Sheriff's Office says Sheriff Craig Ketelsen will retire from the office, effective Sunday, March 15. He is retiring to accept a position with the State of Illinois. The Jo Daviess County Court voted on March 10 to appoint Chief Deputy Klaus Kretschmer to become sheriff, effective Monday, [...]
	And the Oscar goes to — wait, why is it called an Oscar? The Academy Awards officially adopted the "Oscars" nickname in 1939. But who is Oscar, and who started calling them that? We may never know. But here are four enduring legends to consider.
	TSA workers miss a full paycheck, while travelers keep paying airport security fees Many TSA workers received no money in their paychecks Friday as the partial DHS shutdown drags on. Fees paid by airline passengers keep piling up, even as airport security officers work without pay.
	South Carolina has spent $1.6M to combat its huge measles outbreak, and it’s not over yet South Carolina has spent $1.6M to combat its huge measles outbreak, and it’s not over yetSouth Carolina has spent an estimated $1.6 million so far on public health efforts to combat its huge measles outbreak, according to information the state’s health department provided to Healthbeat on March 4.The outbreak, which began with just five known cases in October, surged in January following the winter holidays, and has slowed in recent weeks. The total number of people infected in the outbreak, which is centered around Spartanburg County, reached 990 as of March 3.Most of the estimated $1.6 million spent so far on the outbreak response has been for personnel, the South Carolina Department of Public Health said in response to Healthbeat’s questions.As the outbreak grew, the number of staff assigned to work full-time on the outbreak grew to as many as 90 people, said Dr. Linda Bell, the state epidemiologist.Most of these staff, Bell said, have been involved in doing investigations of individual measles cases and tracing their contacts to help identify and quarantine those at risk of infection and further spread of the disease.Funding for some of the outbreak’s public health costs has come from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, through an immunizations cooperative agreement, which helps with outbreak response activities, the South Carolina DPH said. Additional funding has come from an H5N1 Public Health Crisis Response Cooperative Agreement, which funds influenza and other public health emergency preparedness and response, the department said, as well as some other state and federal funds.Although the number of new measles cases being detected each week has dropped significantly, the outbreak continues. The department said that final costs will be calculated once the outbreak is over.But the threat the outbreak could surge again remains — especially with the potential for the virus to spread during the upcoming spring break travel period, Bell said.“We remain concerned and must be mindful of the fact that we can see cases increase again from the low number that we’re seeing now,” she said. In recent weeks, the outbreak has slowed to about 10 new cases a week amid increases in measles vaccination in the Spartanburg County area and across the state.The increased travel during school spring break raises the potential for the kind of increased spread of measles that South Carolina experienced over schools’ winter break period. “In the two consecutive weeks following the Christmas holidays, we had over 200 cases reported in each of those weeks,” Bell said.This story was produced by Healthbeat and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Illinois primary voters can watch candidate interviews before Tuesday’s election Those interviews will air in a special Decision 2026 livestream at 2 p.m. on the station’s website and streaming platforms.
	$4.3M in federal funding awarded to SAL Family and Community Services Congressman Eric Sorensen announced the grant will help expand access to infant and toddler care through the Early Head Start program.
	Jo Daviess sheriff to retire after 28 years in law enforcement Jo Daviess County Sheriff Craig Ketelsen will retire Sunday after 28 years in law enforcement.
	The hidden cost of AI anxiety: What businesses need to know about this workplace stressor The hidden cost of AI anxiety: What businesses need to know about this workplace stressorAI adoption is accelerating across industries. Organizations are focused on productivity gains and automation. But employees are asking a different question:What does this mean for my job, my income, and my future?In early 2026, Spring Health surveyed over 1,500 full-time employees across five countries. In the past 12 months, these employees said the emergence of AI has affected them in a variety of ways, including:Worsened mental health due to information overload (24%)Reduced employees’ sense of control over the future (23%)Increased financial stability concerns (20%)Worsened job/work life stress (19%)AI anxiety is not theoretical. It is measurable. And as this article from Spring Health outlines, it is already affecting employees in specific, tangible ways.Defining AI anxietyAI anxiety is not simply a general fear of technology. It is a complex psychological response to rapid, systemic change.“In the last few years, AI came along,” said Spring Health Chief People Officer Karishma Patel Buford. “It’s a disruption. A positive disruption. But any disruption has its own emotional and psychological journey that comes with it.”What does a response to AI anxiety look like? It can be: Fear of losing their jobsFear that skills become obsoleteCareer ambiguity or uncertaintyFinancial insecurityCognitive overload from rapid tool adoptionEthical and societal uncertaintyIt is critical to distinguish AI anxiety from employee burnout. Burnout is chronic, unmanaged stress often resulting from workload or toxicity. AI anxiety is anticipatory stress driven by uncertainty and perceived instability.Anxiety is fundamentally about uncertainty. AI introduces uncertainty at scale, creating a mental health challenge that requires a specific strategic response.While AI anxiety and burnout can be quite different, AI can actually help to reduce employee burnout.The cognitive overload problemNearly 1 in 4 employees (24%) said that AI has worsened their mental health due to information overload. In practice, this manifests as a relentless stream of new tool rollouts, endless AI headlines, and rising productivity expectations.Employees feel intense pressure to "stay ahead" and a fear of falling behind technically if they miss a single update. Even employees who feel excited about AI may still feel overwhelmed by its pace.This data suggests that for many workers, AI anxiety is often cognitive exhaustion, not just fear of layoffs. The mental energy required to constantly adapt to new workflows creates a "cognitive drag" that reduces focus and increases error rates.The control problemWhen employees feel their role may change, their skills may depreciate, or that decisions are happening "above them" without their input, the future feels opaque. They experience anticipatory stress and rumination.Loss of perceived control is one of the strongest predictors of anxiety escalation. When an employee feels they are no longer the driver of their own career trajectory, engagement drops, and withdrawal increases.The financial insecurity layerFinancial instability reframes AI anxiety from a purely professional concern to a "whole-person" survival issue.Employees are asking fundamental questions: Will my income decline?Will automation reduce my earnings potential?Should I switch careers entirely?Should I be saving more aggressively?This intersects directly with financial stress, a known mental health amplifier. When employees are worried about their long-term financial viability, they cannot bring their best selves to work.The hidden business costsThese costs won’t show up in your AI budget line item. But they are real, and they are expensive. AI anxiety could drive:Presenteeism: Employees are physically present but mentally distracted by worry and cognitive overload.Leave escalation: When uncertainty compounds burnout, employees are more likely to take mental health leave or disability.Manager strain: Managers are often on the front lines of fielding questions they can’t answer, increasing their own stress.Retention risk: High performers who sense instability may leave for organizations that offer clearer long-term career paths.Cultural trust erosion: Silence from leadership regarding AI’s impact breeds distrust and toxicity.What good looks like: A framework for HR leadersHR leaders and business leaders in general are uniquely positioned to mitigate these risks. By treating AI anxiety as a strategic workforce or team challenge, you can build a culture of resilience.1. Treat transparency as a mental health interventionUncertainty fuels anxiety. Transparency reduces it. HR leaders and business leaders in general must clearly define AI use cases. Be explicit about where AI is intended for augmentation versus replacement.Communicate reskilling timelines and opportunities clearly.Avoid vague language that leaves room for catastrophic thinking. When employees understand the plan, they can prepare for it rather than worrying about it.2. Reduce cognitive overloadDon’t just launch tools. Curate the rollout. Sequence change initiatives to avoid overwhelming your workforce.Provide clear, structured learning pathways rather than throwing employees into the deep end of "always-on" experimentation. Normalize the learning curve and make it clear that no one is expected to master every new tool overnight.3. Rebuild a sense of controlControl is stabilizing. Give employees a view of their future. Offer skills roadmaps that show how their current capabilities map to future roles.Provide transparency around internal mobility and career paths. Invest in mental health coaching to help employees navigate career ambiguity. When employees see a path forward, they regain a sense of agency.4. Normalize emotional response to AIDon’t frame discomfort as resistance. Frame it as adaptation stress. It is a normal human response to rapid environmental change.Provide self-guided stress tools, coaching, and therapy access. Train managers to recognize the signs of uncertainty-driven stress and how to have supportive conversations.The companies that win in 2026AI implementation strategy without a mental health strategy leaves organizations open to challenges.Most AI strategies focus on efficiency and productivity. Few account for the psychological impact on the humans doing the work.In 2026, the advantage will belong to organizations that deploy AI tools within their day-to-day processes responsibly. They will reduce information overload, restore employee control, and support adaptation psychologically rather than just technically.AI may increase your organization’s efficiency. But how you manage AI anxiety will determine whether it increases or erodes your workforce stability.About the surveysThis report is based on two original surveys among 500+ HR leaders and 1,500+ full-time employees across five different countries (United States, Canada, Mexico, India, and the United Kingdom).The HR survey was submitted to a variety of HR roles, from Chief Human Resource Officers and Vice Presidents of Benefits to Benefits Managers and Human Resource Directors. HR professionals must have been actively employed within those roles at organizations with at least 500 employees. The full-time employee survey included anyone 18 years of age or older who was actively employed full time. Both surveys were conducted from Friday, Jan. 30 to Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026.This story was produced by Spring Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	4 Your Money \| Crisis Events Markets have been reacting to the recent conflict involving Iran. David Nelson, CEO of NelsonCorp Wealth Management, joins us to provide insight into how geopolitical crises typically affect the stock market.
	How Italy became the darlings (and contenders, too) of the World Baseball Classic With espresso shots, kisses on the cheek and Andrea Bocelli singalongs, Team Italy has charmed the baseball world. But their mission is more ambitious: Turn Italy into a bona fide baseball factory.
	Meet the Perplexity Merchant Program: What e-commerce stores need to know Meet the Perplexity Merchant Program: What e-commerce stores need to knowSearch — and shopping — is changing.With Perplexity, consumers can buy what they need without ever leaving the platform. For e-commerce stores, this AI-powered shopping experience opens a new revenue channel.And it starts with the Perplexity Merchant Program, which WebFx dives into here.What is the Perplexity Merchant Program?The Perplexity Merchant Program is like Google Merchant Center — businesses can share their product catalog, including reviews, prices, and specs, so Perplexity can deliver the most relevant and up-to-date product options to searchers. Courtesy of WebFX Consumers can then purchase these products, with Pro users being able to complete their purchase within Perplexity using the “Buy with Pro” feature, which also includes free shipping.Who is eligible for the Perplexity Merchant Program?Companies must sell and ship to the U.S. to be eligible for Perplexity’s Merchant Program. Businesses can apply to join the program by completing the official application form.Completing the form takes less than five minutes and only requires:Your brand nameYour websiteYour nameYour emailYour vertical (like home goods)Do products outside Perplexity’s Merchant Program appear in results?Yes — for Shopify stores, at least. Courtesy of WebFX Through its Shopify partnership, Perplexity can serve products outside its Merchant Program if those products exist on a Shopify store. The company has also partnered with the tech company Firmly to support other e-commerce setups.How much does the Perplexity Merchant Program cost?The Perplexity Merchant Program is free. There are no initial or ongoing costs.Why join Perplexity’s Merchant Program?Joining Perplexity’s Merchant Program offers a few perks.Reach more relevant shoppers with zero feesEven though it’s smaller than other AI platforms, like ChatGPT, Perplexity’s Merchant Program still offers access to more than 22 million users, who use the platform that is similar to a search engine or news feed.For e-commerce stores with a target market of high-income college graduates, it’s a worthwhile place to appear since 80% and 65% of its users are college graduates and high-income earners, respectively.Remove checkout friction for higher conversion ratesEach year, U.S. businesses lose an estimated $260 billion from abandoned shopping carts. Perplexity pushes back on this behavior with an agent-driven shopping experience (for Pro users) that removes friction points, like:Completing multiple checkout stages.Entering shipping and billing addresses.Adding payment information.Navigating shipping costs and taxes.Build AI-powered shopping experiences on siteWith free access to Perplexity’s API, you can build AI-powered shopping experiences on your own site to do things like help users find the suitable plan or product size for their unique needs.This kind of setup can:Streamline research times for bigger purchases.Help users find the appropriate product fit faster.Increase purchase confidence.Provide insight into how users are searching.Improve audience insights with AI search dataBesides providing businesses with a new marketplace, Perplexity is also offering valuable audience insights through its AI search data. You’ll have access to a custom dashboard for seeing:Search trendsShopping trendsLinks from Perplexity to your website also include UTM parameters, so you can see:Which product listings generate traffic.How users interact with those listings on your site.Whether users convert, exit, or visit other site pages.You can use this data to make strategic marketing decisions, like:Improving a product listing’s design, offer, or copy.Creating personalized offers for Perplexity traffic, like free shipping.Building remarketing campaigns for different product groups.How to generate an ROI from the Perplexity Merchant ProgramGet a better return on investment (ROI) from the Perplexity Merchant Program by:Making product profiles complete, like providing dimensions to price ranges.Using high-quality product images, including lifestyle photos and studio shots.Getting specific with product details, like highlighting use cases, who it’s suitable for, and more.Including relevant phrases and keywords, like ‘headphones for running’ or ‘suitable for kids under 5.’Increasing product reviews, like through email drip campaigns, offer codes, or packaging inserts.These optimizations align with other merchant programs, like:Google Merchant CenterAmazon Seller CentralMicrosoft Merchant CenterHow does Perplexity’s Merchant Program compare to Google Merchant Center?When it comes to Perplexity’s Merchant Program versus Google’s Merchant Center, there are noticeable differences (in part because of age and how these platforms approach search): WebFX This story was produced by WebFX and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	High Wind Warning until FRI 3:00 PM CDT High Winds Persisting Until 3 PM CDT with Potential for Power Outages
	Davenport man sentenced to federal prison for gun charges A Davenport man was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. According to public court documents, Cedrick Willingham, 39, fled from officers in Bettendorf after an attempted traffic stop. During an August 2024 search of Willingham’s home, officers found a firearm, drum magazine and rounds of ammunition. Willingham [...]
	‘Do what we can’: Senate committee passes bill regulating loud commercials on streaming A Senate bill regulating the volume of commercials on streaming services so they can’t be noticeably louder than entertainment content passed the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee on Thursday.
	Frequently asked questions about PVC pipes (BPT) - PVC pipe is one of the most common and popular options for providing communities and homes with clean, safe drinking water. In fact, it's been in use around the world for more than 70 years. Whether as a replacement for aging infrastructure around the country or for new homes and communities, PVC pipe is a viable, cost-effective solution.Wondering about PVC pipe? Here are some frequently asked questions, many of which are referenced in the recently published Second Edition of Hanser Publications' PVC Handbook. Designed for a diverse audience of users, the handbook offers an industry standard on all aspects of PVC makeup and manufacturing.Q: Is PVC pipe safe for drinking water? A: According to the PVC Handbook, PVC pipe is absolutely safe for drinking water, and government regulations make sure of it year after year. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires that all pipes used for drinking water, PVC included, comply with the rigorous NSF International standard, NSF/ANSI 61: Drinking Water System Components – Health Effects. NSF International uses exhaustive testing methods to establish independent standards to ensure the safety of drinking water.Q: Does PVC pipe melt in wildfires? A: This is a common misperception. Because most PVC water supply pipe is buried underground to a sufficient depth, it's not exposed to that level of fire in a wildfire situation that will destroy the pipe or impair its functionality. In general, the molecular structure of PVC prevents the material from ever truly melting to a liquid condition, but it does soften enough at hot temperatures used in extrusion processes to be able to form the PVC into pipe.Q: Does PVC pipe degrade or release chemicals when exposed to disinfectants?A: Water utilities use chlorinated disinfectants to kill harmful bacteria, such as E. Coli, in drinking water. PVC pipe is inherently resistant to chlorinated disinfectants due to the polar nature of the polymer. The fact that PVC pipe is so widely used for drinking water service and its longevity for use in the presence of disinfectant byproducts is testimony to its chemical resistance. Q: How long does PVC pipe last?A: Testing of in-service water systems from around the world shows that PVC pipes have a service life in excess of 100 years. In fact, a 2023 report on water main breaks in the U.S. and Canada by Utah State University found that PVC pipe has the lowest overall failure rate compared to three other commonly used piping materials.Q: Does PVC pipe become brittle with age or cold temperatures?A: According to the PVC Handbook, samples of pipe have been extracted after being in the ground for 70 years, and they have retained enough properties to meet the performance standards required of the original pipe. PVC pipe retains its functionality in cold temperatures and has been successfully used in various climatic regions around the world.Q: Is PVC pipe heat resistant? A: In general, PVC pipe is pressure rated up to 140 degrees. Hot water lines use CPVC pipe, which is code-approved for use in homes and pressure rated up to 180 degrees. In extreme conditions like a house fire, PVC pipes behind the walls are typically not exposed to the intense heat of the fire until the home is fully engulfed. It will take sustained heat and fire to cause it to sag or lose strength.Q: Is PVC pipe environmentally sustainable?A: PVC pipe has several attributes that contribute to its sustainability. From a life cycle and carbon footprint perspective, an assessment by Sustainable Solutions Corporation revealed that PVC pipe has lower environmental impacts — lower embodied energy, lower use-phase energy and longer life attributes — compared to pipe used in equivalent applications made from materials like iron, cement and clay. When considering the impacts throughout the product life cycle, PVC pipes require much less energy to manufacture and transport, and they can operate for more than a century and need fewer replacements over their lifetime.Finally, while PVC pipe materials are formulated to be durable, they also have the potential to be reused or recycled at the end of their life. Thanks to ongoing efforts by manufacturers and the industry as a whole, there is a strong and growing market that enables the reuse of these valuable materials to make new durable products.All U.S. producers of PVC resins are certified either Gold or Silver in the Vinyl Sustainability Council's +Vantage Vinyl™ program. +Vantage Vinyl-verified companies are the industry's sustainability leaders actively working to improve their sustainability performance in each of the industry's impact categories — resource efficiency, emissions, and people & community. Their sustainability efforts are verified by GreenCircle Certified, an independent third-party.Communities rely on PVC pipeWhether replacing aging infrastructure or providing clean water in new homes, PVC pipes provide a durable, reliable and safe solution. To learn more, visit www.vinylinfo.org.Ned Monroe is CEO of the Vinyl Institute.
	America’s most popular athletes by state, according to fantasy sports data America’s most popular athletes by state, according to fantasy sports dataOver the last year, millions of picks from people across America told the story of the most popular athletes in every state.Across the country, users backed MVPs, breakout stars, and hometown heroes in significant numbers on sports picks app PrizePicks.Based on that data, PrizePicks has created this state-by-state look at the most popular athletes in America across the NBA, NFL, and MLB.In the NBA, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander didn’t just take over the MVP title — he took over the country as the most popular NBA player. In the NFL, Christian McCaffrey emerged as America’s favorite football pick in over half of the country, while regional loyalty ran strong elsewhere.And in MLB? The dual-position three-time MVP Shohei Ohtani stood in a league of his own, topping the charts in every state where PrizePicks operates.Here are the most popular athletes in every state between February 2025 and 2026, according to PrizePicks data.Most Popular NBA Basketball Players in Every State PrizePicks Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the reigning MVP of the NBA, and he’s the MVP for PrizePicks users, too.Over the last year, SGA was the most popular pick in 31 of 36 states, plus Washington, D.C.The only other players who were the most popular NBA picks in a state were Luka Doncic (California, New York), Anthony Edwards (Minnesota, North Dakota), and Nikola Jokic (Colorado) — all of whom were the most popular in their home states.Of course, it doesn’t hurt that SGA played a full season, including seven games in the NBA Finals to take the title.Here’s the full list of the most popular NBA players in every state covered by PrizePicks data.Shai Gilgeous-Alexander — Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, Washington, D.C., Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming Luka Doncic — California, New York Nikola Jokic — Colorado Anthony Edwards – Minnesota, North DakotaThese five players dominated across every state, though three other players cracked the top three most popular NBA players, usually in states where they play.Chet Holmgren was No. 2 in the Thunder home state of Oklahoma, Giannis Antetokounmpo was No. 3 in Wisconsin, and Jaylen Brown ranked No. 3 in Maine and New Hampshire.The Most Popular NFL Football Players in Every State PrizePicks There was a clear leader for the most popular NFL player across the country, according to overall NFL picks: San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey. CMC was the most popular NFL pick on PrizePicks in 19 of 35 states (New York excluded).However, the results were more spread out across states than in the NBA, with some regional biases. Drake Maye led in five New England states, while Josh Allen was the top pick in several southern states, plus his alma mater state of Wyoming.Here’s the full list of the most popular NFL players in every state where daily fantasy sports (DFS) is available, according to PrizePicks data.Christian McCaffrey — Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia Drake Maye — Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont Josh Allen — Alabama, Washington, D.C., Georgia, Kentucky, West Virginia, Wyoming Patrick Mahomes — Kansas, Missouri Bo Nix — Colorado Jalen Hurts — Delaware Caleb Williams — Illinois Jordan Love — WisconsinIn addition to popular players by region, the data also shows that states lean on their hometown NFL athletes more than in the NBA.Patrick Mahomes was the most popular NFL pick in Kansas and Missouri, with Kansas City straddling the border. Just as it did with Jokic in the NBA, Colorado also showed affinity for its hometown team by selecting Bo Nix more than any other NFL player. What really stands out about McCaffrey as America’s most popular NFL pick is that CMC is the only running back on this list; all other players are quarterbacks.That’s likely a product of the vast selections McCaffrey has on the board for every game as a threat in the rushing and receiving games. McCaffrey’s 102 receptions were sixth-most in the NFL this year, and most among running backss — next was Bijan Robinson (79), who was the third most popular pick in Georgia, the only state where he ranked in the top three picks.The same could be said for Allen and Maye; Allen led all quarterbacks in rushing in the 2025 regular season with 579 yards, while Maye was fourth with 450.During his breakout season on his way to winning the AFC, Maye dominated the Northeast. The MVP candidate accounted for 3.5% of all NFL handle — the entry fees for predictions — in Massachusetts. That was the most of any player in any state, and almost double the second-ranked player, McCaffrey.Shohei Ohtani: The Most Popular MLB Player Across the U.S. PrizePicks Of all three sports, no one was more popular in their league than Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani was across MLB picks. Ohtani was the most picked player in every state by total picks and entry fees.Ohtani had many factors working in his favor to earn the title of most popular MLB player.First, he made 18 starts as a pitcher, giving users more ways to select Ohtani in their lineups. Second, the Dodgers made a run to the World Series, giving users more games to pick Ohtani in.Lastly, Ohtani ranked second in the MLB in total wins above replacement (WAR) at 9.4, per FanGraphs, on his way to his third-straight MVP award.Ohtani was also the only non-NBA player to crack the top three in total pick volume in any state, ranking third in his home state of California.For the most part, Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was the third most popular MLB player in every state. However, other third-place players were mostly picked by their home or neighboring state, including Freddie Freeman (California), Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas), Elly De La Cruz (Kentucky), Cal Raleigh (Oregon), and Christian Yelich (Wisconsin).MethodologyPrizePicks pulled data from user picks across the three most popular sports (NBA, NFL, MLB) in every eligible state over the last year (Feb. 24, 2025 to Feb. 24, 2026).This data measured total picks on each player in the app, as well as total entry fees backing those players. Data is based on the state where entries were placed.PrizePicks Player Picks is available in 36 states and Washington, D.C. Additionally, New York has a small data set, as it just became eligible for Player Picks in February 2026. Some states are excluded in this data due to eligibility restrictions.The most popular NBA players are also the most popular athletes overall, both in total picks and entry fees. This is because the NBA has consistently been the most popular sport in overall picks for PrizePicks users, partly due to its 82-game regular season and extended postseason.This story was produced by PrizePicks and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	'Scarpetta' is a captivating murder mystery — and a high-wire balancing act Based on a series of novels by best-selling author Patricia Cornwell, Scarpetta follows two different mysteries from two different timelines. It's structurally complicated — but it all holds up.
	H-1B lottery history and data: Selection rates 2008-2026 H-1B lottery history and data: Selection rates 2008-2026Every year, thousands of skilled workers compete for a chance to work in the United States. This is the H-1B lottery.By law, the government can only approve 85,000 new H-1B visas each year: 65,000 for general workers and 20,000 for those with advanced degrees from a U.S. institution. The lottery was created to parcel out these limited slots. But the demand and the rules have shifted since its inception.Data on H-1B visas goes by fiscal year. The government’s fiscal year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. So for example, fiscal year 2011 began Oct. 1, 2010 and ended Sept. 30, 2011.In this article, Manifest Law provides an overview of the history and evolution of the H-1B lottery.Key takeawaysH-1B lottery selection odds have fallen over time—from nearly 100% in early years to about 35% recently.The lottery occurs when registrations exceed the annual cap of 85,000 visas.Electronic registration, introduced in 2021, significantly increased the number of entries.Starting with the FY 2027 season, the lottery will prioritize workers offered higher salaries.The H-1B first lotteryThe H-1B program began with the Immigration Act of 1990. For many years, there were enough visas for everyone who applied. If you had a job offer and the right skills, you got the visa.That changed in April 2007. For the first time, the government received more applications than the law allowed. Employers sent in about 150,000 applications for the 85,000 available spots.The rise in demand led U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to create a new regulation to use a random lottery to decide who got a spot. What was once a sure thing became a coin flip—the selection rate that year was 57%. This marked the beginning of the H-1B lottery.The H-1B lottery during the recession yearsAlmost as soon as it was created, the need for a lottery effectively disappeared. The world economy crashed in 2008.Between fiscal years 2010 and 2013, the annual demand for H-1B visas fell below the 85,000 limit. During the years following the Great Recession, the filing window stayed open for months because of a lack of demand. In FY 2011, it took 300 days to reach the cap.This meant the selection rate was effectively 100%. If you were qualified and applied before the limit was reached, you could get an H-1B visa. There was no need for a lottery.H-1B Lottery Selection Rates (FY 2008 to 2020) Manifest Law After H-1B registration went electronicIn 2020, the rules changed. Before this, applying for an H-1B was an analog, paper-based process. To enter the lottery, the employer had to submit the full H-1B petition.This changed with the electronic registration system in FY 2021. Today, to enter the lottery, all employers have to do is pay a fee and submit information online.This lowered the barrier significantly. Within four years, the number of entries jumped from about 269,000 when the system was introduced to a record peak of 758,994 in FY 2024.The government also changed its process. In the table below, you might notice that selected registrations are much higher than the visa limit of 85,000.The government over-selects lottery winners because it expects that some people won’t finish the paperwork or will be denied. It picks enough winners to make sure all 85,000 spots are filled with successful petitions. Manifest Law Recent reformsBy FY 2024, the selection rate hit an all-time low of 25%. Because digital entry was so accessible, some people had multiple companies submit their names. To address this, the government introduced beneficiary-centric selection in FY 2025.Under these rules, each worker enters the lottery just once, no matter how many companies sponsor you. This reduced the number of beneficiaries with multiple registrations, and may have helped push the selection rate back up.The lottery is changing further for FY 2027 by introducing a wage-weighted system. Instead of a random drawing, the system will prioritize workers with the highest salaries.Navigating the changing rulesThe history of the H-1B lottery often reflects how America views outside talent. The long filing windows of the early 2010s reflected the struggles of the economy, while the electronic registration system and the subsequent beneficiary-centric selection rules show how the government can open the door, then close it to foreign workers, depending on the priorities of the time.Frequently asked questionsWhat’s the difference between the two tables for H-1B registration?Before FY 2021, a lottery entry was a full paper petition. After FY 2021, entering the lottery became much easier and cheaper. Because of that, the number of entries skyrocketed.Where does the limit of 85,000 H-1B visas come from?Congress set a hard limit of 85,000 H-1B visas in a law that took effect in 1996. The government can invite more people to apply through the lottery, but it’s legally forbidden from approving more than 85,000 new visas per year.What triggers the H-1B lottery?In the pre-registration era, by regulation, the government had to accept applications for at least the first five business days of April. If, during those five days, the government receives more than 85,000 applications, they stop accepting applications and run the lottery. (This regulation is still on the books, but has been superseded by electronic registration.)If it receives fewer than 85,000 applications, there’s no lottery. The application window stays open, and visas are awarded on a first-come first-served basis until every spot is gone. This is what happened from FY 2010 to FY 2013.Starting in FY 2021, under the electronic registration system, the government keeps the registration period open for at least 14 calendar days. There have been more than 85,000 registrations each year since.This story was produced by Manifest Law and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Silvis man sentenced to five years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon A 45-year-old Silvis man has been sentenced to five years in federal prison after pleading guilty to a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
	'Derry Girls' creator returns with a gleeful riff on the murder mystery In the hilarious Netflix series How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, three women learn that a long estranged school friend has died in a suspicious manner — and take it upon themselves to investigate.
	Davenport man arrested; accused in sexual abuse of 13 year old A Davenport man is being held in the Scott County Jail on a secured $200,000 bond after police say gave a 13-year-old girl marijuana before they engaged in sex acts. Criminal complaints filed in the case say Davenport Police received a report on February 3 about a juvenile female sending and receiving inappropriate images/videos. The [...]
	Americans' average debt keeps rising, but pace of growth has slowed, according to Intuit Credit Karma data Americans' average debt keeps rising, but pace of growth has slowed, according to Intuit Credit Karma dataIn the fourth quarter of 2025, Americans’ average total overall debt increased to $58,712 from $55,879 in the fourth quarter of 2024, a 5% year-over-year gain, according to an analysis of 99.5 million Intuit Credit Karma members with a combined overall debt of more than $9.9 trillion.That’s almost the same as 2024’s year-over-year average debt gains (4.9%). However, in the last quarter of 2025, quarter-over-quarter average debt growth decelerated to just 0.53%. Data in the spring will reveal whether this is just a blip or a stronger signal of changing winds.For this report, overall debt is defined as any type of debt noted on a Credit Karma member’s credit report. This includes credit card, mortgage, student loan, medical loan, auto lease and auto loan debt. Intuit Credit Karma Gen Z continues to see the fastest-growing average debtGeneration Z still leads the way in debt growth among generations, with the highest YoY increase in average overall debt in Q4 2025 (15.29%). That’s almost double the debt growth of millennials (8.36%), which had the second-fastest growing debt average. Gen Z’s trajectory is even more eye-popping when their average debt in Q4 2023 ($19,441) is compared to that of Q4 2025 ($25,062): an increase of 28.91%.Gen Z led all generations in year-over-year growth of average debt (Q4 2024 vs. Q4 2025) across all debt categories, but had the most significant gains in:Education: 13.55%Mortgage: 7.12%Credit cards: 5.79%Gen Z debt growth saw its biggest quarter-over-quarter jump in the Q3 of 2025 — then in the last quarter had its lowest quarter-over-quarter gain (2.87%) in at least a couple years.Average student loan debt continued to rise, but the pace temperedStudent loan debt grew 7.59%, the most of all debt categories year over year (Q4 2025 versus Q4 2024), driven largely by Gen Z and millennials (13.55% and 9.06%, respectively) — though Baby Boomers still held the highest average student loan debt in Q4 2025 ($48,965).Notably, after a 3.39% quarter-over-quarter increase in Q1 2025, student loan debt overall slowed, with quarter-over-quarter increases the rest of the year averaging just 1.34%.Decline in average inquiries and a rise in average open collections signal financial stress for younger generationsPressures from debt growth and general economic uncertainty are likely causing Credit Karma members to pump the brakes when it comes to taking on more debt. In the last quarter of 2024, average inquiries across generations was 3.14. In the last quarter of 2025, the average dipped to 2.95.This hesitance to apply for news credit like cards and loans may be due to increased financial hardship, particularly among younger members. Gen Z and millennials saw the biggest year-over-year drops in average credit inquiries in Q4 — along with some of the bigger increases in average open collections: Intuit Credit Karma Gen Z’s YoY average debt growth was 15.29%, the highest of all generations.Still, Generation X continues to hold the highest average amount of debt — nearly three times that of Gen Z at $70,710 in the last quarter of 2025.Average debt by credit score band Intuit Credit Karma The highest credit score bands may have seen greater YoY growth in average debt because people with higher credit scores have greater access to credit on better terms. But in the last quarter of 2025 near prime members had the greatest increase in average debt year over year (8.08%).Average credit card debtIn the last quarter of 2025, approximately 94.3 million Credit Karma members with at least one credit card held a total of approximately $589 billion in credit card debt, an increase of about 9.7% year over year.Among generations, year-over-year gains in average credit card debt were most striking for the youngest generations (Gen Z at 5.79%, followed by millennials at 2.64%). In contrast, the oldest generations showed relatively flat or decreases in YoY average card debt.Average credit card debt by generation Intuit Credit Karma Gen X continued to have the highest average credit card debt ($10,354 in the last quarter of 2025).Average credit card debt by credit score band Intuit Credit Karma Average card debt grew the most year over year among members in the prime score band, while subprime members were the only group with a decrease.Near prime members continued to have the highest average card balances in Q4 2025.Average auto loan debtIn the last quarter of 2025, approximately 66.9 million Credit Karma members with at least one auto loan open held more than $1.17 trillion in loan debt. The average next payment was $673.The average auto loan balance among members in Q4 was $25,806 — a modest 1.63% increase year over year.Average auto loan debt by generation Intuit Credit Karma Average auto loan debt by credit score band Intuit Credit Karma Average mortgage debtFrom October through December 2025, approximately 36.7 million Credit Karma members with at least one mortgage held a total of more than $7.4 trillion in mortgage debt. The average next payment was $2,185.The average mortgage balance among members was up slightly year over year in Q4 at $272,382, a 3.57% increase from $262,997.Average mortgage debt by generation Intuit Credit Karma In a continuing trend from last year, millennials and Gen Z led the way in average mortgage debt gains year over year.Average mortgage debt by credit score bandAverage mortgage debt increased the most year over year among members in the lowest credit score band. Intuit Credit Karma Average student loan debtIn the last quarter of 2025, approximately 32.4 million Credit Karma members with at least one student loan open held a total of more than $801 billion across 84.5 million student loans.The average next payment was $123. The average student loan balance among members in the last quarter of 2025 was $34,072 — up 7.59% compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, when average student loan debt was $31,667. This marks the largest YoY increase in average debt across the debt categories, driven in large part by Gen Z (up 13.55% YoY).Average student loan debt by generation Intuit Credit Karma Average student loan debt by credit score band Intuit Credit Karma Average credit scores among those with debtThe average VantageScore 3.0 credit score for Credit Karma members with debt dropped year over year, from 676 in the last quarter of 2024 to 673 in the last quarter of 2025.While Baby Boomers and the Silent generation had minor dips year over year, the decline in average credit scores for the youngest generations was more significant — with Gen Z dropping eight points to 651, and millennials dropping four points to 665 in Q4 2025.Average VantageScore 3.0 score among those with debt by generation Intuit Credit Karma Accounts in collectionsFor this report, accounts in collections are any credit card, mortgage, student loan, medical loan, auto lease or auto loan accounts that have been sent to collections agencies, according to their credit reports. Creditors may have different standards for when they transfer debt to collections, but the typical cutoff is 120 to 150 days past due. For this report, Credit Karma is able to determine if an account is in collections but not how many days past due it is.Among Credit Karma members with accounts in collections, the average number of open accounts (among those with collections on their credit reports) in the last quarter of 2025 was 2.5 — a slight lift year over year from 2.4 in the fourth quarter of 2024.Keep in mind that this measure only looks at members who have open accounts in collections, not the Credit Karma member population as a whole. That means that it only captures people who are already potentially struggling with their finances.Average number of accounts in collections by generation Intuit Credit Karma Average number of accounts in collections by VantageScore 3.0 credit score band Intuit Credit Karma For this report, credit inquiries are applications for new credit, such as credit cards or loans.In Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2025, inquiries fell across all generations and scorebands (except for super prime, which had no change) — continuing a year-plus downward trend. This likely reflects a pullback on credit applications given signs of increasing stress, including rising debt and an uptick in collections along with persistent macroeconomic uncertainties (tariffs and interest rates, for example).Subprime and near prime members had the biggest decreases in inquiries among score bands in 2025. Intuit Credit Karma Intuit Credit Karma MethodologyThis report drew on insights from the aggregated reports of roughly 99.5 million Credit Karma users. All aggregate data analyzed was pulled on Jan. 5, 2026, and came from members’ TransUnion credit reports. Averages were based on information from the previous 90 days.This story was produced by Intuit Credit Karma and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Rock Island seeks public comment on railroad crossings improvements The City of Rock Island is seeking public comment on improvement ideas as part of the Citywide Rail Corridor Safety Study.
	Safer Foundation celebrates 50 years of empowering second chances in the Quad-Cities Since 1976, the organization has worked to eliminate barriers to successful reentry for individuals with arrest and conviction records.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for March 13, 2026 This weekend, spring is in bloom at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island, and residents in Davenport should stay away from Goose Creek after a sewer overflowed.
	High Wind Warning until FRI 3:00 PM CDT High Winds Persist Until 3 PM CDT with Potential Power Outages
	The cost of raising a kid now tops $44,000 a year in one state Cost of raising a child in each US state in 2025In 2025, the average annual cost of raising a child under five in the United States reached $27,743. These costs — which cover additional housing, food, transportation, healthcare, miscellaneous items and childcare for a working couple — rose 4.5% between 2024 and 2025, slightly outpacing the 2.82% inflation rate during the same timeframe. But costs vary by up to tens of thousands of dollars in either direction depending on the state a family calls home, and some states saw large swings in the cost of raising a child over just one year.With this in mind, SmartAsset ranked 50 states based on the estimated additional annual income needed by two working adults to support a child under five years old.The cost of raising a child in Massachusetts now tops $44,000 per year. Two working parents in the Bay State should aim to earn at least $124,842 between them to support themselves and a preschooler, versus $80,621 for just themselves. In just one year, the cost of raising a child increased 5.72% from $41,828 to $44,221.Vermont and New Jersey join the top 10 most expensive states to raise a child. Vermont ranked third most expensive for raising a child this year, up from 11th just a year prior. The estimated annual cost jumped from $30,542 to $38,272, the highest increase nationwide. Meanwhile, New Jersey jumped from 13th last year to fifth this year, with an increase from $30,184 to $35,069.The cost to raise a child remains below $20,000 per year in one state. Mississippi remains the most affordable state to raise a child, despite a 10% increase in costs year over year. The estimate now sits at $19,178 per year. Alabama ($20,550); Kentucky ($20,758); South Dakota ($21,174); and Georgia ($21,299) are also among the least expensive states for raising a child.This year, it became more affordable to raise a child in 10 states. Despite double-digit percentage increases in other states, parents saw lower costs in 20% of the U.S. Costs in Hawai‘i declined the most, dropping $8,116 year over year. Costs also dropped in Delaware (-$4,792); Iowa ($-3,667); Michigan (-$2,772); Nevada ($-2,480); New York (-$1,551); Georgia (-$1,407); North Carolina (-$570); Alabama (-$51); and Arizona (-$35). SmartAsset Cost of Raising a Child by StateStates are ranked based on the estimated cost of raising a young child for two working parents in 2025.MassachusettsAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $44,221Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $41,828One-year change: 5.72%ConnecticutAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $41,808Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $38,995One-year change: 7.21%VermontAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $38,272Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $30,542One-year change: 25.31%CaliforniaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $35,651Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $33,441One-year change: 6.61%New JerseyAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $35,069Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $30,184One-year change: 16.18%WashingtonAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $35,027Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $30,671One-year change: 14.20%ColoradoAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $34,986Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $34,616One-year change: 1.07%Hawai‘iAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $33,363Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $41,479One-year change: -19.57%New YorkAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $33,280Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $34,831One-year change: -4.45%MinnesotaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $33,197Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $31,789One-year change: 4.43%OregonAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $33,114Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $30,954One-year change: 6.98%AlaskaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $32,947Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $29,538One-year change: 11.54%New HampshireAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $32,739Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $30,721One-year change: 6.57%Rhode IslandAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $32,614Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $31,187One-year change: 4.58%PennsylvaniaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $31,741Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $27,859One-year change: 13.93%MarylandAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $31,283Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $27,802One-year change: 12.52%MontanaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $28,954Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $23,514One-year change: 23.13%MaineAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $28,912Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $28,207One-year change: 2.50%VirginiaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $28,330Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $27,293One-year change: 3.80%WisconsinAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $27,955Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $27,426One-year change: 1.93%IndianaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $27,914Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $23,837One-year change: 17.10%OhioAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $27,706Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $25,454One-year change: 8.85%IllinoisAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $27,206Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $26,962One-year change: 0.91%NevadaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $27,123Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $29,603One-year change: -8.38%UtahAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $26,957Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $23,667One-year change: 13.90%ArizonaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $26,624Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $26,659One-year change: -0.13%MissouriAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $26,042Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $22,409One-year change: 16.21%NebraskaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $25,709Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $25,369One-year change: 1.34%New MexicoAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $25,210Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $22,452One-year change: 12.28%OklahomaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $25,210Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $21,567One-year change: 16.89%North DakotaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $24,752Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $23,297One-year change: 6.25%DelawareAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $24,544Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $29,336One-year change: -16.33%IdahoAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $24,378Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $23,609One-year change: 3.26%FloridaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $24,045Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $22,986One-year change: 4.61%North CarolinaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $23,587Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $24,157One-year change: -2.36%MichiganAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $23,587Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $26,359One-year change: -10.52%South CarolinaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $23,296Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $22,129One-year change: 5.27%WyomingAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $22,755Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $22,022One-year change: 3.33%TexasAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $22,672Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $22,194One-year change: 2.15%West VirginiaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $22,422Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $21,807One-year change: 2.82%IowaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $22,173Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $25,840One-year change: -14.19%ArkansasAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $21,840Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $19,212One-year change: 13.68%LouisianaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $21,798Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $19,483One-year change: 11.88%KansasAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $21,757Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $21,480One-year change: 1.29%TennesseeAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $21,424Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $20,755One-year change: 3.22%GeorgiaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $21,299Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $22,706One-year change: -6.20%South DakotaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $21,174Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $20,143One-year change: 5.12%KentuckyAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $20,758Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $20,423One-year change: 1.64%AlabamaAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $20,550Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $20,601One-year change: -0.25%MississippiAnnual cost of raising one young child, 2025: $19,178Annual cost of raising one young child, 2024: $17,444One-year change: 9.94%Data and MethodologySmartAsset used MIT Living Wage Calculator data to compare the living costs of a household with two working adults and one child to that of a childless household with two working adults in 50 U.S. states. The data is as of February 2025 and compares to data from February 2024. Costs include additions for food, housing, childcare, healthcare, transportation and other necessities.This story was produced by SmartAsset and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Saturday, March 14th, 2026

Friday, March 13th, 2026