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

A mom wrote a kids' book on grief. She was just convicted of her husband's murder

A Utah jury convicted Kouri Richins of fatally spiking her husband's drink with fentanyl in 2022. Prosecutors said she was hoping to collect millions of dollars from multiple life insurance policies.

Burlington Board of Education names superintendent finalists

The new superintendent will start working in the Burlington Community School District on July, 1.

Bethany’s QC hosts first Easter Egg Hunt March 29

The non-profit is doing their annual fundraiser on March 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Modern Woodmen Park in downtown Davenport. Admission is $5 per child. Pre-registration is required.

Rock Island County results from the 2026 Illinois primary election

Marcus Herbert won the vote for Rock Island County Sheriff, and Steven Rugh got the vote for the Rock Island County Clerk's Office.

Groundbreaking ceremony to be held for Robert Ontiveros Elementary School

The Moline-Coal Valley School District said the school will consolidate the Lincoln-Irving and Willard schools into a modern facility.

Mamdani put Ramadan at the center of NYC's cultural life, bringing joy -- and a backlash

NYC Mayor Mamdani observed Ramadan publicly at a time when many politicians and activists on the right are voicing hostility and in some cases open bigotry toward American Muslims.

FAA tightens safety rules for helicopters and planes around major airports

Regulators at the Federal Aviation Administration are tightening safety rules in congested airspace around major airports, suspending the use of visual separation between planes and helicopters.

MercyOne Genesis hosting Walk-In Wednesday hiring event

MercyOne Genesis is hosting a ‘Walk-In Wednesday’ in-person hiring event on Wednesday, March 25, from 2 to 4 p.m. at MercyOne Genesis Davenport Medical Center, 1227 E. Rusholme Street in Davenport. Click here for more information or to RSVP for the event. Walk-ins are also welcome to attend; no appointments are necessary. This walk-in, same-day [...]

Traffic Alert: Part of County Road G62 closed to remove semi-truck

The road is closed from County Road X17 to T Avenue, according to the Lousia County Sheriff’s office.

Bettendorf to replace stolen “Skipper” statue

The City of Bettendorf said it is replacing a beloved statue that was stolen in early 2025.

Higgins defeats State Rep. Hammond in District 94 Republican primary

Josh Higgins, an Air Force veteran, defeated the incumbent Rep. Norine Hammond with 58% of the vote, according to a media release.

Have you seen these suspects? Crime Stoppers wants to know!

Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities wants your help catching two fugitives. It’s an Our Quad Cities News exclusive. You can get an elevated reward for information on this week’s cases: MICHAEL CHRIST, 45, 5’6”, 175 pounds, brown hair, blue eyes. Wanted in Rock Island County for failing to appear in court on a charge [...]

How to choose the right in-home care provider

How to choose the right in-home care providerRealizing a parent or other senior family member needs extra help at home isn’t easy. There’s never a good time to broach the subject of in-home care, especially if the senior is proudly independent. It’s a situation that requires sensitivity, honesty and a desire to do what’s right for a senior loved one.When we age and reach a stage where extra help is needed, the thought of hiring an in-home care provider can feel overwhelming because we’ve become so used to our independence. Apart from finding someone to assist with daily tasks, a family caregiver can become a trusted companion — someone invested in your loved one’s physical, mental and emotional well-being.How can concerned and caring family members ensure they choose the right in-home care provider? It’s all about understanding what will meet a senior’s needs. This guide from Village Caregiving helps you narrow your search criteria by providing everything you need to know.Key TakeawaysThe role of an in-home care provider can vary depending on the needs of your senior loved one.These roles can include in-home family caregiving for daily support and housekeeping, or medically trained nurses providing physical therapy and medication assistance.Understanding seniors’ needs can help determine the level of care your loved one requires.Choosing an in-home care provider involves licensing, training and background checks, reviews and budget considerations.Your loved one’s safety and well-being can depend on the family caregiver you choose.Quality of care, personalization, transparency and communication are important to developing a strong relationship with this person.Be wary of any agency that’s cagey about billing information or pressures you into signing a contract immediately.Understanding the Role of In-Home Care ProvidersIn-home family caregivers’ roles vary and sometimes go far beyond helping with chores or running errands. Some providers offer basic assistance, like housekeeping and meal preparation, while others provide flexible and comprehensive services like bathing, dressing or companionship. Then there’s more specialized care, like medical services provided by trained nurses or aides, which include monitoring vital signs and assisting with medications or physical therapy.Seniors looking to age in place will need the right kind of support to enjoy the quality of life they deserve.How to Choose the Right In-Home Care Provider Village Caregiving Choosing the right in-home care agency isn’t just about browsing through names and reviews. It entails asking the right questions, evaluating services and finding a provider that suits your loved one’s needs, budget and long-term goals. If you’re open and honest as a family or community, you can make the best choice for your loved one.Following the steps below can help you find someone who feels more like an extended family member than a hired service provider.Understand the Needs of SeniorsNo one should have to sacrifice their dignity and individuality when looking for in-home support. Every individual is different, and so are their needs. Before contacting an agency, sit down with your loved one and have an honest conversation about what kind of help would make them feel comfortable. If the person requiring care isn’t able to communicate their needs effectively, involve other family members to evaluate the current situation.The following areas of conversation can lead to meaningful, insightful answers about your loved one’s care needs.Personal care: Some seniors may struggle to admit they need help with daily functions. Does the person need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing or toileting?Companionship: Perhaps your loved one is lonely and could benefit from having someone around for conversation, outings or hobbies.Medical care: If your loved one has chronic conditions or mobility issues or needs help with medication, they may require professional medical services.Specialized care: Seniors who are living with dementia or Alzheimer’s deserve the right support for their needs. This may include nonmedical personalized support.Duration of needs: Is this short-term assistance, or does your loved one require long-term care? Conversations like this can help determine the level of care needed.Approaching these subjects with compassion and care can make all the difference.Determine the Level of Care Your Loved One NeedsAging in place is a popular choice among seniors. It’s completely understandable why so many of our loved ones wish to stay in familiar surroundings. A 2024 survey conducted by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) revealed that 75% of adults aged 50 or older want to remain in their current homes as they age.By listening to the needs and concerns of a senior family member, you can better understand the level of care they require. This is where it’s important to separate nonmedical care needs from medical ones. Seniors who need regular wound care or injections require support from a skilled nurse. Nonmedical care will typically include areas like safety, hygiene and companionship.Your loved one might require a bit of both. A senior may require medical care, but having a nonmedical in-home family caregiver can allow them to remain at home between medical visits.Check Licensing and AccreditationLicensing and accreditation ensure an agency meets state standards and regulations. This can offer peace of mind for concerned family members. You can usually check this information on the agency’s website, but feel free to ask directly. Agencies accredited by organizations like the Joint Commission or relevant state-based regulatory bodies often mean they uphold certain standards of care.An in-home care provider may be licensed in several states nationwide. This may not always be the case, as some states don’t require home care licensing. It’s worth checking if your specific state requires this kind of license. Medical in-home care typically has a broader range of licensing and accreditation requirements than nonmedical services.Inquire About Training and Background ChecksA reputable provider will conduct thorough background checks on all employees. You’re inviting someone into your home to take care of a loved one, so knowing they’ve been properly vetted for criminal history, drug use and any other potential concerns is vital.The agency should also provide ongoing training to ensure its employees are up to date on best practices in senior care. For example, if you hire someone to help manage diabetes, you want a family caregiver who understands blood sugar and dietary needs specific to the condition.The level of training in-home family caregivers have can significantly influence your decision. Below are some of the main areas of training and caregiver qualifications to look for:Codes of conduct and ethicsHandling emergency situationsProfessional boundariesOral hygiene and bathingIncontinence and toiletingPositioning and skin careSafe transfers and ambulationRegular training in these areas and more ensures that seniors get the dignified care they deserve. Training in areas like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) demonstrates adherence to protecting sensitive information about your senior loved one and their health.Read Reviews, Testimonials and ReferencesThe experiences of other families can be incredibly telling. Take time to read reviews and testimonials, both on the agency’s website and on independent platforms. This gives you a broader perspective on the quality of care and service available. Positive reviews highlight an agency’s strength, while any negative feedback can serve as a red flag.Look for comments that discuss the reliability and professionalism of the family caregivers. Consider writing out a few promising words you want to find in those comments. Terms like professionalism, reliability and happiness are signs of consistently satisfied families.Don’t hesitate to ask for references from current or previous clients. Speaking directly to those who have firsthand experience with the provider will give you deeper insights into how the agency operates, the family caregiver’s level of compassion and the overall quality of care. Ask questions such as:How long did you or your loved one use the agency’s services?Was the family caregiver consistent, or did you experience frequent staff changes?Was the family caregiver punctual and dependable?How did the agency handle scheduling conflicts or family caregiver absences?Was a replacement provided promptly in the event of an absence?Each need and care situation will be different. Having a broader range of experiences from other people in your situation can reduce a lot of potential worry.Consider Your Budget and Cost of In-Home CareNo one wants to put a price on the quality of care a senior loved one receives. Understandably, cost is a significant cause of stress for many family members. By taking the time to think about what your senior family member actually needs, you can ensure you use your budget wisely.The following areas can narrow down what matters most in budgeting and cost, helping determine which in-home care provider can accommodate these needs.Frequency of use: Do you need care daily, weekly or just a few times a month? More frequent care will naturally increase the total cost. Starting with fewer visits and increasing them if and when needed can help reduce unnecessary spending. Agencies that charge by the hour can show flexibility to suit different needs.Services provided: The level of care, whether it’s basic help with chores or more involved medical assistance, will affect the cost. Help with groceries and chores that don’t involve medical assistance is typically less expensive than medical in-home care. This is an important distinction to make when exploring the right in-home care provider.Insurance and financial assistance: Some agencies work with specific insurance plans, which may cover part of the cost. Explore financial options, including Medicare, Medicaid and other insurance plans. While these benefits will vary by state, it’s worth checking. Agencies may also offer long-term care insurance or home care services for veterans, both of which are common for nonmedical care.Things to watch out for: Agencies should be transparent and honest about pricing. You may be asked to provide an unexpected fee, like a deposit up front. Search for options that don’t require an up-front deposit. Being encouraged to lock into a set minimum contract length is also a potential red flag.Remember that meaningful care isn’t always determined by the most expensive option, or the length of a family caregiver’s stay. Short hourly visits can offer just as much support as longer stays, depending on your senior loved one’s needs.How to Ensure Your Loved One’s Safety and Well-Being With a Family CaregiverAside from the practical considerations above, it’s important to remember that your chosen family caregiver will become a central part of your life. Choosing a safety-conscious person who values your senior loved one’s well-being and quality of life is just as crucial.Studies show that strong social connections are linked to better mental and physical health. Finding someone your senior relative sees more as a companion than a stranger can contribute to a better overall life.A family caregiver should ensure your loved one’s safety and well-being.Quality of Care and PersonalizationYour family and senior loved one shouldn’t have to accommodate the needs of an agency. The agency’s provided in-house family caregiver should cater to your family’s needs. Discuss with the provider how they tailor care plans to the individual. Don’t hesitate to ask about flexibility in adjusting these care needs over time.An agency caregiver should have the same attitude toward in-home family care. If your loved one has dietary preferences or hobbies they enjoy, the in-home family caregiver should add these to their daily care plan. This can help form stronger bonds quickly. Agencies that offer personalized care provide a higher-quality experience, which supports their clients’ physical and emotional well-being.Communication and TransparencyTrust is built through consistency, dependability and clear communication, especially when you’re entrusting the care of an aging loved one to another person. If any agency shows these qualities, it’s a good sign that a family caregiver will do the same. An agency that’s clear about its service will typically provide a family caregiver with the same attributes.Your senior loved one deserves a family caregiver who enjoys the things they do. An outgoing senior may want a similar personality for deep conversations, days out and general household maintenance. Someone who speaks and presents themselves as an open book can help reduce concerns for seniors.Look for agencies that offer direct and easy communication channels, preferably ones that are available 24/7. Knowing you can reach someone at any time adds another layer of security for you and your loved one.Finding the Right Provider and Family Caregiver Village Caregiving The right in-home care provider makes you feel heard, understood and secure in your choice. Getting to know a potential in-home family caregiver can also narrow down your decision-making. The following factors can be extremely helpful to uncertain families who have to make this choice.Safe in every way: Safety is a major concern for all family members when a senior relative begins receiving in-home support. An agency with this mindset should provide a family caregiver who implements safety measures at home when necessary. Falls are the leading cause of injury for seniors. Someone trained to spot hazards and risks at home can be a great help.Long-term considerations: Choosing an agency with services beyond your current needs may help with long-term care plans. While no one likes thinking of declining health, an estimated 7.2 million Americans aged 65 and over live with Alzheimer’s. Finding an agency and a regular family caregiver who offers support for this can ensure peace of mind for the future.Skills that can’t be taught: An ideal family caregiver should be qualified on paper and in person. This means having strong soft skills, like empathy, patience and the ability to enjoy a good conversation. These skills, combined with the caregiver qualifications a reputable agency looks for in a hire, can give you a better potential match for your senior loved one.Trusting your gut: Everyone just wants to make sure their family members get the help they need. You know your senior loved ones better than anyone. If you sense an agency or a family caregiver isn’t the right fit for your loved one, it’s OK to trust your gut and go a different direction.The combined choice of agency, the family caregiver provided and gut instinct can give you more confidence in your final decision.Red Flags When Interviewing Potential AgenciesWhen talking with prospective agencies, keep an eye out for the following red flags. These issues can signal potential concerns later down the line:Refusal to explain billing clearly.Pressure to sign a contract immediately.No clear answers to questions about emergency situations.No clear protocol for absences in regular family caregivers.A lack of interest in your senior loved one’s specific needs.Unclear processes for canceling or pausing services when needed.ConclusionEveryone deserves dignity and respect, regardless of their age. Think of this as a chance for the right agency to earn your trust. It may not always be easy, especially when a loved one’s quality of life is involved. But when the right option presents itself, it can lead to happier loved ones who enjoy great companionship and get help with their everyday lives.This story was produced by Village Caregiving and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Agentic GTM decisions every C-suite executive must make

Agentic GTM decisions every C-suite executive must makeYour revenue team is running harder than ever and producing thinner results. Reps are drowning in tools, pipeline reviews reveal more stalled deals than momentum, and the board wants predictable growth from a motion that feels anything but predictable. Apollo.io outlines what C-Suite executives need to understand about agentic GTM before committing budget and organizational energy to it. Apollo Key TakeawaysAgentic GTM is not another automation layer. It is a shift from tools that suggest actions to systems that execute them, which changes how you staff, govern, and measure your revenue motion.The biggest risk is not moving too fast. It is deploying agents on top of broken data and fragmented processes, then scaling the chaos.Chief financial officers should treat agentic GTM investment like any infrastructure spend: Measure time recovered, pipeline velocity improvement, and customer acquisition cost reduction, not just license cost.Governance is not an IT problem. Chief revenue officers and chief technology officers must jointly define what agents can and cannot do autonomously, or you will lose control of brand voice and buyer experience.The vendors that matter right now are those who can show working deployments in comparable companies, not demo environments. Proof of execution beats proof of concept.What is agentic GTM and why should C-Suite executives care now?Agentic GTM means AI systems that do go-to-market work autonomously, not tools that draft a suggestion and wait for a human to act. The distinction matters because it changes the economics of growth. A January 2025 survey of IT executives by UiPath found that 90% believe agentic AI could improve their business workflows, with 77% planning to invest within the following year. That is not a fringe technology bet. That is a mainstream infrastructure decision arriving on your agenda, whether you initiate it or not.The C-Suite angle here is strategic, not technical. When agents can identify high-intent accounts, research them, build personalized outreach sequences, route inbound leads, and update your customer relationship management system without a human touching each step, the traditional headcount-to-pipeline ratio breaks down.That is an opportunity if you plan for it. It is a threat to your operating model if a competitor gets there first.What makes this moment different from previous automation waves is the maturity of the category. Salesforce reached general availability with its Agentforce platform in late 2024.Investors are committing real capital, with Landbase closing a $30 million Series A in June 2025 specifically to scale an agentic GTM platform. The infrastructure exists.The question is how you deploy it strategically.What are the real problems C-Suite executives face when evaluating agentic GTM?The core problem is not finding agentic tools. The problem is deploying them without wrecking what already works, and without creating new risks that outweigh the efficiency gains.Here is what actually breaks down when C-Suite teams move fast on agentic GTM.Data quality becomes a force multiplier in both directions. When your system operates on outdated information, duplicate records, or incomplete contact data, you are asking agents to execute at scale on a foundation that was already producing bad outcomes manually.Agents do not fix bad data. They operationalize it faster.Before any agentic deployment, your revenue operations team needs to audit the quality of what is feeding the system.Adding an agentic layer that does not integrate cleanly with your existing customer relationship management system and engagement platforms does not reduce complexity. It adds another silo with its own data model and its own maintenance overhead.Chief technology officers need a clear integration plan before procurement, not after.Accountability becomes murky. When an agent sends outreach on behalf of your company, who owns the outcome? When it routes a high-value inbound lead incorrectly and the deal dies in the wrong queue, which team is responsible? These are not hypothetical governance questions. They are operational reality within weeks of deployment, and they require answers before you flip the switch.Board-level expectations get set before results are possible. Agentic GTM requires a 12 to 16 week build-and-calibrate cycle before you see meaningful performance data.If a chief executive officer announces this as a Q3 growth lever without that runway factored in, the initiative gets evaluated on the wrong timeline and gets killed before it delivers.What does a credible agentic GTM strategy actually look like?A credible strategy starts with a narrow, high-value use case, not a company-wide transformation. The teams that succeed pick one motion, instrument it completely, prove return on investment, and expand.The teams that struggle deploy agents across their entire funnel simultaneously and cannot isolate what is working.Three use cases consistently deliver measurable returns in early deployments.Inbound lead response and routing.Agents can identify website visitors, qualify them against your ideal customer profile in real time, and route them to the right sales representative before they leave.The window between a high-intent visit and a cold lead is measured in minutes. This is exactly the kind of time-sensitive, repetitive decision that agents handle better than humans.Outbound account research and prioritization.Building a target account list and enriching it with signals is work that consumes hours of sales development representative time per week.Agents can execute this at scale, surfacing the accounts most likely to convert based on firmographic fit, hiring signals, funding events, and engagement history, so your team focuses conversation time on the best opportunities.Post-meeting follow-up and customer relationship management hygiene.Account executives lose significant selling time to meeting recaps, next-step emails, and updating deal stages.Agents that auto-generate follow-up emails, create tasks, and sync customer relationship management fields directly from conversation recordings recover that time and reduce the dropped-ball risk that kills deals late in the cycle.The right GTM strategy determines which use case to prioritize first. If your biggest leak is inbound conversion, start there. If your outbound team is producing volume without precision, start with account intelligence. Do not let a vendor's demo agenda decide your implementation order.What metrics should C-Suite executives track for agentic GTM?Track outcomes, not activity. The metrics that matter are the ones connected to revenue, not the ones that make the technology look busy.For chief revenue officers: pipeline created per sales development representative per week, conversion rate from first contact to meeting booked, and average deal cycle length. Agentic GTM should move all three. If it is not, the agents are being deployed on the wrong tasks or working from poor data.For chief financial officers: customer acquisition cost before and after deployment. This is the number that justifies continued investment or triggers a strategic review. Also watch the total revenue operations cost as a percentage of revenue. Agentic systems should compress that ratio over time by reducing the headcount required to manage the same pipeline volume.For chief operating officers: time-to-first-contact for inbound leads, percentage of deals with complete customer relationship management data at each stage, and representative time spent on selling versus administrative tasks. These are process health metrics that predict pipeline health before it shows up in the forecast.For chief technology officers: integration failure rates, data sync latency between systems, and agent error rates. If your agentic layer is dropping data or misrouting actions, the revenue team will stop trusting it and work around it, which eliminates the efficiency gains entirely.How should C-Suite executives evaluate agentic GTM vendors?Skip the demo. Ask for a working proof of concept in your actual environment.Any vendor worth a multiyear contract can show you agents running against your real customer relationship management data, your actual ideal customer profile, and your existing tech stack before you sign. If they cannot, they are selling you a roadmap, not a product.Here are the questions that separate vendors ready for enterprise deployment from those still in sales mode.What is your data model, and how do you handle conflicts with our existing records? If the agent enriches a contact that your team has already manually corrected, which version wins?This is a data governance question with real consequences for pipeline accuracy.What does the human review layer look like? Agents that operate with zero human checkpoints are a risk.The best vendors build preview-and-approve workflows into the system so your team maintains oversight without recreating the manual process you were trying to automate.How do you handle compliance requirements specific to our industry? Business contact information has regulatory implications that vary by geography and sector.Your vendor should have clear, documented answers, not a vague promise of compliance.What does your implementation timeline look like, and what does our team need to own? The vendors who set realistic 12- to 16-week implementation timelines are usually more credible than those promising results in 30 days.And any vendor who cannot tell you exactly what your revenue operations team will need to manage on an ongoing basis is setting you up for a surprise support burden.Who are your reference customers in our segment, and can we speak with them before purchase? Don’t accept only a case study.A live reference call with someone running a comparable revenue motion at a comparable company size. If a vendor hesitates on this, that tells you something important.How do you build a go-to-market strategy that scales with agentic AI?The teams that scale successfully treat agentic GTM as infrastructure, not a project. That means building governance into the foundation, not retrofitting it after something goes wrong.Three structural decisions determine whether your agentic GTM motion scales or stalls.Appoint a named owner across revenue and technology. The chief revenue officer and chief technology officer need a shared accountable leader for the agentic layer, whether that is a dedicated GTM engineer, a revenue operations leader with technical authority, or a cross-functional working group with clear decision rights.Without a named owner, agentic systems become orphaned technology that nobody maintains and everybody blames.Define what agents can do without human approval. Agents can send emails on your brand's behalf, update deal stages, route leads, and create tasks.Each of those actions has a risk level. Build an approval matrix before deployment that defines which actions run autonomously, which require a one-click approval, and which always require human initiation.This is not about slowing the system down. It is about maintaining accountability when something goes wrong.Build measurement before you build the motion. Every agentic workflow should have a baseline metric established before launch and a 90-day review checkpoint built into the project plan. According to SuperAGI, 78% of organizations worldwide were using AI in at least one business function by 2024, up from 55% in 2023. Most of those deployments lack rigorous performance measurement, which makes it impossible to know whether the investment is working. Do not repeat that mistake.How do you make the final agentic GTM investment decision?Before you approve the budget, run your leadership team through this framework. If you cannot answer these questions with confidence, you are not ready to deploy, and that is useful information to have before you spend the money rather than after.Do we have a data foundation worth automating on? If your customer relationship management system has significant data quality issues, fix that first.Agentic deployment on bad data accelerates bad outcomes.Have we identified one use case with a measurable baseline? Pick the single motion where you can measure before-and-after performance cleanly.Inbound response time, outbound meeting rate, or post-meeting follow-up completion are all good candidates. Start there.Do we have a named owner with cross-functional authority? Revenue and technology need to be aligned on governance before launch.If those leaders are not in agreement, the deployment will stall in the first 60 days.Can the vendor show working deployments at our scale? Don’t accept a demo or a case study. Ask for a reference customer running a comparable motion who will take a call before you sign.Have we defined what success looks like at 90 days? Set a specific metric threshold.If the agentic motion does not hit it, you want the authority to pause, diagnose, and adjust without having to restart a budget approval process.The executives who get the most from agentic GTM are not the ones who move fastest. They are the ones who move deliberately, with clear ownership, clean data, and a specific problem they are solving.That discipline at the start is what separates a revenue-generating deployment from an expensive proof of concept that sits on a shelf.This story was produced by Apollo.io and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

REVIEW: Honky Tonk Angels at Circa 21

Hooooo-wee! Dig out your cowboy boots and Stetson hats and head on down to Circa 21 Dinner Theatre’s current production of Honky Tonk Angels by Ted Swindley and directed by Tristan Tapscott. Tapscott has pulled out all the stops to deliver a Texas-sized, down home celebration of country music’s female icons.

Traffic alert: Andalusia Road to temporarily close at railroad crossing for repairs

The closure is expected to last two days, department officials said. A detour will be posted.

APR vs. APY: What’s the difference?

APR vs. APY: What’s the difference?If you’ve ever tried to compare rates on auto loans, credit cards, home loans or savings accounts, you’ve probably seen two terms consistently pop up: APR, also known as annual percentage rate, and APY, or annual percentage yield. Do you know the difference? Ally Financial goes over common money terms that can help you navigate your financial future with confidence.What is APR?Annual percentage rate represents the total cost of a loan over one year. When you make loan payments, you don’t just pay principal and interest. The price might also include fees, points or other associated costs. APR factors in those costs to give you a more transparent picture of what you actually pay, making it easier to compare loan options.APR vs. interest rateYour loan’s interest rate is the percentage of the principal you’ll pay in interest to your lender. It gives you a basic idea of how much it will cost to borrow money, but APR takes it a step further. Because it includes interest plus fees and other charges, you get a more comprehensive view of your costs.What is APY?Annual percentage yield represents the total amount of interest on your deposits over a year. In addition to the account’s interest rate, APY also includes the frequency of compounding interest to give you the most accurate representation of what you earn.Like APR, this figure is used to standardize comparisons, giving you a better idea of which account offers the best return for your money.APY vs. interest rateYour account’s interest rate tells you the base rate at which your money will grow. But how often that interest compounds can make a major difference. Say you found an account that offered 5.10% interest compounded annually and one that paid 5.00% interest compounded daily. Which will make you more over time? By calculating the APY, you can see that the latter actually makes more — its APY is 5.12%, compared to 5.10% for the former.Key difference between APR and APYAPR is used for money you borrow, such as on a loan or credit card. It represents what you pay. APY is used for money you deposit into a savings account, certificate of deposit or other deposit account. It represents what you earn. Both are used to make objective comparisons easier between financial products.Calculating APR vs. APYBoth APR and APY are calculated using industry-standard formulas.How to calculate APRThe APR formula requires you to first calculate your periodic interest rate. That equation is: [(loan fees + additional expenses) / loan principal] / the number of days in your loan term. Use that number in the following formula:APR = (Periodic interest rate × 365) × 100How to calculate APYTo calculate APY, you need to know your interest rate and the number of compounding periods per year. Then, plug them into this formula, where R represents the interest rate, and N represents the compounding periods:APY = (1 + R/N)^N – 1Practical tips for using APR and APYNow that you understand what these terms mean, keep these tips in mind when you see APR and APY.Compare products: APR is used to compare loans and credit cards. Use APY for savings accounts and CDs.Consider compounding: More frequent compounding means your money adds up faster. With a higher APY, you can boost earnings.Check terms: Even if you’ve got a grasp of APR and APY, always read the fine print to know exactly what terms apply.Why it’s important to understand the differencesUnderstanding the nuances between APR and APY can help you better map out your financial future with a clear outlook on what you owe and what you earn. Remember, financial literacy is a lifelong journey. Staying curious and informed is key to working toward your financial goals.This story was produced by Ally Financial and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Bill outlawing kratom as a Schedule I drug passes Iowa House

Kratom would be outlawed as a Schedule I substance under a bill passed Tuesday by the Iowa House.

Six seasons and a sequel: 'Peaky Blinders' is easy to consume and impossible to forget

Tommy Shelby's estranged son has taken control of the old gang and is making new and dangerous moves and alliances. Cillian Murphy stars in this gripping movie-length Peaky Blinders sequel.

Trump temporarily waives the Jones Act to try to lower gas prices

Experts say waiving the act will do little to dramatically lower gas prices.

8 maintenance mistakes homeowners will make this spring

8 maintenance mistakes homeowners will make this springAs a homeowner, routine home maintenance is a year-round obligation, especially with spring — a time to rejuvenate after winter and get ready for the summer — just around the corner. As you work through your seasonal spring home maintenance checklist, take care to avoid common mistakes that tend to spring up this time of the year.From cleaning out your gutters to having vital home systems — such as HVAC and plumbing — inspected, staying a step ahead of potential missteps and necessary tasks can help keep your household running smoothly as the weather warms. HomeServe USA shares eight of the most common maintenance mistakes homeowners often make during the spring:1. Ignoring Your GuttersIf you’re truly minding your maintenance obligations, then you need to keep your mind in the gutter. Homeowners should clean out their gutters at least twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. As your roof’s primary drainage system, gutters must remain clear of obstructions like leaves, twigs, dirt and critter corpses in order to prevent clogs that can result in rainwater runoff overflowing onto your roof and down the sides of your house, resulting in shingle, siding and foundation damage.Combine neglected debris accumulation from winter with spring rainstorms, and you have a recipe for roof damage. Grab a ladder, a bucket and a pair of work gloves, and remove debris from gutters by hand, or call a roofer to handle this if you’re physically unable, unwilling or simply too grossed out.2. Not Doing a Roof InspectionSpring roof maintenance doesn’t stop at the gutters. A harsh winter can cause problems with your shingles, and a roof inspection can help you identify and address those issues before they worsen. To avoid a leaking roof during those proverbial April showers, climb up on a ladder and perform at least a cursory inspection of your roof, checking for warped, broken, missing or otherwise compromised shingles, as well as downed branches or other debris, and anything else out of the ordinary.Again, if this isn’t something you’re willing or able to do yourself, a professional roofer can perform an inspection and fix or replace broken shingles, cracked flashing and other problems to ensure smooth sailing through spring.3. Forgetting About Foundation CracksWinter weather can damage more than just your roof; what’s under your feet is vulnerable, too. Due to expansion and contraction of concrete during extreme temperature swings, cracks can form in your foundation — and spring is no time to ignore them. Those cracks can worsen as snow melts and soil absorbs that excess moisture, leading to soil erosion and further cracking, ultimately compromising the integrity of your home’s foundation.If you live in an area prone to heavy spring rains, unchecked foundation issues can cause a deluge of other problems. Hire a foundation repair contractor to inspect your home’s foundation as well as fix cracks and any other issues they discover.4. Enabling AllergensThey say those aforementioned April showers bring May flowers, and as those flowers bloom, they can release pollen that aggravates allergies, causing sneezing, itchy eyes and other discomfort. Prepare your home by replacing your HVAC filters. If the filters are clogged, they’ll have a harder time removing allergens from the air, while making your system work harder, impeding efficiency and resulting in higher energy bills.You should be replacing your furnace, air handler and return filters at least every three months, so chances are that if you changed them out for winter, you’ll be due again when spring arrives. For severe allergies, you may also want to invest in an air purifier, and maybe even a HEPA-filter vacuum, as allergens often end up in your carpet or on your furniture surfaces.5. Overlooking HVAC Tune-upsAfter a brutal winter or in anticipation of a sweltering summer, a spring HVAC tune-up is worth every penny in the peace of mind it provides. While switching out the air filters every few months constitutes the bare minimum maintenance, it’s not enough.Getting a professional tune-up by a licensed HVAC contractor typically includes cleaning the evaporator and condenser coils, cleaning the condensate drain line, refilling refrigerant, checking for leaks, calibrating the thermostat and inspecting electrical components. This ensures your HVAC system works when you need it most, and that any minor issues are diagnosed early, before they become bigger problems.6. Skipping Spring CleaningIn addition to the practical benefits of clearing clutter, spring cleaning is also a boon to your health. If you made frequent use of the fireplace during the winter, clean in and around it, and consider hiring a professional chimney sweep to do a deep dive. In your kitchen, thoroughly clean the appliances you use most, such as the oven, stovetop, refrigerator, microwave and coffee maker, and wipe down general surfaces to remove accumulated dust and debris. In the bathroom, deep cleaning should focus on removing stubborn soap scum from the sink, shower and bathtub, as well as cleaning and resealing your tile grout.Homeowners might be tempted to spare themselves the effort of a big comprehensive cleaning, but even if it doesn’t pose a threat of a major system breakdown like plumbing, HVAC or electrical, it’s just as important. Doing a deep clean of your entire house can help with everything from better air quality to improving energy efficiency and lower utility costs.7. Passing on Plumbing InspectionsFreezing temperatures over the winter months can damage your pipes and leave them susceptible to leaks. Inspecting your pipes for small leaks and fixing them in a timely manner can prevent bigger, wetter issues down the line — like a burst pipe and the flooding that follows. Also, check your lawn for puddles or saturated spots when it hasn’t been raining, as it could be an indicator of a broken underground water line or sewer line.Since homes typically use up more water in the summer due to increased lawn and landscape demands, swimming pools and other warm-weather needs, catching issues early prevents you from wasting water and money.8. Letting Landscaping LanguishOnce the snow in your yard melts, it uncovers the months of seasonal neglect over the winter months. It’s time to rake up the yard to remove leaves, dead plants, damaged grass and other debris. Inspect your lawn and determine which patches could use overseeding, and add new mulch to landscaping so the stage is set as spring growth occurs.It’s also a good time to inspect your hardscape — checking for cracks and weed encroachment in patios, sidewalks, driveways and other paved pathways. Like your home’s foundation, your hardscape can be compromised when snow melts and moisture enters the surrounding soil. Ignoring the landscaping and hardscaping around the house can cost you in the long term, with more expensive issues and aesthetic impacts.This story was produced by HomeServe USA and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Quad City Arts announces $129,000-plus in grants to artists, organizations

Quad City Arts has announced 2026 Arts Dollars grant awards totaling $129,150 to 28 organizations and 11 individual artists, a news release says. Since 1990, Quad City Arts has supported the local art community by awarding more than $1,600,000 in grants to local artists, non-profit organizations, and schools. Arts Dollars funds are generously provided by [...]

Davenport man charged after shooting man in the leg, police say

A Davenport man is facing several charges after police said he shot a man in the leg in 2024.

Davenport offers Summer Kids Passes for 2026

Davenport Parks and Recreation is bringing back the Summer Kids Pass for 2026. A Summer Kids Pass is the easiest way to visit Davenport attractions at an affordable price. Each Summer Kids Pass costs $50 and offers free admission and other ways to save at both City of Davenport public pools, the Figge Art Museum, [...]

John Deere warehouse in Indiana will employ hundreds of construction workers

A massive 1.2 million-square-foot John Deere warehouse, off Interstate 65 near Lowell, is expected to employ hundreds of construction workers.

Ballet Quad Cities: Violins of Hope Mini-Performance, March 28

Held in conjunction with the global project built around a private collection of 70 violins, viola, and cello connected to Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust, the professional talents of Ballet Quad Cities will perform a series of beauiful, moving Violins of Hope Iowa dance vignettes at Davenport's Putnam Museum & Science Center on March 28.

Are hardship grants really free money?

Are hardship grants really free money?Hardship grants are often described as “free money,” and on the surface, that sounds hard to beat. These programs are designed to help people facing financial emergencies, and unlike loans, grants don’t have to be repaid. There’s no interest, no credit checks, and no monthly payments.But while hardship grants can be helpful in certain situations, they’re not always the quick or easy solution they’re made out to be. In fact, there are important limitations you should understand before spending time applying. In some cases, there may be better alternatives.This guide from CreditNinja outlines key details to keep in mind if you’re considering a hardship grant.Key TakeawaysHardship grants are real and do not require repayment, but approval is not guaranteed.Most grants offer smaller amounts, typically between $100 and $1,000, and require proof of financial hardship.Finding eligible hardship grants can take time since there is no single centralized database.Grants may take days or weeks to fund, making them less ideal for urgent expenses.Emergency personal loans can provide faster access to larger amounts, but they require repayment over time.What Are Hardship Grants?Hardship grants are financial assistance programs meant to help individuals during times of crisis. Government agencies, nonprofits, religious organizations, or utility companies typically offer these funds.If approved, you may receive a grant, often between $100 and $1,000, that can be used for essentials like rent, utilities, medical bills, or emergency car repairs. The biggest benefit is that you don’t have to pay the money back.The Catch With Hardship GrantsWhile grants sound appealing, qualifying for them isn’t always simple. Here are some downsides to keep in mind:Strict Eligibility — Many hardship grants have strict eligibility requirements. You usually need documentation proving financial hardship, such as an eviction notice, medical bill, utility shutoff notice, or proof of job loss.A Challenging Search — Finding the right grant can also be challenging. There is no single database that shows all the available hardship grants you qualify for. Most people spend hours searching through listings, reading eligibility rules, and submitting applications.A Long Time to Fund — Even after applying, approval and funding can take days or weeks, which is not ideal if you are facing an urgent expense.A good place to start your search is by calling 211 or visiting USA.gov and searching for financial assistance programs.Why Emergency Personal Loans ExistEmergency loans were created to help cover urgent, unexpected expenses such as rent, medical bills, or car repairs.There are several types of emergency loans, including payday loans, title loans, and cash advances. Emergency personal loans tend to offer higher loan amounts, longer repayment periods, and more predictable repayment schedules than short-term options.What About Bad Credit?Many people worry about whether they can qualify for a loan with bad credit. Approval depends on the lender. Some lenders consider factors beyond credit scores, such as income and employment history.These types of lenders work with borrowers who have lower credit scores, offering personal loans that may be more accessible than traditional options.Which Option Makes Sense for You?If you need money quickly to handle an urgent expense, an emergency personal loan may be the more practical option.If your situation is not time-sensitive and you are willing to spend time searching and applying, hardship grants can be worth exploring since they do not require repayment.Final ThoughtsHardship grants are not a scam, but they are often misunderstood. While they can be helpful, they are not always fast or easy to access. Understanding the pros and limitations of each option can help you choose the solution that fits your situation.This story was produced by CreditNinja and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

A mysterious floral artist has taken over the New York Botanical Garden

Mr. Flower Fantastic is a graffiti artist turned floral designer who keeps his identity a secret. His new show is an ode to NYC in orchids. Oh, and did we mention he's allergic to flowers?

Do you live in one of the areas where property taxes are exploding the fastest?

Top 5 areas where property taxes are explodingThe post-COVID-19 pandemic real estate market has seen many changes, the most glaring of which is the rising cost of homeownership.According to the latest Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies State of the Nation’s Housing report, released in 2025, house prices have increased by almost 30% nationwide. In addition to the rapid increase in property prices, which rose 60% in some markets from 2019 to 2025, average property tax rates also increased across almost all states.However, some states and counties have historically been more expensive to invest in due to their high property taxes. The areas surrounding New York and many California counties typically rank among the highest for property taxes.As a result, an investor seeking a property within a specific price range must factor in tax costs across two markets. For example, a $400,000 property in Illinois will be taxed at 1.83%, which is $7,320, while in Alabama, it’ll be taxed at 0.36%, which is $1,440.Below, Property Reach takes a closer look at some of the areas investors will want to steer clear of due to their rapidly or significantly increasing average property tax rates.Top 5 Areas Where Property Taxes Are ExplodingWe combined data from the Joint Center for Housing Studies with additional research insights to track down five regions of the U.S. where property tax rates are booming. Here’s what we found:1. Passaic County, NJ — $10,001 (2.28%)The highest figure on the list, surpassing $10,000, is in Passaic County, at a whopping 2.28% tax rate. As a matter of fact, New Jersey has the highest number of counties with median tax figures over the $10,000 threshold, thanks to their proximity to New York.However, rates vary across counties, with Bergen County having the most expensive properties, charging $10,000 at a 1.69% tax rate. The others are as follows:Union County — 2.05%Hunterdon County — 2.01%Somerset County — 1.91%Morris County — 1.79%Monmouth County — 1.77%Bergen County — 1.69%2. Putnam County, NY — $10,001 (2.23%)The Big Apple made it on this list, to no one’s surprise. Since New York is more of a rental-forward market with many commercial properties, it follows right behind New Jersey in the number of counties with median taxes over $10,000. Those counties include:Suffolk County — 1.85%Rockland County — 1.77%Westchester County — 1.57%Nassau County — 1.51%New York County — 0.90%3. Falls Church City, VA — $10,001 (0.99%)Why is a random city in Virginia on this list? Well, according to the Fall Church Pulse, the city’s mantra is “growth should pay for growth,” which stipulates that all the new development in the city is paid for through taxes, landing it right on this list.4. Marin County, CA — $10,001 (0.72%)Even though California has relatively low property tax rates, it has some of the most expensive properties in the country. At just 0.72%, Marin County concludes the list of counties surpassing $10,000 in median property taxes, thanks to its many luxury properties.5. Santa Clara County, CA — $9,766 (0.71%)The heart of Silicon Valley, Santa Clara County, inches very close to the $10,000 mark at $9,766 in median property taxes. This luxury market is also not so surprisingly one of the country’s most active, with properties selling in record times, or a median of 56 days after listing.2025 Property Tax Rates by StateIf you’re curious about your state’s tax rates, scroll through this table and find out. Property Reach Information provided by the Tax Foundation at taxfoundation.org.What Factors Affect Property Tax Rates?Final property tax figures are not only dependent on property price, but they’re also directly affected by local legislation, which determines tax rates and how they’re calculated.Most people don’t know that the rates above apply to the assessed value of the property, which doesn’t always equal the market value. Some states consider the assessed price 100% of the market price of the property, while others value it as a percentage that can be as low as 10% of the market value for single-family homes (these include Louisiana and Mississippi, FYI).You can dispute the assessed value of your property if you think it’s too high, and most local governments will look into it and adjust.Just keep in mind that these taxes are how states pay for public amenities like schools, hospitals, and roads. So unless the state has another source of income, like tourism or oil production, property taxes can get pretty high.Final ThoughtsAfter reviewing the highest property tax rates in the country, it’s clear that knowing where the right market is for a property investment is crucial in determining its feasibility.Consider using a property search tool to compare units, locations, and property conditions among different counties in the same state to find out where to get the best mileage out of your investment dollar. It’ll most likely be away from New York and Silicon Valley, though.This story was produced by Property Reach and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

How to Breathe Better Air

(NAPSI)—­You can’t see them but they can harm you and the people you care about with every breath you take.No, it’s not some new horror movie. It’s the particles and pollutants hidden inside your home.The ProblemMany homeowners know about cleaning surfaces or vacuuming when they want a healthier home, but some of the biggest factors affecting indoor air quality are in places most people probably never think about at all: inside your heating and cooling system.The ReasonBecause such systems circulate air throughout the house, particles of dust, pollen, pet dander, and mold spores can move through the home’s airflow. Why It’s ImportantExperts at the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-conditioning Experts (ASHRAE) estimate Americans spend nearly 90 percent of their time indoors, making the quality of indoor environments a major factor in overall exposure to air pollutants.In fact, according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), eight out of ten people in the United States are exposed to dust mites and six out of ten are exposed to cat or dog dander, two of the most common indoor allergy triggers. What’s more, the AAFA reports, over 28 million Americans—about 1 in 12 people—have asthma and these indoor triggers can worsen their symptoms.An AnswerASHRAE members and other experts across public health, building science, and environmental health increasingly emphasize that ventilation, airflow, moisture control, and HVAC system performance all influence the air people breathe indoors. Having regular maintenance—such as changing filters, controlling moisture, and having HVAC systems inspected—as part of your healthy home checklist, they note, can help manage these pollutants and support cleaner indoor air.What You Can DoChange the air filters. Dirty filters can restrict airflow and allow particles to recirculate throughout the house.Manage moisture and humidity in the house. Excess humidity can contribute to mold growth and other indoor air concerns.Maintain proper bathroom and kitchen ventilation. Exhaust fans help remove moisture, cooking particles, and pollutants from indoor air.Keep vents and air pathways clear. Blocked vents can interfere with airflow and reduce ventilation effectiveness.Watch for excess dust and debris. Visible buildup near vents or registers may signal the need for system maintenance.Have regular professional inspections of your HVAC system to help ensure components are functioning properly and airflow remains unobstructed.Who Can HelpQualified HVAC professionals, such as the members of the National Air Duct Cleaners Association (NADCA), can evaluate and improve your home’s system performance.Learn MoreFor further facts and to find a qualified HVAC company near you, visit www.BreathingClean.com.Word Count: 415

What is AI agent orchestration?

What is AI agent orchestration?You start with one AI agent to save time. A month later, you’ve got prompts in a doc, outputs in Slack, half-finished automations in three places, and the same request getting handled a dozen different ways depending on who saw it first. That’s what happens when businesses try to “do AI” by building roughly 43 agents with no plan in place to coordinate them.AI agent orchestration solves this problem. Instead of relying on a single, general-purpose AI agent to do everything, which rarely works, AI agent orchestration lets organizations tailor different AI agents to specific tasks and then bring them together to work as a cohesive team.To help you think about AI agent orchestration, Zapier offers a breakdown of what it is, why it matters, and how you can easily build multi-agent systems.What is AI agent orchestration?AI agent orchestration coordinates multiple AI agents, each specialized for a certain task, ensuring they communicate, share context, and adapt collectively to achieve whatever goal you’ve set. It’s basically project management for robots.As with flesh-and-blood human beings, the absence of orchestration forces AI agents to operate in silos, solving narrow problems in splendid isolation while generating three new ones just out of frame. This works fine for routine tasks but falls apart when you need to tackle larger, more intricate processes. Agentic orchestration bridges these gaps by enabling scalable, real-world applications that a single AI simply can’t pull off, at least with today’s models.How does AI agent orchestration work?Setting up agentic AI orchestration doesn’t have to feel like assembling Ikea furniture blindfolded. The details will vary by context, of course, but by and large, the underlying process will look something like this.1. Assessment and planningFirst, identify the workflows or processes where AI agent orchestration can help. This could be customer support ticket routing, lead qualification, or anything in between, but you should always think about whether a simple agent could handle the job.If you have a single, narrowly defined task, a simple workflow, or you’re concerned about cost and system complexity, one agent is probably the way to go. Otherwise, agent orchestration might be the solution you need.2. Selection of specialized AI agentsThe FBI and your AI engineer may not have all that much in common, but they both need the right agent for the right job. Each agent should excel at a specific task, whether that’s analyzing data, generating insights, or triggering one part of a sequence of actions.The more you can drill down into a specific, well-defined, foolproof task, the more success you’ll have building and using an agent for it. This matters because, compared to humans, AI systems are still pretty bad at handling ambiguity, uncertainty, and fork-in-the-road scenarios. But if you can divvy up the work well enough, you can create a whole ecosystem of agents that, when woven together with orchestration platforms, becomes way more capable than any single agent could be. Zapier 3. Orchestration framework implementationWith your agents chosen, you’ll need an implementation tool that lets you build AI agents and orchestrate them as part of end-to-end business processes. If individual agents are like musicians in an orchestra, this framework acts as the conductor of your broader AI symphony.4. Agent connection and coordinationOnce the agents are in place, define the sequence and conditions under which they’ll operate to create smooth handoffs and consistent outputs.Agents can interact with each other, meaning you can create a series of them to tackle discrete parts of a complex workflow—each agent completes its task and passes output to the next node in the chain.This sounds more complicated than it actually is, and you can build multi-agent systems on no-code platforms in minutes using templates and natural language prompts.5. Data sharing and context managementEnable agents to share data and maintain context across interactions. This prevents duplication of effort and ensures continuity throughout the workflow.There are many ways to do this, but a common one is to create a data store containing things like instructions, documents, and customer history, which different agents access as part of a retrieval-augmented generation system.6. Continuous optimization and learningMonitor the performance of your agent swarm, which can degrade for any number of different reasons, and work to refine the enterprise AI agent orchestration over time. As your agents and you learn and adapt, your system can become vastly more efficient, but only if you’re keeping a careful eye on things.Most automation platforms allow you to track how data flows through your system, what each agent does with it, and where potential problems arise. Usually, that’s enough, but you might eventually need dedicated observability tools to get really granular.Why is AI agent orchestration important?Imagine heading a business where every department uses its own tools—none of them talk to each other. The Macs and PCs can’t communicate, Linux folks are running different distributions, and not a single power cord works on a different machine.Does this sound familiar? Hold this image in mind as you read the benefits that come from effective AI agent orchestration.Operational efficiency gains: Well-orchestrated AI agents automate and streamline multistep workflows, reducing manual intervention and handoffs. When tasks are completed in an optimal sequence, troublesome bottlenecks get minimized or eliminated altogether.Cost reduction: Greater efficiency means lower operational, staffing, and integration costs. Also, computational resources get used more effectively, leading to further expense reductions.Scalability improvements: Once you’ve ironed out the subtleties of orchestration, adding or reconfiguring agents is relatively straightforward. This means you can adapt to higher workloads or new processes without having to tear down your entire system and start over.Error reduction and consistency: Most AI agent orchestration frameworks allow for guardrails that channel agent activity along well-defined paths, reducing mistakes, rework, human intervention, and inconsistencies between data stores.Enhanced decision-making: Agents share and synthesize information quickly, enabling real-time analysis and coordinated responses. As long as you keep latency low, responsiveness will improve significantly.Boosts automation potential: Coordinated agents expand automation from simple tasks (composing emails) to complex, cross-functional processes (summarizing months of work and contextualizing it for specific teams), unlocking new opportunities across departments.Resource optimization: With orchestration, computational resources, agent focus, and data access are allocated efficiently. Rather than running the risk of redundant agents wasting time (or a swarm of agents working on tasks that add exactly zero value to your business), you can track your agents and their tasks, maximizing ROI across the system.Reduced AI sprawl: Orchestration prevents fragmented deployments, ensuring all AI agents operate within a unified framework. When done correctly, this improves visibility and integration because a single set of rules applies across all agents and contexts.More reliable governance and compliance: Centralized control ensures adherence to regulatory requirements, ethical guidelines, and company policies. This matters because, like it or not, AI is becoming more common in everyday life, but also because regulatory frameworks keep changing. Having everything in one place makes it much easier to check against compliance requirements.Types of AI agent orchestrationAI agent orchestration comes in several varieties, and which one makes the most sense depends on your needs.Centralized orchestration: A single orchestrator agent acts as the “brain,” directing others and ensuring consistency. This approach is superior if you’re after predictability in your workflows.Decentralized orchestration: With decentralized orchestration, agents communicate directly and make independent decisions. This brings certain challenges (the system can get stuck in unproductive loops), but it also enhances scalability and resilience because no single failure can bring the whole system down.Hierarchical orchestration: Hierarchical orchestration arranges agents in layers (a hierarchy, if you will), balancing strategic control against task-specific execution. This is basically how every corporation is already organized, so at least the concept is familiar.Federated orchestration: This is a newer approach where independent agents or organizations collaborate without fully sharing data, making it perfect for industries with strict privacy regulations. The trade-off is that this is more complex to set up and maintain. Zapier AI agent orchestration vs. related conceptsIt’s worth clarifying how AI agent orchestration compares to similar practices. Though it’s distinct from other techniques for syncing up computing technologies, it’s easy to confuse the terminology, which can lead to the very friction and siloing you’re trying to avoid.With that in mind, here are some things that are kinda-sorta like AI agent orchestration, but different enough to warrant their own terms.AI agent orchestration vs. AI orchestrationAI agent orchestration is a subset of AI orchestration, which encompasses the broader application of AI tools, agents, and automations across workflows. AI orchestration itself is a subset of software orchestration, all aimed at creating seamless, intelligent systems.AI agent orchestration vs. multi-agent orchestrationWhile some view multi-agent orchestration as more advanced, the two terms largely overlap. The key difference is scope—multi-agent orchestration often involves coordinating agents across diverse environments, which adds substantial challenges but also expands the range of activities an agent swarm can undertake.AI orchestration vs. traditional AI appsTraditional AI applications are standalone tools designed to perform specific tasks using artificial intelligence. A chatbot might answer customer questions, a recommendation engine could suggest products, and so forth.In contrast, AI agent orchestration takes a broader approach by linking multiple AI systems to manage complex, end-to-end processes. Instead of working in isolation, orchestrated AI agents collaborate to handle multistep workflows. An orchestrated system could use a chatbot to pass complex queries to a specialized problem-solving AI.AI orchestration vs. MLOpsMachine learning operations (MLOps) focuses on managing the lifecycle of individual machine learning models, including model development, deployment, monitoring, and maintenance.An AI orchestration engine takes a higher-level view, coordinating complex workflows that may involve multiple ML models, AI agents, APIs, databases, and more. MLOps ensures specific models function as expected, while AI orchestration ensures these models integrate seamlessly into larger, automated systems.Examples of AI agent orchestrationOnce you understand the mechanics of orchestration, seeing it in action makes the value clearer. AI agent orchestration tends to pay off when:A single task can branch into multiple specialized workflows.You need tight control over which agents can take risky actions.Several triggers need to funnel into one complex workflow.Here are three real-world patterns that show what AI agent orchestration looks like in practice.Email triage with role-based routingThis support system reviews incoming emails and routes them to specialized handlers based on complexity and topic.Agents:A router agent reads each email and decides which category it falls into.A specialist agent for basic inquiries handles straightforward questions.A technical agent troubleshoots product issues.An escalation agent manages high-priority or sensitive cases.How orchestration works: Permissions stay tight on purpose. For example, only the escalation agent can perform high-risk actions like deleting records or modifying accounts, which reduces the chance of accidental damage from other agents that run more frequently and have broader instructions.Feature guide content pipelineHere, a documentation system researches, drafts, and edits long-form feature guides with minimal human intervention.Agents:A user insights researcher mines community forums for common questions and pain points.A use case researcher pulls practical workflow examples from internal documentation.A writer agent assembles a structured first draft using a preset template.Four editor agents each refine a specific editorial dimension (clarity, tone, accuracy, structure).How orchestration works: This is a sequential handoff chain. Each agent does one job, then passes improved context to the next one in line. The research agent gathers raw material, the writer turns it into a coherent draft, and the editor agents polish specific aspects without stepping on each other’s toes. You still keep a human review step at the end, but the repetitive research and structuring work is largely handled upstream.Multichannel task consolidationThis personal productivity system captures to-dos from Slack emoji reactions, direct messages, and Gmail labels, then funnels them into one central scheduling agent.Agents:A Slack emoji intake agent monitors for the “to-do” emoji reaction.A direct message intake agent processes tasks sent via chat.A Gmail intake agent watches for emails tagged with a “to-do” label.A scheduling agent creates tasks and blocks time on your calendar.How orchestration works: This is a convergent pattern where multiple intake agents feed one scheduling agent. The intake agents normalize different input formats (emoji metadata, chat messages, email subjects) and pass structured data downstream. Then the scheduling agent handles the complicated calendar logic once, instead of duplicating it across three separate workflows.This story was produced by Zapier and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Resignations, hirings and other Moline School District personnel news from Feb. 23

See the personnel items from the Feb. 23 agenda of the Moline-Coal Valley School District. The board met at the Moline Education Center, 1900 52nd Ave. in Moline.

These roaches form exclusive long-term relationships after eating each other's wings

Salganea taiwanensis, a kind of wood-feeding cockroach, may engage in what's known as pair bonding, a new study finds.

Are you about to have cataract surgery? Here’s what ophthalmologists say you need to know

Are you about to have cataract surgery? Here’s what ophthalmologists say you need to knowCataract surgery is one of the most popular and commonly performed procedures in the world. The vast majority of patients have excellent outcomes with few complications, Allan Steigleman, a University of Florida ophthalmology professor, and Elizabeth M. Hofmeister, a surgery professor at Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, write for The Conversation.Here are the numbers:By age 80, over half of all Americans have cataracts.Close to 4 million cataract surgeries are performed in the U.S. every year.Over 90% of patients have 20/20 vision with glasses after surgery, although those with other eye conditions may not do as well, including those with glaucoma, a progressive disease typically associated with elevated pressure within the eye; diabetic retinopathy, which ultimately can cause leakage in the retinal tissues; and macular degeneration, a disease that is typically related to age.The rate of post-surgery infection from endophthalmitis is less than 0.1%.Ophthalmologists who have performed thousands of these procedures know that many patients have misconceptions about both cataracts and the surgery. For example, some think a cataract is a growth on the eye’s surface.Think of a cataract like the frosted glass of a bathroom window, where light can be transmitted but details cannot. Or when turbulence from a storm causes normally clear water in the ocean to become murky. In much the same way, the eye’s once transparent lens becomes cloudy.About the surgeryCataract surgery removes the clouded lens of the eye and replaces it with a new, clear lens to restore your vision. Most patients report that the procedure is painless.It’s typically an elective surgery that is performed on an outpatient basis. The patient is often awake, under local anesthesia, with sedation similar to that used for dental procedures. Something like the equivalent of three margaritas in their IV.Numbing drops are then applied to the eye’s surface, along with an anesthetic inside the eye. Patients with claustrophobia, or movement disorders such as Parkinson’s disease, may not be suitable candidates for awake surgeries and require general anesthesia.Before surgery, patients receive dilating drops to make the pupil as large as possible. The surgeon makes a tiny incision, usually with a small pointed scalpel, between the clear and white part of the eye to gain access to the lens capsule, a thin membrane similar in thickness to a plastic produce bag at the grocery store.This capsule is suspended by small fibers called zonules, which are arranged like the springs that suspend a trampoline from a frame. The surgeon then creates a small opening in the capsule, called a capsulotomy, to gain access to the cataract. The cataract is then broken into smaller parts so they are removable through the small incision.This is similar to a tiny jackhammer, breaking the large lens into smaller pieces for removal. That sounds scary, but it’s painless. Ultrasound emulsifies the lens and vacuum power then aspirates it from the eye.Laser-assisted cataract surgery has been found to have similar outcomes to traditional cataract surgery.Complications are rareSerious complications, such as postoperative infection, bleeding in the eye or a postoperative retinal detachment are rare; they occur in approximately 1 in 1,000 cases. But even in many of these situations, appropriate management can salvage useful vision.Capsular complications deserve additional discussion. According to some studies, they occur in up to 2% of cases. If a hole or tear of the posterior capsule is encountered during cataract surgery, the clear gel in the vitreous — the back chamber of the eye — may be displaced into the front chamber of the eye.If that happens, the gel must be removed at the time of the cataract surgery. This will reduce the likelihood of additional postoperative complications, but those who have the procedure, known as a vitrectomy, have an increased risk for additional complications, including postoperative infections and postoperative swelling.After the surgeryPatients usually go home right after the procedure. Most surgery centers require that the patient have someone drive them home, more for the anesthesia rather than the surgery. Patients begin applying postoperative drops that same day and must wear an eye shield at bedtime for a few weeks after surgery.Patients should keep the eye clean and avoid exposure to dust, debris and water. They should try not to bend over and should avoid heavy lifting or straining in the first week or so after surgery. Lifting or straining can cause a surge of blood pressure to the face and eye. Known as a choroidal hemorrhage, it can lead to bleeding into the wall of the eye and be devastating to vision.Things that cause only moderate increases in heart rate, such as walking, are okay. Routine postoperative examinations are usually completed the day after surgery, about a week after surgery and about a month after surgery.A choice of lensThe plastic lens used to replace the cataract, or intraocular lens, requires careful sizing for optimal results and a nuanced discussion between patient and surgeon.Early intraocular lens technologies were monofocal, and most patients with these lenses chose distance correction and used reading glasses for near tasks. This is still the preferred approach for approximately 90% of patients having cataract surgery today.Recent advances have led to intraocular lenses that offer multifocality — the opportunity to have near as well as distance vision, without glasses. Some multifocal lenses are even in the trifocal category, which includes distance, near, and intermediate vision, the latter of which in recent years, has become very important for computer and phone use.Most patients with these advanced technology multifocal lenses are happy with them. However, a small percentage of patients with multifocal lenses can be so bothered by visual disturbances — notably night glare and halos around light sources in the dark — that they request removal of the multifocal lens to exchange it for a standard intraocular lens. These exchanges are a reasonable option for such situations and offer relief for most affected patients.Determining who’s an ideal candidate for a multifocal intraocular lens is an area of active research. Most clinicians would recommend against such a lens for a patient with a detail-oriented personality. Such patients tend to fixate on the shortcomings of these lenses despite their potential advantages.As with many technologies, current-generation advanced technology intraocular lenses are much better than their predecessors. Future offerings are likely to offer improved vision and fewer side effects than those available today.But these newer lenses are often not reimbursed by insurance companies and often entail substantial out-of-pocket costs for patients.Deciding on what type of lens is best for you can be complicated. Fortunately, except in unusual circumstances, such as when a cataract develops after trauma to the eye, there is seldom a hurry for adult cataract surgery.This story was produced by The Conversation and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Stratton defeats Krishnamoorthi with help from Chicago, downstate voters

Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton rode a late wave of momentum to win the Democratic nomination for Illinois’ open U.S. Senate seat, toppling longtime frontrunner Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi with the financial aid and political muscle of Gov. JB Pritzker and an outsider message that set her apart from her rivals with Washington experience.

Dillan Vancil wins Republican nomination for Illinois' 17th Congressional District

Vancil will look to unseat Democratic Incumbent Eric Sorensen during the November midterm election.

Who's filed to run for the Iowa Legislature in Scott, Clinton and Muscatine counties?

There are four competitive June primary races for the Legislature in Scott, Muscatine, and Clinton counties among Democrats and Republicans.

Warmer days ahead for the Quad Cities

After the light snow moves out of the area this morning, warmer weather is expected through the weekend. After starting the week with a blizzard Monday, only slim rain chances are in the forecast. Here's your full 7-day forecast.

Iran retaliates after Israel kills two top Iranian officials

Iran launched a barrage of missiles after Israel killed two top Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani, the head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. Israel also struck central Beirut.

Iran retaliates after Israel kills 2 top Iranian officials

Iran launched a barrage of missiles after Israel killed two top Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani, the head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council. Israel also struck central Beirut.

Israel says it killed Iran's intelligence chief in overnight strike

Israel said it killed Iran's minister of intelligence, Esmail Khatib, in an overnight strike Wednesday. The announcement came after Iran attacked Israel in missile strikes that killed two people.

Circus on the Cannonball Trail

This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Growing up on the lonely Illinois prairie in the early part of the 20th century, 20 miles from Galesburg, George Stucky…

Movies and TV shows casting across the US

guruXOX // Shutterstock Movies and TV shows casting across the US The glitz and glam of Hollywood captures the attention of Americans starting from an early age. Beyond celebrities' Instagram Stories and red carpet poses, there are actors out there paying their dues and honing their craft in pursuit of a sustainable career or a fulfilling sideline. Submitting to casting calls is a big part of that journey.Whether you're a working actor or an aspiring one, you might be curious to know which movies and TV shows are casting roles near you. Backstage compiled a list of projects casting right now across the U.S., and which roles they're looking to fill. Media_Photos // Shutterstock '72 Whaler' - Project type: feature film- Roles: --- Hayes (lead, male, 20-28)--- Quinn (supporting, female, 19-28)--- Jim (supporting, male, 60-75)- Roles pay up to: $6,600- Casting locations: nationwide- Learn more about the feature film here muratart // Shutterstock Untitled H Movie - Project type: feature film- Roles: --- Featured Very Attractive Bartender (background / extra, male, 21-35)- Roles pay up to: $224- Casting locations: New York City, NY; Manhattan, NY; Brooklyn, NY; Queens, NY; Hoboken, NJ- Learn more about the feature film here KinoMasterskaya // Shutterstock A24 Chinatown TV Series - Project type: scripted show- Roles: --- Chinatown Triad Boss Types (background / extra, 30+)--- Chinese Family Member Types (lead, 23+)--- Baby (background / extra, 1+)- Roles pay up to: $242- Casting locations: Queens, NY; Manhattan, NY; Bethpage, NY- Learn more about the scripted show here Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock 'Blood Doesn't Make You Family' - Project type: vertical series- Roles: --- Teen Brandon (day player, male, 13-18)--- Young Alice (day player, female, 6-44)- Roles pay up to: $250- Casting locations: Los Angeles, CA- Learn more about the vertical series here Gorodenkoff // Shutterstock 'Golden' - Project type: documentary series- Roles: --- Bachelors (supporting, male, 50-65)--- Bachelorettes (supporting, female, 50-65)- Roles pay up to: $300- Casting locations: Miami, FL- Learn more about the documentary series here Grusho Anna // Shutterstock 'Tagalog Language Test' - Project type: reality TV- Roles: --- Student (Yourself) (lead, 18-40)--- Student (Yourself) (models, 18-40)--- Student (Yourself) (real people, 18-40)- Roles pay up to: $150- Casting locations: Los Angeles, CA; Orange, CA; San Diego, CA; Newport Beach, CA; Rancho Cucamonga, CA- Learn more about the reality TV show here Grusho Anna // Shutterstock 'Out The Kitchen' - Project type: scripted show- Roles: --- Downscale Clubgoers (Non-SAG Covered) (background / extra, 25+)--- Teen Friends (18tly) (Non-SAG Covered) (background / extra, female, 18-20)--- Bouncer (Non-SAG Covered) (background / extra, male, 25-45)- Roles pay up to: $262- Casting locations: New York City, NY- Learn more about the scripted show here Dpongvit // Shutterstock 'Let's Make A Deal' Season 18 - Project type: reality TV- Roles: --- Contestant/s (real people, all genders, 18+)- Casting locations: Los Angeles, CA; San Diego, CA; Palm Springs, CA- Learn more about the reality TV show here Grusho Anna // Shutterstock 'Tokyo Vagrant' - Project type: feature film- Roles: --- Angela (lead, female, 18-29)--- Alex (lead, male, 18-29)--- Andrew (lead, male, 30+)- Casting locations: Worldwide- Learn more about the feature film here Media_Photos // Shutterstock Discovery Channel Documentary Series, Historical Recreations - Project type: documentary series- Roles: --- Jefferson Davis (lead, male, 40-60)- Roles pay up to: $200- Casting locations: Atlanta, GA- Learn more about the documentary series here Grusho Anna // Shutterstock 'Autonomous' - Project type: feature film- Roles: --- Alistair Mallen (lead, male, 26-40)--- Maggie Thomas (lead, female, 20-30)--- Magda Jansen (supporting, female, 40-55)- Roles pay up to: $1,500- Casting locations: nationwide- Learn more about the feature film here Grusho Anna // Shutterstock 'The Warmth Below' - Project type: scripted show- Roles: --- Todd (lead, male, 25-35)--- Sarah (supporting, female, 20-35)--- Raheem (supporting, male, 25-60)- Roles pay up to: $1,200- Casting locations: Lodi, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Sacramento, CA- Learn more about the scripted show here Media_Photos // Shutterstock 'Sydney Campbell is Dead to Me' - Project type: feature film- Roles: --- Sydney (lead, female, 21-36)- Roles pay up to: $30,000- Casting locations: nationwide- Learn more about the feature film here Tikkyshop // Shutterstock 'The Gilded Age' Season 4, Newport, RI - Project type: scripted show- Roles: --- Child of Principal/Twins, Ages Newborn-5 Mos (SAG-AFTRA Covered) (background / extra, 1)--- Child of Principal, Ages Newborn-5 Mos. (SAG-AFTRA (SAG-AFTRA Covered) (background / extra, 1)- Roles pay up to: $500- Casting locations: Newport, RI; Providence, RI; Boston, MA; Hartford, CT- Learn more about the scripted show here Grusho Anna // Shutterstock 'Ghost' - Project type: feature film- Roles: --- Fit Model (background / extra, male, 18-45)- Roles pay up to: $262- Casting locations: New York City, NY- Learn more about the feature film here This story was produced by Backstage and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.

Muscatine Municipal Golf Course closed through March 18

Due to weather conditions, the Muscatine Municipal Golf Course will remain closed through Wednesday, March 18. According to a release from the Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department, golf course maintenance staff will evaluate conditions daily and announce when the course is ready to reopen for play. For more information, click here.

Cheap drones are reshaping modern warfare — and catching the U.S. off guard

As Operation Epic Fury enters its third week, relentless attacks by cheap Iranian drones are being fended off by multi-million-dollar U.S. interceptors. How long can the math hold up?

The threats to Minnesota's Medicaid funds are unprecedented. Other states could be next

Hundreds of millions of dollars — and possibly billions — for the state's Medicaid program are in limbo as part of the Trump administration's crackdown on fraud.

Israel is a key issue in Democratic primaries as support for the U.S. ally drops

Support for Israel is down among Americans, particularly Democrats, with the last couple years being a major turning point.

Sen. Mullin faces confirmation hearing to lead Homeland Security Department

Oklahoma Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin faces questions from his fellow senators at his confirmation hearing to lead the Department of Homeland Security,

Do you understand this billboard? If not, that's the whole point

San Francisco's streets are plastered with cryptic ads from AI startups. The strategy is intentional — but it's not without cost.

WATCH: Heavy police presence in downtown Davenport early Wednesday

One person was in custody after an incident in downtown Davenport early Wednesday. A witness at the corner of 3rd and Harrison Streets told Our Quad Cities News crew that a man who was with some other people had made threats at Kilkenney's Pub shortly before 2:30 a.m. Later the man was taken into police [...]

Ruling overturns Senegal's Africa Cup title and declares Morocco the champion

Morocco was stunningly awarded the Africa Cup of Nations title on Tuesday by governing body judges who overturned Senegal's victory in a chaotic final in January.

Venezuela beats U.S. 3-2, wins first World Baseball Classic title

Venezuela won the World Baseball Classic for the first time, rebounding from a blown eighth-inning lead to beat the United States 3-2 Tuesday night on Eugenio Suárez's tiebreaking double in the ninth

EU offers to pay Ukraine to fix oil pipeline at the center of Ukraine-Hungary feud

EU officials say they have offered money and technical help to Ukraine to fix a key oil pipeline to Central Europe. They hope that will persuade Hungary to drop its veto on major aid to Ukraine.

AP calls Illinois 36th Senate District Republican primary for Brad Beekman

Brad Beekman, a retired Illinois State Police officer, will face incumbent Democrat Mike Halpin in the general election.

BookTrib’s Bites: From Trauma to Healing

(BookTrib) - “Strong Roots, Safe Wings” by Kalyani Gopal, PhD, HSPPParenting often begins with the best intentions — yet in moments of stress, many parents find themselves reacting in ways that feel painfully familiar from their own past. In “Strong Roots, Safe Wings,” clinical psychologist Dr. Kalyani Gopal offers a compassionate, evidence-based program designed to help parents understand and heal the deeper patterns that shape their responses to their children.Grounded in neuroscience, attachment theory and trauma research, this illustrated workbook focuses not on fixing children’s behavior but on helping caregivers regulate their own emotional responses. Through a structured six-week program of reflections, guided exercises and practical tools, readers learn how to stay grounded during difficult moments, set healthy boundaries without shame or punishment, and repair missteps with honesty and connection.By addressing the lingering effects of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), Dr. Gopal empowers parents and helping professionals to break harmful cycles — nurturing emotionally secure, resilient children who feel safe enough to grow and thrive.Purchase at https://amzn.to/4cLPNDo.“Evil, Goodness, and Creating Active Bystandership” by Ervin Staub In “Evil, Goodness, and Creating Active Bystandership,” renowned psychologist Ervin Staub reflects on a life shaped by both unimaginable cruelty and extraordinary human courage. A survivor of the Holocaust in Hungary who later escaped communist rule and built an academic career in the United States, Staub has devoted his life to understanding why people harm others — and why some choose to help instead.Blending memoir, psychology and social insight, Staub traces how his personal experiences led to groundbreaking research on the roots of violence, genocide and altruism. From studying “altruism born of suffering” to promoting reconciliation in post-genocide Rwanda and helping train police officers to intervene when colleagues misuse force, his work explores how ordinary people can become agents of change.Through powerful stories and decades of research, Staub offers a hopeful message: when individuals step forward as “active bystanders,” they can interrupt harm and help build a more compassionate world.Purchase at https://amzn.to/4sOXZaR.“Lost in the Holler” by Michael WestWhen RJ Burnette leaves behind his high-pressure finance career in New York and returns to the Tennessee mountains, he hopes to reset his life in the quiet rhythms of home. But Gizzard’s Holler has not been waiting patiently for him. Beneath its familiar routines lies a secret the town has kept for decades.Years earlier, RJ’s sister Sue Ann died under circumstances everyone accepted as tragic misfortune. Now RJ begins to learn that the story he grew up believing may not be the whole truth. As old memories surface and long-held silences begin to crack, he finds himself confronting a past that many in the community would rather leave buried.“Lost in the Holler” blends Southern Gothic atmosphere with a character-driven mystery, exploring family loyalty, grief and the uneasy balance between protecting those we love and facing the truth.Purchase at https://amzn.to/40vFRqf.“Weight Class: A Fighter's Life-or-Death Battle with an Eating Disorder” by Danny O’ConnorWhat if the most dangerous opponent an elite fighter faces isn’t in the ring — but on the scale?In “Weight Class,” former Olympian and professional boxer Danny O’Connor delivers a powerful memoir exposing the hidden toll of eating disorders in weight-class sports. From high school wrestling to a world title fight on national television, O’Connor chronicles a decades-long battle with starvation, dehydration and binge cycles that nearly cost him his life.What looked like discipline from the outside was, in reality, a silent and escalating illness. With raw honesty, he reveals how a culture that rewards extreme weight-cutting can mask serious mental health struggles — especially in men, who are often overlooked in conversations about eating disorders. More than a sports memoir, “Weight Class” is a story of survival, self-reckoning and recovery — and a necessary wake-up call for athletes, coaches and anyone who thinks they know what an eating disorder looks like.To purchase, visit https://www.bitelikeaman.com/ or https://amzn.to/4bLOzqK.

Dillan Vancil to face off against Eric Sorensen for Illinois 17th District in 2026 midterms

Dillan Vancil is projected to win the Republican primary for the Illinois 17th Congressional District. As of Tuesday night, Vancil held 58 percent of the vote, with 82 percent reporting. Vancil lives in Monmouth and has worked for the railroad, a school board and owns a coffee business with six shops. Our Quad Cities News [...]

Switzer wins Mercer County sheriff primary race

Casey Switzer won the Republican primary for Mercer County Sheriff.

Marcus Herbert wins Democratic primary for Rock Island County Sheriff

He is set to face Republican Jamie Shoemaker in the general election.

Vancil wins primary race for Illinois 17th Congressional District

Dillan Vancil won the Republican primary for Illinois’ 17th Congressional District.

6th annual Bishop Hill Book Fair to be held in April, featuring 19 local authors

The book fair will be held April 11 at the Bishop Hill Creative Commons.

Dillan Vancil wins Republican primary for Congressional 17th District

Dan Vancil held a 14-month-long campaign on affordability, immigration and breaking monopolies. He will be competing with incumbent Democrat Eric Sorensen for the 17th Congressional District seat.

Marcus Herbert wins Democratic primary for Rock Island County Sheriff

Marcus Herbert will be the Democratic candidate for Rock Island County Sheriff when election season rolls around in November. Herbert won with 52 percent of the vote at 6,127. Following him was Matthew DeSmyter with 40 percent and Timothy Gillette at 8 percent. Currently Herbert is a sergeant with the sheriff's office. He's served the [...]

Bettendorf to replace stolen “Skipper” statue

The City of Bettendorf announced it will be replicating and replacing the "Skipper" statue that was stolen in 2025. According to a release, the Bettendorf City Council voted to hire an artist to replicate and replace the statue at Leach Park, located at 100 12th St. The City of Bettendorf contacted the original creator of [...]

Iowa radon mitigation bill moves forward

A proposal in Iowa would add active radon mitigation systems to new construction. House File 2297 would require that new residential construction include a passive method for the mitigation of radon. Passive systems don't require a fan or electricity, but active systems do.Radon is a naturally-occurring radioactive gas that can build up in homes. It's [...]

Illinois Lt. Gov Juliana Stratton wins Democratic primary for US Senate

Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton won Tuesday's Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, edging out two sitting members of the U.S. House to advance to a November general election against Republican nominee Don Tracy, former state party chair. The retirement of U.S. Sen Dick Durbin, the Senate's longtime No. 2 Democrat, triggered a competitive campaign on [...]

See results for Rock Island County races for the 2026 Illinois primary

A total of 17,024 ballots were cast in the county, according to unofficial results posted by the Rock Island County Clerk's Office Tuesday night. Here are results for county races.

Herbert wins Dem race for Rock Island County Sheriff

One of the bigger primary races KWQC is following is for Rock Island County Sheriff with the current Sheriff, Darren Hart, retiring.

Steven Rugh wins Republican nomination for Rock Island County Clerk

Steven Rugh won the Republican nomination for Rock Island County Clerk in Tuesday's primary election, according to unofficial results. He'll face Democrat Maggie Crouch in November.

Herbert wins GOP race for Rock Island County Sheriff

One of the bigger primary races KWQC is following is for Rock Island County Sheriff with the current Sheriff, Darren Hart, retiring.

Illinois Lt. Gov Juliana Stratton wins Democratic primary for US Senate

Illinois Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton has won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, edging out two sitting members of the U.S. House.

Daniel Biss wins Democratic primary for closely-watched Illinois House seat

Biss, the mayor of Evanston, Ill., topped political newcomer Kat Abughazaleh, a first-time candidate who ran as an unapologetic progressive in the race to succeed longtime incumbent Jan Schakowsky.

Pritzker, Bailey set for Illinois governor showdown in November

JB Pritzker and Darren Bailey will face off in the November election for Illinois Governor, with Pritzker seeking a third term and Bailey promising to focus on Chicago and lower costs.

Darren Bailey wins Republican nomination for governor in Illinois primary election

The Republican primary for Illinois governor is a test Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker.

Former Illinois Republican Party chairman Don Tracy wins GOP primary for US Senate seat

Don Tracy, the former chairman of the Illinois Republican Party, has won the GOP nomination for U.S. Senate. The retirement of Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin triggered a competitive campaign, with 10 Democrats and 6 Republicans in the race. Furious fundraising and sharp elbows marked the contest, which has tested the influence of Democratic Gov. JB [...]

Girlfriend of suspect in Trudy Appleby's murder waives hearing in other case

A woman court documents refer to as the girlfriend of the suspect in Trudy Appleby's murder has waived a preliminary hearing in Rock Island County Court, according to court records. Destiny Hopwood, 24, of Milan, is listed in Henry County Court documents as the girlfriend of Jamison Fisher, who faces three charges of murder and [...]

Bipartisan Iowa survey results show support for state-wide nutrition assistance

A recent survey in Iowa shows bi-partisan support for programs that make food more accessible.Results show that more than 70% of Iowans think food insecurity is a concern. Food pantries across the state want lawmakers to pass legislation to address the issue. "Iowans want proactive, responsible programs that feed the community," said Chris Ford, CEO [...]

Bettendorf to replace stolen 'Skipper' statue at Leach Park

Bettendorf police were notified on Feb. 3, 2025, that the statue of a child skipping rocks was missing.

Illinois voters pick next generation after near-record retirements

UPDATE: Chad Koppie wins Republican nomination for U.S. House in Illinois' 7th Congressional District. UPDATE: Mike Quigley wins Democratic nomination for U.S. House in Illinois' 5th Congressional District. EARLIER UPDATE: Illinois voters decided primaries Tuesday for six open U.S. House and Senate seats that will spur a new generation of leadership in the state's heavily Democratic [...]

LIVE: 2026 Illinois primary election results

Iowa moves to restrict governor's powers during emergency

An amendment introduced to House File 2694 in Iowa would restrict the governor's actions during an emergency. The move is a response to restrictions put in place at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Kim Reynolds included religious services in a temporary ban on gatherings of more than 10 people at that time. The [...]

Arizona AG files criminal charges against Kalshi over 'illegal gambling'

Arizona is the first state to allege the prediction market company has committed criminal violations, accusing it of running an unlicensed gambling operation.

Seed libraries now open at all three Rock Island Library locations

After a short snow delay, the Rock Island Public Library Seed Library collection is officially open as of Tuesday, March 17, at all three library locations: New this year, the library offers small seed catalogs at its Rock Island Southwest and Watts-Midtown Branches, in addition to the full seed collection at the Downtown Library. The [...]

Judge orders 1,000 Voice of America staffers back to work in rebuke to Kari Lake

A federal judge has ordered more than a thousand Voice of America staffers back to work by Monday. It's a major defeat for the Trump administration's effort to cut the news outlet to the bones.

Iowa bill could limit hiring of international workers at colleges

A bill moving through the Iowa legislature could change who colleges and universities in the state are allowed to hire.

Bethany’s QC Easter Egg Hunt returns March 29

The non-profit is doing their annual fundraiser on March 29 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Modern Woodmen Park in downtown Davenport. Admission is $5 per child. Pre-registration is required.

More snow heading into Quad Cities Tuesday night

It's NOT a repeat performance of Sunday night into Monday morning...let's just get that out there right off the bat! But, we do have some light snow coming in for late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning. Totals will be an inch or less across most of the area. Some roads could be covered with [...]

Geneseo siblings return to QCL after winning Food Network baking title

Geneseo siblings Abigail and Kenneth Wolf are returning to QCL after winning Food Network’s Baking Championship: Next Gen, where they topped 11 sibling teams in a month‑long national competition.

Princeton city council approves business development district

Princeton is moving forward with plans for a business district redevelopment plan.

Bethany for Children & Families to hold Easter egg hunt

The Easter egg hunt will take place at Modern Woodman Park on March 29.

Quad City Steamwheelers open season at home, focused on fresh start after a standout 2025 season

The indoor football team will have their first home game of the year on March 21 in Moline, saying they're excited to get back in front of their hometown fans.

Flower shop owners host class for local seniors

Sisters in Bloom hosted a class at the Good Samaritan Society in Davenport where local seniors got to assemble their own flower arrangements.

Illinois State Police trooper injured in Whiteside County crash

ISP officials said the trooper's vehicle was hit while stopped with their emergency lights active to assist a driver who'd slid off the roadway.

4 Illinois State Police squad car crashes in one day, including trooper injury in Whiteside County

The Illinois State Police reported four squad car crashes on Monday, three of them tied to violations of the state’s Move Over Law.

One Night of Queen, March 27

Ever since the 2018 musical bio-pic Bohemian Rhapsody won four Academy Awards and grossed more than $215 million domestic and $875 million worldwide, Freddie Mercury and Queen have been hotter than ever – which is sure to be proven by the raucous crowd response on March 27 when Moline's Vibrant Arena at the MARK pays tribute to the iconic British rockers in the stage spectacle One Night of Queen performed by Gary Mullen & the Works.

Chamber Music Quad Cities: “Americana/Austriana,” March 28

Closing Chamber Music Quad Cities' 2025-26 season at Davenport's Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Parish Hall with a rare Saturday-evening concert event, the ensemble's musical co-directors Gregory Sauer and Thomas Sauer lend their respective cello and piano talents to the March 28 program Americana/Austriana, the lauded brothers joined by violinist Salley Ko and violist Elizabeth Oakes for works by Joseph Haydn, Ludwig van Beethoven, Charles Ives, and Shawn Okpebholo.

Greg Wheeler & the Poly Mall Cops, March 29

Touring in support of their 2025 recording Slimephone Surveillance in which, according to Rebel Noise, "urgency bleeds into every track, giving the record a raw spark that feels both timely and timeless." the Des Moines-based Greg Wheeler & the Poly Mall Cops headline a March 29 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, the group having previously shared stages with the likes of Viagra Boys, Death Valley Girls, and Bob Log III.

Derek Monypeny and Kelby Clark, April 1

Touring in support of his most recent release Born (Free), multi-instrumentalist Derek Monypeny returns to Rock Island venue Rozz-Tox on April 1, joined on the night's bill by south Georgia native and Los Angeles-based banjo player Kelby Clark.

Bettendorf man sentenced to over 18 years for child pornography offense

A Bettendorf man was sentenced to over 18 years in federal prison for a child pornography offense. According to court records, Jacob Bertrand, 35, was on federal supervised release for a 2016 conviction for possession of child pornography. In October 2024, Bertrand had an unauthorized cell phone while residing at a Davenport residential reentry center. [...]

The Four C Notes, March 27

Noted for being the Midwest's only act expressly dedicated to recreating the music of Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons, the, Chicago-based tribute artists of The Four C Notes play a May 18 concert event at the University of Dubuque's Heritage Center. performing from a vast pop, rock, and ballad repertoire boasting such iconic smashes as “Sherry," “Big Girls Don’t Cry," “Walk Like A Man," "Let's Hang On," and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You."

Quad City Steamwheelers' home opener is this Saturday

The indoor football team is coming off an incredible 2025 season, where they ended as regular-season conference champions and received league honors.