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

Tuesday, February 17th, 2026
	Winter warm spell causes cancellation of Color the Wind Kite Festival in Clear Lake The Color the Wind Kite Festival in Clear Lake takes place on the lake's frozen surface, which has thinned near the shore due to unseasonably warm weather. The unsafe ice conditions have caused the event organizers to cancel this year’s festival.
	Rock Island schools deputy superintendent to resume position, district officials say Rock Island-Milan Deputy Superintendent Jeff Dase will return to work after being placed on paid administrative leave, district officials said.
	A new bill could give Chicago Bears the reason they need to stay in Illinois The Bears could see a key piece of their stadium project get to the floor in Springfield
	2001: Fire at old Cat plant causes major damage Feb. 18, 1976 • The Eldridge Bicentennial Committee, together with the Carl Jacobsen American Legion Post 639, announced a Memorial Day parade would be held in 1976. A special feature of the parade would be a bicycle decorating contest. • John Dierickx of rural Long Grove returned home from a volunteer mission trip to Guatemala. He traveled to the town of San Martin, one of many communities that had been devastated by an earthquake. Approximately 1,200 were killed in the town, which had a population of 5,000 before the disaster. Dierickx made the trip with Ed Michel of Moline and Dr. Larry Webster of Bettendorf and helped with medical treatment and cleanup. “You just cannot comprehend human suffering until you’ve observed it firsthand,” he said. • The 19th annual Lard Baking Contest would be a family affair for the Fletchers of rural Princeton. Mrs. Eldon (Helen) Fletcher, her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Jim (Janet) Fletcher, and granddaughter, Annette, would all be entering. Helen and Janet entered for the first time in 1975 and won first place in the casserole and peanut butter cookie divisions, respectively. Annette would be baking for the first time this year in the junior division. The contest was set for Feb. 26 at the Starlite Ballroom, Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds. • The North Scott boys’ basketball team upset Central DeWitt, 57-33, putting a huge dent in the Sabers chances of winning an undisputed league title. The Sabers were now tied with Clinton-St. Mary’s in the Big Bend Conference standings. The Lancers also dropped a close game to Davenport West, 59-57. • North Scott wrestlers John Steffen (HWT), Jim Goodin (112) and Randy Lage (126) all advanced to the district meet at Bettendorf, following their performance at the sectional meet in Cedar Rapids. Feb. 19, 1986 • Residents across Scott County were recuperating from a Type B influenza outbreak that was continuing to increase school absenteeism. Figures showed that 1,750 school-aged children were absent during the week of Feb. 10-14, up 371 from the week prior. Carmine Rocco, Scott County director of disease prevention and health promotion, said it could take another four to five weeks for the outbreak to peter out. • The Eldridge Planning & Zoning Commission was expected to consider a zoning request by Perris Village Apartments, LP, to rezone a vacant plot of land at North Second and Donahue streets to multi-family residential. The group planned to build a three-building complex with one and two-bedroom apartments. Originally, Perris Village had planned to build a retirement complex behind the condominiums on East Iowa Street. City administrator Don Sandor said the new buildings would have preference for elderly residents, but there was no guarantee the apartments would only be rented to older people. • Fifteen North Scott seniors were named “State of Iowa Scholars,” including Kurt Andersen, Ericka Arvidson, Deborah Carstensen, Dean DeCock, Christine Hawes, Karen Minor, Kristi Musal, Brent Ohl, Christine Pittman, Susan Stapleton, Susan Staudt, Sara Stephens, Geri Van Ryswyk, Lori West and Craig Whitaker. They were selected based on their class rank and ACT scores. • Twins Raleigh and Roman Kraft of Walcott were celebrating their 80th birthdays. They were born in 1906 on a farm near Walcott and had engaged in farming. The brothers married twin sisters Ruth and Ruby Martens on Aug. 19, 1941. • Renee Braet, daughter of Jim and Connie Braet of rural Eldridge, won first place in the 12–13-year-old girls’ division of the Davenport Elks Hoop Shoot. Feb. 21, 2001 • The Eldridge Fire Department got unwelcome news, as the Eldridge City Council trimmed more than $3,200 from the department’s funding request, leaving the city’s contribution at $73,835. The department had already been cutting costs because the city did not increase its funding during the 2000-2001 budget process. This led to a confrontation at the city council meeting, as the department’s board of trustees had already approved a budget based on their original funding request. Mayor Larry Rauch said the department ought to thank the council for the money it was giving. “Larry, why don’t you say thank for the job we do with the funds we have?” countered assistant fire chief Brian Dockery. “To protect this town, $77,000 is cheap.” • As they prepared to hire a replacement for retiring county administrator Glen Erickson, the Scott County Board of Supervisors was hoping to keep the search close to home. Board chair Carol Schaefer said the board believed there were qualified local applicants. The position would be advertised locally until March 6, after which time an 11-member advisory board (including all five supervisors) would screen the candidates and conduct interviews. • Area firefighters fought a losing battle during a blaze at the River City Business Park, formerly the Caterpillar plant, in Mount Joy. One of the buildings was destroyed, and water was in short supply. A water tower on site was quickly drained, and waterlines feeding the fire hydrants were too narrow to deliver water as fast as needed. Meanwhile, smoke could reportedly be seen as far away as Moline. • The North Scott wrestling team won its third straight district title and qualified a record eight wrestlers for the state tournament: Adam Claussen (103), Brian Claeys (112), Travis Claussen (135), Greg Green (140), Jason Blocker (160), Jared Hamilton (171), Jon Griggs (189) and Tom Power (275). Green became just the third three-time state qualifier in school history, joining Sean Stender and Kyle Billups. He also picked up his 100th career victory at the district meet. • Trent Petersen, son of Joan and Steve Petersen of Eldridge, got to serve as principal for a day at Ed White Elementary School. He won the honor in a drawing of students who participated in pizza sales for Market Day. Meanwhile, principal John Langenhan took Petersen’s place in Mrs. Weiman’s third grade classroom for the day. Feb. 23, 2011 • U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley met Scott County residents during a town hall at the Eldridge Community Center. Topics included the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, term limits, Social Security, the national debt, farm subsidies, the federal prison in Thomsen, Ill., funding for mental health, PBS, Planned Parenthood, and college grants. More than 125 people attended the event. • Drew Webb became the new minister of music at Cornerstone Baptist Church. He and his family moved to Eldridge from California, where he attended seminary and served at a church in Antioch. “When you come across the job that has everything that you are and appeals to all the different aspects of who you are in your heart and what drives you and you connect with the people, you realize that is where you are supposed to be. That’s what has brought us from California to Iowa,” said Webb. • North Scott Junior High presented its annual musical, “Friday Knight Fever.” Cast members included Ali Watkins, Rylee Claussen, Grant Fahrenkrug, Izzy Conner, Katerine Parker-Birtell, Sydney Stoker, Maddy VanDeSompele, Ashley Murphey, Missy Black, Ryan Paustian, Chad Schafer, Krik Kreiter, Elizabeth Ferry and Jacob Iossi. • Brandon Voss chucked a half-court buzzer beater to down MAC leader Davenport West in the Falcons’ Nest, 48-45. “Seeing it go through the air, it looked good for the most part. It looked like it was going to be close, and I guess it was close enough,” said Voss after the game. Coach Shamus Budde said the team occasionally tried for half-court shots in practice. “I don’t like it because the guys are just joking and messing around all the time. I’m definitely not saying it’s good coaching. It’s just something for the guys to have fun and act like they are in second grade. I guess it paid off tonight.” • Ben Nagle was runner-up at 215 at the state wrestling meet, and Adam Perrin became the first four-time place winner in school history, taking third at 130. Freshman Mitch Bowman (145) placed eighth. Feb. 17, 2021 • A seemingly never-ending winter was keeping Scott County road crews busy. So far, they had been out for 48 days straight. “It’s like Groundhog Day for our motorgrader operators,” said county engineer Angie Kersten. “They’re out there all day picking ice off, then go back the next day and it’s the same thing all over.” • Nick and Brittany Edwards bought Helium Trampoline Park in Eldridge, renaming it The Play Station. The park had opened in October of 2016, and the Edwards’ planned to keep the familiar trampolines and climbing walls, and add a play maze, slides and other interactive features that worked well at their other facility in Cedar Rapids. • Customers at Cabos Cantina & Grille in Eldridge were supporting the owners after employee Francisco “Chispa” Vasquez was killed in a car accident in Moline. More than 75 people contributed about $6,000 to a GoFundMe campaign to help send Vasquez’s remains back home to Mexico. Cabos owner Angeles Torres said they were grateful for the support and stunned by the tragedy. “He was always a very happy person,” she said of Vasquez. “He knew so many people and he really knew how to treat people. He made friends so quickly everywhere he went.” • Scott County was looking to resume summer park programming, although conservation director Roger Kean said he was also being mindful of pandemic precautions. As he encouraged employees to get their COVID vaccines, he said his department was also keeping an eye on infection rates. But they were also mindful of the fact there would likely be an interest in outdoor activities. “With size restrictions going away, we can anticipate more interest in shelters and campgrounds,” Kean said. • The North Scott wrestling team qualified eight for state, including district champions Trace Gephart (113), Josh Connor (138), Peyton Westlin (145), AJ Petersen (182) and Joey Petersen (195). Also headed for Des Moines were Deven Strief (160), Seth Madden (170) and Cael Straley (126).
	Davenport woman holds world record for largest collection of spoons at 38,000 pieces Cammie Pohl owns the Mississippi Spoon Gallery in Davenport and has made history with her collection.
	Bill to end vaccine requirements in schools is reckless, deadly Among the many misguided and dangerous GOP proposals to make it through House subcommittee approval this session, HF2171 is by far the most reckless. But of course, the session is not yet over. HF2171 proposes to eliminate immunization requirements for children entering childcare centers as well as elementary and secondary schools. This includes vaccines against preventable diseases, such as diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, measles and varicella. Not just foolish, deadly. Moreover, this proposal would remove the reporting requirements now in place. So, parents will no longer have access to reliable information about the level and nature of disease exposure their children will encounter when they answer the morning bell. Despite what you might hear around the Capitol, there are compelling, science-based reasons why the American Academy of Pediatrics “strongly recommends immunizations as the safest and most cost-effective way of preventing disease, disability and death.” Parents should consult with pediatricians, not state legislators, for medical advice to protect the health of their children and all Iowa’s children. It’s not about making a point. Supporters of this uninformed proposal argue that HF2171 ends government overreach into personal health decisions. Ironically, these are many of the same people who argue that women don’t have the authority to manage their own reproductive health. Nor, they insist, are parents permitted to seek gender-affirming care for their own children. Seemingly, the rules are fluid. In the meantime, where are we again on Affordability? Economic Growth? Water Quality? Unemployment Rates? Health Care Access? Education Funding?
	Public Safety aims for bail reform This week, as chair of the Public Safety Committee, I focused on advancing key pieces of legislation aimed at making Iowa safer and stronger. I firmly believe public safety must always come first. That’s why I moved House Study Bill 641 forward. It is a practical, common-sense step toward safer communities and a bail system that Iowa families can trust to keep repeat offenders off the streets. This week, Republicans on the Public Safety Committee advanced House Study Bill 641. This bill brings needed consistency, transparency, and accountability to Iowa’s bail system. Bail should be consistent across Iowa. It should reflect the seriousness of the crime. And above all, it should protect the public. HSB 641 sets clear, statewide standards for how bail is determined. Judges must follow the bond amount listed on the warrant unless there is a compelling reason to change it. If change is made, it must be explained, in writing. This creates transparency and prevents wide differences from county to county. The bill also limits who can be released without posting bail. Only those charged with nonviolent, non-drug misdemeanors would qualify. Those accused of violent crimes, weapons offenses, or drug-related crimes would be required to post bail before release. For the most serious crimes, the standard bond schedule would no longer automatically apply. A judge would need to carefully evaluate the case, and the risk to the public before release. House Republicans voted to move this bill forward because public safety comes first. HSB 641 is a practical step toward keeping our communities safer. Democrats voted against the bill in committee and even offered an amendment to remove everything from the bill except an updated bond schedule. If House Democrats were in charge criminals would continue to be released, with no consistent standards, and many times with little to no bail. Iowa families deserve a bail system that is consistent, transparent, and focused on safety. HSB 641 moves Iowa in that direction. Several bills advance from agriculture committee The House Agriculture Committee was active this week on a half-dozen topics. They included: thoroughbred and quarter horse racing, farm-raised shellfish, diesel exhaust fluid (DEF), a grain indemnity audit fix, liability protection from greenhouse gas lawsuits (which the committee chair has dubbed the “cow-gas” bill), and a water quality bill requiring the Department of Natural Resources to do DNA testing of fecal bacteria to know its source. House Study Bill 684, on DEF, mandates that original farm equipment manufacturers must make available to owners, lessees, or licensees the same diagnostic and repair information, technical updates, embedded software, replacement parts, and diagnostic repair tools for DEF systems as they provide to authorized repair providers. The bill prohibits manufacturers from imposing unfair restrictions or additional burdens on access to these materials and voids any contractual waiver of these rights. The attorney general is granted rulemaking and enforcement authority, and violations are classified as unfair or deceptive trade practices, subject to civil penalties. House Study Bill 693 (Cow-Gas) creates protections for defendants in Iowa from civil or criminal liability for any alleged actual or potential effects on climate resulting from greenhouse gas emissions. The immunity applies to emissions from agricultural and renewable fuel sources, as well as specific gases listed in the bill. Liability is only possible if it is clearly proven that the defendant violated an enforceable statutory limitation or a valid, enforceable permit term related to greenhouse gas emissions. The bill does not create any new right to sue for climate effects and applies regardless of the type of relief sought. Plaintiffs must meet strict evidentiary standards when alleging damages or injury from greenhouse gas emissions. Contact As a reminder, I was elected to represent you. I encourage you to email me at mike.vondran@legis.iowa.gov with your insights and perspectives. I am dedicated to you and making sure you have a voice in the People's House.
	Da Bears in Da-venport? This week marked the fifth week of the legislative session, and the Capitol rotunda remained busy with visitors and advocates. With our first legislative deadline approaching next week, much of our time continues to be focused on subcommittee and committee meetings as we work through proposals for the year. A wide range of legislation is being filed and debated, including several department bills. One proposal discussed this week was the Iowa Farm Act, which is designed to expand economic opportunities for Iowa farmers, strengthen and protect agritourism, improve response efforts for animal disease outbreaks, and support the long-term vitality of rural communities. Another bill that drew significant attention and one I am happy to sponsor was Senate File 2252, aimed at attracting the Chicago Bears to build a new stadium in Iowa. The proposal would expand an existing state economic development program to include professional football stadiums. Iowa has worked for years to become more competitive and business-friendly, while other states have moved in the opposite direction. We believe an investment of this size could generate tourism, create jobs, and enhance entertainment opportunities across the state. In addition to committee work, the Senate held its first floor debate of the year on Tuesday. The first bill considered, SF 2096, updates foster parent training requirements by allowing for more competency-based training and eliminating redundancies in the application process, while maintaining background checks and proper screening. The measure is a step toward modernizing Iowa’s foster care system and expanding opportunities for prospective foster parents. The bill passed with a vote of 37–9. The second bill debated was SF 2201, the Senate Republican proposal for K–12 education funding for the upcoming fiscal year. The plan increases funding by nearly $100 million, bringing total state spending on K–12 education to $4.35 billion. Under the proposal, the state would provide $8,133 per student, not including federal or local funding. When all funding sources are included, total investment exceeds $19,200 per student. This proposal reflects a commitment to education, fiscal responsibility, and reducing property tax burdens by increasing the state’s share of education funding. As the first legislative deadline nears, new proposals continue to arrive daily. I encourage constituents to reach out with questions or concerns by email or through the Senate switchboard. Open and respectful dialogue, whether in agreement or disagreement, remains an important part of the legislative process.
	Sports gambling brings tax dollars This week at the Capitol, the House continued work on budget discussions, tax policy, and legislation impacting Iowa families and businesses. Below is an update on several issues that moved forward this week. Gaming revenues up January was a cold month in Iowa, but that did not deter activity at the state’s casinos or in sports wagering. For January, state casinos paid $25.462 million in gaming tax—about $100,000 more than January 2025. Through the first seven months of Fiscal Year 2026, collections total $176 million, down less than $3 million compared to last year. This remains ahead of the Revenue Estimating Conference’s forecast of a $12 million decline. The slight decrease is largely attributed to the final phase-out of the tax on promotional play. January sports wagering tax collections also remained strong. The state collected $1.87 million for the month, $125,000 more than last January. Through seven months, sports wagering receipts total $12.2 million—$2.4 million (24.56%) ahead of last year. The state is on track to exceed $20 million in sports wagering revenue this fiscal year. Next month’s receipts will help determine available funding for infrastructure priorities as budget subcommittees continue their work. Weekly capitol recap As we approach Funnel Week, committees have been meeting frequently to move priority legislation forward. The Commerce and Public Safety Committees each met twice this week as we worked through bills ahead of upcoming deadlines. I also had the opportunity to meet with Speaker Grassley and members of the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce to discuss issues impacting our region. Additionally, I welcomed visitors from Americans for Prosperity to the Capitol for conversations on key policy priorities. As always, I appreciate hearing from constituents and stakeholders as we continue our work this session.
	Cancer is an all-Iowa problem, requiring all-Iowa solutions Recently, my colleague, Senator Catelin Drey, rose on the Senate floor to announce she had been diagnosed with uterine cancer. Catelin is an otherwise healthy woman in her 30s. Her predecessor, Senator Rocky De Witt, passed away in 2025 after a lengthy fight against pancreatic cancer. He was just 66. What makes cancer unique among the many issues, obstacles, and crises Iowans face on any given day is its impartiality. Cancer isn’t restricted by any socioeconomic or demographic factors. It doesn’t care about your education, your bank account, or your zip code. It’s not bothered by your age, who you voted for, or what you do for work. Cancer is a menace that touches us all in one way or another. By now, we all know the stats – second highest rate in the country, only growing rate. It’s an all-Iowa problem that requires an all-Iowa solution. And it will get even worse if we fail, right now, to meet this moment. Channel every person you know whom cancer has impacted as you consider how best to tackle this crisis that has been building for decades. We can focus on three separate, but essential, areas: prevention, treatment, and research. To help prevent cancer, we must address risk factors. The Legislature can take some concrete steps to lower exposure risk going forward. • We can better regulate the use of tanning beds in Iowa. UnityPoint Health reports that using tanning beds before age 35 increases your risk of developing malignant melanoma by 75%. There is a bill up for consideration in the Senate that would require parental approval for anyone under the age of 18 to use a tanning bed. • We can work to disincentivize vaping and tobacco use, especially by young people, to combat rising lung cancer rates. • We can do much more with radon detection and mitigation around the state. When it comes to treatment, we couldn’t find ourselves at a better moment in history. Scientific advances make patient care more manageable every year. Hospitals like UIHC employ some of the best and brightest medical minds in the world. But in order to reach every corner of the state, from urban to rural, we need a renewed focus on bringing in and retaining new waves of skilled nurses, doctors, and medical professionals who see our state as a worthwhile destination to practice. We must invest in an Iowa that values education; an Iowa in which medical students, residents, and practitioners alike want to build a future for themselves and their families. We have to make childcare more accessible, housing more affordable, and lower costs to make it easier to build a comfortable life in Iowa. Finally, we must invest in cancer research here at home. We can’t continue to rely solely on fickle and fluctuating federal NIH grants. We have to build our own research funding pipeline. The Holden Cancer Center is the gold standard for scientific research in Iowa, and its work benefits the whole state. Last year, $1 million was allocated to cancer research funding. While our researchers in Iowa City put the money to good use, it was a drop in the bucket. This step is precarious and will require patience. The state budget is a mess and digging ourselves out of the hole won’t happen overnight. But I think Iowans would take cancer research funding over a corporate tax giveaway any day. None of this will be easy. Nothing cancer-related ever is. But we can’t continue down this path while Iowans of every stripe suffer needlessly. Let’s make “the wave” at every Hawkeye football game mean something concrete for our future: by taking action now, future generations can look back with pride that Iowans rose as one to wave goodbye to cancer for good.
	Let's turn cancer data into hope Cancer touches nearly every family in Iowa. More than one in 20 Iowans has received a cancer diagnosis, and our state has one of the highest rates of new cancer cases in the nation. Those numbers are not abstractions. They are neighbors, coworkers, parents, and children. As chair of the Iowa Senate Health and Human Services Committee, I believe we owe Iowans not only honesty about these facts, but a clear plan to act on them. Last year, the Iowa Legislature took an important first step by passing legislation directing a comprehensive study into what is driving cancer in our state. Working with Iowa Health and Human Services and the University of Iowa College of Public Health, this effort recognizes a simple truth: cancer is not caused by one thing. It is a puzzle made up of behavioral factors like smoking and alcohol use, environmental exposures such as radon and arsenic, and genetic risks that vary across communities. Initial results released this week dive into the four cancers that drive Iowa’s above-average rates: prostate, lung, breast, and melanoma (skin). The mapping exercise also included colorectal cancer due to its prevalence. In four of those five cancers, we see relatively good news that Iowa’s higher rates come in early stage—and therefore more treatable—cancer diagnoses, and cancer deaths are not higher than the rest of the country. The one outlier is lung cancer, where Iowa is highest in the most advanced stage of cancer, and mortality tragically exceeds national levels, with 25% of cancer deaths in Iowa attributed to lung cancer. This work is about turning facts into solutions and Iowa has secured a major opportunity to accelerate progress. Through the federal Rural Health Transformation Grant authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, our state has been awarded $209 million to support the Healthy Hometown initiative. This investment will strengthen rural health systems, expand access to care, and directly support cancer screening, prevention, and treatment—particularly in the areas where the data shows the need is greatest. Healthy Hometowns is not a theoretical plan. Combating cancer starts with screening, and our new strategy removes the barriers to these tests. Whether it is providing radon mitigation to fight lung cancer, funding MRIs for breast cancer follow-ups, or utilizing telehealth for skin cancer checks, Iowa is streamlining the path from detection to treatment. These federal dollars give us momentum, and it is our responsibility to use them well. That brings me to the work ahead in the legislature this year. Our first priority is to codify key elements of the Healthy Hometowns grant into state policy, so Iowa remains eligible for continued federal funding in future years. Just as important, we must ensure there are no unnecessary delays in getting these resources into action. Iowans cannot afford to wait while dollars sit on paper instead of reaching clinics, providers, and patients. As we continue to assess results from the cancer study, we will also consider additional policy options. Those will include reviewing regulations around tanning bed use for minors, examining tobacco taxes and cessation efforts, encouraging access to healthier foods, and other measures tied directly to the data. Not every idea will be right, and not every solution will be legislative. But we are committed to following the facts where they lead. Equally important is how we communicate about cancer. Iowa has some of the nation’s highest rates in known cancer risk factors such as binge drinking, obesity, and eating less than one serving of vegetables a day. But information alone does not change behavior. Trust does. As we move forward, we must ask not only what we say, but who is best positioned to say it. Often, the most effective messengers are close to home: local public health professionals, medical providers, teachers, employers, faith leaders, and even respected voices in local businesses or community life. Our goal in Iowa must be to increase hope and access, not anxiety. We can respect personal freedom while still providing clear, credible information that empowers people to make decisions for themselves and their families. Words matter. Tone matters. And compassion matters. Cancer is a complex challenge, but it is not an unsolvable one. In the legislature, we often talk about making Iowa the best state to live, work and raise a family. With strong data, strategic investment, thoughtful policy, and trusted community partnerships, Iowa can bend the curve.
	Welcome or unwelcome? In response to “What makes Iowa a welcoming place—or what doesn’t,” NSP 2/4. Noah, I wanted to respond to your editorial about Iowa—welcome or unwelcome. I started to think about how the Iowa I moved to in 1984 was different than the Iowa I live in now. I don't know that I would choose Iowa right now if I didn't already live here. You cite affordability as an asset, and I think for a young person, that is probably true. You also make a point of pointing out that you have the privilege of being white and straight, in a state that is slowly chipping away at the rights of people who are not white, male, straight. Here are some things about Iowa that make it unwelcoming, and that you probably will think about if you stay and start to raise a family here: Our governor is the most unpopular governor in the country, according to a survey from Morning Consult done in late 2025. Lucky for us she's almost done, but how bad are you to be the worst of 50?! Iowa has the second highest cancer incidence rate in the US for the third consecutive year, according to the 2025 Cancer in Iowa report. On February 5, the governor reportedly announced that she would introduce legislation to increase taxes on tobacco products and hemp and vape products that will encourage healthier behaviors in Iowa. We'll see what happens with that. Maybe use your influence (?) in Washington to stop cutting money for medical research? But what do I know. Iowa has traditionally been known for high-ranking schools, and ranking varies by report, but recent data suggests that Iowa's rankings have dropped, with concerns about chronic absenteeism and declining math scores. And Noah? If you start a family, be aware that in 2026, Iowa lawmakers are advancing legislation to remove vaccination requirements for children attending licensed daycare centers, and elementary and secondary schools. Medical professionals warn that it risks the health of children and the community. I cannot fathom what they are thinking. And if your future wife needs reproductive health services? Feb. 6, a new bill was introduced in the Iowa legislature to criminalize abortion at any stage of a pregnancy. If she needs or wants to terminate a pregnancy, she could be charged with murder. Really, Iowa lawmakers? And if your future kids are in school amidst the certain outbreaks of diseases from the no vaccination bill—if the recent bill prohibiting public schools from teaching about LGBTQ-related topics and gender identity (the "Don't Say Gay" law) passes, be prepared to explain to your kids what that means. So, Noah, welcome to Iowa. I know you're settling in well. But keep your eyes and ears open, as a true, responsible journalist. Judi Sarafin Eldridge
	Talking halftime show Several Republican members of Congress have called for an investigation into the Super Bowl LVI halftime show. Representative Andy Ogles characterized the performance as “pure smut, brazenly aired on national television for every American family to witness. The performance’s lyrics openly glorified unspeakable depravities.” He has requested that the Energy and Commerce Committee take action against the NFL and NBC. Ogles further stated, “American culture will not be mocked or corrupted without consequence.” Representative Mark Alford of Missouri stated that he is reviewing Bad Bunny’s lyrics, which he described as “disturbing.” Neither Ogles nor Alford speaks Spanish. Bad Bunny’s performance attracted an audience of 130 million viewers. He has sold over 5 million albums in the United States, During Turning Point USA’s alternative event, The All-American Halftime Show, Kid Rock, known for his song “Cool, Daddy Cool,” which contains the lyrics “Young ladies, young ladies, I like ‘em underage / See, some say that’s statutory / But I say it’s mandatory,” faced criticism from country music artists. On The Daily Show, Jon Stewart remarked, “Why... is it the Super Bowl halftime entertainer’s job to unify the country? In what world is that their job? Oh, isn’t there another person whose job description is much more along those lines?” Prior to the event, social media influencer Jake Paul criticized the selection of a “foreigner” as the headliner and advocated for a U.S. citizen instead. He has recently modified his comment. His older brother, Logan Paul, reminded followers that “Puerto Ricans are Americans,” and stated, “I’m happy they were given the opportunity to showcase the talent that comes from the island.” Puerto Rico holds a special tax status under U.S. law. In 2021, Logan and Jake Paul relocated to the island to avoid, as they stated, California's high taxes. James Turley Eldridge
	Dixon Legion reopened We the friends of the Dixon Legion are happy to announce that, after a weeklong transition, we are reopening the Dixon Legion. We would like to thank Pat Reese, her husband Bob, and the entire Reese family for decades of management of the Legion. It’s greatly appreciated. We hope to keep the legion up and going for the Dixon area and beyond. Please come out and support our fish and chicken dinner on Friday, Feb. 20. —Friends of the Dixon Legion
	Words from history Here are some similar words written by a famous author: “There is terror in the streets. People are being dragged from their homes, families are being separated.” Anne Frank January 1945 Fast forward: There is chaos in our streets. People are being dragged from their homes, families are being separated. February 2026 Will Old Glory be replaced by a swastika? Marilyn Whitaker Eldridge
	When one falls, the Lancers continue The highs and lows of bowling were on full display at this year’s Class 2A individual state meet. On one hand, momentum from a first-time qualification surged into a career-jolting state medal finish. And on the other, aspirations of a repeat title came to a devastating end. Emotions were split in the Lancer camp as morning turned to afternoon last Wednesday at Cadillac XBC in Waterloo. In her first appearance at state, junior Skylar Shalack rolled her way to a sixth-place finish. Senior Lindy Dhuse, the defending state champion, fell victim to the dastardly cut line. That cut line — a score of 658 — was the talk of the alley. An almost inconceivably high bar to clear, that mark was 57 more than last season’s 2A cut line. Further, it was more than 50 points higher than both the Class 1A and 3A cut lines from this year’s competition. Shalack managed to fly over it in her three-game seeding round series of 677 (206-216-255). Dhuse, finishing in ninth place, missed by one slot and 11 points with her 647 series (236-223-188). “The scores were crazy, from the top of 696 all the way down,” Lancer coach Marie Tharp said. “It was a tough house. I was talking to a girl from LeMars. She shot a 633, which is usually pretty decent, and she didn’t make the cut. It was a tough house with 32, but when the top eight showed up, those were the elite eight.” Sky’s the limit Shalack earned her medal by consistently being above 200 all day, including a 255 explosion in her final seeding round game to boost herself into bracket play. There, she was the No. 4 seed. After falling to No. 5 seed Emily Whitehead of Clinton, the eventual champion, in the quarterfinals, Shalack went 1-1 in the consolation bracket to finish sixth. “My goal was just to get into state qualifying. Whatever happens here, I’m happy with,” Shalack said. “Top eight, oh my gosh, I did not expect that at all. I’m so happy with the outcome, and I still have another year left. I’m pretty proud.” Shalack’s 255 game in the seeding round was North Scott’s high game for the whole season, and the third-best game thrown in the 2A tournament. Eight of her first nine frames went for strikes. At one point during the game, walking back from the line, Shalack said, “I don’t know where this is coming from, but I like it.” “Every time I talked to her, she was super calm,” Tharp said. “This is her first time, and it can be nerve-wracking. She threw a good ball all day long, and that’s what it takes. If she had a bad shot, or had a split, she came back, stayed with it, and made up for it.” Keeping a cool head was critical as conditions changed throughout the day. As the bowling balls affected oil patterns on the lanes, precise adjustments were necessary to stay in the pocket. “The comment was made prior to the tournament that the lane conditions would be pretty standard, but the transition was going to be fast. That came from the state,” Tharp said. “With the transition being fast, you’re going to have to move quickly. “Skylar filled the frames. She moved. We told her you don’t have to make big adjustments. Maybe one step up or a little bit right or left. She moved with it pretty quickly.” Shalack admitted the nerves picked up in bracket play, where a change was implemented for this year. No longer a best-of-three, bowlers only get one game to best their opponent. “The first three games, I was fine. Once I threw my first ball, I was fine,” Shalack said. “But going against Emily, my nerves were high. I knew her and I wanted the best for both of us. Knowing I lost to her and she’s the champion makes me feel so much better. After I got that out of the way, and couldn’t make the top four anymore, I was OK.” In the consolation semifinals, Shalack upset Oskaloosa’s Sidney Thompson 214-186 after the top seed was bounced in the quarterfinals. Another conference frenemy, No. 2 seed Trinity Flower of Davenport North, awaited Shalack in the fifth-place match. Flower narrowly won, 214-205. “It’s definitely hard because you get one game and it’s done,” Shalack said. “You have a bad frame, nothing you can do. They strike out, there’s nothing you can do. You just bowl your best.” ‘The top eight really did deserve it’ Dhuse started even better than Shalack in the seeding round with games of 236 and 223. She was in fifth place entering the third game. Ending on a 188, while not inherently a bad score, was not enough on this day. All of the eventual top eight scorers posted a 215 or better over their final 10 frames. “To come up ninth is like the worst spot. It’s a very hard thing to wrap your head around when it’s only a couple of pins away from the cut line,” Dhuse said. “I’d string a few (strikes) together, but then I’d go back into spare, spare, spare. I picked up my spares. I only missed two makeables, and left a split. A lot of people say spares get you into cut. Yes, they do, but you have to be able to strike when you need it. It’s frustrating, but it happens. “With how high the scores were, it was a very demanding day. But we’d rather have that than it be an easy day to get in. I’d rather have to work for it and push myself.” From the onset, the scores were massive. Thompson, the eventual No. 1 seed, was nearly perfect in her first game. “I’m zoned in on my girls, but I’m also score watching, because that’s my job,” Tharp said. “The Oskaloosa girl, Sidney, she shot 289 the first game. A 696 for the series. She was throwing a phenomenal game. You can kind of see and watch what the competition is going to be.” Over half of the field, 18 girls, threw a 600 or better series in the seeding round. Keokuk’s Jaelynn Ketterer snuck into the eighth-place spot with her final game of 234, polishing a 658 series. It was a cruel twist of fate. Dhuse defeated Ketterer in last year’s state meet final. This year, Ketterer knocked Dhuse out. “The cut being 650 this year is insanely high. Every single girl that made the top eight really did deserve it,” Dhuse said. “It’s hard to not be there with them. It was nice to see a new champion crowned. I’m very happy for Emily from Clinton. It’s nice to get someone from the MAC conference. A lot of the MAC conference represented really well.” After the initial disappointment, Dhuse sat and cheered Shalack on, just as Shalack did for her last year, coming to the state meet as a fan. “Even though I couldn’t do it, to see her make a run was great,” Dhuse said. “I’m very proud of Skylar. She’s been working for it this year. “Skylar was throwing the ball really well and really consistently, getting stuff to fall and carry. When you’re throwing a good ball and you get a good reaction, it helps build your confidence. Coach Kate (Wolfram) says that strikes are contagious, and Skylar had that.” Dhuse’s story in bowling is far from over. She will be back at Cadillac XBC in just a few months as a member of the Wartburg women’s bowling team. Her future Knights coaches were in attendance on Wednesday to watch Dhuse bowl in her last high school meet. Even though it was not the ending she wanted, Dhuse will graduate as a Lancer legend as the school’s second state bowling champion. Coming to North Scott from across the river in Illinois, moving before the start of her junior year, she has bowled two of the best seasons in school history. “Being a new person in a new high school as a junior, that’s a challenging transition. She stepped into the bowling program with ease, and ran it all the way to the top her first year,” Tharp said. “It’s heartbreaking she didn’t make the top eight this year. But she left her mark with North Scott. “Two years qualifying. State champ. And now she’s going to go to Wartburg and represent North Scott there. I’m so proud of Lindy. I’m going to miss her. She’s an amazing bowler and an amazing young lady.”
	View the Eldridge Police report from the Feb. 18 NSP! MONDAY, FEB. 9 1:12 a.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 100 block of South Blanche Drive. 6:55 a.m. — Report of an alarm sounding in the 600 block of East LeClaire Road. Keyholder contacted. Handled by officer. 9:17 a.m. — Assisted a resident stuck in a car wash bay in the 500 block of East LeClaire Road. Handled by officer. 7:26 p.m. — Assisted a resident in the 700 block of West Sheridan Drive. Handled by officer. 10:22 p.m. — Removed a tarp from the roadway near North 9th Avenue and East LeClaire Road. Handled by officer. TUESDAY, FEB. 10 6:38 a.m. — Report taken for a single vehicle accident near South Buttermilk and West Lincoln roads. 10:39 a.m. — Performed a welfare check in the 500 block of South 2nd Street. Handled by officer. 11:08 a.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 200 block of West Grove Street. 11:44 a.m. — Report of a smoke alarm going off in the 200 block of South 1st Street. The complaint was unfounded. Handled by officer. 3:27 p.m. — Removed tree branches from the roadway near South 1st Street and Slopertown Road. Handled by officer, 5:07 p.m. — Ashley Stoltenberg, 39, of McCausland, was arrested for driving under suspension and cited for operating a non-registered vehicle, following a traffic stop near South Scott Park and East Lincoln roads. 6:40 p.m. — Assisted another agency with a civil issue in the 200 block of South 5th Street. 7:51 p.m. — Report taken for a disturbance in the 200 block of South 1st Street. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 11 7:40 a.m. — Performed a welfare check in the 300 block of North 9th Street. Handled by officer. 12:16 p.m. — Complaint of a dog running loose near West Prairie Vista Drive and South 6th Street. The owner retrieved the animal. Handled by officer. 6:42 p.m. — Report of an alarm sounding in the 200 block of South 16th Avenue. Keyholder contacted. Handled by officer. THURSDAY, FEB. 12 4:57 a.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 200 block of East Price Street. 9:06 a.m. — Assisted another agency with an incident in the 100 block of North 2nd Street. Handled by officer. 9:22 a.m. — Two juveniles were charged with possession of a controlled substance, following an incident in the 3000 block of Victoria Street. 10:40 a.m. — Complaint of a grass fire in the 100 block of South 14th Avenue. It was a controlled burn. Handled by officer. 1:08 p.m. — Report taken for an accident between two vehicles in the 100 block of South Scott Park Road. 5:11 p.m. — Complaint of a reckless driver near South 2nd Street and West Sheridan Drive. Unable to locate. Handled by officer. 6:14 p.m. — Report of an alarm sounding in the 200 block of South 16th Avenue. Keyholder contacted. Handled by officer. FRIDAY, FEB. 13 12:17 p.m. — Complaint of a subject in the 900 block of East Blackhawk Trail being harassed. Handled by officer. 12:20 p.m. — Report of alarm sounding in the 800 block of East LeClaire Road. Keyholder contacted. Handled by officer. 3:06 p.m. — Report taken for a subject on Birchwood Drive being harassed. 6:08 p.m. — Report of an alarm sounding in the 200 block of South 16th Avenue. Keyholder contacted. Handled by officer. 8:49 p.m. — Report of an alarm sounding in the 100 block of South 14th Avenue. Keyholder contacted. Handled by officer. 11:10 p.m. — Complaint of suspicious activity in the 800 block of East Iowa Street. Handled by officer. SATURDAY, FEB. 14 12:55 a.m. — Complaint of a suspicious subject in the 1000 block of East Iowa Street. Handled by officer. 6:45 a.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 800 block of Stonebridge Circle. 12:44 p.m. — Complaint of a suspicious vehicle near East LeClaire and North Scott Park roads. Unable to locate. Handled by officer. 5:06 p.m. — Micahya Short, 21, of Chicago, Ill., was cited for no insurance after striking a parked vehicle in the 100 block of West Spring Street. 10:04 p.m. — Report taken for a dog bite in the 800 block of Stonebridge Circle. SUNDAY, FEB. 15 1:52 a.m. — Craig Portz, 71, of Clinton, was arrested for driving while barred and operating a non-registered vehicle, following a traffic stop on Highway 61. 1:57 p.m. — Complaint of subjects trespassing in the 2900 block of South 1st Street. Unable to locate. Handled by officer. 2:49 p.m. — Complaint of a subject trespassing in the 3600 block of South 1st Street. Handled by officer. 3:51 p.m. — Complaint of a reckless driver near West Spring and South 3rd streets. Handled by officer.
	Standing their ground As favorites, many wins and numerous state qualifiers were expected. It is, nonetheless, massively impressive how this group of Lancers continually raises the already lofty bar for this program. North Scott’s boys wrestling team is a back-to-back district champion, and is sending 11 of its 14 varsity members to Des Moines this week for the Class 3A state tournament. “It feels good to get a number like that,” Lancer coach Drew Kelly said. Four of his wrestlers won district titles, and three more qualified for state for the first time. “We lost some tough matches, but we also won some big ones. It gets tougher as the day goes on. I was proud of how we competed... In the same breath, we have three guys (who did not qualify) who put a lot of time in, not just during the season but also out of it; it’s hard for those guys. It’s always mixed emotions on district day.” Ankeny Centennial gave chase, but its 194 team points fell short of North Scott’s 211.5 winning score. Cedar Rapids Kennedy (151.5) and host Iowa City High (149.5) also pushed the top of the standings. Three of North Scott’s four district champions are repeat winners from last year: seniors Ben Lightle (157) and Cole Green (165), and junior Trey Feist (215), are back in the winner’s circle. Joining the group this year is freshman Zach Green, who walked off the mat from his district final with his 30th win of the season. He scored 31 match points across his two bouts on Saturday, winning by technical fall in the semifinals and major decision in the championship against Newton’s Aiden Robson. “It was a goal of mine to get to state. I came in, worked hard, and it has happened,” Zach said. “The level I’ve been able to wrestle at, which I wasn’t able to do last year, and those improvements I’ve been able to make, I’ve been really happy about that.” Some days, it is easy being green. This was one of them. Big brother Cole made easy work of his opponents too. He scored a 34-second semifinal pin and a 15-0 technical fall in the final against another Newton Cardinal, Lane Rozendaal. One of the notable storylines from North Scott’s regional duals on Feb. 3 was that Cole suffered his first loss of the season. He bounced back here, and is rolling into state. “I’ve lost before. A record is just a record,” Cole said. “I just want to wrestle freely and not have to worry about being undefeated.” Both brothers will head to Des Moines with podium aspirations, and Cole aims to improve upon his eighth-place finish last season. Both boys earned top 10 seeds in their respective brackets. In 3A-165, Cole is the No. 4 seed. In 3A-150, Zach is the No. 10 seed. “Those kids work hard. Super coachable. They compete as hard as anybody,” Kelly said. “They are some of the last guys in the room every single day. It’s fun when you invest like that, and go out and perform how you want to. A big day for those guys.” North Scott’s best finish at state last year, and its highest seed at this year’s tournament, is Feist. After finishing fifth a year ago, he comes in as the No. 2 seed this season. Feist won all three of his matches at districts via pin, although his semifinal against Ankeny Centennial’s Brandon Bogseth got dicey for a moment. “I had better days,” Feist admitted. “Coming off the second match, I pinned the kid, but I got hip-tossed. Other than by (Bettendorf’s Lincoln) Jipp, that’s the only time I’ve been on my back all year. That put me in a sour mood. But that last match felt really good.” Feist put a smile back on his face with a 90-second pin over Newton’s Nick Milburn in the championship. “He had a little scare in the semis, but you’re always learning. There are things he can take away from it. He’ll make the adjustments and be better next time out,” Kelly said. “The work ethic is there. He wants to get better, and he’s going to put all the time in. He’s got big goals for himself, and I’m excited for him.” North Scott has not put a wrestler in a state championship match since Collin Lewis won the 145-pound title in 2019. If seeds hold, Feist can become the 15th Lancer to wrestle for gold since 2000. And Feist himself did not shy away from what he wants at the end of this week. “It’s a great experience with the team. It’s fun to be up there. But ultimately, I’m excited to compete,” Feist said. “I would like to wrestle Jipp in the championship and get another shot at him.” Jipp defeated Feist in MAC duals and the MAC tournament final, accounting for two of Feists’ three losses this year. Jipp, one of the best pound-for-pound wrestlers in the state, is unsurprisingly the top seed in 3A-215 with a 44-0 record. En route, Feist could see No. 3 seed Camden Smith of Dubuque Hempstead, as well as Bogseth again, who is the No. 7 seed. For Lightle, Saturday’s event gave him a bit of redemption. After missing out on a three-peat at the conference tournament, Lightle reigned as district champion on Saturday. In the final, he defeated Davenport Central’s Brogan Ganshert by an 8-4 decision. Ganshert won the 157-pound MAC championship two weeks ago. “Putting the work in the room and showing it on the mat, it’s very satisfying,” Lightle said. “I never doubt myself. I’m always confident in my ability to wrestle. When I step on the mat, I know I’m the best, most conditioned wrestler here. It feels good to go out there and show my ability.” Against Ganshert, Lightle went up 8-0, and led by seven after two frames. Despite giving up two stalling penalty points to Ganshert in the third, Lightle was never taken down during the match. “I know he’d like to finish that a little bit, but I thought he wrestled a great match,” Kelly said. “At this time of year, everybody is dealing with a few things. Ben has a few things of his own. He did what he needed to do. He’s a warrior. He leaves it on the mat every time.” The only thing left for Lightle to accomplish in his career is to capture that elusive state medal. Lightle is the No. 10 seed and, if victorious in his first-round match, he will see No. 7 seed Ganshert again in the following round. In total, North Scott has six top 10 seeds at state, with sophomore Kepler Carmichael (175) and senior Will McDermott (138) checking in as No. 9 and No. 10 seeds, respectively. Carmichael went 2-1 at districts, falling in the final but winning a critical semifinal over Burlington’s Adrian Perez-Hall by a 13-4 major decision. This gave Carmichael a no-contest victory in the second-place match. McDermott placed third at districts, going 1-2. After a bye in the quarterfinal, McDermott secured his state spot with an 18-1 technical fall against Davenport Central’s Javonte Randle. Perhaps the most thrilling match of the afternoon came from junior Kade Kelly in the third-place match at 190. Kelly, down 6-1 against Samuel Williams of Cedar Rapids Jefferson, came back in the second period for an escape, takedown and pin to book his first-ever trip to Des Moines. Kade’s father, watching from behind the coaching chairs, did a rockstar-style jump when the whistle blew. “It’s tough coaching your kid, and I try not to. I pawn him off. I’m very fortunate to have the coaching staff we do,” Drew said. “Parents that have wrestlers, it’s a different thing watching your kid compete. “I’m excited for him. It was stressful this week. At the end of the day, he’s got to go out and do it. When he’s in the right frame of mind, wrestling aggressively, he does some nice things. I’m proud of him, yeah. A lot of different feelings, but proud he got it done.” Kelly is the No. 20 seed at 3A-190 and will start his tournament Wednesday evening against Ankeny’s Ryleigh Egeberg. Senior Cole Bruck at 113 is North Scott’s third and final first-time state qualifier, joining Kade Kelly and Zach Green. Bruck placed second at districts, and he punched his ticket after a quarterfinal bye and a semifinal win over Cameron Moeckly of Ankeny Centennial. He is the No. 15 seed at state. At 126, senior Matthew Williams is returning to the state tournament for the third time after narrowly missing his junior year. Williams went 2-1 and placed second at districts, pinning both of his quarterfinal and semifinal opponents in the first period. Williams is the No. 17 seed in his bracket. Senior Collin Kruse, also a three-time state qualifier, is heading back to Des Moines. He got an opportunity to wrestle for true second place, defeating Jimmy Milder of City High by a 19-3 technical fall. Kruse is the No. 15 seed at 3A-144. Lastly, junior Bryce Stewart is a state qualifier after finishing second at districts. He took the most dramatic route, surviving a sudden victory match in the quarterfinals and an ultimate tiebreaker in the semifinals. For his efforts this season, Stewart earned a No. 14 seed. “That’s the thing about our guys. It’s not just some of them. All of them work hard and put extra time in,” Kelly said. “This is a sport where if you invest that, you’re going to see results. We had a big day. It was fun to see those guys come through like that.” North Scott’s boys will start their state journey on Wednesday at 4 p.m. with the first two rounds of championship and consolation matches. Even though the building now has a different name, there is no better place to end wrestling season than the Casey’s Center. “Yeah, no, it’s ‘The Well,’” Kelly joked. “It’s one of my favorite times of year. We’ll take a big group up and we get to watch them compete and chase down some dreams. We’ll be there to help them. There’s nothing better than that for me. I’m just excited to spend a week with these guys and win some matches up there.” While the 2026 state schedule will have a different flow to it, for Class 3A, it will operate essentially the same as the past three years. Thursday’s 3A session will contest the quarterfinals and third and fourth rounds of consolations. These matches will go in session three beginning at 2:30 p.m. On Friday, Class 3A will wait until the night session for its semifinals and fifth-round consolations. Saturday’s schedule remains untouched from previous years with consolation semifinals and finals in the morning, and the championship finals beginning at 5:30 p.m.
	Bears stadium package has ‘positive momentum’ in Springfield, but not in end zone Illinois lawmakers say a long-stalled proposal to help the Chicago Bears build a domed stadium in Arlington Heights is gaining “positive momentum."
	North Scott basketball celebrates good times North Scott knows how to do senior night right. And Allie Moeller knows how to show up when her team needs her most. Behind their star senior, the Lancers defeated Dubuque Senior 59-55 Thursday night, more than earning their postgame cupcake celebration. “It feels really nice. Being able to get this win with my team on senior night is amazing,” Moeller said. “Tonight, we had a pretty good crowd. It was nice to get a good win.” On the first leg of this home-and-home nonconference series last February, the Rams stunned the Lancers on a buzzer-beater. Revenge does taste sweet. “Getting back at Senior was good. We wanted to celebrate Allie; we wanted to make it special,” Lancer co-coach Dave Linnenbrink said. “The girls did a good job decorating and making her feel important. Any kid that can play through girls’ basketball is going to be well set up for the future. It’s a mental sport that can be draining at times. Physically, it’s tough. It’s a roller coaster season. The lone senior. For her to stick it out, it says a lot about her.” When the on-court recognition was done, and after sister Kenzie finished handing out popsicle sticks with pictures of Allie taped on them to fans in The Pit, it was time for tipoff. Moeller came out on a mission, scoring or assisting on North Scott’s first 11 points of the game. “When she’s locked in and ready to roll, she’s such a dangerous player,” Linnenbrink said. “You saw that in the first quarter. She came out taking care of business and got us started. We needed that; it was not an easy game. We needed that momentum to start the game.” Moeller scored nine points in that opening frame, and her team led by four. The Lancer lead stretched to five at halftime, but the 4-15 Rams never went away. North Scott led by as many as nine in the first half, but Dubuque Senior tied the game in the third quarter at the 4:44 mark. The Rams took the lead a minute later. The difference down the stretch, Moeller said, was the Lancers’ will to win. “Effort. Effort and attitude,” she said. “It all came down to how badly we wanted it. That was the main thing. We didn’t have much of a scout on them, so it was ‘Go out and do your best.’” In addition to Moeller, the Lancers got a spark off the bench from Alexis McCloy. The sophomore forward scored eight points in the game and drilled two three-pointers, including one at the 1:35 mark to give North Scott a lead they would not relinquish in the fourth quarter. “The big thing there is just for the ladies to be ready. You never know when your number is going to be called,” Linnenbrink said. “Her number was called, and she responded. She did a great job tonight. I know her minutes are probably not as many as she wants, but we’re excited for her future. She’s got a bright future here, and we look forward to her getting better.” In a high-flying fourth quarter, in which the two teams combined for 38 points, North Scott always remained one step ahead of its opponent. “It felt nice to still have the lead. When they were fouling, we made free throws and got back on defense,” Moeller said. “Even when they did get a basket, we tried hard to get one to keep that gap.” Moeller scored a game-high 20 points in the contest, which represented a milestone for the program. By securing their 12th win, the Lancers guaranteed themselves a winning season for the first time since 2022-23. North Scott has not been to the state tournament since 2021. With only Moeller graduating from this year’s team, North Scott hopes the foundation of future state tournament squads is solidifying. “We talked about the last week of just consistency. Continue to show up and get better,” Linnenbrink said. “I think that’s where we are this year. Now, with us guaranteeing that, it’s been a few years, we can build upon that consistency. Credit to the ladies for getting that done. It’s baby steps.” Even though the road to state this year requires three wins, a deep run into February is more than possible for this group. In Class 4A Region 4, North Scott opens up postseason play this Wednesday at home against Burlington. A win means a Saturday trip up to Clinton to face the 15th-ranked River Queens. North Scott split with Clinton this season, but won the game at Yourd Gymnasium courtesy of an Alaina Dreckmeier buzzer-beater. Fourth-ranked Clear Creek-Amana looms in the top half of the region. “We’re excited for our opportunity,” Linnenbrink said. “We are going to be motivated to take care of business against Burlington. We know they are a good team. They have some solid players we’ve looked at. It’s one game at a time, and we’ll see what we can do.”
	Missed opportunity in MAC play After a roller coaster week, North Scott’s boys’ basketball team still controls its destiny to share the Mississippi Athletic Conference title. It was certainly a bumpy ride to arrive at that destination, one in which the tribulations were unfortunately self-inflicted. North Scott split its home games last week, defeating Davenport Central 58-58 on Friday but falling to Central DeWitt 64-63 on Tuesday (Feb. 10) North Scott let leads slip away in both fourth quarters last week, leading to some frustration at the end of it all. “We’ve been in this situation a ton. At this point, you’d think we’d learn from those five or six other times this year. And obviously, we haven’t done that,” Lancer coach Shamus Budde said. “We have to have somebody step up and say, ‘Hey, we’re up 11 with a minute to go. Let’s run some clock and let’s get a good one…’ Someone needs to step up and understand score and time and take control with what’s going on on the court.” Friday night against the Blue Devils, the Lancers led 58-47 with just under two minutes to play. The home team didn’t score another point in the game. Davenport Central made four field goals and forced four North Scott turnovers to end the game, and the visitors gave themselves one last gasp. With 1.2 seconds on the clock, and inbounding the ball underneath their own basket, the Blue Devils needed their best Christian Laettner impression. Kentucky wishes it had Lancer junior Josiah Harrington, who intercepted the full-court Hail Mary pass. The entire Pit let out a sigh of relief. “It was the same thing against DeWitt,” Budde said. “Turnovers, quick shots — you have to value possessions. You have to be able to play multiple styles. You have to slow it down and run clock, and be able to play fast. That’s one thing we have to work on.” Against the Sabers a few nights earlier, North Scott led by as many as six points in the fourth quarter. The Sabers took the lead back with 1:43 to play. Central DeWitt scored on each of its final seven possessions of the game, totaling 15 points. North Scott, meanwhile, scored eight points on its final seven possessions. Three of those points came on a Harrington triple down by four as the clock expired. As North Scott lost this game, hopes of a MAC championship seemed finished. But Central DeWitt threw North Scott a lifeline by also beating Bettendorf on Friday, 59-54. In addition, Davenport North went on the road to beat Muscatine, 55-53. With each of the top three teams going 1-1, the standings are right back where they started. With three conference losses, Bettendorf is still one game ahead of Muscatine and North Scott, both of which have four losses. Last week was a missed opportunity for North Scott to win an outright championship, but the Lancers will head into this week playing the cards in their hand. North Scott needed to win Tuesday night at Pleasant Valley to set up its biggest regular-season game in years — Thursday night at 4A No. 10 Bettendorf. The Lancers beat the Bulldogs in The Pit on Jan. 20 in what remains their best win of the season. Other games to watch include Davenport Central at Bettendorf on Tuesday, Davenport Assumption at Muscatine on Tuesday and Muscatine at Central DeWitt on Thursday. North Scott has not won the MAC since the 2019-20 season, which is also the last year North Scott made the state tournament. Lancers honor Carmichael on senior night Friday was not all doom and gloom, as North Scott honored its lone senior, Paxton Carmichael, before the game. Carmichael started the game against Davenport Central and attempted his first shot of the season. New to the program this season, Budde is thankful to have Carmichael on the team. “He’s an unbelievable kid,” Budde said. “He comes to practice every day with a smile on his face. All the kids love him. He’s got a bright future ahead of him. We’re very lucky to have him be a part of our program.”
	View the Scott County Sheriff's report from the Feb. 18 NSP! WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4 7:39 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of theft in the 15900 block of 107th Avenue, Davenport. Deputies spoke with the involved parties and the item appears to have been taken unintentionally and will be returned. THURSDAY, FEB. 5 12:37 a.m. — Darcy Ann Holle, 61, Bettendorf, was charged with OWI – 2nd offense, following an incident near Tanglefoot Lane and Welshire Drive, Bettendorf. 2:51 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a two-vehicle accident near West Lombard and Brady streets, Davenport. A vehicle driven by Latoyal Marieal Poole, 46, Davenport, attempted to make a left turn and sideswiped a vehicle driven by Serena Elizabeth Woodside, 50, Davenport, that was also making a left turn. Poole was cited for an improper left turn. 5:41 p.m. — David Alan Amos, 47, Davenport, was charged with OWI – 1st offense, following an incident in the 13800 block of 118th Avenue, Davenport. 9:50 p.m. — Nicholas Anthony Buehnerkemper, 42, Davenport, was charged with OWI – 1st offense, following a traffic stop near Interstate 74 West and Spruce Hills Drive, Bettendorf. FRIDAY, FEB. 6 3:15 p.m. — Deputies responded to a drug complaint in the 600 block of Belmont Road. 3:32 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a two-vehicle accident near West 3rd and Ripley streets, Davenport. Vehicles driven by William George Carlough, 65, Blue Grass, and Christopher C. Stanislaw, 36, Davenport, collided at the intersection. 5:05 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury in the 6300 block of North Pine Street. 9:55 p.m. — Charles Anthony Wilson, 35, Davenport, was charged with possession of a controlled substance (cannabidiol) – 3rd or subsequent offense, following a traffic stop near West 76th Street and Hancock Court, Davenport. SATURDAY, FEB. 7 12:04 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 2100 block of 53rd Avenue. 2:22 a.m. — Phillip James Searcy, 29, Davenport, was charged with OWI – 1st offense and cited for failure to use headlamps when required, following a traffic stop near Waverly and Telegraph roads, Davenport. 7:49 a.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 200 block of South Cody Road. 2:16 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a missing person in the 100 block of North Salina Street. 5:15 p.m. — Deputies responded to a weapons complaint in the 2500 block of Wilkes Avenue. 6:20 p.m. — Deputies began a death investigation in the 14800 block of 300th Street. 7:11 p.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 800 block of Taylor Street. 8:31 p.m. — Deputies responded to a fraud complaint in the 13800 block of 118th Avenue. 9:56 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a burglary/home invasion in the 1000 block of South Rolff Street. 10:39 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 400 block of Davenport Street, Dixon. 10:54 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 15900 block of 107th Avenue. SUNDAY, FEB. 8 12:12 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 200 block of East Price Street. 12:15 a.m. — Eric Alexander Sivels, 27, Chicago, Ill., was charged with possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) – 1st offense and possession of drug paraphernalia, following a traffic stop near mile marker 295 on Interstate 80 East, Davenport. 3:55 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 5900 block of Elmore Avenue. 4:48 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 400 block of 2nd Street. 8:21 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 200 block of South 1st Street. 11:40 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of theft in the 2200 block of West Kimberly Road. 2:24 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a missing person in the 200 block of Manor Drive. 4:39 p.m. — Jacqueline Nicole Korth, 42, Davenport, was arrested on an outstanding interstate warrant, charged with driving while license denied, suspended, cancelled or revoked, and cited for violation of financial liability coverage, following a traffic stop in the 4200 block of Welcome Way, Davenport. 5:59 p.m. — Deputies began a death investigation in the 2900 block of Greenway Drive. 8:42 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a one-vehicle accident on Interstate 74 West, Davenport. A vehicle driven by Tanner James Jepsen, 22, Stockton, was westbound on Interstate 74. The vehicle experienced mechanical failure and veered into the median, where it struck a guardrail. The vehicle then went back onto the roadway and came to a stop in the fast lane. 10:24 p.m. — Darrell Lee McBride, 55, Davenport, was cited for driving while license denied or revoked, speeding, and violation of financial liability coverage, following a traffic stop near East Kimberly Road and Brady Street, Davenport. MONDAY, FEB. 9 3:52 a.m. — Deputies responded to a shots fired call in the 4700 block of Telegraph Road. 7:28 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem in the 27300 block of 130th Avenue. 8:46 a.m. — Shayna G. Woods, 25, Donahue, was charged with possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) – 1st offense, following a traffic stop in the 300 block of South Main Street, Donahue. 10:32 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem in the 22000 block of 240th Avenue. 11:02 a.m. — Ryan Lancey Eckstein, 39, Blue Grass, was charged with driving while license denied, suspended, cancelled or revoked, and cited for driving with suspended, denied or revoked license or registration, operating a non-registered vehicle and failure to maintain a safety belt, following a traffic stop in the 13900 block of 110th Avenue, Davenport. 5:07 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury near 300th Street and Utica Ridge Road. A vehicle driven by Elizabeth Ann Lane, 40, McCausland, was stopped at a stop sign. She was struck from behind by a vehicle driven by Steven Paul Springsteen, 49, Camanche. Lane was transported by another party to Genesis Medical Center in DeWitt. Springsteen was cited for failure to provide proof of insurance, failure to maintain control, and failure to obey a stop sign. 5:18 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a burglary/home invasion in the 1000 block of 280th Street, New Liberty. 5:19 p.m. — Matthew Tyler Russell, 43, Davenport, was cited for driving while license denied or revoked, following a traffic stop in the 100 block of West 76th Street, Davenport. 8:23 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 500 block of South Clark Street. TUESDAY, FEB. 10 1:47 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 100 block of South Park View Drive. 6:38 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury near South Buttermilk and West Lincoln roads. 7:33 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a one-vehicle accident in the 19000 block of Wells Ferry Road, Bettendorf, where a vehicle driven by Denver Patrick Schmitt, 41, Bettendorf, struck a deer that entered the roadway. 9:09 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem in the 400 block of Main Street. 9:27 a.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 23800 block of 281st Avenue. 10:27 a.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 31300 block of 145th Avenue. 10:32 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a burglary/home invasion in the 1000 block of 280th Street. 3:43 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem near 110th Avenue and 140th Street. 8:54 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury near South 1st Street and West Lincoln Road. WEDNEDAY, FEB. 11 2:17 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 1000 block of South Pioneer Street. 4:45 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 4500 block of Utica Ridge Road. 7:11 a.m. — Deputies responded to a harassment complaint on Timberline Drive. 7:41 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a two-vehicle accident near 140th Street and Coonhunters Road. A vehicle driven by James Dennis Carter, 66, Blue Grass, made a right turn from Coonhunters Road to 140th Street and struck a vehicle driven by Matthew Ross Hoover, 44, San Tan Valley, Ariz. Carter was cited for failure to obey a stop sign and yield the right of way. 11:06 a.m. — Deputies responded to a harassment complaint in the 15200 block of 270th Street. 11:43 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 300 block of West Kimberly Road. 12:31 p.m. — Deputies responded to a shots fired call in the 5100 block of North Fairmount Street. 1:32 p.m. — Deputies responded to a harassment complaint in the 2900 block of North Plainview Road. 2:28 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 700 block of West Walcott Road. 3:28 p.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 700 block of West Walcott Road. 5:08 p.m. — Deputies responded to a harassment complaint in the 24700 block of Valley Drive, Pleasant Valley. An individual was served a notice of no trespassing for the property. 6:25 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a two-vehicle accident in the 2900 block of North Plainview Road, Walcott. THURSDAY, FEB. 12 6:01 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury near Harrison and West 35th streets. 6:33 a.m. — Deputies responded to a drug complaint in the 3200 block of South 16th Avenue. 8:51 a.m. — Deputies responded to a drug complaint in the 3200 block of South 16th Avenue. 9:22 a.m. — Deputies responded to a drug complaint in the 3000 block of Victoria Street.
	Baustians to note 70 years of marriage with family Derryl and June Baustian of Eldridge will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary with a family celebration. June Johnson and Derryl Baustian were married Feb. 25, 1956, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Davenport. Derryl farmed their Century Farm for more than 50 years before retirement. June was a homemaker and helped with the farm, as well as working for Von Maur for several years before retirement. They are the parents of Julie (Richard) Bredow of Cordes Lake, Ariz., Lori (Ray) Burroughs of Eldridge, and Brenda Baustian (Mike Hector) of Granger. Their grandchildren are Corey (Ashley) Bredow, Jami (Justin) Clark, Jodi (Mike) Bristley, Bethany Bredow (Billy Coons), and Amanda (Mark) Schwers. They have four great-grandchildren: Kaylie, Landon, Harper and Ava.
	Roger Bousselot to be honored with 100th birthday card shower Roger Bousselot celebrates his 100th birthday on Feb. 27. He is looking forward to this special day and grateful for the life he has shared with so many friends, neighbors, and family. He would enjoy hearing about you and your family. A card or note may be sent to him at this address: Roger Bousselot, Room #407, Fieldstone of DeWitt, 1301 Maynard Way, DeWitt, IA 52742. Roger was born Feb. 27, 1926, in Grand Mound. He married Betty Ann Ralfs on Sept. 9, 1950, at St. Phillip and James Catholic Church, Grand Mound. Roger and his wife Betty Ann (94) farmed their entire life. They managed dairy, livestock, and grain operations on their Century Farm in Calamus. In addition to being a full-time farmer, Roger was an active member in his church, served on the local school board, and worked in the local farm government office. Roger and Betty Ann recently celebrated 75 years of marriage. He is the father of Lynn Smith of DeBarry, Fla., David Bousselot of DeWitt, and Dean Bousselot of Dixon. He has nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
	Ann Hanson celebrating 70th birthday Feb. 21 Cheers to 70 years!! This lovely lady will be celebrating her 70th birthday on Saturday, Feb. 21. We would love to shower her with all the cards possible. So, if you have an extra card and stamp laying around, please send her a sweet little note to 3156 S. 20th Ave. Ct., Eldridge, IA 52748. And if you know her, she knows everyone and would drop everything for anyone. Happy birthday from your whole bunch. Chrissy, Joe, Zach, Payton, Collin, Justin, Jeanne, Savanna, McCarthy, Lawson, Megan, Chris, Bentley, Avery, and all your grandpups as well. Love ya, Mom and Grandma XOXOX
	Janet Bowman to celebrate 90th birthday Feb. 20 Jan Bowman of Eldridge will celebrate her 90th birthday on Feb. 20. She was born Feb. 20, 1936, in Lexington, Neb., to Ed and Alma (Elliker) Kreitz, and was the ninth out of 10 children. She married Ron Bowman on June 19, 1953. Ron and Jan were owners of United Livestock in Maquoketa, and also Bowman Auction Service. Janet is a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Eldridge. In the past she was a member of the North Scott Athletic Boosters, Music Boosters, PTA President, Boy Scout and Girl Scout leader, Golden Hawk club, Lions Club and American Legion. Janet has enjoyed many wonderful years with her family and friends. She and Ronnie loved to entertain their card club, many family swim parties and birthday celebrations on their patio. She loved to play the piano, which was self-taught. She also enjoyed her flower gardens. Her children are Rhonda Brockhouse of rural LeClaire, Steve Bowman of Walcott, Scott (Linda) Bowman of Maquoketa, and the late Sheila Baustian (Roger). Her grandchildren are Sara, Ryan, Ashley, Brittani, Courtney, Kasey, Brook, Nikki, Erin, Mitchell. A grandson, Tom, is deceased. She also has 17 great-grandchildren. Janet would love to receive cards at Grand Haven Retirement at 201 E. Franklin Street, Unit 512, Eldridge, IA 52748. HAPPY 90th MOM!!
	Obituary: Robert Cusack Robert “Rob” Cusack, 65, of Davenport, died Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at MercyOne-Genesis Medical Center, Davenport. Visitation to celebrate Rob’s life will be held from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, 614 Main Street, Davenport, IA 52803. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m., followed by military honors. A celebration of life will be held for family and friends at The Circle Tap following the service. In honor of Rob, family and friends are invited to wear their favorite Iowa Hawkeye attire and/or a Hawaiian shirt. In keeping with Rob’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Memorials may be made to the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital. A quiet professional. A steady presence. A man who showed up — and never asked to be applauded. Rob did amazing things in an unshowy way. He was the kind of man who noticed what needed doing and quietly did it — without announcing it, without waiting for credit, without needing recognition. He showed up for friends and family the way you hope people show up when life gets heavy: calmly, consistently, and completely. His life was built on service. Whether he was serving his country, keeping the lights on for the community, or protecting the public in the courtroom, Rob brought the same rare combination of competence and character: do the work, do it right, take care of people, and move on without making it about yourself. Robert Lee Cusack was born on Nov. 3, 1960, in Moline, a son of William “Bill” and Emmalee (Huntley) Cusack. He graduated from Davenport West in 1978. Rob served our country in the Marine Corps from 1980 until 1983, earning his honorable discharge as a sergeant. Rob went to work as a lineman with the Iowa-Illinois Gas and Electric Company for 16 years and, while working full time, he earned a degree from St. Ambrose University, graduating with top honors. Although Rob was accepted to Harvard Law School, he chose to attend the University of Iowa College of Law to remain close to his son, Jake. He went on to graduate at the top of his class, earning his Juris Doctor in 1998. During law school, he served his internship in the Scott County Attorney’s Office, and after graduation continued serving the community as a Scott County prosecutor until retirement in 2023. In July 2025, he was selected to become a magistrate judge in the 7th Judicial District. In every role, people knew what they were getting with Rob: steady judgment, straight answers, and a deep commitment to fairness. Rob and Georgann shared 27 years of love, laughter, and teamwork and were united in marriage on March 12, 2003, in the Dominican Republic. They were looking forward to retirement together with plans to spend time with their grandchildren, cheer on the Hawkeyes, work outside, and care for the Cusack household. Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Georgann, Davenport; children: Jake (Cortney) Cusack, Ankeny, Andrew (Amber) Dubil, Sacramento, Calif., and Alec (Jayda) Wyatt, Milan, Ill.; grandchildren: Jamie, Scarlet, Nikita, Max, Grayson, and Henry; parents, Bill and Emmalee Cusack, Arizona; siblings: Kathy (Mark) Lohrding, Mascoutah, Ill., Scott Cusack, Tucson, Ariz., and Debbie Fifer, Davenport; mother-in-law, Judy Hudson, North Carolina; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Derek (Andrea) Hudson, North Carolina, Jennifer (Ronny) Hardage, Oklahoma, Ward Hudson, North Carolina, Rachel (Tim) Fanning, North Carolina, and Rebecca (Tommy) Murphy, North Carolina; as well as many nieces and nephews. Rob was preceded in death by his stepmother, Nadine Cusack; stepfather, Robert Kent; and father-in-law, Bill Hudson. If you want to honor Rob in a way he would appreciate, do what he did: show up for someone, quietly make something better, and let kindness be the headline. Semper Fidelis. Custom obituary
	Obituary: Bim Prichard Bim Prichard, a devoted educator, community servant, and beloved family man, passed away on Feb. 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of those whose lives he profoundly touched. Known for his deep faith, generous spirit, and sharp sense of humor, Bim lived a life defined by service to others. Bim was born on July 24, 1950, to John and Jane Prichard and was raised in Streator, Ill. He graduated from Streator Township High School and earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Dubuque. He began his teaching career at Central DeWitt in 1973, where he served for more than three decades as a special education teacher. Although he once considered entering the ministry, a college class visit to a special education classroom revealed his true calling. He dedicated his career to supporting students with compassion, patience, and an unwavering belief in their potential. He later became the district’s Work Study Coordinator, helping students who may have had difficulty securing jobs on their own find meaningful employment through partnerships with local businesses. Alongside his career in education, Bim and his wife, Dianne, managed the DeWitt Operahouse Theatre for 35 years. His talents extended beyond the classroom and theater to construction and farming — two interests he pursued whenever possible. Bim was deeply involved in First Congregational United Church of Christ in DeWitt, where his faith was lived out through leadership and giving. He chaired the building committee that led to the construction of the church, participated on numerous other committees, contributed his beautiful deep voice to the choir, and proudly chaired the church’s annual Beef Dinner, where he became known for his excellent mashed potatoes. Committed to giving back, Bim was a dedicated member of the DeWitt Nite Lions for 40 years and served as secretary for 28 of those years. He received numerous honors for his involvement, including the prestigious Warren G. Coleman Award. Bim also had a lifelong love of history —particularly World War II — shaped by his family’s military service. A devoted Chicago Bears fan, he liked to say his two favorite teams were the Bears and whoever happened to be playing the Packers. Above all, Bim treasured his family. He met his wife, Dianne, in 1973 while teaching in DeWitt, and they were married in 1975. They recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. He is survived by his wife, Dianne; his children, Laura (Ben) Miers, Miriam Prichard, and Michael (Greta) Prichard; his grandchildren, Charlie, Walter, and Niya; his mother, Jane Prichard; his sisters, Peggy (Glenn) Stein and Carol (Tom) Pelling; and several nieces and nephews. Bim Prichard’s life was one of faith, hard work, generosity, and humor — leaving a legacy that will endure in the lives of those he impacted so deeply. The staff and residents of Fieldstone of DeWitt are to be commended for their boundless compassion and care for Bim during his time in “the prison,” as he lovingly called the senior living community. “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Visitation will be from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at First Congregational United Church of Christ in DeWitt. Funeral Service will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, in the church. A luncheon will follow in the fellowship hall. Memorials can be made to St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital or DeWitt Referral Center. Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com. Custom obituary
	Obituary: Wesley Stender We are sad to announce the passing of Wesley J. Stender, 75, of Walcott, on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, at his home, surrounded by family. Wes was born on Feb. 16, 1950, in Davenport, the son of Otto and Delores (Mordhorst) Stender. Family will greet friends from 10 a.m. until service time on Friday, Feb. 20, at Chambers Funeral Home in Eldridge. Funeral service begins at 1 p.m. A private burial service will follow at Maysville Cemetery. Wes was an alumnus of the North Scott Class of ’68, where he competed in football, basketball, wrestling and track, but most importantly it’s where he met the love of his life, Kay Wiese. They married on June 21, 1970, in Davenport. He worked as the county lineman for Central Scott Telephone Company before he began farming full time. With his devoted wife Kay by his side, they farmed numerous farms throughout Scott County as well as owning and operating his classic car restoration service. Wes was an avid outdoorsman and has two record whitetail on the Hall of Fame at the Iowa Deer Classic. He was also involved in 4H, Pheasants Forever, fast pitch softball, and served as a trustee of Hickory Grove Township. Wes enjoyed making memories with friends and family around a campfire, in the garage or just sitting on a tailgate watching the world go by. Words don’t do justice to the range of interests and talents he possessed. However, not long before his passing, he shared with his grandson that his greatest accomplishment was the family he and Kay built and their love for each other. Survivors include his wife, Kay; his children, Troy (Tina) Stender of Walcott, Jill (Bernie) Moore of Walcott, Shawn (Lynn) Stender of Durant; his mother, Delores Stender of Walcott; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father and sisters, Sharon Low and Cindy Stender. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.mcginnis-chambers.com. Memorials may be made out to the family or Maysville Fire Department. Custom obituary
	Obituary: Shawn Marple Shawn Edward Marple, AKA Shon/Shonyae West, 45, a native of Donahue, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, at Nathan Adelson Hospice in Las Vegas, Nev. A celebration of his life will be held at a later date. He was born Nov. 28, 1980, in Davenport, the son of Roseanna Ousley and Edward Marple. Shawn worked as a tattoo artist locally, as well as in Louisiana and Las Vegas. He was highly artistically inclined; he loved to draw, paint, and began his career as a tag artist. His artwork can be seen around the Quad Cities as well as other various places. He eventually followed his passion of tattoo artistry and was renowned for his work. There was rarely a client of Shawn’s that didn’t become a friend. As one had said, “one thing is for sure, he left his mark on more than our skin.” Shawn came to know His Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in the last precious years of his life. It was his faith that carried him to the end of his battle with cancer. He is survived by his daughter, Kayleigh Ray; grandmother, Joyce Marple; and mother, Roseanna Ousley, and stepmother Jodi Marple; and stepsiblings. His memory is also cherished by many aunts, uncles, cousins and beloved friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Leroy (PWee) Marple and Richard Ousley; and his father, Edward Marple. Custom obituary
	Obituary: Loren Stender Loren K. Stender, 72, of Park View, died Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, at MercyOne Medical Center, Davenport. Per his wishes, cremation rites have been accorded, and no services or visitation will be held. Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport, assisted the family with arrangements. He was born Sept. 29, 1953, in Walcott, the son of Stanely E. and Wanda K. (Glunz) Stender. He married Katherine “Kitty” Heidgerken on Nov. 3, 1973, in Davenport. Survivors include his wife, Kitty; son Stewart (Andrea) Stender; daughter Andrea (Lowell); five grandchildren; a stepson, Adam Raymond; a stepdaughter, Julianna Raymond; and his brothers, Douglas, Mickey and Greg. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice.
	Lion dance, red envelopes help mark QCCA Lunar New Year event You're invited to celebrate the year of the horse with the Quad Cities Chinese Association on Feb. 21 in Davenport. Here's how to RSVP by Wednesday, Feb. 18.
	Knox County man arrested in Henry County, charged with eluding A Knox County man is in the Henry County Jail after the Henry County Sheriff’s Office said he led them on a high-speed chase that ended in a crash on the Galva-Atkinson Blacktop. A post on the sheriff's office’s Facebook page said a patrol sergeant saw a vehicle traveling at an extremely high rate of [...]
	U.S. releases new details on alleged secret Chinese nuclear test At a event in Washington D.C., A U.S. official said a remote earthquake in 2020 was caused by a Chinese nuclear test.
	Vintage percussion, pipe organ to bring silent film to life in Davenport On Friday, Feb. 20, you can enjoy the classic silent film "The General" while two Quad Cities musicians fill the space with an improvised score and sound effects.
	Man accused of pulling knife on 6 Davenport officers A Davenport man is charged with six felony counts after police say he pulled a knife and threatened officers as they tried to arrest him following a domestic-violence call.
	UnityPoint Health – Trinity performs 850th PFA procedure UnityPoint Health – Trinity is marking a milestone for performing advanced heart treatment in the Quad Cities. The hospital is celebrating its 850th successful pulsed field ablation (PFA) procedure, a significant step forward in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AFib) in the Quad Cities. The 850th procedure was performed by Helbert Acosta, MD, Cardiovascular Medicine, [...]
	The very polite, unheated rivalry between Jordan Stolz and Jenning de Boo The two top speedskating sprinters in the world are a cut above the competition. They battle fiercely on the ice, but refuse to trash talk
	Whirlpool to lay off around 400 workers in Amana Whirlpool shared with TV9 Tuesday that around 400 employees will be let go at its Amana facility, effective March 9.
	Quad Cities residents plan sacrifices, new habits ahead of Lent The season is traditionally associated with prayer, repentance and sacrifice, with many people choosing to give something up, or take on a new positive habit, as a way to focus on faith and personal growth.
	Top Trump administration immigration spokesperson is leaving Tricia McLaughlin has become the public face defending the Trump administration's mass deportation policy and immigration tactics over the past year.
	'Battle of the Buckets' raises funds for Rock Island Parks & Recreation Department Practice your basketball skills and support the Rock Island Parks and Recreation Department at the Battle of the Buckets, a one-day community basketball fundraiser at the Rock Island Fitness and Activity Center (RIFAC) Rec Gym, 4303 24th Street, on Saturday, March 7. Registration is $15 per participant. Click here for age division times and registration [...]
	Shoes and coat giveaway to be held in Davenport Friendly House is partnering with Operation Warm and McLaughlin Subaru to hold a shoes and coat giveaway for kids.
	Quad City Flood Resiliency Alliance invites public to next meeting The meeting with feature presentations focused on flood prevention and mitigation.
	IMG Academy fined $1.7 million for accepting tuition from families linked to Mexican drug cartel IMG's conduct allowed children of two of the drug cartel's leaders to get elite academic and athletic training in the U.S., the Treasury Department says.
	St. Ambrose University approved for new athletic conference membership St. Ambrose was approved for the Heart of America Athletic Conference and is expected to join in the fall of 2026.
	'Crime 101' is an old-fashioned heist film that pays off Chris Hemsworth stars as a virtuoso jewel thief, and Mark Ruffalo plays the detective tracking him down in Crime 101. This thriller is a deliberate throwback — and also a lot of fun.
	Bettendorf traffic enforcement, Monmouth construction and 8 day tracker Bettendorf traffic enforcement on Forest Grove Drive, 2 year construction project starting in Monmouth and what temperatures to expect for the next eight days.
	Kids' coat/shoe event at Friendly House Feb. 17 Operation Warm, McLaughlin Subaru and Friendly House are hosting a Coat and Shoes event on Tuesday, February 17 from 3 – 5:30 p.m. at the Community Room of Friendly House, 1221 N. Myrtle Street in Davenport. Everyone in the community is welcome to the event, where 144 coats and 144 pairs of shoes with socks [...]
	38,000 spoons and counting: World’s largest spoon collection celebrates Quad-Cities, national history A first of its kind museum that “spoons” the Mississippi River between Iowa and Illinois is celebrating a major milestone.
	How the wealthy slash their tax bills (and how you can too) How the wealthy slash their tax bills (and how you can too)Some say the rich don’t pay taxes. Whether or not this is true, it seems as though the well-to-do keep a detailed playbook for holding much of their wealth out of the tax man’s reach. How do they do it? Diving into tax laws may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s how savvy wealth-builders unearth strategies for hanging on to their assets.Below, Finder.com breaks down some of these tactics and whether they might work for you.IncorporateAbove a certain income level, corporations have it easier, at least by income tax standards.Personal income tax rates are around 10%-20% for low earners in both the U.S. and Canada, and high earners could pay up to 50% or more in tax.On the other hand, corporate income tax rates start around 21% in the U.S. and 9% in Canada, and peak at around 30%.It’s possible to save thousands of dollars by creating a corporation and classifying your earnings as business income so you can pay income tax at a more favorable rate. Not everyone can use this strategy, though, and the rules can get complicated.How it worksTo create a corporation, you’ll need to spend at least several hundred dollars in filing fees, plus up to thousands more for lawyers and other initial costs. Expect to pay hundreds of dollars annually in reporting fees.Once you’re set up, you can begin earning income under your corporation’s name.The rules vary based on where you’re incorporated and the type of corporate structure you have, but you can often access money by paying out salaries, bonuses or dividends.Under specific circumstances, you may also be able to pay income to family members who are in a lower tax bracket, provided they are legitimately tied to the business.Of course, money paid out of a corporation to individuals is still taxed at the personal income tax rate. But whatever you don’t reasonably need for living costs can be kept within the business, grown through investment and taxed at a lower corporate rate.Corporate tax bills can be lowered even further by deducting expenses such as:Salaries paid to employeesEmployee health insurance premiumsAccounting and lawyer feesBusiness vehicle costsCertain work-from-home expensesPut simply, you do the same work you’ve always done, but for a corporation you own, which lets you access a heap of tax benefits.What’s the catch?If incorporating can be so advantageous, why isn’t everyone employed under their own corporation?Salaried employees cannot count their earnings as business income (in Canada, doing so may even trigger a high tax rate). This is to ensure that corporate tax benefits are used to stimulate the economy, not avoid personal income tax.So you have to choose between being salaried and free from the burden of business administration or running your own business and paying yourself.Another potential barrier to incorporating is that you’ll only save money if you earn more than you need to live, so you can afford to leave money in the business and avoid withdrawing it for personal use.Some estimates put the point at which you may want to consider incorporating at well over $100,000 a year (or possibly as low as $60,000 a year in Canada).Speak with an accountant or lawyer to decide if this tax-saving strategy is right for you.Turn income into a loan (the ‘buy, borrow, die’ strategy)Watching your wealth grow is exciting. But that excitement dims when it comes time to pay capital gains tax on the profit you’ve made from buying and selling assets.It turns out that you may not have to choose between holding on to your assets to avoid capital gains tax and cashing in on their value.The well-to-do have discovered an alternative way of tapping into the value of their assets by using them to get loans, which can be used for just about anything and aren’t subject to income tax.Upon death, it may be possible to transfer collateral assets to a beneficiary without paying capital gains tax.This is known as the “buy, borrow, die” strategy.How it worksUse your money to buy assets—stocks, property, artwork, collectibles, vehicles or anything else a lender might find valuable. Then take out loans or lines of credit secured by the assets you bought.Money you borrow must be repaid, so it’s typically not viewed as taxable income. And because you still own the assets (they haven’t been sold or disposed of), you won’t need to worry about capital gains tax.However, capital gains/losses kick in when you sell your assets. That’s why you might want to hold them until you die, then bequeath them to someone else. In the U.S., the inheritor only pays capital gains tax when they dispose of an asset for more than it was worth when they inherited it—capital gains are not calculated on the original purchase price.This is huge.Say you buy a home that increases in value by $200,000 by the time you die. A loved one inherits your home and sells it for $25,000 above the current market value. Under U.S. law, they only have to pay capital gains tax on $25,000, not $225,000.The same tax benefit doesn’t exist in Canada, but under certain conditions, assets can be transferred to beneficiaries via trusts without incurring capital gains tax.What’s the catch?Ultimately, the “buy, borrow, die” strategy works if the tax laws where you live allow your beneficiaries to sidestep or defer capital gains tax on profits made from selling inherited assets.Taking a short-term view, however, extracting money from your assets in the form of tax-free cash collateralized loans is a clever way to enjoy the value of your holdings during your lifetime without surrendering too much to the tax man.But if there’s no way to eventually sell or bequeath those assets without being hit with capital gains tax, you’ll eventually have to settle the loan and pay tax.Use capital losses to your advantage (tax-loss harvesting)Investment taxes have a twofold effect: Capital gains tax takes a chunk out of your winnings, but capital losses reduce the tax you owe.Smart investors find ways to use both gains and losses to their advantage, keeping as much of their earnings as possible in tax-sheltered entities and effecting capital losses when it’s most beneficial—a strategy known as tax-loss harvesting.How it worksGenerally, investors look to profit by selling investments that have grown in value. But doing so incurs capital gains tax.That’s why savvy investors sometimes look for unprofitable investments they can sell at a loss to write down their taxable capital gains.What if you want to hold on to your unprofitable investments instead of selling them? This may be the case if you’re committed to a “buy-and-hold” strategy or you think certain investments may soon rise in value.Can you simply sell an asset to incur a capital loss and then buy it back right away to maintain your portfolio? No. Tax laws in the U.S. and Canada prohibit this.But you may be able to sell a depreciated asset and immediately buy a similar (yet sufficiently different) asset to more or less maintain your investment strategy while remaining eligible to write off a capital loss.What’s the catch?The “wash-sale” rule in the U.S. and the “superficial loss” rule in Canada both place a 30-day window surrounding the sale of securities. During this time, if you buy an identical security to the one you just sold, any capital losses are ineligible to be claimed on that year’s tax return.Where tax-loss harvesting is concerned, the question is then “How similar can a security be to the one I sold without it being considered identical?”Unfortunately, tax authorities don’t specify an exact answer. But if you sell stocks in a company, it’s usually considered safe to:Buy stocks in a competitor companyBuy shares in an ETF focused on the same sector or industryBuy a different, nonconvertible asset type from the same company (for example, you sell Company A’s stocks and buy Company A’s bonds or vice versa)More tips for cutting your taxesThese strategies might be impractical if you have a modest income or you’re new to investing.But there are still ways to cut down your tax bill and put more towards savings, regardless of how much you earn (although topping up your income might be the first step to take before digging into tax optimization).Don’t leave money on the table. Keep an eye on credits and deductions you may be able to claim for medical treatments, training and education, moving (relocating), working from home, donating to charity and other costs.Additionally, top up your contributions to tax-advantaged accounts like 401(k) plans in the U.S. or RRSPs in Canada. These types of accounts are designed to reduce the financial burden of costly milestones like getting an education or retiring, so take full advantage of the benefits they provide.As you wait for the right time to start implementing more complex wealth-building plays, continue learning how taxes and investments work. You might be surprised at how accessible the game plans of the financial elite are—even for those with considerably more ordinary lives.This story was produced by Finder.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Can an ethically flawed president still govern well? Can an ethically flawed president still govern well?Why a president’s personal morality may matter less than we thinkThe best presidents — including figures such as Abraham Lincoln and George Washington — are celebrated not only as good leaders, but as good men. They embody not simply political skill, but personal virtue.Why, though, should anyone expect a president to demonstrate that sort of virtue? If someone is good at the difficult job of political leadership, must they demonstrate exceptional moral character as well?Character and democracyVoters disagree about the extent to which the president must demonstrate moral leadership. Scholars who study political ethics disagree as well, Michael Blake, a professor of philosophy, public policy and governance at the University of Washington writes for The Conversation.Those who insist that the president must be virtuous often begin with the thought that a person in that office will face new and unanticipated problems during his or her term. A president whose decision-making is informed by a consistent character, will, in the face of new challenges, rely upon the lessons that have built that character.As scholar James David Barber wrote, the best way to understand a president’s likely responses to a crisis is to understand what that president values most highly.Abraham Lincoln, for instance, consistently and publicly referred to the same set of moral values throughout his life — values centered on a deep, while imperfect, belief in the moral equality of people. These principles provided him with guidance throughout the horrors of the Civil War.A president whose decisions are not grounded in the right sort of ethical values may be less well-equipped to respond well — and, more importantly, might be frighteningly unpredictable in his or her responses.Other political ethicists have emphasized the ways in which democracies can fall apart in the absence of personal virtue. Conservative thinkers, in particular, have argued that political institutions can only function when all those who participate within them are capable of compromise and of self-government. Rules, to put it simply, don’t work unless people governed by those rules care about them and voluntarily choose to abide by them.If this is true of citizens, it is even more true of the president, whose opportunities to damage the system through unprincipled actions are so much greater.Vice and efficiencyThese arguments have been met with powerful objections. Political philosophers — including, most prominently, Niccolò Machiavelli — have argued that the nature of political life requires a willingness to demonstrate habits of character that would ordinarily be understood as vices. The good leader, insisted Machiavelli, is morally right to do what is usually taken as wrong. He or she must be cruel, deceptive and often violent.The philosopher Arthur Applbaum refers to this as role morality. What a person is right to do, argues Applbaum, often depends upon the job that person is doing. The good lawyer, for instance, may have to bully, browbeat or humiliate hostile witnesses. That is what a zealous defense might require. Machiavelli notes simply that, in a hostile and brutal world, political leaders might have similar reasons to do what is usually forbidden.Modern philosophers such as Michael Walzer have continued this line of reasoning. If the world is imperfect, and requires a politician to lie, cheat or otherwise do wrong in the name of doing good, then there is sometimes a moral reason for the politician to do that wrong.George Washington, for example, was quite happy to engage in deception, if that deception would help protect the United States. He consistently sought to deceive his adversaries about his intentions and his resources — and, importantly, sought to deceive his own subordinates, reasoning that a lie must be believed at home for it to be useful abroad.A president who refused to engage in this sort of deception, argues Walzer, would be choosing to keep his or her conscience clear, instead of providing some genuine and concrete help to others. Walzer’s conclusion is that a good political agent must often refuse to be a good person. It is only by sometimes doing what is ordinarily wrong, that the politician can make the world better for all.Virtue, vice and the presidencyThese ideas have, of course, been a part of many long-standing debates about presidential morality. Henry Kissinger, for instance, defended the Nixon administration’s decision to seek the firing of the special prosecutor, based upon the need for that administration to present itself to the Soviet Union as both powerful and unified.It was not necessary, Kissinger wrote later, that the American leadership displayed personal virtue. It was enough that their decisions enabled a society in which the American people were capable of demonstrating that virtue.More recently, many evangelical supporters of President Trump have used the Biblical story of Cyrus the Great, an ancient Persian king, to explain their continued support for the president. Although Cyrus was not himself Jewish, he chose to free the Jews held as slaves in Babylon. Evangelical leader Mike Evans noted that Cyrus, like Donald Trump, was an “imperfect vessel,” whose decisions nevertheless made it possible for others to live as God wished them to.So, too, some evangelicals argue that President Trump’s own seeming lapses of virtue might not disqualify him from the presidency — so long as his decisions enable others to lead lives exemplifying the virtues he does not always show himself.Effective viceThese debates — between those who seek a president who models ethical virtue, and those who would regard that desire as misguided at best — are likely to continue.One thing that must be acknowledged, however, is that even the best defenses of presidential vice cannot be taken to excuse all forms of moral failure.Machiavelli, and those who follow him, can at most be used to defend a president whose vices are effectively able to create a more ethical world for others. Not all sorts of wrongdoing, though, can plausibly be thought to have these effects.Some vices, such as an outsized confidence or the will to use violence in the name of justice, may be defended with reference to the ideas of Machiavelli or Walzer.Other ethical failings, however — such as a vindictive desire to punish perceived enemies — often seem less likely to lead to good results. This sort of failure, however, appears to be common among those who have sought the presidency. It is a failure, moreover, that does not depend upon party affiliation.In recent years, for example, both Lyndon Baines Johnson and Richard Nixon took particular delight in humiliating and degrading their political adversaries. Both, perhaps, might have been better leaders had they been more reflective about when and how to err.In presidential politics, all parties might at least agree on this much: If there is sometimes a reason to seek an ethically flawed president, it does not follow that all ethical flaws are equally worth defending.This story was produced by The Conversation and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Two concerts scheduled for Bishop Hill Commons Crossroads Cultural Connections will present a night of powerhouse songwriting and soul-stirring vocals on Friday, Feb. 20, and an Iowa Americana duo on Saturday, Feb. 21, at Bishop Hill Creative Commons. Before each concert, there will be an optional potluck at 6 p.m., when guests are invited to bring a dish to share. Each concert [...]
	Live Mardi Gras coverage from New Orleans and surrounding parishes Watch live Mardi Gras coverage through Fat Tuesday.
	From Hitting the Books to Hitting the Ice: Team USA Athlete and Bronze Medalist Prepares for her Future Sorry, but your browser does not support the video tag. var bptVideoPlayer = document.getElementById("bptVideoPlayer"); if (bptVideoPlayer) { var cssText = "width: 100%;"; cssText += " background: url('" + bptVideoPlayer.getAttribute("poster") + "');"; cssText += " -webkit-background-size: cover;"; cssText += " -moz-background-size: cover;"; cssText += " -o-background-size: cover;"; cssText += " background-size: cover;"; bptVideoPlayer.style.cssText = cssText; var bptVideoPlayerContainer = document.getElementById("bptVideoPlayerContainer"); if (bptVideoPlayerContainer) { setTimeout(function () { bptVideoPlayerContainer.style.cssText = "display: block; position: relative; margin-bottom: 10px;"; var isIE = navigator.userAgent.match(/ MSIE(([0 - 9] +)(\.[0 - 9] +) ?) /); var isEdge = navigator.userAgent.indexOf("Edge") > -1 \|\| navigator.userAgent.indexOf("Trident") > -1; if (isIE \|\| isEdge) { fixVideoPoster(); } }, 1000); } var bptVideoPlayButton = document.getElementById("bptVideoPlayButton"); if (bptVideoPlayButton) { bptVideoPlayButton.addEventListener("click", function () { bptVideoPlayer.play(); }, false); bptVideoPlayer.addEventListener("play", function () { bptVideoPlayButton.style.cssText = "display: none;"; }, false); } var mainImage = document.getElementById("mainImageImgContainer_sm"); if (mainImage) { mainImage.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } var mainImage = document.getElementById("photo-noresize"); if (mainImage) { mainImage.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } var assetGallery = document.getElementsByClassName("asset_gallery")[0]; if (assetGallery) { assetGallery.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } var assetGallery = document.getElementsByClassName("trb_article_leadart")[0]; if (assetGallery) { assetGallery.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } var assetGallery = document.querySelectorAll("[src='https://d372qxeqh8y72i.cloudfront.net/35293cb3-4706-48e3-8ac5-a9e8bb1e6746_web.jpg']")[0]; if (assetGallery) { assetGallery.style.cssText = "display: none;"; } } function fixVideoPoster() { var videoPlayer = document.getElementById("bptVideoPlayer"); var videoPoster = document.getElementById("bptVideoPoster"); fixVideoPosterPosition(videoPlayer, videoPoster, true); window.onresize = function() { fixVideoPosterPosition(videoPlayer, videoPoster); }; videoPoster.onclick = function() { videoPlayer.play(); videoPoster.style.display = "none"; }; videoPlayer.onplay = function() { videoPoster.style.display = "none"; }; } function fixVideoPosterPosition(videoPlayer, videoPoster, display) { setTimeout(function () { var videoPosition = videoPlayer.getBoundingClientRect(); videoPoster.style.position = "absolute"; videoPoster.style.top = "0"; videoPoster.style.left = "0"; videoPoster.style.width = videoPlayer.offsetWidth + "px"; videoPoster.style.height = (videoPlayer.offsetHeight + 20) + "px"; if (display) { videoPoster.style.display = "inline"; } }, 1010); } (BPT) - Team USA is competing in the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan Cortina, and Ashley Farquharson has just become the second woman in US history to earn a medal in luge by bringing home Bronze! But for many Olympians, the Games represent only a short part of an athlete's life. Years of dedication and training culminate in just a few weeks of competition, raising a critical question: What happens next? Ashley knows that she needs to prepare for a life after sports, and thanks to Team USA's partnership with Guild and Purdue Global, she can! Team USA athletes can now earn their degree while competing at the highest level in sports thanks to flexible schedules and tuition-free degrees and certificates. Athletes like Ashley are advancing their education through Purdue Global, balancing elite training with long term career preparation.For more information, visit purdueglobal.edu.
	What is a certificate of insurance for contractors? What is a certificate of insurance for contractors?If you’re a contractor, business insurance is often required before you can bid on a project and get to work, ERGO NEXT reports. A certificate of insurance, also called a COI, is quick, shareable proof that your business is covered, active and up to date. It proves to clients that you’re a professional who takes their work seriously. And it shows that you know how business insurance and liability insurance can help protect you and your clients from the costs of accidents or property damage.Companies or individuals you work with will request your COI to make sure they won’t get stuck with a large bill if something goes wrong.Most insurance companies issue certificates of insurance that meet standards set by a nonprofit organization called the ACORD. That’s why these documents are often referred to as ACORD certificates or certificates of ACORD.If you’ve had insurance for some time, you’re probably familiar with the PDF version and may even carry a physical copy to job sites. Contractors also use digital COIs — which can be shared instantly from a phone or tablet — a must-have for time-sensitive projects.A COI shows details about your business insurance coverage, including:The types of insurance you carry: It lists your active policies, such as general liability insurance or workers’ compensation insurance.Policy numbers and coverage limits: They detail how much protection your policies could help provide.Effective and expiration dates: This lets clients know when your coverage starts and ends.Your business name and insurance company: This information is used to confirm the policy is active and valid.Additional insureds (if any): Other parties covered under your policy.When do contractors need a certificate of insurance?Clients, property owners and general contractors usually want proof that your business has active coverage in case something goes wrong. Contractors are often asked to show a COI before starting a new job or signing a contract.You may need to provide a COI when you:Apply for or renew licenses or professional certifications that require active insurance.Bid on projects that require proof of contractor insurance.Apply for a permit for a job.Work with subcontractors or vendors who need confirmation of coverage.Enter commercial job sites that have liability or safety requirements.Having your COI ready — especially a digital version you can share instantly — helps avoid project delays and shows clients you’re serious about protecting your work.Why do clients ask contractors for proof of insurance?To protect their financial interests, clients often ask for proof of insurance before signing a work contract. They want proof that your coverage limits can help pay for potential damage or injuries on the job.Let’s say you’re a contractor renovating a hotel, and you or your employee accidentally damage an essential pipe. If it’s your fault, you could be held financially responsible for the repairs and lost time on the project.Without insurance, you would be on the hook to cover the costs of those damages out of pocket — which could be financially devastating. Or the hotel would have to pay for it, potentially hurting your reputation and future business prospects.With a certificate of insurance, the client has confidence that you’re ready to handle risks responsibly. Insurance can help protect both sides, and the certificate proves the coverage is valid.How can contractors add an additional insured to their COI?A client or project owner will ask to be added to your business insurance policy as an additional insured. This means that they’re asking to be included by the protections of your policy, too. Someone who is an additional insured is also listed on the COI.For example, a project owner might ask to be listed as additional insured on your contractor’s insurance. If a visitor to the job site trips over your equipment and gets hurt, both you and the project owner could be named in a lawsuit. Because the project owner is listed as an additional insured, your insurance could help cover them, too.How contractors can get a certificate of insuranceAny insurance policy you take out as a contractor should offer instant, easy access to your proof of coverage.Some insurance companies make customers call to request a COI, and then wait days or weeks to receive it by mail or email. That delay can grind your project to a halt.Other insurance companies may charge $7 to $15 per certificate — or more if you need to add multiple additional insureds. For contractors who send out a lot of bids, those costs can add up.Look for a small business insurance provider that will give you immediate and unlimited access to your COIs and easy sharing – without any additional fees. You’ll also want to be able to add an additional insured as needed if your client requires it. Make sure all of these services are offered to help your business compete and be ready to take on any job at any time.This story was produced by ERGO NEXT and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	This tech could keep EVs from stressing the grid — and save everyone money This tech could keep EVs from stressing the grid — and save everyone moneyIf you’re a typical American, you get home from work and start flipping switches and turning knobs — doing laundry, cooking dinner, watching TV. With so many other folks doing the same, the strain on the electrical grid in residential areas is highest at this time. That demand will only grow as the world moves away from fossil fuels, with more people buying induction stoves, heat pumps, and electric vehicles.That’s a challenge for utilities, which are already managing creaky grids across the United States, all while trying to meet a growing demand for power, Grist reports. So they’re now trying to turn EVs from a burden into a boon. More and more models, for instance, feature “vehicle-to-grid,” or V2G, capabilities, meaning they can send power to the grid as needed. Others are experimenting with what’s called active managed charging, in which algorithms stagger when EVs charge, instead of them all drawing energy as soon as their owners plug in. The idea is for some people to charge later, but still have a full battery when they leave for work in the morning.A new report from the Brattle Group, an economic and energy consultancy, done for EnergyHub, which develops such technology, has used real-world data from EV owners in Washington state to demonstrate the potential of this approach, both for utilities and drivers. They found that an active managed charging program saves up to $400 per EV each year, and the vehicles were still always fully charged in the morning. Utilities, too, seem to benefit, as the redistributed demand results in less of a spike in the early evening. That, in turn, would mean that a utility can delay costly upgrades — which they need in order to accommodate increased electrification — saving ratepayers money.Active managed charging works in conjunction with something called “time of use,” in which a utility charges different rates depending on the time of day. Between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m., when demand is high, rates are also high. But after 9 p.m., they fall. EV owners who wait until later in the evening to charge pay less for the same electricity.Time-of-use pricing discourages energy use when demand is highest, lightening the load and reducing how much electricity utilities need to generate. But there’s nothing stopping everyone from plugging in as soon as cheaper rates kick in at 9 p.m. As EV adoption grows, that coordination problem can create a new spike in demand. “An EV can be on its own twice the peak load of a typical home,” said Akhilesh Ramakrishnan, managing energy associate at the Brattle Group. “You get to the point where they start needing to be managed differently.”That’s where active managed charging comes in. Using an app, an EV owner indicates when they need their car to be charged, and how much charge their battery needs for the day. (The app also learns over time to predict when a vehicle will unplug.) When they get home at 6 p.m., the owner can plug in, but the car won’t begin to charge. Instead, the system waits until some point in the night to turn on the juice, leaving enough time to fully charge the vehicle by the indicated hour. “If customers don’t believe that we’re going to get them there, then they’re not going to allow us to control their vehicle effectively,” said Freddie Hall, a data scientist at EnergyHub.The typical driver only goes 30 miles in a day, Hall added, requiring about two hours of charging each night. By actively managing many cars across neighborhoods, the system can more evenly distribute demand throughout the night: Folks will leave for work earlier or later than their neighbors, vehicles with bigger batteries will need more time to charge, and some will be almost empty while others may need to top up.They’re all still getting the lower prices with time of use rates, but they’re not taxing the grid by all charging at 9 p.m. “The results are actually very, very promising in terms of reducing the peak loads,” said Jan Kleissl, director of the Center for Energy Research at the University of California, San Diego, who wasn’t involved in the report. “It shows big potential for reducing costs of EV charging in general.”Active managed charging would allow the grid to accommodate twice the number of EVs before a utility has to start upgrading the system to handle the added load, according to the report. (And consider all the additional demand for energy from things like data centers.) Those costs inevitably get passed down to all ratepayers. But, the report notes, active managed charging could delay those upgrades by up to a decade. “As EVs grow, if you don’t implement these solutions, there’s going to be a lot more upgrades, and that’s going to lead to rate impacts for everyone,” Ramakrishnan said.At the same time, EVs could help reduce those rates in the long term, thanks to V2G, a separate emerging technology. It allows a utility to call on EVs sitting in garages as a vast network of backup power. So when demand surges, those vehicles can send power to the grid for others to use, or just power the house they’re sitting in, essentially removing the structure from the grid and lowering demand. (And think of all the fleets of electric vehicles, like school buses, with huge batteries to use as additional power.) With all that backup energy, utilities might not need to build as many costly battery facilities of their own, projects that ratepayers wouldn’t need to foot the bill for.Active managed charging and V2G could work in concert, with some batteries draining at 6 pm as they provide energy, then recharging later at night. But that ballet will require more large-scale experimentation. “How are we going to fit in discharging a battery, as well as charging it overnight?” Hall said. “Because you do want it available the next day.”To cut greenhouse gas emissions as quickly as possible, the world needs more EVs. Now it’s just a matter of making them benefit the grid instead of taxing it.This story was produced by Grist and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Driver arrested after 100+ mph police chase ending in crash near Kewanee A 23-year-old driver was arrested after fleeing police at 100+ mph near Kewanee. The chase ended in a crash.
	Tax breaks for homeowners in 2026: What changed, what expired, and what matters most Tax breaks for homeowners in 2026: What changed, what expired, and what matters mostThe dust has settled on the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and the tax landscape for homeowners looks quite a bit different than it did a year ago.Some provisions expired while others expanded, and a few long-debated rules are now permanent. What’s less clear is who actually benefits from these changes — and who doesn’t.To make sense of it all, NewHomeSource, a new home listings site with customer reviews, spoke with Keith Schroeder, a Wisconsin-based tax expert who runs The Wealthy Accountant blog, to break down the most important changes for homeowners in 2026.Note: These changes affect returns filed in 2026 for the 2025 tax year, unless otherwise noted.SALT deduction increases“The biggest change benefiting homeowners for 2025 is the state and local tax deduction,” Schroeder said. “Since 2018, SALT was limited to $10,000. That increases to $40,000 in 2025.”For homeowners in high-tax states, this is the most important headline.In 2026, the cap rises to $40,400 and will climb 1% annually through 2029 before reverting to $10,000 in 2030.However, how much you can actually deduct depends on your situation.“This is not a straight $40,000 for every homeowner,” Schroeder said. “This is a deduction up to $40,000 for combined SALT, including things like income taxes, real estate property taxes, and personal property taxes.”It’s also important to note that not all homeowners will benefit from the higher SALT cap. Many households take the standard deduction rather than itemizing, meaning the expanded SALT limit may not affect their tax bill at all. Renters and lower-income homeowners are also less likely to see direct benefits from this change.For homeowners who don’t itemize — or whose deductions don’t exceed the standard deduction — the higher SALT cap may be largely irrelevant.PMI is deductible againPrivate mortgage insurance premiums (PMI) are tax-deductible again starting in 2026. This deduction had expired after 2021 and has now been revived under the new tax law; PMI will now be treated as deductible mortgage interest.To qualify, adjusted gross income must be below $100,000 for single and joint returns, with the deduction phasing out completely at $110,000. When the deduction was last available, qualified homeowners received an average deduction of about $2,364.This primarily affects conventional-loan buyers who put down less than 20% and are required to carry PMI. FHA mortgage insurance premiums are treated differently and do not qualify under the same rules.If you are a first-time buyer stretching a bit and carrying a PMI, this could help. It won’t change the world, but it can take a bit of the sting out of your monthly payment.The $750,000 mortgage interest limit is permanentThe mortgage interest deduction limit, which dropped from $1 million to $750,000 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, is now permanent. While this isn’t new for most homeowners, the permanence of the rule removes lingering uncertainty.“Taxpayers have lived with this restriction since 2018, so it is business as usual,” Schroeder said. “Income property owners may wish to shift mortgage debt from their primary residence and second home to the income property.”Home equity loan interest remains nondeductible unless the funds are used to improve your home and fall under the $750,000 limit.As with SALT, this deduction only applies to homeowners who itemize rather than take the standard deduction. For many first-time buyers, especially those early in their mortgage, the standard deduction may still be the better option.Energy credits are goneNot all homeowner-friendly provisions survived the latest round of tax changes. The Residential Clean Energy Credit and Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit expired at the end of 2025. If you made qualifying improvements last year, you can still claim them on your 2025 return.But for 2026 and beyond, no residential energy credits are available. Schroeder says that shouldn’t stop homeowners from making efficiency upgrades.“The tax credit tail should not wag the dog,” he said. “The real issue is ROI. Does the investment make sense? If yes, then it is still worth pursuing.”Energy costs keep creeping up, and efficiency upgrades can still pay for themselves over time.“The value of energy properties is still a powerful wealth-building tool,” Schroeder said.What first-time buyers should considerSchroeder’s advice for buyers entering the market in 2026 is to focus on the fundamentals.“Real estate is local,” he said. “Austin, Texas, is a different animal from Green Bay, Wisconsin.”While tax breaks help, they shouldn’t be the main driver in where you choose to live.“Taxes are the frosting on the cake. If taxes are the only reason to do the deal, there might be issues. And if lack of tax incentives make the deal not work, look for another opportunity. That is just how real estate works.”The bottom lineThe biggest takeaway from the 2026 tax changes is that headline-grabbing deductions don’t automatically translate into savings for every homeowner.Every homeowner’s situation is different, and it’s worth spending the time to make sure you have done your homework when it comes to your taxes.“When taxpayers neglect their due diligence, they can get in trouble quickly,” he said. “It is a mistake to think your neighbor’s or coworker’s situation is exactly like yours. It probably isn’t.”This story was produced by NewHomeSource and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Why 'set and forget' surveillance is failing modern businesses Why ‘set and forget’ surveillance is failing modern businessesFor years, video surveillance has been treated as a background system: Install the cameras, switch on recording and assume it will be there if something goes wrong. If nothing obviously breaks, it’s easy to believe everything is working as intended.Across many organizations, weaknesses in surveillance systems are only discovered after an incident has already happened. Footage is missing. Cameras were offline. Recordings were overwritten. Access is unclear. The system that was supposed to provide answers raises more questions instead.The problem is not a lack of cameras. It’s the assumption that surveillance can still be managed as a static, “set and forget” system in a business environment that has become far more complex. Videoloft examines why the “set and forget” surveillance strategy may not be enough.Surveillance is everywhere — and relied on more than everSurveillance systems are everywhere. In the United States, the video surveillance market is substantial and expanding rapidly. Estimates by Emergen Research show the U.S. video surveillance market was valued at around $12.5 billion in 2024, and is projected to reach more than $25 billion by 2034, growing at roughly 7.5% annually as organizations invest in visual monitoring technologies.This scale matters because it changes expectations. Video is no longer viewed as a specialist security tool. People assume video will be available, reliable, and usable whenever an incident needs to be reviewed, but that assumption is exactly where many systems fall short.Why ‘set and forget’ once worked — and why it doesn’t nowTraditional surveillance systems were built for a simpler operating model. Many organizations worked from a single site. Cameras recorded to local storage. Access to footage was limited to one or two people on location. Surveillance existed mainly as a deterrent, with footage reviewed only if something serious occurred.In that environment, installing a system and leaving it alone made sense. The demands placed on video were limited, and the consequences of failure were relatively small.Modern businesses operate very differently.Video is no longer just security — it’s evidenceToday, incidents are rarely reviewed by a single person in a single location. Footage may need to be accessed by security teams, HR, legal departments or insurers, often days or weeks after an event.The U.S. Department of Justice research reflects this shift. A major Office of Justice Programs review of 40 years of CCTV research published in 2019 found that surveillance effectiveness depends heavily on how systems are implemented and actively managed, not simply on whether cameras are installed.In other words, video only has value when footage is available, usable, and accessible when it is needed. A camera that was installed but never checked, or footage that was overwritten, offers no protection after the fact.Where ‘set and forget’ breaks downThe failures of passive surveillance management rarely appear during normal operations. They surface when something goes wrong.Organizations often discover that cameras were offline for extended periods, storage limits caused recordings to be overwritten, or footage is locked on local systems that only one person knows how to access. In multisite environments, different locations may be running different systems, making it difficult to piece together what actually happened across the organization.There is also the question of oversight. Without clear controls and audit trails, businesses may struggle to confirm who viewed, downloaded, or shared recordings. That creates governance and compliance concerns on top of the original incident.These problems are rarely the result of negligence. They are predictable outcomes of systems designed to run unattended in a world that now depends on them.This has become a business riskWhen surveillance fails, the impact extends well beyond security teams.Missing or unreliable footage can delay investigations, weaken insurance claims, and undermine an organization’s ability to respond confidently to disputes or allegations. In regulated environments, it can raise questions about data handling and oversight. More broadly, it introduces uncertainty at moments when businesses need clarity.The Department of Justice review makes this distinction clear: The presence of cameras alone does not guarantee meaningful outcomes. How surveillance is managed over time determines whether it delivers value.Oversight, not more cameras, is the missing pieceThe core weakness of “set and forget” surveillance is the lack of ongoing oversight. Systems are assumed to be working unless something proves otherwise.A more modern approach treats video systems like any other critical business infrastructure. It prioritises reliability, controlled access, retention, and accountability.This aligns with decades of research showing that surveillance delivers the most value when it is actively managed and integrated into broader organizational processes, rather than treated as a standalone deterrent.This story was produced by Videoloft and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Several warm days and finally some rain After a record-shattering high of 70° in the Quad Cities Monday, it'll be very warm again today, tomorrow, and Thursday. While a few sprinkles are possible this afternoon and a few light showers tonight, we have a better chance of rain Thursday. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	Windy, dry conditions create perfect recipe for brush fires Several Iowa counties and East Moline issued burn bans Monday to limit the risk for widespread fires.
	Up to $5K for home security systems? What to know as Iowa looks at lawmaker safety Iowa lawmakers are looking at new laws and other changes to improve security measures for elected officials.
	Private jet inflation index: How charter pricing really compares to CPI Private jet inflation index: How charter pricing really compares to CPIFor years, anybody managing a corporate flight department or a family office likely assumed aviation would get more expensive—fast. But in 2025, that trend hit a wall.According to data cited by Forbes, private jet charter and jet card rates grew by just 1.7% year-over-year. Compare that to the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI), which jumped 2.7% in the same window. It’s a rare decoupling. For the first time in the post-pandemic era, flying private is actually lagging behind the national inflation rate, rather than driving it.This one-percentage-point gap isn’t just a rounding error; it’s a structural pivot. We’re seeing a market where the old “premium” pricing power is cooling off as supply finally stabilizes. Tight capacity and aging fleets aren’t pushing rates skyward the way they used to. For decision-makers, this is the signal they’ve been waiting for: Aviation inflation is no longer outstripping the rest of the economy. As this article from private jet charter broker Jettly reveals, it’s a moment of normalization that changes the math for the entire sector.The Current Reality of Charter Price GrowthThe current stabilization follows a period of extreme fiscal volatility. As Forbes mentions in its report, from 2019 to 2023, private jet charter rates climbed nearly 27%, creating a structural budgeting challenge for long-term operators. Even as flight activity began to plateau, a combination of constrained supply and maintenance bottlenecks kept hourly rates elevated well into 2024. This trend forced many organizations to rethink their approach to aviation asset management.Organizations began modeling aviation spend as a volatile commodity rather than a standard procurement cost. This shift reflects a move toward prioritizing capital liquidity, treating flight hours as an operating expense (OpEx) that requires active risk hedging.By late 2024, macroeconomic forces finally began to temper the industry’s pricing power, leading to the 1.7% growth rate observed in 2025. This normalization provides a rare window of predictability for travel departments that were previously struggling with double-digit annual increases.Why 2025 Pricing CooledDemand normalization is the primary factor behind this trend. Private jet utilization in North America experienced a steady contraction through mid-2025, particularly within the light and mid-size aircraft categories. This reduction in flight volume reduced the immediate pressure on hourly rates during non-peak travel periods, forcing operators to adjust their pricing models to maintain fleet utilization.Data from the Business Times Journal confirm the trend, with Q3 2025 hourly rates slipping 0.1%—marking the first quarterly decrease since 2019. While a 0.1% decline may sound modest, directionality matters.After five years of continuous, aggressive increases, even a flatline in pricing signals a material shift in market dynamics. This cooling is largely attributed to the stabilization of the “entry-level” private travel segment, which saw the most significant surge in new users during the early 2020s.Considering Category-Level InflationCategory-specific pricing shifts reveal how uneven the past six years have been for operators and travelers. Industry data shows that light jets experienced the strongest inflation, with hourly rates increasing 38.1% between 2019 and 2025.This bifurcation highlights a structural reality in the market: Inflation has been highest on aircraft types used for the highest-frequency, sub-3-hour missions. Light jets, which tend to be favored for corporate shuttles, bear the brunt of regional pilot shortages and high cycles-per-hour utilization.Conversely, ultra long-haul jets rose just 14.1% over the same period, reflecting deeper fleet availability in the large-cabin category and more stable demand profiles for intercontinental missions. Large-cabin aircraft benefit from longer mission durations and more disciplined supply growth, all of which helped insulate them from the steeper inflation seen in lighter segments. Private Jet Card Comparisons Why Jet Card Pricing Is Now Loosely Tracking CPI Instead of Outpacing ItDuring the 2019–2023 surge, private aviation inflation was running roughly 2x–3x faster than CPI. The reversal in 2025 suggests normalized market mechanics:Supply is more predictable. Fewer unscheduled maintenance events and better parts availability have reduced operator surcharges.Demand has rebalanced. Flight activity is down from 2022 highs, easing the pressure on peak‑day premiums.Fuel volatility softened. Lower jet‑A price volatility kept operators from passing through large cost shocks.Put simply, charter is no longer in an inflation‑supercycle, and rate stabilization is real.The End of Inflationary Risks?Given the 2025 reset, organizations are rethinking how to structure their private aviation strategies.Three shifts stand out.Charter and Jet Cards Regain Cost Predictability: With rate inflation tracking CPI, jet cards have regained their value proposition: fixed hourly rates and guaranteed availability. The risk premium built into 2021–2023 contracts is dissipating.Fractional Owners Reassess Utilization Efficiency: Fractional share programs saw some of the steepest inflation due to maintenance exposure. As charter prices cool relative to ownership-linked costs, the calculus shifts to the point that low-utilization flyers may now find charter economically preferable.Data‑Driven Fleet Matching Is Becoming Standard Practice: A growing number of organizations are using third-party operating cost models to benchmark flight hour costs by aircraft type. These models allow decision-makers to quantify whether a larger cabin is actually necessary for a given mission profile.The Outlook on a Market Entering Its First True PlateauAs 2026 rolls on, most indicators point to continued stability. Fleet utilization is projected to remain below 2022 peaks, new aircraft deliveries are increasing—particularly in the mid-size segment—and operators are prioritizing predictable pricing to retain high-value corporate clients.The wild card remains macroeconomic volatility. A sharp rise in fuel costs or a demand spike could reintroduce rate pressure. But absent structural shocks, the market is positioned for the first stable pricing environment in nearly six years.For C-suite leaders and HNWIs, the takeaway is operational rather than emotional, as private aviation is a manageable line item again, as opposed to an inflation outlier.This story was produced by Jettly and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The cost of waiting to talk about senior care The cost of waiting to talk about senior careFor many families, senior care planning is something they intend to discuss “one day.” Meaningful planning involves thinking through long-term care goals, understanding financial considerations, and having a series of open, ongoing conversations with loved ones. Yet when life feels stable enough, or a parent seems mostly independent, bringing up long-term care can feel uncomfortable or premature, and it’s easy to delay discussions.Some families avoid the topic altogether until a crisis occurs. Parents may hide a dementia diagnosis from loved ones for years, believing they can continue providing care at home. Families living far from aging parents may notice small changes during visits that may not reveal the full picture. Without a plan in place, the result can be years of stress and difficult decisions.While early planning doesn’t eliminate every challenge, it does give families room to compare options and make choices that truly support a loved one’s well-being. By understanding the financial implications of waiting to plan for senior care — and the opportunities that come with preparing sooner — families can approach care decisions deliberately instead of reactively. And when the unexpected happens, that preparation can make the difference between a manageable transition and a costly crisis.Key insightsFamily expectations about senior care are often unrealistic — especially regarding timing and costs.Delaying long-term care planning can be risky, often resulting in higher costs, fewer options to choose from, and increased stress for the whole family.Start talking about finances and care options early to avoid surprises and help ensure a senior’s resources align with their goals.Invite your aging loved one to share what matters most to them. Simple, respectful questions paired with support from siblings, a neutral third party, and community resources can open the door to productive conversations.Senior care planning: Expectations vs. realityExpectations about when a loved one will need care and how much that care will cost don’t usually match reality. This mismatch often results in rushed decisions and added financial and emotional stress.How long families think they have vs. realityAccording to A Place for Mom’s 2025 Senior Care Search Trends Report, more than three-quarters (77%) of family caregivers who haven’t begun their search (or are just starting) assume they’ll have anywhere from a few months to more than a year before they need to find professional care. In reality, 69% of caregivers end up hiring in-home care or moving a loved one to a senior living community within 60 days. A Place for Mom Like so many caregivers, families often scramble to find solutions after a fall or health crisis reveals the extent of a loved one’s decline. Some move aging parents into their homes, partly because they haven’t had time to launch a search for professional care.What families expect to pay vs. actual costsA survey conducted by A Place for Mom found that only 18% of people seeking help with senior living felt they had a good understanding of the costs, and nearly one-third of respondents whose loved one moved into a senior living community said the cost of care was higher than expected. A Place for Mom Just as families misjudge the length of time before their loved one needs care, many also underestimate the cost of professional senior care. This gap may exist, in part, because many families begin their search during a crisis, leaving little time to understand fees, pricing structures, and the financial implications of different care settings.High costs are the leading cause of concern among families seeking both senior living (64%) and home care (72%). The median monthly cost of assisted living in the U.S. is $5,419, which adds up to more than $65,000 annually. Families seeking more specialized support for a loved one with dementia can expect even higher costs. The national median cost of a memory care community is $6,690 per month (roughly $80,280 annually). A Place for Mom Some families face the challenge of both finding and funding care when a loved one’s care needs increase. Many seniors would prefer to age in place in their own homes or live with family. While hourly scheduling and rates can make hiring professional support at home seem more economical, that isn’t always the case in the long term.“Families may expect to pay less for home care than a senior living setting,” notes Vicki Demirozu, a 30-year veteran of the home care industry, “but costs can rise quickly as their loved one needs more hours of care or more highly skilled care.”The national median starting rate for nonmedical home care services is $34 per hour. At that rate, a typical care schedule of 20 hours per week costs around $2,944 per month, or $35,330 annually. If a senior needs full-time care (roughly 40 hours of home care per week), they can expect to pay around $5,889 per month or $70,666 a year.Financial risks families face when they wait to talk about senior careDelaying senior care planning conversations carries both immediate and long-term financial risks that can often compound. When families must make rushed care decisions, they can unintentionally put their loved one’s financial stability — and their own — at risk.Loss of financial planning opportunitiesMany financial tools that can help cover the cost of senior care require advance planning. For example, long-term care insurance can offset thousands of dollars in future care expenses. According to the American Association of Long-Term Care Insurance, policies are most affordable and accessible when an applicant is still in good health, ideally in their mid-50s. Seniors who wait to apply may be declined coverage due to their age or health status. Even if an older adult can purchase a policy later in life, the premiums may be too high to afford long term.While long-term care insurance isn’t right for everyone, conversations about care needs and costs can help families consider all their options. Patrick Johnson, CLU, AEP, CLTC, an independent agent who specializes in financial planning for older adults, emphasizes starting early.“There are so many good products out there now beyond traditional long-term care insurance, including life insurance and long-term care policy combinations, or annuities with long-term care riders,” Johnson notes. “However, families who wait until there are care needs aren’t able to take advantage of these.”Consider this:Early planning preserves access to a wider range of financial tools to help fund care — such as hybrid insurance products and annuities with long-term care benefits. Once health needs become more complex, these options may not be available.Higher costs for senior careThe financial consequences of acting late also appear in the care market itself. Families seeking a senior living community on short notice may encounter higher deposits, higher monthly rates, or fewer opportunities to take advantage of promotions or discounted move-in periods. Researching and planning a senior living transition typically gives families time to tour and compare communities, gather detailed pricing information, and schedule a move that minimizes overlapping housing costs. Without preparation or support, a family looking for care during a crisis rarely has that luxury.Finding home care in a short time frame presents its own challenges. Families who have been providing care themselves often underestimate the cost of bringing in professional caregivers and how many hours of support a loved one will need. Seeking help for a senior who wants to remain at home on short notice can also mean making urgent and costly home modifications such as installing ramps, grab bars, and other necessary safety equipment.Rushed liquidation of assetsA fall, sudden hospitalization, or serious illness can force families to find immediate care. Under that pressure, they may make decisions that feel necessary in the moment but carry long-term financial repercussions. Homes are sold quickly rather than strategically. Investment accounts are tapped without time to understand tax consequences. Assets that once offered security and growth become the first casualties of an unplanned transition into care.And when savings, investments, or property must be converted to cash quickly, the ripple effects can reach the next generation. As Chris Orestis, CSA, president of Retirement Genius, explains, “Along with the capital gains tax burden of liquidating financial assets, families in a rush to finance care may be forced to sell a family home. This means less wealth to pass down to the next generation.”Delays or ineligibility for benefitsDelaying conversations and planning can also affect eligibility for and the timely receipt of certain federal benefits.For instance, Medicaid remains one of the most important payment methods for seniors who need but can’t afford long-term care. Yet many families aren’t aware that there are strict and complex financial eligibility requirements to qualify for coverage. In addition to meeting income and asset limits, a five-year look-back period applies in most states. This look-back is a close review of all financial transactions made during the five-year period immediately preceding a senior’s application for Medicaid. It’s designed to ensure large assets that could have been used to pay for their care haven’t been gifted or sold below market value just to qualify. Families who make last-minute financial moves, such as transferring a home or consolidating accounts, may trigger a costly penalty period of ineligibility for Medicaid. During this time, the senior and their family will have to find other ways of covering care costs.Veterans benefits are another example. While there are many different benefits available to veterans and their families through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), lengthy application and determination processes are common. The Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly payment available to eligible wartime veterans and their surviving spouses who meet financial criteria and require assistance with activities of daily living. This benefit is often used to help pay for senior care services at home or in a senior living community. The full application with supporting documents can easily grow to 30+ pages. It includes detailed financial reporting like what’s required for Medicaid, although the look-back period is only three years.Suzette Graham is the founder and CEO of Patriot Angels, a company that helps wartime veterans and their families access VA benefits, with a focus on the Aid and Attendance benefit. She notes that family members can be very helpful in gathering the extensive documentation required and helping their loved one complete the application accurately to avoid delays.“Approval can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days, so families who wait until a crisis often forfeit benefits during those early months of care,” says Graham.Consider this:Learning about available VA benefits early — and preparing documentation in advance — can help families access valuable financial support when a loved one needs care.For families who want to preserve options, safeguard their financial resources, and honor a senior’s wishes, conversations that feel difficult today may prove to be their most important source of stability down the road.Why waiting until a crisis may limit senior care optionsFinancial costs are not the only downside of delaying senior care conversations. Families may put off senior care planning because their loved one still seems healthy. But waiting too long may affect health outcomes and limit care choices, leading to rushed decisions, fewer options, and greater stress for everyone.Niki Gewirtz, the manager of sales performance and training at A Place for Mom, says this is a scenario she’s seen play out many times in the 20+ years that she’s helped families navigate care options. “The family waits until there’s a crisis. Their loved one is now sicker — maybe hospitalized — and needs to go into a skilled nursing facility rather than the senior living setting or home care situation everyone would prefer.”Gewirtz says that starting with nonmedical care at home can help families avoid that situation and can even save money in the long term.“Having someone provide a lower level of care can help keep a loved one healthier [and] more independent for longer [and] ensure they eat and take medications. It also makes the adjustment easier when the person does need a higher level of care,” she adds.Consider this:Understanding care options before a crisis allows families to consider supportive services that can help maintain senior independence and improve health outcomes.Families in crisis mode may have limited senior care options to choose from, primarily due to an ongoing national shortage of professional caregivers within the long-term care sector. Low wages, high turnover rates, and a fast-growing senior population all contribute to the problem. The National Center for Health Workforce Analysis projects that demand for personal care aides will rise 38% and demand for home health aides will rise 36% from 2023 to 2038. However, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of personal care aides and home health aides will only grow 17% from 2024 to 2034. This marked difference between the estimated supply of and demand for long-term care workers underscores the importance of planning ahead for senior care as much as possible.A last-minute search for home care services — without guidance or proper support — often means less time to interview and compare agencies and can result in having fewer reliable choices in terms of schedules and providers. Families may also have less time to coordinate care schedules among other providers like doctors, physical therapists, and nurses.Similarly, families seeking a senior living setting for their loved one on short notice may find themselves compromising. Waiting lists are common for reputable, affordable communities. This means that preferred locations, floor plans, amenities, and price points may not be available immediately. Seniors and families may have to take the first available opening rather than choosing a community based on the best fit.“If you’re waiting for a crisis moment to happen, you may be stuck with what you can find and not truly the best option for your loved one. It’s always best to have a plan in place,” Gewirtz says.The real cost of family caregivingFamily caregiving, at its core, is both an act of love and a long-term financial and emotional commitment. According to A Place for Mom’s 2025 State of Caregiving Report, family caregivers spend an average of 23 hours per week on caregiving tasks, and 75% of family caregivers provide care for at least a year. That’s the equivalent of a part-time job on top of working, parenting, and other personal responsibilities.Richard Wexler, J.D., CEO of the nonprofit APlan2Age, is all too familiar with the multifaceted struggle that family caregivers face.“I’m an older parent, and some years ago, my wife and I found ourselves providing care for all four of our parents while taking care of two young kids. That experience was so stressful and difficult,” he says.In addition to the risk of caregiver burnout, 69% of family caregivers say the role places a significant strain on their finances. While many families hesitate to acknowledge caregiving as a financial burden — seeing it instead as their duty — the cumulative effects can follow caregivers and their family members for years.Even when families help pay for a loved one’s care, the larger financial impact of caregiving often comes from reduced work hours, lower earning potential, diminished retirement savings, and career stagnation. Roughly 1 in 10 caregivers leave the workforce entirely to care for an aging family member, while 35% report having less time to focus on work. The result? An estimated loss of over $21,000 in yearly income on average.“There is a cost to the time the family spends providing care and assistance — whether that is time away from work, family obligations, or self-care,” Gewirtz cautions.For members of the sandwich generation, the combination of caregiving and a career is an even more delicate balancing act. They’re supporting aging parents at their most vulnerable while trying to stay present for children in their formative years — all while absorbing the career and earning impacts of carrying both loads.Consider this:Exploring available care resources can help families create more sustainable caregiving arrangements to support both the senior’s and the caregiver’s health and financial future.Wexler was so moved by his own experience that it inspired him to start “Caring in America,” a podcast to help educate and empower other family caregivers. His podcast eventually led to the founding of APlan2Age, which offers free care planning information and resources.“I found myself offering advice to help other families avoid that situation,” Wexler recalls. “That’s how APlan2Age got its start.”A proactive approach to senior care planningIn a 2025 survey of family caregivers, more than half (54%) reported wishing they had begun planning for senior care sooner. Early planning gives families time to clarify long-term care goals and preferences, align financial resources, and define roles and responsibilities. It also allows families to put essential legal protections in place — creating the foundation for a sustainable and well-rounded care plan. A Place for Mom Set goals and learn about care optionsThe first step in creating a senior care plan is identifying personal preferences for long-term care. While more than half of caregivers (53%) report a strong preference for in-home care over senior living, having open conversations about what aging in place truly requires helps set realistic expectations.Aging at home may be achievable, but — just like transitioning to senior living — it comes with potentially high costs. Families need to prepare for expenses such as home modifications, in-home support, transportation, and help with daily tasks.It’s equally important to consider alternative plans if staying home becomes too challenging, unsafe, or expensive. Exploring options early on, such as a move to senior living, allows families to compare costs, prepare financially, and make decisions that honor a loved one’s preferences as their needs change.Today’s senior care landscape is diverse, offering a wide range of services — from home care and adult day care programs to assisted living and specialized memory care. Yet 41% of family caregivers report they aren’t sure what they’re looking for in a senior care experience, and 88% say they need more guidance when navigating senior care. Seeking information and support to understand options in advance can empower families to make more informed choices.Form a care team with clear rolesEffective care planning relies on well-defined roles and support systems. Early planning allows families to establish clear decision-making structures — from designating a power of attorney to determining who will manage appointments, provide hands-on assistance, or contribute financially. Clear delineation of roles can help minimize the risk of family conflict and promote a more equitable distribution of caregiving responsibilities.Beyond family involvement, professional expertise can play a critical role in developing financially and logistically sustainable care models. Financial advisors help project long-term costs and identify viable funding strategies. Elder law attorneys ensure legal documents are current and aligned with a senior’s evolving preferences. And senior care experts — such as advisors at A Place for Mom — bridge knowledge gaps to help families understand care options and costs when needs change.“Asking the right questions helps the advisors create options tailored to the senior’s needs and offer solutions that the family may not have even considered,” Gewirtz explains.A multidisciplinary team that combines family engagement with professional guidance positions families to adapt more successfully as health, financial, logistical, and emotional demands evolve over time. When planning occurs proactively rather than during a crisis, it may be less overwhelming and more financially viable.Consider this:When families define responsibilities and involve trusted professionals early, they build a stronger care foundation that reduces conflict and adapts more easily to changing health or financial needs.Understand care costsGrounding a senior care plan in realistic cost expectations can help protect a family’s financial stability while helping to ensure access to the appropriate level of care at the right time.A clearer understanding of projected care costs enables more deliberate financial decision-making in the years preceding care needs. Even preliminary cost estimates allow families to budget, save, invest, and assess benefits strategies with greater intention. This level of clarity can inform decisions about when to seek additional support, how to pace spending, and when to adjust the care plan.Explore payment optionsPlanning for senior care requires a comprehensive assessment of the funding options available. A common misconception is that Medicare pays for long-term care, when in reality it will only cover medically necessary home care services and nursing home stays for a limited time. In fact, nearly half of families (46%) rely on a combination of private pay sources such as monthly income, savings, investments, home equity, and contributions from family members to pay for care.A practical first step is to evaluate current income and assets as well as any future income sources, such as Social Security benefits, pensions, and annuity payments. With this baseline in place, families can determine whether additional assets and tools — such as home equity, insurance products, government programs, and family support — might help fill the gaps. Each option carries financial, tax, legal, and logistical implications.Home equity is one of the most common — and often most valuable — financial resources available to pay for senior care. Families may choose to rent the property, use a reverse mortgage to access funds while the senior remains in the home, or sell the home. However, Massachusetts-based elder law attorney Jay Marsden explains that selling a home can introduce logistical implications and complicate family dynamics: “If an adult child is living with Mom and Dad, selling the home essentially means putting them out in the street, which can exacerbate family tensions.”When personal resources fall short, family members sometimes step in to help. Gewirtz emphasizes the importance of transparency in these arrangements: “It’s essential to have candid conversations not only about what’s important to the senior, but also who else can contribute and how much.”Support may also take the form of unpaid caregiving. Some families step in to provide unskilled care themselves, helping with daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, and eating.Insurance tools — including long-term care insurance and certain life insurance products — can also help offset costs, but they require advance planning and a clear understanding of policy terms. Coverage levels, benefit triggers, waiting periods, and documentation requirements vary. Orestis recommends “being ready to be denied.” Carefully compiling all supporting medical and financial documentation — including notes from physician visits, specialist referrals, and needs assessments — can strengthen the initial claim and reduce delays.For those who qualify, veterans benefits can offer meaningful financial relief. Graham notes that these benefits are “hugely underused nationally,” largely because families are unaware of what they’re entitled to receive. Consulting a VA-accredited agent can help families prepare documentation and avoid missteps that delay or prevent access to benefits.Lastly, Medicaid is a critical source of support for seniors with limited incomes and assets, yet it’s one of the most complex aspects of America’s long-term care system. Programs, benefits, and eligibility criteria vary by state, and the requirements can be difficult for families to navigate. Even when a loved one’s finances appear straightforward, proactive Medicaid planning is essential to avoid penalty periods and unintended financial consequences.Create a care budgetCreating a care budget is one of the most practical steps to evaluate a family’s ability to afford care and the long-term sustainability of financial resources as care needs evolve. The process begins with accounting for all sources of income and assets, including savings, pensions, Social Security benefits, investment accounts, and home equity. Outlining debts and ongoing monthly expenses can offer a clear picture of what funds are available for care.With this information, families can estimate how long current and projected funds may cover different care scenarios, such as in-home support or senior living. A detailed budget also informs strategic decisions about larger assets, such as whether to sell or rent a home, downsize, or consider a reverse mortgage as part of a broader financial plan.Understanding the gap between resources and expected care costs can help determine whether Medicaid may be needed in the future. Early clarity gives families more time to adjust their plans, explore benefits, and make informed, financially sound choices.Consider this:A thoughtful care budget provides the clarity families need to align financial resources with future care needs and explore options proactively.Develop a legal planDeveloping a legal plan ensures preferences are clearly documented and enforceable, even if the senior eventually becomes unable to advocate for themselves. Core documents typically include powers of attorney for health care and finances, a living will or advance directive, and a will or trust to guide the distribution of assets. Putting these pieces in place reduces uncertainty and minimizes the risk of conflict and delays when decisions need to be made quickly.For families who expect to rely on Medicaid or want to preserve certain assets, legal planning may also require an understanding of Medicaid eligibility rules and the allowable planning approaches that help families stay compliant with program requirements. Consulting an elder law attorney can help ensure that documents are properly structured and that financial decisions align with state-specific regulations and long-term care goals.Revisit plans regularlyCare plans aren’t static — they must evolve as a senior’s health status, living arrangements, and financial resources change over time. Revisiting plans regularly is essential, especially after major health events, significant financial developments, or family changes, such as illness, death, or loss of a primary caregiver.Periodic reviews help families recalibrate budgets, update legal documents, reevaluate care options, and stay aligned on roles and expectations. Most importantly, revisiting the plan keeps communication open. Regular conversations make it easier to address concerns proactively, identify emerging needs, and ensure that everyone is prepared for what comes next.Starting conversations about senior carePlanning for senior care can feel daunting — not only because decisions are complex but because they touch on core issues of independence, identity, and family dynamics. However, these conversations don’t need to happen all at once. The most effective planning typically emerges from a series of thoughtful, incremental discussions that build trust and clarity over time. Starting early, maintaining a positive tone, and choosing appropriate moments to engage can make the process more comfortable for everyone involved.While family members and professionals — including physicians, financial advisors, and attorneys — play important roles in care planning, 84% of caregivers agree that the senior remains the most important voice in the decision-making process. Yet initiating these discussions can be challenging for both older adults and their families.Wexler recommends approaching conversations about senior care with intention and preparation. This may include checking in with siblings first to determine who is in the best position to talk with the loved one. He suggests that starting the conversation can be as simple — and as gentle — as saying: “Mom, I could use some advice on what’s important to you when you need care.” Offering advice is often a natural role for parents, and this framing invites them to lead decision-making rather than feel pushed or overruled.It also helps to start small. Early conversations should focus on the senior’s goals, preferences, and values. As circumstances evolve, revisit the discussion to address changes in health, finances, or living arrangements. Wexler notes that APlan2Age offers resources to help families start conversations before a crisis occurs.Consider this:Small, ongoing conversations help families stay connected on what matters most, making later care decisions more comfortable and more aligned with a loved one’s wishes.Support from outside the family can also reduce tension and help keep discussions focused on shared goals. Erin Martinez, Ph.D., CFLE, associate professor of gerontology at Kansas State University, says involving a neutral party — such as a family therapist, social worker, or trusted friend — can help facilitate more collaborative decision-making. She also encourages caregivers to draw on local and community-based resources.“Community supports such as local Area [Agencies] on Aging offer practical resources, and many elder law practices have satellite offices for people who live in rural areas,” she explains.Her advice to caregivers? “Make community connections,” Martinez urges. “Don’t feel guilty for using free or low-cost resources even if you feel that others need them more. It’s OK to ask for help.”Beginning the conversation early — and returning to it regularly — positions families to navigate senior care with greater clarity, respect, and shared purpose. It helps to ensure that when needs change, everyone already knows what matters most.Note: This article was developed in collaboration with APlan2Age, a nonprofit organization focused on helping individuals and families prepare for aging with intention, clarity, and confidence. Through free tools, practical guides, and expert-informed resources, APlan2Age encourages proactive planning and early conversations about care, finances, and personal priorities — so families are better prepared long before decisions become urgent.FAQsWhat happens if families wait too long to plan for senior care?Waiting to plan for senior care often leads to rushed decisions, higher costs, and fewer care options when a health crisis occurs. Many families who delay end up needing care within 60 days, leaving little time to compare services or pricing. Early planning helps reduce financial stress and preserves more choices.Why do senior care costs end up being higher than families expect?Many families underestimate senior care costs because they begin researching during a crisis and lack time to fully understand pricing structures. Assisted living, memory care, and home care expenses can add up quickly, especially as care needs increase. Planning ahead allows families to budget realistically and explore financial tools before costs escalate.How can early conversations about senior care protect a family’s finances?Starting senior care conversations early gives families time to explore insurance, benefits, and asset-planning strategies that may not be available later. It can help avoid rushed asset sales, tax consequences, and delays in Medicaid or veterans benefits eligibility. Proactive planning supports both financial stability and long-term care goals.This story was produced by A Place for Mom and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	St. Ambrose University joins Heart of America Athletic Conference All sports at SAU will now compete in the Heart of America Athletic Conference starting in the 2026-27 school year, university officials said.
	Quad Cities reactions to the death of Rev. Jesse Jackson The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, a two-time presidential candidate who led the Civil Rights Movement for decades, died Tuesday at 84. Jerry Jones, executive director of The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Rock Island, shared this statement with Our Quad Cities News: It is with deep sorrow that we acknowledge the passing of [...]
	The surprising science of fireside connection The surprising science of fireside connectionGathering around a fire, whether it is a bonfire outdoors or a fireplace on date night, is a way to bring people together. Modern Flames explores the physiological and evolutionary evidence behind the human habit of socializing beside a fire.Campfire PrincipleCharles Vogl, an internationally best-selling author who focuses on community, posits in the Campfire Principle that campfires nurture relationships and intimate conversations because, “At campfires, we have time, proximity, freedom, and intimacy to connect meaningfully with others if we choose.” Even in larger groups, gathering around a campfire fosters a level of intimacy that connects individuals with one another by sharing moments of vulnerability.The act of gathering around a fire dates far back in our evolutionary history, with anthropologists claiming that the central role of a fire encouraged communication (sharing stories) and reinforced social bonding. This long-standing tradition of storytelling over the fire connects us to one another, making us feel less lonely and more a part of a community.Fireside Relaxation StudyThe sensory details of a fire also create positive physical and mental responses, including easing anxiety, lowering blood pressure, and contributing to mindfulness, according to the Fireside Relaxation Study by the University of Alabama.“Findings confirm that hearth and campfires induce relaxation as part of a multisensory, absorptive, and social experience,” Professor Chris Lynn concludes. The flicker of the flames and the crackling sounds of the fire burning help you to disconnect from technology and the anxiety and worries that come with modern life.By giving in to “being present,” you gain mindfulness, a meditative state that’s achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment. The warmth of the fire also allows you to relax tense muscles, and is linked to a better night’s sleep.The ‘Third Place’ TheoryThe third place effect, introduced by sociologist Ray Oldenburg, argues that people need a third place where they can gather, interact informally, and build community – a separate space from home and work (the “first place” and “second place,” respectively).Gathering around a fire has long served as a powerful third place. Today, however, there’s a shift where the “first place” (home) merges with the “third place.” Due to rising living costs, overcrowding, shorter hours for free time, and social burnout, the home is now the primary gathering place, which underscores the positive effects of a fireplace or fire pit, which include promoting feelings of belonging and fostering conversation.ConclusionWhether you are gathering for your next outdoor bonfire or having wine on date night by your fireplace, when you cozy up to your loved ones and enjoy the effects of the crackling flames, you’re joining a tradition that humans have embraced for thousands of years.This story was produced by Modern Flames and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Equipment materials guide for industrial plants: Exploring the uses, pros and cons Equipment materials guide for industrial plants: Exploring the uses, pros and consThe equipment used in industrial plants is at the heart of the operations. While it’s easy to focus on the complexity or fluidity of work in these systems, behind their reliable performance lies the material they are made from. Engineers carefully select each material based on its unique properties and how it fits into the final product’s applications.Choosing the right material has many implications, from performance and lifespan to cost and safety. If you’re looking to buy processing equipment, it makes sense to learn about the materials used to build industrial plant equipment. This guide by Louisiana Chemical Equipment Company offers a look into each material’s advantages, trade-offs and applications.Common Types of Materials for Industrial EquipmentHere’s a breakdown of the commonly used materials, their distinct performance characteristics, strengths, limitations and applications.Cast IronIron is one of the oldest materials in manufacturing and also one of the most popular industrial plant materials due to its useful alloys. Cast iron, which contains 2% to 4% carbon, is an iron-carbon alloy with excellent qualities, such as ease of casting, strength against compression forces, vibration-damping and toughness. Its variation, known as ductile iron, is also widely used for its improved tensile strength.Cast iron in general has many uses, such as in the manufacturing of valve bodies, pump housings, compressor casings, machine bases and piping systems. Iron gray, in particular, is a good choice for components that are not exposed to high tensile forces, such as machine bases and boiler parts.Pros:Excellent castability: Its low melting point makes casting easy as it allows for complex shapes, reduced costs and fewer manufacturing steps.High compressive strength: It maintains strength under compression, making it ideal for structural support.Vibration damping: It absorbs vibrations, reducing wear and tear on mechanical parts, muffling noise and improving safety conditions.Durability: It exhibits excellent durability in noncorrosive environments, thanks to its high hardness and wear resistance.Cons:Brittle: It has poor tensile strength and will break under tension instead of deforming.Prone to rusting: Since it’s composed mainly of iron, cast iron is prone to rust damage.Heavy: Cast iron is heavy, which can make it challenging to work with. Louisiana Chemical Equipment Company Carbon SteelCarbon steel is also an iron alloy with a carbon content of less than 2%. It’s one of the most widely used material in industrial plant construction because of its unique characteristics, balancing strength, ductility and cost. Carbon steel comes in varying carbon content and heat treatment preparations, which equip each type with distinct mechanical properties.The applications of carbon steel can vary by industry, but it’s commonly used in oil and gas, power generation and chemical processing environments. It’s widely used for storage tanks, pressure vessels, pipelines, heat exchangers, boilers and structural supports.Pros:Strength and hardness: The carbon content provides high strength and hardness, especially after heat treatment.Cost efficiency: It’s generally affordable and cost-effective compared to specialty alloys.Machinability: It’s easy to weld and fabricate with standard tools.Versatility: It’s readily available in many grades that are heat-treated to bring out specific characteristics.Recyclability: It’s highly recyclable, making it an environmentally friendly option.Cons:Corrosion: Since it’s mostly iron, carbon steel is prone to rust in moisture environments and will corrode in acidic settings unless it’s covered in protective coatings.Brittleness: Like cast iron, carbon steel containing high carbon content can crack or snap under tension instead of bending.Stainless SteelStainless steel is an iron and carbon alloy containing at least 10.5% chromium. It may also contain other alloying elements such as nickel and molybdenum to give it varying strengths, but it’s the specific ratio of chromium that makes it “stainless.” Chromium gives the steel a protective oxide layer that resists corrosion.There are different grades of stainless steel with varying resistance levels to corrosion, temperature extremes and mechanical forces. You’ll find stainless steel across all industries. Its corrosion resistance makes it a common material for chemical processing equipment, pharmaceutical systems, reactors, heat exchangers and other applications.Pros:Corrosion resistance: Unlike other iron alloys, stainless steel has excellent resistance to natural rusting. It also resists chemical corrosion effectively.Strength and durability: Depending on its thickness, it can withstand impacts and dents, and can last a lifetime if it’s not exposed to surroundings that cause degradation.Hygienic properties: It has a nonporous surface that gives it the stainless attribute, meaning it can resist mold, dirt and bacteria, and is easy to clean.Versatility: Stainless steel has many applications across various industries and is used in a wide range of products, from cookware and appliances to automotive parts and construction materials.Recyclability: Like other iron alloys, it’s highly recyclable and environmentally friendly.Cons:High cost: It’s expensive up front compared to alternatives such as carbon steel or aluminum.Fabrication: Cutting, forming and welding are challenging due to the toughness.Weight: Stainless steel is dense and heavy, which can make it challenging to move and work with.TitaniumTitanium is an exceptionally strong metal and the ninth most abundant element in the Earth’s crust. It has low density and is known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio. The metal forms a protective titanium oxide layer on its surface, making it highly resistant to corrosive environments.One of the main applications of titanium is in the aerospace industry because the metal is lightweight and resists high temperatures. It’s used in heat exchangers, condensers, reactors and piping systems exposed to harsh conditions. Chemical processing, desalination plants and power generation facilities are among the sectors that use titanium the most.Pros:High strength: It has high strength and durability that matches some grades of steel and holds up well over time.Low weight: Due to its low density, titanium offers a high strength-to-weight ratio that makes it a lightweight strength option, usually in defense and aerospace industries.Corrosion resistance: It can resist rust and corrosion from chemicals and salt water, making it reliable in industrial and marine settings.Biocompatibility: It’s a nontoxic and hypoallergenic metal, making it useful for medical implants.Cons:High cost: It’s expensive to produce and work with, and requires specialized tools to fabricate.Limited availability: It has limited availability compared to steel due to the energy-intensive extraction and processing required.CopperCopper is a metal with excellent electrical and thermal conductivity. It has long been used in industrial processes as the alloys brass and bronze, which have good corrosion resistance. Copper and its alloys are versatile, which makes them valuable in mechanical parts and products where their various strengths are desired.For example, while the electrical conductivity makes copper useful in electronics, its malleability makes it reliable where ease of fabrication is necessary. Common applications include heat exchangers, electrical components, radiators and piping systems.Pros:Electrical conductivity: It’s the second most electrically conductive metal and serves as the standard for electrical applications.Thermal conductivity: Due to the high thermal conductivity and melting point, it dissipates heat and doesn’t easily deform in high temperatures.Corrosion resistance: It can resist corrosion in environments with high moisture and salt levels.Workability: It’s malleable, making it easy to work with and fabricate into various shapes and sizes.Cons:High cost: The material cost is high, which increases the cost of large-scale processing.Low strength: It has low mechanical strength and is not suitable for high-stress and high-pressure environments.Corrosion sensitivity: Although it displays fair resistance to corrosion, it cannot withstand aggressive conditions involving harsh chemicals.Nickel AlloysNickel is a metallic element with versatile properties that make it valuable in industrial settings. It has various alloys that have unique compositions and properties, which are engineered to highlight specific advantages, such as strength, corrosion resistance and high temperature resistance.Nickel alloys are valuable in a wide range of sectors. High-strength and corrosion-resistant alloys, such as Inconel 718 and Waspaloy, find widespread use in the aerospace, gas turbine, electrochemical and nuclear sectors. Whether they are used for strength, heat resistance or temperature resistance, each nickel alloy offers unique properties to handle specific conditions.Pros:Corrosion resistance: The alloys have excellent resistance to various corrosive environments, whether it’s chemical processing or marine settings.High temperature resistance: Some of the alloys perform well in high-temperature settings, making them a popular choice in gas turbines, heat exchangers and furnaces.Strength and toughness: Due to their composition and heat treatment, some alloys offer superior strength, durability and creep resistance compared to many other metals.Versatility: Nickel can be alloyed with a variety of metals, such as chromium, iron, molybdenum and more, to bring out different characteristics.Electrical conductivity: They display excellent electrical conductivity, making them useful in electric wiring and heating elements.Cons:High cost: The material cost alone is high.Machinability: They can be challenging to machine and weld, requiring specialized approaches.PolymersPolymers are synthetic materials designed to provide qualities such as chemical resistance, lightweight construction and cost efficiency. They are the most widely used materials in manufacturing after metals, and in some cases, they can replace metals. Where low weight, insulation and corrosion resistance are needed, polymers are ideal.Common industrial polymers include polyethylene, polystyrene, polypropylene, Teflon and fiber-reinforced plastics. They are used widely across all industries to make products such as valves, linings, seals, piping systems, ducting and more.Pros:Corrosion resistance: They have excellent resistance to corrosion and can withstand harsh chemical environments without degrading.Low weight: They have low density, which makes them suitable for lightweight applications.Excellent insulation: Besides the small conductive polymer category, most offer electrical and thermal insulation.Workability: Polymers can be molded into various forms.Cons:Limited performance: They have low temperature and pressure limits compared to metals, and have reduced mechanical strength.Environmental concern: They are made from fossil fuels and cause resource strain and plastic pollution.Glass-Lined SteelThis material blends glass with steel by applying a glass coating on steel surfaces at high temperatures. The process combines the mechanical strength of carbon steel with the corrosion resistance of glass, creating a surface that’s completely unreactive to chemicals.Applications for glass-lined steel vary with industry. However, the material is typically used for chemical and pharmaceutical storage and mixing equipment.Pros:Corrosion resistance: The glass lining is highly resistant to a wide range of corrosive elements.Product purity: It is chemically inert and doesn’t react with other products, avoiding contamination.Good thermal stability: It provides reliable stability in environments with temperature fluctuations.Cons:Brittleness: The glass-lined surface is vulnerable to mechanical impact.Reduced performance: It has limited resistance to rapid temperature fluctuations and is incompatible with harsh chemicals that can damage glass.Factors to Consider When Selecting Equipment MaterialsMatching material properties with operational demands is key to overall performance and durability. Here are the factors industrial plants should consider when selecting equipment materials: Louisiana Chemical Equipment Company Final ThoughtsUnderstanding how different materials impact overall equipment performance and reliability is key to selecting the right material. It’s also a decision that impacts safety, life cycle cost and regulatory compliance. Remember, no single material is superior overall because each comes with a unique balance of valuable features such as temperature tolerance, mechanical strength, workability and cost.In the end, choosing the right material for plant equipment comes down to evaluating your processes, operating conditions, maintenance and the long-term cost of ownership.This story was produced by Louisiana Chemical Equipment Company and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Putnam Museum to showcase historic Holocaust-era violins Violins of Hope Iowa is a collection of restored string instruments that were owned and played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust.
	Statehouse Showdown: These are the remaining primary challengers for U.S. Senate in Iowa Nathan Sage endorsed Josh Turek for Iowa's U.S. Senate seat.
	Tax season tops the list of financial stressors, especially for Gen Z Tax season tops the list of financial stressors, especially for Gen ZFor many Americans, tax season comes with a mix of emotions, with stress at the top of the list. With that in mind, Intuit Credit Karma explores which Americans feel the most pressure and how they plan to handle their refunds.According to a new study conducted by Qualtrics on behalf of Intuit TurboTax of 1,000+ U.S. adults ages 18 and older, nearly half of Americans (46%) say tax season is the most stressful financial moment of the year.Younger Americans, especially Gen Z, feel it the most: 62% of Gen Z report tax season as their top financial stressor, compared to just 32% of Boomers.46% of Americans find tax season to be the most stressful financial moment of the year.55% of Gen Z respondents consider filing taxes one of the hardest parts of “adulting”.45% of Gen Z say they plan to use their tax refund to splurge on nonessentials (i.e., clothes, electronics, travel).Tax Anxiety Takes a Toll on Younger Generations’ Mental HealthMore than half (55%) of Gen Z say filing taxes is one of the hardest parts of “adulting,” and that pressure takes a real toll. Nearly one-third (30%) of all respondents say filing taxes negatively impacts their mental health, rising to almost half (45%) of Gen Z and more than a third (37%) of millennials.The biggest source of anxiety? Fear of getting their taxes wrong. Nearly half (49%) of Americans worry about filing incorrectly or making errors, a concern that climbs even higher (52%) among Gen Z.It’s clear that confidence around taxes doesn’t come easily, or quickly. Only 14% of taxpayers felt confident filing their own taxes before age 20, and most (62%) didn’t gain confidence until they were in their 20s, 30s, or even 40s. Some (13%) still don’t feel confident at all, while others (12%) rely entirely on tax professionals to avoid mistakes and reduce stress.Refunds are Top of MindMost Americans (52%) are expecting a refund this year, and while many (73%) of those expecting a refund don’t know how much they’ll receive, 54% plan to file early so they can get their refund faster.And Americans have high hopes: 35% expect a bigger tax refund this year compared to last year.For many, how they spend their refund boils down to wants versus needs. While over a third (37%) of Americans depend on their tax refund to make ends meet, 45% of Gen Z say they plan to use their tax refund to splurge on nonessentials (think things like clothes, electronics, and travel).However, when the refunds arrive, many Americans plan to use them responsibly: 25% plan to put them toward savings, and 24% plan to pay down debt.And some see their refund as a windfall: 43% say getting a tax refund is like getting free money, increasing to over half (52%) of Gen Z.Even With Refunds Expected, Many Americans Still Fear Owing TaxesExpecting a tax bill plays a role in many Americans’ procrastination in filing. One-third (33%) of respondents put off filing until the last minute, jumping to 40% Gen Z and 38% millennials. Of those who procrastinate, 29% do so because they typically owe money on their taxes.While most taxpayers (68%) believe they can afford their tax bill, others may struggle this tax season.22% of Americans say they will not pay their tax bill because they won’t have any way to pay it on time,22% plan to take out a loan to pay for their tax bill,and 18% plan to file a payment plan with the IRS.Interestingly, though, filing taxes causes more stress than paying taxes: 34% of Americans say the process of filing their taxes is more stressful than actually paying their taxes.And, Gen Z would be willing to make some sacrifices to avoid filing their taxes: 35% would rather go to the dentist than file their taxes, 26% would rather sit in traffic for hours, and 23% would rather give up their phone for a week.Most People Don’t File Alone…Filing taxes solo is the exception, not the rule. Sixty percent of Americans typically get help when filing, including nearly three-quarters (73%) of Gen Z.Many seek help primarily because they want reassurance: either someone to double-check their work (44%), or guidance because they lack confidence that they will file correctly (43%).… and Younger Generations Are Slowly Turning to AI for HelpYounger Americans are increasingly open to leaning on new tools for guidance this tax season. Nearly one-quarter (23%) of all respondents plan to use AI to help with their taxes this year, but adoption jumps to more than one-third (36% and 35%) among Gen Z and millennials.Those who trust AI say it’s faster and more efficient (53%) and less prone to human error (37%). Cost also matters, especially for the 27% of filers who are concerned about the cost of a human professional helping them file their taxes.Still, widespread trust remains a hurdle. Seventy-seven percent of Americans do not plan to use AI tools to help them file their taxes, citing a preference for using a human professional (42%), a lack of trust in AI with their sensitive financial information (26%), and they simply don’t know how to use AI for taxes (22%).Tips for a Successful Tax SeasonA successful tax season doesn’t mean you have to know all the ins and outs of filing, or file alone: it’s about having the right support, starting early, and feeling confident you’re submitting an accurate return.Start getting organized now. Take the time to gather all tax-related documents before you sit down to file your taxes. It may sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how much time you can save if you have all of the necessary paperwork in front of you when you go to file.File as early as you can. If you expect to get a refund, file quickly so that the money is in your pocket. For many Americans, their tax refund is their biggest paycheck of the year.Get help as you go. Everyone has their own unique financial situation, and that may present the need for some extra help filing. Online tax assistants provide a range of ways you can file. This survey was conducted online within the United States by Qualtrics on behalf of Intuit TurboTax from Jan. 9 to Jan. 19, 2026, among 1,048 adults ages 18 and older.This story was produced by Intuit Credit Karma and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Why so many people live paycheck to paycheck, even high earners Why so many people live paycheck to paycheck, even high earnersLiving paycheck to paycheck is no longer limited to low-income households. In 2025, Americans earning $100,000 a year are more likely to report living paycheck to paycheck than those earning $50,000. This trend highlights a growing disconnect between income and financial stability, driven by rising costs, increased debt, and changing spending behavior.Understanding why higher earners struggle financially requires examining lifestyle inflation, savings habits, and debt trends across income levels, CreditNinja explains.Key TakeawaysLiving paycheck to paycheck affects high earners as often as lower earners due to lifestyle creep and rising fixed costs.As income increases, spending often rises at the same pace, eliminating the financial benefit of higher earnings.High-income households report greater anxiety about debt and missed payments than lower-income households.Long-term financial stability depends more on spending, saving, and debt management than on income alone. CreditNinja Lifestyle Creep Is a Major Cause of Living Paycheck to PaycheckLifestyle creep occurs when spending increases alongside income, often gradually and without deliberate planning. As people earn more, they tend to spend more on housing, transportation, food, and discretionary purchases.Because these changes usually happen incrementally, they may feel manageable. Over time, however, they can eliminate the financial benefit of higher earnings and make it difficult to save or absorb unexpected expenses.Higher Income Often Comes With Higher Fixed CostsAs income rises, people are more likely to increase their fixed expenses, which are harder to reduce during financial stress. Here are some examples of standard fixed cost ranges:Housing costs should stay within 30% of income.Vehicle costs should stay within 35% of income.While these guidelines scale with income, many households spend close to the maximum they can afford within their budget rather than the minimum required for comfort. This often leads to larger rent or mortgage payments, more expensive vehicles, and higher recurring bills.Higher fixed costs reduce flexibility and increase the risk of living paycheck to paycheck, even at higher income levels.High Earners Report Growing Debt AnxietyAccording to a 2024 Federal Reserve survey, 14% of consumers said they were at risk of missing a minimum debt payment within the next three months. This was the highest share of consumers bracing for delinquency since April 2020.Notably, the increase in debt-related anxiety was greatest among households earning over $100,000 annually. Higher earners tend to carry larger debt balances and often rely on expectations of continued income growth to manage those obligations. With layoffs and economic uncertainty increasing, that strategy has become riskier.Americans Are Saving Less Than in Previous DecadesThe U.S. personal savings rate has declined significantly over time. It’s also common for many Americans to have personal loans, which can make saving more difficult. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, Americans saved an average of just 3.8% of disposable income in December 2024, even though savings rates were higher in the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s and briefly peaked at 32% during the COVID-19 pandemic. While inflation and higher living costs contribute to lower savings, long-term shifts in spending habits and consumer behavior also play a major role.Consumer Culture Encourages Spending Over SavingModern consumer culture prioritizes convenience and consumption. Targeted advertising, social media, and easy access to credit make spending faster and easier than saving.Small, frequent purchases can provide short-term satisfaction, but they often add up to significant monthly expenses. Over time, this behavior reinforces a spending cycle that replaces saving, increasing financial stress.Is There an Ideal Salary for Happiness?Earlier research showed that day-to-day happiness plateaued around $75,000, which is roughly $108,000 today when adjusted for inflation. Other studies suggest happiness can continue to rise with income, particularly for those who feel financially secure and in control.The consistent finding across studies is that financial satisfaction depends more on spending habits and financial stability than income alone.Why Income Alone Does Not Prevent Living Paycheck to PaycheckBoth low- and high-income households face financial challenges, but for different reasons. Lower-income households often struggle with basic necessities, while higher-income households face pressure from higher fixed costs, debt, and lifestyle expectations.Without intentional financial planning, higher income does not automatically lead to financial security. And so, even as your income increases, it’s important to have a financial plan and savings that can help you stay out of debt.This story was produced by CreditNinja and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How AI skills can boost your long-term job security (BPT) - Key Takeaways:Workers must invest in lifelong learning and upskilling to remain employable in five years.AI skills are one of the most valuable skills for workers in 2026 and beyond. However, many workers are left to learn these skills without guidance.DeVry University offers entry-level and leadership employees eight AI courses to build their AI skills with the help of real-time agentic AI learning coaches.Long-term job security doesn't happen by accident. Lifelong learning and continuous improvement of workforce readiness skills are necessary for employees to secure and retain roles in the modern workplace.According to DeVry University's report, "Bridging the Gap: Overcoming a Silent Standoff in America's Talent Economy," employers shared that — on average — 55% of their workforce needs to upskill significantly to remain employable in five years. Additionally, 63% of employers said they skipped workers for promotions because their skills were outdated.57% of workers say the skilled use of AI will be the most valuable skill to have in tomorrow's economy.The good news is that workers have taken note and are seeking opportunities to hone existing skills as well as learn new ones to adapt to their organization's shifting needs. One area of upskilling that employees in virtually every field are interested in pursuing is AI.DeVry's report revealed that 57% of workers say the skilled use of AI will be the most valuable skill to have in tomorrow's economy, ranking it the second most valuable out of 13 skills. By learning how to use generative AI and building on that knowledge to explore agentic AI, workers can transform their work and stay ahead of the competition in 2026 and beyond.The difference between generative and agentic AIYou're likely already familiar with gen AI, which focuses on creating content based on learned patterns. Agentic AI takes it a step further, blending automation capability and gen AI to complete complex tasks.For example, gen AI can tell you the best time to visit Amsterdam and help you find transportation, lodging and activities. An AI "agent," on the other hand, goes further by identifying the best time to visit based on travel patterns and your schedule, as well as booking your flights, hotels and tourist experiences.Just because agentic AI can now operate in the background autonomously doesn't mean that workers should panic about job security. According to the EY Agentic AI Workplace Survey, workers overwhelmingly expect positive impacts on productivity, efficiency and their work experience.That said, the survey also found that many are left to experiment with the technology on their own. Luckily, an online learning platform offers accessible learning modules that allow employees to learn and sharpen their AI skills for long-term job security.Courses that equip employees with the latest AI skillsIn 2025 — to address the need for upskilling for long-term career success — DeVry University launched DeVryPro. This innovative learning platform, built in collaboration with industry leaders and DeVry faculty members, covers essential disciplines, including AI."AI has matured well beyond theoretical applications," said Richard Korczyk, chief experience officer at DeVry University. Since 2009, he has held various leadership positions at the institution, including vice president of operations and innovation, where he witnessed firsthand the rapid acceleration of technology. "Many industries are mainstreaming this technology, and workers need to know how to learn, work and lead with AI as a partner, not a rival."Workers need to know how to learn, work and lead with AI as a partner, not a rival.In response to the rising need for AI skills for work readiness, the university is embedding AI literacy and skill-building into every course by the end of 2026. This initiative expands access for all students to develop the technical proficiency and applied fluency needed to succeed in an AI-augmented workforce. And DeVryPro is a key component of the university's broader AI strategy.DeVryPro now offers courses that equip workers with the knowledge they need to thrive in an AI-driven job market. The courses listed below on gen and agentic AI are guided by real-time AI learning coaches in a flexible format so students can learn on their own terms.AI for All: Build Practical Real-World AI Skills: Designed for professionals who are curious about AI, this course introduces the fundamentals so learners can use AI tools in their daily tasks like emails, reports and workflows.Applied AI: Generative AI for Professionals: This intermediate course is tailored for professionals already experimenting with AI. Learners will discover how to automate daily tasks, develop applications and use AI tools to enhance productivity and creativity.Data to Decisions: AI Essentials for Analysts: Business analysts will learn how to use custom solutions to improve data accessibility and cleanliness, automate processing, streamline workflows and enhance visual reports.AI for Leaders: Innovate and Elevate: Equips leaders to guide their organizations and teams through AI-driven change and its impact on business, as well as effective implementation of AI solutions to maximize organizational success.AI for Entrepreneurs: Aspiring and early-stage founders will learn how to use integrated AI tools for ideation, validation, prototyping and business scaling. By the end of the course, participants will build an AI-enhanced startup plan they can share with mentors, investors or collaborators.Foundations of Self-Leadership: This course is the first step in the DeVryPro's leadership pathway, equipping emerging leaders to build the essential mindset and durable skills required to lead with confidence, adaptability and purpose.Leading Teams and Driving Impact: As the next step in DeVryPro's leadership pathway, this course bridges personal effectiveness with organizational performance and strategic alignment to build high-performing teams.Product Management Fundamentals: The course introduces learners to the principles, tools and strategies that guide the full product lifecycle so they can make data-informed decisions, collaborate across functions and translate business objectives into customer-centered products.Together, these courses form a cohesive learning ecosystem that supports employee growth at every stage — from entry-level roles to leadership — to help them thrive in an AI-driven workforce. Once they complete a course, learners can earn a verifiable Certificate of Completion and Badge. These documents recognize their competencies and showcase an employee's AI skills, opening doors to career growth opportunities in credential-driven markets."Our courses aren't just about building knowledge," added Korczyk. "We've carefully developed learning experiences that prepare learners to apply leadership and AI skills in the context of their careers so they can feel confident about keeping pace in an ever-evolving professional landscape."Artificial intelligence is transforming every industry, and those who understand it are leading the way. To explore what is possible in 2026 and beyond, visit DeVryPro.com.
	Public welcome to Teen Environmental Summit at Bettendorf Library The Bettendorf Public Library, 2950 Learning Campus Drive, invites you to step up and make a difference at the Teen Environmental Summit on Saturday, Feb. 28. Libraries across the Quad Cities will unite for environmentalism and conservation from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., a news release says. Teens and pre-teens aged 10-18 are encouraged to [...]
	India has long promised 'vibrant' border villages, as China speedily builds up India's government launched a Vibrant Villages Programme almost four years ago. But as China steadily builds up its side, Indian residents wonder what's taking so long.
	Davenport man pleads guilty to indecent solicitation in Henry County court He was sentenced to three years in prison.
	Mississippi Spoon Gallery stirs up Guinness World Record for largest spoon collection She beat the previous record by 8,100 spoons.
	Special Weather Statement until TUE 7:00 PM CST Elevated Fire Danger this Afternoon
	The record-breaking cocaine boom — and its deadly fallout Cocaine has made a roaring comeback, and it's having some big negative effects in the U.S. and around the world.
	A Site for Iowa City This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.May 1st, 1839 was a normal spring day on the prairie above the Iowa River. That is to say, it was haunting, lush with…
	Longtime civil rights leader Rev. Jesse Jackson dies at 84 The Rev. Jesse Jackson was a lifelong civil rights advocate until his death Tuesday at the age of 84.
	3 big changes are proposed for FEMA. This is what experts really think of them The Trump administration is proposing massive changes to the Federal Emergency Management Agency. We asked disaster experts to weigh in.
	Recall of peanut butter products distributed in Iowa, Illinois, other states categorized as 'Class II' by the FDA A Class II recall "may cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences," according to the FDA.
	Australia won't repatriate 34 women and children from Syria The Australian government will not repatriate from Syria a group of 34 women and children with alleged ties to the Islamic State group, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Tuesday.
	U.S. and Iran to hold a second round of nuclear talks in Geneva The second round of talks in Geneva about Iran's nuclear program takes place as the United States ramps up its military presence in the Middle East and Iran holds large-scale maritime exercises.
Monday, February 16th, 2026
	We The People: World’s largest spoon museum celebrates local and national history A first of its kind museum that “spoons” the Mississippi River between Iowa and Illinois is celebrating a major milestone.
	Where are all the pennies going? With the U.S. Mint ending the minting of pennies last year, a Moline coin collector weighs in on where pennies are now and where they might end up.
	Where are all the pennies going? With the U.S. Mint ending the minting of pennies last year, a Moline coin collector weighs in on where pennies are now and where they might end up.
	Moore administration pushes back against Trump claims on Potomac sewage leak Crews work to repair the Potomac Interceptor, a sewage line that ruptured last month and has spewed an estimated 243 million gallons into the Potomac River. Weeks of repair work remain. (Photo courtesy DC Water)Nearly a month after a massive sewer pipe ruptured, spewing millions of gallons of untreated waste into the Potomac River, President Donald Trump (R) weighed in Monday, saying the “federal government has no choice but to step in” and address the problem. For once, Gov. Wes Moore’s (D) administration may agree with the president — the federal government has no choice but to step in, a spokesperson said, because it’s been responsible for years for oversight of pipe that ruptured. “Apparently the Trump administration hadn’t gotten the memo that they’re actually supposed to be in charge here,” said Ammar Moussa, the spokesperson. Meanwhile, Maryland has been taking what steps it can to respond to the spill since day one, he said. The Potomac Interceptor, as the roughly 60-year-old pipe is known, sits on the Maryland side of the Potomac River near Cabin John, but it falls under the jurisdiction of DC Water, an independent authority of the District of Columbia. The pipe failed on Jan. 19, and crews have redirected the flow of sewage away from the Potomac and into a lock of the C&O Canal. But overflow events have taken place since then, sending additional gallons of waste into the river, including after pump failures on Super Bowl Sunday. Maryland lawmakers were told Friday that the break has spilled an estimated 243 million gallons of sewage into the Potomac River, although the worst damage came in the first five days, before crews were able to contain the flow to the section of the C&O Canal. “There is a massive Ecological Disaster unfolding in the Potomac River as a result of the Gross Mismanagement of Local Democrat Leaders, particularly, Governor Wes Moore, of Maryland,” Trump wrote in a social media post Monday afternoon. Progress at Potomac sewer collapse, DC Water says, but overflow risk remains Trump said he was directing the federal government, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to respond to the leak and provide “Management, Direction, and Coordination.” Moussa fired back, saying “The President has his facts wrong — again,” and that the Trump administration has “failed to act.” He pointed to Friday’s briefing for Maryland lawmakers, which the Environmental Protection Agency declined an invitation to attend, according to Del. Linda Foley (D-Montgomery), chair of the Non-Energy Utilities Subcommittee of the House Environment and Transportation Committee. In a statement to Foley, EPA said it “must respectfully decline the invitation. DC Water and the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE) are leading the response and public communications, and they are best positioned to brief the Subcommittee on operational details, timelines, impacts, and corrective actions.” The statement said EPA’s role “has been limited to specific support activities within our authorities,” and that its only plan was to set up a webpage “that summarizes our limited response actions and provides links to information from DC Water and MDE.” The Maryland Department of the Environment does not regulate DC Water, but it does have a role to play in the clean-up, agency officials told lawmakers Friday, since the agency has purview over the river, which abuts Maryland. The agency closed the shellfish harvest area on the river, for instance, and has responded to the site for inspections since “day one,” said MDE Deputy Secretary Adam Ortiz during Friday’s briefing. “Our roles are: To conduct frequent inspections of the site and related cleanup efforts,” Ortiz said. “Looking ahead: To review and approve restoration plans involving the canal, and all the area, including reconnecting the pipe in time.” MDE is also watching over Maryland’s drinking water intake from the river, which Ortiz said Friday is not affected by the leak. Local health departments in Maryland have also issued advisories warning locals against coming into contact with the water amid high bacteria levels near the scene of the rupture. “Maryland officials were on site within hours of the leak to do our part to coordinate the response, and ensure the public was aware and protected,” Moussa’s statement said. “If the federal government is just now showing up to take action, we will work collaboratively — as we always do — to be responsive and keep the public informed about the federal government’s plan to remediate the damage.” During his remarks Friday, DC Water CEO David Gadis indicated that the EPA was also onsite, in addition to Maryland and District of Columbia officials. “We’ve had great meetings with EPA in coming out over the past couple of days. They will continue to be out on-site and working with us,” Gadis said. “A lot of jurisdictions have a lot of interest in what we’re doing, and so we’re going to make sure that we do the right thing.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Maryland Matters
	What to know about burn bans around the Quad Cities Sustained winds and low humidity are a recipe for fires, and emergency crews battled blazes around the Quad Cities on Monday.
	Iowa flu activity remains ‘very high’ as pediatricians urge vaccination Iowa’s flu activity remains very high, and nationally, more than 60 child deaths have been reported. Doctors urge vaccination and early treatment.
	Modern Woodmen Park, Davenport, nominated for Best Minor League Ballpark For the fourth-consecutive time, Davenport’s Modern Woodmen Park has been nominated for “Best Minor League Ballpark” in the USA Today 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards, a news release says. Selected by a panel of editors and industry experts, the home of the Quad Cities River Bandits earned its 2026 nomination after winning the publication’s inaugural award in 2014 [...]
	Quad-City Times will remain Bix 7 title sponsor The Quad-City Times will continue to be the Bix 7’s title sponsor officials said.
	Record breaking highs! More warm weather to come! It was a day that we were focusing on for a few days now and it has finally come and it was more than we were expecting! Today reached a high temperature of 70 degrees in the Quad Cities after a surge in temperatures. Starting from the mid 20s during this morning's low temps, all [...]
	Quad-City Times will continue to sponsor Bix 7 road race for next decade The Quad-City Times will continue to sponsor the Bix 7 road race in Davenport now that a 10-year contract is in place, according to a news release. The newspaper has been the title sponsor since 1981, so this year marks 46 years that the Quad-City Times has sponsored the race, which draws thousands of runners [...]
	Illinois could lower blood alcohol limit from 0.08 to 0.05 Illinois lawmakers are considering a major change to the state's DUI laws that would make the legal limit one of the strictest in the country. House Bill 4333 would lower the blood alcohol limit from 0.08 to 0.05. Right now, Utah is the only state with a 0.05 standard. Supporters of the bill point to [...]
	DaaBIN STORE will open at NorthPark Mall, Davenport DaaBIN STORE will open its doors at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 21, at NorthPark Mall, 320 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport. Prizes and giveaways will be featured, and all bin items will be $8. About DaaBIN STORE Shipments of new product arrive weekly, and the bins are restocked weekly. All items are first-come, first-served, so it [...]
	Wet streets but, NO rain??? Streets started off the day with a wet coating. But why? No rain had fallen Sunday or Sunday night
	How Iowa plans to target young voters A new initiative in Iowa intends to get more young people to vote. Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate announced the Catt Collegiate Challenge, saying the 18 to 24 year old age group historically has low turnout despite the potential of being able to swing elections. The initiative will try to boost engagement and voter [...]

Tuesday, February 17th, 2026

Monday, February 16th, 2026