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

Tuesday, February 10th, 2026
	Walcott plans for future improvements Walcott City Council expects expenditures to rise next year as they build a new well, refurbish their water tower, eye road improvements and plan an addition to the city sewer plant. Clerk Lisa Rickertsen presented early budget numbers last Tuesday, Feb. 3, at the council’s first budget meeting of the year. Budget figures proposed by city staff would see expenditures rise 4.7% over last year, from $6 to $6.3 million. The city council will hammer out the details of the budget, and may adjust those figures, over the coming weeks. If expenditures rise as expected, the burden will rest on city reserves rather than residential tax bills. Although the general levy rate will rise slightly, from $9.85 to $10.29 per $1,000 in taxable value, residential rollbacks have increased. Residential properties will be taxed at 44.53% of their assessed value, down from 47.43% this year. According to early budget numbers, expenditures in the city’s three proprietary funds—for water, sewer and garbage—will rise nearly 30%, by about $400,000. The city expects small savings in its public safety and economic development costs. Eyeing projects Several projects are set to begin in Walcott next year, with more to follow quick on their heels. Reconstruction of a culvert on Cedar Lane should cost the city about $300,000, Public Works Director Paul Stagg told the council. The city aims to bid that project this spring and pay for it out of their state road use tax reserves, which stand at $485,607. That culvert is not the only project calling on road use reserves. In fiscal year 2029, the county hopes to rebuild Y40, or 60th Avenue, from Walcott to New Liberty Road. Several miles of that stretch lie within Walcott city limits. Walcott could opt out of the project. But the county has offered to foot the engineering bill; the city would only pay construction costs, estimated at $543,000. That was about half what Stagg said an independent project would cost. All road projects besides Cedar Lane been knocked down the city’s list of priorities, Stagg reported, as it builds the reserves it will need for work on 60th Avenue. Rickertsen said the county would allow Walcott to pay for that work over several years. The single biggest expense facing Walcott next year is construction of a new well on E. Wulf Road. Estimates have put the project at about $1.4 million. The council voted to open bids on the project Monday, Feb. 2. Tuesday’s budget meeting focused on city departments and reserves, rather than the city’s capital improvement plan, which covers the well project. Early figures presented by Rickertsen showed capital improvement expenditures falling slightly, from $1.88 to $1.8 million. She noted that those numbers needed review. The city has already established a tax increment financing (TIF) district to support at least half of the well cost. It will discuss further expenses at its next budget meeting. Once the well project is complete, the city aims to refurbish the water tower. That project would include repainting both the interior and exterior and cost about $220,000, Stagg said. Water tower improvement reserves currently total $185,511, Rickertsen reported. The city will need to transfer money into the fund to make up the difference of the project and avoid draining the account, she said. Stagg said the tower improvements should last over a decade. Walcott sewers are also in need of a round of improvements, though one not likely to arrive in this upcoming fiscal year. Phosphorous levels in outgoing wastewater well exceed standards set by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Stagg said, though the city will not be assessed fines for several years. “Our plant performs really well in all other areas, but we're kind of unique on phosphorus,” Stagg said. “Our incoming phosphorus levels are much higher than the domestic load.” While Stagg said he was working with businesses to lower their phosphorous output, he is also planning an addition to the city sewer plant. Stagg has tagged new chemical feeders, a series of tanks and pumps, at about $350,000. That sum would exhaust, and might even exceed, city sewer reserves, despite $200,000 in expected revenue this year. Rickertsen said that the council will have to take a close look at water and sewer rates as looks to drop a new well and expand sewage treatment. Other departments After a squad car and fire truck arrived this year, the city’s public safety expenditures are set for a modest, 3.9% decline in 2026. Police do expect to pay more in wages this year as the department relies on part-time staff, Chief Adam Hill told the council. They are also eyeing the purchase of new body cameras using minor equipment funds. The fire department is between projects, Chief Joe Hahn reported, and has asked the council for permission to divert excess funds from a vehicle reserve to a building reserve that could pay for fire station improvements. Hahn said that, over the next three years, the department hopes to purchase 18 new air packs, at the cost of about $10,000 each. Donations and grants will cover the expense. Stagg asked the council to hold budgeted expenditures from the vehicle reserve fund at $150,000 per year. “Some of our more expensive equipment, we just will never be able to afford brand new equipment. So, it's not a process of budgeting it for next year… We're more and more on the used market,” he said. “I never know when that opportunity is going to present itself.” The next vehicle in need of replacement was a 2012 case loader, he said. The city’s contribution to Scott County libraries will rise by 3%, from $66,418 to $68,473. Its contract for garbage services is fixed at a 4% annual increase. Rickertsen said the council should consider cancelling its summer camp program, which subsidizes Camp Abe Lincoln for Walcott children. Enrollment in the program has steadily declined from 68 kids in 2022 to 29 kids last year. Program quality has declined as well, parents have told Rickertsen and the council. Last year, five of 29 kids were withdrawn in the first week, after their parents complained about long bus rides and lax oversight. “I don't know if it's something to continue,” Rickertsen said.
	"Suit-Up" event to be held at JCPenney with special coupon for Black Hawk College students and staff JCPenney is holding a "Suit-Up" event with discounts on professional attire and special coupons for Black Hawk College students.
	Chamber celebrates local businesses The Eldridge-North Scott Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards presentation on Feb. 5 at the Eldridge Community Center. The event was hosted by director Tabbitha Kramer and member engagement coordinator Heather Khoury. “2025 was a busy year,” said Kramer. “We continued with some of our most consistently successful programs, like the North Scott Experience Auction, Hometown Holiday and our Summer Concert Series. We held the first ‘Fore the Ladies’ golf event and are excited to do it again this year. We’ve also gotten nearly 30 new members – members who are receptive and proactive in making this business community great.” Awards were presented by Chamber board president Chad Ulrich and member at-large Kenny Schroeder. The winners were voted on by the Chamber members. The Rising Star Award was presented to Rock Valley Physical Therapy in Eldridge. The award honors an up-and-coming business that opened between Jan. 1, 2021, and Dec. 31, 2024. The Max Nutrition in Eldridge received the Generation Next award. The award honored a business that opened in 2025. Classic Concepts Dentistry received the Small Business of the Year Award, given to a business with 20 or fewer employees. Amhof Trucking was named Large Business of the Year, given to a business with 21 or more employees. Kramer and Khoury also presented Chamber Champion Awards to Dave Engler and Jeff Stuhr for their help with many community events, including the Summer Concert Series. “Their dedication to providing order and organization, as well as fun, did not go unnoticed, as we saw record numbers of people and classic cars attending our free concerts in the park,” said Kramer. Moonlight Chase grants In addition to business awards, Moonlight Chase grants were also awarded to 13 projects, including: • $250 to the Eldridge Lions Club for beautification projects around town. This year, the club planted a tree and rose bushes at Wiese Park, and they plan even more projects in 2026. • $500 to the Scott County Library for decodable chapter books to supplement the Learn to Read collection. • $400 to the North Scott bus drivers for holiday baskets for elderly residents in the community. • $1,500 to the North Scott Community Feed Our Children ministry, for free sack lunches to North Scott area children in the summer months. • $1,000 to the North Scott Fire Explorer program, which will help sent three Explorers to the Illinois Fire Service Institute. • $1,000 to the Eldridge Fire Department, which will go towards the purchase of a second LUCAS device. • $2,950 to the Eldridge-North Scott Chamber of Commerce to purchase flowers and hanging pots for North 2nd Street. • $500 to John Glenn Elementary School, which will go towards the purchase of new playground equipment. • $1,200 to the Long Grove Fire Department, which will go towards the purchase of a training smoke machine. • $1,700 to the Eldridge Police Department, which will go towards the purchase of a ballistic shield. • $400 to the North Scott FFA to help purchase supplies for “Bake a Wish” kits. • $200 to the North Scott Bridge Program and Learning Centers to help purchase materials to encourage organization and responsibility. • $400 to the Eldridge Park Board to purchase a sign for the trailhead at Hickory Creek Park. The Moonlight Chase grant committee is separate from the Chamber board and staff, and selects grant recipients based on projects that prioritize the North Scott community and help the greatest number of people. Business milestones The Chamber also celebrated a series of milestones for its members. New members include Realtor Scott Case, QC Dumpster Company and Trophy World. AquaTech Car Wash also recently opened its second location in Eldridge, and Tina’s Dance Studio came under new ownership in the last year, as Tina Lindle handed the reins over to Crystal Winston and Savannah Roseman. Other milestones included: 1 year: The Wireless Zone, LeMaitre’s Auto & Repair 5 years: Bruce Builders, The Home Team of Erin McChesney and Shueree Boley 10 years: Fleet Feet, Realtor Nikki Sailor 20 years: North Ridge Community Church 25 years: Aspen Homes, Premier Pest 50 years: Scott County Animal Hospital 55 years: Steve’s Auto Sales 80 years: DuTrac Community Credit Union
	Information night scheduled for NS preschool, kindergarten families The North Scott Community School District invites families with children entering preschool or kindergarten for the 2026-2027 school year to an upcoming Information Night on Wednesday, Feb. 25. The event will be held in the North Scott High School Auditorium. This informational session is designed to help caregivers understand the various program offerings, meet district staff, and prepare for the upcoming school year. To accommodate different age groups, the evening will be split into two sessions: • 5:30 p.m.: 5-Year-Old Pre-K and Kindergarten Information • 6:30 p.m.: 4-Year-Old Preschool Information For families unable to attend in person, the district will provide a live stream of the event via its official YouTube channel. Registration Details: Registration for incoming 4 and 5-year-old students officially opened on Sunday, Feb. 1. All families, including those unable to attend the information night or those already familiar with the programs, are required to register their child(ren) online for the 2026-2027 school year. • Current Families: Can register through the Infinite Campus Parent Portal under the “More” > “Online Registration” section. • New Families: Can follow the registration links provided on the district website to create an account and enroll. “We look forward to welcoming our newest Lancers and their families,” said the district. “This night is an essential first step in ensuring a smooth transition into the North Scott community.” For more information regarding enrollment, registration links, or required health forms, please visit the North Scott Enrollment & Registration at https://www.north-scott.k12.ia.us/students-families/enrollment-registration.
	Eldridge to hear proposals for community center The City of Eldridge has officially released the Request for Proposals (RFP) for the lease, management and operation of the Community Center. The RFP was formulated by city staff, with extensive input from the city council, and approved at the council’s Feb. 2 meeting. The city will solicit proposals from qualified individuals, or non-profit or for-profit entities wishing to lease the ECC and Skatepark. The RFP says the city is seeking “an experienced and responsible operator who will manage, program, maintain and operate the Facility in a manner that is financially sustainable, safe and beneficial to the community.” The initial proposed lease would be for one year, with the option to extend. The successful proposer would be responsible not only for the operations of the ECC, but also for associated costs of operation. All proposals must include a cover letter, organizational (or proposed) information, a statement of qualifications, an operating plan, a programming and event plan, a financial proposal, and proof of insurance and legal compliance. The proposer must also be able to procure and maintain a series of liability insurance policies for the entirety of the lease term, including commercial general liability, umbrella or excess liability, and liquor liability. The proposed RFP timeline includes a site visit on Thursday, Feb. 12, at 3 p.m. Proposals will be considered from March 23 – April 10, with finalist interviews conducted April 13-16. A recommendation will be made to the city council at its April 20 meeting, with an anticipated lease start of July 1, subject to negotiations. All proposals must be submitted by no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 20, to City Hall. Proposals received after the deadline will not be considered. Questions regarding the RFP must be submitted to city administrator Nevada Lemke by no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13. The city reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and waive informalities or minor irregularities, choose the proposal that is deemed to be in the best interest of the city, and cancel or modify the RFP at any time. The full text of the six-page RFP is available at the city website, cityofeldridgeia.org. A link can also be found at the city’s Facebook page.
	District will present on PPEL tax levy Feb. 18 The North Scott Community School District invites community members, parents, and local business leaders to a public presentation regarding the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy (PPEL) on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at 6 p.m. The event will be held at the Regional Innovation Center (RIC) located at 2205 S 1st St., Eldridge, IA 52748. As the district continues to prioritize student safety, modern technology, and facility maintenance, Superintendent Joe Stutting and members of the School Board will share a comprehensive overview of how PPEL funds are utilized. Unlike the general fund, which covers staff salaries and daily instruction, PPEL is a dedicated "capital" fund — often described as the district’s "Buildings, Buses, and Bytes" budget. “Our goal is transparency,” said Superintendent Stutting. “We want our communities to see exactly how these investments impact the classroom and the long-term value of our community’s assets. Holding this at the RIC allows us to showcase the tangible results of forward-thinking facility planning.” The presentation will cover: • Safety & Security: Upcoming upgrades to school entrances and surveillance systems. • Infrastructure: Scheduled maintenance for HVAC, roofing, maintenance of buildings and grounds, • Technology & Transportation: The replacement cycle for student devices and the district's bus fleet. • Tax Impact: A clear breakdown of what the levy means for the average homeowner. A Q&A session will follow the presentation. For those unable to attend in person, the district will provide a summary of the presentation and an FAQ document on the district website following the event.
	DeWitt Noon Lions announce 2026 Travelogue series The DeWitt Noon Lions have announced their 2026 Travelogue series for its 57th season. Travels around the world begin Tuesday, March 3, and continue the first and third Tuesday of every month through May 19. This year again there will be one show at 3 p.m. at the DeWitt Operahouse Theater in downtown DeWitt. Every effort will be made to present the Travelogue on the day scheduled, however if inclement weather requires a cancellation, the information will be posted at the theater or contact Monica 563-370-9394 or Lori 563-212-2991. If Central DeWitt Community Schools are canceled or scheduled to be released early by 1 p.m., Travelogue will also be canceled. A $5 donation is suggested. The proceeds support local community projects such as Referral Center, DeWitt Library, KidSight, Diabetes Awareness, Camp Courageous and Camp Hertko Hollow. Additional details will be provided as the presenters continue to “fine tune” their presentations. The features include: March 3: Shawn Hamerlinck “Source to Sea by Kayak” March 17: Gary Meden “Autumn Travel Adventure Through Portugal” - Popcorn Day April 7: Chris Green “The Place Where I Stood - 80th Anniversary of the Liberation of Auschwitz” April 21: Connie Koehn “Beauty in Europe’s Churches, Monasteries and Convents” - Pie Day May 5: Jerry Skalak “The Balkans - 4 Countries with Complex Histories and Cultures” May 19: Twig Caven “12 Days in Israel and Jordan” - Cookie Day
	NSP wins nine state awards The North Scott Press received nine awards in the Iowa Newspaper Association’s 2026 Better Newspapers Contest. The awards were presented at the INA’s annual convention, held Feb. 5 at the downtown Marriott in Des Moines. The entries were judged by members of the Minnesota Newspaper Association. Awards are presented by class, based on circulation. The NSP competed in Weekly Class III, for newspapers published once per week with a circulation of 1,301 and above. Among The NSP’s nine awards were two first-place entries. Included are the judges’ comments. Best Headline Writing — “The most active, engaging and guiding selection of the group.” Best Newspaper Marketing — “A nice fresh ad to keep subscribers submitting local ‘happy’ news.” The NSP and sports editor Ross Shinberg received second place in the following categories: Best Sports Feature Photo — “I just love the look on this wrestler’s face. Perfect timing, and the vanquished opponent’s feet in the foreground add to the composition.” Best Sports Story — The judge did not offer comments in this category. Best Sports Feature Story — “A well-researched and well-written piece on ‘Mr. North Scott.’ Divided up well, no lagging parts and overall, a good piece.” The NSP received four third place awards, including: Best Editorial Pages — “Well-argued columns, a rich culture of letter writing, and a nice blurb about ‘please write,’ – but too much space is given to ‘things past,’ I think.” Best Sports Pages — “Some outstanding writing, and the layout package is first-rate. I would like a little more art (photos or design elements), but overall, a strong effort.” Total Newspaper Design — “What a great paper. So much variety. I love all the ads and how you stack the news on top, which makes the paper look very clean.” Master Columnist: Erin M. Gentz — “The author balances humor and grief in tributes to high school students and a former mentor, and challenges readers to look at the rhetoric used in would-be legal arguments.” The Iowa Falls Times Citizen was named the Iowa Newspaper of the Year. Barb Arland-Fye, editor of the Davenport Catholic Messenger, received the INA’s Distinguished Service Award. The NSP was represented at the convention by editor Erin M. Gentz and staff writer Noah Glasgow.
	NS senior honored by athletic directors association North Scott senior Behren Radech has been named a Student Scholarship District Award Winner by the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association (IHSADA). This honor is reserved for student-athletes who demonstrate a superior blend of academic prowess, leadership, and a commitment to excellence within their school and community. In a letter addressed to school leadership, Mary Schultz, IHSADA Executive Board Secretary and NIAAA Liaison, praised Radech’s accomplishments: “This distinguished recognition reflects his exemplary dedication, academic achievement, and commitment to excellence. We greatly appreciate the leadership and positive impact he makes across our state.” As a District Award Winner, Behren is now in consideration for the state-level scholarship, which would grant further recognition and financial support for his future academic endeavors. Celebrating Excellence The IHSADA will be providing a commemorative plaque, and a scholarship check to honor Behren’s hard work. A formal presentation will be held at the high school at a later date. The IHSADA serves as the leading organization for athletic administrators in Iowa, focusing on professional development and the promotion of high standards in interscholastic athletics. Their annual scholarship program highlights the “best of the best” among Iowa’s graduating seniors.
	Even though marijuana is legal in Illinois, clearing old criminal records still a challenge Illinois residents can face long delays in clearing their marijuana-related records even after judges approve expungement and sealing orders.
	QCBR Home Show this weekend The Quad Cities Builders and Remodelers Association (QCBR) is hosting its 49th annual Home Show this weekend, which is the biggest home show in the region! Meet with over 118 industry experts at more than 230 booths for the latest trends for your home, including flooring, siding, windows, roofing, fencing, landscaping, and more! The 2026 QCBR Home Show will be located at the Bend XPO, 922 Mississippi Parkway in East Moline. Show times are Friday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 14, 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., and Sunday, Feb. 15, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Admission is $8 on Saturday and Sunday. Cash only, please. ATM available at the venue. Friday is Senior and Military Appreciation Day, but all attendees will get in for $6. Kids 15 and under are free every day! On Saturday, there will be two live remotes. One with Dwyer and Michaels, 97X from 10 a.m. – noon, and another with Dani Lynn Howe, WLLR from 1-3 p.m. The QCBR Home Show will be auctioning off building projects made by local high school industrial trades students! Come see the amazing projects and bid on your favorites. Bidding ends on Sunday at 3 p.m. Half of the proceeds go back to the participating schools, and the other half supports our hands-on “Build My Future” event and our Student Scholarship funds. Come meet some local builders and discuss building your dream home. Home Show booklets, including the floor plan and a list of vendors, are available at local and surrounding area Hy-Vee stores. There is something for everyone at the Quad Cities Builders and Remodelers Association Home Show! Come out to the Home Show and then take your sweetie out for dinner or go to lunch and head over! See you at the QCBR Home Show!
	Blake returns, new officer joins Walcott police A new officer and a familiar face will soon serve part-time with the Walcott Police Department. Former chief Jeff Blake, who retired this summer, is set to return part-time, Chief Adam Hill told the city council last Monday. He will be joined by newcomer Daniel Rigg. Blake served over 20 years with the department. Daniel Rigg is a former officer with the Muscatine Police Department, Hill said. Neither were present at the council meeting. Walcott City Council also held a required public hearing on their proposed plans and specifications for a well set for E. Wulf Road and 60th Avenue. They received no comment and voted unanimously to put the proposal up for bid. The well will cost the city an estimated $1.4 million, City Clerk Lisa Rickertsen said. The council has given contractors the option to split the bid between work on the well itself and new water mains, initially conceived as a single project. Mayor Jake Puck told the council he planned to make no changes to town committees until after a special election slated for March 3.
	Ag research group to hold annual meeting The Southeast Iowa Agricultural Research Association will host its annual meeting on Thursday, March 5, at the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm, located at 3115 Louisa-Washington Road, Crawfordsville. The association, in partnership with Iowa State University, oversees the Southeast Research and Demonstration Farm. The annual meeting will feature the following topics and Iowa State speakers: The Future of Crop Disease Management with Alison Robertson, professor and extension crop plant pathologist No Easy Button for Rootworms: A Sustainable Plan for the Billion Dollar Pest with Erin Hodgson, professor and extension entomologist Artificial Intelligence in Agriculture: What it is, What it can do, and What Iowa State University is working on with Karl Kerns, assistant professor of animal science Additionally, a local research farm update will be given by Cody Schneider, farm superintendent, followed by an update from the Iowa State campus from Tim Goode, research farms manager, and Kendall Lamkey, associate dean for facilities and operations for Iowa State’s research farms. Registration and refreshments will begin at 9:30 a.m., with the meeting starting at 10 a.m. and concluding at 3 p.m. After the meeting, the Southeast Iowa Agricultural Research Association board of directors will meet. Lunch will be served during the meeting and is offered at no cost to association members and at $10 for those who are not association members. For those interested in becoming a member or renewing their membership with the association, the dues are $25, and membership lasts five years. Checks can be made out to SEIARA and sent to the ISU Extension and Outreach Johnson County office (3109 Old Highway 218 S., Iowa City, IA 52246), or they can be paid at the meeting. Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to pre-register online by March 2 or by calling the Johnson County office at 319-337-2145. Registration is not required but helps provide a headcount for lunch. This meeting is supported by local sponsors. Certified Crop Advisors can earn Continuing Education Units for attending. For more information, please email seiara@iastate.edu or call 319-337-2145.
	Webinar series launches in March Iowa State University Extension and Outreach’s Food Innovation and Business Hub, a resource that helps Iowa entrepreneurs develop successful food businesses, will host a monthly “Lunch and Learn” webinar series in 2026 to support current and aspiring Iowa food entrepreneurs. The webinars are offered at no cost and open to all. The series is specifically designed for food business owners, farmers exploring value-added products and individuals in the early stages of developing a food-based enterprise. Christa Hartsook, program manager for Farm, Food and Enterprise Development, said the series will help participants move closer to regulatory compliance and profitability. “Anyone who is interested in developing a value-added business and even those who are at an idea stage will still find value in attending,” she said. “Each webinar will include specific take-away points that will provide those with a food business some ideas to immediately implement.” Each session will begin at noon on its respective date and feature a presentation from ISU food business and food safety experts, followed by an open question-and-answer session. Webinar schedule and registration March 3: What is the Food Innovation and Business Hub? April 7: Differences in a Cottage Food License vs. Home Food Processing Establishment License May 5: Identifying Your Customers June 9: Food Safety 101 - Understanding Water Activity, pH, Microorganisms July 7: Food Innovation and Business Hub Analytical Services Aug. 4: Shelf-Stable Frostings Remaining webinar dates and topics will be announced at a later date. For more information about the Food Innovation and Business Hub and the webinar series, contact Hartsook at hartc@iastate.edu.
	NS jazz singers score well at state contest North Scott hosted State Jazz Choir contest for the eastern side of the state Feb. 2. North Scott’s 200 South received a Division One rating for their acapella performance. This is a long-standing tradition with this ensemble performing with artistry and technical excellence. Skyles’ Jazz Group earned a Division Two rating. A Division II indicates a strong showing with only minor areas for improvement, showcasing the group’s musical growth and dedication throughout the season. Seven schools participated in the Festival, sponsored by the Iowa High School Music Association.
	Two honored by school district for supporting students Two individuals were honored Monday with Lancer Pride Awards. School board members Joni Dittmer and Morgan Dunn presented the awards to high school English language arts teacher Olivia Solbrig and 10th grader Mila Worthen. Solbrig has been with the district for six years. While she has had the opportunity to teach a variety of students, she currently works primarily with freshman and sophomores in regular and honors classes. She also works with students in the Bridge alternative education program, has taught for several years in the Summer Academy program at Ed White, and has helped with high school credit recovery courses during the summer. “We often talk about meeting students where they are, but Olivia lives that philosophy every single day,” said Dittmer. She read a parent testimonial praising Solbrig’s approach to working with students. “Rather than focusing on past academic struggles, Olivia chose to celebrate her son’s personality and his wins and things that he’s doing well, turning his years of dread into genuine enjoyment.” Solbing was also nominated by several students, who shared their teacher has served as a vital source of support. One student said Solbrig helped her through a difficult family situation and described her as “very compassionate.” “By balancing academic encouragement with deep personal compassion, she creates a classroom where students feel safe enough to learn, and safe enough to talk and share with her, and seem to succeed,” said Dittmer. She also shared Solbrig’s teaching philosophy: “We don’t just teach subjects; we champion the whole child.” Dittmer also introduced Worthen to the room, sharing that the sophomore had been nominated by her peers for the tremendous support she provided during finals. “While most students were focused solely on their own finals and grades, Mila chose to invest her time in the success of others,” said Dittmer. Worthen was described as an empathetic mentor, with one student saying that mentorship helped raise her grades, because Worthen was able to patiently explain difficult concepts. Another student said Worthen offers help without judgement and creates a safe space for students to learn when they feel overwhelmed. “She represents the Lancer Pride spirit by proving that true success isn’t just about individual achievement, it’s about lifting others up,” said Dittmer. Superintendent Joe Stutting also recognized several other students for achievements, including: • Behren Radech, who was honored by the Iowa High School Athletic Directors Association as a Student Scholarship District Award winner • Girls’ wrestling state qualifiers Khloe Hamilton, Aviea Holden and Sage Dzeladini. Dzeladini placed third at the tournament, making her the highest placing athlete in the girls’ wrestling program history. • Girls’ bowling state qualifiers Lindy Dhuse and Skylar Shalack, who will participate in the state tournament this week in Waterloo.
	ISU researchers work to build new batteries for energy storage As new technologies consume more power and alternative energy sources become increasingly necessary to fuel Iowans’ lives, Iowa State University researchers are working to create new batteries from accessible materials to store power from variable sources. Steve Martin and Patrick Johnson, both materials science and engineering professors at ISU, have earned a nearly $459,000 grant from the Iowa Energy Center to develop batteries using sodium, waste glass, biochar and sulfur — materials they’ve already tested and found viable. Building on a previous grant from the center, the researchers hope to create batteries that are both safer and cheaper than their lithium-ion peers. “We’re always evolving our research, and of course, materials are evolving with us,” Martin said. “We’re also evolving, at the same time, what you might consider the assembly of the battery as well.” Martin, who has 40 years of experience researching batteries, said there’s been a recent push to develop more battery production in the U.S. In 2019, he and a team earned a grant from the Iowa Energy Center to work on a “sodium stationary battery,” with his focus on the separator between the anode and cathode of the battery. The initial project led Martin to develop a “glassy, solid electrolyte as a separator” that is highly conductive and easily processable, leading him to team up with Johnson for what he called the “second phase” to create working batteries. Most of the materials the team is using to make these batteries are accessible in Iowa — sodium to replace lithium, waste glass for the separator, and biochar for the anode. Sulfur, which will be used for the cathode, can’t be purchased from anywhere in Iowa, Martin said, but the petroleum industry byproduct is low-cost and easy to acquire. Building batteries, filling reservoirs of energy Sodium ions move between the anode and cathode of the battery, Martin said, like water in a reservoir. “Just like water flowing through a dam generates power,” he said the sodium ions will flow across the “high voltage, or high elevation” anode to create the same effect. Martin’s group will create a sodium sulfide product in order to “fill the reservoir.” These batteries will be built backward compared to the construction of a reservoir, however, where water fills the reservoir first and then discharges. Martin said they’re building the reservoir — “the low voltage part” — on the bottom, then charging the sodium back to the reservoir at the top when the battery is connected and charging. “If you build the battery with sodium in the cathode … you might say it’s already reacted, it’s lost its potential energy, like the analogy of the reservoir, and so it doesn’t have any reactivity, as much,” Martin said. “And so then you can build the battery, seal it all up, protect it from everything, and then you can charge the sodium back up the hill, you might say.” Johnson provided another analogy for his part in this work, comparing the graphite used in other batteries with the hard carbon he is focusing on for the new technology. He said to think about graphite as a tightly stacked pile of papers, with gaps big enough for lithium to pass through but not sodium. The gaps in hard carbon are large enough for sodium to get inside, Johnson said, like when a stack of papers is dropped then shuffled back together. “Our group is working on the separator … and the cathode, and Professor Johnson’s group is working on the anode — how to create that reservoir, you might say, to catch as much sodium as possible, and how to release that sodium as fast as possible, so that the battery operates very well,” Martin said. Helping Iowa’s wind energy economy While the new batteries will operate similarly to lithium-ion batteries, Martin said their voltage will be lower, requiring more batteries stacked together to reach the lithium voltage. Johnson added these batteries will be pouch cells, which are used commercially. When it’s time to actually put together the battery’s parts and test it, they’ll be able to do so at a battery fabrication and testing center now up and running at ISU. Once the team has reached the point where they have assembled batteries with performance data gathered, Martin said they will explore the potentials of launching their own startup company or licensing the technology to another battery company. Martin said the biggest impact he expects to see from this work is to “provide energy storage systems to help level out the supply-demand curves for wind turbines here in Iowa,” allowing the storage of energy when winds are high but need isn’t rising to match it. That way, whenever energy is needed but the wind isn’t blowing, saved power is still available. Johnson said there is also the safety benefit to consider, as other batteries have fire risks and “solid-state batteries” have a much lower risk. Wind energy, and the additional energy storage these batteries could provide, will become increasingly more important in the future as technology like data centers powering artificial intelligence spread across the U.S. and in Iowa. “This stable energy source allows more stability in the network, in the grid, and I think it makes the overall electric portfolio in our state more robust,” Martin said. As engineers, Martin said this work and the changes it could bring is “really what it’s all about” — asking questions of how to move society forward and make Iowans’ lifestyles more sustainable, productive, fruitful and enjoyable and finding the answers. However, both Martin and Johnson said their number one priority is training and teaching students. Martin said “if you’re not developing and standing still, you’re losing,” and in order for Iowa to advance and remain on the cutting edge, advanced education and research need to stay at the forefront of university operations. “It’s always fulfilling to see our former students out in the workforce and doing great things,” Johnson said. “So that opportunity to be able to work on these cutting edge projects brings in curious and enthusiastic students, and then they go out and continue working in these areas, and bring that knowledge and experience they have.”
	Readers, what do you want to see in your North Scott Press? Noah and I headed off to Des Moines last week for the Iowa Newspaper Association convention. I’ve been fortunate enough to attend for the last few years, and I enjoy going because the organizers try to come up with a slate of interesting panels to attend. And as you all know, I’m a big fan of learning. We both came back with a lot of ideas, and hopefully we’ll get the chance to sit down soon and come up with implementation plans for some new initiatives. Of the three panels I went to, two were hosted by Mollie Muchna of TrustingNews.org. And they were excellent. We got the chance to workshop with other professionals and talk about what trusting the media really means to communities. Much has been made about journalists needing to adapt our business model to meet the times, but Muchna’s point was more that we don’t need to throw the whole thing out so much as we just need to adjust our approach to meet readers and viewers where they are. After all, it can be overwhelming to be a media consumer, especially on days when it feels like the news is coming out of a firehose. There’s also more than a few problems news organizations face. Research has shown that there’s a disconnect between what journalists feel the value of their work is and how that work is perceived by audiences. Readers and viewers no longer see journalism as a public service. Also, as people increasingly say they can stay up to date on events through social media and news avoidance is on the rise, there’s a decline in demand for the work journalists do. There might even be a problem with the word “journalism” – when asked, people were often likely to associate it with bias, opinion and national news, as opposed to impartiality, fairness and local connection. According to research done by Pew, fewer than half of adults in the United States say they have a great deal or fair amount of confidence in journalists to act in the best interest of the public. Which provides difficulty, since we know, both as an industry and as an individual organization, that people want to know what’s going on in their local communities. So, what do we do? Well, dear reader, that’s where you come in. Generally, it’s totally fine to be skeptical of media. After all, not all journalism is good. So, whether you’re getting your news from a traditional source or from some dude on TikTok, you should be asking questions about what you’re consuming and whether it’s trustworthy. As an industry, I think most journalists who would describe themselves as ethical would also say they put an effort into being trustworthy, fair and credible. But the industry itself doesn’t get to make that value determination. Consumers do. And how do we know what consumers value? We have to ask. There are certainly questions we can ask – and I’m going to ask you now. What do you wish we covered more (or less)? What does news coverage miss or get wrong about you or your community? What information would you like to have more of, especially regarding your community? There are also self-assessment questions that we can ask internally. What do we offer that is different than what consumers can get elsewhere? What do we need to do or stop doing to focus on where our resources can best be spent? And we can also ask ourselves what we wish our community knew about how and why we do our jobs. We can also start by looking at negative criticism – what does that inform us about how people assume we do our job? From there, we can start filling information gaps. Muchna spent part of last week in Cedar Rapids, and she heard one journalist compare this process to a math test – you only get partial credit if you get the answer correct but don’t show your work. That’s why she asked our group to start looking at ways to show our work and share how and why we do things. Explaining ourselves can help build trust – and the more you can see the process, the more likely you as a consumer are to feel it’s valuable and trustworthy. So, that’s among the things we’re going to be talking about as a staff – how can we show you what we do and why? I’ll start with this small thing: do you, as a reader, have a question about how or why we do something? Please ask! We would love to hear from you and answer any questions. We’ll be working on ways to help share that information, too. A note on awards Winning awards is fun! But I had the opportunity to judge a newspaper contest, so I’ll give you some insight into the other side of the coin. Judging awards is hard! I helped judge the Minnesota Newspaper Association contest late last year, and at least for that contest, here’s how it worked: the organizer sent a link with the entries and said pick three place winners. And that’s about all the guidance we got. It’s incredibly subjective. For instance, one of the three categories I helped judge was Best Feature Personality Photo. I’m pretty sure if there were 10 judges, every single one of us would have felt an emotional connection to three completely different photos. I also got to judge General Excellence. Emphasis on general, I guess. So yes, interesting experience, and I’ll definitely do it again. But a lot of the results come down to vibes. You can take from that what you will.
	The Puritans are back There’s a headline I keep seeing: kids these days don’t want to have fun. They mean old-school fun, backseat-of-the-car fun, schnapps-under-the-bleachers fun. You will have to forgive me if you are scandalized by those pictures, but if the data provide any indicators, you probably participated in them. In 1991, 88% of high school seniors reported having tried alcohol; 54% reported using it within the last month. Now, less than half, 49%, have even tried alcohol, and less than a quarter, 22%, use it regularly. The number of teenagers who reported ever having sex dropped from 47%, to 40%, to 32% between 2013 and 2023. My age group proves equally averse to these pastimes. Only half of young adults age 18–34 consume alcohol. In 1990, 15% of men and women age 18–29 reported having no sex in the previous year, and that number remained stable for about two decades; but from 2010 to 2024, it rose to 24%. A quarter of twentysomethings have had no sex in the last year. Let me say quickly that as far as I am concerned, these numbers are not only a disaster, but a failure. We have convinced an entire generation, and the one now succeeding it, that the dangers and discomforts of American young adulthood ought to be avoided entirely. Never mind their considerable pleasures. Dive into the mass of articles and studies that have surveyed this data—including an excellent recent column in the Quad City Times—and you won’t find agreement on a single cause. There probably isn’t one. But for my money the most important clue lies in figures that concern the amount of time that young people spend socializing. Here are a few revealing statistics. In 2000, a typical eighth grader went on 2.5 social outings a week. By 2022, that had dropped to 1.5 social outings a week. In 2010, 44% of high school seniors spent time with their friends “every day.” In 2022 that number was 32%. There is no evidence these numbers have rebounded from Pandemic lows. Young adults aged 18–29 spent 12.3 hours per week with friends in 2003; that number fell to 4.2 hours in 2020, and has since recovered to only 5.1 hours. The headlines are right. Kids these days don’t want to have old-school fun. But why? The intuitive answer, and probably the correct one, is that as the amount of time spent with other young people has declined, so have occasions to drink and have sex. Decades of classroom sex education have been less effective than access to Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat—which are as addictive as alcohol, and filled with ersatz sex. The parent who prefers eight hours of screentime and a troubling search history to a six-pack and a condom should reconsider their priorities. There is another way to read these numbers: teenagers socialize less because they are less interested in alcohol and sex. In fact, I think they might be afraid of alcohol and sex, though their fear remains hidden beneath the bluster required by adolescence. Our country has an old hatred of sex, booze, and other dangerous private pleasures not easily sized up to the benefit of the public. Now we can hide from it. Part of the appeal of the Internet is that you can withdraw your desires into almost complete privacy; you can be scroll and tap your way to happiness. Good old American moral righteousness may claim a victory, but the only thing it has defeated is our ability to live spontaneously and uncomfortably in the real world. The real world is dangerous, a fact that is obvious and unchangeable. And of course it ought to be faced, a drink and lover in hand. If you’re curious about the sources for these data, I am happy to provide them. You can find excellent reporting from the Institute for Family Studies, The Guardian, Responsibility.org, the University of Michigan, and the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics.
	1976: Eldridge sues Cat over annexation request Feb. 11, 1976 • The City of Eldridge filed a $50 million lawsuit against Caterpillar and the City of Davenport over the company’s request to annex into Davenport. The suit alleged that Caterpillar conspired with Davenport to deprive Eldridge of the exclusive jurisdiction to annex land where the plant was located in Mount Joy. The suit also said that Caterpillar undermined the 10-year moratorium agreement between the cities on annexation, and that a sewer agreement between Davenport and the company in 1966 “provided unfair inducements for the plant to annex to Davenport.” • Leon Frick of Walcott was named a Master Pork Producer by the Iowa Pork Producers Association. He was set to be honored at the association’s annual banquet. • The Scott County Landfill Commission was eyeing a 100-acre plot of land east of Buffalo for a new county landfill with a 10-year capacity. The new landfill would replace the present one, located near the interchange of Interstate 80 and Highway 61, which only had about a year of capacity remaining. The Buffalo zoning board had already approved the proposal, and the city council was set to take up the matter on March 1. • The North Scott wrestling team defeated Davenport West in dramatic fashion, coming from three points down to beat the Falcons, 28-25. Heavyweight John Steffen secured the win, pinning Chris Juering in 2:29, and bringing his season record to 18-2. Next up was the sectional meet, where the Lancers would travel to Cedar Rapids to face off against Cedar Rapids Washington, Cedar Rapids Kennedy and Clinton. The top two in each weight class would advance to the district meet in Bettendorf. • North Scott freshman Charlotte Gorsh was blazing a trail as the only female student to be enrolled in an industrial arts class. She wasn’t allowed to take shop in junior high but got in as a high school student. “I remember the first day and everyone thought the computer had made a mistake,” she said. Gorsh got interested in industrial arts through 4-H projects and said she thought the class would help her fix problems around the house as she got older. She added she thought shop was an extension of home economics and more girls should consider taking the class. Feb. 12, 1986 • The Scott County Board of Supervisors voted 4-1 to freeze the salaries of all 10 elected county officials, despite an earlier recommendation by the county compensation board that they receive an average salary increase of 3%. They also voted to freeze the salaries of all nine department heads and give a 3% raise to the county’s non-union employees. Those supporting the measure cited the poor economy as a factor in their decision. • As Eldridge officials worked through their budget process, the council decided city employees would likely see a 3% pay rise and city property taxes would also likely not be increased. They also decided to decline a request by the police department for new computer software and cut a budgetary request for a new vehicle for the city administrator. • Rich Menke was named the Eldridge Lions “Man of the Year.” He had been a Lion for 13 years and had held every position in the club. He also headed up the club’s shelter project and had 10 years’ perfect attendance. The award was presented by Floyd Longlett. • North Scott’s all-state tight end Mike Busch was named to the South squad for the Iowa Shrine Bowl, which would be played at the UNI-Dome in August. • The North Scott girls’ basketball team secured its first-ever Mississippi Eight conference championship with a 69-57 win over Davenport Assumption. After Jenni Fitzgerald fouled out with nine minutes left in the game, Heather White came off the bench and helped keep the Lancers on pace to their 19th straight victory. Feb. 14, 2001 • Fern and LeRoy Koberg of rural Walcott were celebrating a special Valentine’s Day, having marked their 70th wedding anniversary in November. They met when he was a member of her father’s threshing crew and were married in 1930 at the Congregational Church in Davenport. Fern’s handmade dress cost just $5 for the material. The couple said their secret to marital longevity was taking things one day at a time. “If it didn’t go so good one day, maybe it will go better the next day,” Fern said. • The North Scott School Board learned it would have to replace a second administrator, as district director of operations Dean Bassett announced his retirement. He had been employed with the district since 1985. Meanwhile, the school board also hired Ray & Associates to manage its superintendent search to replace the retiring Dr. Pat DeLuca. The board hoped to have replacements for both lined up by April. • After two years of planning, a greenhouse was taking shape at Blue Grass Elementary School that would soon serve all students. The school PTA made a major contribution to help fund the project, and parents also volunteered labor. In late fall, a concrete pad was laid and framework went up. School officials hoped to finish the project as soon as it got warmer. • As part of a Black History Month lesson, students at Virgil Grissom Elementary School learned about Harriet Tubman from storyteller Shellie Moore Guy. • The North Scott boys’ basketball team upset Pleasant Valley, 64-43. Giles Looney and Michael Arensdorff led the scoring with 12 points apiece. Feb. 16, 2011 • Local municipalities were examining the latest census figures. Eldridge’s population was up 35.87%, to 5,651 residents, while Long Grove’s population was up 35.34% to 808 residents. Meanwhile, Princeton’s population dropped below 900 for the first time since the 1970 census. Overall, Scott County and Iowa both saw a population increase of 4.1%. “We were definitely surprised, but pleased, with the numbers,” said Eldridge city administrator John Dowd, adding that the town would now receive a greater share of the state’s road use tax fund. • Walcott was notified that it would be the final pass-through stop on the RAGBRAI trail, which was set to end in Davenport on June 30. It was estimated more than 20,000 bicyclists would travel through the town, and plans were already underway to roll out the red carpet. • The North Scott School Board approved adding trap shooting as a club sport. According to high school activities director Frank Wood, approximately 50 students had attended an informational meeting, and the majority were not involved in any other activity offered by the school. Board member Sue Cannon voted against the proposal, saying she was concerned about the risks associated with the sport. Fellow board member Krista Long pointed out that football also was also a dangerous sport. “We accept that risk because we are used to it and it is socially acceptable.” • The East Iowa Special Olympics basketball skills competition was held at North Scott High School, with nearly 250 athletes from Dubuque to Muscatine braving frigid temperatures and icy roads to attend. According to local Special Olympics director Nancy Shannon, the event had been hosted by North Scott since at least 1985. • Six North Scott wrestlers qualified for the state tournament in Des Moines: Adam Perrin (130), Austin Fleetwood (152), Ben Nagle (215), Bret McKinney (135), Cegan Long (171) and Mitch Bowman (145). Feb. 10, 2021 • North Scott’s enrollment figures were up 61 students from the year prior. Not counting the number of students enrolled in preschool, there were currently 3,284 students attending North Scott schools, including just over 1,000 at the high school. The district was preparing for the prospect of even more students if the state outlawed open enrollment restrictions set by districts, including Davenport, that allowed open-enrollment out requests to be denied if the number of departing students would change a school building’s racial make-up. • Meanwhile, North Scott area voters were asked to head to the polls on March 2 to extend a 1% education sales tax levy until 2051. The tax was first approved in 1999, and since then, North Scott had received about $53 million in proceeds to help with building improvements and expansions. • The Scott County Board of Supervisors authorized Wold Architects to research and design a new juvenile detention facility and come up with a campaign to present a bond referendum to county voters. The board anticipated a fall date for the vote. Supervisor Ken Croken voted against the proposal. “I will not be supporting this plan unless and until it contains a companion piece that would reduce the number of detainees rather than merely increase the number of cells,” he said. • Members of the Sheridan Sluggers 4-H club delivered handmade snowmen statues to residents at Grand Haven Retirement Community. Pictured were club members Christian Keppy, Cole Engelbrecht, Colin Englebrecht, Kahlen Ranson, Emmalia Ranson, Austin Ranson, Kelsie Hilsenbeck, Marissa Carlton, Caelan Engelbrecht and Evan Keppy. • The North Scott girls’ basketball team locked up a No. 1 seed for the post-season with a 32-29 overtime win over Davenport Assumption. As it was Senior Night, Reagan Schoening, Alyssa Bockenfeld and Mia Doellinger got the chance to start, along with regular senior starters Sam Scott and Ashley Fountain. Kate Schermerhorn and Chloe Lewandoski subbed in two minutes into the game.
	Take a look at House Republicans’ property tax reform bill As we wrap up Week Four of the 2026 legislative session, it's clear that the pace of activity has been brisk. With numerous bills under discussion and meeting with constituents, this week has gone by quickly. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone in the 94th district for your ongoing communication and invaluable insights. Your perspectives not only inform my decisions but also strengthen our collective voice in the legislature. Together, we can navigate the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, making progress that truly reflects our community's needs and aspirations House GOP property tax bill clears subcommittee Last week House Republicans filed their property tax reform bill and held a subcommittee. House Study Bill 596 is chaired by Ways and Means Chairman Carter Nordman and passed subcommittee 3-2 with the republicans supporting. The bill contains five divisions that are as follows: Division I—Property Tax Revenue Limitations This division limits revenue growth to 102%. This means that the local taxing jurisdiction’s tax revenue can only grow 2% year after year. Any new construction that occurs will not count against the limitation for the year it comes online and all levies for schools and the debt levy are not subject to the limitation. This new limitation does not affect any current rate and use limitations already in law. Division II—Residential Property Tax Exemption This division creates a new residential across-the-board exemption of $25,000. This means that the first $25,000 of every residential parcel is exempt from taxable value after rollback is calculated. This provision is retroactive to assessment years 2026 and after. Division III—Property Tax Information Disclosure This division will redesign the mailer that all properties receive. The updated mailer contains better information, better organization and was created by the League of Cities. This mailer is required for budget years beginning on or after July 1, 2027. Division IV—Council of Governments This division will require councils of governments to help local governments consolidate local government services and functions with the goal of saving taxpayer dollars. Division V—Bonding The last division of the bill requires that all bonds payable with property taxes must receive a 60% affirmative vote of the people. The goal is to get more taxpayer feedback on future debts they will have to pay. This change starts July 1, 2026. "By creating this exemption for every residential property, we are delivering immediate tax relief to every single homeowner in Iowa," Chairman Nordman said. "This means every senior citizen on fixed income, every young couple buying their starter home and every middle-class family working hard for their children - will all see relief." The bill is now eligible for a full committee hearing in House Ways and Means. This column was abridged.
	Iowa AG Bird to tackle insulin prices This week at the Capitol, the House continued to work on legislation focused on affordability, workforce development, public safety, and consumer protection. Below is an update on several bills and issues discussed this week. Iowa AG sues 18 PBMs and insulin manufacturers for inflating prices Atty. Gen. Brenna Bird announced on Jan. 29 that her office has filed a lawsuit against 18 Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) and insulin manufacturers, alleging they manipulated and inflated insulin prices at the expense of Iowans who rely on life-sustaining insulin. Approximately 300,000 Iowans live with diabetes, with another 820,000 considered prediabetic. The lawsuit asserts that PBMs and manufacturers participated in an unlawful pricing scheme that significantly increased insulin costs while boosting profits. According to the filing, Iowa diabetics have been overcharged millions of dollars annually, access to lower-cost insulin has been restricted, and some patients have been forced to ration medication or use unsafe alternatives. The attorney general's office is asking the court to stop these practices, enforce Iowa law, and require restitution and damages for Iowans harmed by the alleged misconduct. House Republicans introduce Iowa Skilled Workforce Act Iowa House Republicans introduced the Iowa Skilled Workforce Act, legislation aimed at closing the gap between available jobs and the skilled workers needed to fill them. The bill creates a partnership between the state, schools, and the trades to train workers for high-demand careers. The proposal increases funding for the 84E Apprenticeship Act from $3 million to $4.5 million and establishes a Career Training Physical Expansion Program to support new training facilities at community colleges and private-sector programs. It also removes regulatory barriers by allowing experienced tradespeople to teach, encourages pre-apprenticeship programs in K–12 schools, and gives community colleges more flexibility to tailor workforce programs to local needs. House Republican leaders say the bill strengthens Iowa's workforce pipeline and supports economic growth across the state. Keeping Iowa’s IDs Simple, Secure, and the Same for Everyone The Iowa House Public Safety Committee advanced House Study Bill 552, which prohibits cities and counties from issuing their own resident identification cards. llowing multiple local ID systems would create inconsistencies in design, eligibility, and verification, increasing the risk of fraud and confusion for law enforcement, businesses, and public agencies. This column was abridged.
	Trump needs to be in a home, and not the White House I'm someone who believes, there is good and bad in everyone. That being said, I think the good side in the President is smaller than many give him credit for. For one thing, he demands, that people in his circle gush constant praise on him, and more importantly choose him, over the Constitution of the United States. (See Cabinet meetings.) So he doesn't get "good side" points for being nice to people that, everyone knows, have no choice in the matter. I do think Donald deserves some sympathy, for a state of mind that he has little control over. One that works almost entirely on projection. When he rants like a madman, trying to destroy innocent people with ugly lies and insults, you often find yourself thinking "It sounds like he's talking about himself.” The media has to cover him, but I wish they wouldn't treat him like he's normal. Yes, they do it because he's President, but enough is enough. Seriously, when he was asked about Renee Good's killing, instead of responding in a rational way, he quickly referenced a news report that stated Renee's parents were Trump supporters, and how he hoped they still are. It was such a patently sick response, from a sick man. That, and so very much more, indicate that he needs to be in a home that is not called the White House. I wish every day it could be mentioned, up front to the nation, that we have a mentally unwell president. Instead of treating him like he's normal. That just normalizes insanity. Tom Hebbeln Davenport
	Kaufmann lacks the common sense he claims This is my response to the guest column by Bobby Kaufmann in the NSP (2/4). Bobby claims to continue to be the same “common sense” and “practical solutions” person that we have “come to know over the years.” The Bobby Kaufmann that I’ve come to know through his comments and the policies he promotes has been neither common sense nor practical. He and his party have done very little to solve the contamination in our lakes, streams, and groundwater. They have done little to solve the rise in cancer rates in the state, or deal with the shortage of adequate housing for low income families. Kaufmann’s party has cut taxes to the point that we no longer have enough revenue to pay for the basic services the state needs to adequately provide for its citizens. He and his party have consistently promoted the interests of business over labor. Bobby has voted for bills that have underfunded public education and taken away bargaining rights of public employees. He and his party have removed civil rights protections for an entire class of Iowa citizens so swiftly as to prevent the issue from being adequately debated by the legislature. Though Bobby claims to be against what he calls “the heavy hand of government”, he has supported limiting the ability of libraries to determine what books they can have on the shelves and limiting the freedom of history, health, science, and literature teachers regarding what can be taught in the classroom. Common sense and practical solutions should result in legislation that helps the average person’s economic and social well being. Bobby Kaufmann and his party don’t seem very interested in that. Bobby seems more interested in name- calling, referring to critics as “the far-fringe left." Joe Gross Donahue
	Midterm elections are under threat Actions by ICE under the Trump administration, such as using lethal force, tear gassing minors, arresting journalists, aggressive enforcement, family separations, and detentions, have led some to compare the agency to an "American Gestapo." Workplace raids, surveillance, unmarked vehicles, and broad legal immunity are tactics used to create fear. The use of masked, armed agents in raids seems intended to intimidate communities. Detaining U.S. citizens and people with legal status, as well as using fast-track removals without court hearings, raises concerns about possible civil liberties violations that resemble authoritarian practices. Are these actions preparation for a strong response by ICE if the midterm election prompts nationwide protests over potential interference with electoral fairness by the Trump administration? At a House Republican retreat on Jan. 6, Donald Trump stressed how important it was to win the midterm elections, saying, "You got to win the midterms because if we don't win the midterms, it's just going to be — I mean, they'll find a reason to impeach me. I'll get impeached." He also talked about the idea of canceling the election, saying, "They should cancel the election because the fake news will say, 'He wants the election canceled.' He's a dictator.' They always call me a dictator." Trump has admitted that presidents usually do not gain seats during midterm elections. In a Reuters interview, he talked about possibly canceling the election, saying Republicans had done so well that "when you think of it, we shouldn’t even have an election." Trump also considered using emergency powers to affect the election results. He told the New York Times that he regretted not ordering the National Guard to take voting machines after the 2020 election. These actions suggest he wanted more control over the election process, which is managed by Congress and the states under the Constitution. James Turley Eldridge
	We should look to solar over power concerns The Maysville power plant is presumed dead, but the concern for brownouts and higher electric rates remains. AI-driven data centers are growing faster than generation capacity and are straining the power grid. Blocking local data centers won’t ease concerns. We share the power grid with 15 states and the Canadian province of Manitoba. Our grid operator, the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), warns that immediate and serious challenges threaten reliability in the near future. MISO needs a comprehensive energy plan, and large commercial users need to bear the costs of the utility upgrades. In the meantime, Scott County should revisit our utility-grade solar ordinance and follow the example of our Clinton County neighbors. The City of DeWitt recently approved a solar proposal that is expected to save the community $30,000-$40,000 in energy costs annually. The city will provide contractor easements for roof-mounted and ground-mounted solar arrays on city facilities. Clinton County has two utility-grade solar projects under construction. Each project will generate $11-$18 million for the county over its 30-year life. This revenue will help keep property taxes low, support public schools, maintain infrastructure, and provide county services. During construction these projects are employing hundreds of local union workers. The landowners are expecting $450-$2,500 per acre in revenue annually. The Clinton County ordinance respects private property rights, requires minimal disturbance of the topsoil and native plants under the panels. The landowner could generate additional income by negotiating the lease so that the panels are high enough for livestock to graze underneath. At the end of the lease, the soil should be in a better condition than when it started. Utility-grade solar could be a win for landowners, a win for the environment, and a win for the taxpayers. An NSP opinion dismissed solar as taking too much land out of production. Solar land remains in production without needing fertilizers, pesticides, or other annual inputs. It takes about 31 acres of corn to generate the same amount of electricity as one acre of solar. The land is producing energy either way. Kay Pence Eldridge
	Soybean-based firefighting foam could replace ‘forever chemical’ foam A bill advancing through the Iowa Senate would require fire districts and city councils in the state to consider switching to a soybean-based firefighting foam in an effort to reduce exposure to forever chemicals. Traditional firefighting foam contains perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which some research indicates is linked to a higher risk of certain cancers. Sen. Cherielynn Westrich, R-Ottumwa, said during the subcommittee hearing that PFAS exposure is so widespread that the chemicals have been found in the bloodstreams of newborn babies. “This is a tragedy,” Westrich said. “We need to start pulling back with a lot of force on everything that contains PFAS, and then maybe at some point, you know, 200 years from now, we’ll have humans that are born without this horrifying chemical in their system.” Senate Study Bill 3099, as it was proposed, would have required state agencies to purchase soybean-based firefighting foam that did not contain PFAS. Sen. Scott Webster, R-Bettendorf, who chaired the subcommittee, said he intends to amend the bill to instead require fire districts and city councils to consider adopting the soy-based foam. “I think that’s a good start, rather than just mandating it,” Webster said. “I know that it’s passed some tests, I want fire professionals in their local districts to make that decision, to decide whether or not this is something to use,” Webster said. What is soybean foam? Dave Garlie, a managing partner with Cross Plains Solutions, a group that manufactures a PFAS-free firefighting product called “soyfoam” spoke to senators at the committee about the product. Garlie said the soyfoam is made from soybean meal sourced from a Cedar Rapids facility and is able to extinguish both class A and class B fires, or those involving paper, wood, straw, vegetation, gasoline and oil. Garlie said the idea for the foam comes from history. During World War II, scientist Percy Julian invented a soybean protein mixture that was used to suppress oil and gas fires on aircrafts and ships. PFAS-based foams rose to popularity in the 1970s and have since been widely used in firefighting and military operations. Garlie said the soyfoam has performed well in tests against other firefighting foams. “Every time we go head to head with another competitive foam … we always come out on top,” Garlie said. The bill was supported the the Iowa Soybean Association, Central Iowa Water Works and two firefighter groups. Lon Anderson with Iowa Professional Fire Fighters said his group currently has several members battling cancer, and “the evidence suggests that at least some of that cancer is due to PFAS.” According to the International Association of Fire Fighters, occupational cancer is the “leading cause” of death in the fire service. The association also said PFAS in protective gear poses an “unnecessary occupational threat” to firefighters. “We’re in support of the bill and anything we can do to limit PFAS,” Anderson said. “And if we can help our soybean farmers at the same time.” Westrich said she’d “appreciate” a mandate to use the PFAS-free foam, but said she would support Webster’s amendment. Sen. Renee Hardman, D-West Des Moines also signed off on the bill.
	Obituary: Beverly Drenter Beverly Ann Drenter (née Gerrard), 95, of Herndon, Va., and formerly of rural Eldridge and Davenport, passed away peacefully on Feb. 2, 2026. Born in Marshalltown to Leo and Doris “Jessie” Gerrard, Beverly was raised by her father and stepmother, Minnie Gerrard. On Sept. 15, 1948, she married Milton A. Drenter. A dedicated farmer’s wife, she was instrumental in family farm operations east of Eldridge. Following their years on the farm, she and Milton retired to Woodland Park, Colo., for over 40 years. After Milton’s passing in 2022, Beverly moved to Virginia to be near her son. She was a woman of quiet strength, and Christian faith, who enjoyed farm life, horses, reading, puzzles, coloring, and exploring new places with her family. She was preceded in death by her husband, Milton; her siblings, Richard Gerrard and Betty Schultz; and her stepmother, Minnie. Beverly is survived by her children, Sheri Perkins (Dan Perkins) and Greg Drenter; her grandchildren, Rebecca Perkins, Jennifer-Kapono’ai Molitau, and Rebecca Sipes; and her great-grandsons, Ka’ehukai and Kamahiwa. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 19, at the McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf. Graveside services will follow at 12:30 p.m. at Davenport Memorial Park. Following the service, a reception will follow at a location to be announced. Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home of Bettendorf is assisting the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family by viewing her obituary at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com. Custom obituary
	Obituary: Wayne Hamann Wayne Eugene Hamann, age 92, of Davenport, passed away Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, at Silvercrest Garner Senior Living, Davenport. Cremation rites have been accorded. A private family service will be held at Silvercrest Garner Assisted Living. Memorials may be made to the Walcott American Legion Post #548. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com. Wayne was born on April 16, 1933, the son of Lothar and Velma (Schreck) Hamann in Hudson, Iowa. He graduated from Davenport High School with the Class of 1951. He married Darlene Hamann on May 19, 1956, in Davenport. Wayne proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. Wayne devoted his working life as a machinist for HON in Muscatine, where he was known for his strong work ethic and dedication, retiring in 2000. Wayne was a member of The Quad-City Times Plus 60 Club, the Walcott Community Club, and the Walcott American Legion Post #548, where he valued his community involvement and friendships. He loved to travel and visited 43 destinations throughout his life, including witnessing a space shuttle launch at Cape Canaveral in Florida and attending St. Louis Cardinals Spring Training. A devoted fan, he proudly supported the St. Louis Cardinals and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Wayne and his wife, Darlene, spent ten years wintering in Casa Grande, Ariz., enjoying their time there together. In his spare time, he enjoyed golfing and playing cards. Above all else, Wayne cherished his family, who were the center of his life and his greatest joy. Wayne will be lovingly remembered by his loving wife of almost 70 years, Darlene; two sons, Chuck (Terrie) Hamann of East Moline, and Dale (Agnes) Hamann of Antilope, Calif.; five grandsons, Josh (Keira) Hamann, Tim (Kara) Hamman, Brandan (Tamara) Hamann, Kevin (Rian) Hamann and Patrick (Gergana) Hamann; nine great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Lorraine Buesing and Judy Hanner. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Lothar and Velma; son, Jon Hamann; sister and brother-in-law, Barb and Chuck Kuehl; and brother-in-law, Dallas Buesing. Custom obituary
	Obituary: Theodore Burson Theodore A. Burson “Ted” was born at home on Papakeechie Lake near Syracuse, Ind., on June 17, 1941. He met his Savior on Jan. 27, 2026, right where he wanted to be, at home on Foote Lake in the woods of northern Michigan near Manistique, after a long, hard fought battle with cancer. Ted loved basketball and played at William Penn College in Oskaloosa, where he met his future wife, Louise Binns. He was a Hall of Fame inductee, and he earned his B.A. in physical education with a minor in mathematics, as well as a master’s from the University of Iowa in elementary administration. Ted and Louise were married on Aug. 4, 1963, and what a wonderful life they shared together! They put down roots in Iowa where Ted was a teacher and a coach at Walcott School for countless students and athletes for 35 years. He taught science, math, and coached 7th, 8th, and 9th grade boys’ basketball, coaching over 600 games in his career. Ted’s childhood vacations were spent fishing and hunting in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. After graduating from college, he and Louise purchased Delta Resort (now Burson’s Delta Resort), a tranquil set of cabins nestled in the Hiawatha National Forest. They have owned, operated and maintained the resort for the past 62 years, and they devoted their summers to the resort on break from teaching. They retired to the UP from Walcott in 1997 where Ted built their log home. They have passed the love of the woods on to their two daughters, Dana and Jill, and now their families as well. Ted was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Manistique, a charter member of the Walcott Lions Club, ISEA/NEA (Education), William Penn Alumni, University of Iowa Alumni, Superior A’s Antique Auto Club (Marquette, Mich.), and MAFCA (Model A Ford Club of America). He loved Louise and his girls deeply and cherished having family around! He is survived by his wife, daughter Dana (Jim Lafrenz) and grandsons Brandon (Janey) Lafrenz and Colby (Kendra) Lafrenz; and daughter Jill (Scott Wagner) and grandkids Wyatt Cross (Ryan Michalesko), Hannah (Brendon) Steinbrecher, Dalaney and Scotty Wagner. He was also blessed with three great grandchildren that he adored, Vivian Mae and James David Lafrenz, and Isaac Wilfred Lafrenz. He is also survived by his sister, Sherry Riedel, sisters and brothers-in-law Marilyn Obermire, Connie and Brian Davis, and Bill Binns, and extended family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Al and Lucile, in-laws Bennie and Mable Binns, as well as his half-brother, Bob Burson, half-sister and brother, Jackie Mann and John Nebro, sisters-in-law Nancy Maas and Linda Binns, and brothers-in-law Tom Binns and Joe Obermire. The family would like to thank Mayo Clinic, Green Bay Oncology, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital and staff, Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Hospice, and especially Penny Carlson, Ted’s private duty aide. She was his angel and helped him 24/7 while he was in hospice care. There will be a celebration of life for Ted this summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial to the First United Methodist Church in Manistique, or the Schoolcraft Memorial Hospital Hospice program. “You won’t be far away. We’ll see you in the seasons.” Custom obituary
	Obituary: Henry Storjohann Henry C. Storjohann, 83, of Davenport, passed away Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, at the Good Samaritan Society Davenport. Funeral services were held at 12 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at Faith Lutheran Church, Eldridge. Visitation was one hour prior to the service. Burial followed in Pine Hill Cemetery, Davenport. Memorials in his name can be made to Faith Lutheran Church and please share condolences with the family at www.rungemortuary.com. Henry was born Oct. 3, 1942, in Davenport to George and Ella (Broeser) Storjohann. He held several jobs over the years: farming, Pine Hill Cemetery, working at his uncle’s nursery, and running his own yard care company. Henry was a long-time member of Faith Lutheran Church, Eldridge, where he served in the choir. He was part of the former National Farmers Organization in Scott County and was active in the German Heritage Society. He enjoyed trains and had many collections. He was a kind soul always looking to help others. Survivors include two cousins Mary Ann Muller and Cathy Conklin, numerous second cousins, and two good friends, Kevin Caldwell and Johann Holston. Henry was preceded in death by his parents. Custom obituary
	Obituary: Margaret Claeys Margaret Claeys, 86, of DeWitt, passed away Sunday, Feb. 8, 2026, at Fieldstone of DeWitt. Visitation will be from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11, at Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 12, in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt. Margaret G. Curtis was born Nov. 18, 1939, in Davenport, to Roy and Leila (Rohwer) Curtis. Margaret lived a life marked by hard work, determination, and a deep devotion to the people she loved. The youngest of nine children, she grew up on the family farm south of McCausland, where she loved riding horses every day. She attended a one-room school before graduating from DeWitt High School. She was married to John Carlin, with whom she had three children. They later divorced. Margaret married George Claeys on Oct. 24, 1999. The couple enjoyed nearly 20 years together. He preceded her in death on Feb. 6, 2019. Margaret was a trailblazer in the working world, being one of the first women to be employed as a school bus driver in DeWitt. A dedicated and independent woman, Margaret owned her own business, Lincolnway Marketing, and continued working until the age of 75 - a testament to her strength, commitment, and drive. Margaret was smart and competitive, with a love of sports that stayed with her to the end. She even had a fantasy baseball team every year. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals and Iowa Hawkeye fan. She loved playing Bridge, achieving the level of Sapphire Life Master, and even in her advanced years had learned to play online. She was famous for her baked goods, especially her Swedish Tea Ring, and was a wonderful cook. Faith and family were at the center of Margaret’s life. Surviving are her children, John (Karey) Carlin, Nancy Hughes, and Julie (Keith) Walker all of DeWitt; grandchildren, Teisha, Jessica (Mitch), Shayla (Austin), Ryan (Allison), Brittney, Allison (Nathan), Lucas (Haylea), Chelsey (Ryan), Lindsey (Sean), Cody (Courtney); 16 great-grandchildren; a brother, David Curtis; sisters-in-law, Holly and Marge; nieces and nephews, as well as George’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband, George, she was preceded in death by her parents; her son-in-law, Mark Hughes; siblings, Ruth, Helen (Bob), Ray (Tulane), Ben (Pat), Ralph, Robert (Dorothy), and Martin, and sister-in-law, Marcia; as well as nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to the Ohl Strong Foundation at ohlstrong.org. Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com. Custom obituary
	Obituary: Howard Goettsch Memorial services for Howard A. Goettsch, 80, of Long Grove, will be 10 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 12, at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home, Bettendorf. Inurnment will be at the Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island. Family will greet friends on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Howard passed away on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, at his home, surrounded by the love of his Lord and Savior Jesus. Howard was born on Feb. 12, 1945, in Davenport, the son of Howard and Dorothy (Ahrens) Goettsch. He married Nancy (Nelson) Jacobson on Oct. 15, 1999, at St. Mark Lutheran Church, Davenport. Howard worked at Mid-American Energy, formerly Iowa & Illinois Gas & Electric Company for 45 years, proudly serving the community as a lineman and crew leader, retiring April 1, 2011. He and Nancy were founding members of Fireside Christian Church, Park View. He lived by the principles of his Christian faith every day. He raised whitetail deer and was a member of the Iowa Whitetail Deer Association and the North American Deer Farmers Association. Survivors include his wife, Nancy of Long Grove, daughters, Melissa Kristine (Harold) Van Der Hart of Ft. Calhoun, Neb., Michelle Rene (Russell) Bishop of Davenport, son, Scott (Ronda Dies) Goettsch of Eldridge, grandchildren, Olivia of Eldridge, Deborah (James) Kreifels of Omaha, Mitchell (Erica) Van Der Hart of Omaha, Daniel (Shanna) Van Der Hart of Omaha, Rachel Fix of Tiffin, Derek Fix of Davenport, Tyler (Grace) Bishop of Davenport, seven great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, Soren Jacobson of Ankeny, Melvin Jacobson, Logan Jacobson of Davenport, IA, stepsons, Soren (Nikki) Jacobson of Davenport, Garth (Megan) Jacobson of Davenport, sister, Scharlett Goettsch-Blevins of Davenport, brother, Jeffrey Goettsch of Lowden. When you talked to Howard, he made you feel like you had known him all your life. He had the biggest fan club in the North Scott area. He played football for nine years, beginning in the sixth grade to semi-pro. He was preceded in death by his parents. Memorials may be directed to the North Scott Food Pantry. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com. Custom obituary
	View the Scott County Sheriff's report from the Feb. 11 NSP! THURSDAY, JAN. 29 4:01 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a two-vehicle accident near Utah Avenue and Highway 61 North. A vehicle driven by Adam Thomas Edwards, 37, Taylor Ridge, Ill., was leaving the gas pump area of a gas station. As he attempted to make a right turn out of the parking lot, he struck a vehicle driven by Caleb Scott Thompson, 25, Milan, Ill. 8:30 p.m. — Andy Glen Simmons, 34, Princeton, was charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon, assault while carrying a dangerous weapon, assault with intent to cause pain or injury, and 3rd degree criminal mischief, following an incident in the 26800 block of 255th Avenue, Princeton. FRIDAY, JAN. 30 2:00 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage in the 13800 block of 118th Avenue. 4:09 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage in the 1200 block of Eagle Ridge Road. 5:43 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury. SATURDAY, JAN. 31 1:45 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 5100 block of North Fairmount Street. 2:09 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 4500 block of Utica Ridge Road. 10:12 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance on Park Avenue Court. 3:27 p.m. — Deputies responded to a fraud complaint in the 400 block of Fenceline Drive, Blue Grass. The complainant reported he had received a text message claiming to be from Apple saying there was suspicious activity on his bank account. He called the number and was told to purchase gift cards from Kohl’s and provide the numbers on the gift cards. The complainant reportedly bought 30 Kohl’s gift cards and provided 20 of the numbers to an unknown subject. 3:49 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of theft in the 3100 block of Hickory Grove Road. 5:52 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage near 195th Street and 250th Avenue, where a vehicle driven by Idiel Kahlil Lopez Davila, 23, LeClaire, struck a deer that entered the roadway. 9:04 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 7100 block of West 60th Street. 9:42 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 1600 block of West 42nd Street. SUNDAY, FEB. 1 12:53 a.m. — Susanne Nicole Kendrick, 51, Park View, was charged with possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) – 3rd or subsequent offense and possession of drug paraphernalia, following an incident on Park Avenue Court, Park View. 1:06 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage near mile marker 134 on Highway 61 North. A vehicle driven by Cory Alan Tarchinski, 45, Davenport, was northbound on Highway 61. The vehicle went into the median and struck a guardrail and an Iowa Department of Transportation road sign. Debris from the signpost went into the southbound section of Highway 61, where it was struck by a vehicle driven by Chloe Shae Calhoun, 27, Eldridge. Tarchinski was charged with OWI – 2nd offense and cited for failure to maintain control. 2:13 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem in the 22300 block of 20th Avenue. 4:14 p.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 21400 block of 277th Avenue. 5:28 p.m. — Deputies responded to a trespassing complaint in the 600 block of North Highway 67. MONDAY, FEB. 2 1:06 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage near West Lombard and Brady streets. 2:08 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 5300 block of Elmore Circle, Davenport. The dispute was verbal in nature. 2:53 a.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 3500 block of Belmont Road. 9:45 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an animal problem near South Schultz Drive and East Grove Road. 10:22 a.m. — Deputies responded to a fraud complaint in the 21200 block of Brady Street. 12:09 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance on Manor Drive. 12:41 p.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check on Valley Drive. 1:22 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of an assault in the 3500 block of Wisconsin Street. 4:22 p.m. — Deputies responded to a vandalism complaint. 5:52 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a one-vehicle accident in the 28400 block of Scott Park Road, Long Grove, where a vehicle driven by John Roberto Hendrickson, 61, Clinton, struck a deer that entered the roadway. 9:00 p.m. — Yealy Gorlan Gateyay, 30, Muscatine, was cited for driving while license denied, suspended, cancelled or revoked, following a traffic stop near Exit 107 on Highway 61, Blue Grass. TUESDAY, FEB. 3 1:28 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 100 block of East 55th Street. 1:46 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 3500 block of West 43rd Street. 5:54 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a two-vehicle accident in the 3500 block of North Plainview Road, Walcott. A vehicle driven by Juan R. Tello, 45, Independence, Wis., backed into a vehicle at a gas pump. 6:09 a.m. — Lexi J. Wingert, 28, Cordova, Ill., was cited for possession of a controlled substance (cannabidiol) – 1st offense, following a traffic stop near Red Fox and Middle roads, Bettendorf. 8:37 a.m. — Deputies responded to a drug complaint in the 3200 block of South 16th Avenue. 10:06 a.m. — Deputies responded to a trespassing complaint in the 26800 block of 255th Avenue. 10:18 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a two-vehicle accident near 140th Street and 118th Avenue, Davenport. A vehicle driven by Patsy S. Peterson, 80, Joy, Ill., was westbound on 140th Street. Peterson reportedly ran a red light and was struck by a vehicle driven by Andrew B. Douglas, 55, Andalusia, Ill. Peterson was cited for failure to obey a traffic control device. 10:41 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 600 block of East 6th Street. 11:41 a.m. — Deputies responded to a fraud complaint in the 300 block of West Meadow Lane. 11:52 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury near South 4th Avenue and East LeClaire Road. 1:32 p.m. — Deputies responded to a trespassing complaint in the 6000 block of State Street. 1:33 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 3200 block of South 16th Avenue. 5:59 p.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 4000 block of Wakonda Drive. 6:15 p.m. — Santos Martinez, 50, Milan, Ill., was cited for possession of a controlled substance (marijuana) – 1st offense, following a traffic stop in the 8300 block of Northwest Boulevard, Davenport. 7:58 pm. — Deputies responded to a harassment complaint in the 3200 block of South 16th Avenue. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4 7:39 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of theft in the 15900 block of 107th Avenue 7:48 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage in the 600 block of Belmont Road. 10:19 a.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a missing person in the 700 block of West Walcott Road. 10:45 a.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 2000 block of East Locust Street. 11:51 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage in the 600 block of Belmont Road. 2:53 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 4700 block of East 53rd Street. 7:55 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a domestic disturbance in the 500 block of Sterling Drive. 9:14 p.m. — Deputies performed a welfare check in the 2600 block of North Gayman Avenue. THURSDAY, FEB. 5 12:41 p.m. — Deputies responded to a trespassing complaint in the 7200 block of Northwest Boulevard. 2:51 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage near West Lombard and Brady streets. 4:18 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury near Taylor and West 4th streets. 4:21 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a juvenile problem in the 100 block of West Meuse Street. 4:41 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 200 block of West Kimberly Road. 6:04 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage near Middle Road and Competition Drive. 7:17 p.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with personal injury. FRIDAY, FEB. 6 7:48 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of a two-vehicle accident in the 20900 block of Brady Street. A vehicle driven by Lonnie Dean Horn, 69, Moline, backed into a vehicle driven by Christopher Alan Bolinger, 47, Davenport, in the parking lot of the Big 10 Mart. 8:57 a.m. — Deputies responded to the scene of an accident with property damage in the 100 block of Park Lane Circle. A vehicle driven by Tabitha Megan Roberts, 30, Waterloo, backed out of a driveway and struck a vehicle that was legally parked on the street. 9:29 a.m. — Deputies responded to a drug complaint in the 700 block of 3rd Street. 9:45 a.m. — Deputies responded to an abuse/neglect claim on Manor Drive. 12:34 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of theft in the 13800 block of 118th Avenue. 1:24 p.m. — Deputies responded to a report of a disturbance in the 600 block of West 9th Street. 1:34 p.m. — Deputies responded to a drug complaint in the 3200 block of South 16th Avenue.
	Extension to host food business workshop Aspiring food business owners are invited to attend a day-long workshop led by food business and food safety experts with the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Food Innovation and Business Hub. The workshop, “Plan, Prep, Profit: Starting a Food Business,” will provide practical guidance for turning food ideas or hobbies into viable, compliant businesses and will be held on March 13 at the Digital Ag Innovation Lab in Ames. Starting a food business can feel overwhelming due to regulatory requirements, safety considerations and business planning needs. This workshop is designed to help participants navigate these complexities with confidence. “There is so much that goes into any business, but a food business carries another level of responsibility to the end consumer,” said Christa Hartsook, Farm, Food and Enterprise Development program manager with ISU Extension and Outreach. “This workshop will prepare individuals to confidently develop an idea or a hobby into a profitable business.” The full-day workshop will run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and cover key topics including business planning, market selection, cost analysis, navigating food safety regulations and product promotion. Participants will receive a structured, step-by-step overview of the critical components needed to launch and sustain a food business. Those interested in attending must register online and pay a $120 registration fee. Lunch will be provided to registered participants. For more information, visit Plan, Prep, Profit: Starting a Food Business, or contact Christa Hartsook at hartc@iastate.edu.
	View the Eldridge Police report from the Feb. 11 NSP! FRIDAY, JAN. 30 5:10 p.m. — Complaint of a suspicious subject in the 500 block of East Blackhawk Trail. Handled by officer. 10:58 p.m. — Complaint of a disturbance in the 100 block of West Sheridan Drive. Handled by officer. SATURDAY, JAN. 31 1:14 a.m. — Margaret McNamara, 28, of Eldridge, was cited for operating a non-registered vehicle, following a traffic stop near South 5th Street and West LeClaire Road. 10:47 a.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 700 block of North 1st Street. 11:43 a.m. — Complaint of a suspicious subject in the 100 block of South 3rd Avenue. Handled by officer. 3:49 p.m. — Assisted another agency with a report of theft of a motor vehicle in the 3100 block of Hickory Grove Road. 5:08 p.m. — Report taken for theft of property in the 400 block of South 14th Avenue. 7:06 p.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 700 block of Muirfield Circle. 9:26 p.m. — Javontae Cavanaugh, 26, of Davenport, was arrested for driving under suspension and cited for operating a non-registered vehicle, following a traffic stop on Highway 61. 11:12 p.m. — Paige Lindle, 24, of DeWitt, was arrested for driving while revoked, no SR-22 insurance and unlawful possession of prescription drugs, following a traffic stop on Highway 61. SUNDAY, FEB. 1 12:11 a.m. — Complaint of a suspicious vehicle near North 5th and West Donahue streets. Handled by officer. MONDAY, FEB. 2 3:17 a.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 500 block of West Prairie Vista Drive. 10:36 a.m. — Complaint of a fire alarm going off in the 500 block of South 5th Street; false alarm. Handled by officer. 1:37 p.m. — A juvenile was cited for person under 21 using tobacco/vapor product – 1st offense, following an incident in the 200 block of South 1st Street. 8:03 p.m. — Cody Petersen, 31, of Maquoketa, was cited for no driver’s license, following a traffic stop in the 600 block of West Slopertown Road. 11:16 p.m. — Marc Richardson, 36, of Davenport, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance – 2nd offense; and Erin Stanley, 33, of East Moline, was arrested for driving under suspension and cited for no insurance, following a traffic stop on Highway 61. TUESDAY, FEB. 3 10:30 a.m. — Kolten Price, 16, of Davenport, was arrested for reckless driving; and a juvenile was charged with possession of a controlled substance, following an incident in the 800 block of South Buttermilk Road. 11:52 a.m. — Dalton Hout, 23, of Bettendorf, was cited for failure to yield to a vehicle on the right, following a traffic accident near South 4th Avenue and East LeClaire Road. 7:58 pm. — Complaint of a subject in the 3200 block of South 16th Avenue being harassed via social media. Handled by officer. WEDNESDAY, FEB. 4 8:39 a.m. — Report taken for damage to a mailbox in the 500 block of West Pinehurst Drive. 1:49 p.m. — Report of a parking complaint in the 200 block of North 6th Street. A tow sticker was applied to the vehicle. Handled by officer. 6:32 p.m. — Report of an alarm sounding in the 200 block of South 16th Avenue. Keyholder contacted. Handled by officer. THURSDAY, FEB. 5 6:57 p.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 1200 block of Rustic View Court. 7:14 p.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 700 block of West LeClaire Road. FRIDAY, FEB. 6 9:14 a.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 100 block of South 3rd Avenue. 2:03 a.m. — Report of a parking complaint in the 500 block of West LeClaire Road. Handled by officer. 2:08 p.m. — Report taken for a child abuse investigation in the 100 block of South 4th Avenue. 4:25 p.m. — Report taken for harassment in the 700 block of Green Meadow Court. 6:39 p.m. — Report of an alarm sounding in the 200 block of South 16th Avenue. Keyholder contacted. Handled by officer. 8:05 p.m. — Report taken for a disturbance in the 200 block of South 1st Street. 9:18 p.m. — Report taken for a vehicle vs. building accident in the 700 block of North 1st Street. 11:45 p.m. — Complaint of a disabled vehicle on Highway 61. Handled by officer. SATURDAY, FEB. 7 12:27 a.m. — Nicole Courtney, 51, of Miles, was arrested for driving under suspension, following a traffic stop on Highway 61. 2:51 a.m. — Complaint of a disabled vehicle near West Lincoln and South Buttermilk roads. Handled by officer. 3:08 a.m. — Complaint of suspicious activity in the 200 block of West Lincoln Road. Handled by officer. 9:56 a.m. — Barking dog complaint in the 500 block of West Davenport Street. Handled by officer. 6:11 p.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 400 block of West Torrey Pines Drive. 6:27 p.m. — Report of an alarm sounding in the 600 block of East LeClaire Road. Keyholder contacted. Handled by officer. 6:57 p.m. — Report taken for a death investigation in the 100 block of North 9th Street. 7:37 p.m. — Assisted Medic with an EMS call in the 500 block of North 6th Street. 7:42 p.m. — Barking dog complaint in the 900 block of Wiese Court. Handled by officer. 10:58 p.m. — Complaint of a disabled vehicle on Highway 61. Handled by officer. SUNDAY, FEB. 8 10:30 p.m. — Complaint of a disturbance in the 200 block of East Price Street. Handled by officer. 11:23 p.m. — Complaint of a disturbance in the 200 block of East Price Street. Handled by officer.
	The Comeback Kid It is early days for North Scott girls’ wrestling, but this will be a tournament long remembered. Down, out, and dead to rights at every turn, Lancer junior Sage Dzeladini had little business winning one match, let alone winning a medal. Today, she stands tall and proud with the best state tournament finish in the young program's history. Since the first sanctioned girls’ wrestling state tournament, Lancers have strived to surpass Jorie Hanenburg and Khylie Wainwright’s fourth-place finishes from 2023. Dzeladini leaped both in logic-defying fashion last week, coming back from a first-round loss and deficits in four consolation round matches to win third-place in the Class 2A 235-pound bracket at Xtream Arena. “It feels great," Dzeladini said moments after winning her final match, adrenaline still coursing through her veins. “I know my first loss was my first match. I remember thinking, ‘I can’t give up now. I don’t want to stop.’ I kept going.” The old adage in sports is to never stop until you hear the whistle. Dzeladini embodied that in each subsequent match after suffering an upset in her Round of 16 match against Newton’s Ashlyn Vanmanen. The No. 7 seed, Dzeladini, ran the table in consolations to earn her bronze medal, defeating the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds along the way. “I’m real happy. To see that smile, it’s worth it right there,” Lancer coach Brian Thomas said. “She battled some adversity. She came through in flying colors today.” In that first match, Dzeladini led 9-2 entering the third period against the No. 10 seed Vanmanen, but got taken down, pinned, and bumped from title contention. Dzeladini lost in the first round last year, too, and knew what she had to do. It went from bad to worse as Dzeladini trailed 3-0 in her first consolation round match. However, she found a reversal and pinned Grayce Coree of Nevada to stay alive. The blood round was a rematch of the regional final from two weeks ago against Decorah’s Maddy Lippe. Dzeladini, with significant height, reach and athleticism advantages, easily overpowered Lippe again and got another first-period pin. With this victory, Dzeladini guaranteed herself at least two more matches on Friday. Her consolation third-round match went downhill quickly as Ankeny’s Aysia Moser went up 11-0 after just two minutes of action, posting a takedown and eight total near fall points. “That match was pretty tough. She caught me in a bad position when I had my head down,” Dzeladini said. “She almost pinned me so many times.” Dzeladini won the flip and had no choice but to take top position and go for the pin. She was warned for caution and stalling in this frame, and Moser was inches away from an escape before being taken out of bounds. After 72 seconds of scrapping, Dzeladini found the pin. All of Dzeladini, her coaches and her teammates watching mat seven rail side celebrated like they just won the Super Bowl. It remains to be seen what Dzeladini’s senior year holds. But of her 57 career wins to date, this was her magnum opus. “Sometimes she puts herself in dumb situations, but she battles through it. It’s all about desire, and she has it,” Thomas said. “She keeps her composure. She doesn’t ever wrestle outside of herself.” The tournament draw didn’t do Dzeladini any favors. In came South Tama’s No. 3 seed Kinley Jimenez in the consolation semifinals. Jimenez pinned Dzeladini twice at state last year. Dzeladini was called for stalling just 36 seconds into the bout. Jimenez took Dzeladini to the mat 56 seconds in, making it look like more of the same. The Lancer junior quickly recovered, reversing Jimenez less than 10 seconds later and getting the pin at 1:28. “After I beat her, I was so happy. I finally got my payback,” Dzeladini said. “I feel like I’ve been making mistakes first. But I am able to get into a better position and find mistakes that the other person does.” She added, “Coach (Jared) Hamilton was talking to me yesterday about the 170 (pound bracket). There are two nationally ranked people. He said those girls want to wrestle each other to prove everybody wrong. I was thinking about that all night. Just thinking about how I’m going to want to wrestle people if I’m going to want to win. I took that into consideration with the South Tama girl.” Dzeladini, wrestling with stacks of house money at this point, squared off against Fort Dodge’s Ava Potter, the No. 4 seed, in the third-place match. Potter takedown, Dzeladini reversal, pin, and first-period win. Easy as that. “She got a takedown, but sometimes I think I’m good on bottom. I mean, I’ve been on bottom a lot this tournament,” Dzeladini said. “I know she’s not going to pin me, so I’m going to wait. I’m going to get into a good position and turn her. She was too high on me, so I was like, ‘I got this.’” Throughout this tournament, Dzeladini was resolute and steely. She credited her teammates for helping push her through the difficult matches, saying, “They are the main reason. It’s them constantly telling me to keep going. It makes me aware that I’m going to have to get up because they’re rooting for me.” In addition, Dzeladini displayed an unbridled joy for being on the mats. It’s an emotion many wrestlers keep bottled up, but she let loose after each of her final four wins at this tournament. “My coaches always tell me to go out and have fun,” Dzeladini said. “Winning is the enjoyment I have. Beating someone at this big of a tournament means a lot to me.” Now, she owns the best finish at the state tournament for a North Scott girls’ wrestler, and she still has her senior season left to go. Dzeladini is the school’s only three-time state qualifier and two-time podium placer. “It’s huge for our program. Other girls have to see that anything is possible,” Thomas said. “I know she’s happy with third, but she wants to be at the top of the podium.” The other side of the coin North Scott’s other two state qualifiers, junior Khloe Hamilton (100) and sophomore Aviea Holden (110), did not find the same success in their matches. Holden won her first match by second-period pin over Camryn Andersen of Sioux City North, but did not place after losing her next two matches. She lost to the eventual fourth-place finisher in the quarterfinals and the eventual fifth-place finisher in the consolation second round. “We were talking earlier,” Thomas began. “‘You got here, you deserve to be here, and you’ll be back. No doubt about it. Let’s work on more wrestling.’ She’s great on her feet and can throw anybody. There are a couple of girls she couldn’t quite horse over, and maybe we beat them with some wrestling next year.” “I was talking to some coaches. ‘That little 10-pounder of yours, she’s great on her feet. Great hips. She can do whatever she wants to do.’ She’s just got to put her mind to it and be open to that coaching. If she does, (laughs), you can’t teach a girl in one season to do what she does. You just can’t. Either you’ve got it or you don’t, and she’s got that ‘it’ factor.” Hamilton also did not place after falling in both her first-round matches on the championship and consolation sides. Hamilton, a two-time state qualifier, tied with Dzeladini for the team lead with 38 wins this season. “I think she wrestled a little more defensive than she normally does. Whether it’s just the stage or what, I don’t know,” Thomas said. “But she’s the hardest worker in the room. She stays after every day. She’s the first in the room. She does everything she’s supposed to do. It just didn’t go her way. That’s wrestling for you.” North Scott scored 27.0 team points at the tournament, good for 25th out of 65 eligible schools in Class 2A. Raccoon River-Northwest won the team race with 148.5 team points, followed by Algona with 112 and Southeast Polk with 109. The Mississippi Athletic Conference had one state champion this year as Greta Brus of Davenport Assumption triumphed at 1A-155.
	St. Ambrose University applies for full membership in the Heart of America Athletic Conference St. Ambrose University is applying for full membership in the Heart of America Athletic Conference (CAAC), hoping to be selected as its 16th member.
	Crews fight multi-acre brush fire Crews on-scene said smoke from the fire is blowing over the interstate near the intersection of I-180 and Route 26.
	QCA senators file bill to bring Bears to Iowa Two QCs senators are among a group from Iowa who have filed a bill to bring the Chicago Bears to the state. Senator Scott Webster (R-Bettendorf), Senator Kerry Gruenhagen (R-Walcott), Senator Dan Dawson (R-Council Bluffs), Senator Dawn Driscoll (R-Williamsburg), Senator Mike Bousselot (R-Ankeny), Senator Cherielynn Westrich (R-Ottumwa) and Senator Carrie Koelker (R-Dyersville) filed SF 2252 [...]
	Home Pit Advantage Not since the days of Ty Anderson and Sam Kilburg has Lancer coach Shamus Budde seen The Pit be standing room only. The hottest ticket in town delivered as North Scott silenced Davenport Assumption with a 70-60 home victory Friday night, marking the team’s eighth win in its last 10 games. Budde noted this was just North Scott’s second Friday night home game of the season. The other one, versus Pleasant Valley on Jan. 16, also delivered the scarlet and silver a statement victory. “What an unbelievable environment,” Budde said. “We’ve been spoiled with our fans all year, home and away. Our community has supported us all year. Our crowd had a huge impact on the result of the game. The kids fed off of our crowd.” North Scott has owned its biggest Mississippi Athletic Conference rival on the boys’ basketball court of late, winning seven of the last eight matchups. The Knights had to try something different. Their solution was the box-and-one defense. Assumption played a zone with four players on the elbows and the blocks while keeping one man glued to Lancer junior Josiah Harrington at all times. This kept North Scott off the scoreboard for the first four and a half minutes of the contest. Junior Khairi Harper broke the scoreless streak with a free throw, but not before the Knights had scored the first seven points of the game. “They came out in a box-and-one, and we hadn’t seen that all year,” Budde said. “We took a timeout. Our kids were able to relax a bit. And then we made a run.” Down 10-1 with three minutes to go in the first period, North Scott caught fire from range. Sophomore Vasaun Wilmington drilled three three-pointers, and he assisted on another to freshman Jeremiah Harrington. In the blink of an eye, the Lancers led by six after eight minutes of play. “It all started on the defensive end,” Budde said. “We held them to one shot. We limited their offensive boards, and we got out and got some stuff in transition.” Limiting offensive rebounds was the top priority in this game after North Scott gave up 22 in January’s matchup. On Friday, it gave up only 10, and outrebounded the Knights by 10 overall. “It’s been our Achilles’ heel all year, is being able to board. But our kids are getting tougher. They’ve always competed, but they’re getting in there and being more physical,” Budde said. “That first game, we gave up 22 offensive rebounds and we still won by 10. We knew if we clean that up, we like our chances.” North Scott expanded its lead to 11 by halftime, but the Knights wouldn’t go away. They cut into North Scott’s lead and got it all the way to one with five and a half minutes left in the game. The shots that were falling in the first half for the home team were not dropping in the third quarter and early parts of the fourth. “We had great looks, and we’ll take those at any time,” Budde said. “Our guys stuck together once they cut it to one. Then, we were able to get consecutive stops and separate.” North Scott scored 21 fourth-quarter points to solidify this win, and Wilmington was a big part of the equation. He went nuclear for 40 points in the game, 13 of which came in the final frame. He made all four of his free throws in the final 35 seconds to help seal the deal. Wilmington made seven of his 12 three-point attempts, six of his eight two-point tries and seven of his eight free throws. “They keyed in on (Harrington) with the box-and-one. After that run to start the game, we tried putting guys in different spots,” Budde said. “Vasaun was able to get some touches with nobody really guarding him early. He made a bunch of open looks to get him going. Once he hit those first couple, you knew that kid was on fire. “Vasaun has practiced well the last two and a half weeks. He’s still young, but he’s maturing. He’s very coachable. He’s getting better every day. We really like where we’re at. His teammates have done a good job of knowing where the hot hand is and finding him.” Harrington posted a double-double with 14 points and 15 rebounds. Junior Miller Haedt collected 10 rebounds and three assists, and junior Drew Fischer had seven points and five rebounds. “All of our guys were very aggressive. It’s not always being aggressive trying to score. We’re looking for guys who can be aggressive on the boards, defensively, with loose balls, getting through the paint and kicking,” Budde said. “It was beautiful watching our guys. Everybody made the extra pass. We had a number of hockey assists. We were sharing it and moving it. It was a lot of fun to watch.” With this win, and Tuesday’s (Feb. 3) dispatching of Davenport North, 60-48, North Scott has won four straight games and is in a tie for second place with Muscatine in the conference standings. Bettendorf defeated Muscatine 73-69 in Muscatine Friday night, giving the Muskies their third conference loss. Because North Scott still has one game remaining against Bettendorf, the Lancers control their destiny for at least a share of the conference title. That game, in the Bulldogs’ gym, is the regular-season finale on Feb. 19. North Scott still must get past Central DeWitt (Feb. 10), Davenport Central (Feb. 13) and a road test at Pleasant Valley (Feb. 17) before then. There is no doubt, however, that the Lancers of January and February are a far better team than the Lancers of December. Budde sees it every day in practice, and the fans are seeing it twice a week on the court. “You have to give our kids credit — they’re maturing every day. They’re starting to keep it simple and not make the game so hard,” Budde said. “Normally, you can do that with a bunch of seniors. We want to win now. We are capable of winning now. We’re not even looking at next year. It’s great seeing a young group mature as much as they have in the last month or two. “I’ve done this long enough where I’m able to see that. You can tell just with how they look at you. I think the game is slowing down for them. They are buying into what we’ve got going, and it’s a lot of fun to be around them every day.”
	Pakistan-Afghanistan border closures paralyze trade along a key route Trucks have been stuck at the closed border since October. Both countries are facing economic losses with no end in sight. The Taliban also banned all Pakistani pharmaceutical imports to Afghanistan.
	'It was like a mirror image' This season, no loss has stuck in the craw of the North Scott girls’ basketball team more than the early January road defeat to Davenport Assumption. That the game slipped away from the Lancers, after such a strong start, lingered in the minds of Lancer co-coaches Dave Linnenbrink and Paul Rucker for weeks after the final buzzer. They and the girls long looked forward to Cake Auction Night, where they’d get another shot at Assumption. “The crazy thing was,” Linnenbrink said, “in both games, the team that started out really hot ended up losing the game. It was like a mirror image.” After they were the ones to start slowly on Friday, the Lancers threw the cake right back in the Knights’ face, engineering an epic second-half comeback to win 49-40 in front of a packed crowd in The Pit. Davenport Assumption more than doubled up North Scott, 18-8, in the first quarter. Over the final 24 minutes, the Lancers outscored their guests 41-22. North Scott allowed seven second-quarter points, six third-quarter points, and nine fourth-quarter points. Allowing 40 points in total was the team’s best defensive performance against an above .500 team since the conference opener on Dec. 2 against Pleasant Valley. “In the first half, we defended really well in spurts, but then didn’t finish with a defensive rebound, or we ended with a foul,” Linnenbrink said. “In the second half, we started finishing possessions on the defensive end. Our intensity picked up, and that led to fast break points.” Neither team could find its offensive groove early in the second half with just five points scored in the first four minutes of the third quarter. With the home deficit sitting at eight points with 3:30 to play, a converted and-one from Lancer sophomore Alaina Dreckmeier ignited a 14-3 run to flip the scoreboard. Lancer senior Allie Moeller tied the game at 29 with a right corner three-pointer. Sophomore Delaney Hill, from the exact same spot on the ensuing possession, gave her team its first lead of the game since the opening minute. Dreckmeier hit a floater in the lane to start the fourth quarter, extending the lead to five, and the Lancers kept pouring it on. Junior Alyssa Schroeder cashed a three-ball from the opposite corner to make it a nine-point Lancer lead at the 6:51 mark. North Scott earned its own double-digit lead on the next possession as Moeller found a cutting Schroeder in traffic for two. North Scott built its largest lead, 14, with 2:15 to play. At this juncture, Davenport Assumption had still not made a field goal in the frame. Over the last six games, in which the Lancers have won five, North Scott’s defense is holding its opponents to 43.2 points per game. This number is exactly six points lower than the team’s season average of 49.2 points per game allowed. “They shot 27.3 percent field goal percentage. 35 percent from three, which isn’t bad, but that 27 percent is huge,” Linnenbrink said. “I think we really executed our system and what we wanted to do. How we’re going to play, how we’re going to defend them, the scouting report, we really put it all together on the defensive end.” Linnenbrink credited his fellow coaches, Paul and Karli Rucker, for implementing the team’s new defensive system. After taking lumps in the first half of the season, the vision is showing game after game. “Before these last six games, I don’t think we executed as well with that system,” Linnenbrink said. “It’s taking time. We’re teaching and (the girls) are learning. They are putting into place what we’re doing. Now, we’re executing at a high level and you’re seeing that in our games.” From an offensive perspective, Linnenbrink was thrilled with his team’s 32 second-half points, in particular, how they were scored. “I think a really key part in the second half was that we moved the ball a lot better,” he said. “We shared it, and the kids stepped up and hit open shots. We hit some threes, which extended our lead. Our scorers were the ones that shared the ball.” Dreckmeier led all scorers with 17 points, but she had five assists and five rebounds. Moeller only scored six points in the game, but she also had five assists and five rebounds. Both girls had only one turnover each. “We would never think we’d win a game with Allie scoring six. But she shared the ball just as well as our starting point guard,” Linnenbrink said. “That’s senior leadership and maturity where we are going to trust our teammates. The girls trusted each other to get it done, and that was the difference offensively.” Schroeder finished with 11 points on five-of-eight shooting with five rebounds. Junior Kamilah Eller had seven points, and Hill had seven points with two triples. North Scott rolled Davenport North earlier in the week, 74-36, boosting its conference record to 10-6 and overall mark to 11-8. With one more win, North Scott guarantees itself a winning season for the first time since the 2022-23 campaign. North Scott ends its home slate of regular-season games this week. It hosted a huge MAC game on Tuesday against Central DeWitt, with the Sabers able to clinch the outright conference title with a win. Thursday brings Dubuque Senior to town, which doubles as senior night. North Scott will honor Moeller, its lone varsity senior, as well as junior varsity players Yatta Massaquoi and Adja Dicko, who are foreign exchange students from Africa. Also on Thursday, the Iowa Girls High School Athletic Union will release the Class 4A and 5A regional brackets. North Scott, unranked in the Feb. 4 ranking, is looking to jump Clinton (4A No. 15) for a potential home game in the semifinals.
	After year one, Lancers look to the future The first season of Lancer boys’ swimming came to a close Saturday at Dubuque Hempstead High School as districts qualified kids for next week’s state meet. For North Scott, this meet ended a historic season as both the boys’ and girls’ programs have now completed campaigns with scarlet and silver caps. Still, there is an eye to the future as North Scott uses this year as a solid foundation on which to build. “We just told them to go out and have fun today,” Lancer coach Andrea Gutierrez said. “It wasn’t about the races, or winning or losing. Just have fun in the water. “Most of the boys dropped time from where they were at. They are freshmen, so they are getting used to it. We’ll come back bigger and stronger next year.” There were a handful of promising performances, including a pair of top 10 individual event finishes from freshman Fin DeBourcy. He scored an eighth-place time of 2:29.84 in the 200-yard individual medley, beating out over half the field. He also took ninth place in the 100-yard breaststroke out of 22 swimmers with a time of 1:13.85. Freshman Logan Carney beat out six other swimmers in the 50-yard freestyle with a 19th-place time of 31.24 seconds. Additionally, freshman Noah Siokos beat six swimmers in the 100-yard backstroke, finishing 16th with a time of 1:21.26. He also beat five swimmers in the 200-yard freestyle with his time of 2:35.56. The biggest takeaway from this year for Gutierrez matches what girls’ coach Joni Paulsen said after her first year with the Lancers in 2024. After one year blind, the Lancer coaches know what to expect and can be better prepared for the second season. “(The first season) was a reality check,” Gutierrez said. “Now we know what to do for next year. We are going to plan some training this summer. (The swimmers) kind of realized, too, that they weren’t ready for all this. “Once we got settled in, it was really good. The boys had a really good camaraderie. They like to spend time together… It’s a group of boys that you wouldn’t normally see together in school. It’s good to get them together in the pool. And now, they’re hanging out outside of school.” And much like the girls, in this family, the more the merrier. Having more swimmers solves a lot of problems for small teams. It means more options for relays, more stroke-specific training, and a spread-out workload on meet days. Gutierrez encouraged anyone interested in swimming to dip their toes in the water. “I’ve been coaching for 20-something years. Swimming is a lifelong thing,” Gutierrez said. “It’s something you’re not going to do just now. It’s something that can happen the rest of your life.” Assistant coach Lauren Hayman, who herself swam in high school for Davenport North, added an anecdote from her own experience. “I never thought I’d be coaching. I was pretty much over the sport and was burnt out,” Hayman said. “Then, I found my love for it again coaching. Sometimes, I’m jealous of the kids. Like, ‘I should be in there.’ It’s an awesome place to be.”
	Dhuse, Shalack set for state The three-hour drive to Decorah was well worth it. Class 2A’s reigning bowling queen is ready to defend her throne. North Scott senior Lindy Dhuse is heading back to Waterloo, bidding to repeat as state champion after qualifying last Monday at King Pin Entertainment Center. She will bring an ally in junior Skylar Shalack, who qualified for the first time in her high school career. The top eight scores from each state qualifying site advanced to state, and both Dhuse and Shalack were just over this site’s competitive cut line of 586. This was the highest cut line of the four sites. The pair of Lancers had nearly identical three-game series scores, with Dhuse posting a 602 and Shalack registering a 598. Out of all 32 qualifiers’ scores, Dhuse had the ninth-best series, and Shalack had the 11th-best series. Dhuse and Shalack will roll at state on Wednesday at 9 a.m. at Cadillac XBC. At state, all 32 qualifiers bowl three individual games to start. Only the top eight series scores advance to the knockout bracket stage, in which bowlers roll head-to-head in a best-of-three game showdown. From there, winners advance to the semifinals and finals, where consolation matches will determine third through eighth place. Boys finish fourth in MAC Matching the girls’ result from two weeks ago, North Scott’s boys’ bowling team placed third at the conference tournament Thursday at Leisure Lanes. In a tight seeding round, in which all nine teams bowled 15 baker games, North Scott finished second with a 3,134 score. The Lancers were 44 pins behind Bettendorf, but 98 pins ahead of Central DeWitt in third and 143 pins ahead of Davenport West in fourth. In bracket play, Central DeWitt defeated North Scott in three games, 188-233, 245-223, 256-188. Both top seeds were upset as the Lancers and Bulldogs matched up in the third-place match. Here, Bettendorf won a three-setter 215-214, 173-203, 225-191. In the championship, Central DeWitt swept Davenport West 215-178, 231-183. The boys will take a much shorter bus trip for their state qualifying meet on Monday, Feb. 16. Plaza Bowl in Clinton will host one of four Class 2A state qualifying meets. Here, the Lancers and River Kings will face off against Burlington, Central DeWitt, Davenport North, Davenport West, Keokuk and Mount Pleasant.
	Lancers head to City High for state qualifying On Saturday, the high score to beat is 10. The Lancers sent double-digits to Des Moines last season for individual state, and it’s time to see what this group can do this year. North Scott is heading to Iowa City High this weekend for the Iowa High School Athletic Association’s Class 3A District 6 tournament. The local grapplers are seeking their second consecutive district championship and two hands full of state qualifiers. IAwrestle tabs North Scott as its sixth-ranked tournament team in Class 3A, behind Southeast Polk, Dowling Catholic, Bettendorf, Waukee Northwest and Indianola. North Scott will not see another ranked team at its state qualifying site, setting the scarlet and silver as the district title favorites with the potential for a busload of medalists. At this site, in addition to the Lancers and Little Hawks, are Ankeny Centennial, Burlington, Cedar Rapids Jefferson, Cedar Rapids Kennedy, Davenport Central and Newton. The Class 3A state tournament begins on Wednesday, Feb. 18, at the Casey’s Center, formerly Wells Fargo Arena. Wrestling will begin at 4 p.m., and matches include the first and second rounds of championships and consolations. This year, there is a maximum of two sessions per day. Class 3A will wrestle again on Thursday after Class 2A concludes its bouts. Matches include quarterfinals and the third and fourth rounds of consolations. The IHSAA notes there are no breaks between classes during Thursday’s and Friday’s mixed sessions. Class 3A will wrestle the semifinals and fifth-round consolations Friday night after 1A and 2A. It is the same deal on Saturday morning for the consolation semifinals and finals. The championship session begins at 5:30 p.m. with the grand march followed by finals for all classes. Lancers fall in regional duals final North Scott was unable to summon the magic it found last year to qualify for state duals. After beating Bondurant-Farrar for the second straight year in the semifinals, 51-19, Iowa City West smothered the Lancers 50-22 in the championship dual. North Scott won 10 of its 14 matches against the Bluejays with six pins, one technical fall, one major decision and two decisions. Seniors Cole Bruck (113) and Matthew Williams (132), juniors Kade Kelly (190), Trey Feist (215) and Bryce Stewart (285), and sophomore Kepler Carmichael (175) all earned pins to help put North Scott over the top. When it came time for the finals, there was no rust for the Trojans. The home wrestlers won the first five bouts of the dual, all by technical fall or pin, and surged out in front 28-0. Lancer senior Will McDermott broke the streak with a 14-0 major decision to get his team on the board. The two teams went on to trade matches back and forth as North Scott was unable to build any momentum in the middle and heavyweights. Freshman Zach Green earned a 60-second pin at 150, senior Cole Green accepted a forfeit at 165, and Feist earned a first-period pin at 215. At state duals on Saturday at Xtream Arena, Southeast Polk defeated Indianola 57-11 in the championship. It is the program’s third consecutive state duals championship. Iowa City West defeated Pleasant Valley in the seventh-place match. Other placing teams were Waukee Northwest (third), Dowling Catholic (fourth), Linn-Mar (fifth) and Dallas Center-Grimes (sixth).
	Community colleges receive federal grants for military member CDL training Two Iowa community colleges are set to expand their commercial driver’s license training programs with federal funding from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Eastern Iowa Community Colleges and Northeast Iowa Community College announced they have received Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training grants, to be used for active military service members, veterans and their families. EICC’s grant totals $79,800, according to a news release from the community college system, and NICC stated in its own news release that it is receiving $74,925. EICC Dean of Continuing Education Karri Frank said in the release the system’s five-week training program is “designed to move students quickly from training to employment, while maintaining the high safety standards the industry depends on.” “This grant allows us to better serve those who have served our country by helping them transition into high-demand civilian careers,” said Karri Frank in the EICC release. At EICC, the release stated grant funding will cover at least 14 students at $5,700 each. According to the NICC release, 15 qualified students will have their tuition fully covered over the next two years through the grant. Grant funding awarded to the community colleges was part of $3.4 million total dedicated to supporting U.S. Armed Forces members, both current and former, according to a news release from the U.S. Department of Transportation. The release stated the “primary mission” of the grant program is to prevent crashes, injuries and fatalities “involving large trucks and buses.” NICC’s four-week program has a 93% job placement rate, the college’s news release stated, and local demand for those trained in this field is predicted to rise by close to 13%. Dawn Fleming, NICC assistant director of financial aid and veterans affairs coordinator, said in the release the college is committed to supporting military members and their families. “Having a CDL license can be a very rewarding career,” said Martin Hemann, NICC transportation program developer, in the release. “There are many opportunities for employment, whether it be for a local or regional carrier or a nationwide trucking company. You can earn a good living and it can give you a sense of independence and opportunities to see the country.”
	Halpin announces funding to promote Galesburg innovation Mike Halpin announced that grant money was awarded to a small innovative business, Lux Blox LLC, in Galesburg.
	Malinowski concedes to Mejia in Democratic House special primary in New Jersey With the race still too close to call, former congressman Tom Malinowski conceded to challenger Analilia Mejia in a Democratic primary to replace the seat vacated by New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill.
	A daughter reexamines her own family story in 'The Mixed Marriage Project' Dorothy Roberts' parents, a white anthropologist and a Black woman from Jamaica, spent years interviewing interracial couples in Chicago. Her memoir draws from their records.
	Former Davenport mayor Frank Klipsch dies at age 76 Frank Klipsch, a former two-term mayor of Davenport and YMCA leader, died at age 76 early Tuesday morning.
	Spend Valentine's Day at Voy 61 Drive In Theatre Spend Valentine’s weekend at the movies at the Voy 61 Drive In Theatre in Delmar! The theatre is hosting a “pop up” weekend on Friday, February 13 and Saturday, February 14 for the first time in 76 years. The classic rom-com, “Me Before You” (PG-13) will play on both nights. The ticket gate opens at [...]
	FBI release photos and video of potential suspect in Guthrie disappearance An armed, masked subject was caught on Nancy Guthrie's front doorbell camera one the morning she disappeared.
	FBI releases photos and video of potential suspect in Guthrie disappearance An armed, masked subject was caught on Nancy Guthrie's front doorbell camera one the morning she disappeared.
	Reporter's notebook: A Dutch speedskater and a U.S. influencer walk into a bar … NPR's Rachel Treisman took a pause from watching figure skaters break records to see speed skaters break records. Plus, the surreal experience of watching backflip artist Ilia Malinin.
	Scott County Board of Supervisors will vote on ordinance to allow power plants on prime farmland The Scott County Board of Supervisors are expected to vote on the ordinance on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 5 p.m.
	Hunting & Outdoor Adventure Show at QCCA Expo Center, Rock Island, Feb. 12-15 There’s plenty to keep outdoor enthusiasts interested at the Hunting & Outdoor Adventure Show at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island. The event runs Feb. 12-15 with fishing, hunting and outdoor recreation vendors, exhibitors and experts from across the region offering education, shopping and hands-on experiences. A wide variety of exhibitors will be at [...]
	Former Davenport Mayor Klipsch passed away at 76 Former City of Davenport Mayor Frank Klipsch has died at age 76.
	97th annual womens' bowling tournament comes to Moline Women bowlers from around Illinois will converge on the Quad Cities for the 97th annual Illinois State USBC Women’s Tournament. The tournament opens February 21 and runs through April 19 at Highland Park Bowl, 4204 Avenue of the Cities in Moline. Sandy Darnstaedt, association manager for the Illinois State USBC Association, spoke with Our Quad [...]
	Iowa AG's Office concludes Dubuque police officer was 'legally justified' in fatal January shooting In a report released Tuesday, Attorney General Brenna Bird's office detailed the events leading up to the death of 28-year-old Jai Ondrick Quin-Charles Lovely.
	Former Davenport mayor Frank Klipsch passes away at age 76 Former mayor Frank Klipsch, who served the City of Davenport for two terms, has died at age 76.
	North Scott Junior High School in session on Presidents' Day for snow make-up day North Scott Junior High School will have school on Presidents' Day to make up for a previous snow day.
	What nervous system dysregulation actually means, according to therapists What nervous system dysregulation actually means, according to therapistsYour heart races during a normal work meeting. A friend’s offhand comment replays in your mind for days. You feel exhausted but can’t sleep, or you’re going through the motions but can’t quite feel present. If these moments sound familiar, you might be experiencing what’s become one of the most discussed topics on social media: a dysregulated nervous system.The term is everywhere right now, and for good reason: It captures something many people are experiencing but haven’t had language for. In this article, Thriveworks breaks down what nervous system dysregulation actually means, why it happens, and most importantly, what you can do about it.What is a dysregulated nervous system?Having a dysregulated nervous system means your body’s stress response is out of balance. It’s chronically overreacting or underreacting, to the point where it’s interpreting benign triggers or situations as potentially harmful to your mental, emotional, or physical well-being.“You’re in a mode where everything is a threat,” says Alexandra Cromer, a licensed professional counselor and lead clinician at Thriveworks.To understand why this happens, it helps to know how your stress response is supposed to work. Your autonomic nervous system includes your sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) and your parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest). In harmony, these two systems help you swiftly respond to danger and then return to baseline once the threat is gone.For example, your body physically and mentally amps you up to run out of a burning building—your heart rate spikes, adrenaline floods your system, your muscles tense—and then calms you down once you’re safe so you can focus on recovering as your heart rate slows and cortisol levels drop.In a dysregulated state, “you’re in survival mode,” says Kerry Green, LCSW, a therapist who specializes in anxiety and trauma. Your innate survival mechanisms work against you by causing mental, emotional, or physical symptoms that feel more overwhelming than protective—no burning building required. This happens because your nervous system has learned to perceive threats where none exist, often due to past experiences that have trained it to stay on high alert.Signs of a dysregulated nervous systemA dysregulated nervous system can cause a wide range of symptoms. Think of your nervous system as having a “window of tolerance”—a zone where you can handle daily stressors without tipping into overdrive or shutting down. When you’re inside this window, you feel reasonably in control of your thoughts and emotions, even when life gets stressful.When you fall outside the window of tolerance, symptoms generally fall into one of two buckets: hyperarousal (overreactions or heightened responsiveness) and hypoarousal (underreactions or decreased responsiveness).Hyperarousal vs. hypoarousal: A quick comparison Thriveworks Hyperarousal may look and feel like:Persistently feeling on guard or alertChronic worrying, rumination, or disturbed sleepExaggerated startle responseFast or irregular heart rateShallow or irregular breathingSweatingMuscle tensionDigestive issues tied to stressPleasing others by overcommitting or seeking validationAnger, irritability, or snappinessHypoarousal may look and feel like:Persistently feeling low energy or sluggishGoing through the motionsZoning out frequentlyDissociation (feeling disconnected from your body)Difficulty concentrating or making decisionsCan’t do anything or don’t feel like yourselfSelf-isolation or social withdrawalFeeling hopeless or depressedPleasing others by neglecting personal needsNumbness or emotional disconnectionImportant note: Experiencing any of these symptoms occasionally is normal, especially during periods of high stress. Fight, flight, freeze, or fawn (also known as people-pleasing) should be temporary states of dysregulation, with your parasympathetic response eventually taking over and calming your body down once you feel safe.When it might be a problem: You’ll skew toward chronic dysregulation when one or more of these symptoms become a frequent, persistent, or baseline response, particularly when you’re having a hard time anticipating triggers or you’re not facing an obvious threat to your well-being.What causes nervous system dysregulation?Your nervous system uses what you’ve experienced in the past to interpret what’s happening in the present. “Every second, it is wondering, ‘What does this remind me of? Oh, that sounds like my dad, who used to criticize me all the time,’” Green explains. “Your nervous system doesn’t just want to protect you from [physical] danger. It also wants to protect you from [emotional] pain.”Here are some of the most common reasons it gets stuck in defense mode.Trauma, big or smallTrauma is a well-known driver of a dysregulated nervous system. In fact, signs of hyperarousal or hypoarousal are part of the criteria for a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis.“Big T” traumas include things like physical or sexual assault, a loved one’s death, or surviving an accident or natural disaster. “Little T” traumas encompass experiences like job loss, chronic illness, or being bullied or heavily criticized as a child. Either can lead to changes in brain activity that can then alter how your nervous system responds to perceived threats.Chronic stress from modern lifeThe grind of modern life can dysregulate your nervous system, in part because it keeps you on high alert. Seemingly endless notifications, rising political and cultural tensions, steady social commitments, financial stressors, and caregiving responsibilities can pile up and push your limits. “You may think burnout is your fault, but it’s not,” says Kate Hanselman, a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner at Thriveworks. “It’s part of working in a system that doesn’t serve you.”Chronic depression or anxietyOngoing depression or anxiety also triggers frequent fight, flight, freeze, or fawn states, keeping your stress response perpetually activated. Depression often pulls you into freeze or shutdown mode, while anxiety tends to keep you in flight or hypervigilance—and being stuck in either state for too long can tip you into the other.NeurodivergenceADHD, autism, and other forms of neurodivergence can also be characterized by dysregulation, Hanselman says. This includes hyperarousal (sensitivity to noise or light, emotional fluctuations) and hypoarousal (difficulty focusing, social withdrawal) due to differences in brain functioning.Disturbed childhood attachmentChronic stress or trauma that’s linked to a lack of safety and secure “attachment” to caregivers—say, due to emotional neglect—can influence brain development during these formative years, setting the stage for a more reactive nervous system later on. These “inner child” wounds often surface in adult life as heightened sensitivity to rejection or difficulty trusting people.How to regulate your nervous systemThere are dozens of practical and science-backed ways to start regulating your nervous system on your own. While each self-regulation technique looks a little different, they’re all centered on getting you closer to rest-and-digest mode when symptoms like racing thoughts, muscle tension, or emotional numbness start to flood in.They also require practice: You shouldn’t over-exercise to “burn off” stress, sprint away from your triggers, or force yourself to relax when you can’t. Start with one or two techniques and, like a muscle, build them up over time. Here’s what experts recommend.1. Lay a solid foundation with basic self-care.It’s not that exciting, but the most basic things often make the biggest difference. Exercising regularly, eating well and enough, staying hydrated, and prioritizing sleep are nonnegotiables. If you don’t give your body what it needs to physically function, then you’re probably going to struggle mentally and emotionally, Cromer says.2. Build predictability with simple routines.Your nervous system hates surprises, Green says. Give it the predictability it craves with steady morning and night routines. Start with just one or two consistent habits, like waking up and falling asleep around the same time, blending a smoothie in the morning, and applying your skincare before bed at night.3. Create distance from triggers when you can.It’s not realistic to completely avoid the triggers that set you on edge. Instead, do your best to calm your mind and body when your environment is overwhelming your system, Hanselman says. Briefly walk away from an argument to compose yourself, put on headphones if a screaming child is stressing you out, or gently close your eyes if you need a break from harsh lights, for example.4. Try vagus nerve stimulation exercises.Your vagus nerve is the longest nerve in your body, running from your brain to your gut. It plays a key role in your parasympathetic response, or your “rest and digest” functions (including your breathing patterns, heart rate, and digestion speed). Stimulating your vagus nerve—say, by breathing deeply, dipping your face into cold water, or humming—tells your body to relax. With consistent practice, these exercises act like a recovery toolkit. 5. Find the right movement for your body.Some people feel better when they do gentler movements like yoga, others prefer intense workouts like running or boxing, and research suggests rhythmic activities like dancing can set the spark for your parasympathetic response. The key is to do whatever feels best to you consistently, because regular movement helps you stay regulated versus having to get regulated, Hanselman says.6. Protect your downtime like an appointment.Block out intentional rest time on your calendar, then fill it with something that feels particularly nourishing to you, whether that’s a warm soak in the tub or a movie night with your favorite snacks. Especially if you’re under high stress or feeling burnt out, carving out intentional time to rest gives you the real and perceived sense of control your nervous system craves, Cromer says.When to seek professional helpThe above strategies can quell in-the-moment symptoms and help you feel less reactive over time. But if your symptoms persist and are messing with your quality of life—including your ability to take care of yourself emotionally and physically, tend to your relationships, and show up in the way you’re expected to at work—it’s time to connect with a mental health professional.A licensed therapist can help you unpack the root causes of your nervous system dysregulation and guide you on the most appropriate path forward for your needs. If you’re struggling with trauma, for example, they may refer you to an EMDR specialist. If inner child wounds are the culprit, they may use a modality called internal family systems. They may also refer you to a psychiatric provider to discuss whether medication might be right for you.This story was produced by Thriveworks and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for Feb. 10, 2026 Rock Island officials have postponed a vote to rezone land blocks away from Rock Island High School, and Bettendorf police are focusing on speeding on Middle Road.
	Lee Enterprises reports quarterly results following closing of strategic investment A $50 million equity investment has also enhanced financial stability for Lee.
	Frank Klipsch, former Davenport mayor, dies at 76 A former two-term mayor of Davenport died earlier this morning. A news release from the family said Frank Klipsch died at age 76 early on Tuesday, February 10 at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City. His family was with him when he died and the cause of death has been attributed to effects [...]
	Former Davenport mayor dies at 76 Former Davenport Mayor Frank Klipsch has died at the age of 76.
	30 seconds too long: Americans' rising expectations for 911 30 seconds too long: Americans' rising expectations for 911In an emergency, time is not measured the same way it is during an ordinary moment. Seconds stretch. Silence feels louder. For many Americans, even a brief delay when calling 911 can feel unsettling.A 2026 study by Critical Tech Solutions, a provider of mobile surveillance towers for emergency response and public safety, found that Americans expect incident response times of under five minutes in high-risk situations. According to the findings, a majority of Americans say that even a 30-second wait for a 911 call to be answered already feels too long. The data points to a growing gap between how quickly people expect help to arrive and how emergency systems are often experienced in real life.Public Expectations Leave Little Room for DelayThe study shows that Americans increasingly view immediate acknowledgment as a basic requirement of emergency response. For many respondents, the difference between a call being answered instantly and one that rings for half a minute is not minor. It changes how safe the situation feels.This reaction is less about impatience and more about uncertainty. When people reach out for emergency assistance, the lack of an immediate response can heighten fear and anxiety. The study suggests that even short pauses are interpreted as risk, not inconvenience.These expectations reflect a broader shift in how people interact with critical services. In many areas of daily life, responses are nearly instant. Emergency calls, by contrast, carry far higher emotional stakes, which amplifies the perceived cost of waiting.Response Time Is Closely Tied to TrustBeyond urgency, the study points to an important connection between response time and trust. Long waits are not just frustrating. They can weaken confidence in emergency systems altogether.When callers feel left waiting, even briefly, some begin to question whether help will arrive in time. That perception matters. Trust in public safety services depends not only on outcomes but also on how supported people feel in the moment they ask for help.The findings suggest that response time functions as a visible signal of readiness. Quick acknowledgment reassures callers that systems are active and attentive. Delays, even short ones, can introduce doubt during moments when clarity is critical. Critical Tech Solutions Perception Matters as Much as the ClockOne of the most revealing aspects of the study is how strongly perception shapes experience. During high-stress events, people often perceive time as passing more slowly. A delay that might seem minor under normal circumstances can feel significantly longer during an emergency.This means that improving emergency response is not only about reducing actual wait times. It is also about recognizing how those waits are experienced. Acknowledgment, communication, and system responsiveness all play a role in shaping public confidence.The study highlights that Americans are judging emergency systems not just by technical performance but by how those systems feel when seconds matter most.Why These Findings Matter for the Future of Emergency ServicesPublic expectations help define standards. As tolerance for delays shrinks, emergency services face increasing pressure to meet faster response benchmarks. The findings from Critical Tech Solutions point to a clear message from the public: Responsiveness is no longer a secondary concern. It is central to how safety is evaluated.This shift has implications beyond call centers. It influences how emergency services plan staffing, adopt new tools, and communicate with the public during high-demand periods. Systems that can acknowledge calls quickly may be better positioned to maintain trust, even when resources are stretched.As technology continues to shape public expectations around speed and availability, emergency response systems are being measured against a higher bar. The study suggests that Americans are not asking for perfection. They are asking for reassurance, delivered without delay.In moments when every second feels amplified, responsiveness becomes more than a technical metric. It becomes a reflection of reliability, preparedness, and public confidence in the systems designed to protect them.SummaryAcross every finding, one theme stands out: Americans want stronger, faster, and more reliable emergency communication. They expect technology and human expertise to work together in ways that bring help quickly, clearly, and without delays.Their expectations often outpace the capabilities of the technology many agencies rely on, making upgrades and modernization increasingly important. From AI-supported 911 systems to smarter home devices and better location tools, the public is ready for progress.When the unexpected happens, people want reassurance that help is within reach and that the communication systems guiding first responders can keep pace with modern life.MethodologyTo better understand how Americans view emergency communication, Critical Tech Solutions surveyed 1,000 adults nationwide via Pollfish. Participants answered questions about their expectations for 911 response times, trust in location sharing, concerns during major outages, and opinions on emerging tools such as AI and smart home automation. Responses were reviewed across demographic groups, including age, gender, income, and parental status, to identify key trends and differences in attitudes toward emergency technology and preparedness.This story was produced by Critical Tech Solutions and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Robert Burns dinner (complete with haggis) to be held in Bettendorf The Scottish-American Society of the Quad Cities brings a 225-year-old Scottish tradition to the Quad Cities with its 48th annual Robert Burns Night Dinner on Feb. 21 at the Isle Casino Hotel, Bettendorf,. The birthday of Robert Burns, Scotland’s beloved poet and songwriter, is celebrated annually wherever Scots and friends of Scotland gather. The Quad [...]
	How to give business credit cards to your employees How to give business credit cards to your employeesEvery dollar your employees spend out of pocket on company expenses represents a small failure of planning. They front the cost, wait weeks for reimbursement, and your finance team spends hours reconciling receipts that may or may not match credit card statements. The employee wonders when they’ll get paid back while your accountant wonders why the coffee shop receipt says $47.83 but the expense report claims $48. Meanwhile, the actual work that generates revenue sits waiting.Business credit cards eliminate this friction entirely. The company pays directly, employees skip the reimbursement dance, and finance gets real-time visibility into where money goes. But issuing corporate credit cards for employees involves more than ordering plastic. You need the right card structure, clear policies, sensible controls, and systems that scale as your team grows.This article from Brex walks through everything from choosing between card types to building a company credit card policy that actually gets followed. Whether you’re issuing your first employee card or managing hundreds, you’ll find practical guidance you can implement this quarter. Learn about the legal and tax implications that trip up most companies, the spending controls that prevent problems before they start, and the security practices that protect both your business and your employees.Why employee credit cards have become essential for growing businessesThe math on employee expense reimbursement doesn’t work at scale. A single expense report costs companies roughly $58 to process when you factor in employee time, manager reviews, and accounting overhead. Multiply that across every business dinner, software subscription, and office supply run, and you’re looking at thousands of dollars in administrative drag each year. That’s money spent pushing paper rather than building products or serving customers.The expense reporting process also creates cash flow strain on employees. Instead of fronting expenses and chasing reimbursements, employees can use company funds from the moment of purchase with their employee credit card. Finance teams would see transactions as they happen rather than weeks later.The benefits of business credit cards include spending controls that personal card reimbursement simply can’t match, from category restrictions that prevent charges at prohibited merchants to transaction limits that catch unusual spending before it escalates. Real-time alerts flag potential issues immediately rather than during end-of-month expense reconciliation when the damage is already done.3 types of employee card programs and how they differThe terminology around business credit card options gets confusing because people use terms interchangeably when they actually mean different things. When someone says “corporate card,” they might mean a true corporate card program, a small business card with employee cards attached, or simply any card used for business purposes. These distinctions matter because they determine who’s liable for charges, whether employees’ personal credit gets affected, and what controls you can put in place.Authorized users on business credit cardsThe simplest approach is to add employees as authorized users on an existing business credit card. The primary cardholder, usually the business owner or a financial officer, remains fully responsible for all charges while employees get cards with their names on them and can make purchases up to whatever limits you set with the card issuer.This works well for very small teams where trust is high and spending is limited, typically companies under 10 employees where the owner knows everyone personally. The downside is that authorized user activity may appear on employees’ personal credit reports depending on the issuer, and your controls are limited to whatever the card company offers, which often isn’t much. You’re also concentrating all spending on a single account, which creates both fraud risk and credit utilization concerns as your team grows.Small business credit cardsSmall business credit cards are what most companies with under 50 employees actually use. These cards are designed for businesses rather than individuals, often come with employee card options built in, and typically require a personal guarantee from the business owner.The guarantee means your personal credit is on the hook if the business can’t pay, which is a significant consideration for any founder or owner thinking about scaling their team’s spending power. Spend management features tend to be more sophisticated than consumer cards but less granular than true corporate programs, giving you basic category controls and spending limits without the full policy enforcement capabilities larger companies need. Many small business cards offer solid rewards programs and integrate with some of the top accounting software, making them a practical middle ground for growing companies that want better visibility without enterprise complexity.Corporate credit card programsCorporate credit card programs are designed for companies with established revenue and regular business spending. Most issuers require minimum annual revenue thresholds and a set number of cardholders before they’ll even consider an application, which is why these programs are most common among midsize and larger companies. In return, corporate programs offer the most sophisticated controls available, including dedicated account management, custom reporting capabilities, and granular policy enforcement that can be tailored to different departments, roles, and spending categories.The key advantage is that corporate cards don’t require personal guarantees, meaning founder and executive assets stay protected if the business can’t pay its bills. This distinction alone makes corporate programs worth pursuing for qualifying companies, as it draws a clean line between business obligations and personal finances. Liability structures vary significantly between programs, with some placing responsibility entirely on the company, others requiring individual employees to pay and seek reimbursement, and some splitting it between both parties according to specific terms. Understanding which model your program uses is critical because it affects everything from employee onboarding to how you handle disputed charges and terminations.Choosing the right structureChoosing between these options comes down to three factors that you should evaluate honestly before committing.Consider your company structure and whether you can even qualify for corporate programs given their revenue and cardholder minimums.Think carefully about your risk tolerance and whether you’re comfortable with personal guarantees that put your own assets on the line.Evaluate your control requirements and whether basic issuer limits will suffice or you need granular category restrictions, approval workflows, and real-time policy enforcement.Most companies start with small business cards and authorized users, then graduate to corporate programs as they grow past 50 employees and establish the financial track record that issuers require.Understanding liability and who pays when something goes wrongLiability is the question that keeps finance leaders up at night when considering employee cards, and rightfully so. When an employee charges $5,000 at a merchant that has nothing to do with your business, someone has to pay that bill. The answer depends entirely on how your card program is structured, what agreements you have in place, and sometimes which state you operate in.Corporate liability programsCorporate liability is the most common structure for companies with employee card programs. Under this arrangement, the company bears full responsibility for all charges on employee cards regardless of whether those charges were authorized or appropriate.The business pays the card issuer directly, and any disputes about misuse become internal matters between the company and the employee rather than involving the card issuer. This structure makes sense when you have strong controls in place and want to simplify the payment process, since employees never have to worry about fronting money or their personal credit being affected. The risk is obvious though. If an employee goes rogue or makes honest mistakes, you’re on the hook first and have to pursue recovery through internal processes or legal action after the fact.Individual liability programsIndividual liability is when employees are responsible for paying their card balances directly. The employee receives a statement, pays the card issuer from their personal funds, and then submits for reimbursement through your normal expense reporting process.Companies choose this structure because it creates strong natural incentives for employees to follow policies and document expenses properly. Nobody wants to be stuck with a charge the company won’t reimburse. The downside is that you’re essentially asking employees to be short-term lenders to the business, which can create cash flow problems for workers and resentment when reimbursements take too long.Joint liability programsJoint liability attempts to split the difference by holding both the company and the employee responsible under different circumstances. These programs typically make the company liable for charges that comply with policy while holding employees personally responsible for unauthorized or personal purchases.The specific terms vary significantly between card issuers and individual agreements. Some programs report to employee credit bureaus only after charges go unpaid for 180 days, giving the company time to resolve disputes internally before employees face credit consequences. The complexity of joint liability programs means you need to read the fine print carefully and make sure employees understand exactly what they’re agreeing to when they accept a card.Legal considerations you cannot ignoreBusiness credit cards lack many of the consumer protections that personal cardholders take for granted, which has real implications for how you structure your program. The Truth in Lending Act doesn’t apply to business cards, which give issuers more flexibility in changing terms and less obligation to disclose them clearly. The Fair Credit Billing Act gives you only 60 days to dispute charges, a window that closes quickly when you’re reconciling expenses monthly and issues don’t surface until statements arrive.How to issue employee cards in 4 stepsGetting employee cards into the right hands requires more preparation than most companies expect. Rushing to order cards before establishing policies and controls is a recipe for problems that are much harder to fix after the fact. The companies that run successful employee card programs treat the initial setup as a project with distinct phases, each building on the one before.1. Evaluate card options and providersStart by understanding what you actually need from a card program before you start comparing providers. Consider how many employees will need cards now and how that number might grow over the next two years. Think about what kinds of purchases they’ll make, whether that’s travel bookings, software subscriptions, office supplies, or client entertainment. Identify what integrations matter for your accounting workflow and whether you need connections to specific software like QuickBooks, NetSuite, or your human resources information system.The questions you ask potential providers reveal a lot about how the relationship will work. Find out what spending controls are available and how granular they get, since basic limits are table stakes but category restrictions and approval workflows separate serious platforms from basic card issuers. Ask about the timeline from application to cards in hand, because traditional banks often take two weeks or more while modern providers can issue virtual business credit cards instantly and physical cards within days. Understand the fee structure completely, including annual fees, foreign transaction fees, and any charges for additional cards or features.2. Establish your credit card policyDo not issue employee cards until you have a written company credit card policy that covers the essential questions employees will have. The policy should specify who is eligible for cards, what expenses are approved, what’s explicitly prohibited, how much employees can spend, and what documentation they need to provide. It should also cover what happens when things go wrong, from lost cards to policy violations to termination procedures.Building the policy shouldn’t happen in a vacuum. Finance needs to own the document, but HR should weigh in on eligibility criteria and consequences for violations, legal should review liability language and termination procedures, and operations leaders should validate that the approved expense categories match how work actually gets done. This cross-functional input takes longer than having one person write the policy in an afternoon, but it produces a document people will actually follow because it reflects reality rather than theory.3. Set up spending controls and limitsControls are where policy meets technology, and getting them right prevents problems rather than just punishing them after the fact. Start with per-employee spending limits based on role and typical purchasing patterns, setting higher limits for executives and traveling salespeople while keeping tighter constraints on employees who only need cards for occasional purchases.Merchant category restrictions add another layer of protection by blocking charges at business types that have no legitimate connection to your operations. Most companies block casinos, adult entertainment, and liquor stores as an obvious starting point, but you might also restrict categories like personal care services or recreational goods depending on your business.The expense approval process should match the size and risk of transactions, with small routine purchases flowing through automatically while larger or unusual charges require explicit approval. Expense management software lets you configure these workflows in detail, routing different transaction types to different approvers based on amount, category, or employee role.4. Onboard cardholders with trainingThe final step is getting cards to employees along with the knowledge they need to use them correctly. Training doesn’t need to be elaborate, but it should cover the key points that prevent problems. Walk through the expense policy and make sure employees understand what’s approved, what’s prohibited, and what falls into gray areas that require manager consultation. Show them how to submit receipts and documentation through whatever system you’re using for business receipt management.Practical details matter as much as policy during onboarding. Tell employees how to report lost or stolen cards immediately and give them a number they can call 24 hours a day. Explain what to do when a transaction is declined, since sometimes it’s a fraud block that requires a quick call and other times it’s a legitimate limit that needs approval to exceed.Finally, have employees sign the employee credit card agreement acknowledging they’ve received training, understand the policy, and accept responsibility for following it. This documentation protects you if problems arise later and reinforces to employees that card privileges come with real obligations.Spending controls that actually prevent problemsControls are only valuable if they stop problems before they happen rather than just documenting them afterward. The difference between a well-controlled card program and a problematic one isn’t the policies written down but the technical guardrails that enforce those policies at the moment of purchase.When an employee tries to charge something outside their approved parameters, the best outcome is a declined transaction that prompts a conversation, not an approved charge that becomes a difficult cleanup three weeks later.Per employee and per transaction limitsEvery cardholder should have a monthly spending limit appropriate to their role and typical purchasing patterns. Entry-level employees who occasionally buy office supplies might have limits of $500 to $1,000 per month, while a regional sales director booking travel and entertaining clients could reasonably need $10,000 or more.These limits should reflect actual business needs rather than arbitrary round numbers, so look at historical spending patterns when setting them and adjust based on real usage over time. Setting limits too low creates friction and workarounds where employees use personal cards and expense them, which defeats the purpose of the program. Setting them too high provides inadequate protection against expense fraud or misuse.Merchant category restrictionsEvery credit card transaction carries a merchant category code that identifies the type of business where the purchase occurred. Your card platform can use these codes to automatically block transactions at merchant types that have no legitimate business purpose.Category restrictions work best when they’re tailored to specific roles rather than applied universally across the company. Marketing team members might need access to advertising and media categories that would be unusual for engineering. Sales might need broader restaurant and entertainment access for client meals while operations staff rarely have business reasons to dine out. The goal isn’t to create an exhaustive list of every merchant that could possibly be legitimate but to block the categories where unauthorized spending most commonly occurs.Virtual cards for vendor-specific spendingVirtual business credit cards have transformed how companies manage recurring vendor payments and one-time purchases with specific merchants. Unlike physical cards that work anywhere the network is accepted, virtual cards can be locked to a single vendor, a specific dollar amount, or a defined time window.When you issue a virtual card for your monthly software subscription, you eliminate the risk of that card number being used anywhere else even if it’s compromised. When you give an employee a virtual card for a specific conference registration, you know exactly what it can be used for and can set it to expire immediately after the expected charge.The flexibility of virtual cards makes them ideal for situations where you want to enable spending without issuing permanent card credentials. A new employee who needs to book travel before their physical card arrives can get a virtual card in minutes. A contractor working on a specific project can receive a card that only works at pre-approved vendors and automatically deactivates when the project ends.Approval workflows that match your organizationThe expense approval process should reflect how your organization actually makes decisions rather than forcing an artificial hierarchy onto spending. Small companies might route all approvals to the founder or CFO, which works fine when volume is low but becomes a bottleneck as the team grows. Larger organizations typically push approval authority down to department managers for routine spending while escalating larger purchases or unusual categories to finance leadership.Configure different approval paths for different transaction types rather than applying one-size-fits-all rules. Routine office supplies under $200 might not need any approval beyond the existing monthly limit. Client entertainment over $500 might require manager approval before the card is even used. Software purchases over $1,000 might need both the direct manager and finance sign-off given the potential for recurring commitments.These workflows should be configured in your card platform so approvals happen in real-time rather than retroactively.Tax compliance and IRS documentation requirementsTax compliance is where employee card programs either pay dividends or create expensive headaches. The IRS has specific rules about business expense documentation, and failing to follow them can turn legitimate business expenses into taxable income for employees or disallowed deductions for the company.These aren’t obscure technicalities that only matter during audits. They affect your quarterly tax filings, your employees’ W-2s, and your company’s overall tax liability.The $75 receipt threshold and what it really meansIRS regulations require receipts for any business expense of $75 or more, a threshold that hasn’t changed in decades despite inflation making it increasingly easy to hit. This means that a team lunch, a tank of gas for a rental car, or a modest hotel stay all require original documentation showing the vendor, amount, date, and what was purchased.Lodging expenses require receipts regardless of amount, even if the nightly rate falls below $75, because the IRS treats travel accommodation differently than other expense categories.What counts as adequate documentation goes beyond just having a receipt in hand. The IRS wants to see the amount, date, place, and business purpose of every expense. For meals and entertainment, you also need to document who attended and the business relationship or topic discussed. A credit card statement showing a charge at a restaurant doesn’t satisfy these requirements because it lacks the itemization and business purpose that receipts and expense notes provide.The 60-day substantiation deadlineEven when employees have receipts, timing matters for tax treatment. The IRS requires that employees substantiate expenses within 60 days of when they were incurred, and that employees return any excess reimbursement within 120 days. Miss these windows and the expense reimbursement may need to be treated as taxable wages rather than a nontaxable reimbursement.The 60-day clock starts ticking from the date of the expense, not the date of the credit card statement or the end of the month. For employees who travel frequently or make regular purchases, this creates a rolling compliance obligation that’s easy to miss without systematic tracking.Your expense reporting process should include automated reminders as expenses approach the 60-day mark and escalations when deadlines pass without substantiation. Cards can be suspended for employees who repeatedly miss documentation deadlines, which sounds harsh but is often the only way to get attention when reminder emails are ignored.Accountable plans and why they matterThe IRS distinguishes between accountable plans and nonaccountable plans for expense reimbursement, and the classification has significant tax consequences.An accountable plan requires three things to qualify:Expenses must have a business connection, meaning they were incurred while performing services as an employee.Employees must adequately account for expenses within 60 daysEmployees must return any excess reimbursement within 120 days.When these conditions are met, reimbursements are not taxable income to the employee and are fully deductible by the company. Fail to meet accountable plan requirements and you’re operating a nonaccountable plan whether you intended to or not. Under a nonaccountable plan, all reimbursements are treated as taxable wages subject to income tax withholding and payroll taxes. Most companies intend to operate accountable plans but drift into nonaccountable treatment through sloppy documentation practices and missed deadlines.Record retention requirementsKeeping records isn’t just about surviving an audit, though that’s certainly part of it. The IRS requires businesses to retain expense documentation for at least three years from the date the return was filed or two years from the date the tax was paid, whichever is later. For most practical purposes, this means keeping everything for at least four years to be safe.Physical receipts fade, get lost, and take up storage space, which is why digital receipt capture has become the standard for modern expense programs. Photos of receipts stored in expense management software satisfy IRS documentation requirements as long as they clearly show the required information. The key is ensuring receipts are captured at full quality and stored in a system with reliable backup and search capabilities.When an auditor asks for documentation on a specific transaction from three years ago, you need to produce it quickly and completely.Security practices to prevent fraud and misuse by employeesFraud losses hit businesses harder than most executives realize until it happens to them. According to the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the median loss for a company that was the victim of an asset misappropriation scheme between January 2022 and September 2023 was around $120,000. The spending controls covered earlier will prevent many issues, but they won’t catch everything. External fraud from stolen card numbers and internal misuse by trusted employees both require active monitoring and a clear plan for when something goes wrong.Watch for warning sign patterns even when individual charges fall within policy limits. Round-number transactions, like exactly $100 or $500, are statistically unusual for legitimate purchases and may indicate fictitious expenses or gift card purchases. Transactions just below approval thresholds suggest deliberate structuring to avoid oversight, particularly when the same cardholder repeatedly charges $495 when the approval trigger is $500. Employees who become defensive when asked about expense details or who consistently submit documentation at the last possible moment may be buying time to create supporting materials. The companies that catch fraud early are the ones paying attention to these patterns rather than assuming everything is fine because no single transaction looks obviously wrong.When fraud is detected or suspected, speed matters more than perfection. For external fraud, immediately freeze the compromised card and report unauthorized transactions to the issuer within the 60-day window required by the Fair Credit Billing Act. Most issuers will reverse fraudulent charges if reported promptly, but delays can result in the company absorbing losses that should have been covered. Internal misuse requires a more delicate approach. Document the suspicious activity thoroughly before confronting the employee, involve HR and legal counsel, and keep detailed records in case the matter eventually involves law enforcement or litigation.Put your employee card program into actionIssuing business credit cards to employees is one of those operational decisions that touches nearly every part of your financial operations. When done right, you eliminate reimbursement friction, gain real-time visibility into spending, and free your finance team from hours of manual reconciliation every month. The key is choosing the right card structure, building policies that match how your business operates, and implementing controls that prevent problems automatically. The card program you choose shapes your experience with employee spending for years to come.This story was produced by Brex and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Quiet weather until Thursday morning when it turns wintry Mostly sunny skies are in the forecast for the next couple of days as highs warm into the 40s. A disturbance moving through early Thursday could bring a mixture of light rain, light snow, and light freezing drizzle for the morning commute. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	How to set yourself up for investing success in 2026 How to set yourself up for investing success in 2026Investing is a long-term game. The key to building wealth that can help you reach your financial goals, like buying a home and retiring, is putting money to work regularly and sticking to the investing strategy that works for you.But there are steps you can take at the beginning of each year to make sure you’re on track to reach those goals, and tweaks you can make to enhance your plan. Current, a consumer fintech banking platform, shares seven ways to set yourself up for investing success in 2026.1. Review your 2025 cash flowBefore you start making your changes for 2026, take a few minutes to look back at how last year went. Review your income, expenses, and savings to understand your spending and savings behavior and where you may want to make improvements. If you’re surprised by how much you spent on dining out, for example, maybe your goal for this year is to cook more at home. If your income was significantly higher than your spending, maybe it’s time to invest more money in the stock market.Assessing your cash flow from the previous year not only helps you identify patterns and areas of improvement, but it can also help reenergize you to reach your goals, says Nancy Hughes, senior wealth advisor at Mercer Advisors. She recommends using a budgeting app to help you automate the process. If you can find one that sends you notifications when you are getting close to your limits to keep you on track, all the better.2. Make sure you have the basics coveredInvesting is a crucial part of a financial plan — but you need to have a solid foundation first. One important part of this foundation is an emergency fund in case the unexpected happens, like you lose your job, face a surprise medical bill, or need to get a quick fix for your car. Financial advisors tend to recommend having enough money set aside to cover three to six months’ worth of your expenses, though you should tweak that amount to fit your specific needs. For instance, if you are an independent contractor and your income is variable, you may want to increase your savings to cover six months to a year’s worth of your expenses.You can save this money in a higher earning savings account so it’s readily accessible when you need it and still accrues interest.Another step you should take before investing your money is paying off high-interest debt, like credit card debt, since the interest you need to pay on those loans can eat away at your savings.3. Revisit your goalsMany long-term milestones, like saving for a down payment or a child’s college fund, won’t change year to year. But there are goals that may come and go, such as saving for an upcoming vacation or new car, or building up your emergency fund before you quit your job.Hughes suggests creating a vision board that includes your financial aspirations, such as how much you want to earn this year, how much you want to save for certain goals. While getting crafty with this activity isn’t necessary (you can simply write your goals down on paper or type them in a note on your phone), getting creative can help make financial planning fun instead of boring, Hughes adds.4. Increase your contributionsYour future self will thank you for the money that you invest now, which is why it’s important to regularly increase your contributions if you can. Review your various investment accounts and see where you may be able to make some changes. For instance, if you contribute 3% of your income to your 401(k) or a similar employer-sponsored retirement savings plan, try to increase that contribution to 4%-5% this year. You can also increase your contributions to individual retirement accounts (IRAs) and taxable brokerage accounts.“If you overdo it, you can always bring it back down,” says Craig Ferrantino, founder of Craig James Financial Services.You also have until April 15, Tax Day, to make additional 2025 contributions to an IRA and health savings account (HSA), so consider maximizing your contributions to these accounts to lower your taxable income and give your savings a boost.5. Automate your investmentsMaking those contributions to investment accounts becomes even easier if you automate the process. If you have a retirement savings account through your employer, you’re likely already automating your investing. But you can also set up automatic contributions to your other investment accounts as well as savings accounts.“Life gets busy, and there is always something else competing for your money. … It’s just too easy to spend money in different areas,” Hughes says. “When you automate, you make sure you're hitting your goals and setting yourself up for long-term financial success. It just makes it easier and one last thing to think about.”6. Tax plan earlyTax Day for 2026 may not be until April 2027, but getting organized now will make preparing your tax return much easier next year. Ferrantino says that if taxes are always top of mind when you’re managing your money throughout the year, there are often ways you can save on your tax bill. For instance, if you’re considering contributing some of your money to a money market fund, find a municipal money market fund. These funds tend to invest at least 80% of assets in municipal securities — and the interest on those munis is usually exempt from federal income tax.Start by creating a folder, either physically or digitally, where you can keep tax forms as you collect them throughout the year. That may include your mortgage interest statement for the year, 1099s, and W-2s. Come 2027, you won’t have to scramble to assess your tax situation.7. Review your asset allocationEven though investing is a long-term process, you do need to check on your portfolio regularly and make tweaks to ensure your portfolio is well-diversified. Diversification entails getting exposure to both domestic and international assets, as well as assets of different sizes and in different sectors. While most young investors will want to have most of their portfolio in stocks, as stocks come with high growth potential, many investors shift some of their portfolio into lower-risk investments, like bonds, as they age. The idea behind diversification is that when one area of your portfolio suffers, another area can hold steady or even outperform. You could also look at purchasing cryptocurrency if you want to diversify your portfolio. If so, you’ll want to look for a platform with low or no trading fees for crypto.To ensure your portfolio is diversified in a way that aligns with your goals, time horizon, and risk tolerance, it’s important to regularly rebalance — that is, sell assets that now take up more of your portfolio than your plan outlines, and buy ones that take up less. For instance, if your strategy entails having 80% stocks of your portfolio in stocks and 20% in bonds, but after last year’s strong year, your stock allocation has grown to 90% stocks, you want to sell some stocks.“It’s a disciplined strategy,” Hughes says. “It takes emotion out of the strategy, and you’re selling high and buying low.” This story was produced by Current and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Predicting demand trends with AI: When generative AI knows what sells before you do Predicting demand trends with AI: When generative AI knows what sells before you doImagine you’re a retail leader at a fast-growing wellness brand in the year 2030, looking ahead to next week’s demand and knowing that one wrong forecast could cost millions. You open your integrated inventory planning dashboard — a panoramic display alive with projections, simulations, and product recommendations your AI (artificial intelligence) co-pilot modeled while you slept. You begin the day reviewing your bestselling products, discovering which items are trending, and planning out upcoming orders.Dozens of product recommendations instantly populate your screen — all generated by artificial intelligence — each suggesting subtle adjustments to ordering and inventory based on carefully analyzed demand signals. Your generative AI bot has been working around the clock to synthesize data from multiple sources and provide insights for you to digest. While the AI doesn’t make calls for you without set parameters, it’s great at flagging patterns and anomalies for you to assess. Retail leaders who want to fully automate their systems and decision-making through agentic AI have that option, but as a starting point, many will first experiment with generative models.Take this notification, for example: Your system is set for 5,000 orders in the Northeast region of the U.S. for MegaPink Hydration Tumbler, but market trends suggest demand is cooling in this area. Adjust quantity or divert orders to West Coast?You pause — it’s an interesting flag. Those hydration tumblers were flying off the shelves a couple of weeks ago after being promoted by a well-known fitness influencer, but trending products cycle fast these days. It seems that after a short-lived uptick, it’s time to reduce orders for that SKU. Every retailer has felt the impact of social-media-driven sellouts that spike fast, then cool just as quickly, often outpacing traditional forecasting tools.With a single click, you confirm the AI’s recommendation, then move to the next action item. Before you even had your first cup of coffee, your generative AI collaborator has empowered 20 quick, data-backed choices that align with real-time demand fluctuations.This scenario is not far off from current reality. Generative AI already helps retailers take advantage of dynamic pricing, for example, so continuing to use AI for demand planning is a natural next step, especially as retailers know that accurate inventory forecasting is critical to managing bottom lines. The global cost of inventory distortion — the imbalance that occurs when retailers over- or understock products — reached $1.7 trillion in 2024, according to IHL Group. These costs can significantly drag down margins, BDO USA reports.In the not-so-distant future, retail leaders will work in tandem with generative AI to interpret demand signals and fine-tune supply chain decisions in near real time. But to future-proof their operations center, retailers must first develop a strong understanding of the data at their disposal.From Social Feed to Stock FeedSales, marketing, and inventory data will always form the bedrock of retail operations, but today’s leaders can leverage data from sources far beyond their own internal systems. External channels like social media, reviews, and market reports can provide visibility into market shifts that internal data may not capture.Thanks to generative AI, interpreting and synthesizing this wide-ranging information is faster and easier than ever before, allowing retailers to understand trend clusters, conduct multimodal video analysis, and use sentiment analysis for a robust market picture.In 2025, generative AI funding in retail surged to $33.9 billion globally, an 18.7% year-over-year increase, according to All About AI. This metric underlines the industry’s surging appetite for AI tools that can help retailers enhance their decision-making.Using advanced tools to help predict demand is a radical shift from historical methods. Retail leaders have traditionally relied on month-over-month sales and prior demand metrics to forecast potential trends, but now can use real-time marketplace signals to anticipate trends as they emerge rather than react retroactively.For example, machine learning (ML) algorithms can analyze audio, captions, and visual cues in social media videos, to detect keywords or descriptors that may signal changes in consumer demand. Generative AI can then combine those findings with sentiment analysis and other contextual data to deliver a comprehensive recommendation about how best to handle an imminent demand spike or slowdown. That said, most social data is still messy. Models can overreact to hype, so retailers need safeguards that prevent false positives from turning into excess inventory.For organizations looking to truly future-proof their operations, agentic AI can go a step further — autonomously acting on select recommendations based on parameters set by the retailer. In practice, an agentic bot could shift inventory between regions, generate a purchase order draft, or update vendor quantities when SKU velocity crosses a certain threshold.In the past, this level of analysis and execution required hours of manual work. Once a retailer identified a change in demand, they would still have to adjust dozens of different orders across multiple vendors, call suppliers, pull in new SKUs, and more. AI has changed that. Its ability to spot trends in advance can provide a major competitive advantage, but retailers still need the right people, processes, and mindset to turn those insights into action. To support this level of autonomy, retailers will also need clean, connected data and solid governance to keep AI-driven actions consistent, traceable, and compliant.Translating Social Signals into Smarter ForecastingTo leverage generative AI effectively, retailers need to take deliberate steps to prepare their organization. Consider the five steps below to get started.Step 1: Build a solid data foundationAI is only as good as the data it ingests, meaning inputs must first be clean and accurate. By integrating their data across systems, retailers can connect sales, marketing, inventory, and external sources, allowing AI to use a variety of data inputs for a clear picture of demand trends. For most retailers, this requires cleaning up inconsistent product data, eliminating duplicate SKUs, and connecting systems that have long operated in silos. Unifying data into one master data repository allows AI to generate meaningful recommendations. A strong data foundation must also include robust data governance. Retailers should establish roles and responsibilities for consistency, reliability, and compliance.Step 2: Define risk appetiteRetailers must assess their willingness to act on signals generated by AI models, particularly those coming from fast-moving sources like social media. These social signals can be noisy or short-lived, and the cyclicality of customer trends creates an inherent risk for fast movers. By the time a retailer has adjusted its inventory orders to meet a budding demand, customer attention may have already turned elsewhere. By working to balance speed with experience and judgment, leaders can establish a baseline tolerable risk exposure and act more strategically when determining which opportunities are worth chasing.Step 3: Train and test AI modelsA commitment to training and experimentation is critical to support any AI use case. Models need guidance to help them distinguish between real demand shifts and temporary noise. For retailers using agentic AI, autonomous agents also require testing to ensure they follow escalation rules and avoid unintended actions. Explicit instructions and regular model testing can allow retailers to standardize processes, mitigate errors, and enable their AI models to make repeatable recommendations.Step 4: Tag and analyze dataFuture-focused retailers need to look beyond topline trends and identify the underlying factors that influence them. Promotions, seasonal shifts, and marketing campaigns can all skew demand data, creating spikes that aren’t purely organic. Assuming every spike is worth acting on can lead retailers to make decisions based on short-lived trends or inorganic shifts in consumer appetite. Careful analysis — paired with human judgement — is critical for AI-driven demand planning to work as intended. To better understand the data, retailers should invest in upskilling their teams to develop the necessary technical literacy. Ideally, teams should be comfortable working with AI independently to interpret its recommendations and layer their own judgment on top to inform decision-making.Step 5: Iterate and evolveImplementing generative AI for demand forecasting is a journey. Organizations must always evolve and iterate on their models and agent rules to redefine guardrails and improve decision thresholds and triggers. Retailers should run controlled experiments to validate AI outputs and encourage cross-team collaboration to share insights, refine data governance, and adjust strategies over time. Using generative AI is a learning process, so the more retailers experiment, the more the model learns and can better adapt recommendations to market time.This story was produced by BDO USA and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	3 Bettendorf drivers pass stopped school buses in 1 week Bettendorf Police said there have been an unusual number of violations on clear, two-lane roads.
	Valentine’s Day confessions: Couples don’t always share their life insurance beneficiary Valentine’s Day confessions: Couples don’t always share their life insurance beneficiaryLife insurance beneficiaries aren’t the most romantic topic to discuss over a candlelit Valentine’s Day dinner. But far too often, couples are kept in the dark about their partner’s life insurance policy. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners reports that tens of millions of dollars in death benefits go unclaimed each year because beneficiaries lack basic information about their deceased loved one’s life insurance policies.It’s clear that the consequences of keeping beneficiaries a secret are too great to ignore. When partners are left in the dark about beneficiaries, claim delays, payout discrepancies, and an uncertain financial future may be at stake.So why does this consequential financial decision remain unaddressed? And what does this trend expose about the role of life insurance in modern relationships? Here, Everly Life unpacks what's behind the secrecy and what it means for modern couples.Life Insurance Beneficiaries Are a ‘Silent’ Financial DecisionLife insurance beneficiaries can easily become a “set it and forget it” decision for policyholders. They’re usually made at a set moment in time and rarely changed. Even after a major life event, like marriage, many policyholders may forget to — or simply don’t — update their beneficiaries.Financial transactions, like income, debt, and mortgages, involve daily or monthly interactions that keep them top of mind. So couples may remember to prioritize these during financial discussions. However, because life insurance is often seen as a one-time purchase, couples may forget to keep each other updated on their beneficiaries or any changes to their policy.What Keeps Partners in the DarkSeveral factors cause partners to remain uninformed about life insurance beneficiaries, including:The assumption that marriage determines beneficiaries: Many couples believe that marriage implies an automatic designation of a spouse as a beneficiary. However, only the nine community property states (AZ, CA, ID, LA, NV, NM, TX, WA, and WI) require a spouse's written consent to name someone else as a beneficiary.Discomfort discussing death or money: Death and money can be two of the most controversial topics to discuss. In fact, 51% of people shy away from buying more life insurance because they don’t like thinking about death. Additionally, 61% of Americans are uncomfortable discussing finances with family or close friends. Combine the two subjects, and it’s clear why couples may avoid addressing life insurance beneficiaries.Adherence to privacy laws: Insurance carriers are required to follow strict privacy laws to protect policyholders' information. That means beneficiaries may not know about a loved one’s policy unless the policyholder tells them — or until the insured passes away. Conversely, policyholders aren’t required by law to inform beneficiaries of their designation.What This Confession Reveals About the Role of Life Insurance in Modern RelationshipsAccording to the Pew Center Research, 69% of Americans are married, living with a partner, or in a committed romantic relationship. But there has been a cultural shift in modern relationships: Marriage rates have fallen from 55.9% in 1996 to 46.4% in 2023. On the other hand, cohabitation increased from 3.7% to 9.1% in the same period.As modern relationship dynamics evolve, the role of life insurance in partnerships is changing, too:Couples are marrying later in life: The average age of marriage is steadily rising, increasing from 20 and 22 for women and men in the mid-1950s to 28.4 and 30.2 in 2023. As the age of marriage is delayed, many policyholders have designated their beneficiaries well before saying “I do.”Nontraditional relationships create legal ambiguity: Nontraditional relationship statuses, like cohabitating, further create complexities in the “secret beneficiaries” trend. When one unmarried partner dies, the survivor has no legal rights to their partner’s life insurance benefits if unnamed as the beneficiary.Fewer couples are combining finances: Many modern couples prefer separation in their finances. Forty-one percent of married couples and 43% of cohabitating couples use only joint accounts. This suggests that modern couples normalize minimizing shared financial decisions, including life insurance beneficiaries.The Bottom Line: Financial Clarity Requires Intentional ConversationLife insurance can provide financial security for loved ones. Still, couples may not always discuss their beneficiaries, leaving partners with financial and emotional uncertainties. It’s evident that intentional conversation is the key to pushing the needle on beneficiary transparency.This story was produced by Everly Life and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	American Ben Ogden wins silver, breaking 50 year medal drought for U.S. men's cross-country skiing Ben Ogden of Vermont skied powerfully, finishing just behind Johannes Hoesflot Klaebo of Norway. It was the first Olympic medal for a U.S. men's cross-country skier since 1976.
	QC Builders and Remodelers Association will host 49th annual home show in East Moline The Quad Cities Builders and Remodelers Association (QCBR) will host its 49th annual home show this weekend, a news release says. At the biggest home show in the region, you can meet with more than 118 industry experts at more than 230 booths for the latest trends for your home including flooring, siding, windows, roofing, fencing, [...]
	Adam Steen hopes to ride momentum of Vander Plaats endorsement in Iowa governor's race Republican gubernatorial hopeful Adam Steen is hoping to ride the momentum of an endorsement from a prominent Republican grassroots leader.
	Principals in the Quad-Cities make from $89,000 to $175,000 a year. See all of the salaries Read all the salaries of principals in the Quad-Cities.
	City of Davenport accepts sponsorships for this year's Veterans Tribute Banner program The City of Davenport is accepting sponsorships for this year’s Veterans Tribute Banner program, according to a news release. This is the second year for the initiative honoring the men and women who serve in the U. S. armed forces, both past and present. The Veterans Tribute Banner program allows people tosponsor a banner featuring [...]
	New Business Spotlight: Route 6 Yoga offers yoga and other wellness classes in Moline Route 6 Yoga in Moline held its grand opening on Oct. 18, 2025.
	Quad-Cities superintendents' salaries range from $192,000 to $263,000. See where each district lands Read all the salaries of the Quad-Cities district-level school administrators and other top staff.
	Spotting heart problems in kids: What parents should watch for (BPT) - Although you may not think of children when you imagine someone with heart problems, congenital heart defects are actually the most common birth defect in the U.S., occurring in about 1% of births. While many of these structural heart issues are discovered in infancy or before a child is born, about 9% of children with congenital heart defects may not have symptoms until later in childhood (or even adulthood).What does this mean for parents? Simply that it's important to recognize potential signs of heart issues in children that they might otherwise miss."The same way CPR or first aid can save a life, knowing what signs to look for can, too," said Dr. Tara Karamlou, pediatric congenital heart surgeon at Akron Children's. "And you should always feel free to ask your child's pediatrician about any concerns you have about your child's health."Tara Karamlou, MD, is a pediatric congenital heart surgeon at Akron Children's in Ohio. She cares for children with complex heart conditions. Through decades of research and leadership, Dr. Karamlou has helped shape advances in care for children born with heart disease.The pediatric cardiology experts at Akron Children's want you to know about these indications your child may need immediate medical attention.Shortness of breathWhile shortness of breath can be caused by respiratory issues, persistent breathing difficulties, especially when engaged in active play or exercise, could point to a potential heart problem like congenital heart disease.Shortness of breath is also a common symptom of heart failure in children, which occurs when the heart cannot pump blood effectively. This results in fluid buildup in the lungs, causing breathing difficulties."If you notice your child having shortness of breath when they're active, especially along with other symptoms like chest pain, fainting, heart palpitations, extreme fatigue or swelling in their ankles, legs or abdomen, they need prompt medical attention to uncover the underlying cause," Karamlou said. "Your child's pediatrician can determine if they need to be seen by a pediatric cardiologist."Fainting during playIf your child suddenly faints while playing or exercising, make sure they see a doctor right away. Although fainting can be caused by dehydration, overheating or prolonged standing, fainting during physical activity (not afterward) could be a sign of a cardiac issue such as heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias), a structural heart defect, and myocarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle) that need immediate attention.An evaluation from a health care provider is needed especially when fainting is also associated with chest pain, heart palpitations or your family has a history of cardiac issues in young people.Excessive fatigue "Excessive fatigue can be hard to recognize, especially when families are busy and nobody gets enough sleep. However, excessive tiredness is a common symptom in children with congestive heart failure or congenital heart defects," said Dr. Robert Stewart, chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Akron Children's. "In these cases, fatigue and weakness is due to the heart being unable to pump blood effectively, so that fatigue doesn't improve, even with rest.Robert Stewart, MD, is chief of cardiothoracic surgery at Akron Children's Heart Center.Contact your child's doctor if extreme fatigue is accompanied by symptoms like chest pain; shortness of breath (especially with activity or while lying down); swelling in the feet, ankles, legs or abdomen; a bluish tint to the lips, tongue or nail beds; irregular/rapid heartbeat or excessive sweating. If fatigue lasts more than two weeks, seems severe, increases with physical activity or persists even when your child gets enough sleep, consult your child's doctor right away.Early detection and treatment are crucialRecognizing the subtle signs of a cardiac condition in children is key to getting your child prompt medical attention, which can be lifesaving. If your child has a cardiac issue and you're seeking the best possible treatment, look for a children's hospital that specializes in pediatric cardiology. For example, Akron Children's is ranked in Newsweek's Best Children's Hospitals for Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery. In recognition of Akron Children's commitment to quality testing for diagnosis of heart disease, the organization's echocardiography laboratories have been accredited by Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) in areas of pediatric and fetal echocardiography."Akron Children's uses the latest, most advanced technologies to diagnose and treat all types of pediatric heart disease, from the mild to the extremely complex," added Stewart. "We're at the forefront in treatment of abnormal heart rhythms, including development of a procedure to repair irregular heartbeats without the radiation commonly used in such procedures. Our pediatric heart surgeons work with interventional cardiologists even to repair certain types of heart defects in babies, who otherwise would have to wait until they're big enough to undergo open heart surgery."Dr. Stewart combines clinical care, research and education to help improve outcomes for children with heart disease.For children needing highly specialized cardiac care, Akron Children's collaborates with Cincinnati Children's for procedures including heart transplantation, bi-ventricular repairs and virtual surgical planning. Both hospitals work together with patients and families to coordinate care throughout the process to help ensure the best outcomes.Learn more about Akron Children's Heart Center at AkronChildrens.org.
	How much power does the Fed chair really have? On paper, the Fed chair is just one vote among many. In practice, the job carries far more influence. We analyze what gives the Fed chair power.
	The Depot This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.For the better part of a century, down until the end of World War II, the quality of life in the small rural…
	This complex brain network may explain many of Parkinson's stranger symptoms Parkinson's disease appears to disrupt a brain network involved in everything from movement to memory.
	How the use of AI and 'deepfakes' play a role in the search for Nancy Guthrie As artificial intelligence becomes more advanced and commonplace, it can be difficult to know what's real and what's not, which has complicated the search for Nancy Guthrie, according to law enforcement. But just how difficult is it?
	'E-bike for your feet': How bionic sneakers could change human mobility Nike's battery-powered footwear system, which propels wearers forward, is part of a broader push to help humans move farther and faster.
	Immigration officials to testify before House as DHS funding deadline approaches Congressional Democrats have a list of demands to reform Immigration and Customs Enforcement. But tensions between the two parties are high and the timeline is short – the stopgap bill funding DHS runs out Friday.
	Iowa lawmakers propose bills criminalizing abortion at any stage of pregnancy DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa lawmakers are considering several different bills that aim to either limit access to abortion medications or make abortion at any stage of pregnancy a crime. So far, three bills have been introduced at the statehouse -- HF 2332, HF 2316, and SSB 3115. HF 2332, which was introduced on Friday, [...]
	Buddhist monks head to DC to finish a 'Walk for Peace' that captivated millions The group of Buddhist monks is set to reach Washington, D.C., on foot Tuesday. The monks in their saffron robes have become fixtures on social media, along with their rescue dog Aloka.
	Trump is threatening to block a new bridge between Detroit and Canada from opening President Donald Trump on Monday threatened to block the opening of a new Canadian-built bridge across the Detroit River, in his latest salvo over cross-border trade issues.
	Ghislaine Maxwell appeals for clemency from Trump as she declines to answer questions Maxwell declined to answer questions from House lawmakers on Monday, but indicated that if President Trump ended her sentence, she was willing to testify that neither he nor former President Clinton had done anything wrong in their connections with Epstein.
Monday, February 9th, 2026
	Animal torture could become felony in Iowa as bills advance DES MOINES, Iowa -- Two bills that would make animal torture a felony crime in the state of Iowa are advancing through the statehouse. HF 2348, formerly titled HF 557, passed out of a House committee unanimously on Thursday. The bill would make the crime of animal torture a class D felony. Currently, an animal [...]
	What AI Companions Mean for National Security (NewsUSA) - Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to integrate into our daily lives with the rise of AI “companions,” that are designed to provide users with constant interaction and also may be hijacked by intelligence services from United States adversaries, according to experts at the Special Competitive Studies Project (SCSP), a nonprofit and nonpartisan initiative with a goal of making recommendations to strengthen America's long-term competitiveness in AI.Increasing numbers of companies are launching “AI companion” applications that are designed to mimic behaviors of close personal contacts, including a love interest, therapist, coach, or other advisor, and to be inquisitive, sympathetic, and always available.The “AI Companion” phenomenon marks a significant shift from interaction with AI as a tool to AI as a presence, SCSP experts noted in a recent Substack post.Unfortunately, there is a darker side to seemingly innocuous AI companions: they offer a new way for America’s adversaries to target vulnerable individuals for recruitment into espionage, or to spread disinformation. For example, foreign adversaries may target Americans who are engaging with AI companions in gaming environments and other online venues. More Americans, notably, young adults, spend more time engaging with AI in gaming and other venues, which opens doors for adversaries to build relationships and trust and convince their new assets to steal secrets.However, on the flip side, U.S. intelligence can use AI to recruit foreign spies. AI companions can gain trust in three ways:Sycophantic Loops: Sycophantic loops in Large Language Models (LLMs) refer to AI responses that are excessively agreeable, flattering, or validating of user’s stated opinions or beliefs, whether correct or not. AI prioritizes validating the user over maintaining factual accuracy, and the users may receive supportive information that is incorrect.Encouraging Self-Disclosure. AI companions are designed to ask questions and express interest in the user’s well-being. In some cases, the AI companion mirrors users’ disclosures by sharing similar “revelations” about similar struggles to building closeness and intimacy.Creating illusions of privacy. Many people who interact with AI companions assume, often incorrectly, that their information if safe, and the sense of confiding in an anonymous, non-judgmental companion masks the potential for manipulation.In light of the potential threats to U.S. intelligence, the U.S. Government should design options to mitigate the impact of AI companions, the SCSP experts emphasized. They recommend several strategies including banning the use of AI companions from countries of concern to U.S. intelligence, including China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea; publicizing the national security risks of AI companions; requiring app stores that host AI companion apps to label their development locations; and exploring how to use AI companions for our own foreign intelligence gathering.For more information and to read the full post, visit scsp.ai.
	Arizona House approves resolution ending Election Day ballot drop-offs Votes are counted by staff at the Maricopa County Elections Department office on Nov. 5, 2020, in Phoenix. Photo by Courtney Pedroza \| Getty ImagesA Republican state legislator who portrays himself as the election-reform champion that voters demanded — and hopes to be the state’s top elections officer — has had it with Republicans in the Arizona Senate who think his early voting resolution needs amending. Rep. Alexander Kolodin, R-Scottsdale, loudly and scathingly took Senate Republicans to task on Monday before the state House of Representatives voted along party lines to pass his House Concurrent Resolution 2001, which would make it much harder to vote by mail in the Grand Canyon State. “For two years, certain Republicans in the Senate have played a game of cat-and-mouse in bad faith, requesting an ever-changing list of demands and begging us to chase the ball,” Kolodin said on the House floor. “Today, this body says, ‘No more.’ The House will deliver for the people of Arizona, and if recalcitrant members of the majority in the Senate do not wish to do so, then let them stand up and let their votes be counted.” Kim Quintero, a spokeswoman for the Senate Republican Caucus, told the Arizona Mirror that the Republican leaders in the Senate did not see Kolodin’s comments. She declined to comment on the disagreement between the chambers. A member of the far-right Arizona Freedom Caucus, Kolodin has been pushing to make the state’s elections more like Florida’s for more than a year now, claiming that an “overwhelming” majority of voters are willing to trade convenience — specifically by making it more difficult for people to vote by mail — for faster results. But where the evidence supporting that claim came from remains a mystery, since Kolodin has repeatedly refused to share not just the poll he’s citing, but even what entity conducted the poll. Roughly 70% of Arizona voters in any given election cast early ballots, and independent polling does not back up Kolodin’s claims that voters want to cut off early ballot drop-offs in exchange for faster results. Over the past 18 years, Arizona has posted its final election results in an average of 13 days after the election. But it’s only been in the last several years, when Democrats began winning statewide races that had previously been dominated by Republicans, that the delay in finalizing results has become a problem for Republican voters and elected officials. The result has been fabricated claims that taking the time to count ballots is really a surreptitious way to let Democrats commit fraud and steal election victories. A major provision of Kolodin’s HCR2001 would amend the Arizona Constitution to end what election officials call “late earlies” — mail-in ballots dropped off at polling locations on Election Day and the weekend prior. The 200,000 late early ballots dropped off at polling places and drop boxes on Election Day during the past couple of elections slow down the reporting of results because workers have to process them and verify voter signatures before they can be tabulated. (Ballots received prior to Election Day have their signatures verified, and then are tabulated immediately when the polls close, allowing the bulk of them to be reported an hour later, when results can begin to be released.) Kolodin’s resolution would cut off early mail ballot drop offs at 7 p.m. the Friday prior to an election. The proposed constitutional amendment would also eliminate the program that automatically sends ballots to millions of voters. Instead, they would have to request a mail-in ballot for each election. HCR2001 is a revised version of a bill that Kolodin sponsored last year, which was vetoed by Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs because she said Republicans refused to compromise. Hobbs, a former secretary of state, has vetoed numerous GOP-backed bills that make it more difficult to vote and has said she will continue to do so. This year, if the resolution is passed by the House of Representatives and the Senate — both under Republican control — it would bypass a veto from Hobbs to be sent directly to the ballot for voters to decide in November. But the provision in HCR2001 that Kolodin said has caused division between Republicans in the House and Senate is a requirement for all voters to provide a government-issued ID concurrently with casting their ballot. Arizonans who vote in person at a polling site already must show identification before they are given a ballot, but early voters aren’t required to do so because their signatures are verified by elections workers. Kolodin said that some Republicans in the Senate want to nix that provision, but keeping it is a hard line for him and his fellow Republicans in the House. “Voter ID aligns with President Trump’s agenda for securing our elections, and to the Republicans in this body, it is non-negotiable,” he said. Kolodin is running to be secretary of state. If he wins the Republican nomination in July’s primary election, he will square off against Adrian Fontes, the Democratic incumbent. Both Rep. Aaron Márquez, a Phoenix Democrat, and Jen Marson, executive director for the Arizona Association of Counties, said during a Jan. 21 House Federalism, Military Affairs and Elections Committee hearing that they worried about the resolution’s use of the word “concurrently.” The resolution contains no rules or guidelines for how voters would provide state-issued ID with their mail-in ballots, which currently undergo signature verification to confirm a voter’s identity. Marson said the election directors and county recorders she represents are worried about the wording because, when people vote in person, they don’t show their ID at the exact same time they cast their ballots — they do so when they check in, before they are given a ballot. The ID requirements in the resolution also caused concerns for Sen. Theresa Hatathlie, D-Coal Mine Mesa, a member of the Navajo Nation, and Gail Hunnicutt, a member of the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Some tribal members don’t have a birth certificate that they could use to obtain a state-issued ID, Hunnicutt said during a Jan. 21 Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee meeting. Hatathlie confirmed that, saying that her original birth certificate didn’t have her name on it, and she was unable to obtain a corrected one until she was 22 years old. Hatathlie’s older sister still doesn’t have a birth certificate, she said, because her sister was born at home and has no documentation to prove her birthdate. “So, it’s very, very challenging to get a birth certificate,” Hatathlie said. “She’s 67 years old. She’s been trying to get a birth certificate for the past 15 years.” Kolodin brushed aside concerns about the requirement for concurrent presentation of ID during the Jan. 21 committee meeting in the House, characterizing them as “silly.” “The people of Arizona have been increasingly concerned about election administration issues in our state,” Kolodin said during his floor speech on Monday. “So, they elected people who really knew what they were doing, to this body. And this body placed them on the House elections committee. And over a two year collaborative effort, the best minds that the people selected have come up with this measure to finally give our state an election system that is secure, efficient, and that we can be proud of.” House Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos criticized Republicans for changing the deadline for amendments to allow Kolodin to introduce last-minute changes to HCR2001 less than an hour before the chamber voted on it. “When you have the majority, it’s so nice, because you can make the rules,” Rep. Rachel Keshel, R-Tucson, retorted. The amendment, passed along party lines, would allow early ballots returned via mail to be accepted through 7 p.m. on Election Day, and makes clear that voters who were in line before 7 p.m. on Election Day would be allowed to cast a ballot. It would also require the state to provide IDs to voters, free of charge. Kolodin said that those changes were made at the request of Republicans in the Senate. De Los Santos said that, contrary to what Kolodin claimed, the people of Arizona did not vote for election changes based on unproven claims of voter fraud. “I’ll just note that Kari Lake ran twice on this, and she was humiliated at the ballot box twice,” he said. “So, it is not true that the people of Arizona support these kinds of measures. That is empirically false, as we have seen.” Lake unsuccessfully ran as a Republican against Gov. Katie Hobbs in 2022 and U.S. Sen Ruben Gallego in 2024. In both campaigns, she focused on false claims of rampant election fraud in Maricopa County, going so far as to try and convince the courts to overturn her 2022 loss to Hobbs even as she was running for the Senate two years later. The courts rejected all of her lawsuits. The resolution will next head to the Senate for consideration. A mirror to the original version of HCR2001, Senate Concurrent Resolution 1001, sponsored by Sen. Shawnna Bolick, R-Phoenix, passed the Senate Judiciary and Elections Committee along party lines but has not yet been heard by the full chamber. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Arizona Mirror
	Bettendorf police reminding drivers to stop for buses Officers shared a video showing an unusual volume of drivers passing stopped buses over the past week.
	Rock Island postpones rezoning vote If approved, the changed would allow for more industrial use of the area off Centennial Expressway.
	Frito-Lay's Super Bowl commercial shared the story of a western Illinois family potato farm The commercial follows a father and daughter who work on a potato farm. While actors filled in, the story is based on a true family story in Carroll County.
	Northern Illinois native hopes to add another chapter to storied USA/Canada rivalry Tessa Janecke hopes to add more fireworks to rivalry with Canada after OT winner to take home gold last April

Tuesday, February 10th, 2026

Monday, February 9th, 2026