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

Monday, September 21st, 2026
	Sterling to discontinue use of Flock cameras The City of Sterling and Sterling Police Department announced the use of Flock cameras will be discontinued. According to a release from the Sterling Police Department: In May 2025 the City of Sterling and specifically, Sterling Police Department, entered into a contract with Flock Safety, Inc., for the placement of automated license plate reader (ALPR) [...]
	City of Sterling discontinues contract with Flock Safety The city joins a handful of local communities discontinuing their contracts with Flock over increasing concerns of misuse.
	Rock Falls Lumberjack Show offers shows, skillet throwing competition Rock Falls Tourism and Selmi’s Family Farm are hosting the sixth Lumberjack Show on Saturday, October 3, at Selmi’s Family Farm, 1206 Dixon Avenue in Rock Falls. The annual event is a full day of family-friendly entertainment, featuring the excitement and skill of Lumberjack Enterprises. Three lumberjack shows will be held at 11 a.m., 1 [...]
	Burlington lands $6.7M Department of Defense grant for third fire station The City of Burlington has been awarded a $6.7M grant from the Department of Defense to build a third fire station in support of the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant.
	Sterling Police end Flock camera contract citing privacy, public trust concerns Sterling Police are ending their Flock camera contract immediately, citing nationwide privacy concerns and the need to protect public trust.
	Train derailment closes all railroad crossings in Lee Co. town A train derailment in Franklin Grove has closed all railroad crossings and Gap Road, with officials directing traffic to Willow Road as a detour.
	Single game tickets on sale for Quad City Storm hockey The Quad City Storm has released its promotional schedule for the 2026-2027 season. Tickets are on sale now.
	Home foundation collapses from heavy rain in Iowa The Fayette County Emergency Management Agency reminds home owners to check their property after this weekend’s rains caused a collapse.
	City of Galesburg considering temporary ban on new data center development City leaders will discuss a 180-day moratorium on processing and approving data center applications during Monday night's city council meeting.
	Delphi murders appeal hearing: What you need to know \| Delphi Debrief Richard Allen was convicted in 2024 of murdering Libby German and Abby Williams. His appellate attorneys argued in court today that he did not get a fair trial.
	Police seek man captured on surveillance video inside Muscatine elementary school It happened early Sunday.
	Burlington receives federal funding for new fire station Burlington is receiving millions in federal funding for a new fire station in the city. The city has been awarded $6,765,530 to construct the new fire station in support of the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant in Middleton. The funding comes from the Defense Community Infrastructure Program. The program is a competitive grant program that addresses [...]
	Columbus Junction authorities, school district looking into social media post There is no immediate threat and local and county authorities are looking into the post.
	Aviation regulators turn to AI to help manage the nation's airspace The Federal Aviation Administration launched an ambitious $875-million-dollar push to make the U.S. airspace more efficient. But critics say it won't solve bigger problems with air traffic control.
	Man breaks into Muscatine elementary school early Sunday morning Muscatine police are asking for help identifying a man who illegally entered Mulberry Elementary School between 4 and 5 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 20.
	Slow down, watch for farm equipment: Illinois State Police Harvest season is underway in the Midwest and drivers are finding themselves sharing the roads with farming equipment that moves much slower than normal traffic. Ryan Wagand, an Illinois State Police trooper, spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to explain why drivers need to pay even closer attention to the roads this time [...]
	Traffic alert: Overnight roadwork on westbound I-74 starting Wednesday Drivers should expect overnight lane shifts and barrier work on westbound Interstate 74 starting early Wednesday morning through Saturday.
	Three arrested after allegedly assaulting two with baseball bat in Davenport Two Davenport men and one Davenport woman are facing charges for their alleged connection to a riot that injured two in Davenport on the early morning of Tuesday, Sept. 15.
	Soles for Children event provides clothing and more in Rock Island Families across the Quad Cities are facing rising expenses, prompting Soles for Children to provide shoes and winter clothing at their annual event.
	Creation Studio at Bettendorf Library gets major upgrade The $35,000 grant will be used to upgrade equipment in the space.
	Paramount makes concessions to salvage $111 billion Warner Bros. Discovery deal Paramount's owners have made concessions to 12 Democratic state attorneys general to settle a lawsuit that endangered the media company's bid for its larger Hollywood rival, Warner Bros. Discovery.
	Burlington receives $6.8 million DOD grant for new fire station Burlington was awarded a $6.8 million Department of Defense grant to construct a new fire station supporting the city and Iowa Army Ammunition Plant.
	See how Quad-Cities gas prices compare to other regions Gas in the Quad-Cities is averaging $4.49 per gallon.
	Quad-Cities gas prices jump nearly 27 cents in past week Prices in the Quad-Cities are 30.7 cents per gallon higher than a month ago.
	The neighborhoods where property values are moving fast this fall, and what the records show Real estate investors must always think one step ahead of the competition. A state, metro area, or city that’s a top choice for transplants could see its popularity wane in a matter of weeks.Does that mean, however, that past is not prologue? Not necessarily. Areas with positive real estate trends that have stretched over (at least) several months can offer great starting points for investors’ portfolios.Follow along as PropertyReach looks at some of the nation’s hottest ZIP codes throughout 2026 and provides some pointers for cashing in on the favorable trends.National Property Values Hold Steady in the First Half of 2026Before zeroing in on some of America’s hottest towns for real estate, it’s worth taking a glimpse at some noteworthy trends and data pieces.The median sales price for a home in the U.S. in the second quarter of 2026 stood at $410,700, a slight increase from $408,500 during the previous quarter. It’s remained steady for a year now; the median sales price of $442,600 in 2022’s second quarter remains the highest ever recorded.The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate as of late August 2026, according to Experian, is 6.96% .The rate of existing-home sales held steady in the South and Northeast in July 2026, with no meaningful changes from July 2025. The Midwest and the West saw increases of 2.1% and 1.4%, respectively, in the same time frame.The Elgin, Illinois, metro’s median home sales price increased the most throughout 2025 (10.8%). Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos in Texas experienced the biggest decrease (6.9%).Of the 10 U.S. cities with the most housing construction permits in 2026, four are in Texas, and seven are in the Sun Belt region.In the near future, many real estate experts predict that home sales will continue to even out after the post-COVID frenzy, owing largely to rising mortgage rates and continued economic uncertainty.6 ZIP Codes with Rising Home Sale PricesThe trend of slowed home sales does not hold true for every metro or city in the U.S. Plenty of areas are experiencing property value appreciation, and for a wide number of reasons. Below are six notable towns and cities with year-over-year increases in home listing prices. Each ZIP code has at least 30 active listings on prominent real estate websites.Information from Realtor.com’s data library was used to compile the following list.1. 31201 \| Macon, Georgia (+48.3% YoY)Although Macon, like most of the U.S., saw spikes in violent crimes in the immediate post-COVID period, the rate has dramatically fallen in the past three years. That trend, combined with the relatively higher prices of Atlanta and Georgia’s burgeoning film industry, has led to an impressive jump in Macon real estate prices since July 2025.2. 55616 \| Two Harbors, Minnesota (+42.3% YoY)A popular recreational destination on Minnesota’s North Shore, Two Harbors has seen more than its fair share of residents take up a permanent vacation. According to data from Realtor.com, the median listing price as of July 2026 is $369,000, a dramatic 42.3% increase since July 2025.3. 72114 \| North Little Rock, Arkansas (+39.4% YoY)Another city experiencing a decrease in crime rates, North Little Rock is emerging as an affordable alternative to Little Rock, where property prices are relatively high. The median single-family home in North Little Rock stands at $120,950, which is almost 40% higher than in July 2025.4. 75964 \| Nacogdoches, Texas (+35.3 % YoY)Transplants flooded Texas in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic in search of lower taxes and affordable real estate. The Dallas metro received a large share of new residents, but many areas to the east—like Nacogdoches—didn’t see a huge increase.Nevertheless, property rates in parts of Nacogdoches have soared in the past year, as inventory has stayed relatively stagnant. Two nearby Pilgrim’s Pride poultry production and processing plants have ensured plentiful job opportunities in the area.5. 14211 \| Buffalo, New York (+32.7 % YoY)Like the Bills at nearby Orchard Park, Buffalo has seen a resurgence in popularity over the past few years. The 14211 ZIP code, in particular, is seeing rapidly rising home listing prices. The median single-family home there is listed at about $152,000 today.6. 46526 \| Goshen, Indiana (+12.4% YoY)Indianapolis has garnered attention for its real estate affordability relative to the metro’s amenities and strong job market, and those trends have seemingly migrated upstate to Goshen, Indiana, near South Bend. The lack of new housing supply has kept the median home sales price in Goshen at $345,000, nearly $30,000 more than the median in Indianapolis.Best Tools for Identifying Profitable Investment OpportunitiesMost software providers will tell you that a good real estate investment strategy can only be achieved by forking over a bunch of cash for their products. It might make sense for larger investment firms to use expensive online tools, but you can get started with some basic ones. Many of them are free.Stessa. Investors can get basic dealmaking analyses with this free program. It also helps you keep track of the cash flow from your current portfolio.Bankrate. If you’re looking for a basic tool that calculates estimated mortgage payments and property values, Bankrate is one to consider.County tax assessor. Checking out public records can help you find financially distressed owners who might be motivated to offload a residential property.Property finder tools. Accessing an accurate and comprehensive property finder website will help you discover granular details about homes you’re considering adding to your portfolio.The most successful real estate investors combine boots-on-the-ground knowledge with effective research tools.Look for a Balanced Market Throughout 2026 and BeyondSellers still have the advantage in many U.S. metros, but buyers have already begun regaining ground they lost from 2020–2023. Market adjustments and calibrations have been slow and steady, and interest rates are unlikely to see much movement in the near future. Many investors are anticipating a modest increase in home sales in 2027.This story was produced by PropertyReach and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How AI is changing the way people think about mental health support A lot of emotional pain stays private for many people, and the loneliness around it can make speaking to another person feel harder than saying nothing at all. But AI has moved into daily life faster than expected, and some people are now typing personal concerns into a chatbot that they have never brought to a friend or a therapist.Key takeawaysAI chatbots are becoming a common source of emotional support because they are accessible, immediate, and may feel easier to use than opening up to another person.AI may be most useful as a supplement to mental health care, helping people organize thoughts, journal, track moods, and prepare for therapy sessions.General-purpose AI chatbots cannot replace licensed mental health professionals, particularly when someone needs clinical judgment, individualized care, or crisis support.Privacy, bias, transparency, and accountability remain major concerns as AI becomes more involved in mental health support.The future of AI in mental health may be strongest when technology helps expand access while keeping human connection and professional care at the center.John Torous, director of the Digital Psychiatry Division at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, said during a National Academy of Medicine discussion that 1 in 3 people have used an AI chatbot for emotional support.That same behavior appears in BetterHelp’s 2026 State of Stigma Report, which found that 15% of Americans use AI for mental health support, while 74% said society still discourages people from seeking help. As more people turn to AI for support, clinicians are increasingly considering where these tools may fit alongside care from licensed professionals.Why some people are turning to AI firstThere are several reasons people turn to AI first when emotional concerns become hard to sort through, and accessibility is one of the easiest to understand.Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University, told CNN that chatbots are available at any hour and respond right away, letting someone type out what they are feeling before a scheduled appointment is possible.Wen also points to privacy, noting that some people feel more comfortable typing about a problem than discussing it with a parent or counselor.For someone who is not ready to open up, spending money on care creates another hurdle, especially if therapy requires paying out of pocket or dealing with insurance. Arthur C. Evans Jr., chief executive of the American Psychological Association, describes general chatbots as “readily available and easy to access without insurance.”BetterHelp’s 2026 State of Stigma Report found that 52% of 2,000 U.S. adults named it as a barrier to therapy while 27% pointed to stigma or fear of judgment. Those barriers may help explain why some people experiment with AI before seeking professional care, but whether they continue using it depends on whether the tool proves useful once the conversation begins.Where AI can add value in mental wellnessPerhaps what is most fascinating about AI is how useful it becomes for the smaller tasks that often surround mental health care.A person heading into therapy may know they have been anxious or overwhelmed but still struggle to explain what has been happening, and Penn State World Campus has described AI as a tool for compiling questions or concerns before meeting with a licensed professional.The same need to organize thoughts continues even between appointments, especially when something difficult happens days before a person is scheduled to speak with a therapist. AI-guided journaling gives people a place to write down what happened and how they reacted while the details and feelings are still fresh.Dr. Mona Barman, director of care transformation at BetterHelp, says day-to-day concerns do not wait for therapy sessions. In that context, responsibly used AI may help people organize their thoughts, reflect on experiences, or document concerns between sessions rather than replace licensed care. Experts have found that writing those experiences down can also make changes in mood easier to follow over time.A review of AI applications in mental health found that AI-based apps can monitor mood fluctuations and help identify possible triggers, giving people and clinicians more specific information about when distress appears or what tends to happen around it.Research has also moved into clinical studies, where teams are testing whether carefully designed AI systems can support people who are already living with diagnosed mental health conditions.In a 2025 clinical trial involving 106 adults, Dartmouth researchers found significant symptom improvements among participants using a purpose-built generative AI mental health chatbot, including a 51% average reduction among participants with depression and 31% among those with generalized anxiety. The findings came from a single study of this specific system and should not be generalized to consumer AI chatbots.But even with those results, study author Michael Heinz said no generative AI agent is ready to operate fully on its own in mental health, leaving a lot of important questions about safety and reliability unresolved.The Limitations AI Cannot OvercomeThe biggest issue with AI is that it’s still in its infancy, especially when it comes to mental health. A chatbot can sound caring, but it does not build the same relationship as a therapist who learns how someone communicates over time.APA CEO Arthur C. Evans Jr. has said general chatbots are “supportive to a fault” and lack the same ability to recognize warning signs as human professionals. And missing one of those signs is especially serious during a crisis, where the response depends on recognizing risk and knowing when immediate human help is needed.General-purpose AI chatbots should not be relied on for crisis intervention or emergency mental health support; people in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency should seek immediate human help through emergency services or an appropriate crisis resource.But even before a situation reaches that level, a chatbot struggles to recognize when reassurance is the wrong response. C. Vaile Wright, senior director of the Office of Healthcare Innovation at the APA, has said chatbots simply validate what someone is already doing, even when harmful thinking needs to be challenged.Ioana Literat, an associate professor of technology, has warned that people can mistake fluent AI responses for credibility, even when the information itself is wrong, so a user may not realize the response needs to be checked against a qualified source.Still, public trust leans heavily toward human judgment, with BetterHelp’s report finding 74% of people would never trust AI more than a licensed professional.Ethical questions will shape the futureGiven how complex AI is, sharing personal mental health details with a chatbot raises immediate questions about where that information goes and who may have access to it. APA guidance says people receiving psychological services should be told when AI is being used, and tools handling sensitive behavioral health data need strong privacy protections.Knowing an AI system is involved, however, does not settle who is responsible if its guidance causes harm. APA says psychologists remain responsible for final decisions, while legal responsibility is less settled when a general chatbot operates outside clinical care.Trusting AI with mental health support also depends on whether the tool has been tested well enough to work fairly across different groups. APA recommends rigorous validation before AI tools are used in psychological practice, especially when incomplete data may produce biased results.The need to prove that a tool works fairly, while protecting the personal data it relies on, is also leading regulators to consider new rules around transparency and data use. But even with new rules under consideration, many people still want a person involved. BetterHelp’s report found 46% said AI-based tools work best paired with a medical professional.The future may be human care enhanced by AIStruggling with mental health is a deeply human experience, and the tools people use to get through it are changing faster than the field can study them. George Nitzburg, an assistant professor of clinical psychology at Teachers College, Columbia University, has said technology reduces barriers so people can get something rather than nothing, with the goal being to widen access and help people find support before things reach a crisis.And younger adults tend to see AI the same way, with 42% of Millennials surveyed by BetterHelp calling it a stepping stone or supplement to human care. One place where that supporting role is especially clear is in the work clinicians already do.TakeawayPsychotherapist Kaytee Gillis has written that AI can help therapists identify patterns in session transcripts or take on administrative work, leaving more of the appointment for direct interaction. So someone who has already worked up the courage to seek help gets more time with a therapist who is able to listen and respond.And more time with a person is what the research keeps pointing back to, which is why AI’s future in mental health care will come down to whether it helps more people find the human support they need.This story was produced by BetterHelp and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Agasaje a sus invitados en reuniones otoñales “con uvas” (Feature Impact) Las reuniones de otoño adoptan muchas formas, desde ocasiones especiales con seres queridos hasta veladas en el vecindario y elegantes encuentros. Para los anfitriones, estas oportunidades de entretener a lo grande requieren comidas frescas y sabrosas, bebidas e ingredientes que complementen una temporada que vale la pena celebrar. Ya sea que sirva un plato principal espectacular, comparta platos pequeños o haga de bartender (o las tres cosas a la vez), las uvas de California pueden ser el ingrediente versátil que realza tanto los platillos como las bebidas. Su delicioso sabor jugoso y su toque de color dan vida a las recetas otoñales, como el pollo asado, los wraps de lechuga o los cócteles. También puede probar congelarlas para reemplazar los cubitos de hielo en las bebidas, usarlas como cobertura para crostini o simplemente colocarlas en vasos o tazones para disfrutarlas como un refrigerio fresco y saludable, mientras rompe el hielo y espera a que se sirva la comida. Para encontrar más consejos, trucos y recetas para entretenimiento otoñal, visite GrapesFromCalifornia.com. Pollo asado con uvas de California, chalotes y tomillo Porciones: 6 1 pollo entero (aproximadamente 4 libras) 1 cucharada de mantequilla, a temperatura ambiente 1 cucharadita de sal de mar 3/4 cucharadita de tomillo seco pimienta recién molida, al gusto 2 tazas de uvas rojas y negras Uvas de California 1/3 taza de chalotes finamente picados 1/3 taza de vino blanco seco hojas de tomillo fresco, para decorar (opcional) Precaliente el horno a 375 °F. Enjuague el pollo y séquelo con papel absorbente; colóquelo en una bandeja para hornear de 13 x 9 pulgadas. Unte mantequilla sobre la superficie del pollo y espolvoree con sal, tomillo y pimienta al gusto. Hornear durante 45 minutos. Agregue las uvas, los chalotes y el vino a la bandeja y hornear 30-40 minutos más, o hasta que las uvas se ablanden y los muslos alcancen una temperatura interna de 165 °F en el termómetro de cocina. Retire del horno y cubra con papel aluminio; deje reposar 15 minutos antes de cortar. Coloque las uvas, los chalotes y los jugos de cocción en un tazón y sirva sobre las rebanadas de pollo. Decore con hojas de tomillo fresco, si lo desea. Información nutricional por porción: 260 calorías; 29 g de proteína; 11 g de carbohidratos; 9 g de grasa (31 % de las calorías provenientes de la grasa); 3 g de grasa saturada (3 % de las calorías provenientes de la grasa saturada); 90 mg de colesterol; 480 mg de sodio; 1 g de fibra. Wraps de lechuga con carne bulgogi y uvas de California Porciones: 6 Uvas encurtidas: 1/3 taza de vinagre de arroz sin sazonar 2 cucharadas de azúcar 1/2 cucharadita de semillas de cilantro 1/2 cucharadita de semillas de mostaza 1/4 cucharadita de hojuelas de chile rojo trituradas 1 1/2 taza de Uvas de California, cortadas por la mitad 2 cucharadas de cebolla morada finamente picada Carne bulgogi: 1/2 libra de carne de res redonda o filete sirloin 1/3 taza de salsa bulgogi, más cantidad adicional para servir (opcional) 2 cucharadas de vinagre de arroz sin sazonar 1 cucharadita de aceite de sésamo 1/2 cucharada de aceite vegetal 12 hojas grandes de corazones de lechuga romana, limpias y secas cebollina picada (la parte verde) Para preparar las uvas encurtidas: En una cacerola pequeña, mezcle el vinagre, el azúcar, las semillas de cilantro, las semillas de mostaza y las hojuelas de chile; lleve a fuego lento. Retire del fuego y revuelva para disolver el azúcar; deje enfriar hasta que esté tibio. Incorpore las uvas y la cebolla y reserve para que se enfríen. Deje reposar 1 hora, revolviendo ocasionalmente. Para preparar la carne bulgogi: Corte la carne en tiras pequeñas del tamaño de un bocado. En un tazón mediano, mezcle 1/3 de taza de salsa bulgogi, el vinagre y el aceite de sésamo, luego agregue la carne. Deje marinar 1 hora, revolviendo ocasionalmente. En una sartén grande a fuego medio, caliente el aceite vegetal. Con una cuchara ranurada o pinzas, retire la carne de la marinada y agréguela a la sartén. Saltee hasta que la carne esté bien cocida y dorada, revolviendo constantemente; deje enfriar. Para servir: Coloque cantidades iguales de carne y uvas encurtidas en las hojas de lechuga romana y espolvoree con cebollina. Sirva de inmediato con salsa bulgogi adicional, si lo desea. Información nutricional por porción: 150 calorías; 11 g de proteína; 20 g de carbohidratos; 3.5 g de grasa (21 % de las calorías provenientes de la grasa); 1 g de grasa saturada (6 % de las calorías provenientes de la grasa saturada); 25 mg de colesterol; 65 mg de sodio; 1 g de fibra. Whiskey Smash de uvas de California y tamarindo Porciones: 2 3/4 taza de uvas verdes Uvas de California hielo 6 cucharadas (3 onzas) de whiskey 1 cucharada de jugo de limón amarillo fresco 1 cucharadita de pasta de tamarindo gotas amargas o bitters para cócteles, al gusto En un tazón mediano, machaque las uvas hasta que estén trituradas y en trozos pequeños. Pase a dos vasos bajos y agregue hielo casi hasta el tope. En una coctelera o tazón pequeño, combine el whiskey, el jugo de limón y la pasta de tamarindo; agite o mezcle. Agregue unas gotas de bitter, al gusto. Vierta en los vasos sobre las uvas y revuelva energéticamente para enfriar y diluir ligeramente. Información nutricional por porción: 140 calorías; 0 g de proteína; 11 g de carbohidratos; 0 g de grasa (0 % de las calorías provenientes de la grasa); 0 g de grasa saturada (0 % de las calorías provenientes de la grasa saturada); 0 mg de colesterol; 0 mg de sodio; 1 g de fibra.
	La recuperación tras un derrame cerebral comienza temprano y dura toda la vida (Feature Impact) Cuando se trata de un derrame cerebral, el tiempo es fundamental. Reconocer las señales de advertencia y llamar rápidamente al 911 puede ayudar a recibir un tratamiento urgente que salva vidas. La recuperación también debe comenzar cuanto antes. Sufrir un derrame cerebral puede dividir la vida en un marcado antes y un después, afectando muchos aspectos de la vida diaria. Aunque es fácil concentrarse en lo que un derrame cerebral puede quitar, es importante recordar que hay vida después de un derrame. La recuperación no consiste únicamente en volver a aprender habilidades, sino en adaptarse a nuevos retos, encontrar un sentido a una realidad diferente y seguir avanzando. Afrontar las secuelas de un derrame cerebral implica encontrar un equilibrio entre los planes a corto y a largo plazo. Una vez estabilizado médicamente, la rehabilitación debería comenzar idealmente dentro de las 48 horas, según la Guía 2026 para la Rehabilitación y Recuperación de Accidentes Cerebrovasculares en Adultos de la American Stroke Association. La recuperación no tiene un final fijo. Se puede seguir avanzando de forma significativa durante meses o años después de que los supervivientes salgan del hospital o terminen la terapia formal. “La rehabilitación tras un derrame cerebral es complicada”, dijo Lorie Gage Richards, Ph.D., FAHA, presidenta voluntaria de la nueva guía, profesora asociada de la Universidad de Utah y terapeuta ocupacional. “Cada persona enfrenta un conjunto diferente de desafíos y la atención debe personalizarse para adaptarse a las necesidades de cada individuo. El objetivo es ayudar a las personas a ganar la mayor independencia posible para realizar actividades cotidianas y mejorar su calidad de vida en general.” Aproximadamente 800,000 personas sufren un derrame cerebral cada año en los Estados Unidos, según las Estadísticas de Enfermedades del Corazón y Accidentes Cerebrovasculares 2026 de la American Heart Association. Tanto si estás pasando por el proceso de recuperación tú mismo o estás apoyando a un ser querido, ponerte en contacto con un equipo médico coordinado es un primer paso importante. Solicita una evaluación integral, elabora un plan de rehabilitación basado en lo que te importa y establece objetivos pequeños y alcanzables durante la recuperación. Desarrollar habilidades e independencia Después de un derrame cerebral, las partes familiares de la rutina diaria pueden requerir más esfuerzo o un nuevo enfoque. Un equipo de rehabilitación puede evaluar cómo el derrame cerebral ha afectado el movimiento, la comunicación, el pensamiento, la visión, la audición y otras capacidades, y luego desarrollar un plan basado en las necesidades y objetivos individuales. La recuperación no es igual para todos. Para una persona, una meta significativa puede ser vestirse de manera independiente. Para otras, puede ser regresar al trabajo, conducir de forma segura o participar en actividades favoritas. Comience con metas manejables, evalúe el progreso y revise el plan a medida que las necesidades cambien. Comprender los impactos invisibles Algunas de las partes más desafiantes de la recuperación pueden ser las que otros no pueden ver. Por ejemplo, es posible que pierda confianza o sentido de identidad, tenga dificultades para concentrarse o experimente ansiedad o depresión. Junto con los cambios mentales y emocionales, puede notar síntomas físicos continuos como dolor, dificultad para dormir, cambios en la función sexual o dificultad para controlar la vejiga. Los desafíos invisibles no tienen que quedarse así. Pide a tu equipo de atención médica que evalúe tu salud física y emocional, incluyendo la depresión y la ansiedad, durante la hospitalización y a lo largo de la recuperación. Hablar sobre los síntomas nuevos o cambiantes puede ayudar a identificar el tratamiento y el apoyo adecuados. Cómo navegar los cambios en las relaciones Cuando sufre un derrame cerebral, su vida no es la única que cambia. Una pareja, un padre o un amigo puede asumir repentinamente nuevas responsabilidades, lo que hace que las conversaciones honestas sobre el apoyo sean especialmente importantes. Las responsabilidades familiares también pueden verse diferentes. Criar hijos pequeños, apoyar a seres queridos o equilibrar el trabajo y la familia pueden generar nuevos desafíos durante la recuperación. Dése permiso para ir más despacio, aceptar ayuda y conectarse con las personas que más importan. Encontrar un propósito y redefinir el éxito Las actividades recreativas, los pasatiempos, las conexiones sociales y otras actividades significativas son una parte importante de la recuperación y pueden ayudar a las personas a recuperar la confianza, participar en sus comunidades y mejorar la calidad de vida. Eso puede significar volver a la música, el arte, el ejercicio o el tiempo con amigos. También podría significar modificar las actividades favoritas, descubrir nuevos intereses o conectarse con un grupo de apoyo. La vida después de un derrame cerebral puede verse diferente, pero diferente no significa menos significativa. La recuperación no se mide por qué tanto alguien regresa a quien era antes. Se trata de encontrar nuevas formas de perseguir lo que más importa y continuar avanzando. Obtenga más información sobre cómo reconocer un derrame cerebral, prepararse para la rehabilitación y adaptarse a la vida después de un derrame cerebral visitando DerrameCerebral.org. Fotos cortesía de Shutterstock
	Rock Island starts leaf collection Oct. 12 Fall starts tomorrow and Rock Island is getting ready for leaf collection. The city is offering leaf collection for its residential refuse customers from Monday, October 12 through Thursday, December 3. Customers must place the leaves in approved paper yard waste bags. They may use their own approved paper yard waste bags or use bags [...]
	REVIEW: Rock of Ages at Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island Rock of Ages continues at Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse, 1828 – 3rd Avenue in Rock Island through November 7th with matinee performances on Wednesdays, evening performances Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays and early Dinner performances on Sundays.
	How procurement professionals can beat imposter syndrome Sometimes, it can feel like you’re the only sane voice in the room during a procurement deal.Even if you know that the business is taking a big risk or making a purchase that the business can’t really afford to make, it can be hard to speak up in the moment.You may be a negotiation pro with suppliers, but when it comes to stakeholder management, it’s challenging to get buy-in and remind your larger team why you’re there in the first place. Once the acronyms start flying and the conversation picks up, it can be easy to get lost and wonder, What am I even doing here?Tom Mills, the founder of procurement newsletter Procure Bites, knows what that’s like. Ironclad sat down to talk with Mills about why a confidence gap persists for competent procurement professionals—and how to find your voice in stakeholder management moving forward.Why procurement teams sometimes feel like they can’t speak upProcurement professionals often fight an uphill battle to prove their value to the organization because everybody thinks they know how to buy. After all, people buy big-ticket items like houses and cars in their personal lives, so how could this be any different?“Everyone thinks they’re an expert, and they question why procurement needs to be there in the first place, which makes it challenging right off the bat,” Mills says. “But the reality is, you’re there for a reason, and you do have expertise that matters.”The second issue is that the buying decision-makers typically are experts in their field on subjects you may know nothing about. “You’re never going to know more about a given IT tool than the IT engineer or CIO in the room, for example,” explains Mills. “And when people start talking in acronyms, or it gets very technical, it can feel like you’re way out of your depth.”Procurement professionals may think this feeling goes away with experience or seniority, but Mills has experienced it at every level of his career. “When I was looking after the marketing team at Clark’s as head of procurement, we were buying agency services, and of course, I attended the pitches as I was running the RFP,” he recalls. “But I realized immediately I had no idea what they were talking about in terms of creative, or asset management, or the value of these agencies in the first place. There’s a lot to learn, no matter where you’re at in your career, if you want to be of service to the business.”Confidence starts with vulnerabilityMany people mistake confidence for a sense of boldness, but it’s deeper than that. “The true definition of confidence is being willing to say, ‘I don’t understand,’ and not care how that is perceived,” says Mills.Tom remembers a senior meeting as head of procurement where the CEO was in attendance. “We were talking about an epic, and I had no idea what that was,” he says. An epic is part of the project management process in Jira, which is often used by engineering teams. “I was nervous, but I put my hand up and asked to pause the meeting and clarify it. Funny thing happened, I wasn’t the only one in the room that had no idea what it was, and the relief was palpable. The conversation continued just fine after that.”Whether or not you know what an epic is has nothing to do with your intelligence or your ability to be great at procurement. “You haven’t been brought in as an expert on creative agencies or cyber security,” Mills says. “That’s what the SMEs are for. You’ve been brought in for your specific expertise, which is how to make sure the organization buys effectively and safely.”Being vulnerable in this way can feel really challenging, but as Mills’ story illustrates, you’re probably not the only one with a question.“The more open you are, the more people want to work with you, because they trust you,” Mills says. “They can feel like, ‘Ah, here’s someone who is human,’ and that’s far more powerful than people who just BS their way through.”What’s the worst that can happen? If you’re dismissed, rejected, or laughed at, then that’s not an organization you want to be a part of anyway.Your confidence will build as you build relationships, not knowledgeOf course, it’s important to know as much as possible about your area of procurement. But it’s the relationships you build that are going to make it easier to stand up in a meeting and raise your hand.This starts with really listening to your stakeholders and understanding their perspective as much as possible. “People mistake communication for how we talk, but it’s really how we listen that matters,” Mills advises. “In procurement, we need to approach our stakeholder interactions with a relationship mindset and how we can be of service to the organization.”The stronger your relationships are with stakeholders from across the business, the easier it will be to speak your mind. This starts with effective communication—being willing to walk over and have a conversation with someone first, rather than always defaulting to email or Slack. “If there’s a real situation at hand, and you feel like the organization is taking a risk, that’s an in-person conversation about it to explain your point of view,” says Mills. “It’s also a great opportunity to listen to their side of the story. It’s about building a partnership and trust.”Sometimes, when it feels like you’re trying to hold back a runaway train in the buying process, it’s a mismatch of information between what you know and what they know. The more you can articulate the risks that you’re seeing and listen carefully to their needs and assessment of the situation, the better you can respond, and the more confident you’ll be in the future.Have the confidence to ask for helpPart of building your confidence is knowing when you need to handle something yourself and when to ask for help.It’s easy to hit the panic button on a deal, but you need to be brave enough and bold enough to have those hard conversations yourself whenever possible. You don’t want a reputation for “tattling” every time your stakeholders move forward on something you disagree with.“There is a time and place to escalate a situation to your manager, whether you’re the head of procurement or someone more junior,” says Mills. “You can’t involve them in every single situation, because then you’re really not doing your job. But it can be useful if you can get their perspective, or a little more information. It may give you what you need to better explain your point of view to the buying committee.”Mills recalls meeting with the CFO—his manager—on a purchase he felt was going to be a mistake. He framed the conversation less as escalation and more as asking for advice. “What happened was the CFO turned around to me and gave me a completely different perspective, and why they were totally okay with moving forward,” he explains. “It was a great reminder that sometimes, you just need to look at a situation with a different lens.”You won’t win every stakeholder battle“Sometimes, you just have to let it go,” says Mills. “It’s happened to me a number of times. That doesn’t mean I’m bad at procurement, but that I know when the cutoff point is. Your role in procurement is to guide the organization to the right decision, but you can’t force it.”If that happens, remember, it’s not personal. Instead, do your best to solicit feedback and reflect on the project:Did you clearly articulate and document the risks associated with this purchase?Were you able to offer alternative solutions?Were you able to connect with members of the buying committee as people, outside of this decision?Were there other factors at play here you may not be considering, like an effective sales rep, a market leader, or a personal connection from the key budget holder that impacted the decision?Did you speak up and defend your position or let it slide?If you try your best, that’s all you can ask for. You may even be right, and the organization is making a mistake—but as the saying goes, “you can guide a horse to water, but you can’t make them drink.”“I’ve had my fair share of ‘I told you so’ moments in procurement, but it’s best to focus on what your value is for the next deal, and how you can support the business, rather than stay mired in a bad situation,” Mills says.Procurement matters, and you matterIf you’re feeling like you don’t belong, remember why you were invited into the discussion in the first place.“The main value procurement offers is to ensure the business buys well,” says Mills. “Stand up and be counted in procurement, because you’re the guardian of the business’s future. It’s okay if your alignment isn’t to the stakeholders here and now; it’s to make sure the company’s money is being invested wisely. Remember that value, and that it matters.”Stakeholder management is one of the most challenging areas of procurement. But beyond remembering what procurement’s value is, remember your value.“The business hired you for a reason,” Mills says. “You went through a rigorous interview process. You beat hundreds of other candidates for this position. They’ve brought you in because you’ve got a specific skill set that will add value to the organization, and don’t forget to remind yourself of that.”This story was produced by Ironclad and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What is debt, and how do different types work? If you’ve ever taken out a loan or used a credit card to cover a car repair, you’ve created debt. Debt is money you borrow and agree to pay back, usually with interest. Debt can be a useful tool, and if you handle it responsibly, it could help you build a positive credit history. But if you don’t manage it well, debt can make it harder to get a loan or credit card in the future and may put a strain on your budget.Knowing how debt works — and the responsibility that comes with it — can help you make smart financial choices. OneMain Financial goes over different types of debt and how to handle it wisely, so you can stay on top of your finances and reach your financial goals.What's the definition of debt?Debt is an amount of money that a person has borrowed and is expected to repay, usually with interest.Debt that a person owes is often called “consumer debt” or “personal debt.” Consumer debt may be used to cover unexpected emergencies like a leaking pipe or to make major purchases like a new car a little more manageable. Using a credit card for convenience or to make ends meet between paychecks is also a type of consumer debt.How does debt work?Every time you borrow money — even from a friend or family member — you create debt. Lenders, banks and credit unions usually have specific requirements for lending money. Since lenders can’t be certain if a borrower will repay their debt, they typically rely on an applicant’s credit history and financial information to make informed decisions about approval, the loan amount or credit limit and the interest rate.Each loan or credit card comes with an interest rate, which is the cost of borrowing money. Interest is an amount, expressed as a percentage, that the lender applies to the full borrowed or owed amount (the principal for a loan or the balance for a credit card). An interest rate can be fixed, meaning it doesn’t change, or variable, meaning it may change with the market. The interest rate is used to calculate how much more you will be paying the lender in addition to paying back the loan principal or the credit card balance.Each lender prioritizes different aspects of your financial background to decide whether to approve your application, what type of loan you qualify for, its interest rate and the amount of the loan or credit limit it will offer you.If you meet the lender’s requirements, they will offer you a loan or approve your application for a credit card. Before you can receive funds or your new credit card, you must agree to repay the debt according to a specific set of terms. If you don’t repay your debt as agreed, you may face financial and legal consequences.Let’s take a closer look at the different types of debt and how they work.What are the types of debt?Consumer debt falls into one of two categories: installment debt or revolving debt. The main difference between them is how you borrow and repay the money.What is installment debt?When you take on installment debt, you borrow a fixed lump sum of money, called the principal. You are charged interest on that principal, and the interest is applied to the balance of your loan. You then pay off the principal and interest in regular installments until the loan balance is zero.Installment debt works best when you know exactly how much money you need. Borrowing more than you think you’ll use can cause you to pay more in interest and could affect your ability to qualify for other forms of credit.Some of the more common forms of installment debt are personal loans, debt consolidation loans, mortgages, auto loans and student loans. While some types of installment loans are designed for a specific purpose, such as buying a car or paying for college, personal loans may be used for almost anything. For example, if you’re moving into a new home, you may want to look into a moving loan, which is a personal loan the borrower uses to cover expenses like a rental truck or movers.What is revolving debt?Revolving debt is debt that results from using a line of credit that you borrow from as needed, up to your approved credit limit. It’s called revolving debt because when you repay your debt, that portion of your available credit is restored, and you can borrow again.Credit cards, personal lines of credit and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are common examples of revolving debt.With revolving debt, you don’t have to repay the full balance every month, but you must at least make the minimum monthly payment by the payment due date to keep your account in good standing.For credit cards, there may also be a grace period between the end of the billing period and the payment due date. During the grace period, that month’s purchases won’t accrue interest as long as you paid your balance in full during the previous billing cycle.It’s usually best to pay off the entire balance every month if you can. By paying the entire balance by the due date, you avoid having to pay interest. If you pay less than the full balance, the amount you don’t repay will carry over to the next month. The carried-over balance and your monthly payment will then start to include interest. Under these circumstances, you also lose your grace periodTo give you a better idea of how revolving debt works, let’s look at an example. Suppose a credit card issuer offers you a credit card with a $1,000 limit. You can use your card for $100 worth of groceries, a $7 latte and a $50 pair of shoes in one weekend — a total of $157 — and still have $843 available to spend on your card.If you pay the $157 in full before the payment due date and you aren’t carrying a balance from the previous month, you won’t owe interest. If you pay less than the full balance, you’ll owe interest on the rest and lose your grace period the next month.What is secured vs. unsecured debt?Both installment and revolving debt may be either secured or unsecured. Secured debt requires you to provide collateral, such as your car or another valuable item that you pledge to back the loan or credit limit. With secured debt, the lender could take possession of the collateral if you default on the loan. However, secured debt often comes with a lower annual percentage rate (APR) than an unsecured loan — and you may be able to boost your borrowing power, too.Once a lender approves your application and you agree to take the loan, they place what’s called a “lien” on the collateral you’ve used to secure the loan. A lien gives the lender the legal right to claim the property used as collateral and potentially sell it if the borrower doesn’t repay the loan.Unsecured debt doesn’t require collateral, but to qualify for an unsecured loan, you may need a stronger credit history and less total debt. A secured loan could be a good option if you have less favorable credit.What are the pros and cons of debt?Debt can help you access the funds you need or ease financial stress, and if handled well, help you build a better credit history. However, mismanaging debt can have harmful consequences on your credit.Pros of debtUsed responsibly, debt may offer many benefits.Make larger expenses more manageable: Borrowing can help you spread out certain costs, like continuing your education or buying a home, over time when paying up front isn’t feasible.Potentially build your credit score: Well-managed debt can help build your credit score if you’re careful to make on-time payments and keep your credit utilization low.Create financial flexibility: Debt can help you handle unexpected household emergencies or expenses such as car repairs, funeral costs or medical bills if you don’t have the money on hand to cover these events.Cons of debtMismanaged debt will cause a variety of long-lasting problems, so it’s important to use it wisely.Could harm your credit score if you miss payments: Missed payments or high balances could impact your credit score and make it harder for you to qualify for loans and credit cards in the future.Interest costs could be high: Because unpaid debt is subject to accruing interest, using credit instead of cash will cost you more.Too much debt could cause stress: Unmanageable debt can trigger emotional stress for individuals, couples and families that may spill over into other parts of your life.Debt payments could become difficult to manage: Changes in income or expenses could make keeping up with payments overwhelming — even if they weren’t before.How can you manage debt?Managing debt starts with knowing how much you can afford to borrow and having a plan to pay it back. If you take on too much debt, keeping up with payments can be tough and may cause financial stress. Here’s how to figure out how much debt you can handle and how to pay it off.Step 1: Know what you can affordBefore borrowing money or using credit, take a look at your income and expenses. Ask yourself:How much do I spend each month on housing, food and other essentials? Check whether you would still have enough money left over to cover necessary expenses after making your monthly loan payment or paying your credit card bill.How much do I already owe on credit cards or loans? If you already have high balances, consider the financial impact of taking on even more debt.Can I afford another monthly payment without struggling to pay my other bills? Consider how much you could reasonably afford to pay each month without putting a significant strain on your budget.A common guideline is to keep your debt-to-income ratio — the percentage of your gross monthly income spent on debt payments — below 36% of your gross monthly income. (Your gross monthly income is how much money you earn before taxes.) This helps you manage debt without it taking over your budget.Step 2: Create a plan to pay off debtIf you already have some debt and are concerned about it becoming unmanageable, making a plan to pay it off could help you stay on track. Start by listing everything you owe, including the balances, interest rates, and minimum payments for each debt. Then choose a repayment strategy. Two common ones are the debt snowball method and the debt avalanche method.Debt snowball methodThe debt snowball method prioritizes paying off the smallest debts first. For this approach, you put as much money as you can toward your smallest debt and continue making minimum payments for your other debts. After you’ve repaid the smallest debt, put the funds you’ve freed up toward the next smallest debt and so on.With this tactic, you could make progress quickly and improve your financial confidence. After all, paying off a whole credit card balance or loan is a major accomplishment. However, you may pay more interest on the remaining outstanding balances using this method than you would with a different approach.Debt avalanche methodThe debt avalanche method focuses on paying off balances with the highest interest rates first. After you’ve repaid your highest-interest debt, you can move on to the one with the next highest interest rate. As with the debt snowball method, you must still pay the required minimum amount on all your other debts, too. Unlike the debt snowball method, this technique saves you money in interest, but you may not see results right away.Debt consolidationIf you’re juggling multiple credit card balances or loan payments and having a hard time keeping up with those bills, don’t panic. A debt consolidation loan may help you get back on track. You can use a debt consolidation loan to pay off your other balances, turning multiple monthly payments into a single monthly payment and simplifying your debt payoff journey.Ideally, a debt consolidation loan should make your debt fit your financial situation better.When managed responsibly, debt can be a helpful toolDebt is a part of life for most people. What matters most is how you handle it. Debt could make it possible for you to buy a new car or plan a long-awaited family vacation, but it’s important to have a repayment plan before you take it on. A thoughtful approach to borrowing money could help you stay on track to achieving your money goals.This story was produced by OneMain Financial and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	What to consider when choosing a YouTube channel name “What’s in a name?” That famous line from William Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet” comes to mind when thinking about YouTube channel names. With YouTube’s popular growth over the last two decades and video content being consumed more and more, being able to be found and displayed within the platform for the videos you create seems more and more important. A YouTube channel name is one item that helps with your discoverability. Linktree, a tool for creators to earn and organize their online content, dives deeper into creating YouTube channel names below.Why Does Your YouTube Channel Name Matter?Your YouTube channel name is important because it is the foundation of your brand identity on the platform. YouTube allows for multiple accounts to have the same channel name, which is one reason why there are also YouTube handles. Your channel name is part of the few items people on YouTube see when your video is displayed in the platform’s results. Your channel name is displayed alongside your video title, description and thumbnail. Taking those items into consideration, having a YouTube channel name that is clear, memorable, and easy to type into the search bar seems important for having your channel name stick out. Once your YouTube channel is live, the next step is figuring out how to get more subscribers and how to see your subscribers so you can grow and keep track of your audience.YouTube’s Popularity OnlineTaking a step back, YouTube is widely referred to as the second largest search engine behind Google, but it is also increasingly considered a social media platform. With that in mind, coupled with people consuming more and more video content, being able to be discovered and found within the platform could be important for your online presence. Being discoverable also opens up other options for creators, from how to make money on YouTube without making videos to how to post a YouTube video on Instagram as a post or story.How To Pick A YouTube Channel NameSome factors to consider when deciding on what to use as your YouTube channel name:Is the name easy to remember?Is it easy to spell for when people search for it?Is it relevant or related topically to your niche or your existing online (and offline) brand?Is the name available on YouTube?What’s The Difference Between A YouTube Channel Name And YouTube Handle?YouTube uses both channel names and handles, and there are some major differences between the two. One big difference is that YouTube allows multiple accounts to have the same channel name, but a YouTube handle must be unique from other accounts. Another difference is that a YouTube handle always starts with the @ symbol and does not contain any spaces. However, a YouTube channel name can include spaces, have capital and lowercase letters, and contain symbols and emojis. One more difference between a channel name and handle on YouTube is that a handle creates your direct web link, whereas your channel name does not change your direct web link.Should You Change Your YouTube Channel Name?For the most part, you should stick with your YouTube channel name after creating it. However, some examples of when you should consider changing your channel name include but are not limited to:When you start changing the topics your content coversIf your channel name is confusing to your audienceIf your YouTube channel name is off brandIf you do decide to change your channel name, it might be a good idea to also look into changing your handle name. You should also let your audience know if you’ve changed the channel name so they know where to find you after you’ve changed it.For those wanting to learn how to change your YouTube channel name, you can use a YouTube channel name generator to figure out what names are available. YouTubers and creators should also know how to turn on comments on YouTube and what a highlighted comment means on YouTube, which can help keep your audience engaged with your channel.This story was produced by Linktree and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Cuffing season is coming. Here’s how to know if your match is actually real. As the weather gets colder, dating app activity heats up. Fall marks the start of cuffing season: a term for the time of year when people seek committed relationships ahead of the holiday season. It typically runs from early fall through winter, meaning it’s right around the corner.If you’re on the market for a relationship, this time of year may be rife with opportunities. Unfortunately, the popularity of “cuffing season” also means it presents a vulnerability. Scammers know that this is a busy dating season and that people seeking love may be susceptible to being taken advantage of.Romance scams cost victims millions of dollars every year. This number grows more and more as time passes, and victims become increasingly vulnerable as technology becomes more and more sophisticated.If you’re on the market for romance this cuffing season, the best way to defend yourself against scammers is to be aware of the potential threats so that you can verify the identity of the person you’re talking to and readily recognize red flags, as PeopleFinders details here.Romance Scams are Becoming More Convincing Than EverA romance scam is when scammers build emotional trust through a romantic relationship to steal money or personal information. These scams often happen on dating apps, but also on social media platforms, through gaming software, and even on professional networking websites.According to the Federal Trade Commission, romance scams remain one of the costliest forms of fraud. In 2025, reported losses to romance scams jumped 22% to $1.48 million.But why are these scams so costly? Romance scammers spend weeks, or sometimes months, earning their victims’ trust before they start asking them for money. Recent technological advancements make this deception all the more believable; AI-generated photos, deepfake videos, and voice cloning make scammers’ personas difficult to see through.Imposter romance scams are the most common avenue that scammers take. They can pretend to be anyone: a military member, a celebrity, a business executive, a model. What do these identities have in common? They all provide convenient excuses to never meet in person.And these romance scams don’t always end with requests for money. Some scammers prey upon other sensitive information, including your:Full nameAddressBirthdayEmployerSocial Security numberBanking informationScammers know that establishing trust is key to getting your personal information. Once they have that, they can extract almost anything.How to Tell If Your Match is LegitDating apps can be a tool for connection, or they can be a dangerous vulnerability. Consider taking the following steps to verify that your match is legit.Reverse Search Their Name or Phone NumberPeople search tools and reverse phone searches can be a useful verification method. Using them can help you to not only verify your matches’ identity, but also confirm their age, addresses, and identify any inconsistencies with what they’ve shared with you.Check Out Their Online PresenceReal people leave consistent digital footprints over long periods of time. Checking out your potential matches’ social, professional, and public profiles can give you more insight into the truth of their identity.Remember that lacking a social media presence isn’t an automatic red flag. The most pressing concern is inconsistencies: Keep an eye out for things that don’t seem to line up.Reverse Image Search Their Profile PhotosScammers often steal photos and use them for their impersonations. Reverse image searches can reveal whether you’re actually talking to the person you believe you are, or if the photos you’re seeing are being used across multiple fake profiles.Ask to Meet in Real Life, or Via a Live Video CallScammers prefer to keep things online, as the internet can shield their true identity. One of the best ways to verify the identity of an online match is by asking them to meet in person or through live video chats.If you’re considering meeting someone in person, make sure that you proceed with caution. Meet in a public place, and tell a friend or loved one of your plans and whereabouts.6 Signs Your Match May Not Be Who They ClaimIf you’re having doubts about the identity of your online match, you should trust your instincts. Keep an eye out for the following eight signs that your match may be deceiving you:1. They ask for money or gift cards.This is one of the biggest red flags for romance scams. If someone asks you to send gift cards or money, you should proceed with extreme caution. Remember that these requests may start small, but should never be overlooked.2. They love-bomb early.Scammers love to deceive their victims by convincing them of extremely strong feelings in short periods of time. Excessive affection early on can be a huge red flag.3. When you ask to meet in person, they pull out excuses.First, they’re overseas. Then, they’re traveling. Then, there’s a family emergency. If your beau can’t seem to find time to meet you in person, there may be a more sinister reason why.4. They want to move your conversation off the dating app.Moving to another platform can feel like an exciting sign of reciprocity. If your match seems a bit too eager to switch over, be wary.5. Their stories just don’t add up.Maybe they’re constantly changing jobs, contradicting their own plans, or providing you conflicting personal details. Regardless of how these inconsistencies arise, be very cautious if you recognize them.6. They want to keep the relationship secret.Isolation is a common manipulation tactic, especially in the context of romance scams. Scammers discourage outside involvement because outsiders are more likely to recognize red flags. If your match wants you to keep the relationship under wraps, it’s a sign that they might be hiding something from outside view.Don’t Let Cuffing Season Catch You LackingWhile it’s important to proceed with caution when using dating platforms, remember that most online daters are genuine. Even if you’re talking to the right person, you should think carefully about how you move forward. Take things slow, refrain from sharing personal information, and never send money to someone you’ve never met.Don’t let cuffing season leave you vulnerable to romance scams. Taking steps to verify the identity of your match can protect both your heart and your identity.This story was produced by PeopleFinders and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Domestic violence in family courts: What the data reveals about protection gaps Every minute, an estimated 20 people in the United States experience intimate partner violence. That figure, drawn from a nationally representative dataset by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, translates to more than 10 million victims each year.When those victims turn to the legal system for protection, family courts are often the first stop, and the tools available to them are both powerful and imperfect. For this analysis, Skillern Firm Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers, a Texas family law firm, examined federal survey data, court research, and case outcomes to map where the gap between legal authority and practical protection shows up most consistently.Protective OrdersCivil protective orders, known variously as restraining orders, protection from abuse orders, or no-contact orders depending on the state, are the primary legal tool family courts deploy when domestic violence is alleged. They can be issued quickly, often without the respondent present, and carry legal weight. They also have documented limitations.Research funded by the National Institute of Justice examining rural and urban disparities in protective order proceedings found measurable gaps in access. When researchers asked key participants in the legal system, including judges, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and defense attorneys, about barriers to obtaining orders, 40% cited judicial bias as a factor. Rural survivors faced additional obstacles, including geographic distance from courthouses, fewer legal advocates, and limited access to victim services that help navigate a process that can be difficult to manage without legal representation.The orders themselves are only as strong as their enforcement. An Iowa Department of Human Rights study reviewed by the Office of Justice Programs found that during the study period, domestic violence offenders had a violation rate of 16% for protective and no-contact orders. That violation rate points to a structural gap: the order exists, but the mechanism for detecting and responding to violations often depends on the victim reporting the breach, a step that carries its own risks.Where Family Court and Safety IntersectThe intersection of domestic violence and child custody is one of the most consequential and least discussed pressure points in the family court system. When parents share children, a protective order does not necessarily terminate contact arrangements. In contested custody cases where domestic violence has been alleged, the system faces a structural tension: how to preserve children's relationships with both parents while protecting survivors from abusers who may use custody proceedings as an extension of coercive control.Research supported by the National Institute of Justice examined 69 contested custody cases from New York City legal services organizations serving domestic violence victims. The study looked at how custody evaluators' beliefs and investigative practices shaped their recommendations, and by extension, the court orders that followed. The researchers found wide variability in how evaluators assessed domestic violence allegations, with professional training and investigative approaches varying enough to produce inconsistent outcomes across similarly situated families.That variability has real consequences. What happens during the evaluation phase of a custody case often determines the safety framework children and survivors live under for years. The parenting plans generated by those evaluations, which specify who the children live with, how visitation occurs, and what conditions govern child exchanges, can either build in safety provisions or leave them out entirely.Emergency Custody RulingsEmergency custody rulings represent a faster mechanism than standard custody proceedings, available when a parent demonstrates immediate danger to a child. They can be filed ex parte, meaning the other parent is not present when the judge decides. This speed is the point, but it also means the court is acting on one side's account before the other party can respond.Research from PMC analyzing protective order use in Los Angeles documented another concern: survivors sometimes choose not to include their children on a protective order because they fear cutting off the other parent's relationship with the child, or because they depend on the abuser for financial support of the children. Legal service providers interviewed for that study described victims declining protective order protections for their children, not because the danger was absent, but because the legal and economic stakes of severing contact felt too high.Reporting and the Undercount ProblemFamily courts work with the cases that are filed. However, the Bureau of Justice Statistics' National Crime Victimization Survey, which captures both reported and unreported crime, consistently shows that a substantial share of intimate partner violence goes unreported to law enforcement. The BJS survey data found that victims who do not report cite multiple reasons, including a belief that police will not do anything, fear of reprisal, and a desire to protect the person who harmed them.Those dynamics do not disappear when a victim enters family court. They influence what victims disclose, how they present, and whether the documentation judges rely on reflects the full history of abuse. An OJP analysis of domestic violence research noted that most abuse that reaches law enforcement represents repeated, ongoing conduct, meaning the incidents that do surface are typically not the first.What the Data Suggests About System DesignThe aggregate picture is one of a system that functions well in some jurisdictions and unevenly in others. Variability in judicial training on domestic violence cases, inconsistent custody evaluator standards, geographic disparities in access to legal services, and the structural difficulty of enforcing protective orders all contribute to outcomes that research identifies as unpredictable.State-level variation illustrates how wide that implementation gap can be. The Battered Women's Justice Project's state-by-state analysis of protective order violation statutes found that mandatory arrest policies for protective order violations exist in some states but not others, and that even where they do exist, enforcement depends heavily on local law enforcement training and departmental priorities. States like California and Washington have invested in dedicated domestic violence court dockets with specialized judges, while many rural states have no such infrastructure, leaving survivors in those jurisdictions to navigate general family court proceedings with no specialized oversight.The gap between the prevalence of intimate partner violence and the protective outcomes family courts produce is not primarily a gap in legal authority because the laws exist. It is a gap in implementation, resources, and consistency that shows up in case outcomes, violation rates, and custody arrangements that do not always reflect the safety evidence in the file. For the more than 10 million people affected by intimate partner violence each year, that gap is not an abstraction.This story was produced by Skillern Firm Divorce & Child Custody Lawyers and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	4 ways to stay calm about money Wherever you are in your financial journey, money likely has caused stress at some point. A majority of U.S. consumers — 58% — say their finances control their lives, and 42% say saving for long-term goals keeps them up at night, according to a 2024 Ally Consumer Check survey of 1,000 Americans.A crucial component of money management is prioritizing your financial health and wellness. Ally Financial has compiled four tips to help you calm your emotions around money.1. Feel the feelings and release self-judgementIt can be tempting to suppress your stress or distract yourself from your emotions, especially when it comes to challenging topics like money. But addressing your feelings head-on will help you manage them in the longer-term (and keep them from worsening). Allowing yourself to feel the difficult feelings can make it easier to accept and release them.If you find yourself hung up on feelings of shame, guilt or self-judgment, dig into them. Address those thoughts with compassion for yourself. For instance, you might counter the thought, “I can’t believe I haven’t paid off my debt yet,” with “I’m taking steps to pay down my debt and making progress every day.” Write these thoughts and counter-thoughts down to help process them, if you’re having difficulty.Take some time to identify the areas of your financial life that bring the most stress (for instance, your debt or your budget), and focus your energy on those items. Over time, you’ll get better and better at addressing your stress and the tasks and topics that trigger it.2. Uncover your money storyYour personal money story shapes your current beliefs about money. When you dive into your memories and experiences with money, you can use that deeper understanding to positively impact how you manage your money today, tailoring strategies to your own behaviors and beliefs and making changes in key areas you identify.While your money story has a direct impact on your relationship with money, other factors are at play, too. Take a moment to consider what external stressors are affecting you. For instance:Are there economic ones, like a recent layoff or slow job market?Are you faced with unlearning financial habits you’ve inherited from previous generations?Have you faced challenges securing affordable housing?Identifying the factors contributing to your current financial experience can help you better understand the many potential stressors at play. You might surprise yourself with the number of challenges you’re quietly taking on, so take a moment to give yourself credit for everything you’re accomplishing.3. Embrace health and mindfulnessStress can quickly lead to unhealthy habits, so make some time to work on your sleep, diet and exercise routines. Taking small steps to improve these parts of your overall wellness can go a long way.If you are experiencing a moment of acute stress, take a deep breath and focus on grounding yourself. A popular exercise consists of naming:5 things you can see4 things you can feel3 things you can hear2 things you can smell1 thing you can tasteIf any of these steps are challenging for you, simply attempt as many as you would like. Finish the exercise with a deep belly breath and an audible sigh before addressing the stressful situation.4. Move forward confidentlyWhile it’s unlikely you can eliminate all stress from your life, empowering yourself with new tools and information can help you deal with new challenges. One strategy you can employ is turning your budget into a values-based spending plan.Sit down in a quiet place and identify three values that are most important to you. Then, next time you’re setting or reviewing your financial goals, use those values to help guide you. When you align your spending and saving with your values — such as health and family — you may find more joy (and through that, less stress) in the way you manage your money.Stress as a toolStress isn’t always a bad thing. It can help you make good decisions when used as an indicator that something is wrong. Over time, you can change your relationship with the feeling and treat it like a supportive sidekick instead of a nemesis. By viewing stress as a tool and an invitation to check in with yourself, you can continue to improve your financial wellbeing.This story was produced by Ally Financial and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Our QC Crime Watch: Jamison Fisher in court: Episode 80 Watch crime reporters Linda Cook and Sharon Wren talk about crime and courts in our area with the latest episode of the Our Quad Cities Crime Watch Podcast. In this episode Linda and Sharon discuss updates on: No more Flock cameras in Moline New Rock Island Police K-9 officer Jamison Fisher in court Click the [...]
	Oktoberfest for Gen Z and Millennials: A first-timer's guide Oktoberfest is one of the largest cultural festivals in the world, drawing travelers to Munich for traditional Bavarian food, clothing, music, carnival attractions, and, of course, beer. Whether visitors come for the festival tents, the atmosphere, or the chance to wear a dirndl or lederhosen, preparation can make the experience easier to navigate.EF Ultimate Break, a group travel company for Gen Z and young Millennials aged 18 to 35, compiled these first-timer tips based on its experience bringing travelers to Oktoberfest. Here’s what to know before raising your first Mass—the one-liter mug traditionally used to serve beer at the festival.When to goWeekdays generally offer a more manageable Oktoberfest experience. Monday through Thursday tends to be the best window for avoiding the largest crowds, while Friday often resembles the weekend in terms of attendance.Saturdays and Sundays can become especially crowded, making it more difficult to enter popular tents or find open seating without a reservation. Travelers who visit during the week may have more room to explore the grounds and a better chance of securing a table.Regardless of the day, arriving early can help. This is particularly important for visitors traveling in large groups or hoping to enter one of Oktoberfest’s best-known tents. Peter Schatz // Getty Images What to wearTraditional Bavarian clothing is not required, but many Oktoberfest attendees choose to wear it.Lederhosen are traditionally worn with a shirt, suspenders, socks, and sturdy shoes. Dirndls typically include a blouse, a fitted bodice, a skirt, and an apron. Both styles are widely available to buy or rent throughout Munich.The placement of a dirndl’s apron bow also carries a traditional meaning. A bow tied on the left indicates that the wearer is single, while a bow tied on the right suggests they are in a relationship. A bow in the front center has historically been associated with waitstaff, while one tied in the back may indicate that the wearer is widowed.Although not everyone follows these conventions today, first-time visitors may want to understand the tradition before tying the bow.Where to get an Oktoberfest outfitTravelers who do not want to buy clothing they may only wear once can rent an outfit in Munich. Bavarian Outfitters is one popular rental option, with prices starting around 35 euros, although costs can vary. Lines may be long during Oktoberfest, so arriving early or reserving an outfit in advance can save time.Visitors who prefer to buy their clothing will find dirndls and lederhosen sold throughout Munich, including at some airport shops. A traditional outfit can cost roughly 150 to 200 euros or more, depending on its materials and quality.Trachten Rausch carries more affordable options, while Daller Tracht is known for classic traditional clothing. Prices, availability, and rental policies are subject to change, so travelers should confirm details before visiting.Where to go: Three Oktoberfest tents to knowOktoberfest features a variety of large and small festival tents, each with its own atmosphere, décor, food, and music. Three of the best-known options offer distinctly different experiences.Schottenhamel is where Munich’s mayor taps the first keg to officially open Oktoberfest. That connection to the festival’s opening ceremony makes it a popular stop for visitors interested in Oktoberfest traditions.Hofbrau-Festzelt is known for attracting an international and particularly lively crowd. Its standing area and party atmosphere make it popular among visitors from around the world.Augustiner-Festhalle tends to offer a more traditional atmosphere and serves beer from Augustiner-Brau, Munich’s oldest independent brewery. It may appeal to visitors looking for a somewhat calmer introduction to the festival.Don’t limit the visit to the tentsOktoberfest is more than a beer festival. The grounds also feature rides, games, food stands, and other attractions similar to those found at a large county or state fair.At the Teufelsrad, or “devil’s wheel,” participants try to remain on a spinning disc while spectators watch from the surrounding stands.The festival’s toboggan attraction begins with a fast-moving conveyor belt that carries riders toward a large slide. Watching participants attempt to keep their balance has become part of the entertainment.For elevated views of the festival grounds, visitors can ride the Kettenflieger Bayern Tower, a high-flying swing ride overlooking Oktoberfest.How to get a seat—and a drinkBeer service inside most Oktoberfest tents is centered on tables, so finding a seat is typically necessary before ordering.Groups of approximately eight to 10 people can reserve tables months in advance through individual tent operators. Visitors without reservations should arrive early and look for tables marked as unreserved.Smaller groups may also politely ask to join people who have open seats at their table. Oktoberfest’s communal seating makes sharing tables common and often gives visitors an opportunity to meet other festivalgoers.Once seated, a server will take the table’s order. Payment options can vary among tents and vendors, so carrying cash is advisable even if some locations accept cards. Peter Schatz // Getty Images What to eat at OktoberfestFood plays an important role in the Oktoberfest experience and can also help visitors pace themselves throughout the day.Large soft pretzels are among the festival’s most recognizable snacks and are commonly shared at the table. Roasted chicken, or Hendl, is another Oktoberfest staple served throughout the tents.Visitors will also find Wurstl, or German sausages, in several varieties. For a rich vegetarian option, Kasespatzle combines small egg noodles with cheese and is often compared to macaroni and cheese.Practical tips for pacing the experienceOktoberfest beer is brewed specifically for the festival and can be stronger than visitors expect. Drinking water and eating before and during the festival can help travelers pace themselves.The glass beer mugs used inside the tents are not complimentary souvenirs. Security personnel may check bags as guests leave, and taking a mug can result in a fine. Visitors who want to bring one home should purchase an authorized souvenir instead.Attending with friends can make navigating the crowded grounds easier, but the communal tables also create opportunities to meet people from Munich and around the world.Making Oktoberfest easier to planTravelers can organize an Oktoberfest trip independently or attend as part of a guided itinerary. Planning generally involves securing accommodations, determining transportation, and deciding whether to pursue tent reservations well before arriving in Munich.Many tour operators offer Oktoberfest itineraries that bundle flights, hotels, local guidance, and reserved tent experiences that include a beer and a meal. For first-time visitors, an organized option can reduce some of the logistics associated with attending one of the world’s busiest festivals.No matter how travelers choose to experience Oktoberfest, the event extends well beyond the beer. Traditional food, Bavarian clothing, carnival attractions, live music, and communal tables all contribute to an experience that has become a bucket-list trip for visitors from around the world.This story was produced by EF Ultimate Break and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Thousands of businesses are being sued despite their own cookie banners A California law written in 1967 to stop wiretapping on telephone lines has become the basis for thousands of lawsuits arguing that everyday website tools, chat widgets, tracking pixels and analytics scripts amount to illegal interception of a visitor's communications.The suits aren't limited to major technology companies. They've been filed against retailers, insurers, hospitals, media outlets and car dealerships, and most turn on the same gap: what a website's cookie banner promises versus what the code running behind it actually does.Clym reviewed litigation-tracking data, court filings and legal industry analysis to examine why this wave of lawsuits under California's Invasion of Privacy Act, or CIPA, has accelerated in 2026 and which businesses are most exposed.More than 4,300 digital wiretapping lawsuits have been filed nationwide since a pivotal 2022 appellate ruling opened the door to these claims, with more than 75% of them filed in California, according to Fisher Phillips’ Digital Wiretapping Litigation Map, a tracker maintained by the law firm’s privacy practice.Cyber insurer Coalition separately found that privacy-related insurance claims it received roughly doubled in the first half of 2026 compared with 2025, and that nearly 75% of those web-privacy claims specifically cited CIPA, according to the insurer’s midyear claims analysis.How a 1967 wiretapping law reached modern websitesCIPA was passed by the California Legislature in 1967, decades before the modern internet, and makes it illegal to intentionally intercept or record the contents of a communication without the consent of everyone involved, according to a legal history published by law firm Constangy, Brooks, Smith & Prophete. Unlike most privacy statutes, it lets a private citizen sue directly, with statutory damages of $5,000 per violation, or three times actual damages, and no requirement to prove real harm, according to law firm Spencer Fane.The modern wave traces to a May 2022 ruling in Javier v. Assurance IQ, in which the Ninth Circuit found that session-replay software recording a visitor’s activity required consent before it started, not after. That opened the door for plaintiffs to argue that outside vendors whose code runs on a website, not just the site’s own operator, can be treated as eavesdroppers rather than participants in the conversation.The consent timing problemLegal analysts tracking this litigation point to three recurring patterns: tracking tags that fire the instant a page loads, before a visitor has any chance to interact with a cookie banner, a phenomenon an April 2026 alert from law firm Loeb & Loeb called the millisecond problem; tracking that continues after a visitor declines, because no one connected the banner’s setting to the tools actually collecting data; and sites with no consent mechanism at all.One pending lawsuit against Toyota Motor Corporation, for example, alleges that tracking continued even after a visitor repeatedly selected “decline.” An April 2026 alert from law firm Fox Rothschild put it plainly: a cookie banner is a policy statement, not a guarantee, and whether a site’s behavior matches what the banner promises depends on how every individual script was configured.Who’s being targeted?Retail and e-commerce sites make up the largest single industry represented in Fisher Phillips’ litigation map, and law firms report a parallel wave of claims against auto dealerships, insurers, hospitality businesses, healthcare providers and media companies, according to law firm Barnes & Thornburg. Settlements have run into the millions: the Los Angeles Times agreed to pay $3.85 million in 2026 over third-party ad trackers, without admitting wrongdoing, and Forbes Media agreed to pay $10 million the same year to resolve similar claims.Both cases were filed in the Northern District of California, which, along with Florida and Illinois, has become one of the most active venues for this kind of litigation.The law is still unsettledCourts remain divided on whether these claims hold up. In one 10-day stretch in April 2026, four different California courts issued rulings on nearly identical tracking claims and reached different conclusions. California lawmakers have also taken notice: Senate Bill 690, which would eliminate private lawsuits over one specific category of CIPA claim, passed the state Senate 35-0 in 2025 and advanced through an Assembly committee in July 2026.If enacted, it would take effect Jan. 1, 2027, but would leave CIPA’s core wiretapping provisions, the ones underlying cases like the suit against Toyota, fully intact.None of this means every business running a chat widget or an ad pixel is facing an imminent lawsuit. What the litigation wave does suggest is that a cookie banner is only as accurate as the technical work behind it, and businesses are increasingly being advised to check which third-party scripts run on their site, when those scripts start collecting data, and whether a visitor’s actual choice, including a decline, is honored by every tool connected to the site rather than just displayed on the banner.This story was produced by Clym and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	The power of a simple check-in between veterans In 2023, 6,398 Veterans lost their lives to suicide, according to the latest data from the VA from the 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report.For Suicide Prevention Month, The Ad Council and Army veteran Raphael Rigaud, working with the national "Don't Wait. Reach Out." campaign, offer insights into how veterans can check in with and support one another.The Power of ConnectionVeterans have distinctive experiences and because of this, are in a unique position to support other veterans. Vets are often the first to help others, but it can sometimes be hard to ask for help or accept it for themselves. But all veterans deserve support and you do not need to wait for a crisis to check in with a fellow vet.You don't need to have all the answers. Even the simple act of reaching out can make all the difference in strengthening bonds. Just being there for a buddy can help remind them they are not alone and that support is always within reach.There are tangible steps you can take to support other vets.Take Steps to PrepareBuddy Checks encourage veterans to connect (or reconnect) with each other. They also serve as a way to support each other, improve mental health and share resources.Before doing a Buddy Check with a veteran who may be struggling, read about tips for approaching the conversation and signs of distress to watch out for:The VA Buddy Check Week peer wellness training provides helpful information on these kinds of check-ins. From starting a meaningful Buddy Check, to recognizing warning signs in other veterans and how to use the VA S.A.V.E. model to respond in crisis, all the way to tips for self-care and building personal resilience.Guidance for checking in is also available, from potential conversation starters to recommended questions, and to helpful dos and dont's. You are not alone in navigating these conversations.Finally, personalized resources and support are available for any veteran navigating life's challenges or who may be struggling.By reaching out and showing up you can make a huge impact in the life of another veteran. But it's also important to make sure to take care of yourself, both ahead of and following these conversations.Learn About Available Resources for Veterans Who May be StrugglingMany veterans wrestle with complex feelings about their service, sometimes even questioning whether they deserve veteran resources. All veterans deserve support, but asking for support isn't always easy. That's why other veterans can play a unique role in building connections.Hearing from another veteran can help create a sense of safety and validation to let someone who is struggling know that help is within reach. No act of connection is too small and can serve as a reminder that they are not alone.At VA.gov/REACH there are a wide range of resources for challenges that a veteran may be struggling with, including career challenges, experiencing grief, life transitions and more. For any veterans in crisis, immediate help is always available at the Veterans Crisis Line. To reach responders, Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255.Check in with Other Veterans in Your LifeWhether it's a simple call or text, grabbing coffee or stopping by for a visit, it's never a bad time for a Buddy Check. These moments strengthen the bond between veterans and can ultimately improve mental health, feelings of community and make it easier to access resources.Veterans have unique experiences and because of this, vets have an important role to play in checking in with one another. These moments of connection are so important and can help to encourage any veteran who may be struggling to get the support they deserve.Reaching out for support is one of the bravest things veterans can do for themselves, and for each other. During Suicide Prevention Month, and all year round, everyone can be a part of the solution and save lives.This story was produced by The Ad Council and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Where dedication pays: Jobs with the biggest earning upside Some occupations offer substantial earning potential for workers who perform at an exceptional level and prioritize career advancement. In these fields, top earners may make several times more than the median worker, creating wide differences in compensation within the same occupation. For ambitious workers willing to build experience, sustain high performance and remain geographically mobile, these occupations may offer financial rewards far greater than those available to the typical earner.SmartAsset evaluated more than 700 U.S. occupations and identified 20 in which 90th-percentile earners make at least twice as much as median workers in the same occupation. The analysis of Bureau of Labor Statistics data highlights jobs where compensation varies most sharply between typical workers and those at the top of the earnings distribution.Key FindingsFinancial advisors and talent agents have the biggest earning upside among growing occupations. Demand is growing for both, and top performers in each field earn more than triple the median. Financial advisors at the 90th percentile earn at least $357,020, 240% more than median-earning advisors. Talent agents at the 90th percentile earn at least $284,570, 243% more than median-earning talent agents.A college degree is not required for every high-upside occupation. Top earners among commercial divers and flight attendants make six-figure salaries, well above the median for their occupations. Both jobs require significant training, but a college degree is not typically required.Perform well at the bar and you could cash in. Bartenders at the 90th percentile earn a minimum of 115% more than median-earning bartenders. Lawyers work at a different kind of bar, but the earnings gap is similar: 90th-percentile lawyers earn at least 120% more than the median attorney.High-earning upside does not always mean strong prospects for new workers. Some high-upside occupations are in declining professions, making them less attractive for workers entering the field. Advertising sales agents and credit analysts are two examples: top performers can earn substantially more than the median, but AI and automation have reduced openings in both occupations. SmartAsset Occupations with the Biggest Earning UpsidesAcupuncturistTop earners: $161,470 and upMedian earners: $76,040Total positions in U.S.: 7,830Demand for occupation: IncreasingTypical training / education: A master’s or doctoral degree in acupuncture or Oriental medicine plus supervised clinical training is customarily needed.Ad Sales AgentTop earners: $146,010 and upMedian earners: $64,820Total positions in U.S.: 91,700Demand for occupation: DecliningTypical training / education: A high school diploma may be sufficient, but a bachelor’s degree is commonly preferred.BarberTop earners: $76,460 and upMedian earners: $38,210Total positions in U.S.: 15,000Demand for occupation: IncreasingTypical training / education: Completion of a state-approved barbering program and hands-on practical training is customarily needed.BartenderTop earners: $73,770 and upMedian earners: $34,340Total positions in U.S.: 756,390Demand for occupation: IncreasingTypical training / education: Short-term on-the-job training is customary, though some workers complete bartending school or alcohol-service training.Commercial DiverTop earners: $157,790 and upMedian earners: $72,990Total positions in U.S.: 3,450Demand for occupation: IncreasingTypical training / education: A commercial diving certificate from a postsecondary diving school, plus safety and technical dive training, is customarily required.Commercial PilotTop earners: $266,620 and upMedian earners: $123,220Total positions in U.S.: 47,630Demand for occupation: IncreasingTypical training / education: Extensive flight training and a commercial pilot certificate are needed, and many employers prefer college coursework or a degree.ComposerTop earners: $165,760 and upMedian earners: $73,710Total positions in U.S.: 12,540Demand for occupation: StableTypical training / education: Formal music training, often through a bachelor’s degree in music or composition, plus a portfolio of work is common.Costume AttendantTop earners: $109,520 and upMedian earners: $50,400Total positions in U.S.: 6,510Demand for occupation: IncreasingTypical training / education: A high school diploma and on-the-job training are common, with theater, costume or wardrobe experience often preferred.Credit AnalystTop earners: $169,230 and upMedian earners: $83,510Total positions in U.S.: 64,390Demand for occupation: DecliningTypical training / education: A bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics or business is generally necessary.Financial AdvisorTop earners: $357,020 and upMedian earners: $105,070Total positions in U.S.: 266,800Demand for occupation: IncreasingTypical training / education: A bachelor’s degree is common, and securities registration is usually necessary. Top-earning financial advisors may hold advanced professional credentials, such as Certified Financial Planner certification.Flight AttendantTop earners: $136,430 and upMedian earners: $63,580Total positions in U.S.: 131,650Demand for occupation: IncreasingTypical training / education: A high school diploma or equivalent is typically needed, while airline-provided training and Federal Aviation Administration certification are required. Prior customer service experience is commonly preferred.Gambling DealerTop earners: $77,090 and upMedian earners: $34,320Total positions in U.S.: 83,910Demand for occupation: DecliningTypical training / education: A high school diploma and dealer training, often through a casino training program or vocational school, are customary.Hoist and Winch OperatorTop earners: $118,210 and upMedian earners: $56,450Total positions in U.S.: 2,600Demand for occupation: DecliningTypical training / education: A high school diploma followed by on-the-job training, sometimes through apprenticeship or equipment-specific instruction, is usual.Insurance AgentTop earners: $138,140 and upMedian earners: $62,280Total positions in U.S.: 479,100Demand for occupation: IncreasingTypical training / education: A high school diploma is the baseline, but college coursework or a bachelor’s degree in business or finance plus licensing is commonly preferred.JournalistTop earners: $144,140 and upMedian earners: $62,200Total positions in U.S.: 39,250Demand for occupation: DecliningTypical training / education: A bachelor’s degree is typically needed, and internships or newsroom experience are commonly expected.LawyerTop earners: $351,600 and upMedian earners: $159,670Total positions in U.S.: 754,500Demand for occupation: IncreasingTypical training / education: A bachelor’s degree, a Juris Doctor degree and a license to practice law are needed.PhotographerTop earners: $91,810 and upMedian earners: $44,660Total positions in U.S.: 51,760Demand for occupation: StableTypical training / education: Technical photography training, a portfolio and practical experience are customarily needed; some roles prefer an associate or bachelor’s degree.Radio DJTop earners: $138,440 and upMedian earners: $47,340Total positions in U.S.: 21,240Demand for occupation: DecliningTypical training / education: Radio station or production experience is customarily required.Real Estate AgentTop earners: $123,590 and upMedian earners: $52,830Total positions in U.S.: 193,370Demand for occupation: IncreasingTypical training / education: State-approved prelicensing coursework and a real estate license are customarily needed, with sales training often developed on the job.Talent AgentTop earners: $284,570 and upMedian earners: $82,890Total positions in U.S.: 12,620Demand for occupation: IncreasingTypical training / education: A bachelor’s degree is common but not required. Industry experience is typically needed, and talent agency licensing may be required depending on the state.MethodologyU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics data for May 2025, the most recent period available, was analyzed to identify occupations in which annual wages for 90th percentile earners were at least twice as high as median annual wages for the same occupation. BLS employment projections were used to assign demand descriptions. In some cases, occupation titles were modified from BLS Standard Occupational Classification titles for presentation purposes; the underlying occupation definitions and codes were unchanged. Source data providers are not affiliated with, and do not endorse or sponsor, this study or its findings.This story was produced by SmartAsset and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Protect Yourself and Others This Flu Season (NewsUSA) - Several seasonal celebrations are nearly upon us, but an unwelcome time of year also awaits—flu season.The “flu,” short for influenza, is a viral respiratory illness that often spreads in the fall and winter months, according to physician Matthew Heller, D.O., an associate professor of family medicine at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, February is historically the peak month for flu activity.To reduce the chances of contracting the flu, Heller recommends getting a flu shot, adding that anyone over the age of 6 months old should be vaccinated annually. “Always talk to your physician about potential exceptions and find out whether the flu vaccine is appropriate for you,” Heller counseled.The vaccine works by developing antibodies that provide protection against the flu-causing virus, Heller noted. A vaccinated person who caught the flu would experience less severe symptoms and potential complications. Even during flu seasons when the vaccine is less effective due to virus mutations, vaccination protects against hospitalizations and deaths and reduces the risk for influenza-associated outpatient healthcare visits across all age groups. Importantly, he emphasized that the way flu vaccines are developed makes them unable to cause the illness itself.It is crucial to be proactive about getting vaccinated, as it takes about two weeks for the body to subsequently build full protection against the virus, Heller stated.Flu symptoms can include fever, chills, body aches, cough, headache, and fatigue, Heller said. People don’t typically become symptomatic until a few days after exposure to the flu virus and will become contagious during this time. Symptoms may last for about a week.Heller explained that while most who suspect they have the flu can recover at home with plenty of rest and fluids, those in high-risk groups for developing complications—including adults 65 and older, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic health conditions—should contact a physician. Besides getting an annual vaccination, Heller noted other ways people can protect themselves from the flu virus. Frequent hand washing, using hand sanitizer, sanitizing high-traffic surfaces, avoiding face touching and large crowds, and sneezing into a tissue or elbow are also preventative steps.As a physician, Heller emphasized the importance of remaining educated about the impact of the current flu season: “The flu spreads easily from person to person,” he said. “Remember that getting the flu vaccine will not only protect you but will also protect all those around you. By setting the example, others will follow.”Heller is one of many New York Tech faculty lending their expertise to help tackle real-world challenges. Visit nyit.edu to learn more.
	Turning confidence into a plan: Five ways small business owners can help strengthen their financial future (NewsUSA) - If you own a small business, you're likely focused on growing revenue, serving customers, supporting employees, and staying competitive. But when you think about the business you've worked so hard to build, how do you envision it supporting you and your family’s financial future?For many owners, success isn't measured solely by the growth of the business. It's also about what that success makes possible, whether that's retiring comfortably, funding a child's education, or leaving something meaningful behind for your family. The challenge for many is that business growth and personal financial planning don't always move in lockstep, even though they are deeply connected.Taking a holistic look at your financial pictureAccording to research from Guardian, 86% of small business owners say they are on track to meet their financial goals, and 60% feel very confident about the future of their business. Yet for many, that optimistic outlook coexists with the persistent realities of stress and economic exposure. Retirement planning is their top financial priority, for instance, but concerns about outliving savings remain common. "Small business owners invest enormous amounts of time, energy, and personal commitment into building their businesses," said Nancy DeRusso, Head of Client Solutions at Guardian. "For many, their business is also their largest financial asset." Without the right financial strategies in place, she noted, owners may face challenges turning that hard-earned value into long-term financial security. Translating financial aspirations into actionFortunately, there are practical steps small business owners can take to strengthen retirement planning, business continuity, and long-term financial preparedness. Here are five ways to get started.Protect what you've built. Review whether life insurance, disability insurance, key person insurance, and other business continuity strategies can help safeguard your family, employees, and business if the unexpected occurs. Align your business and personal goals. A financial performance analysis can evaluate both business and personal finances to help you understand how today's business decisions may affect your family's future plans.Examine your retirement strategy. Business value doesn't always translate into retirement income. Take a look at solutions that may help create more predictable cash flow, including annuities. Start succession planning early. Whether you plan to pass your business to family members, sell it, or transition ownership in another way, waiting to plan can limit your options. Start conversations early and align succession plans with your broader financial ambitions.Connect with a financial advisor. A trusted professional can help connect your business, retirement, protection, and legacy goals into a more holistic strategy, while helping identify gaps and prioritize next steps.The bottom lineBuilding a successful business takes vision, persistence, and hard work. Reaching your long-term financial goals doesn't happen by accident, but with the right support, taking action can be simpler than you might think.By protecting your business, preparing for future transitions, and working with a financial advisor, you can help ensure that the value you're creating today supports what matters most tomorrow.To learn more, visit https://www.guardianlife.com/reports/financial-fitness/small-business-brief. 9080429.1 (08/2028)
	The McCurrens will bring their 'Songs & Stories' to Rock Island Library Touring musicians Forrest and Margaret McCurren will bring their "Songs & Stories" show to the Rock Island Public Library Downtown Library, 401 19th St. The free live performance is from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 30. The pair have played previously at the Rock Island Public Library, where their folksy Americana/country style is always [...]
	UnityPoint Health names new Quad Cities Market President Her experience will help further improve performance and financial sustainability in ways that directly support patients.
	UnityPoint Health creates rural health leadership role to strengthen local access The Executive Director of Rural Health Partnerships helps strengthen access to local, quality healthcare in rural communities.
	North Scott School District resignations, hirings and other personnel news for Sept. 14 The following personnel items are from the Sept. 14 agenda of the North Scott School District. The school board met at Junior High.
	More rain on the way While it won't be as heavy as the past few days, showers are expected today, tonight, and Tuesday. Cooler weather is in the forecast this week. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	Coal Valley Fareway grand opening, Judy's Family Cafe opens, new Mexican restaurant, and more Quad-Cities business news Coal Valley Fareway grand opening, Judy's Family Cafe opens, Mexican restaurant opens, new Dollar Tree, and more Quad-Cities business news.
	Rock Island County real estate transactions for September 20, 2026 Here are homes sales and property sales in Rock Island County.
	Resignations, hirings, athletic assignments, and other Moline School District personnel news from Sept. 14 See the personnel items from the Sept. 14 agenda of the Moline-Coal Valley School District. The board met at the Moline Education Center.
	German chancellor stands his ground after his party loses in state elections German Chancellor Freidrich Merz conceded that the night spells "disaster" for the political center, but assured the public he'd push ahead with his federal agenda of tax and welfare reforms.
	Many GOP candidates still echo Trump's 2020 claims. Lots of voters want to move on While many Republican candidates, even in some critical tossup races, still back President Trump's baseless claims about election integrity, some GOP voters say they are ready to move on.
	What to know as world leaders converge at the United Nations this week United Nations head António Guterres returns to New York for his final U.N. General Assembly as diplomacy falters over wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, and the global body faces deep divisions.
	The data center backlash is reshaping American politics — one community at a time With striking speed, the widespread debate around data centers has become a fault line in American communities, cutting across political parties and forging unexpected alliances.
	This farm raised thousands of pigs for slaughter. Now it's growing mushrooms instead The U.S. gets nearly a third of its pork from Iowa. One family is making the switch from pigs to more sustainable specialty mushrooms and trying to show other pig farmers how they did it.
	18 suspects accused in the 2021 killing of Haiti's president being extradited to U.S. Eighteen suspects who were arrested in the July 2021 killing of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse were being extradited to the U.S. on Sunday to face justice in Florida.
	Software breach affects three Pa. courts and Environmental Hearing Board West Publishing, a division of Thomson Reuters, said it detected unauthorized activity involving its C-Track case management system June 30. (Getty photos)Three Pennsylvania courts and the state Environmental Hearing Board were hit by a cybersecurity incident affecting case management software that may have compromised individuals personal information. West Publishing, a division of Thomson Reuters, said it detected unauthorized activity involving its C-Track case management system June 30. It announced the breach, which had been ongoing since March, on Sept. 2. It affected more than two dozen courts nationwide including the Allegheny County, Monroe County and Washington County common pleas courts and the state Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Environmental Hearing Board, which handles appeals to environmental permitting decisions. Court administrators in Allegheny, Monroe and Washington counties did not respond to requests for comment or referred questions to the Pennsylvania Administrative Office of the Courts (AOPC). A spokesperson for the AOPC said questions about the breach, including the scope and potentially affected information,should be directed to Thomson Reuters. The DEP did not immediately respond to questions. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Thomson Reuters said in a statement that it has notified all affected customers. “There has been no operational disruption to C-Track as a result of this incident. Our products and services remain fully operational and are safe to continue to use. Independent cybersecurity experts assisted in the investigation and validated the remediation measures implemented,” a company spokesperson said. In a notice online, West Publishing said the company promptly started an investigation into the incident, engaging law enforcement and third-party experts, and took steps to contain the unauthorized activity and its systems. Based on the investigation, West said, a subset of court records was affected which could include individuals’ names, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, medical information, date of birth and health insurance information. Confidential, redacted or sealed court information may also have been exposed in certain courts, according to the notice. “While these courts’ data was affected, the incident was not caused by the courts’ networks, systems or data security. There is no evidence that systems used to process financial transactions were impacted by the incident,” West said. The company said it has no evidence the incident led to any fraud or misuse of information and it has undertaken significant mitigation steps to minimize the risk of fraud or misuse.  West said it has undertaken additional security measures to improve the security of its systems and data. It also advised individuals who may have been affected to remain alert. It offered support through a phone number, 833-918-5294, and complimentary access to the Experian credit reporting bureau’s identity protection service. More information is available at https://www.ctracknotification.com/ Courtesy of Pennsylvania Capital-Star
	Higher education in Pa. should challenge itself the same way we challenge our students. Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) campus on Jan. 21, 2026. (Photo by John Beale for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star)Higher education teaches our students to ask hard questions. Colleges and universities should be ready to do the same. That was the thought I shared recently during a summit of higher education leaders from across Pennsylvania. While I am chancellor for the 10 state universities of Pennsylvania, I believe it applies to every institution represented in that room and across the industry. As the fall semester begins, colleges are urging students to be curious and brave, to push beyond their expectations, understand that taking a thoughtful risk can move them forward, and not to accept something simply because it’s always been that way. Colleges and universities must do the same because the students we serve, and the world we’re preparing them to lead, are rapidly changing. People on the University of Pittsburgh’s Oakland campus, with the Cathedral of Learning towering in the background on Feb. 6, 2024. (Photo by Stephanie Strasburg/Pittsburgh’s Public Source) Pennsylvania is changing. It’s an aging state with fewer young people and a declining population in many regions, which leads to an overall shortage of workers. By 2032, our state is projected to have 218,000 jobs without enough workers with postsecondary credentials. What is our solution? The universe of students who want a college education is also changing. Most higher education institutions are structured to teach 18-year-olds fresh out of high school. But increasingly, we need to educate working adults, such as mid-career workers who are balancing jobs, children, mortgages and more. What is our solution? What about those who started college, but life “happened” and they got derailed? They took jobs, gained experience, and now want to strengthen their skills so they can advance their careers. But going back, or starting college for the first time, can be overwhelming. Pennsylvania has 1.2 million people who started college but left without a credential. What is our solution? These are just some of the hard questions that Pennsylvania’s colleges and universities cannot ignore. We must be willing to push the boundaries of who we serve and how we serve them if we are going to find solutions. The good news is we have remarkably talented faculty and staff who know how to solve problems. They know that the most critical skills our students graduate with will serve them throughout their lifetimes. The ability to think critically, solve complex problems, communicate clearly, work in teams and adapt to new circumstances are all skills that will allow humans to direct artificial intelligence, not be directed by it. We should design every course, whether in the sciences, humanities, business or the arts, to strengthen these core skills. Doing it well takes time, something in short supply on busy campuses where people are pulled in many directions. We already do it well, but we can do it even better. Addressing the workforce shortage means connecting with and supporting those working adults. It means awarding course credit for learning on the job, in the military and in life. That is harder than it sounds, but it’s worth the effort. It’s also time to ask whether we should build more pathways to a degree. For some students, in a limited number of carefully selected programs, that could mean earning a degree in three years instead of four. Those programs would be built around the competencies that a graduate needs, but with fewer classes. That could give some students new options that better fit their lives while still meeting licensure requirements and demonstrating to employers that they can do the jobs. A statue of the Penn State Nittany Lion at Penn State’s New Kensington campus on Jan. 16, 2026. (Photo by John Beale for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star) Of course, challenging the status quo raises legitimate questions about quality and impact. I welcome that scrutiny because it leads to better solutions. We ask our students to assess difficult problems, challenge assumptions and find new opportunities. Shouldn’t higher education be willing to do the same? No one can do it alone. It will take trade schools, community colleges, state universities, state-related institutions and independent colleges doing their part. Some are already leading the way. Many have room to improve, including my own system. Higher education cannot control the future, the impact of artificial intelligence, or shifting cultural and economic forces. But we can control how we respond. We can ensure that every course strengthens the thinking and communication skills students need throughout their lives, better serves working adults and others who need more flexibility, and creates new pathways to a degree without sacrificing quality. None of those solutions will be easy. But asking hard questions, considering new ideas and solving problems is exactly what we expect from our students. We should expect the same from ourselves. Higher education changes lives. I am confident we can change too. Christopher Fiorentino is chancellor of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. Courtesy of Pennsylvania Capital-Star
	Hundreds evacuated after flooding at O’Connell’s RV Campground near Amboy Fast-rising water flooded part of O’Connell’s RV Campground in Amboy Sunday morning, forcing hundreds of campers to evacuate and leaving vehicles, golf carts and some campers damaged.
	Family says water rose nearly four inches in an hour, trapping them before a rescue with a picnic table About 250 people evacuated a Lee County, Illinois campground after fast-rising floodwater trapped a family, forcing a rescue by picnic table.
	IL Supreme Court reviewing 21-day window to file pretrial detention petition as mandatory or directory Illinois law requires attorneys to file a petition to deny pretrial release within 21 days of a person’s arrest and release.
	Reading proficiency remains a challenge for students across the country The Nation’s Report Card shows only 31% of fourth graders are at or above the proficient level.
	Pleasant Valley’s Ari Steward wins Spotlight Athlete of the Week Steward made her diving season debut a few weeks ago for the Spartans against Moline. She took first place and set a career-high score. That score ranked her second in the state.
Sunday, September 20th, 2026
	Lessons in Life Insurance: 4 Reasons Getting It May Be Easier Than You Think Lessons in Life Insurance: 4 Reasons Getting It May Be Easier Than You Think (Feature Impact) Life is the most valuable thing you have – and like all valuable things, it should be insured. Even thinking about life insurance can be stressful, so it’s one of those things that’s easy to put off and tell yourself you’ll do another day. If that’s how you feel, you aren’t alone. According to the 2026 Life Happens Life Insurance Survey, nearly half (46%) of U.S. adults have getting life insurance on their to-do list but plan to deal with it later or not at all. Confusion, procrastination and cost concerns are among the main reasons people kick this can down the road, according to 45% of respondents. Yet the survey also uncovered an interesting disconnect: 69% of Americans said they personally know someone who had life insurance or whose family used a life insurance policy, most often a parent or parent figure (33%), but still haven’t made getting coverage a priority. “Life insurance isn’t unfamiliar to most Americans,” Life Happens Executive Director Brian Steiner said. “The challenge is turning that awareness into action. People may think life insurance is something they can deal with later, but waiting can leave the people they love financially vulnerable. Getting started doesn’t have to be complicated, and professional guidance can help you find protection that fits your needs and budget.” Consider these four ways to make getting life insurance simpler than you thought. Watch this video to learn more 1. Find a policy that’s a fit. Roughly 4 in 10 survey respondents reported feeling overwhelmed, anxious or some combination of both about planning for life insurance, with 12% citing thinking it’ll be too expensive as a reason they’ve delayed looking into, buying or updating life insurance. The good news: There’s a policy that’s right for your current needs. It may be term life insurance, which provides protection for a specific period of time, like to cover a mortgage or tuition for children. There’s also permanent life insurance, which offers lifelong protection, as long as you pay the premiums. 2. Take advantage of digital tools One-quarter of respondents said they’d be more likely to look into life insurance if they learned it was easier to get than they thought, and digital tools can help make that demand a reality. It can take as little as two minutes to find out how much you need, for example, with the life insurance needs calculator from the nonprofit Life Happens. Just answer a few simple questions to estimate the amount of life insurance coverage you may need to take care of your family. 3. It’s about protection, not perfection. Part of the anxiety around life insurance may be the perception that it should be perfect. For more than 1 in 5 survey participants, the plan is to seriously look at it when they feel more financially stable, and another 12% simply said they’ll do it when they’re older. However, life insurance doesn’t have to check all the boxes for every stage of your life – you can find what works for your family right now then adjust as things change over time. 4. Professional help is available. Perhaps the biggest hurdle to tackling life insurance is the feeling that you’re in it alone. Overall, 55% of respondents said if they learned life insurance may be easier to get than they expected, they’d be more likely to start the process. With professional help only a few clicks away, you can rest assured you’re on the path to a life insurance fit that’s right for you by visiting findapro.lifehappens.org. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
	Changing the Landscape of Childhood Cancer Survivorship Changing the Landscape of Childhood Cancer Survivorship (Feature Impact) While “cancer” is a term no family wants to hear, especially when it comes to their children, there is reason for hope. Today, 85% of children diagnosed with cancer survive at least five years, according to the National Cancer Institute, up from 75% three decades ago. Watch this video to learn more “This progress is driven in large part by dedicated research,” Hyundai Hope on Wheels Board Member Kevin Reilly said. “Over the last 28 years, Hyundai Hope on Wheels has committed over $300 million in pediatric cancer research and program grants, awarding more than 1,600 grants to 210 medical institutions nationwide, impacting thousands of young lives each year.” Survival is only part of the journey, however. Nearly half (46%) of U.S. adults believe a child ringing the hospital bell after cancer treatment means the child is cancer-free and their medical journey is largely over, according to a survey conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of Hyundai Hope on Wheels. For the children and families living through a diagnosis, the reality is far more complex. “The reality is that healing continues long after treatment, which is why sustained investment in survivorship care is a priority for us,” said John Guastaferro, executive director of Hyundai Hope on Wheels. Isabella Franco-Capps, 11, understands that journey firsthand. Diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 5, her journey took two years before she could say she’s “a cancer survivor.” “I was diagnosed with b-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia,” she said. “This began my two-year-long journey of scans, pokes, chemotherapy and hospital stays. And now I’m a cancer survivor.” Fellow Hyundai Hope on Wheels National Youth Ambassador, Jackson Trihn, 12, is using his voice to call for continued research and to bring hope to others. “The role … is being able to share my story,” he said. “Not just to spread awareness but to spread hope to kids that need it. And awareness is so important because people don’t understand how hard pediatric cancer can be.” Continued progress can help ensure more children ring the bell and receive the care and support they need long after they’ve had the opportunity to do so. To learn more about these efforts and how you can help, visit HyundaiHopeOnWheels.org.
	5 Hidden Ways to Save on Home Insurance Costs (Feature Impact) When you're planning home improvements, you're often thinking about improving the comfort, safety, aesthetic or value of your home. Many changes and renovations have the added bonus of unlocking insurance discounts, but these savings opportunities can easily fly under the radar when you aren't actively on the lookout for them. "Homeowners tend to think about their insurance when they buy the house or when they have a claim, but a lot can change in between," said Larry Anderson, director of underwriting operations at Mercury Insurance. "Something as simple as reviewing your policy with your agent once a year can help make sure your coverage still reflects your home today and identify improvements or other factors that may qualify you for additional savings." The experts at Mercury Insurance, a multiple-line insurance carrier emphasizing competitive rates and excellent customer service, encourage homeowners to consider these five ways to save on home insurance costs. Updating Older Parts of the Home As a home ages, it's wise to look at what parts and systems may be deteriorating and need upgrades for modernity or safety reasons. Replacing older electrical, plumbing or other major systems can protect your home from emergencies and loss risks. Depending on the state you live in, your specific policy and the improvements you made, it can also qualify your property for an updated-home insurance discount. Keep records of major improvements - including receipts, work permits and information about when the work was completed - and plan to discuss the upgrades during your next insurance review. Adding Protective Technology Beyond replacing the batteries in your smoke detectors, you can outfit your home with a variety of protective devices that make a difference to insurers. Consider options like monitored burglar and fire alarms, smart water sensors and automatic water shutoff systems designed to detect problems before they become major losses. Remember, while security upgrades can make your home less risky to insure, they won't save you money if your insurer doesn't know you've installed them. Improving Resilience to Damage If you live in an area prone to extreme weather or other hazards, resilience upgrades could both safeguard your home and access insurance savings. Depending on your location, qualifying improvements could include a stronger roof, wildfire mitigation measures or flood defense options. Local insurance agents can provide more specific guidance on ways to make your home less vulnerable to damage - or whether you're eligible for discounts because of work you've already completed. Qualifying for Community Programs Even if you haven't personally made renovations to your home, certain changes in your community could help you save on insurance. That could include local wildfire mitigation measures, membership in a qualifying homeowners association or other neighborhood characteristics that affect coverage options, but specific programs vary by location. Reviewing Insurance Products and Discounts Whether something significant has changed in your home or community or not, it's always valuable to review your insurance coverage on a regular basis. For instance, there may be new products or discounts that simply didn't exist when you originally purchased your policy. Beyond savings considerations alone, ask your agent questions to make sure your coverage still reflects your circumstances and goals. "Finding savings is always welcome, but the bigger goal of a policy review is making sure your insurance keeps pace with your life and your home," Anderson said. "A house isn't static. We improve it, maintain it and protect it in new ways over time. Your insurance should keep up with those changes." For more information on homeowner coverage and discount eligibility, visit MercuryInsurance.com. Questions to Consider During Your Annual Insurance Checkup An annual insurance review is an opportunity to look for savings and update coverage. Use these questions as a jumping-off point for discussions with your agent: What has changed about my home? What has changed about my property or community? Have my circumstances changed? Are discounts available today that weren't when I purchased my policy? Does my coverage still reflect what it would cost to repair or rebuild my home today? Photos courtesy of Shuttersotck
	Culturally Relevant Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Care Strategies (Feature Impact) Driven by rising rates of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and other risk factors, cardiovascular disease has surpassed cancer as the leading cause of death among Hispanic adults in the United States. Hispanic people represent nearly 1 in 5 of the U.S. population and are the nation's largest ethnic minority group, yet many continue to face barriers to achieving heart health and accessing high-quality healthcare. A new scientific statement published in the American Heart Association's flagship journal, "Circulation," revealed how social, economic, cultural and environmental factors contribute to persistent disparities in cardiovascular health, calling for culturally tailored prevention strategies, equitable access to care and greater representation of Hispanic populations in cardiovascular research. "Hispanic populations in the U.S. are incredibly diverse even within their own communities with differences in genetic ancestry, language, cultural traditions and social experiences that can significantly influence cardiovascular health," said Johanna Contreras, M.D., M.Sc., FAHA, director of the Division of Heart Failure and medical director of the Hispanic Heart Center within the Mount Sinai Health System. "Yet Hispanic people remain underrepresented overall in the research that guides prevention and treatment strategies Without better representation and more detailed data, we risk overlooking important differences that can help us improve care and save lives." Hispanic Cardiovascular Health by the Numbers Cardiovascular risk factors - obesity (nearly 46%), type 2 diabetes (15.5%) and high blood pressure (approximately 44%) - are prevalent among Hispanic adults and often emerge at younger ages and occur more frequently among Hispanic adults compared with white adults. According to the report, only about 1 in 5 Hispanic adults achieves ideal cardiovascular health as defined by the American Heart Association's original Life's Simple 7 metrics. Updated analyses using the Life's Essential 8 framework demonstrated persistent disparities for heart and brain health, as well as suboptimal dietary quality, sleep patterns and levels of physical activity. Social and Economic Barriers Matter Biology alone does not explain cardiovascular health disparities. The environments where people live, work and age, along with social and economic challenges, impact heart health. In fact, approximately 17% of Hispanics live below the federal poverty threshold, compared with 8.2% of white adults. "Many Hispanic adults face obstacles that extend far beyond the doctor's office," Contreras said. "Limited health insurance coverage, language differences, food insecurity, environmental exposures and concerns related to immigration status can make it more difficult to prevent disease, manage chronic conditions and receive timely treatment." Contreras emphasized the cultural values and practices of Hispanic people also influence how they perceive their health and healthcare options. "Family plays a central role in many Hispanic communities and can be an extraordinary source of strength, support and resilience," Contreras said. "At the same time, family members are often called upon to translate medical information, navigate health systems and help make healthcare decisions for loved ones. Those responsibilities can shape how health information is understood and acted upon." An Action Plan for Improving Hispanic Health There are practical opportunities to achieve equitable cardiovascular health and reduce disparities through community engagement, culturally responsive care, inclusive research and policies that address the underlying drivers of health. "Reducing cardiovascular disease among Hispanic populations demands action at every level," Contreras said, "from improving access to culturally responsive care and expanding research participation to addressing the social and environmental conditions that shape health." By addressing both medical risk factors and the social conditions that shape health, experts believe there is an important opportunity to reduce disparities and help more people live longer, healthier lives. Learn more at Heart.org. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
	Beef for Breakfast: 3 Savory Recipes for Protein-Packed Mornings (Feature Impact) People often think of beef as a dinner staple, but it deserves a spot at the breakfast table, too. Endlessly versatile and packed with protein, beef can turn everything from breakfast burritos to sandwiches into hearty, satisfying fuel for the day. Breakfast is important even though mornings are busy, according to a study published in "Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine," which found children who eat breakfast tend to have higher math scores, fewer absences and better on-time attendance at school. That's why Beef Loving Texans is inviting families to join its free 30-Day Breakfast Challenge. You'll receive breakfast inspiration, nutrition and meal prep tips and encouragement to help your household start the day right. If you need something you can grab on the way out the door, Beef Breakfast Burritos combine sauteed ground beef, peppers and onions with scrambled eggs and flavorful sauces, all wrapped inside a warm tortilla. For a make-ahead breakfast or brunch, whip up a Beef and Veggie Quiche, folding beef and vegetables into a savory mixture of eggs, cheese and cream before baking it in a flaky, buttery crust. Or give leftover steak a second life with a Beef and Spinach Breakfast Sandwich, a portable take on the classic cowboy-style steak and eggs that combines leftover beef with spinach, cheese and eggs. Whether you're feeding growing kids before school or trying to instill healthier habits for yourself, the challenge helps to make consistent, protein-rich breakfasts feel realistic, even on your busiest mornings. Discover more recipes and join the 30-Day Breakfast Challenge at BeefLovingTexans.com/BreakfastChallenge.com. Beef Breakfast Burritos Recipe courtesy of Beef Loving Texans Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 4 12 ounces ground beef (93% lean or leaner) 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped 1 small onion, finely chopped 2 teaspoons ground ancho chili powder 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 4 eggs, beaten 2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro nonstick cooking spray 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) 1/3 cup reduced-fat shredded Mexican cheese blend or shredded cheddar cheese 4 medium spinach or plain flour tortillas (10-inch diameter), warmed salsa (optional) Lime-Cilantro Cream: 1/2 cup reduced-fat dairy sour cream 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro To make lime-cilantro cream: In small bowl, combine sour cream, lime juice and cilantro. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. To make burritos: Heat large nonstick skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef, bell pepper, onion, chili powder and cumin; cook 8-10 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 160 F, breaking into small crumbles and stirring occasionally. Pour off drippings, as necessary. Remove beef mixture from skillet; keep warm. In medium bowl, combine eggs, water and cilantro. Spray same skillet with nonstick cooking spray. Pour into skillet; cook over medium heat 2-3 minutes, or until scrambled, stirring occasionally. Season with salt, if desired. Stir in beef mixture and cheese; cook 1 minute or until heated through, stirring occasionally. Spoon beef mixture evenly in row across center of each tortilla, leaving 1-inch border on right and left sides. Fold right and left sides of tortilla over filling. Fold bottom edge up over filling and roll up; cut diagonally in half. Serve with lime-cilantro cream and salsa, if desired. Cooking Tip: Cooking times are for fresh or thoroughly thawed ground beef. Ground beef should be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 F. Color is not a reliable indicator of ground beef doneness. Substitution: 1 cup egg substitute may be used in place of beaten eggs and water. Beef and Veggie Quiche Recipe courtesy of Beef Loving Texans Cook time: 59 minutes Servings: 8 Nonstick cooking spray 1 refrigerated pie crust (1/2 of 14.1-ounce package) 1/2 pound ground beef (80% lean or leaner) 1 tablespoon beef sausage seasoning mix 1 cup fresh baby spinach 1/4 cup cut fresh asparagus 1/4 cup chopped onion 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper 6 eggs 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat 9-inch pie plate with nonstick cooking spray. Unfold pie crust on flat surface, pressing out fold lines with fingers. Place crust in pie plate, crimping edge as desired; set aside. Heat large skillet over medium heat until hot. Add ground beef and seasoning mix; cook 4-5 minutes, breaking into small crumbles, stirring occasionally. Pour off drippings, as necessary. Add spinach, asparagus, onion and bell pepper to skillet; cook 3-5 minutes, or until softened. Cool slightly. In large mixing bowl, whisk eggs and cream. Gently stir in beef mixture. Pour into prepared pie crust; sprinkle with cheese. Bake 40-45 minutes, or until egg mixture is set and just beginning to brown. Cool 5-10 minutes; cut into wedges. Beef and Spinach Breakfast Sandwich Recipe courtesy of Beef Loving Texans Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 4 eggs or 1 cup egg substitute 1/2 cup chopped fresh baby spinach 1/2 cup diced tomatoes nonstick cooking spray salt (optional) pepper (optional) 4 slices reduced-fat Swiss cheese 12 ounces leftover cooked beef (such as steak, prime rib roast, pot roast or deli roast beef), thinly sliced 4 whole-wheat round, thin sandwich breads, split and toasted In medium bowl, combine eggs, spinach and tomatoes. Spray large nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray; heat over medium-high heat until hot. Add egg mixture; cook 2-4 minutes, or until eggs are almost set, stirring occasionally. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired. Divide egg mixture into four separate portions in pan. Evenly top with cheese and beef. Remove from heat and cover. Let stand 1-2 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Place one egg portion on each bread bottom. Close sandwiches with bread tops; serve immediately.
	Entertain with Ease Using Fresh Fall Flavors Entertain with Ease Using Fresh Fall Flavors (Feature Impact) When seasonal celebrations start to fill up your calendar as you host friends and family, an appetizer that is delicious, yet simple, quickly moves from a new addition at the table to a tried-and-true shareable that guests look forward to year after year. This Baked Feta with Roasted California Grapes recipe delivers warm and rich flavors while being incredibly easy to prepare in a rush. Juicy Grapes from California are roasted to deepen their sweet flavor then served over baked feta for a bite that is sweet, tangy and comforting. Don’t forget: Grapes make an excellent healthy and fresh snack any time during the fall season, whether you need an after-school pick-me-up, a break between meetings or a quick on-the-go breakfast. Fall into more flavorful recipe ideas at GrapesFromCalifornia.com. Watch video to see how to make this recipe! Baked Feta with Roasted California Grapes Servings: 6 1 1/2 cups red and black seedless Grapes from California1 tablespoon olive oil, plus additional for drizzling, divided1-2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar1 pound block feta1-2 tablespoons fresh thyme1 teaspoon dried oreganored pepper flakes, to tastecrusty bread slicesHeat oven to 400 F.In medium bowl, toss grapes with 1 tablespoon olive oil and balsamic vinegar to coat then place on baking tray. Roast 10-15 minutes, or until grapes just begin to soften. Remove from oven and let rest in pan 5 minutes.Slice block of feta into two thick slices and place in baking dish. Sprinkle with thyme, oregano and red pepper flakes, to taste, and drizzle with olive oil. Top with roasted grapes. Bake about 10 minutes, or until cheese has softened. Serve with crusty bread slices.
	How to Plan and Prepay for a Funeral (Feature Impact) Planning for the future often means making thoughtful decisions that bring clarity, reduce uncertainty and ease the burden on those you love. Taking the time to plan a funeral or memorial service is one of the most meaningful ways to provide that kind of support. By outlining your wishes now, you ensure that when the time comes, your family can focus on honoring your life and beginning their grief journey, rather than navigating difficult decisions during an emotional time. The days following a loss are often a blur of emotion and high-stakes decision-making. From choosing a casket or urn to coordinating the details of a service, there are many decisions that must be made quickly. When a plan is in place, the burden of "guessing" is lifted from grieving loved ones. Instead, they can move forward with confidence, knowing they are honoring your wishes. "Every life has a story worth telling," said Dan Ford, president of the National Funeral Directors Association. "When you plan a service in advance, you are essentially writing the outline of that story yourself. It allows your family the space to grieve and remember without the added pressure of making difficult choices during their darkest hours. It is, quite truly, a gift of peace." The Financial Security of Prepaying While planning involves documenting your wishes, prepaying involves funding those arrangements in advance. For many, it's a way to lock in today's prices for services and merchandise provided by a funeral home. This can help protect your loved ones from future inflation and ensure funds are set aside specifically for this purpose. Funeral directors are trained professionals who guide families through the emotional and practical aspects of planning, helping them understand their options and make informed decisions. Because every funeral home offers different services, pricing structures and approaches, it's important to speak with more than one provider. Asking questions and comparing options can help ensure you find a funeral director and funeral home that align with your family's values, preferences and budget. Your Story, Your Way Planning is a creative act that ensures your personality and values are reflected in your final farewell, but it's also an opportunity to bring your family into the conversation. While your wishes are important, involving loved ones can help create a service that balances your preferences with what will be most meaningful and healing for them. Start by defining the atmosphere, including whether you'd prefer a traditional, somber or vibrant celebration of life. Consider the music that shaped your life, whether that's hymns, classic standards or a favorite film score. If there is a cause or charity close to your heart, request donations be made in your name. Finally, choosing a final resting place provides your loved ones with a permanent place to visit and remember. Starting the Conversation For many families, the hardest part of planning ahead is starting the conversation, but these discussions don't have to be formal or uncomfortable. "We encourage families to 'Have the Talk of a Lifetime,'" Ford said. "It can happen over a meal or while looking through old photo albums. Simply saying, 'I want to make sure things are easy for you someday,' is a beautiful way to open the door to a very healthy and necessary discussion." Plan with Confidence For more information on how to begin the planning process or to find a qualified funeral director in your community, visit RememberingALife.com. This initiative offers checklists, conversation starters and expert guidance to help families navigate these decisions with confidence and care. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
	Button, Button This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.If you come for a visit to our Mississippi Valley and want to bring a souvenir back to the relatives in Potosi,…
	Heavy rainfall across the region brings evacuation efforts Heavy rainfall brought flood warnings and watches across our region. Flooding in Lee County forced an emergency evacuation at an RV campsite in the area. Our Quad Cities News correspondent Marico Holland looks at the evacuation effort as crews worked throughout the day to rescue residents from the rising waters.
	Soles for Children event provides clothing and more for Rock Island kids Families across the Quad Cities are facing rising expenses, prompting Soles for Children to provide shoes and winter clothing at their annual event.
	Butterworth Center and Deere-Wyman House hold porch party Attendees got to tour all four buildings at the facility, as well as the tunnel connecting the Deere-Wyman House to the carriage house.
	Rock Island stabbing leaves 1 dead 26-year-old Shandon A. Babers has been charged with first-degree murder.
	To control weeds in your garden, late summer and early fall is the best time to make a difference As late summer fades into early autumn, garden care shifts from active harvesting to preparation and planning for the next growing season. Weeds can feel like an overwhelming management task as the summer species burst into flower and spread seeds. However, late summer and early fall is the single best time for weed control that lasts year-round. What gardeners do at this time of year will determine how clean, productive and manageable their garden beds will be when spring arrives. As a professor of horticulture who is involved in teaching gardening skills to commercial gardeners and homeowners, here’s what I recommend for weed management during that time period: A single dandelion can produce dozens, perhaps hundreds, of seeds. Markus Bernet via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 1. Manage late-summer weeds The immediate priority is stopping mature late-summer weeds from reproducing. A single mature crabgrass or dandelion plant can drop thousands of viable seeds that lie dormant in the soil for years. If time is limited, prioritize cutting off seed heads and flower structures. Late-summer and early fall weeds typically feature fingerlike grass spikes, papery composite daisylike heads, or dense, spiked seed clusters. Mowing or shearing off blooms before they set seed halts the next generation. Annual weeds, such as crabgrass, purslane and pigweed die with the first hard frost. So your main objective is preventing them from spreading their seeds. Slice them off at or just below the soil line with a hoe. That will kill them without disturbing deep soil layers, which carry nutrients and feed the roots of the plants you want to keep in your garden. Perennials, such as dandelions, field bindweed, ground ivy and thistles all survive the winter by storing energy reserves in deep taproots or horizontal rhizomes. Pull or dig these out completely while the soil is moist, ensuring you extract the whole root system. Never leave uprooted perennials directly on bare soil while waiting to bag them; species such as bindweed or field horsetail can quickly reroot overnight in moist soil. Remember to wash or wipe down spade blades and hoe edges after working in heavily infested beds, so that you are not transporting creeping root fragments – like quackgrass rhizomes and nutsedge tubers – to weed-free soil. You can also attack perennials with herbicides or organic weed-killing chemicals. In late summer and early fall they begin moving carbohydrates down into their root systems for winter storage. If you spray those plants during that period, they will naturally carry those chemicals deep into their root networks. That is much more effective at killing roots than applying weed killer in the spring. When disposing of cut or uprooted weeds, especially if they have seeds or are perennials, don’t put them into your home compost pile. Standard backyard composting rarely reaches temperatures high enough to destroy weed seeds or persistent rhizomes. Instead, seal them in a dark plastic bag and bake them in direct sun for a few weeks to kill all seeds and roots before trashing them, or send them to a commercial or municipal composting facility. Home or community-garden composting systems do not normally get hot enough to kill the seeds of stubborn weeds. Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images via The Conversation 2. Disrupt winter annual germination Just as there are summer weeds, there are winter weeds, too. Chickweed, henbit, hairy bittercress, dead nettle and shepherd’s purse all germinate in late summer and early autumn. They pass the winter as low-lying rosettes, waking up early in spring to flower before the crops are planted. Keep an eye out for tiny seedlings sprouting in bare soil during late September and October. Rake or surface-hoe them while they are small and easy to disrupt. Applying organic controls such as corn gluten meal in late August to early September is another option to suppress winter annual seeds without using synthetic chemicals. A gardener spreads mulch on a garden bed in preparation for winter. Harold Hoch/MediaNews Group/Reading Eagle via Getty Images via The Conversation 3. Prepare and protect garden beds Exposed, unplanted soil invites weed seeds to take root. To prepare beds for winter, cover bare earth to deprive weeds of light, moisture and space to grow. Minimize fall tilling. Digging and overturning soil can bring buried, dormant weed seeds to the surface layer, where autumn rains and sunlight can get them growing. In vegetable gardens after harvest, sow quick-growing cover crops such as field peas. The living mulches build root structure by deeply penetrating compacted soil, prevent erosion by physically binding soil particles with roots and softening raindrop impact with surface foliage, and outcompete opportunistic weeds by utilizing moisture, nutrients and light for their growth. For bare soil or areas heavily infested with persistent weeds, apply a 2- to 3-inch-thick layer of organic mulch directly over the bare soil. This barrier smothers dormant weed seeds and breaks down into rich soil by spring. The fallen autumn leaves can be left in the garden to serve as a carbon-rich winter cover that suppresses weeds just as effectively as wood bark mulch. Spending time pulling weeds in the fall and preparing your garden for winter can help eliminate the spring weed explosion before it starts. By stopping seed production and protecting exposed soil, you can ensure healthier crops, weed-free beds and significantly less labor next season. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Manjot Kaur Sidhu, University of Maine Read more: Climate change is shifting the zones where plants grow – here’s what that could mean for your garden Planning for spring’s garden? Bees like variety and don’t care about your neighbors’ yards Chaos gardening – wild beauty, or just a mess? A sustainable landscape specialist explains the trend Manjot Kaur Sidhu is affiliated with University of Maine, Orono, ME.
	Concerned Citizens of Scott County holding public meeting amid petition to state to deny a gas-fired power plant The meeting is at the Eldridge Public Library Monday from 6 to 7:45 p.m. The purpose is to update residents on the group’s petition to participate in a public hearing later this year and help residents submit their own opposition to the IUC.
	Fifteen schools participating in River Bend Food Bank’s 40th-annual Student Hunger Drive Last year, the drive, along with the Million Meals Match, a tandem initiative for local businesses, provided more than three million meals. The food bank notes the goal is not only to procure food for operations but to teach kids the importance of understanding food insecurity.
	Soles for Children provides free winter essentials to hundreds of Quad Cities kids Hundreds of children received free coats, shoes and other winter essentials Sunday during the annual Soles for Children Shoes and Coat Giveaway.
	1 dead after Rock Island stabbing 26-year-old Shandon A. Babers has been charged with first-degree murder.
	Below average temperatures to start the week After a lot of rain from this past week has caused their own problems here in the Quad Cities, as the rain dries out soon, the temperatures are dropping. Starting the week off with temperatures in the mid 60s, as they will gradually warm up throughout the week back into the 70s by next weekend. [...]
	Federal immigration agent shoots and injures man in Austin, Texas The person shot is in serious but stable condition, Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said in a press conference.
	Poison suspected in deaths of ten lions in game reserve in Tanzania The lions were found dead inside the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, a popular wildlife reserve in Tanzania. Deaths raise concerns over wildlife poisonings in East Africa.
	Heavy rains result in QCA flooding; Bettendorf park has raging waters After recent heavy rains, streets and rivers were flooded Sunday in the Quad Cities area. The National Weather Service has issued a flood warning for the Rock River near Joslin affecting Rock Island, Whiteside and Henry counties and the Rock River at Moline affecting Rock Island and Henry counties. Additional rainfall from Sunday through Monday [...]
	Crossing Keokuk’s sanctuary damaged in morning fire Early morning fire sets the Keokuk Crossing locations auditorium on fire.
	Jury convicts Illinois father of shooting and killing son A man faces decades behind bars for fatally shooting his 31-year-old son in 2025.
	About 250 rescued from Lee County campground following heavy flooding The O’Connell’s RV Campground, formerly Yogi Bear Campground, in Amboy is being fully evacuated, according to the Lee County Emergency Management Agency.
	Police arrest suspect after fatal Rock Island stabbing Rock Island police have arrested a 26-year-old suspect in connection with a fatal stabbing early Sunday, according to a news release. Shortly after 6:15 a.m. Sunday, officers responded to a residence in the 2700 block of 13th Avenue for reports of a stabbing. Upon arrival, officers found a 43-year old man outside with life-threatening injuries. [...]
	Man charged with fatal stabbing in Rock Island Rock Island Police arrested a man in connection with a fatal stabbing.
	South Dakota’s top election official, a Republican, endorses a Democrat to succeed her South Dakota Secretary of State Monae Johnson addresses the state Republican convention on June 27, 2026, at The Monument events center in Rapid City. (Photo by Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight)Four years after refusing to acknowledge the legitimacy of a Democratic president’s electoral victory, the Republican who serves as South Dakota’s top election official has endorsed a Democratic candidate to succeed her. “I understand that this decision will disappoint some people in my party and anger others,” Secretary of State Monae Johnson said Saturday in a written statement. The announcement was the culmination of a shift that Johnson had been signaling for several years. She won her office in 2022 with the support of activists calling for changes such as hand-counting instead of machine-counting votes, due to allegations that vote-counting machines — which are not connected to the internet in South Dakota — could be hacked. [Voter Guide: 2026 general election Voter Guide: The candidates, the ballot measures, and the tools you need to cast your vote.] Some of the activists who supported Johnson were motivated by Republican President Donald Trump’s claims of fraud in his 2020 election loss to Democratic President Joe Biden. When South Dakota Searchlight interviewed Johnson before her election four years ago, she said “I don’t know” in response to a question about whether she believed those claims. After she got the job, Johnson helped usher in changes including the implementation of post-election audits in all South Dakota counties, the results of which helped prove the accuracy of vote-counting machines. She did not pursue some other changes, such as shifting from machine-counting to hand-counting all results, and she lost some support. Four years after delegates at the Republican state convention backed Johnson as their nominee over an incumbent who was perceived as insufficiently devoted to changing election laws, delegates at this year’s convention chose Heather Baxter, a challenger who supports some of those changes, as their nominee over Johnson. During the June convention, Johnson made it clear she had moved away from some of the positions of her former supporters. She referenced vote-counting machines when she said in a speech, “I fully support the use of secure, tested ballot tabulators.” Heather Baxter addresses the state Republican convention on June 27, 2026, at The Monument events center in Rapid City just prior to winning the party’s nomination for secretary of state. (Photo by Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight) Then, on Saturday, Johnson endorsed Democratic nominee Terrence Davis to succeed her. Johnson made the endorsement in a written statement published by the South Dakota War College political blog. It’s operated by Pat Powers, a Republican who worked for a previous secretary of state. Johnson wrote that after serving as an employee in the office and then in the elected post, “I know the difference between campaigning for this office and carrying the responsibility of leading it.” “I cannot remain silent when I believe the integrity, stability, and professionalism of this office is at stake,” Johnson wrote. She said her time in office taught her that in response to calls for overhauling election systems, the secretary of state “must consider the law, the information available, the effect on county officials, the security of statewide systems, the rights of voters, the cost and workload created by a change, and whether the proposal can be implemented within the deadlines the law requires. It also requires a willingness to review new information and change course when the evidence supports doing so.” Johnson did not mention Baxter by name or identify specific concerns about Baxter’s positions but said “South Dakota deserves a Secretary of State who will strengthen confidence through performance rather than provocation; who will support election officials rather than burden them for political effect; who will protect voter access and election security without pretending those goals are enemies; and who will treat the office’s employees, voters, candidates, and business owners with dignity.” Davis responded by writing on social media that he is “deeply grateful” for Johnson’s support. “Monae and I come from different political parties. We will not agree on every issue,” Davis wrote. “That is exactly why her confidence in me means so much.” Davis, a former state trooper, would be the first Democratic secretary of state in South Dakota since the late Lorna Herseth, whose last year in office was 47 years ago in 1979. Davis would also be the first Black person to win a statewide elected office in South Dakota. He advocates policies to make voting easier, including automatically registering all South Dakotans to vote on their 18th birthday. Terrence Davis is the Democratic nominee for South Dakota secretary of state. (Courtesy of Davis for South Dakota) Baxter is a Republican state representative from Rapid City who lost her reelection bid for that office in the June primary election before winning the party’s nomination for secretary of state. She responded on social media Saturday, writing that her win over Johnson at the Republican convention was not the result of “confusion.” “The letter beside a name is not decoration,” Baxter wrote. “It tells voters what governing philosophy they will carry into the office that runs our elections and business services.” Baxter also pledged support in her post for “election integrity” measures including voter identification, paper ballots and proof of citizenship — all things that South Dakota already requires. She did not call for hand-counting of votes in her response to Johnson. At the time of her nomination by the Republican state convention in June, Baxter’s campaign website said she wanted to “ensure every vote is counted accurately via paper ballots that are hand counted.” Her website now has modified language, saying she supports “improved hand counting methods.” The race for secretary of state also includes a Libertarian nominee, Tamara Lesnar. Besides overseeing elections, the secretary of state’s responsibilities include the management of campaign finance reporting, lobbyist registrations, business corporate filings and concealed pistol permits. Advance voting for the Nov. 3 general election is underway, and the voter registration deadline is Oct. 19. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of South Dakota Searchlight
	Man charged in fatal Rock Island stabbing It happened early Sunday, police said.
	Germany's Merz vows to press ahead with reforms after historic state election defeat German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has faced a major electoral setback in two state elections, with his center-right party losing ground. The far-right Alternative for Germany party made significant gains.
	Iowa Down Ballot podcast: Grassley’s 93, constitutional question, candidate visibility U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, attended the Republican 4th Congressional District convention in Carroll on April 23, 2022. (Photo by Jared Strong/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Iowa Down Ballot with Dave Price 9/19/26 by Iowa Writers Collaborative We have Laura Belin, Kathie Obradovich, and Eric Woolson here to discuss Grassley’s future, an amendment on the ballot, and plenty on the governor and senate races. Read on Substack Eric Woolson joins the crew again this week, marking Sen. Chuck Grassley’s 93rd birthday and issues of elected officials’ age and capacity, the proposed constitutional amendment on Iowa’s November ballot, candidate visibility and more. Listen here. The Iowa Down Ballot Podcast with Dave Price is a production of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Please consider a paid subscription today to help us cover production costs, or moving up to the benefactor level — or sending a gift subscription to a friend — if you’re already a paid subscriber. And please spread the word to friends who might enjoy the podcast. Thanks! Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Traffic Alert: Flooding closes River Drive near Howell Street River Drive near Howell Street is closed Sunday morning after heavy rain caused flooding in the area.
	4 the Record WEB EXTRA: Sorensen addresses affordability concerns before election year Thanks for clicking on this web extra. We didn't have enough time to bring you all of my conversation with Illinois congressman Eric Sorensen on 4 The Record. We pick up the discussion with arguably the biggest concern from Americans this election year. Affordability is the buzzword this election year from Democrats and Republicans. What [...]
	Breakfast Bankroll for week ending 9/18/26 Here's this week's update on retail prices for the breakfast staples of bacon, eggs and milk. This is the USDA's average price for a dozen of large Grade A eggs, a pound of bacon and a gallon of milk on January 20, 2025, compared to where the prices are now. To see the price, click [...]
	EPA makes controversial decision to rollback greenhouse gas regulations A couple of moves by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week get slammed by environmentalists and deliver wins for power plants known to contribute to pollution. The EPA got rid of rules adopted during the Biden administration that forced power plants run by coal and natural gas to cut greenhouse gas emissions or [...]
	Iowa farmers make push to break up what they call fertilizer monopoly Farmers in Iowa get angry about the rising cost of fertilizer drastically impacting their business. They're certainly not alone. Radio Iowa reports farmers brought their complaints to U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden on a recent trip to the state. They want the government to do something about what they call a monopoly in [...]
	Dysfunction in DC not deterring Sorensen from seeking third term on Capitol Hill A check of the calendar this morning puts us 44 days away from election day. You can tell by the ads running on television this is a bitter fight to see which party will control congress in the new year. Democrats hope to flip the House of Representatives. They will need to hold onto the [...]

Monday, September 21st, 2026

Sunday, September 20th, 2026