Harrison Belsanti

City of Davenport Government leaders say the city is receiving $3 million in federal funding secured through Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks to continue flood mitigation work near the Water Pollution Control Plant in southwest Davenport. Officials say the project is designed to help protect wastewater infrastructure serving roughly 140,000 people across Davenport, Bettendorf, Panorama Park and Riverdale following concerns raised during the historic flooding of 2019. The project includes expanded berm systems and pump upgrades aimed at helping keep the facility operational during future Mississippi River flooding events.

Full story on our website:
https://www.wqad.com/article/news/local/infrastructure/davenport-receives-3-million-for-wastewater-flood-protection/526-9a4744d5-054a-4d82-a875-711a6f5f4779

Rising gas prices are impacting more than just drivers at the pump. River Bend Food Bank says diesel costs have increased about 41% over the last four months, adding thousands of dollars in expenses as the nonprofit continues delivering food across eastern Iowa and western Illinois. Leaders say those added fuel costs could otherwise help provide nearly 19,500 meals.

Full story on our website:
https://www.wqad.com/article/news/national/river-bend-food-bank-rising-diesel-prices-increasing-costs/526-1e788e2b-a1aa-46ce-be93-b59d720087d4

10 rescued beagles from a controversial Wisconsin breeding and research facility are now recovering at Kings Harvest Pet Rescue No Kill Shelter 563 386 3117 after staff traveled to Wisconsin Monday to bring the dogs back to the Quad Cities. Shelter staff say the dogs will need medical care, behavioral evaluation and time to adjust before they’re ready for adoption. King’s Harvest is currently accepting foster applications while the dogs continue recovering.

Full story on our website:
https://www.wqad.com/article/life/pets/rescued-beagles-from-wisconsin-facility-now-recovering-in-quad-cities-shelter/526-f706f48f-94ab-4b93-abe2-d0951449430f

Stricter enforcement of English proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers is raising questions across the industry. Hoker Trucking LLC says the focus is on safety, while LULAC Iowa's Political Director Joe Henry, points to a lack of data linking language barriers to crashes and raises concerns about impacts on the workforce. I spoke with both about how these changes could affect drivers here at home.

Full story on our website:
https://www.wqad.com/article/news/community/tighter-enforcement-of-trucking-language-rules-sparks-safety-and-data-debate/526-4e3e8e4e-bdd9-4cd2-868d-3b90df6ef446

April is Financial Literacy Month, and it comes as younger Americans are navigating rising costs and an uncertain economy. I spoke with Jack Caporal of The Motley Fool, Allen Root of Barron's, and Author Paris Woods, along with University of Iowa student Ryan Paris, about how growing interest in investing, especially online, doesn’t always match confidence or understanding. Here’s what to know about managing money and investing during uncertain times.

Full story on our website:
https://www.wqad.com/article/money/rising-costs-volatility-need-financial-literacy-among-young-americans/526-5d019844-2b81-4dbc-acfa-ec380e2c477a

Demand at Project NOW, Inc. is rising, with more than 250 people served this season at the winter shelter, up significantly from last year, even as capacity expanded. Local providers say even with state support, resources still aren’t keeping up, and with the winter shelter program set to wrap up soon, the focus is shifting to where people will go next.

Full story on our website:
https://www.wqad.com/article/news/community/winter-shelter-demand-rises-in-quad-cities-and-across-illinois/526-909b3c59-b005-479f-b953-ace486601045

The City of Rock Island Government is taking on a larger role at the Rock Island Arsenal under a new 10-year, $40 million agreement. The deal shifts road work, grounds maintenance, and snow removal to city crews, a move leaders say will help save taxpayer dollars while maintaining service and creating nine new public works jobs.

Full story on our website:
https://www.wqad.com/article/money/business/rock-island-expands-role-arsenal-40-million-agreement/526-b0dcbac4-5796-4eeb-bd25-a9df2a44d654

Old But Gold Bloopers :) Fun Times!!!

McDonough County could see changes to its ambulance service, as McDonough District Hospital looks to end its current contract due to rising costs. Hospital leaders say they’re negotiating with multiple providers including their current provider: Lifeguard Ambulance Service of Illinois. Hospital leaders expect a plan to be in place before the May 3 deadline to avoid any disruption in service.

Full story on our website:
https://www.wqad.com/article/news/local/public-safety/mcdonough-county-ambulance-service-uncertain-with-contract-changes/526-d971d1d6-211d-4faa-94b8-c9f70d623ea8