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Hi Quad Cities, we made it to Thursday! 

In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: Airport dining upgrade, Fresh Films’ $12M studio, and St. Patrick’s bash + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

Local flavors and healthy choices: Quad Cities International Airport will add new dining, with options before and after security and a concourse bar expected in 2026, backed by Sky Dine’s investment over $1 million — get details on restaurants and timeline.

Nonprofit expands creative footprint: Fresh Films plans a $12 million studio on Rock Island’s 5th Avenue with two soundstages and offices. An Illinois state grant backs the 14-month project and opportunities for local filmmakers — get all the project details.

Heart Month community effort: American Heart Association funding placed free automated blood pressure monitors at health departments in Toulon, Kewanee, and Colona. Clinics urge residents to stop in and check their blood pressure — see where to check yours.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Hear untold Quad Cities architecture stories
• Catch Chris Kattan’s stand-up at Adler Theatre
• Celebrate QC’s biggest St. Patrick’s bash
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache.

From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving.

As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Burger night upgrade: When the craving hits, Steel Plow Burger Company delivers prime-rib-trimmed patties, build-your-own combos, and housemade sides that taste like they should. It’s the kind of spot you’ll “accidentally” visit twice in a week… no judgment.

Local ice escape: When cabin fever hits, The River’s Edge delivers with two legit rinks, upbeat public skates (hello, glow nights), and Learn to Skate classes to level up. Great with a friend, with laps to chase and concessions to warm you between spins.

Curious? Go play: Putnam Museum and Science Center lets kids burn energy while grownups quietly learn, and everyone leaves with a memorable fun fact. Fresh exhibits keep things new, the GIANT screen satisfies big-movie cravings, and rainy days… well, they stop being a reason to stay home.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Quad Cities for grown ups

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🍷 Spring Wine Tasting Event @ CityView Celebrations at Trimble Pointe | Thursday (3/5) at 5:30 PM – Whether you’re spring sipping or planning ahead for the holidays, $30 gets you eight hand-picked pours, heavy appetizers, and a skyline view. Sip, snack, and snag event-only bottle and case deals, because future you, and your gift list, will thank you.

🧵 Mississippi Valley Quilter’s Guild Reception @ Figge Art Museum | Thursday (3/5) at 6:00 PM – Nothing beats free art on a Thursday night, especially when the Figge is draped in quilts from the Mississippi Valley Quilter’s Guild. Come early for a drink, stay for the reception, chat up the pros, and pretend you only came for the craft cocktails.

🧶 Spring Craft and Vendor Fair @ Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds | Saturday (3/7) at 9:00 AM – Spring Craft and Vendor Fair is taking over the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds with handmade finds, local makers, and that first-dose-of-sunshine vibe. Come browse, chat, and restock the gift stash. Vendors, only [email protected] books booths, everyone else is selling hot air.

🍀 St. Patrick’s Planter Workshop @ Wallace’s Garden Center | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to add a little green that doesn’t come in a pint glass, this St. Patrick’s planter workshop is it. Friendly pros guide you, all materials included, and you leave with a low-drama centerpiece for home, porch, or office.

☘ Sláinte! @ Quad Cities Music Therapy | Saturday (3/7) at 11:00 AM – Got little ones with morning wiggles? Quad Cities Music Therapy throws a kid-friendly Irish jam with vocalist Chris Dunn, violinist Heather Turner, and John Kinser on percussion and bodhran, guaranteeing clapping, hopping, and sing-alongs. Sláinte to burned-off energy, happy kids, and your cultural cred.

🏒 18th Annual QC Fire Hockey Benefit Game @ Vibrant Arena | Saturday (3/7) at 3:00 PM – Skip the typical Saturday chores and watch the 18th Annual QC Fire Hockey Benefit Game, where our bravest swap boots for skates. Every cheer supports the Davenport Fire Museum, preserving a century of local grit, gear, and stories. Hot action, colder rink, zero guilt.

👕 Spring Fling Clothing Swap! @ The ARTery | Sunday (3/8) at 2:00 PM – If your closet looks like a time capsule, let it mingle at this Spring Fling swap, where questionable buys get a second act. Bring adult-size clothes and accessories, skip stains, label tiny fixes, and leftovers head to Clock, Inc., and The Third Place QC.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/5 Music & Movement @ Moline Public Library – 9:30 AM
• 3/5 Dropkick Murphys @ The Rust Belt – 6:00 PM
• 3/6 Hauberg Carriage Haus Bar and Hauberg Stables Gift Shop @ Hauberg Estate – 1:00 PM
• 3/6 Music Bingo @ Wise Guys Pizza & Pub – 7:00 PM
• 3/7 Whiskey Business @ Whiskey Stop – 8:00 AM
• 3/7 Vinyl Record & CD Show @ NorthPark Mall – 10:00 AM
• 3/8 Charlie Berens @ Adler Theatre – 7:00 PM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Quad Cities report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 56°F – Low: 47°F – Precip: 49%

A chance of rain before noon. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 56. Northwest wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. Later: A chance of rain between midnight and 3am, then a chance of thunderstorms and a chance of rain. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 47. Southeast wind 0 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%.

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Tomorrow – High: 72°F – Low: 42°F – Precip: 94%

Rain and a chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 72. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Later: Rain and a chance of thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 42. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

This updated 5-bed, 3-bath two-story in a popular Moline neighborhood blends modern style with space and a 3-car garage. The main level features new flooring, brand-new cabinetry, updated lighting, and sleek appliances. Four generous bedrooms and two renovated baths sit upstairs. A finished basement with a rec room, a huge low-maintenance deck, and a concrete basketball court boost everyday fun.

Take a peek inside →