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It’s Friday, Quad Cities! Let’s finish this week strong.

In today’s can’t-miss-weekend-plans edition: Arsenal drone funding, Violins of Hope, and St. Patrick’s bash + a stacked lineup of events this weekend.

Today’s sponsor (FinanceBuzz) built a free comparison tool that helped me cut my car insurance premiums in half. It took about 3 minutes, and honestly… I wish I’d done it sooner. If you haven’t shopped around in a while, you can easily check the best rates here.

📰 In the news

Bi-state bipartisan effort succeeds: Federal funding aims to protect jobs at Rock Island Arsenal and expand its drone program, with $100 million for sustainment and $80.5 million for manufacturing, after months of cut fears — get all the details.

Restored violins echo lost voices: The first Violins of Hope event at Davenport’s Putnam Museum featured student and ballet performances, kicking off a traveling exhibit coming to Iowa communities throughout March and April 2026 — learn about the restored instruments.

Beloved community supper tradition: The annual St. Alphonsus Parish Lenten Fish Fry continues tonight, serving fried or baked pollock, grilled cheese, and sides. Adults $14, kids $5. The tradition runs through March 27 — see menu, prices, and dates.

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.

Someone Googled you this week: Whether you’re dating again, selling something locally, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up. Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.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 all that up – learn more here.

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
• Over 62? See how to turn home equity into tax-free cash

🚗 Are you quietly overpaying for car insurance?

Together with our sponsor FinanceBuzz

Auto insurance premiums have been climbing across the country… and most folks won’t notice until it’s time to renew and they’re hit with a higher bill.

The frustrating part? Loyalty rarely gets rewarded. Insurers adjust prices constantly, and new customers often qualify for better rates than long-time policyholders.

I learned that the hard way. I had the same policy for half a decade. Autopay was on, I saw the charges come in every month and never thought twice about them. Turns out I was paying well above the national average ($175/mo) for a single car… for years.

This free comparison tool lets you check rates from multiple insurers in just a few minutes. It costs nothing to look, and it could save you hundreds this year.

🫶 We got your back

Treasure hunt, solved: Skeleton Key Art and Antiques blends vintage finds, original art, and local oddities into a relaxed vendor mall where time slips by. Whether you need a touch of charm or a bold conversation piece, aisles made for wandering deliver surprises that seem to choose you.

Pay-what-you-can eats: With a rotating, from-scratch menu that always includes a vegan entree and side, NEST Cafe makes it easy to pop in, eat well, and support your neighbors. Ideal for those “I should cook… not today” moments, when comfort and community sound better than dishes.

Low‑maintenance brow magic: Mornings get easier with Belle La Vie Beauty Bar, where licensed artists craft microblading, powder/combo brows, and lip blush in a comfy, by‑appointment studio. Wake up polished, skip the pencil, and enjoy natural‑looking results that last, without the daily fuss.

An emergency vet visit could cost you $7,000+ (ask me how I know 🙃). From the initial fee just to be seen to x-rays, surgery, medicine, and aftercare, it adds up quicker than a chew toy turns into a crime scene. The good news? You could get up to 90% cash back on your vet bill with this pet insurance plan.

📆 Around town this weekend

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.

⛳ Chili Open Golf Classic 2026 @ Duck Creek Golf Course | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 AM – Shake off the winter swing with the Chili Open Golf Classic at Duck Creek Golf Course, a brisk excuse to pretend walking counts as cardio. It’s just $20 a player, so book a tee time, layer up, and show those frostbitten wedges who’s boss.

🧶 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.

🌱 Seed Library Kick-Off @ Davenport Public Library – Main Library | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Whether your garden thrives or just feeds the rabbits, the Seed Library is officially open, and we’re celebrating with a hands-on seed bomb craft and a fresh start. Grab some packets opening day, get entered to win a salsa making kit, and yes, register first.

☘ 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.

🎸 Gym Bob’s 50s & 60s Show @ Rhythm City Lounge | Saturday (3/7) at 8:30 PM – Saturday nights call for a little time travel, so head to Rhythm City Lounge for a free 50s and 60s sock hop with Gym Bob’s band. Expect Elvis shimmies, Beach Boys harmonies, and Roy Orbison swoons. Poodle skirts welcome, comfortable shoes strongly encouraged.

👕 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:

• 3/6 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
• 3/6 Spotlight Music Bingo @ The Spotlight Theatre – 7:00 PM
• 3/7 Whiskey Business @ Whiskey Stop – 8:00 AM
• 3/7 Vinyl Record & CD Show @ NorthPark Mall – 10:00 AM
• 3/7 Sláinte! @ Quad Cities Music Therapy – 11:00 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
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account
• Treat yourself: Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

📻 Quad Cities report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 72°F – Low: 44°F – Precip: 92%

Rain and a chance of thunderstorms before 3pm, then a chance of thunderstorms and a chance of rain between 3pm and 5pm. Mostly cloudy. High near 72, with temperatures falling to around 70 in the afternoon. South wind 5 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. 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 44. Southwest wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

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Tomorrow – High: 51°F – Low: 35°F – Precip: 14%

Mostly cloudy, with a high near 51. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 35.

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It never happens at a convenient time, and most homeowners just eat the cost because they don’t realize there’s a better option.

American Home Shield covers repairs and replacements on most of your home’s major systems and appliances — old or new, no inspection required.

The best part? Select plans are 50% off now through March 9th.

This house is wild

This 5-bed, 5-bath two-story in Forest Grove, Bettendorf, blends style and function. The kitchen features quartz counters, a full-size fridge and freezer, island seating, and butler’s and walk-in pantries, flowing into a great room with fireplace and built-ins. A mudroom, split three-car garages, an upstairs family room and laundry, and a finished basement stand out, plus a deck and backyard.

Take a peek inside →