Federal Election Commission Chairperson Bradley A. Smith talks big. During a commencement address May 23 at Augustana College, he said, "It is a fact that under the Supreme Court's jurisprudence today, criticism of a congressman close to an election receives less constitutional protection than does Internet pornography, simulated child pornography, tobacco advertising, topless dancing, defamation, flag-burning, or burning a cross outside a black church.

Rock Island Economic Growth Corporation, which has long been a model of progressive development in the Quad Cities, is starting to ruffle a few feathers - with quite a few more likely to follow. That's because the not-for-profit organization has delved into the development of affordable housing, building 71 units for the Rock Island Housing Authority in the coming years, including six scattered-site homes this year in established - although still sensitive - neighborhoods.

Scott County is a step closer to putting a new jail proposal before voters, and although it's less expensive and smaller than the one in a referendum rejected in 1998, it's not the most cost-effective option available.

A sign in the parking office of the City of Davenport reads, "Parking Should Be a Non-Event." That's certainly the dream in Davenport, but currently it's far from being a reality. Right now the city's parking system is getting pressure from two sides.