24K

Posts

16K

Followers

Local 4 WHBF

Website

The latest Quad Cities news, weather and sports from Local 4 WHBF on https://OurQuadCities.com.

ourquadcities.com

Davenport

SURVEY: Top Halloween picks for 2026

By Brian Weckerly,

17 hours ago

We're officially in 'spooky season,' and October 31 is creeping up, but what can we expect to see for Halloween this year?

Results from a recent survey give a glimpse of what people are shopping for and thinking about for Halloween:

Top costume themes:

Spider-Man
Little Mermaid
Country Singer
Slinky Dog from "Toy Story"
Michael Jackson's "Thriller"

Top-selling decorations

Animated crawling zombie
Hanging Slimer from Ghostbusters
Lock, Shock and Barrel animatronic from "The Nightmare Before Christmas"
Animated rocking horse with doll
Area 51 Roswell alien animatronic

Among the survey, shoppers spoke out about these factors:

🎃 Comfort is now the top priority: 30% say comfort and fit are the most important factors when buying a costume, up from 20% in 2024. Quality dropped to second at 26%.
🎃 Costumes are the biggest Halloween expense: Costumes rank as the #1 highest-spend Halloween category, followed closely by inside home décor.
🎃 Costumes are becoming year-round: 48% of respondents wear costumes for cosplay, festivals, parties and other events throughout the year.
🎃 More consumers feel represented: 63% say there are enough inclusive costume options, including plus-size, adaptive and maternity costumes. That's nearly double the 33% reported in 2022 and up from 49% in 2023.

For more information, click here.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.

Comments

Community Policy

I wanted to find out where Walmart's beef comes from, so I visited a Walmart store in Oregon to see what information I could find in the beef department and the packaging. Earlier this week, I published an article on NewsBreak sharing about where Kroger has been sourcing its beef from - Where Kroger Is Getting Its Beef From Right Now - Here's What to Know. I have been wondering where other grocery stores are sourcing their meat from as well. So I went into a Walmart store in Oregon this morning to see what I could find.

Oregon · 6d

Eat Like No One Else

user · 14.7K followers

Before You Buy Red Grapes, Here Are 5 Things to Know

Are you a fan of red grapes? You'll want to read these 5 things you should know. Let me share what you want to be looking for when you are shopping for red grapes:. The first thing I check out is what the color of the stems are. Are they green or brown? Green indicates fresher grapes, so those are the ones you want to buy for longevity.

28d

Dianna Carney

user · 43.6K followers

Bibi Is Still Waiting: The Tiny 6‑Pound Pup Who Just Wants a Family

Small Dog Rescue of New England is sharing that, sadly, Bibi is still waiting for a forever home! According to the nonprofit, volunteer-based rescue organization, Bibi is now about 11 months old, weighs around 6 pounds, and is currently in Texas but ready to travel north to the Northeast for adoption. The group describes Bibi as an active young dog who loves playing with other dogs, and they are urging potential adopters to help “find this guy a forever home.”

Rhode Island · 20d

CJ Coombs

user · 45.2K followers

The Baby Jane Doe, who was abandoned in 1998 in Northeast Washington D.C. is still a mystery

Baby Jane Doe was found abandoned in Washington, D.C., on March 20, 1998. She would now be 28, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). As of today, seven missing children from Washington, D.C. are listed with the NCMEC, and the oldest case dates back to 1961. Notably, not all missing children are reported to the NCMEC, but they should be.

Washington, DC · 21d

Dianna Carney

user · 43.6K followers

Three Gentle Giants Found Wandering Together: Now They Just Need Someone to Choose Them

Three Mastiff-mix dogs, Chance, Duncan and Isabel, are ready to trade their wandering days for permanent homes, according to the Scituate Animal Shelter of Massachusetts. The shelter recently introduced them with an invitation to adopters: “Meet Chance, Duncan + Isabel… three VERY big reasons to fall in love,” adding that each dog arrived after being found roaming together in Stoughton and is now looking for “a home of their own.”

Scituate, MA · 22d

intentionalhospitality

user · 13.9K followers

Why Some Cooks Add Baking Soda to Ground Beef Before Browning It

Ground beef seems simple enough to cook, but getting it deeply browned instead of gray and watery can be surprisingly frustrating. One trick some cooks swear by sounds a little strange at first: adding a small amount of baking soda to the meat before it ever hits the skillet.

13d

Thomas Smith

user · 62.9K followers

Check Your Freezer: Walmart Recall Now Covers 26 States and Puerto Rico

Before you reach for frozen berries for your next smoothie, check the bag. A recall involving Walmart's Great Value Organic Triple Berry Blend now covers select stores in 26 states and Puerto Rico because of possible E. coli contamination.

Puerto Rico · 17d

SurviveHack

user · 6.5K followers

Granny’s Million Dollar Pie Is the No-Bake Dessert Everyone Remembers

Granny’s Million Dollar Pie is cool, creamy, fruity, and filled with the kind of familiar flavors that turn a simple dessert into a family tradition. Sweetened condensed milk and lemon juice form the rich base, while crushed pineapple, coconut, and chopped pecans add brightness, chew, and crunch. Whipped topping makes the filling light and airy before it is divided between two graham cracker crusts. There is no baking required; the pies simply chill until firm enough to slice, making this an exceptionally easy dessert when the oven is already occupied.

13d

Greg Wilson, CFA

user · 24.6K followers

17 Things You Can Get for Free at Grocery Stores

This article was originally published on ChaChingQueen.com, a site my wife and I own. AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.

15d

WyoFile

user · 12.0K followers

A flood of Chinese soda ash has Wyoming’s industry swimming in troubled waters

After decades of quietly chugging along as the state’s largest global export commodity, reaping an annual $1.3 billion, Wyoming’s trona mining and soda ash industry is navigating troubled waters.

Wyoming · 2d

Thomas Smith

user · 62.9K followers

5 Foods You Should Never Wash Before Cooking, According to USDA

Washing food usually sounds like a sensible safety step. But when certain raw foods are placed under a running faucet, that rinse can make your kitchen less safe -- not more. Water does not reliably remove the harmful bacteria that may be present on raw animal products. Instead, droplets can carry those germs into the sink, onto countertops and utensils, and even onto nearby food.

27d

ChefManiac

user · 22.2K followers

Homemade Beef Chalupas Make Taco Bell Easy to Skip

Homemade beef chalupas pile seasoned meat, cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, and sauce into warm shells that are crisp outside and tender inside. The shell is what sets a chalupa apart, providing enough structure to hold generous toppings while maintaining a satisfying chew. Fresh vegetables balance the savory beef and melted cheese, creating a meal with far better texture than anything that traveled home in a paper bag.

Thomas Smith

user · 62.9K followers

A 'Planetary Wave' Is Heading for California and Could Cause Major Effects

A sprawling ocean disturbance moving toward California could temporarily raise coastal water levels by several inches, increasing the potential for flooding and beach erosion as fall turns to winter.

California · 9d

Kateable

user · 8.6K followers

This Spice Clears Brain Fog Better Than Coffee

Rosemary has earned the nickname "herb of remembrance" for good reason, research has actually shown it sharpens focus and memory recall, all without the jittery crash that comes with coffee.

Thomas Smith

user · 62.9K followers

7 Surprising Foods You Should Never Feed a Dog

Most dog owners know to keep chocolate out of reach. But some equally dangerous foods look far less threatening: a grape dropped under the table, a spoonful of the wrong peanut butter or a scrap of raw bread dough.

15d

The Powell House Press

user · 1.6K followers

Tiffany Trump: The Apple That Didn't Fall Far From The Tree

I think we all know that there is something very off about the Trump dynasty, that sprawling American tragedy dressed up in Brioni suits and spray tans, where each act reveals fresh horrors that somehow manage to surpass the last. Donald Trump himself is a menacing wonder to behold on so many levels, a figure so cartoonishly malevolent that fiction writers would reject him as too implausible. Normally, one would argue that dragging politicians' children into the spotlight crosses an ethical line, after all, most didn't choose the glare of public scrutiny. But the Trump offspring? They don't just seek the spotlight; they sprint toward it with the desperation of moths to a flame.

26d

intentionalhospitality

user · 13.9K followers

I Worked in a Restaurant and Learned the Secret to The Best Scrambled Eggs

When I worked in a restaurant, I learned pretty quickly that great scrambled eggs did not require a long list of ingredients or some mysterious chef trick. What mattered most was what happened once those eggs hit the pan.

22d

Thomas Smith

user · 62.9K followers

5 Dryer Mistakes That Can Easily Start a House Fire

Your clothes dryer may look harmless, but a combination of heat, restricted airflow and highly combustible lint can turn it into a serious fire hazard. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that clothes dryers cause an average of 6,400 fires each year, resulting in approximately 180 injuries and nearly $105 million in property damage.

27d

Thomas Smith

user · 62.9K followers

5 Things You Should Never Do During a Thunderstorm -- Even Indoors

5 Things You Should Never Do During a Thunderstorm -- Even Indoors. Getting inside is the most important thing you can do when thunder starts rumbling. But being inside a house does not eliminate every danger from lightning.

29d

Greg Wilson, CFA

user · 24.6K followers

23 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Bathroom

This article was originally published on ChaChingQueen.com, a site my wife and I own. AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.

The Comfort Kitchen

user · 4.9K followers

This Healing Vegetable Soup Feels Like a Reset in a Bowl

Healing vegetable soup is the bowl to reach for when you feel tired, chilled, under the weather, or simply ready for something wholesome. Colorful vegetables simmer in soothing broth with herbs and seasonings, creating a meal that tastes fresh while still delivering the warmth associated with classic comfort food. Each spoonful brings a different combination of tender vegetables, savory broth, and bright flavor. It is light enough to feel restorative but substantial enough to leave you satisfied, especially when served with a thick slice of crusty bread.

ChefManiac

user · 22.2K followers

This Ground Beef Casserole Solves the Weeknight Dinner Problem

Ground beef casserole turns affordable ingredients into a bubbling family dinner with plenty of savory flavor and melted cheese. Seasoned beef creates a hearty foundation, while sauce, pasta or another filling base, and a generous topping bring everything together in one pan. The casserole format distributes the ingredients evenly, ensuring every scoop contains meat, sauce, and comforting texture. It is familiar enough for selective eaters but substantial enough to satisfy everyone else at the table.

ChefManiac

user · 22.2K followers

Whipped Pudding Frosting Makes Every Cake Lighter

Whipped pudding frosting creates a smooth, fluffy topping with more stability and flavor than ordinary whipped cream. Pudding mix helps the frosting hold its shape while keeping the texture light enough to spread easily over cakes, cupcakes, and chilled desserts. It tastes creamy without the dense sweetness of traditional buttercream, making it particularly useful when the cake underneath is already rich. The result spreads beautifully and creates soft swirls without advanced decorating skills.

Dianna Carney

user · 43.6K followers

Gentle Giant Searching For New Home After Being Surrendered Due to No Fault of His Own

Get ready to meet a loving young pup who is searching for the family who will give him a place in this world. Great Dog Rescue New England (GDRNE), a dedicated foster-based dog rescue in Massachusetts, recently introduced Bandit Ruffman after he came into their care. According to the rescue, “This boy and his sister, Luna, were surrendered by owners in Tennessee and they're so excited to meet you! Life won't be rough with the Ruffmans around!” He is now living safely with a loving foster.

Massachusetts · 5d

CJ Coombs

user · 45.2K followers

Missing since 2024 from Gary, Indiana: Ja'Niyah Aubrielle McMichael was only 13 when she vanished

Ja'Niyah McMichael has been missing from Gary, Indiana, since August 11, 2024, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). She was only 13 years old. She would now be 15. What happened to Ja'Niyah?

Gary, IN · 3d

Butter and Baggage

user · 17.3K followers

This is the first cake gone at every Southern potluck table

There's a reason this cake never makes it home from a potluck. Someone always asks for the recipe before the plate is even empty. This isn't a dressed-up cake mix. It's a true from-scratch Southern pound cake, dense and buttery, with chopped pecans folded right into the batter so every slice gets that nutty crunch instead of just a sprinkle on top.

12d

SurviveHack

user · 6.5K followers

Restaurant-Style Chicken Chow Mein Beats the Takeout Version

Restaurant-style chicken chow mein brings tender noodles, juicy chicken, crisp vegetables, and a savory sauce together in a fast dinner that tastes like a favorite takeout order. High-heat cooking gives the vegetables color while preserving their texture, and the noodles absorb enough sauce to become flavorful without turning soggy. Garlic, soy, and other aromatic seasonings create the rich flavor people expect from the restaurant version. Every forkful offers a satisfying mixture of chewy noodles, seasoned chicken, and fresh crunch.

CJ Coombs

user · 45.2K followers

Missing since 2017 from Baltimore, Maryland: Shariece Clark was 15 when she and her mother vanished

Shariece Clark (pictured above) has been missing from Baltimore, Maryland, since February 4, 2017, according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). She would now be 24 years old.

Baltimore, MD · 12d

Thomas Smith

user · 62.9K followers

7 Apple Facts That Sound Fake—but Are Backed by Real Science

An apple seems like one of the least mysterious things in the grocery store. It's crunchy, grows on a tree, and fits conveniently into a lunchbox. Here are seven apple facts that sound made up, with the science behind them.

17d

Thecookinchicks

user · 35.5K followers

The Secret Ingredient That Makes These Chocolate Chip Cookies Crispy Outside and Chewy Inside

Secret Ingredient Chocolate Chip Cookies are the ULTIMATE chocolate chip cookie that has a crisp outside and chewy center! Simple to make, these may just be your new go to cookies to bake!

Local 4 WHBF

Website

ourquadcities.com

The latest Quad Cities news, weather and sports from Local 4 WHBF on https://OurQuadCities.com.

23.7K

Posts

15.8K

Followers

SURVEY: Top Halloween picks for 2026

Comments

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

Eat Like No One Else

I Checked Walmart's Beef to See Where It Comes From - Here's What I Found

Eat Like No One Else

Before You Buy Red Grapes, Here Are 5 Things to Know

Dianna Carney

Bibi Is Still Waiting: The Tiny 6‑Pound Pup Who Just Wants a Family

CJ Coombs

The Baby Jane Doe, who was abandoned in 1998 in Northeast Washington D.C. is still a mystery

Dianna Carney

Three Gentle Giants Found Wandering Together: Now They Just Need Someone to Choose Them

intentionalhospitality

Why Some Cooks Add Baking Soda to Ground Beef Before Browning It

Thomas Smith

Check Your Freezer: Walmart Recall Now Covers 26 States and Puerto Rico

SurviveHack

Granny’s Million Dollar Pie Is the No-Bake Dessert Everyone Remembers

Greg Wilson, CFA

17 Things You Can Get for Free at Grocery Stores

WyoFile

A flood of Chinese soda ash has Wyoming’s industry swimming in troubled waters

Thomas Smith

5 Foods You Should Never Wash Before Cooking, According to USDA

ChefManiac

Homemade Beef Chalupas Make Taco Bell Easy to Skip

Thomas Smith

A 'Planetary Wave' Is Heading for California and Could Cause Major Effects

Kateable

This Spice Clears Brain Fog Better Than Coffee

Thomas Smith

7 Surprising Foods You Should Never Feed a Dog

The Powell House Press

Tiffany Trump: The Apple That Didn't Fall Far From The Tree

intentionalhospitality

I Worked in a Restaurant and Learned the Secret to The Best Scrambled Eggs

Thomas Smith

5 Dryer Mistakes That Can Easily Start a House Fire

Thomas Smith

5 Things You Should Never Do During a Thunderstorm -- Even Indoors

Greg Wilson, CFA

23 Things You Should Never Keep in Your Bathroom

The Comfort Kitchen

This Healing Vegetable Soup Feels Like a Reset in a Bowl

ChefManiac

This Ground Beef Casserole Solves the Weeknight Dinner Problem

ChefManiac

Whipped Pudding Frosting Makes Every Cake Lighter

Dianna Carney

Gentle Giant Searching For New Home After Being Surrendered Due to No Fault of His Own

CJ Coombs

Missing since 2024 from Gary, Indiana: Ja'Niyah Aubrielle McMichael was only 13 when she vanished

Butter and Baggage

This is the first cake gone at every Southern potluck table

SurviveHack

Restaurant-Style Chicken Chow Mein Beats the Takeout Version

CJ Coombs

Missing since 2017 from Baltimore, Maryland: Shariece Clark was 15 when she and her mother vanished

Thomas Smith

7 Apple Facts That Sound Fake—but Are Backed by Real Science

Thecookinchicks

The Secret Ingredient That Makes These Chocolate Chip Cookies Crispy Outside and Chewy Inside