QCA.news - Quad Cities news and view from both sides of the river

Monday, February 23rd, 2026
	Davenport rally marks 4 years since Russian invasion of Ukraine Dozens gathered in Davenport to mark four years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, urging continued global pressure and solidarity.
	What NPR reporters will remember most about these Winter Olympics NPR's reporters on the ground in Italy reflect on a far-flung, jam-packed Winter Olympics.
	Smoke seen over Quad Cities area skyline The smoke could be seen from the KWQC Skyview camera about 9:15 a.m. coming from the Clinton County area.
	Be The Good Foundation awards grant to Living Lands & Waters Be The Good Foundation has awarded its first grant. The foundation presented its inaugural grant to Living Lands & Waters (LL&W). LL& W was chosen as the foundation’s first grant recipient for its meaningful impact and ongoing commitment to protecting natural resources. The $500 grant was presented during a check ceremony with representatives from both organizations. “Launching Be The Good [...]
	Third Place QC serving up to 100 daily, leaders say center already making impact The Rock Island daytime resource center is now serving up to 100 people each day, with leaders reporting strong demand and early signs of progress for visitors.
	Davenport man charged with possession of child sex abuse materials A Davenport man is facing 15 felony counts related to child sex abuse material.
	In the shadow of the Olympics, migrants search for a welcome in Milan As Italy cracks down on migration, Milan takes a different path — offering shelter and integration to asylum seekers even as the central government tightens borders and funds deterrence abroad.
	Midwest Technical Institute named a top 10 trade school in the country Midwest Technical Institute was named a top 10 trade school in the country by Explore The Trades.
	Latest trend with midweek snow chances for the Quad Cities After a bitterly cold Sunday with a high of only 19°, we'll warm a little more today and see a big warm-up Tuesday. A light snow event is still in the forecast midweek, but the models have shifted a bit more to the southwest. Here's your complete 7-day forecast.
	Trinity Muscatine Public Health hosts free mental health training Two separate Mental Health First Aid courses will be offered in April, one focused on supporting youth ages 12 to 18 and the other focused on adults.
	Trump to raise global tariffs. And, most say the state of the union is weak, poll says President Trump says he is raising global tariffs to 15%. And ahead of the president's address tomorrow, most Americans say the state of the union is not strong, according to an NPR poll.
	Barbeque food "fire truck" opens, new alterations and creations shop, liquidation bin store opens, and more Quad-Cities business news Skinny's Fiya Truck opens in Davenport, new liquidation store in Davenport, The Castle Alterations & Creations shop opens, among other Quad-Cities business news.
	Rock Island and Henry County real estate transactions for Feb. 22, 2026 Here are homes sales and property sales in Rock Island County and Henry County.
	See who was recognized for student art and robotics achievements across the Quad-Cities in January and February Here are some Quad-Cities students who earned nominations for national or state academic awards this past month.
	Not a Vacation This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.In August of 1978, two Minneapolis schoolteachers, Marsha Berry and Janet Dagliesh, made an impulsive decision which…
	U.S. has a quarter fewer immigration judges than it did a year ago. Here's why The continued drain of personnel from the already strained immigration court system has contributed to depleted staff morale, mounting case backlogs — and floundering due process.
	Influencers are promoting peptides for better health. What's the science say? The latest wellness craze involves injecting these molecules for athletic performance, longevity and more. Scientists say the research isn't keeping pace with the health claims.
	Poll: Most say the state of the union is not strong and the U.S. is worse off Ahead of the State of the Union address on Tuesday, evidence continues to mount that President Trump is facing political headwinds.
	The owners want to close this Colorado coal plant. The Trump administration says no The Trump administration has ordered several coal plants to keep operating past their planned retirement, part of a larger effort to boost the coal industry. Two Colorado utilities are pushing back.
	love language: Barely There Theatre’s “word play,” at the Black Box Theatre through February 28 What do you get when four young adults’ lives are entangled with one another, yet the full picture doesn’t come into focus until the final moments? You get word play, written by fellow Reader reviewer Alexander Richardson: a tightly woven one-act that asks its audience to lean in, listen closely, and trust the unraveling.
	U.S. boosts gold medal tally at Winter Games, led by athletes from handful of states The U.S. is a winter sport powerhouse, second only to Norway. The wins at the Milan Cortina Games come disproportionately from athletes who emerged in a handful of states from Alaska to Vermont.
	Mexico fears more violence after army kills leader of powerful Jalisco cartel School was canceled in several Mexican states and local and foreign governments alike warned their citizens to stay inside following the army's killing of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho," and the violence it spurred
Sunday, February 22nd, 2026
	It’s mid-session, and what has the Legislature accomplished? The Plaza Level Rotunda in the Florida Capitol. (Photo by Michael Moline/Florida Phoenix)It’s just past midway through Florida’s legislative session, and things appear to be going at a slow, but not remotely stately, pace. What have the people’s representatives accomplished, you ask? Well, let’s see: Out of 1,800 bills filed, at least two have passed. Might be some more sneaking in by the time you read this. Come on, legislators can’t be expected to spend their valuable time on frivolities such as improving the lives of Floridians. The Florida House has voted to name his local airport in Palm Beach County after President Donald Trump. March 28, 2023. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Not in the face of urgent matters such as renaming the Palm Beach International Airport for the Current Occupant of the White House. It’ll cost $5.5 million, and county residents aren’t necessarily thrilled to bits, but who cares? It’s all about the branding. As ever, the Legislature is laser-focused on education — mostly how to keep kids from reading books and thinking for themselves. According to House Republicans, school libraries teem with smut, material “harmful to minors.” They mean “sexual content” which is apparently the same thing as “pornography.” The House has passed such nonsense before, and would have gotten away with it if those pesky free-speech advocates and their co-conspirators in the judiciary hadn’t thrown the First Amendment at them and claimed works by Toni Morrison (slavery!), Shakespeare (cross dressing!), James Baldwin (gay!), and Kurt Vonnegut (anti-American! Anti-war!) are actually “great works of art.” Well, HB 1119‘s sponsors, annoyed the law from last year (and the year before that) was “improperly bypassed,” have declared “artistic merit” irrelevant. Frightened school boards across the state have responded by yanking many of the literary glories of Western Civilization (which I thought we liked) off library shelves, including Milton’s mighty Christian epic, “Paradise Lost.” Adam and Eve have sex in Eden. Filth! Naming rights Another big bill on the horizon is SB 420, which mandates all schools display portraits of George Washington and Abraham Lincoln in a “conspicuous place,” along with “In God We Trust.” This is part of a “patriotic education” initiative to instill in children reverence for the United States, whether they like it or not. As George Bernard Shaw (probably) said, “Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it.” At the same level of significance to the well-being of the citizenry: What to call the illegally occupied territory, the heart of a future Palestinian state, on the western side of the River Jordan? The Florida House does not want you to call it the “West Bank.” They want you to call it “Judea and Samaria,” like in the Bible. They even have a bipartisan bill to, as Rep. Mike Gottlieb, D-Davie, says, “right a wrong,” claiming not calling it Judea and Samaria is “a ban on Jewish heritage” and the Florida Legislature must “restore the history and dignity of the people who are indigenous to the region.” There are a couple of problems with this, problems which could have been avoided if only somebody in the Florida Legislature actually bothered to learn something: “The people indigenous to the region” include Palestinians, descendants of the Canaanites who established cities there 4,000 years ago. Palestinians and Israelis are not divided by ethnicity, or genetics, but culture. While many Israeli Jews also have European ancestry, they are more closely linked to the people their government keeps bombing. In a now-retracted 2001 article available on the National Institutes of Health site, scholars point out that “archaeologic and genetic data support that both Jews and Palestinians came from the ancient Canaanites, who extensively mixed with Egyptians, Mesopotamian, and Anatolian peoples in ancient times.” Birds and pistols Never mind. We have plenty of other big issues here in Florida, such as who will win the coveted title of state avian? The House has approved a measure to replace the mockingbird with the American Flamingo. It’s now up to the Senate. Very dramatic. We await the vote with anticipation and excitement. Almost as dramatic, a passionate effort to protect our cruelly oppressed firearm manufacturing friends. Sig Sauer needs relief from careless cops and others objecting to the way their P320 pistol fires without them touching the trigger or even removing the gun from their holsters. Zachary Seldes, an Indian River County sheriff’s deputy, was badly injured by his P320, which went off just as he removed his body armor. He’s suing Sig Sauer. Lots of people are suing Sig Sauer. SIG P320 full size 9mm Pistol (photo from Sig Sauer’s website) But Florida lawmakers would rather they didn’t. You can’t go dragging decent gun makers into court just because their pistol doesn’t include an external safety and a loaded chamber indicator. Bill sponsor Jay Turnbull, R-Panama City, said such fripperies are merely “a matter of consumer preference, not product safety defects.” Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers (along with the many law enforcement departments who no longer use Sig Sauer products) begs to differ, saying it’s “scary” that “there are guns going off without manipulation.” The Senate Judiciary Committee doesn’t care: The bill passed on a bipartisan vote, sending it along its merry way through the process. At this point, you may be saying SURELY the Legislature is looking at the high cost of insurance in Florida, the lack of affordable housing, polluted water, diminishing wildlife habitat, school funding, climate change, and healthcare. We poor, naive voters think such things are “important.” Clearly, we don’t understand what’s important is increasing the government’s ability to use our money to undermine our rights. No succor for sojournors Take the $5 billion slush, er, “emergency fund,” the Legislature granted the governor in 2022. They were largely thinking of hurricanes, fires, floods. DeSantis is largely thinking of rounding up anyone and everyone who looks “wrong,” including legally present asylum seekers, people accused of traffic infractions, even some American citizens, and building detention camps such as the so-called “Alligator Alcatraz,” now polluting the Everglades. The fund was also used for private jets. And vitamins. And tacos. You, taxpayer, coughed up for a $2,170 bill at Pedro’s Tacos and Tequila Bar, paid $479,000 for private jet flights to and from the Everglades, and shelled out nearly $93 million to Doodie Calls, a port-a-potty company. DeSantis, naturally, wants another $500 million to play with. The Senate is happy to shovel another $250 million at him; the House balked at first, wanting to restrict how the governor can use the money. The chamber backed down, but still wants to review his declarations of “manmade” or “technological” disasters (like immigration). We’ll see who wins. Even worse — assuming you take seriously being a citizen of a representative democracy — the Legislature wants to make it harder for you to vote. Sen. Erin Grall, R-Vero Beach, is sponsoring a bill that would demand proof of citizenship to register, although it’s already illegal for non-citizens to vote. You’d need a REAL ID driver’s license, a birth certificate, or a valid passport; you’d need to prove residency in Florida, too. For starters, non-citizens do not vote. Between 1999 and 2023, only 77 even tried. That’s nationwide, not just Florida: 77 out of about 150 million. (By the way, that number comes from the Heritage Foundation’s Election Fraud Database.) Illegal opinions But Grall wants to gin up hysteria over illegals stealing our elections, never mind — say it with me — that THAT DOES NOT HAPPEN. A cynical person might say this bill is designed to make it hard for the poor and the old, those who may not have a driver’s license or passport and can’t afford or otherwise can’t access a copy of their birth certificate. Or those who live in Florida as students. The law says students don’t need a permanent address in Florida: They can use a campus address and register to vote here. Maybe the real problem is that students don’t vote “correctly.” Sen. Grall is not crazy about students. Her SB 1632, “Ideologies Inconsistent with American Principles,” allows FDLE to define groups as “domestic terrorist organizations” and mandates that if a student gets involved in one of these organizations, the student will be expelled. This is the state of our state, y’all: The Legislature wastes your time and money on nonsense such as what to call airports or debatable land thousands of miles away, which bird represents us best, or which books should be banned — stupid stuff that would be funny if only our government wasn’t attacking our liberties. Which brings us to the worst bill so far, a truly sinister measure to create a secret surveillance agency to spy on Floridians. HB 945 and its companion SB 1712 would “criminalize dissent,” instituting a counterintelligence outfit within FDLE, dedicated to clamping down on anyone “whose demonstrated actions, views, or opinions are a threat or are inimical to the interests of this state and the United States of America.” Look carefully at that wording. It’s not just “threatening” actions: Everyone wants to be protected from terrorism. It’s also “views and opinions.” Creepily Nixonian Who decides what “views and opinions” are unacceptable here in the not-so-free, not-so-sunshiny State of Florida? Who decides what “ideologies” are inimical to “American principles” (whatever those may be)? If I say we should have universal healthcare, or that the United States is not the best country on earth — all protected speech — will the state Stasi come knocking on my door? Who decides what the “interests” of the state and the nation might be? Erin Grall? Ron DeSantis? Donald Trump? By the way, this isn’t the usual D versus R divide — many Democrats support these bills. The Florida Trident reports that Florida has been spending a lot of taxpayer dollars on an Israeli outfit called Cellebrite, which, the Trident says, employs “veterans of the country’s elite cyberwarfare unit,” agents who specialize “in data extraction of cell phones and accessing data without the user’s knowledge.” Perhaps I’m old-fashioned, but this creepily Nixonian business strikes me as profoundly “inconsistent with American principles,” not to mention unconstitutional. We’re in trouble. And if you’re not scared, you’re not paying attention. Courtesy of Florida Phoenix
	Police: Fort Madison man stabbed by child during alleged domestic assault A Fort Madison man faces a domestic abuse charge after being stabbed during a disturbance early Feb. 8.
	Stacking Healthy Habits for Progress, Not Perfection (Feature Impact) Despite the best of intentions, it's common for plans to build healthier habits to fall flat. Often, the culprit isn't a lack of motivation or discipline; rather, it's unrealistic expectations. Overhauling your lifestyle requires a level of commitment that isn't always practical. Understanding your personal health needs and the challenges you need to overcome can help give you a more realistic roadmap toward better health. Tools to Guide You Every plan needs a starting point and there are many reputable sources that can help guide you toward a plan that addresses your personal health needs. For example, the American Heart Association introduced My Life Check, a simple, free tool to help individuals understand their heart health and what's driving it. Users answer simple questions about their daily habits and health factors to get a personalized Heart Health Score in minutes. The results are private and downloadable, giving you full control of your information. The tool turns big goals into small, specific actions you can start right away. Knowing your numbers relative to your heart health (and where you are in comparison to target ranges for optimal health) can help you decide how to build a better map to get you where you want to be. While the report is customized to each individual, no personal data is stored and answers are only used to calculate health scores and provide personalized recommendations and practical steps to improve your health, so you can use your results to focus on what matters most to you. Every small step you take, such as moving more, eating smarter, sleeping better or managing stress, can add up over time. Finding Your Path Once you're armed with data and know where you stand on your heart health numbers, small steps become clearer and more manageable. That knowledge makes it easier to choose one area to focus on, such as getting more sleep, taking daily walks or adding more color to your meals. Healthy changes don't need to be expensive or complicated. The best habits are ones that fit real life when every action you take moves you closer to your goals. Eat Smart Choose foods that help you feel your best, one meal at a time. Add more color to your plate and focus on balance, not restriction. Simple, affordable swaps can make a real difference. Move More Find movement that fits your life, such as a walk, a stretch or dancing while you cook. Every bit of activity counts and it all supports your heart and mind. Move for joy, not just for results. Sleep Well Rest is a foundation of good health, not a reward. Protect your bedtime routine and give your body the recovery it deserves. Notice how good sleep makes everything else easier. Manage Stress Check in with yourself regularly, both mentally and emotionally. Create simple moments to pause, breathe, laugh or step outside. Connection, kindness and calm all support a healthy heart. Staying motivated and on track is also easier when you can check back in, see your progress and realize the steps you're taking are making an impact. Checking in every few months to see how you can grow gives you the chance to celebrate your progress, learn from challenges and keep building lasting habits that feel good. To get started with personalized tips to set your own health goals, visit heart.org/mylifecheck. Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
	Your Child's Oral Health: A Foundation for Better Overall Health (Feature Impact) Good oral health sets the stage for a lifetime of healthy smiles and better overall health. Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) help eligible families access affordable and comprehensive care for their children and teens, including regular cleanings, fillings, X-rays, and more to help ensure that eligible kids have access to essential dental services. By practicing good dental habits and seeing a dentist regularly, children can avoid dental problems and maintain healthy smiles as they grow. Dental Coverage Available Through Medicaid and CHIP If you're looking for affordable dental coverage, your child may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid and CHIP. Together these programs cover more than 36 million children nationwide. Enrollment is open year-round, and many families qualify even if they don't realize it. Beyond dental care, Medicaid and CHIP also cover preventive health services, emergency care, vision care, prescriptions, and mental and behavioral health services for eligible children. To see if your family is eligible and to find dentists in your area who accept Medicaid and CHIP, visit InsureKidsNow.gov and explore the "Find a Dentist" tool. Start Good Dental Habits Early Regular dental visits are an important part of your child's oral health routine. Children should see a dentist by the age of 1 and continue with visits twice a year (every six months) as they get older. Going to checkups on a regular schedule can help catch problems early or before they even start. Cavities (also known as tooth decay) are the most common preventable chronic disease among children in the United States, and more than half of all children have cavities by the time they're 6 to 8 years old. When left untreated, cavities can cause pain and infections that may affect eating, speaking, playing, learning - and even mental health. The dental visit will vary depending on your child's age and milestones, but it can include cleanings, full teeth and gum exams, treatments, and guidance on caring for your child's teeth. Dental visits also help children become comfortable with the dentist, reducing anxiety, and building a positive relationship with oral health care that will benefit them throughout their lives. Enrolling in CHIP and Medicaid Medicaid and CHIP provide free or low-cost health coverage to eligible families and children. You can apply online, by phone, by mail, or in person directly at your state's Medicaid agency. Learn more at InsureKidsNow.gov. Provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at U.S. taxpayer expense. Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
	What's Trending in Travel in 2026 (Feature Impact) After years of fast-paced itineraries and social media-inspired vacations, travelers are looking to slow down in 2026, instead focusing on more personal, immersive experiences. That's not to say Americans will be looking to travel any less - just more intentionally. Despite economic, political and cultural shifts, travel shows no signs of slowing down this year. In fact, according to a survey conducted on behalf of ALG Vacations, 100% of respondents plan to take a vacation in the next year, with 97% likely to travel for leisure in the next 6 months despite those concerns. Even with tightened budgets, 95% of those surveyed would still travel - even if it meant scaling back. To help travelers zero in on what they're looking to experience in 2026, working with a travel advisor when starting to plan that annual getaway can make the process easier. Additional survey data shows 7 in 10 travelers are turning to professionals to plan their next trips with the younger generations leading the way; 83% of Gen Z and 78% of Millennials are likely to turn to a travel advisor for help with planning and booking. "What's really interesting is that travel advisors are resonating with a new wave of travelers," said ALG Vacations' Travel Advisor Champion Carson Kressley, the renowned style expert and world traveler best known for his role on "Queer Eye for the Straight Guy" and his current Emmy Award-winning judge role on "RuPaul's Drag Race." "They want help uncovering hidden-gem destinations and great-value packages, and a new generation of advisors is meeting them exactly where they are." In addition to booking your next excursion with the assistance of a travel advisor, consider these trends Kressley identified for the year ahead. Space and Privacy In 2026, spaciousness is an expression of luxury - private villas, low-density boutique resorts and nature-framed hideaways where quiet feels curated and beauty isn't shared with the masses. As travelers prioritize serenity over scene, this trend reflects an emotional need for clarity as they look for time to reset and environments that support genuine presence. Immersion in Culture and Hyper-Local Travelers desire authentic experiences shaped by local chefs, artisans and storytellers who bring a destination's heritage to life. It's no longer about observing culture from a distance; it's about actively participating in it with the destination's native citizens, reflecting a desire for meaning and perspective. Longer, More Intentional Vacations Instead of rushing through multiple destinations, travelers are embracing itineraries that allow them to breathe through longer stays and experiences that unfold naturally. From a lingering lunch to an unstructured afternoon, this shift toward savoring prioritizes depth and connection. Transformational Wellness As wellness continues to evolve into deeply personal territory, travelers seek experiences that restore mind, body and perspective such as sunrise rituals, nature-led healing, cultural wellness traditions and programs designed for renewal. Screen-Inspired Destinations Pop culture continues to influence travel, but today's travelers seek more than filming locations. In 2026, they're searching for dramatic landscapes, atmospheric architecture, richly layered cultures and experiences that evoke emotion and capture the feeling of their favorite cinematic worlds. This evolution of set-jetting is about stepping into a story rather than tracing its steps. Shared Multi-Generational Moments Multi-generational travel is shifting toward more purpose-driven experiences - milestone celebrations, cultural reconnection trips and meaningful moments together. The emphasis is on togetherness, personalization and experiences that feel like legacy. To learn more and start booking your next adventure, visit traveladvisorsgetyouthere.com. Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
	How to Practice Thoughtful Grief Etiquette Online (Feature Impact) News of a death can spread online in seconds - often before families have notified close family members privately. That's why grief experts urge people to rethink how they share condolences, tributes and loss-related information on social media, particularly during the winter months when grief can feel especially isolating. "Grief etiquette is about putting the needs of the grieving family first, not our urge to say something publicly," said Dr. Camelia L. Clarke, National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA) spokesperson, funeral director and grief educator with nearly 30 years of experience. "Just because information can be shared instantly doesn't mean it should be." Social media has become a common place for sharing condolences, tributes and memories. However, grief experts caution that, without thoughtful consideration, online posts can unintentionally cause harm. Knowing when to post, what to say and when to remain silent can make a meaningful difference for families experiencing loss. Consider this advice from the experts at the NFDA. Grief Etiquette in the Digital Age Grief etiquette refers to the unspoken guidelines for how individuals acknowledge death, loss and mourning, particularly online. According to Clarke, one of the most important principles is restraint. "When a death is shared online too quickly, families can feel exposed and overwhelmed at a moment when they're still processing the loss themselves," she said. "Waiting is an act of compassion." Best Practices for Posting About Loss Online As social media continues to play a role in modern mourning, grief professionals encourage users to pause before posting and consider a few key guidelines: Let the family lead. Don't post about a death until the immediate family has made it public. Ask permission. Obtain consent before sharing photos, stories or tributes. Reach out privately first. A direct message, call or handwritten note can be more meaningful than a public comment. Avoid speculation. Don't ask about or share details regarding the cause of death. Offer ongoing support. Grief extends far beyond the first days or weeks after a loss. What to Say (and Avoid) When expressing condolences online, experts recommend simplicity, sincerity and sensitivity. Messages that acknowledge loss without attempting to explain or minimize it are often the most supportive. Helpful phrases include: "I'm sorry for your loss." "Thinking of you and your family." "I'm here if you want to talk or need anything." By contrast, well-meaning cliches can unintentionally cause harm. Phrases such as "They're in a better place" or "Everything happens for a reason" may reflect the speaker's beliefs, but they can feel dismissive to someone grieving. "Grieving people don't need answers - they need presence," Clarke said. "Listening matters more than saying the perfect thing." Resources for Families and Friends As digital spaces continue to shape how people communicate during life's most difficult moments, experts agree empathy, patience and respect remain timeless. "Grief is deeply personal," Clarke said. "When we slow down and lead with compassion, we honor both the person who has died and those who are left to grieve." To learn more about how to support a grieving person and access free, expert-reviewed resources for navigating grief, expressing condolences and supporting loved ones before, during and after a loss, visit RememberingALife.com, an initiative of the NFDA. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
	Davenport rally marks 4 years of Ukraine war Dozens gathered in Davenport to mark four years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, urging continued global pressure and solidarity.
	‘Listening is always the beginning of peace,’ community members gathered to talk about what peace looks like to them Community members got together at Clinton Community College on Sunday afternoon to listen to local officials, and people from different backgrounds about what peace looks like to them.
	Below 0° wind chills in the Quad Cities It was less than a week ago when we had a record high of 70° in the Quad Cities! Now, it's much colder! Wind chills have been below 0° at times Sunday and will dip down below 0° again Sunday night at times. We'll call it an abrupt end to what was a 2 week [...]
	Hilltop Campus Village maps out 15-year plan to reshape Harrison and Brady streets Hilltop Campus Village leaders in Davenport are rolling out a long-term master plan aimed at making the area safer and more inviting, particularly along busy corridors such as Harrison and Brady streets.
	Davenport man accused of shooting in apartment A man is facing multiple charges after a reported shooting late Wednesday in Davenport.
	Letter carriers rally in Moline Letter carriers rally for public support ahead of upcoming nation-wide talks over their new contract.
	Illinois women’s bowling tournament returns to Quad Cities for first time since 1994 The Illinois State USBC’s 97th annual women’s bowling tournament got underway this weekend at Highland Park Bowl in Moline, marking the event’s first return to the Quad Cities since 1994.
	Newly discovered dinosaur species was a fish-eater with a huge horn The semi-aquatic dinosaur, Spinosaurus mirabilis, was discovered by an international team of scientists working in Niger.
	Reporters' notebook: The Olympics closing ceremony is way more fun than you'd think Olympics opening ceremonies tend to get more love than their closing counterparts. But a pair of NPR reporters who watched both in Italy left with a newfound appreciation for the latter.
	Applications open for vendors at 2026 Freight House Farmers Market in Davenport The Freight House Farmer's Market announced that vendor applications are open for the 2026 summer season.
	Fire crews battle barn fire in windy conditions Fire crews responded to a barn fire at 17300 Dewindt Road near Atkinson.
	John Deere leader from Moline to ring NYSE Opening Bell A John Deere executive from Moline will ring the NYSE Opening Bell Monday, highlighting the construction industry ahead of CONEXPO-CON/AGG.
	Northeast readies for a major winter storm, with blizzard warnings in effect New Jersey through Massachusetts could see 2 feet of snow. New York City's mayor said the city had not "seen a storm like this in a decade."
	A major winter storm hits the Northeast, with blizzard warnings in effect New Jersey through Massachusetts could see 2 feet of snow. New York City's mayor said the city had not "seen a storm like this in a decade."
	Firefighters stop garage blaze from spreading in Rock Island Firefighters responded to a fully engulfed garage fire on 9th Street late Saturday night and prevented flames from spreading to nearby homes.
	Davenport cycling club prepares rookies for RAGBRAI The Quad Cities Bicycle Club hosted a RAGBRAI for Rookies seminar at the Davenport Public Library on Saturday.
	Garage fire stopped before spreading to Rock Island homes A late-night fire damaged a garage Saturday in the 2300 block of 9th Street in Rock Island.
	In freezing wind, Quad-Cities Ukrainians and their supporters rally as war enters 5th year Xenya Mucha rallied in the freezing wind Sunday. She said hundreds of thousands currently live without heat in Ukraine. Rallying outside is a small price to pay, she said.
	Davenport rally marks 4-year anniversary of Russia-Ukraine war Community members gathered Sunday at the corner of Elmore Avenue and 53rd Street around noon to commemorate the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
	Inside Iowa’s Senate race and the fight over DHS funding: News 8 This Week, Feb. 22, 2026 Rep. Ashley Hinson talks affordability and oversight in her Senate run. Rep. Miller-Meeks addresses DHS funding, E-15 and tariffs.
	1 firefighter injured following fire at Moline residence The injured Moline firefighter was hospitalized for injuries but has since been released.
	Rock Island Fire Department extinguishes garage fire late Saturday The Rock Island Fire Department responded to reports of a fire in the 2300 block of 9th Street at 11:37 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 21.
	Mexican army kills leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel, official says The Mexican army killed the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho," in an operation Sunday, a federal official said.
	Ukraine's combat amputees cling to hope as a weapon of war Along with a growing number of war-wounded amputees, Mykhailo Varvarych and Iryna Botvynska are navigating an altered destiny after Varvarych lost both his legs during the Russian invasion.
	No injuries reported following Rock Island garage fire No injuries were reported following a Rock Island garage fire. According to a release, on February 21 at 11:37 p.m., the Rock Island Fire Department responded to reports of a fire in the 2300 block of 9th St. Firefighters discovered a garage engulfed in flames. Crews launched an aggressive attack to contain the blaze successfully [...]
	Firefighter injured during Moline garage, house fire A firefighter was injured during a Moline home fire. According to a release, on February 21 at 8:14 p.m., the Moline Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a garage fire in the 400 block of 7th St. Crews discovered a small unattached garage on fire. Due to radiant heat, the adjacent home also [...]
	University students hold new protests in Iran around memorials for those killed Iran's state news agency said students protested at five universities in the capital, Tehran, and one in the city of Mashhad on Sunday.
	Chlorine-free pools may become reality for small lodges with legislative approval Rep. Nicole Uhre-Balk, D-Rapid City, speaks with Rep. Kadyn Wittman, D-Sioux Falls, left, in the South Dakota House of Representatives on Dec. 3, 2024, at the Capitol in Pierre. Uhre-Balk has a bill this legislative session to authorize biopools for small lodging establishments. (Photo by Makenzie Huber/South Dakota Searchlight)PIERRE — Small lodges would be able to offer their guests a chlorine-free swimming experience under the terms of a bill approved Friday by the South Dakota House of Representatives. House Bill 1299, sponsored by Rapid City Democrat Nicole Uhre-Balk, would allow establishments with 15 or fewer sleeping rooms to install biofilters for their pools. A biofilter is defined by the bill as a system that uses natural filtration processes to clean water, rather than chlorine. Such systems use areas of plants, soil and rocks, physically separate from the pool, to clean water in a manner that mimics natural processes. Water flows through these regeneration zones, where microorganisms and beneficial bacteria in the soil leach out harmful contaminants, much like they do when water seeps through layers of soil on its way to aquifers. The systems have caught on in other parts of the country and have grown popular in Europe, according to supporters who spoke in favor of the bill in the House Ag and Natural Resources Committee on Thursday. No one testified against the bill. The first natural pools opened in Europe in 1980 and in the United States in 2015. Searchlight Report podcast Listen to voices from South Dakota politics and policy. Also available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. One supporter owns a small vacation lodge in Spearfish, and told the committee he hopes to offer a natural pool amenity for his guests. Under the bill, establishments like his that wish to use such systems could get an annual permit from the state Department of Health. The systems would need to be approved by the department, which would be required to promulgate rules on water quality testing standards, maintenance requirements and application procedures prior to issuing permits. The filtration system would need to be inspected by the department once a year. Uhre-Balk called it a “small step” to test the viability of a technology that reduces reliance on chemicals for commercial pools and offer chlorine-free options for the visitors who choose to stay in the small lodges scattered across the Black Hills. Rep. Bobbi Andera, R-Sioux Falls, spoke in favor of the bill in the House by citing her own experience in a friend’s chlorine-free pool. “It was amazing,” Andera said. It passed 66-1. The lone no vote came from Rep. Spencer Gosch, R-Glenham. He also opposed the bill when it was presented in committee on Thursday. He did not speak in committee or on the House floor about why. Via text message, he told South Dakota Searchlight he has concerns about efficiency and cleanliness, pointing to committee testimony about how it can take a day or two to clear out fecal accidents. Uhre-Balk offered a nod to that issue in her testimony in the House. In committee, a biopool installer said shutdowns of a day or so are also normal for fecal emergencies in chlorinated pools. All existing health and safety standards would need to be met for any non-chlorine pool, Uhre-Balk said, and the requirement to close a pool after such a situation until water quality returns would be the same. “No filtration system, chemical or biological, changes the fact that kids will be kids,” Uhre-Balk said in the House. The bill now moves to a state Senate committee. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Courtesy of South Dakota Searchlight
	4 the Record Web Extra: ICE plan to buy warehouses would take operations in new direction Immigration enforcement remains a hot button issue across the country. The deadly confrontations in Minneapolis are still fresh. Los Angeles, Atlanta and Philadelphia are among the other cities targeted by Operation Metro Surge, intended to arrest people in this country illegally. This activity seems to be headed in a new direction. The Washington Post reported [...]
	Clucking egg prices as of 2/20/26 Here’s this week’s egg price update. This is the USDA’s average price per dozen when delivered to the warehouse on Jan. 20, 2025, compared to where prices are now. To see the price, click on the video above. Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and [...]
	Not clear if Iowa Dems clean water proposal will get GOP consideration Governor Kim Reynolds indicated during her state of the state address in January that one of her priorities will be to reduce Iowa's high cancer rate. None of the proposals from Republicans deal with water. Democrats submitted a few that would regulate nitrates on farms. Here are two of them: Yes, this would cost money [...]
	Pritzker pushes social media tax in State of the State Address Illinois' governor delivers his state of the state and budget address, taking specific aim at social media companies with a new tax. Governor JB Pritzker delivered his annual budget address Thursday afternoon. He submitted a budget proposal that would increase spending slightly, a proposal to make it easier to build new housing, ideas to tackle [...]
	Robin Kelly draws distinctions with fellow Dems running for U.S. Senate in Illinois We're back on the Illinois primary countdown this week. It's now 23 days away, and we're still focused on the race for the U.S. Senate to replace Dick Durbin. Now we switch to the Democrats. There are ten of them on the ballot, but only three who've qualified for the recent debates hosted by the [...]
	Pakistan claims to have killed at least 70 militants in strikes along Afghan border Pakistan's military killed at least 70 militants in strikes along the border with Afghanistan early Sunday, the deputy interior minister said.
	Saturday night fire at Moline garage and residence under investigation A Moline firefighter was injured fighting the fire and was treated both on scene and at a local hospital before being released.
	Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors announce 2025 results and forecast for 2026 Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors announced its 2025 results and a regional real estate forecast for 2026.
	Team USA faces tough Canadian squad in Olympic gold medal hockey game In the first Olympics with stars of the NHL competing in over a decade, a talent-packed Team USA faces a tough test against Canada.
	Golden again! U.S. tops Canada to win 1st men's hockey gold since 'Miracle on Ice' In the first Olympics with stars of the NHL competing in over a decade, a talent-packed Team USA faces a tough test against Canada.
	Legislators talk crime bills, education funding and Bears bill in Scott County forum Eight lawmakers who represent parts of Scott County answered questions during a forum Saturday morning at the Regional Innovation Center in Eldridge.
	BBB Tip: How to choose a tax preparer This year taxpayers must file their income tax forms before the April 15, 2026 deadline. While many will choose to use an app or purchase tax software to complete and submit their own tax forms, others are in search of…
	Metal detection systems cost in the six-figures. What schools in the Quad-Cities use them? Not every school in the Quad-Cities has a metal detector; here are which districts use them.
	PHOTOS: Your car has a lot to say about who you are Photographer Martin Roemer visited 22 countries — from the U.S. to Senegal to India — to show how our identities are connected to our mode of transportation.
	'A good soul': Jim Faramelli, owner of Leo's Shoe Repair, dies at 80 Rock Island's "sole man" has died.
	Still no ground broken for Meta data center in Davenport; Here's what we know Although a company controlled by social media giant Meta bought about 350 acres of Scott County land in 2024 and 2025, no construction has yet started on a proposed data center.
	Moline's emergency winter shelter still crowded, has helped 153 people since opening The Lift NOW shelter in Moline is one month old and those who spend nights there have formed a small community.
	Cancer treatments in candy? Davenport native explores options for children with cancer Born and raised in Davenport, University of Iowa students talk about his research on a candy-like treatment for children with cancer.
	Danish military evacuates US submariner who needed urgent medical care off Greenland Denmark's military says its arctic command forces evacuated a crew member of a U.S. submarine off the coast of Greenland for urgent medical treatment.
	Danish military evacuates U.S. submariner who needed urgent medical care off Greenland Denmark's military says its arctic command forces evacuated a crew member of a U.S. submarine off the coast of Greenland for urgent medical treatment.
	Grey Cloud Island This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.I am sorry to report that Minnesota may be only months away from a war to determine the fate of the Upper and Lower…
	$Only a fraction of House seats are competitive. Redistricting is driving that lower$ Only a fraction of House seats are competitive. Redistricting is driving that lower Primary voters in a small number of districts play an outsized role in deciding who wins Congress. The Trump-initiated mid-decade redistricting is driving that number of competitive seats even lower.
	Homeland Security suspends TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is suspending the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs as a partial government shutdown continues.
Saturday, February 21st, 2026
	1 firefighter injured after garage fire spreads to house One firefighter was injured after a garage fire spread to a house Saturday night.
	Several area wrestlers win State Championships; Bettendorf finishes strong with 3 champions in Dan Knight’s last State Tournament as head coach In his final night as a high school wrestling coach, the Bettendorf Bulldogs sent retiring head coach Dan Knight out in style.
	Young scientists compete at WIU with state title in sight Around 250 students from middle, junior high, and high school competed Saturday at the Western Illinois University Regional Science Olympiad in Macomb.
	1 firefighter injured after garage fire spreads to house One firefighter was injured after a garage fire spread to a house Saturday night.
	Father Daniel Mirabelli, longtime Alleman High School priest, dies at 94 Mirabelli, who served Alleman High School for 58 years, is being remembered for his faith, mentorship and fiery sideline spirit.
	Nearly 300 competitors are headed to Muscatine off-road RC racing event The 2026 'Iowa Off-Road Carpet Championships' brings in drivers from across the region including some professionals.
	Fire crews battled heavy fire condition at Moline house fire The Moline Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire where the encountered heavy fire conditions.
	1 person dead after Galesburg house fire One person is dead and one person is injured after a house fire in Galesburg.
	Father Daniel Mirabelli, longtime Alleman High School priest, dies at 94 Mirabelli, who served Alleman High School for 58 years, is being remembered for his faith, mentorship and fiery sideline spirit.
	1 person and 1 dog die after Galesburg house fire The Brooks St. Station fire crew located and removed a victim from the first floor of the structure, but the person succumbed to their injuries.
	ICE warehouse in Surprise targeted by arsonist days after massive community protests The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating an attempted arson of a Surprise warehouse purchased by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy/Arizona Mirror)Someone tried to burn down a Surprise warehouse that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to turn into a 1,500-bed detention center, according to the federal agency. On Saturday, “an individual committed arson on a newly purchased ICE building” by breaking a window, igniting a fire and throwing a propane tank into the building, according to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson. “The fire was quickly extinguished by the interior sprinkler system,” DHS said, noting that the suspect fled the scene after setting the fire. “The matter remains under investigation by the FBI.” DHS referred further questions to the FBI, which said that Surprise police officers responded to the warehouse at about 1:30 a.m. on Saturday to a report of criminal damage at the building. “FBI Phoenix special agents arrived on scene and discovered a broken window and evidence of minor and limited fire activity. The FBI has opened an investigation with assistance from ATF. No further information is available while the investigation continues,” the FBI said in a written statement. DHS last month purchased the 418,400-square-foot warehouse in Surprise so it could turn it into a detention center in service of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign. The purchase is one of many across the country, and was authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the tax cut and spending package that Trump championed and Republicans in Congress approved last year. People detained in ICE facilities nationwide reached an all-time high of 70,766 in January, doubling what it was when Trump took office. Although Trump has said his deportation efforts are targeting criminals, only 25% of those detained in January had a criminal record. There are already six detention centers in Arizona, with a combined capacity of 3,341 beds. The plan for the Surprise facility has become a flashpoint for local opposition, with multiple protests calling for the purchase to be terminated and more than 1,000 people recently showing up to a Surprise City Council meeting to urge elected officials to stop the detention center. Similar outrage and violence has occurred in other cities. Police in Kansas City are searching for a woman who attempted to set fire to a facility that was planned to be used by ICE, though the company that owned the property had already decided to not move forward with the sale. Saturday morning, the Mirror saw a single broken window near the entrance to the large warehouse. One man in an ICE tactical vest was standing guard inside, while a woman stood in the front entrance. A man and woman, likely FBI agents, were inside the building. Later, they put an object in an evidence bag. Glass was seen strewn across the sidewalk in front of the building and into the parking lot. ***UPDATED: This story has been updated with a comment from the FBI. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Arizona Mirror
	Flames, heavy smoke seen as crews battle structure fire Flames and heavy smoke can be seen coming out a structure as crews battle a fire.
	Crews recover bodies of all 9 skiers killed in California avalanche The bodies of all the skiers who died in Tuesday's avalanche near Lake Tahoe have been recovered, authorities said Saturday. Intense winter storm conditions delayed search and recovery efforts.
	Cold weather for a few more days and then some snow After light snow early Friday, cold air blasted back into the Quad Cities on gusty winds. Temperatures will be on a roller coaster ride over the next week. After a few quiet days, snow chances return to the forecast by the middle of the week. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	Scott County Farm Bureau hosts annual legislative forum in Eldridge Community members, legislators gather to discuss education, property taxes, city growth
	Friends remember Father Daniel Mirabelli as the 'Rock' of Alleman High School Father Daniel Mirabelli, known as the Rock of Alleman High School, died early Saturday. He was remembered as having affected thousands of lives.
	One victim, dog dead following Galesburg fire with partial collapse One person is dead following a fire in Galesburg. According to a release, on February 21 at 10:54 a.m., the Galesburg Fire Department responded to a structure fire with reported victims trapped in the 800 block of E. Berrien St. The response included three fire stations and 13 personnel on duty. Crews encountered heavy smoke [...]
	FCC calls for more 'patriotic, pro-America' programming in runup to 250th anniversary The "Pledge America Campaign" urges broadcasters to focus on programming that highlights "the historic accomplishments of this great nation from our founding through the Trump Administration today."
	FCC calls for more 'patriotic, pro-America' programming in run-up to 250th anniversary The "Pledge America Campaign" urges broadcasters to focus on programming that highlights "the historic accomplishments of this great nation from our founding through the Trump Administration today."
	Person dies in Galesburg house fire A news release on the city website said all three fire stations responded to a house fire on East Berrian street with people trapped inside just before 11:00 a.m.
	NASA's Artemis II lunar mission may not launch in March after all NASA says an "interrupted flow" of helium to the rocket system could require a rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building. If it happens, NASA says the launch to the moon would be delayed until April.

Monday, February 23rd, 2026

Sunday, February 22nd, 2026

Saturday, February 21st, 2026