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

Sunday, February 1st, 2026
	Bettendorf mayor will give state-of-the-city address On Wednesday, Feb. 25, Bettendorf Mayor Robert Gallagher will provide an update on how the city is achieving its goals during his 2026 State of the City Address at the Waterfront Convention Center, 2021 State St., a news release says. This event is open to the entire community and is free. A $20 lunch buffet [...]
	Kennedy Center to close for 2 years for renovations in July, Trump says President Trump says he will move to close Washington's Kennedy Center for two years. It follows a wave of cancellations since Trump ousted the previous leadership and added his name to the building.
	Bettendorf hosts first-ever Winterfest at The Landing Ice Rink Families bundled up and laced up their skates for the city’s first-ever Winterfest at The Landing Ice Rink.
	What to know about Artemis II's 'wet dress rehearsal' As astronauts prepare to fly around the moon, critical testing must occur before there is "Go" for launch.
	No injuries reported after Rock Island house fire The Rock Island Fire Department observed heavy flames at an early morning house fire on the 4100 block of 31st Ave.
	1 injured after I-80 crash near Colona One person was injured after a crash on I-80 involving three commercial vehicles.
	2 people, 4 dogs displaced after early-morning Rock Island fire The cause of a fire early Sunday in Rock Island remains under investigation by the Office of the Fire Marshal, according to a news release. Shorty after 6:45 a.m., Rock Island fire crews responded to a structure fire on the 4100 block of 31st Avenue, where crews saw heavy flames coming from a garage and [...]
	Death Notice: Gene Vincent A funeral service for Gene B. Vincent, 94, will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 5, at Bettendorf Presbyterian Church. Burial will be in Davenport Memorial Park. Visitation will be Wednesday, Feb. 4, from 5-6:30 p.m. at Weerts Funeral Home, Davenport. Mr. Vincent died Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Memorials may be made to the Bettendorf Presbyterian Church Endowment Fund, the Brian Vincent Memorial Scholarship at Iowa State University, of the Iowa 4-H Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.WeertsFH.com. A full obituary will appear in the Feb. 4 edition of The NSP.
	A January for the record books! After that long stretch of cold weather to end off the month, we are finally into February with temperatures beginning to balance back. Looking back at our January 2026, it was both colder than average and drier than average due to that stretch of cold weather and with only 1.7" of snow, and not even [...]
	Man charged with attempted murder of Peoria County Sheriff’s deputy The driver ran away and the deputy was shot several times, said the Peoria County sheriff
	Bomb cyclone brings bitter cold and snow to the Southeast Temperatures in southern Florida reached the coldest they've been since 1989, according to the National Weather Service.
	1 injured in 3 vehicle crash on I-80 east Lanes were closed while the crash was investigated and officials said traffic was redirected to the shoulder.
	Hundreds of Iowa National Guard soldiers set to return home from Middle East Roughly 250 soldiers with Iowa National Guard are returning this weekend.
	Rock Island fire displaces 2 occupants and 4 dogs A Sunday morning house fire in Rock Island displaced two people and four dogs. Crews brought the fire under control despite freezing temperatures.
	Pleasant Valley School District names next superintendent Dr. Darin Haack will become Pleasant Valley's superintendent on July 1, following the retirement of Brian Strusz after 30 years of service.
	2 people, 4 dogs displaced in Rock Island house fire Rock Island firefighters went to the 4100 block of 31st Avenue for a structure fire at about 6:45 a.m., according to a media release.
	1 hospitalized in Brady Street crash The crash was in the intersection of Brady Street and West 6th Street around 10:30 a.m.
	The complete list of 2026 Grammy winners and nominees Kendrick Lamar, last year's biggest winner, could repeat in the major categories. Bad Bunny, Sabrina Carpenter and Lady Gaga are also among the nominees up for multiple Grammys.
	Iowa National Guard soldiers begin phased return from Operation Inherent Resolve About 250 Iowa National Guard soldiers are returning to the U.S. as part of a phased return from Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria.
	Chicago Dance Crash leads Knox College residency focused on community healing Knox College hosts Chicago Dance Crash for a week-long residency, culminating in a Feb. 7 performance of LXIV at Galesburg’s Orpheum Theatre.
	Nonprofit hosting Motherhood Fair in Davenport Nonprofit Strength In MotherS will host a Motherhood Fair Feb. 28 in Davenport, connecting families with fertility, maternal health and postpartum resources.
	Frozen Fat Fondo Fest brought cyclists out for endurance race Proceeds from the Frozen Fat Fondo Fest endurance race benefit those involved in off-road cycling.
	4 the Record Web Extra: Middle ground needs to be a priority amid ongoing tension between ICE and demonstrators Thanks for checking out this web extra. We didn't have time to bring you all of our conversation on the serious confrontations in Minnesota involving demonstrators and immigration enforcement officers on 4 the Record. Host Jim Niedelman picks up the conversation with former Iowa Republican party chair Steve Grubbs and former Rock Island mayor Mark [...]
	4 the Record Web Extra: U.S. Senate candidate Evans defends her legal battle against TikTok Thanks for checking out this web extra. We didn't have time to bring you all of our conversation with Jeannie Evans about her campaign for the U.S. Senate in Illinois on 4 the Record. Host Jim Niedelman picks up the conversation with Evans' legal battle with TikTok. "Chinese companies need to be held accountable when [...]
	Those clucking egg prices as of 1/30/26 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 [...]
	No easy answers for Chicago Bears' call for tax breaks to build new stadium Ownership of the Chicago Bears presses to get a new stadium for the team. Now there's competition with Indiana. Fans saw the team's surprisingly strong season end in a heartbreaking loss to the Rams in the playoffs. Questions remain about the Bears' future. Beyond the team's performance, the owners are tired of Soldier Field and [...]
	Iowa Senate eminent domain proposal could win out in dueling proposals Iowa state lawmakers will take up the controversial practice of eminent domain again this legislative session. Host Jim Niedelman covered that issue with former Iowa Republican party chair Steve Grubbs and former Rock Island mayor Mark Schwiebert, a Democrat. “I would probably lean towards a more centrist approach on this, because I think economic development [...]
	Illinois Republican wants voters to dream of Jeannie in U. S. Senate primary We're back to our countdown to the Illinois primary now a month-and-a-half away on March 17th. That's 44 days to be precise. We focus again on the battle to win the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Dick Durbin. Six Republicans will be on the ballot: Host Jim Niedelman gets to [...]
	How freezing temps are affecting QC businesses Freezing weather is keeping people from leaving home, and that's affecting businesses in the QCA. Our Quad Cities News reporter Gavin Waidelich looks at how businesses are surviving once temperatures drop.
	How labor shortages could impact Iowa farmers and communities Already faced with high costs for seed, fertilizer, chemicals and land, some Iowa farmers are worried about strict immigration enforcement and the impact on rural communities and crop production. Our Quad Cities News correspondent Teodora Mitov looks at how labor shortages could add more pressure.
	Swiss Alpine bar fire claims 41st victim, an 18-year-old Swiss national Swiss prosecutors have opened a criminal investigation into the owners of Le Constellation bar in the ski resort of Crans-Montana, where a fire in the early hours of Jan. 1 killed dozens.
	Davenport announces installation of new speed cameras The City of Davenport announced on Facebook its mobile speed cameras are changing. The city has deployed mobile speed cabinets now in addition to the vans previously used. Our Quad Cities News noticed one of the new cabinets on Brady Steet just north of Locust Street. They are roughly the size of a trash can [...]
	Will Punxsutawney Phil see his shadow? How to watch Groundhog Day 2026 live PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. (WTAJ) -- Will it be an early spring or six more weeks of winter? It's almost time for Punxsutawney Phil -- the seer of seers -- to give us his prediction. Every Feb. 2, Phil emerges from his home in Gobbler's Knob as thousands gather to celebrate him and Groundhog Day. WTAJ will [...]
	Sunday Puzzle: Rhyme Time NPR's Ayesha Rascoe plays the puzzle with WBUR listener Laurie Rose and Weekend Edition Puzzlemaster Will Shortz.
	Four things to know from Davenport's budget workshop, including the levy rate and projects Davenport started the budget process with a workshop Saturday morning. Here are four things to know as they start planning the budget:
	Alcaraz beats Djokovic to become the youngest man to complete a career Grand Slam The 22-year-old Spaniard's win against 38-year-old rival Novak Djokovic at Sunday's Australian Open makes him the youngest male player to win all four major tournaments.
	Galva man charged with possession of child sex abuse materials He was arraigned on Thursday and denied pretrial release.
	'A gateway into science': Augustana students help reconstruct dinosaur fossils for the Putnam Jake Sawin said he was “living the dream” by helping prepare dinosaur fossils to be exhibited at the Putnam Museum in Davenport.
	You already know the song — now, 'The One About the Blackbird' is also a picture book In The One About the Blackbird, a young boy learns to play guitar from his grandfather. And there's one song in particular that they love…
	Mississippi Islands This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.If God had asked for advice from Minnesotans and Wisconsinites when he set about designing Mississippi islands, those…
	In the world's driest desert, Chile freezes its future to protect plants Tucked away in a remote desert town, a hidden vault safeguards Chile's most precious natural treasures. From long-forgotten flowers to endangered crops.
	At a clown school near Paris, failure is the lesson For decades, students at the Ecole Philippe Gaulier have been paying to bomb onstage. The goal isn't laughs — it's learning how to take the humiliation and keep going.
	Iran's supreme leader warns any US attack would spark 'regional war' Iran's supreme leader warned Sunday that any attack by the United States would spark a "regional war" in the Mideast, further escalating tensions as President Donald Trump has threatened to militarily strike the Islamic Republic.
	A fire Sunday in Rock Island displaces two people and four dogs Two people and four dogs are without a home after a Sunday morning blaze in Rock Island.
	Minnesota citizens detained by ICE are left rattled, even weeks later The number of immigration agents in Minnesota may be reduced, but they'll leave leave behind a changed community, including many U.S. citizens questioned and detained in recent weeks.
	Democrat Taylor Rehmet wins a reliably Republican Texas state Senate seat, stunning GOP Democrat Taylor Rehmet won a special election for the Texas state Senate on Saturday, flipping a reliably Republican district that President Donald Trump won by 17 points in 2024.
	Trump says feds won't intervene during protests in Democratic-led cities unless asked to do so President Donald Trump said Saturday that he has instructed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem not to intervene in protests occurring in cities led by Democrats unless local authorities ask for federal help.
Saturday, January 31st, 2026
	Protesters rally in Muscatine amid nationwide demonstrations over ICE agents’ fatal shootings People in Muscatine joined protests against ICE, reflecting broader national demonstrations.
	Protest against ICE held in Muscatine Demonstrators gathered in Muscatine to protest ICE and the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.
	Box turtle at Nahant Marsh facing life threatening health issue A box turtle has been diagnosed as egg bound, meaning she is unable to pass eggs, causing them to be stuck in her reproductive tract and can become infected.
	Cook review: 'Melania' is everything a documentary shouldn't be - except for music "Melania," the new documentary about the First Lady, is everything a documentary shouldn't be. Except for some engaging music. The story behind the film - why it was made, what it cost - you can learn about with a simple web search. Instead of telling viewers more about Melania's childhood, her modeling career, her parents, [...]
	Quad City Symphony will present 'Rite of Spring;' world premiere by Angel Lam The Quad City Symphony Orchestra will present Masterworks IV: "The Rite of Spring," featuring the world premiere of Angel Lam’s "Unearthing the Heart: The Thousand Grottoes of Dunhuang," a news release says. The program will be presented twice: The Quad City Symphony Orchestra invites audiences to an immersive artistic experience with this program that pairs one [...]
	Don Lemon and Georgia Fort vow to continue reporting following arrests tied to anti-ICE protest The two independent journalists face federal charges related to the interruption of a church service in Minnesota earlier this month. Lemon and Fort say they were there to cover a protest.
	7 years ago - do you remember -33° in the Quad Cities? Happy anniversary? For a lot of us, not so much! 7 years ago today was the coldest day EVER in the Quad Cities! The low on January 31st, 2019 was -33° in the Quad Cities. That beat the old mark by 5° - the old record low was -28° on February 3rd, 1996. So, as [...]
	Davenport Police unveil new mobile speed camera cabinets across city Davenport police say new mobile speed camera cabinets will replace vans, keeping the same locations while upgrading enforcement technology.
	Court date scheduled for Davenport man accused of trafficking weapons in 2024 A court date has been scheduled for a 31-year-old Davenport man accused of burglary and trafficking a gun, according to Scott County Court records. Nicholas Millender, who was being held Saturday in Scott County Jail, faces felony charges of trafficking in stolen weapon(s) used in a crime, third-degree burglary, and dominion/control of a firearm/offensive weapon [...]
	Fire meets ICE at Friday vigil and call to action in Davenport Quad Cities Interfaith held a vigil and call to action regarding the federal government’s immigration crackdown and activities by agents of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Friday night, January 30th, at Zion Lutheran Church, Davenport.
	DNC will allow Iowa Democrats to compete for early date for 2028 caucuses Five Republican precinct caucuses were held at Franklin Jr High in Des Moines Jan. 15, 2024. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)Iowa Democrats were approved Saturday to present their case to national Democrats on why the state’s Democratic caucuses should go in the early presidential nominating window in 2028. At the Democratic National Committee Rules and Bylaws Committee meeting Saturday in San Juan, Puerto Rico, members reviewed the applications from 12 states that submitted waivers to hold their presidential nominating contests ahead of Super Tuesday. All 12 state parties that submitted requests for early contest waivers to the DNC — Delaware, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia — were approved to present at later RBC meetings. This is the second presidential nominating cycle in a row where Democrats are considered likely to make changes in their calendar. The DNC went through a similar process of evaluating states and shifting the long-held process of beginning the nominating cycle with the Iowa caucuses and New Hampshire primaries during the 2024 election cycle. The Rules and Bylaws Committee approved a calendar in 2022 starting the nominating process with the South Carolina primaries, with contests in Nevada, New Hampshire, Georgia and Michigan also held in the early window — but this schedule is once again up for change heading into the next election cycle. As committee members spoke about the new calendar, Minyon Moore, the RBC co-chair, said the committee would evaluate states based on rigorousness, efficiency and fairness of their nominating contests. The goal of the committee is to “craft a calendar that produces the strongest possible Democratic nominee for president.” The DNC charter and bylaws requires that only one state from each of four regions — the Eastern, Western, Southern and Midwestern — can be granted an early contest position, with the RBC able to grant one additional waiver. Iowa Democrats are competing against Michigan and Illinois to become the Midwestern state to hold an early contest in 2028. Iowa submitted its application to return to an early state spot Jan. 16, telling members of the RBC in the proposal that “no other state has the knowledge, infrastructure, and history of giving long-shot Presidential candidates a fair chance.” Iowa was home to the first-in-the-nation caucuses for several decades, kicking off the presidential nominating process for both parties. However, following issues with reporting results during the 2020 Iowa caucuses and existing concerns about the caucuses being less than fully accessible, the DNC removed Iowa from its position starting the process in 2024. Some Democrats have said Iowa caucuses, conducted at in-person, evening events, are difficult for many people to participate in, especially people with disabilities, those who have children or who work late shifts. In an effort to address these concerns, the Iowa Democratic Party moved to a “mail-in” caucus system in 2024. In their January application, the IDP wrote Iowa Democrats are working toward creating a more accessible contests, and that the Iowa’s party-run caucuses “provide a great deal of flexibility in how we achieve the goal of a more inclusive process.” “Historically, reforms have been constrained by two factors: A desire by the national party to move away from caucuses in favor of primaries; and the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s definition of what constitutes a primary,” the application read. “For our proposal, we offer a ‘menu’ of options that we look forward to discussing with the RBC, the current Iowa candidates we intend to elect this November, and our grassroots activists.” While Iowa Democratic precinct caucuses will be held on the same day as Republicans in 2028, the IDP said the state party had flexibility on setting dates related to delegate allocation for the presidential nominating process. Iowa’s application outlined two major ways that could provide more accessibility to voters who cannot attend the in-person caucuses — the mail-in preference card system used in 2024, or the option to hold satellite and virtual caucuses. The Iowa Democrats’ application argues that while the RBC rejected their effort to include a virtual caucus option in 2020, the state party believes this idea should be reconsidered following the 2024 DNC decision allowing delegates to electronically nominate Vice President Kamala Harris as the presidential nominee. Michael Kapp, an RBC member from California, questioned this argument. “I’d like Iowa in their presentation to address what I feel is a fundamental difference between a convention vote, with a known finite universe of credentialed voters, and a caucus process involving an open and undefined universe of potential participants,” Kapp said. RBC member Frank Leone, of Washington, D.C., called for Iowa to provide the committee with a specific proposal instead of a “menu” of options. “We spent a lot of time going back and forth with Iowa eight years ago, the DNC certainly raised some issues that caused some problems,” Leone said. “There’s a lot of issues that went on there, but I don’t think we want to spend a lot of time trying to fine tune it. … I think what we need to hear from Iowa is, ‘This is what we want to do,’ and then this committee will fairly consider it and make a decision.” Along with beginning the process of choosing early states, RBC members considered states’ ability to comply with the new calendar. Many states would need legislative approval to change the dates for party nomination contests. In the 2024 nomination cycle, the DNC calendar was not implemented with full success. The New Hampshire and Georgia secretaries of state, both Republicans, denied Democrats’ request to change the date of their contests, and held their primaries outside of compliance with the DNC calendar. States currently controlled by Republicans could face similar problems that New Hampshire and Georgia encountered in implementing the calendar during the previous cycle. If states hold contests unsanctioned by the DNC, voters can still weigh in on their choice for presidential nominee — but the results of the state contest will likely not be counted when the national party holds its convention to select their presidential nominee. However, New Hampshire, which did not abide by the Democrats’ calendar and held its first-in-the-nation primary ahead of South Carolina in 2024, was allowed to have their delegates participate in the 2024 convention as the RBC approved an April nominating event held by New Hampshire Democrats. The IDP conducted a survey in 2025 asking voters how they want the state party to approach the 2028 caucuses. Results found 65.3% of respondents wanted Iowa to be first or early in the nominating process, but 51.1% did not want Iowa to defy the DNC calendar if not granted a waiver. The dates for when Iowa will present before the RBC — and when the committee will decide which states to grant waivers — has yet to be determined. The next RBC meeting is scheduled for April in New Orleans. A statement from the Iowa Democratic Party said “we are pleased the Rules and Bylaws Committee decided to move forward with our application and look forward to having continued conversations with its members and co-chairs.” “All options are on the table for Iowa Democrats in 2028,” the statement read. “It was a mistake for the DNC to cut us out of the calendar, letting Republicans’ attacks go unanswered in Iowa while millions of dollars in advertising, organizing and the worldwide media flooded our state. If the Democratic Party wants to start winning big, sustainable majorities again, our candidates need to show they can compete in states like Iowa.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Programming note: No evening newscasts Sunday due to NBA games The Knick and Lakers and Nuggets and Thunder will faceoff in back-to-back NBA games.
	Death Notice: Steve McNicol A funeral service celebrating the life of Steven Kent McNicol Sr., 87, will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9, at First Baptist Church of Bettendorf. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service at the church. A lunch will follow the service. Weerts Funeral Home, Davenport, is assisting the family with arrangements. Mr. McNicol died Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Bettendorf. Online condolences may be made at www.WeertsFH.com. A full obituary will appear in the Feb. 4 edition of The NSP.
	'Sanford and Son' co-star Demond Wilson dies at 79 The actor was best known for playing Lamont Sanford, opposite Redd Foxx's Fred Sanford in the hit 1970s sitcom. Wilson died Friday from complications related to cancer, his publicist said.
	Milan protesters call for U.S. ICE agents to leave Italy as Winter Games approach An ICE unit from the US Department of Homeland Security is playing a role providing security at the Winter Games. At past Olympics, their involvement would have been unremarkable. But after the violence in Minneapolis, many Italians protesting in Milan say ICE agents are no longer welcome.
	Judge says she won't halt the immigration enforcement surge as a lawsuit proceeds U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi praised the ruling on social media, calling it "another HUGE" legal win for the Justice Department.
	Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina defeats No. 1 Aryana Sabalenka to win Australian Open Saturday's win marks the second Grand Slam title for Rybakina, who took Wimbledon in 2022.
	Alaska Beacon state and legislative daybook for the week of Feb. 2, 2026 A snow-covered statue of William Henry Seward stands in front of the Alaska State Capitol on Monday, Jan. 26, 2026. (James Brooks photo/Alaska Beacon) Monday, Feb. 2 ALASKA MARMOT DAY Alaska Forum on the Environment takes place in Anchorage. North Pacific Fishery Management Council meets in Anchorage. The full council meets Feb. 5-11. 8 a.m. – School officials testify in House Education Committee, promoting a new funding bill 9 a.m. – Senate Finance hears a status report on the state ferry system House/Senate floor sessions are expected about 10:30 a.m. 1 p.m. – Public testimony in the House Judiciary Committee on a bill allowing Alaskans to write-in presidential candidates. 1:30 p.m. – House Finance gets an update on the state employee salary study published last year 3:30 p.m. – North Slope oil producers talk to Senate Resources Committee Tuesday, Feb. 3 Alaska Forum on the Environment takes place in Anchorage. North Pacific Fishery Management Council meets in Anchorage. 9 a.m. – Senate Finance hears a bill that would repeal the frequently-ignored law that calls for a 90-day legislative session 9:30 a.m. – Alaska Alcohol Control Board meets 9:30 a.m. – State Board of Barbers and Hairdressers meeting 10 a.m. – Want to keep banning Russian seafood in America? House Fisheries is taking public testimony on a request to extend a federal ban that expires in 2026. Noon – Departing President Pat Pitney delivers a status update on the University of Alaska 1:30 p.m. – House Finance hears an update on the degree to which the state’s public employee pension program is funded 1:30 p.m. – DOT is proposing to reorganize itself; Senate Transportation Committee hears a presentation on how it plans to do that 3:15 p.m. – OCS discusses its recent legislative audit with the House Health and Social Services Committee 3:15 p.m. – House State Affairs takes public testimony on a bill naming the giant cabbage Alaska’s state vegetable 3:30 p.m. – Department of Health presents the latest update on the effect of the “Big Beautiful Bill” on Medicaid and SNAP 3:30 p.m. – Norm McDonald (not that one, the deputy state forester) gives an update on the 2025 fire season in Senate State Affairs Wednesday, Feb. 4 Alaska Forum on the Environment takes place in Anchorage. North Pacific Fishery Management Council meets in Anchorage. 9 a.m. – State Board of Certified Direct-Entry Midwives meeting 9:30 a.m. – Marijuana Control Board meeting begins House and Senate hold floor sessions at about 10:30 a.m. 1 p.m. – House Judiciary takes public testimony on a bill increasing the number of superior court judges in the state 1:30 p.m. – State Real Estate Commission meeting to discuss cutting regulations 1:30 p.m. – House Finance holds its first hearing on the supplemental budget bill for transportation funding, etc. Thursday, Feb. 5 Alaska Forum on the Environment takes place in Anchorage. North Pacific Fishery Management Council meets in Anchorage. 9 a.m. – Alaska Railroad Corp. board meets in Anchorage; will consider AKLNG use of railroad right of way 9 a.m. – House Finance holds its first hearing on the governor’s fiscal plan tax bill 12 p.m. – Statewide update on housing and homelessness, lunch and learn in the Capitol 1:30 p.m. – Alaska Student Loan Corp. meets in Juneau 1:30 p.m. – House Transportation talks about the Cascade Point ferry terminal in Juneau 5:15 p.m. – Does the Legislature’s gas pipeline consultant, Gaffney Cline, have a conflict of interest? Well, we might not find out because the Legislative Budget and Audit Committee will talk about it in executive session. (They’re also talking about hiring an attorney for a “personnel matter.”) 5:30 p.m. – Public testimony on the governor’s proposed sales tax and other tax bill in House Finance; two minutes per caller Friday, Feb. 6 Alaska Forum on the Environment takes place in Anchorage. North Pacific Fishery Management Council meets in Anchorage. 9 a.m. – State Board of Public Accountancy board meeting House/Senate floor sessions start at about 10:30 a.m. 12 p.m. – Alaska Court System presents its budget to House Judiciary and explains new programs 1 p.m. – House Resources takes public testimony on a bill that would set up a statewide fund for spay/neutering animals 3:30 p.m. – Senate Resources considers a bill on LNG import facilities and the governor’s tax bill Sunday, Feb. 8 4:30 p.m. – Legislative water polo club starts, meets on Sundays SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Alaska Beacon
	Lt. Milo joins West Burlington Police as therapy cat Lt. Milo is officially the newest member of the West Burlington, Iowa, Police Department, according to the department's Facebook post. "We are excited to officially introduce the newest member of our department," the post says. "Meet Lt. Milo! Our therapy animal and newest pawwficer on duty!" First responders face-high stress situations every day, and having [...]
	Nonprofit will present Motherhood Fair in Davenport Strength in MotherS, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to improving maternal health and wellness, will host a Motherhood Fair from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Feb. 28, at Hickory Creek Event Center, 3504 Hickory Grove Road, Davenport, a new release says. The purpose of the event is to bring together families, providers, and community organizations to support individuals [...]
	Roadwork to begin Monday on Rock Island's 5th Avenue During the closure, eastbound Fifth Avenue traffic will be detoured south to Seventh Avenue.
	10 of Soul will perform at Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center The Central DeWitt Performing Arts Center will welcome 10 of Soul at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, for an afternoon of high-energy live music featuring soul, funk, and pop favorites, a news release says. Known throughout the Quad Cities area for their powerful vocals, exceptional musicianship, and dynamic stage presence, 10 of Soul has built [...]
	Gonzalez-Torres artwork brings celebration of LGBTQ to Figge Art Museum, Davenport Felix Gonzalez-Torres: “Untitled” (L.A.,) now on view, offers the Figge Art Museum, Davenport, "a meaningful opportunity to share the work of this deeply influential artist with the Quad Cities community," a news release says. This exhibition invites visitors to reflect on themes central to Gonzalez-Torres’s practice: The joyful celebration of LGBTQ identity alongside acknowledgment of [...]
	Free funeral planning session scheduled for Gilda's Club Moline Cancer Support Community Iowa and NW Illinois at Gilda’s Club will host a free educational workshop from 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, at Gilda’s Club Moline, 600 John Deere Road, Suite 101, Moline, or virtually via Zoom, a news release says. This informative workshop will guide participants through the essentials of pre-need funeral planning, helping [...]
	Memories of Muscatine: A train derailment in 1967 This week for Memories of Muscatine: A train derailment that happened at Cedar and Sycamore streets in January, 1967.
	Moline approves waste contracts, residents to see 2% increase in sanitation fees this year Moline recycling fees will remain the same in 2026, but sanitation fees will increase 2%.
	Intermittent closures to affect East Moline's 12th Avenue beginning Monday The daily closures are so a large crane can set a number of large electric transmission line poles for MidAmerican Energy.
	Illinois legislators take questions on passenger rail, public safety during Chamber review Five local legislators from Illinois attended the review in Rock Island Friday morning.
	New display at Iowa Statehouse showcases unclaimed treasures DES MOINES, Iowa -- A new display is up at the Iowa Statehouse. It's part of the Great Iowa Treasure Hunt. The display shows just some of the $648 million of unclaimed property held by the state. It includes old cash, sports cards, old birthday cards, and war medals. There is a QR code for [...]
	The U.S. will likely lose its measles elimination status. Here's what that means The South Carolina measles outbreak is now bigger than last year's Texas outbreak and is happening as the U.S. is poised to lose its measles elimination status.
	Israeli strikes kill 23 Palestinians as Gaza ceasefire inches forward Hospitals in Gaza said Israeli strikes killed at least 23 Palestinians Saturday, one of the highest tolls since the October ceasefire aimed at stopping the fighting.
	Woody Woodpecker This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Do you remember that outrageous cartoon woodpecker named Woody? With his pointy red topknot, his insane cackle, and his…
	With decades-long restrictions lifted, a Pakistani brewery has started exporting beer Drinking is illegal for Pakistan's Muslim majority, but Murree Brewery's beer has long been available to non-Muslims and foreigners there. Now it's being exported to the U.K., Japan and Portugal. Is the U.S. next?
	Want to get stronger? Start with these 6 muscle-building exercises If you're curious about starting a resistance training routine and not sure to begin, start with these expert-recommended movements.
	A red hat, inspired by a symbol of resistance to Nazi occupation, gains traction in Minnesota A Minneapolis knitting shop has resurrected the design of a Norwegian cap worn to protest Nazi occupation. Its owner says the money raised from hat pattern sales will support the local immigrant community.
	Cookware recalled due to possible lead contamination The cookware may be contaminated with elevated lead levels that could leach into food.
	Venezuela announces amnesty bill that could lead to release of political prisoners Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez on Friday announced an amnesty bill that could lead to the release of hundreds of prisoners detained for political reasons.
Friday, January 30th, 2026
	DHS keeps making false claims about people. It's part of a broader pattern Trump administration officials have falsely linked Alex Pretti and Renee Macklin Good to domestic terrorism. It's part of a larger pattern by the Department of Homeland Security.
	What to know about the partial government shutdown The Senate passed a measure to avert a shutdown on Friday. But with the House on recess, funding for broad stretches of the federal government has technically lapsed.
	Changes coming to SNAP benefits on Sunday Nearly 42 million people will see changes to SNAP benefits beginning Sunday.
	Davenport library gives away formalwear Members of the community donated dresses, suits, blazers and more for the giveaway.
	St. Ambrose University holds spoken word event "Speak Your Peace" allowed audience members to vote for their favorite spoken pieces.
	Rock Island Arsenal set to receive more than $100M in funding from defense appropriations bill $100M of the Arsenal funding will be used to stabilize the flow of labor at all three U.S. Army Arsenals, including Rock Island.
	Displaced Fulton apartment fire victims find housing The people who lived in Fulton's Hotel Martin apartment building are trying to figure out what's next after a fire destroyed the historic structure last week. On Friday, they got a better idea of the options they have moving forward. "We lost everything,so you can't really put your hand on it," said Tylin Davis, a [...]
	'Melania' is Amazon's airbrushed and astronomically pricey portrait of the First Lady Amazon paid $40 million to acquire the documentary, and is spending $35 million more to promote it.
	Photos: Thousands once again protest ICE in Minneapolis and across the U.S. Demonstrators in Minneapolis and other U.S. cities participated in protests as part of a "national shutdown" to end immigration enforcement operations.
	Trump administration denies full disaster funding for Western Alaska storms, state files appeal Eric Phillip, the boardwalk foreman for Kongiganak, Alaska, surveys infrastructure damage caused by Typhoon Halong, Oct. 18, 2025. (Alaska National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Joseph Moon)The Trump administration has denied Alaska’s request for full reimbursement for disaster relief efforts immediately following last October’s devastating Western Alaska storms, despite the Dunleavy administration’s claim that the federal disaster declaration meant the state would be fully reimbursed. Gov. Mike Dunleavy arrives in Bethel after visiting the storm-damaged villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok on Oct. 17, 2025. (Photo by Eric Stone/Alaska Public Media) That leaves the state on the hook for millions of dollars for disaster recovery, however the full amount is still unknown. The state’s request for federal support for 100% of disaster relief efforts in the first 90 days after the storms hit was denied on Dec. 20, according to a spokesperson for the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management on Thursday. The state appealed the denial on Jan. 15, and asked for a 90% federal cost reimbursement, but has not yet gotten a response from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. “We have not heard back from FEMA on approval or denial and there is no timeframe requirement,” said Jeremy Zidek, public information officer for the division, by email. A spokesperson for Dunleavy’s office did not respond to a list of questions, but confirmed the appeal on Friday. “An appeal has been filed and the administration will await the federal government’s decision,” said Jeff Turner, Dunleavy’s communications director. In the meantime, the federal government is reimbursing Alaska’s disaster recovery efforts at roughly 75%, leaving the state to cover 25% of its costs, with some exceptions for certain relief programs, Zidek said. Following the West Coast storm disaster in October, Dunleavy quickly declared a state disaster emergency. On Oct. 22, his office announced that the Trump administration approved the state’s request for a federal disaster declaration, and the state’s full costs would be covered immediately following the storms. “President Trump was deeply concerned with the wellbeing of Alaskans who lost their homes and livelihoods to this historic storm,” Dunleavy said in a statement along with the announcement. “I want to thank him and his administration for approving the disaster declaration because now Alaskan families have local, state and federal support for rebuilding their lives in the months ahead.” “The federal disaster declaration authorizes a 100 percent federal cost share for all categories of relief assistance for the next 90 days,” the statement said. Dunleavy’s office did not respond to questions about his previous statement or whether his office had communication from the Trump administration about why the request was denied. Alaska’s Republican U.S. congressional delegation applauded the federal disaster declaration and Trump’s support for the Western Alaska disaster response last year. All three members said through spokespeople Friday that they support the state’s appeal. U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski has been actively engaged with FEMA and state officials throughout the disaster relief efforts, said her communications director, Joe Plesha, in a statement on Friday. “Alaska’s vast geography and many rural communities make disaster response more challenging and recovery efforts significantly more costly,” he said. “She supports the state’s appeal and will work to secure the maximum amount of federal support available to Alaskans who have suffered so much from this devastating storm.” A spokesperson for U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, Amanda Coyne, said the senator has advocated for the 100% federal cost share, as well as organized a delegation of FEMA and other Trump administration officials to visit Western Alaska. “Given the severity of the storm and its devastating impacts on communities in Western Alaska, Senator Sullivan believes an increased federal cost share is warranted,” Coyne said. “He will continue strongly advocating with FEMA and other senior officials in the Trump Administration for an increased federal cost share as the state’s appeal goes through the process.” A spokesperson for Alaska’s lone U.S. Representative, Nick Begich III, said on Friday that he supports the appeal and will continue to advocate for those impacted by Typhoon Halong at the Congressional level. “Our office is in communication with the Administration to ensure recovery efforts in Western Alaska remain a priority,” spokesperson Silver Prout wrote. Western Alaska storm recovery is ongoing The Western Alaska storms and particularly ex-Typhoon Halong brought record-breaking winds and flooding — damaging thousands of structures, roads, boardwalks, airports and other critical infrastructure. It prompted the state’s largest mass evacuation of residents from their homes to other villages, Bethel and Anchorage. Evacuees of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok wait to board an evacuation flight from Bethel to Anchorage on Oct. 15, 2025 (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon) While some Western Alaska residents are continuing to rebuild through the winter, other residents who evacuated to Anchorage are living in temporary housing. As of Thursday, the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management reports that 471 residents are still sheltering in hotels in Anchorage. The state is administering public assistance programs, which reimburse costs of repairing public infrastructure and utilities, as well as provide individual disaster assistance, in partnership with other agencies, including FEMA. FEMA has awarded $31.2 million in individual assistance to date, Zidek said. More than 2,000 residents have been awarded state individual assistance, and 1,794 households have registered for federal assistance from FEMA. Those applications for state and federal assistance are still open until Feb. 20. State disaster relief funding under debate The state’s disaster relief funding is a point of ongoing debate among lawmakers and the governor, as they kick off discussion of Dunleavy’s proposed $7.75 million budget and its $1.5 billion deficit. Last year, legislators approved $23.3 million in state disaster relief funds, but Dunleavy vetoed $10.3 million of that sum last summer, leaving $13 million in the budget. In November, following the federal government shutdown, Dunleavy announced a state disaster to help provide food aid, transferring $10 million to the state’s disaster relief funding from the Department of Environmental Conservation’s Village Safe Water and Wastewater Infrastructure program. This year, the governor has requested an additional $40 million in the state’s supplemental budget, which is a routine ask for additional money to pay the state’s bills for the previous year. Sen. Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, a co-chair of the Senate Finance Committee, didn’t mince words about the governor’s back and forth with disaster spending. “Ill-advised and foolish,” he said. “It makes no sense what he did to me, frankly, and it’s embarrassing for him, his veto.” But Stedman said he hopes the state’s federal appeal is approved, and expects legislators to pass the governor’s request for the additional $40 million. “Obviously, 100% is better than 90 and 90 is better than 75,” Stedman said of the federal cost share. “So that’s pretty much a given there. But we will fund the disaster request as the governor puts it on the table, through next week’s amendments.” Sen. Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, also a member of the Senate Finance Committee, commended the governor for his record on disaster response, and echoed hope for the appeal to move forward. “There’s no question in my mind that this is exactly what the federal disaster relief programs exist for. So I think the governor’s request was the right thing, and if it came back at less than full funding from the feds, that’s the wrong call,” Kiehl said. Kiehl described the state’s fiscal picture, with rising costs and ongoing debates on how to raise more revenues, as “bleak.” “So there isn’t cash just sitting around for disaster assistance,” he said. “We have to step up for western Alaska financially. That’s going to stink, but we have to do it, as far as I’m concerned.” A typical cost share between the federal government and a state for disaster relief efforts is a 75% federal and 25% state cost split. “We have dozens of federal declared disasters we are currently working on that have the 75/25 cost share structure,” said Zidek, with agency. “Large disasters are occasionally given a modified cost share structure adjustment, but it is not guaranteed. When we have a large disaster, we ask for modification to reduce the amount of state funding needed because as managers of state funds it is the responsible thing to do.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Alaska Beacon
	Chicago Dance Crash in residency at Knox College, Galesburg The Knox College dance program has announced the upcoming dance residency with professional company Chicago Dance Crash. The theme of this residency project is Community Healing through the Arts., a news release says. Starting Sunday, Feb. 1, and running through Saturday, Feb. 7, members of the Chicago Dance Crash company will be on campus, working [...]
	Iowa call center connects abuse survivors to local resources statewide The Iowa Victim Services Call Center offers 24/7 support to those in active crisis or with lingering issues from trauma, violence, crime, abuse and more.
	Rock Island Library hosts Lincoln actor, QC Chordbusters, new kids' book club Escape that winter cabin fever with free events at the Rock Island Public Library. On Tuesday, Feb. 3, the library hosts the QC Chordbusters for a free live music show of barbershop and choral harmonies. Offered as part of the library’s Tuneful Tuesday series, the free program starts at noon in the Downtown Rock Island [...]
	Highlight Zone: Week 4, high school basketball The Highlight Zone returns for a fourth week.
	Community push grows for suicide prevention measures at I-74 bridge Advocates and the QC community are calling for suicide prevention measures at the I-74 Bridge, with experts saying even small interventions can interrupt a crisis.
	Brutal Cold and Walking Dogs: On and Off the Radar Weather Podcast Episode 1 Meteorologists Andy McCray and Anthony Peoples discuss the weather and more in the first episode of the On and Off the Radar Weather Podcast. How many days of below zero temperatures have we had so far this month and how many more are to come? What kind of weather is expected this weekend and beyond? [...]

Sunday, February 1st, 2026

Saturday, January 31st, 2026

Friday, January 30th, 2026