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

Friday, January 23rd, 2026
	Catch Ms. Pat at Rhythm City Casino Spend an evening with Ms. Pat in the Rhythm City Casino Event Center on Friday, August 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale to the public on January 28 at 10 a.m. and this event is intended for mature audiences ages 18+. Click here for tickets or buy them at The Market at Rhythm [...]
	Firefighters battle early morning house fire in Rock Island A family was displaced after a fire on 25th Street near 33rd Avenue in Rock Island early Friday morning.
	No injuries reported in early morning rollover crash in Davenport Police said driver got distracted and crossed the center line, rolled and hit the back of a trailer.
	Pleasant Valley School District announces finalist for superintendent replacement Next, the board will meet for a special meeting on Thursday, Jan. 29, to interview the three candidates in open session.
	Death Notice: Richard 'Rich' Meyer A Mass of Christian Burial for Richard Peter "Rich" Meyer, 70, of Eldridge, will be held at 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6, at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Long Grove. Burial will be in St. Ann's Cemetery. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service at the church. The Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport, is assisting the family with arrangements. Mr. Meyer died Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2026, at the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House, Bettendorf. Memorials may be made to St. Ann's Catholic Church or to the Ohl Strong Foundation to support patients and families with pancreatic cancer. Online condolences may be made at www.hmdfuneralhome.com. A full obituary will appear in the Jan. 28 edition of The NSP.
	Gladys West, mathematician whose work paved the way for GPS, dies at 95 A self-described "little farm girl" in the Jim Crow Era, Gladys West's complex and pioneering work for the U.S. Navy helped to improve billions of lives — and keep us from getting lost.
	Murder-for-hire trial ends in acquittal after other Operation Midway Blitz cases fell apart A federal jury in Chicago on Thursday found Juan Espinoza Martinez not guilty in a murder-for-hire case alleging he solicited a $10,000 bounty on U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino.
	ICAN reschedules candidate event in Andalusia Extreme weather has caused the Illinois Conservative Action Network (I-CAN) to reschedule tonight’s meeting with candidates for state office in Andalusia. Annette Parchert, chairman of the Illinois Conservative Action Network (ICAN), spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to announce the cancelation and upcoming event dates. “The weather is so severe and we sent [...]
	4 Your Money \| Long-Term Cycles When investors evaluate long-term stock market returns, it is helpful to look through the lens of rolling 20-year periods. Nate Kreinbrink, Financial Planner at NelsonCorp Wealth Management, shares the history of S&P 500’s returns and where the index stands now.
	Iowa House passes bill banning use of eminent domain for carbon pipelines The legislation would prohibit companies from using eminent domain to obtain land for pipelines designed to transport carbon dioxide.
	The Botanical Center keeps temperatures in low 80's for tropical plants The Botanical Center keeps tropical plants thriving during the winter months with temperature and humidity control, with temperatures in the 80's.
	Your guide to Oscar-nominated movies and where to watch them There are a lot of films and we are here to help! We've assembled details and coverage for the 14 films nominated in six major categories — all in one place.
	Extreme Cold Warning until FRI 12:00 PM CST Extreme Cold Warning and Advisory in Effect: Dangerous Wind Chills
	Davenport man sentenced to three years for firearm as a felon A Davenport man was sentenced January 20 to three years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. According to public court documents, Areion Watson, 29, had a loaded pistol, which was recovered during a traffic stop. Watson fled on foot during the stop. Watson was prohibited from possessing firearms because he was [...]
	Davenport man sentenced to 3 years in federal gun case A Davenport man was sentenced in to three years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm as a felon.
	Iowa Republican gubernatorial candidates share priorities in QCA campaign forum Four Republican candidates running to be Iowa's next governor shared their priorities if elected during a campaign forum in Eldridge, covering a lot of issues that need answers. Our Quad Cities News reporter Gavin Waidelich tracks the event for Your Local Election Headquarters.
	Luke Bryan to perform at Vibrant Arena Luke Bryan's, "World on the Street Tour" is coming to Vibrant Arena.
	An AI judge, a time-traveling 10-year-old and more in theaters In a not-too-distant future, an artificial intelligence entity determines the fate of the accused in Mercy, starring Chris Pratt and Rebecca Ferguson.
	New technology Center reopens at Muscatine Community College Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) celebrated the completion and reopening of the Muscatine Technology Center (MTC) with a ribbon cutting on January 22. MTC, located at 152 Colorado Street in Muscatine, on the Muscatine Community College (MCC) campus, added over 5,000 square feet of state-of-the-art lab and classroom space. This significantly increases the capacity for EICC’s welding and [...]
	Be My Valentine Sweepstakes 2026 Rules Complete rules for the Be My Valentine Sweepstakes
	Burlington seeks input on community trail extension Burlington needs your input on a new community trail extension. The city was awarded $875,000 in grant funding to advance a planned extension of the community trail network between Summer Street and Madison Avenue. The funding includes $750,000 from the Statewide Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) and $125,000 from a REAP grant. Construction is expected to [...]
	Extreme Cold continues into the weekend We are seeing the worst of the cold on this Friday morning at the time of posting this story with wind chills reaching -37 degrees below zero at the coldest in the Quad Cities. Further up north in areas like Galena and Mt. Carroll even saw wind chills exceed 40 below and we are still [...]
	Elevator tech startup shares plans for the KONE Tower Hyprlift, Inc. will use the tower to get its self-propelled elevator system certified.
	"Word on the Street": Luke Bryan coming to Vibrant Arena this summer Luke Bryan’s “Word On The Street Tour” kicks off on May 29 in New Hampshire and stops at the Vibrant Arena in Moline on July 10. Joining him on stage are Shane Profitt, Lauren Watkins, Raelyn & DJ Rock. Tickets go on sale on Friday, January 30 at 10 a.m. here. Bryan’s fan club members can [...]
	Vietnam leader To Lam consolidates power as country targets 10% growth Lam, 68, pledged to accelerate economic growth and was reappointed unanimously by the 180-member Central Committee at the conclusion of the National Party Congress.
	Iowa Ag Secretary hopeful says state must rethink ethanol if pollution of waterways is to be controlled If Iowa wants to have clean waterways, reduce the nitrates its drinking water and have economic outcomes that benefit the people, the current agricultural model of growing corn and soybeans is going to need to change.
	Two boys with fascinating hobbies: How travel made their wishes possible (BPT) - Although they live in different states and have never met, Michael and Andrew have a lot in common. Both boys love to immerse themselves in their favorite subjects — trains for Michael and penguins for Andrew — and they are both dealing with critical illnesses. And thanks to Make-A-Wish® and corporate partner Chase, both boys were able to see their long-cherished wishes come true.For Michael, that meant traveling from his home near Fresno, California, to Cheyenne, Wyoming, to see Big Boy 4014, the world's largest operating steam locomotive and one of his favorite trains! Animal lover Andrew and his family were able to travel across the world, from their home town of Draper, Utah, to Dunedin, New Zealand, to see the country's unique yellow-eyed hoiho penguins up close and personal.According to Make-A-Wish, which has granted over 390,000 wishes for children with critical illnesses in the U.S. since 1980, approximately 75% of children's wishes involve some form of travel. To help meet this need, Chase has donated more than $4 million in Chase Ultimate Rewards® points, allowing Make-A-Wish to have more resources to grant even more wishes, and helping to ensure that a child's wish is granted at the best time to support their journey to fight their critical illness. Since their partnership began in 2024, Chase has helped grant over 800 wishes."Airfare costs are often the largest expense for granting wishes," said Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America. "And for every wish we grant, two more children with critical illnesses are still waiting. With Chase's ongoing support, Make-A-Wish can continue to create lasting memories for children and families, bringing them hope and joy during their most challenging times."Life-changing journeysMake-A-Wish strives to bring the power of wishing to every child with a critical illness, because wish experiences can help improve their emotional and physical health.* For eight-year-old Michael, learning about trains and wishing to see one of his favorite locomotives in person brought him hope, uplifted his spirits and gave him strength to continue his fight against cancer. Michael and his family were able to fly from Fresno, California, to Denver, Colorado, where they picked up a rental car to drive to Cheyenne. Michael experienced memorable visits to the High Plains Railroad Preservation Association and Cheyenne Depot Museum, but the trip's highlight was his afternoon at the Union Pacific Steam Shop and private tour of Big Boy No. 4014. Michael's wish uplifted his spirits and brought him hope. Twelve-year-old Andrew, who has a critical genetic disorder, is an avid reader who has always loved animals — especially penguins — and enjoys swimming. Thanks to the partnership with Chase, Andrew and his family were able to travel halfway around the world to New Zealand, where they spent time at the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital to witness hoiho chicks being fed and cared for, as well as seeing these distinctive penguins in the wild. The family also enjoyed a trip to the beach at Otago peninsula and a visit with some alpacas, completing a once-in-a-lifetime trip that Andrew will never forget. Most wish kids go on to overcome their illness and lead healthy lives, often crediting their wish as a turning point in their emotional and physical health. By helping grant these travel wishes, Chase's donation enables children to replace fear with confidence, sadness with joy, and anxiety with hope. Research shows that a wish can have significant physical and emotional benefits, increasing the chances of survival for children facing critical illnesses.How you can helpWould you like to make a difference in the life of a child with a critical illness? Chase cardmembers can support Make-A-Wish by donating at Wish.org/Chase, then redeem Ultimate Rewards for the value of the donation by using Pay Yourself Back® through the Ultimate Rewards portal. You can also learn more about children who have been granted wishes at Wish.org.Source: Make-A-Wish 2022 Wish Impact Study, wish.org/impactstudy
	Orion School Board OKs STEM lab materials purchase; hires new middle school principal The school board on Wednesday voted to spend $188,902 on SmartLab HQ Explorer program materials to equip the STEM lab at the grade school.
	Hubbell-Waterman Foundation grants more than $2 million to 67 Quad-Cities nonprofits Since its founding, the Hubbell-Waterman Foundation has granted more than $43 million to local organizations.
	Exhibition by Sandburg, Galesburg, alumna is first art show of 2026 Sandburg’s first art show of the new year highlights the work of alumna Madelyn Havens through March 24. The opening reception for Havens’ exhibit, “Lingering Forms,” will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 23 in the Sandburg art gallery in building D on the college’s Galesburg campus. The show and reception are free and open to the public. Regular gallery hours are weekdays from [...]
	Muscatine Police Department to host training on Iowa Crime Free Multi Housing Program The program aims to reduce crime, improve resident safety and enhance quality of life in rental communities.
	What are IEPs and how do they look different in Iowa and Illinois? An Individualized Education Program helps students with disabilities navigate school. Here's how they work:
	Week in Iowa: Three Republican property tax proposals in the air and how much each gubernatorial candidate raised in 2025 A round of of this week's news from across Iowa.
	'Necklaces' and a warm place to sleep: Moline shelter houses 40 on opening night Forty people spent the night in the new emergency winter shelter in Moline.
	The Burlington Zephyr This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Even a state as quiet and peaceful, and as rural as Iowa generally provides several possible entertainers for idlers.…
	How cuts to federal climate funds could threaten polar vortex research Tens of millions of people are in the path of a major winter storm. Federal cuts threaten efforts to understand the causes of such weather.
	Who's Board of Peace and who's bored of peace? The quiz knows — do you? Plus: The Oscars, tool-using animals, Nobel drama and more.
	Extreme Cold Warning until FRI 12:00 PM CST Extreme Cold Warning and Cold Weather Advisory in Effect
	Venezuela opens debate on an oil sector overhaul as Trump seeks role for US firms Venezuela's legislature advanced a bill on Thursday to loosen state control over the country's vast oil sector, the first major overhaul since parts of the industry were nationalized in 2007.
Thursday, January 22nd, 2026
	‘He asked me to call 911, so I did’: KWQC reporter summons help as freezing cold hits Quad Cities While waiting outside, Brindley said a man walked up to his car and asked for help.
	Knox County senior services receive funding commitment Officials said the commitment secures almost 25 percent of the total annual local cash match needed to secure more than $600,000 in federal funding.
	Bettendorf School Board removes extension from superintendent contract The Bettendorf superintendent's extension year was removed by school board Thursday night.
	Local hero: Clinton boy named Children’s Miracle Network national champion Sawyer Dawes has chronic kidney disease and is treated at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital.
	Four Republican gubernatorial candidates lay out priorities during Eldridge forum About a hundred people filled the Regional Innovation Center in Eldridge on Thursday night to hear from Adam Steen, Eddie Andrews, Brad Sherman, and Zach Laye.
	TikTok finalizes deal to form new American entity TikTok has finalized a deal to create a new American entity, avoiding the looming threat of a ban in the United States that has been in discussion for years.
	Quad Cities schools to decide on closures with low temps ahead With frigid temperatures set to hit the Quad Cities on Friday, school districts are preparing for what they will do.
	CNH plans to lay off 209 employees in Burlington The layoffs will take effect between the end of March and the end of May.
	East Moline cattle farm using ear tags that track cow's biometrics The technology is similar to smart watches for humans, allowing the Bohnerts to keep tabs on their herd's health at all times.
	Elevator tech startup shares plans for the KONE Tower Hyprlift, Inc. will use the tower to get its self-propelled elevator system certified.
	Iowa House passes bill to ban eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Iowa House passed a bill banning the use of eminent domain for the construction of carbon capture pipelines. In just a couple weeks, HF 2104 was introduced and cleared through a House subcommittee before House members on Wednesday passed the bill 64 to 28. The bill would prohibit "exercising the [...]
	Iowa man arrested for first-degree murder in case of man missing since 2020 On May 2, 2020, the family of Christian Balke-Thompson, 26, reported him missing to law enforcement. Since that time, Balke-Thompson has not been found, according to a news release from the Iowa Department of Public Safety. On Thursday, Albert John Wolfe, 33, of Lanesboro, Iowa, was arrested and charged with first-degree murder for the death of Balke-Thompson. The [...]
	What EV drivers should know as temperatures drop As temperatures drop across the region, electric vehicle owners face a seasonal reality: cold weather can significantly reduce battery performance and driving range.
	Farmers prepare livestock for cold weather East to West Farm in Columbus Junction takes extra precautions as below-zero temperatures are expected this weekend.
	Iowa woman sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison for embezzling from employer According to court documents, the embezzlement began in June of 2021, about eight months after she began working for a new company. She has multiple past convictions for financial crimes.
	The Heart of the Story: A need for speed Our Quad Cities News is partnering with award-winning journalist Gary Metivier for The Heart of the Story. Each week, Gary showcases inspiring stories of everyday people doing cool stuff, enjoying their hobbies and living life to the fullest. Stories that feature the best of the human condition. Retirement usually means slowing down, but not for [...]
	Project NOW, Moline's new overnight shelter helps 40 people on first night The temporary shelter opened in Moline on Jan. 21 and is capable of sleeping up to 60 people. To help, here are the donation items Project NOW is asking for.
	63 straight hours coming with below 0° wind chills in the Quad Cities It's a long stretch of VERY cold weather in the Quad Cities! We're looking at more than 2 and a half straight days with below 0° wind chills! The worst of it looks to be Friday morning when wind chills dip to -35° in the Quad Cities. The NWS, not surprisingly, has issued an Extreme [...]
	How to protect your home against the incoming sub-zero temperatures The below-freezing temperatures on their way to the QCA this weekend mean homes are at risk of major damages if you're not prepared. Whether it's a furnace failure or burst pipe, homeowners have a lot to look out for while they try to stay warm this weekend. Our Quad Cities News spoke with Petersen Plumbing [...]
	Worst case scenario is -40° in Quad Cities Friday morning We're locked in with dangerously cold wind chills Friday morning...and the worst case scenario puts us at -40° in the morning! "Best" case scenario still places us at -25° early Friday morning. Most likely? That gives us a wind chill of -32° Friday morning. There's limited relief coming next week, here's the 7-day forecast:
	Republican-led House blocks effort to limit President Trump's war powers in Venezuela Two Republicans joined Democrats to vote for the war powers resolution, but the motion failed in a 215-215 vote.
	45 out of 50 states slammed with winter weather alerts! It doesn't happen often, but 45 out of the 50 states have at least one county included in some form of a winter weather alert from the NWS right now! Some of the products in effect right now include Extreme Cold Warnings, Cold Weather Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings to name a few! 2 factors [...]
	Muscatine Community College opens expanded technology center Muscatine Community College cut the ribbon on an expanded technology center, adding new lab and classroom space for welding and advanced manufacturing.
	Closings across the QCA Ahead of the upcoming extreme winter weather, many schools, business and organizations in our area are announcing closings and other changes. To view current listings, click here.
	Dirt dumped at Vibrant Arena ahead of this weekend's bull riding event The Professional Championship Bull Riders Tour takes place this Saturday. Crews had to dump the dirt a day early due to bitterly cold temperatures in the forecast.
	Night In A Car event returns to Aledo to raise housing funds The Feb. 6 event is raising money and awareness for the unhoused in Mercer County. It's a reality the nonprofit MCBT says is impacting more people locally.
	What's Brewing? \| Antifreeze Party mixes cold weather with cocktails, contests Grab your warmest layers! The annual Antifreeze Party is returning to LeClaire on Jan. 24 with live music, hot cocktails, ice luges, a mac & cheese bar and more.
	Farmers preparing their animals for frigid temperatures Barns will be closed-in to help keep the warmth inside, but farmers say many cows actually find it easier to deal with extreme cold than extreme heat.
	Historic donation places Towhead Island under community stewardship The donation is among the most significant conservation-focused philanthropic gestures in the Muscatine region’s history. Here's what will happen to Towhead Island.
	Supporting and empowering mothers in the QCA with Strength in MotherS From fertility to postpartum and beyond, mothers across the QCA have a resource to feel supported and empowered through every stage of motherhood. Lexi Keppy and Taylor Butler joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about the work of Strength in MotherS. For more information, click here.
	Project NOW, Moline's new overnight shelter helps 40 people on first night The temporary shelter opened in Moline on Jan. 21 and is capable of sleeping up to 60 people. To help, here are the donation items Project NOW is asking for.
	Traffic flow resumes on I-74 Bridge Traffic is moving again on the I-74 Bridge.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted in Scott, Rock Island counties Dominik Hladik-Childress, 27, is wanted in Scott and Rock Island counties.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted for delivery of controlled substance Deon Babers, 34, is wanted by Moline police for delivery of a controlled substance.
	Crime Stoppers: Moline hotel robbed at gunpoint, police seek information Police are investigating after an armed robbery Sunday at a Moline hotel.
	Photography exhibit focuses antique lens on modern Navajo life at Dubuque Museum of Art The Dubuque Museum of Art is hosting an event showcasing the works of Diné (Navajo) artist, Will Wilson, in conversation with 20th century photographer Edward Sheriff Curtis (1868-1952).
	What's ahead at Nahant Marsh? As the education center in Davenport just celebrated its 25th year, there are always things to do and learn at Nahant Marsh! Executive director Brian Ritter joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about what's ahead at Nahant Marsh. For more information, click here.
	Slow moving traffic on I-74 bridge into Illinois A traffic alert for drivers crossing the I-74 Bridge.
	House approves spending bills despite many Democrats' objections to ICE funds The House has approved the final set of spending bills to avoid a government shutdown, despite objections from Democrats to the funding levels set for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
	Moline woman sentenced to prison on wire fraud, identity theft charges A Moline woman will spend over a decade behind bars for wire fraud and identity theft charges.
	UnityPoint offers free heart health screenings in February UnityPoint Health said it will offer free heart health screenings throughout February as heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States.
	Former Iowa superintendent pleads guilty to falsely claiming US citizenship The former superintendent of Iowa’s largest school district pleaded guilty Thursday, and admitted to falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen on a federal form and illegally possessing firearms.
	Moline woman sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison for wire fraud, identity theft A Moline woman was sentenced to 139 months in federal prison for wire fraud and identity theft tied to a $551,961 embezzlement scheme.
	Are there thunderstorms on Mars? A planetary scientist explains the red planet’s dry, dusty storms Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com. Are there thunderstorms on Mars? – Cade, age 7, Houston, Texas Mars is a very dry planet with very little water in its atmosphere and hardly any clouds, so you might not expect it to have storms. Yet, there is lightning and thunder on Mars – although not with rain, nor with the same gusto as weather on Earth. More than 10 years ago, my planetary science colleagues and I found the first evidence for lightning strikes on Mars. In the following decade, other researchers have continued to study what lightning might be like on the red planet. In November 2025, a Mars rover first captured the spectacular sounds of lightning sparking on the Martian surface. Mars dust storms are many times larger and taller than this large terrestrial dust devil photographed in a valley near Las Vegas. Fernando Saca, University of Michigan Lightning on Mars On Earth, lightning is an electric discharge that begins inside big clouds. But because Mars is so dry, it doesn’t have clouds of water – instead, it has clouds of dust. With little water to weigh down dirt on Mars, dust clouds can quickly grow into huge, windy dust storms a few times taller than Earth’s tallest thunderstorms. When smaller dust particles and larger sand particles collide with each other while being whipped around by these storms, they pick up a static charge. Smaller dust particles take on a positive charge, while larger sand particles become negative. The smaller dust particles are lighter and will float higher, while the heavier sand tends to fall closer to the ground. Because oppositely charged particles don’t like to be apart, eventually the energy building between the negative charges higher up in the dust storm and the positive charges closer to the ground becomes too great and is released as electricity – similar to lightning. The air around the electricity rapidly warms up and expands – on Earth, this creates the shock waves that you hear as thunder. Nobody has seen a flash of lightning on Mars, but we suspect it’s more like the glow from a neon light rather than a powerful lightning bolt. The atmosphere near the surface of Mars is about 100 times less dense than on Earth: It’s much more similar to the air inside neon lights. The dust devil shown creates a dark track as it lifts the small and brighter dust particles. Mars Global Surveyor/NASA/JPL/Malin Space Science Systems Releasing radio waves Besides shock waves and visible light, lightning also produces other types of waves that the human eye can’t see: X-ray and radio waves. The ground and the top of the atmosphere both conduct electricity well, so they guide these radio waves and cause them to produce signals with specific radio frequencies. It’s kind of like how you might tune into specific radio channels for news or music, but instead of different channels, scientists can identify the radio waves coming from lightning. While nobody has ever seen visible light from Martian lightning, we have heard something similar to the radio waves created by lightning on Earth. That’s the noise that the Perseverance rover reported at the end of 2025. They sound like electric sparks do on Earth. The rover recorded these signals on a microphone as small, sandy tornadoes passed by. A dust devil travels across the Martian landscape. NASA/JPL-Caltech, CC BY Searching for Martian lightning When my colleagues and I went hunting for lightning on Mars a decade ago, we knew the red planet emitted more radio waves during dust storm seasons. So, we searched for modest increases in radio signals from Mars using the large radio dishes that NASA uses to talk to its spacecraft. The dishes function like big ears that listen for faint radio signals from spacecraft far from Earth. We spent from five to eight hours every day listening to Mars for three weeks. Eventually, we found the signals we were looking for: radio bursts with frequencies that matched up with the radio waves that lightning on Earth can create. Artistic impression of a glowing dust devil on Mars. Instead of lightning, electric discharges on Mars dust storms are expected to produce a glow-like discharge like that illustrated in the bottom of this dust devil. Nilton Renno, University of Michigan To find the particular source of these lightning-like signals, we searched for dust storms in pictures taken by spacecraft orbiting Mars. We matched a dust storm nearly 25 miles (40 kilometers) tall to the time when we’d heard the radio signals. Learning about lightning on Mars helps scientists understand whether the planet could have once hosted extraterrestrial life. Lightning may have helped create life on Earth by converting molecules of nitrogen and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere into amino acids. Amino acids make up proteins, tens of thousands of which are found in a human body. So, Mars does have storms, but they’re far drier and dustier than the thunderstorms on Earth. Scientists are continually studying lightning on Mars to better understand the geology of the red planet and its potential to host living organisms. Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question you’d like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live. And since curiosity has no age limit – adults, let us know what you’re wondering, too. We won’t be able to answer every question, but we will do our best. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Nilton O. Rennó, University of Michigan Read more: The detection of phosphine in Venus’ clouds is a big deal – here’s how we can find out if it’s a sign of life Where does lightning strike? New maps pinpoint 36.8 million yearly ground strike points in unprecedented detail Lightning strikes link weather on Earth and weather in space Nilton O. Rennó receives funding from NASA, JPL, DARPA, and IARPA.
	Conference on new addiction treatment hosted by Vera French A new way to treat addictions will be the subject of a mental health conference this coming spring.
	Moline woman sentenced to federal prison for wire fraud A Moline woman was sentenced to 139 months (over 11.5 years) in federal prison on January 20 for wire fraud and aggravated identity theft, according to a news release from the Department of Justice, Southern District of Iowa. Public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing showed that Rianne Len Brinker, 36, embezzled $551,961.66 from [...]
	The 2026 Academy Awards Nominations The biggest story regarding contenders for the 98th Oscars, which were revealed this morning by Danielle Brooks and Lewis Pullman at 7:30 a.m. CT, is Sinners. And it's quite literally The Biggest Story, as Ryan Coogler's period vampire musical flew away with 16 nods – the most citations for one movie in Academy Awards history.
	Clinton MTA offers free rides due to warming centers Clinton residents who need to visit a warming center in this weekend's extreme cold can ride for free this weekend. On Friday, January 23 and Saturday, January 24 the MTA will provide free fixed route bus rides to help citizens get to warming stations! Passengers can click here see where the buses are located. For [...]
	200+ workers losing jobs at Burlington manufacturer CNH Industrial is closing in Burlington and 209 workers will lose their jobs.
	3 people involved in Minnesota church protest arrested; judge rejects charges against journalist Protesters on Sunday entered the Cities Church in St. Paul, where a local official with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement serves as a pastor. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrest of protester Nekima Levy Armstrong and others on X.
	Controversial new power plant opposed in rural Scott County Hundreds of concerned residents in Scott County oppose approval of a new natural-gas power plant proposed for prime farmland east of Maysville, Iowa.
	Former state representative Luana Stoltenberg to run for Scott County Supervisor Former state representative Luana Stoltenberg, a Republican, will run for the Scott County Board of Supervisors, she announced Wednesday.
	Halpin collecting Valentines for area seniors A local state politician wants to make sure area seniors have something to look forward to on Valentine’s Day. Illinois State Senator Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island) is collecting store-bought or handmade cards for residents in long-term care facilities for Valentine’s Day. “A thoughtful handmade or store-bought Valentine’s Day card can brighten a senior’s day,” said [...]
	Burlington Police Chief Adam Schaefer announces retirement after 33 years Burlington Police Chief Adam Schaefer is retiring after 33 years of service. City officials will begin the process of selecting the next chief.
	Scott County corrections officer dies, sheriff’s office says A corrections officer in Scott County has died, according to the sheriff’s office.
	ROWVA searching for bus drivers after shortage disrupts classes ROWVA School District canceled classes last Friday after three of its five bus drivers called in sick, leaving the rural district unable to run routes.
	School closures, delays around the Quad-Cities for Friday, Jan. 23 With the area under an extreme cold warning Friday morning, some Quad-Cities area schools have canceled classes or moved to e-learning.
	Trump sues JPMorgan Chase and CEO Jamie Dimon for $5B over alleged 'debanking' The lawsuit escalates a series of confrontations between the president and the leader of the country's biggest bank.
	Pay It Forward: Morrison resource center providing free blessings to community members God's Will Giving Center is a nonprofit providing essential items to community members at no cost, including furniture, food, clothing and personal items.
	Heart disease deaths declined. And here's how to reduce your risk of the #1 killer An annual report from the American Heart Association shows deaths from heart disease and stroke are down, encouraging news after the rate went up in the early years of the pandemic.
	East Moline assists residents with replacing lead pipes using state-revolving loans The city of East Moline, like many municipalities across the country, is collaborating with homeowners in replacing lead pipes on their properties.

Friday, January 23rd, 2026

Thursday, January 22nd, 2026