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

Monday, March 2nd, 2026
	Some Middle East flights resume, but thousands of travelers are still stranded by war Limited flights out of the Middle East resumed on Monday. But hundreds of thousands of travelers are still stranded in the region after attacks on Iran by the U.S. and Israel.
	Dancing with the Stars pro ends up in Peoria hospital Dancing with the Stars’ pro Val Chmerkovskiy was in Peoria on Sunday for a performance at the Prairie Home Alliance Theater.
	Rock Island Arsenal to demolish former golf clubhouse, stone bridge The clubhouse was built in 1906 but has not been used since 2018.
	2 Moline teachers named Golden Apple Award finalists Organizers said the Golden Apple Award aims to elevate the teaching profession by honoring the best of the best Illinois teachers and school leaders.
	'Hamnet' star Jessie Buckley looks for the 'shadowy bits' of her characters Buckley has been nominated for a best actress Oscar for her portrayal of William Shakespeare's wife in Hamnet. The film "brought me into this next chapter of my life as a mother," Buckley says.
	Review: God of Carnage at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre Playcrafters Barn Theatre’s lead-off to its 2026 season is a remarkable production of the 2008 Tony Award-winning script God of Carnage by French playwright Yasmina Reza and directed by Jeremy Mahr, who can take well-deserved pride in his production. God of Carnage continues at Playcrafters Barn Theatre, 4950 - 35th Avenue in Moline, Friday and Saturday, March 6 and 7, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 8, at 3:00 p.m.
	Eldridge City Council considers ordinance increasing fines for loose animals Under the proposal, a first violation would increase from $30 to $150, a second violation from $75 to $300 and a third violation from $150 to $600.
	Colona police K-9 dies The Colona Police Department's K-9, Parker, died after his cancer returned.
	Galesburg council to consider $323,000 Cooke Park splash pad project The Galesburg City Council will consider a $323,000 Cooke Park splash pad project. The agenda includes renderings of the proposed design.
	2 structures to be demolished on Rock Island Arsenal The structures are not in use and considered unsafe or uneconomical to repair, officials said.
	Rock Island Arsenal to demolish historic golf clubhouse, stone bridge Rock Island Arsenal plans to demolish its 1906 golf clubhouse and a nearby stone bridge, citing safety concerns and repair costs.
	IowaWORKS hosting job fair March 12 IowaWORKS is hosting an “Opportunity Knocks” job fair on Thursday, March 12 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at IowaWORKS, 1801 E. Kimberly Road in Davenport. “Opportunity Knocks” is for new job seekers, seasoned professionals or anyone who may be in the growing ‘transitioning’ job market. IowaWORKS offers career planning assistance, resume updating, opportunities for [...]
	IPAWS sends critical information to Knox County residents Residents in Knox County now have a new way to receive critical information during emergencies. Knox County Emergency Management Agency (KCEMA) has implemented the Integrated Public Alert & Warning System (IPAWS), developed by FEMA, into its emergency alert system. This allows county officials to send immediate, targeted and life-saving information directly to residents’ mobile devices, [...]
	Scott County school districts to hold special election The Davenport, North Scott and Pleasant Valley School Districts will hold a Special Election for renewing the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy.
	Mercer County School District to hold dismissal hearing The Mercer County School District will hold a Certified Honorable Dismissal Hearing and a Board of Education Special Meeting.
	National Read Across America Day highlights early literacy efforts in the Quad Cities Experts say early literacy is one of the strongest predictors of a child’s future academic success.
	Fire destroys La Motte building, impacts two businesses A fire Sunday morning in La Motte destroyed a building housing Eastern Iowa LP and Midwest Legacy Beef. Both businesses say they plan to rebuild.
	Nominations open in Scott County for June primary election Nominations are now being accepted for candidates for partisan county offices for the June 2 primary election, according to Scott County Auditor Kerri Tompkins. The results of the primary election will determine the candidates for the Democratic and Republican parties in the general election on November 3. The filing period ends on Friday March 20 [...]
	GLOW conference offers leadership, cultural experiences The GLOW (Growing, Leading and Owning the Win) Conference returns for its second year of empowerment, leadership and career growth for women in the Quad Cities and beyond. The 2026 conference will be on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Bally’s Quad Cities, 777 Bally Blvd in Rock Island. The event fuses culture, leadership, entrepreneurship and [...]
	Senior Resource Center expands programs in Jo Daviess County The Senior Resource Center is excited to announce the launch of several new social, educational, and wellness programs in Jo Daviess County, expanding opportunities for older adults and caregivers in the Galena area. Over the past six to eight months, the Senior Resource Center has been working diligently to identify program spaces that are affordable, accessible for [...]
	American CueSports plans Illinois state championships in East Moline The American CueSports Illinois State Association (ACSISA) will hold its 29th annual 8-Ball State Championships and Open 9-Ball Tournament on March 18-22 at the Bend XPO Center, East Molie, hosted by Visit Quad Cities. This marks the first time the tournament will be held on the Illinois side of the Quad Cities. The multi-day tournament [...]
	Davenport woman serves up history through record-breaking spoon collection Cammie Pohl is the owner and curator of the Mississippi Spoon Gallery in Davenport, Iowa. She recently broke the Guiness Book of World Records for the largest spoon collection, with more than 38,000 spoons. "I had to beat a gentleman from Australia that had 30,000 teaspoons. Our count ended at six hours, at 38,162 and [...]
	Warming up with several rain chances this week After the driest February on record, which was also the driest month on record, in the Quad Cities, we'll see an almost daily chance of rain. Temperatures will stay above average all week. Now that we're into March, here are some of the stats for the month. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	First Central's Grilling For Charity nets record-breaking totals for 2025 First Central State Bank’s Grilling For Charity notched a new record in charitable giving.
	Dr. Amy C. Novak appointed Chair of the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities ACCU announced the appointment of Amy C. Novak, EdD, as Chair of the ACCU Board of Directors.
	Hegseth: 'We didn't start this war but under President Trump we're finishing it' The remarks are the first to reporters since the U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran began Saturday despite weeks of talks designed to stave off a conflict.
	Trump defends Iran strikes, offers objectives for military operation His remarks are the first public ones to reporters since the U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran began Saturday despite weeks of talks designed to stave off a conflict.
	Quad Cities brokerage nominated for international real estate award Mel Foster Co. Relocation Division nominated for prestigious Leading RE Pinnacle Award.
	Rock Island and Henry County real estate transactions for March 1, 2026 Here are homes sales and property sales in Rock Island County and Henry County.
	Fire destroys La Motte building, impacts two businesses A fire Sunday morning in La Motte destroyed a building housing Eastern Iowa LP and Midwest Legacy Beef. Both businesses say they plan to rebuild.
	Ascentra’s holiday auto loan promotion raises $30,525 for Salvation Army The five Quad Cities Ascentra branches raised $14,400, the Moline branch raised $5,325, the Muscatine branch raised $5,700, and the two Clinton branches raised $5,100.
	START THE WEEK OFF RIGHT: The Super Bowl, Iron Mike, and the blame game As conversations around nutrition continue to evolve, protein remains a foundational nutrient for maintaining muscle, metabolic health, and overall function across the lifespan.
	Wyffels Hybrids launches 16 new products built on breakthrough genetics Wyffels Hybrids new products reflect years of research, field testing, and commitment to delivering industry leading seed performance for farmers across the Central Corn Belt.
	Ivermectin is making a post-pandemic comeback, among cancer patients The anti-parasitic drug became a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is now being embraced as an alternative treatment for cancer. It is as politically polarizing as ever.
	Gretchen at Work: Shaping metal at Boyler's Ornamental Iron Boyler's Ornamental Iron has been around since 1902 and is on its fourth generation of leadership.
	Scott County Jail uses most of its budget housing inmates elsewhere In the first half of fiscal year 2026, the Scott County Jail has spent more than 84% of its $900,000 budget for housing inmates out of county due to overcrowding.
	Indoor event venue? Kayak rental? Trails? Bettendorf debates future of Forest Grove Park The park is a nearly 100-acre parcel of land in northeast Bettendorf near the TBK Bank Sports Complex.
	Iran war widens, threatens to engulf Lebanon The war over Iran engulfed more of the Middle East and beyond on Monday as Lebanon's militant group Hezbollah responded to the killing of Iran's spiritual leader with its first attack on Israel in more than a year.
	Iran war widens, threatening to engulf Lebanon The war over Iran engulfed more of the Middle East and beyond on Monday as Lebanon's militant group Hezbollah responded to the killing of Iran's spiritual leader with its first attack on Israel in more than a year.
	Moline Swedes and Vietnam This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.As the 1960s drew to a close, the escalating war in Vietnam drew Americans into a seemingly hopeless moral dilemma, but…
	Peer pressure can make this clownfish change its stripes Tomato clownfish, in response to an unpredictable world, appear capable of adjusting when they lose their stripes based on cues from other fish and their habitat, a new study in PLOS Biology finds.
	Hezbollah strikes Israel as American and Israeli planes pound Iran Iran and Iranian-backed militias fired missiles at Israel and Arab states, apparently hitting the U.S. Embassy compound in Kuwait, while Israel and the United States pounded targets in Iran on Monday.
	Congress gears up for vote on Trump's war powers in Iran — after the battle began Democrats and a few Republicans are calling for curbing Trump's unilateral use of military power in Iran, despite previous such efforts failing to advance.
	Supreme Court ponders law making it a crime for gun owners to use marijuana The law, the same one used to prosecute Joe Biden's son for illegal gun possession, has united an array of strange bedfellows, from conservative gun rights groups to liberal civil liberties groups.
	Playground Zero: “God of Carnage,” at the Playcrafters Barn Theatre through March 1 Need a laugh? Need 40? Playcrafters has them for you.
	Representative Margaret Croke: Free Enough to Collaborate with Pritzker, Strong Enough to Take His Money State Representative Margaret Croke, D-Chicago, who is running for Illinois comptroller, reported receiving the maximum campaign contribution of $72,800 from Governor JB Pritzker on February 19.
	How long do electric vehicle batteries actually last? When the modern electric vehicle was still in its infancy, drivers worried that vehicles would need expensive battery replacements within a few years. But battery lifespans are exceeding expectations.
	‘We’ll remember him forever’ celebration of life held for firefighter Ali Jasim Family, friends, and fellow first responders gathered in Milan to remember and honor the life of 19-year-old firefighter Ali Jasim.
Sunday, March 1st, 2026
	3 Davenport men and a woman charged with rioting Three Davenport men and a woman were charged with rioting after police said they were involved in a fight at a bar.
	Blackhawk Fire District community gathers to honor 19-year-old volunteer firefighter The Blackhawk Fire District community gathered on Sunday to honor 19-year-old volunteer firefighter Ali Jasim, who died in late January.
	New year, same ol’ DeSantis DEI attacks "Circle of Chains" Florida slavery memorial by Steven Whyte in Tallahassee. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix)“There are wrongs which even the grave does not bury.” – Harriet Jacobs (1813-1897), American abolitionist and author Since he became governor, Ron DeSantis has made anti-Blackness — by way of race-tinged rhetoric, policy, and legislation — one of the major pillars of his administration. He is not alone. A persistent narrative spun by a wide swathe of white Republicans is that white people are under attack and suffering harm because of reverse discrimination. The clamor is that white Americans are now the most disenfranchised group in the United States. The narrative is of rampant anti-white racism, the difficulties and challenges whites encounter in all aspects of their life, and the jobs, housing, and other opportunities denied them because unfair laws, policies, and programs are skewed to benefit African Americans, Latinos, Native American, and other non-white people. All this noise is disingenuous. Since each man came into office, both the DeSantis and the Trump administrations have partnered on a sardonic crusade, labeling DEI programs as indoctrination and discrimination while forcefully dismantling affirmative action and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in government, education, and commerce. Republican operatives have unleashed a groundswell of recrimination that has deepened the already profound racial divisions that have sadly become a routine feature of life in the United States. Yet this entire premise of Black people being afforded an unfair privilege is built on a centuries-old lie. Slavery is America’s Original Sin, the perpetual stain that DeSantis, Trump, and other apologists spend inordinate time trying to convince us that none of it really happened. Yet for the more than 400 years since enslaved Africans have been in this country, the dominant majority has erected physical, social, political, psychological, economic, and other barriers to any Black progress. Confrontation between integrationists and segregationists at a whites-only beach in St. Augustine, June 25, 1964. Still from FHP film. (Via State Library and Archives of Florida) Struggle It has been a monumental struggle all these years for African Americans to move past the obstacles set in their way including chattel slavery, Jim Crow, de jure and de facto segregation, and redlining. The Florida American Civil Liberties Union notes that “throughout his tenure, this governor has used the power of his office to subjugate and control the lives of Black people in Florida. But slavery is over, and we’re not asking for our freedom anymore. We’re taking it.” DeSantis and his administration, the ALCU said, are “on a crusade this election season to stop progress and keep in place coercive and unfair laws that control the bodies of Black people in Florida.” If they prevail, “the lives of people who are historically the most impacted by these policies will continue to be at risk: Black people.” The ACLU adds, “The administration of Gov. DeSantis has demonstrated a disdain for Black people and their lives in Florida. His actions as governor demonstrate that under his governance, the lives of Black people are expendable.” The anti-DEI campaign has targeted Florida’s public schools, teachers, universities, professors, and businesses. To wit: Florida’s 12 public universities have been prohibited from using state or federal funds for DEI programs, following legislation signed by the governor and reinforced by the State Board of Governors. Recently, Florida’s Attorney General James Uthmeier launched yet another legal fusillade at what’s left of Florida’s already weakened DEI programs. In what might be the coup de grâce, Uthmeier released a legal opinion declaring that many of the established DEI and affirmative action measures in Florida’s public and private sectors constitute unlawful race‑based discrimination under federal and state law. “Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier issued a formal opinion finding that dozens of state laws requiring race-based preferences, classifications, or quotas violate the Equal Protection Clause and Florida’s Constitution. Relying heavily on the Supreme Court’s holding in Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard, the opinion states that Florida will not defend or enforce statutes that mandate race-based decision making,” according to CWC, “a national association of employers committed to effective labor and employment law compliance and the sensible regulation of the U.S. workplace.” The CWC report notes that “these letters do not change federal law, but they reflect an increasingly aggressive enforcement posture by state officials and reinforce heightened scrutiny of race conscious policies following [the] Harvard [ruling]. It would not be surprising if other state attorneys general weigh in, either echoing these concerns or offering a sharply different view, adding to legal and political uncertainty for multi-state employers. Republicans, MAGA — perhaps most Americans — love to brag that the U.S. is a meritocracy but that is fiction. A glance at the racial landscape across America tells a different story. White people comprise 59% of the U.S. population but dominate in just about all spheres of American life. Confrontation between integrationists and segregationists at a whites-only beach in St. Augustine, June 25, 1964. Still from FHP film. (Via State Library and Archives of Florida) The real race disparities A 2014 study by the Women Donors Network found that 95% of the 2,437 elected state and local prosecutors in the United States — who wield tremendous power — were white, with 79% being white men, despite white men representing only 31% of the population. This lack of diversity significantly affects the fate of defendants who are disproportionately Black and Hispanic. Only 1% of elected prosecutors were non-white women. In 66% of states that elect prosecutors, there were no black prosecutors, while 15 states had only white prosecutors. We can blame the ol’ boys network, which is reflected in the reality that 85% of incumbent prosecutors run for re-election unopposed. In other fields: America’s Fortune 500 corporations with the highest revenue generated employ a mere eight black CEOs. 80% of all public-school teachers are white despite the diversity of America’s student population and students of color making up more than half of the student body. A white high school dropout has an easier time getting a job than a Black man with a college degree, so Black men’s educational levels do not guarantee equal job opportunities. And perhaps the biggest data point, massive wealth disparity. Statistics show that wealth disparities between Black and white households in the United States are profound and pervasive, with white households possessing almost 10 times more median wealth than Black households. In 2022, the median wealth for white households was about $285,000, while for Black households it was $44,900. White households, comprising 60% of the population, held 84% of total U.S. household wealth in 2020, while Black households (13.4% of the population) held 4%. A RAND study regards the wealth gap as the present-day manifestation of that history of lost income and lost opportunity. The gap has been widening, year after year, for at least the past 30 years. In fact, it has only meaningfully narrowed in recent years during moments of economic turmoil, when housing and stock prices fell. “You can see how it becomes this baked-in system, with every generation having less to pass down to the next generation,” said Jonathan Welburn, an expert in economic analysis and lead author of Rand’s wealth gap study. “Yesterday’s segregation is today’s wealth gap. We like to pretend that we live in a race-neutral, merit-based society now, that this is all in the past, but you can’t erase history. It shows up in our wealth. For many, it shows up in the lack of wealth.” Demonstrators gathered in Tallahassee near the Florida Capitol on May 31, 2020, to protest the police killing of George Floyd. (Photo by Peter T. Reinwald) Redlining and more In Florida, the gap between Blacks and whites is driven by institutional and systemic structures that include unequal access to housing and jobs; disinvestment in Black and brown communities; redlining; the unwillingness of banks to give African Americans loans at the same rate and percentage as whites; lower investment returns; and a centuries-long legacy of discrimination. Palm Beach Post reporter Wayne Washington wrote about the effects of racism, discrimination and segregation on Black Floridians in 2023. He detailed in his story the reality that, “on a broad range of issues — financial, political, social — Black Floridians still lag behind white Floridians and in many areas the gap has grown. In DeSantis’ Florida, he writes, Black residents are sicker, poorer, less educated. It’s getting worse.” Former state Sen. Bobby Powell, a West Palm Beach Democrat and former chair of the state’s Black Legislative Caucus, said the DeSantis administration is more interested in scoring political points at Black people’s expense than working to improve their lives. “Right now, we’re under a regime that works to attack the idea of diversity and inclusion,” Powell says in the story. “People are jumping on that bandwagon. We’ve got gaps now that I think will grow even larger.” Researchers from the United Way argue that “such institutionalized racism will not solve itself. Black babies in Florida are half as likely to see their first birthday. Black men have the shortest life expectancy of any group in the United States.” More than half of black households in Florida live below the United Way’s Asset Limited Income Constrained Employed (ALICE) threshold. “Segregation persists. The average black household with an income of more than $60,000 lived in a neighborhood with a higher poverty rate than did the average white household earning less than $20,000. It isn’t getting better,” the report said. Supporters of affirmative action and diversity, equity, and inclusion point out that one important element of the fight is to reframe these initiatives as benefits to society, individuals, and communities — to highlight attempts to reach parity and equality and eschew preferential treatment. They also advise implementation of new and innovative ways to leverage data proving the return on investment from building a culture that embraces all people. African Americans and other non-whites can’t give up the fight. They have no choice but to oppose DeSantis, Trump, and the rest on the streets, in the courts, in the voting booth, despite concerted efforts by far-right Republicans to squelch any dissent. Courtesy of Florida Phoenix
	Easy, Approachable Solutions for At-Home Lenten Meals (Feature Impact) Lent has long been a season of tradition and reflection, and it can also be an opportunity to introduce your family to exciting new flavors that may become staples in your kitchen. If preparing seafood feels intimidating, try starting with dishes that are easy, familiar and approachable. For example, One-Pot Creamy Shrimp Scampi features a velvety sauce, earthy spinach and buttery, delicious shrimp - a recognizable and approachable recipe that can be a gateway to discovery. Made with SeaPak frozen shrimp, you can help picky eaters in your home feel more confident in saying "yes" to something new. Frozen seafood is a perfect partner for familiar favorites like pasta, making it a playful, stress-free solution for encouraging exploration at mealtime. "For many families, Lent often brings a shift at the dinner table - and this year, parents are turning it into an opportunity to try something new," said Diana Rice, child nutritionist and registered dietitian. "When food feels approachable, it lowers stress for everyone. Familiar flavors help kids say 'yes' more often, and those positive moments can make seafood a feel-good part of family meals during Lent and beyond." When kids see foods that look and taste familiar - like the crunch of crispy fried shrimp - they may feel more comfortable giving it a try. That's why discovery can extend beyond the dinner table to snack time, too. Give kiddos the energy they need for homework assignments with Butterfly Shimp Bruschetta, a quick solution for after-school or weekend snacking. As your pickier loved ones dive in for something new, those small wins can build confidence to try new things - one bite at a time. This Lent, swap "giving up" for "try this" with more approachable frozen seafood solutions and family-friendly recipes at SeaPak.com. One-Pot Creamy Shrimp Scampi Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 25 minutes Servings: 4 1 package (12 ounces) SeaPak Shrimp Scampi 1 1/4 cups half-and-half or milk 1 1/4 cups chicken stock 8 ounces linguine noodles 6 cups fresh spinach 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese 4 lemon wedges In large, high-sided saute pan, add shrimp and cook according to package directions. Remove shrimp to bowl and keep warm. In same pan with scampi sauce, stir in half-and-half and stock. Bring to low boil. Add pasta. Cook, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked al dente, 8-10 minutes. Stir in spinach and cook just until beginning to wilt. Stir reserved shrimp into pan. To serve, divide shrimp scampi between four bowls and top each with grated Parmesan. Serve with lemon wedges. Butterfly Shrimp Bruschetta Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 6 1 package (9 ounces) SeaPak Jumbo Butterfly Shrimp 1 baguette 3 garlic cloves, divided 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided 3 cups grape or cherry tomatoes, seeded and finely diced 1/3 cup chopped basil, plus additional for garnish salt, to taste pepper, to taste Preheat oven to 425 F. Bake shrimp according to package directions and keep warm. Slice baguette to match number of shrimp. Rub one garlic clove over one side of each slice of bread. Brush garlic-rubbed sides with 3 tablespoons olive oil. Set aside. Finely dice remaining garlic. In medium mixing bowl, stir tomatoes, remaining olive oil, diced garlic and 1/3 cup chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper, to taste, and set aside. In large, hot skillet, working in batches, add baguette slices oil sides down and cook until browned around edges. Remove from pan. Top each baguette slice with small spoonful of tomato mixture and one shrimp. Garnish with basil leaf.
	5 Trends in Heart Health Among Younger Adults: Why Your CoQ10 Level Matters (Feature Impact) Heart disease is something many adults push to the back of their minds if they are not experiencing symptoms; a concern for "later" in life. However, that mindset may be changing. New research suggests younger generations are thinking about their cardiovascular health earlier and with greater urgency. They're right to be thinking about it, too. Data from the American Heart Association shows heart disease is still the No. 1 killer of Americans. In fact, someone dies from cardiovascular disease every 34 seconds in the United States. Risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and kidney disease are on the rise, too. Nearly half of U.S. adults have high blood pressure (47%), and obesity (42%), and more than half (57%) have type 2 diabetes or prediabetes. Despite growing concern about heart health, many adults remain unclear about their personal risk. In fact, a majority of respondents (62%) in a survey conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of Doctor's Best said they don't know their current risk for heart disease. To provide context on these findings and highlight emerging heart health trends, Dr. Tania Elliott, a dual board-certified physician in internal medicine, offers some insights. Feeling Fatigue In the study, only 50% of respondents reported feeling energetic on a daily basis. Among those who reported feeling fatigued, 46% listed stress as their top perceived contributor, followed by insufficient sleep (38%), both of which are closely tied to cardiovascular health. Troubling Symptoms Among Gen Z respondents, 25% reported having shortness of breath during activity or while lying down, compared to just 16% of Baby Boomers, which is commonly associated with compromised heart health. Statins and Youth Statins, which help address cardiovascular risk factors such as high cholesterol, are among the most commonly prescribed drugs in America, with more than 92 million Americans currently taking them, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Although most survey respondents (76%) aren't currently taking a statin, 17% of adults ages 25-34 reported using statin therapy, which is an unexpectedly high proportion given their age and the group's low anticipated risk of cardiovascular disease. Side Effects of Statins Among those taking statins, which are considered a first-line treatment for treating high cholesterol and reducing heart disease risk, 54% reported experiencing side effects, particularly muscle pain (23%) and fatigue (31%). However, taking statins can also affect levels of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), which supports cellular energy and cardiovascular function. All About CoQ10 Cells use CoQ10 to produce energy and detoxify. Studies have shown people with heart failure who took CoQ10 had around a 50% reduction in mortality. Despite this, awareness is low. Nearly two-thirds (66%) of respondents had never heard of CoQ10 and that number jumps to 76% of adults ages 25-34. Additionally, only a small percentage of respondents (8%) who were on a statin reported having their CoQ10 level tested. "We have a real opportunity to help younger adults take a more proactive approach to heart health," Elliott said. "CoQ10 plays a critical role in cellular energy production and heart muscle function, and it can decline with age and statin use." If you're among the 71% of survey respondents who expressed a willingness to learn more about improving your heart health, talk with your health care provider and visit DoctorsBest.com to learn more. Strategies to Support Heart Health While some risk factors for heart disease, like age and family history, are out of your control, you can make lifestyle changes to help lower your risk: Eat Whole Foods: A heart-healthy eating plan includes plenty of lean proteins as well as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains and foods high in omega-3s, such as salmon, nuts and plant oils. Know Your CoQ10 Levels: If you're low, look for a high-quality, bioavailable formula, like Doctor's Best High Absorption CoQ10 with BioPerine, which supports energy production and muscle function. Get Moving: The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week to help control weight and lower the risk for conditions that negatively impact the heart. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (woman with hand over chest)
	Why Simple Daily Habits Matter More Than Big Health Resolutions (Feature Impact) Most people don't set out to ignore their health. It usually slips down the list somewhere between the morning alarm and the last email of the day. Breakfast gets rushed or skipped. Exercise is postponed until tomorrow. Sleep is cut short to catch up on everything else. By the end of the week, healthy intentions are still there, but the follow-through feels harder than expected. For many, the challenge is not motivation but finding habits that fit into real life. Small, repeatable choices around sleep, exercise, nutrition, mental well-being and social connection can support how the body and mind function over time. Sleep Well Sleep is essential for physical recovery, mental focus and emotional balance, but it's often the first habit to slip when schedules get busy. Establishing a regular bedtime routine helps signal when it's time to rest. Limiting screen exposure in the evening, keeping sleep and wake times consistent and creating a dark, quiet sleep environment can support more restorative sleep. Over time, better sleep contributes to improved mood, focus and overall heart health. Exercise in Manageable Ways Exercise often falls into the same trap as sleep. When schedules get full, it becomes something to get back to rather than something that fits into the day as it unfolds. A missed workout can quickly turn into a missed week, even for people who value staying active. Regular movement supports heart health, muscle strength and overall energy, but it doesn't need to be all-or-nothing. Short periods of activity spread throughout the day can still make a difference, especially when long stretches of sitting are the default. Walking between meetings, stretching in the morning or adding light strength exercises at home are simple ways to stay active without blocking out extra time. Eat Nutritiously Food decisions often happen on autopilot as meals are squeezed into busy schedules and long days, making nutrition one of the most influential daily habits. Meals do more than provide fuel. When built around nutrient-rich foods, they support muscle health, brain health and heart health. An overall healthy eating pattern includes a variety of whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins, helping the body keep up with everyday demands. Protein plays an important role in maintaining muscle and supporting daily movement, especially as people age. High-quality protein from foods, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, can help support all the muscles in the body. Choosing protein sources that are easy to prepare and repeat supports consistency when schedules are full. As part of a balanced approach to healthy habits, nutrition guidance from the American Heart Association's Healthy for Good initiative, nationally sponsored by the Egg Nutrition Center, highlights how everyday food choices can support the body and brain over time. Eggs are an example of a high-quality protein and they fit easily into meals throughout the day. Eggs also deliver choline, a nutrient many Americans don't get enough of. Choline is a critical nutrient, among others, for supporting brain development, memory and mood. Along with protein, choline helps support brain health, making it an important consideration across life stages. According to the American Heart Association, healthy people can include one egg daily, up to seven eggs per week, as part of a heart-healthy diet. For healthy older adults with normal cholesterol, two eggs per day can be included as part of a heart-healthy dietary pattern. Mind Your Mental Well-Being The way people eat, sleep and move does not just affect the body. It also shapes how the brain responds to stress and daily demands. When routines feel rushed or inconsistent, mental well-being is often one of the first areas to feel the strain. Ongoing stress can interfere with focus, sleep and eating habits, making it harder to maintain healthy routines. Simple practices like deep breathing, mindfulness or stepping away from screens for a few minutes can help reduce tension and restore attention. Making time for rest and reflection, and setting realistic expectations, can also support emotional balance. What supports the brain often supports the heart as well, reinforcing the value of caring for mental and physical health together. Socialize and Stay Connected Mental well-being is shaped by both daily routines and relationships. When life feels busy or stressful, social connection is often the first thing to get pushed aside, even though it plays an important role in emotional health. Staying connected doesn't require packed calendars or constant interaction. Shared meals, short conversations or a quick check-in with a friend or family member can help maintain a sense of connection. Build Habits That Fit Real Life Healthy routines are more likely to last when they fit into the rhythm of everyday life rather than compete with it. Big changes can feel motivating at first, but it is often the small, repeatable choices that quietly shape how people feel over time. Choosing foods that are easy to prepare, finding enjoyable ways to exercise and protecting time for sleep can make healthy habits feel more realistic. When routines are built around what is already happening during a typical day, they are easier to return to even when schedules get busy. For more information and educational resources on nutrition and healthy living, visit Heart.org. Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
	Blackhawk Fire District community gathers to honor 19-year-old volunteer firefighter who died in January The Blackhawk Fire District gathered on Sunday to honor 19-year-old volunteer firefighter Ali Jasim, who died in January.
	‘No War’ rally held in Davenport amid Iran strikes People gathered at Vander Veer Park in Davenport around noon Sunday for a demonstration opposing war in Iran.
	Visitation held for Fr. Daniel Mirabelli in at Alleman High School Public visitation for Rev. Daniel Mirabelli was held Sunday at Alleman High School. A funeral Mass is set for 11 a.m. Monday at Sacred Heart Church in Moline.
	Prediction market trader 'Magamyman' made $553,000 on death of Iran's supreme leader It's the latest trade drawing scrutiny on the popular prediction market site for appearing to show an insider making profits on military secrets.
	Blackhawk FD hosts celebration of life for firefighter Ali Jasim Family, friends, and fellow first responders gathered in Milan to remember and honor the life of 19-year-old firefighter Ali Jasim
	Make-A-Wish Illinois celebrates 40 years of wishes at the Quad City Storm Make-A-Wish Illinois celebrated 40 years of wish fulfillments at the Quad City Storm game March 1. Featuring more than 100 wish family members and volunteers from the QCA, families of children with critical illnesses enjoyed a great day of hockey with the Storm. Special items helped celebrate Make-A-Wish Illinois' milestone birthday. Make-A-Wish Illinois has granted [...]
	Rock Island Arsenal suspends expedited entry program amid escalating conflict with Iran Rock Island Arsenal has suspended its Trusted Traveler program and now requires 100% ID checks amid escalating conflict involving the U.S., Israel and Iran.
	Oil prices rise sharply in market trading after attacks in Middle East disrupt supply The high prices came as U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran and retaliatory strikes against Israel and U.S. military installations around the Gulf sent disruptions through the global energy supply chain.
	Satellite images provide view inside Iran at war Satellite images from commercial companies show the extent of U.S. and Israeli strikes, and how Iran is responding.
	Record dryness in the Quad Cities! With February now officially in the books, we took a look at the numbers and stats for our February 2026. It was certainly warmer than average with the average high this year almost 10 degrees warmer than the normal average high, with the warmest being 72 on the 27th. On top of that, only 0.2 [...]
	Where to vote in Scott County’s special election A special election is being held for three Scott County school districts and a city council position on Tuesday.
	Win Big in AmeriFile's Tax Time Sweepstakes this March One winner will receive $200 gift certificate to AmeriFile, tacos from Rudy's and passes for Malibu Jack's
	Red Cross assists occupants after Bettendorf structure fire The American Red Cross is assisting occupants of a Bettendorf structure fire that remains under investigation, according to a news release. Shortly after 11:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28, the Bettendorf Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a possible structure fire on 1300 block of Golden Valley Drive. Crews found no fire conditions on [...]
	Police seek help to find missing Davenport girl Davenport police seek help from the public to find a missing 14-year-old girl, according to a news release. Ty’Jae Redeker was last seen on Feb. 11 at 1:15 p.m. in Davenport. She told her family she was going for a walk and was asked to return by 2:30 p.m. She was wearing a gold/green/orange Nike [...]
	Small home fire in Bettendorf on Saturday night Firefighters responded to a house fire in Bettendorf home; no injuries and an ongoing investigation.
	130 teams hit the lanes for Junior Achievement Bowl-A-Thon The teams represented more than 40 different companies, organizations and families.
	DeSantis links redistricting to Supreme Court ruling, but that may not come down by April 20 Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis speaking at the Hula Bay Club in Tampa on Dec. 3, 2025. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix)Unlike the other states that have engaged in partisan gerrymandering since President Trump called on Texas to do so last summer, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has explicitly declared that is not why he has called for the Legislature to reconvene in Tallahassee in April for for a special session to redistrict Florida’s congressional seats. Cognizant that gerrymandering is banned in the state’s Constitution, the governor has made the case that the Legislature will “be forced to do it because the Supreme Court’s VRA [Voting Rights Act] decision is going to impact the current map. No matter what else, that is going to have to be addressed.” But what happens if the justices opt not to weigh in on a crucial part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act in the pending case Louisiana vs. Callais by the time the Legislature returns to Tallahassee on April 20 for that special session? The case tests whether Section 2 of the VRA violates the Constitution by discriminating against white voters. The section prohibits voting practices or procedures that discriminate based on race. “Now that primaries are underway in all of these cases, I think the court is more likely to wait until the end of the term to release this decision, so that it is clear that the decision cannot affect districts for the 2026 midterm elections, that the court’s decision is only post-2026, so 2028 and beyond. So, I don’t expect to get that decision anytime soon,” said Sarah Isgur, editor of SCOTUSblog, speaking on Dan Abram’s Sirius/XM show on Feb. 20. The U.S. Supreme Court usually delivers its decisions in its biggest cases right before the justices end their term in late June, although they will issue important rulings before then (such as last month, when they issued their decision that the tariffs President Trump issued under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act were illegal). Justin Levitt, a law professor at Loyola Marymount University who served in the Biden White House as senior policy adviser for democracy and voting rights, said that while it’s impossible to know when the court will rule, he believes the only way we’ll have an answer before the end of June is “if it turns out to be not a big deal.” “That’s still a possibility — many observers thought that the decisions in Allen v. Milligan (the last big Voting Rights Act decision in 2023) and Moore v. Harper (the case about whether legislatures could ignore their state constitutions when drawing congressional lines) were going to be seismic changes, and when they came, they didn’t really change the law at all,” Levitt told the Phoenix in an email. “That doesn’t mean that if the case comes after April 20, it’s necessarily a big deal: There could be a big dissent over not doing something big. But I think the timing on a big deal is going to be late in the term,” he said. What happens if the high court doesn’t rule by April 20? The governor said in Tampa in December that he didn’t want redistricting to elect more Republicans, because the Legislature is “not allowed to use the partisan data,” indicating he does not want to run afoul of the Florida Fair District Amendments. They say no reapportionment plan or individual district can be drawn “with the intent to favor or disfavor a political party or incumbent.” So, does that mean that without a Supreme Court decision on the Voting Rights Act by April 20 that the special session on redistricting will be called off? Not likely, observers say. “What I think the Legislature and DeSantis can rely on is they’ll argue that based on the Florida Supreme Court’s decision about the 5th Congressional District last year, where they sort of intimated that there might be an opening to challenges in other district layouts, the Legislature could say, ‘Well, we are going to go ahead and, based on that state court ruling, we are going to reconfigure some of these districts,” said Matt Isbell, a data analyst for Democratic campaigns. The Florida Supreme Court in July upheld the 2022 redrawing of the map authored by DeSantis that reconfigured what had been Florida’s 5th District and erased Black representation in North Florida. That map permitted Republicans to increase their congressional representation from 16 to 20, while decreasing the Democratic numbers from 11 to 8 (the Republicans captured the new congressional seat the state was awarded after the 2020 U.S. Census). In its written decision in the case known as Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute vs. Secretary, Florida Department of State, there was this key passage, written by Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz, hinting how the court could rule on the Fair District Amendments: “Finally, we conclude by emphasizing that the defendants have not asked us to decide whether every district intentionally drawn to comply with this Court’s interpretation of the Non-Diminishment Clause [of minority voting strength] is necessarily race-predominant and therefore subject to strict scrutiny, even if the district satisfies the FDA’s [Fair District Amendments] race-neutral standards. That issue can wait for another day.” DeSantis has previously asserted that he believes that Florida’s 20th Congressional District in South Florida is “the most irregularly shaped district on Florida’s map.” Isbell says that could be the seat GOP lawmakers say they need to redistrict based on the state Supreme Court’s ruling, “and then just in the process of re-drawing a couple of districts, they then can conveniently make changes that have a more partisan affect.” House Speaker Daniel Perez noted the Florida Supreme Court’s opinion when he announced the creation of a select committee on Congressional Redistricting last summer, which met during committee weeks late last year but stopped its work after DeSantis announced the special legislative session on redistricting. “Here in Florida, our state Supreme Court’s recent decision in Black Voters Matter Capacity Building Institute Inc. v. Secretary, Florida Department of State, raises important and distinct questions about the applicability and interpretation of certain provisions of the so-called ‘Fair Districts’ provisions of the Florida Constitution and their intersection with Federal law,” Perez said. “Exploring these questions now, at the mid-decade point, would potentially allow us to seek legal guidance from our Supreme Court without the uncertainty associated with deferring those questions until after the next decennial census and reapportionment.” “My own feeling is they will go to Tallahassee on April 20, they will redraw the maps, the maps will favor Republicans, and Republican leadership will say, ‘Well, you know, we had to get ahead of the curve, because we couldn’t wait for the U.S. Supreme Court,” said Bob Jarvis, a professor of constitutional law at Florida’s Nova Southeastern University Shepard Broad College of Law. In initially making his case for congressional redistricting last year, DeSantis also contended the state was “malapportioned” in the 2020 census, and that he was working with Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier to somehow “correct” that census. He noted in a news release that Florida had gained nearly 2 million new residents since 2019. But there was no redone census done last year, and so if and when the Legislature does produce congressional maps during the special session, members will rely on data from the 2020 census — and likely the election results in 2022 and 2024 — to figure out how to favor Republicans in the 2026 midterm election in November. A dummymander? As far as how those drawings will go, Isbell argues Republicans need to be careful, because he considers the 2022 congressional map to already be a “very, very, very effective Republican gerrymander.” “This is already a pretty Republican map, and if you start to make it even redder you do risk making it a dummymander perspective, because there’s only so many areas that the Democrats in some of these districts can be moved to and the Republicans can be added,” he said. (A “dummymander” is a play on the term gerrymander, refering to a redrawing that ends up benefiting the opposite party that it was designed to help). And then there’s whether the Florida House and Senate can come together on newly redrawn congressional maps. The two chambers have been at odds a lot this session on policy priorities, and a clash over competing tax proposals led to a 105-day session last year. In 2015, the two chambers failed to come to an agreement on a final map, forcing the Florida Supreme Court to create congressional and state Senate districts. “That was back in an era when Republicans were just feuding with each another, and right now they’re feuding with each other, so right now that becomes the question: Do they do just keep fighting and not coming to an agreement?” said Isbell. “I do see a map coming together. But I think there’s not a lot of clarity right now because of these of internal divisions on other issues.” Meanwhile, the Florida Supreme Court on Friday rejected a legal challenge brought by two Florida voters to block DeSantis’ move to redraw the state’s congressional districts. Courtesy of Florida Phoenix
	Rock Island Arsenal increases security The Arsenal said it has suspended the Trusted Traveler program and will be requiring 100% ID checks for all adults.
	4 the Record Web Extra: State of the Union still needed despite being more spectacle than substance We're a few days removed now from President Trump's unprecedented State of the Union address. Unprecedented in that was the longest in U.S. history. A lot of the President's critics jumped on him claiming he didn't introduce any new policy. That's not true. They're just not policies they like or support. The President announced the [...]
	Clucking egg prices as of 2/27/26 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, 2026, 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 [...]
	Illinois could tackle online pricing that charges customers different prices for the same thing Let's move to Illinois, where state lawmakers are considering new regulations about something I don't think a lot of people are aware of. It's called algorithmic pricing. Some companies that sell things online actually vary their prices depending on the personal data they have for the specific customer about to buy one or more of [...]
	Money vs. efficiency at center of debate regarding Iowa school funding increase Let's start with Iowa public schools. It looks like Governor Kim Reynolds will get her way in the end. State lawmakers approved a 2% increase for public schools. That's what Reynolds proposed. The Senate was at 1.75%. The House was at 2.25%. They met in the middle where the governor was all along. Neither keep [...]
	Krishnamoorthi has critical differences with other Illinois U.S. Senate candidates Call it the sweet 16. That's how many days are left until the Illinois primary. It's starting to look like the Democratic party's race for the U.S. Senate nomination could be close. The top three candidates in terms of polling and money are congresswoman Robin Kelly, congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and lieutenant governor Juliana Stratton. We [...]
	HMPV, virus with no vaccine or treatment, on the rise. Should you be worried? It's not just the flu spreading around the U.S.
	Fire spreads unseen until carbon monoxide detector alerts homeowners The Bettendorf Fire Department responded to a possible house fire at 11:52 p.m. Saturday in the 1300 block of Golden Valley Drive, according to a news release.
	QC Empowerment Network Black Business Expo draws record vendors at NorthPark Mall The QC Empowerment Network hosted its 11th annual Black Business Expo at NorthPark Mall on Saturday.
	Lo que necesita saber sobre las estafas con IA (BPT) - Probablemente haya oído hablar de las increíbles funciones de la inteligencia artificial (IA), desde crear rápidamente contenido escrito e imágenes hasta crear videos que parecen reales, incluso cuando son falsos. Desafortunadamente, esta tecnología fácilmente accesible también es utilizada por estafadores para engañar a las personas y lograr que compartan información personal, inviertan en estafas falsas o les den dinero.Si la IA es tan eficaz para falsificar y personalizar estafas, ¿qué pueden hacer los consumidores para protegerse?"Desde correos electrónicos y mensajes de texto generados por IA, hasta mensajes de voz clonados, llamadas y videos deepfake, los estafadores actuales tienen muchas herramientas a su disposición", declaró el jefe de inspectores postales, Gary Barksdale. "Pero si está alerta y comprende los métodos típicos de los estafadores, se puede estar un paso adelante de ellos".Durante la Semana Nacional de Protección al Consumidor (NCPW, por sus siglas en inglés), del 1 al 7 de marzo de 2026, tome medidas para obtener más información sobre las estafas que utilizan la IA para poder protegerse a sí mismo y a su familia. El Servicio de Inspección Postal de EE. UU. comparte algunas señales de alerta que pueden ayudarle a evitar trampas generadas por IA y pasos que usted o un ser querido pueden seguir si son víctimas de fraude.Cómo detectar una estafa que utiliza IALa IA se utiliza en diversos tipos de fraudes, incluyendo intentos rápidos de phishing en forma de correos electrónicos o mensajes de texto supuestamente de una empresa de confianza, estafas a largo plazo como estafas románticas, de inversión o de criptomonedas, e incluso estafas que dicen ser de "soporte técnico". Si recibe un mensaje de texto, correo electrónico, llamada o mensaje de voz solicitando o exigiendo su respuesta, esté atento a lo siguiente:Redes sociales poco confiables. La "persona" que se comunica con usted tiene una presencia inconsistente o limitada en redes sociales: pocos amigos, creación reciente de la cuenta, comentarios que no parecen naturales o imágenes que no coinciden con su nombre o información de perfil.Sitios web o direcciones de correo electrónico inusuales. Pequeñas faltas de ortografía, fuentes extrañas, sitios web no seguros que solicitan información de inicio de sesión o una dirección de correo electrónico de respuesta que no coincide con el dominio del sitio web que solicita información (por ejemplo: john.doe@USPSUS.com cuando USPS.com es el nombre de dominio real).Solicitudes de comunicación fuera de la plataforma. ¿El remitente insiste en hablar por WhatsApp, Telegram o una dirección de correo electrónico privada? De ser así, las protecciones de seguridad de la plataforma no se aplicarán.Inconsistencias de audio/video. La sincronización de labios parece desfasada, hay una iluminación extraña o movimientos poco naturales, o la voz no coincide con la de la persona que conoces.Ofertas demasiado buenas para ser ciertas. ¿El remitente promete altas ganancias garantizadas u oportunidades privadas "exclusivas"? Es probable que no paguen.Cómo protegerseIncluso si al principio cree que la persona o empresa que lo contacta es legítima, siempre verifique la información directamente.Vaya directamente al sitio web de la empresa o contacte a la persona como lo hace habitualmente, en lugar de hacer clic en un enlace proporcionado o responder a un mensaje de texto, correo electrónico o llamada.Siga estos consejos para evitar ser víctima de estafas:Nunca envíe dinero a alguien que conozca solo en línea, especialmente mediante criptomonedas, transferencias bancarias, tarjetas de regalo o recargas prepagadas.Tenga cuidado con las solicitudes financieras. Las solicitudes como "préstame para comprar un boleto" o "invierte a través de esta billetera privada" son advertencias para que se DETENGA y verifique.Active la autenticación multifactor (MFA, por sus siglas en inglés). Proteja su correo electrónico, redes sociales y cuentas financieras.Utilice métodos de pago con protección al comprador. Las tarjetas de crédito y los servicios de depósito en garantía son los más seguros al realizar transacciones con desconocidos.Evite compartir información personal identificable. Proporcionar su fecha de nacimiento completa, número de Seguro Social, fotos de documentos de identidad o domicilio puede facilitar el robo de identidad.Mantenga actualizados los dispositivos y el software. Utilice también un antivirus y un gestor de contraseñas para crear contraseñas seguras y únicas.Tenga cuidado con desconocidos demasiado "serviciales". Si alguien se ofrece a abrir una cuenta de inversión o a "ayudarle" a registrarse, pare y verifique la información.Informe a sus contactos. Avise a sus amigos y familiares si ve a un contacto sospechoso haciéndose pasar por usted.Medidas que debe tomar si es víctima de una estafaSi usted o un ser querido son víctimas de un estafador, tomen las siguientes medidas inmediatas:Interrumpa la comunicación con el estafador. Conserve todos los mensajes y registros de transacciones.Póngase en contacto inmediatamente con su banco o proveedor de servicios de pago. Solicite ayuda para detener o rastrear transferencias.Cambie las contraseñas y active la autenticación multifactor (MFA), especialmente si ha compartido la información de inicio de sesión.Active alertas de fraude y congele su crédito con las tres principales agencias de crédito. También active alertas con su banco y tarjetas de crédito si compartió datos financieros confidenciales.• Contacte a la policía local. Si perdió una suma importante de dinero o recibió amenazas, debe notificar a la policía.Si utilizó criptomonedas, contacte a las autoridades inmediatamente. Rastrear es difícil, pero si se denuncia a tiempo, puede haber una posibilidad de recuperar sus fondos.Y lo que es más importante, denuncie el fraude. Puede hacerlo ante el Servicio de Inspección Postal, la Comisión Federal de Comercio o el Centro de Denuncias de Delitos en Internet (IC3) de la Oficina Federal de Investigación (FBI, por sus siglas en inglés). También debe denunciar el perfil y los mensajes a la plataforma en la que se produjo el contacto.Por último, ¡busque apoyo! Las estafas también causan daño emocional, así que hable con amigos de confianza, familiares o un consejero.Si cree haber sido víctima de alguna estafa relacionada con el Servicio Postal de EE. UU., comuníquese con los inspectores postales al 877-876-2455 o visite www.USPIS.gov/report. Para obtener más información sobre la prevención del fraude, visite www.USPIS.gov/ncpw-2026.
	What you need to know about AI scams (BPT) - You've probably heard about the amazing things artificial intelligence (AI) can do, from quickly creating written content and images to making videos that appear real, even when they're fake. Unfortunately, this easily accessible technology is also used by fraudsters to fool people into sharing personal information, investing in fake schemes, or giving scammers their money.When AI technology is so good at faking — and personalizing — scams, what can consumers do to protect themselves?"From AI-generated emails and texts to cloned voice messages, calls, and deepfake videos, today's scammers have many tools at their disposal," said Chief Postal Inspector Gary Barksdale. "But if you're alert and understand fraudsters' typical methods, you can stay one step ahead of them."During National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 1-7, 2026, take steps to learn more about fraud schemes that use AI to protect yourself and your family. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service is sharing some red flags that can help you avoid AI-generated traps and what you or a loved one can do if you are a victim of fraud.How to spot a scam that uses AIAI is being used in many different types of fraudulent schemes including quick phishing attempts in the form of emails or texts supposedly from a reputable company, "long cons" like romance, investment, or cryptocurrency scams, and even scams claiming to be "tech support." If you get a text, email, call, or voice message requesting or demanding your response, watch for these things:Skimpy social media. The "person" contacting you has an inconsistent or thin social media footprint — few friends, recent account creation, comments that don't seem natural, or images that don't match name/profile details.Odd website/email address. Tiny misspellings, weird fonts, non-secure websites asking for login information, or a return email address that doesn't match the website domain asking for information (Example: john.doe@USPSUS.com when USPS.com is the actual domain name).Requests to communicate off-platform. Does the message sender insist on speaking via WhatsApp, Telegram, or a separate, private email address? If so, platform security protections won't apply.Audio/video inconsistencies. Lip-sync timing seems off, weird lighting/jerky motion, or a voice that doesn't quite match the person you know.Too-good-to-be-true offers. Does the sender promise guaranteed high financial returns or "exclusive" private opportunities? They likely won't pay out.How to protect yourselfEven if you think the person or company contacting you is legitimate at first, always double check by going straight to the source.Go directly to the company website, or contact the person the way you normally contact them, rather than clicking a provided link or responding to the text, email, or call.Follow these tips to avoid falling prey to scams:Never send money to someone you know online only, especially via cryptocurrency, wire transfer, gift cards, or prepaid reload methods.Beware of financial requests. Requests to "loan me money to buy a ticket" or "invest via this private wallet" are warnings to STOP and verify.Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). Protect your email, social, and financial accounts.Use payment methods with buyer protection. Credit cards and escrow services are safest when transacting with unknown parties.Avoid sharing personally identifiable information. Providing your full date of birth, Social Security number, photos of IDs, or home address can enable identity theft.Keep devices and software updated. Also use antivirus software plus a password manager for strong, unique passwords.Be cautious with "too helpful" strangers. If someone offers to set up an investment account or "help" you sign up, slow down and verify.Inform your contacts. Warn friends and family if you see a suspicious contact pretending to be you.Actions to take if you're the victim of a scamIf you or a loved one falls victim to a fraudster, take immediate action:Stop communication with the scammer. Preserve all messages and transaction records.Contact your bank/payment provider immediately. Ask them to help you stop or trace transfers.Change passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), especially if you shared login information.Place fraud alerts and a credit freeze with the three main credit bureaus. Also place alerts with your bank and credit cards if you shared sensitive financial data.Contact local police. If you lost significant sums of money or were threatened, the police need to be notified.If you used cryptocurrency, contact law enforcement immediately. Tracing is difficult, but reported early, there may be a chance of recovering your funds.Most importantly, report fraud. You can report it to the Postal Inspection Service, the Federal Trade Commission, or the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). You should also report the profile and messages to the platform where the contact occurred.Finally, seek support! Scams also cause emotional harm, so talk to trusted friends, family members, or a counselor.If you believe you've been the victim of any scam connected to the U.S. Mail, contact postal inspectors at 877-876-2455 or www.USPIS.gov/report. For more information on fraud prevention, visit www.USPIS.gov/ncpw-2026.
	Senior Resource Partners hosts QC Senior Expo Seniors and their families in the QCA can enjoy a free event with over 40 local businesses and services. According to a release, Senior Resource Partners is hosting the QC Senior Expo March 27 in Davenport. Attendees will have access to free haircuts, medication reviews and health screenings and connect with trusted professionals in senior [...]
	LivWell Seniors presents free Davenport session on downsizing LivWell Seniors invites older adults and their families to learn practical, supportive ways to get started, according to a news release. LivWell Seniors will host a Lunch & Learn: Getting Started with Downsizing Your Home at noon Wednesday, March 11, in the former Jane’s Place inside the Center for Active Seniors (CASI,) 1035 W. Kimberly Road, Davenport. This educational [...]
	Mercer County sheriff candidates gather for candidate forum Three Republican candidates vying for Mercer County sheriff gathered Saturday evening for a candidate forum.
	Mideast clashes breach Olympic truce as athletes gather for Winter Paralympic Games Fighting intensified in the Middle East during the Olympic truce, in effect through March 15. Flights are being disrupted as athletes and families converge on Italy for the Winter Paralympics.
	A U.S. scholarship thrills a teacher in India. Then came the soul-crushing questions She was thrilled to become the first teacher from a government-sponsored school in India to get a Fulbright exchange award to learn from U.S. schools. People asked two questions that clouded her joy.
	Get Ready For Backyarding (NAPSI)—This spring and summer you can be ready for some beautiful backyarding if you heed four hints: Plan how you’ll use your yard based on your backyarding personality. Know how you’ll use the space and plant with a purpose. Make sure you have the right tools on hand and always follow the manufacturers’ guidance. And stay safe. Keep pets and children away from equipment. Learn more from the experts at the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute at opei.org. Word Count: 78
	Can You Recognize An Artificial Intelligence (AI) Scam? (NAPSI)—Postal inspectors want to help you and all USPS customers stay safe during National Consumer Protection Week (NCPW), March 1-7, 2026, and throughout the year.Scammers take every opportunity to trick you into believing their lies are legitimate offers, wins, and even emergency requests from friends and family. Now, with the prevalence of artificial intelligence (AI), scammers are using this new method to personalize their tricks and cons to make them appear even more real, legitimate, and believable—from AI-generated photos and voice clones that mimic a real person to wording that builds a relationship with a victim over weeks. But a fake is still a fake. As in any other scam, these fakes are created to separate you from your hard-earned money or property.AI fakes are used in many types of long-running scams, from romance to investment scams, cryptocurrency scams, and even scams claiming to be tech support. Whatever the scam, they all involve impostors looking for their next victim, but it doesn’t have to be you.It can be difficult to recognize scams that use AI, but here are some tell-tale characteristics:The “person” contacting you has an inconsistent or thin social media footprint—few friends, recent account creation, comments that don’t seem natural or are too well-written, or images that don’t match name/profile details.Tiny misspellings, non-secure websites that ask for login info, or an email address that doesn’t match the website domain asking for information (example: john.doe@USPSUS.com, when USPS.com is the actual domain name).Overly polished “evidence”—PDFs or screenshots that can be easily fabricated.Requests to move communication off-platform—e.g., insisting on speaking via WhatsApp, Telegram, or a separate private email address so platform security protections won’t apply.Inconsistencies in audio/video—lip sync timing may be off, weird lighting/jerky motion, or a voice that doesn’t quite match the person you know.Too-good-to-be-true financial returns—guaranteed high returns and rewards, pressure to recruit others, or “exclusive” private opportunities.To protect yourself from scammers, follow these tips, and share them with customers and your community:Never send money to someone you know only online—especially through cryptocurrency, wire transfer, gift cards, or prepaid reload methods.Treat unusual financial asks as red flags. Requests to “loan me to buy a ticket” or “invest through this private wallet” are warnings to STOP and verify.Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on email, social, and financial accounts.Use payment methods with buyer protection (credit cards, escrow services) when transacting with unknown parties.Limit sharing of personally identifiable information. Providing your full date of birth, Social Security number, photos of IDs, or home addresses can enable identity theft.Keep devices and software updated. Use antivirus software and a password manager for strong, unique passwords.Be cautious with “too helpful” strangers. If someone offers to set up an investment account or “help” you sign up, slow down and verify.Inform your contacts. Warn friends and family if you see a suspicious contact pretending to be you.And if you believe you have been a victim of a scam, take immediate action:1. Stop communication with the scammer and preserve all messages and transaction records.2. Contact the bank/payment provider immediately to attempt to stop or trace transfers.3. Report to authorities:Report to the Postal Inspection Service at www.uspis.gov/report; Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at reportfraud.ftc.gov; and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) at ic3.gov.Report the profile and messages to the platform where the contact occurred.4. Change passwords and enable MFA if you shared login info.5. Place fraud alerts and a credit freeze if you shared sensitive financial data.6. Contact local police if you lost significant sums of money or were threatened.7. Seek support. Scams cause emotional harm, so talk to trusted friends, family, or a counselor.8. If you used cryptocurrency, contact law enforcement immediately. Tracing is difficult, but reported early, there may be a chance of recovering your funds.If you believe you have been a victim of any scam connected to the U.S. Mail, report it to postal inspectors at 877-876-2455, or at www.uspis.gov/report.For more information on fraud prevention, visit www.uspis.gov.Word Count: 665
	¿Puede reconocer una estafa con Inteligencia Artificial (IA)? (NAPSI)—Los inspectores postales desean ayudarle a usted y a todos los clientes del USPS a mantenerse seguros durante la Semana Nacional de Protección al Consumidor (NCPW), del 1 al 7 de marzo de 2026, y durante todo el año.Los estafadores aprovechan cada oportunidad para engañarle y hacerle creer que sus mentiras son ofertas legítimas, premios e incluso solicitudes de emergencia de amigos y familiares. Ahora, con la proliferación de la inteligencia artificial (IA), los estafadores están utilizando este nuevo método para personalizar sus trucos y fraudes con el fin de que parezcan aún más reales, legítimos y creíbles—desde fotos generadas por IA y clonaciones de voz que imitan a una persona real, hasta mensajes cuidadosamente redactados que construyen una relación con la víctima durante semanas. Pero una falsificación sigue siendo una falsificación. Como en cualquier otra estafa, estas falsificaciones se crean para separarle de su dinero o bienes obtenidos con tanto esfuerzo.Las falsificaciones creadas con IA se utilizan en muchos tipos de estafas prolongadas, desde estafas románticas hasta estafas de inversión, estafas con criptomonedas e incluso fraudes que afirman ser de soporte técnico. Sea cual sea la estafa, todas implican impostores que buscan a su próxima víctima, pero no tiene que ser usted.Puede ser difícil reconocer las estafas que utilizan IA, pero aquí hay algunas características reveladoras:La “persona” que se comunica con usted tiene una presencia inconsistente o limitada en las redes sociales—pocos amigos, creación reciente de la cuenta, comentarios que no parecen naturales o que están demasiado bien redactados, o imágenes que no coinciden con los detalles del nombre o perfil.Pequeños errores ortográficos, sitios web no seguros que solicitan información de inicio de sesión, o una dirección de correo electrónico que no coincide con el dominio del sitio web que solicita información (ejemplo: john.doe@USPSUS.com, cuando USPS.com es el nombre de dominio real).“Pruebas” excesivamente elaboradas—PDF o capturas de pantalla que pueden fabricarse fácilmente.Solicitudes para trasladar la comunicación fuera de la plataforma—por ejemplo, insistir en comunicarse por WhatsApp, Telegram o una dirección de correo electrónico privada separada para que no se apliquen las protecciones de seguridad de la plataforma.Inconsistencias en audio o video—la sincronización de labios puede no coincidir, puede haber iluminación extraña o movimientos bruscos, o una voz que no coincide del todo con la persona que usted conoce.Rendimientos financieros demasiado buenos para ser verdad—rendimientos y ganancias altas garantizadas, presión para reclutar a otras personas, u oportunidades privadas “exclusivas”.Para protegerse de los estafadores, siga estos consejos y compártalos con los clientes y su comunidad:Nunca envíe dinero a alguien que solo conoce en línea—especialmente a través de criptomonedas, transferencias bancarias, tarjetas de regalo o métodos de recarga prepagados.Considere las solicitudes financieras inusuales como señales de alerta. Peticiones como “préstame para comprar un boleto” o “invierte a través de esta billetera privada” son advertencias para DETENERSE y verificar.Active la autenticación multifactor (MFA) en sus cuentas de correo electrónico, redes sociales y cuentas financieras.Utilice métodos de pago con protección al comprador (tarjetas de crédito, servicios de depósito en garantía) cuando realice transacciones con personas desconocidas.Limite el intercambio de información de identificación personal. Proporcionar su fecha de nacimiento completa, número de Seguro Social, fotos de identificaciones o direcciones de domicilio puede facilitar el robo de identidad.Mantenga sus dispositivos y programas actualizados. Utilice software antivirus y un administrador de contraseñas para crear contraseñas fuertes y únicas.Tenga precaución con desconocidos “demasiado serviciales”. Si alguien le ofrece abrir una cuenta de inversión o “ayudarle” a registrarse, desacelere y verifique.Informe a sus contactos. Advierta a amigos y familiares si ve un contacto sospechoso que finge ser usted.Y si cree que ha sido víctima de una estafa, tome medidas inmediatas:1. Detenga toda comunicación con el estafador y conserve todos los mensajes y registros de transacciones.2. Comuníquese de inmediato con el banco o proveedor de pagos para intentar detener o rastrear las transferencias.3. Denuncie ante las autoridades:Reporte al Servicio de Inspección Postal en www.uspis.gov/report; a la Comisión Federal de Comercio (FTC) en reportfraud.ftc.gov; y al Centro de Quejas de Delitos por Internet (IC3) del FBI en ic3.gov.Reporte el perfil y los mensajes en la plataforma donde ocurrió el contacto.4. Cambie sus contraseñas y active la MFA si compartió información de inicio de sesión.5. Coloque alertas de fraude y un congelamiento de crédito si compartió datos financieros sensibles.6. Comuníquese con la policía local si perdió sumas significativas de dinero o fue amenazado.7. Busque apoyo. Las estafas causan daño emocional, así que hable con amigos de confianza, familiares o un consejero.8. Si utilizó criptomonedas, comuníquese con las autoridades de inmediato. El rastreo es difícil, pero si se reporta temprano, puede haber una posibilidad de recuperar sus fondos.Si cree que ha sido víctima de cualquier estafa relacionada con el correo de los EE. UU., repórtelo a los inspectores postales al 877-876-2455 o en www.uspis.gov/report.Para obtener más información sobre la prevención del fraude, visite www.uspis.gov.Word Count: 818
	National Eating Disorder Awareness Week: Quad-Cities counselor gives advice for parents, kids Feb. 23 to March 1st is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week. Here's what a Quad-Cities counselor wants parents and kids to know.
	QC Senior Expo returns to Davenport on March 27 Due to continued growth and strong community participation, the QC Senior Expo now takes place twice annually, with both spring and fall events.
	LivWell Seniors hosts Lunch & Learn on getting started with downsizing your home Downsizing a home is a major life transition. LivWell Seniors is inviting older adults and their families to learn practical, supportive ways to get started. LivWell Seniors will host a Lunch & Learn: Getting Started with Downsizing Your Home at…
	U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran continue into 2nd day, as the region faces turmoil Israel said on Sunday it had launched more attacks on Iran, while the Iranian government continued strikes on Israel and on U.S. targets in Gulf states, Iraq and Jordan.
	David Copperfield This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.To my knowledge, there is not a single statue of Charles Dickens in any of the fine parks of Minneapolis, Minnesota.…
	Trump warns Iran not to retaliate after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is killed The Iranian government has announced 40 days of mourning. The country's supreme leader was killed following an attack launched by the U.S. and Israel on Saturday against Iran.
	Iran fires missiles at Israel and Gulf states after U.S.-Israeli strike kills Khamenei Iran fired missiles at targets in Israel and Gulf Arab states Sunday after vowing massive retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the United States and Israel.
	Explosion rocks Iran's capital as Israel says it is targeting the city Iran fired missiles at targets in Israel and Gulf Arab states Sunday after vowing massive retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the United States and Israel.
	Black Business Expo brings together local entrepreneurs and new customers Black-owned businesses gathered on the final day of Black History Month, aiming to increase visibility, connect with customers and strengthen economic opportunities
Saturday, February 28th, 2026
	IL State Senate District 36 race, Chicago Bears latest: News 8 This Week - March 1, 2026 This week, Jon Diaz speaks with Patrick Harlan, who is running for State Senate in Illinois' 36th District. Plus, the latest push to keep the Chicago Bears at home.

Monday, March 2nd, 2026

Sunday, March 1st, 2026

Saturday, February 28th, 2026