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

Wednesday, February 25th, 2026
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for Feb. 25, 2026 Bettendorf's mayor is set to give his State of the City address, and Davenport council members will vote to approve Tim Gleason's city contract.
	Davenport city council to consider joining regional fire mutual aid system City leaders are considering a proposal that could connect Davenport firefighters to a broader regional system for large-scale emergencies and specialized rescues.
	Violins of Hope concert will feature ATLYS String Quartet at Augustana, Rock Island Violins of Hope Iowa will host the female-powered string quartet performance by ATLYS at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 1, at the Augustana College Wallenburg Hall in the Denkmann Memorial Building, Rock Island. The quartet will play instruments from the Violins of Hope Project. The concert is free. Violins of Hope Iowa is bringing a powerful international [...]
	Greetings from Jordan's Wadi Rum desert, where patches of green emerge after winter rains Wadi Rum's otherworldly landscape is where Star Wars movies and The Martian were filmed. In late winter, plants emerge in this desert — but some are toxic to camels, so their herders must protect them.
	Light snow followed by warmer weather then more snow A light snow event will affect parts of the Quad Cities area tonight, then we warm into the 60s Friday. However, more snow chances are in the weekend forecast. February temperatures are running above average and that trend will continue. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	Two Rivers YMCA seeks city support for $23.5 million renovation Two Rivers YMCA in Moline is planning a $23.5 million renovation and asking the city to waive more than $100,000 in permit fees to help fund upgrades.
	YWCA Quad Cities to host Youth Career Fair & Career Readiness Workshop YWCA Quad Cities will host a Career Readiness Workshop on Friday, Feb. 27 and Youth Career Fair on Friday, March 6.
	11th annual Black Business Expo happening in the Quad-Cities this weekend The event will be held Saturday, Feb. 28, 1-4 p.m., at NorthPark Mall, 320 W. Kimberly Road in Davenport. Admission is free.
	Job fair connecting teachers with local school districts to be held March 2 in Bettendorf The fair is open to anyone interested in teaching opportunities in the region and includes school districts in both Iowa and Illinois.
	Two Rivers YMCA planning $25 million in upgrades in Moline Mike Wennekemp and Rob Anderson requested the city waive approximately $130,000 in building permit fees and inspection fees for the project located at 2040 53rd St.
	East Moline mother of 7 works to earn her bachelor's degree in remembrance of her own mom Sierra Ellis asked the Quad-City Times Wish List for a dining room table to continue the traditions her mother passed down to her.
	Former Davenport School Board member memorialized with stage renaming A former Davenport School Board president will have a theater stage named after her at Central High School.
	What to know about Meta’s proposed Davenport data center About a year after a Meta-controlled company finished buying farmland in northern Davenport, there has been no groundbreaking or public update.
	David B. Sears This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.When Mother Nature hands out souls, she is generally careful to separate those who are hard-working,…
	When a horse whinnies, there's more than meets the ear A new study finds that horse whinnies are made of both a high and a low frequency, generated by different parts of the vocal tract. The two-tone sound may help horses convey more complex information.
	Trump's many tariff tools mean consumer prices won't go down, analysts say The Supreme Court struck down President Trump's signature tariffs. But the president has other tariff tools, and consumers shouldn't expect cheaper prices anytime soon, economists say.
	5 takeaways from Trump's State of the Union address President Trump hit familiar notes on immigration and culture in his speech Tuesday night, but he largely underplayed the economic problems that voters say they are most concerned about.
	China restricts exports to 40 Japanese entities with ties to military China on Tuesday restricted exports to 40 Japanese entities it says are contributing to Japan's "remilitarization," in the latest escalation of tensions with Tokyo.
	Signs, silence, and skipping: How Democrats protested Trump's State of the Union The pushback comes as Democrats enter a midterm year where they hope to make gains in the House and Senate.
Tuesday, February 24th, 2026
	Galesburg advances to Sectional Championship Galesburg girls basketball advances to the 3A Sectional Championships after defeating Metamora 51-27.
	Calamus-Wheatland advances to Regional Finals Calamus-Wheatland boys basketball advances to Regional Finals after defeating Hillcrest 48-46.
	Central DeWitt punches ticket to state for the second year in a row Central DeWitt girls basketball punched their ticket to state for the second year in a row.
	Clinton’s season comes to an end falling 72-56 Clinton girls basketball great season came to an end Tuesday night as they fell to Clear Creek Amana in the Regional Championship 72-56.
	In Democratic rebuttal, Spanberger accuses Trump of driving up costs and chaos Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivers the Democratic response to President Donald Trump’s State of the Union at Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia on Feb. 24, 2026. (Pool photo by Erin Schaff/The New York Times)Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger, just weeks after being sworn in as the commonwealth’s 75th governor, delivered a sharp Democratic rebuttal Tuesday night to President Donald Trump’s 107-minute State of the Union address, accusing him of driving up the costs of housing, health care, energy and groceries, unleashing chaos in American communities and deepening instability abroad — all while enriching himself and his allies. Speaking from Colonial Williamsburg’s Historic Area, Spanberger in her 12-minute speech posed three questions to viewers across the nation. “Is the president working to make life more affordable for you and your family? Is the president working to keep Americans safe — both at home and abroad? Is the President working for you? We all know the answer is no,” she said. Congressional Democrats announced Thursday that Spanberger, 46, would deliver the party’s response, elevating the first woman to serve as Virginia’s governor to a national stage heading into the midterm elections. She is the first Democratic Virginia governor to give the rebuttal since then-Gov. Tim Kaine in 2006. The following year, U.S. Sen. Jim Webb delivered the Democratic response to President George W. Bush’s address. In 2010, Republican Gov. Bob McDonnell gave the GOP response to President Barack Obama’s State of the Union. Trump touts strength; Spanberger cites rising costs The White House criticized Spanberger’s rebuttal in a prepared statement released Tuesday afternoon. “Spanberger, like the rest of the radical left lunatics in her party, is fully against President Trump’s agenda of lowering costs, bringing back manufacturing, and securing our borders — instead favoring a return to the Biden-era carnage she was ‘proud’ to support,” the statement said. Trump, addressing a joint session of Congress for the second time since assuming office last year, declared the nation “strong,” highlighting job gains, rising incomes and a booming stock market even as many voters continue to express economic anxiety. He defended his administration’s record on border security and immigration, called for tighter voting rules and restrictions on mail-in ballots, and underscored efforts to curb federal spending. The president also introduced what he described as a “rate-payer protection plan” aimed at addressing rising electricity costs tied to data centers. But Spanberger said the president’s economic message does not reflect what she heard from Virginians during her campaign. “As I campaigned for governor last year, I traveled to every corner of Virginia, and I heard the same pressing concern everywhere: costs are too high,” she said. “In housing, healthcare, energy, and childcare. And I know these same conversations are being had all across this country.” She argued that Trump’s trade policies have increased household expenses. “Because since this president took office last year, his reckless trade policies have forced American families to pay more than $1,700 each in tariff costs,” she said. “Small businesses have suffered. Farmers have suffered, some losing entire markets. Everyday Americans are paying the price.” Although the Supreme Court struck down the tariffs days ago, she added, “the damage to us, the American people, has already been done.” And Republicans in Congress, she said, remain unwilling to assert their constitutional authority to stop the president. “They’re making your life harder. They’re making your life more expensive. They’re even making it more difficult to see a doctor.” Spanberger pointed to what she called the consequences of the reconciliation bill that Congress passed last year. “Rural health clinics in Virginia are already closing their doors thanks to the so-called ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’ championed by the president and Republicans in Congress,” she said. “And tonight, the president celebrated this law — the one threatening rural hospitals, stripping healthcare from millions of Americans, and driving up costs in energy and housing. All while cutting food programs for hungry kids.” She then shifted to what she described as corruption at the highest levels of government. “He’s enriching himself, his family, his friends. The scale of the corruption is unprecedented,” Spanberger said, citing “the cover-up of the Epstein files,” “the crypto scams,” “cozying up to foreign princes for airplanes and billionaires for ballrooms,” and “putting his name and face on buildings all over our nation’s capital.” “This is not what our founders envisioned,” she said. Governor argues Trump policies undermine safety Drawing on her background as a former federal law enforcement and CIA case officer, Spanberger argued that the Trump administration’s actions have made Americans less safe. “I began my career by following in my father’s footsteps as a federal agent working money laundering and narcotics cases. I worked side by side with local and state police to keep our communities safe and to uphold and enforce the law,” she said. “And yet, our president has sent poorly trained federal agents into our cities, where they have arrested and detained American citizens and people who aspire to be Americans — and they have done it without a warrant,” she said. Spanberger added that federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents “have ripped nursing mothers away from their babies, they have sent children — a little boy in a blue bunny hat — to far-off detention centers, and they have killed American citizens on our streets. And they have done it all with their faces masked from accountability.” On foreign policy, the governor said Trump is weakening America’s standing in the world. “As the president spoke of his perceived successes tonight, he continues to cede economic power and technological strength to China, bow down to a Russian dictator, and make plans for war with Iran,” she said. “Here’s the truth: over the last year, through DOGE, mass firings, and the appointment of deeply unserious people to our nation’s most serious positions, our president has endangered the long and storied history of the United States of America being a force for good.” In choosing Colonial Williamsburg as her backdrop, Spanberger invoked the site’s role in the nation’s founding. It was there in 1776 that delegates voted to instruct Virginia’s representatives to propose independence and later adopted the Virginia Declaration of Rights, which helped shape the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Bill of Rights. On Tuesday, Spanberger tied that legacy to civic engagement today. “But here is the special thing about America: On our 250th anniversary, we know better than any nation what is possible when ordinary citizens — like those who once dreamed right here in this room — reject the unacceptable and demand more of their government,” she said. “And Americans across the country are taking action. They are going to the ballot box to reject this chaos. With their votes, they are writing a new story. A more hopeful story.” Spanberger closed by quoting George Washington’s warning about “cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men” and urging Americans to unite “in ‘a common cause’ to move this nation forward.” “Because ‘We the People’ have the power to make change, the power to stand up for what is right, and the power to demand more of our nation,” she said. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger watches President Trump’s State of the Union at Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia on Feb. 24, 2026. (Pool photo by Erin Schaff/The New York Times) SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Virginia Mercury
	Trump honors gold medal-winning men's hockey team at State of the Union amid controversy The celebration of the men's team comes after FBI Director Kash Patel's trip to the Games in Milan, and the president's comments about the U.S. women's team, have drawn scrutiny.
	Two Rivers YMCA seeks city support for $23.5 million renovation Two Rivers YMCA in Moline is planning a $23.5 million renovation and asking the city to waive more than $100,000 in permit fees to help fund upgrades.
	Trump delivers 2026 State of the Union Trump officially broke the record set by Bill Clinton for the longest State of the Union address.
	Operations suspended at Muscatine Organic Recycling Center pending financial review The Muscatine Recycling Center will continue to accept cardboard and mixed recyclables.
	Rock Island School District continues to face public and board outcry after high school fight Two weeks after the Rock Island High School fight, concerns still hover over the school district.
	Is high speed rail still on track for Illinois? With a proposal to make the Moline to Chicago high speed rail a reality, supporters are ready to hop aboard before economic opportunity leaves the station. Our Quad Cities News Illinois Capitol Bureau chief Alex Whitney reports some state lawmakers are still on track for more train service in Illinois.
	Aledo votes to end contract with trash pickup services; cites 600+ complaints The Aledo City Council voted to change the city's trash and recycling service Tuesday night during a special city council meeting. It comes after city staff served a notice of default to the company in October. Staff said at a public hearing two weeks ago that they had more than six hundred complaints about Lakeshore [...]
	Aledo plans to move forward with new waste management service provider Aledo city leaders are set to hold a special city council meeting on the future of their waste management services, Tuesday night.
	Bill that would rename the Gulf of America advances out of Alabama House Rep. David Standridge, R-Hayden, speaking to Rep. Ben Robbins, R-Sylacauga, on the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives on Feb. 24, 2026, in Montgomery, Alabama. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector) The Alabama House of Representatives on Tuesday passed a bill that would rename the Gulf of Mexico. HB 2, sponsored by Rep. David Standridge, R-Hayden, would require all state and local entities to change name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America. The bill passed the House 74-30. “This bill came about because all the federal agencies are using the name Gulf of America,” Standridge said during the floor discussion. “Our neighbor in Florida has officially changed it to the Gulf of America. Louisiana is using the Gulf of America, another Gulf state, and it’s known of major companies. It’s known by the mapping software and I think that we need to also make that change here.” Rep. Laura Hall, D-Huntsville, said the name of the Gulf could change again when a new administration is in office. “When textbooks are changed, what every seven years or every 10 years, so you would be halfway through a textbook series [and] another administration says, ‘we’re not doing that, we’re going back to where we are,’” she said during debate. According to the bill, the changes wouldn’t have to be made if it poses a “financial burden” on local or state entities. Public K-12 schools and colleges and universities are also not prohibited from using the term Gulf of Mexico during an academic instruction when it’s done for historical purposes. Rep. Brett Easterbrook, R-Fruitdale, spoke in favor of the bill and said this wouldn’t be the first time something has been renamed. “I heard a lot of talk about the president renaming it, jumping up and down about it. Didn’t Biden rename all the bases in the South?” Easterbrook asked. In 2022, former president Joe Biden renamed several military bases across the South due to linkage to Confederate leaders. The Trump administration reversed Biden’s decision last year. Rep. Juandalynn Givan, D-Birmingham, called the bill “overreaching” and said renaming the body of water is different from previous renamings. “President Biden, when he did rename something, it was to erase the stain of racism, of torture, of lynching, of discrimination by those who refuse to recognize people of color who fought in a Civil War against people of color that are Black,” she said during debate. Rep. Napoleon Bracy, D-Prichard, said he thought the bill started from a joke. “I really feel like this wasn’t even something that was really that serious, like, I feel like it was a joking type situation, and a lot of it was based off of the tension between the two countries, and some of it may have been built around the border issue and the wall,” he said during debate. “But all of a sudden it’s become so serious to the point that it’s like we’re trying to name something that we don’t even own.” Standridge said another reason for wanting to pass the legislation is because it’s “an opportunity to make a patriotic statement.” “I think that the president would embrace that,” he said. “I think it’s more fitting for the body of water, that it is, that that’s what the name should be.” If passed, the bill would go into effect Oct. 1. It moves to the Senate. Courtesy of Alabama Reflector
	Students 'terrorize' Rock Island High School: RI-Milan School Board hears public outcry School board members and others made clear Tuesday night that discipline problems at Rock Island High School must be addressed ... and soon. At least six people - including two school board members and a teacher - spoke out at the Rock Island-Milan School Board meeting Tuesday. "It is as bad as everyone thought it [...]
	Iowa Child Care Assistance measure moves forward Free child care for child care workers in Iowa could be a permanent benefit. The State House passed a measure to make Iowa's Child Care Assistance program permanent. The program is open to parents with a monthly income below 250% of the federal poverty level and those who work at least 32 hours a week [...]
	LIVE: Trump delivers State of the Union, seeks to calm voters’ concerns ahead of midterm elections President Donald Trump will use his State of the Union address to argue that his whirlwind first year back has made America stronger and that Republicans deserve to keep control of Congress after the midterms.
	Woman who tried to steal baby from Davenport home enters plea A woman who forced her way into a Davenport home in an effort to steal a child has entered into a plea agreement with Scott County prosecutors.
	Operations suspended at Muscatine Organic Recycling Center pending financial review The Muscatine Recycling Center will continue to accept cardboard and mixed recyclables.
	Flooding damages items in Storage of America units, tenants say they haven't received answers Tenants at Storage of America in Moline and Rock Island say burst pipes caused flooding and mold, destroying belongings. They said management has been unresponsive.
	City of Muscatine suspends operations at recycling center The City of Muscatine has suspended operations at the Muscatine Organic Recycling Center (MORC) until further notice while officials evaluate the program’s financial impact on city resources, a news release says. The Muscatine Recycling Center is no longer accepting organic food waste, but is still accepting cardboard and mixed recyclables. “While the Muscatine Organic Recycling [...]
	Davenport West students get hands-on look at healthcare careers in UI Health STEM event Students at Davenport West High School got a unique look at possible healthcare career choices.
	Rep. Tammy Duckworth, other Democrat leaders respond to the State of the Union Illinois Representative Tammy Duckworth (D) and five other Democrat senators hosted a press conference Tuesday afternoon to respond in advance to President Trump's State of the Union address. "(Trump) happily stripped away the tax that millions of Americans relied on to afford healthcare," said Duckworth. "Thanks to his bill, thanks to his apathy, thanks to [...]
	Buddy Bench catches on at Hampton, Riverdale schools — and it started with a student A simple bench on the playground at Hampton and Riverdale elementary schools is helping make sure no student feels left out during recess.
	BNSF pours millions into Galesburg rail yard, boosting capacity and jobs Rail investment expected to bring jobs, economic growth to Knox County
	Sweet job: Davenport elementary students taste-test pancakes Some elementary school students saw their morning get off to a sweet start. Eisenhower Elementary in Davenport tested a new brand of pancakes for next year's breakfast option. Involving students in these decisions is one way Davenport Community Schools cut back on food waste. "We've done this a few times in the past, never to [...]
	Niabi Zoo trivia event to benefit African painted dog research You're invited to Niabi on Thursday, Feb. 26 for a trivia night. The proceeds will benefit painted dog conservation work in Zimbabwe.
	Niabi Zoo's global partnership with Painted Dog Research in Zimbabwe Niabi zoo is once again throwing a fundraiser for its ongoing, international partnership helping wild painted dogs and conservationists in Zimbabwe, Africa.
	DARI will end economic-development services agreement with City of Rock Island DARI (the Development Association of Rock Island) has voted to end the economic development professional services agreement with the City of Rock Island effective March 31, according to a news release. This was the second three-year professional services agreement with the city. It began in March 2020. Before 2020, the city and DARI worked together [...]
	President Trump set to deliver first State of the Union address of his second term Facing low approval ratings and ahead of midterm elections in November, President Trump delivers the first State of the Union address of his second term as president Tuesday night.
	President Trump delivers first State of the Union address of his second term Facing low approval ratings and ahead of midterm elections in November, President Trump delivers the first State of the Union address of his second term as president Tuesday night.
	Trump cheers Republicans, scolds Democrats in State of the Union address Facing low approval ratings and ahead of midterm elections in November, President Trump delivers the first State of the Union address of his second term as president Tuesday night.
	Trump cheered Republicans while scolding Democrats in State of the Union address Focused on the wins of his first year in office, President Trump gave himself and Republicans high marks while scolding Democrats for their stances on the economy and immigration.
	Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivers response to Trump's State of the Union Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivers the official party response after President Trump gave himself and Republicans high marks while scolding Democrats for their stances on the economy and immigration.
	Trump cheered himself and Republicans while scolding Democrats in State of the Union Focusing on political victories during his State of the Union address, Trump gave himself and Republicans high marks while scolding Democrats for their stances on the economy and immigration.
	Prosecutors ask judge to deny Jamison Fisher's request to move trial out of Henry County Fisher's attorneys said widespread media coverage makes it unlikely he will receive a fair trial. The judge has yet to rule on the motion.
	Iowa DOT to start ramp replacement off U.S. 61 in Scott County starting next week Construction is scheduled to begin next week on the replacement of the bridge deck and pavement of an off-ramp on U.S. 61 just north of Davenport, causing some closures.
	A LITTLE snow is possible this week, but don't expect much shoveling We have a few chances for snow over the next 7 days...including one for Tuesday evening. Any snow will be very light with no accumulation expected. There's another chance for a light snow event late Wednesday night. This too will be very light. By Sunday a third chance for snow gets here, with some minor [...]
	Zimbabwe nonprofit Painted Dog Research and Niabi Zoo to hold trivia night The trivia night will be held Thursday, Feb. 26 at Niabi Zoo.
	Eisenhower Elementary students taste-test new pancake options Following a landslide vote among the students, Eggo Confetti pancakes will be available on the menu next year.
	How Honor Flight of the Quad Cities is expanding its mission Honor Flight of the Quad Cities has taken thousands of area veterans to see memorials honoring their service, and now the organization is expanding its mission. Steve Garrington joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about that expansion. For more information, click here.
	Son charged with 1st-degree murder in stabbing death of mother, EM police say East Moline police have made an arrest in an ongoing homicide investigation after a woman was stabbed and died in late January.
	East Moline police arrest son in connection with mother's homicide East Moline police have arrested the victim's son in connection with the homicide investigation into the death of Bonnie L. Smith, according to a news release. Michael A. Bryant, 32, has been arrested and charged with two counts of first-degree murder, a Class M Felony. He is Smith's son. Bryant was being held Tuesday in [...]
	Trump's State of the Union address: What guests Iowa, Illinois lawmakers are bringing — and who's not going Members of Iowa's congressional delegation are bringing the family members of two fallen National Guardsmen. In Illinois, some lawmakers are boycotting the address.
	East Moline police: Son charged in mother's murder East Moline police found a 56-year-old woman with apparent stab wounds in January. Her son has now been charged with her murder.
	Read NPR's annotated fact check of President Trump's State of the Union As President Trump delivers his State of the Union address, reporters from across NPR's newsroom will fact check his speech and offer context.
	Read NPR's annotated fact check of President Trump's State of the Union As President Trump delivers his State of the Union address, reporters from across NPR's newsroom will fact check his speech and offer context.
	East Moline police arrest son of Bonnie Smith in connection with her death East Moline police on Tuesday arrested the son of Bonnie L. Smith in connection with her Jan. 23 stabbing death.
	The Tinkers fought for free speech in public schools These Iowa siblings were suspended for protesting the Vietnam War at school. They took their case to the Supreme Court — and won — in Tinker v. Des Moines.
	Gov. Reynolds orders flags at half-staff in honor, remembrance of Rev. Jesse Jackson Flags will also be at half-staff on all public buildings, grounds and facilities throughout the state.
	Police identify body pulled from the Green River in Colona on Monday Emergency crews responded to the scene on Nancy Court along the Green River around 11 a.m. on Monday.
	East Moline police: Son charged in mother's murder East Moline police found a 56-year-old woman with apparent stab wounds in January. Her son has now been charged with her murder.
	Zimbabwe nonprofit Painted Dog Research partners with Niabi Zoo Wild painted dog populations have dropped from half a million to about 6,500.
	Galesburg Board of Education approves upgrades to baseball and softball field The upgrades will cost approximately $1.8 million, according to documents from the Galesburg Board of Education.
	Police: Son arrested in connection to stabbing death of East Moline woman East Moline police have made an arrest in an ongoing homicide investigation after a woman was stabbed and died in late January.
	Death Notice: Alice Vetter A funeral service for Alice M. Vetter, 95, of Long Grove, will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 27, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, Davenport. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service on Friday at the church. Burial will be in Pine Hill Cemetery, Davenport. The Runge Mortuary, Davenport, is assisting the family with arrangements. Mrs. Vetter died Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026, at MercyOne Genesis, Davenport. Memorials may be made to the Long Grove Civic Center or Long Grove Fire Department. Online condolences may be made at www.rungemortuary.com. A full obituary will appear in the March 4 edition of The NSP.
	Aledo to hold special city council meeting on future of waste management services Aledo city leaders are set to hold a special city council meeting on the future of their waste management services, Tuesday night.
	Quad City Symphony Orchestra Masterworks V: “Beethoven Second Symphony,” March 7 and 8 Rhythm, energy, and innovation will be celebrated in the Quad City Symphony Orchestra's fifth Masterworks concerts of the 2025-26 season, the March 7 and 8 repertoire boasting Leonard Bernstein's vibrant "Three Dance Episodes" from On the Town, Rebecca Burkhardt’s captivating Ballet for Cello and Orchestra, and, as fitting for the program's title, Ludwig van Beethoven’s spirited and uplifting Second Symphony.
	U.S. House rejects aviation safety bill after Pentagon abruptly withdraws support The House of Representatives narrowly rejected a bipartisan aviation safety bill that was spurred by the deadly midair collision near Washington, D.C. after the Pentagon abruptly withdrew its support.
	Chicago Farmer & the Fieldnotes, March 6 A consistently popular performer touring in support of his March 8 release Homeaid, beloved Midwestern folk singer/songwriter Cody Diekhoff – better known by his recording alias Chicago Farmer – headlines a March 6 concert with his band The Fieldnotes at Davenport's Redstone Room, the artist a soulful crooner and guitarist who inspired No Depression to rave, “If the Midwest is looking for a voice, the search is over.”
	Ole 60, March 6 Currently traveling the country in their “Smokestack Town '26 Tour,” Ole 60, self-described as “not your father's country band,” headlines a March 6 engagement at East Moline venue The Rust Belt, The Westview Wire giving the musicians' 2025 album Smokestack Town five our of five stars, and The Bluegrass Situation calling the ensemble "one of the most intriguing new acts in Americana."
	High-tech, high-design kitchen trends from KBIS 2026 (BPT) - The Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS), run by the National Kitchen + Bath Association (NKBA), the world's leading trade association for the kitchen and bath industry, offers a fascinating window into what's currently trending — and what the future may hold — for the world of home design, appliances and technology.At this year's show, it was clear that form and function are increasingly intertwined, with industry experts seeking new ways to give their customers what they demand: sophistication, innovation and streamlined design blended with enhanced functionality for the way people live today. Appliances are not just tools people need, they're also now an integral part of an overall home aesthetic, with today's technology making this integration even more seamless."Appliance brands have realized that consumers are looking for kitchens that simplify everyday tasks while expanding what is possible in functionality, versatility and style. Manufacturers are delivering with high quality materials and quietly integrated technology," said Jeremy Parcels, Principal at Parcels Design Studio and SKS Design Collective member.Standout trends in kitchen and appliance design were demonstrated at KBIS 2026 by leading appliance brands such as SKS and LG Signature that are meeting the moment through their innovative new collections and product launches.Timeless and intelligentThe 2026 Kitchen Trends Report from the NKBA offers insights into the latest trends, including a strong preference for transitional/timeless kitchen design, with 72 percent of respondents naming that the most popular style over the next three years.Along with timeless design, today's customers also seek cutting-edge technology features to make everyday living easier. The NKBA report found that kitchen design is continuing to evolve toward more intelligent, personalized spaces that support modern lifestyles, including smart technology integration. Today's homeowners seek features including Wi-Fi-enabled, mobile-app controlled appliances, plus clever features like steam cooking and smart, spacious refrigerators.For example, the new LG Signature "Iconic Collection" shares this aesthetic, pairing timeless modern design with intelligent performance. The collection features refined minimalism, bold materials and signature gold accents that appeal to homeowners looking for a luxurious modern aesthetic. To satisfy the demand for the latest technology to assist in culinary creativity, appliances like the LG Signature 36-inch range with "Gourmet AI" cooking technology deliver precise results while making a confident design statement. Reflecting broader industry trends shifting toward induction cooking, ultra luxury appliances from SKS offer advanced cooking technologies that bring power, precision and smart design to the kitchen. Their new 36-inch induction pro range, for example, combines a powerful induction cooktop with a full-sized steam-combi oven, introducing a new all-in-one format that consolidates multiple professional cooking technologies into a single luxury appliance. An industry-leading 7,000-watt dual induction element delivers rapid heating and precise control, while flexible cooking zones adapt to cookware for enhanced adaptability, productivity, along with a cooking surface that is cool to the touch. The range is designed with forward-thinking Technicurean home chefs in mind, delivering professional-grade performance and precision with technology that uplevels the at-home cooking experience.Customization for personalized styleIn addition to timeless style and updated tech, today's home chefs also want a kitchen space that reflects their unique style and approach to cooking. Results from the NKBA report make clear that kitchens are becoming increasingly personalized, multi-purpose hubs. Smarter storage is also in demand, including floor-to-ceiling cabinetry with more drawers, walk-in and butler's pantries, as well as refrigerators with custom configurations.Following the personalization shift, the new LG Signature "Tailored" and "Seamless" collections give homeowners the flexibility to design a kitchen that feels distinctly their own. The Tailored Collection emphasizes curated finishes, and distinctive details allow for customized kitchen aesthetics, pairing sophisticated design with advanced performance. The Seamless Collection, which includes the industry's first 'built-in depth" slide-in fridge, is designed for flush integration and uninterrupted sightlines, enabling appliances to blend harmoniously with surrounding cabinetry and architectural elements.Built-in beauty and functionalityAccording to a recent Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, three out of four homeowners want to incorporate built-in features during their kitchen renovations, aiming to create an integrated design aesthetic that achieves a more minimalist look. The NKBA report echoes this trend, with contemporary/minimalism being the second most popular design trend, just behind transitional/timeless kitchen design.Driving with this trend, SKS is expanding its vision for the modern ultra-luxury kitchen with a 36-inch column refrigerator and a 36-inch column freezer integrated into one incredible 6-foot-wide unit. Designed to seamlessly integrate into cabinetry, the panel-ready columns support a built-in look while delivering the performance high-end homeowners expect. Reimagined LED lighting, adjustable shelving with "Lift and Go" bins provide flexible storage and clear visibility. AI-powered features like AI Fresh and Smart Ice Plus learn usage patterns to optimize cooling and ice production. The freezer column also includes advanced ice-making technology that produces larger Grand Craft Ice, offering oversized, slow-melting cubes ideal for home entertaining and elevating beverages.These innovations reflect a broader industry shift toward appliances that serve as design elements and intelligent tools, seamlessly blending into the home while enhancing everyday living, according to Parcels.He added, "Working with consumers today they expect much more than standard appliances. Kitchens that blend seamlessly into the overall aesthetic of the home are desired now more than ever. Paneled appliances give us the flexibility to deliver on that request while packing the latest in technology wrapped in our beautifully designed spaces."Learn more about the next generation of SKS and LG Signature appliances featured at the 2026 KBIS show and more at LG.com and sksappliances.com.
	Scott County Road F-55 at U.S. 61 in Davenport to be closed in both directions beginning in March An upcoming traffic alert for drivers in Scott County.
	New Illinois bills target hidden price hikes based on your clicks Two bills introduced in the house would require companies to tell consumers when their personal data is used in price setting.
	The Legendary Wailers featuring Julian Junior Marvin, March 7 Performing from a repertoire boasting such revered songs as "One Love," "Get Up, Stand Up," "I Shot the Sheriff," "Is This Love," and "No Woman, No Cry," the Legendary Wailers featuring Julian Junior Marvin return to East Moline venue The Rust Belt on March 7, the outfit's bandleader the Jamaican-born guitarist and singer who was invited to join Bob Marley & the Wailers a full 49 years ago.
	Adam Weiner a.k.a. Low Cut Connie, March 6 Praised by Rolling Stone for “gutbucket rock & roll and soulful boogie” and by NPR Music for being “fresh, original, and truly pledged to rock and roll,” Adam Weiner a.k.a. Low Cut Connie headlines a March 6 solo concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, the artist's 2023 album Art Dealers hailed by Glide magazine as "a perfect mix of charm, love, and devotion with just enough sleaze and grit to keep it interesting."
	Fabrizio and Clementine, March 7 A disparate night of musical genres will be heard at Davenport's Raccoon Motel on March 7, the artists' repertoires ranging from the country and Americana of Nashville-based Fabrizio to the emo and punk of Rockford, Illinois' Clementine.
	V. Vecker, March 7 With his compositions praised by Beatroute as "gnawing and building and growing in strength, crushing you like the weight of ice," composer, improvisor, and multi-instrumentalist V. Vecker headlines a March 7 OUTLETProgramme event at Rock Island venue Rozz-Tox, the artist performing music that makes you, per Beatroute, "feel trapped until the sweet release of melancholy pulls you under – the calm after the squall."
	Chris Ruggiero, March 6 Dedicated to taking his audiences on a journey through the Golden Age of rock and roll, popular touring vocalist brings Chris Ruggiero brings his headlining tour to Galesburg's Orpheum Theatre on March 6, the PBS and social-media sensation revered for breathing new life into the timeless music of the 1950s, '60s and '70s.
	Economic development group DARI ends agreement with city of Rock Island Under the terms of the agreement, Rock Island paid DARI $300,000 annually for its services.
	City of Rock Island ending economic development partnership services agreement with DARI The Development Association of Rock Island has partnered with the City since 2020.
	“Honky Tonk Angels,” March 11 through April 25 Praised by WhartonPlazaTheatre.com for its "rousing musical numbers, hilarious social commentary, and heavenly harmony," the feel-good, foot-stomping, country-music sensation Honky Tonk Angels enjoys a March 11 through April 25 run at Rock Island's Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse, RochesterMedia.com adding, "To paraphrase a well-known movie quote: Is this heaven? No. It’s Honky Tonk Angels. Welcome to heaven on earth.”
	“Company,” March 12 through 15 A groundbreaking achievement whose original Broadway production received six Tony Awards and whose most recent New York presentation won the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical, composer Stephen Sondheim's and author George Furth's Company enjoys a March 12 through 16 run in Augustana College's Brunner Theatre Center, the legendary work a resonant dramatic comedy by an artist the New York Times calls “one of the most sophisticated composers ever to write Broadway musicals.”
	Prosecutors ask judge to deny Jamison Fisher's request to move murder trial out of Henry County, Illinois Fisher's attorneys asked the judge to move his murder trial to a different county, claiming an impartial jury is "highly unlikely" due to media coverage.
	“Langer, Lesperance, & Schroeder,” March 4 through April 27 A wide range of disparate mediums and gorgeous artworks will be on display at the Quad City Arts International Airport Gallery from March 4 through April 27, with art lovers area-wide invited to view new metal and fiber sculpture by Amanda Langer, encaustics by Cindy Lesperance, and Japanese tiles by Nick Schroeder in the exhibit Langer, Lesperance, & Schroeder.
	Road work closing Scott County Road F-55 in both directions Scott County drivers need to find another way to access Scott County Road F-55 during an Iowa DOT replacement project. Workers will replace the bridge deck and pavement on the northbound U.S. 61 off-ramp (Exit 124) to Scott County Road F-55 on Monday, March 2, weather permitting. The project will require closing the road in [...]
	Art Conversation Talk, March 12 Held in conjunction with the current exhibit The Golden Age: Featuring Northern European Works from the Collection of the National Gallery of Art, Davenport's Figge Art Museum will host a special Art Conservation Talk on March 12, the event featuring a program conservator visiting the Quad Cities from the National Gallery of Art.
	“Rocks, Minerals, & Gems: The Olsen Collection,” February 24 through March 20 Amethyst cathedrals, diamonds, Lake Superior agates, opals, geodes, and additionally beautiful objects will be on view at the University of Dubuque's Bisignano Art Gallery through March 20, with works in the fascinating exhibition Rocks, Minerals, & Gems: The Olsen Collection spanning five-plus decades of curiosity, craftsmanship, and global exploration.
	North Scott Press — February 25, 2026
	Charlie Berens, March 8 A Midwestern comedian, New York Times bestselling author, Emmy-winning journalist, and musician whose content for his various social platforms has amassed more than 10 million followers, Charlie Berens brings his "The Lost & Found Tour" to Davenport's Adler Theatre on March 8, the Wisconsin native famed for his appearances on Comedy Central, Funny or Die, and MTV News.
	Chris Kattan, March 12 Beloved for his 1996 to 2003 tenure on Saturday Night Live, where he was best-known for characters including Mango, Mr Peepers, and one of the Butabi brothers opposite Will Ferrell, Chris Kattan performs as the latest guest in the "Laugh QC" Thursday Night Comedy Series held in the Mississippi Hall of the Davenport RiverCenter, the comedian's March 12 engagement treating fans to a night (at the Roxbury) with one of SNL's longest-serving cast members.

Wednesday, February 25th, 2026

Tuesday, February 24th, 2026