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

Sunday, February 22nd, 2026
	1 firefighter injured following fire at Moline residence The injured Moline firefighter was hospitalized for injuries but has since been released.
	Mexican army kills leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel, official says The Mexican army killed the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho," in an operation Sunday, a federal official said.
	Ukraine's combat amputees cling to hope as a weapon of war Along with a growing number of war-wounded amputees, Mykhailo Varvarych and Iryna Botvynska are navigating an altered destiny after Varvarych lost both his legs during the Russian invasion.
	No injuries reported following Rock Island garage fire No injuries were reported following a Rock Island garage fire. According to a release, on February 21 at 11:37 p.m., the Rock Island Fire Department responded to reports of a fire in the 2300 block of 9th St. Firefighters discovered a garage engulfed in flames. Crews launched an aggressive attack to contain the blaze successfully [...]
	Firefighter injured during Moline garage, house fire A firefighter was injured during a Moline home fire. According to a release, on February 21 at 8:14 p.m., the Moline Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a garage fire in the 400 block of 7th St. Crews discovered a small unattached garage on fire. Due to radiant heat, the adjacent home also [...]
	University students hold new protests in Iran around memorials for those killed Iran's state news agency said students protested at five universities in the capital, Tehran, and one in the city of Mashhad on Sunday.
	4 the Record Web Extra: ICE plan to buy warehouses would take operations in new direction Immigration enforcement remains a hot button issue across the country. The deadly confrontations in Minneapolis are still fresh. Los Angeles, Atlanta and Philadelphia are among the other cities targeted by Operation Metro Surge, intended to arrest people in this country illegally. This activity seems to be headed in a new direction. The Washington Post reported [...]
	Clucking egg prices as of 2/20/26 Here’s this week’s egg price update. This is the USDA’s average price per dozen when delivered to the warehouse on Jan. 20, 2025, compared to where prices are now. To see the price, click on the video above. Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and [...]
	Not clear if Iowa Dems clean water proposal will get GOP consideration Governor Kim Reynolds indicated during her state of the state address in January that one of her priorities will be to reduce Iowa's high cancer rate. None of the proposals from Republicans deal with water. Democrats submitted a few that would regulate nitrates on farms. Here are two of them: Yes, this would cost money [...]
	Pritzker pushes social media tax in State of the State Address Illinois' governor delivers his state of the state and budget address, taking specific aim at social media companies with a new tax. Governor JB Pritzker delivered his annual budget address Thursday afternoon. He submitted a budget proposal that would increase spending slightly, a proposal to make it easier to build new housing, ideas to tackle [...]
	Pakistan claims to have killed at least 70 militants in strikes along Afghan border Pakistan's military killed at least 70 militants in strikes along the border with Afghanistan early Sunday, the deputy interior minister said.
	Saturday night fire at Moline garage and residence under investigation A Moline firefighter was injured fighting the fire and was treated both on scene and at a local hospital before being released.
	Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors announce 2025 results and forecast for 2026 Ruhl&Ruhl Realtors announced its 2025 results and a regional real estate forecast for 2026.
	Team USA faces tough Canadian squad in Olympic gold medal hockey game In the first Olympics with stars of the NHL competing in over a decade, a talent-packed Team USA faces a tough test against Canada.
	Golden again! U.S. tops Canada to win 1st men's hockey gold since 'Miracle on Ice' In the first Olympics with stars of the NHL competing in over a decade, a talent-packed Team USA faces a tough test against Canada.
	Legislators talk crime bills, education funding and Bears bill in Scott County forum Eight lawmakers who represent parts of Scott County answered questions during a forum Saturday morning at the Regional Innovation Center in Eldridge.
	BBB Tip: How to choose a tax preparer This year taxpayers must file their income tax forms before the April 15, 2026 deadline. While many will choose to use an app or purchase tax software to complete and submit their own tax forms, others are in search of…
	Metal detection systems cost in the six-figures. What schools in the Quad-Cities use them? Not every school in the Quad-Cities has a metal detector; here are which districts use them.
	PHOTOS: Your car has a lot to say about who you are Photographer Martin Roemer visited 22 countries — from the U.S. to Senegal to India — to show how our identities are connected to our mode of transportation.
	'A good soul': Jim Faramelli, owner of Leo's Shoe Repair, dies at 80 Rock Island's "sole man" has died.
	Still no ground broken for Meta data center in Davenport; Here's what we know Although a company controlled by social media giant Meta bought about 350 acres of Scott County land in 2024 and 2025, no construction has yet started on a proposed data center.
	Moline's emergency winter shelter still crowded, has helped 153 people since opening The Lift NOW shelter in Moline is one month old and those who spend nights there have formed a small community.
	Cancer treatments in candy? Davenport native explores options for children with cancer Born and raised in Davenport, University of Iowa students talk about his research on a candy-like treatment for children with cancer.
	Danish military evacuates US submariner who needed urgent medical care off Greenland Denmark's military says its arctic command forces evacuated a crew member of a U.S. submarine off the coast of Greenland for urgent medical treatment.
	Danish military evacuates U.S. submariner who needed urgent medical care off Greenland Denmark's military says its arctic command forces evacuated a crew member of a U.S. submarine off the coast of Greenland for urgent medical treatment.
	Grey Cloud Island This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.I am sorry to report that Minnesota may be only months away from a war to determine the fate of the Upper and Lower…
	$Only a fraction of House seats are competitive. Redistricting is driving that lower$ Only a fraction of House seats are competitive. Redistricting is driving that lower Primary voters in a small number of districts play an outsized role in deciding who wins Congress. The Trump-initiated mid-decade redistricting is driving that number of competitive seats even lower.
	Homeland Security suspends TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs The U.S. Department of Homeland Security is suspending the TSA PreCheck and Global Entry airport security programs as a partial government shutdown continues.
Saturday, February 21st, 2026
	1 firefighter injured after garage fire spreads to house One firefighter was injured after a garage fire spread to a house Saturday night.
	Several area wrestlers win State Championships; Bettendorf finishes strong with 3 champions in Dan Knight’s last State Tournament as head coach In his final night as a high school wrestling coach, the Bettendorf Bulldogs sent retiring head coach Dan Knight out in style.
	Young scientists compete at WIU with state title in sight Around 250 students from middle, junior high, and high school competed Saturday at the Western Illinois University Regional Science Olympiad in Macomb.
	1 firefighter injured after garage fire spreads to house One firefighter was injured after a garage fire spread to a house Saturday night.
	Father Daniel Mirabelli, longtime Alleman High School priest, dies at 94 Mirabelli, who served Alleman High School for 58 years, is being remembered for his faith, mentorship and fiery sideline spirit.
	Nearly 300 competitors are headed to Muscatine off-road RC racing event The 2026 'Iowa Off-Road Carpet Championships' brings in drivers from across the region including some professionals.
	Fire crews battled heavy fire condition at Moline house fire The Moline Fire Department was dispatched to a house fire where the encountered heavy fire conditions.
	1 person dead after Galesburg house fire One person is dead and one person is injured after a house fire in Galesburg.
	Father Daniel Mirabelli, longtime Alleman High School priest, dies at 94 Mirabelli, who served Alleman High School for 58 years, is being remembered for his faith, mentorship and fiery sideline spirit.
	1 person and 1 dog die after Galesburg house fire The Brooks St. Station fire crew located and removed a victim from the first floor of the structure, but the person succumbed to their injuries.
	ICE warehouse in Surprise targeted by arsonist days after massive community protests The Federal Bureau of Investigation is investigating an attempted arson of a Surprise warehouse purchased by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. (Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy/Arizona Mirror)Someone tried to burn down a Surprise warehouse that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to turn into a 1,500-bed detention center, according to the federal agency. On Saturday, “an individual committed arson on a newly purchased ICE building” by breaking a window, igniting a fire and throwing a propane tank into the building, according to a U.S. Department of Homeland Security spokesperson. “The fire was quickly extinguished by the interior sprinkler system,” DHS said, noting that the suspect fled the scene after setting the fire. “The matter remains under investigation by the FBI.” DHS referred further questions to the FBI, which said that Surprise police officers responded to the warehouse at about 1:30 a.m. on Saturday to a report of criminal damage at the building. “FBI Phoenix special agents arrived on scene and discovered a broken window and evidence of minor and limited fire activity. The FBI has opened an investigation with assistance from ATF. No further information is available while the investigation continues,” the FBI said in a written statement. DHS last month purchased the 418,400-square-foot warehouse in Surprise so it could turn it into a detention center in service of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign. The purchase is one of many across the country, and was authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, the tax cut and spending package that Trump championed and Republicans in Congress approved last year. People detained in ICE facilities nationwide reached an all-time high of 70,766 in January, doubling what it was when Trump took office. Although Trump has said his deportation efforts are targeting criminals, only 25% of those detained in January had a criminal record. There are already six detention centers in Arizona, with a combined capacity of 3,341 beds. The plan for the Surprise facility has become a flashpoint for local opposition, with multiple protests calling for the purchase to be terminated and more than 1,000 people recently showing up to a Surprise City Council meeting to urge elected officials to stop the detention center. Similar outrage and violence has occurred in other cities. Police in Kansas City are searching for a woman who attempted to set fire to a facility that was planned to be used by ICE, though the company that owned the property had already decided to not move forward with the sale. Saturday morning, the Mirror saw a single broken window near the entrance to the large warehouse. One man in an ICE tactical vest was standing guard inside, while a woman stood in the front entrance. A man and woman, likely FBI agents, were inside the building. Later, they put an object in an evidence bag. Glass was seen strewn across the sidewalk in front of the building and into the parking lot. ***UPDATED: This story has been updated with a comment from the FBI. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Arizona Mirror
	Flames, heavy smoke seen as crews battle structure fire Flames and heavy smoke can be seen coming out a structure as crews battle a fire.
	Crews recover bodies of all 9 skiers killed in California avalanche The bodies of all the skiers who died in Tuesday's avalanche near Lake Tahoe have been recovered, authorities said Saturday. Intense winter storm conditions delayed search and recovery efforts.
	Cold weather for a few more days and then some snow After light snow early Friday, cold air blasted back into the Quad Cities on gusty winds. Temperatures will be on a roller coaster ride over the next week. After a few quiet days, snow chances return to the forecast by the middle of the week. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	Scott County Farm Bureau hosts annual legislative forum in Eldridge Community members, legislators gather to discuss education, property taxes, city growth
	Friends remember Father Daniel Mirabelli as the 'Rock' of Alleman High School Father Daniel Mirabelli, known as the Rock of Alleman High School, died early Saturday. He was remembered as having affected thousands of lives.
	One victim, dog dead following Galesburg fire with partial collapse One person is dead following a fire in Galesburg. According to a release, on February 21 at 10:54 a.m., the Galesburg Fire Department responded to a structure fire with reported victims trapped in the 800 block of E. Berrien St. The response included three fire stations and 13 personnel on duty. Crews encountered heavy smoke [...]
	FCC calls for more 'patriotic, pro-America' programming in runup to 250th anniversary The "Pledge America Campaign" urges broadcasters to focus on programming that highlights "the historic accomplishments of this great nation from our founding through the Trump Administration today."
	FCC calls for more 'patriotic, pro-America' programming in run-up to 250th anniversary The "Pledge America Campaign" urges broadcasters to focus on programming that highlights "the historic accomplishments of this great nation from our founding through the Trump Administration today."
	Person dies in Galesburg house fire A news release on the city website said all three fire stations responded to a house fire on East Berrian street with people trapped inside just before 11:00 a.m.
	NASA's Artemis II lunar mission may not launch in March after all NASA says an "interrupted flow" of helium to the rocket system could require a rollback to the Vehicle Assembly Building. If it happens, NASA says the launch to the moon would be delayed until April.
	Davenport flea market organizer: Beware of scammer trying to sell sold-out vendor space The flea market scheduled for Sunday in Davenport is sold out of vendor spaces - despite what someone tried to tell a dealer Saturday, according to the organizer. Mike Salter, owner of Del Rich Loan and Neat Stuff Antiques, 318 N. Brady St. in downtown Davenport, says someone on Facebook tried to sell a non-existent [...]
	Beloved Quad Cities Catholic priest passes away A beloved Quad Cities Catholic priest, Father Daniel Mirabelli, has passed away.
	Quad Cities faith leaders hold March for Peace protest against violent immigration enforcement Multiple religions and denominations marched across the Centennial Bridge on Friday afternoon.
	Bailey and Del Mar stump in Rock Island County ahead of primary election Darren Bailey and Aaron Del Mar, who are running for the Republican nomination for Illinois governor and lieutenant governor, stumped for votes in Rock Island County this weekend.
	Mississippi health system shuts down clinics statewide after ransomware attack The attack was launched on Thursday and prompted hospital officials to close all of its 35 clinics across the state.
	Blizzard conditions and high winds forecast for NYC, East coast The winter storm is expected to bring blizzard conditions and possibly up to 2 feet of snow in New York City.
	Willie Colón, salsa pioneer, has died at 75 The South Bronx bandleader took the Latin genre to new heights while recording for Fania Records.
	Vietnam Veterans sue to block proposed 'Independence Arch' near Arlington National Cemetery The lawsuit challenges President Trump's plans for "Independence Arch," a 250-foot structure proposed for Memorial Circle.
	DaaBIN opens in Davenport: latest store to offer deeply discounted items for bargain shoppers NorthPark Mall's newest store filled quicky Saturday morning with shoppers looking to score $8 deals. DaaBIN held its grand opening. The store features bin after bin of discounted items, giving shoppers an opportunity to pick through them looking for treasures. DadBIN was founded in Cedar Falls, Iowa by Andy Weichers after he was doing marketing [...]
	Trump to raise global tariffs to 15% President Trump previously said he would implement 10% global tariffs after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down his tariff policies.
	How pin trading became an Olympic tradition — and what to know before you try it Pin trading has become a hallmark of the Olympics in recent decades — and not just for athletes. An official trading center in Milan was a hotspot for longtime collectors and curious newcomers alike.
	Pin trading has taken over the Olympics. Here's what it's like in Milan Pin trading has become a hallmark of the Olympics in recent decades — and not just for athletes. An official trading center in Milan was a hotspot for longtime collectors and curious newcomers alike.
	Alleman "rock" Father Dan Mirabelli dies The Rock Island Alleman community is mourning the loss of longtime teacher and Director of Development Father Daniel Mirabelli. The school announced his death on Facebook Saturday morning. Mirabelli spent 58 of his 74 years of religious life at Alleman after the Diocese of Peoria assigned him to Alleman in 1965. The school remembered him [...]
	The Black Box Theatre announces auditions for 2026 season The Black Box Theatre in Moline has announced auditions for the 2026 season. According to a release, auditions will be held March 14 and 15. Added to the previously announced season will be 'Come From Away' to be performed in late August through September 12 in honor of the 25th anniversary of 9/11. March 14, [...]
	Tip from National Center for Missing and Exploited Children leads to Davenport man's arrest He faces 10 felony charges and five aggravated misdemeanor charges.
	Your Backyard Is Wilder Than You Think (BPT) - By Jason Bittel, author of Grizzled: Love Letters to 50 of North America's Least Understood AnimalsNorth America is home to some huge and awe-inspiring creatures, from 800-pound alligators and surf-cracking great white sharks to rumbling herds of bison and mountain lions — the largest cat on Earth that is able to purr.But for those who can't get to a national park or seashore, there is still plenty of wonder waiting to be discovered on a backyard safari.Death-Dealing Hummingbirds The average hummingbird weighs about as much as a stick of chewing gum and lay eggs the size of jellybeans. And yet, if they were the size of a human, the tiniest birds on Earth would have to consume around 10,000 calories each day to perform their aerial acrobatics.In fact, the hummingbird's need for a constant supply of energy is so strong, putting a little sugar water in a special feeder is all it takes to draw the little wonders near. And if you watch a feeder long enough, you might just see the males do battle.With speeds approaching 60 miles an hour and bills shaped like sharpened stilettos, male hummingbirds have been known to guard their territories with iridescent ferocity. The brightly colored sprites have even been documented attacking golden eagles, a predator that outweighs them by about a thousand times.Amazingly, when hummingbirds battle each other, a beak to the heart can even result in fatalities. The Opossum's Oscar-Worthy PerformanceCommonly spotted scurrying away from a tipped-over trash can or waddling along the roadways at night, opossums are about the size of a house cat and appear rather unconcerned about much of anything.This may be because they have an evolutionary trick up their fluffy little sleeves.When confronted by a predator, opossums can keel over and play dead. Scientists call this death-feigning, or thanatosis. You might know it simply as "playing possum."But opossums are not like fainting goats, falling over every time someone shouts BOO! Theirs is a last-ditch, all-or-nothing cascade of biological responses.First the animal falls on its side and its legs and tail go stiff. The corners of its mouth tighten and drool starts gushing out. The opossum also poops itself and emits a stinky green goo out of its anal glands. The eyes remain open, while the rest of the creature appears to go positively catatonic.You can't help but admire the moxie of the opossum's death dance.Without big fangs or claws to fight off a foe, nor the ability to outrun a hungry predator, the opossum doesn't fight or flee — it fouls, becoming so thoroughly inedible that the attacker turns its nose up at an otherwise free meal.Bravo, indeed. Fireflies Are Secret SavagesScientists have discovered a whopping 2,000 species of fireflies on this planet, and their glowing lights can come in everything from pale blue and neon green to bright yellow and even burnt orange.Also known as lightning bugs, fireflies typically use their flashes as a secret code to find and woo mates. But one type of firefly has found a way to use that code to its own diabolical advantage.Meet the femme fatale fireflies. Females of the Photuris versicolor species complex mimic the flash patterns of other fireflies. And when an unsuspecting male touches down nearby, the femmes fatales pounce from the shadows and tear them limb from limb.In addition to gaining an easy meal, evidence suggests the femmes fatales also steal defensive compounds from the fellas — nasty-tasting chemicals they cannot produce themselves. And the females actually lace their own eggs with those compounds as a way to protect them from predators.So the next time you see a soft twinkle in the night, it could be a lightning bug looking for love. Or it might just be a femme fatale looking for blood.But both are backyard magic. Read more about these magical backyard animals in Grizzled.
	US military airlifts small reactor as Trump pushes to quickly deploy nuclear power The Pentagon and the Energy Department have airlifted a small nuclear reactor from California to Utah, demonstrating what they say is potential for the U.S. to quickly deploy nuclear power for military and civilian use.
	How Nazgul the wolfdog made his run for Winter Olympic glory in Italy Nazgul isn't talking, but his owners come clean about how he got loose, got famous, and how they feel now
	Want cheaper gas? Here's the best day to fill up in every state Sunday is the cheapest day to buy gas in most states — but not everywhere.
	Court clears way for Louisiana law requiring Ten Commandments in classrooms to take effect The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has cleared the way for a Louisiana law requiring displays of the Ten Commandments in public classrooms to take effect.
	Opinion: The enduring dignity of Jesse Jackson Rev. Jesse Jackson died this week at age 84. NPR's Scott Simon remembers covering Jackson's 1984 presidential campaign in Mississippi.
	From cubicles to kitchens: How empty offices are becoming homes Many U.S. cities have too many office buildings and not enough homes. Developers are now converting some old offices into apartments and condos, but it's going slowly.
	Bettendorf plans to turn 13 donated acres near Crow Creek park into nature preserve A Bettendorf woman is donating about 13 acres of land near Crow Creek Park in Bettendorf to become a nature preserve.
	Henry County to receive advice on billing for Hillcrest Home Jan May of the health and social services committee spoke about a meeting with a representative of Plymouth Billing Consultants.
	Mississippi Bend AEA presents teacher job fair The Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency and the Regional Office of Education will host a free teacher job fair from 3:30-5 p.m. Monday, March 2, at the agency, 729 21st St., Bettendorf. The fair is designed to serve as a bridge between school districts actively seeking talent and educators exploring new career paths. Prospective and [...]
	Muscatine hires new golf professional to lead Muscatine Municipal Golf Course Quad-Cities native Michael Hainline was chosen to lead Muscatine’s Municipal Golf Course.
	Should Davenport do away with the city primary? Aldermen considering it It cost Davenport almost $72,000 to hold the city primary in October. Now, aldermen are questioning whether holding a primary is worth it.
	More than 320K Nissan vehicles recalled over defect that could lead to crash More than 320,000 vehicles manufactured by Nissan North America, Inc. have been recalled due to an engine failure risk, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
	'Given a gun and sent to die': Kenyans lured to fight for Russia in Ukraine Kenya's intelligence service warns that over 1,000 citizens may have been recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine, many under false pretenses.
	Discovery Wetlands This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.For most of the past hundred years, the wetlands along the Upper Mississippi have been disappearing at an alarming…
	With U.S. forces in position, Trump mulls his options for Iran President Trump says he hasn't decided whether to attack Iran. While he weighs his options, a military buildup over the past month means the U.S. now has an expansive presence in the region.
	Former top general calls military's removal of trans troops a costly mistake As several global tensions simmer, the Pentagon is removing thousands of transgender troops under an anti-DEI push. How might a focus on gender identity distract from mission readiness?
	Gov. Pritzker seeks $8.6 billion tariff refund after court ruling Gov. JB Pritzker has sent a letter and invoice to President Donald Trump, demanding a refund of $8.6 billion in tariffs imposed on Mexican, Canadian and Chinese imports, after the Supreme Court ruled against the tariffs.
	What the Supreme Court's tariff ruling could mean for your wallet Don't expect a cheaper grocery bill tomorrow even after the Supreme Court struck down most of President Donald Trump's tariffs.
	Iowa passes first funnel deadline for proposals of legislative session As Iowa passed the first funnel deadline of this legislative session, some controversial proposals will no longer be considered. Our Quad Cities News correspondent Teodora Mitov looks at why bills on seatbelts, fluoride in public drinking water and an abortion ban aren't moving forward and bills about pediatric cancer research, veterans' benefits and animal torture [...]
Friday, February 20th, 2026
	Horror author R.L. Stine holding virtual event at East Moline Public Library The author will attend events for adults and children on Feb. 24.
	Protesters march over Centennial Bridge in opposition of ICE More than a hundred protesters marched over the Mississippi River Friday afternoon, led by leaders in faith. Reverend Tyler Yost was at the head of that march. He believes his religion stands for those who have been targets of immigration enforcement. "Jesus was a champion for nonviolence," said Yost. "He advocated for peace. He also [...]
	Quad Cities faith leaders hold March for Peace protest against violent immigration enforcement Multiple religions and denominations marched across the Centennial Bridge on Friday afternoon.
	Assembly passes bill to ban soda and candy from SNAP and fund positions to keep error rate low The entrance to a Big Lots store in Portland with a SNAP eligibility sign. Up to 3,000 Oregonians who came to the U.S. as refugees, asylum seekers or through other humanitarian protection programs would lose access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program under new federal rules challenged by Oregon and other states. (Stock photo by hapabapa/Getty Images)The Wisconsin Assembly passed a bill that will ban Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients from being able to buy soda and candy with their benefits and will provide funding and positions to the state Department of Health Services to help preempt the state from being penalized by the federal government. Lawmakers also approved a bill aimed at having the state turn SNAP data over to the Trump administration. Gov. Tony Evers and lawmakers have been discussing providing additional funding and positions to the state Department of Health Services to ensure the state keeps its payment error rate low, to avoid costly federal penalties enacted as part of a huge national tax cut and spending bill. A SNAP provision in the federal tax and spending law signed by President Donald Trump last year would penalize states for having a payment error rate above 6%. The Evers administration has estimated a penalty due to the error rate could cost the state up to $205 million. Evers recently urged lawmakers in his State of the State address on Tuesday to provide money to the state agency to keep the error rate low and avoid potential penalties. Lawmakers attached the money and positions to AB 180 in an amendment. The bill passed 71-22 with 23 Democrats joining Republicans in favor of the bill. The amendment included about $69 million and 70 positions for the agency to help ensure quality control of SNAP — also known as FoodShare in Wisconsin — and keep the error rate low. When it comes to the candy and soda ban provisions, the Wisconsin DHA would need to submit a waiver to the federal government for approval to make the change to the program. Under the leadership of U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, the Trump administration has pushed for the ban across the country as a part of his “Make America Healthy Again” agenda. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved waivers for 18 states, including Idaho and Oklahoma, so far, and there are at least five states that are actively implementing the ban. Rep. Ryan Clancy (D-Milwaukee) criticized the bill, saying it “has nothing to do with health,” mentioning he sees people drinking Diet Mountain Dew and other beverages in the Legislature’s chambers, and that the bill is merely “punishing people for poverty.” He also said it is “shameful” to use the candy and soda ban bill to move the money and positions forward. “I’m glad that with the amendment there are necessary dollars here that are coming to help our agencies provide dozens of staff members to push back on the onslaught from the Trump regime,” Clancy said. An amendment to the bill includes $3.5 million to help with development and administration of a food stamp platform that is meant to ensure grocery stores can follow the ban. Rep. Russell Goodwin (D-Milwaukee) said lawmakers shouldn’t be “policing check-out lanes” and that the bill will create a two-tiered system where poor families have their food choices restricted. Rep. Clint Moses (R-Menomonie) said that the bill would ensure that taxpayers are not paying the costs of people eating unhealthy foods. “The original intent… was to go down a path to start looking at what we’re feeding our children, what we’re feeding our families and what’s that doing to our families,” Moses said, adding that he has been interested in the issue long before the “Make America Healthy Again” movement. Moses said “the amount of money that we could lose from the federal government is astronomical” if the bill doesn’t become law. Under the bill, candy is defined as “any solid, semi-solid, or molded preparation of sugar, sweeteners, whether natural or artificial, or chocolate, with or without added ingredients such as flavorings, fruit, nuts, or flour, that is commonly marketed, advertised, or recognized as candy, chocolate bar, chewing gum, or similar confectionery and includes chocolate bars, including chocolate bars containing flour, hard candies, gummies, caramels, taffy, licorice, mints, and chewing gum.” It does not include baked goods. Soda is defined as a “nonalcoholic beverage that contains natural or artificial sweeteners, including soda, pop, cola, energy drinks, sports drinks, or flavored water, or any product, regardless of its ingredients or labeling, that is marketed, labeled, or advertised as a soda, pop, cola, energy drink or energy supplement.” It does not include beverages that include milk or coffee or unsweetened tea. A separate bill would require Wisconsin to compile and turn over data to the federal government on all Wisconsin FoodShare recipients since 2020 in accordance with a July letter from the federal Department of Agriculture. The Trump administration says it is seeking the data so it can investigate fraud and has threatened to cut off SNAP benefits to states that don’t comply. The Assembly passed the bill, AB 1027, in a 54-39 vote with Rep. Jodi Emerson (D-Eau Claire) joining Republicans in favor. On behalf of Wisconsin, Attorney General Josh Kaul joined a lawsuit with 21 other states to block the order. A federal judge in California recently granted the request for a temporary restraining order. Rep. Ryan Spaude (D-Ashwaubenon) accused his Republican colleagues of being “happy to take up the bidding of the Trump administration” with the passage of the bill. No Republicans spoke on the bill. Evers has expressed opposition to turning over the data, saying that Wisconsin’s system works. He told WISN 12 in December that the SNAP system is “analyzed every single year and we feel confident in it.” “We have people in the state of Wisconsin that need help making sure they’re having nutritious meals. We feel the program right now is working just fine,” he said. Both bills need to pass the Senate before they go to Evers. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Courtesy of Wisconsin Examiner
	Quad-Cities March for Peace and Dignity demands nation welcome the world's marginalized Friday's march went from the Rock Island County Courthouse to the Scott County Courthouse, where there were speeches and songs.
	Big Quad Cities chill arrives for the weekend After some way above normal weather in the Quad Cities this week, right as the weekend arrives we're about to get a whole lot colder! We'll see highs in the 20s and 30s this weekend, with wind chills in the single digits at times. It doesn't stay this way for long though, we warm into [...]
	Alaska lawmaker’s chief of staff arrested on sex trafficking and child exploitation charges Craig Scott Valdez (left) and an image of his Snapchat avatar he allegedly used to solicit minors for sexual exploitation. (Photo courtesy of the US Attorneys Office, District of Alaska in charging documents)A legislator’s chief of staff was arrested in Juneau on Friday on federal charges of sex trafficking and child exploitation, enticement and coercion and creating child sexual abuse material. Craig Scott Valdez, 36, was chief of staff to Sutton Republican Sen. George Rauscher since November, and worked in Rauscher’s office since 2021, according to a government staffing website Legistorm. Rauscher was not immediately available for comment Friday. Craig Scott Valdez was arrested in Juneau on Feb. 20, 2026 on charges of sex trafficking and child exploitation. (Photo provided by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Alaska) A spokesperson for the Senate Minority Caucus, of which Rasucher is a member, said Friday afternoon that Valdez had been terminated from his employment with the Legislature, effective immediately. Valdez also served as the chair of the Anchorage Young Republicans since January 2025, according to the organization’s social media posts. A spokesperson for the Alaska Republican Party said in a statement Friday said the charges were “nothing short of horrifying” and said Valdez has been removed from any and all positions within the Alaska Republican Party and Young Republicans. Valdez has been charged with four felony charges, including sex trafficking, child exploitation and production of child sexual abuse material, or CSAM — formerly referred to as child pornography — coercion and enticement of a minor, and receipt of CSAM. The charges are connected to an incident in October involving a 15-year-old girl he allegedly enticed to his Anchorage home through the social media app Snapchat, for “the purposes of sexually exploiting the child to celebrate his birthday,” according to court documents. Documents say the girl’s sibling alerted their mother, who used a tracking app and drove to his home and intervened, and called the Anchorage Police Department. Court documents say the mother “entered the residence, struck Valdez once in the face, and recovered the child who exhibited signs of extreme drug or alcohol intoxication and had difficulty walking and maintaining consciousness.” Police arrived, the documents say, but Valdez had fled the home. The mother recovered the girl’s phone and took screenshots of the Snapchat messages, which she turned over to law enforcement, according to court documents. The girl reported she was introduced to Valdez through other children when she was 13 or 14 years old. Federal agents said they believe this was not the first time Valdez exploited the girl, and believe he victimized others. The FBI has identified at least 11 other victims after reviewing Valdez’ Snapchat communications and use of the Cashapp platform. Under the usernames “NONAME20233132” or “DOCHANK,” the FBI said Valdez exhibited a “compulsive pattern of behavior bombarding children he finds on Snapchat with requests for sexually explicit images and even more concerning, causing and attempting to cause children to engage in commercial sex acts.” The investigation is ongoing, led by the FBI Anchorage office and the Anchorage Police Department, and the agencies say anyone with additional information can report anonymously to tips.fbi.gov. Valdez is scheduled to appear in federal court on Feb 23. If convicted, he faces between 15 years to life in prison. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Alaska Beacon
	QC Solidarity March crosses Centennial Bridge, seeks justice and peace The NAACP of Rock Island County, Quad Cities Interfaith and One Human Family helped organize the march from the Rock Island County Courthouse to the Scott County Courthouse in Davenport, where many people held protest signs, sang inspirational songs, and argued for the U.S. to live up to its ideals of welcoming immigrants and treating all people equally.
	Highlight Zone: Week 7, high school basketball, State wrestling Catch up on another week of the best plays and takedowns from high schools across the QCA.
	How Bettendorf Police Department uses data-based tools to solve speeding problems The Bettendorf Police Department says it's using data-based tools to solve speeding problems in our area. The department's records management system shows the increase in traffic enforcement over the last year. From January 1 through February 20 last year, there were 760 recorded incidents. In the same time this year, more than 1,100 incidents have [...]
	A Rock Island mystery solved: Chief Black Hawk Statue found A TV6 Investigates update to a story involving the missing Chief Blackhawk Statue.
	Hilltop Campus Village leaders plan for future growth The Hilltop Campus Village is unveiling plans to improve the direction and future of the district over the next decade.
	Stretch Zone reopens in Bettendorf Stretch Zone is a practitioner assisted stretching studio that uses straps to isolate and stabilize muscles.
	Moline High School students walk out of class to protest ICE actions More than 50 students marched along Avenue of the Cities before gathering for a protest at 41st Street, calling for reform to ICE.
	Iowa Sen. Cindy Winckler and Rep. Ken Croken announce bids for re-election Iowa State Rep. Ken Croken, D-Davenport, and Iowa State Sen, Cindy Winckler, D-Davenport, will be running again. They teamed up for an announcement at the MLK Interpretative Center in Davenport Friday. Several community leaders, as well as the Iowa Senate minority leader, were there to voice their support. Winckler says one of her biggest concerns [...]
	Tama County farmer reacts to SCOTUS tariff ruling Berleen Wobeter told News 8 that when tariffs were in place, she saw higher input costs and lower profits.

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