Saturday, December 13th, 2025 | |
| What we know about 5 Iowa National Guard soldiers ambushed in SyriaIowa National Guard members were attacked Saturday while serving in Syria. |
| Volunteers brave snow to honor veterans at Rock Island ArsenalSnow and cold canceled formal remarks at the Rock Island Arsenal, but volunteers still placed a record number of wreaths to honor veterans at the national cemetery. |
| Two Iowa National Guard members killed in SyriaPresident Donald Trump says “there will be very serious retaliation” after two U.S. service members and one American civilian were killed in an attack in Syria. The two service members killed are members of the Iowa National Guard. The United States blames the attack on the Islamic State group. U.S. Central Command said three service [...] |
| Geneseo Christmas Walk prevails despite cold weatherThis year's theme was "Windows of Hope," paying homage to the living windows which have been a staple of the event. |
| Snow for Saturday, now brutal cold SundayWe have been looking ahead at this weekend for a few days now and now it is in full swing, getting around 3 inches of snow in the Quad Cities from Saturday morning. Now we are getting ready for some brutal cold weather. Shortly, after midnight last night was when the wind chill temperatures dropped [...] |
| Two Iowa National Guard members killed in Syria attackTwo members of the Iowa National Guard were killed in what’s being called a terrorist attack in Syria. |
| Illinois Tollway launches 24-hour cold-weather patrols as dangerous temperatures move inThe Illinois Tollway has activated 24-hour cold-weather patrols to assist stranded drivers amid subzero wind chills and dangerous cold. |
| Cold weather didn't stop 'Wreaths Across America' at the Rock Island ArsenalVolunteers braved the cold weather to honor local veterans. |
| Woman arrested in connection with shots fired incident in Davenport's Garfield ParkShe was taken into custody on Friday on outstanding warrants in connection with the shooting, which occurred Nov. 8. |
| Police respond to active shooting at Brown University, campus officials sayBrown University says it's working with law enforcement to search for a suspect after its report of an "active shooting situation" on its Rhode Island campus. |
| Multiple people shot near Brown University, police sayBrown University says it's working with law enforcement to search for a suspect after its report of an "active shooting situation" on its Rhode Island campus. |
| Two dead, no suspect in custody after shooting at Brown University, officials sayBrown University says it's working with law enforcement to search for a suspect after its report of an "active shooting situation" on its Rhode Island campus. |
| 2 killed and 8 injured in Brown University shooting, no suspect in custodyAuthorities are searching for a suspect dressed in black after a shooting took place Saturday afternoon on the Rhode Island campus. |
| 2 killed and 9 injured in Brown University shooting, no suspect in custodyAuthorities are searching for a suspect described as "a male dressed in black" who fled the Ivy League's Rhode Island campus on foot following the Saturday afternoon shooting. |
| United Airlines flight returns to Dulles airport after engine loses power during takeoffShortly after departing the Virginia airport on Saturday, the Tokyo-bound plane's engine cover separated and caught fire, according to the transportation secretary. No injuries were reported. |
| Lucia Nights continues in Bishop Hill, but music is canceledBecause of bad travel conditions for bands and music performers, all the Bishop Hill Lucia Nights musical performances have been canceled for Saturday, Dec. 13, a news release says. Still, businesses and restaurants will be open for Lucia Nights from 6 to 9 p.m. The soup supper will continue from 4-7 p.m. at the Methodist [...] |
| All lanes of I-80 west of Davenport closedAll lanes of I-80 from I-380 at Coralville to Walcott, west of Davenport are closed, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT). |
| After failure in the Senate, House GOP has its own health care proposalHouse Republicans released proposed legislation late Friday that would not extend enhanced Affordable Care Act tax subsidies. |
| Parts of I-80 closed due to weatherThe Iowa Department of Transportation says Interstate 80 is closed in both directions from Coral Ridge Avenue in Coralville, or exit 240, to Plainview Road near the I-80 Truckstop, or exit 284. The road is closed because of impassable road conditions, severe weather and several crashes caused by the weather. It will stay closed until [...] |
| 'The Mask' and 'Pulp Fiction' actor Peter Greene dies at 60The character actor was best known for playing villains in movies like Pulp Fiction and The Mask. Greene was found dead in his New York City apartment on Friday, his manager and friend told NPR. |
| Skywatchers rejoice: The Geminids meteor shower peaks tonightThe Geminids meteor shower appears every December, but it will peak this year on Saturday, the 13th. |
| Whiteout conditions make travel dangerous on I-80 and eastern Iowa highwaysIowa officials warn that whiteout conditions and multiple crashes are making travel dangerous on I-80 east of Des Moines and other eastern Iowa highways |
| Snow covered roads make travel hazardous; crashes, closures reported on I-80The Iowa DOT is reporting dangerous road conditions along Interstate 80 from the Illinois border to Des Moines. The Illinois DOT says all major highways in the area are covered. |
| Chile votes in polarizing presidential runoff as far-right takes leadChile heads to a presidential runoff on Sunday, with far-right contender José Antonio Kast — a supporter of former dictator Augusto Pinochet — tipped to win. |
| 2 U.S. service members and 1 civilian are killed in ISIS attack in SyriaThe attack, which took place in the city of Palmyra, comes a year after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and the lifting of U.S. sanctions. |
| Warm up with winter choirs, concerts when Bettendorf students take the stageBettendorf winter choirs and concerts will spotlight all ages of performers, from the youngest singers to high school choirs, says a news release from the Bettendorf Community School District. Families and community members are invited to these festive concerts. "A heartfelt thank you goes out to our dedicated choir directors for their passion, commitment, and [...] |
| Savanna lights up the season with drive-through holiday displays, family eventsSavanna, Illinois is celebrating the season with drive-through light shows, the Festival of Trees finale, and a new kids’ Christmas bash on Dec. 20. |
| Westbound lanes of I-80 closed due to major crash in Cedar County, IowaCrash closes parts of I-80 in Cedar County, IA |
| Cook review: Film based on QC Pulitzer-Prize winner's work to be shown in DavenportSusan Glaspell. That name should be familiar to most Iowans. Instead, the Pulitzer-Prize-winning author is largely unrecognized by the general public. But now's your chance to see what a terrific writer she was. Glaspell, who lived from 1876-1948, was a journalist. She covered the 1900 homicide of 60-year-old John Hossack, an Iowa farmer who was [...] |
| Church Nativity scenes add zip ties and gas masks to protest immigration raidsSupporters of the displays say the Bible is on their side, but critics call the scenes sacrilegious and politically divisive, accusing the churches of abusing sacred imagery. |
| Fired Michigan football coach charged with home invasion and stalkingFired University of Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore "barged his way" into the apartment of a woman with whom he had been having an affair after she reported the relationship to the school and he lost his job, prosecutors said. |
| To 'graduate' from poverty, they can borrow to build a business. So why aren't they?It's called the "graduation" approach — both financial and moral support to help people move from extreme poverty to self-sufficiency. But in this innovative Uganda project, something isn't clicking. |
| Aledo provides guidelines for streets, pathway useWith the days getting shorter and winter weather settling in, the City of Aledo wants to ensure everyone stays safe on streets and multi-use pathways, a news release says. Visibility is lower this time of year, making it even more important to understand traffic patterns and avoid unexpected stops. "We have noticed some continued confusion [...] |
| King Charles III says early diagnosis allows his cancer treatment to be reducedThe monarch revealed the positive outlook in a recorded message broadcast on British television as part of a campaign to promote screening, which increases the likelihood of successful treatment. |
| It's Christmastime —– and if you live in the Alps, watch out! Krampus is comingIn Salzburg, Austria, Christmas involves both St. Nick and Krampus, a mythological punisher with roots stretching back to late antiquity and many fans in the present-day Central Alps. |
| Enjoy winter break events at Vince Jetter Community Center, ClintonAdd some extra sparkle and magic and join in 10 days of fun festive events during winter break with the Vince Jetter Community Center, 311 South 3rd St., Clinton. Events are free and open to the public, and no registration is needed. Free refreshments will be provided. All events, except for the pool party at [...] |
| Geneseo School Board hears about new school for Henry-Stark Special Education Co-OpStarting in the fall of 2026, the co-operative will open the new Wings Academy in Kewanee to house at least 32 kindergarten through 12th grade students. |
| Memories of Muscatine: A Christmas glass zeppelinThis week for Memories of Muscatine: A glass decoration from the late 1800s. |
| Davenport North High culinary class competes in annual cake competitionThe competition is part of the high school's advanced foods classes. |
| Fewer characters on TV had abortions this year — and more stories reinforced shameResearchers at the University of California San Francisco track how abortion comes up on television. They say the trends from 2025 are concerning. |
| Quad Cities Chamber releases report on in-demand jobs in the area; see what they areThe top 100 jobs account for an average of 3,300 job openings annually, with 40 occupations projected to add about 600 new jobs total by 2028. |
| Is The Washington Post's new AI podcast a hallmark of the future?The Post calls the podcast an "AI-powered tool" that turns its articles into an audio news digest. |
| Hugh RobinsonThis is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Had the daring young aviator, Hugh Robinson, understood human nature as well as he understood airplanes and flying, he… |
| Knox College names new chief financial officerKnox College announced Scott Jones has been named chief financial officer and vice president for finance. According to a release from Knox College, Jones has more than 25 years of experience in senior financial management positions in higher education. At Knox, Jones will be responsible for oversight and management of financial matters, including budgeting, investment [...] |
| Should you use buy now, pay later? Experts share 4 tips to knowThe payment option is booming among online holiday shoppers this year. But like any form of credit, it comes with drawbacks. Here's how to use BNPL responsibly — and protect yourself from risk. |
Friday, December 12th, 2025 | |
| North Scott upsets Clinton, Central DeWitt tops PV girls basketballNorth Scott hands Clinton their first loss of the season 51-50. Central DeWitt defeats Pleasant Valley 55-45. |
| Moline upsets Rock Island, Sherrard defeats Orion boys basketballMoline wins a thriller over undefeated Rock Island in overtime 54-51. Sherrard hands Orion their first loss of the season 53-47. |
| Part of US 150 closed for nearly 3 days due to oversized load with broken trailerA part of US Highway 150 is expected to be closed for nearly 3 days due to an oversized load with a broken trailer. |
| MLK Center prepped and ready as homeless seek shelter ahead of frigid tempsThe MLK Center in Rock Island is prepped and ready for the homeless as cold temperatures impact the Quad Cities. |
| Galesburg to expand Lake Storey walking pathThe expansion will complete the path's full loop around the lake in 2027. |
| Recent spike in whooping cough cases reported in Scott CountyScott County health officials report more than 50 pertussis cases since July 1, with most reported since Dec. 1. Residents are urged to test and vaccinate. |
| Pritzker signs ‘medical aid in dying’ billThe contentious bill overcame strong opposition from religious groups and some disability rights advocates who fear it could endanger Illinoisians with disabilities. |
| QC Storm looks to help River Bend Food Bank stock their shelvesThe River Bend Food Bank has a dire need for donations to restock their shelves after the SNAP Benefits freeze amidst the government shutdown. The Quad City Storm are looking to help them out this weekend while they battle on their home ice Friday through Sunday. "We expect the community to come support us," said [...] |
| Geneseo Christmas Walk marking 40 years amid cold weather concernsGeneseo’s 40th annual Christmas Walk returns Saturday despite frigid temperatures, with organizers urging caution as businesses hope for a holiday boost. |
| EPA approves new pesticides as scientists raise concerns over ‘forever chemicals’PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down and can build up in the environment and the body, leading to health problems and contaminating water, soil, and food over time. |
| Davenport teen arrested in connection with drive-by shootingOfficers were sent to a home in the 900 block of Myrtle Street at 9:27 a.m. Thursday to investigate a report of shots fired. |
| WATCH: CAT-astrophe avoided! Colona officer rescues cat with can on its headOne Quad Cities kitty will be especially joyful this holiday season after a compassionate police officer removed a can from its head. Colona Officer Piehl Samuel Piehl was in his squad car when he saw a cat, paralyzed with fear, in the middle of the street. A video of the rescue is In a post [...] |
| Geneseo Christmas Walk marking 40 years amid cold weather concernsGeneseo’s 40th annual Christmas Walk returns Saturday despite frigid temperatures, with organizers urging caution as businesses hope for a holiday boost. |
| Davenport Central High School students perform carols for local seniorsThe annual performance is a well-loved holiday tradition at Good Samaritan Society Senior Living. |
| Geneseo High School freshman selected to perform in 2026 Rose ParadeGeneseo freshman percussionist Bryce Gillespie has been chosen for the Bands of America Honor Band, set to perform in the 2026 Rose Parade in Pasadena. |
| Geneseo High School freshman selected to perform in 2026 Rose ParadeGeneseo freshman percussionist Bryce Gillespie has been chosen for the Bands of America Honor Band, set to perform in the 2026 Rose Parade in Pasadena. |
| Holiday Light Tour: Rural Geneseo family creates holiday light show spectacleThe Heller family has transformed their rural property into a holiday destination that draws visitors for hours at a time. |
| Josh Allen, Hailee Steinfeld make big announcementJosh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld reveal they are expecting a baby, sharing the news through Steinfeld's birthday newsletter, marking a new chapter in their lives. |
| Bird's-eye view of the Quad Cities region: Dec. 8-12Sit back, relax and check out these snowy landscapes captured by the News 8 drone this week. |
| MLK Center preparing to open emergency shelter amid dangerously low temperaturesThe MLK Center is opening its doors this weekend for those needing to get out of the dangerously cold temperatures. |
| Walmart, QCA Coca Cola distributor team up to donate to Davenport elementaryWalmart and a local Coke distributor teamed up Friday to make a large donation to a Davenport elementary school. |
| Quad Cities report identifies top 100 high-priority jobs, highlights workforce shortagesWhich local jobs will pay a living wage and be in high demand both now and in the future? Health care and engineering top the list but they're not all that's noted. |
| Davenport shelter prepares for capacity as dangerous cold weather approaches“So then our hope is to move them into either one of our own housing, a supportive housing, rapid rehousing, or it could just be their own apartment anywhere in the Quad Cities because we very much believe in housing choice,” said CEO. |
| Nestle Purina gives $30,000 grant to North Scott Community School DistrictThe grant funding will benefit the district's small animal and veterinary assistance program. |
| 2 adults, dogs evacuated after attic fire damages Rock Island homeNo injuries were reported in the blaze. |
| Remembering WQAD alum, Quad Cities sports icon Jim AlbrachtThis story is from the 1990-1991 season, when the Knoxville High School basketball team was at the end of five straight 20-win seasons. |
| 'She's awesome': How U.S. veterans helped Venezuela's Machado escapeIn a daring nighttime martime operation, U.S. veterans whisked Venezuela's María Corina Machado out of the country to claim her Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo |
| Muscatine 8th grader honored for community reading initiativeEmmery Drake organized a community-wide book donation drive. For her efforts she's won the 2025 Giles Joslyn Youth Initiative Award. |
| What you need to know for another round of snow SaturdayAfter getting a light sheet of snow from this past Thursday at around 1 and a half inches, we already need to prepare for round two this week with Saturday. The snow is looking to begin falling around 9am here in the metro Quad Cities and a bit earlier for neighborhoods in the South and [...] |
| Snowy and cold? No problem with Saukie Golf Course simulatorThe weather outside is frightful, but your golf game can stay delightful! Todd Winter from Rock Island Parks and Recreation joined Our Quad Cities News with details on the golf simulator at the Saukie Golf Course. For more information, click here. |
| No injuries in Rock Island attic fire on ThursdayFirefighters extinguished an attic fire in a Rock Island home Thursday night. Two people and their dogs evacuated before crews arrived. |
| Wrap up holiday shopping at Davenport Central's Craft & Vendor FairYou can wrap up your holiday shopping and help support local students. The 7th annual Davenport Central High School Band and Orchestra Craft and Vendor Fair is Saturday, December 13 from 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the fieldhouse. Dozens of vendors will be on hand with handmade gifts and sweet treats. The event helps [...] |
| Army beats Navy 19-14 at Rock Island ArsenalA yearly tradition at the Rock Island Arsenal featured a classic rivalry. Ahead of the weekend Army-Navy game, the Army took on the Navy in this friendly flag football game at Memorial Field at the Rock Island Arsenal. Fans braved the cold in lawn chairs and cheered on the players. Army beat Navy with a [...] |
| Dangerous wind chills settling into Quad Cities for the weekendWe've been talking about it for days now, and the bitter cold weekend is upon us! Wind chills will dip down below 0° late tonight and do not go back up above zero until Monday morning! The worst of it will be Sunday morning, when wind chills will be as low as -25° in the [...] |
| Davenport man found guilty of second-degree murder in killing of Maddy BakoylisDillon Ray Adams had been charged with first-degree murder. A Scott County jury on Friday found him guilty of second-degree murder. |
| Recent spike in whooping cough cases reported in Scott CountyScott County health officials report more than 50 pertussis cases since July 1, with most reported since Dec. 1. Residents are urged to test and vaccinate. |
| Quad Cities report identifies top 100 high-priority jobs, highlights workforce shortagesWhich local jobs will pay a living wage and be in high demand both now and in the future? Health care and engineering top the list but they're not all that's noted. |
| Muscatine 8th grader honored for community reading initiativeEmmery Drake organized a community-wide book donation drive. For her efforts she's won the 2025 Giles Joslyn Youth Initiative Award. |
| City of Aledo encourages safe pedestrian crossings for drivers and ridersVisibility is lower this time of year, making it even more important to understand traffic patterns and avoid unexpected stops, city leaders said. |
| Grill fire in Milan shed caused by homeless person seeking winter shelterA fire broke out inside a shed where a homeless person was staying to escape early winter weather, according to the Black Hawk Fire Protection District. |
| It Takes A Village receives grant to support donation-based, spay, neuter clinicsIt Takes A Village (ITAV) has received thousands of dollars in grant funding to support a free will donation-based spay and neuter clinic. |
| Geneseo prepares for 40th annual Christmas WalkThe Christmas Walk runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday in downtown Geneseo. |
| A momentous week as Syria celebrates lifting U.S. sanctions and a year without AssadAs they mark the first anniversary of toppling Bashar al-Assad's regime, Syrians also celebrate another coming milestone: the lifting of sanctions, which could help give the country a new start. |
| Pritzker signs ‘medical aid in dying’ bill amid religious oppositionIllinois physicians now allowed to write prescriptions for terminally ill patients to self-administer end-of-life medication |
| Powerball jackpot reaches $1B for second time in 2025For the second time this year, the Powerball jackpot has reached $1 billion, giving players a chance at one of the largest prizes in game history. |
| The Justice Department has now sued 18 states in an effort to access voter dataThe Department of Justice has sued four more states as part of the Trump administration's far-reaching attempt to access sensitive voter data. The DOJ is also suing Fulton County in Georgia. |
| In photos: Flooding in Western Washington state forces thousands to evacuateRecord flooding in Washington state has forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate after torrential rains this week. |
| Pertussis outbreak hits Scott CountyScott County Health Department said there have been 43 confirmed and suspected cases of pertussis since Dec. 1. |
| New petition describes alleged tactics used by suspended Fort Hood doctor to record patientsA court petition outlines alleged exam room tactics used by a Fort Hood doctor that plaintiffs say exploited a power imbalance. |
| Gov. Pritzker signs bill allowing other 'end of life options' for terminally ill patientsIllinois Governor JB Pritzker signed the Medical Aid in Dying Bill, which will allow terminally ill patients to end their lives on their own terms, with strict safeguards in place, starting in September 2026. |
| 4 Your Money | To Dividend, Or Not To DividendDividend investing is traditionally thought of as a safer, steady approach. James Nelson, Financial Planner at NelsonCorp Wealth Management, joins us to explain why dividend investing is no longer the value strategy it was in the past. |
| Sean Shibe: Tiny Desk ConcertGuitarist Sean Shibe pushes his instrument to the limit in new music written for him by Thomas Adès, and softens the vibe with intimate pieces by Bach, Mompou and the eccentric street musician Moondog. |
| Rock Island firefighters respond to attic fireThe Rock Island Fire Department was called to an attic fire last night, according to a news release from the city. Firefighters responded to a report of electrical malfunctions and smoke in the attic in the 2200 block of Ninth Street on December 11 at about 9:30 p.m. Crews found two people and their dogs [...] |
| Residents, pets escape attic fireCrews in Rock Island battled an attic fire Thursday night. |
| New restrictions on what SNAP can buy in 2026: Here's what to knowHawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Virginia and Tennessee are joining 12 other states in adding waivers that will redefine what types of food can be purchased with SNAP dollars in 2026. |