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

Wednesday, November 4th, 2026
	Illinois: Democrats sweep statewide races, expand already-historic supermajorities Illinois’ constitutional offices will all remain in Democratic hands, though the state will have a new U.S. senator and state comptroller.
	Iowa midterm turnout reaches 63%, highest in 30 years Iowa’s midterm turnout was 63%, the highest in 30 years, with more than 1.3 million people casting ballots. Democrats won the governor’s race, the U.S. Senate race and three of four U.S. House seats.
	Have you seen these suspects? Crime Stoppers wants to know! Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities wants your help catching two fugitives. It’s an Our Quad Cities News exclusive. You can get an elevated reward for information on this week’s cases: JEREMIAH DANIELS, 25, 5'9, 150 pounds, brown eyes, black hair. Wanted by Scott County Sheriffs Office for sex offender registration violation 2nd or sub [...]
	Iowa Republicans’ legislative majorities shrink in 2026 elections In the Iowa Senate, Republicans currently hold a 32-17 majority, with one vacancy — already a decrease from the GOP supermajority elected to the chamber in 2024.
	$33.7M Central DeWitt school bond referendum rejected by voters If the measure had been approved, the money would have brought all the district's students to the same campus.
	Wednesday last chance to weigh in on plans to replace Centennial Bridge Wednesday is the last day for the public to weigh in on plans for the replacement of the Centennial Bridge.
	How's the real estate market in the Quad Cities? Chris Beason of Ruhl & Ruhl Realtors joined The Current to discuss major changes among buyers and sellers, the effects of high interest rates and more.
	Scott County key in victories for Iowa Dems All told, Democrats flipped Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat and all three congressional districts previously held by Republicans
	Freight House Fall Harvest Festival has fun for all The Freight House Farmers Market’s annual Fall Harvest Festival will be Nov. 7 – 8, featuring a weekend full of family activities, local shopping, seasonal foods and entertainment. Hours on Saturday, Nov. 7 are 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Hours on Sunday Nov. 8 are 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Freight House is located [...]
	5th Ave. Flea to hold grand opening Thursday in downtown Moline A new vintage and thrift market is bringing a unique shopping experience to downtown Moline.
	Where voters stand on state ballot measures, from abortion to LGBTQ rights to guns Voters in dozens of states considered 146 statewide ballot measures this midterm cycle, on topics spanning LGBTQ rights, wealth taxes, abortion, redistricting, guns and more.
	Police find 43 grams of meth, 2 guns in Kewanee home, 6 arrested Six people were arrested after police found 43 grams of meth, 2 guns and more during a search of a Kewanee home Monday.
	UAW responds after John Deere announces Iowa plant closures On Wednesday, John Deere announced it will be closing its Ottumwa and Clarion factories and relocating some production from Moline.
	NelsonCorp: Dow Jones up, some stocks down after midterms The Dow Jones Industrial has been up over 1500 points for most of Wednesday, even briefly climbing to over 1600 points after Democrats took control of the House and Senate in the midterm election. David Nelson, CFP, CLU, CHFC and president and CEO of NelsonCorp Wealth Management, spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom [...]
	Elon Musk will face scrutiny from Democrats after midterms Democrats are likely to launch investigations into Musk's influence, including his leadership of DOGE and government contracts
	FCI Thomson satellite camp to no longer house inmates A satellite facility for the Federal Correction Institution in Thomson, Illinois, will no longer house inmates.
	Scott County Auditor to hold administrative audits in 3 voting precincts Auditor Kerri Tompkins said voting machines at precincts D22, D54 and B53 had intermittent issues in getting a ballot reject code.
	FCI Thomson will no longer house inmates at satellite camp, BOP says According to the Bureau of Prisons, the camp currently has 156 inmates.
	Voters reject Central DeWitt School District's $33.7 million bond referendum Around 70% of voters rejected the measure; if approved, the $33.7 million bond would been used to consolidate the school levels under one roof.
	It was a big night for doctors to win seats in Congress, riding the blue wave Historically, most physicians who served in the House or Senate have been Republicans. In the next Congress, physicians who are Democrats made significant gains.
	Public comment period closes Wednesday for Centennial Bridge replacement Project officials are accepting public comments through Nov. 4 as planning continues for a replacement of the 85-year-old Route 67 crossing.
	Scott County to audit three precincts after machine issues Scott County Auditor Kerri Tompkins said the county will audit three precincts in Davenport and Bettendorf. "It is possible the results are accurate; however, it is important to confirm," Tompkins said.
	Voters shoot down $12M Chadwick-Milledgeville bond referendum If it had passed, the funds would have gone towards a major addition to the district's building.
	Navajo voters hop tractors, make extraordinary efforts to vote after widespread flooding Four weeks of flooding washed out roads and sent thousands fleeing their homes on the Navajo Reservation. But many worked hard to get to polling places and voting day became part of the recovery process.
	Herbert Blomstedt, conductor of great orchestras for seven decades, dies at 99 Modest in his demeanor but remarkably enduring, the American-born, Swedish conductor continually fell in love with music, leading orchestras with no-nonsense insight and integrity well into his 90s.
	3 Scott County precincts to be audited after machine issues Three precincts in Scott County will undergo an Administrative Audit on Thursday.
	Voters shoot down $33.7M Central DeWitt school bond referendum If the measure had been approved, the money would have brought all students to the same campus.
	Administrative audit scheduled for 3 Scott County precincts Scott County Auditor Kerri Tompkins has announced there will be an Administrative Audit for three precincts: D22 (Seventh Day Adventist School), D54 (YWCA) and B53 (TBK Sports Complex). There were intermittent issues with the DS200 machines in getting a Ballot Reject Code and an ES&S (Election Systems & Software) company representative worked with auditor staff [...]
	Quad Cities Democratic watch parties celebrate major party wins Quad Cities Democrats filled exultant election watch parties in Rock Island and Bettendorf Tuesday night, Nov. 3, to celebrate their party’s victories up and down the 2026 ballots.
	Culture Bright Winter Series brings holiday fun to QCs The 2026 Culture Bright Winter Series, which runs from Nov. 20 to Dec. 20, promises a garden-wide silent disco, a Redstone Room turned pink and a new train ride at venues around the Quad Cities. Click here for event details, ticket links and reservation information. Admission and reservation requirements vary by event and separate tickets [...]
	Warren, Henderson county voters approve advisory measures to explore forming a new state Voters in two western Illinois counties voted by wide margins on Tuesday in favor of exploring whether downstate counties should separate from Cook County to create a new state.
	Chuck Schumer heralds Democrats' 'generational remake' of Senate In remarks the day after his party flipped control of Congress, the Senate Minority Leader said voters had spoken clearly about their priorities, and said it's up to the Democratic party to deliver.
	John Deere planning to close 2 Iowa plants Deere said it plans to close its factories in Ottumwa and Clarion.
	Unofficial 2026 midterm election results for Iowa and Illinois Unofficial election results for the 30 counties in the WVIK listening area with contested races.
	Mike Johnson will step aside as top House Republican next Congress After Tuesday's bruising defeat for Republicans, House Speaker Mike Johnson will not stay on as minority leader come January.
	FULL \| Rob Sand delivers victory speech in 2026 Iowa governor's race Sand’s victory represents a shift in Iowa political power, putting an end to 15 years of Republican leadership in the state's top office.
	FULL \| Josh Turek delivers victory speech in 2026 Iowa race for US Senate Josh Turek has successfully flipped Iowa’s open U.S. Senate seat blue, marking the first time a Democrat has held the office since Tom Harkin.
	FULL \| Sarah Trone Garriott delivers victory speech in 2026 US House race Trone Garriott defeated incumbent Rep. Zach Nunn, who held the seat for two terms, and flipped Iowa's 3rd Congressional District for the first time since 2022.
	‘Won’t sugarcoat it’: Scott Co. GOP says blue wave hit hard Party leaders noted that midterm elections are often hard on the party in power, but said local Republicans still delivered important wins.
	Getting to Know Our Quad Cities Weekend Anchor Gavin Waidelich Chief Meteorologist Andy McCray talks with familiar faces around the Quad Cities in the Getting to Know Podcast. Learn more about important people around our area and have a good time doing it. Each week will feature a new guest from restaurant owners, to area leaders, to Our Quad Cities News Staff. In this episode [...]
	Deere to move small planter production from Seeding Works Changes in manufacturing operations at John Deere means some production will be moved from the Quad Cities. A news release from the company said it has announced steps that will strengthen its U.S. manufacturing operations and continue positioning the company for long-term growth. The changes reaffirm Deere’s commitment to U.S. manufacturing by aligning production capacity [...]
	Back in the majority, Democrats have plans for a long list of Trump investigations Democrats will have the ability to subpoena records and compel individuals to testify. The Epstein files, Elon Musk, the Iran war and Trump's business interests may all come under the microscope.
	ELECTION RESULTS: Brenna Bird concedes to Nate Willems in Attorney General race The race had not been called as of Wednesday morning, but Willems led the vote by a slim majority with 97% of the votes in.
	Gov. Reynolds congratulates Governor-elect Sand Outgoing Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds congratulated the man who will replace her.
	FULL \| Zach Lahn concedes in Iowa Governor race Lahn's loss gives Democrats the Iowa Governor's seat for the first time in nearly two decades.
	'I was partying too much': Jordan Firstman knows firsthand about being a 'Club Kid' Firstman's new film is about a gay party promoter whose life is upended when he discovers he has a young son. "Arlo teaches Peter to grow up, and I think Peter teaches Arlo to be a kid," he says.
	Bettendorf man accused of stealing more than $20,000 from apartment over several years More than $20,000 disappeared from envelopes inside a Bettendorf apartment over several years. Now a 57-year-old man faces felony charges.
	Eagles and Ivories brings ragtime to Muscatine Enjoy some of the nation’s premiere ragtime artists at the 33rd Eagles and Ivories Ragtime Fest in Muscatine. Eagles and Ivories Ragtime Fest takes place January 14–17 at a variety of venues around the city. This year’s festival includes internationally acclaimed artists like The Saint Louis Stompers, Andy Schumm, Jeff Barnhart, Anne Barnhart and the [...]
	John Deere to close factory in Ottumwa John Deere is making major changes to its manufacturing sites, including closing its Ottumwa factory.
	Gas prices fall nearly 15 cents in the Quad-Cities, averaging $4.21 per gallon Average gasoline prices in the Quad-Cities have fallen 14.8 cents per gallon in last week, averaging $4.21 per gallon on Monday, according to GasBuddy's survey of 200 stations in Quad-Cities.
	FULL \| Zach Nunn concedes in US House race Nunn served as representative for Iowa's 3rd Congressional District since 2022 when he defeated incumbent Cindy Axne.
	Three things to know: Nov. 4, 2026 Loading day for 40th annual student hunger drive, Moline Fire Department highlights free smoke alarm installation program and an update on the forecast.
	Abdul El-Sayed welcomes Trump's plan to cut Israel aid, calls for end to arms sales Michigan's first Muslim senator-elect, Abdul El-Sayed, discusses his historic victory, an unlikely agreement with Trump on Israel military aid and the political divisions that remain.
	Christina Bohannan wins election in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District The Democratic challenger unseated Republican incumbent Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, who defeated Bohannan in two previous elections.
	Rock Island Downtown Library schedules toddler, big-kid raves with techno beats The Rock Island Public Library has the beat, with toddler and kid rave parties on Saturday, Nov. 7, at the Rock Island Downtown Library. Families can put on their dancing shoes for a fun time raving to familiar tunes with a techno beat. The toddler rave, for kids ages two to five, will be held at [...]
	Judge accepts Bettendorf man’s guilty pleas to child sex abuse materials charges A Scott County judge accepted a Bettendorf man’s guilty pleas to three felony child sex abuse materials possession counts.
	World reacts to Democrats' midterm elections victory From Kyiv to Moscow, and Tehran to Tel Aviv, all eyes were on the Democrats big win on Wednesday, as foreign powers weigh up how a flipped Congress will impact international relations.
	The world is reacting to the Democrats' midterm elections victory From Kyiv to Moscow, and Tehran to Tel Aviv, all eyes were on the Democrats big win as foreign powers weigh how a flipped Congress will affect international relations.
	The world is reacting to the Democrats' sweeping midterm elections victory From Kyiv to Moscow, and Tehran to Tel Aviv, all eyes were on the Democrats big win as foreign powers weigh how a flipped Congress will affect international relations.
	Cooling down for several days After a long stretch of warmer than average temperatures, it'll start feeling like early November again. We're not done with the rain just yet. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	6 takeaways from Democrats' big wave on election night The magnitude of the Democrats' outcome was always a possibility, but the depth and breadth of their victories were jaw-dropping.
	A Democratic wave and more takeaways from the US midterm elections Democrats took control of Congress in Tuesday's U.S. midterm elections. Here are some takeaways.
	Musco Sports Center prepares for fall/winter sports season The Muscatine Parks and Recreation Department and the Musco Sports Center are ready to hit the turf running as they gear up for the fall and winter sports season. Here are updates for the Muscatine sporting (and non-sporting) public: Weekday open recreation times Community members are invited to enjoy free use of the facility from [...]
	Black Hawk Statue This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Fortunately for Rock Island, there are some men who cannot bring themselves to tell each other they are sorry, in so…
	Review: The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake is superb, streamlined and safe Nintendo's new Ocarina of Time remake enshrines its place in the gaming canon for generations to come. But despite its stupendous production values, the game left me feeling oddly bereft.
	These 9 candidates for governor just made history Voters on Tuesday elected the nation's first Black woman governor and the nation's first Native American woman governor.
	Hakeem Jeffries is poised to become the first Black speaker of the House As speaker, the New York Democrat would be second in the presidential line of succession, after the vice president. He has vowed to focus on affordability and holding the administration accountable.
	Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford beats GOP incumbent for governor Democrat Aaron Ford defeated Republican Gov. Joe Lombardo. He's set to become Nevada's first Black governor.
	Democrat Abdul El-Sayed defeats Republican Mike Rogers in key Michigan Senate race El-Sayed's campaign tested how an antiestablishment candidate on the left would fare in a perennial Midwest battleground. With the win, he'll become the first Muslim American to serve in the Senate.
	Republicans tried to gerrymander their way out of big congressional losses. It didn't work Among the sweeping victories by Democrats on Tuesday were wins in several congressional districts that Republicans had redrawn explicitly to boost their party ahead of the midterms.
	House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries declares "America is back" Jeffries, who addressed supporters after House control was called for Democrats, argued voters have sent Congress a message to end extremism and "corruption."
	What will Rob Sand do as Iowa governor? His record offers clues What will Iowa look like under Gov. Rob Sand? His proposals offer clues, but some of his biggest changes would face Republican opposition.
	Troy Jackson wins Maine Senate race over Susan Collins, in major coup for Democrats The result is a crucial victory for Democrats in their push to retake the Senate majority, flipping a seat that Collins has held for nearly 30 years.
	Central DeWitt School District voters reject $33.7M bond referendum Central DeWitt School District voters will decide on a $33.7 million bond for building renovations, with district leaders saying it won't raise property taxes.
Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026
	Iowa House of Representatives winners are a mix of new, old faces There are some new state representatives coming to the Iowa General Assembly, while other incumbents hold onto their seat.
	Here's how some key demographic groups voted in the midterms These charts show how various demographic groups voted in the midterm election. The data comes from a poll of tens of thousands of voters, conducted by the firm SSRS for a number of news outlets.
	Democrat Christina Bohannan elected to Iowa's 1st District, unseating Mariannette Miller-Meeks Cheers erupted at an Iowa City brewery as Christina Bohannan celebrated her victory in one of the nation's closely watched congressional races.
	Voters return three western Illinois lawmakers to Springfield Ryan Spain, Mike Halpin and Dan Swanson all won another term in Springfield. Here's what the lawmakers say comes next.
	U.S. Senate election in Iowa yet to be called No winner has been declared in the much-watched contest between Democrat Josh Turek and Republican Ashley Hinson.
	Democrat incumbent fends off challenger for RICo board; Mielke has yet to concede Two RICO County Board seats contested. Incumbent wins one, Mielke awaiting official canvass as 44 votes separates him from challenger.
	Christina Bohannan wins election to U.S. House Democrat Christina Bohannan won election Wednesday to the U.S. House of Representatives representing Iowa's 1st Congressional District, defeating Republican incumbent Mariannette Miller-Meeks. The third time was the charm for Bohannan, who lost by just 799 votes in her second race against Miller-Meeks two years ago. The law professor and former state representative had more political [...]
	Democrat Christina Bohannan wins election to U.S. House in Iowa’s 1st Congressional District Democrat Christina Bohannan won election Wednesday to the U.S. House of Representatives representing Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, defeating Republican incumbent Mariannette Miller-Meeks.
	Democrat Sarah Trone Garriott wins election to U.S. House in Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District Democrat Sarah Trone Garriott won election Wednesday to the U.S. House of Representatives representing Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District, defeating Republican incumbent Zach Nunn.
	Former Arkansas governor says Democrats' gains are 'more significant than ever anticipated' NPR's Scott Detrow speaks with former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson about Democratic victories in states typically considered Republican strongholds.
	Democrats win big for Scott County races Three democrats were elected to the Scott County Board of Supervisors, according to unofficial results Tuesday night.
	Josh Turek wins election to the U.S. Senate Josh Turek won Iowa's rare open U.S. Senate race in Tuesday's midterm elections, flipping a Republican-held seat and becoming the first Democrat since Barack Obama to win a federal race in the state. Turek defeated Republican Ashley Hinson to succeed retiring two-term Republican Sen. Joni Ernst in a race that drew hundreds of millions of [...]
	Democrat Josh Turek wins election to U.S. Senate from Iowa Democrat Josh Turek wins election to U.S. Senate from Iowa.
	Democrats win the Senate, setting up divided government for remainder of Trump's term Democrats won by making inroads in several states where they have long struggled, boosted by a challenging political environment for the GOP dominated by voter frustration over high prices.
	Democrats win full control of Congress, ushering in a new era of divided government The victories in the House and Senate return Democrats to full control of Congress for the first time since 2023 and deepens the level of expected friction between them and President Trump.
	Democrat Josh Turek wins the Senate seat in Iowa Democrat Josh Turek has defeated Sen. Ashley Hinson in Iowa, according to a race call by the Associated Press.
	Democrat Rob Sand wins election for governor in Iowa Democrat Rob Sand and Republican Zach Lahn are facing off in Iowa’s gubernatorial race to succeed retiring Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds.
	Missourians reject ballot proposal that would have re-imposed an abortion ban Missouri voters defeated a measure that would have banned abortion just two years after voters legalized abortion in another vote. Voters in Missouri legalized abortion two years ago but this time the abortion ban was coupled with a ban on transgender treatment for minors. Opponents said it was misleading.
	Miller-Meeks, Bohannan facing off in Iowa's 1st Congressional District The two candidates are meeting each other on the ballot for the third time in 2026.
	Democrat Rob Sand wins election to be Iowa's next governor Iowa voters chose Democrat Rob Sand to be their next governor, flipping the seat Republicans have held for more than two decades and likely ushering in a new era of divided state government. Sand defeated Zach Lahn, a first-time candidate who surprised even members of his own party when he won the Republican primary. Sand, [...]
	Democrat Gina Hinojosa wins race for Texas governor, ousting Greg Abbott Hinojosa, an Austin state representative, is set to be the state's first Democratic governor since 1995 and will be the state's first Latina governor.
	Marcus Herbert wins Rock Island County Sherriff's race Democrat Marcus Herbert won election Tuesday as Rock Island County Sherriff, defeating Republican Jamie Shoemaker. Herbert garnered 61.27% of votes at 29,078. Herbert served as a correctional officer from 2005 to 2010 with the Rock Island County Sheriff's Office. He commands the Quad City Bomb Squad and currently serves as a sergeant with the office.
	Democrat Rob Sand wins Iowa governor's race, ending GOP control of the office Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand stressed affordability and often talked about how his Christian faith guides him.
	Democrat Nikhil Wagle narrowly defeats incumbent Scott Webster in Iowa Senate race Just 151 votes separated Democrat Nikhil Wagle and Republican incumbent Scott Webster in a closely contested Iowa Senate race. Wagle came out ahead, according to unofficial results.
	72-year-old man faces charges after investigators find thousands of child images A 72-year-old Davenport man was being held on a $50,000 cash-only bond Tuesday after police say they found thousands of images of children - some as young as toddlers - on his electronic devices, according to Scott County arrest affidavits. On Sept. 12, 2025, Davenport Fire and MEDIC crews were dispatched to a medical call [...]
	Democrat Sherrod Brown wins Ohio Senate race Democratic former U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown has won back a seat on Capitol Hill, defeating incumbent Republican Sen. Jon Husted after a close and expensive battle, according to a race call by the Associated Press.

Wednesday, November 4th, 2026

Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026