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

Monday, May 25th, 2026
	No injuries reported following Bettendorf fire No injuries were reported following a Bettendorf fire. The Bettendorf Fire Department was called to the 1400 block of 21st St. on May 25. The fire spread from a shed to a house, leading to extensive damage to the home. An off-duty firefighter went inside to wake up a person inside who was sleeping. A [...]
	Two dead after UTV crash in Clinton County Two are dead after a UTV crash in Clinton County. According to the Iowa State Patrol, the crash happened May 24 on a trail in the Calamus area. According to reports, the UTV flipped, killing the driver. A passenger was taken to the hospital and also died. The names of both people have not yet [...]
	Crews battle Bettendorf house fire, 1 firefighter taken to hospital KWQC has reached out to officials for more information.
	After Stephen Colbert's viral talk show parody, CBS backs down from copyright action CBS and Paramount backed away from copyright challenges to limit distribution of Stephen Colbert's appearance on a Michigan cable access show. He ended his run as host of "The Late Show" on Friday.
	Where Davenport’s mobile speed cabinets are located this week Here’s where Davenport’s mobile speed cabinets are located Tuesday through June 1.
	Veterans, families gather at Arsenal for Memorial Day remembrance Veterans and families gathered at Rock Island National Cemetery on Monday to honor fallen service members. Read more from the Memorial Day ceremony.
	Veterans, families gather at Arsenal for Memorial Day remembrance Veterans and families gathered at Rock Island National Cemetery on Monday to honor fallen service members. Read more from the Memorial Day ceremony.
	Trump to get "routine annual" medical exam 7 months after last visit to Walter Reed White House boasts Trump's "excellent health" as questions loom over the medical reality of the oldest inaugurated president.
	1-on-1 interview with Iowa gubernatorial candidate Eddie Andrews Local 5's Dana Searles sits down with Republican Eddie Andrews to discuss his run for governor as he makes his final pitch before the primaries.
	Crews at the scene of house fire in Bettendorf KWQC has reached out to officials for more information.
	East Moline racers share impact of Kyle Busch’s death Drivers at East Moline Speedway are remembering Kyle Busch and discussing the impact his death has on the racing community.
	2 dead after UTV crash The names of those who died have not been released.
	Thursday marks 3 years since deadly Davenport apartment building collapse The Davenport building collapse is still playing out in court today.
	Crews battle fire inside home Monday morning The fire chief said the fire started in a bedroom. One person inside was able to get out safely.
	58th annual Quad Cities Criterium races through East Davenport on Memorial Day The 58th running of the Quad Cities Criterium features a hilly course providing fast speeds, according to officials.
	Portion of Locust Street in Davenport to close for sewer repairs A construction project will shut down a portion of Locust Street starting Tuesday for sewer main repairs.
	East Moline Speedway drivers react to Kyle Busch's death Local drivers at East Moline Speedway reflect on the death of NASCAR driver Kyle Busch and its impact on the racing community.
	Two killed in ATV crash in Clinton County Authorities are investigating a fatal ATV crash in Clinton County that killed two people Sunday. Read the details.
	The highest-paying jobs in Iowa and Illinois, other states: Federal data Cardiologists are the highest-paid occupation in 14 states, while orthopedic surgeons lead the way in eight others.
	Group O Inc. joins PMMI to support growth in packaging and automation Group O Inc., headquartered in Milan, has joined PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies.
	Vibrant Credit Union named Best Credit Union in 2026 Buy Side Awards Vibrant Credit Union named Best Credit Union in 2026 Buy Side Awards by The Wall Street Journal.
	Rock Island and Henry County real estate transactions for May 24, 2026 Here are homes sales and property sales in Rock Island County and Henry County.
	Brews Energy opens storefront, Central Pool Supply opens second location, Pasquale's Pizzeria opens food trailer, and more Quad-Cities business news Pizzeria opens food trailer after restaurant fire, coffee shop opens storefront, Central Pool Supply opens second location, among other Quad-Cities business news.
	Gretchen at Work: Waterskiing with the Backwater Gamblers "I was born into it. I just stayed because I loved it," said Collin Ridgley, a member of the Backwater Gamblers.
	Hot weather builds in for the Quad Cities While May temperatures are still running below average, the last week of the month will be much warmer than average. Hot weather is expected through Thursday. Only limited rain chances are expected across the Quad Cities area for the week ahead. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	U.S.-Iran peace deal emerging, while war threats still loom President Trump and other administration officials are tempering expectations raised of an imminent agreement to end the war in Iran while Iranian officials have signaled there are still disagreements on key issues.
	Trump says more countries should normalize ties with Israel in any Iran deal President Trump's latest demand has tempered expectations for an imminent deal to end the war with Iran. Meanwhile, an Iranian delegation arrived in Doha on Monday for more talks.
	John Brown This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Someone once remarked that there is no zeal like a convert's—an apt description of the Germans from Schleswig-Holstein…
	Spin to win: How this life insurance company turns healthy habits into a game You've heard of lower car insurance rates for good drivers. Now, one life insurance company wants to incentivize longevity with lower rates and extra bonuses for people who adopt healthy habits.
	'My body carried me,' Elizabeth Smart says. Now she's celebrating it Her abduction at age 14 drew international attention. After her rescue, Smart says she struggled with feeling shame around her body. Bodybuilding has helped her see herself differently.
	This big university system is embracing AI. Students and faculty aren't all on board The California State University system offers an early look at what happens when an administration commits to a technology that its own community isn't convinced will improve education.
	Diners are staying home, so this restaurant lets patrons pay what they want Americans are increasingly passing up on dining out. So one restaurant is allowing diners to pay what they like for their food.
	In the 'biggest book giveaway in history' WWII soldiers received pocket-sized reads The books had to be light and small enough to fit in servicemen's pockets. The motto of the Council on Books in Wartime was: "Books Are Weapons in the War of Ideas."
	COMIC: To raise a confident little talker, learn to speak 'parentese' So you've got a baby in your life. How do you talk to them, exactly? In this comic, experts explain why conversing with your baby is important — and share ways to help them develop their language skills.
	This Dragon Slays: “The Tales of Custard the Dragon,” at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse through June 20 I enjoy experiencing new-to-me talent, but it’s cozy and comforting to see familiar faces at the theatre.
	Muslims begin the annual Hajj against a backdrop of war concerns More than 1.5 million pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, against the backdrop of a tenuous ceasefire in the Iran war and related regional tensions.
	China launches Shenzhou 23 spacecraft with 1 of 3 astronauts set for yearlong stay China launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft with 3 astronauts heading to its space station. One astronaut is set to stay in space for a year to explore human adaptability in long-duration spaceflights.
Sunday, May 24th, 2026
	The Power of Sharing a Table: How Americans are Reviving 'IRL' Experiences with Drinks, Dinners and Beyond (Feature Impact) Real-world connection has become increasingly rare and if you've felt the effects, you're not alone. After years of digital-first habits becoming the new norm, many people are looking to rediscover face-to-face social interaction - "IRL," in real life, not from behind a screen. With many Americans now spending less time together than ever before as in-person contact continues to decline, according to data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, Teremana Tequila is inviting people back to something simple: the table. Rooted in the philosophy of Mana - the brand's guiding core philosophy and belief that good energy is contagious and the best moments in life happen when people come together - its "Share the Table, Share the Mana" initiative and partnership with Timeleft, a global app that matches strangers into small groups for real-life meetups, is a call for real-world connection. A gradual rebalancing is underway, according to Teremana. In a world where people are more digitally connected yet more personally disconnected, sometimes all it takes is one small gesture, like pulling up a chair and sharing a table to unlock something transformative. Activity-Based Communities According to the American Psychiatric Association, 1 in 3 American adults went at least a week in 2024 without feeling genuinely connected. In response, many people are shifting toward connection rooted in shared activities rather than conversation alone. Consider Eventbrite's 2026 Social Trends Report, which found 58% of people now prefer events where socializing isn't the primary focus, signaling a growing appetite for in-person gatherings built around common interests and experiences. Recurring events - such as weekly trivia nights or monthly potlucks - reflect this shift toward activity-based connection. With a built-in rhythm and shared interest, they reduce the pressure of constant planning and allow relationships to develop more naturally over time. Whether it's a standing "taco Tuesday" or "trivia Thursday," these gatherings create structure that makes it easier for people to simply show up and enjoy the moment together. This shift is also extending beyond traditional community spaces into experiences that transform everyday environments into opportunities for connection. Third Spaces, Reimagined Building on its spirit of good energy and shared moments, Teremana Tequila's "Share the Table, Share the Mana" campaign kicked off with a series of out-of-home billboards across the country, but took a surprising turn when what appeared to be a standard billboard concealed a hidden bartender, drinks and an open invitation to share the table - turning a street corner into an unplanned gathering space for strangers. More experiential moments like this are on the way. While digital tools remain central to how people connect, they're increasingly being used to facilitate in-person moments - helping organize meetups, dinners, and shared experiences in the real world. For example, by partnering withTimeleft, a global app that matches strangers into small groups for real-life meetups, Teremana's idea is becoming a nationwide movement. Every Thursday from now through August, the Share the Table series will bring curated groups of people together at bars and restaurants across 13 U.S. cities, creating a consistent space for the kind of unscripted human connection no screen can replicate. The nationwide initiative offers a key to unlocking something much bigger than one-off moments as an investment in infrastructure for connection, providing strangers opportunities to match with groups of people with similar interests and compatibilities. Neighborhoods as a Nexus for Connection By meeting and greeting neighbors and attending local events, the reliance on digital tools can be reversed. Proximity lowers barriers like time and distance, increasing the likelihood of repeated encounters for after-work drinks or dinner parties that allow for relaxed, low-pressure socializing. For an easy way to break the ice with those near you, sharing a drink, or the mana, lets you open up your home in a low-stress setting without the pressure of cooking for a crowd. These simple at-home cocktail recipes for a Cucumber Serrano Margarita or Mana Paloma make hosting a breeze - and will leave neighbors thinking you're a natural bartender. To discover more ways the philosophy of Mana can revitalize human connection, visit Timeleft.com. Cucumber Serrano Margarita 2 ounces Teremana Blanco or Reposado 1 ounce fresh cucumber juice 3/4 ounce fresh lime juice 1/2 ounce agave nectar 3 thin slices serrano pepper, divided ice cucumber slice, for garnish salt, for rim tajin, for rim In cocktail shaker, combine tequila, cucumber juice, lime juice, agave nectar and two slices serrano pepper; shake with ice. Strain over fresh ice into rocks glass. Garnish with cucumber slice and remaining serrano pepper slice. Rim half of glass with salt and tajin. Mana Paloma Ice 2 ounces Teremana Blanco 1 ounce grapefruit juice 3/4 ounce lime juice 1/2 ounce simple syrup club soda 1 pinch salt lime wheel or grapefruit peel, for garnish In highball glass over ice, combine tequila, grapefruit juice, lime juice, simple syrup, club soda and salt. Gently stir, garnish with lime wheel or grapefruit peel and serve.
	Play Can't Wait: Give the Gift of Play to Children Around the World (Feature Impact) As the world comes together around the excitement of international soccer on a global stage, it's a reminder that every child deserves safe opportunities to play, learn and simply be a child. Play is essential to childhood - yet globally, about 1 in 7 children under the age of 5 do not have toys or playthings at home, according to UNICEF. Through play, children make sense of the world around them, building critical skills from problem-solving and creativity to physical strength, confidence and the social and emotional tools needed to connect and thrive. In times of crisis, play takes on an even greater role, helping restore a sense of stability, familiarity and joy when children need it most. While many families may spend this summer cheering on teams, signing children up for sports or playing outside together, millions of children affected by conflict, disaster and displacement still lack safe places to play at all. From the United States to Lebanon - and across more than 150 countries and territories - UNICEF supports safe spaces where children can play, learn and connect. The organization works with caregivers, schools and governments to bring play into classrooms and communities, particularly for children affected by conflict, displacement and poverty. "For children living through crisis, play is not optional, it is essential," said UNICEF USA President and CEO Michael J. Nyenhuis. "Play offers a sense of stability and connection, helping children cope and continue to grow despite adversity. Our organization is committed to ensuring every child can access safe, inclusive opportunities to play because this fundamental right is critical to their well-being, development and future because play can't wait." Play should be safe everywhere children are, both online and offline. Every child deserves environments that protect their safety, privacy and well-being while ensuring inclusion for children with disabilities and those most marginalized. Still, safe play spaces are shrinking, and childhood can't be put on pause. Access to safe play supports learning, emotional well-being and healthy development. Sometimes, something as simple as a ball, jump rope or shared game can help children reconnect with joy and normalcy. Consider supporting the mission with these UNICEF Inspired Gifts that help bring the power of play to children everywhere: 5 Soccer Balls for Kids to Exercise and Play: Soccer fosters connection, teamwork and a sense of normalcy. As the world unites around global moments of international competition, a simple ball can help bring the same spirit of unity and joy to children everywhere, so they can keep the world's game in play, no matter their circumstances. Recreation-in-a-Box: Designed for impact at scale, this kit includes basketballs, soccer balls and other recreational supplies to provide enough equipment for more than 90 children to play, move and have fun together. 30 Jump Ropes for Kids to Exercise to Play: A simple yet powerful tool. Providing 30 jump ropes to child-friendly spaces and schools allows children affected by crisis to gather, play and reconnect with childhood through movement and shared activity. The nonprofit organization supports parents and caregivers worldwide by expanding access to early childhood education rooted in learning through play. Together, these efforts help turn the right to play into a reality for every child. When play is protected, childhood is protected. To help children everywhere access safe opportunities to play, visit unicefusa.org/chooseplay.
	Iowa Hawkeyes coaches coming to Muscatine Hawkeye fans in Eastern Iowa are encouraged to attend the Muscatine I-Club Spring Event on Thursday, May 28.
	Whitewater Junction to temporarily close for repairs Whitewater Junction announced they will temporarily close Tuesday, May 26 to address unexpected repairs.
	Coaches from Iowa Hawkeyes coming to Muscatine Thursday for I-Club event Hawkeye fans in Eastern Iowa are encouraged to attend the Muscatine I-Club Spring Event on Thursday, May 28.
	Bill regulating powerful AI models advances as advocates say it’s only the first step The Illinois Senate voted overwhelmingly on Thursday to advance a bill that would regulate how large artificial intelligence model developers handle transparency and catastrophic risk.
	Fire up the grill for this Memorial Day forecast The holiday weekend has been a real good one for us so far with a little bit of some rain yesterday and a perfect Sunday. Temperatures reaching the 80s today and looking to continue to warm up to the mid and upper 80s for Memorial Day tomorrow. These temperatures will stay hot all throughout next [...]
	Tips to save cash this Memorial Day We're all feeling the pinch at the pump, but that's not keeping millions across the QCA and beyond from taking advantage of the long holiday weekend to plan gatherings with family and friends. Our Quad Cities News correspondent Jo Ling Kent shows ways to save some cash at the last minute as you celebrate Memorial [...]
	California chemical tank has cracked causing state of emergency, thousands to evacuate One California town is in a state of emergency and 50,000 people are under an evacuation order as a malfunctioning chemical tank at an aerospace plant is overheating and could leak or explode.
	Silvis honors fallen service members at Hero Street Memorial Day ceremony The city of Silvis hosted a Memorial Day ceremony at Hero Street U.S.A., honoring the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for the country.
	‘We decided to make it right,’: QCA family places headstone on baby’s grave after 100 years A local family is finally giving a loved one something he never had — a headstone, 100 years after his death.
	Community gathers for Memorial Day ceremony in Silvis Hero Street in Silvis holds a Memorial Day ceremony to honor those who served.
	DR Congo Ebola cases rise amid distrust, armed conflict zone Africa races to contain a fast-spreading Ebola outbreak threatening 10 countries as infections spill from eastern Congo into Uganda.
	Whitewater Junction faces unexpected repair, to remain open through Monday The pool will remain open for Memorial Day weekend.
	Power restored to over 1,000 in Illinois, Quad Cities Over 1,000 MidAmerican Energy customers are without power in the Illinois Quad Cities area.
	4 the Record Web Extra: Iowa bill to target predatory towing practices has bipartisan support Thanks for checking out this web extra. We didn't have enough time to bring you all of our panel discussion on 4 the Record. This part of the conversation focuses on a bill in Iowa that targets a practice referred to as predatory towing. Let's look at House File 2617. It reached Governor Kim Reynolds' [...]
	Clucking egg prices as of 5/22/26 Here’s this week’s egg price update. This is the USDA’s average price per dozen when delivered to the warehouse on Jan. 20, 2026, compared to where prices are now. To see the price, click on the video above. Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and [...]
	Trump Administration's $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" slush fund draws ire of former Iowa congressman It seems the people who took part in the attack on the Capitol on January 6 five years ago deserve some charity, at least in the eyes of President Trump. He already pardoned them. Now he's setting up a special fund in the Department of Justice. Acting attorney general Todd Blanche established what he calls [...]
	Illinois proposed tax for online vacation rental bookings gets bad review Illinois considers pursuing online vacation rental bookings as a new source of revenue. In Illinois, state lawmakers are considering a new tax. House Bill 5776 would impose a 4% tax on short-term rentals across the state. It would apply to rentals that last less than 30 days and would be paid by renters when they [...]
	Iowa governor hopeful Sherman calls Reynolds' eminent domain veto a mistake It is crunch time on the Iowa political scene. The Iowa primary is nine days from now. Five Republicans are on the ballot trying to be their party's nominee for governor to succeed Kim Reynolds. They are, in alphabetical order, Eddie Andrews, Randy Feenstra, Zach Lahn, Brad Sherman and Adam Steen. One candidate must get [...]
	Over 1,000 in Illinois, Quad Cities without power Over 1,000 MidAmerican Energy customers are without power in the Illinois Quad Cities area.
	What's open for Memorial Day 2026? Forgot something for your cookout? You're in luck.
	More than 500 children have died in an outbreak that the world is virtually ignoring The number of cases — and deaths — in Bangladesh is staggering. As of Sunday, 528 have died, mostly children. How did this measles outbreak begin? And how is the country responding?
	Louisiana lawmakers shelve maternal mortality resolution despite nation-leading death rates Marko Cvetkovic/Getty ImagesIn a state where women die from pregnancy-related causes at more than double the national average, Louisiana lawmakers quietly sidelined a resolution last week that would have forced a deeper examination of the crisis. House Concurrent Resolution 110, authored by Rep. C. Denise Marcelle, was voluntarily deferred in the House Health & Welfare Committee after a single objection — a move that stunned advocates who have spent years pushing for better maternal health outcomes. HCR 110 would have required the Louisiana Department of Health to conduct a sweeping review of maternal and pregnancy-associated mortality, evaluate barriers to maternal healthcare access and delivery, and provide recommendations to improve outcomes, strengthen accountability and reduce preventable deaths statewide. The resolution directed health officials to examine the state’s persistently high maternal death rates — 222 confirmed pregnancy-associated deaths from 2020 to 2022, with 84% deemed preventable It also called for a look into racial disparities that leave Black mothers 2.2 times more likely to die than white mothers. Also suggested for review were gaps in prenatal and postpartum care, including the finding that only 5.2% of pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries received a case management plan of care. The resolution also covered the collapse of obstetric services in rural parishes, including seven parishes with no birthing hospital, no obstetric providers and drives for patients exceeding an hour to the nearest facility. It also sought scrutiny for workforce shortages, including 24 parishes with no OB/GYN providing Medicaid services. Finally, Marcelle’s resolution was meant to measure the effectiveness, or lack thereof, of existing state maternal care programs. These priorities closely mirrored the findings of the March 2025 Louisiana Legislative Auditor performance audit, which found that $383.2 million in managed care Incentive payment spending on maternal health was “not always designed to achieve measurable outcomes and, in some instances, was duplicative.” The audit also found managed care organizations were providing case management plans to only 5.2% of pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries, that 24 of 64 parishes had no OB/GYN providing Medicaid services, and that 18.3% of listed OB/GYN providers had zero claims — providers on paper who were not seeing patients. Also, the state’s own Bureau of Family Health was not consulted during the development of the spending milestones, according to the audit. The state’s most recent 2020–22 Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review, published days before the committee hearing, reinforced these concerns. The report found that drug overdoses have been the leading cause of pregnancy-associated death since 2018 — eight consecutive years — and that its own recommendations “may not reflect existing policies of the Louisiana Department of Health.” The resolution also mandated the development of a statewide improvement plan and submission of a Feb. 1, 2027, report to the legislature, requiring the health department to publicly account for what is working, what is failing and why Louisiana continues to lose mothers at rates far above the national average. But Marcelle’s proposal never made it to a vote. Rep. Stephanie Berault, R-Slidell, argued the resolution was unnecessary, claiming “the state is already doing all of this.” She pointed to the health department’s existing Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review process and ongoing federal initiatives, though the 2020–22 review states its recommendations may not reflect existing state policy, and the Legislative Auditor found that 76.4% of pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries did not receive timely prenatal care. Berault’s comments lasted only minutes, but they were enough to halt the measure. The resolution was voluntarily deferred. The move underscores a broader trend in Louisiana’s maternal health response: Lawmakers concede the severity of the problem, but efforts to enact meaningful systemic change repeatedly stall. Despite years of reports documenting preventable deaths, racial inequities and failures in postpartum care, Louisiana has not implemented many of the recommendations made by its own review committees. The same categories of prevention recommendations — care coordination, substance use treatment, workforce expansion, racial disparities and data infrastructure — have appeared in every PAMR report since 2017. In 2018, the Legislature created the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Advisory Council through Act 497. The council reported recommendations in 2020 and then dissolved. By the 2020–22 PAMR, the council is no longer mentioned. Its recommendations remain unimplemented. Louisiana’s health secretary acknowledged to the Legislative Auditor that “having coverage under Medicaid does not mean that beneficiaries have access to services.” HCR 110 would have required a more immediate, comprehensive accounting. Instead, the legislature chose to trust that existing systems are sufficient — despite the findings of its own auditor and the health department’s own mortality review committee. Maternal health advocates reacted with frustration, saying the decision reflects a reluctance to confront the depth of the crisis. Dismissing the resolution as “duplicative” sidesteps the central finding of both the Legislative Auditor and the Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Review: Existing efforts have not been enough. 77% of the women who died had Medicaid coverage. 77.5% of deaths occurred after delivery, during the period when managed care organizations are responsible for follow-up care. Only 5.2% of pregnant Medicaid beneficiaries received a care plan. The state’s managed care system is failing to provide care management to the population most at risk, during the period when they are most likely to die. By shelving HCR 110, critics say lawmakers avoided a public reckoning with these failures and missed an opportunity to demand accountability from state officials and the system of care. With the resolution deferred, no new reporting requirements or oversight mechanisms will be implemented this session. The state will continue relying on existing programs that the Legislative Auditor found were not always designed to achieve measurable outcomes and that the PAMR committee’s own recommendations may not reflect. Courtesy of Louisiana Illuminator
	Mind-bending photos by anonymous cousins show the pain and dreams of Afghan women The young women make photos that look at life — how it is, how they wish it could be — under Taliban rule. The images are on display at the Photoville Festival in Brooklyn, New York.
	NAI Ruhl Commercial Company releases QC Commercial Real Estate Market Report NAI Ruhl Commercial Company releases Commercial Real Estate Market Report highlighting a more disciplined, opportunity-driven environment.
	Religious leaders, lawmakers push for $1 billion to secure houses of worship There's an effort on Capitol Hill to increase funding for the Nonprofit Security Grant Program, which awards funding to houses of worship to harden their defenses. In 2024, roughly a third of those who applied actually received funding.
	Orion elementary school principal to retire at end of 2029-30 school year The Orion school board accepted R.C. Lowe's retirement on Wednesday.
	15 movies we can't wait to see this summer, from Spielberg to 'Spider-Man' The Toy Story squad takes on a tablet, the Minions take on Hollywood and Christopher Nolan takes on a Greek epic.
	Suspect dead after opening fire near White House security checkpoint, Secret Service says A man who opened fire near a White House security checkpoint is dead after being shot by officers who returned fire, the U.S. Secret Service said.
	Arkansas’ data center fights boil down to trust and transparency An aerial view shows an Amazon data center last year in Ashburn, Va. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)Secrecy may be standard operating procedure when it comes to economic development. But it makes for bad politics and potentially even worse policy, as the fight over data centers in Arkansas makes abundantly clear. Pulaski County has become the latest front in the war over data centers, with opponents stepping up pressure for a moratorium on new data centers so local-level restrictions can be considered. It’s a debate that’s playing out across the country, as more communities are pushing back against the facilities, citing concerns about water use, utility rates and other quality-of-life issues. Pulaski County has two centers coming, one from Google, the other by Connecticut-based AVAIO Digital. Supporters say the projects will bring much-needed tax revenue and jobs to the area. There’s a growing push for Arkansas’ most populous county to tap the brakes on the centers, which house advanced computer servers that power artificial intelligence. Wendell Griffen, the Democratic nominee for the county’s top elected administrator, has been calling for more county-level regulation of the centers. Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, meanwhile, is also calling for city regulation. The efforts are a preview of what Arkansas lawmakers can expect in the legislative session next year, as polling shows increasing resistance and trepidation in communities across the country. One recent poll from Gallup showed more opposition among respondents to data centers being located in their area than nuclear power plants. Concerns about the centers’ impact on energy and water usage isn’t limited to red or blue states. The push for more restrictions and transparency is happening at the state level in nearly a dozen states, from South Carolina to Vermont. In Ohio, lawmakers formed a bipartisan committee focused solely on the issue. Adding to trepidation about the centers is the secrecy that accompanies the projects and the lack of input from members of the public. The concerns aren’t just limited to Pulaski County. The same day Pulaski County’s quorum court heard concerns about the two planned data centers, more than 100 people attended a meeting in Conway about a data center planned there that also has faced protests. As Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reporting this month showed, data center projects are bound by broad nondisclosure agreements that make basic details difficult — if not impossible — for the public to find. Secrecy surrounding economic development deals is nothing new. State officials have long argued confidentiality is needed to help the state better compete for business. That argument was why lawmakers approved up to $300 million in incentives in the hopes of luring an unnamed project to West Memphis. But the local backlash to data centers demonstrates the dangers of that playbook. Data centers are growing rapidly across the nation at a time when fears are growing about the impact of AI on multiple sectors of the economy, when commencement speakers are learning the hard way that mentioning AI is the best way to earn boos from graduates. Supporters showed they know about the public image problem, with supporters of Pulaski County’s planned centers unveiling a website last week to address what they call “misinformation” about the projects. There’s a valid debate over data centers, including whether the economic benefits they’re projected to bring outweigh any of the potential dangers. And it’s a debate Arkansas is likely to face more in the coming years, with two-thirds of the planned centers in the U.S. heading to rural areas. But it’s hard to have that debate without the public’s trust. And earning that trust is even harder without transparency. Courtesy of Arkansas Advocate
	Lemons This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.As the winds of change blew down the Mississippi River and through the halls of higher learning in the 1960s, more than…
	'Homeland Security' has spawned political insecurity since DHS was born DHS was originally conceived in the interest of unity and harmony — and the phrase "homeland security" was originally meant to be reassuring.
	The Enhanced Games are Sunday. Here's what to know about the controversial event Dozens of athletes — including former Olympians — will participate in the Las Vegas event while using performance-enhancing drugs.
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
	NFL legend Ken Anderson gives Augustana’s commencement address The ceremony was a full circle moment for Augustana’s very first Academic All-American Ken Anderson who went on to become one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
	Feger gets the hang of it - and the win - at Davenport Speedway Friday brought the third annual Corn State Nationals to the Davenport Speedway, featuring the MARS racing series. It also brought a third consecutive MARS victory at Davenport for Jason Feger of Bloomington, Illinois. Feger, who once claimed he didn’t run well in Davenport, must be getting the hang of it. Jason set fast time in [...]
	Cosplayers gather for Quad Cities Comic Con Quad Cities Comic Con brought several characters to the Bend XPO in East Moline.
	Man pulled from Rock River, water rescue successful Whiteside County officials say a man was pulled from the Rock River and the water rescue was successful.
	Man pulled from Rock River, rescue successful A water rescue was underway at the Rock River, officials said.
	Augustana College and Bengals quarterback Ken Anderson finally walks the stage Ken Anderson gave the commencement speech at Augustana College on Saturday and received an honorary doctorate. Read the article for more about the message he shared with the graduates.
	Secret Service fatally shoots suspect outside White House checkpoint, bystander wounded The suspect began shooting at posted officers, who returned fire and hit the shooter, the Secret Service said. A bystander was also shot, a law enforcement official said, but it's unclear by whom.
	Suspect dead after opening fire near White House security checkpoint, Secret Service says A man who opened fire Saturday near a White House security checkpoint is dead after being shot by officers who returned fire, the U.S. Secret Service said. It was the third incidence of gunfire in the vicinity of President Donald Trump in the past month.
	Romanian director Cristian Mungiu's 'Fjord' wins top prize at Cannes Mungiu took home the prestigious Palme D'Or for his film Fjord, a culture-war drama set in Norway.
	Local waterparks open ahead of Memorial Day Both Whitewater Junction and Riverside Riverslide opened for the 2026 summer season.
	Turning up the heat next week It is no lie that we have been a little bit on the cooler side of things from this past week for the second half of May. Temperatures have cooled down last week into the low 70s and even the upper 60s ranging around 5-10 degrees below average. Now that we have hit the holiday [...]
	Trump says a deal with Iran and opening of Strait of Hormuz are 'largely negotiated' President Trump announced the unfinalized deal on social media after talks with Israel and other allies. It aims to end the war and includes two-month negotiations on Iran's nuclear program.
	Changes for recreational boaters at Lock and Dam 14 and 15 this summer The secondary lock for small boats in Pleasant Valley won't be used at all this summer due to staff shortages.
	Hero Street 8 remembered at Memorial Day ceremony in Silvis As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday this summer, Memorial Day weekend takes on special meaning at Hero Street in Silvis. The street and Memorial Park pay tribute to 8 men from that 1 1/2 block area who descended from Mexican immigrants, served in the military and died in either World War [...]
	Iowa Down Ballot podcast: GOP governor debate, MAHA in Iowa Republican gubernatorial candidates, from left, state Rep. Eddie Andrews, former state Rep. Brad Sherman, businessman Zach Lahn and former Iowa Department of Administrative Services Director Adam Steen faced off for a debate hosted by KCCI, which was broadcast May 19, 2026. (Screenshot via KCCI/Gray Media) Iowa Down Ballot with Dave Price 5-23-26 by Iowa Writers Collaborative Laura Belin of Bleeding Heartland and Kathie Obradovich of Iowa Capital Dispatch are here to recap the Republican gubernatorial debate, for which Dave had a front-row seat. Read on Substack Dave Price shares behind-the-scenes details and we discuss impressions of the KCCI/Gray Media debate with four of the five GOP candidates for governor. We also delve into U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s visit to Iowa as Gov. Kim Reynolds signed her “MAHA” legislation. Listen here. The Iowa Down Ballot Podcast with Dave Price is a production of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Please consider a paid subscription today to help us cover production costs, or moving up to the benefactor level — or sending a gift subscription to a friend — if you’re already a paid subscriber. And please spread the word to friends who might enjoy the podcast. Thanks! Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Voy 61 Drive-In to upgrade marquee with American Express grant The grant program awarded more than $10 million to more than 500 small businesses, according to a news release.
	What will Trump do next with Iran? Three months since the start of its conflict with Iran, the Trump administration is oscillating between strike threats and diplomatic overtures. Neither path has yielded a clear resolution.
	Kyle Busch died after severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis, his family says The two-time NASCAR champion died on Thursday, a day after passing out in a Chevrolet simulator.
	Caitlin Clark scores 22 points in return from 1-game absence as Fever beat Valkyries 90-82 Caitlin Clark had 22 points and nine assists in her return after missing a game with a back injury, Aliyah Boston had 20 points and 16 rebounds, and the Indiana Fever beat the Golden State Valkyries 90-82 on Friday night for their third straight win.
	Peoria man accused of killing girlfriend’s pets A man faces three counts of Aggravated Cruelty to Animals after being accused of killing his girlfriend’s pets.
	A little bit country, a little bit Desi: A Pakistani-American's hybrid music On May 31, Yo Sabri make a landmark appearance with the Nashville Symphony for an orchestral rendition of his new album, "Tennessee Desi," which blends Appalachian styles with Muslim devotional music.
	Traffic alert: Temporary parking restrictions for Quad Cities Criterium Davenport Public Works said the Village of East Davenport will have temporary no-parking areas from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
	Henry County Board hears concerns about carbon capture project near Galva Read the article to see more about what Henry County residents had to say about a proposed carbon sequestration project near Galva.
	Singer/songwriter Heather Maloney will be in concert in Cambridge Crossroads Cultural Connections will present acclaimed singer-songwriter Heather Maloney on Thursday, May 28, at Cà d’Zan House Concerts in Cambridge, Illinois, a news release says. Opening the evening will be High Tea. The evening will begin at 6 p.m. with an optional potluck dinner, giving guests an opportunity to gather and connect before the music begins. Those who want to participate can bring [...]
	Muscatine crews to conduct annual flood gate maintenance Wednesday Muscatine crews will test and maintain the city’s flood gates Wednesday, causing temporary road closures near East 2nd Street and Mississippi Drive.
	Free lemonade, sweet deals will be part of Downtown Davenport's Sip 'N Shop A free Lemonade Sip 'N Shop in downtown Davenport will be 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Saturday, May 30, when downtown businesses will serve up their own take on lemonade along with exclusive specials and deals. Curbside Concerts will pop up throughout downtown. Visitors can start their adventure at any of the participating businesses, where [...]
	From fireworks to plastic cups: Waste Commission of Scott County explains summer party disposal rules The Waste Commission of Scott County is offering guidance to help residents safely dispose of summer party waste and recycle correctly before, during and after seasonal gatherings.
	U.S. passengers flying from Ebola-affected countries rerouted The U.S. government is responding to the Ebola outbreak in with travel restrictions. American citizens and permanent residents departing affected countries must fly into one of three U.S. airports.
	South Dakota’s water quality reports grow more polished and less honest A shallow area near the shore of Lake Mitchell on May 4, 2024. (Photo by Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight)South Dakota didn’t stop polluting its water. It stopped talking honestly about what’s polluting it. In 2018, the state’s own water quality report plainly identified the causes fouling South Dakota rivers and lakes: livestock waste, manure runoff, cropland erosion, nutrient loading and failing septic systems. Agriculture was identified as the primary source of surface water pollution, and the report said so directly. That wasn’t partisan. It wasn’t controversial. It was the state’s own science. By 2026, the pollution remains. But plainspoken honesty has steadily disappeared. Across the 2018, 2022, and 2026 reports, one thing changes: the language. The pollutants remain. The impaired waters remain. What disappears is the state’s willingness to say what’s causing the damage. Praise for simplicity, concern about brevity greet new format for South Dakota water quality report The turning point came on Jan. 19, 2021, when the Department of Agriculture absorbed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources under then-Gov. Kristi Noem’s government reorganization. The merger was sold as efficiency — a “one-stop shop” for producers. Then-Lt. Gov. Larry Rhoden said it would “unleash the next generation of agriculture.” What it created was an agency responsible both for promoting agriculture and communicating with the public about pollution tied to it. That is not a minor administrative tweak. It is a built-in conflict of interest — one that determines what gets highlighted, what gets buried, and what quietly disappears from public view. The reports themselves tell the story. In 2018, DENR’s final report spoke plainly. It described nonpoint source pollution as the state’s “most serious and pervasive water quality problem” and directly connected impaired streams and rivers to livestock waste, manure runoff, cropland erosion, nutrient loading and failing septic systems. The state treated residents like adults: Here is what’s in the water, here are the sources, here is what we’re doing about it. By 2022, the tone shifted. Pollutants remained, but discussion of their causes slid deeper into the document. Executive messaging shifted toward Environmental Protection Agency “Vision” priorities, scheduling of total maximum daily loads (known as TMDLs, which are the amounts of pollutants waterbodies can receive and still meet safe standards for designated uses), and bureaucratic process. Agriculture’s role was still present but no longer clear and no longer emphasized. The report read increasingly like something written to minimize political friction, not inform the public. This year, much of the plain language is gone. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. The report tells us 77% of assessed stream miles and 73% of assessed lake acres fail to meet standards. It lists pollutants such as E. coli and mercury. But the discussion of the sources driving those impairments is now far harder for the public to find — and in many cases, simply not there. Language once describing nonpoint pollution as the state’s dominant water quality threat is gone. References to livestock waste, cropland erosion, nutrient loading and failing septic systems — long understood as central challenges in South Dakota water quality — have been quietly removed from public emphasis. The water didn’t get cleaner. The reporting got safer for the people in charge. Some call this modernization: dashboards, graphics, interactive tools, “user-friendly” design. But when public reporting becomes more polished while growing less candid about cause and responsibility, that is not modernization. It is political risk-management disguised as transparency. South Dakotans deserve better than percentages stripped of explanation. Communities living with algae-choked lakes, E. coli advisories, beach closures, and rivers that run brown after every storm do not need curated graphics to tell them something is wrong. Producers investing in better grazing systems, manure management and conservation practices know it, too. Plain reporting does not attack agriculture. It acknowledges reality and respects the people already trying to improve it. But truth becomes politically inconvenient when the agency authoring the report is institutionally aligned with the very industry contributing most heavily to the pollution. That is not modernization. It is a retreat from public trust, and a deliberate narrowing of what the public is encouraged to notice. ... When public reporting becomes more polished while growing less candid about cause and responsibility, that is not modernization. It is political risk-management disguised as transparency. We see what happens after hard rains and spring floods. We see creeks turn the color of soil and lakes bloom green. The land speaks plainly. The water speaks plainly. Government reporting should, too. The next governor will inherit a system that has grown more polished and less honest. The next governor should not be allowed to dodge the question: Will South Dakota return to clear, independent reporting about the sources of water pollution, or will the state continue managing the issue through euphemism, omission and politically convenient silence? This is no longer just about water quality. It is about whether residents are being told the truth about the condition of the state they call home, or whether political considerations shape public communications. Clean water policy begins with direct public accounting. Without that, accountability disappears long before the pollution does. Pollution doesn’t vanish when the reporting does, and no amount of political messaging can clean a river or a lake. South Dakotans can manage the truth about their water. The question is whether their government — and the next administration — will choose transparency over political comfort. Courtesy of South Dakota Searchlight

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