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

Thursday, January 1st, 2026
	Submit pics for our nightly Dog Walking Forecast! Our nightly dog-walking forecast is back for 2026! We need pics to show on Our Quad Cities News at 10pm. We'll feature viewer's dogs Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays. On Wednesdays, we'll highlight a dog who's up for adoption at one of our local shelters. Send a pic with some info about your dog to [...]
	Crews find grenade in home while battling fire Firefighters found a grenade inside a home while battling a fire Thursday evening.
	The Heart of the Story: To the beat of his own drum Our Quad Cities News is partnering with award-winning journalist Gary Metivier for The Heart of the Story. Each week, Gary showcases inspiring stories of everyday people doing cool stuff, enjoying their hobbies, and living life to the fullest. Stories that feature the best of the human condition. Called 'the world's greatest musician' by Duke Ellington, [...]
	Sterling's CGH Medical Center implementing temporary visitor restrictions due to respiratory illness The visitor restrictions come as flu cases spike nationwide.
	Quad Cities area court cases we're following for 2026 There are several high-profile court cases moving forward in 2026 that we'll be keeping an eye on. Here's a look at what comes next in those cases.
	Kingston, 'the king of the year,' first QCA baby born in 2026 While many people were wrapping up their New Year's celebrations, Glenda Christner added another member to her family. At 12:57 a.m., Kingston Daggett, Christner's newest son, was born at MercyOne Genesis Davenport Medical Center, the first baby born in the Quad Cities in 2026. "When they told us he was the first one here, I [...]
	Scam alert: Illinois warns residents about text scam targeting drivers Fraudulent text messages are claiming people owe money for traffic violations or tolls.
	Volunteers deliver New Year’s Day meals to seniors across the Quad Cities Volunteers delivered hundreds of hot meals to seniors across the Quad Cities on New Year’s Day. LivWell CARES is looking to expand the growing program.
	Man arrested after stabbing in Rock Island Police said a physical altercation took place in a tent outside Project Now on New Year's Eve. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment.
	Meet the first baby born at MercyOne Genesis in 2026 Glenda Christner gave birth to her son Kingston Daggett shortly before 1 a.m. on the first day of the new year.
	One airlifted after Walcott fire New Year's Day One person was airlifted after a fire in Walcott on January 1. Our Quad Cities News had a crew on scene. The fire call came in around 3:30 p.m. The fire reportedly started in the attic of a home in the 200 block of W. Durant St. Firefighters and Scott County deputies set up a [...]
	Quad Cities welcome first baby of 2026 The Quad Cities welcomed the first baby of 2026 just after midnight on New Year’s Day.
	Hundreds without power in eastern Iowa Roughly 950 Alliant Energy customers are experiencing power outages early Thursday evening.
	Ice jam persists on the Rock River The river is just above the minor flood stage threshold.
	Meet the first baby born at MercyOne Genesis in 2026 Glenda Christner gave birth to her son Kingston Daggett shortly before 1 a.m. on the first day of the new year.
	Crews respond to fire at Knox County Housing Authority in Abingdon People are asked to avoid the area as first responders work at the scene.
	Taiwan's president pledges to defend island's sovereignty after Chinese military drills Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te vowed to defend the self-ruled island's sovereignty in the face of what he termed China's "expansionist ambitions," days after Beijing wrapped up live-fire military drills near its shores.
	Deaths reported during widening protests in Iran sparked by ailing economy The protests began due to economic pressures, with Iran's currency rapidly depreciating. Demonstrators have also chanted against the country's theocracy.
	Rock River ice jams lead to flood warning: National Weather Service Ice jams in the Rock River have led to a flood warning from the National Weather Service (NWS). Chunks of ice are building up in the river, causing some flooding concerns in the area. The river is at 12 feet, which is considered minor flood stage. The NWA expects the river to stay above the [...]
	Sterling's CGH Medical Center implementing temporary visitor restrictions due to high number of respiratory illnesses The visitor restrictions come as flu cases spike nationwide.
	Deputies: Emergency crews battling fire at housing authority building Emergency crews are battling a fire at an apartment building in Abingdon, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
	Learn some easy body movements to help stay active in 2026! Sarah Stevens, owner of Sanctuary Studios, joined News 8's Shelby Kluver to demonstrate some basic exercises that are simple to incorporate into your daily life.
	Bald Eagle Days set to swoop into Quad Cities Quad City Bald Eagle Days features live eagle and raptor demonstrations, educational and conservation displays, and nature-themed vendors and crafters.
	Davenport man arrested after incident with hatchet, bottle of vodka: Court records A 54-year-old Davenport man was in custody Thursday after an incident with a hatchet, according to Scott County arrest affidavits. Jerry Lee Clark II faces a felony charge of interference with official act s- dangerous weapon and a serious misdemeanor charge of possession or carrying of dangerous weapons while under the influence, according to arrest [...]
	Iowa teen honored at Rose Parade for saving 6 lives through organ donation Her family is working to carry on her legacy by encouraging others to become organ donors and break the stigma around mental health.
	10 pricey medications now cheaper for Medicare Part D enrollees: What to know There’s good news in 2026 for seniors enrolled in Medicare Part D who rely on the priciest prescription drugs: 10 high-cost medications that treat a variety of chronic conditions will be significantly cheaper beginning Jan. 1.
	Volunteers deliver New Year’s Day meals to seniors across the Quad Cities Volunteers delivered hundreds of hot meals to seniors across the Quad Cities on New Year’s Day. LivWell CARES is looking to expand the growing program.
	Congress failed to extend Obamacare subsidies. This Democrat says Trump can save them Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., says he thinks the Senate can pass a "retroactive" Affordable Care Act subsidy extension, but "we need President Trump."
	Viral ‘6-7’ tops 2025 list of overused words and phrases Respondents to an annual Michigan college survey of overused and misused words and phrases say " 6-7 " is “cooked” and should come to a massive full-stop heading into the new year.
	5 tips to make your New Year’s resolutions stick Experts say most resolutions start strong, but without a plan, many goals fade after just a few weeks.
	Collins to run for reelection in Iowa House Taylor Collins is running for reelection to Iowa House District 95, which includes all of Louisa County and parts of Des Moines, Henry and Muscatine counties.
	Man arrested after stabbing in Rock Island Police said a physical altercation took place in a tent outside Project Now on New Year's Eve. The victim was taken to the hospital for treatment.
	Illinois restaurant owner headed for deportation Business owner and father Ismael Ayuzo Sandoval is preparing for his deportation to Mexico — a country he left decades ago and where his attorney said he is afraid to return because of cartel violence.
	Man arrested in conjunction with QCA stabbing incident A man was arrested in conjunction with a stabbing incident in Rock Island New Year's Eve. According to a release from the Rock Island Police Department, on December 31 at approximately 8:42 p.m., officers responded to outside of Project Now in Rock Island for reports of a stabbing victim. Upon arrival, officers found a 30-year-old [...]
	Wool, beer and cleaner water: Just a few Iowa products from an experimental grain Tesdell is one of just two farmers in Iowa that grow the deep-rooted grain that boasts low inputs, nutritional grain and roots that are highly effective at absorbing nitrate before it can leach into waterways.
	Measles cases reach highest level in 30 years: CDC Measles was officially declared eliminated in the U.S. in 2000, a status that may soon be revoked due to the resurgence of the virus.
	Police: Man arrested after fight outside Project Now led to stabbing A man was stabbed outside Project Now, a social-service organization, downtown Wednesday night, police said.
	New Year's Eve stabbing outside Project NOW in Rock Island sends one to hospital A stabbing also occurred in the area last week.
	January Is Radon Action Month: Protect Your Home for Half the Price January is Radon Action Month, offering viewers half-price radon test kits. Testing reveals this invisible, cancer-linked gas, crucial for home safety.
	Daylight saving time: Will clocks stop changing in 2026? State and federal lawmakers alike tried to lock the clocks in 2025, but with little success. Will 2026 be any different?
	December is behind us and here's what to expect for January Let's take one more look back at how December shaped up across the Quad Cities with snow and cold. January has had some big temperatures swings over the year. And, what an interesting January it was in 2019! Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	Rideshare union rights, social media limits and other state laws taking effect Jan. 1 Every new year, public media reporters across the country bring us some of the new state laws taking effect where they are. Here are six in 2026.
	Harmon, Illinois, man sentenced to 3 years on Henry County solicitation case Mark D. Megli, 60, entered a fully negotiated plea to Class 2 felony indecent solicitation of a child and Class 3 felony traveling to meet a minor.
	Guides to help you tackle your New Year's resolutions From building your strength to tackling credit card debt, NPR's Life Kit has a newsletter journey to help you tackle your New Year's resolution.
	Friends and Enemies This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.When Father Samuel Mazzuchelli arrived in the raw lead mining town of Galena in 1836 to begin building a Catholic…
	Illinois maternal mortality report finds rise in pregnancy-related deaths Black women were more than twice as likely as white women to die from a pregnancy-related condition
	Dozens presumed dead in fire at Swiss Alps bar during New Year's celebration Dozens of people are presumed dead and about 100 injured, most of them seriously, following a fire at a Swiss Alps bar during a New Year's celebration, police said Thursday.
	Crypto soared in 2025 — and then crashed. Now what? For most of 2025, cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin surged as President Trump vowed to make the U.S. a crypto leader. But now, a severe sell-off has shaken the sector.
	Warren Buffett officially retires as Berkshire Hathway's CEO The legendary 95-year-old investor spent decades building his company into one of the world's largest and most powerful. Now Greg Abel is taking it over.
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
	Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York City mayor, capping historic rise Mayor Zohran Mamdani took the oath of office in New York City after midnight Thursday. The city's first Muslim mayor, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has promised to focus on affordability and fairness.
	Rising from the ashes, a symbol of hope at the Rose Parade Survivors of the Eaton and Palisades Fires find healing and community working on a Rose Parade float to honor the lives and communities lost in last year's wildfires.
	Hawkeyes react to 34-27 win over Vanderbilt in ReliaQuest Bowl Mark Gronowski threw two touchdowns and rushed for another to lead Iowa to a 34-27 win over No. 13 Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Wednesday.
	The history behind the NYC subway station chosen for Mamdani's swearing-in The city shut down the station in 1945 on New Year's Eve. Eighty years later, it's a symbolic venue choice for the incoming mayor's private swearing-in ceremony.
	Quad Citizens celebrate the new year Quad Citizens flocked to bars and held get togethers welcoming in 2026.
	Quad Cities fireworks shops make some last-minute sales for New Year's Eve If you live in Iowa, fireworks can be part of your New Year’s Eve celebration, as long as you light them at certain times, but they're illegal in Illinois.
	Falconer flies birds to manage Galesburg crow problem Galesburg falconer Chase Delles uses ten trained raptors each evening to guide crows away from downtown, giving residents some relief from the mess.
	Drivers: Iowa’s Hands-Free Law begins January 1 Beginning January 1, drivers in Iowa will have to remember a new law targeting distracted driving on roadways across the state. Starting New Year's Day, Iowa's Hands-Free Law goes fully into effect. Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the bill (SF 22) into law on April 2. For more information, click here.
	Davenport mayor-elect focuses on unity after years of council turmoil Mayor-elect Jason Gordon, a former alderman with eight years of experience who stepped away for eight years before returning, said he wants to restore unity after years of turmoil on the council.
	ACLU challenges Galesburg juvenile facility practices as injunction deadline approaches The battle over solitary confinement and mental health care at the Mary Davis Home continues into the new year as a court-ordered injunction nears expiration.
	U.S. military strikes 5 more alleged drug boats, killing 8 The U.S. military says it struck five alleged drug-smuggling boats over two days. The attacks killed eight people, while others jumped overboard and may have survived. U.S. Southern Command did not reveal where the attacks occurred.
	Capitol riot 'does not happen' without Trump, Jack Smith told Congress Former special counsel Jack Smith also described President Trump as the "most culpable and most responsible person" in the criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results, according to a transcript of Smith's closed-door interview with the House Judiciary Committee.
	Quad Cities family knockouts breast cancer together, mother plans delayed vacation Brianne Tallyn’s battle with breast cancer brought family closer and they look toward recovery
	Geneseo Chamber of Commerce executive director no longer part of Chamber Zack Sullivan, executive director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, announced he is no longer a part of the Chamber. Sullivan posted the following on Facebook: Effective today, I am no longer employed with the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce. Looking back, I'm proud of the work that has been accomplished over the past 6.5 years [...]
	Iowa holds off Vanderbilt's comeback bid for 34-27 victory in the ReliaQuest Bowl Mark Gronowski threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another to lead Iowa to a 34-27 win over No. 13 Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
	How Galesburg is using falcons to control crow population Galesburg hired Falconer Chase Delles to deal with the city's growing crow complaints. He and his fleet sweep the skies every night to ward off the corvid crowd.
	Rock Island's IMEG helped engineer the NYE Times Square ball IMEG, based in Rock Island, helped engineer the New Year's Eve ball in Times Square.
	Quad Cities families ring in new year early with 'Noon Year's Eve' Bettendorf's Family Museum welcomed families from across the region for "Noon Year's Eve," giving children a chance to ring in the new year without staying up late.
	Zack Sullivan no longer at Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Sullivan served as executive director for the Chamber since 2019.
	UPDATE: Carjacking suspect in critical condition after chase on I-380, gunfire exchange A carjacking suspect is in custody and hospitalized with critical injuries after exchanging gunfire with law enforcement Wednesday morning following a high-speed chase on I-380.
	UnityPoint Health Foundation recognized for philanthropy efforts UnityPoint Health, as well as two UnityPoint Health foundations, has received national recognition for philanthropy efforts, a news release says. UnityPoint Health recently was recognized by the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP)as one of the top healthcare organizations nationwide for giving during Fiscal Year 2024(FY2024). AHP named UnityPoint Health a 2024 High Performer, which is [...]
	Trump will drop push for National Guard deployments in Chicago, LA and Portland, Ore. Courts blocked troops from deploying in Chicago and Portland, Ore., and the Los Angeles deployment effectively ended after a judge blocked it earlier this month.
	What Stranger Things gets right about wormholes The final episode of fifth season of the Netflix series Stranger Things is out this week, and the concept of a wormhole figures largely into it. While the show is a work of fiction, theoretical wormholes have making appearances for decades not only in science fiction but in actual science.
	Rock Island launches survey to guide future goals and priorities Rock Island wants input on what city leaders need to address in the coming years.
	Fans in the Quad Cities cheer on the Hawkeyes in the Reliaquest Bowl For the 12th straight year, the Iowa Hawkeyes earned the right to play in a bowl game. For the ninth time since the streak started, they had to battle an opponent from the SEC. This year it was the Vanderbilt Commodores, ranked 14th in the country, at the Reliaquest Bowl in Orlando. Back in the [...]
	Shelters urge pet safety ahead of New Year’s Eve fireworks Fireworks may be part of New Year’s Eve celebrations, but for pets, the loud booms and flashing lights can be overwhelming.
	Iowa hands-free driving law enforcement begins with fines “I see a lot of people that are stopped at stop signs or stopped at traffic lights that will use that opportunity to be stopped in traffic to get their phone out and as of January 1st, 2026, citations will now start being issued,” said Muscatine police department.
	Photos: The world welcomes the new year As fireworks light the sky and crowds count down together, communities around the globe welcome 2026.
	Man charged with attempted murder in Dixon Police allege 65-year-old Joseph A. Willwerth stabbed a homeowner during a home invasion.
	Dixon man arrested for attempted murder A Dixon man was arrested for attempted murder and other charges.' According to a release, officers with the Dixon Police Department responded to the 400 block of Crawford Ave. after a report of a man stabbed with a knife on December 28 at approximately 9:07 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found two men, the homeowner and [...]
	Quad Cities fireworks shops make some last-minute sales for New Year's Eve If you live in Iowa, fireworks can be part of your New Year’s Eve celebration, as long as you light them at certain times, but they're illegal in Illinois.
	Hawkeyes beat Vanderbilt 34-27 to win Reliaquest Bowl The Iowa Hawkeyes defeated Vanderbilt 34-27 on December 31, 2025 to win the Reliaquest Bowl in Tampa, Florida. The Hawkeyes never trailed in the game, they jumped out to a 21-3 lead and eventually won the game by 7. Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz won his 11th Bowl game that is the most by a [...]
	Geneseo chamber says Sullivan no longer on board The executive director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce is no longer with the Chamber.
	Clinton County inmate dies after being found unresponsive on Sunday An inmate of the Clinton County Jail who was hospitalized after being found unresponsive on Sunday has died, the Clinton County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.
	Inmate found unresponsive in Clinton County Jail cell dies The man died on Tuesday after being taken to the University of Iowa Hospitals, deputies said.
	Crews respond to Coal Valley house fire Fire officials told KWQC no one was injured in the fire.
	National Weather Service forecasts ice jam on Rock River to cause moderate flooding Ice jams on the Rock River will lead to some flooding in Moline, according to a forecast by the National Weather Service.
	Meet five new species discovered in 2025 A bumpy snailfish, Andean mouse opossum and ancient sea cow were just some of the many species described in 2025.
	Illinois has one of the highest preliminary counts of tornadoes in 2025, nationally Illinois ranks #2 in the nation for most tornadoes in 2025.
	Firefighters contain Coal Valley house fire; no injuries reported Firefighters contained a house fire in Coal Valley to the second floor after crews were called around noon. Officials say no injuries were reported.
	What to know about Nick Shirley, the YouTuber alleging daycare fraud in Minnesota Shirley is a 23-year-old self-described "independent YouTube journalist" who made prank videos in high school before pivoting to politics. He participated in a White House roundtable in October.
	What to know about Nick Shirley, the YouTuber alleging day care fraud in Minnesota Shirley is a 23-year-old self-described "independent YouTube journalist" who made prank videos in high school before pivoting to politics. He participated in a White House roundtable in October.
	Attempted armed robbery under investigation at Amboy gas station Authorities are investigating an attempted armed robbery at a Shell gas station in Amboy on Dec. 31 and are asking the public for information.
	Deputies investigating attempted armed robbery at gas station Officials said a suspect attempted the robbery at a Shell Gas Station Wednesday in the 300 block of North Mason Avenue.
	Rock Island's IMEG helped engineer the NYE Times Square ball IMEG, based in Rock Island, helped engineer the New Year's Eve ball in Times Square.
	Lee County Sheriff's Office seeks info on Amboy attempted robbery Law enforcement officers in Lee County are asking for the public’s help in finding a person wanted in connection with an attempted armed robbery at a gas station in Amboy, Ill. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Amboy Police Department are investigating the attempted armed robbery that happened at the Shell Gas Station, 342 [...]
	Ice jams prompt flood warning for Rock River near Moline, affecting Rock Island and Henry counties The Rock River is expected to reach Minor Flood Stage by midnight. Here's a look at what areas could be impacted.
	Davenport, Bettendorf, Eldridge? From where did the top Iowa Quad-Cities stories come? Here is a list of top stories from city governments in the Iowa Quad-Cities for 2025. What is the top story?
	Ice jam forms on Rock River, Flood Warning issued On Wednesday morning, emergency officials reported an ice jam forming near South Shore Drive in Moline.
	Learn about Innovation grants at free virtual program QCA nonprofit organizations can learn more about Innovation grants at a free virtual informational program. The Better Health Foundation is hosting a virtual information session on Friday, January 9, from11 – 11:45 a.m. to share information about Innovation grant opportunities. The foundation plans to award Innovation grants in the range of $100,000 - $200,000 for [...]
	Car hits house in Muscatine The incident happened Wednesday morning on Logan Street, prompting a brief road closure.

Thursday, January 1st, 2026

Wednesday, December 31st, 2025