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

Sunday, June 21st, 2026
	Civilized (Women's Clubs) This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.When that anonymous philosopher claimed that women's place was in the home, communities around Rock Island were…
	Bluff Blvd., Clinton to be closed for construction beginning June 22 It's an Our Quad Cities News traffic alert. According to a release from the City of Clinton, Bluff Blvd. will be closed to all through traffic from S. 14th St. to College Ave. for construction beginning Monday, June 22. The closure is due to the reconstruction of Bluff Blvd. Bluff is reduced to two lanes [...]
	1 seriously injured after Davenport motorcycle crash A man is fighting for his life after a motorcycle crash left him with life-threatening injuries.
	Want to improve your agility? Try these 'explosive power' exercises These simple movements combine speed and strength to train your body's ability to rapidly generate force. They can also help prevent injury and boost agility.
	Motorcyclist severely injured in Davenport crash, police say A motorcyclist suffered life-threatening injuries Saturday in a Davenport crash, according to a news release from the Davenport Police Department About 4:30 p.m., Davenport police, fire and Medic EMS crews responded to a report of a crash involving a motorcycle near the intersection of North Division Street and West Lombard Street. A preliminary investigation indicates [...]
Saturday, June 20th, 2026
	KWQC honors their families on Father’s Day You can submit your Father’s Day photos to KWQC here.
	Motorcyclist taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries after Davenport crash Davenport police, fire and medic officials responded to the intersection of North Division Street and West Lombard Street just before 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
	Quad Cities' annual Juneteenth festival draws crowds in first year in downtown Davenport Juneteenth dates back to June 19, 1865, when enslaved people in Texas learned they were free — more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation.
	Clinton community members celebrate, learn the true story of Juneteenth Juneteenth became a federal holiday under President Joe Biden, but its history can be traced back all the way back to 1863.
	Maquoketa man injured in motorcycle crash in Dubuque County A 68-year-old Maquoketa man was injured in a motorcycle crash Saturday in Dubuque County.
	Chance for heavy rainfall for Father's Day tomorrow After a great start to Father's Day weekend in the Quad Cities with sunshine and warm weather near the 80s, tomorrow is looking to change that. Temperatures are expected to drop to the 60s for your highs on your Father's Day Sunday with showers and storms throughout the day, some showers potentially heavy. Our Excessive [...]
	DOJ memo stokes fear among disability advocates of a return to institutionalization The Justice Department's opinion challenges civil rights protections that have long treated the institutionalization of disabled Americans as a last resort.
	Great River Brewery packed for U.S. World Cup victory watch party Melissa Urbain witnessed history in her hometown Friday afternoon, celebrating with her family the USA men’s soccer team victory in the 2026 World Cup, at Great River Brewery, Davenport.
	The Yogev Shetrit Trio, June 21 For its concert event at Davenport's Redstone Room on June 21, Polyrhythms' Third Sunday Jazz Series will deliver a rich Andalusian-jazz feel in a concert with the acclaimed Yogev Shetrit Trio, an ensemble boasting the collective talents of Moshe Elmakias on piano, Itai Eliezri on bass, and the bandleader/composer himself on drums.
	America250 time capsule sealed until 2276: What did Iowa & Illinois contribute? Everything that's inside "America's Time Capsule."
	Bettendorf man charged with sexual abuse of a child A Bettendorf man has been charged with sexual abuse of a child.
	The Phoenix, Downtown Davenport restaurant, calls on community for support A longtime Downtown Davenport business known for its gourmet food and extensive wine and martini list is calling on the community for support by dining in.
	Windborn Group, QC Arts announce artist for mural in downtown Aledo The Windborn Group and Quad City Arts have announced that artist Madeline Dieters has been selected to create a new public mural on the South side of 112 E. Main St. in historic downtown Aledo, according to a news release from Quad City Arts. Supported by the Illinois Arts Council's America's 250th Public Art Grant, [...]
	Clinton County Sheriff’s Office warns of door-to-door asphalt and paving solicitors A scam alert to watch out for.
	'Plant a Seed, Read' and more at Rock Island library programs Opportunities to grow free summer fun with Rock Island Public Library Plant a Seed, Read summer events are in full bloom for the weeks of June 22-30, a news release says. Fans of the orange cartoon cat Garfield can drop in for his 50th birthday party on Monday, June 22, from 10-11:30 a.m. at the [...]
	Geneseo Police Department to conduct drone operations, Sunday A heads up to residents in Geneseo as the police department plans to conduct drone operations this weekend.
	Paul Mizzi: “Proud Americans,” June 28 Bridging the 57th anniversary of the Stonewall riots with the 250th anniversary of the United States, flutist Paul Mizzi, Paul Mizzi – principal flutist with the Galesburg Symphony and professor of flute at Black Hawk College – will present the flute recital and celebration of queer composers Proud Americans at Davenport's Metropolitan Community Church of the Quad Cities on June 28.
	Moline reminds residents on finance department’s change of location A reminder to Moline residents on the location of the city’s finance department.
	Eagle Ridge Resort, Galena, hosts three days of patriotic events This Independence Day weekend, Eagle Ridge Resort & Spa will transform into a tribute to America's veterans as it hosts A Soaring Salute, a two-day Fourth of July celebration benefiting Honor Flight of Dubuque and the Tri-States. Taking place July 3-4, the patriotic events will bring together veterans, military families, history enthusiasts, local residents, and visitors for a weekend [...]
	Bettendorf man pleads guilty to possessing child sex abuse materials A Bettendorf man has pleaded guilty to possessing child sex abuse materials during a hearing in Scott County District Court.
	More buildings evacuated in Muscatine, Salvation Army, Muscatine County Emergency Management open reception center in response All buildings on the north side of the 200 block of second street in Muscatine are now being evacuated
	Knox Arts in Action offers summer community art pop-up workshops This summer, Knox College is offering free summer pop-up art workshops for all ages and skill levels through the Arts in Action program. Participants can learn various forms of art, including collage, drawing, music, poetry, and printmaking. Associate Professor of Dance Kathleen Ridlon will oversee the work of six Knox student artists, a news release [...]
	Hooppole celebrates 50 years, nation's 250th anniversary Hooppole Fun Day celebrates 50 years in 2026, and a big celebration is planned to coincide with America 250, a news release says. The decades-long event returns on Saturday, June 27, with a full day of family activities, live music, a parade, and fireworks. The festivities kick off early in Hooppole for local bakers with [...]
	Memories of Muscatine: A newspaper office in the late 1800s This week for Memories of Muscatine: The Daily and Weekly Tribune and Job Office in the late 1800s.
	Judy Blume says she's done writing: '50 years is enough!' Judy Blume wrote her last book more than a decade ago. At the Santa Fe International Literary Festival, NPR's Scott Simon talked to Blume about her long career and why she doesn't miss writing.
	These nuns spent a lifetime helping others. In their last years, who will help them? The sisters of Uganda are teachers, health-care advocates and more. Those who are in their twilight of their life need help. Who will come to their aid?
	Lowden to celebrate America's 250th anniversary with parade, family activities Lowden's America 250 Celebration will be on Saturday, June 27, at Lowden Memorial Park. As communities across the nation commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the residents of Lowden will observe a day-long celebration honoring the country's history and the small-town traditions that continue to bring Americans together. The event will feature [...]
	Fighting persists in Lebanon despite a ceasefire as U.S.-Iran deal is under threat Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least seven people, including two children, hours after reports emerged of a ceasefire agreement.
	Henry Bosse This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Some promotions take place only after death. For many years, a number of large oval photographs of 19th century…
	Illinois pheasant and wildlife habitat grant applications begin July 1 The Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) will begin accepting applications for pheasant and wildlife habitat grant programs July 1. According to a release from the IDNR: The pheasant habitat and wildlife habitat programs enhance the natural environment for pheasant and wildlife through projects developed by not-for-profit organizations and governmental entities for conservation. Funding for [...]
	This couple got married at the end of Romeo and Juliet — and so will 31 others At Free Shakespeare in the Park in New York, real weddings are happening every night after a production of Romeo and Juliet. But don't those characters die?
	Shot by ICE and still in pain. LA detainee highlights gaps in DHS oversight Federal officers shot Ricardo Parias eight months ago during an ICE operation to detain him. His lawyer says he is still in pain, highlighting gaps in oversight and care in DHS facilities.
	Toy Story 5’s ‘Lilypad’ is an indictment of the world that birthed the ‘iPad Kid’ Some parents have called tablet computers the "square au pair." (Photo by Danielle Villasana/The Washington Post via Getty Images)In the trailer for “Toy Story 5,” a little girl named Bonnie is playing with her toys when a package arrives in the mail. She opens it to find Lilypad, a tablet for children. The iconic toys from the series — Woody, Buzz Lightyear, the Potato Heads, Forky and Slinky Dog – then watch in dismay as Bonnie casts them all aside in favor of the bright tablet screen. Rex the dinosaur exclaims, “What? Extinction? Not again!” The film zeros in on a uniquely 21st-century phenomenon: the “iPad kid,” a term used – often disparagingly – to describe a generation of children who grew up enchanted by screens. A lot of the discussion around tablet use among kids shames parents, framing it as an example of lazy or bad parenting. Yet factors such as long working hours and lack of access to affordable childcare compel many parents to rely on tablets. As a scholar of the attention economy — and also as a mom to a 4-year-old — I’ve noticed a disconnect between the resources U.S. society offers parents versus what’s expected of them in the digital age. The pandemic and the ‘square au pair’ When the first “Toy Story” came out in 1995, many single-income families could still afford to comfortably raise multiple kids. It was more common for new parents to live near their extended families, such as grandparents, to provide childcare support. Federal policies provided some low-income families with cash assistance that helped ease the cost of transition to parenthood. Since then, parenting has become a lot more challenging. Single-income households with kids under 18 have steadily declined as wages have stagnated, forcing both parents into the workforce. At the same time, it’s harder to qualify for government benefits. Even when moms do earn a paycheck, working moms experience what sociologists call the “motherhood penalty” – career disadvantages, such as lower wages and promotion barriers, due to childbirth – even as U.S. parental leave policies remain weak. So it’s hardly a surprise that fewer Americans are choosing to become parents under these conditions. But those who did have kids in the years leading up to 2020 ran smack into the COVID-19 pandemic. The lockdown that started in March 2020 following the outbreak of the pandemic led to closures of schools and many workplaces. Many parents either worked from home or provided critical work in grocery stores and hospitals. Kids stayed home and schools transitioned to remote-learning models. It’s important to remember that many institutions with social legitimacy and authority encouraged the use of tablets during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns. School systems around the world normalized their use for remote learning. Children as young as 4 were given tablets, which gave their parents space to complete their own remote work and other household tasks, with some moms referring to it as “the square au pair.” In this sense, the tablet became a form of school-sanctioned childcare. Economic activity was minimally disrupted. Productivity hummed along. And the kids? Comfortably distracted. For some households, there’s little choice When lockdowns ended, tablets remained integrated into the education system. In 2021, 4 in 5 U.S. households with children had a tablet. Beyond schoolwork, kids also use tablets for activities, such as video games and watching TV. The adverse impacts of excessive screen time in general has been well documented for decades. But scholars have only recently unpacked the specific harms of interactive tablet use among young children. Children who use tablets are more likely to experience emotional dysregulation and dependency on screens. Researchers have also found tablet use among kids to be significantly associated with ADHD diagnoses. At the same time, research shows screen time use among children is tied to social class. Parents from working- and middle-class households are more likely to rely on screens compared to high-income parents, who can hire childcare services, such as full-time nannies. Parental education is also a factor. Americans generally have little grasp of digital hygiene – knowledge about best practices to minimize negative effects of screens. But households with parents who didn’t graduate from college are even more in the dark. And while schools hand out tablets, most of them fail to provide students and families with a comprehensive education on the adverse impacts of excessive screen time. In other words, this isn’t a Generation Alpha problem. Most people — adults included, with or without children — aren’t properly educated and informed about their choices around technology use. Yet adults continue to be shamed if they hand their kid a tablet. All the while, parents navigate the added burdens of challenging the educational status quo around tablets. Frankenstein’s village When work is the only sturdy pillar in a society where government benefits for low-income people, family ties and community institutions have eroded, tablets replace the metaphorical village — the web of social support that helps families thrive. In pursuit of jobs or affordable housing, many young parents move farther from their extended families and the communities where they grew up. The working parents who are forced to rely on daycare — sending kids as young as a few weeks old — end up spending an exorbitant amount of money on the service. Meanwhile, the persistence of traditional gender roles ensures that many moms still go home to a second shift: Working women continue to disproportionately cook, clean and care for children. No matter how overworked or exhausted some parents are, they cannot afford to hire help as the inflation and cost-of-living crises hit historic highs. Big Tech takes advantage of this crisis with a “solution” that ultimately treats children as products, manipulating their emotions and mining their data. As I argue in my book, “Attention and Alienation,” children’s dependency on screens is a key component of the attention economy. The earlier a life is monetized, the longer it is profitable. “Toy Story 5” and its critical take on the tablet may be helpful. But it will take more than a blockbuster movie to protect small kids from the harms of too much screen time. Instead, I think it will require strong parental leave policies, expansive and affordable childcare access, fair wages and shared household labor. In other words, there needs to be a full rehabilitation of the village. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Aarushi Bhandari is an assistant professor of sociology at Davidson College. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. Courtesy of Kansas Reflector
Friday, June 19th, 2026
	Iowa, Illinois county fair dates, events KWQC has compiled a full list of county fairs in the area including the dates and main events.
	'Find Local Bites' website helps locate meal deals in the Quad Cities The website was designed by a local developer.
	Home Runs for Life honors 6-year-old Bryce Gronowski Bryce was born with cerebral palsy, and he's overcome a lot on his journey to run the bases.
	Clinton celebrates the true meaning of Juneteenth The holiday's origins can be traced all the way back to 1863.
	5th annual 108th USCT memorial service held at Rock Island Arsenal Juneteenth is the holiday commemorating the day when the last slaves were informed of their freedom, in slavery's unofficial end in the United States. A longtime ceremony and celebration got underway once again on the Arsenal Island. Our Quad Cities News spoke to descendants of some of these honored soldiers. "I've had somebody ask me [...]
	Muscatine reception center set up to help those affected by 2nd Street evacuations In response to the Second Street evacuations in Muscatine, The American Red Cross - in partnership with The Salvation Army and Muscatine County Emergency Management - has opened a reception center to support people affected. The location is at The Salvation Army, 1000 Oregon St., Muscatine. Reception center services include a safe place to stay, [...]
	Officials release body camera footage of former Des Moines superintendent arrest Iowa State Patrol has released body camera video of the arrest of former Des Moines Public Schools Superintendent Ian Roberts.
	Third man involved in Davenport shooting incident sentenced to probation A third man involved in a downtown Davenport shooting incident in November has been sentenced to five years on probation.
	Dunleavy vetoes nine bills, but Alaska lawmakers override two in special session flurry Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson, D-Anchorage, speaks in favor of the veto override on Senate Bill 41 on Friday, June 19, 2026. Watching at left is Rep. Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak. (James Brooks photo/Alaska Beacon)Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy extended his record-high veto rate Thursday by vetoing nine of the 82 bills passed by lawmakers in the second year of the 34th Alaska State Legislature. Among the vetoed bills were measures that would have provided mental health lessons to kids in public schools, created a retirement plan for private-sector workers who don’t have one and updated the state’s corporate income tax system. Two of the vetoed bills — one expanding the power of pharmacists and the other covering the state’s board of engineers and architects — were put into law Friday after lawmakers overrode the governor. Dunleavy has now vetoed or attempted to veto almost one-fifth of all bills passed by the 34th Legislature. Other governors have issued more vetoes, but none have vetoed a higher proportion of bills than Dunleavy. Pharmacists’ powers expanded State legislators voted 43-17 on Friday to override Dunleavy’s veto of House Bill 195, which gives pharmacists more authority to prescribe medicines and conduct simple medical tests. Forty votes were needed. Rep. Genevieve Mina, D-Anchorage, spoke in favor of the override, saying the bill will enable Alaskans to get cheaper medical care from pharmacists instead of more expensive providers. Rep. Zack Fields, D-Anchorage, offered an example: For a parent with a child suffering from strep throat after their pediatrician had closed for the day, going to an urgent care clinic might cost hundreds of dollars, and an emergency room visit could cost thousands. “This bill allows a parent to take their child to a pharmacy” and get a strep throat test, he said. “We have a growing number of families in Alaska that cannot afford health insurance. If they can’t take their kid to a pharmacy, they’re just not going to get treated,” he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Some antiabortion advocates lobbied against the bill, saying they believe the bill could allow pharmacists to more easily dispense abortion-inducing drugs. Rep. Jamie Allard, R-Eagle River, spoke to that point, but Rep. Mike Prax, R-North Pole and a strong antiabortion advocate himself, said that information is incorrect. Alaska law limits who may perform an abortion in the state, Prax said. “It just simply isn’t an issue, and therefore the benefits of this bill clearly outweigh any of the risks,” he said. Interior designers added to architecture board Lawmakers also overrode Dunleavy’s veto of House Bill 314 by a 45-15 margin. Forty votes were needed. A revised version of a bill Dunleavy vetoed last year, HB 314 will regulate some aspects of interior design in the state by adding them to the State Board of Architects, Engineers, and Land Surveyors. The bill also renewed the board’s legal authority, and when Dunleavy vetoed HB 314, it could have at least temporarily eliminated the board as a side effect. While the duties of the board would have been assumed by the Alaska Department of Commerce, Community and Economic Development, lawmakers said they did not want to eliminate the board just as the state considers a state-spanning natural gas pipeline. No extra oversight for for kids’ psychiatric facilities Forty of the Legislature’s 60 members are needed to override the veto of a policy bill, and legislators failed to reach that threshold on three votes Friday due to the opposition of Republican lawmakers. On House Bill 52, which would require increased oversight of youth psychiatric facilities, the vote was 36-24. The bill, from Rep. Maxine Dibert, D-Fairbanks, was introduced in response to reports of widespread problems at North Star psychiatric hospital in Anchorage. If enacted, the bill would have required unannounced state inspections of facilities like North Star and reports on the use of physical and chemical restraints on children, among other items. In his veto message, the governor said that while he supports oversight, he believes the bill duplicates what the state is already empowered to do. No mental health education in public schools Despite an impassioned speech from Sen. Elvi Gray-Jackson, D-Anchorage, the Legislature declined to override Dunleavy’s veto of Senate Bill 41, which would have required the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development to draft a mental health curriculum in the same way that it has a physical education program. Alaska Legislature approves plan for mental health education in schools Local districts would have been responsible for implementing that curriculum. The override vote was 38-22, two votes short of what was needed. The issue, Gray-Jackson told legislators Friday, is nothing short of a matter of life and death. Alaska has the highest suicide rate in the nation, she said, and “in many rural communities, suicide rates are nearly four times that the national average. Teaching our students how to recognize mental health challenges, to seek help and support one another, is one of the most basic and meaningful steps we can take to address this crisis.” In his veto message, the governor said, “this bill places the state in the role of imposing upon school districts to mandate the development of mental health education at a time when districts are already working to meet existing requirements.” “Decisions about sensitive classroom instruction, especially instruction involving a student’s mental and emotional health, should remain as close as possible to parents, local school boards, and communities,” he said. Gray-Jackson lambasted that statement, saying it repeated “false” and “harmful” misinformation from “online blogs and commentators.” “SB 41 didn’t remove parents from the conversation, it didn’t strip authority from local school boards, it didn’t replace community values with a one-size-fits-all mandate,” she said. “The reality is much simpler,” Gray-Jackson said. “The governor vetoed a bill with the potential to save lives in every community represented in this chamber, and I can’t emphasize that enough.” No retirement plans for minimum-wage workers Legislators failed by a single vote to override Dunleavy’s veto of Senate Bill 21, which would have provided state-run retirement plans for workers in businesses that do not currently offer retirement benefits. The program under SB 21, similar to efforts already launched by other states, would have principally affected minimum-wage workers and those in small businesses. Unless they opt out, eligible workers would have had 5% of their paychecks automatically deducted and deposited into an investment account managed by the state. In his veto message, the governor said he opposes a mandate, even with an opt-out provision. “Although employees may opt out, the bill relies on automatic enrollment and places employers in the middle of a state-run investment program. Alaska businesses should not be required to administer or facilitate retirement savings accounts created by the State when private retirement and investment options are already available,” Dunleavy wrote. The vote on an override was 39-21, with Rep. Kevin McCabe, R-Big Lake, casting the last and decisive vote to sustain the governor’s decision. No updates to corporate or tobacco taxes Of the governor’s nine vetoes, legislators declined to vote on four, permitting them to stand without a vote. Dunleavy vetoed two bills — House Bill 280 and Senate Bill 24 — saying that he is unwilling to approve tax changes without a comprehensive fiscal plan that brings state expenses and revenue into line over the long-term. Both bills had been passed in different forms by prior editions of the Legislature and were also previously vetoed by Dunleavy. If SB 24 had been enacted, it would have imposed Alaska’s first tax on e-cigarette products. HB 280 would have modernized the state’s corporate income tax system, taking tax revenue for online sales from other states to the Alaska treasury by declaring that sales to Alaskans take place in Alaska, not at the location of a warehouse or computer server operated by the seller. House Bill 23, also vetoed by the governor, would have subjected nonprofit businesses to the authority of the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights, which handles discrimination complaints against employers. “While I support protecting Alaskans from unlawful discrimination, this bill expands the commission’s reach over nonprofit employers, including charitable, educational, and religious organizations. That expansion creates uncertainty for small community organizations and risks unnecessary administrative proceedings and litigation,” the governor wrote in his veto message. The last of the vetoes, Senate Bill 258, would have forbidden the state from signing computer software deals that lock in the state to a particular company or limit the software to a particular geographic area. The governor’s veto message said in part that the “bill places rigid statutory limits on how the State and political subdivisions may contract for software in a highly technical and rapidly changing marketplace.” “Software licensing, cybersecurity requirements, cloud services, support, hosting, and pricing models are complex and often negotiated together. Restricting those negotiations in statute could reduce flexibility, limit access to needed products, and increase costs for agencies and local governments,” he wrote. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Alaska Beacon
	Aledo movie expands into scripted podcast series debuting June 25 The film "Everything Fun You Could Possibly Do in Aledo, Illinois" is now being turned into a 4-part comedy podcast with all the same characters and a brand new one!
	California couple takes over Rookies Sports Bar in Davenport Mike Burzynski and Liz Connaughton-Burzynski purchased Rookies recently and are gearing up to reopen soon.
	Bettendorf man accused of sexually abusing girl over two days in November A 29-year-old Bettendorf man is accused of sexually abusing a 12-year-old girl over two days in November.
	Friends, family and community members gather to remember the McFarland family in Muscatine A funeral service was held on Friday for members of the McFarland family, as loved ones shared memories and paid their respects.
	New Rock Island bagel shop offers scratch-made bagels Blue Collar Bagels, named in honor of Quad Cities history, has opened up its shop in downtown Rock Island.
	Rob Sand not ready to say whether he agrees with paying private companies for Iowa’s IT services Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand, a Democratic nominee for governor, said that he isn't ready to say whether he agrees with plans to switch information technology operations of state governement to two private companies.
	Tattoo festival, vinyl show and more among weekend activities in the Quad Cities Find out where you can find some fun times this Father's Day weekend!
	More buildings evacuated in Muscatine All buildings on the north side of the 200 block of second street in Muscatine are now being evacuated
	4 displaced after house fire in Davenport Officials said the fire spread into the residence, causing damage to the kitchen area.
	New Rock Island bagel shop offers bagels made from scratch Blue Collar Bagels, named after Quad Cities history, has opened up its shop in downtown Rock Island.
	'Everything Fun You Could Possibly Do in Aledo, Illinois' movie expands to comedy podcast The film debuted at last year's Rhubarb Festival. Now, the story is expanding into a four-part scripted podcast series, featuring the original characters.
	Bird's-eye views from across the Quad Cities region during the week of June 19, 2026 Sit back, relax and enjoy these scenes captured by the News 8 drone from across the Quad Cities region this week.
	Showers and storms looking more and more likely for Father's Day After a few passing showers Friday evening, things look good Saturday in the Quad Cities. We'll see sunshine and highs in the lower 80s. Sunday...doesn't look quite so good. Father's Day looks rainy with highs barely making it into the 70s. Showers and t'storms start up Sunday morning and linger throughout the day.
	New Perspective Silvis assisted living center celebrating 20th anniversary The event will have live music, a classic car show, food trucks and more.
	Clinton County officials warning of issues regarding door-to-door asphalt and paving solicitors Law enforcement in Iowa and the Midwest has received complaints alleging that transient contractors have used high-pressure sales tactics on unwary customers.
	Widespread rain Father’s Day Cooler than normal conditions expected mid-week before active pattern returns
	Eldridge police arrested suspect in child exploitation case The Eldridge Police Department, working in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Child Exploitation Task Force based in Kansas City, Missouri, have announced the arrest of a 46-year-old Missouri man after an undercover investigation into online child exploitation, according to a news release. The arrest was on Thursday, June 18, after an investigator [...]
	Clinton Hy-Vee employee honored on company truck Hy-Vee honored a Clinton employee by putting her photo on one of the company’s semitrailers. According to a release from Hy-Vee: Jody Turner, greeter at the Clinton Hy-Vee, is a 2025 recipient of the Hy-Vee Legendary Customer Service Award, which recognizes exemplary achievement in providing service that exceeds customers’ expectations. Turner first started at the [...]
	James Burrows, director of classic shows 'Cheers' and 'Friends,' dies at 85 Burrows spent his career behind the camera specializing in situation comedies. Few viewers recognized him or knew his name, other than to see it flash quickly on the screen in the opening credits. But they knew his work.
	Local government roundup: New Davenport chief sworn in, settlements with parkgoers, church to be demolished From business grants to public safety programs, local governments took action on several major issues this week.
	A new study rewrites the history of the plague A new study looks at one of the most prolific pathogens in human history — the plague.
	Air Force One, gifted to Trump from Qatar, arrives at Joint Base Andrews The luxury Boeing 747, initially valued at $400 million, arrived ahead of schedule on Friday. The jet caused controversy as one of the biggest foreign gifts ever received by the U.S. government.
	Eldridge police and FBI arrest Missouri man in undercover child exploitation sting Eldridge police and the FBI arrested Christopher Cassidy, 46, after an undercover sting. He now faces multiple federal child exploitation charges.
	Juneteenth events taking place this weekend across the Quad Cities The Quad Cities has several Juneteenth events this weekend. The annual holiday is the oldest-known celebration commemorating the end of slavery.
	Trump and Italy's Giorgia Meloni used to be buds. But a rift is widening "Italy and I do not beg," Meloni said in a video rebuke posted on social media Friday. Italy's top diplomat, meanwhile, said he was cancelling a visit to the U.S because of the alleged remarks.
	Italy's Meloni, once Trump's closest ally in Europe, says he made up a story about her "Italy and I do not beg," Meloni said in a video rebuke posted on social media Friday. Italy's top diplomat, meanwhile, said he was cancelling a visit to the U.S because of the alleged remarks.
	Railway confirms 18 train cars blown off tracks near Monmouth during severe storm BNSF confirmed that 18 train cars derailed near Monmouth after severe storms.
	Muscatine plans to resume building demolition next week The city paused the project on Tuesday and will resume pending a review by a second structural engineer. It is also evacuating additional nearby buildings.
	Henry County approves 12-month moratoriums on carbon sequestration, data centers Under the carbon sequestration moratorium, Lapis Carbon Solutions can proceed with engineering work on its project, but cannot store carbon at the site.
	Death Notice: Joni King A celebration of life for Joni K. King, 71, of Eldridge, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 26, at Faith Lutheran Church, Eldridge. Visitation will be Thursday, June 24, from 4-7 p.m. at the church. Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge, is assisting the family with arrangements. Mrs. King died Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Fieldstone of DeWitt. Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church or to Stead Family Children's Hospital in Iowa City. Online condolences may be made at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com. A full obituary will appear in the June 24 edition of The NSP.
	4 displaced after overnight house fire in Davenport Officials said the fire spread into the residence, causing damage to the kitchen area.
	4 Your Money \| Small Cap Slumber Most investors focus on the S&P 500, but a significant portion of the market remains largely overlooked. Nate Kreinbrink, Financial Planner at NelsonCorp Wealth Management, explains why the performance gap continues for small cap stocks.
	We should transform a state watching the technology race to a state where the race is won A portion of a data center owned by Big Watt Digital north of Pierre, pictured on Dec. 23, 2025. (Photo by Meghan O'Brien/South Dakota Searchlight)America is in a race, one that will define global economic leadership for the next decade. China is aggressively positioning itself as a center for artificial intelligence development and deployment. The winner will capture enormous competitive advantages in innovation, job creation and geopolitical influence. But there’s a detail often overlooked in this high-stakes competition. None of it happens without reliable critical infrastructure, such as power and data centers. Winning the AI race is fundamentally about establishing the critical infrastructure that powers innovation. AI systems rely on data centers, and data centers require electricity. If the United States intends to remain competitive, we must be able to build and power that infrastructure efficiently and affordably. That requires thoughtful policy, modernized permitting and a clear commitment to growth. Data centers are not secondary to the tech economy. They are the foundation. The nation that builds and controls the most advanced, reliable and affordable data center infrastructure will lead in AI development and deployment. Here in South Dakota, we have the essential components to build this critical infrastructure. Our affordable energy, vast land and strong workforce create the necessary conditions for establishing data center facilities that can compete globally. Tech employment in our state has grown 17% in recent years, outpacing many parts of the country. This is a signal that South Dakota can support and sustain the specialized environment required for advanced infrastructure development. Sully County, home to SD’s largest data center, would welcome more with ‘open arms,’ official says But having these advantages is not enough. The window of opportunity is finite, and other states are mobilizing their own competitive advantages. If we want South Dakota to be where America builds the critical infrastructure that powers the AI future, we must act decisively. Supporting and enabling this infrastructure development is not a favor to industry. It is imperative for our state and our nation. Establishing critical data center infrastructure in South Dakota delivers immediate and long-term benefits for our communities. The Big Watt data center in Sully County alone contributes roughly $900,000 a year in kilowatt-hour taxes directly to local schools and could eventually provide more than $160 million annually as future phases come online. Its payroll already totals several million dollars a year, with nearly all staff drawn from within the region. This kind of investment can strengthen schools, support local businesses and create lasting economic opportunity. Additionally, construction and development of this infrastructure alone can support hundreds of electricians, contractors, engineers and skilled trades workers. These are good-paying jobs that circulate dollars through local businesses. For rural parts of our state, that kind of investment can be transformative. At Oahe Electric Cooperative, we see how thoughtful planning and load growth can support grid upgrades while protecting affordability for the families and small businesses we serve. We also know South Dakota is already a leader in renewable energy, with 29 wind projects totaling 3,476 megawatts, along with growing solar capacity and grid storage resources. As demand for electricity grows, we are taking on new generation responsibly through an all-of-the-above energy strategy that rests on a reliable foundation of natural gas and coal, accompanied by wind and solar resources. Just as importantly, data centers should be required to pay the upfront costs associated with their onboarding so existing consumers are not left subsidizing the infrastructure needed to support large-scale new load. When planned responsibly, this approach can support grid upgrades and new generation in ways that maintain reliability and protect affordability for South Dakota’s households and small businesses. The broader significance is strategic. By establishing critical infrastructure for the technology economy, South Dakota positions itself as essential to American competitiveness. We attract complementary investment, develop specialized workforce expertise and build advantages that strengthen our state’s position in the global economy for decades. If our policies create uncertainty or make infrastructure development financially unworkable, capital will flow to other states where the path is clearer and the commitment is stronger. We must transform from a state watching the technology race to a state where the race is won. Our state must act now to establish the critical infrastructure that will power American innovation for the next decade. This is our moment to position South Dakota as essential to winning the technology race. With practical regulations and a clear commitment to supporting data center infrastructure development, we can ensure that South Dakota is where America builds the advanced infrastructure that leads the world in artificial intelligence. The technology shaping the global economy will be powered by the infrastructure we build today. South Dakota can be that foundation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of South Dakota Searchlight
	Davenport Schools supports hundreds of students facing homelessness Nearly 500 Davenport students started the school year without permanent housing. A district liaison and her team work to connect families with help.
	Warning issued about potential Clinton County solicitor scams The public is being advised about potential door-to-door asphalt and paving scams. According to a release from the Clinton County Sheriffs Office, residents are advised to exercise caution when approached by door-to-door solicitors offering asphalt paving, driveway repair, seal coating or similar services: Throughout Iowa and the Midwest, law enforcement agencies and consumer protection officials [...]
	Yanks and Shanks Disc Golf shop in Rock Island to close Yanks and Shanks said it will finish out the tournaments it has scheduled and discs will still be on-site at tournaments to use "funny money."
	Therapist who admitted stealing drugs from patients’ apartments faces license suspension The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing is being taken to court over a decision on the state's registry of dependent-adult abusers. (Photo illustration via Getty Images; logo courtesy of the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing) A state-licensed therapist who admitted burglarizing the apartments of assisted living residents in an effort to steal their medications is now facing licensing sanctions. The Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapists has opted not to revoke the license of Eric Newsom of Cedar Rapids, who pleaded guilty last month to a criminal charge of tampering with a consumer product, but to instead suspend his license for three years. Court records show that in October 2025, federal prosecutors charged Newsom with one count of tampering with a consumer product and one count acquiring a controlled substance through fraud or misrepresentation. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Prosecutors alleged that as an Iowa-licensed occupational therapist in Iowa who owned and operated his own company, Element Therapy Solutions, Newsom diverted narcotics from patients. One 74-year-old patient who lived in an assisted living facility had cancer and required medication to control her pain from multiple-organ failure, prosecutors said. According to court and board records, Newsom was accused of picking up the woman’s hydrocodone prescription from a local pharmacy, then swapping the pills with zinc tablets, adding score marks across the pills to make them look like hydrocodone. As a result, prosecutors said, the patient did not receive her pain medication in the days immediately before her death in March 2025. According to court documents, Newsom also admitted burglarizing the apartment of another assisted living resident while seeking narcotics, and admitted targeting two sisters who lived in different apartments at a Cedar Rapids care facility. On at least three occasions, Newsom admitted, he took the sisters to a gym for therapy and then falsely claimed he had left his phone in their apartments so he could go back and steal their narcotic medications. As part of a plea deal with prosecutors, Newsom pleaded guilty last month to one count of tampering with a consumer product, but he has yet to be sentenced. Court records indicate he faces a maximum of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. In November 2025, shortly after the criminal charges were filed, the Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy charged Newsom with several regulatory violations, including professional incompetence, negligence in the practice of the profession, unethical conduct, habitual intoxication or addiction to the use of drugs, and obtaining or attempting to obtain controlled substances without lawful authority. On March 13, 2026, a board hearing was held on the matter. According to the board, Newsom’s company, which employed as many as 13 people, offered therapy services primarily to eight care facilities in eastern Iowa including Keystones of Cedar Rapids and Legacy Manor of Cedar Rapids. Quotation There is no dispute that Newsom stole narcotic medications from four elderly patients in three different facilities ... Newsom took doctor-prescribed medication from a vulnerable population to serve his addiction. – Iowa Board of Physical and Occupational Therapy In the summer of 2024, the board alleges, Newsom sustained an injury and was prescribed pain medication — specifically, oxycodone and hydrocodone — and then developed an addiction to the narcotics. “To relieve his cravings, Newsom diverted or stole prescription narcotic medications from his patients,” the board concluded after its hearing. “Newsom eventually admitted to diverting prescription narcotic medication on four occasions from four residents in total — specifically, two at Legacy Manor, one at Boyson Heights, and one at Keystones.” The board records indicate Newsom also stated there had been “plenty” of times he went into the apartments of assisted living residents and failed to locate any narcotics he could steal. Two occupational therapy assistants later complained to the licensing board that Newsom appeared to engage in unethical billing practices by conducting brief evaluations of five to 10 minutes each but billed for more than that, backdated his documentation, and reported seeing patients he had not actually seen. According to the board, Newsom, in his interview last year with board investigator Derrek Ross, admitted he had stolen prescription narcotics from four patients, but denied fraudulent billing practices and falsifying patient records. “There is no dispute that Newsom stole narcotic medications from four elderly patients in three different facilities,” the board stated at the conclusion of the hearing. “The board finds that this fact alone constitutes professional incompetence because Newsom took doctor-prescribed medication from a vulnerable population to serve his addiction … Newsom stole narcotic medications from his patients, failed to timely complete progress notes, failed to see patients as required by Iowa regulations, falsely reported that he had seen patients when he had not, and failed to properly supervise his occupational therapy assistants.” In deciding Newsom’s actions warranted a three-year suspension of his license to practice, the board stated that it “acknowledges the hard work that Newsom has shown in addressing his addiction and appreciates Newsom taking accountability for his actions. Further, the board commends Newsom for advocating and working with the addiction community.” However, the board added, “Newsom took advantage of a vulnerable population and the board is concerned that if allowed to work with such a population again — or any population that may be prescribed narcotic medications — there is a risk that Newsom will relapse.” In addition to suspending Newsom’s license for three years, the board ordered that he participate in the Iowa Practitioner Health Program and that before applying for reinstatement he must complete a course on ethics and boundaries, submit to random drug testing for at least three years, and submit to a background check. The Iowa Capital Dispatch was not able to reach Newsom for comment Tuesday at either his home or his office. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	14-year-old Rock Island student makes waves as first Channel Cat artist Eva Kendall, a 14-year-old Rock Island High School student was the first featured musician on the Channel Cat Water Taxi Thursday, June 18, in a new summer music series.
	Four displaced after overnight house fire on West 8th Street in Davenport Fire crews were called to a house fire in the 1400 block of West 8th Street in Davenport. Details are limited and the fire department has not released more.
	Eldridge police officer awarded for live saving efforts Eldridge police officer Erik Johnson has been awarded a Livesaving Award, in recognition of exceptional service and heroic response. Johnson received the award in relation to an emergency medical call he responded to on Jan. 15. During the call, the individual, identified only as Angel, was reportedly unresponsive and not breathing. Upon arrival, Johnson assessed the situation and was able to stabilize Angel until emergency medical personnel arrived, helping to save the individual’s life. “Officer Johnson’s professionalism, dedication to duty, and commitment to preserving life exemplify the highest standards of law enforcement,” said Eldridge Police Chief Andrew Lellig. “His actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Eldridge Police Department.” Lellig added Johnson’s “calm demeanor, quick thinking and decisive response” resulted in a positive outcome for the situation.
	Eldridge Police assist FBI with child exploitation arrest The Eldridge Police Department, working in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation Task Force based in Kansas City, Mo., assisted with the arrest of a 46-year-old Missouri resident. This followed an undercover investigation into online child exploitation. Christopher Cassidy of Oak Grove, Mo., was charged in federal court with two counts of attempted receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), one count of attempted production of child sexual abuse material, and one count of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. The arrest occurred on Thursday, June 18th, after an investigator with the Eldridge Police Department’s Special Investigations/Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit conducted a controlled online operation involving the suspect. During the investigation, the suspect allegedly used the internet to attempt to engage in illegal contact with an individual they believed to be a minor. “This arrest underscores our commitment to protecting children from online predators,” said Chief Andrew Lellig. “We will continue to use every available resource to identify, investigate, and prosecute those who seek to harm our most vulnerable.” The Eldridge Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force Squad 1, Kansas City, Missouri for their assistance and collaboration in this investigation. The department also reminds parents and guardians of the importance of discussing online safety with children and actively monitoring their internet use. Anyone with information regarding suspected child exploitation is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency or submit a tip through: Quad Cities Crime Stoppers at www.qccrimestoppers.com or by using The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline at www.cybertipline.org.
	Davenport declares June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day The City of Davenport declared June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day. According to a Facebook post, Mayor Gordon and the city council issued a proclamation June 17 to recognize June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day. Tracy Singleton and Ryan Saddler accepted the proclamation. For more information, click here.
	Part of Dammann Drive in Eldridge to close for speed-hump construction Eldridge will close Dammann Drive just north of West Donahue Court starting June 23 for speed hump work. Detours posted; reopen June 29.
	Traffic alert: Lane changes on Dubuque bridge Construction will close the eastbound lane on the US 20 Julien Dubuque Bridge most days, but it will reopen weekdays from 3–6 p.m.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for June 19, 2026 Expect closures heading into this Friday in recognition of Juneteenth. Closures include the Government Bridge for a scheduled cleaning.
	Rock Island County releases identity of man killed in June 18 crash Law enforcement is continuing its investigation of the single-vehicle crash outside Milan, per the county coroner.
	Iowa-licensed nurse accused of theft, being under the influence at work (Photo courtesy of the Iowa Board of Nursing)An Iowa-licensed nurse has been charged with stealing medications or supplies and being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while at work. The Iowa Board of Nursing has charged Kenneth Junior Stevenson of Moline, Ill., with misappropriating or attempting to misappropriate medications or property of a patient or a agency; practicing nursing while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and obtaining or attempting to obtain controlled substances without lawful authority. The board has not disclosed any information as to the alleged conduct that gave rise to charges or indicated when or where they’re alleged to have taken place. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Oct. 14, 2026. Board records indicate Stevenson has been an Iowa-licensed registered nurse since March 2009. The Iowa Capital Dispatch was not able to reach Stevenson for comment. Other Iowa-licensed nurses recently sanctioned by the board include: — Lynette Tokach of Cedar Rapids, who is charged by the board with engaging in unethical conduct or practices that are harmful to the public; failing to notify the board of a criminal conviction within 30 days; and failing to comply with an order of the board. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for July 31, 2026. The Iowa Capital Dispatch was not able to reach Tokach for comment. — Haley Dugdale of Sioux City, who is charged with violating an initial agreement or contract with the Iowa Professional Health Program, which assists healthcare professionals with alcohol or drug issues. The board approved the charges in April 2026, but did not make them public until June 17, 2026, which was two days after the scheduled hearing date in the case. Dugdale said Wednesday the hearing is now scheduled for July 30, 2026. She said her agreement to participate in the Iowa Professional Health Program stems from a December 2024 incident in which her “former employer decided to turn me in for taking medications when I was off the job.” In 2019, the board charged Dugdale with fraudulently using blank prescription forms “on more than one occasion” to obtain medications under false pretenses. According to court records, she later pleaded guilty to a felony criminal charge of obtaining a prescription drug by fraud, and received a deferred judgment which has resulted in most of the case file being expunged from Iowa court records. As part of that case, a related misdemeanor charge of theft was dismissed by the court. In that case, police had alleged that on Sept. 7, 2018, while working as a registered nurse at Sioux City’s Wagner Ear, Nose & Throat clinic, Dugdale forged a prescription for hydrocodone, then left the doctor’s office and went to a Hy-Vee Pharmacy to obtain the narcotics. Dugdale’s license was indefinitely suspended in 2019, and reinstated two years later. In 2025, she was charged by the board with being involved in the unauthorized possession or use of a controlled substance, excessive use of drugs and/or alcohol which might impair her ability to practice, and engaging in behavior that is contradictory to professional. The board scheduled a hearing in that matter for June 15, 2026 – the same day as the canceled hearing on the more recent charge of violating an initial agreement or contract with the Iowa Professional Health Program. Dugdale said Wednesday she is “devastated by the charges and I would never, ever put the public in any danger. I love my job.” — Wendell Dishman of Council Bluffs, who was denied the reinstatement of his nursing license. According to the board, Dishman was issued an Iowa registered nurse license in September 1986. In 2016, while working in Nebraska, he “administered an excess dosage of morphine” to a nursing home patient, the board alleges. State records show that in 2018, Dishman surrendered his license, and in February 2026, he applied for reinstatement of his license. The board recently denied that application, stating Dishman had not demonstrated that the reasons for his license surrender no longer exist. The Iowa Capital Dispatch was not able to reach Dishman for comment. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	How and why algae clouded Trump's vision for an 'American flag blue' Reflecting Pool The shallow, sunny waters of the reflecting pool are an ideal incubator for algae growth in the summertime. Experts say the recent renovation may have helped accelerate it.
	Algae clouded Trump's vision for the Reflecting Pool. But scientists aren't surprised The shallow, sunny waters of the reflecting pool are an ideal incubator for algae growth in the summertime. Experts say the recent renovation may have helped accelerate it.
	Iowa company to shine bright at LA Olympics Oskaloosa-based Musco Lighting will provide broadcast and presentation lighting for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles and Team USA.
	FDA panel recommends mRNA flu vaccine for older adults Currently, the FDA has no permanent vaccine chief nor a commissioner, so it’s not clear who will make the final decision on Moderna’s flu shot.
	Coroner identifies 79-year-old killed in Milan crash on Knoxville Road A driver died after hitting a tree on Knoxville Road in Milan, the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office said.
	‘Clothes on fire’ put out in minutes by Muscatine firefighters A “clothes on fire” 911 call led crews to a Muscatine home on Gas Lantern Square. Fire was controlled in seven minutes; no injuries.

Sunday, June 21st, 2026

Saturday, June 20th, 2026

Friday, June 19th, 2026