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

Monday, November 24th, 2025
	City of Aledo has new hotline for problems with trash, recycling collection Effective immediately, Lakeshore Recycling Systems (LRS) has implemented a dedicated customer support hotline for Aledo customers to report delays in trash or recycling collection or other issues, a news release. Residents can call 309-734-2515 to reach the Monmouth office of LRS to report any concerns. The City of Aledo has been working with LRS to [...]
	Quad Cities Regional Business Journal: What's behind the success of the Student Hunger Drive? Students in the QCA once again fought hunger and gave back to the community with the 39th annual Student Hunger Drive with a lot of help from area businesses and community leaders. Jennifer DeWitt from the Quad Cities Regional Business Journal joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about what went into the success of [...]
	MLK Center breaks Thanksgiving meal giveaway record The community center served up more than 9,000 free meals.
	'No one is more deserving': Former governor, ambassador Terry Branstad to be presented Iowa Award The Iowa Award is the state's highest citizen award.
	Quad Cities gardening program collects nearly 65,000 pounds of fresh produce for local food pantries The groups behind the program asked gardeners to grow and donate fresh produce to be distributed to food pantries and shelters.
	Quad Cities crews prepare for first notable snowfall of the year “But if you’re cutting in front of or on the side of a truck, they may or may not be able to see you,” street operations manager said.
	New historical sign on Great River Trail honors pre-Moline visionary David Sears Along the Great River Trail walkers, runners and cyclists already have many landmarks to admire. Frank Ege, the commissioner for the Moline preservation committee has now added another. A three-panel sign that gives recognition to David Sear, a pioneer who envisioned Moline a decade before it was established in 1848. "Very few knew about David [...]
	“Heartfelt & Handmade Ornament Competition” and Family Festival and Market, through December 6 Local and regional artists and crafters are sharing their talents for a great cause this holiday season, and the Muscatine Art Center invites everyone to join in the fun. The beloved Heartfelt & Handmade Ornament Competition, its decorations on view through December 5, has returned, and the first day to purchase these ornaments on December 6, at the Heartfelt & Handmade Family Festival and Market.
	QC gardeners surpass donation goal by nearly 60,000 pounds of produce As people continue to step up and help get others fed this holiday season, a new initiative is producing big results: The Gift Gardens initiative passed its initial goal by almost 60,000 pounds of food. "We had a goal of 5,000 pounds. This is the inaugural season, so we thought that was a lofty goal. [...]
	Bethany for Children and Families receives $10k grant from Delta Dental of Illinois Bethany for Children and Families has reached over 1,600 people so far in the 2025-26 school year, already approaching their total from last year. They aren't stopping, either; they want to reach as many kids in the area as possible to provide dentistry services to kids who do not have private health insurance. With a [...]
	Mail your letters to Santa in Bettendorf If someone in your life is writing a letter to Santa Claus, some of Santa's elves have landed in the QCA to help. Until December 19, Santa's helpers will be at the Landing Ice Rink and the Family Museum in Bettendorf to help your letters get to the North Pole. Letters should be stamped and [...]
	Iowa DNR provides safety tips for deer hunters this upcoming shotgun season For those planning to hunt, Iowa DNR officer Mick Klemesrud said it’s all about being prepared.
	Bureau County couple create community food pantry, Thanksgiving giveaway Wyanet, Illinois, is a food desert, with the nearest grocery store in a neighboring town. It's why Kevin and Sarah Sights launched the 24-hour pantry in 2023.
	Making sure your car's tires are ready for winter The Storm Track 8 team is monitoring what could be the season's first accumulating snowfall this weekend. Here's how to make sure your car is ready.
	Service held outside historic Clinton church to mark end After the church is taken down, community members said they hope to keep the legacy of the Bethel AME Church alive with a memorial park.
	Davenport police encourage caution during the holiday season Police said you shouldn't post about trips online until after you're back home. Light timers can also make your home look occupied while you're gone.
	Davenport Gift Gardens grow more than 64,000 pounds of food The group skyrocketed past their initial goal of 5,000 pounds of food.
	Quad Cities Veterans Outreach Center honors nearly 100-year-old WWII vet Vince Martinez served in the Navy during WWII.
	Cold and snowy over Thanksgiving weekend After some gloomy weather to start the week, things are about to get colder and snowier over Thanksgiving weekend! The holiday high will only be the 30s. And our first accumulating snow of the season could very well fall on Saturday. We'll work out those details over the next few days...for now, plan on some [...]
	Holiday foods should be savored, not judged, UI professor says The holidays can bring lots of rich meals and sweet treats. One local expert has some tips for avoiding the guilt that can come with such foods.
	Flight delays: Here are your rights when flying over the holidays in 2025 There’s a magic number of hours you have to wait before airlines are required to help you during a delay, and most travelers don’t know it.
	KWQC dropped from fuboTV in dispute with NBC/Telemundo The dispute is between Disney and Comcast, which owns the NBC and Telemundo television networks, and affects all affiliates of the networks, including KWQC.
	Traffic Alert: 18th Avenue, 21st Street intersection reopens after crash The intersection of 18th Avenue and 21st Street were blocked due to a crash Monday afternoon.
	Holiday foods should be savored, not judged, UI professor says The holidays can bring lots of rich meals and sweet treats. One local expert has some tips for avoiding the guilt that can come with such foods.
	Police on scene after cars crash near QC driving school office, Rock Island Police were on the scene of a two-car crash near a driving school shortly before 4 p.m. Monday in Rock Island. Our Quad Cities News crew saw a car in the yard of a building with offices that include M&J Driving School, LLC, at the intersection of 21st Street and 18th Avenue. Another car was [...]
	Portland Trail Blazers coach pleads not guilty in rigged poker games case Hall of Famer Chauncey Billups has pleaded not guilty to charges he profited from rigged poker games involving several Mafia figures and another former NBA player.
	MLK Center serves over 9,000 Thanksgiving meals in the QCA The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center (MLK Center) served more than 9,000 free Thanksgiving meals November 21-23, making it the largest in the event’s 36-year history. According to a release, the MLK Center had more than 300 volunteers for the event., many of whom have been coming back for more than a decade. Meals [...]
	New QC garden partnership produces 64,063 pounds of fresh produce A new partnership among Tapestry Farms, River Bend Food Bank and Extension programs of University of Illinois and Iowa State is meeting urgent hunger needs in the Quad Cities area.
	River Drive in Moline reopens for the winter during pause in construction project The road will reopen until construction on the Arsenal Bridge Viaduct project resumes next year.
	Bureau County couple create community food pantry, Thanksgiving giveaway Wyanet, IL, is a food desert, with the nearest grocery store in a neighboring town. It's why Kevin and Sarah Sights launched the 24-hour pantry in 2023.
	U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen visits renovated UnityPoint Cancer Center in Moline on Monday UnityPoint Health market president Shawn Morrow said he was proud to show off the cutting edge technology at the UnityPoint Cancer Center in Moline.
	New poll shows Latino support for Trump is slipping after gains in 2024 The Pew Research Center's survey of Latinos show majorities disapprove of the president, especially his policies on the economy and immigration.
	Thanksgiving grocery shopping: Where to find the best deals A comparison of Thanksgiving meal essentials at Aldi, Walmart and Hy-Vee showed the total price differences varying by about $4 between the most and least expensive options.
	River Drive in Moline reopens for winter during Arsenal Bridge construction pause Officials said the reopening was due to the scheduled shutdown of construction on the Arsenal Bridge Viaduct project.
	$85K settlement ends federal lawsuit against Muscatine County Muscatine County will pay $85,000 to resolve a federal lawsuit over the 2020 firing of its jail administrator Dean Naylor, according to a settlement agreement.
	Elementary students share gratitude ahead of Thanksgiving Students at Hayes Elementary School shared what they are thankful for during a special event with parents Monday.
	News 8 This Week: Sunday, Nov. 23 Political newscast produced by WQAD to inform viewers on the latest in politics and why it matters to those in the Quad Cities.
	Trump and China's leader Xi Jinping hold a call and discuss trade, Taiwan and Ukraine Monday's call was the latest in a flurry of diplomatic and trade parries between the U.S. and China over tariffs and technology export restrictions.
	Judge dismisses Comey, James indictments after finding that prosecutor was illegally appointed A federal judge has dismissed the criminal cases against former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James, concluding that the prosecutor who brought the charges at President Donald Trump’s urging was illegally appointed by the Justice Department.
	Pentagon investigates Democrat senator for telling troops to refuse 'illegal orders' The Pentagon says it's opening an investigation into Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly in the wake of a video of Democratic lawmakers urging servicemembers not to comply with 'illegal orders."
	Pentagon investigates Democratic senator for telling troops to refuse 'illegal orders' The Pentagon says it's opening an investigation into Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly in the wake of a video of Democratic lawmakers urging servicemembers not to comply with "illegal orders."
	'Just Google' me: Slender Man stabber is recaptured after fleeing her group home Geyser and a friend lured a classmate to the woods and stabbed her 19 times in 2014. She moved from a psychiatric facility to a group home in Wisconsin earlier this year.
	Workshop supports kids after parent’s cancer diagnosis Cancer Support Community Iowa and NW Illinois at Gilda’s Club is hosting a free educational workshop on supporting kids after a parent’s cancer diagnosis. Carissa Hodgson, LCSW, OSW-C, Director of Programs for Bright Spot Network, is the featured speaker. The program will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, December 3 from 12 – 1 p.m. Registration [...]
	Judge tosses Comey, James cases after finding prosecutor unlawfully appointed Lindsey Halligan, who brought the cases, is a former insurance attorney who once served as President Trump's personal lawyer before his return to office.
	Muscatine County settles with jailer who made anti-gay, Muslim posts Dean Naylor was fired by the county over online posts he made about Muslims and LGBTQ people.
	Tapestry Farms' GIFT Gardens donates 64,063 pounds of produce, far exceeding goal More than 80 Quad-Cities residents planted extra plots and harvested produce for the initiative, which launched this year.
	Reggae pioneer Jimmy Cliff dies at 81 The musician and actor helped propel reggae into the international spotlight, thanks in part to his songs and starring role in the 1972 film The Harder They Come.
	Cael Daufeldt honored for poultry production/entrepreneurship at National FFA Convention Winners of the 2025 FFA Agricultural Proficiency Awards were named at the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo in Indianapolis, including one for Poultry Production - Entrepreneurship/Placement from the QCA. Cael Daufeldt with the West Liberty FFA started a paid placement supervised agricultural experiences (SAEs) in 2020 as a farm production assistant for BKBE Farms in West [...]
	Steve Hytner, December 11 Beloved for playing the obsequious standup Kenny Bania, one of Jerry's many nemeses, on the sitcom smash Seinfeld, touring comedian Steve Hytner kicks off the 2025-26 "Laugh QC" Thursday Night Comedy Series in the Davenport RiverCenter's Mississippi Hall, his December 11 show treating fans to a night with the funnyman also seen on such Emmy-winning series as Modern Family, Friends, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
	41st-Annual Christmas in LeClaire, December 5 through 7 Local artisans, trolley rides, a lot of ugly sweaters, and, of course, appearances by St. Nick are among the guaranteed sights at the eagerly anticipated 41st-Annual Christmas in LeClaire weekend, with holiday-themed events and family activities scheduled at more than a dozen downtown locales between December 5 and 7.
	“A Visit with Jane Austen,” December 6 With the events held in celebration of the 250th anniversary of her birth, one of history's greatest novelists will be showcased in the performance piece A Visit with Jane Austen, in which Debra Ann Miller will portray the beloved author at the Davenport Public Library's Eastern Avenue Branch and the Rock Island Public Library's Watts-Midtown Branch, both presentations taking place on December 6.
	“Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol,” December 7 The new recipient of the Academy Awards' 2026 Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award and one of most beloved entertainers in American history, the Queen of County Music's stage spectacular Dolly Parton's Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol brings its national tour to Davenport's Adler Theatre on December 7, a new musical featuring songs by Dolly Parton and book by David H. Bell, adapted by Bell, Curt Wollan, and Paul T. Couch.
	Quad City Symphony Orchestra Masterworks III: “Schumann Piano Concerto,” December 6 and 7 In addition to thrilling pieces by Johann Sebastian Bach and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, attendees of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra's third Masterworks concerts of the season will be treated to a heartfelt masterpiece in Schumann Piano Concerto, the respective December 6 and 7 performances at Davenport's Adler Theatre and Moline's Bartlett Performing Arts Center boasting the skills of world-renowned pianist Yefim Bronfman.
	Sevendust, December 6 Touring in advance of their forthcoming European dates and in support of the band's most recent album Truth Killer – a top-three Billboard smash that Metal Injection called "focused and streamlined with plenty of catchy songs and a few surprises" – the Grammy-nominated alternative-metal artists of Sevendust return to East Moline venue The Rust Belt on December 6, performing from a repertoire that includes 14 studio albums, one live album, and two compilation albums,
	Muscatine County to pay top prosecutor $1M in employment settlement Jim Barry will receive $969,988.99 as part of an employment agreement.
	The Ben Rosenblum Trio and Laura Anglade, December 7 With RG magazine stating that his "music keeps you on your feet and not wanting to miss a single moment of magic," award-winning jazz pianist and accordionist Ben Rosenblum brings his trio to Davenport's Redstone Room on December 7 alongside French/American singer Laura Anglade, whose talents inspired All About Jazz to rave that "while Laura’s style is evocative of Julie London, Helen Merrill and Cyrille Aimée, her voice is uniquely her own."
	“An Afternoon with Damon Johnson,” December 7 On December 7, Rascals Live will host a very special event with an iconic musician from Brother Cane, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Thin Lizzy, Alice Cooper, and Black Star Riders, the Moline venue's An Afternoon with Damon Johnson treating fans to stories, acoustic songs, and more with the noted rocker, including a listening party for the forthcoming Brother Cane album Magnolia Medicine.
	QC Animal Welfare Center to host holiday open house on Dec. 6 The QC Animal Welfare Center will hold its Holiday Open House on Dec. 6 with adoption specials, vendors, raffle baskets, and donation opportunities for animals.
	Rhett Miller, December 5 With his band The Old 97's, earlier this year, the recipients of a Lifetime Achievement award from the Americana Music Association, the group's lead vocalist and primary songwriter Rhett Miller headlines a December 5 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel in support of his October recording A Lifetime of Riding by Night, a work in which, according to The Fire Note, "its steady acoustic warmth lingers long after the last note."
	Pullstring, December 6 Minneapolis-based alt-rock and power-pop musicians who inspired Good Music Radar to rave that their "flow is maintained as a sacrosanct part of their passion for music," the Pullstring quartet headlines a December 6 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, The Other Side Reviews adding that "Pullstring explores human vulnerability and fragility in a heart-aching but simultaneously heart-warming way."
	Advance Base, December 9 The lauded indie-pop project of Chicago-based singer/songwriter Owen Ashworth, Advance Base headlines a December 9 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, the artist's most recent album Horrible Occurrences a work that, as hailed by AllMusic, "shows that Ashworth's songwriting is as strong and affecting as ever."
	Wild Horses, December 6 With the Michigan musicians lauded by the Grand Rapids Herald Review as a "wonderfully talented" band that finds "percussions, strings, and trumpet working together seamlessly to provide the foundation for vocals and lyrics," Wild Horses enjoys a December 6 "Basementstormer" engagement in the basement of Maquoketa's Codfish Hollow Barn, the group's recent accomplishments including acting as 2024 openers for Willie Nelson and winning the Blue Ox Virtual Band Competition.
	“The Grand Ol' Christmas Show,” December 10 Designed as a Grand Ole Opry performance mixed with old-time radio and a healthy helping of Texas flair, the nationally touring Grand Ol' Christmas Show brings favorite seasonal classics and original sketch-comedy antics to Galesburg's Orpheum Theatre on December 10, this family-friendly holiday entertainment featuring Americana masters Blue Water Highway along with a cast of acclaimed artists from the Lone Star State.
	Choral Dynamics: “The Beauty of Christmas,” December 5 through 7 With this year's series of seasonal concerts benefiting the FISH of Galesburg food pantry, the revered vocal ensemble Choral Dynamics presents its yuletide show The Beauty of Christmas at Galesburg's Orpheum Theatre December 5 through 7, director Alisa's production designed to celebrate the beauties of nature, tradition, decorations, seeing Christmas through the eyes of a child, home, family, friends, and the Nativity.
	Crime Stoppers solved: Man was wanted by Iowa Department of Corrections Officials say Todd Bowens, 61, was arrested after being wanted by the Iowa Department of Corrections District 7 High Risk Unit.
	“Christmas with Elvis,” December 6 and 7 Fronted by multi-award-winning tribute artist Jonathan Lyons of Jonny Lyons & the Pride, Christmas with Elvis will treat audiences at Mt. Carroll's Timber Lake Playhouse to a special holiday tribute to the King of Rock and Roll, its December 6 and 7 performances taking crowds back to the early years of a youthful and energetic Presley as he croons "Hound Dog," "Santa Claus is Back in Town," and many more rock and seasonal favorites.
	Railroad Heritage of Midwest America installing new turntable foundation Railroading Heritage of Midwest America (RRHMA) is taking a major step towards preserving the area's locomotive history. Preparations are underway for a new railroad turntable and roundhouse at the Silvis facility. Contractors began demolition of the original roundhouse foundation earlier this month to allow them to build a new foundation. The new turntable and round [...]
	Weather making a big change this Thanksgiving week After a fantastic weekend across the Quad Cities with plenty of sunshine and highs approaching 60° Sunday, the week is kicking off rather dreary. It'll be in the 50s today and tomorrow, but colder weather is on the way. By the weekend, our first widespread accumulating snow of the season is possible. While not a [...]
	AAA to launch ‘Tow to Go’ for Thanksgiving as record number of travelers expected Tow to Go is active from 6 p.m. Wednesday until 6 a.m. Monday.
	Al’s Burgers sets Moline opening date, announces grand opening celebration Al’s Burgers will open its new Moline location on Nov. 30, with a grand opening event planned for Dec. 6.
	Burlington schools set to switch from trimesters to semesters The school says the switch is intended to close gaps in instruction. The school stated there'll be more course opportunities for semesters rather than trimesters.
	Here are the Books We Love: 380+ great 2025 reads recommended by NPR Our annual reading guide returns with 380+ new titles handpicked by NPR staff and trusted critics. Find 13 years of recommendations all in one place — that's more than 4,000 great reads.
	The Mural This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.I am sorry to report that the Guinness Book of World Records has just rejected an application to list the Upper…
	He left Gaza and fled to Europe on a jet ski. Now he hopes to bring his family In an extraordinary journey, a Palestinian man used a jet ski to cross the Mediterranean Sea and reach Europe after he fled the war in Gaza.
	A bowhead whale's DNA offers clues to fight cancer Scientists searching for new ways to combat cancer think they may have uncovered a promising new lead in the DNA of the bowhead whale.
	'Nobody wants to come': What if the U.S. can no longer attract immigrant physicians? Immigrants make up a significant proportion of all the country's doctors. New policies are making it harder and less appealing for foreign-born physicians to come to the U.S.
	Give thanks for the discounts: the feast will cost a little less this year Shoppers can be thankful for discounts on turkey and stuffing this year. While overall grocery prices are up, this year's Thanksgiving meal should cost a bit less than last year's.
	THC drinks are flying high. A new hemp law could kill the buzz Drinks infused with cannabis' buzzy compound THC are wildly popular and available in many states. But a year from now, the hemp-based products could be banned under a newly approved federal law.
	What foods make you happiest? It's not what you think As you prepare for your holiday feast, here's something to consider. Research suggests there are certain foods that can help boost our moods and make us happier in the long-run.
	Set Fire to the Reign: “The Lion in Winter,” at the Black Box Theatre through December 6 The Lion in Winter is considered a classic, and its current area production, directed by Noah Hill for Moline′s Black Box Theatre, is an enthralling, often hilarious feast, with the fine cast of seven doing full justice to the clever script.
	Are SNAP Recipients in Danger of Dying from Illness, Technical Errors, or Executive Malevolence? Congress’ “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” which passed last summer, could prove to be far more damaging to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program in Illinois than most people know. A SNAP “death penalty” is built into the budget reconciliation law.
	U.S. set to label Maduro-tied Cartel de los Soles as a terror organization President Trump's administration is set to ramp up pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro designating Cartel de los Soles as a terrorist organization. But the entity is not a cartel per se.
	Rock Island and Henry County real estate transactions for Nov. 23, 2025
Sunday, November 23rd, 2025
	In Geneva, U.S. and Ukraine officials report progress on ending war with Russia Top U.S. and Ukrainian officials said Sunday they'd made progress toward ending the Russia-Ukraine war but provided scant details after discussing the American proposal to achieve peace.
	ImpactLife partners with Quad City Botanical Center for holiday blood drive As donations dip during the holidays, ImpactLife held a special drive at the Quad City Botanical Center this week, offering incentives and collecting lifesaving unit
	Local THC drink bar faces threat from recent federal hemp rules A new Quad Cities THC drink bar may be forced to cease operations under new federal hemp rules. Owners urge lawmakers and customers to speak up before next November.
	Family Resources and Wild Blooms QC co-hosts centerpiece-making for assault survivors Each $40 signup spent half the proceeds directly to sexual assault survivor assistance, helping with holiday support and other vital needs for local families.
	Rock Island man arrested after crash while fleeing, police say He is also facing charges for reckless driving, speeding, failure to obey traffic control device and violating one-way traffic designation in related cases, according to court documents.
	Rock Island man arrested after fleeing, crash, police say He is also facing charges for reckless driving, speeding, failure to obey traffic control device and violating one-way traffic designation in related cases, according to court documents.
	The U.S. Transportation Department is urging air passengers to be on good behavior Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wants air travelers to be nice this holiday season. A new DOT campaign asks passengers to help each other and thank flight attendants.
	Visit Quad Cities and QC Botanical center host holiday blood drive The Impact-Life donor truck stood in front of the center's front parking lot from 3pm to 6pm today.
	Rock Island's MLK Junior Center concludes 36th annual free community Thanksgiving During the weekend-long event, the public was welcome to grab Thanksgiving meals at the center, and it was all free.
	Man arrested after explosives scare in Yates City Deputies arrested 58-year-old Robert Cassel of Yates City, charging him with making a terrorist threat and disorderly conduct.
	THC bar faces threats with new federal regulations Inside Dosed, the federal spending bill signed earlier this month would require THC levels to be so low that staff say their scale can't detect it.
	Knox County man arrested after suspected explosive threat A Knox County man was arrested after deputies executed a search warrant tied to a suspected explosive threat. Deputies say there is no danger to the public.
	Texas men indicted in plot to take over Haitian island and enslave women and children Gavin Weisenburg, 21, and Tanner Thomas, 20, planned to take over Gonave Island and murder all men on the island, prosecutors alleged.
	Thanksgiving looking to be cold this year in the Quad Cities Thanksgiving is just a few days away, and it looks to be a cold holiday in the Quad Cities this year. Highs are likely to be in the 30s with some sunshine on Thursday. There is a chance for some light snow before the end of the holiday weekend though. The chance for snow (rain [...]
	Dense Fog Advisory around the Quad Cities for Sunday night After some beautiful sunshine Sunday, we're looking at some clouds and fog Sunday night and Monday morning. Right now there's a Dense Fog Advisory scheduled for counties just West of the Quad Cities.
	Escaped murderer fights extradition to Illinois Johnell Smith, 18, was arrested on Friday after he escaped from a Chicago program and was on the run for nine days.
	Slender Man case convict missing from group home after removing monitoring bracelet Officers are searching for a woman who cut off her Department of Corrections monitoring bracelet and left a group home Saturday night.

Monday, November 24th, 2025

Sunday, November 23rd, 2025