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

Saturday, November 15th, 2025
	A red meat allergy caused by ticks killed a N.J. man. Here's what to know Researchers say they believe they've documented the first known death from alpha-gal syndrome — a red meat allergy caused by tick bites.
	Wyoming Fire Protection District purchases new 2024 Freightliner engine The Wyoming Fire Protection District has purchased a new 2024 Freightliner engine and expects delivery in December after final work is completed.
	Man airlifted after being hit by vehicle, police say A man was airlifted after being hit by a vehicle Friday night.
	Man airlifted after being hit by vehicle A man was airlifted after being hit by a vehicle Friday night.
	U.S. official says the 'table is being set' for possible military action against Venezuela The country's largest aircraft carrier is expected to join thousands of service members in the northern Caribbean Sunday. But it's unclear if President Trump will use military force.
	Americana troubadour Todd Snider, alt-country singer-songwriter, dies at 59 Known for his cosmic-stoner songwriting and freewheeling tunes, Todd Snider's career spanned three decades.
	Welcome the holidays in downtown Rock Island Welcome the holiday season in Arts Alley in downtown Rock Island! According to a release from the City of Rock Island, you can join Mayor Ashley Harris as he leads the countdown for the holiday tree lighting on November 19. The event will feature is set to feature the following: Rock Island Holiday Tree Lighting [...]
	Iowa State Trooper recognized for saving cyclist’s life during RAGBRAI Trooper Darren Flaherty received the Chief’s Commendation after using his AED to restart a cyclist’s heart during RAGBRAI near Granville last July.
	Sherrard coach Todd Volkert to be inducted into ITCCCA Hall of Fame Sherrard girls track coach Todd Volkert will be inducted into the ITCCCA Hall of Fame in January, honored for more than 30 years of coaching and state-level success.
	Council of Prisons suing to restore collective bargaining rights The Federal Bureau of Prisons terminated collective bargaining agreements in September, claiming unions slowed or prevented changes making prison staff safer.
	Judge indefinitely bars Trump from fining UC over alleged discrimination The Trump administration demanded UCLA pay $1.2 billion to restore frozen research funding and ensure eligibility for future funding after accusing the school of allowing antisemitism on campus.
	Jungbunzlauer acquires production facility in Thomson, Illinois Jungbunzlauer, a global leader in sustainable, high-quality ingredients from natural sources, has announced the acquisition of International Flavors & Fragrances’ multipurpose production site in Thomson, Illinois, a news release says. This investment marks Jungbunzlauer’s first U.S. manufacturing facility and a milestone in its North American expansion, the release continues. “This acquisition is a significant step [...]
	Manor of Death: “The Mousetrap,” at Augustana College through November 16 I was immediately drawn into the little world of this slightly run-down manor owned by Giles and Mollie Ralston. Both are on edge about the launch, and with no staff, the guest services and upkeep of the entire place is on their shoulders. They don't know that matters are about to get much worse.
	A stock of U.S.-bought birth control, meant for sub-Saharan Africa, goes bad in Belgium Millions of dollars worth of contraceptives have been stored in Belgium since the U.S. froze foreign aid. A local official says some products were stored improperly and are largely unusable.
	El Khat brings Yemeni sound to Bishop Hill El Khat, the boundary-pushing Arabic-Yemeni trio, will perform Monday, Nov. 17, at Bishop Hill Creative Commons on Monday, Nov. 17. The evening begins with a community potluck and social hour at 6 p.m., followed by the concert at 7 p.m. The event is for all ages and family-friendly, offering a rare opportunity to experience a globally acclaimed sound in an intimate local setting. Guests [...]
	Pope Leo returns 62 artifacts to Indigenous peoples from Canada The Vatican returned 62 artifacts to Indigenous peoples from Canada, a historic restitution that is part of the Catholic Church's reckoning with its role in helping suppress Indigenous culture.
	Opinion: Pope Leo's hope-inspiring favorite films Pope Leo likes movies. As he meets with Hollywood stars today, we have a look at his four favorite movies.
	Teachers union head raises concerns as Raise the Bar members join Bettendorf School Board Michelle Bruty, Eric Engels, Brian Hanssen and Jessica Witters took their oaths of office Thursday evening, after winning the Nov. 4 election.
	Construction underway on pedestrian bridge at Davenport's future riverfront park The pedestrian bridge will cross above the railroad tracks as part of the under-construction 10-acre riverfront park in downtown Davenport.
	Nine statistics to know about Moline-Coal Valley schools from the Illinois Report Card The state designated 10 out of 13 schools in the district as commendable.
	As funding falters, young brain scientists rethink careers in research Research on brain disorders may slow as young neuroscientists struggle to find jobs and research grants.
	It's 2025, and the future has finally caught up with Stephen King's 'Running Man' King's 1982 novel was set in the year 2025, in a world with widespread poverty, mass surveillance, and giant corporations. The newest film version loses some of its critique.
	The Old Stone House This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.High on the limestone bluffs of Calhoun County, Illinois, near where the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers meet sits a…
	More liberals, people of color and LGBTQ Americans say they're buying guns out of fear The image of gun ownership in America has been white, rural and Republican, but that's been changing as more liberals and minorities have been buying guns, especially after the 2024 election.
	USDA head says 'everyone' on SNAP will now have to reapply Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins on Thursday said the Trump administration is planning to have all Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) beneficiaries reapply for the program due to alleged fraud.
	Right-wing media shrugs off latest Epstein document release "To me, these are nothingburgers. If they're even real," said one pro-Trump podcaster, of the thousands of documents that were released this week, including several that named the president.
	The longest government shutdown in U.S. history is over. Here's what you need to know The government is back open. There are lots of questions about what this means, how we got here and where we go from here. Let's dig in.
	At Trump's urging, Bondi says U.S. will investigate Epstein's ties to political foes Acceding to President Donald Trump's demands, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Friday that she has ordered a top federal prosecutor to investigate Jeffrey Epstein's ties to Trump political foes.
Friday, November 14th, 2025
	Morrison Fire Dept. reminds homeowners to service furnaces after home explosion Morrison Assistant Fire Chief reminds everyone to get your furnace looked at as we head into the cooler months.
	Trump cuts ties with Marjorie Taylor Greene, once among his top MAGA-world defenders The dismissal of Greene — once the epitome of "Make America Great Again" — appeared to be the final break in a dispute simmering for months.
	Crews remain on scene of blaze at vacant house in Davenport Firefighters remain on the scene of a blaze in what appears to be a vacant Davenport house at 11 p.m. Friday. The fire started about 10 p.m. in the home - which has some boarded-up windows - on the 400 block of Sturdevant Street. Our Quad Cities News crew saw at least four engines, a [...]
	Crews respond to Davenport house fire Crews are on-scene battling a house fire in Davenport.
	Underserved, rural Illinois libraries to receive major funding The Illinois Secretary of State announced major funding for libraries in underserved and rural communities.
	Enzo's Chicken in East Moline gives out free chicken ahead of ribbon-cutting The grand opening will be on Saturday, with more free chicken available from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
	Hole in wall left by attempted Geneseo break-in decorated for Christmas The Village Florist & Antiques is incorporating the damage into its Christmas display.
	Hole in the wall from attempted Geneseo break-in turned into festive decoration Village Florist and Antiques is making the best out of the aftermath of a botched break-in.
	Hearing held in case of Mercer County superintendent charged with improperly accessing records The next hearing in Tim Farquer's case is set for January 15th.
	What's the future for THC products in the QCA? A provision in the federal spending bill bans almost all THC products from being sold. It lowers the amount of THC that can be in a container to 0.4 milligrams. That restriction takes out an estimated 95% of THC products. "If the bill stays the way that it is now, for us, I mean, we [...]
	Riverboat Development Authority to distribute $2.2 million in grants to local events, organizations and charities Rhythm City Casino released its list of fall grants from the Riverboat Development Authority.
	Council of Prisons suing to restore collective bargaining rights The Federal Bureau of Prisons terminated collective bargaining agreements in September, claiming unions slowed or prevented changes making prison staff safer.
	Rock Island church's food pantry sees increase in demand The Church of Peace UCC in Rock Island typically sees about 120 families at its food pantry every week. Last week, they saw 177.
	State study shows better food waste management could keep more Iowans fed An Iowa Department of Natural Resources study on food waste in the state found that Iowans on average, throw away 200 pounds of food each year.
	Students explore career options at Junior Achievement Inspire Career Fair Local students got to explore possible career options during the Junior Achievement Inspire Career Expo.
	Road blocked off due to police presence in Rock Island A police presence has blocked off 20th Street in Rock Island.
	Illinois attorney general: Be cautious of 'recovery' crypto scam services Attorney General Kwame Raoul on Friday encouraged Illinoisans who have lost money to cryptocurrency fraud and scams to report the incident to law enforcement and be cautious of so-called “recovery” services, according to a news release. A recent change in Illinois law makes it easier for crypto kiosk or crypto ATM customers to get a [...]
	Sunset keeps getting earlier and earlier...for how much longer? Our Friday sunset happened at 4:43 p.m. and it will get earlier and earlier for about another 3 weeks. The earliest sunset is December 8th at 4:33 and 41 seconds. That's about 10 minutes earlier than today. After that date, the sun starts setting (a little bit) later with each passing day!
	Blessing Tree lighting set for Dec. 2 The Blessing Tree tradition shines on for the 27th year in downtown Bettendorf starting with a remembrance ceremony on Dec. 2 from 6 to 7 p.m.
	Rock Island church's food pantry sees increase in demand The Church of Peace UCC in Rock Island typically sees about 120 families at its food pantry every week. Last week, they saw 177.
	Wilton Fire Department acquiring a new ambulance From Nov. 19-21, in between retiring their current ambulance and acquiring a new one on loan, the department will partner with neighboring ambulances for services.
	Long-awaited restoration project underway at Mercer County Fair's historic Floral Hall Crews are now restoring the 1882 Floral Hall at the Mercer County Fairgrounds after safety concerns closed it in 2023.
	Police at scene of Rock Island crash Police were in the area of a crash about 5:30 p.m. Friday on the 1900 block of 17th Street, Rock Island. Our Quad Cities News crew saw officers block traffic from the area. We do not know whether anyone was injured or ticketed. We will stay in contact with police and provide details when they [...]
	Major restoration project underway at Mercer County's historic Floral Hall Crews are now restoring the 1882 Floral Hall at the Mercer County Fairgrounds after safety concerns closed it in 2023.
	A simple CT, a second chance: UnityPoint urges immediate lung screenings this November "...she goes don’t bite me, and I goes no i ain’t going to bite you - I don’t have my dentures. I’ll gum you," said patient.
	'They’re my heart' \| North Scott science teacher earns statewide teaching honor Dawn Rheingans is one of nine teachers across Iowa to be named 2026 Regional Teachers of the Year. To her, it's all about sparking curiosity within her students.
	Moline Head Start families receive Thanksgiving meal baskets During Friday morning drop-off at the Esperanza Center in Moline, families for 47 children received Thanksgiving baskets complete with a turkey and sides.
	Trump drops tariffs on beef, coffee, tropical fruit as pressure builds on consumer prices President Trump's executive order comes after voters in off-year elections this month cited economic concerns as their top issue, resulting in big wins for Democrats in races in Virginia and New Jersey.
	Trump scraps tariffs on beef, coffee, tropical fruit in a push to lower prices President Trump announced the removal of U.S. tariffs on beef, coffee, tropical fruits and other commodities amid pressure to address high consumer prices.
	Teachers union head raises concerns as Raise the Bar members join Bettendorf School Board Michelle Bruty, Eric Engels, Brian Hanssen and Jessica Witters took their oaths of office Thursday evening, after winning the Nov. 4 election.
	Tow truck driver sentenced to 10 years in prison for striking pedestrian in Davenport He struck a woman on March 13, 2024, while she was walking to work in Davenport.
	Quad-Cities leaders discuss report on Illinois schools, including funding, mental health School and public officials came together to talk about issues facing Illinois such as chronic absenteeism, declining mental health and affordability.
	Visit Quad Cities hears from experts on travel, development during its annual meeting Three tourism experts shared their views on development, travel and the Quad-Cities during Visit Quad Cities' annual Destination QC! event on Thursday.
	Spring Forward serves more than 1,100 QC students in record year The nonprofit provides free academic, after-school and summer enrichment programs to local elementary schoolers. Here's how you can support their mission.
	Colona names next police chief Interim chief Clinton Powless will become the next full-time chief.
	Inmate convicted in Milan homicide escapes custody; officials seek help to find him The Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the U. S Marshals Service to find an escaped inmate convicted in a Milan homicide, according to a news release. On Friday, the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office received a phone call from the U. S. Marshals Service from the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force about [...]
	Bettendorf Police Department hosts Senior Angel Tree The Bettendorf Police Department is helping to give back to the community this holiday season. Bettendorf Police have partnered with CASI (Center For Active Seniors, Inc.) for its Senior Angel Tree. The tree is located in the lobby of the Bettendorf Police Department, located at 1609 State St., Bettendorf. You can pick the name of [...]
	Sterling man arrested for threatening Illinois judge He was arrested Wednesday on a warrant issued Oct. 31.
	This Week from the lens of the News 8 drone: Nov. 14, 2025 From rural Whiteside County to the Black Hawk State Historical Site, take a look at some of the beautiful footage our News 8 drone captured this week!
	North Scott science teacher named Iowa Regional Teacher of the Year Dawn Rheinigans was one of nine honorees from around the state.
	Mercer Co. Superintendent pleads not guilty to misconduct A judge found probable cause to move forward with case for the Mercer County School District superintendent accused of illegally accessing students’ medical records.
	Sheriff: Whiteside County man arrested for threatening judge A Whiteside County man was arrested weeks after he allegedly sent a death threat to a 14th Judicial Circuit judge.
	Wilton Fire Department acquiring a new ambulance From Nov. 19-21, in between retiring their current ambulance and acquiring a new one on loan, the department will partner with neighboring ambulances for services.
	Flashback Friday: Morrison veterans get a special homecoming This story first aired in November 2005.
	Superintendent in student-record access case appears in Mercer County Court The Mercer County School District superintendent – now on leave – appeared briefly Friday in Mercer County Court in Aledo, Ill. Earlier, Timothy Farquer, 53, of Williamsfield, was taken into custody with Andrea Long and Amberly Norton. They all appeared in court on Oct. 20 for accusations of illegally accessing student medical records. On Friday, [...]
	Search underway for escaped inmate convicted in 2023 Milan murder Rock Island County officials say they are helping U.S. Marshals search for Johnell Lamont Smith III, an inmate who escaped custody in Chicago on Nov. 12.
	Spring Forward bringing literacy and academic programs for thousands of Quad Cities students Robbie McIntyre and Laura Wriedt joined The Current to share more about their work in the local community.
	Support QCA scouts with Giving Spirits You can enjoy a great night of bourbon- and beer-tasting while supporting scouts across the QCA! Kristi Smith and Terry Filmer from the Illowa Council joined Our Quad Cities News with all the details on Giving Spirits. For more information, click here.
	QCA Head Start families gifted Thanksgiving dinner supplies Quad-City businesses are stepping in to support Head Start families this Thanksgiving. Families were able to drop off their students and pick up Thanksgiving dinner at the Esperanza Center in Moline. The dinner included a full turkey and a grocery bag full of all the fixings. Austin Welch said he took matters into his own [...]
	Full SNAP benefits to resume this month after government shutdown ends Illinois recipients are expected to receive their outstanding SNAP benefits by Nov. 20.
	Teen convicted in Danny Taylor murder escapes from prison If you have any information on Johnell Lamont Smith III whereabouts, please contact the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Department or the Crimestoppers Tip line, anonymously, at 309-762-9500
	Teen who was found guilty in murder Danny Taylor escapes state custody Johnell Lemont Smith III escaped from the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice while participating in a program while in Chicago on Wednesday, Nov. 12.
	Better late than never: The delayed September jobs report will be out next week The Bureau of Labor Statistics says it will report on September's job gains and unemployment rate next week. That's the first of many overdue economic reports held up by the government shutdown.
	Holiday fun hops into downtown Moline Moline’s Holiday Hop event is taking over the downtown and filling the streets and businesses with holiday cheer
	Man convicted in Danny Taylor murder escapes from prison If you have any information on his whereabouts, please contact the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Department or the Crimestoppers Tip line, anonymously, at 309-762-9500
	Sheriff: Whiteside County man arrested for threatening judge A Whiteside County man was arrested weeks after he allegedly sent a death threat to a 14th Judicial Circuit judge.
	Humane Society of Scott County waives adoption fees for cats and dogs 7+ months The Humane Society of Scott County announced it is waiving adoption fees for cats and dogs seven months old and up. According to a post on its Facebook page: Every kennel is full. 51 animals have entered our care this week. This week began with open kennels and space for incoming animals, but as of [...]
	Traffic Alert: Rock Island Arsenal viaduct bridge construction closes portion of River Drive The Moline Police Department is asking drivers to be aware of changes downtown due to construction on the Rock Island Arsenal viaduct bridge.
	One of two men charged with robbing Davenport T-Mobile store enters plea agreement One of two men charged with the robbery of a Davenport T-Mobile store in May has entered into a plea agreement with Scott County prosecutors.
	Man arrested after death threat against judge A man has been arrested after death threats were made against a judge of the Illinois 14th Judicial Circuit.
	Judge says he'll approve opioid settlement with OxyContin maker Purdue and Sackler family A federal bankruptcy court judge said he will approve OxyContin-maker Purdue Pharma's latest deal to settle thousands of lawsuits over the toll of opioids that includes some money for thousands of victims of the epidemic.
	Federal lawsuit challenges termination of collective bargaining by U.S. Bureau of Prisons A lawsuit filed in Connecticut U.S. District Court challenges the termination of collective bargaining rights by the U.S. Bureau of prisons. AFG Local 4070, which represents workers at FCI Thomson, was among the bargaining groups told back in September that they would no longer be able to collectively bargain. The lawsuit asks the court to [...]
	Five years later, Kewanee police still seeking tips in fatal hit-and-run Five years after Jason Kubiak was killed in a hit-and-run in Kewanee, police say a $25,000 reward remains for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
	Sterling man arrested; accused of threatening judge A Sterling man is in the Whiteside County Jail after the sheriff’s office said he made a death threat against a judge. A news release from the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office said deputies began an investigation on October 30 into a report of a death threat made against a judge of the 14th Judicial Circuit. [...]
	Visit Quad Cities hears from experts on travel, development during its annual meeting Three tourism experts shared their views on development, travel and the Quad-Cities during Visit Quad Cities' annual Destination QC! event on Thursday.
	Colona to swear-in new police chief Interim Police Chief Clinton Powless will serve as the next Colona chief of police.
	Land of 10,000 Stories \| Kindness: A World of Good Life can be hard but being kind is easy. These people go out of their way to put a smile on someone's face and help life feel a little less heavy.
	'Winter Outdoor Nature Photo Contest' captures winter in the QCs River Action and The Camera Corner encourage photographers of all ages and skill levels to head outside and capture the winter beauty of the Quad Cities area. The “Winter Outdoor Nature Photo Contest” runs from December 1 - January 12 at midnight. All proceeds support River Action’s mission to protect, restore and celebrate the Mississippi [...]
	Whiteside County home explosion linked to HVAC system A home explosion in Whiteside County is being linked to an HVAC unit. Fortunately, nobody was home at the time of the incident.
	The Rewind: QC Downs last day (1991) This week's edition of 'The Rewind' takes us back to the year 1991. The race track originally opened as the East Moline Downs in 1973. After financial difficulties, it became Quad City Downs and operated as a horse track for almost 20 years. Tracks opening in Peoria and Rockford significantly cut into QC Downs' bottom [...]
	Johnson hosting sessions for those affected by federal cuts Illinois State Rep. Gregg Johnson (D-Rock Island) is holding a series of hour-long informational sessions with local district partners on the state, county and local options that may be available to people impacted by federal cuts. The five sessions are open to the public and media and let constituents know about available programs and resources. [...]
	Scientists pull ancient RNA from a wooly mammoth's body Scientists have extracted the oldest RNA molecules out of a wooly mammoth, gaining a snapshot into the processes at work in the extinct mammal's body just before it died.

Saturday, November 15th, 2025

Friday, November 14th, 2025