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

Friday, December 12th, 2025
	'A wonderful human being, irreplaceable': Davenport School Board remembers board secretary Brenda Thie had spent more than 25 years with the district.
	COMIC: A couple's therapist says you can break these relationship rules Is it a red flag if a couple has separate beds? What about separate bank accounts? Therapist Stephanie R. Yates-Anyabwile says ignoring relationship norms can actually make a partnership stronger.
	MLK Center in Rock Island will host temporary emergency shelter amid plunging temps The city of Rock Island, the MLK Center and Project NOW will open a temporary emergency winter shelter to help unhoused people through the weekend.
	St. Paul Lutheran This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.If you are one of those who can never make your helpings of roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy come out even, you…
	Amputees often feel disconnected from their bionic hands. AI could bridge the gap Sensors and artificial intelligence help a prosthetic hand act more like a natural one, new research shows.
	Trump touts his peace deals - but many are already unraveling President Trump has been racing to rack up peace deals — but keeping them intact is proving far more difficult.
	For 50 years, Rockalina the turtle lived on a kitchen floor. Now she has a new friend The Oreo-sized baby turtle represents a turning point in Rockalina's recovery: Spending time with her own kind.
	U.S. military members fear personal legal blowback tied to boat strikes Staff officers and at least one drone pilot have sought advice from outside groups over legal concerns about their own involvement — or potential involvement — in the strikes against suspected drug boats.
	Cinnamon recalled in Illinois, other states over potential lead contamination "For adults, chronic lead exposure is associated with kidney dysfunction, hypertension, and neurocognitive effects," a recall notice explains.
	Reddit challenges Australia's world-first law banning children under 16 from social media Global online forum Reddit files a court challenge to Australian law blocking children under 16 from holding accounts on the world's most popular social media platforms.
Thursday, December 11th, 2025
	Enrollment declining at WIU campuses Numbers are showing a continued decline at both the Quad Cities and Macomb Campuses.
	River Bend Food Bank announces holiday pantry hours River Bend Food Bank announced their holiday pantry hours Thursday.
	Judy’s Family Cafe coming to Aledo Miguel’s Grill & Bar will transition into Judy’s Family Cafe Aledo after the restaurant closes on Dec. 28, according to a Facebook post.
	HNI in Muscatine closes $2.2 billion deal to acquire Steelcase HNI Corporation reports it closed the deal on its $2.2 billion acquisition of a furniture manufacturer. The Muscatine-based company announced it was buying Steelcase in August. Steelcase shareholders received an extra $7.20 per share in the deal. A news release from Steelcase CEO Jeff Lorenger says the deal will be good for both companies. “We [...]
	Green Bay Packers tour coming to Iowa this spring Green Bay Packers Fans will have the chance to meet some of their favorite players this spring at an iconic site in Iowa.
	“I AM disABLEd” documentary following Penguin Project QC musical production airing on WQPT A local documentary following a musical production by the Penguin Project of the Quad Cities is airing on PBS station WQPT this month.
	Rock Island man sentenced to federal prison for possessing machine gun conversion switch Juwan Attron Johnson was sentenced Thursday during a hearing in U.S. District Court, Davenport, before District Judge Stephen Locher.
	River Bend Food Bank releases holiday food pantry schedule The changes include extended hours in advance of holiday-related closures. Regular mall pantry hours will resume on Monday, Jan. 5.
	Augustana students turn Duck Creek into living lab for people and wildlife research Augustana College environmental studies seniors wrapped up a three-year wildlife study at Duck Creek this fall, partnering with Davenport officials to track how people and animals use the popular park.
	Moline’s Riverside Park to get mini-pitch soccer system thanks to grant Moline’s Riverside Park will be getting a new addition.
	Feds bust multistate grease-heist ring accused of stealing used cooking oil for cash Federal prosecutors in Des Moines have charged 13 people in a multistate used‑cooking‑oil theft ring, a kind of “grease heist” operation that stretched across 10 states and allegedly laundering profits through a network of warehouses.
	Rockford Democrat running against Sorensen in IL-17 primary facing petition objection The Illinois State Board of Elections said Montez Soliz remains an active candidate until a formal decision is made on the pending objection.
	Trump is trying to preempt state AI laws via an executive order. It may not be legal The executive order is the latest in a series of attempts by the Trump administration to hold back state-level AI rules. But many Republicans are also uncomfortable with the effort.
	AT&T Telecom Pioneers give out shoes to Quad Cities kids for the holidays The nonprofit collected more than $14,000 in donations throughout 2025. That's enough to give nearly 300 students some brand new kicks.
	The Heart of the Story: Earning while learning Our Quad Cities News is partnering with award-winning journalist Gary Metivier for The Heart of the Story. Each week, Gary showcases inspiring stories of everyday people doing cool stuff, enjoying their hobbies, and living life to the fullest. Stories that feature the best of the human condition. Gary Metivier introduces us to area students who [...]
	Judy's Family Cafe expanding into Aledo, taking over Miguel's Grill and Bar Officials with Miguel's said they hope to be remodeled and reopened as Judy's Family Cafe Aledo by May 2026.
	Judy's Family Cafe finds third location in Aledo Judy's Family Cafe, known for viral videos about their pancakes, is opening a third location in Aledo. Judy's cafe has two locations in Galesburg. The newest spot will take the place of Miguel's Grill and Bar, according to a post from the bar's Facebook page. The bar will close Dec. 28, taking a few months [...]
	NEED TO KNOW: Resources, information for upcoming winter weather KWQC has compiled a full list of need-to-know resources and information to prepare you for the wintery weather.
	I-74 West lane reopened after crash The right lane of I-74 West reopened after a multiple vehicle crash Thursday.
	AT&T Telecom Pioneers give out shoes to Quad Cities kids for the holidays The nonprofit collected more than $14,000 in donations throughout 2025. That's enough to give nearly 300 students some brand new kicks.
	Davenport changes sales tax distribution to fund Main Street Landing maintenance The resolution approved by the council Wednesday allows for the city to designate some of the local option sales tax to the park.
	How the harsh winter weather affects QCA small businesses With more snow on the way to the Quad Cities area the rest of the week and harsh, frigid temperatures over the weekend, people are hunkering down in their homes to stay warm. As people stay inside, so does the holiday business local shops rely on this time of year. For LeClaire and Geneseo, the [...]
	Judy's Family Cafe expanding to new town According to a Facebook post, Miguel's Grill and Bar in Aledo will transition into a new Judy's Family Cafe location.
	Emergency shelter opens in Quad Cities as wind chills drop to 30 below “People were saying, we’re in trouble. If we don’t have a shelter by the end of the week, somebody’s going to die,” said Project NOW.
	Kewanee holiday display targeted by vandals The Kewanee Voice has reported that vandals have unplugged cords, cut wires and even taken bulbs out from the lighting.
	Emergency shelter in place in Rock Island The cold weather this weekend could pose threats to people who don't have a roof over their heads. The City of Rock Island is teaming up with Project NOW to open an emergency shelter from 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, through 7 a.m. Monday, Dec. 15. "Monday and Tuesday, phones were lighting up. People were [...]
	Johnell Lamont Smith III back in state custody after escape Smith was convicted of the 2023 murder of Danny Taylor.
	QC teens can apply now for free, hands-on filmmaking experiences Fresh Films has opened up applications for its 2026 programs. Kids 13-19 years old can get hands-on experience creating films in the Quad Cities.
	What's Brewing? \| Krampus coming to Wake Brewing QC Krampus is visiting Wake Brewing in Rock Island this Saturday, Dec. 13. There will also be a special tapping of Krampusblud, a Nordic coffee stout, at noon.
	Snow now falling in Quad Cities - road conditions to go downhill this evening Snow has started falling in the Quad Cities and roads are likely to be covered with snow at times this evening. There's a Winter Weather Advisory in effect until 3 a.m. Radar update here: It won't be the heaviest snow of the season, with a total of about 2" in the Quad Cities. 2" of [...]
	TRAFFIC ALERT: Big backup on I-74 in Iowa Thursday afternoon Snow is covering roads around the area this evening, and that could be part of the reason there's a big backup on I-74 late Thursday afternoon/early Thursday evening. Here's an update from Andy with traffic camera views included:
	River Bend Food Bank announces holiday hours Regular hours for River Bend will resume on Monday, Jan. 5.
	Davenport City Council approves trap, neuter, release program for stray cats Currently, Davenport approaches cat population control by trapping and impounding the animals. Davenport code requires cats running at large to be impounded.
	Crime Stoppers: Woman wanted by Bettendorf police Christopher Harness, 30, is wanted in Scott County for a probation violation on a second-offense domestic assault conviction.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted in Scott County for probation violation Christopher Harness, 30, is wanted in Scott County for a probation violation on a second-offense domestic assault conviction.
	Crime Stoppers: 2 people steal 13 designer eyeglass frames from Moline store Two people walked in to a LensCrafters and stole 13 designer eyeglass frames at about 5 p.m. on Oct. 10, according to Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities.
	John Deere Classic recognized by PGA TOUR for charitable impact The John Deere Classic has raised more than $200 million with its Birdies for Charity program. The money benefits 460 local nonprofits around the Quad Cities.
	Traffic Alert: I-74 West lane blocked due to crash The right lane of I-74 West is blocked due to a multiple vehicle crash Thursday.
	Rock Island man sentenced to prison on machine gun charges A Rock Island man will spend years behind bars for illegally possessing a machine gun.
	MLK Center offers emergency shelter in Rock Island As bitterly cold temperatures hit the QCA, the need for overnight shelters is greater than ever. Jerry Jones joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about the emergency shelter at the The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center. For more information, click here.
	Rockridge High School briefly placed on lockdown after falling table confused as gunshots Officials said the noise that the staff member initially thought to be gunshots was from a collapsing table that hit the floor and echoed through the hallway.
	Davenport crash knocks down power pole An Our Quad Cities News crew is at Zion Lutheran Church, 216 W. Eighth Street in Davenport, where a Cadillac has crashed behind a brick building on the property. A power pole was knocked down. There is no word on any injuries to the driver or any passengers.
	Augustana Prison Education Program joins nationwide research project on higher education outcomes for incarcerated students Thirty-nine incarcerated students in the Augustana Prison Education Program [APEP] are pursuing their undergraduate degrees at the East Moline Correctional Center [EMCC].
	New laws: Gun storage, police background check changes take effect in 2026 Gun owners in Illinois must take new steps in 2026 to secure their firearms in their homes, particularly when children are present.
	Get your photo with Santa for free in Kewanee Good's Furniture and Mattress will be hosting holiday festivities and free photos with Santa on Saturday December 13th. The event will take place at 200 North Main Street in Kewanee from 10a.m. to 2p.m. Families will be able to get their photo taken with Santa by photographer Cheri Long. There will also be hot chocolate, [...]
	Collapsing table sounds like gunshots, leads to lockdown at Rockridge High School The school resource officer quickly determined there wasn’t an active shooter, deputies said.
	MLK Center to open as emergency shelter in Rock Island this weekend With subzero temperatures in the forecast, the City of Rock Island and Project NOW are opening an emergency shelter at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.
	Police say reported sound of gunfire at Rockridge High School was false alarm The Rock Island County Sheriff's Office said a falling object was mistaken for the sound of gunfire at Rockridge High School.
	Head Start centers told to avoid 'disability,' 'women' and more in funding requests New court documents reveal a list of nearly 200 words or phrases the Trump administration told Head Start programs it does not want to see in their funding requests.
	Why December has more heart attack deaths than any other time of year? Dr. Chad Martens with Hammond -Henry Hospital explains why December seems to be more dangerous, along with other risk factors.
	Rock Island County coroner warns cold can be deadly, even above freezing The Rock Island County coroner said the cold remains a serious threat, even though weather-related deaths are rare.
	Temporary overnight shelter to open this weekend at King Center, Rock Island As temperatures drop dangerously low this weekend, the city of Rock Island is partnering with Project NOW to open an emergency overnight shelter at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, 630 9th St., Rock Island.
	Visit the Holiday Market and Mansion Open House at Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf Rivermont collegiate will be hosting its Holiday Market and Mansion Open House. on Saturday December 13th. The event will be family friendly and feature local vendors, activities for children, and self-guided mansion tours. Admission will be free and open to the public. It will be at Rivermont Collegiate, 1821 Sunset Drive in Bettendorf from 1:00p.m. [...]
	QC teens can apply now for free, hands-on filmmaking experiences Fresh Films has opened up applications for its 2026 programs. Kids 13-19 years old can get hands-on experience creating films in the Quad Cities.
	After sound was mistaken for gunfire, no threat found at Rockridge High School After another sound was mistaken for gunfire, there is no threat to Rockridge High School, according to a news release from the Rock Island County Sheriff's Office. Shortly before 1 p.m. Thursday, the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office received a report of possible gunshots at Rockridge High School. A school staff member inside the school [...]
	Rivermont Collegiate to host holiday market this weekend Rivermont Collegiate will host a variety of local vendors to celebrate the holidays.
	New report shows QCA top jobs for the future Grow Quad Cities has released its inaugural Top 100 High Priority Jobs Report, which tells community stakeholders about the most in-demand occupations offering a livable wage across the bi-state region. Click here to read the report. The report identifies the top high-priority occupations in the Quad Cities area, based on criteria including wages, number of [...]
	Forget flowers: These ancient plants attract pollinators by getting hot While many modern plants use colorful flowers to attract pollinators, ancient palm-like plants called cycads lure them by heating up and glowing in the infrared.
	Disney reaches billion-dollar licensing deal with OpenAI It's a whole new world for Mickey, Simba, Stitch and more as Disney brings hundreds of its characters to Sora, the short-form video platform from OpenAI, as part of a three-year licensing agreement.
	Billion-dollar OpenAI deal allows users to make content with Disney characters It's a whole new world for Mickey, Simba, Stitch and more as Disney brings hundreds of its characters to Sora, the short-form video platform from OpenAI, as part of a three-year licensing agreement.
	Nasal spray recalled over microbial contamination The spray was distributed nationwide, according to the recall notice.
	The State Department reinstates an old font, in a typeface about-face The State Department is swapping out Calibri for Times New Roman in all its official documents, reversing a Biden-era change that aimed to increase accessibility for readers with disabilities.
	HNI buys Steelcase for $5.8B HNI said the combination of the two companies is expected to bring in annual revenue of $5.8 billion.
	Help older family and friends avoid computer scams: QC Crime Watch Episode 46 Watch crime reporters Linda Cook and Sharon Wren talk about crime in our area with the latest episode of the Our QC Crime Watch Podcast. In this episode, Linda and Sharon talk with experts from LivWell, an organization that provides information for seniors and their families; and ElderTech LLC, an in-person tech support company for [...]
	U.S. and Japan flex military muscles in a show of force amid Tokyo's feud with Beijing This follows joint drills by Chinese and Russian strategic bombers and fighters on Tuesday that prompted Japan and South Korea to scramble planes to monitor them.
	City of Rock Island and Project NOW announce emergency shelter for the weekend Temperatures are expected to drop below zero Saturday night and Sunday night.
	Galesburg declares snow emergency The City of Galesburg is getting ready for this weekend’s severe weather by declaring a snow emergency. The snow emergency is effective as of 7 p.m. on December 11. Residents are reminded that parking is prohibited on all Galesburg city streets during a snow emergency. Vehicles parked on city streets, except in the central business [...]
	LIVE: Rock Island, Project NOW partner to open emergency shelter The City of Rock Island partnered with Project NOW is opening an emergency shelter at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.
	What were the most common baby names at MercyOne Birth Centers this year? The top names statewide were Theodore, Oliver, Jack/Jackson, Charlotte and Emma. Here are the top names at each MercyOne Birth Center:
	Was Michael Jordan NBA's GOAT? Phil Jackson reflects on the 'Masters of the Game' Legendary NBA head coach Phil Jackson and sports writer Sam Smith talk about the stars who helped define the sport, including Jordan, Kobe, Shaq and "bad boy" Dennis Rodman.
	Snowstar to start season early after recent heavy snowfall Snowstar features skiing and snowboarding on its ski hill, along with tubing, which is a family favorite.
	These 10 terrific movies emerged from a tumultuous year for the film industry Fresh Air film critic Justin Chang says most of his favorite films this year were made overseas, including his No. 1 pick, Sirāt.
	Judge orders Kilmar Abrego Garcia to be released from ICE custody The native of El Salvador and resident of Maryland has become a symbol of the Trump administration's policy of mass deportations after he was mistakenly sent to a prison in El Salvador in the spring.
	WIU seeks buyer for Quad Cities campus building as programs consolidate WIU’s Board of Trustees has authorized the university to seek a buyer for Building C on the Quad Cities campus as programs consolidate into Riverfront Hall.
	$600,000+ raised in 2 1/2 weeks for River Bend Food Bank When the community needed more funding for hunger relief, the Quad Cities stepped up in a big way. Donors contributed more than $300,000 to the River Bend Food Bank Hunger Relief Fund at the Quad Cities Community Foundation in just two and a half weeks, fully unlocking an additional $300,000 in matching funds. That means [...]
	Former Iowa Governor to receive state’s highest citizen award Governor Kim Reynolds will present this year’s Iowa Award to Terry Branstad.
	NorthPark, SouthPark Pantries announce holiday hours River Bend Food Bank’s NorthPark and SouthPark Pantries have adjusted their hours for the holidays. The new schedule includes extended hours, ahead of holiday closures. Hours at the NorthPark Mall Pantry will be: Hours at the SouthPark Mall Pantry will be: Regular mall pantry hours will resume Monday, January 5. Click here for addresses and [...]
	Riverside Park, Moline, gets grant for mini-pitch system Riverside Park in Moline is getting a mini-pitch soccer system, with help from a grant from T-Mobile. The company announced that Moline's Parks and Recreation Department is one of its most recent Hometown Grant recipients. The department has received a $50,000 grant to install a Musco mini-pitch soccer system at Riverside Park, 3300 Fifth Avenue. [...]
	Free Moline art session available to those affected by cancer Cancer Support Community Iowa and NW Illinois will host a free creative art session workshop from 1-3 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, at Gilda’s Club, 600 John Deere Road, Suite 101, Moline, a news release says. Join creative session coordinator, LaNae, as she teaches the group how to draw and use watercolor pencils to paint a [...]
	House passes bill to protect Arsenal jobs, awaiting Senate approval The United States House of Representatives has voted to protect jobs at the Rock Island Arsenal.
	Feast your eyes on these 10 cookbooks from 2025 Whether you're craving something sweet, savory, spicy — or all of the above in one flavorful meal — we've got you covered. Here are 10 favorite cookbooks from the past year.
	UPDATE: cold temps extend LeClaire Shop Small event UPDATE: The winter weather expected for this weekend is the reason LeClaire is extending its Candy Cane Lane - Shop Small 2.0 event. The promotion will run from December 13 - 21. EARLIER: LeClaire's Candy Cane Lane event will celebrate Shop Small Saturday 2.0 - to make up for the loss of Small Business Saturday [...]
	WIU seeks buyer for Quad Cities Campus building as programs consolidate WIU’s Board of Trustees has authorized the university to seek a buyer for Quad Cities Campus Building C as programs consolidate into Riverfront Hall in Moline.
	Landing Ice Rink reopens after mechanical issue The outdoor rink drew 16,663 skaters in its first season, and Parks Director John Byrnes expects even more this year.
	Inside Iowa Politics: Why Iowa farmer wanted to sit next to President Trump Cordt Holub, a fourth generation Iowa farmer, wanted to join President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C. to share his experiences.
	Cold weather brings spike in heating fires, frozen pipe risks, officials warn The American Red Cross is urging families to heat homes safely as winter arrives, warning of increased house fires, space heater dangers, and risks of frozen pipes.
	Christkindlmarkt will be held at German American Center, Davenport The Quad Cities Christkindlmarkt is an indoor/outdoor artisan craft and gift market with live music, local foods, and local performances that will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13., at the German American Heritage Center & Museum, 712 W. 2nd St., Davenport. This free annual event celebrates the holiday season with [...]
	Snow, snow, and more snow and bitterly cold temperatures The Quad Cities is definitely stuck in a snowy pattern and it shows no signs of letting up until early next week. One round of snow moves through this afternoon into tonight. After this one moves out and we enjoy a quiet day Friday, more snow is coming this weekend. Bitterly cold air settles in [...]
	Pay It Forward: Henry County, Illinois group bringing joy to children around the world The congregation and volunteers at Bishop Hill United Methodist Church come together to fill shoeboxes with all sorts of gifts to send to children in need.
	MercyOne announces top baby names in 2025 Officials said the hospital’s top names align with national trends.

Friday, December 12th, 2025

Thursday, December 11th, 2025