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

Tuesday, December 16th, 2025
	What is seasonal depression, and what resources are available? Seasonal depression, or Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), is a type of depression linked to seasonal changes, affecting an estimated 16 million people in the U.S. Bryce Leonard and Morgan DeWitt from Life Connections joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about seasonal depression and resources available. For more information, click here.
	Third night of Hanukkah celebrated with menorah lighting in Bettendorf The menorah is on display at the corner of 18th and 53rd Streets in Bettendorf.
	Volunteer keeps Symphony of Lights shining after 15 years While thousands of visitors drive through the Symphony of Lights each holiday season, Mark Walton is one of the volunteers who makes the magic happen behind the scenes.
	Quad City Rollers react as Eldridge moves to close skatepark City leaders cited rising costs, liability concerns and questions about how the facility operates.
	"The solution is permanent supportive housing": $300k granted for QC homes Major strides are being made to address the affordable housing crisis in the region.The Quad Cities Housing Council has received a three-year, $300,000 grant to go toward the "Silos to Solutions Project" in Davenport. "Everyone deserves housing that is safe, decent, and affordable," said Leslie Kilgannon, director of the Quad Cities Housing Council (QCHC). QCHC [...]
	Quad Cities Housing Council receives $300K grant for affordable housing project “Importantly, this will move our community forward in more high quality, affordable housing - this is the first time that a project of this kind has been taken on by five partners together to really deeply impact a neighborhood,” said the Quad Cities Community Foundation.
	Pritzker signs transit bill, advancing Quad Cities passenger rail plans Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed a transit funding bill Tuesday which will move long-awaited Moline-to-Chicago passenger rail project forward.
	Eldridge votes to close skate rink The business was running a deficit of up to $25,000 per year, according to city officials.
	Parr Instrument cuts ribbon on new expansion in Moline In Moline, 53rd Street added a new building. Parr Instrument Co. held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday to officially open the new expansion. The 126-year-old company has more than tripled its their revenue since its last expansion in 1990. Now it has more than doubled its square footage of the facility by adding more than [...]
	Quad Cities nonprofits unite to build 25 affordable homes in Davenport Local nonprofits and funders are partnering to build and rehabilitate 25 affordable homes in South Davenport as the Quad Cities face a growing housing shortage.
	Wreaths placed at Veterans Park & Memorial, Morrison, Ill. Mayor Scott Vandermyde, in collaboration with the American Legion Post 328, has released this information about wreaths placed at Veterans Park & Memorial this holiday season. Spearheaded by Barry Linder, a member of American Legion Post 328 in Morrison, Illinois, wreaths have been installed at the Veterans Park & Memorial to honor the nation’s service [...]
	Programming Note: No Noon news Wednesday There will not be a 12 p.m. newscast on Wednesday.
	Data centers are sucking Illinois' power grid dry, official report warns Illinois is projected to face electricity supply shortfalls over the next decade due to data centers, according to a state-published report.
	Rain on Thursday with the potential for black ice As the temperatures are warming up through the week our next weather event is looking white and fluffy, but small and wet as we see some rain coming for Thursday. On top of that, warmer temperatures reaching the 40s are looking to help melt some of the snow we have with that rain as it [...]
	Rock Island Public Library offers movie, 'silent book club,' grief support The Rock Island Public Library offers a number of events this week before breaking for the holidays. Silent Book Club, on Wednesday, December 17, offered at 5:30 p.m. at the Rock Island Watts-Midtown Branch, 2715 30th St. Unlike a traditional book club, where members all read the same thing and discuss it publicly, participants in a [...]
	Quad Cities Community Foundation donation to help build 25 affordable homes in Davenport Officials with the Quad Cities Community Foundation said their target area of southern Davenport is in desperate need of more housing.
	Towhead Island donated to Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine will maintain and preserve the 129-acre Towhead Island.
	Pritzker signs $1.5B plan to overhaul public transportation, avoid service cuts The plan doesn’t include any statewide tax increases, instead relying on an increased sales tax in the Chicago area and a diversion of funds from the state’s Road Fund.
	Nick Reiner will be charged with first degree murder in his parents' killing The 32-year-old son of famed director Rob Reiner is being held without bail. Los Angeles authorities say the charges against him carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole.
	Project NOW preparing to help more Quad Citizens in need this winter Dr. Dwight Ford joined The Current on News 8 to share more about the needs they've seen, as well as concerns about a recent homelessness ordinance in Rock Island.
	Geneseo police help man who asked to turn himself in Detective Jamie Shoemaker joined The Current to share how the department tries to help people in crisis.
	After outcry over prices, FIFA to sell $60 tickets for the World Cup -- with a catch FIFA said it would sell $60 tickets to the World Cup, including for the final — but only for supporters of qualified teams. And the actual number of available tickets is limited.
	Rock Island approves water, garbage rate increase Water and garbage bills in Rock Island will be raised by 5.5% in the new year.
	Former Augustana student sentenced to probation for child pornography charges A former Augustana student who was arrested on child pornography charges in 2023 was sentenced to two years probation on Tuesday, according to Rock Island County Court documents. Documents show Emmeline Kenealy pleaded guilty to and was found guilty on three counts of Possession of Child Pornography, all Class 2 felonies. She was first arrested [...]
	Moline woman arrested on charges for production of child sex abuse materials She was arrested Sunday by Moline police, who are also searching for an alleged accomplice.
	$900,000 in transformation grants to help transform central Davenport with affordable housing The Quad Cities Community Foundation announced Tuesday, December 16th, that the Quad Cities Housing Council (QCHC) will receive its 2025 Transformation Grant ($300,000 over three years), in support of the region’s first large-scale, multi-agency affordable housing development initiative.
	Bondi Beach attack casts a shadow on Hanukkah celebrations in Israel People of all ages had been looking forward to celebrating — especially this year, as a ceasefire in Gaza has held since October and all but one of the hostages taken by Hamas-led militants have been returned.
	Funding and accountability: Bettendorf School District hosts discussion with lawmakers Iowa state lawmakers sat down with Bettendorf community members to discuss education issues ahead of the legislative session.
	Iowa AG Brenna Bird sues Roblox for child endangerment Attorney General Brenna Bird announced Tuesday that she is suing Roblox, an online gaming company, for sexuality exploiting Iowa children.
	Deer tries holiday shopping at Menards, Moline A woodland creature thought a weeknight trip to Menards would be a good time to browse the aisles. Customers helped wrangle the wayward deer, who was safely carried out of the store's front doors and released. No injuries have been reported to customers or animals.
	Tuesday’s adoptable pet: Meet Butterscotch Butterscotch has a sister that is also available.
	Niabi Zoo welcomes two baby porcupines Milele and Charles, Niabi Zoo's cape porcupine power couple, welcomed twin porcupettes last week.
	Step into this Iowan’s Jane Austen-inspired dream Sonja Strathearn has turned her passion for Jane Austen into an art project, sewing and collecting Regency-era costumes for Austen conventions halfway across the world.
	Psychologists are increasingly using — and worrying about — AI tools, poll finds A survey finds that 56% of psychologists are trying out artificial intelligence tools at work, mainly for administrative tasks. A majority also are concerned about harms of AI on patients and society.
	Caretaker charged after investigation into death of dependent adult Audrey Engler, 25, was arrested on Dec. 11 and charged with felony intentional dependent adult abuse.
	Muscatine man inducted into Special Olympics Iowa Hall of Fame Corey Leonhard from Muscatine has been inducted into the Iowa Special Olympics Hall of Fame. He has been competing for 43 years.
	Burlington caretaker arrested after dependent adult dies, police say Police arrested a Burlington woman after a dependent adult in her care later died, alleging abuse that resulted in serious injury, according to court records.
	'Mistle Joe' brings Christmas cheer to Mercer County The campaign by Visit MerCo brings the Elf on the Shelf tradition to life while promoting local businesses.
	Muscatine to buy, preserve Towhead Island The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine has announced a historic act of generosity and environmental stewardship that will preserve a local landmark for future generations. Towhead Island, the iconic natural landmark located at the bend of the Mississippi River in Muscatine’s downtown, will be purchased through the Joe W. and Betty L. Rauch Memorial Fund, [...]
	Akwaaba QC keeping the community warm with annual winter gear giveaway Akwaaba QC offers several services and programs for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers in the Quad Cities.
	River Bend Food Bank receives $25K donation from Chicago's charity organization 'Bears Care' Bears Care is the charitable arm of the Chicago Bears. Along with River Bend Food Bank, the organization donated thousands of dollars to food banks across Illinois.
	Quad Cities Community Foundation awards $300,000 to Quad Cities Housing Council The Quad Cities Housing Council will use the funds to refurbish or build 25 units in Davenport's Central Community Circle neighborhood.
	Her 1951 walkout helped end school segregation. Now her statue is in the U.S. Capitol Barbara Rose Johns was 16 when she led a walkout at her high school, credited with helping end school segregation. Her statue replaces Robert E. Lee's, which was removed in 2020.
	Davenport native, former Quad-City Times reporter to lead ESPN's journalism work Roxanna Scott is a 1992 graduate of Davenport West and a former Quad-City Times reporter who has worked for the Dallas Morning News, USA Today and The Athletic.
	“The Twilight Saga: New Moon” Rowdy NYE Screening, December 31 Twilight fans looking to enjoy a true howl on December 31 can have one at Davenport's theater The Last Picture House, with the venue hosting a NYE Rowdy Screening of the 2009 smash The Twilight Saga: New Moon, an event for which audience interaction is not only allowed – it's required.
	QC New Year's Reverie and Pre- and After-Party, December 31 On December 31, holiday celebrants can deck the halls with boughs of bawdy at Davenport's burlesque-themed Ecdysiast Arts Museum, with the venue hosting a night of live performances, delicious cocktails, and the ringing in of 2026 in the QC New Year's Reverie, which will feature special pre- and after parties in addition to the main event.
	OUR TOWN: The Sweetest Street in Galena Two chocolate makers help make a Galena Street the sweetest in Our Town.
	The Harlem Globetrotters, January 7 Court-ing fans in their eagerly anticipated return to Moline, the electrifying athletes of the Harlem Globetrotters bring their “100 Years of Thrills" tour to the Vibrant Arena at the MARK on January 7, thrilling crowds with phenomenal basketball action, comic hijinks, ankle-breaking moves, jaw-dropping swag, and rim-rattling dunks in a fully-modernized amphitheater production.
	Quiet Riot, December 31 With the lineup currently boasting the heavy-metal talents of bassist Rudy Sarzo, guitarist Alex Grossi, lead vocalist Jizzy Pearl, and drummer Johnny Kelly, the hard rockers of Quiet Riot bring their tour to Davenport's Rhythm City Casino Resort Event Center for a free concert on New Year's Eve, the group that originally debuted in 1973 currently included among VH1's "100 Greatest Artists of Hard Rock."
	“Garth Live!” and New Year's Eve Celebration, December 31 Performing from the repertoire of a county icon who boasts two Grammy Awards, 17 American Music Awards, and the RIAA Award for being the U.S.'s best-selling solo-album artist of the century, touring performer Drew Baloh brings his stage spectacular Garth Live! to Rock Island's Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse on December 31, this special New Year's Eve event including such Brooks favorites such as "Friends in Low Places," "The Dance," and "The Thunder Rolls."
	“On Fire: The Jerry Lee Lewis Story,” December 31 With the performer reprising his iconic performance from the Tony-winning Broadway musical Million Dollar Quartet, Branson, Missouri’s favorite piano man David Brooks brings On Fire: The Jerry Lee Lewis Story to Maquoketa's Ohnward Fine Arts Center on December 31, the artist and his live band celebrating the country and rockabilly superstar's repertoire through in-your-face talent and unforgettable style.
	New report finds the Arctic continues to warm faster than the planet as a whole This year's Arctic Report Card from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration finds that the northernmost part of the Earth is warming faster than the global average, leading to melting glaciers, shifting fish populations, and rivers running orange.
	Senate advances defense bill that could protect hundreds of Rock Island Arsenal jobs If the Senate approves the bill, the only remaining step for the bill to become law would be the signature of President Donald Trump.
	Customers safely remove deer from Menards A deer was removed from a Menards store Monday after it ran into the building.
	Muscatine man arrested in Davenport; accused of driving wrong way, eluding A Muscatine man is in the Scott County Jail on no bond after the Iowa State Patrol said he made a U-turn, drove into oncoming traffic and nearly hit an Iowa State Trooper during a pursuit. Criminal complaints filed in Scott County Court say that an Iowa State trooper attempted a traffic stop on a [...]
	Search for body of last hostage held by Hamas in Gaza is delayed due to bad weather A storm has battered the Gaza Strip, creating misery for displaced Palestinians and delaying the search for the body of the last Israeli hostage held by militants there.
	Cheaper by the Dozen at Playcrafter's Barn Theatre Well, it turns out I lied. Actually, The Lion in Winter was NOT the close of the Quad Cities’ theatre season. The close-out is actually Playcrafter’s Barn Theatre’s production of Christopher Sergel’s adaptation of the 1948 book Cheaper by the Dozen a real-life recounting of growing up in a household of 12 children authored by two of those children: Frank Gilbreth, Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey and here directed by Emma Terronez.
	$10,000 donation helps Toys for Tots Toys for Tots got a massive boost from a fundraising drive by O'Rourke Sales Company in Davenport. Staff members and the community raised $5,000 and the company’s owners matched the amount dollar-for-dollar, bringing the total donation to $10,000. Team members used the donations to buy toys for hundreds of local children and delivered them directly [...]
	Cold eases as a warming trend settles in for Christmas week It's been a very cold and snowy start to December, but we've turned the corner and warmer days are ahead. While the Quad Cities have six inches of snow on the ground Tuesday morning, it'll be melting away this week as temperatures warm. Here's your complete 7-day forecast.
	Resignations, hirings and other Moline School District personnel news from November (copy) See the personnel items from the Dec. 8 agenda of the Moline-Coal Valley School District. The board met at the Moline Education Center, 1900 52nd Avenue in Moline.
	Rock Island students surprised with comfort items for winter More than 500 students were each given a pillow, pillowcase and blanket each during an assembly.
	Rock Island buys vacant lots from Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity said it won't need the Rock Island plots, since it still has eight to build on in town.
	Impotent civiCUKS Propaganda has proven itself to be among the most useful tools in the behavior modifiers' toolbox for capturing human cognitivity and strategically directing it to predetermined, highly specific conclusions. The success of propaganda campaigns depends on the techniques used, and the resources available for deploying and anchoring propaganda, including whether said messaging induces harmony or discord relative to the established hierarchy of social norms and mores.
	Living & Loving Golf: Franklin “Whitey” Barnard Inducted into Iowa Golf Hall of Fame Whitey’s entire life was shaped by the game of golf. Growing up during the Great Depression with a single mother who worked 12-hour shifts to care for her three children – with little help and no car – Whitey’s story is one of resilience and determination.
	The U.S. added just 64,000 jobs in November -- a sign the labor market is slowing Hiring cooled this fall, according to delayed figures released by the Labor Department Tuesday. Employers added 64,000 jobs in November as the unemployment rate rose to 4.6%.
	What If Housing Were Free?: The Suppressed U.S. So-Called Healthcare System and a Welcome Market-Driven Alternative If housing were free, what kind of house would we live in? A mansion? Maybe a cardboard box? If a third party bought our food, even a close neighbor, would we eat well? Despite the obvious flaws in this logic, politicians have been enticing voters with empty promises of “free” healthcare while simultaneously making it both unaffordable and often unavailable.
	Iowa governor orders flags to half-staff to honor Iowa soldiers killed in Syria According to Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds' order, effective immediately, flags will remain at half-staff until sunset on the final day of interment.
	Comedian Jeff Dunham will perform at Rhythm City, Davenport Legendary Comedian Jeff Dunham is bringing his newest tour “Artificial Intelligence” to Rhythm City Casino at 8 p.m. May 7, according to a news release. Tickets, from $60-105, will be available here or at The Market at Rhythm City, 7077 Elmore Ave., Davenport. Tickets will go on sale Wednesday. Dunham has performed live in front [...]
	Rock Island buys vacant lots from Habitat for Humanity Habitat said it won't need the plots, since it still has eight to build on in town.
	Moline mayor hosts listening post for public Mayor of Moline Sangeetha Rayapati will host a Listening Post at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 18, at the MetroLINK Centre Station Banquet Room, 1200 River Drive, Moline. This event is a chance for residents to: “Providing for the health, safety, and welfare of our residents is at the core of what we do in Moline,” [...]
	Rock Island High School bathroom policy faces criticism from parents and students Under the policy, bathrooms are locked during class time but are open five minutes before and after classes and during lunch and passing periods.
	The Warner Bros. Curse Warner Bros. has a history of disastrous mergers and acquisitions. Can they avoid another bad sequel as Netflix and Paramount battle to buy it?
	Retirements, resignations, hirings, other Davenport School personnel news for Dec. 8 See the personnel items from the Dec. 8 agenda of the Davenport Community School District. The School Board met at Davenport Community School District at 1702 N. Main St., Davenport.
	The Empire Builder This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.When James Jerome Hill was born in Rockwood, Ontario, in 1838, he already had two of the credentials required for…
	Teachers are using software to see if students used AI. What happens when it's wrong? School districts from Utah to Ohio to Alabama are spending thousands of dollars on these tools, despite research showing the technology is far from reliable.
	Chain restaurants are hit by tariffs and inflation. How do they control costs? Inflation, rising food prices and the high cost of living has been top of mind for consumers all year. But then Olive Garden offers an unlimited pasta meal or a chain steakhouse restaurant sells a steak dinner with two sides for less than 30 bucks. So, how are chains are able to keep prices as low as they do in this economy?
	Republicans divided on policy toward Afghan immigrants after shooting The signs of Republican pushback come as President Trump has pursued a campaign of mass deportations and crackdown on migration from certain countries.
	Mahmood Mamdani on how Uganda's history shaped his belonging — and his son's moment NPR's Leila Fadel speaks with Professor Mahmood Mamdani about his new book, "Slow Poison." The book is a firsthand report on the tragic unraveling of Uganda's struggle for independence.
	Built to spill: The life of a crash test dummy Automotive crash test dummies are born in Ohio, brought to "life" near Detroit, and then sent around the world to make cars safer.
	U.S. military says strikes on 3 boats in the eastern Pacific Ocean kill 8 people The U.S. military said Monday that it attacked three boats accused of smuggling drugs in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing a total of eight people as scrutiny is intensifying in Congress.
	Eldridge weighs future of city-owned skate rink as officials review finances City leaders are weighing the future of the publicly-funded Eldridge Community Center & Skatepark. One local group is advocating for its importance.
	Retailers didn't pull ByHeart baby formula fast enough after botulism recall, FDA says The FDA says four major retailers including Walmart, Target, Kroger and Albertsons continued to sell ByHeart baby formula products for days or weeks after the Nov. 11 recall.
	'General Hospital' star Anthony Geary of Luke and Laura fame dies at 78 Anthony Geary, who rose to fame in the 1970s and '80s as half the daytime TV super couple Luke and Laura on "General Hospital," has died. He was 78.
	Trump sues BBC for $10 billion, accusing it of defamation over Jan. 6 speech edit The British broadcaster apologized to Trump last month, calling the edit an "error of judgment," but denies its reporting was defamatory.
	Australian police say Bondi Beach mass shooting was inspired by Islamic State group A mass shooting in which 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah celebration at Sydney's Bondi Beach was "a terrorist attack inspired by Islamic State," Australia's police said Tuesday.
Monday, December 15th, 2025
	Quad City native Kelsey (Jipp) Sampson thriving as leader in Iowa State Athletic Department Kelsey (Jipp) Sampson can do it all for the Iowa State Athletic Department.
	Eldridge votes to close community center and skatepark The Eldridge Community Center and Skatepark will close.
	Eldridge city council approves closure of community center and skatepark Eldridge city council voted to close the city's community center Monday night. No seats were empty as many spoke in opposition to the closure. The Quad City Rollers have practiced at the Eldridge Community Center and Rollerskating Park for years. "We are kind of scrambling because we found out about it a couple days ago," [...]
	Eldridge decides to shut down community center and roller rink on 3-2 vote Operations will continue as normal until the council and the board that governs the community center outline a timeline for closure.
	QCA students to be gifted pillows and blankets for the holidays Some Quad-City students got a soft surprise for the holidays. Rock Island Academy students found out they will be gifted their own pillows and blankets December 16. Superintendent Sharon Williams showed up to the school to read the children's book 'All We Need Is Love and a Really Soft Pillow!' and then the kids then [...]
	Trump designates street fentanyl as WMD, escalating militarization of drug war Trump has already declared the drug cartels terrorist organizations and ordered military strikes against suspected drug boats. Now he's declaring fentanyl a WMD. Experts on street drugs and fentanyl are skeptical these moves will reduce the supply of fentanyl on America's streets or reduce overdose deaths.
	EICC honored with Outstanding Community College Awards Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC) has been recognized by Community Colleges for Iowa with multiple honors as part of the 2025 Outstanding Community College Awards, celebrating excellence in education, leadership, and partnerships across Iowa’s community college network, a news release says. EICC earned distinction for its collaboration with 3M, ADM, and LyondellBasell (LYB) through the [...]
	Anchor Will Ingalls hits road for KWQC Holiday Lights Tour, special to air Christmas Day KWQC-TV6 anchor Will Ingalls is touring local neighborhoods to showcase dazzling holiday lights, with a special program airing Christmas Day at 4 p.m.
	Suspect vehicle in Wisconsin murder found in Illinois, driver dead Police attempted to stop a suspect vehicle connected to a Wisconsin murder when a pursuit ensued on I-80 in Bureau County. The driver was found dead shortly after.
	Iowa National Guard family finds relief after Middle East attack Clinton servicewoman’s family grateful for safety confirmation amid tragedy
	Geneseo–Atkinson Food Pantry helps families through holiday gift program The Geneseo–Atkinson Food Pantry’s holiday gift program is helping families provide Christmas gifts this holiday season.
	Man sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection to Clinton fentanyl deaths A man will spend 10 years in prison after pleading guilty in connection to two Clinton fentanyl deaths.
	White Castle frozen sliders recalled, potentially nationwide Editor's Note: This article has been updated to clarify details about the recall. We apologize for the errors. (WHTM) – White Castle has recalled more than 1,000 cases of its frozen Original Sliders which were potentially sold nationwide, according to a company announcement shared by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). White Castle Frozen [...]
	Tow crews continue recovery after 40-vehicle pileup on I-80 “Biggest thing is just if you didn’t need to be out, I mean you shouldn’t have been out,” tow driver said.
	The Waiting Child: Keishawn & Ryker love basketball; wait for Big Brothers Big Sisters ‘Bigs’ Across the area, dozens of kids are waiting for a much needed holiday lift, the mentorship of a Big Brother or Big Sister. Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley needs volunteers to spend time with them. In this week’s The Waiting Child, Our Quad Cities News' Eric Olsen introduces us to Keishawn and [...]

Tuesday, December 16th, 2025

Monday, December 15th, 2025