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

Saturday, November 22nd, 2025
	Festival of Trees Holiday Parade brings holiday cheer to Davenport Thousands turned out to take in the largest helium balloon parade in the Midwest as traveled through downtown Davenport. The Festival of Trees Holiday Parade is hosted by Quad City Arts. This year's overall theme was tinsel and tradition, and parade judges voted on the best theme from each float and holiday cheer. This is [...]
	Festival of Trees 2025 kicks off in Davenport The last day to check out the trees is on Sunday, Nov. 30.
	Festival of Trees kicks off in downtown Davenport The Christmas celebration at the River Center offers families a space to see Santa, play Christmas games, write letters to send to the North Pole, and view designer Christmas displays and trees for the next 10 days.
	China buys 1 million tons of soybeans, but farmers say prices still unprofitable China purchased nearly 1 million tons of U.S. soybeans in its largest deal since January, but Iowa farmers say commodity prices remain below profitable levels despite modest recent gains.
	Two seriously injured in two vehicle accident, police say Two people were seriously injured in a two vehicle accident Saturday morning in Galesburg.
	2 injured drivers life-flighted after two-car crash in Galesburg Two drivers were life-flighted to a hospital with severe injuries after a two-car crash shortly after 9:15 a.m. Saturday, according to a news release from Galesburg Police. Galesburg Police responded to the 1300 block of South Lake Storey Road for the crash. The drivers were the sole occupants of the vehicles. A Galesburg Fire Department [...]
	Davenport Noon Optimist Club selling Christmas trees for the holiday season Money raised from the sales will go to kids in the local community.
	Scott County Regional Authority awards $1.4 million in fall 2025 grants The Scott County Regional Authority awarded more than $1.4 million in fall grants, supporting 49 projects and pushing total giving past $104 million.
	Kraft Heinz announces $48 million modernization project at Muscatine plant Kraft Heinz will invest $48 million to modernize its Muscatine plant, securing 400 jobs at the company’s oldest operating facility in the U.S., city officials said.
	Henry County Sheriff's Department investigating fatal shooting The shooting took place in rural Cambridge at about 6 p.m. on Friday.
	Grande Dame: “Wicked: For Good,” “Rental Family,” and “Train Dreams” The only real reason to see this musical continuation is Ariana Grande, who deepens her portrayal of Glinda (née Galinda) to such a degree that both the character and the performer feel remarkably fresh, almost as though we're meeting them for the first time.
	Two drivers life-flighted after crash on S. Lake Storey Road in Galesburg Two people were seriously injured and life-flighted to OSF St. Francis after a two-vehicle crash Saturday morning on S. Lake Storey Road in Galesburg.
	1 killed, 1 injured in rural Cambridge shooting Cambridge shooting A man is dead and a woman is injured after a shooting in unincorporated Cambridge. Deputies say the incident appears isolated and remains under investigation.
	Escapee Johnell Smith refuses to waive extradition to Illinois after being caught in Davenport Convicted murderer Johnell Smith III was arrested Friday in Davenport after escaping from the custody of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice on Nov. 12.
	Bettendorf’s Landing Ice Rink to open for second season on Dec. 5 The Landing Ice Rink in Bettendorf opens for its second season Dec. 5, offering special events, new programs and expanded amenities for families this winter.
	U.N. climate talks end without agreement on phasing out fossil fuels Dozens of countries had called for a clear "roadmap" to transition away from the use of coal, oil and natural gas. The U.S. did not participate in the negotiations.
	1 dead, 1 injured after being found with apparent gunshot wounds 1 person is dead and another is injured after the two were found with gunshot wounds Friday evening.
	Five people shot near downtown Chicago Friday night Police are investigating after five people were shot near State Street in downtown Chicago late Friday.
	Eldridge Volunteer Fire Department launches 2nd annual holiday toy drive The Eldridge Volunteer Fire Department is hosting its 2nd annual toy drive, collecting gifts and donations to support North Scott families this holiday season
	Galesburg Police: Drivers sustain severe injuries On Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 9:17 a.m, the Galesburg Police Department responded to South Lake Storey Road in reference to a two-vehicle accident involving injuries, a press release says. It was determined that the drivers were the sole occupants in both vehicles. One of the drivers was extricated from their vehicle by the Galesburg [...]
	Quad Cities girls basketball highlights: Friday, Nov. 21 We've got highlights from Orion, Rockridge and more!
	More than 300 children were abducted in an attack on a Catholic school in Nigeria A total of 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were abducted by gunmen during an attack on St. Mary's School, a Catholic institution in north-central Nigeria's Niger state, the Christian Association of Nigeria said.
	QC parents say adoption completed their families Some parents in Rock Island say their families were completed, as eight kids were officially adopted. With more than 16,000 kids currently in the care of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) as of last month, Our Quad Cities News reporter Riley Hemmer reports there's still a need for foster families. For [...]
	Brazil's Bolsonaro arrested for allegedly plotting escape ahead of prison term Brazil's Supreme Court ordered the arrest of Jair Bolsonaro, with a judge claiming the former president was intent on escaping as he was set to begin his prison sentence for leading a coup attempt.
	Parking restrictions in effect for Festival of Trees parade Parking restrictions will be in effect Saturday morning in downtown Davenport as the Festival of Trees parade brings the Midwest’s largest helium balloon parade to the area.
	Opinion: Jamal Khashoggi's words live forever Jamal Khashoggi came from a prominent Saudi family but fled his country in June, 2017, after he'd become increasingly critical of his government. The Saudi journalist was murdered in 2018.
	Rock Island County Board apprvoes $98 million balanced budget The budget includes another reduction in the county's property tax levy rate, the fourth since fiscal year 2022.
	Memories of Muscatine: First Reunion of the 35th Regt., Iowa Vol. Infantry invitation This week for Memories of Muscatine: An invitation to the First Reunion of the 35th Regt., Iowa Vol. Infantry.
	Killkenny's Pub hosts toy drive challenge between Augustana and St. Ambrose The Davenport bar is accepting donations of new toys for Team Augustana or Team St. Ambrose. The donated toys will go to Quad-Cities nonprofits.
	Memories of Muscatine: Pearl Lanes This week for Memories of Muscatine: Pearl Lanes on Grandview Avenue.
	A philanthropist left $1 million for a fountain in Davenport. But no one could agree where James Victor wanted part of his estate to fund a fountain in Davenport. When a physical fountain didn't pan out, his estate turned to a digital waterfall in the Figge.
	The Rock Island Arsenal Tinker Toy This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Once upon a time, energy was fun to watch. Steam engines, water wheels, windmills, steamboat paddles, and the…
	Meet the peace activist who persuaded France's Macron to recognize a Palestinian state Israeli-French peace activist Ofer Bronchtein helped shape President Emmanuel Macron's plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations this year. Here's how he did it.
	How Marjorie Taylor Greene went from a top Trump ally to choosing to resign Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was one of President Trump's most outspoken supporters. But she is planning to leave office following a growing rift with the president.
	Trump says he's terminating legal protections for Somali migrants in Minnesota President Donald Trump said Friday night that he's "immediately" terminating temporary legal protections for Somali migrants living in Minnesota. The state has the nation's largest Somali community.
Friday, November 21st, 2025
	Amboy wins third straight State Championship Amboy wins their third straight State Championship after defeating Polo 30-20.
	Self Help Superstars - Special Olympics basketball team making an impact Self Help Enterprises is a non-profit organization that promotes services for people with disabilities. They’ve created a Special Olympics basketball team, the Self Help Superstars.
	‘There was a little evidence of some movement,’ Muscatine city officials continue to monitor evacuated buildings Two buildings remain closed after evacuations two weeks ago.
	Rock Island County Courthouse creates forever families during National Adoption Day celebration Children in foster care have finalized their adoptions.
	Quad Cities Botanical Center turns on winter lights for the holidays Over 315,000 glowing lights are spread across five acres of garden grounds.
	Female crash test dummy designed to help make cars safer for women Existing female dummies are just smaller versions of male models.
	Burlington schools advance plan changing from trimesters to semesters The decision will be finalized on Dec. 1.
	It Takes a Village closing Muscatine shelter, transitioning to foster-only model All of the shelter's all of their adoptable cats and dogs need to get to foster or forever homes by Dec. 1.
	It Takes a Village closing Muscatine shelter, transitioning to foster-only model All of the shelter's all of their adoptable cats and dogs need to get to foster or forever homes by Dec. 1.
	Eldridge woman given probation after thefts from father An Eldridge woman was ordered to serve five years of probation after police say she stole thousands from her father. Cassandra Crafton, 34, appeared Friday in Scott County Court with her attorney, John Moeller. Earlier, she withdrew a not-guilty plea and pleaded guilty to financial exploitation of an older individual - first offense, and first-degree [...]
	Remodeled Gas Spot opens on Rockingham Road, Davenport InConvenience Inc. has announced the completion of its first Gas Spot remodel in Davenport at 3129 Rockingham Road, Davenport, a news release says. The location has been remodeled to feature a modern exterior with a wood-paneled architectural focal point behind a new exterior sign, fresh paint inside and out, playful interior signage, updated casework and [...]
	Martin Luther King Center aims to feed thousands in weekend Thanksgiving meal give away Staff and volunteers at the Martin Luther King Center in Rock Island are handing out meals for a Thanksgiving feast this weekend.
	Rock Falls fire chiefs found liable in captain’s 2021 death A Whiteside County jury awarded $31.5 million to the widow and two young daughters of the late Sterling Fire Captain Garrett Ramos. Here's what they found.
	Study finds economic impact of 2024 Iowa State Fair, fairgrounds' year-round activities reached $629M Included in its impact were 81,400 hotel room nights generated, 4,880 ongoing jobs sustained, $211.9 million in wages created and $17 million in state fiscal impact.
	Heavy law enforcement presence at scene in Henry County A heavy law enforcement presence was at a rural home in the 10000 block of Cambridge on Friday night. Shortly before 7 p.m., Our Quad Cities News crew saw at least five Henry County cars at the scene west of Cambridge and east of Andover. Shortly after 7 p.m., most of the emergency responders were [...]
	Fareway set to open new store in Coal Valley For nearly 15 years, the village of Coal Valley and surrounding townships have had to drive to Moline to get their weeks' worth of groceries. Friday marked the beginning of construction on a brand-new grocery store right in the middle of Coal Valley. The new Fareway store will cutdown village residents' drives by about 15 [...]
	315,000 lights and 3+ miles of extension cords - Winter Lights is officially open at Quad City Botanical Center! It's the 9th year for Winter Lights at Quad City Botanical Center! And as of 6 p.m. Friday the extravaganza is officially underway for 2025! This is the largest fundraiser of the year for QCBC. For more info about Winter Lights (2025 version) check out this interview: Here's a walking tour video of Winter Lights [...]
	Supreme Court blocks order that found Texas congressional map is likely racially biased The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a lower court ruling that found Texas' 2026 congressional redistricting plan pushed by President Trump likely discriminates on the basis of race.
	Parents and ACLU react to Moline High School bathroom door removal Moline High School’s decision to remove bathroom doors to deter vaping has prompted a wave of community reaction — including a fast-growing petition and new question
	After break with Trump, Marjorie Taylor Greene will resign Republican Georgia Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, an "America First" conservative who has clashed with President Trump and her party, said Friday she would resign from Congress Jan. 5, 2026.
	Husband of Quad-Cities reality star faces 2 more drug charges Keith Michael Collier, the husband of “Love After Lockup” star Latisha Collier, faces two more drug charges after police said he sold K2 to a confidential source in October.
	Quad Cities Botanical Center turns on winter lights Over 315,000 glowing lights are spread across five acres of garden grounds.
	Family of motorcycle crash victim speaks out, seeks help finding suspect “You met Sam, you love Sam. To know Sam was to love Sam. Everybody loved Sam," said Samantha's mother.
	Husband of Davenport reality star faces 2 more drug charges Keith Michael Collier, the husband of “Love After Lockup” star Latisha Collier, faces two more drug charges after police said he sold K2 to a confidential source in October.
	Bettendorf The Landing Ice Rink opening date and hours The City of Bettendorf will be opening The Landing Ice Rink (2255 Middle Road) for its second season on Friday, December 5th with weather permitting. Admission for adults will be $5 for youth and adults with Ice Skate Rentals costing $3. Hours of operation will include: Before and After Holiday BreakMonday: ClosedTuesday: ClosedWednesday: 5-9 p.m.Thursday: [...]
	ACLU of Illinois speaks about removal of bathroom doors at Moline High School School officials said the decision was made due to concerns about vaping among students.
	Toiletries 4 Teens seeks donations ahead of Dec. 21 giveaway Over the last 5 years, Toiletries 4 Teens has helped hundreds of local kids with their Christmas giveaways. Here's how you can help and/or attend the giveaway.
	Lee Enterprises announces CFO will leave company in early 2026 to become church pastor Tim Millage's resignation is effective Feb. 28, 2026.
	Rock Island County Board approves $98 million balanced budget The budget includes another reduction in the county's property tax levy rate, the fourth since fiscal year 2022.
	Rock Island families finalize adoptions for National Adoption Day Several Rock Island families finalized adoptions at the Juvenile Justice Center, celebrating new beginnings during National Adoption Day.
	Where to get free or low-cost Thanksgiving meals across the Quad Cities region Multiple Quad Cities groups are offering free or low-cost Thanksgiving meals, curbside pickups and community dinners across the region.
	The Landing Ice Rink sets opening date, new packages Bettendorf officials say they’re ready for bigger crowds when The Landing Ice Rink reopens Friday, Dec. 5.
	Whiteside County jury awards more than $31 million to family of deceased firefighter Garrett Ramos Charlene Bielema with Shaw Media joined The Current on News 8 to discuss what lead to the settlement and what the Ramos family hopes comes from the tragedy.
	This Week from the lens of the News 8 drone: Nov. 21, 2025 Take a look at some of the beautiful footage our News 8 drone captured this week!
	Project Peace Tree raising money for Quad Cities hospice services Donations must be made by Dec. 5.
	Toiletries 4 Teens collecting items for Christmas giveaway The group has worked for the last five years to provide hygiene products to local kids in need.
	Pretrial hearing held for former deputy charged in death of Jackson Kradle A trial date was scheduled for Feb. 20.
	Fareway breaks ground in Coal Valley The store is set to open before Thanksgiving 2026.
	Quad City Botanical Center prepares for opening night of Winter Nights, Winter Lights display A holiday tradition in the Quad Cities is preparing to open their doors for the season.
	Bettendorf announces opening date, special events for The Landing Ice Rink Bettendorf Parks & Recreation Department staff have spent the past month training staff, sharpening skates, adding new concession items and creating ice to prepare for the 2025-26 season.
	Newly expanded QC families celebrate National Adoption Day in Rock Island This is the third National Adoption Day celebration held in Rock Island, where the county averages about 40 child adoptions a year.
	This week's drought monitor for the Quad Cities In terms of rainfall this week has been better than most for the past several weeks with some rain from Monday and Tuesday. As a result, when we received our updated drought monitor yesterday afternoon, we did not see much change in it, whether positive or negative. Our next chance for some rain is at [...]
	Escaped Milan murder convict arrested; booked into Scott County Jail Friday Escaped Illinois murder convict Johnell Smith III, convicted in a 2023 Milan murder case, was booked into the Scott County Jail on Friday.
	Deck the Downtowns will keep you in the holiday spirit Get into the holiday spirit with Deck the Downtowns in Davenport! Haley Moore from the Downtown Davenport Partnership joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about Deck the Downtowns. For more information, click here.
	Coal Valley breaks ground for new Fareway store Coal Valley residents will be getting a new store for grocery shopping. Coal Valley officials broke ground on a new Fareway store at 1st St. and Route 6. The move will bring a grocery store to the community for the first time in 15 years. The project is expected to cost about $10 million and [...]
	Tourism impact focus of new Visit Quad Cities survey Visit Quad Cities is asking Quad City residents to share their perspectives on the impact tourism has on the quality of life across the region in a new Resident Sentiment Survey. Participants must be at least 18 years old and live in the Quad Cities region. "Our residents are our number one customer because tourism [...]
	Jamison Fisher files handwritten motion claiming medication withheld while in Scott County Jail In the motion, Fisher stated he was not given Adderall causing him to have trouble reading and comprehending things in his drug case.
	4 Your Money \| Keepin' It Real Inflation has cooled quite a bit from the highs we saw a few years ago, but many people still feel like they are falling behind. Nate Kreinbrink, Financial Planner at NelsonCorp Wealth Management, explains how “real” incomes remaining below pre-inflation levels are one cause for this hangover.
	These fans have sung their way to the National Women's Soccer League finals The Washington Spirit takes on Gotham FC on Saturday in San Jose, Calif.
	Honor Flight of the Quad Cities expands to include more veterans The flight will accept applications from any veteran within 75 miles of the Quad-Cities who served prior to December 1990.
	Free pie has become a Thanksgiving tradition in Des Moines What began as a way to bring the community together during COVID has become a tradition six years strong. Two sisters have organized volunteer bakers and delivery drivers to make sure everyone can eat a homemade pie on Thanksgiving.
	Senate Democrats are investigating the Kennedy Center for 'cronyism, corruption' Senate Democrats say the new Kennedy Center leadership has led to "millions in lost revenue, luxury spending, and preferential treatment for Trump allies." The performing arts center denies the allegations.
	'American Skyjacker' shares his story in QC Crime Watch Episode 44 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 about: 1972 crime that had its beginnings at an airport in St. Louis. Martin McNally, who was influenced by the mysterious D. B. [...]
	Escaped Milan murder convict arrested; booked into Scott County Jail Friday Escaped Illinois murder convict Johnell Smith III, convicted in a 2023 Milan murder case, was booked into the Scott County Jail on Friday.
	It Takes a Village Animal Rescue to close its doors, citing financial challenges Due to a decline in revenue over the past six months, the animal rescue said it must close its doors and transition back to a fully foster-based rescue.
	Where to get free or low-cost Thanksgiving meals across the Quad Cities region Multiple Quad Cities groups are offering free or low-cost Thanksgiving meals, curbside pickups and community dinners across the region. Here’s the list.
	Toys for Tots drive happening at WQAD on Tuesday, Dec. 2 News 8 staff will join the Marines in a day-long toy drive on Giving Tuesday in front of the station from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m.
	Captured in Davenport: Prison escapee, convicted in Danny Taylor murder, back in custody Johnell Lamont Smith III had escaped custody in Chicago on Nov. 12. He was captured Friday morning by Davenport police and is now in the Scott County Jail.
	Report details Ian Roberts’ hiring process with Des Moines Public Schools A new external investigation report provides new details regarding the hiring process for former Des Moines Superintendent Ian Roberts.
	Iowa reports first flu death this season The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services says the first influenza-related death this season has been reported.
	9 months after federal bribery conviction, former Speaker Madigan disbarred The longtime Illinois Democratic power broker now in a West Virginia prison.
	East Moline Police investigate shooting in downtown Police in East Moline are investigating gunfire that took place near a bar in the city’s downtown. A news release from the East Moline Police Department said officers were dispatched to Hey Bryan’s Tavern, 1140 Fifth Avenue, for a report of shots fired on November 15 at about 1:14 a.m. Several callers reported gunfire in [...]
	The female crash test dummy has been a long time coming — but she isn't here yet After years of limbo, the U.S. government has given the green light to a crash test dummy based on the female body. But will it be used right away? Not so fast.
	Putin says U.S. plan for Ukraine could form the basis for a final peace settlement The plan includes many of Russian President Vladimir Putin's demands. Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that his country is at "truly one of the most difficult moments in our history."
	Iowa health officials confirm first flu death in the state this season Iowa health officials have confirmed the first flu death in Iowa this flu season.

Saturday, November 22nd, 2025

Friday, November 21st, 2025