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

Monday, May 11th, 2026
	Learn about the latest scams at 'Stop the Scammers' event in Davenport The Iowa Department of Insurance and Fraud Services is bringing its “Stop the Scammers” roadshow to the River Center, 136 E. Third Street in Davenport, on May 12 at 5 p.m. to educate Iowans on the latest scams. In 2025, the Stop the Scammers roadshow helped stop $2.7 million from being sent to scammers and [...]
	Quad-Cities gas jumps 25 cents in one week, up 55 cents from last month Prices in the Quad-Cities are 55.6 cents per gallon higher than a month ago and stand $1.37 per gallon higher than a year ago.
	Homeless, pregnant asylum-seeker in Iowa sues Homeland Security A Des Moines asylum-seeker is suing the DHS after waiting over 750 days for work authorization, leaving her homeless and pregnant without healthcare.
	Zach Galifianakis cultivates plenty of laughs in 'This Is a Gardening Show' In the course of his delightful Netflix series, Galifianakis learns how to graft apple trees, make richer compost and generally self-sustain. "The future is agrarian," he says in every episode.
	U.S. Senate leader promotes Hinson’s Senate campaign, touts GOP’s tax cuts at campaign event Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Rep. Ashley Hinson visited Des Moines to discuss how 2025 GOP tax cuts are supporting Iowa workers and families.
	Will Sharpe imagines Mozart's day-to-day in 'Amadeus' Sharpe played a newly rich tech bro on vacation in The White Lotus. Now he's starring as Mozart, a musical genius who struggles to "read the room" in a new limited TV series.
	Death Notice: Fred Van Hoosier A funeral service and Mass of Christian Burial for Frederick D. "Fred" Van Hoosier, 94, of Eldridge, will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, May 18, at St. Anthony's Catholic Church, Davenport. The Mass will be livestreamed by visiting Fred's obituary at www.hmdfuneralhome.com. Burial with military honors will be in Rock Island National Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, May 17, from 2-4 p.m. at the Halligan-McCabe-DeVries Funeral Home, Davenport. Mr. Van Hoosier died Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Davenport. Memorials may be made to the Donahue American Legion or to the Quad Cities Veterans Outreach Center. Online condolences may be made at www.hmdfuneralhome.com. A full obituary will appear in the May 13 edition of The NSP.
	4-year-old airlifted after crash on U.S. 30 in Whiteside County OSF Life Flight responded to the scene and transported the 4-year-old to an area hospital for medical treatment.
	KWQC partnering to host US Senate Democratic Primary debate The debate will air live at 7 p.m. May 14 on KWQC Cozi 6.3 and will be livestreamed on the KWQC apps.
	Ped Mall shooting suspect arrested Iowa City Police say the suspect in the Ped Mall shooting has been arrested.
	Trump wants to suspend the federal gas tax as prices soar amid war with Iran Suspending the federal gas tax would require an act of Congress.
	Rock Island Arsenal trail launches, connecting visitors to history This new experience connects the past to the present and invites visitors to explore 13 points of interest.
	4-year-old bicyclist airlifted after being hit by vehicle in Whiteside County On Saturday morning, the Whiteside County Sheriff's Office responded to a traffic crash involving a 4-year-old bicyclist on U.S. Route 30.
	Child shot during response to hostage situation, police say A child died during an incident early Sunday between officers and a person who was reported to be armed and holding several people hostage in Princeton, according to a news release from the Illinois State Police. It happened just before 3 a.m. Sunday. Officers with the Bureau County Sheriff’s Office and Princeton Police Department responded [...]
	Celebrate Louie Bellson's music in Rock Falls The 5th Annual Bellson Music Fest will be held on Saturday, June 6 and celebrates the legacy of Louie Bellson (1924-2009), the Rock Falls native who became a world-renowned drummer, composer, band leader and six-time Grammy nominee. Rock Falls Tourism, along with Bellson’s widow Francine Bellson and music director Josh Duffee, are hosting the festival. [...]
	Crime Stoppers solved: Man was wanted by Rock Island police Officials said Kutzman was wanted by the Rock Island Police Department on a warrant for possession of a stolen vehicle.
	4-year-old airlifted after crash with car while riding bicycle Deputies responded to a crash at 11:43 a.m. on U.S. Route 30 near Blue Goose Road, according to the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office.
	1 juvenile dead after shots fired during reported hostage situation Illinois State Police say shots were fired during a domestic disturbance call on the 2700 block of East Street on Sunday.
	1 juvenile dead after shots fired during reported hostage situation in Princeton, IL Illinois State Police say shots were fired during a domestic disturbance call on the 2700 block of East Street on Sunday.
	4-year-old bicyclist airlifted after being hit by vehicle in Whiteside County On Saturday morning, the Whiteside County Sheriff's Office responded to a traffic crash involving a 4-year-old bicyclist on U.S. Route 30.
	Man arrested in connection with shooting in St. Ambrose University parking lot A Davenport man is accused of shooting at a driver in a St. Ambrose University parking lot, police said.
	'Atlanta Journal-Constitution' chief steps down as bold goals yield to tough realities The owners of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution invested $150 million to reinvent the paper. The changes have been significant. Three years in, the payoff has been modest.
	Third Missionary Baptist Church pastor retires Rogers Kirk Jr. has led the Davenport congregation for more than 30 years.
	Child dead after hostage situation ends in officer-involved shooting, troopers say Illinois State Police responded to a domestic disturbance Sunday in the 2700 block of East State Street, according to a news release.
	Inflatable Fun Day scheduled for family fun at Musco Sports Center, Muscatine The Musco Sports Center will roll out the first Inflatable Fun Day from May 16-17 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Families, children, teens, and anyone looking to burn off some energy can enjoy an indoor playground of inflatable bounce houses, an obstacle course, and open‑play activities including soccer, football, and more, a news release [...]
	South Rock Island Township hosting free giveaway The South Rock Island Township, 4330 11th Street, is hosting a free giveaway of household items. Free clothes, household items, coats, jackets, kitchen utensils, furniture, a sewing machine and more will be distributed on Tuesday, May 12 from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. Items will be available both inside and outside and all items are [...]
	City of Moline hosts 2nd annual Bike to Work Day The celebration is in partnership with the Quad Cities Bicycle club and will be from 6 to 9 a.m. on May 11 at Bass Street Landing.
	That Sound of Loose Coins Jingling in Pant Pockets? It’s Illinois’ Tax Relief “Special Payment” for Home Owners. Before the House passed the megaprojects bill last month, we were told that the drafters didn’t want to just do some symbolic or “token” property-tax relief. After the chamber passed the bill, we were told the property-tax component will provide meaningful statewide relief for home-owners.
	Warming up after Monday with several rain chances After a fantastic Mother's Day weekend, our week starts out sunny and mild today. Showers and a few storms are possible Tuesday and some of the storms could be strong to severe. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	College aviators will compete in national championships in Quad Cities The Quad Cities will take center stage in collegiate aviation this May as Visit Quad Cities and the Quad Cities International Airport host SAFECON 2026, the National Intercollegiate Flying Association (NIFA) national championship from May 18-23, a news release says. Throughout the week, hundreds of aviators representing more than 20 colleges and universities will compete [...]
	Rock Island and Henry County real estate transactions for May 10, 2026 Here are homes sales and property sales in Rock Island County and Henry County.
	New Italian cuisine restaurant, Coya's Cafe moving, tattoo and art studio grand opening, and more Quad-Cities business news New Italian cuisine restaurant, Coya's Cafe moving to Avenue of the Cities, new tattoo and art studio grand opening, among other Quad-Cities business news.
	Quad-Cities Popular Astronomy Club: Leaving a legacy, PAC founder’s donation benefits Augustana College In the 57 years since Carl Gamble Observatory and John Deere Planetarium opened, it has given both Augustana students and the public a better understanding of the universe.
	Oregon's most unexpected gubernatorial candidate? A pencil with a point Oregon's public schools rank last in fourth-grade reading, according to an analysis of national testing. As a wake-up call for elected leaders, Pencil is running for governor as a write-in candidate.
	IMEG acquires two Ohio-based companies IMEG expands performance & energy platform with addition of AGM Energy Services and Palmer Conservation Consulting.
	Marguerite This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.As a child, you learned that it's possible for a kingdom to be lost for want of a nail. Long ago near Rock Island, it…
	Mamma Mai's Bar & Grill to open on Wednesday Mamma Mia Bar & Grill, formerly Boone Docks Restaurant, in Joy, Illinois, to open on Wednesday, May 13.
	As ranks of uninsured grow, charity care can be hard to come by at many hospitals An investigation of hospital data and charity care programs shows most Minnesota hospitals provide little financial aid to patients and often make assistance difficult to get.
	Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi transferred to a Tehran hospital, her foundation says Nobel Peace laureate and activist Narges Mohammadi has been transferred to a Tehran hospital more than a week after collapsing in prison, her foundation said Sunday.
	Bettendorf street patching begins May 12 It's an Our Quad Cities News traffic alert. According to a release from the City of Bettendorf, work will begin Tuesday, May 12 on State St. from 17th St. to 23rd St. as crews make improvements to the roadway and sidewalks. Lane closures will move daily on State St. The lane closures will last for [...]
	Remains of US soldier who went missing in Morocco have been recovered The remains of a U.S. soldier who went missing during military drills in Morocco were recovered in the Atlantic Ocean, the army said. Military teams are searching for a second missing soldier.
Sunday, May 10th, 2026
	Your Medicare Roadmap: What to Know Before You Turn 65 (Feature Impact) Sixty-five is more than a number. It's a milestone. A moment to reflect on where you've been and look forward with confidence to what comes next. For millions of Americans, turning 65 also means unlocking one of the most valuable benefits you've earned: Medicare. The best is still ahead, and it starts with knowing your options. The official source for Medicare information, Medicare.gov, is here to help with clear, trusted information. The path to Medicare is not the same for everyone. Some people get Medicare automatically and others have to sign up. It depends on whether you are already getting Social Security. Either way, you'll want to choose how you get your Medicare coverage. Get information for your path at Medicare.gov, where you can find out when and how to enroll and explore your coverage options. Understanding Your Medicare Coverage Options When you first sign up for Medicare, you choose how to get your coverage. There are two main options: Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Original Medicare is health coverage provided directly by the federal government. It has two parts: Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care and home health care. Most people pay no premium for Part A. Part B (Medical Insurance) covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services (like screenings, vaccines and annual wellness visits) and durable medical equipment like wheelchairs and walkers. The standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month and is typically deducted from your Social Security check. With Original Medicare, you can visit any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that accepts Medicare. You can also add optional coverage to help manage costs: Medigap (Supplemental Insurance) helps pay your share of Medicare costs. Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) helps pay for medications. Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Original Medicare that provides Part A and Part B and is offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. You still pay the Part B premium. Some plans charge an additional premium - though many carry a $0 plan premium and may even help cover part of your Part B cost. Most plans include in Part D drug coverage along with extra benefits like dental, vision and hearing. Keep in mind most plans require you to use doctors within the plan's network. 5 Steps to Enroll with Confidence Use official sources. Go to Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE for step-by-step, personalized guidance on coverage and enrollment. Start early. You don't have to wait until your birthday. Explore your options now so you're ready when your enrollment window opens. Know your enrollment path. Your path depends on your circumstances - some people are automatically enrolled and some are not. There are unique steps for people who are still working. Avoid late enrollment penalties. Missing your enrollment window can result in a permanent premium penalty for both Part B and Part D. Signing up on time protects your wallet for years to come. Compare plans and save. At Medicare.gov, you can compare plan costs side-by-side, based on the specific drugs you take. A quick comparison could save you money each year. You can also confirm your current doctors are in-network before you choose a plan. Turning 65 is a milestone worth celebrating and it's the perfect time to focus on what matters most: your health and well-being. That includes eating well, exercising and making sure you have health insurance that fits your needs. There's no one-size-fits-all plan. What's important is finding an option that works for you and your health and financial needs. Start your journey at Medicare.gov - your roadmap to a healthier and confident future. Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
	Dog, occupants safe following Bettendorf fire No injuries were reported following an early-morning fire in Bettendorf. According to a release from the City of Bettendorf, the Bettendorf Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a structure fire in the 3100 block of Sunburst Dr. May 10 3:18 a.m. Crews found smoke coming from the roof and discovered a fire inside [...]
	Crews respond to early morning structure fire in Bettendorf The Bettendorf Fire Department responded to an early morning structure fire on the 3100 block of Sunburst Drive on Sunday.
	As HVAC demand rises, local schools and contractors work to fill growing labor shortage With more HVAC workers retiring and fewer entering the trades, local companies and colleges say demand for technicians continues to outpace supply.
	U.S. cruise passengers head to Nebraska for hantavirus monitoring Passengers are returning to their home countries after weeks on the ship at the center of a hantavirus outbreak. The Americans aboard are headed for Nebraska to be evaluated by health officials.
	U.S. cruise passengers fly back for hantavirus monitoring, as one tests positive Passengers are returning to their home countries after weeks on the ship at the center of a hantavirus outbreak. Most of the Americans aboard are headed for Nebraska to be evaluated by health officials.
	Gerald Talbot, civil rights leader and Maine’s first Black legislator, dies at 94 Gerald Talbot (right), the first Black Mainer elected to the state Legislature, and his wife, Anita Cummings, attended a rally for Kamala Harris' presidential bid on the anniversary of the 1963 March on Washington. (Photo by Lauren McCauley/Maine Morning Star)Gerald Talbot, a civil rights leader and the first African American to serve in the Maine Legislature, died Saturday at the age of 94. Talbot, who was born in Bangor in 1931, was an advocate for civil and human rights. He travelled to Washington, D.C. to participate in the 1963 March on Washington, and in 1964 he helped reestablish the NAACP in Portland, where he served as president for three terms. In that role he helped pass the Maine Fair Housing Bill and Maine Human Rights Act. In 1972, he was elected to the first of three terms in the Maine Legislature. During his tenure, he introduced legislation related to an array of social justice and human rights issues including the treatment of migrant workers, tribal sovereignty, and creating a holiday to honor Martin Luther King Jr. He also sponsored the first gay rights legislation and passed a landmark bill to have the “n-word” removed from maps and place names in Maine. “Gerald Talbot was a trailblazer, a civil rights icon, and one of Maine’s great moral leaders,” said U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree in a statement Sunday. “As the first Black legislator elected to the Maine Legislature, he opened doors that had been closed for far too long and used his voice to fight discrimination, advance equality, and make our state live up to its highest ideals.” Talbot and his wife Anita Cummings raised four daughters in Portland, including Rachel Talbot Ross, who in 2016 was the first Black woman elected to the Legislature and in 2022 the first Black person elected as speaker of the Maine House of Representatives. She is currently serving her first term in the Maine Senate. Another daughter, Regina Phillips, is currently representing District 3 on the Portland City Council. Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau said in a statement that Talbot’s life and activism “shaped Maine for future generations.” “It will never be lost on me how profoundly fortunate we were to have Mr. Talbot’s leadership, advocacy, and vision for a more perfect union,” Fecteau added. “His legacy of service will forever be cherished and remembered.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Maine Morning Star
	Where Davenport’s mobile speed cabinets are located week of May 11 Driving through Davenport? Here is where the mobile speed cabinets are for the week of May 4.
	Minor injuries reported in Milan 2-vehicle collision A two-vehicle accident in Milan resulted in minor injuries and a temporary traffic disruption Sunday afternoon, police report.
	Israeli settlers force Palestinian family to exhume and rebury their father The relatives of Hussein Asasa described to NPR how they were forced to exhume and rebury their father when Israeli settlers interfered with his grave.
	Eastern Iowa Community Colleges offers short-term HVAC training program Eastern Iowa Community Colleges is offering a 9-week HVAC training program as the demand for HVAC employees continues to grow.
	Crews respond to early morning Bettendorf structure fire The Bettendorf Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the 3100 block of Sunburst Drive. No injuries were reported.
	What to do during bleeding emergency: Muscatine Fire offers free training The Muscatine Fire Department hosted a free “Stop the Bleed” training course Sunday, teaching community members how to respond during traumatic emergencies before EMS crews arrive.
	Trump rejects Iran's latest response to U.S. ceasefire proposal Iran delivered its response to Pakistani mediators on Sunday, according to the state-run Islamic Republic News Agency.
	113 corgis compete in annual race at Council Bluffs park 113 corgis headed to Rivers Edge Park in Council Bluffs for the 6th annual corgi race.
	Two men charged in fatal shooting of Clinton man submit pleas They are charged in connection with the Feb. 17 shooting death of 20-year-old Brady Newsom.
	Mother who adopted kids with fetal alcohol syndrome grateful for help The family cared for by Nora Boesem, minus two who are in a Houston hospital. From left, back row: Her fiancé Kenrick Stewart, Moe, Jeremy, Mark and Wakinyan. From left, front row: Nora, Arianna, Frannie, Sadie, Nakita, Daniel, Kayleigh and AJ. Dontae and Gabe were in the hospital when the photo was taken. (Courtesy photo)LINCOLN — Mother’s Day passed with gratitude from a woman who has fostered and adopted dozens of children from the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation suffering from varying degrees of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). Nora Boesem, who now cares for 14 children and adults she has adopted, said she cried after seeing the outpouring of generosity for her dire financial situation caused by a divorce, an accident with an uninsured driver and piles of medical bills for her adoptees living with disabilities. How to help A friend and colleague of Nora Boesem’s has organized a GoFundMe page to help her family continue caring for former foster children, many of whom she has adopted over the years. Organizers say the money will go toward repairing the family’s vehicle and helping offset the costs of care. As of Sunday, donations to a GoFundMe account started by a friend neared $20,000, allowing Boesem – when she gets the funds – to catch up on mortgage payments, retrieve a repaired family SUV from a body shop and pay off some of the family’s medical bills. The plight of Boesem and her family – former residents of western South Dakota – was detailed in an Examiner story a week ago, when donations were just over $1,300. “I am just honestly speechless,” she said in a telephone interview. “It’s really a blessing.” Boesem’s income is too high to qualify for some government aid programs, and there have been cutbacks in caregiver assistance payments that had helped her hire in-home caretakers. Boesem and her family, now living in Houston, helped boost the momentum of local, statewide and national efforts to close down the beer stores in Whiteclay, Nebraska, which were dispensing more than 3 million cans of beer a year, mostly to residents of the adjacent Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where alcohol possession and sales are banned. The oldest of Nora Boesem’s family of children affected by fetalalcohol-related conditions, 24-year-old Dontae, was released from a Houston hospital Sunday after two weeks of testing and analysis on how to stop frequent seizures. (Courtesy of Nora Boesem) Almost all of the children Boesem has fostered and later adopted have been from the South Dakota reservation, where alcoholism is endemic and an estimated one in four children is born with fetal alcohol syndrome. Their mothers could have obtained beer from Whiteclay. During an interview Saturday evening, Boesem was dispensing prescriptions to her family while expressing hope that her oldest adoptee, 24-year-old Dontae Standing Bear — who grew up on the Pine Ridge — would be able to be released from the hospital in Houston. Dontae – who was born with blood that contained twice the legal limit for driving – has a severe case of FASD, one that causes him to suffer seizures more than 40% of the time. He has the cognitive development of a 5-year-old, another symptom of fetal alcohol syndrome, according to Boesem, a former nurse who has been active in public education efforts about FASD. Boesem, who works as an online counselor and teaches at a local college, said she moved to Houston in large part to get Dontae care at the University of Texas Health Science Center. He had been at the center since April 27 for evaluation about what kind of brain implant might be most effective at quelling the seizures. He was supposed to be released May 1. Former nurse who drew public attention to victims of Whiteclay needs help Dontae was finally sent home from the hospital on Sunday, and Boesem said the GoFundMe will help the family “not be underwater” when Dontae gets surgery. She said she recognized only a few of the names of the people who donated, which was amazing. She said she would use the money to pay the $11,000 bill to repair the family SUV, catch up with mortgage payments and create an account to pay off some of the family’s medical bills, which total about $43,000. She says they’ve had more than one incident while living in a rough section of Houston, including having the family dog stolen, having one child stabbed and witnessing a shooting at a nearby store. The donations, Boesem said, will end a lot of worries and help her start paying off other debts and prepare to move away. “I’ll just try to get everything here arranged so I can get the kids out of here,” she said. She said they might head back to South Dakota or somewhere else. “I’m not sure,” Boesem said. “But it’s not going to be Houston.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Courtesy of Nebraska Examiner
	Bettendorf Fire Department extinguishes garage fire on Sunset Drive early Sunday All occupants, including a dog, exited the home with no issue.
	Davenport man arrested in connection with shots fired near St. Ambrose University Jarod Gradert was taken into custody and faces two felony charges and two misdemeanor charges. He was released on an $8,000 cash bond on Saturday.
	Firefighters contain garage fire in Bettendorf Bettendorf firefighters quickly extinguished a garage fire early Sunday morning, preventing it from spreading to the home.
	East Moline’s Tacos and Margaritas Festival draws massive crowds as downtown revitalization continues Hundreds packed downtown for the festival, as organizers say growing attendance and vendor demand are turning Main Street into a major community destination.
	Is hantavirus the next pandemic? What experts say The sights of PPE-clad passengers leaving the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship Sunday may prompt flashbacks to the COVID pandemic. Health officials say that isn't exactly the case.
	House fire, active crime scene reported after Washington blast Emergency crews are responding to an active crime scene Sunday morning on Mallard Way in Washington near Kingsbury Road.
	Crews respond to Davenport 2 vehicle crash A large police, fire and EMS presence responded Saturday night to a crash on a busy roadway.
	Iowa Down Ballot podcast: End of session (finally); U.S. Senate Dems debate House lawmakers clapped after signing the "sine die" resolution the evening of May 3, 2026, adjourning the legislative session for the year. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Iowa Down Ballot with Dave Price 5/9/26 by Iowa Writers Collaborative Laura Belin of Bleeding Heartland and Kathie Obradovich of Iowa Capital Dispatch are here to discuss all-nighters, nitrates, and a Senate primary arms race. Read on Substack On the 13th day of session overtime, the Legislature finally adjourned. Host Dave Price, Laura Belin and I wrap up some of the accomplishments (property taxes), bills left behind (eminent domain) and a surprise or two. We also follow up on the U.S. Senate Democratic debate and preview some upcoming campaign events. Listen here. The Iowa Down Ballot Podcast with Dave Price is a production of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Paid subscriptions help cover production costs. Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	4 the Record Web Extra: Supreme Court's Voting Rights Act ruling creates uncertainty Thanks for checking out this web extra. We ran out of time to bring you all of our panel discussion on 4 The Record. We're already seeing fallout from a recent ruling from the U.S. Supreme Court. The 6-3 conservative majority struck down a key provision of the voting rights act that directly impacts how [...]
	Pritzker's affordable housing plan at odds with local governments Gov. JB Pritzker wants to make it easier to build affordable housing in the state. His Building Up Illinois Developments (BUILD) plan would clear the way for duplexes and apartments by essentially ignoring local zoning laws and speeding up the review and inspection process for housing permits. This isn't sitting well with the Illinois Municipal [...]
	Iowa legislature failure to pass new eminent domain rules draws criticism Iowa state lawmakers adjourn for the session without moving forward on one of the priorities for Republicans. In Iowa, Republicans in the majority did not deliver on new legislation to restrict the use of eminent domain. It was so important to Senate Republicans last year they stalled on passing the budget unless it was addressed, [...]
	Steen hopes to steer into Iowa governor's mansion Our countdown to the Iowa primary has it 23 days from now. We focus again on the race to to be the Republican nominee for governor. Five candidates will be on the ballot. They are Eddie Andrews, randy Feenstra, Zach Lahn, Brad Sherman and Adam Steen. One candidate must get at least 35% of the [...]
	McCook Lake refills amid debate about sufficiency of flood cleanup Birds stand atop a sandbar in McCook Lake on April 8, 2026. (Photo by Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)Nearly two years after a historic flood devastated the southeast South Dakota community of McCook Lake, local officials and community groups say the lake is moving closer to normal summer use. But people who use the lake are divided about whether it’s ready. Renae Hansen, who lives in the McCook Lake community, submitted a petition asking the state to maintain a no-wake restriction on the lake until further cleanup is completed. Hansen said 468 residents and lake users signed the document in one week. “The reality on the ground is it’s not good to go,” Hansen said. Car, furniture and other debris pulled from McCook Lake as state completes $1 million flood cleanup The petition states that 11 acres of the 223-acre lake have been cleared of debris, evidenced by an Army Corps of Engineers survey conducted after the state’s cleanup work. Hansen said the state’s work has left submerged hazards and newly formed islands that could become dangerous to people unaware of what’s under the water. Dirk Lohry, with the McCook Lake Association, said Hansen and others overstate the danger, and their views do not represent those of most lake residents and the immediate community. “Most of those signatures are not people who live on McCook Lake or even use McCook Lake,” Lohry said. “I don’t think that having 500 signatures gives this particular position any more credibility.” Lohry said the lake has been surveyed with sonar and by boat, and hazards have been marked with buoys. He said the low water levels exposed areas that could pose problems, allowing cleanup crews and volunteers to identify and remove debris. “We’ve done a pretty good survey of everything,” Lohry said. “Anything that could be a problem has certainly been exposed.” Meanwhile, a group of local entities including Hansen’s employer, the McCook Lake Izaak Walton League, issued a press release describing recovery efforts as “ongoing.” The other entities are North Sioux City, Union County, and the McCook Lake Association. The groups said more than 64 tons of debris and about 20,000 cubic yards of sediment have been removed through work involving South Dakota Game, Fish and Parks and Three Oaks Construction. Game, Fish and Parks used $1 million of state funds to contract with Three Oaks, of North Sioux City, after a competitive bidding process, according to the department. Work began on May 15 last year and concluded on the Aug. 1 deadline. Additional visible debris has been removed by the McCook Lake Association with help from Stockton Towing, and known debris will continue to be marked with buoys and removed as water levels rise, according to the press release. It also says that water quality testing showed conditions were within acceptable ranges for recreational use, and that fish sampling showed contaminant levels within safe consumption thresholds and consistent with pre-flood findings. Water has been pumped into the lake from the Missouri River since April 1, and the lake is expected to reach 7 feet of added depth soon. That will be the first time the lake has been full since the flood. More McCook Lake coverage ‘Like we don’t exist’: One year after the flood, a sense of abandonment lingers in McCook Lake After McCook Lake disaster, local officials ask Corps of Engineers to help with new flood plan McCook Lake catastrophe shatters complacency around old flood plans Commentary: Flood washes away Noem’s false veneer of leadership However, Hansen and some others fear that there won’t be enough depth between the hazards, like newly formed islands, and the surface. “If you put 7 feet of water on top of one of these new islands, what happens if a 6-foot-tall person dives in?” she said. “You don’t think they’ll go 1 foot underwater?” The June 2024 flood followed days of heavy rain and a record surge in the Big Sioux River. Authorities used a 1976 flood mitigation plan that diverted river water toward McCook Lake to protect North Sioux City and Dakota Dunes, hoping the lake would rise and spill over with minimal damage. Instead, the water slammed into dozens of McCook Lake homes, destroyed about 20 and carved deep gouges into the north shore. Some residents had to be rescued that night, but no one was killed. The South Dakota Department of Game, Fish and Parks lifted the lake’s no-wake restriction on April 1 this year after cleanup work concluded, meaning boats can now drive fast enough to cause a wake. Game, Fish and Parks did not respond to an interview request. Hansen said the department dismissed her concerns, arguing that swimming in any lake or river comes with risk. “Not every other lake in South Dakota had a forced flood that took out the community,” Hansen said. “If South Dakota had a plan to divert the water to the lake, why did they not have a plan for recovery?” Lohry said he cannot guarantee the lake is risk-free, but said that is true of any body of water. “I’m confident that we’ve done a good enough survey on the entirety of the lake to where it’s certainly safe for boating,” he said. Hansen said her concern is not only with residents who know the lake, but with Memorial Day and July Fourth visitors who may interpret the lifted wake restriction as a sign that the lake is back to normal. “When they hear all that, why would they doubt what the authorities are saying?” Hansen said. Lohry said there are plans to install additional signage that warns of safety risks. The press release from the local groups says cleanup and testing will continue, and water levels are expected to drop again in the fall, creating more opportunities to plan for additional cleanup. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of South Dakota Searchlight
	KWQC team honors their family on Mother’s Day You can submit your Mother’s Day photos to KWQC here.
	Willy Wonka would love this laboratory that checks the quality of chocolate The chocolate biz is raising the bar with a lab to assess cacao beans from around the world. (Talk about a sweet gig!) Consumers and farmers stand to benefit from the "Standard of Excellence" program.
	Every cacao is different: A new worldwide program evaluates cacao like wine or coffee The chocolate biz is raising the bar with a lab to assess cacao beans from around the world. (Talk about a sweet gig!) Consumers and farmers stand to benefit from the "Standard of Excellence" program.
	A chocolate laboratory in Italy will be good for chocolate eaters — and farmers The chocolate biz is raising the bar with a lab to assess cacao beans from around the world. (Talk about a sweet gig!) Consumers and farmers stand to benefit from the "Standard of Excellence" program.
	A lifetime of care: Mother and daughter work side by side at MercyOne Genesis Ally Grothusen’s first day as a nurse included a familiar face — her mom, a 30-year veteran at the same hospital.
	Hy-Vee celebrating America 250 with increased support for Veterans, active-duty service members Starting in May, Hy-Vee stores are bolstering their support for our country’s military veterans and active-duty service members through several Hy-Vee Homefront initiatives.
	Keir Starmer's party lost big in U.K. local elections. Here's what comes next. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's Labour party suffered major losses in local elections held across Britain last week. So far, Starmer has rejected calls for his resignation.
	Happy Mother's Day to the kindest mom. P.S. Your kindness annoyed me when I was a kid She and her siblings had to make tea for and share food with every visitor. That did not make her happy. Today she has a different perspective. So she finally asked her mom: What made you so kind?
	Free community resource fair planned for Rock Island, open to all QC residents A community resource fair will be held from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 12, at the YWCA, 513 17th St., Rock Island. Everyone is welcome to meet representatives of Quad Cities organizations and learn about services they provide. The first 70 attendees will receive a free food voucher for Abarrotes Carrillo. Prairie State Legal Services and [...]
	Upper Mississippi River Center, others win 2026 Eddy Awards Michael Reisner recently won the Eddy Award from River Action for his 13-year dedication as the Upper Mississippi River Center's director.
	BBB Tip: Top vacation scams to avoid Booking a vacation requires time and detailed planning. Whether just starting to research lodging and flights or completing the final scheduling, BBB encourages people to stay alert for common travel and vacation scams. Keep an eye out for the following…
	MARK-TO-MARKET: How AI is supercharging America’s demand for energy This year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the U.S. is expected to consume a record-high 4,200 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity.
	Rock Island-Milan Superintendent responds to discipline concerns Rock Island-Milan School District Superintendent Sharon Williams makes her case for the district's current discipline strategies and why more punitive measures won't work for the district.
	Of course we look for ourselves in art — but if we stop there, we're missing out As I watched the new series, I only cared about Piggy — the thoughtful, smart kid stranded on an island with other boys. That made me think about what we look for in art.
	'Not as bad as we had thought': Iowa Quad-Cities reacts to property tax changes State lawmakers have passed a bill reforming Iowa's property tax laws. Here's how Iowa Quad-Cities local governments say it will impact them.
	Jefferson Davis and Arsenal Island This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Have you ever regretted a decision that seemed absolutely right at the time? Here's a local example.In 1816, United…
	Cape Verde: Tiny nation, massive World Cup dream In Cape Verde, a small island nation off West Africa, World Cup qualification is transforming dreams on and off the pitch.
	Per Mar Security Services renews TMA Five Diamond status Per Mar Security renews TMA Five Diamond status. This designation demonstrates continued commitment to public safety, rigorous operator training, and industry-leading best practices
	Iran ceasefire tested as cargo ship catches fire after being hit off Qatar's coast A cargo ship caught fire Sunday after being hit by an unknown projectile off Qatar's coast, the British military said.
	Gas, groceries and getting by: How voters in one Ohio district see affordability Ohio voters headed to the polls last week for primary elections, and in competitive districts like the one where Toledo is primarily located, the message was clear: affordability is a top priority.
Saturday, May 9th, 2026
	“Life is Bigger Than Sports” tournament held in honor of Davenport North soccer coach’s daughter The event is organized by Davenport North soccer coach David Gamble to honor his daughter, McKenzie, who died from ovarian cancer.
	Tacos & Margaritas Festival brings hundreds to Maine Street Hundreds packed downtown for the festival, as organizers say growing attendance and vendor demand are turning Main Street into a major community destination.
	Will guns be available soon through the mail? Guns may soon be available through the mail. Shipping firearms through the U.S. Postal Service is regulated by the Gun Control Act of 1968 and USPS Publication 52, Hazardous, Restricted and Perishable Mail, but pressure from the Department of Justice might lead to a change. Our Quad Cities News correspondent Tyler Hill looks at the potential impact of [...]
	Protests and boycotts rock prestigious Venice Biennale The 61st edition of the international art event launched on Saturday in an atmosphere marked by geopolitical strife.
	Justice Barrett rejects swing vote label despite splits with SCOTUS conservative majority Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett speaks at the Reagan Library on September 09, 2025 in Simi Valley, California. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)Justice Amy Coney Barrett rejected the idea of being a swing vote on the U.S. Supreme Court during an appearance in Arkansas on Saturday, despite cases where she’s split from the court’s conservative majority. Barrett, who President Donald Trump nominated to the court in 2020, spoke for an hour about her work during an event at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. Conservatives hold a 6-3 majority on the court, but Barrett has sided with the liberal justices on several key cases over the years. But Barrett said she doesn’t view herself as a swing vote. “I don’t like that label because it makes me sound sort of flighty,” she said during the “Building Bridges” Q&A with Crystal Bridges Board Chair Olivia Walton. “You could say a lot of things. I don’t think I’m flighty. I think independent, or just following the law, would be the way to describe it.” Barrett said that being a judge means that sometimes she’ll decide a case where she doesn’t like the results. “I think that’s what it means to be faithful to the law and not try to align yourself with what people want you to do on the outside,” she said. Barrett said that “spicy” dissents or sharp splits on the court aren’t an indication that justices don’t get along. When conferencing on cases, there aren’t loud arguments and justices do things to build collegiality, she said. “I think when you only see someone as a package of ideas, especially if some of the ideas are ones you disagree with, it’s pretty hard like them, right?” she said. “But if you put the ideas aside and get to know someone as a person, then you can relate. Then you can put those things behind so the disagreements don’t dominate the relationship.” When asked about artificial intelligence, Barrett told Walton the court doesn’t use it “because it would be insecure.” “You can trust that our opinions are not AI-generated,” Barrett said, though she said her husband occasionally uses it for recipes. Barrett, who has a daughter graduating from college and a son graduating from high school this year, said she would tell graduates to seek out people with whom they disagree. “Make sure to give them grace and see people as humans,” she said. Courtesy of Arkansas Advocate
	Downtown Burlington receives multiple honors Downtown Burlington’s Main Street program earned statewide recognition for leadership, business support and placemaking at the 2026 Main Street Iowa Development Awards. According to a release, the annual awards ceremony brought together communities from Iowa to celebrate excellence in downtown revitalization. Downtown Burlington received the following recognitions: For more information, click here.
	Clinton addiction recovery center celebrates 2 years, opens new location The Rediscover Recovery Community Center celebrated its second anniversary Saturday while marking the opening of its new location in Clinton.
	Davenport Central soccer players photograph moments from the pitch Jensen Mier and Alex Nguyen are making the balancing act work with two hobbies they love.
	Your Mother's Day Forecast While the start of the weekend had warmer weather and some slight rain in the afternoon, your Mother's Day tomorrow will be a lot nicer. Temperatures will be cooling down slightly into the mid 60s but remaining to see a lot of sunshine to go out and enjoy with all of the moms out there!

Monday, May 11th, 2026

Sunday, May 10th, 2026

Saturday, May 9th, 2026