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

Thursday, January 1st, 2026
	Guides to help you tackle your New Year's resolutions From building your strength to tackling credit card debt, NPR's Life Kit has a newsletter journey to help you tackle your New Year's resolution.
	Friends and Enemies This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.When Father Samuel Mazzuchelli arrived in the raw lead mining town of Galena in 1836 to begin building a Catholic…
	Illinois maternal mortality report finds rise in pregnancy-related deaths Black women were more than twice as likely as white women to die from a pregnancy-related condition
	Dozens presumed dead in fire at Swiss Alps bar during New Year's celebration Dozens of people are presumed dead and about 100 injured, most of them seriously, following a fire at a Swiss Alps bar during a New Year's celebration, police said Thursday.
	Crypto soared in 2025 — and then crashed. Now what? For most of 2025, cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin surged as President Trump vowed to make the U.S. a crypto leader. But now, a severe sell-off has shaken the sector.
	Warren Buffett officially retires as Berkshire Hathway's CEO The legendary 95-year-old investor spent decades building his company into one of the world's largest and most powerful. Now Greg Abel is taking it over.
Wednesday, December 31st, 2025
	Zohran Mamdani sworn in as New York City mayor, capping historic rise Mayor Zohran Mamdani took the oath of office in New York City after midnight Thursday. The city's first Muslim mayor, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, has promised to focus on affordability and fairness.
	Rising from the ashes, a symbol of hope at the Rose Parade Survivors of the Eaton and Palisades Fires find healing and community working on a Rose Parade float to honor the lives and communities lost in last year's wildfires.
	Hawkeyes react to 34-27 win over Vanderbilt in ReliaQuest Bowl Mark Gronowski threw two touchdowns and rushed for another to lead Iowa to a 34-27 win over No. 13 Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Wednesday.
	The history behind the NYC subway station chosen for Mamdani's swearing-in The city shut down the station in 1945 on New Year's Eve. Eighty years later, it's a symbolic venue choice for the incoming mayor's private swearing-in ceremony.
	Quad Citizens celebrate the new year Quad Citizens flocked to bars and held get togethers welcoming in 2026.
	Quad Cities fireworks shops make some last-minute sales for New Year's Eve If you live in Iowa, fireworks can be part of your New Year’s Eve celebration, as long as you light them at certain times, but they're illegal in Illinois.
	Falconer flies birds to manage Galesburg crow problem Galesburg falconer Chase Delles uses ten trained raptors each evening to guide crows away from downtown, giving residents some relief from the mess.
	Drivers: Iowa’s Hands-Free Law begins January 1 Beginning January 1, drivers in Iowa will have to remember a new law targeting distracted driving on roadways across the state. Starting New Year's Day, Iowa's Hands-Free Law goes fully into effect. Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the bill (SF 22) into law on April 2. For more information, click here.
	Davenport mayor-elect focuses on unity after years of council turmoil Mayor-elect Jason Gordon, a former alderman with eight years of experience who stepped away for eight years before returning, said he wants to restore unity after years of turmoil on the council.
	ACLU challenges Galesburg juvenile facility practices as injunction deadline approaches The battle over solitary confinement and mental health care at the Mary Davis Home continues into the new year as a court-ordered injunction nears expiration.
	U.S. military strikes 5 more alleged drug boats, killing 8 The U.S. military says it struck five alleged drug-smuggling boats over two days. The attacks killed eight people, while others jumped overboard and may have survived. U.S. Southern Command did not reveal where the attacks occurred.
	Capitol riot 'does not happen' without Trump, Jack Smith told Congress Former special counsel Jack Smith also described President Trump as the "most culpable and most responsible person" in the criminal conspiracy to overturn the 2020 election results, according to a transcript of Smith's closed-door interview with the House Judiciary Committee.
	Quad Cities family knockouts breast cancer together, mother plans delayed vacation Brianne Tallyn’s battle with breast cancer brought family closer and they look toward recovery
	Geneseo Chamber of Commerce executive director no longer part of Chamber Zack Sullivan, executive director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce, announced he is no longer a part of the Chamber. Sullivan posted the following on Facebook: Effective today, I am no longer employed with the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce. Looking back, I'm proud of the work that has been accomplished over the past 6.5 years [...]
	Iowa holds off Vanderbilt's comeback bid for 34-27 victory in the ReliaQuest Bowl Mark Gronowski threw for two touchdowns and rushed for another to lead Iowa to a 34-27 win over No. 13 Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
	How Galesburg is using falcons to control crow population Galesburg hired Falconer Chase Delles to deal with the city's growing crow complaints. He and his fleet sweep the skies every night to ward off the corvid crowd.
	Rock Island's IMEG helped engineer the NYE Times Square ball IMEG, based in Rock Island, helped engineer the New Year's Eve ball in Times Square.
	Quad Cities families ring in new year early with 'Noon Year's Eve' Bettendorf's Family Museum welcomed families from across the region for "Noon Year's Eve," giving children a chance to ring in the new year without staying up late.
	Zack Sullivan no longer at Geneseo Chamber of Commerce Sullivan served as executive director for the Chamber since 2019.
	UPDATE: Carjacking suspect in critical condition after chase on I-380, gunfire exchange A carjacking suspect is in custody and hospitalized with critical injuries after exchanging gunfire with law enforcement Wednesday morning following a high-speed chase on I-380.
	UnityPoint Health Foundation recognized for philanthropy efforts UnityPoint Health, as well as two UnityPoint Health foundations, has received national recognition for philanthropy efforts, a news release says. UnityPoint Health recently was recognized by the Association for Healthcare Philanthropy (AHP)as one of the top healthcare organizations nationwide for giving during Fiscal Year 2024(FY2024). AHP named UnityPoint Health a 2024 High Performer, which is [...]
	Trump will drop push for National Guard deployments in Chicago, LA and Portland, Ore. Courts blocked troops from deploying in Chicago and Portland, Ore., and the Los Angeles deployment effectively ended after a judge blocked it earlier this month.
	What Stranger Things gets right about wormholes The final episode of fifth season of the Netflix series Stranger Things is out this week, and the concept of a wormhole figures largely into it. While the show is a work of fiction, theoretical wormholes have making appearances for decades not only in science fiction but in actual science.
	Rock Island launches survey to guide future goals and priorities Rock Island wants input on what city leaders need to address in the coming years.
	Fans in the Quad Cities cheer on the Hawkeyes in the Reliaquest Bowl For the 12th straight year, the Iowa Hawkeyes earned the right to play in a bowl game. For the ninth time since the streak started, they had to battle an opponent from the SEC. This year it was the Vanderbilt Commodores, ranked 14th in the country, at the Reliaquest Bowl in Orlando. Back in the [...]
	Shelters urge pet safety ahead of New Year’s Eve fireworks Fireworks may be part of New Year’s Eve celebrations, but for pets, the loud booms and flashing lights can be overwhelming.
	Iowa hands-free driving law enforcement begins with fines “I see a lot of people that are stopped at stop signs or stopped at traffic lights that will use that opportunity to be stopped in traffic to get their phone out and as of January 1st, 2026, citations will now start being issued,” said Muscatine police department.
	Photos: The world welcomes the new year As fireworks light the sky and crowds count down together, communities around the globe welcome 2026.
	Man charged with attempted murder in Dixon Police allege 65-year-old Joseph A. Willwerth stabbed a homeowner during a home invasion.
	Dixon man arrested for attempted murder A Dixon man was arrested for attempted murder and other charges.' According to a release, officers with the Dixon Police Department responded to the 400 block of Crawford Ave. after a report of a man stabbed with a knife on December 28 at approximately 9:07 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found two men, the homeowner and [...]
	Quad Cities fireworks shops make some last-minute sales for New Year's Eve If you live in Iowa, fireworks can be part of your New Year’s Eve celebration, as long as you light them at certain times, but they're illegal in Illinois.
	Hawkeyes beat Vanderbilt 34-27 to win Reliaquest Bowl The Iowa Hawkeyes defeated Vanderbilt 34-27 on December 31, 2025 to win the Reliaquest Bowl in Tampa, Florida. The Hawkeyes never trailed in the game, they jumped out to a 21-3 lead and eventually won the game by 7. Iowa Head Coach Kirk Ferentz won his 11th Bowl game that is the most by a [...]
	Geneseo chamber says Sullivan no longer on board The executive director of the Geneseo Chamber of Commerce is no longer with the Chamber.
	Clinton County inmate dies after being found unresponsive on Sunday An inmate of the Clinton County Jail who was hospitalized after being found unresponsive on Sunday has died, the Clinton County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.
	Inmate found unresponsive in Clinton County Jail cell dies The man died on Tuesday after being taken to the University of Iowa Hospitals, deputies said.
	Crews respond to Coal Valley house fire Fire officials told KWQC no one was injured in the fire.
	National Weather Service forecasts ice jam on Rock River to cause moderate flooding Ice jams on the Rock River will lead to some flooding in Moline, according to a forecast by the National Weather Service.
	Meet five new species discovered in 2025 A bumpy snailfish, Andean mouse opossum and ancient sea cow were just some of the many species described in 2025.
	Illinois has one of the highest preliminary counts of tornadoes in 2025, nationally Illinois ranks #2 in the nation for most tornadoes in 2025.
	Firefighters contain Coal Valley house fire; no injuries reported Firefighters contained a house fire in Coal Valley to the second floor after crews were called around noon. Officials say no injuries were reported.
	What to know about Nick Shirley, the YouTuber alleging daycare fraud in Minnesota Shirley is a 23-year-old self-described "independent YouTube journalist" who made prank videos in high school before pivoting to politics. He participated in a White House roundtable in October.
	What to know about Nick Shirley, the YouTuber alleging day care fraud in Minnesota Shirley is a 23-year-old self-described "independent YouTube journalist" who made prank videos in high school before pivoting to politics. He participated in a White House roundtable in October.
	Attempted armed robbery under investigation at Amboy gas station Authorities are investigating an attempted armed robbery at a Shell gas station in Amboy on Dec. 31 and are asking the public for information.
	Deputies investigating attempted armed robbery at gas station Officials said a suspect attempted the robbery at a Shell Gas Station Wednesday in the 300 block of North Mason Avenue.
	Rock Island's IMEG helped engineer the NYE Times Square ball IMEG, based in Rock Island, helped engineer the New Year's Eve ball in Times Square.
	Lee County Sheriff's Office seeks info on Amboy attempted robbery Law enforcement officers in Lee County are asking for the public’s help in finding a person wanted in connection with an attempted armed robbery at a gas station in Amboy, Ill. The Lee County Sheriff’s Office and the Amboy Police Department are investigating the attempted armed robbery that happened at the Shell Gas Station, 342 [...]
	Ice jams prompt flood warning for Rock River near Moline, affecting Rock Island and Henry counties The Rock River is expected to reach Minor Flood Stage by midnight. Here's a look at what areas could be impacted.
	Davenport, Bettendorf, Eldridge? From where did the top Iowa Quad-Cities stories come? Here is a list of top stories from city governments in the Iowa Quad-Cities for 2025. What is the top story?
	Ice jam forms on Rock River, Flood Warning issued On Wednesday morning, emergency officials reported an ice jam forming near South Shore Drive in Moline.
	Learn about Innovation grants at free virtual program QCA nonprofit organizations can learn more about Innovation grants at a free virtual informational program. The Better Health Foundation is hosting a virtual information session on Friday, January 9, from11 – 11:45 a.m. to share information about Innovation grant opportunities. The foundation plans to award Innovation grants in the range of $100,000 - $200,000 for [...]
	Car hits house in Muscatine The incident happened Wednesday morning on Logan Street, prompting a brief road closure.
	Tri-Cities Housing Lottery helps residents rehabilitate homes Learn more about a housing rehabilitation program for QC residents, including those in Moline, East Moline and Silvis. January’s Moline Neighbors United (MNU) meeting on January 8 at 9 a.m. will have a public presentation and discussion on the Tri-Cities Housing Lottery (Housing Rehabilitation Program). The meeting will be held at Moline City Hall, 619 [...]
	Ring in the New Year safely: What police and doctors want you to know With parties, bar hopping and alcohol in the mix, police and doctors say even people who don’t plan to overdo it can still end up making dangerous decisions.
	Southeast Iowa detention officer charged with sexual misconduct involving inmate A Lee County juvenile detention officer was arrested and charged with sexual misconduct involving a 16-year-old inmate.
	Driver injured after car hits house A car hit a home in Muscatine Wednesday morning.
	Rock Island, Milan have 95 houses for sale; highest sale price in Quad-Cities was $1.2M See the number of homes sold in the Quad-Cities from Dec. 1-16 and the average prices per city.
	Blue Grass student nominated to U.S. Naval Academy Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) recently announced his support for 31 Iowa students who want to attend the U.S. military academies. Owen Powell from Blue Grass, who has been nominated to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md, spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to talk about his decision and his future plans. [...]
	A breezy and colder start to 2026 in the Quad Cities Some light accumulating snow is possible northeast of the Quad Cities this afternoon. Ahead of a clipper system moving through today, New Year's Eve temperatures will warm well into the 30s to around 40° for some. Here's your complete 7-day forecast.
	Bettendorf considers funding for Middle Road four-lane; wants former JI Case building torn down Middle Road's four-lane reconstruction and seeing the former riverfront factory's remnant building taken down were among several top priorities the Bettendorf City Council set for the coming year.
	4 Your Money \| Mom-and-Pop Stress Test Unfortunately, the data continues to show struggles for small businesses. John Nelson, Financial Planner at NelsonCorp Wealth Management, shares the numbers on Subchapter 5 bankruptcy filings and how they could become a warning for the broader economy.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for Dec. 31, 2025 Metro Link buses will continue providing service through New Year's Eve, but be aware that on New Year's Day, some federal offices will close.
	YWCA Clinton announces nominations open for Women of Achievement Awards YWCA Clinton has announced that nominations are open for the 53rd Annual YWCA Woman of Achievement Awards, a news release says. “There is something powerful about the ripple effect one woman can have on a community. For 52 years, the YWCA Woman of Achievement Awards have brought us together to celebrate the leadership, impact, and [...]
	Greetings from Vienna, where an imperial palace hosts a holiday market for all Far-Flung Postcards is a weekly series in which NPR's international team shares moments from their lives and work around the world.
	Families across the Quad Cities metro ringing in the New Year early From Bettendorf's Noon Year's Eve Party to Davenport's Glow Skate at the River's Edge, there are a few places where kids can ring in 2026 early.
	Cook review: 'Search for SquarePants' is hilarious comedy for any age of viewer Ahoy, mateys! Regardless of your age, if you set sail with "The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants," you're headed for laughs in an animated adventure silly, funny, and smart. I'm not a follower of the "SpongeBob SquarePants" series based on the Nickelodeon series that debuted in 1999 that was based on a comics series. But [...]
	New laws, regulations taking effect in Iowa on Jan. 1, 2026 From changes to sports wagering winnings to fines for violating the hands-free driving law, here's what changes Iowans can expect heading into the new year.
	The year in crime 2025: Protests, trials and the Quad-Cities' biggest cold case The headlines across the Quad-Cities over the past 12 months have been dominated by the news of trials, a police shooting, and a cold case suddenly made hot.
	Orion approves property tax levy after truth-in-taxation hearing The $193,155 levy is the same amount the village has set since 2011.
	Quad-Cities-based engineering firm helps create new Times Square New Year's Eve Ball IMEG’s New York team provided ventilation and telecommunications engineering services for the new Constellation Ball.
	Ballet Quad Cities presents 'Dorothy Goes to Oz' at Blackbox Theatre, Moline Ballet Quad Cities in partnership with the Black Box Theatre will present Family Day at the Ballet featuring "Dorothy Goe to Oz: A Tale of Friendship and Teamwork." The show takes place at The Black Box Theatre, 1623 5th Ave., Moline, at 1 p.m. Jan. 24. Tickets are $15 and available here. Family Day at the [...]
	Columbus Junction Tyson employees raise over $7,000 for breast cancer patients The donation was given to Iowa City nonprofit Team Breast Friends, which provides support to people with breast cancer
	Out with the mayo: How Ukrainians reclaim holiday food For many people from former Soviet countries, New Year's is a big holiday feast time. A Ukrainian restaurant in Washington gives NPR a taste of what's on the menu.
	His brother's mental illness isolated his family. Now he's helping other caregivers When it comes to serious mental illness, family caregivers are crucial partners. But often, they must fend for themselves. A new solution offers them support.
	The Missionary Priest This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.When the Dominican Order assigned Father Samuel Mazzuchelli as the first Catholic missionary to the newly-opened lands…
	Moline Regional Community Foundation announces $169,000 in grants from three funds More than $169,000 in total is being awarded from the Dorothy and Bud Lundahl Charitable Trust, Charles Deere Wiman Memorial Trust and Sheila Murphy Foundation.
	50 wonderful things from 2025 Each year, critic Linda Holmes looks back on the year and compiles a list of the things that brought her joy.
	Why do we make New Year's resolutions? A brief history of a long tradition One of the earliest mentions of New Year's resolutions appeared in a Boston newspaper in 1813. But the practice itself can be traced back to the Babylonians.
	A little boy gave her hope for her foster daughter's future At a neighborhood park, a young boy noticed Natalie's young foster daughter using a walker. His reaction left Natalie with an unexpected feeling of hope for the future.
	In one year, Trump pivots fentanyl response from public health to drug war Experts say Biden's focus on addiction health care saved tens of thousands of lives and slowed fentanyl smuggling. Trump scrapped Biden's approach in favor of military strikes.
	US measles cases surpass 2,000 in 2025 The number of recorded measles cases in the U.S. during 2025 has officially exceeded 2,000 just before the end of the year, a bleak punctuation on what has been the worst spread of measles the country has seen in decades.
	National Guard arrives in New Orleans for 1st New Year's since Bourbon Street attack Nearly a year after a New Year's Day truck attack on Bourbon Street left 14 dead, New Orleans officials are still seeking permanent security solutions.
	Isiah Whitlock Jr., actor from 'The Wire,' 'Veep' and Spike Lee films, dies at 71 Actor Isiah Whitlock Jr. has died at age 71. Whitlock played the corrupt state Sen. Clay Davis on "The Wire." He also appeared in several Spike Lee films, including "25th Hour" and "BlacKkKlansman."
	CIA behind strike at Venezuelan dock that Trump claims was used by drug smugglers, AP sources say The CIA was behind a drone strike last week at a docking area believed to have been used by Venezuelan drug cartels. That's according to two people familiar with details of the operation.
	Kennedy Center renaming prompts a new round of cancellations The Kennedy Center is ending the year with a new round of artists saying they are canceling scheduled performances after President Donald Trump's name was added to the facility.
	Saving our Shelters: A look inside area shelters as overcrowding reaches new highs and how you can help heading into the new year As the year wraps up, animal rescues across the Quad Cities say they are facing a tough reality: Full kennels, families in crisis and a lot of pets with nowhere else to go. But, they also say a little help right now can completely change their ability to save lives in the new year. Five [...]
Tuesday, December 30th, 2025
	How new AEA funding is affecting Iowa schools Iowa's 2024 law (HF 2612) reforming Area Education Agency (AEA) funding is now in full effect. The law gives school districts the ability to control spending - 90% must be spent with AEAs, but 10% can be spent at school districts' discretion. Our Quad Cities News correspondent Skyler Tallal shows how the law may be [...]
	Illinois law update prohibits waiting period policies for missing persons reports The amendment to the Missing Persons Identification Act takes effect Jan. 1.
	Illinois law update prohibits waiting period policies for missing persons reports The amendment to the Missing Persons Identification Act takes effect Jan. 1.
	Wapello home a total loss following Monday evening fire First responders initially received information that two occupants may have been inside when the fire broke out, but they were found elsewhere without injuries.
	'Non-nutritious foods' no longer covered by SNAP in Iowa starting Jan. 1 SNAP eligibility rules are shifting in January as federal and state changes tighten work requirements and restrict what Iowa recipients can buy.
	Quad City Storm to hit the ice as the 'Fire Quackers' for rebrand games on Jan. 9 and 10 The Fire Quackers will take on the Pensacola Ice Flyers for two games that team officials call a celebration of 30 years of Quad Cities hockey history.
	QCA gyms prepare for the New Year's rush Every time the New Year's Day rolls around, many people create New Year's resolutions, often with a "new year, new me," thought process. Often, that resolution is to better one's health or wellness, so more people sign up and start going to the gym. And that puts pressure on gyms to support the sudden uptick [...]
	Longtime QCA union supporter dies A longtime labor-union supporter who tried to help save the Maytag facility in Galesburg has died, according to his obituary. David Bevard, 73, of Bolingbrook, formerly of Galesburg, died on Christmas Day in Bolingbrook. Bevard graduated from Galesburg High School in 1970, then studied journalism at Northern Illinois University. He worked for Maytag in Galesburg [...]
	Galesburg’s falcon program for crow control ending this weekend Galesburg’s trained falcons have patrolled downtown all month to curb the city’s crow problem. Residents have mixed reactions as the program ends.

Thursday, January 1st, 2026

Wednesday, December 31st, 2025

Tuesday, December 30th, 2025