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

Tuesday, December 30th, 2025
	Quad Cities doctor offers insight on groundbreaking pacemaker procedure This summer, doctors at UnityPoint Health performed the QCA's first leadless pacemaker procedure. Now, Dr. Helbert Acosta breaks down the significance.
	Superbug hits Iowa, Illinois, other states: Here's where the deadly fungus is spreading Hospitals, nursing homes and other medical facilities are struggling to gain ground on a drug-resistant and deadly fungus that has infected at least 7,000 people in 2025, according to tracking by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
	Power outage hits Iowa Quad Cities A power outage has hit the Iowa Quad Cities. As of 3:45 p.m., MidAmerican Energy reports 2188 homes are affected by the outage. For updates, click here.
	Ticks named 2025 Pest of the Year as ER visits surge The National Pest Management Association also named bedbugs as the 'Buzziest' pest of 2025. Here are some tips to stay safe from ticks in 2026.
	YWCA Quad Cities to host paws-only swim for dogs The Rock Island pool will be open exclusively to dogs on Sunday, Jan. 4 from 2-4 p.m. The cost is $10 per dog.
	Flu cases are surging and rates will likely get worse, new CDC data shows Flu season is off to a rough start this year, according to new CDC data. The virus is spreading faster than in previous years and the surge is likely to get worse. Here's what you need to know.
	Iowa has new SNAP restrictions. Shoppers are headed to Illinois More than 20,000 people in Scott County alone use SNAP to keep food on the table.
	New Year fireworks laws in the Quad Cities: What to know As the 2026 quickly approaches, you may want to ring in the new year with fireworks. Here is information you need to know about what's allowed (or isn't) allowed in parts of the QCA. Iowa (Times and dates reflect Iowa state law change effective July 1, 2025) Bettendorf: December 31, 9:00 a.m. - January 1, [...]
	10 passion projects that stood out at the movies this year NPR critic Bob Mondello narrows down his favorite movies of the year — the ones that made audiences vibrate.
	Radon Awareness Month 2026 Radon Awareness Month 2026
	Pay What You Want Nights at QC Botanical Center No advanced tickets required. Organizers said last entry will be at 7:30 p.m.
	Tuesday’s adoptable pet: Meet Grace Grace is a 4-month-old shorthair. Wiley said Grace is vocal and loves to play.
	Judge orders Trump administration to continue to seek funding for the CFPB The order is the latest in a complex legal battle over the fate of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a watchdog agency.
	In a year of steep challenges, there were still shining moments in global health The Trump administration's deep cuts in U.S. foreign health aid had a devastating impact. Yet there were achievements of note in spite of it all.
	East Moline-based Standard Forwarding Freight suspends operations The company made the announcement Monday.
	Galesburg driver arrested weeks after fatal crash that killed 72-year-old woman A Galesburg woman has been arrested on multiple charges, including reckless homicide, weeks after a November crash that killed a 72-year-old woman.
	Hawkeyes facing challenge to contain Vanderbilt QB Pavia in Reliaquest Bowl The Iowa Hawkeyes have already tangled with Heisman Trophy winning Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. The Hawkeyes lost that game back in September 20-15. Now the Hawkeyes will tackle the Heisman runner-up when Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia takes the field against them in the Reliaquest Bowl on News Year’s Eve in Tampa, Florida. Pavia led [...]
	Moline Regional Community Foundation partners with Old National Bank on grants Starting this year, Moline Regional Community Foundation (MRCF) and Old National Bank Wealth Management are partnering to award grants to local nonprofits. Over $169,000 in funding is being awarded from three historic philanthropic families; the Dorothy and Bud Lundahl Charitable Trust, Charles Deere Wiman Memorial Trust and the Sheila Murphy Foundation. “We truly appreciate our partnership [...]
	Police: Woman charged after driver killed in 2-vehicle crash Police say they arrested a 32-year-old Galesburg woman in connection with a November crash that killed one person.
	Galesburg woman arrested after November fatal crash A woman from Galesburg is in the Knox County Jail after police say she was involved in a fatal crash in November. A news release from the Galesburg Police Department said officers responded to the 1300 block of South Lake Storey Road on November 22 at about 9:15 a.m. for a report of a two-vehicle [...]
	An escalation in Yemen threatens to reignite civil war and widen tensions in the Gulf Saudi Arabia bombed Yemen's port city of Mukalla, targeting a shipment of weapons from the United Arab Emirates for separatist forces. The UAE later said it would withdraw its forces from Yemen.
	Cecilia Giménez, the artist who 'restored' the face of Jesus, has died at 94 Giménez international attention after she attempted to restore an old fresco. While it was immediately ridiculed at the time, the piece eventually turned into a tourist attraction.
	What being around death taught this hospital chaplain about life J.S. Park helps patients and their families cope with death every day as a hospital chaplain. He explains what to expect as a person is dying, and how to reckon with uncomfortable feelings about death.
	Davenport man arrested, charged in January shooting A Davenport man has been arrested after police say he conspired with co-defendants to commit a shooting in January 2025. Criminal complaints filed in the case say that Davenport Police responded to the parking lot of Save More, 400 E. Locust Street, on January 25, 2025 at about 11 p.m. for a report of shots [...]
	Israel says it will bar aid groups, including Doctors Without Borders, from Gaza Israel accused Doctors Without Borders, one of the largest health organizations operating in Gaza, of failing to clarify the roles of some staff that Israel accused of cooperation with militants.
	Lee Enterprises secures $50 million investment, announces leadership changes The investment is led by David Hoffmann, who will assume the role of chair of the board. In addition, President and CEO Kevin Mowbray is set to retire.
	Quad Cities Heart Ball set for March at Waterfront Convention Center The American Heart Association will host the 2026 Quad Cities Heart Ball on March 27 at the Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf.
	Virtual Illinois Libraries Present: “Bringing History to Life with Jonathan Eig,” January 13 With the virtual program boasting an interview with the bestselling author of six books including his most recent, Pulitzer Prize-winning King: A Life, the Rock Island and Silvis Public Libraries join Illinois Libraries Present in hosting Bringing History to Life with Jonathan Eig, this January 13 event finding the author in conversation with The Interview Show's Mark Bazer.
	Iowa laws taking effect Jan. 1, 2026: What residents need to know The new laws will affect how some people pay taxes and what drivers can and cannot do behind the wheel.
	“Why We Need Immigrants and Why That Causes Conflict,” January 11 Exploring the transformative role immigrants played from 1880 to 1924 as the United States shifted from farmland to factory floors, Why We Need Immigrants and Why That Causes Conflict will be presented by Peter Kivisto at the German American Heritage Center, this fascinating January 11 talk the first 2026 event in the Davenport venue's popular "Kaffee und Kuchen" series.
	Chilly end to 2025 and a cold start to the new year December will end up snowier and colder than average for the Quad Cities. We have two systems dropping in today and tomorrow that could add a little more snow to those totals. After a cold start to 2026, we start to warm up. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	“Community Connections: From Dubuque to Selma & Beyond,” January 15 An Augustana College graduate, former Moline teacher/coach, and Superintendent of Rock Island-Milan Public Schools takes part in a conversation about his recent memoir From Dubuque to Selma & Beyond, a pair of January 15 "Community Connections" book talks with Dave Markward that finds the author, at the Bettendorf Public Library, sharing his personal journey of understanding racism in America.
	Edward Catich Birthday Celebration, January 10 With the event held in honor of the Roman Catholic priest, calligrapher, and longtime St. Ambrose University instructor born on January 4, 1906, the Davenport Public Library's Main Branch will host its Edward Catich Birthday Celebration on January 10, treating visitors to a presentation and art demonstration with Paul Herrera at 10 a.m., plus a calligraphy workshop with Amy Nielsen at 11 a.m.
	Gasoline Lollipops, January 13 Touring in support of their 2025 album Kill the Architect, a recording that Americana Highways said "works entertainingly and embodies their bold creativity," the indie rockers of Gasoline Lollipops return to Davenport's Raccoon Motel on January 13, the group also lauded by New Noise for their "a powerful mix of Americana, outlaw country, and just enough punk-rock swagger to appeal to those who won’t admit to liking those other two genres."
	Tennessee Whiskey: A Tribute to Chris Stapleton, The Ultimate Eric Church Experience, and Bell Bottom Revival: Lainey Wilson Tribute, January 9 On January 9, three touring tribute acts will deliver one exhilarating night of country hits when East Moline venue The Rust Belt hosts its co-headlining concert with Tennessee Whiskey: A Tribute to Chris Stapleton, The Ultimate Eric Church Experience, and Bell Bottom Revival: Lainey Wilson Tribute, a celebration of the Nashville-based singer/songwriters and their chart-topping, award-winning, multi-platinum-selling discographies.
	Iowa Dept. of Corrections seeking man who escaped work release in Davenport The Iowa Department of Corrections is asking for the public’s help in locating a work release escapee in Davenport after he failed to return on Christmas Eve.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for Dec. 30, 2025 The Weinberg Arcade Building has been shut down as bricks reportedly fell off the facade, and Iowa residents in District 16 can vote in a special election.
	Two Davenport settlements with former employees ruled illegal A judge ruled that settlement agreements totaling nearly $300,000 between the City of Davenport and two former employees were unlawful.
	Illinois State Fair transitions to digital tickets for 2026 After a successful trial in 2025, the Illinois State Fair will transition to digital ticketing for 2026, according to a news release that says this modernization will provide guests with a more convenient, secure, and streamlined entry process. "The Illinois State Fair is stepping into the future,” said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. "Digital [...]
	Cancer Support Community announces four free wellness programs The Cancer Support Community Iowa & NW Illinois has announced four free wellness programs launching in 2026 for anyone impacted by cancer, according to a news release. Programs will be held on Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. at Gilda’s Club Davenport, 1351 W. Central Park Ave, Suite 200, Davenport. Wellness programs: New support group: The Post-Treatment Connect Support Group will begin [...]
	Kewanee Police provide update on Child Passenger Safety Initiative As 2025 comes to a close, the Kewanee Police Department is providing an update on its ChildPassenger Safety Initiative, a community safety program launched in June of 2024, a news release says. The initiative was established to improve child passenger safety through education, outreach, and access to properly fitted child safety seats, and has received [...]
	New Q-C website designed to help local businesses sell products online We Make It Local allows for small businesses to sell their products online, and for consumers to buy locally from anywhere.
	China flexes blockade capabilities near Taiwan on second day of military drills China's People's Liberation Army is staging a second day of large-scale military drills around Taiwan. It's unleashing live-fire exercises as part of what it calls "Justice Mission 2025" to showcase its ability to deter any external armed support for the self-ruled island that it has long insisted is part of its sovereign territory.
	Bettendorf sets aside $100,000 to improve urban fishing More urban fishing opportunities in Bettendorf were among the priorities set by the Bettendorf City Council.
	Ivanhoe Keeler This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.If you can believe the stories you read, American males have always had trouble when it comes to women. Tom Sawyer's…
	Policy relief for family caregivers seems stalled out. But there are signs of change Family members carry the burden and costs of caring for America's aging population. Federal policy change is slow to come but a new movement and state actions are building momentum.
	Federal appeals court judge is accused of bullying her clerks The Legal Accountability Project complaint, which has not been previously reported, states that it is based on conversations with multiple former law clerks.
Monday, December 29th, 2025
	Year in Review: Stories of impact from across the Quad Cities We traveled across the Quad Cities in 2025 to meet people making an impact. Here’s a look back at some of the standout stories and voices.
	Iowa fans flock to Clearwater Beach ahead of ReliaQuest Bowl Wherever the Iowa football team goes for a bowl game, thousands of Hawkeye fans are sure to follow.
	Iowa and Vanderbilt coaches look ahead to ReliaQuest Bowl Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea are holding a press conference Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. Central to look ahead to Wednesday’s matchup in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
	Emergency response crews at Moline Walmart A large emergency response could be seen at Walmart in Moline Monday night.
	Bettendorf Public Library to host Baby Rave New Year’s Eve party The Bettendorf Public Library will host a Baby Rave New Year’s Eve party Dec. 31, offering glow-themed activities for children ages 0–4.
	Governor selects colonel from QCA as Illinois National Guard leader Gov. JB Pritzker has selected Illinois Air National Guard Director of Staff Colonel Steven B. Rice of Morrison, Ill., as the next assistant adjutant general – air of the Illinois National Guard, a news release says. With the selection, Rice will be promoted to Brigadier General and will serve as one of two governor-appointed deputies [...]
	Local teen balances lawn business through winter months While most lawns are dormant, an 18-year-old Cambridge teen says winter is one of his busiest seasons, balancing snow removal, repairs and college classes.
	Professional Championship Bull Riders return to Vibrant Arena in January Professional Championship Bull Riders will bring two days of high-energy competition to Vibrant Arena in Moline on Jan. 24–25, 2026, featuring shows for all ages.
	Mental health professional becomes first civilian to receive Muscatine PD medal Amy Gold is a co-responder with the Muscatine Police Department. She goes out on calls with officers to de-escalate situations and reduce strain on the local jail.
	Learn about sports tourism at upcoming Visit Quad Cities event Visit Quad Cities, the region’s official destination marketing organization (DMO), has announced that AccelerateVQC: The Power of Sports Tourism will be held 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 11 at at Vibrant Arena at The MARK, Moline, a news release says. Local stakeholders, partners, sports organizations, and community leaders are encouraged to participate in this free session [...]
	Man convicted in 1999 killing of Rock Island man dies in prison A man serving a sentnece of life in prison in connection with the 1999 death of Virgil Engelkens Jr. has died, the Iowa Department of Corrections announced Monday.
	Diversity Service Center of Iowa to mark 25 years serving immigrants and seniors The Muscatine nonprofit provides transportation, meals, employment services and more to local seniors. Their immigration services have impacted more than 700 people.
	Bettendorf 8th grader receives mentorship from filmmaker Ken Burns Adrian Gillette won third place in a national documentary competition earlier this summer. As part of his prize, he just had a virtual call with Ken Burns himself.
	Brissman Foundation awards $161,000 to 36 Milan-area nonprofits There was a focus, among this year's donations, on organizations fighting local food insecurity. Here's the full list of recipients.
	Countryside Lodge Dining to carry on Joe’s Trattoria tradition Countryside Lodge Dining announced it has purchased Joe’s Trattoria, saying the restaurant’s pizza recipe will remain unchanged as new ownership begins Dec. 31.
	Clinton County inmate hospitalized after being found unresponsive A Clinton County inmate remains hospitalized after being found unresponsive in his cell during routine rounds. Officials say an investigation is underway.
	Corrections officer finds unresponsive inmate in Clinton County Jail An unresponsive inmate was found in a cell about 12;25 p.m. Sunday when a Clinton County Jail correctional officer was conducting routine cell checks, according to a news release from the Clinton County Sheriff's Office. Correctional officers administered life-saving measures to the man until the Clinton Fire Department arrived at the scene and continued with [...]
	Ohl Strong donates $80,000 to Trinity Cancer Center for pancreatic cancer patients While the Iowa Hawkeyes battled the USC Trojans in the Los Angeles Coliseum on November 15, over 250 people gathered at the Eldridge community center. While they did wholeheartedly cheer on the Hawkeyes, they were there for a reason much bigger than a late-season Big Ten football game. "Bringing awareness to pancreatic cancer," said Peggy [...]
	Sheriff: Inmate taken to hospital after being found unresponsive in Clinton County Jail Early Sunday afternoon, a correctional officer was conducting routine cell checks when they found an unresponsive male inmate in one of the cells.
	Winds calming down but still frigid tonight While we have been experiencing fairly strong winds throughout the weekend, we are still seeing some of those strong winds for today. However, as we head to the rest of the evening and night wind speeds are expected to finally slow down to calmer levels. Although, despite the winds finally calming down, that is still [...]
	$80k donated to the UnityPoint Health Trinity Health Foundation $80k donation presented to the UnityPoint Health Trinity Health foundation, marking the largest amount raised at OHL Strong tailgate fundraiser.
	Recycle Christmas trees in Muscatine The gifts have been unwrapped, the cookies are gone, and the Christmas tree has given its final sparkle. As households begin packing away decorations and looking ahead to the new year, the City of Muscatine is here to help with one last holiday task — recycling your live Christmas tree, a news release says. Starting [...]
	Standard Forwarding ceases operations The East Moline trucking company Standard Forwarding is closing this week.
	Diversity Service Center of Iowa has been serving local immigrants for nearly 25 years Over the years, the Muscatine-based non-profit has helped 214 families through the immigration process. That has impacted nearly 700 people across the region.
	Bettendorf middle schooler meets award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns Adrian Gillette's documentary on the only school book banning case to be heard by SCOTUS not only earned him national recognition but also a meeting with Ken Burns.
	Inmate found unresponsive in Clinton County Jail cell A male inmate was found unresponsive in the Clinton County Jail Sunday, according to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office.
	Clinton County inmate in hospital after being found unresponsive An inmate of the Clinton County Jail has been taken to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics after being found unresponsive in his cell Sunday afternoon.
	Standard Forwarding Freight suspending service An East Moline trucking company is suspending service and cutting its workforce. Standard Forwarding Freight made the announcement in a news release: Effective December 29, 2025, following a comprehensive strategic review of the business, Standard Forwarding Freight, LLC made the difficult but necessary decision to temporarily suspend its day-to-day operations and reduce its workforce. The [...]
	Inmate found unresponsive in Clinton County Jail A male inmate was found unresponsive in the Clinton County Jail Sunday, according to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office.
	Celebrate Noon Year's Eve at the Family Museum Quad-City families can celebrate 2026 without staying up until midnight! Ally Sweeney joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about Noon Year's Eve at the Family Museum in Bettendorf. For more information, click here.
	Deputies: Man charged with assault of nurse, patient at rehabilitation center Des Moines County deputies said a Davenport man is charged with assault of a nurse and a patient at a rehabilitation center.
	Rock Island celebrates Kwanzaa with community gathering Dozens gathered at the Broadway Event Center in Rock Island to celebrate the beginning of Kwanzaa, a seven-day celebration of African roots.
	'Super flu' cases rising across US: What to know The "super flu" is a variant of influenza A H3N2 called subclade K. Historically, similar variants have caused more severe disease and taken longer to recover from.
	Judge declares two 2023 Davenport employee settlements unlawful, Speigel payment upheld A judge ruled that settlement agreements totaling nearly $300,000 between the City of Davenport and two former employees were unlawful.
	Bettendorf homeowners could get help with sewer lateral replacement costs under proposal Bettendorf homeowners may soon be able to seek relief with some expenses of replacing a sewer lateral under a proposed new policy the city council has said is a key priority for the coming year.
	Trump administration sues Illinois over state law limiting federal immigration actions The Trump administration filed a lawsuit seeking to nullify a new state law that allows Illinois residents to sue federal immigration agents who arrest them in or near courthouses or if they believe their constitutional rights were violated.
	River Action Bald Eagle Days booth teaches conservation Learn all about conservation and water stewardship at River Action’s interactive booth at Bald Eagle Days. Bald Eagle Days runs January 9 – 11 at the QCCA Expo Center, 2621 Fourth Avenue in Rock Island. The River Action booth will have hands-on activities that teach families, educators and nature enthusiasts about conservation, water stewardship and [...]
	Reports: East Moline-based trucking company ceasing operations Standard Forwarding Freight has been operating since 1934.
	FIFA president defends World Cup ticket prices, saying demand is hitting records The FIFA President addressed outrage over ticket prices for the World Cup by pointing to record demand and reiterating that most of the proceeds will help support soccer around the world.
	Special Election on Tuesday for state Senate District 16 could give Iowa GOP supermajority back Renee Hardman (D) and Lucas Loftin (R) are running for the seat left vacant when Sen. Claire Celsi died in October.
	Learn about surgical weight loss at UnityPoint Health A free community event from UnityPoint Health will help people learn more about surgical weight loss options. The “Bariatric Program Informational Event” will be on Thursday, Jan. 15 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the Jardine Auditorium at UnityPoint Health – Rock Island, 2701 17th Street. Participants will learn about the bariatric procedures offered at [...]
	Brissman Foundation awards $161,000 to 36 nonprofits Funding from the Grant W. Brissman and Virginia M. Brissman Foundation, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, is helping 36 nonprofits that work to improve the quality of life in Milan. The foundation is awarding $161,000 in grants to nonprofits ranging from food pantries to art and education programs. “This year’s grants reflect the [...]
	Win a brand new furnace this winter with WQAD and Northwest Mechanical! WQAD and Northwest Mechanical offer a chance to win a new furnace valued at $6,000. Enter by submitting a photo of your current furnace by February 1, 2026.
	Davenport man arrested; charged with escaping work release center A Davenport man is in the Scott County Jail after police say he escaped from a Work Release Center and destroyed a GPS monitor. On December 18 at about 5 p.m., a resident at the Work Release Center, identified as Ryan Scarbrough, 30, returned to the center after his job. A Residential Officer (RO) was [...]
	Illinois laws taking effect Jan. 1, 2026: What residents need to know Hundreds of new laws will take effect in Illinois at the start of the new year, with several focusing on public safety, health care access and modern workplace expectations.
	Clinton tree pickup starts Jan. 5 Clinton residents have a few more days to pack up the decorations on their live trees before disposal. Clinton Public Works will pick up live Christmas trees starting the week of January 5. Trees must have no stands, decorations, tinsel or bags. Trees should be placed in the same area where solid waste is collected. [...]
	From chess to a medical mystery: Great global reads from 2025 you may have missed We published hundreds of stories on global health and development each year. Some are ... alas ... a bit underappreciated by readers. We've asked our staff for their favorite overlooked posts of 2025.
	The U.S. offers Ukraine a 15-year security guarantee for now, Zelenskyy says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday the United States is offering his country security guarantees for a period of 15 years as part of a proposed peace plan.
	Judge: Davenport ‘unlawfully’ gave settlements to former employees The district court ruling follows a year-long suit that accused the city of breaking Iowa’s open meetings laws when it approved the settlements without public disclosure.
	Slumberland donates 43 beds to Bethany for Children & Families Slumberland continued its holiday tradition of donating beds to Bethany for Children & Families.
	Resignation, hirings and transfers from Bettendorf School District for Dec. 11 The following personnel items are from the Dec. 11 agenda of the Bettendorf Community School District. The School Board met at the Administration Center, 3311 18th St., Bettendorf.
	Resignations, hirings and other personnel news from East Moline School District on Dec. 15 The following personnel items are from the Dec. 15 agenda of the East Moline District 37 Board of Education.
	START THE WEEK OFF RIGHT: Here's to 2026 In last month's article, we were bracing for a large snowstorm to hit at the time of writing. That Thanksgiving weekend snowfall equated to as much snow as we had all of last winter. It looked like a few months…

Tuesday, December 30th, 2025

Monday, December 29th, 2025