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

Monday, April 6th, 2026
	AI reshaping work, Rock Island development sparks debate: News 8 This Week - April 5, 2026 AI’s impact on agriculture and education, new workforce programs at UNI, and a controversial Rock Island development near sensitive wetlands.
	Preparations underway as more towns announced along RAGBRAI route Communities in Iowa are gearing up to welcome cyclists for RAGBRAI, as the weeklong ride will start in Onawa and ending in Dubuque.
	Easter brings sweet boost for local candy shop Easter spending is expected to hit $3.3 billion on sweets this year, giving a major seasonal boost to local chocolate shops relying on custom orders.
	Iran pushes back against Trump's deadline Iran's top officials pushed back against President Trump's deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz, striking a defiant tone as the warring sides traded missile attacks.
	Rock Island and Henry County real estate transactions for April 5, 2026 Here are homes sales and property sales in Rock Island County and Henry County.
	LeClaire, Iowa This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Now and then I make a mistake. Here's one example.About 20 years ago, I wrote a short piece about the small river town…
	These blind students say their college blocked their education. A new rule could help Higher education is especially reliant on computers and phones, but accessibility for people with disabilities has often been forgotten. A new federal rule could change that.
	Shingles can hit younger than you think. The vaccine can prevent excruciating pain A reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox, the illness can be miserable. Here's what to know about early warning signs, long-term symptoms and some surprising news about the vaccine.
	Guthrie returns to 'Today' show months after her mother's disappearance Savannah Guthrie's mother, Nancy Guthrie, has not been seen since returning home from a family dinner the evening of Jan. 31.
	NASA's Artemis II crew readies for Monday's lunar flyby. Here's what you need to know At its closest point, the crew of Artemis II will loop about 4,000 miles from the lunar surface late Monday. The astronauts will also venture farther into space than any previous human mission.
Sunday, April 5th, 2026
	Simple, Convenient, Time-Saving Snacks for Busy Families (Feature Impact) When every afternoon feels like a race to the dinner table and weekends are a blur of activities, there's only one way to keep loved ones from getting "hangry": easy, delicious appetizers and snacks. Keeping a few must-have ingredients in the pantry can help you avoid those dreaded moments between meals when stomachs are growling and a meal feels so close, yet so far away. If you're craving a quick, savory bite, look no further than these Cheesy Mexican Rice Bites. They're prepared in just 20 minutes - but don't be surprised if you find yourself making a second batch afterward. Featuring a touch of heat from Minute Jalapeno Rice Cups that are conveniently pre-portioned and ready in one minute, you can enjoy minimal cleanup while staving off hunger. Classic Porcupine Meatballs offer another versatile solution as a make-ahead snack before busy weekends. For first-timers, here's a secret: meatballs aren't as tricky to make as they might look. Just mix the ingredients, form meatballs by hand and cook in a pot until ready to enjoy, or refrigerate then reheat once you're home from Saturday's soccer games. Since these are "porcupine" meatballs, that means they're made with Minute Instant White Rice rather than traditional breadcrumbs. Known for its light fluffiness and easy prep, it's ready in just 5 minutes. With this dish, however, it's simply added to the meatballs straight from the box. Visit MinuteRice.com to find more convenient snack ideas that save time and trouble in the kitchen. Cheesy Mexican Rice Bites Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 2 1 Minute Jalapeno Rice Cup 1/4 cup diced onions 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1/2 cup Mexican cheese blend, shredded 1 egg, beaten 1/2 cup breadcrumbs nonstick cooking spray salsa (optional) sour cream (optional) Preheat air fryer to 375 F. Heat rice according to package directions. In large mixing bowl, combine rice, diced onions, cumin and Mexican cheese blend. Mix well. Add beaten egg to rice mixture and stir until fully combined. Using hands, shape about 2 tablespoons rice mixture into ball. Repeat with remaining mixture. Roll rice balls in breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated. Lightly coat air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place rice bites in single layer in air fryer basket, leaving space between each for even cooking. Work in batches, if necessary. Spray tops of each ball with nonstick cooking spray to help with browning. Cook 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp, flipping halfway through for even browning. Allow to cool slightly and serve with salsa or sour cream, if desired. Porcupine Meatballs Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 4-6 1 tablespoon butter 1 small onion, finely chopped 1 pound lean ground beef 1 cup Minute White Rice, plus additional for serving, cooked 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 packet (1 1/2 ounces) meatloaf seasoning 1 1/4 cups water, divided 1 jar (24 ounces) pasta sauce grated Parmesan cheese In 3-quart saucepan over medium-high heat, melt butter. Add onions and cook, stirring, until starting to soften. In large bowl, combine onions, beef, 1 cup uncooked rice, egg, seasoning and 1/4 cup water; mix gently by hand until well blended. Shape mixture into medium-sized meatballs. Pour pasta sauce and remaining water into same 3-quart saucepan. Stir and bring to boil. Add meatballs and return to boil. Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer 15 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through. Serve meatballs and sauce over extra cooked rice and top with grated Parmesan cheese. Substitution: Ground turkey, chicken or meatless ground can be used in place of beef.
	Create Little Moments of Happiness This Spring with Family-Friendly Potato Recipes (Feature Impact) As the weather breaks and spring brings increased opportunities for families to get outside, activities, adventures and jam-packed calendars abound. All those special moments spent at the park, the sports field or in the backyard may leave lasting memories, but they can also leave you feeling short on time in the kitchen. Bring a little moment of happiness to busy family mealtimes during the spring season with The Little Potato Company's line of easy-to-prepare Little Potatoes. They come pre-washed, require no peeling and are small enough that they don't need to be cut, allowing for less time in the kitchen and more family time around the table as the days get longer - no extra spring cleaning required. For an added helping of convenience, their Microwave Ready Little Potato Kits come with delicious seasoning packs; simply pop into the microwave, sprinkle on the included seasoning and enjoy. For a fun after-school or game-night snack, these Crispy Air Fryer Potato Nuggets pair perfectly with a variety of delicious dips. The air fryer cooks the potatoes in minutes, creating a crispy snack with minimal prep - no chopping or peeling needed. Or you can make a delicious side dish a cinch with pesto, which adds a bright, flavorful twist to a classic in these Basil Pesto Mashed Potatoes. They pair perfectly with everyday family meals using Little Potatoes that require no chopping or peeling thanks to their naturally thin skins, helping cut down on prep time while bringing fresh flavor to the dinner table. To help fuel families' spring vacation plans and everyday meals, The Little Potato Company is giving you a chance to enter a sweepstakes through May 25 to win a $10,000 travel voucher with additional prizes including 10 grocery gift cards valued at $1,000. Enter the sweepstakes at TheLittleSpringtimeSweeptakes.com, and find more ways to make spring meals a breeze by visiting LittlePotatoes.com. Crispy Air Fryer Potato Nuggets and Dip Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 24 minutes Servings: 4 Potatoes: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 cup milk 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs 1 1/2 pounds Little Potatoes Chimichurri: 1 bunch cilantro 1 bunch parsley 3 limes, juice only 2 tablespoons honey 2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 teaspoon chili flakes 1 cup canola oil Heat air fryer to 390 F. To make potatoes: In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, garlic powder and pepper. Whisk in milk until smooth. Place panko in a separate shallow bowl. Working in batches, coat potatoes in batter then toss in panko until fully coated. Place potatoes in the air fryer and cook 24 minutes, flipping halfway. To make chimichurri: In a blender, blend cilantro, parsley, lime juice, honey, salt, pepper, chili flakes and canola oil until smooth. Serve potato nuggets with chimichurri. Basil Pesto Mashed Potatoes Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Servings: 4 1 1/2 pounds Little Potatoes water 1 teaspoon salt, plus additional for seasoning, to taste, divided 2 1/2 cups fresh basil 4 cloves garlic 1/3 cup pine nuts 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated 2/3 cup olive oil pepper, to taste 1/2 cup milk 2 tablespoons butter Add potatoes to a large pot and cover with water. Add 1 teaspoon salt and bring to a boil for 15 minutes, or until potatoes are tender. In a food processor, place basil, garlic, pine nuts and Parmesan. Add oil and pulse until mixed then season with salt and pepper, to taste. In a small saucepot over low heat, heat milk and butter until butter is melted and milk is steaming. Once potatoes are cooked, strain and transfer to a medium mixing bowl. Using a potato masher, smash potatoes with milk and butter mixture then season with salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in pesto mixture.
	Lighten Up: Fresh Spring Meals That Won't Weigh You Down (Feature Impact) Put away the heavy coats and break out the rain jackets and rubber boots - spring is here, and with it comes more than just pop-up showers and sunshine. After months of comfort foods and curling up indoors, you may be ready for lighter meals that won't weigh you down before splashing in the puddles. Fresh produce may first come to mind, but spring bites can also mean swapping out ingredients like regular pasta for a solution such as pearl couscous. If you're looking to complement greens, veggies, fish or meats with light yet filling flavor, consider Success Boil-in-Bag Pearl Couscous, a small, mediterranean-style pasta that always cooks right and is ready to eat in under 7 minutes once the water boils. The BPA-free boil-in-bag simplicity makes cooking easy and foolproof: no measure, no mess, no stress. Made with high-quality semolina wheat, it features a slightly nutty flavor on its own while absorbing the flavors of salads while retaining its density and chewy texture. It's distinguished from traditional Moroccan couscous by its slightly larger, rounder shape and less dense, firmer consistency. Try it with your next meal in this protein-forward Shrimp Pearl Couscous Salad, made using fresh herbs, citrus, seasoned shrimp and chickpeas for a jam-packed salad that screams spring. Never boring, the tender, seasoned couscous and shrimp, veggies and aromatic herbs can bring your family running to the kitchen after a day of play. Or, for an even simpler dish that requires just 15 minutes in the kitchen, this Pearl Couscous and Chickpea Salad is light, bright and bursting with flavor. It brings together tender pearl couscous, crisp veggies and za'atar in every bite. To find more light spring recipe ideas, visit SuccessRice.com. Shrimp Pearl Couscous Salad Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Servings: 4 1 bag Success Pearl Couscous 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 tablespoon seasoned salt 4 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 can (14 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 English cucumber, diced 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped 1/4 cup red onions, finely chopped 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1/2 cup feta, crumbled Prepare pearl couscous according to package directions. In medium bowl, toss shrimp with seasoned salt. In large saucepan over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon oil. Add shrimp and cook 5 minutes. If necessary, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding pan. In another large pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium heat. Add chickpeas and cook 8 minutes until crispy and golden, tossing often. Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and salt. Toss to fully coat and cook 2 minutes. In large bowl, combine pearl couscous, shrimp, chickpeas, cucumbers, tomatoes, basil, red onion, dill, lemon juice and remaining olive oil. Toss to combine. Garnish with feta. Pearl Couscous and Chickpea Salad Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4 1 bag Success Pearl Couscous 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 cup cucumber, diced 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon za'atar 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper Prepare pearl couscous according to package directions. In large bowl, combine couscous, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, parsley and za'atar. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Toss until well combined. Serve warm or at room temperature.
	Driving Habits May Cost More Than You Think: Data-Backed Driving Techniques to Reduce Fuel Costs and Vehicle Wear (Feature Impact) If you're feeling pain at the pump, you're not alone. However, it's not just rising gas prices that can impact your wallet - it might be your own habits on the road that negatively impact fuel efficiency and add extra strain to your vehicle. With gas prices fluctuating by more than $1 per gallon nationally in recent years, Mercury Insurance is highlighting how driver behavior can significantly influence fuel costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, aggressive driving - rapid acceleration and hard braking - can reduce fuel economy by up to 40% in city driving and 30% on highways, increasing annual fuel expenses by hundreds of dollars. For the average American driver, that inefficiency adds up quickly. AAA estimates that annual fuel costs can exceed $2,000 depending on vehicle type and region. A 30-40% reduction in fuel economy can translate into hundreds of dollars in additional fuel expenses each year - before factoring in the added wear on key vehicle components. "Most drivers think of aggressive driving as a safety issue, but it's also a cost issue," said John Dicken, director, material damage claims at Mercury Insurance. "From a claims standpoint, we see how habits like hard braking and rapid acceleration accelerate wear on brakes, tires and suspension components. Smoother driving isn't just more efficient - it helps reduce preventable damage over time." The Hidden Cost of Driving Aggressively Fuel is only part of the equation. Brake replacement can range from $300-800 per axle, depending on the vehicle. A new set of tires can cost $600-1,200 or more. Poorly maintained or underinflated tires can lower gas mileage by roughly 0.2% for every 1 PSI drop in pressure, according to federal transportation data. Over time, inconsistent maintenance and aggressive driving habits compound these costs. "Driving behavior directly impacts how often certain parts need to be replaced," Dicken said. "When drivers anticipate traffic, maintain steady speeds and keep up with routine maintenance, they reduce strain on their vehicle and potentially avoid unnecessary repair expenses." Practical Eco-Driving Tips That Make a Measurable Difference Consider these strategies recommended by Mercury Insurance to improve efficiency and reduce vehicle wear: Accelerate gradually: Avoid rapid starts and jackrabbit acceleration, which significantly reduce fuel economy. Brake smoothly and anticipate stops: Looking ahead and easing into stops reduces stress on brake systems. Maintain consistent speeds: Using cruise control on highways can help improve fuel efficiency. Keep tires properly inflated: Check tire pressure monthly and before long trips. If you're unsure what your vehicle's tires should be inflated to, locate the sticker inside the driver's side door jamb for the proper PSI inflation or refer to the owner's manual. Remove excess weight: Extra cargo and unused roof racks reduce efficiency and increase drag. Efficiency, Safety and Sustainability The Environmental Protection Agency reports that transportation accounts for roughly 28% of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions. While vehicle technology continues to improve, individual driving behavior remains one of the most immediate ways drivers can reduce both fuel consumption and environmental impact. "Small, consistent changes in how we drive can produce meaningful savings over time," Dicken said. "It's one of the simplest ways drivers can protect both their budget and their investment." For more information about efficient driving and other cost saving measures, visit MercuryInsurance.com/Resources. Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
	Quad Cities celebrates Easter with pool egg hunt, massive event at Fairgrounds From a swimming egg hunt in Bettendorf to 30,000 eggs in Davenport, families across the Quad Cities celebrated Easter weekend with unique events
	Local chocolate shop wraps up busy Easter Chocolate Manor in Davenport prepared custom made orders for Easter Sunday.
	UCLA storms past South Carolina to claim its 1st NCAA women's basketball title UCLA secured the first NCAA women's basketball national championship in school history — a goal that was set after losing in the first Final Four last season.
	A music festival booked Kanye West, now known as Ye, and lost major sponsors The rapper Ye was announced as the headliner for the Wireless Festival in London. He's gained notoriety over the years for his antisemitic comments and activities glorifying Nazis.
	UPDATE: 12-year-old girl found safe, Amber Alert cancelled UPDATE: 12-year-old girl found safe, Amber Alert cancelled
	Amber Alert issued for missing 12-year-old last seen in Waterloo Officials said she was last seen at 5:08 p.m. Sunday.
	More rain on the way for the Quad Cities After what has already been a very active week of weather with showers, severe thunderstorms and even a confirmed tornado, this lighter weather is looking to be short lived. Throughout our rain outlook the Quad Cities is looking to get more rain than average by around next week, but even this upcoming week is seeing [...]
	Smoke spotted in attic of Davenport home as crews battle house fire Crews battled a fire at a home at 4:30 p.m. Sunday in the 1700 block of North Fillmore Street.
	Smoke seen coming from attic of Davenport home A KWQC crew could see firefighters working in and around a home as smoke came out of a top story window.
	Power restored to over 1500 in Illinois Quad Cities Power was restored to customers at 3:48 p.m., a MidAmerican Energy representative said.
	Hollywood studios reach a tentative agreement with writers union The Writers Guild of America went on strike for months in 2023 in a dispute with Hollywood studios. This year the union announced a new four-year contract after just a few weeks of negotiations.
	Remembering My Older Brother Jay Strickland As published back in March about one of the Reader's longest and most dedicated team members who passed in Februray, Jay Strickland's Celebration of Life was held April 4, 2026 at the Reader offices in downtown Davenport, Iowa. Below we publish Jay's younger brother Eric's eulogy he shared with us on Saturday.
	Over 1500 without power in Illinois Quad Cities The majority of the customers without power are in the Carbon Cliff area near TPC Deere Run, according to the MidAmerican outage map.
	Car crashes into video poker business A KWQC crew saw damage to the building’s side wall.
	Iowa State develops AI tool to help farmers identify and remove pests Iowa State researchers are developing an app that uses artificial intelligence to help farmers identify pests on their land.
	'It's hard when it ends': Keaton Wagler, Illini fall to UConn The horn sounded, signaling UConn's return to the national championship game for the third time in four seasons. And freshman Braylon Mullins raised his arms in triumph, a huge smile on his face as he trotted over to join his celebrating Huskies teammates. Not far away, Illinois freshman Keaton Wagler headed dejectedly to his bench, [...]
	Clucking egg prices as of 4/3/26 Here’s this week’s egg price update. This is the USDA’s average price per dozen when delivered to the warehouse on Jan. 20, 2026, compared to where prices are now. To see the price, click on the video above. Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and [...]
	President Trump's decision to lift oil sanctions against Iran & Russia could be counterproductive to war plan President Trump tried to put the country at ease this week regarding the war with Iran. We've seen stock prices plummet and oil prices climb dramatically. The president made a peculiar move recently to lift the oil sanctions against Russia and Iran, the goal being to keep oil and gasoline prices in check. That decision [...]
	Illinois considers voting rights for current prisoners Illinois considers restoring voting rights to people currently doing time in prison, and Iowa might make changes to the state's gas tax. We begin in Iowa and everyone's favorite subject - gasoline. Nobody likes paying for it, especially when it gets expensive like now. A big gripe that goes with that is the gasoline tax. [...]
	Davenport mayor Jason Gordon on animal control & Supreme Court case Davenport's new government has several new faces, and the city's taking new directions. Mayor Jason Gordon and four new aldermen took their oaths of office about three months ago. One surprising development came early on when the city announced it's ending the longstanding agreement with the Humane Society of Scott County to provide animal control [...]
	Families have egg-citing time at Ranch Riders Easter egg hunt Families hopped on over to the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds for the annual Ranch Riders Easter egg hunt. Proceeds from the hunt support kids with disabilities who rely on nonprofits like the Quad Cities Autism Center and the Children's Therapy Center of the Quad Cities. Many nonprofits never turn a child away, even for families who [...]
	Chances Unique & Collectibles to celebrate grand opening in Geneseo Chances Unique & Collectibles, a new shopping destination in downtown Geneseo, to celebrate grand opening on Saturday, April 11.
	Wyffels Hybrids announces major expansion into Nebraska and Indiana Wyffels Hybrids announces major expansion into Nebraska and Indiana as company celebrates 80 years of independent growth.
	New event venue, The Eddy, to hold grand opening and open house The Eddy Event Venue celebrates grand opening in the Village of East Davenport. Open house event Scheduled for April 10.
	Rock Island Police and State's Attorney's Office team up on Group Violence Intervention The partnership will include education and training with law enforcement officers, judges, attorneys, probation officers and other community partners.
	BBB Tip: Receive a call from someone offering tax relief? It could be a scam Remember Jessica from the loan processing company? The loan that was not applied for? It’s the scam that makes many think that they are a victim of identity theft. This time, she’s claiming to be from “US Tax Consultants” and…
	MARK-TO-MARKET: 2026 has been a rollercoaster ride for gold/silver investors Economies, financial systems and even entire countries have collapsed, but for centuries, precious metals have proven their resiliency in storing wealth.
	Al & Irene's Bar-B-Q House opens in Davenport's West End, bringing back familiar flavors From the family that brought us Jim's Rib Haven, Al & Irene's Bar-B-Q House is the newest in the family legacy of barbecue in the Quad-Cities.
	These rock-climbing fish can shimmy up a 50-foot waterfall New research from the Democratic Republic of Congo offers a behavioral and anatomical portrait of a species that can achieve surprising athletic feats.
	Sunday Puzzle: To Be Announced
	Moline Foundation This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.The Moline Community Foundation was established in November of 1953, with $53,000 in seed money from the Moline Chamber…
	In Lebanon, more than 50 medics have been killed by Israel. Some say they're targeted Lebanon says at least 54 health workers are among more than 1,400 people killed by Israel during the current invasion. Human rights groups say first responders are being targeted — something Israel denies.
	Trump says U.S. military has rescued airman shot down over Iran A U.S. Airforce officer whose plane was shot down in Iran was rescued by U.S. forces early Sunday, President Trump announced on social media.
	River Bandits unveil new food and drink options In less than a week, fans will be back inside Modern Woodmen Park to cheer on the River Bandits. When they do, they will notice some new choices at the concession stands. New this year, the River Bandits are selling cheese curds from Cinnamon Ridge Farms in Donahue, Iowa. To drink, they are introducing an [...]
Saturday, April 4th, 2026
	Quad Cities celebrates Easter with egg hunts Families across the Quad Cities celebrated Easter with a swimming egg hunt in Bettendorf and an egg hunt at the fairgrounds in Davenport.
	600 people attend egg hunt held at Terrace Cannabis This was the second annual event at Terrace Cannabis and this year there was 10,000 filled eggs.
	How to avoid storm scammers Following tornadoes like we saw in Preston yesterday, the Iowa Department of Insurance and Financial Services says scammers are primed to strike.
	Accused of stealing patients’ money, jewelry and drugs, nurse faces sanctions An Iowa nurse who has repeatedly faced allegations of stealing from patients is now facing disciplinary charges from the Iowa Board of Nursing.
	Family, friends march for answers in Catrelle Reed homicide His family and friends gathered for a peaceful march at Kewanee’s Northeast Park as they continued searching for answers in his homicide last summer.
	A week full of rain, how much did we get? An eventful end to March and a chaotic start to April with lots of rain and thunderstorms that seemed to have gone on for the whole week. While we have not even received 8" of rain from August of last year to February of this year, we have started to get back on track slowly [...]
	Natural disasters and political instability hampered U.S. museum attendance in 2025 The Art Newspaper's latest annual study of "the world's 100 most visited art museums" also reveals signs of modest growth.
	RECALL: 740K pans sold at Walmart, Costco may pose burn hazards You should stop using the pans immediately.
	Judge halts Trump effort requiring colleges to show they don't consider race in admissions A federal judge on Saturday said the Trump Administration the demand to collect data from universities was rolled out in a "rushed and chaotic" manner.
	After the Minnesota surge, ICE is moving to a quieter enforcement approach ICE seems to be changing from aggressive immigration enforcement on city streets to an apparent return to operations that rely heavily on local law enforcement. But even in Florida, where sheriffs are required to cooperate with ICE, some conservative sheriffs have concerns about pursuing immigrants with no criminal records.
	Actor Justin Hartley will give commencement address at Knox College Knox College has announced that Justin Hartley, Western Illinois-born award winning-actor, producer, and star of "Tracker," will be the speaker and receive an honorary degree at its 2026 commencement exercises this June, a news release says.. Hartley will be joined by internationally respected American arts executive and cultural leader Deborah F. Rutter and award-winning investigative reporter and [...]
	Novelist/musician Meinecke will present music of Bix Beiderbecke at Davenport event "An Evening with Thomas Meinecke" will be Saturday, April 18, at the German-American Center & Museum, downtown Davenport. Doors open at 5 p.m. with the program at 5:30 p.m. The event is free, but a $10 donation is suggested. Thomas Meinecke is a German novelist, musician, and radio DJ. He was born in Hamburg in [...]
	Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe will speak at St. Ambrose international conference St. Ambrose University, Davenport, will welcome one of the Catholic Church’s most influential contemporary voices, Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe, OP, as keynote speaker for its upcoming international conference, "From A(mbrose) to (Gen.) Z: Resourcing the Tradition in Response to Contemporary Concerns in the Church," April 24–26,. A globally respected theologian, former Master of the Dominican Order, [...]
	March was 8th warmest on record; Easter Sunday expected to be slightly cooler than average The warmest Easter in the Quad-Cities fell on April 21, 2019, when the mercury topped out at 84 degrees.
	IMEG, Rock Island, acquires The JW Group Effective April 1, IMEG has acquired The JW Group, a technology-driven aviation consulting and design firm known for helping airports modernize infrastructure, improve operations, and solve complex challenges, according to a news release. The acquisition brings together IMEG’s national multidisciplinary engineering expertise with JW Group’s specialized experience in aviation technology, systems, and facilities design—creating a [...]
	Opinion: Humanity's hopes ascended with Artemis II NPR's Scott Simon reflects on the successful launch of NASA's Artemis II this week. The four astronauts aboard will travel around the moon.
	'London Falling': A teenage imposter, an aging gangster and a body in the Thames In 2019, 19-year-old Zac Brettler leapt towards the River Thames from a fifth-floor luxury apartment in central London. Patrick Radden Keefe investigates the story of the teen's double life in a new book.
	Iowa-Illinois NDIA Chapter will host government contracting symposium The Iowa-Illinois Chapter of the National Defense Industrial Association (NDIA) will host the 17th Annual Midwest Government Contracting Symposium on Tuesday, June 2, and Wednesday, June 3, at Vibrant Arena in Moline, a news release says. This year’s event focuses on examining the recent military events throughout the world, and how the Defense Department responds [...]
	East Moline School Board approves Ridgewood playground equipment; presents other improvements The new playground has separate play areas for kindergarten through second grade and third through fifth grades.
	Iran war enters its 6th week as military searches for downed jet crew member The war in Iran enters its 6th week as the search continues for the missing U.S. service member who bailed out of a fighter jet shot down over Iran on Friday.
	John Deere This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.I wonder what John Deere would think if he could return to Moline for just a day and visit the site of the original…
	The busiest place you've never seen Photographer Julia Gunther and writer-filmmaker Nick Schönfeld chronicle the rhythms of daily life on Tristan da Cunha, the world's most remote inhabited island.
	Buttercream wool and jelly bean eyes: The art of the Easter lamb cake The cakes – usually baked in the shape of a lamb using a special pan – have a long history in Central Europe, from the German osterlamm, to the Polish baranek wielkanocny, to the Alsatian lammele.
	Get hopping: Tips for safe and fun Easter eggs It's important to follow food safety guidelines to minimize germs and maximize your egg quality.
	Illini fans flock to Indianapolis for Final Four Thousands of Illlini fans have traveled to Indianapolis for the Final Four.
	Are TSA wait times still long? Here's how to check Some of the hardest airports in recent weeks are now seeing security lines under 10 minutes.
Friday, April 3rd, 2026
	Cit of Moline designated as a River Edge Development Zone The designation makes the city eligible for several state financial incentives aimed at downtown development and attracting private investment.
	Good news - severe weather threat diminishing late Friday night The chance for strong t'storms isn't zero tonight, but it's a dropping quite a bit as the line of storms off to the West gets closer to the Quad Cities. This line of storms will roll through between 10:30 p.m and 1 a.m. But, the storms have not been producing much damage and there haven't [...]
	Library legislation raises concern for local programming and jobs Iowa amendment H-8260 passed through the state senate last month and it would give city councils across the state governance over public library decision-making. The measure would move control of libraries to city councils instead of the current library boards. Librarians in Clinton worry their jobs could be on the line. There's also a bill [...]
	Tree falls on a street in Moline, blocking roadway KWQC crews at the scene said the tree is blocking the roadway between 11th Avenue and 11th Avenue B.
	15 bunnies outlast Preston tornado A category EF-1 tornado rolled through a small town north of the Quad Cities in Thursday night's storm, with winds up to 105 mph - winds strong enough to roll a 10-foot-by-20-foot shed like a tire. Danielle Klosterman provided video of the powerful winds rolling her shed to Our Quad Cities News. Inside the shed [...]
	7 years after legalization, final cannabis licensing lawsuit goes to court After years of litigation, the state of Illinois faces one final lawsuit over how it rolled out licenses to “social equity applicants” under the 2019 law legalizing recreational cannabis.
	Lifelong Illinois fan in Andover preparing for Final Four matchup An Andover man and lifelong Illinois fan will watch the Illini’s first Final Four in decades from a man cave filled with team pride.
	NASA's Artemis II crew are quite the photographers. See what they've snapped so far Many of the photos that have come out of the moon mission so far were taken by crew members. NASA says the crew is getting guidance from scientists on what to capture when they get closer to the moon.
	Preston picks up the pieces after tornado damage Preston residents are picking up the pieces after an EF-1 tornado struck Thursday.
	How to protect yourself against storm-damage scams Following Thursday’s severe storms and confirmed tornadoes across eastern Iowa and northern Illinois, officials are warning homeowners to stay vigilant against post-storm repair scams.
	No library card needed to grab free seeds for your spring garden The library offers free seeds for vegetables, herbs, flowers, and native plants at all library locations. No library card is needed to take seeds.
	Andover's Illini superfan ready to see his team in the Final Four Dennis Shenalt has been an Illini fan for 50 years.
	Iowa State Patrol’s ‘Operation ICE Wall’ triggers more litigation Two more immigrant truck drivers picked up by the Iowa State Patrol and ICE officers along Interstate 80 are suing the federal government.
	Illinois designates Moline as a River Edge Redevelopment Zone, opening up development incentives The designation makes the city eligible for financial incentives that city leaders hope will spur downtown development and attract private investment.
	3 tornadoes confirmed from Thursday evening storms The National Weather Service has confirmed three tornadoes from Thursday evening’s storms.
	City of Moline named River Edge Redevelopment Zone by the Illinois Department of Commerce The RERZ designation means eligible property owners can receive sales tax savings on building materials, historic tax credits and more.
	Bird's-eye views from across the Quad Cities region during the week of April 3, 2026 Sit back, relax and enjoy these scenes captured by the News 8 drone from across the Quad Cities region this week.
	Online property tax payment system malfunctioned, including in Scott County; fix in progress Some Iowa property taxpayers were charged twice and some scheduled payments weren't processed because of an error with a third-party online processing system, Catalis. Fixes are done or in progress.
	Adult conversions to Catholicism surge across U.S., data shows The Diocese of Des Moines has seen a 51% rise in converts compared to last year. Here are some of the reasons one Iowa expert thinks this is happening.
	State names Moline as River Edge Redevelopment Zone The Illinois Department of Commerce has officially designated the City of Moline as a River Edge Redevelopment Zone (RERZ), making the city eligible for a powerful package of state financial incentives aimed at spurring downtown development and attracting private investment.The designation covers about 3.4 square miles of Moline's downtown core, bordered by the Mississippi River and extending [...]
	Ride the Island with River Action on Father's Day Take a Father's Day family bicycle ride and celebrate America's 250th birthday! Kathy Wine joined Our Quad Cities News with details on River Action's Ride the Island. For more information, click here.
	University of Illinois Springfield faculty go on strike The strike comes as state lawmakers consider overhauling how funding is allocated to Illinois universities.
	What does Bettendorf have planned for Fourth of July festivities? In addition to the parade and festival on July 4, the Bettendorf Public Library will host lead-up events to celebrate America’s 250th birthday.
	Spring cleaning tip: ‘Zooming out’ may help you let go of clutter A new U of Iowa study shows abstract thinkers have an easier time decluttering. They also noticed a connection between loneliness and not letting go of things.
	NWS: EF-1 tornado hits parts of Clinton and Jackson counties in Iowa The National Weather Service Quad Cities has confirmed at least one tornado during Thursday night's storms.
	2 tornadoes confirmed from Thursday evening storms The National Weather Service has confirmed two tornadoes from Thursday evening’s storms.

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