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

Monday, August 24th, 2026
	QC drivers will compete in Season Championship Night at Davenport Speedway Season Championship Night at Davenport Speedway will be Monday, Aug. 24. Track champions will be determined in six weekly classes, a news release says. As usual, Davenport Speedway is well represented in many IMCA classes. The following information is based on IMCA national point standings as of Aug. 20: Spencer Diercks of Davenport is tied [...]
	After vote, Deere statement says company, UAW, will return to negotiations in 2027 According to a statement from John Deere, negotiations between Deere and the UAW will begin again next year. "We are disappointed by the outcome of (Sunday's) vote. The current agreement remains in place through October 2027, when Deere and the UAW will return to negotiations," the statement says. "We proposed the extension because we believe added stability and certainty would benefit our employees, customers, and business in a challenging environment." Those market realities have not changed, according [...]
Sunday, August 23rd, 2026
	Rockridge football dedicates season to injured teammate Drew Hawk Rockridge football began its season this past Friday without a player who was expected to be a standout receiver this year. Junior Drew Hawk suffered a spinal injury in an accident this summer and was not able to take the field.
	ABCs for School Zone Safety: Tips for Drivers, Pedestrians and Bicyclists (Feature Impact) A new school year means there's more traffic around school campuses. Between dropoffs and pickups, children riding bicycles, walking to school and all the shuttling between sports practices and other extracurricular activities, this season is a reminder to make every trip to and from school a safe one. To make sure no parent worries about their child getting to school safely, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and Caltrans are encouraging drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists to remember their "ABCs" on every trip: stay Alert for Bicyclists and watch for and yield to Children crossing the street. With students in school and traffic patterns changing, consider these tips so students arrive to and from class safely: Drivers Because children outside of vehicles do not have the same protections as drivers and passengers, drivers have an outsized role to protect people walking, biking and rolling. Take your time and be patient. Always follow the speed limit. Use extra caution at crosswalks and intersections, especially if you notice children nearby. Don't drive distracted - even a quick glance at your phone can have tragic consequences. Never drive while impaired. Adjust your driving to the conditions and use extra caution in rain, fog and darkness. If you see a bicyclist ahead, wait until it's safe to pass and give them at least 3 feet of space when you do. Pedestrians Pedestrians have an important role in their own safety, particularly in school zones and crosswalks where children and other people may be present. Use sidewalks when available. If there are no sidewalks, walk facing traffic so you can see drivers and they can see you. Avoid crossing outside of crosswalks. If there is a signalized crosswalk or marked crosswalk, use it. Before crossing the street, look both ways. If there are any stopped or turning cars, try to make eye contact with the drivers before crossing so you know they see you. If you're walking after dark or when visibility is poor, make yourself visible by wearing something bright or reflective and shining a light. Stay alert - don't wear headphones or use your phone while crossing the street or walking across a busy road. Bicyclists Bicyclists can help protect themselves by staying alert and visible, especially in areas where traffic, pedestrians and young students may be present. When possible, plan your route along bike paths or roads with dedicated bike lanes away from vehicle traffic. Equip your bicycle with lights and reflectors to be more visible to drivers and pedestrians. Wear a properly fitted helmet and bright clothing. Learn cyclist hand signals to communicate when you're turning, slowing or stopping. Stay aware of drivers and always yield to pedestrians. To learn more and join the movement, visit GoSafelyCA.org. E-Bike Safety Tips With more young people using e-bikes than ever before, it's important that riders and their parents or guardians understand the risks involved and make smart, safe choices. Since e-bikes can travel at faster speeds than traditional bicycles, they pose greater risk for serious injury or death in the event of a crash. Class 1 and 2 e-bikes can both travel at up to 20 mph unassisted, while Class 3 e-bikes can go as fast as 28 mph unassisted. E-bike rules vary based on the top unassisted speed, but parents and guardians should follow these tips for e-bikes: Many local ordinances and state laws restrict e-bike use for minors or require special licensing. Helmets are required for riders under age 18 for Class 1-2 e-bikes and all riders on Class 3 e-bikes, regardless of age. You must be 16 years or older to ride a Class 3 e-bike. Never ride e-bikes that don't have pedals as they could be considered e-motos and not legally permitted on roads. Ride in bike lanes or on legal paths, avoiding roads with traffic when possible. Be as predictable as possible and use caution when making turns, crossing streets or riding in conditions with poor visibility. E-bike rules may vary by state and regionally. Contact local law enforcement regarding local laws.
	Beyond the Sticker Price: Identifying the Most Affordable New Vehicles to Insure for 2026 (Feature Impact) For most households, buying a new vehicle is one of the largest financial decisions they'll make. The purchase price is only the beginning, however. Fuel, maintenance, depreciation and insurance all contribute to the total cost of ownership, making affordability a consideration that extends well beyond the showroom. To help consumers make more informed purchasing decisions, Mercury Insurance recently released its annual rankings of the most affordable new 2026 model year vehicles to insure, identifying the top-performing SUV, truck, sedan and electric or hybrid vehicles in four of today's most popular categories. "Consumers naturally compare purchase price, fuel economy, safety ratings and technology features before buying a vehicle," said Chong Gao, director of research and development for Mercury Insurance. "Insurance is one of the few ownership costs drivers can estimate before making a purchase. Factoring it into the decision gives consumers a more complete picture of what that vehicle is likely to cost over the years they own it." While every driver's premium is unique, this year's rankings also revealed a broader trend: Practical, mainstream vehicles continue to offer some of the strongest long-term insurance value. "Vehicles designed for everyday drivers often strike the best balance between safety, repairability and replacement costs," Gao said. "That's reflected in this year's rankings, where familiar models from manufacturers like Hyundai, Chevrolet, Honda, Kia and Volkswagen rose to the top. It reinforces the idea that choosing a practical vehicle can pay dividends well beyond the purchase price." A Cost You Can Plan For Unlike unexpected repairs or fluctuating fuel prices, insurance is a predictable ownership expense consumers can research before purchasing a vehicle. Comparing insurance costs alongside purchase price, fuel economy, maintenance expenses and expected repair costs can help shoppers better understand the long-term financial commitment of vehicle ownership. Factors Influencing Insurance Costs Insurance costs are influenced by many factors, but repair complexity, parts availability, vehicle safety systems and historical claims experience all contribute to how a vehicle is insured. While advanced safety technology can help reduce accidents, vehicles that are easier and less expensive to repair can also help improve long-term affordability. Among the considerations insurers evaluate are: Repair and replacement costs Historical claims experience Vehicle safety features and crash performance Theft frequency Availability and cost of replacement parts Vehicle performance characteristics The Most Affordable Vehicles to Insure This year's rankings show practical, mainstream vehicles continue to offer some of the strongest insurance value. The top spot in both the SUV and electric and hybrid categories was claimed by Hyundai while Chevrolet led the truck category and Volkswagen topped the sedan rankings. Rounding out Mercury's rankings were several familiar nameplates recognized for balancing insurance affordability with everyday value. SUVs: Hyundai Santa Fe Chevrolet Blazer Honda Pilot Kia Sportage Honda Passport Trucks: Chevrolet Colorado LT Chevrolet Silverado C3500 Ford Maverick and Ranger Hyundai Santa Cruz SE Toyota Tundra CrewMax Sedans and Coupes: Volkswagen Golf R Acura Integra Honda Prelude Kia K4 Mazda3 Electric and Hybrids: Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid Chevrolet Blazer EV Kia Sportage Hybrid Ford Escape Hybrid Honda CR-V Hybrid "The smartest vehicle purchase isn't always the one with the lowest sticker price," Gao said. "It's the one that delivers the best overall value over time. Comparing insurance before buying gives consumers another tool to make a more informed decision." Visit MercuryInsurance.com to see the full rankings and request a quote to get a more complete understanding of long-term ownership costs. Photo courtesy of Hyundai America (Hyundai Santa Fe) Photo courtesy of Shutterstock (couple using laptop)
	EV Interest Climbs as Gas Price Uncertainty Pushes Families Toward Electric SUVs EV Interest Climbs as Gas Price Uncertainty Pushes Families Toward Electric SUVs (Feature Impact) With ongoing uncertainty surrounding global oil prices, more U.S. consumers are buying and showing more interest in electric vehicles (EVs). The shift comes as car shoppers weigh fuel costs, improving affordability and a growing number of family-friendly electric SUVs. Watch this video to learn more According to Spectrum News, EV sales increased in the first quarter of this year. In the same time frame, interest in new EVs increased 16% and interest in used EVs increased by 30%. As families look for opportunities to ditch the gas pump without sacrificing power or space, new all-electric options create a compelling argument for families to turn to EVs. For those looking to offset their weekly fuel up, the 2026 Kia EV9 can save drivers around $1,800-3,400 per year compared to gas-powered SUVs. Cars.com named the 2026 Kia EV9 the Best Electric Vehicle of 2026 for the second consecutive year. “The Kia EV9 stood out because it delivers everything we want from a modern electric SUV – strong real-world range, fast charging, excellent space and comfort, and smart flexibility across the lineup,” said Mike Hanley, Sr. Road Test Editor, Cars.com. For those who aren’t ready to switch to a fully electric vehicle, Kia has expanded its hybrid options. The 2026 Kia Sportage Hybrid adds horsepower and updated design features, while the Kia Telluride model offers a hybrid version for the first time with a total driving range of up to 637 miles on the Ex FWD-trim. To learn more about the Kia EV9 and Kia’s hybrid models, visit Kia at kia.com.
	Covering Basic Expenses with Credit Cards Adds to the Growing Debt Cycle (Feature Impact) For many Americans, credit cards were once reserved for emergencies, major purchases or added security when shopping online. However, today, people are increasingly relying on credit cards and unsecured debt to cover basic everyday expenses like groceries. According to a survey of 2,000 U.S. adults with at least $10,000 in unsecured debt conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of Accredited Debt Relief, a debt consolidation company specializing in unsecured debt relief, credit cards are no longer just a financial convenience but a tool for managing the rising cost of everyday necessities. In fact, 66% of respondents reported having used a credit card to cover the cost of groceries within the last year. Other essentials aren't far behind: 47% said they've used it for gas or transportation, 45% for utilities and 33% for rent or housing costs. How Everyday Expenses Turn into Long-Term Debt Debt builds over time when credit becomes part of monthly operations. For those struggling with cost-of-living pressures, using a credit card to cover groceries or utility bills may seem manageable in the moment. When the unexpected happens - a car repair, medical bill or unusually high energy bill - however, the balance adds up for the 46% of respondents who take on additional debt at least most of the time an emergency occurs and, without an executable plan for repaying it, could shorten the runway for taking care of such expenses in the future. Because nearly 3 in 10 survey respondents rely on credit or borrowing just to get through a typical month, the data suggests what may have been a stopgap has become a routine part of managing personal finances. In fact, one-third of survey respondents said they depend on credit more than they did a year ago. Lack of a Financial Cushion Makes Paying Down Debt Difficult Breaking the debt cycle becomes especially difficult without emergency savings. Only 28% of respondents say they can cover expenses and save. Additionally, 45% reported their income is enough to get by but not get ahead. Many said they've even put off taking a vacation or saving for the future due to their financial situations. When each paycheck is already committed to existing bills - 29% of respondents listed the cost of everyday expenses as the biggest barrier to reducing debt - making meaningful progress toward paying down debts becomes more difficult. The Emotional Cost of Carrying Debt Financial stress affects more than just the household budget. The survey found 25% of respondents are concerned about their financial future, with 12% worried they're facing long-term financial instability. What's more, nearly 7 in 10 said their current debt situation has negatively affected their mental well-being. Without meaningful changes, whether through increased income, debt relief or financial support, these households may continue to rely on unsecured credit as a necessity rather than a strategic financial tool or occasional supplement. To learn more and find support to regain financial stability, visit AccreditedDebtRelief.com. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
	Kia and its Dealers Expand Community Giving Nationwide Kia and its Dealers Expand Community Giving Nationwide (Feature Impact) Families often arrive at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital with a tough road ahead. Their child has been diagnosed with cancer, and they’re navigating a complex treatment plan. One thing that families don’t have to worry about is how they’ll pay for this upheaval to their lives. In 2026, Kia donated $2 million to St. Jude to help ensure families don’t receive a bill for medical costs, housing or food during treatment. Watch this video to learn more Kia announced its fifth annual “Accelerate the Good” dealer match program, which supports St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The program also donates to other organizations that make a positive impact in their communities. Donations from a network of nearly 800 dealers support organizations such as No Kid Hungry, Toys for Tots, Operation Homefront and several other groups dedicated to children’s health, hunger relief, disaster response and veterans’ well-being. Kia employees also lead volunteer efforts to benefit community pantries, beach cleanups and clothing drives. “The continued success of our ‘Accelerate the Good’ initiative reflects the shared commitment of Kia and our nationwide retailer network to invest in the communities we serve,” said SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, president and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America. “Together, we are proud to support organizations that deliver lifesaving care, strengthen families, fight hunger and create meaningful opportunities for people across the country.” Ahead of September’s Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, Kia and its dealers have reached an important milestone: more than $7.7 million donated to St. Jude Children’s Hospital in four years. The donations are part of Kia’s broader community giving initiatives. To learn more about how Kia is accelerating good in their communities, visit kia.com.
	Thousands forced to evacuate parts of Reno, Nevada, as new wildfire rages Officials say the fire, which has now burned more than 15,000 acres and is zero percent contained, was human caused. Nearly 90,000 people have been told to evacuate or prepare to leave.
	Where will Davenport’s speed cabinets be on the first day of school? A head’s up for drivers as Davenport students head back to school Monday.
	Body of man found Friday in Hennepin Canal identified The body of a man who was found deceased in the Hennepin Canal has been identifed.
	Officials identify man found dead in Hennepin Canal in Milan Officials identified 44-year-old Kyi Pyu of Rock Island as the man found dead in the Hennepin Canal in Milan Friday. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday.
	One person shot in Davenport, police investigating Davenport police are investigating after one person was shot on East 29th Street. The victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was taken to a hospital.
	Rock Island Co. Coroner identifies body found in Hennepin Canal Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson identified the man as 44-year-old Kyi Pyu of Rock Island.
	UAW John Deere members reject contract extension offer Members of the United Auto Workers at John Deere rejected the company's proposal to extend the current contract.
	Back to the bargaining table: Deere contract extension vote fails Members of the United Auto Workers and John Deere will return to the bargaining table next fall.
	Body found in Hennepin Canal near Milan identified as Rock Island man Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson has identified the man as a 44-year-old Rock Island resident.
	Davenport police investigating after one person shot Davenport police responded to the 1200 block of East 29th Street where one person was shot. The investigation remains ongoing.
	District officials urge drivers to use caution when you approach a school bus The Quad Cities area saw several instances of people blowing past the stop sign and lights of a school bus just last year.
	Local community rallies for Ukrainian Independence Day Community members gathered to rally in Davenport as Aug. 24 marks Ukrainian Independence Day.
	Rock Island car, bike and Jeep show raises money for cancer research The 14th annual CCKMA Car, Bike and Jeep Show brought crowds to downtown Rock Island. Proceeds benefit the University of Iowa's Gynecologic Oncology Research Lab.
	Ex-deputy Sean Grayson dies, his attorney confirms A Peoria County jury found Grayson guilty of second-degree murder for fatally shooting Sonya Massey at her home near Springfield in July 2024.
	One person injured in Davenport shooting Sunday One person was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, according to police.
	Heavy police presence at Garfield Park, Davenport At 7:00 p.m., a large police presence remained in the vicinity of Garfield Park and the immediate area in Davenport. Several squad cars were lined up in the area of Davenport Ave. and 29th St. Our Quad Cities News saw officers talking to neighbors in the area. Police took photos of and searched an Elantra [...]
	Person shot at Garfield Park, police investigating A person was shot at Garfield Park Sunday night.
	Davenport speed cabinets gave out nearly 25,000 tickets in first 4 months Drivers are speeding through school zones in Davenport leading to tens of thousands of tickets in just over 100 days
	A beautiful week ahead of us After a picture-perfect weekend with lots of sunshine and temperatures in the upper 70s and low 80s, the nice weather continues this week. More sunny weather with temperatures warming back into the mid 80s but very little rain expected until next weekend with low humidity for a nice and dry work week.
	Community rallies for Ukraine's 35th Independence Day Local community gathers in Davenport to rally for Ukrainian Independence Day.
	Iowa State Fair sees record attendance on multiple days Sunday is the final day of the Iowa State Fair, and a few days in 2026, saw record attendance.
	Back-to-school traffic tips from Davenport Public Works Many students in the QCA are headed back to school on Monday.
	Davenport Public Works reminds commuters of school starting Many students in the QCA are headed back to school on Monday, August 24th.
	Construction to start on I-74 and John Deere Road interchange Crews will be getting I-74 and John Deere Road ready for a project to reconstruct the interchange in 2027.
	Person of interest named as State Police seek new leads in 1992 Tammy Zywicki slaying State Police have identified a person of interest in the kidnapping and murder of Iowa college student Tammy Zywicki, who was last seen alive 34-years ago on Interstate 80 in LaSalle County.
	Gov. Reynolds: Posed for 700 pics at Iowa State Fair in one day Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said that she posed for 700 pictures in one day at the Iowa State Fair, and she also shared her favorite new foods.
	Retirements, hirings and personnel news from Rock Island-Milan School District from Aug. 11 The following personnel items are from the Aug. 11 agenda of the Rock Island-Milan School District.
	Fareway customers raise more than $158,000 for Variety - the Children’s Charity Money raised to support Variety’s mission of improving the lives of children who are at risk, underprivileged, critically ill, or living with special needs.
	Thousands in northwest Indiana still without power nearly two weeks after storm A round of storms impacted the region on Aug. 11
	No more sunsets before 5 p.m.? How permanent daylight saving would change winter A sunset after 7 p.m. in winter? That could be the reality for some.
	Nonprofits are helping musicians pay for insurance in Austin, Texas, and beyond A nonprofit and a local public health agency are subsidizing marketplace health insurance for Austin musicians , even as rising healthcare costs make the program more expensive.
	Breakfast Bankroll for week ending 8/21/26 Here's this week's update on retail prices for the breakfast staples of bacon, eggs and milk. This is the USDA's average price for a dozen of large Grade A eggs, a pound of bacon and a gallon of milk on January 20, 2025, compared to where the prices are now. To see the price, click [...]
	President authorization of selling advanced AI chips to UAE raises concerns about conflict of interest & national security Businesses in every country around the world are in a race to dominate the field of artificial intelligence. That makes every technological advancement extremely valuable. Right now, the American company NVIDIA is known for making the best AI microchips. Several other companies produce strong products. One deal that fell somewhat under the radar recently involves [...]
	Congress should act sooner rather than later to fix Social Security solvency Congress can't agree on how to respond to the alarms about the future of Social Security. Almost 76 million Americans collect benefits from the safety net right now. At least three million more will become eligible for the program each year for the next ten years. These are the last of the baby boomers and [...]
	Independent Bridgford believes Iowa would have more power in DC if he's elected to 1st Congressional District This week's countdown to the election leaves us 72 days away from the midterms. This morning, we revisit the race for Iowa's 1st Congressional District seat. History tells us it should be close. Republican incumbent Mariannette Miller-Meeks seeks a fourth term in office. She faces Democrat Christina Bohannan for the third time in a row. [...]
	Becerra, running for governor of California, faces a health insurance problem The nation's uninsured rate hit a historical low when Xavier Becerra was health secretary. Now he wants to be California's next governor as Trump's actions have driven people off health insurance.
	Tropical Storm Moke to cause more flooding as Hawaii recovers from Lala More than a foot of rain could fall across Big Island of Hawaii, according to NOAA.
	Midwest Iron Addicts gym opens in Colona The Colona facility features a variety of free weights, plate-loaded and pin-loaded machines, and dedicated cardio equipment.
	Take a look at August business openings and closings around the Quad-Cities Tropical Smoothie Cafe opens in Moline
	Local government recap: Eldridge postpones fire decision; Davenport talks finances, $1M request Eldridge postponed a decision on the fire department, music organizations asked Davenport for $1 million for a new building, Moline approved a new interim administrator and other local government news.
	Iowa's cattle industry stays steady for now, farmers worry about the future with Tyson plant closure In 2025, beef was a $6.19 billion industry in Iowa, with 3.45 million head of cattle as of Jan. 1, 2026.
	QC nonprofit Soles for Children plans to provide winter essentials for 1,000 children Quad Cities nonprofit Soles For Children is preparing to provide free winter essentials to nearly 1,100 children during two community events in September, a news release says. The annual shoes and coat giveaway will take place from 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20, at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center, 630 9th St., Rock Island, [...]
	Illinois beef industry sees slow decline, Joslin plant closure may increase expenses "I think it's going to be a major issue for Midwestern and Eastern cattle feeders that this plant has closed," Travis Meteer said.
	MARK-TO-MARKET: The cost of the 2026 back-to-class shopping season This year, the National Retail Federation (NRF) expects U.S. consumers to spend $43.3 billion on back-to-school shopping for their K-12 children.
	BBB Scam Alert: The ‘Grandchild in Trouble’ call: A Back-to-School scam targeting grandparents BBB Scam Tracker warns of callers posing as a grandchild in distress are asking grandparents for emergency money tied to school expenses.
	Beef experts: Loss of imports, consolidation big factors in Joslin’s Tyson plant closure The closure reflects shrinking supplies, rising beef prices, import disruptions and consolidation, pressures that experts say could persist for years.
	The Col This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.She has grown old gracefully into her eighty-one years. For her, no face lifts, no tummy tucks. No owner has ever tried…
	Body cam shows federal agent was 'unjustified' in Memphis shooting, attorney says The family of Jonah Neal and their attorney were recently shown video from the day that Neal was shot by a federal agent while he experienced a mental health crisis.
Saturday, August 22nd, 2026
	High school football preview: Davenport Central Davenport Central is relying on their experience to propel them this 2026 season. The Blue Devils won one game last season.
	Participants go 'Over the Edge' for Big Brothers Big Sisters in Davenport Courage reached new heights as participants rappelled down an 11-story hotel in the Big Brothers Big Sisters fundraiser, raising over $125,000 for youth mentoring.
	Burlington hotel collapse caused by water accumulation Officials say water accumulation caused part of the Comfort Suites in Burlington to collapse.
	Lanterns light the river in memory of Rock Island man killed 10 years ago Loved ones gathered at Schweibert Park to remember De’Mar Bester, who was fatally shot during a 2016 robbery. His murder remains unsolved.
	Clinton's Paint-It-Back block party celebrates art, food and music The Paint-It-Back block party in Clinton brought together fashion, food, art and live music. Organizers say the event is about more than just painting walls.
	Rock Island celebrates Citizens of the Year The City of Rock Island has chosen the winners for the 39th annual Citizen of the Year awards. Each year, people in the community have an opportunity to submit a nomination for those who have made selfless contributions of service to the City of Rock Island and its residents, a news release says. Nine categories [...]
	Big Brothers Big Sisters raises money local youth with Over the Edge event in Davenport Participants rappelled 11 stories down Hotel Blackhawk in Davenport to raise money for Big Brothers Big Sisters' local mentoring programs.
	Burlington hotel safe for occupancy after partial collapse The City of Burlington reissued a Certificate of Occupancy for the hotel portion of a building that sustained a partial collapse.
	Group O brings packaging automation to the community through Lantech Packaging Tour The week-long event, beginning Monday, is designed to showcase automation solutions that can help organizations improve efficiency, productivity, and operational consistency.
	Resignations, hirings from United Township School District in August See the following personnel items from the Aug. 10 agenda of the United Township Board of Education in East Moline.
	Trump administration's 75-country visa ban was illegal, judge rules The U.S. stopped issuing visas for citizens of 75 countries because it said they were likely to need public assistance. A judge ruled the policy illegally discriminated on the basis of nationality.
	US Postal Service issues rule to tighten requirements for mail-in voting despite courts looking to block The United States Postal Service (USPS) announced Friday new eligibility guidelines for mail-in ballots, complying with President Trump's March executive order restricting the practice — despite a federal court later striking it down. USPS's 95-page unpublished report, slated for an official release on Aug. 26, detailed how it would distribute mail-in ballots for November's midterms. [...]
	Rock Island names 2026 Citizen of the Year award winners The winners will be recognized at the Rock Island City Council meeting on Aug. 24.
	Democratic Iowa Senate candidates back minimum wage increase, talk taxes at forum Four Democratic Iowa Senate candidates backed raising the state’s minimum wage and opposed eliminating state income taxes during a Davenport forum.
	Former Moline city administrator resigned after concerns over his professional behavior Documents produced in a records request say elected leaders intended to terminate Bob Vitas’ employment if he didn’t resign.
	Pleasant Valley School District resignations, hirings from August school board agenda The following personnel items are from the Aug. 10 of the Pleasant Valley School District. The School Board met at Belmont Administration Center at 525 Belmont Rd., Riverdale, Iowa.
	Retirements, hirings and other Davenport schools personnel news from August 10 See the personnel items from the Aug. 10 agenda of the Davenport Community School District.
	As Flock battles public scrutiny, other police surveillance companies see an opening Dozens of cities have canceled their contracts with Flock. Some are switching to other companies, but privacy experts say they're no better than Flock.
	NSRA QC Street Rod Nationals will roar into Davenport The NSRA Quad Cities Street Rod Nationals is back Aug. 28-29 at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, Davenport, a news release says. Car enthusiasts and spectators from across the region will gather to enjoy automotive exhibitions, including Nick Donovan's Rockin' Road Show, Women's World, Circle of Winners Program, and more throughout the weekend. “We're excited to [...]
	Rotary, Kiwanis co-host State of the Schools address for Rock Island-Milan School District The Rotary Club of Rock Island, in partnership with the Rock Island Kiwanis Club, will host the annual State of the Schools Address featuring Sharon Williams, superintendent of the Rock Island-Milan School District, on Tuesday, Sept. 8, at the Quad City Botanical Center, 2525 4th Ave., Rock Island. The luncheon meeting will begin at noon, [...]
	Sandburg, Galesburg, will host ceremonial groundbreaking for Charger Center Sandburg will host a ceremonial groundbreaking for the construction of the Charger Center at 4 p.m. Aug. 27 on the college’s Galesburg campus. Outside building G on the Galesburg campus, 2051 Tom L. Wilson Blvd. Parking will be available in the lots next to building C and building G. Speaking at the event will be President Seamus Reilly, Board [...]
	Flock license plate readers vandalized in the Quad-Cities At least 10 Flock Safety automatic license plate readers in the Quad-Cities have been vandalized, according to area police departments.
	'Lanterns' shines a bright but unsteady light If Watchmen taught us that you can use superheroes to excavate the cracked foundations of the American experience, Lanterns seems content to linger in the shadow of another HBO prestige genre series, True Detective.
	Memories of Muscatine: Successful Farming This week for Memories of Muscatine: a chromolithograph Jay Norwood “Ding” Darling.
	Two Languages This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Do you ever wish you could speak a second language? You already do: English. Let me explain. It will help you…
	What Rep. Hinson wants to do about Trump’s plan to import more beef Rep. Ashley Hinson said on Friday that she opposes President Donald Trump's plan to import more beef.
Friday, August 21st, 2026
	U.S. imposes 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian products The United States imposed 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian products early Saturday, and Canada immediately said it would retaliate, after last-ditch negotiations failed.
	U.S.-Canada trade talks collapse minutes before deadline for tariffs to take effect Trade negotiations between the United States and Canada fell apart on Friday night, shortly before a midnight deadline for 50% tariffs to take effect on $20 billion worth of Canadian products.
	U.S.-Canada trade talks collapse just before deadline for tariffs The midnight deadline means that U.S. is imposing 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian products. Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada "will match those tariffs dollar for dollar."
	OQC Crime Watch: County ends contract with Flock cameras: Episode 77 Watch crime reporters Linda Cook and Sharon Wren talk about crime and courts in our area with the latest episode of the Our Quad Cities Crime Watch Podcast. In this episode Linda and Sharon discuss: updates on: Henry County Sheriff's Office ends contract with Flock cameras Whiteside County could get bogged down with old cases [...]
	Twin Cities PADS Homeless Shelter in Sterling is closing temporarily Officials said the facility is the only emergency shelter for people experiencing homelessness in Whiteside County.
	Records show former Moline city administrator was warned about inappropriate behavior before resigning Documents show that city council unanimously agreed to terminate Bob Vitas' contract. However, he was given the option to resign before that action took place.
	Former Moline city administrator was warned about inappropriate behavior before his resignation Documents show that city council unanimously agreed to terminate Bob Vitas' contract. However, he was given the option to resign before that action took place.
	Community remembers Trudy Appleby 30 years after disappearance About 50 people gathered at Bass Street Landing Friday evening to honor Trudy Appleby on the 30th anniversary of her disappearance.
	Tyson workers rally after Joslin facility closure At least 100 people rallied outside of the Tyson facility in Joslin after its closure left 2,500 people without jobs.
	Five important lessons rescue dogs can teach you (BPT) - Every dog has a story, and each story offers a priceless life lesson. For Lee Asher, founder of The Asher House animal sanctuary, his pack of over 50 dogs (as well as a few cats, a horse, and a pig) teaches him something new every day. Now, he's sharing his wisdom with the world.In his book, Saved by the Pack: How 50 Dogs Helped Me Find My Purpose, Asher introduces readers to his furry family members and the lessons each of them has taught him. This beautifully illustrated book is filled with personal and honest stories that animal lovers and pet owners will treasure. Read on to discover a small sampling of the canine wisdom you'll find between the pages. 1. Never judge a book by its cover.Some dog breeds get a bad rap, which can make people reticent to adopt them. But each dog is more than just their breed. For example, Rain, a young dalmatian, was virtually unadoptable because of her breed's reputation for biting and moodiness."When I told people I was rescuing a dalmatian, for the first time I was warned against adopting a dog," Asher says. "When I rescue pit bulls, I hear a lot of 'Thank goodness, pit bulls are so misunderstood.' But with a dalmatian, all I heard was, 'I don't know if that's such a good idea.'"Rain did exhibit some of these negative breed traits. When Asher took her leash for the first time, she attempted to bite him. Thankfully, Asher recognized her behavior for what it was—a sign of fear. He didn't let her initial behavior deter him. He stayed calm and led with confidence. Over time, he proved to Rain that he was safe, earning her love and trust. Now, she's a regular member of the pack."Don't hang on to first, second, or even third impressions," Asher says. "Important things take time, patience, open-mindedness, and the courage to wait." 2. Don't be afraid to take a risk.Would you adopt a dog that constantly tried to run away? Such a risky pup would make most people shy away, but Asher took on the challenge when he adopted Ken, a handsome all-white mixed breed with some husky in him.Ken's reputation as an escape artist made him a high-risk adoption. However, Asher found a kindred spirit in Ken and decided to bring him home."I knew the risks I was taking in adopting Ken given his history," Asher says, "but I was sure I could save him and provide the type of life and freedom he wanted and deserved."When Ken arrived at the sanctuary, Asher made sure to take him everywhere on a leash to help him get comfortable in his new home and with his new pack. Now, Ken is a dog that won't leave Asher's side."The truth is, Ken wasn't running away. He was running to something: the home that could meet his needs, that trusted him, and that he could trust," Asher says. "I've given him his freedom, and in return, he always comes back."3. Believe in second chances.When animal control found Ray, they assumed the worst about this German shepherd. She and another dog had run away from a bad situation and were found next to a third dog who was deceased, leading animal control to believe that she or the other dog was to blame.Ray also was severely anxious and wasn't outgoing. Combined with her story, Ray's anxiety made many people believe she was a dangerous dog and a liability. But her history didn't stop Asher from giving Ray a home."Here's the reality: No one saw the situation unfold or the circumstances that led to one dog's death," Asher says. "And the staff [of the Humane Society for Tacoma and Pierce County] saw no signs of aggression in Ray at all. What they saw was a beautiful, frightened girl."Asher's belief in second chances paid off. Now, Ray is thriving at the sanctuary and has bonded strongly with Asher and her new pack."I don't make a dog's history its identity. Every dog is treated like they were born the day we meet. I learn what I need to know through my own experience of them rather than from what I've been told. Honestly, we should practice this more with our human companions too."4. Practice selflessness.Putting another's needs above your own can be difficult, especially when it means letting go. Asher learned this lesson when he adopted Nacho, a 12-week-old pit bull.Asher had previously raised a puppy, a rottweiler named Doug, among the pack. But he quickly learned that bringing a young dog, especially a male, into a pack of five or more dogs was incredibly challenging. However, Asher's love for Nacho and his grief from a recent dog's passing made him ignore his instincts."Unfortunately, it took only a month for me to acknowledge I wouldn't be able to keep Nacho forever," Asher says. "At just a couple of months old, he was already challenging the other dogs. I was worried he was going to develop bad habits, or worse, risk his and the pack's safety. I didn't need to learn a hard lesson twice."In the end, it was his love for Nacho and the rest of his pack that pushed Asher to do the right thing and put the dogs' needs above his own desires. Nacho now lives in a quieter home with a family who can give him the time and training he needs to be the best version of himself."[Nacho's] thriving in his forever home, with no behavior issues—proof I made the right decision," Asher says. "I've had to learn the hard way that it doesn't matter if I want to keep a dog, if it's my dream dog, or if I'm grieving another soul. I always have to do what's best for the dog in front of me and for the pack." 5. Have a sense of humor.If laughter is the best medicine, then Asher gets multiple doses a day thanks to Tommy, the pack's class clown.When they first met, Asher was dealing with the immense pressure and expectations of opening a dog sanctuary. However, Tommy's goofy teeth and silly, stubborn personality brought the right amount of levity to combat Asher's worries."Tommy reminded me to slow down and enjoy the moment," Asher says. "I'll never forget the day I toured him around the property, only to have him sprint into the freezing cold rock quarry and swim laps. Chasing him into the water, fully clothed, I laughed harder than I had in ages. His goofy spirit brought light back into my days. He became a source of humor, gratitude, and hope."Tommy's presence serves as a reminder to Asher and others of the heart and fun a rescue dog can bring to someone's life.Want to learn more lessons from Asher's pack of rescue dogs? Pick up a copy of Saved by the Pack by visiting Books.Disney.com/Book/Saved-By-The-Pack.All photos courtesy of Aaron Huey/National Geographic.
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	Davenport school district staff celebrate new school year Davenport school district employees gathered at the Vibrant Arena ahead of classes resuming on Monday to celebrate the upcoming school year.

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