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

Wednesday, May 6th, 2026
	Geneseo to host inaugural downtown Wine Walk The first‑ever Geneseo Wine Walk is set for May 30, a 3–7 p.m. downtown event featuring more than a dozen wine‑tasting stops, shopping promotions, live music and a pedestrian‑only State Street experience requiring advance tickets.
	Honor Flight 65 takes off from Quad Cities International Airport Honor Flight 65 took off Wednesday morning, sending local veterans to Washington, D.C. for a day of remembrance and recognition.
	Iran's Revolutionary Guard says ships can now pass through the Strait of Hormuz Iran's Revolutionary Guard says safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be provided after President Trump said he was pausing a U.S. military-guided effort to let merchant vessels through.
	Iran's Revolutionary Guard says ships can now pass the Strait of Hormuz Iran's Revolutionary Guard says safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be provided after President Trump said he was pausing a U.S. military-guided effort to let merchant vessels through.
	Iran says ships can pass Strait of Hormuz as Trump warns of bombings without a deal Iran's Revolutionary Guard says safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz will be provided after President Trump said he was pausing a U.S. military-guided effort to let merchant vessels through.
	FULL \| Vice President JD Vance, Republican leaders speak at Zach Nunn campaign event in Des Moines The visit came less than a month before the June 2 primary that sets up November’s midterm elections, where Nunn is expected to face state Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott
	New book imagines Hans Christian Andersen showing up to Charles Dickens' house In Five Weeks in the Country, author Francine Prose imagines a distressing, ill-timed visit to Charles Dickens' home in 1857 — offering a memorable twist on the classic English country house drama.
	Orion board hears concerns from neighbors of potential DG Market site Two residents whose condos border the Dollar General property on Route 150, spoke to trustees Monday about the need for a fence between the properties.
	Scott County considers updating public records policy after settlement The board will vote on the proposed policy at its 5 p.m. meeting on Thursday.
	Everyday People: A boy-mom becomes the grandmother to a little girl Aimee and Rick Coursey spent the morning working on their still-new property in rural Milan. They took a break for lunch at Meatheads Cookout in town.
	Culinary arts courses in the Quad-Cities provide robust, applicable programs As certain sectors saw hits last year, the hospitality and food service industry grew; here's how some Quad-Cities schools are preparing students for the food industry.
	Paying Attention This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Father Bonn was one of Rock Island's saints. He lived in a dark two-room basement apartment with a hot plate in a dying…
	A new Medicare option for weight loss drugs is coming: Here's what to know Millions of people with Medicare will soon be eligible to get discounted GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. Here's how it will work.
	Poll: Trump blamed for gas prices as Democrats gain midterm edge A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll finds strong support for Democrats this midterm season. It also shows increasing concern about the war in Iran and the economy, particularly the price of gas.
	Lindsey Vonn's Olympic crash was a horrific setback. But she's never been one to hide Vonn defied her doubters to race in the Olympics on a torn ACL, but her comeback dream ended with a broken left leg. Most people would want to hide after such a setback — but Vonn isn't most people.
	Do you say 'wash' or 'warsh?' Here's where the pronunciation comes from Trump's nominee for the Federal Reserve chair, Kevin Warsh, has dominated headlines for weeks. For some, his surname is a reminder of a disappearing accent in South Midland America.
	Man arrested in Scott County for road rage incident A man was arrested in Scott County in connection with a road rage incident. According to a release from the Scott County Sheriff's Office, the Scott Emergency Communications Center received a 911 call May 5 at approximately 4:21 p.m., stating that a firearm was pointed at a victim during a reported road rage incident. An [...]
	Iowa gas, diesel prices near record highs: AAA DES MOINES, Iowa -- Gas and diesel prices in Iowa are nearing record highs. According to AAA, the average price for regular unleaded gas in Iowa reached $4.14 per gallon on Tuesday, one of the highest prices seen since a record average of $4.76 per gallon in 2022. Yesterday, prices in Iowa averaged $3.94. A [...]
	Cook review: The animated short 'What is Dyslexia?' is joyful. WATCH IT HERE. For many years, I taught college classes. I have one regret. I stopped teaching some years ago, and now I can't show "What is Dyslexia?" in any of my classes. My students - the youngest of whom was 18, if I remember correctly - were adults. Some of them had a rough go during their [...]
	Zelenskyy slams Russia as strikes kill 22 in Ukraine before announced ceasefire Zelenskyy rebuked Moscow for what he said was its "utter cynicism" in launching the attacks after Russia announced a unilateral ceasefire over two days later this week.
	Police say Australian women with alleged IS ties face charges on return from Syria The Australian government had been alerted Wednesday that four women and nine children had booked flights from Damascus to Australia, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said.
	City and Augustana College share plans for proposed Rock Island 550-acre land, water reserve Officials discussed the city’s partnership with Augustana students and faculty, who will help study the area’s ecosystem and gather community feedback to help create a long-term management plan for the wetlands.
Tuesday, May 5th, 2026
	Will gas prices soon cool drastically in Iowa and Illinois, other states? After spiking last week, double-digit dips could be coming soon.
	Alleman survives United Township in 2OT thriller, wins on second penalty shootout Alleman girls soccer defeated United Township in a thrilling double overtime and second penalty shootout.
	United Township defeats Moline 4-1 United Township baseball defeated Moline 4-1 at home.
	Davenport man accused of brandishing a firearm during road rage incident A 21-year-old Davenport man was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly pointed a handgun at another person during what authorities are calling a road rage incident.
	Davenport man arrested after allegedly asking minor for nude photo over Instagram A Davenport man has been arrested for allegedly asking a 14-year-old girl to send him a nude photo of herself over the social media platform Instagram.
	Vance touts taxes, trade and American jobs during Iowa visit The vice president will visit Ex-Guard Industries with Republican Rep. Zach Nunn and deliver remarks.
	Iowa Democrats challenge Vance and Nunn over Burlington CNH plant closures Iowa Democrats challenge Vance and Nunn over Burlington CNH plant closures and GOP policies following the Vice President's recent visit to Iowa.
	US Marshals arrest Illinois man on Scott County sexual abuse warrant The U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Task Force arrested Miguel Rodriguez at his home in the Lake Holiday community near Sandwich, Illinois, on Tuesday.
	Former immigration judge wins in tight Ohio Supreme Court Republican primary The Gavel outside the Supreme Court of the State of Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original article.)Former Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Colleen O’Donnell defeated a four-person Republican primary field to earn the nomination for the party, cementing the race against Democratic Ohio Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Brunner in the general election. Races for the state’s top judicial positions were made explicitly partisan when Republican state lawmakers added party labels to the races starting in 2022. Brunner is currently the only Democratic justice on the 6-1 Republican court. O’Donnell said she was “humbled” by the election results. “This is not just a victory for my campaign team, but for all Ohioans who support law and order, public safety, and fair, consistent court decisions,” she said in a statement late Tuesday night. In addition to working in the Franklin County Courts, O’Donnell also previously worked for the Ohio Attorney General’s Office. She’s also served with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, and most recently as a federal immigration judge in Laredo, Texas. O’Donnell came out ahead in a tight race with Fifth District Court of Appeals Judge Andrew King. Ninth District Court of Appeals Judge Jill Flagg Lanzinger and Second District Court of Appeals Judge Ron Lewis were also on the ballot Tuesday. The May primary included party affiliations for judges, after state lawmakers decided to add the labels in 2022. A win for O’Donnell and for incumbent Republican Justice Dan Hawkins in the Nov. 3 general election would establish a full 7-0 Republican Ohio Supreme Court. Hawkins faces First District Court of Appeals Judge Marilyn Zayas to defend his seat. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Ohio Capital Journal
	Anonymous $200,000 donation to the Muscatine Art Center helps cover funding cuts The center lost a significant portion of its funding while the City of Muscatine worked to make up a $700,000 budget shortfall.
	Vance touts taxes, tariffs and American jobs during Iowa visit The vice president will visit Ex-Guard Industries with Republican Rep. Zach Nunn and deliver remarks.
	Man charged with pointing gun at driver during road rage incident north of Stockton 21-year-old Traveon Hall is charged with assault while displaying a weapon in connection to the incident.
	Body recovered from Cedar River after man disappeared Monday night According to the Cedar Rapids Police Department, 33-year-old Dakota Freese was pulled under after wading into the river to recover fishing gear he'd dropped.
	Man charged with pointing gun at driver during road rage incident north of Stockton 21-year-old Traveon Hall is charged with assault while displaying a weapon in connection to the incident.
	Crews respond to large junkyard fire in Kewanee A plume of smoke could be seen from miles away.
	Rock Island holds meeting about proposal wetlands land and water reserve The next steps are to map out the wetland's habitats and understand how the health of the area has changed over the last 30 years.
	Taxes, tariffs and American jobs were top of mind during Vance’s Iowa visit The vice president will visit Ex-Guard Industries with Republican Rep. Zach Nunn and deliver remarks.
	Former state Rep. Jay Edwards takes Republican primary nomination for Ohio Treasurer A voter leaves a polling place. (Photo by Elijah Nouvelage/Getty Images) A tight Republican primary on Tuesday tested the endorsement power of higher-up Republicans in the state and federal, and in the end former Ohio House member Jay Edwards edged out current state Sen. Kristina Roegner in unofficial results. Both candidates received high-profile endorsements, with Roegner backed by Vivek Ramaswamy, Republican candidate for governor, and Edwards touting the support of Republican Vice President JD Vance. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX During her primary campaign, Roegner touted her experience and her goal to maintain financial discipline, along with returning money to Ohioans from the state’s unclaimed funds, rather than allowing it to be used for sports stadium funding, as legislators pledged. Late Tuesday night, Roegner congratulated Edwards and said it was important for Ohio to stay “on a strong fiscal path.” “Ohio Republicans remain united in our commitment to responsible government, strong economic growth, and protecting the hard-earned tax dollars of Ohio families,” Roegner said in a statement. Edwards used his campaign promising to bring “young energy” to the Ohio Treasurer’s Office and help maintain the “Trump Republican Party.” While he said the pledge to use unclaimed funds for sports venues “could have been spent a better way,” but has said he’s not against the idea “if we can afford to do them, and if we’ve checked all the other boxes.” Edwards will face Democrat Seth Walsh, a Cincinnati community organizer, in the Nov. 3 general election. Walsh was unopposed in the primary. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Ohio Capital Journal
	New momentum in research offers hope for people living with lupus (BPT) - Since she was 8 years old, Nancy Mize Gonzalez dreamed of becoming a concert pianist. She practiced for hours a day every day, and it paid off. At 16, Gonzalez was accepted into a college music program to pursue her dreams."Everything was beautiful, and I was thriving," said Gonzalez. "But one morning I woke up, and my hands were stiff — fingers aching so much that it hurt to move them. Every single note was excruciating to play."At 18, Gonzalez's world changed as her doctors diagnosed her with lupus, a chronic autoimmune disease.A condition that affects millionsGonzalez is not alone — as lupus affects millions of people worldwide."In lupus, the same immune system that helps us defend ourselves from infections mistakenly thinks that our own body is a harmful invader and attacks," said Dr. Roberto Caricchio, Myles J. McDonough chair in Rheumatology and chief of the Division of Rheumatology at UMass Chan Medical School. "Because lupus is systemic, it can attack any organ, such as the kidneys, brain, heart, lungs, and skin, as well as blood and joints. No one's experience is the same."Despite its prevalence, many people are unaware of what lupus is or how it impacts people with the condition. That's why this May, during Lupus Awareness Month, the Lupus Research Alliance, the world's largest private funder of lupus research, and dedicated members of the worldwide lupus community are celebrating "Hope in Action: The Future of Lupus" — increasing awareness, supporting those living with lupus, and raising funds to fuel research to treat and one day cure this debilitating autoimmune disease.Research breakthroughs provide hopeFor decades, lupus has been one of the most complex autoimmune diseases for researchers to understand and treat, largely because the disease affects each person differently and involves many immune pathways. For 50 years, there were no treatments specifically approved by the FDA for lupus.However, since 2011, scientific momentum has been building toward today's research renaissance. Four targeted therapies are now FDA-approved across systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis, and hundreds of clinical trials are currently underway investigating potential new treatments. Researchers are uncovering new insights into how lupus develops, identifying biomarkers for earlier detection, and advancing therapies designed to target the disease more precisely.One organization that has been at the forefront of lupus research over the past two decades is the Lupus Research Alliance. To drive discovery and development of next-generation lupus diagnostics and curative treatments, the Lupus Research Alliance funds the most innovative research, fosters scientific talent, and drives discovery toward better diagnostics, improved treatments and, ultimately, a cure for lupus.Since its inception, the Lupus Research Alliance has:Awarded more than 675 grants and invested over $284 million in lupus research grants.Funded or supported the only four new treatments developed specifically for lupus.Established Lupus Therapeutics, the clinical affiliate of the Lupus Research Alliance, which is involved in more than 25% of active lupus clinical trials.Launched Lupus Ventures, the world's only venture capital fund dedicated to lupus, its manifestations, and related autoimmune conditions.The Lupus Research Alliance's work and recent progress in lupus treatments have emboldened other organizations and individuals to do their part to raise awareness of the disease and support research. For instance, because of her desire to know more about her condition and to help others, Gonzalez switched careers.After pursuing her M.D./Ph.D. degrees at Texas A&M College of Medicine, she will soon start a neurosurgery residency in Houston. She is also an executive member of the Lupus Research Alliance Young Leaders Board."Back when I was first diagnosed, I asked my doctors, 'What's lupus? What does autoimmune mean? Will I get better? What's the cure?' I was always met with the same answer: 'We don't know. We need more research,'" said Gonzalez. "Eventually, you get tired of hearing that. So, I decided to go back to school, to become a doctor and be able to give other patients the answers I struggled to find."Everyone can do their partWhile curing lupus may not be a reality yet, there is hope on the horizon."This is an unprecedented time in lupus," said Dr. Caricchio, Vice Chair of the Lupus Clinical Investigators Network (LuCIN), overseen by the Lupus Research Alliance's clinical affiliate Lupus Therapeutics. "The next step is ensuring that these advances translate into real-world approaches and therapies that improve daily life for people living with lupus — slowing disease progression while minimizing side effects."Realizing that future requires collective work — and everyone can play a part. There are several ways to get involved — like donating to fuel new breakthroughs, taking part in research, and taking time to learn about lupus and raising awareness."With still only a handful of therapies ever approved for lupus, the next wave of breakthroughs could redefine treatment for millions worldwide — and we're right at that precipice," Albert T. Roy, president and CEO of the Lupus Research Alliance, said. "By working together, we have a real opportunity to bring people living with this disease closer to a cure."To learn more about lupus, support those living with the disease, and donate to fuel breakthroughs, visit LupusResearch.org.
	Mercado on 5th returns with food, vendors and live entertainment Mercado on Fifth will open for its 10th season in downtown Moline.
	City of Rock Island hosts informational meeting on proposed preservation area People in Rock Island got their first look at a proposed land and water reserve near the Milan Bottoms Tuesday night. Some faculty and students at Augustana College are conducting a study to see how the land should be treated. "It's a great place where if the students have the need, we can transform it [...]
	Rock Island police announce promotions for 2 veteran officers Lt. Timothy Muehler will be appointed as Rock Island's new deputy chief of police, and Officer Mario Mendoza will be promoted to the rank of police sergeant, according to a release.
	May events in the Quad Cities expected to generate $4.8M economic impact From golf championships to international handball tournaments, Visit Quad Cities said it takes a lot of work to bring such events to town. Here's how they do it.
	In packed GOP field, gubernatorial candidates aim to distinguish themselves in first TV debate Most of the Republican gubernatorial candidates participated in the May 5 WMTW debate. From top left, Jonathan Bush, Ben Midgley, Garrett Mason, Owen McCarthy, David Jones and Robert Wessels. (Official campaign photos)The Republican gubernatorial candidates all agreed that, if elected, they’d cut taxes, regulations on businesses and, overall, the state budget during the first statewide televised debate Tuesday night. But, they differed on how they’d achieve those shared goals and how they believe their backgrounds would help them in doing so. WMTW invited all candidates to participate, however Bobby Charles, an attorney from Leeds and former federal government official, declined. Charles also won’t partake in another upcoming debate Thursday, which he said is because Robert Wessels, a small business owner from Paris, isn’t allowed to participate. Wessels didn’t meet the criteria of the networks sponsoring Thursday’s debate, CBS News 13 and the Bangor Daily News, including getting 5% support in an independent poll. The six candidates who did participate Tuesday spent a lot of time critiquing Charles, both for his decision not to attend and for his campaign promises. “I’m disappointed that Bobby Charles isn’t here again,” said David Jones, who owns F.O. Bailey Real Estate in Falmouth. “His absence is a pattern that we all see. Maine deserves a candidate who knows how to answer tough questions. Nothing should stop me from being here, and he definitely should be here as well.” The likely Democratic nominee for U.S. Senate in Maine was also not spared from critique. “As I look out to the working people of this state — the people I grew up with, they are Republicans, independents and Democrats — we know they want change and we know this because Janet Mills just lost to an outsider with a working class message,” said Owen McCarthy, a health industry entrepreneur and University of Maine trustee from Gorham. Gov. Janet Mills dropped out of the race last week, essentially handing it to frontrunner Graham Platner, a political newcomer. Five of the six Republicans in attendance self-identified as CEOs, with Wessels as the exception. Wessels also said he’s the only candidate who homeschools his children and that he’d push to expand school choice. Of the majority CEO bunch, Ben Midgley, the former president of Planet Fitness, said his work creating thousands of jobs and building a company sets him apart. Jonathan Bush, a health technology entrepreneur who is the nephew of the late President George H.W. Bush, mentioned being a former platoon leader with experience “getting rid of the weak links and relentlessly motivating the team.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Along with Charles, Garrett Mason is the only other candidate to have worked in government. Mason served as Maine Senate majority leader during Gov. Paul LePage’s administration. “I’m not a newly converted conservative,” Mason added, “and I’m not one who just learned to talk like one on social media.” That distinction came up later, when the candidates were asked if they’ve ever voted for a candidate of the other major political party. Midgley has. He was previously a Democrat. Bush also said he has, though not recently. All others said no. Here’s how else the candidates distinguished themselves: What is a tax subsidy, mandate or state program that you’d cut in your first budget? Wessels said he would cut $2 billion from the budget during year one, including by eliminating unfilled state positions, downsizing the Department of Education and addressing fraud. Additionally, he’d expand the homestead exemption and have the state adopt the federal provisions of no taxes on tips and overtime for certain workers. Long-term, he wants to eliminate property taxes for primary residences, like Florida. Bush pushed back on Wessels’ plan, calling a $2 billion cut unrealistic in year one. “But, it’s certainly plausible as we grow,” Bush said. But Bush did not point to a specific policy he’d cut. “I hate them all equally and they all need to go in equal measure,” he said. “I don’t think there’s a specific one that’s more egregious than the other. It is the fact of an overwhelmingly high tax load and an overwhelmingly suffocating regulatory load, making it impossible for regular Mainers to grow their business.” Jones also disagreed on the exact number that could be cut in the first year of an administration, with his estimate being $1.5 billion. “But the bottom line is, if we don’t have the House and we don’t have the Senate, we can all sit here and make all the promises in the world to everybody out there and we can’t do anything unless we have their help,” Jones said. A Republican governor would likely face a divided Augusta, given that the wider Democratic majority in the Senate is unlikely to flip, though the Maine House of Representatives could. Mason offered a litany of taxes he’d eliminate — the tax on streaming services Mills recently added, the tobacco tax she recently raised, the franchise tax, paint tax, mattress tax. But, most importantly, he pointed to the income tax. McCarthy said he would cut income taxes for people making under $200,000 by 10%, as well as make it so veterans with permanent and total disability pay no property taxes. On the other hand, Midgley sees the largest state expense that can be cut down as welfare. “You can cut taxes across the board and still not be in the ball game in terms of where you should be,” he said. How would you keep people from moving out of Maine’s rural communities? Midgely said he’d do so by creating more opportunity, specifically by decreasing reliance on welfare. “I’ve been on the system, so I understand this,” he said. “We need to create a bridge for folks so they can go after opportunities, make more money, do better for themselves and their families and then get back in the workforce.” Wessels said he’d create more business-friendly policies. “Right now one of our biggest exports is our kids,” Wessels said. Bush would cut taxes, specifically $1 billion from the state’s income tax. “We got to get rid of these little grant games and grow our economy,” Bush said. Jones would eliminate property taxes on primary residences, as well as raise the homestead property tax exemption. Mason spoke about what he wouldn’t do, including incentivizing people to put solar panels on their farmland instead of growing food or allowing seed potatoes carrying pathogens that threaten Maine’s potato industry. “They’re agrarian in nature,” Mason said of counties in the north. “Their economies are very fragile.” McCarthy, the only candidate with roots north of Augusta, said he’d propose what he called mill rebirth zones, “where we rise up like the Phoenix,” joining what he sees as the reindustrialization of America. He’d also focus on rebuilding hospitals and birthing centers. Should the state be doing more to reduce the cost of childcare or to expand access? The candidates agreed on not wanting the state to foot the bill for childcare. They instead spoke about building a stronger, more competitive economy to bring costs down. Many said they believe the current rules and regulations for childcare providers are too stringent. Mason and Jones specifically brought up vaccine mandates. “Bottom line,” Jones said, “parent’s choice.” McCarthy offered a distinct take of focusing on the private market as a solution, where local businesses can step in to provide care. “They’re motivated to do it because they’ve trained these people,” McCarthy said. “They don’t want to lose them in the workforce. We need to be a convener on that.” Midgley also outlined specific steps he’d take, including expanding use of section 125, which allows businesses to offer employees pre-tax salary deductions for qualified expenses, and incentivizing employers to provide childcare by giving them tax write offs. Wessels mentioned energy prices as a cost driver, as well. While advocating for decreasing regulations on childcare providers, several candidates simultaneously brought up the issue of child welfare, which several had also focused on during a debate back in September. “We have all this focus on people who are caring for kids, and absolutely none on people who are not taking care of kids that are wards of the state,” Mason said. Maine’s public-facing persona Maine’s last Republican governor, LePage, installed a sign at the border that read, “Open for business,” which Mills replaced to read, “Welcome Home.” The candidates were asked, if elected governor, what is the message you’d put on the sign at the border? McCarthy: “Innovationland.” Midgely: “A state that you can make home.” Wessels:: “A state for the people.” Bush: “Open for business,” returning to LePage’s sign choice. Jones: “Welcome to opportunity.” Mason: “Call me romantic, but if it’s just a street sign it’s ‘The Way Life Should Be.’” Though, he said he wouldn’t mind having “Open for business.” Courtesy of Maine Morning Star
	DeWitt teen accused of sexual abuse of a 12-year-old girl The 19-year-old was arrested Saturday and booked into the Clinton County Jail. He was released from the jail after posting a $50,000 cash-only bond.
	Gas prices top $4 a gallon in Iowa Quad Cities as costs continue to climb Gas prices in the Iowa Quad Cities have topped $4 a gallon, marking a sharp weekly increase. See how Iowa prices compare to Illinois and the U.S. average.
	Trump-backed Ramaswamy wins Ohio governor primary, setting up a competitive Nov. race In Ohio, where a Democrat hasn't won an election for governor in 20 years, Republican Vivek Ramaswamy and Democrat Amy Acton could be in for a tight race this fall.
	QCA shelter helps in nationwide beagle rescue King's Harvest Pet Rescue spent the day contributing to what's become a nationwide effort to house beagles rescued from Ridglan Farms, a biomedical research facility in Wisconsin. It's led by a Florida-based organization, Big Dog Ranch Rescue. Hundreds of volunteers and shelters - like Kings Harvest - have given the dogs a chance at a [...]
	Iowa congressional primary races take shape ahead of June election JD Vance campaigns for Rep. Zach Nunn as Iowa voters prepare to choose nominees for the upcoming primary elections across the state's four districts.
	Galesburg children's museum opens new experience that mimics Judy's Family Cafe Little Judy's Cafe at the Discovery Depot is a play-sized version of the real deal and gives kids a chance to make "the best pancakes" like the social media star.
	Annual MLK Jr. Food Drive returns to tackle food insecurity in the Quad Cities Between May 6-20, food donation boxes will be available all over the QCA, including many Hy-Vee stores and libraries. All of the food will stay local.
	No injuries reported after Kewanee junkyard fire No injuries were reported following a junkyard fire in Kewanee. The fire started around 2:00 p.m. May 5 when workers inside a building at Cernovich Auto & Truck Wrecking on E. 6th St. were removing equipment, causing a spark to light some fuel. Eight fire departments, including Tulon, Kewanee, Wyoming and Galva and other agencies [...]
	Davenport wastewater plant flood project gets nearly $3 million in federal funding The federal funding will help fortify a plant that treats wastewater for Davenport, Bettendorf, Riverdale and Panorama Park.
	$3M federal funds earmarked for Davenport flood mitigation, Miller-Meeks says Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks secured $3 million in federal funding to boost flood mitigation efforts and infrastructure in Davenport, Iowa.
	Willard Elementary selects interim principal for next year Willard Elementary School will have a new principal starting next year for its last year before retirement.
	Muscatine Art Center receives $200,000 anonymous donation The Muscatine Art Center received great financial news recently when an anonymous donor said they were making a $200,000 donation to make up for losing funding from the city. Mark Seaman, president of the Board of Trustees of the Muscatine Arts Center, spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to share the details of [...]
	Interim principal named for Willard Elementary School in Moline A new interim principal has been named for Willard Elementary School in Moline. According to a release, the Moline-Coal Valley School District announced the appointment of Jennifer Graves to the position for the 2026-2027 school year. Graves will succeed principal Doug Bodeen, who was appointed as principal of Hamilton Elementary School. Graves earned a Master [...]
	Alabama House, Senate committees approve bills that could alter primary elections Rep. A.J. McCampbell, D-Linden (left) questions Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile (foreground) about a bill that would allow new primary elections if the U.S. Supreme Court allows the state to redistrict on May 5, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector)Two legislative committees Tuesday advanced bills that could lead to new primary dates in Alabama, if federal courts allow state to revert back to congressional and legislative maps previously ruled racially discriminatory. HB 1, sponsored by Speaker Pro Tempore Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, would allow for a new special election if the U.S. Supreme Court lifts an injunction preventing the state from redrawing congressional maps before 2030. Secretary of State Wes Allen and Attorney General Steve Marshall sought to have the injunction removed last week after the U.S. Supreme Court significantly weakened a key part of the Voting Rights Act. “This allows us to have a special election using the plan that this legislative body passed in 2023 and was signed by the governor,” Pringle said to the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee. SB 1, sponsored by Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, would allow special elections in Senate Districts 25 and 26 outside Montgomery if the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals overturns a district court finding that the shape of those districts denied Black voters an opportunity to choose their own voters. If the Supreme Court overturns the 2030 injunction, the state would revert to a 2023 map approved by the Legislature that federal courts later ruled to be racially discriminatory. Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District, drawn by a court, would be the most affected; the Black Voting Age Population (BVAP) would drop from 48.7% to 39.9%. That would likely make the district, currently represented by U.S. Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Mobile, Republican-leaning. Rep. Chris Pringle, R-Mobile, speaks to the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee about a bill to set new primary schedules if the U.S. Supreme Court allows the state to redistrict on May 5, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) If the orders are dissolved or overturned after the May 19 primaries or June 16th runoffs, those results would be nullified and new elections would take place. There would not be runoffs for the new primaries. HB 1 advanced out of the committee on a voice vote split across party lines. At a public hearing, no individuals spoke in support of the bill and GOP members of the committee said very little about it. Democrats have denounced the session as an attack on Black representation in Congress, and several in the House committee Tuesday criticized Republicans for trying to restore a map deemed discriminatory. “So because the map was racist then, the map just apparently won’t be racist now, if the Supreme Court changes their mind and allow a different opportunity, a different path forward,” said Rep. Napoleon Bracy, D-Prichard, during the meeting. Rep. A.J McCampbell, D-Linden, said the Legislature is using the Supreme Court decision in Louisiana v. Callais to push for a new map and election. “The members of this body have elected to make this an issue in Alabama. That’s what has happened. It’s not, let’s not go there and say, because they changed the law that now we have got to go and do this. 2030 was still a fair option. We didn’t have to do this right now,” he said. Eliza Jane Franklin of Barbour County holds up a copy of “Witness to Injustice,” a book by David Frost Jr. about racial violence and the Civil Rights Movement in Eufala, Alabama while speaking to the House Ways and Means General Fund Committee on May 5, 2026 at the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama. Franklin spoke in opposition to a bill that would set new primary dates should the U.S. Supreme Court allow the state to use maps ruled racially discriminatory in the past. (Brian Lyman/Alabama Reflector) Public commenters at the meeting also opposed passing the bill. “When districts are drawn unfairly, communities are divided, voices are diluted, and trust in our system begins to erode,” Agnes Lover, pastor at St. Paul AME Church in Montgomery, said to the committee. “People start to feel like their vote does not matter, like the outcome has already been decided before a single ballot is passed, and when people lose faith in their vote, they begin to disengage altogether.” Eliza Jane Franklin, founder of the Black Heritage Society of Eufaula who spoke against the legislation, said after the meeting, she felt like legislators had no regard for voters. “I’m saddened because we thought things had progressed,” she said. “We thought that maybe on the federal level, we have someone who is in office who is problematic, but on the state level we thought there was a change. And coming here today, I’m saddened to say there is no real change and we have to speak up about it.” The one-time special election would have to have its results certified by Aug. 26 and would cost the State General Fund $4.5 million to reimburse the counties in the affected districts for election expenses. Rep. Pebblin Warren, D-Tuskegee, was critical of the funding that would go towards the election. “Every time I bring up mental illness, we’re told we don’t have the money,” she said. “Where are we getting the money from now to have a special election and to pay all these lawyer fees so we don’t see anything wrong by putting another burden on the general fund when we’re really not taking care of the business of the citizens of the state of Alabama.” Bracy said despite the bill advancing out of committee, there will still be a fight to stop it. “It’s not gonna go quietly, but I don’t know what people expect when you put a committee together of 15 people and you have four Black people on it fighting for the Black community in the state of Alabama,” he said. “I don’t know what other outcome people expect, but just know that our voices will not be silenced.” Democratic Sens. Vivian Davis Figures of Mobile, Kirk Hatcher of Montgomery, Bobby Singleton of Greensboro and Merika Coleman of Pleasant Grove speaking before a committee meeting on May 5, 2026, in the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama, on the second day of the special session addressing legislation on special primary elections for court-altered legislative districts. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector) On the opposite side of the Statehouse, the Senate Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development Committee approved a bill setting a new primary election for two Montgomery-area Senate districts along party lines. Sens. Will Barfoot, R-Pike Road, and Kirk Hatcher, D-Montgomery, who respectively represent Districts 25 and 26 have swapped districts for the 2026 election cycle because of a court-ordered map put in place in November. “SB 1 deals with a potential for a special election in essentially, Senate Districts 25 and 26 if the federal courts issue an order to vacate an injunction allowing the Legislature to use maps that we previously enacted for our own Senate districts,” Elliott said. The committee approved the legislation after a public hearing that consisted of only opponents, including Tabitha Isner, vice-chair of the Alabama Democratic Party and the party’s nominee for the court-ordered Senate District 26. “The number one issue that I faced thus far is helping voters to understand where is the district, because it changed in November,” Isner said. “Much effort and expense from taxpayers, and from people in this room, has been put into making sure that voters understand where District 26 is, and you want to pull out the rug from them again.” Isner said the bill was “about cheating the system.” “This is about disenfranchising voters, and it’s not just Black voters,” she said. “I’m a white Democrat, and I’m not alone. I deserve to have representation in this government too, and saying that we can disenfranchise Black folks by simply disenfranchising Democrats does not get you off the hook. Disenfranchisement is disenfranchisement. Either you respect all the people of this state who you represent, or you don’t.” Jerome Dees, policy director for the Southern Poverty Law Center, argued that the bill was unlawful because of a state constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2022 that prohibits changes to a general election within six months of an election. “Never mind that the current primary is already underway with absentee ballots sent that has already created confusion for voters, burdens election officials and risks undermining public confidence in our democratic process,” Dees said. “Alabama voters deserve certainty, clarity and stability, not an election system sustained on speculative outcomes.” Elliott said the bill will only affect primary elections, and the general election for both Senate districts will be on Nov. 3. Sen. Chris Elliott, R-Josephine, annotating legislation prior to a committee meeting on May 5, 2026, in the Alabama Statehouse in Montgomery, Alabama, on the second day of the special session addressing legislation on special primary elections for court-altered legislative districts. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector) “This is not a general election. This is a primary election. And so words matter, and certainly the words of the Constitution matter,” Elliott said. “When we talk about a general election, we’re talking about a general election that’s typically held in November and specifically not held in May or any other part of the summer. It’s not applicable, because this is not a general election.” The bill uses a winner-takes-all primary election model with no runoff. Hatcher offered an amendment to add a runoff primary election. Currently, there are three Democratic candidates running for Senate District 25, including Hatcher. “What I’m after is, the bill is indicating no runoff in an election, and what I’m attempting to correct is that there would be a runoff,” Hatcher said. Elliott disapproved of the amendment and it failed. “I certainly understand the purposes of it, and I would say simply that the reason the language is in the bill as drafted is for a timing concern, admittedly a timing issue that the courts have put us in,” Elliott said. Sen. Merika Coleman, D-Pleasant Grove, criticized Elliott’s position that it is the courts’ fault that the Legislature is in a special session. “The court didn’t say that we had to come back and do a special session. It didn’t say that. The court didn’t say we have to spend all of this money, taxpayer dollars, to come here,” Coleman said. “The court actually drew neutral maps because you all chose not to. That’s what happened.” Sen. Vivian Davis Figures, D-Mobile, offered an amendment to require public notice of the new primary election in order to avoid confusion caused by a new election. “We’re talking about people’s right to vote and having notice of where they vote, and what this bill is going to do is confuse a lot of people, as it has been stated already in this public hearing. So if that is your aim, then you definitely don’t want the amendment,” Figures said. “But if you want the people to know where they vote, then you would have no problem with this amendment.” The amendment failed, but Elliott said in an interview after the meeting that he would consider the amendment again if it was offered on the Senate floor on Wednesday. “We have plenty of opportunities to address that amendment, but I want to do so informed, measured and with good information on cost and resources and everything else that it’s going to take to implement that,” Elliott said. “I don’t necessarily have an objection to it. I just want to make sure that we have an opportunity to fully vet what she’s asking for there.” The full Senate will consider SB 2 when it meets on Wednesday afternoon at 4 p.m. The House will meet at 9 a.m. Wednesday to consider HB 1. Courtesy of Alabama Reflector
	Tuesday temps about 25° colder than Monday's - how long will it stay this way? We hit 83° on Monday afternoon...and we won't even get close to 80° for several days now. In fact, we don't even warm up to 70° for a few more days. Average for a high right now is right at 70°. Tuesday afternoon temps are about 25° cooler than what we had Monday. We do [...]
	Judy's Family Cafe and Discovery Depot Children's Museum team to bring more visitors to Galesburg Two big attractions in Galesburg are teaming up to help bring more visitors to the city. Judy's Family Cafe is bringing their viral name to the Discovery Depot Children's Museum. They held a ribbon cutting ceremony for Little Judy's, a mock restaurant for the kids. Little Judy's adds to the rest of the town square [...]
	PHOTO GALLERY: North Scott Educational Foundation Scholarships The North Scott Educational Foundation held its annual Scholarship Night Wednesday, April 29, celebrating 40 years of presenting financial awards to North Scott students. This year, a total of $230,950 was presented, amounting to 161 scholarships given to 112 seniors. In the Foundation’s 40-year history, more than 1,600 scholarships, totaling more than $2.5 million have been presented.
	Still unclear what the loud boom heard in Moline over the weekend was News 8 is working to find out what caused a loud boom in the Quad Cities that many reported Saturday night.
	Large fire breaks out at Kewanee junk yard Kewanee police officials said there are no evacuations or road closures in the surrounding area, but they are asking community members to avoid the area.
	Auxiliary lock at Locks and Dam 14 in Pleasant Valley to remain closed for the summer In past years, the Army Corps of Engineers has operated the lock on weekends between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
	Americans might love Cinco de Mayo, but few know what they’re celebrating Contrary to popular belief, Cinco de Mayo doesn’t mark Mexican Independence.
	International handball tournament coming to TBK Bank Sports Complex Joan Kranovich with Visit Quad Cities joined The Current on News 8 to discuss the tournament's economic impact, as well as some other events coming to our area.
	Man killed in April 16 Clinton house fire, suspect charged with arson News 8 has obtained an incident report from the April 16 fire that shows a 64-year-old man was killed as a result of the fire.
	Arc of the Quad Cities kicking off annual Martin Luther King Jr. food drive Once again, the drive is being held in partnership with the Quad Cities Disabilities Awareness Coalition.
	Still unclear what the loud boom heard in Moline over the weekend was News 8 is working to find out what caused a loud boom in the Quad Cities that many reported Saturday night.
	Take a swing at fighting crime at the Crime Stoppers Golf Outing You can take a swing at fighting crime and enjoy a great day on the golf course. Detective Jon Leach joined Our Quad Cities News with details on the Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities' John Bell Memorial Golf Outing. For more information, click here.
	Pennsylvania sues Character.AI over claims chatbot posed as doctor State officials allege a Character.AI bot claimed to be a licensed psychiatrist and provided a fake state medical license number.
	Crews respond to fire in Kewanee Kewanee police officials said there are no evacuations or road closures in the surrounding area, but they are asking community members to avoid the area.
	Genetic privacy legislation passes Rhode Island Senate after clearing House An archival U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention photo shows a lab researcher reviewing the banding pattern from a DNA electrophoresis experiment. The Rhode Island House and Senate have both passed legislation that would regulate the direct-to-consumer genetic market and how companies collect, use, store and share consumers’ genetic data. (Photo by U.S. CDC)You can learn about a person from a cotton swab — specifically, one coated in someone’s saliva, which is full of the residue needed for genetic testing. Rhode Islanders who send their spit to commercial genetic testing services like 23andMe and Ancestry would be afforded more control over their genetic insights under a bill passed by the Rhode Island Senate in a 37-0 vote Tuesday night. The Genetic Information Privacy Act — sponsored by Providence Democrats Sen. Sam Zurier and Rep. Edith Ajello in their respective chambers — would regulate the direct-to-consumer genetic testing market, which the bill text describes as “largely unregulated and could expose personal and genetic information, and potentially create unintended security consequences and increased risk.” “It protects our genetic information when we send it off to these companies so that they can’t sell it to other people,” Zurier noted on the Senate floor Tuesday. The House passed Ajello’s bill 68-0 on April 28. Even though the bills passed by each chamber are virtually identical, each chamber needs to pass the other chamber’s version (a process known as concurrence) before the legislation can head to Gov. Dan McKee’s desk for approval. Concurrence votes have not been scheduled yet. The bill would mandate that consumer-focused genetic testing firms supply their privacy policies in summaries “written in plain language,” with clear information on how a customer’s genetic data would be accessed, transferred, secured, retained and deleted. “The nature of the data collection, use, maintenance, or disclosure shall be conveyed in clear and prominent terms in such a manner that an ordinary consumer would notice and understand it,” the bill reads. Concerns about genetic testing companies which go under — as 23andMe did last year, when it filed for bankruptcy — prompted the legislation. If genetic testers go broke and liquidate assets — including their databases of people’s private genetic information — what happens if that information is transferred to another party? In the case of 23andMe, the Associated Press reported in 2025 that a bankruptcy judge approved the $305 million sale of 23andMe to the nonprofit TTAM Research Institute, which pledged to uphold the company’s existing privacy policies, which allow for consumers to request data deletion and opt out of the data being used for research purposes. 23andMe did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday ahead of the Senate’s vote. Zurier noted on the Senate floor Tuesday that he had submitted the bill last year, when it passed successfully in the Senate but died in the House upon referral to the Committee on Judiciary. A news release notes that Zurier spearheaded the legislation following news of 23andMe’s financial troubles in September 2024. Zurier described 23andMe’s new ownership in 2025 as a “catastrophe avoided by good luck.” The Rhode Island legislation is based on a California law from 2021 that seeks to standardize these privacy protections across the industry. “Rhode Islanders deserve to know if their data might be shared or sold, and they should be able to opt out or request that their information be deleted, particularly in cases where the entity holding it changes hands,” Ajello said in a statement issued after the House vote. Testing companies would need explicit consent to collect, use or disclose customers’ genetic data. This “express consent,” in the bill’s understanding, “cannot be inferred from inaction” on the part of the consumer, meaning a customer’s silence would not equal consent. Express consent would be needed for each specific use case of a person’s genetic data, including storage of the data after the requested test, sharing the data with a third-party, or using the genetic data for marketing purposes. Banning ‘dark patterns’ Under the bills, consumers could revoke consent as well, after which companies would have 30 days to destroy any of that customer’s biological samples. The bill also seeks to ban the use of “dark patterns” by genetic testing companies. The website Deceptive Patterns, which catalogs this manipulative side of user interface (UI) design, defines dark or deceptive patterns as “tricks used in websites and apps that make you do things that you didn’t mean to,” such as opting into certain data collection practices that the user did not intend. The bill would also create an enforcement structure which would ultimately benefit any consumers misled or affected by companies who would not follow the new rules. Civil penalties of up to $1,000 could be attached to negligent violations of the law, while willful violations would have penalties between $1,000 and $10,000, plus court costs. The person whose genetic data was involved in these violations would receive the penalty monies recovered through enforcement. Exempt from the legislation is any medical information already covered by state or federal confidentiality laws such as HIPAA. Health care providers, some scientific research and educational uses, and data stored by employers for compliance with workplace health and safety laws would also be exempt. Ancestry.com, which offers DNA testing via a service branded AncestryDNA, was supportive of the legislation in written testimony it submitted to the House Committee on Judiciary, where Ajello’s bill was first heard on March 10. Ritchard Engelhardt, Ancestry’s head of government affairs, wrote in the company’s testimony that industry leaders, policymakers and advocates sculpted a model for the best practices regarding genetic testing and consumer privacy in 2018, after which states began to mold and gradually adopt their own laws based on these recommendations. If the Rhode Island bill were to become law, it would join at least 13 states that have enacted similar legislation and would be the only New England state on the list. Sen. Elaine Morgan was absent for Tuesday’s vote in the Senate. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Courtesy of Rhode Island Current
	Two charged in connection with two-month car burglary string in Davenport and Bettendorf In a joint investigation, the departments arrested 26-year-old Kevin De'Andre Cooks and 20-year-old Karmelo Tayshun Cooke on Thursday, April 30.
	Scott Turow's latest real-life legal thriller: Suing Meta for copyright infringement Five major publishing houses and the bestselling author are suing Meta and its CEO Mark Zuckerberg for allegedly training its Llama generative AI models on millions of copyrighted materials.
	Community input wanted as East Moline School Board begins search for next superintendent The East Moline School District 37 Board of Education has started its search for a new superintendent.
	Anonymous $200,000 donation to the Muscatine Art Center helps cover funding cuts The center lost a significant portion of its funding while the City of Muscatine worked to make up a $700,000 budget shortfall.
	Stolen AirPods tracked, leading to arrests in Quad-Cities burglary spree Police in Davenport tracked a pair of stolen AirPods to an apartment where investigators say they found more items reported stolen in both Davenport and Bettendorf.
	From bouquets to filet mignon: What Instacart orders reveal about the best Mother's Day gifts in Wyoming sommai damrongpanich // Shutterstock From bouquets to filet mignon: What Instacart orders reveal about the best Mother's Day gifts in Wyoming Mother's Day topped every other holiday for gift orders in 2025. Flowers, gourmet dinners, sweet treats — here's what customers sent and cooked for the special moms in their lives. Key Takeaways Mother's Day was the #1 day for gift orders in 2025, with customers placing gift orders 18 times more often than average. Over half of Mother's Day gift orders included a flower bouquet, and nearly 1 in 4 included fresh-cut roses. It wasn't just flowers. Categories like lobster tails (+193%), filet mignon (+114%), and cheesecake (+131%) all spiked — a sign that plenty of families celebrated with a gourmet dinner at home. Flower preferences varied dramatically by region.Roses ruled the South and West, while tulips dominated the Northeast. Montana stood out nationally, leading the entire country in tulip interest at +155% above the national rate. Meanwhile, Florida went all in on orchids at +231% above the national rate. Hawai'i went above and beyond — not only did it lead the nation in rose purchases (+232%), it also ranked #1 in the country for the share of orders marked as gifts on Mother's Day. Canada had its own spin on gifting. Bouquets and roses topped the list north of the border, too, but potato chips and yellow bananas also cracked the top 10 — proving that sometimes mom's favorite snack is the most thoughtful gift of all. Moms do it all. The early mornings, packed lunches, endless logistics, and the "just checking in" texts that somehow arrive at exactly the right moment. Moms deserve to feel celebrated every day — and on Mother's Day, people make sure of it. This Mother's Day, don't let her down — even if the clock is working against you. Turns out, Wyoming residents are all in on surprising mom with last-minute deliveries. A look at Instacart's 2025 order data proves it. Instacart The Biggest Gifting Day of the Year Mother's Day was the single biggest gifting day on the Instacart platform in 2025. Customers placed gift orders 18 times more often than average — enough to edge out Valentine's Day and claim the top spot on the gifting calendar. The numbers don't lie: Moms are celebrated like no one else. Instacart Bouquets, Chocolate, and a Few Surprises As you'd expect, flowers led the way for Mother's Day gifts. Over half of all Mother's Day weekend gift orders contained a combination flower bouquet (53.2%), and nearly a quarter included fresh-cut roses (24.8%). But beyond the blooms, the carts got creative — chocolate, cakes, and even strawberries made frequent appearances, because the best gifts often come with something sweet on the side. Instacart Beyond Bouquets: Cooking Gourmet for Mom Mother's Day isn't just about what you send — it's about what you serve. Several categories closely related to a special home-cooked meal saw dramatic spikes compared to their yearly averages, suggesting that plenty of families celebrated by treating mom to a gourmet night in. Chocolate-covered fresh fruit led the charge at 1,610% above average, followed by lobster tails (+193%), tarts (+182%), shortcake (+171%), macarons (+141%), and cheesecake (+131%). Filet mignon (+114%) and frosted cakes (+98%) rounded out a spread with serious "forget the reservation" energy. Every US State's Favorite Flower for Mom, Revealed Turns out, where you live says a lot about how you shop for mom. Roses, tulips, and orchids each dominated different corners of the country — here's how it all shook out. Instacart How Wyoming Compared on Rose Orders for Mother's Day Roses dominated across the South and West, with Hawai'i (+232% more often than the national average), Idaho (+126%), and Wyoming (+96%) leading the pack. And it's no surprise Hawai'i showed up so strong on flowers — the Aloha State also ranked #1 in the country for the share of orders marked as gifts on Mother's Day. When Hawai'i celebrates mom, it goes all in. Instacart How Wyoming Compared on Tulip Orders for Mother's Day Wyoming showed strong preference for tulips, coming in +72% compared to the national rate. The Northeast, meanwhile, pledged allegiance to tulips — Connecticut (+78%), Rhode Island (+76%), and Massachusetts (+71%) all ordered them well above the national rate. But no state out-tulip'd Montana, which ordered them 155% more often than average. An outlier and a legend. Instacart How Wyoming Compared on Orchid Orders for Mother's Day Orchids purchases in Wyoming trailed the national average significantly, at -74%. Then there's Florida, where orchid purchases ran more than 231% above the national rate — which makes sense, given that Florida produces more orchids than any other state in the country. The Sunshine State knows what it's doing when it comes to long-lasting blooms. Instacart Oh Canada, You Really Love Your Moms Mother's Day gifting enthusiasm doesn't stop at the border. Canadian Instacart customers showed up for mom in a big way too, with a top 10 gifting list that looked familiar in some ways — and distinctly Canadian in others. Combination flower bouquets (49.4%) and fresh-cut roses (17.9%) topped the list, just like in the U.S., with chocolate candies (17%) close behind. But scroll a little further down and things get interesting: Potato chips and yellow bananas both cracked the top 10, a fun reminder that sometimes the best gift is simply mom's favorite snack. Fresh-cut lilies and carnations also made the Canadian list — flowers that didn't crack the U.S. top 10 at all. From fresh flowers to a perfectly seared filet to a long-overdue spa night, the options for making mom feel celebrated are endless. This story was produced by Instacart and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	2 arrested following string of vehicle thefts in Davenport, Bettendorf Both police departments noted an increase in vehicle thefts and burglaries during March and April. Two men have been arrested in connection.
	Crews respond to fire in Kewanee Kewanee police officials said there are no evacuations or road closures in the surrounding area, but they are asking community members to avoid the area.
	Plume of smoke seen across Kewanee, Henry County A large plume of smoke can be seen across Henry County Tuesday afternoon.
	Two arrested by Davenport, Bettendorf Police on burglary, theft charges Two men from Davenport have been arrested after a joint investigation by the Davenport and Bettendorf Police Departments into a series of vehicle burglaries and other offenses taking place in the two cities throughout March and April. A news release from the departments said Bettendorf Police noted a significant increase in vehicle thefts and thefts [...]
	Kreator, May 18 Touring in support of this past January's Krushers of the World, the 16th studio album by the German thrash-metal outfit that debuted more than four decades ago, Kreator brings its latest North American tour to Davenport's Capitol Theatre on May 18, other recent smash hits for the band including Phantom Antichrist, Hate Über Allies, and 2017's chart-topping Gods of Violence.
	How the Davenport Police Department's Good Neighbor Project is strengthening our community In an effort to foster safety and connection, the Davenport Police Department is working with area partners through its Good Neighbor Project. Our Quad Cities News' Danielle Davis takes a look at how the partnerships are making a difference in our community. For more information, click here. To download the Good Neighborhood Project starter kit, [...]
	Pennsylvania sues AI chatbot as state lawmakers wrestle with stricter regulations Pennsylvania, and other states, are scrambling to regulate AI chatbot technology even as President Donald Trump stymies state-led efforts. (Getty Images) Even as the federal government tries to limit state action on artificial intelligence in favor of a national standard, elected officials pressed forward with their efforts to rein in the technology on Tuesday while the state pursues a case against an AI chatbot company. The Shapiro administration filed a lawsuit against Character.AI, owned and operated by Character Technologies, Inc., seeking a preliminary injunction and court order to stop AI bots from “posing as licensed professionals and providing medical advice.” “Pennsylvanians deserve to know who — or what — they are interacting with online, especially when it comes to their health,” said Gov. Josh Shapiro in a release. “We will not allow companies to deploy AI tools that mislead people into believing they are receiving advice from a licensed medical professional.” Pa. Senate passes bill regulating AI chatbots used by children and teens As described in the filing, an employee with the Pennsylvania Department of State created an account using his commonwealth email and connected with “Emilie,” who said she was a licensed psychiatrist. The bot even provided an invalid Pennsylvania license number. A spokesperson for Character.AI told the Capital-Star the company doesn’t comment on pending litigation, but said, “Our highest priority is the safety and well-being of our users.” “The user-created Characters on our site are fictional and intended for entertainment and roleplaying. We have taken robust steps to make that clear, including prominent disclaimers in every chat to remind users that a Character is not a real person and that everything a Character says should be treated as fiction. Also, we add robust disclaimers making it clear that users should not rely on Characters for any type of professional advice,” said the statement. “Character.ai prioritizes responsible product development and has robust internal reviews and red-teaming processes in place to assess relevant features,” the statement continued. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Pennsylvania is not the first state to sue Character.AI. Kentucky claimed that status in January, when that state’s Attorney General Russell Coleman filed a lawsuit against the “chatbot company that has preyed on children and led them into self-harm.” Both Coleman and Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday signed a December letter with 40 other attorneys general to AI companies, including Character Technologies, warning of the dangers of “sycophantic and delusional” generative AI. The AGs highlighted reports of grooming, sexual exploitation, emotional manipulation and encouraging violence alongside bots supporting suicidal ideation and drug use. The assembled lawyers warned that those actions may violate state laws. A ‘black box decision-making technology’ Pennsylvania’s lawsuit comes as Congress puts forth its own legislation to regulate AI companions, banning them entirely for minors. The rare bipartisan effort would require age verification and force the bots to “disclose their nonhuman status and lack of professional credentials for all users at regular intervals,” according to NBC News. President Donald Trump appointed 13 members to an AI advisory panel in March, building on past work to establish universal laws that would replace piecemeal state efforts. Last year, he signed an executive order to override state laws with a task force that could initiate legal challenges against states. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The New York Times reported on Monday that the White House is considering vetting AI models before public releases, pivoting to a more hands-on approach that some supporters worry will slow down development. State House members had similar concerns Tuesday as they considered a bill that would establish “guardrails” on AI use in healthcare, namely by requiring providers to disclose its use and using “human decision makers” in “substantive” insurance and clinical decisions. “As a health professional, I recognize every day that AI is changing how we deliver healthcare,” said House Bill 1925 sponsor Rep. Arvind Venkat (D-Allegheny), a practicing physician. “The challenge that we have now is that for regulators, for the General Assembly, we’re flying blind. We don’t know when AI is being used.” Rep. Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland) shares his concerns in committee about a bill regulating the use of artificial intelligence in healthcare on May 5, 2026. (Photo by Whitney Downard/Pennsylvania Capital-Star) A handful of Republicans on the House Communications and Technology Committee opposed his effort, with one member saying he was worried about potential negative consequences. “AI and the opportunity for AI to be able to improve healthcare … and be able to improve the lives of individuals is something we’re going to want to embrace,” said Rep. Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland). “Placing a Pennsylvania-specific regulation on something that is changing so fast could stifle opportunity.” Venkat called AI a “black box decision-making technology,” acknowledging that both insurers and hospitals opposed the bill. “The insurers are hoping for a unified, federal framework. Frankly, that is not happening. We are left having to deal with this at the state level,” said Venkat. Committee members said that the motion had the support of state Attorney General Sunday, who would be responsible for enforcement. The measure passed on a 19-7 vote, with five Republicans joining Democrats to vote in the affirmative. A vote on another AI proposal, House Bill 95, advanced with only Democratic support. That effort, sponsored by Rep. Chris Pielli (D-Chester) would require the disclosure of AI-generated content. A similar Pielli proposal moved out of the House last year on a 146-54 vote, but never got a hearing in the Senate. Courtesy of Pennsylvania Capital-Star
	John Corabi & Friends, May 16 Touring in support of his 2026 album New Day, a long-awaited release that The Rockpit said "may just be the best we have heard from John so far," legendary hard-rock singer/guitarist John Corabi and several gifted musician friends perform a May 16 concert event at Moline venue Rascals Live, Corabi revered as the frontman of The Scream during 1989 and of Mötley Crüe (during Vince Neil's hiatus) between 1992 and 1996.
	Keenan TreVon, May 16 Hailed by Westword for his "catchy melodies and experimental production," R&B and soul singer/songwriter Keenan TreVon headlines a May 16 engagement at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, the Colorado native lauded for such recent songs as “3 Days,” “11PM in Aurora,” and “She Goes by Denver.”
	Fai Laci, May 20 Touring in support of the June 26 release of their album Elephant in the Room, the Boston-based alternative rockers of Fai Laci headline a May 20 engagement at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, the outfit praised by RIFF magazine for delivering "bold, in your face, balls-to-the-wall, good old-fashioned rock."
	Earth Tongue, May 21 Touring in support of their recently released album Dungeon Vision that New Noise magazine deemed “easily one of the best heavy, riffy albums of the year,” the New Zealand-based alt-rockers of Earth Tongue headline a May 21 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, their latest also hailed by Tinnitist as a recording that "pulses with human energy, fuzz guitars, bone-battering drums, and hauntingly tuneful vocals."
	“A Wicked Evening with Louise Dearman,” May 16 With the National Touring production of Wicked having played to sold-out crowds at the Prairie Alliance Theater in Peoria, Galesburg's Orpheum Theatre has its own hugely enjoyable, similarly themed performance in store with the May 16 national tour of A Wicked Evening with Louise Dearman, a showcase for the British talent who made history as the first (and, to date, only) actress to play both of that musical's lead roles, Glinda and Elphaba, full time under contract.
	Report: VA investigated employees who spoke publicly about Alex Pretti A growing memorial stands Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2026 where Alex Pretti, 37, was shot and killed by Border Patrol agents days before at Nicollet Avenue and 26th Street. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer)In the days following the Border Patrol killing of Alex Pretti, his colleagues at Department of Veterans Affairs clinics and hospitals across the country held vigils in his honor. The VA opened investigations into multiple staffers who attended the vigils and spoke to the press, CNN reported Tuesday. Becky Halioua, a recreational therapist and union leader at the Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center in Augusta, Georgia, told a local TV station covering a vigil, “It’s scary for me to think about a fellow VA employee being murdered by the same government that they work for.” Then, her supervisor told her she was under investigation for violating an agency rule that requires employees to refer media requests to the communications office, CNN reports. Minnesota AFL-CIO President Bernie Burnham called the investigations a “witch hunt” in a statement Tuesday. “If even grief must be approved by management, what’s to stop the Trump administration from silencing VA workers who speak up for the veterans they proudly serve every single day?” Burnham said. Pretti, 37, was an ICU nurse at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center before he was shot and killed by federal agents in January after a brief confrontation. Pretti was a lawful gun owner who had been disarmed just before the shooting. His parents described him as “a kindhearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans” he cared for as a nurse. His sister said Pretti “had a way of lighting up every room he walked into” and “made people feel safe.” The FBI formally notified Minnesota officials in February that it would not grant them access to evidence from the investigation into the killing of Pretti. Minnesota filed a lawsuit in March to obtain the evidence, and local prosecutors have pledged to move forward with charges if warranted. Courtesy of Minnesota Reformer
	“Kenny & Dolly: Real Love,” May 16 On May 16, the magic of country music will come alive at Maquoketa's Ohnward Fine Arts Center, the touring presentation Kenny & Dolly: Real Love boasting the talents of two award-winning tribute artists who embody the charm, vocals, and onstage chemistry of the original duo of Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton.
	Ballet Folklórica del Rio Grande, May 15 Appearing as the final guests in Quad City Arts' 2025-26 Visiting Artist series, a residency that finds the talents leading educational workshops from May 11 through 15, the dancers' area tenure concludes with a Friday-night performance by Ballet Folklórica del Rio Grande, who will demonstrate their astounding athletic prowess and and grace in a full-length program at East Moline's United Township High School.
	Vice President JD Vance visits Iowa manufacturing facility The vice president will visit Ex-Guard Industries with Republican Rep. Zach Nunn and deliver remarks.
	“Shaped by Immigrants: Celebrating 250 Years of the United States,” May 16 through November 1 Over the past 250 years, German immigrants and their descendants, particularly in the Midwest, have helped develop, challenge, and improve the United States. The German American Heritage Center will consequently celebrate their history and accomplishments in Shaped by Immigrants: Celebrating 250 Years of the United States, on display in the Davenport venue from May 16 through November 1.
	2026 Rock Island Arsenal Armed Forces Day Celebration, May 15 and 16 On May 15 and 16, the Rock Island Arsenal invites the public from the greater Quad Cities and beyond to join in the fun and tribute of the annual Armed Forces Day Celebration, a two-day event boasting live music, races, wrestling, food trucks, military displays, fireworks, and more at your island home for military history and heritage.
	Dave Losso, May 17 Headlining a joyously untraditional night of comedy at the Raccoon Motel, touring standup sensation Dave Losso takes over the downtown-Davenport stage on May 14, the funnyman's Stand Up! Records album A Careless Whisper of a Man having reached number two on the iTunes comedy chart and number four on Amazon's chart.

Wednesday, May 6th, 2026

Tuesday, May 5th, 2026