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

Monday, July 20th, 2026
	Traffic alert: 12th Ave near 41st St in Moline closed after water main break Driver are asked to take an alternate route.
	Camanche Days will celebrate birthday of nation, city Camanche Days will be held July 23-July 26 in observance of the nation's 250th birthday and the 190th birthday of Camanche, a news release says, Admission will be free. Among the features will be a carnival, food booths, children's games, Bingo tent, live music, baking contest, dunk tank, car smash, beer tent, bench press competition, [...]
	12th Avenue at 41st Street, Moline, closed due to water main break Utility crews with the City of Moline Utilities are responding to a water main break on 12th Avenue, near 41st Street. Westbound 12th Avenue at 41st Street is closed while crews assess the situation. Drivers are asked to avoid the area and use an alternate route. More information will be released as it becomes available.
	Deere presenting sponsor of Field of Dreams game Deere will co-host event to contribute about 260,000 packed meals.
	Learn colored pencil techniques with Cancer Support Community Iowa and NW Illinois Cancer Support Community Iowa and NW Illinois is hosting a free creative art session workshop on Monday, August 3 from 1 – 3 p.m. at Gilda’s Club Moline, 600 John Deere Road, Suite 101. This session will include the basic techniques of using colored pencils and instructions on how to draw a basic flower image. [...]
	Putin meets North Korean foreign minister in diplomatic push The visit by North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui comes without an obvious occasion, such as a multilateral diplomatic event or state anniversary, and has raised speculation that she may be coordinating a possible visit to Russia by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.
	In Terms of Campaign Funds Raised, the Illinois GOP is Heeding That Paramount Virtue, Fiscal Restraint The Illinois Republican Party filed its quarterly campaign finance report on the July 15 deadline. The party reported having just $223,000 in the bank. The next day, the party sent a letter to the Illinois State Board of Elections saying they were “reconciling” their records after a leadership change, and then noted that their actual end balance was $101,000 higher than it had reported the day before. But that bit of found money was basically the end of the “good news” for the GOP last week.
	Smoky skies again today for the Quad Cities area Like Sunday, visibilities will be lower today from wildfire smoke blowing in from Canada and northern Minnesota. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	Bubba's 33 sets Davenport grand opening, ribbon-cutting The restaurant and sports bar, featuring scratch-made food, will officially open on Monday, July 27, at 11 a.m.
	DuTrac Community Credit Union earns national recognition “Helping our members build confidence and stability through saving is at the heart of what we do,” Andrew Hawkinson, President/CEO of DuTrac shared.
	Harkey's restaurant and bar opens in Orion Its menu features a variety of appetizers, burgers, sandwiches and Benny's Pizza.
	Ascentra Credit Union named to Forbes' America’s Best-In-State Credit Unions 2026 list To be eligible, credit unions must receive a minimum number of evaluations, with recognized institutions averaging more than 635 evaluations.
	New restaurant and bar, gift shop closing, Bubba's 33 grand opening, and more Quad-Cities business news Bubba's 33 grand opening, gift shop closing after 49 years, new restaurant and bar, more Quad-Cities business news.
	Rock Island and Henry County real estate transactions for July 19, 2026 Here are homes sales and property sales in Rock Island County and Henry County.
	What's coming up: Eldridge to discuss fire services, Bettendorf to get strategic plan update Eldridge could take action Monday on the future of fire services, and LeClaire is planning upgrades at a railroad intersection.
	Hot, humid, smoky, and stormy Monday The Quad Cities will be dealing with a lot of hazards to kick off the new week. It'll be another hot and humid day with poor air quality again. A few showers and storms are possible this morning and more widespread strong to severe storms are likely this afternoon into the evening.
	At least 930 people have died in Congo's Ebola outbreak Congo's health ministry said the deaths were recorded out of the 2,344 cases confirmed as of Saturday. Thirty-seven new deaths were recorded in the previous 24 hours in one of the highest totals.
	U.S. and Iran launch new strikes after three U.S. service members are killed The U.S. attacks were the ninth consecutive day of bombing since peace talks between the two countries collapsed in dispute over a memorandum of understanding focused on the Strait of Hormuz.
	U.S. and Iran launch new strikes after 3 U.S. service members are killed The U.S. attacks were the ninth consecutive day of bombing since peace talks between the two countries collapsed in dispute over a memorandum of understanding focused on the Strait of Hormuz.
	Local Help This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Three years ago, a colleague of mine bought a house in a small town south of Rock Island. When she decided to get a…
	The Princess and the Pea-Green: “Shrek the Musical,” at the Timber Lake Playhouse through August 2 Having first seen the musical in New York with the original Broadway cast, I came in with extremely high expectations. Director/choreographer Chaz Wolcott’s production more than rose to the challenge and made for a truly fantastic night at the theatre.
	So distressed you can't think straight? Lower the intensity with these 4 skills A clinical psychologist shares effective strategies to quickly de-escalate stress and anxiety. That includes dunking your head into a bowl of ice water to trigger your mammalian dive reflex.
	'I just wanted to give up': Disabled patients face Medicaid denials from IT errors Complex computer systems that decide whether people get Medicaid benefits have a history of errors. Now changes to comply with Trump's tax and domestic policy law are inundating those systems.
Sunday, July 19th, 2026
	How One Sweet Fruit Packs a Powerful Nutritional Punch (Feature Impact) Consumers today are looking for foods that do more than simply taste good; they want foods that deliver nutrition in every bite. As conversations around nutrient-dense eating continue to grow, fresh fruit has become one of the simplest ways to add naturally occurring vitamins and minerals to everyday routines. Kiwifruit is a standout example. According to the International Fresh Produce Association, kiwifruit climbed to No. 14 among the nation's top-selling fresh fruits with household purchasing increasing 20%. What's more, it's now the fastest-growing fruit in the fruit bowl as more shoppers discover its unique combination of exceptional nutrition and naturally sweet flavor. That success story has been more than a century in the making. From Ancient Origins to Modern Favorite Although many people associate kiwifruit with New Zealand, its story began in China's Yangtze River Valley. In 1904, New Zealand educator Isabel Fraser returned home from China with green kiwifruit seeds, which she passed along to horticulturist Alexander Allison. Over the following decades, growers cultivated and refined the fruit, helping establish New Zealand as the world's leading kiwifruit producer. By the 1990s, years of natural breeding and cross-pollination led to the development of the first commercially successful yellow-fleshed kiwifruit, offering consumers a sweeter flavor and vibrant golden flesh. When a devastating vine disease threatened orchards worldwide in 2010, continued breeding innovation led to the development of Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit - a resilient variety with smooth skin, juicy golden flesh and a tropical-sweet flavor that helped revitalize the category. Jam-Packed With Nutrition Today, kiwifruit is recognized as one of the most nutrient-dense fruits available, making it an easy choice for people looking to get more nutritional value from the foods they eat. They provide more than 10 vitamins and minerals in every serving, including vitamin C to contribute to the normal function of the immune system, folate to support healthy cell growth and development and vitamin E to help protect cells from everyday damage. "When people think about eating healthier, they often assume it has to be complicated," registered dietitian Nisha Melvani said. "I encourage people to start with simple, whole foods that naturally deliver a variety of nutrients. Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit is an easy choice because it provides more than 10 vitamins and minerals, including 100% of your daily vitamin C needs, in one delicious fruit that fits seamlessly into breakfast, snacks or even dessert." From Orchard to Everyday Favorite As more consumers embrace whole foods over complicated nutrition trends, kiwis are finding their way into everyday routines - and pop culture. Creators including Emma Chamberlain and musician Josh Conway have highlighted the fruit as part of their daily snacking habits, while "Good Housekeeping" featured golden kiwifruit in its 2025 Best Produce Snacks of the Year, highlighting its naturally sweet flavor, juicy texture and broad appeal. Whether enjoyed on its own, added to smoothies, layered onto yogurt or incorporated into savory dishes, kiwifruit offers a simple, delicious way to enjoy more nutrition throughout the day. One easy place to start is this Nut Butter and Kiwifruit Toast, which combines wholesome ingredients with the sweet tropical flavor of Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit for a satisfying breakfast, snack or light meal. Discover more fresh recipes, nutrition insights and delicious ways to enjoy kiwifruit at Zespri.com and see why one of today's fastest-growing fruits is earning a permanent place in more fruit bowls. Nut Butter and Kiwifruit Toast Nut Butter: 1 cup roasted nuts (almonds, cashews, hazelnuts or pecans) sunflower oil 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon seeds (chia, sunflower or hemp) 2 slices sprouted grain bread, toasted 1 Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit, sliced To make nut butter: In food processor, blend nuts at high speed until finely ground. Scrape sides of blender. Add few drizzles of sunflower oil, salt and seeds; blend until creamy. Transfer to jar and store up to 1 week in refrigerator. Spread nut butter onto toasted bread and top with slices of kiwi.
	Get Your Kids Ready to Go Back-to-School with Affordable Health Coverage (Feature Impact) Once school starts, life moves fast. There is homework, practices, permission slips, and early mornings. Before the calendar fills up, take a moment to make sure your child has health coverage for the year ahead. Free or low-cost health coverage is available through the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Medicaid in your state for eligible individuals. With health coverage, your kids and teens can get the care they need to stay healthy and do well in school. Think your family might not qualify? You might be surprised. Many families may qualify for coverage without realizing it! Eligibility varies by state and is based on family income and household size. In most states, children up to age 19 from a family of four earning up to $80,000 per year may be eligible. In some states, eligible children can still qualify if family income is even higher. Getting your child covered helps you get them the health care they may need. When a child is sick, the right medicines help them get back to school. If a child has a tough time focusing, there are supports to help. If your child does not see as well as other children, these programs cover glasses. Healthy kids are confident kids, who are ready to participate in every opportunity inside and outside the classroom! Why Health Coverage Belongs on Your Kids' Back-to-School List Having health coverage can help families, like yours, to send your kids and teens off to school ready to learn. Depending on the program and a child's individual needs, Medicaid and CHIP can provide eligible kids up to age 18 (Medicaid) or 19 (CHIP) with a range of services to support their health all year long, such as: Annual checkups and school physicals to prepare children to learn, play, and participate. Preventive care to identify health needs early and keep children healthy throughout the year. Dental care to help prevent tooth aches, cavities, and missed school days. Vision and hearing services to support learning and classroom participation. Mental health care to support emotional well-being and school success. Prescription medications and treatment to help manage symptoms and stay on track. Specialized services for children with disabilities to support growth and learning. How to Apply You can apply for Medicaid and CHIP in many ways: By phone By mail In-person through your state's Medicaid or CHIP office Or find your state's information online at InsureKidsNow.gov/coverage. Act now to get your child covered before they need health care. Enrollment for these programs is open year-round, meaning families do not have to wait for a specific time of year to get covered. Once enrolled, coverage must be renewed every twelve months, so it is important to keep your address, email, and phone number up to date with your state Medicaid or CHIP office to avoid missing important renewal information. Visit InsureKidsNow.gov or call 1-877-KIDS-NOW (1-877-543-7669) for more information. Information provided by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. This communication was printed, published, or produced and disseminated at U.S. taxpayer expense. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
	Wildfire smoke brings haze, air quality alert to Quad Cities The Quad Cities got its taste of the haze and smell that comes with the smoke on Sunday.
	Water main break closes West Main Road in Middletown, prompts boil water advisory Crews work on repairing a broken water main underneath West Main Road in Middletown Sunday, July 19, 2026, at around 5 p.m. (Photo by Janine L. Weisman/Rhode Island Current)Approximately 2,000 customers of the city of Newport’s Water Division public water system were advised to boil water before drinking it as a precautionary measure Sunday as crews worked overnight to repair a water main break underneath West Main Road in Middletown. A bell joint failed on a 24-inch water main on the southbound side of the the state road, Route 114, between the entrances to the shopping plaza home to Staples, The Home Depot, Aldi and other retail stores, according to a notice posted by the City of Newport Public Water System. The break caused a loss of pressure in the system, which increases the risk that untreated water or other contaminants could potentially enter the pipes. The notice includes a map of neighborhoods impacted by the boil water advisory. The Rhode Island Department of Health issued an alert about the advisory Sunday night. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water. Motorists first reported asphalt buckling across the entire width of West Main Road at around 10 a.m. For the remainder of the day, the road was closed to traffic between the access road and Valley Road. Police advised motorists to avoid the area if they could. Repaving on the northbound side of the roadway was estimated to be completed by 4 a.m. Monday, allowing for southbound traffic to use one of the northbound lanes for the morning commute, Middletown Fire Chief Rob McCall said. The boil water advisory will remain in effect for approximately two to three days, even after water service returns. Two rounds of water samples collected 24 hours apart must show the water is safe before the Rhode Island Department of Health can authorize lifting the order. The town’s fire station served as the emergency operation center for most of Sunday. Between 2 and 8 p.m., the John F. Kennedy Elementary School was a distribution point for bottled water for residents after their water service was shut off, including those living at East Bay Village and Northgate Apartments, McCall said. Bottled water was available at the fire station Sunday night. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Rhode Island Current
	'House of the Dragon,' Season 3, Episode 5: A not-so-secret door is just a door We finally find Aemond. Meanwhile, Alicent and Helaena are doing a little too well trying not to be found.
	Omaha woman killed, three more injured after train strikes car in Iowa An Omaha woman is dead and three more people were injured after a train struck a car in Iowa early Sunday morning.
	Traffic Alert: Patching to start on section of Elmore Avenue Crews will start patching a part of Elmore Avenue on Monday.
	Cook review: 'Odyssey' is a 3-hour journey that's a Christopher Nolan masterpiece Talk about staying power. The Greek poet Homer, who lived sometime between the 12th and 8th centuries BC, is credited for the epic poems "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey." Some people credit these ancient works to more than one person, and others question whether anyone named Homer even existed. "The Odyssey" has inspired many other [...]
	Fresh Films shoots new ghost series in Rock Island Students from across the country converged on Rock Island in July 2026 to take part in front and behind the camera in filming a new streaming series.
	Davenport teen charged after chasing, ramming vehicle A Davenport teen is facing several charges after police said he chased and rammed a person’s vehicle in an attempt to hurt them.
	Burlington girl’s Fourth of July moment goes viral during D.C. celebration What started as a family trip to celebrate the Fourth of July in Washington, D.C., turned into an unforgettable memory for 8-year-old Braylin Zurmuehlen after a television camera captured her reaction during America’s 250th birthday celebration.
	AIR QUALITY ALERT for the Quad Cities through Monday evening There's an Air Quality Alert for the Quad Cities and all surrounding counties through Monday evening. Smoke from wildfires in Canada continues to plague our skies and reduce air quality significantly. This is the worst it's been so far this summer in the Quad Cities. Anyone who suffers from asthma or other allergies or breathing [...]
	Wedding Expo held at the University Club in Moline The University Club hosted the third annual Wedding Expo offering inspiration to engaged couples.
	Davenport motorcycle crash ends attempted Iowa State Patrol stop A motorcyclist was injured after fleeing an attempted Iowa State Patrol traffic stop late Saturday in Davenport before crashing into a parked vehicle.
	Cyclospora outbreak brings some shoppers to local farmers market The cyclospora outbreak is bringing some shoppers to the local farmers markets.
	Board of Pharmacy sanctions licensees for criminal convictions, dispensing errors A former eastern Iowa pharmacist has been sanctioned by state regulators for a 2022 conviction for sexual exploitation of a minor.
	Motorcyclist injured after crashing in Davenport while fleeing traffic stop A motorcyclist fleeing a traffic stop was injured after the motorcycle collided with a parked car late Saturday in Davenport.
	Motorcyclist flown to hospital after speeding away from troopers, crashing A motorcyclist was flown to the hospital after speeding away from troopers and crashing Saturday night.
	FIRST ALERT DAY Monday: Hazy, hot, humid & chance of severe storms Highs near 95 with heat index values around 100; wildfire smoke creates hazy skies
	A cavalcade of international stars headlined the World Cup's first-ever halftime final show With President Trump in attendance, an all-superstar lineup that included Madonna, BTS, Justin Bieber and Burna Boy felt a little more political than it might have otherwise.
	Hundreds gather for 3rd annual wedding expo Hundreds of people gather for University Club Quad Cities 3rd annual wedding expo
	Quad-Cities school board preview: Budget and operation costs on this week's agendas United Township and Bettendorf both have school board meetings this week.
	Could the cyclospora outbreak affect grocery prices? A drop in demand could mean lower prices on certain grocery items, but the relief may be short-lived.
	Davenport motorcycle crash ends attempted Iowa State Patrol stop A motorcyclist was injured after fleeing an attempted Iowa State Patrol traffic stop late Saturday in Davenport before crashing into a parked vehicle.
	Candidate: U.S. Senate can’t go home until new Farm Bill Iowa State Rep. Josh Turek has called on Congress to pass a federal Farm Bill before adjourning for the year.
	Iowa Down Ballot podcast: Big-name guests at political rallies U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, left, speaks at the Family Leadership Summit on July 17, 2026 in Des Moines. Former U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg speaks at the Iowa Democratic Party's Liberty and Justice Celebration July 12 in Des Moines. (Photos by Kadin Luhmann/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Iowa Down Ballot with Dave Price 7/19/26 by Iowa Writers Collaborative Another busy news Friday leads to another late drop, but Laura and Kathie made it and we’ve got plenty to cover. Read on Substack Big-name headliners rallied the Iowa Democratic Party’s Liberty and Justice Celebration and the conservative Family Leadership Summit over the past week. Dave Price, Laura Belin and I share impressions, plus take a look at the Medicaid Fraud Elimination Task Force that held its first meeting. Listen here. The Iowa Down Ballot Podcast with Dave Price is a production of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Please consider a paid subscription today to help us cover production costs, or moving up to the benefactor level — or sending a gift subscription to a friend — if you’re already a paid subscriber. And please spread the word to friends who might enjoy the podcast. Thanks! Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Who is Andy Burnham, the U.K.'s new prime minister? On Monday, former Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham succeeds Keir Starmer as the United Kingdom's prime minister. Burnham's politics have been shaped by England's north-south class divide.
	4 the Record WEB EXTRA: Indicted Illinois state lawmaker not the first to deny resignation Let's take a look at a serious situation in Illinois. Federal prosecutors indicted state representative Carol Ammons more than a week ago on charges of wire fraud and obstructing justice. Among the allegations is she funneled more than $100,000 from her campaign account to her daughter. It drew immediate calls from Republicans for her to [...]
	Breakfast Bankroll for week ending 7/17/26 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 [...]
	Serious national security concerns surround possible sale of F-35 jets to Turkey Something with significant implications came from the president during the recent NATO summit in Turkey. It's fallen a bit off the radar. President Trump indicated he's open to selling Turkey some of the United States-made F-35 fighter jets. These are very sophisticated stealth fighters, very difficult to detect with radar. Here's the problem: Turkey bought [...]
	Iowa takes on Temu in legal battle regarding data security and consumer fraud Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird filed a lawsuit against a Chinese company that's essentially that country's version of Amazon. The lawsuit against Temu claims the online marketplace service is breaking Iowa’s Consumer Fraud Act. It accuses Temu of making bogus claims about the quality of its products, misleading prices, deceiving customers by taking their data [...]
	Moline mayor optimistic patience will payoff in Downtown revitalization Big plans take time. That's the situation for Moline as the city tries to overhaul the downtown and riverfront. City leaders are pursuing the vision that took shape after the demolition of the old I-74 bridge. Moline's mayor Sangeetha Rayapati expressed her optimism during her state of the city address in early February. There are [...]
	Board of Pharmacy sanctions licensees for criminal convictions, dispensing errors (Photo by Getty Images)A former eastern Iowa pharmacist has been sanctioned by state regulators for a 2022 conviction for sexual exploitation of a minor. Court records indicate that in 2021, Scott County deputies were granted a search warrant for the email account and cellphone of pharmacist Scott Decker of Blue Grass. The warrant was granted after police determined an email address associated with Decker was connected to the uploading of 18 photographic images that allegedly constituted child pornography. Decker was then charged with two counts of felony sexual exploitation of a minor. In return for his promise to suspend his practice while those charges were pending, the board agreed not to pursue formal disciplinary action against Decker until the case was resolved. In November 2022, Decker was found guilty of two counts of sexual exploitation of a minor and was sentenced to two concurrent prison terms of five years each. In February 2023, the Board of Pharmacy says, it discovered that Decker had been found guilty on the criminal charges and had been incarcerated. More than three years later, in May 2026, the board charged Decker with knowingly making misleading or fraudulent representations in the practice of pharmacy or engaging in unethical conduct, and with being convicted of an offense that directly relates to the duties and responsibilities of the profession. According to the board, Decker has been released from prison. He and the board recently agreed to settle the disciplinary case with Decker voluntarily surrendering his license to practice in Iowa. Other licensees recently sanctioned by the board include: Miola Gossman, a pharmacy technician from Decorah, who agreed to surrender her license. The board had recently charged Gossman with violating the terms of an agreement with the Iowa Professional Health Committee by failing to comply with treatment program requirements. According to the board, that agreement was signed in January 2024 due to Gossman accruing five drunken-driving convictions between January 2022 and October 2023. Gossman also missed 50 separate check-ins with the program over a seven-month period, the board alleged. Hy-Vee Pharmacy, which has been charged with dispensing the incorrect medication to a customer. The pharmacy in question is identified by the board only as “store no. 1136” in Des Moines. Federal records indicate that particular store is located at 3330 Martin Luther King, Jr. Parkway, Des Moines. According to the board, the pharmacy had two patients with the same name and similar birthdates, and both patients had two prescriptions ready for dispensing on Sept. 8, 2025. The daughter of one of the patients went to pick up her mother’s medication but was sold the drugs for the other patient with the same name. The daughter alleged this same type of error had occurred previously, according to the board. The pharmacy was also alleged to have failed to complete the required reports for the September 2025 incident. The board charged the pharmacy with negligence in the practice of the profession; divulging or revealing patient information to unauthorized individuals; and with committing medication errors resulting in the incorrect dispensing of a prescribed drug. To resolve the case, Hy-Vee and the pharmacy board recently agreed to a settlement that calls for $3,000 civil penalty. Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	State leaders mourn loss of ‘greatest philanthropist in South Dakota history’ Billionaire philanthropist T. Denny Sanford died July 18, 2026, at age 90. (Photo courtesy of First Premier Bank, Premier Bankcard and Sanford Health)South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden said this weekend that the state “will forever be impacted” by the legacy of businessman and philanthropist T. Denny Sanford. Rhoden issued his comments after First Premier Bank, Premier Bankcard and Sanford Health announced on Saturday that Sanford, age 90, had died. He owned the two companies and became the namesake of Sanford Health — formerly called Sioux Valley — in 2007 when he donated $400 million to the organization. Sanford’s total philanthropic contributions to numerous organizations in South Dakota and elsewhere totaled more than $4 billion. More about T. Denny Sanford Deal to move pork plant from downtown to northern Sioux Falls includes $50 million Sanford gift $300 million Sanford gift ranks as fifth biggest charitable donation of the year Full archive “It is with great sadness that Sandy and I mourn the loss of T. Denny – a man who has so generously and intentionally invested in the great state of South Dakota,” Rhoden said in a news release. “His contributions will not be forgotten, and South Dakota will forever be impacted by his legacy. Put simply, he was the greatest philanthropist in South Dakota history.” Sanford’s major donations in South Dakota included support for the Sanford Underground Laboratory at the former Homestake Mine in Lead, the Build Dakota and Premier/Freedom scholarships, the Sioux Falls Development Foundation’s future redevelopment of the downtown Smithfield pork plant site, Children’s Home Society of South Dakota, and Crazy Horse Memorial, among others. “Denny Sanford was a significant donor to practically every charitable campaign in Sioux Falls, and many others throughout the state,” said Lt. Governor Tony Venhuizen. “Beyond his high-profile gifts, Denny was a key reason that Sioux Falls has such a strong culture of philanthropy, and many important community improvements benefited from his support.” Sanford was born Dec. 23, 1935, in St. Paul, Minnesota. He lost his mother to breast cancer when he was 4, and he began working at his father’s garment shop at the age of 8. After graduating from the University of Minnesota in 1958 with a degree in psychology, he began a career in sales, marketing and materials distribution. His experiences led him to establish Contech Inc., a Minneapolis-based company that manufactured sealants, coatings and adhesives. After selling the company, he purchased a bank in Sioux Falls in 1986. He renamed it First Premier Bank and expanded into the credit card sector with Premier Bankcard. The success of those businesses made Sanford a billionaire and allowed him to focus on philanthropy. Quotation His contributions will not be forgotten, and South Dakota will forever be impacted by his legacy. Put simply, he was the greatest philanthropist in South Dakota history. – South Dakota Gov. Larry Rhoden on T. Denny Sanford First Premier Bank, Premier Bankcard and Sanford Health issued joint statements on Sanford’s death. Dana Dykhouse, CEO of First Premier Bank, said Sanford told him “many people live a life of success, but you should try to live a life of significance where you can make an impact on people.” Miles Beacom, CEO of Premier Bankcard, said Sanford “could have done many things with his money, yet he reinvested it in South Dakota.” “Our universities are stronger today because of Denny,” Beacom said. “Our health care is stronger today because of Denny. He believed in working harder to help someone other than yourself.” Bill Gassen, president and CEO of Sanford Health, described Sanford as a “driving force in modern medicine, empowering researchers and clinicians to think big and pursue bold, innovative endeavors at a pace not otherwise possible.” “We are able to provide care for more patients in their time of need because of his generosity,” Gassen said. Sanford, who was twice divorced, is survived by his sons Scott and Bill, their wives, three grandchildren, and a brother, Charles “Chuck” Sanford and his wife. Arrangements for a family service followed by a community celebration are pending. Courtesy of South Dakota Searchlight
	DuTrac Community Credit Union 80 years in business The credit union started in 1946, operating out of an office within John Deere Dubuque Tractor Works, with fifty-six members, and a little over $2,000 in deposits and outstanding loans of $1,195.
	Quad-Cities schools mostly ready for Illinois phone ban Illinois Quad-Cities school districts said they are largely prepared for a phone ban that the General Assembly passed this past spring.
	MARK-TO-MARKET: Buy Now, Pay Later business is booming – here’s why Rising prices have forced many Americans to become more disciplined – and creative – in how they spend their money.
	Violence repeatedly erupts in dementia care despite warnings, inspections show Nursing homes and assisted living facilities can be fertile ground for violence between residents with dementia, including fatal assaults. Court records and inspecitions how safeguards fall short.
	Robert E. Lee This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.George Washington never slept here. You can't visit Rock Island and sleep in the same bed for an extra nine dollars a…
	Deadly overnight Russian attack on Ukraine targets the capital Russia launched 41 missiles and 125 attack drones across Ukraine overnight, according to the Ukrainian air force.
	5 clever design tricks to make a small home look bigger Just because you live in a small place doesn't mean it has to look or feel cramped. Interior designers share creative strategies to create the illusion of space that work for renters and small budgets.
	Public health improvements stall amid Trump’s DEI crackdown Earl Williams, community development director of the Thomasville Community Development Corp., stands in front of a building the city hoped would be turned into a healthcare clinic in Dewey City. The predominantly Black neighborhood in Thomasville, Georgia, faces blight and health challenges. (Briah Lumpkins/KFF Health News)THOMASVILLE, Ga. — As Earl Williams drove through a historic Black neighborhood known as Dewey City in his hometown, he hardly recognized what he saw. Homes that once belonged to friends, family, and neighbors had siding covered in mold. Some were boarded up. Others had holes in their roofs. Black churches once used Oquina Creek, which runs along the border of the neighborhood, to baptize their congregants. Today, fecal bacteria and other contaminants have made the water unsafe due to an aging wastewater system. Black churches once baptized their congregants in Oquina Creek in Thomasville, Georgia. Today, fecal bacteria and other contaminants make the water unsafe. (Briah Lumpkins/KFF Health News) “Sometimes you get the feeling like you’re in a Third World country,” Williams said. After three decades in Washington, D.C., he returned four years ago with a mission to revitalize communities such as Dewey City, which he said are “part of what makes Thomasville, Thomasville.” A $19.8 million Community Change Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency was supposed to shift the tides of the neighborhood Williams grew up in. The city and the Thomasville Community Development Corp., where Williams is the community development director, applied for the grant in 2024. It was part of a $2 billion effort initiated under the Biden administration to help disadvantaged communities address environmental health risks and create clean energy and climate resiliency projects. But three months after winning the grant, Thomasville became one of 80 communities across the country — from Hawai‘i to Alabama to Massachusetts — to see the funding stripped as priorities shifted in Donald Trump’s second presidency. On the first day of his second term, Trump signed an executive order titled “Ending Radical and Wasteful Government DEI Programs and Preferencing.” It stated that the Biden administration “forced illegal and immoral discrimination” through diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. In an emailed statement, EPA spokesperson Mike Bastasch said the administration is “fully committed to being a great steward of taxpayer dollars.” He added that the “radical agenda” of DEI and environmental justice “preferencing” are not within the agency’s core mission of protecting human health and the environment. Thomasville, Georgia, about 15 miles north of the Florida border, received nearly $20 million in federal money for improvement in areas like Dewey City, a historic Black neighborhood. But months later, the Trump administration pulled the funds, citing shifting priorities. (Briah Lumpkins/KFF Health News) Environmental health advocates argue, though, that the decision to cut the grants was not rooted in science. They say that equating environmental justice to DEI is an act of bad faith and that withholding the money forces disenfranchised communities to delay long-overdue updates needed to protect public health for marginalized populations. “I unfortunately believe we’re going to see a reversal in the health profile of this country,” said Jalonne White-Newsome, an associate professor at the University of Michigan who served in the Biden administration as the first federal chief environmental justice officer. “This current federal regime has decided that humanity and public health and justice don’t mean anything,” she said. ‘Why Us?’ Thomasville, near Georgia’s southwestern border, is home to just over 18,600 people. The city had hoped to improve health outcomes in neighborhoods on its southern and western sides where, according to the grant proposal, “historical redlining created a legacy of disinvestment.” Those areas have a deep history: Dewey City, for example, was the first neighborhood in the city where Blacks could build homes after the Civil War. It’s also home to the closed Douglass High School — the first public school for Blacks in Thomasville, established in 1902. “This place has been neglected,” said Williams, who occasionally hosts historical walks through the community. “But it’s worth bringing it back online.” The proposed “Restoring Resiliency” project featured a plan to remove toxic substances such as mold, lead paint, and asbestos from homes, repair a nearly 82-year-old wastewater system, and convert part of a shuttered high school band room into a health clinic. The Rev. Jeremy Rich, a pastor, teacher, and Thomas County commissioner, says a clinic in the Dewey City neighborhood of Thomasville, Georgia, would have increased trust in healthcare providers. The Trump administration’s cancellation of a federal grant funding the project was a major loss, he says. (Briah Lumpkins/KFF Health News) “This was a long and storied attempt to bend the arc of justice closer,” said Jeremy Rich, a Thomas County commissioner and the pastor at First Missionary Baptist Church. “Justice in healthcare. Justice in environmental impact.” Having a clinic in the community would be a “game changer,” Rich said. During the covid pandemic, he said, older residents who rely on public transit were reluctant to go to the nearby hospital or the county health department to get vaccinated. When his church offered shots from Black nurses, he said, vaccination rates improved. Many residents don’t have the financial means to remove mold, lead paint, and other toxic materials, said Thomasville Mayor Pro Tem Lucinda Brown. “They just have money to live with every day. That’s it,” she said. “If they can make that happen.” The grant meant hope, and its reversal left many asking, “Why us?” Williams said. In the EPA’s May 2025 letter announcing the grant termination, it said Thomasville’s project promoted “initiatives that conflict with the Agency’s policy of prioritizing merit, fairness, and excellence.” The grant was “inconsistent with, and no longer effectuates, Agency priorities,” the letter said. Environmental justice projects are rooted in science, not DEI, said Jillian Blanchard, the senior vice president of climate change and environmental justice at Lawyers for Good Government, a national nonprofit that provides pro bono legal assistance in focus areas such as health equity, immigration, and environmental health. “Where is the water dirty? Where is the air unclean?” she said. “That is where the money should go.” In June of last year, nearly two dozen communities and organizations around the country filed a class-action lawsuit to get the Community Change Grants reinstated. The lawsuit argued that the projects — such as efforts to create energy-efficient housing in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and empower Houston residents in the pollution permitting process — were vital. The case was dismissed by a federal district judge in 2025 but is being appealed. Thomasville was not named in that lawsuit. But the city did appeal the EPA’s decision on its project with the support of Blanchard’s group. The city and the EPA continue to dispute the issue. This March, the EPA’s deputy inspector general, which serves as an independent watchdog for the agency, released a report concluding that the process for determining the awardees was fair. Such federal funding is needed because large-scale change is difficult for small municipalities to achieve without getting stuck with high-interest loans, Blanchard said. “It’s next to impossible,” she said. “That’s one of the reasons the things haven’t been done.” ‘It’s Not Over’ The city of Thomasville has found other ways to make some improvements in the meantime. With the help of a nearly $3 million federal Community Development Block Grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, it made repairs to portions of Dewey City’s sewer, water, and drainage systems. In a community of mostly older residents who rely on public transportation, a healthcare clinic planned for this building would have increased access to care and built trust, local advocates say. (Briah Lumpkins/KFF Health News) The Thomasville Community Development Corp. has begun building affordable housing in Dewey City and intends to convert a portion of the closed Douglass school into apartments for seniors. The corporation has also applied for $764,000 in congressional funds through the office of Sen. Jon Ossoff (D-Ga.) that it hopes to use to construct a community health clinic in Dewey City. Decisions on these funding requests will be made this fall. “It’s not over,” said Williams, whose legacy in Thomasville runs deep. At the center of what locals call The Bottom — a two-block stretch of downtown where independent Black and other minority-owned businesses once thrived — is a plaque honoring his father, Earl Williams Jr., the city’s first Black mayor. As he peered at his father’s memorial on a muggy afternoon, he reaffirmed his intentions. “There’s more work to be done, and I’m able,” he said. “I like pouring into the community.” But he has little hope the initial grant will be restored under the current administration. “That was our shot. We didn’t do anything to miss it,” he said. “We just did it during the wrong period of time.” KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF — the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. Courtesy of Georgia Recorder
	Cuban artist and dissident exiled from country after 5 years in prison arrives in US A famous Cuban dissident artist and musician, Luis Manuel Otero Alcántara, arrived in Miami on Saturday after being released from a five-year prison sentence on the condition that he leave his country.
	MLS works to bring in a new generation of fans as the World Cup comes to an end In 1994, the last men's World Cup the U.S. hosted sparked soccer fever, from youth leagues to TV broadcasts to the formation of MLS. Now, can MLS harness this World Cup for a new generation of fans?
Saturday, July 18th, 2026
	Argentina, Spain and their stars Lionel Messi and Lamine Yamal meet in World Cup final Worry no more about wildfire smoke and $10,000 ticket prices. Sunday's final between Argentina and Spain — the first meeting of their transcendent stars — is here and seems destined to be a classic.
	Outhouse races highlight day 2 of Walcott Days Homemade outhouses, costumes and patriotic spirit took center stage as teams raced down the street during day two of Walcott Days.
	Prairie Chicken Arts Festival wraps up in Kewanee The Prairie Chicken Arts Festival wrapped up its two-day run in Kewanee with art, chalk competitions, live music and family activities.
	Maquoketa residents protest proposed data center Residents of Maquoketa rallied on Main Street during National Data Center Protest Day to demand transparency from city leaders about a proposed data center.
	Heart of Hope Ministries holds annual Community Love Fest The annual Community Love Fest brought the community together for its fourth year giving out free backpacks, supplies and more.
	Playcrafters Barn Theatre hosts ghost investigation Playcrafters Barn Theatre in Moline hosted a ghost investigation with paranormal investigators after decades of reported eerie activity at the 96-year-old theater.
	Residents protest new data center in Maquoketa The data center is still in its early stages and the city has not announced a timeline for construction.
	Man involved in 2025 Davenport shooting incident sentenced to probation A man involved in a Davenport shooting incident in August of 2025 has been sentenced to three years on probation after entering a plea agreement.
	National Ice Cream Day 2026: Delicious deals Perhaps there's no sweeter way to beat the summer heat than with a scoop — or two, or three — of ice cream.
	The Tate brothers are arrested in Miami, U.S. Marshals Service tells AP The brothers were taken into custody on a sealed warrant, the Marshals Service told the AP. British prosecutors said they were seeking the extradition of the brothers on rape and trafficking charges.
	Patchy smoke hitting the Quad Cities tomorrow A lot of hot weather has been hitting the Quad Cities all week with feels like temperatures will in the upper 90s and triple digits. Now as we head into Sunday, we are watching for the risk of smoke hitting the area. Due to the wildfires up North in Canada. If you are anyone you [...]
	Veteran Car Club Show held to support veteran organizations in the Quad Cities Cars and vendors packed the Time Bank parking lot for the Veteran Car Club Show with all proceeds going to veteran organizations across the Quad Cities.
	4 community solar projects approved for Warren County Ameren customers in Warren County can subscribe to the solar gardens for a discount on their power bill. The projects will bring in more than $1 million in taxes.
	Former Rock Island County treasurer named to regional economic development authority Gov. J.B. Pritzker named Louisa Ewert to the Quad Cities Regional Economic Development Authority, a finance agency that serves 11 counties.
	Street stocks, IMCA late models make for night of action at Davenport Speedway It was a full night, and then some at Davenport Speedway on Friday. Along with the weekly racing program in five classes, the announcement of Davenport Speedway Hall of Fame inductees, a large fireworks display, and the AVS sponsored Street Stock Challenge. The Koehler Electric - Street Stocks were highlighted by the Street Stock Challenge [...]
	Inside Iowa Politics: Warning from U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson to Iowans U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson had a warning for Iowans when he addressed the Family Leadership Summit.
	Volunteers furnish 11 Quad Cities homes in one morning for families in need Dozens of volunteers spread across the Quad Cities Saturday morning, packing trailers with donated furniture and delivering it to 11 homes in a single day through the nonprofit Humble Dwellings.
	Josh Kerr of Britain breaks 27-year-old world record in the mile Kerr announced his bid to break the world record months in advance, and pulled off the plan in London on Saturday.
	Not everyone supports permanent daylight saving time. Here's why The U.S. could make daylight saving time permanent soon. Is that a good thing?
	School board recap: Interim superintendent, operations and technology items approved A new interim superintendent, relocation of gas regulator and other agenda items were approved by school boards across the Quad-Cities this past week.
	Round up: Bettendorf makes progress on bridge; Clinton delays data center ordinance Some road closures are coming as Bettendorf constructs its pedestrian bridge, Clinton delayed a data center vote and residents turned out to support two Davenport tattoo shops.
	Air quality improving in northeast, while wildfire smoke hangs over midwest Wildfire smoke and unhealthy air persist and shift direction, as Trump demands explanation from Canada.
	2 U.S. service members killed, 1 missing after Iranian attack in Jordan Two U.S. service members were killed in action while "partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks," U.S. Central Command said Saturday.
	Reporter's Notebook: Finding World Cup joy in speaking to women who love soccer Tune into World Cup coverage, and you are likely to see waves of male, screaming, sweaty fans. But one of the joys of covering this World Cup has been speaking to women who love soccer.
	Man sentenced to 10 years in Iowa prison in sex abuse cases A 20-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years in the Iowa Department of Corrections after pleading guilty to sex abuse charges in both Clinton and Jackson counties.
	Why these special 'July 4th' quarters could become sought-after by collectors Unlike other coinage, the U.S. Mint has sent very, very few of these special "July 4th" quarters into circulation, potentially making them a hot commodity among collectors.
	President of Iowa 80 Group, owner of World’s Largest Truckstop, has died He also was a big supporter of the University of Iowa athletics.
	Free tire, electronics drop-off coming in Muscatine Muscatine residents with city refuse service can dispose of old tires and unwanted electronics for free during two special drop-off weeks at the Muscatine Transfer Station. a news release says . The Muscatine City Council approved the 2026 dates at its July 7 meeting. The Department of Public Works (DPW) Solid Waste Division offers these [...]
	How to keep pets safe from wildfire smoke: American Humane Society As smoke from the Canadian wildfires spreads, American Humane Society urges pet owners to take special precautions to protect their animal companions, according to a news release. “Like us, our beloved pets are deeply affected by poor air quality, and they rely on us to recognize when something isn’t right,” said Dr. Robin Ganzert, president and CEO of [...]
	KENT WORLDWIDE joins Walk to end Alzheimer's in Muscatine KENT WORLDWIDE will join the Alzheimer’s Association Iowa Chapter as the local presenting sponsor for the 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Muscatine Area, a news release says. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Muscatine Area will be held onSaturday, Oct. 24, at Discovery Park's Environmental Learning Center in Muscatine. OnWalk Day, participants [...]
	Why is it so hard for the U.S. to win wars? U.S. presidents have promised short, decisive wars in Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran. All have proved much more difficult than advertised and fallen far short of the political goals set at the beginning.
	Curious Cargo, gift and decor shop, closing after 49 years A retirement sale with increasing discounts runs through Aug. 1.
	Opinion: The continued courage of Captain Sully Retired pilot Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger is known for safely landing an airplane on the Hudson River in 2009. This week, he announced that he has Alzheimer's disease.

Monday, July 20th, 2026

Sunday, July 19th, 2026

Saturday, July 18th, 2026