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

Wednesday, November 19th, 2025
	Illinois Quad Cities townships, Project NOW launch emergency food program It comes after the country's longest government shutdown in history left federal workers furloughed and delayed SNAP benefits for recipients.
	Muscatine provides six weeks of free holiday parking for shoppers, visitors "Santa’s helpers" were out early in Downtown Muscatine on Wednesday, covering the two-hour parking meters with festive bags to mark the start of a six-week moratorium on meter payments, a news release says. From now through Jan. 4, drivers can enjoy free two-hour parking once per day in metered spaces throughout the downtown business district. [...]
	Davenport Police Association hosts Thanksgiving dinner for Empowering Abilities The Davenport Police Association served Thanksgiving dinner for the clients and staff of Empowering Abilities in Davenport. The nonprofit helps people with disabilities. The meal gave people a chance to connect with their local officers. The dinner included the usual Thanksgiving favorites, and attendees got to meet Santa Claus. For more information about Empowering Abilities, [...]
	Davenport Police Association hosts annual Thanksgiving dinner For more than 30 years, the association has served clients and staff at the non-profit a holiday meal.
	Rock Island County board again reduces property tax levy rate On Tuesday, Nov. 18, the Rock Island County Board unanimously approved a balanced budget for fiscal year 2026, which begins Dec. 1, 2025. This includes yet another reduction in the county’s property tax levy rate, a news release says. Recommended by the County Board’s Budget Committee, the $98 million budget ensures key services for county [...]
	New Waga Energy facility can turn landfill biogas into renewable natural gas Renewable gas created at the Scott Area Landfill will now feed into MidAmerican Energy's grid for Scott County. Waga Energy will create the renewable gas - a near pure ethanol - at the landfill through a new facility that held its grand opening on Wednesday. It puts to use the biogas that is created at [...]
	Victim’s family in Quad Cities fears for safety as search for escaped murderer continues If you have any information on Johnell Lamont Smith III whereabouts, please contact the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Department or the Crimestoppers Tip line, anonymously, at 309-762-9500
	Retired First Army leader takes on new QC military and manufacturing role A retired Army colonel is the new executive director of a new partnership between the Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance (RIADA) and Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute (QCMI).
	Iowa audit finds more than $63K in improper spending by former McCausland city clerk A state audit found $63,233 in improper disbursements and over $2,200 in unsupported spending in McCausland, tied to former City Clerk Sheila Bosworth.
	Quad Cities Community Foundation matching up to $250,000 in donations to River Bend Food Bank Every dollar donated to River Bend will be matched by the River Bend Food Bank Hunger Relief Fund. Officials said each dollar provides five meals to those in need.
	Programming Note: ‘Wicked’ to air on KWQC NBC will air the first installment of the “Wicked” movie on KWQC at 7 p.m.
	'You just have to care' \| Burlington art teacher honored as Iowa regional teacher of the year Mr. Tony Onesto is known for his Hawaiian shirts and willingness to help anyone. Here's what the 29-year teaching veteran said about this honor of his own.
	Moline school officials explain decision to remove doors from high school bathrooms Officials told News 8 the doors have been removed for several years now, and the decision was made to help prevent vaping in the bathrooms.
	Clinton ends contract negotiations with Humane Society The Humane Society will no longer provide animal control services for the City of Clinton. In a post on its Facebook page, the Clinton Humane Society said Clinton have ended contract negotiations and is looking for other animal control service providers: Our Quad Cities News has reached out to both the Humane Society and the [...]
	New Eldridge cafe runs on Golden Rule: Serve how you’d like to be served, owner says “We never thought in a million years we would get an opportunity just like that," owner said.
	Davenport police host annual Thanksgiving dinner with Empowering Abilities Davenport police hosted its annual Thanksgiving dinner with Empowering Abilities, continuing a more than 30-year tradition.
	Trump administration seeks to roll back protections for imperiled species and habitat The Interior Department proposed reviving a suite of changes to Endangered Species Act regulations first made during the Republican's first term. Those changes were reversed under former President Biden.
	Iowa State Senator will not run for governor Iowa State Senator Mike Bousselot announced on Wednesday that he would seek another senate seat and not run for governor.
	Clinton County toy drive expects to serve more than 1,000 kids again Scott For Tots was started by a local man in 2018 after Toys For Tots left Clinton County. Here's a list of drop off centers you can bring your donated toys to.
	Henry County Sheriff’s Office warns of text scam Officials said the sheriff’s office learned a local resident got a scam text message on Tuesday, according to a media release
	Davenport Amazon center prepares for holiday surge with extra staffing, new robotics & AI Amazon’s Davenport fulfillment center is gearing up for a 20% jump in holiday orders, adding robots, seasonal workers and new AI technology to handle record volume.
	Burlington, Iowa, art teacher receives statewide recognition Tony Onesto is an art teacher at Burlington High School. He's been teaching for 29 years and was just named one of Iowa's Regional Teachers of the Year.
	Davenport Amazon center prepares for holiday surge with extra staffing, new robotics & AI Amazon’s Davenport fulfillment center is gearing up for a 20% jump in holiday orders, adding robots, seasonal workers and new AI technology to handle record volume.
	Moline seeking volunteers to shovel snow for second year of Snow Angels program After a snowfall of two inches or more, volunteers will receive a text message asking for their assistance clearing out snow for seniors and those with disabilities.
	Scott County Landfill unveils new renewable gas unit The unit will produce renewable natural gas and help reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
	Quad Cities Community Foundation matching up to $250,000 in donations to River Bend Food Bank Every dollar donated to River Bend will be matched by the River Bend Food Bank Hunger Relief Fund. Officials said each dollar provides five meals to those in need.
	Scott for Tots toy drive returning for its 7th year Found Scott Stubblefield joined The Current to share the impact of the annual giveaway and how you can help in this year's drive.
	Moline seeking volunteers to shovel snow for second year of Snow Angels program After a snowfall of two inches or more, volunteers will receive a text message asking for their assistance clearing out snow for seniors and those with disabilities.
	Kick off Thanksgiving with the YMCA Turkey Trot! It's a Thanksgiving tradition here in the QCA, and it's back for its 39th year! Luis Leal and Taylor Bley spoke with Our Quad Cities News about the YMCA Turkey Trot. For more information, click here.
	Bettendorf readies for final design plans of new police station The City Council voted Nov. 18 to let Bray Architects finish the police station design alongside Estes Construction and city staff.
	Rock Falls Holiday Light Display lights up Rock Falls Rock Falls is ready for the return of a tradition that has brightened the area for the past five years. The Holiday Light Display at Centennial Park in Rock Falls, 508 E. 11th Street, starts on November 28. Twenty-five local businesses, churches, schools and organizations transform the park into a sparkling winter wonderland. The display [...]
	State’s Attorney investigating Rock Island Board of Education Rock Island County State’s Attorney Dora Villarreal confirmed that her office is investigating the Rock Island-Milan Board of Education.
	'Devastating, excruciating': Danny Taylor's family waiting again after one of his killers escapes It's been a week since one of Danny Taylor's killers escaped from custody. Taylor's family is waiting for Johnell Smith III's capture.
	Have you seen these suspects? Crime Stoppers wants to know! Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities wants your help catching two fugitives. It’s an Our Quad Cities News exclusive. You can get an elevated reward for information on this week’s cases: TIANNA COOKE, 27, 4’11”, 200 pounds, black hair, brown eyes. Wanted by Scott County Sheriff’s Office for four counts of parole violation on theft [...]
	State Auditor: McCausland city clerk issued $55,000 in checks to herself for cryptocurrency scheme Former McCausland city clerk Sheila Bosworth told a Scott County detective she deposited the stolen cash and checks into Bitcoin ATMs.
	Clinton woman sentenced in connection with 2024 fentanyl death Court records show Camren Cady, 21, was sentenced Nov. 13 to 10 years in prison on one count of a controlled-substance violation and five years on one count of involuntary manslaughter.
	Curaçao to Cape Verde: Small nations make big World Cup history From tiny Curaçao, to troubled Haiti's remarkable comeback, discover how some of the smallest nations in the world are defying the odds to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
	Moline removes restroom doors at high school due to vaping: District Parents of students at Moline High School are upset with a recent decision by the Moline-Coal Valley School District to remove doors from restrooms at the school. A statement from Candace Sountris, Director for Public Relations and Communications for the Moline – Coal Valley School District, explains the reasoning behind the decision. “The doors are [...]
	Iowa audit finds more than $63K in improper spending by former McCausland city clerk A state audit found $63,233 in improper disbursements and over $2,200 in unsupported spending in McCausland, tied to former City Clerk Sheila Bosworth.
	Quad Cities Community Foundation matching donations to River Bend Food Bank Food insecurity in the Quad Cities region has reached a four-year high, impacting over 137,000 people and more were added during the government shutdown. This means Quad City families are having more trouble putting food on the table. The Quad Cities Community Foundation and nine other area families and organizations are launching a new matching [...]
	CPKC Holiday Train comes to Iowa for 27th year An unmistakable sign of the holidays in the Quad Cities is the arrival of the CPKC Holiday Train. Terry Cunha, spokesperson with CPKC Railroad, spoke with Our Quad Cities News from Montreal to talk about what they’re calling the biggest train tour yet, now in its 27th year. “We're very excited that we're kicking off [...]
	Waverly’s 99-year-old Palace Theatre reopens after 7 years in the dark After seven years in the dark, Waverly’s Palace Theatre is hosting a grand reopening celebration this weekend. The nearly century-old movie theater has undergone major renovations and is opening just in time for the release of Wicked: For Good.
	Project Peace Tree honors hospice patients during holiday season UnityPoint Health will honor hospice patients and their families this holiday season with their Project Peace Tree program.
	MercyOne Genesis doctor performs first-of-its-kind heart surgery in Iowa Dr. Mark Shen performed the surgery using a new system called “Affera Mapping and Ablation” to treat atrial fibrillation.
	Iowa audit finds more than $63K in improper spending by former McCausland city clerk A state audit found $63,233 in improper disbursements and over $2,200 in unsupported spending in McCausland, tied to former City Clerk Sheila Bosworth.
	A fire in southwestern Japan damages 170 homes and forces evacuations Firefighters and army helicopters battled a fire that burned through old wooden houses in a fishing town in southwestern Japan.
	Held by ICE: Iowa man sues, family prays An Iowa man detained by ICE sues the federal government as his family prays for his release, challenging his immigration detention in court.
	Greetings from Yimianpo, China, where artisans carve Russian nesting dolls Far-Flung Postcards is a weekly series in which NPR's international team shares moments from their lives and work around the world.
	Snow Angels help Moline residents clear sidewalks Last year’s Snow Angels program in Moline was so successful, it’s back for a second year. Snow Angels volunteers help elderly residents age 60+ and residents with physical limitations by clearing snow from the boulevard sidewalks around their homes. The program is for residents who lack financial resources or family support and helps keep Moline [...]
	Davenport man sentenced to federal prison for possession of a firearm by a felon A Davenport man was sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. According to public court documents and evidence presented at sentencing, Rodolfo Tellez Gutierrez, Jr., 23, threw a gun out of the window of a vehicle during a traffic stop. Investigators reviewed Gutierrez’s phone and found messages with [...]
	Former city clerk accused of improperly spending over $63K in city funds The investigation looked at the period of March 1, 2020 through March 31, 2025.
	Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance, Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute partner The Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance (RIADA), an affiliate of the Quad Cities Chamber, and Quad Cities Manufacturing Institute (QCMI) have joined forces to maximize the resources of both organizations to drive large-scale economic growth for the Quad Cities region, a news release says. Col. Shawn Creamer (U.S. Army, Retired) has been hired as the joint executive [...]
	As a labor force, artists are 'invisible.' A new survey tries to change that 'Struggling artists' isn't a trope, according to a new report. The survey asked more than 2,600 artists about everything from hours worked to housing.
	The warmth continues, but will it stay that way? This month, the Quad Cities experienced the chill with lows in the 20s for several nights. However, we've also had near record highs in the low-to-mid-70s. While temperatures look to stay on the warm side, rain chances return to the Thanksgiving travel week forecast, too. And, if you'd like the full 7-day forecast, here it [...]
	Iowa Auditor finds improper disbursements in McCausland A special investigation by the Iowa State Auditor's Office uncovered thousands of dollars in improper disbursements in McCausland. City leaders requested a review of transactions between March 1, 2020 and March 31, 2025. The Auditor’s Office reviewed the city’s bank account and credit cards for unusual activities and checked city council records to see if [...]
	Davenport woman arrested; charged with threatening with butcher knife A Davenport woman is being held in the Scott County Jail on no bond after police say she threatened to assault people with a large knife. The criminal complaint filed in Scott County Court said Davenport Police officers were dispatched to the 1900 block of W. 40th Street on November 18 for a report of [...]
	Illinois licenses, IDs to enter digital realm Driver’s licenses and state IDs can be added to Apple Wallet starting Wednesday.
	Home for the Holidays at the Freight House The Freight House Farmers Market, Front Street Brewery, and Antonella's II Sicilian Pizzeria, are teaming up for Home for the Holidays.
	Heads up: Cannon fire scheduled at Rock Island Arsenal this week Rock Island Arsenal will conduct cannon fire Wednesday and Thursday to honor Brig. Gen. Richard Corner’s official arrival as First Army deputy commanding general.
	Singer/songwriter Dan Hubbard will perform in Bishop Hill, Ill. Crossroads Cultural Connections will welcome acclaimed Illinois singer-songwriter Dan Hubbard for an intimate concert at Bishop Hill Creative Commons on Sunday, Nov. 23, a news release says. The evening begins with an optional potluck dinner at 6 p.m. - guests are invited to bring a dish to share - and the concert will start at 7 p.m. This all-ages [...]
	New poetry stresses that our stories are more precious and urgent than ever Three new collections by mid-career poets lay claim to stories of identity, suffering and hope, to a kind of collective subjectivity, to the inner life of a country in the throes of deep pain and uncertainty.
	Muscatine is giving the gift of parking this holiday season Downtown Muscatine parking is free until January 4, but the two-hour limit will still be enforced.
	World Toilet Day is today! Um .. is that really the best name? November 19 is World Toilet Day — officially declared by the United Nations to bring attention to the the 3.4 billion people who live without "safely managed sanitation."
	Genesis surgeon completes first of its kind heart surgery in Iowa On Wednesday, Nov.12, Dr. Mark Shen became the first surgeon in Iowa to use a revolutionary new system for treating atrial fibrillation.
	This Frida Kahlo painting could break records at auction on Thursday The artist's 1940 painting, El sueño (La cama), is expected to sell for $40 to $60 million on Thursday night.
	Student escapes as authorities search for 24 other girls abducted in Nigeria A schoolgirl who was abducted with 24 others from a dormitory in northwestern Nigeria has escaped and is safe, as hunters joined security forces in the search for the missing students.
	Stephen B. Hanks This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Stephen Beck Hanks of Albany, Illinois, might have become a legend on the Upper Mississippi River—perhaps even an…
	Flu season could be nasty this winter With a new flu virus variant circulating, scientists fear more sickness this winter. The vaccine may be slightly less effective but doctors still urge getting one ASAP.
	3 massive changes you'll see as the climate careens toward tipping points Scientists are increasingly concerned that the planet is headed for massive, irreversible changes due to global warming. In some cases, those changes have already begun.
	Retirement age to change in 2026: How it may impact you Hoping to retire soon? A change happening next year could impact you.
	Israeli airstrike on a Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon kills 13 people An Israeli airstrike on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon on Tuesday killed 13 people and wounded several others, state media and government officials said.
Tuesday, November 18th, 2025
	Traffic Alert: Overnight lane closures on I-74 Bridge The eastbound lanes of the bridge are down to one lane, with short-term full closures between 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Tuesday, according to documents from the Bi-State Regional Commission.
	Amboy heads to 8-player state championship for the 4th year in a row Amboy defeated Milledgeville 18-8 punching their ticket to the state championship.
	Can weed help you drink less? Scientists study how well 'California sober' works It's trendy in some circles to replace drinking with consuming cannabis. But can it help people with a drinking problem cut back? Scientists set up a bar in the lab to find out.
	‘That day will be the happiest day of my life,’ Iowa man detained by ICE, sues federal government A Iowa man is suing the federal government for due process after being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
	Muscatine recognizes junior mayors The elected sixth grade mayors were sworn in and went straight to work collecting taxes and paying bills.
	Muscatine providing free downtown parking for the holidays The free parking will be available at least until Jan. 3, but two-hour parking restrictions are still in effect.
	Fire intentionally set in Moline wetlands, officials say Flames burned through a unique ecosystem along the Rock River that Augustana College uses for research.
	Moline gaming cafes facing potential shutdown An ordinance banning class K liquor licenses, where alcohol makes up less than half of revenue, passed in 2022, with a five-year sunset period nearing its end.
	5 quick tips for holiday travelers as Rock Island County ramps up road safety enforcement The Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office is cracking down on unsafe driving this holiday season.
	Festival of Trees parade forecast looking good so far The Festival of Trees kicks off soon and one of the big events of the festival, the parade, is always dependent on having good weather! Too much snow, wind, ice or cold could cancel the parade as has happened in the past. As of now though things are looking good for this weekend! An early [...]
	Man caught in online sex sting tenders plea agreement with Scott County prosecutors A man caught in an online sex sting when he went to NorthPark Mall to meet an underage girl has tendered a plea agreement with prosecutors.
	More high school students lean toward trade industries because of AI Rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) is causing some to worry about losing jobs down the road. That includes high school students who plan to go to college to earn a degree. More students are now deciding a career in a trade industry is a safer move for their future. As the threat of AI [...]
	RICO State's Attorney investigates school board vote to appoint interim dean at Rocky After her husband cast the deciding votes, a Rock Island Milan School Board vote to appoint Yolanda Grandberry-Pugh as interim dean of Rock Island High School is under investigation by the Rock Island County State's Attorney's Office. Additionally, a vote that approved a settlement about a human rights complaint filed by the board member's wife [...]
	Illinois residents to have digital license & ID options Illinois residents will soon be able to carry a digital copy of their driver's licenses and IDs on their phones. IPhone users will be able to add their Illinois IDs to Apple Wallet starting November 19. Secretary of State of Illinois Alexander Giannoulias says data for digital driver's licenses and state IDs is secure and [...]
	Davenport man wins $100,000 Powerball prize A Davenport man has won a $100,000 Powerball prize. Larry McFarland Jr. said the feeling of winning was hard to describe. "It's surreal. It’s still surreal, right? No, it’s still unbelievable," McFarland said. "A lot of things are going to get cleaned up for me, and I’ll be able to catch up on some stuff.” [...]
	Illinois transportation crews prepare for winter weather Crews want drivers to pay extra attention to crews working to clear roads during winter weather events.
	‘There’s a need’: Over 1K Quad-Cities students explore trade careers at expo More than 1K students gather for the 2nd annual, Building Futures Career Expo in Rock Island.
	Medical firsts transform heart health in the Quad Cities The future of heart health is on showcase here in the Quad Cities. Two medical 'firsts' were announced last week. A new tool to treat Atrial fibrillation, or AFib, and the first noted success of a leadless pacemaker - both happened right here in the QCA. "People reach 65 years old. About one in nine [...]
	Three injured in Cedar County crash Three people were injured in a head-on collision in Cedar County on Monday, the Iowa State Patrol said.
	Second annual Building Futures Career Expo takes place in Rock Island The Building Futures Career Expo took place on Tuesday in Rock Island. This year, the event added a public session.
	Fire intentionally set in Moline wetlands, officials say Monday night, flames burned through a unique ecosystem along the Rock River that Augustana College uses for research.
	Cannon fire scheduled at Rock Island Arsenal Cannon fire is scheduled at the Rock Island Arsenal Wednesday morning and Thursday afternoon.
	Arsenal cannon firing set for November 19 and 20 Two cannon firings will happen at the Rock Island Arsenal. According to release, cannon fire will be heard Wednesday, November 19 and Thursday, November 20. The Wednesday firing will be at about 8:30 a.m., and the Thursday firing will be at 3:00 p.m. for a ceremony honoring the official arrival of the First Army Deputy [...]
	Clinton Humane Society won’t take any strays after negotiations fail Clinton Humane Society officials said the city told them it ended contract negotiations is looking for alternative providers for animal control services according to a media release.
	Davenport recovery home helps men rebuild after addiction “So now I’m out of rehab and I’m trying to get my life back together no no no no I’m getting my life back together,” he said.
	West Liberty drowning determined accidental, police say West Liberty Police determined the drowning of a 1-year-old child in August was accidental on Tuesday.
	Quad Cities author’s children’s book spreads from QCA to Washington, D.C. Jennifer Mayares, who works helping parents with their kids’ attendance issues, wrote and self-published her own book, “Every Day Counts,” to encourage kids to go to school.
	Duckworth staffer dismissed in the wake of immigration accusations U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth has fired a staffer accused of misrepresenting himself as an attorney and falsifying an official form to visit and secure the release of a Staunton restaurant owner detained by immigration agents.
	Pope Leo calls out 'extremely disrespectful' treatment of migrants in the U.S. The U.S.-born pope has spoken out several times against his native country's treatment of migrants in the U.S.

Wednesday, November 19th, 2025

Tuesday, November 18th, 2025