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

Monday, December 29th, 2025
	Year in Review: Stories of impact from across the Quad Cities We traveled across the Quad Cities in 2025 to meet people making an impact. Here’s a look back at some of the standout stories and voices.
	Iowa fans flock to Clearwater Beach ahead of ReliaQuest Bowl Wherever the Iowa football team goes for a bowl game, thousands of Hawkeye fans are sure to follow.
	Iowa and Vanderbilt coaches look ahead to ReliaQuest Bowl Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and Vanderbilt head coach Clark Lea are holding a press conference Tuesday morning at 9:00 a.m. Central to look ahead to Wednesday’s matchup in the ReliaQuest Bowl.
	Emergency response crews at Moline Walmart A large emergency response could be seen at Walmart in Moline Monday night.
	Bettendorf Public Library to host Baby Rave New Year’s Eve party The Bettendorf Public Library will host a Baby Rave New Year’s Eve party Dec. 31, offering glow-themed activities for children ages 0–4.
	Governor selects colonel from QCA as Illinois National Guard leader Gov. JB Pritzker has selected Illinois Air National Guard Director of Staff Colonel Steven B. Rice of Morrison, Ill., as the next assistant adjutant general – air of the Illinois National Guard, a news release says. With the selection, Rice will be promoted to Brigadier General and will serve as one of two governor-appointed deputies [...]
	Local teen balances lawn business through winter months While most lawns are dormant, an 18-year-old Cambridge teen says winter is one of his busiest seasons, balancing snow removal, repairs and college classes.
	Professional Championship Bull Riders return to Vibrant Arena in January Professional Championship Bull Riders will bring two days of high-energy competition to Vibrant Arena in Moline on Jan. 24–25, 2026, featuring shows for all ages.
	Mental health professional becomes first civilian to receive Muscatine PD medal Amy Gold is a co-responder with the Muscatine Police Department. She goes out on calls with officers to de-escalate situations and reduce strain on the local jail.
	Learn about sports tourism at upcoming Visit Quad Cities event Visit Quad Cities, the region’s official destination marketing organization (DMO), has announced that AccelerateVQC: The Power of Sports Tourism will be held 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 11 at at Vibrant Arena at The MARK, Moline, a news release says. Local stakeholders, partners, sports organizations, and community leaders are encouraged to participate in this free session [...]
	Man convicted in 1999 killing of Rock Island man dies in prison A man serving a sentnece of life in prison in connection with the 1999 death of Virgil Engelkens Jr. has died, the Iowa Department of Corrections announced Monday.
	Diversity Service Center of Iowa to mark 25 years serving immigrants and seniors The Muscatine nonprofit provides transportation, meals, employment services and more to local seniors. Their immigration services have impacted more than 700 people.
	Bettendorf 8th grader receives mentorship from filmmaker Ken Burns Adrian Gillette won third place in a national documentary competition earlier this summer. As part of his prize, he just had a virtual call with Ken Burns himself.
	Brissman Foundation awards $161,000 to 36 Milan-area nonprofits There was a focus, among this year's donations, on organizations fighting local food insecurity. Here's the full list of recipients.
	Countryside Lodge Dining to carry on Joe’s Trattoria tradition Countryside Lodge Dining announced it has purchased Joe’s Trattoria, saying the restaurant’s pizza recipe will remain unchanged as new ownership begins Dec. 31.
	Clinton County inmate hospitalized after being found unresponsive A Clinton County inmate remains hospitalized after being found unresponsive in his cell during routine rounds. Officials say an investigation is underway.
	Corrections officer finds unresponsive inmate in Clinton County Jail An unresponsive inmate was found in a cell about 12;25 p.m. Sunday when a Clinton County Jail correctional officer was conducting routine cell checks, according to a news release from the Clinton County Sheriff's Office. Correctional officers administered life-saving measures to the man until the Clinton Fire Department arrived at the scene and continued with [...]
	Ohl Strong donates $80,000 to Trinity Cancer Center for pancreatic cancer patients While the Iowa Hawkeyes battled the USC Trojans in the Los Angeles Coliseum on November 15, over 250 people gathered at the Eldridge community center. While they did wholeheartedly cheer on the Hawkeyes, they were there for a reason much bigger than a late-season Big Ten football game. "Bringing awareness to pancreatic cancer," said Peggy [...]
	Sheriff: Inmate taken to hospital after being found unresponsive in Clinton County Jail Early Sunday afternoon, a correctional officer was conducting routine cell checks when they found an unresponsive male inmate in one of the cells.
	Winds calming down but still frigid tonight While we have been experiencing fairly strong winds throughout the weekend, we are still seeing some of those strong winds for today. However, as we head to the rest of the evening and night wind speeds are expected to finally slow down to calmer levels. Although, despite the winds finally calming down, that is still [...]
	$80k donated to the UnityPoint Health Trinity Health Foundation $80k donation presented to the UnityPoint Health Trinity Health foundation, marking the largest amount raised at OHL Strong tailgate fundraiser.
	Recycle Christmas trees in Muscatine The gifts have been unwrapped, the cookies are gone, and the Christmas tree has given its final sparkle. As households begin packing away decorations and looking ahead to the new year, the City of Muscatine is here to help with one last holiday task — recycling your live Christmas tree, a news release says. Starting [...]
	Standard Forwarding ceases operations The East Moline trucking company Standard Forwarding is closing this week.
	Diversity Service Center of Iowa has been serving local immigrants for nearly 25 years Over the years, the Muscatine-based non-profit has helped 214 families through the immigration process. That has impacted nearly 700 people across the region.
	Bettendorf middle schooler meets award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns Adrian Gillette's documentary on the only school book banning case to be heard by SCOTUS not only earned him national recognition but also a meeting with Ken Burns.
	Inmate found unresponsive in Clinton County Jail cell A male inmate was found unresponsive in the Clinton County Jail Sunday, according to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office.
	Clinton County inmate in hospital after being found unresponsive An inmate of the Clinton County Jail has been taken to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics after being found unresponsive in his cell Sunday afternoon.
	Standard Forwarding Freight suspending service An East Moline trucking company is suspending service and cutting its workforce. Standard Forwarding Freight made the announcement in a news release: Effective December 29, 2025, following a comprehensive strategic review of the business, Standard Forwarding Freight, LLC made the difficult but necessary decision to temporarily suspend its day-to-day operations and reduce its workforce. The [...]
	Inmate found unresponsive in Clinton County Jail A male inmate was found unresponsive in the Clinton County Jail Sunday, according to the Clinton County Sheriff’s Office.
	Celebrate Noon Year's Eve at the Family Museum Quad-City families can celebrate 2026 without staying up until midnight! Ally Sweeney joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about Noon Year's Eve at the Family Museum in Bettendorf. For more information, click here.
	Deputies: Man charged with assault of nurse, patient at rehabilitation center Des Moines County deputies said a Davenport man is charged with assault of a nurse and a patient at a rehabilitation center.
	Rock Island celebrates Kwanzaa with community gathering Dozens gathered at the Broadway Event Center in Rock Island to celebrate the beginning of Kwanzaa, a seven-day celebration of African roots.
	'Super flu' cases rising across US: What to know The "super flu" is a variant of influenza A H3N2 called subclade K. Historically, similar variants have caused more severe disease and taken longer to recover from.
	Judge declares two 2023 Davenport employee settlements unlawful, Speigel payment upheld A judge ruled that settlement agreements totaling nearly $300,000 between the City of Davenport and two former employees were unlawful.
	Bettendorf homeowners could get help with sewer lateral replacement costs under proposal Bettendorf homeowners may soon be able to seek relief with some expenses of replacing a sewer lateral under a proposed new policy the city council has said is a key priority for the coming year.
	Trump administration sues Illinois over state law limiting federal immigration actions The Trump administration filed a lawsuit seeking to nullify a new state law that allows Illinois residents to sue federal immigration agents who arrest them in or near courthouses or if they believe their constitutional rights were violated.
	River Action Bald Eagle Days booth teaches conservation Learn all about conservation and water stewardship at River Action’s interactive booth at Bald Eagle Days. Bald Eagle Days runs January 9 – 11 at the QCCA Expo Center, 2621 Fourth Avenue in Rock Island. The River Action booth will have hands-on activities that teach families, educators and nature enthusiasts about conservation, water stewardship and [...]
	Reports: East Moline-based trucking company ceasing operations Standard Forwarding Freight has been operating since 1934.
	FIFA president defends World Cup ticket prices, saying demand is hitting records The FIFA President addressed outrage over ticket prices for the World Cup by pointing to record demand and reiterating that most of the proceeds will help support soccer around the world.
	Special Election on Tuesday for state Senate District 16 could give Iowa GOP supermajority back Renee Hardman (D) and Lucas Loftin (R) are running for the seat left vacant when Sen. Claire Celsi died in October.
	Learn about surgical weight loss at UnityPoint Health A free community event from UnityPoint Health will help people learn more about surgical weight loss options. The “Bariatric Program Informational Event” will be on Thursday, Jan. 15 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. in the Jardine Auditorium at UnityPoint Health – Rock Island, 2701 17th Street. Participants will learn about the bariatric procedures offered at [...]
	Brissman Foundation awards $161,000 to 36 nonprofits Funding from the Grant W. Brissman and Virginia M. Brissman Foundation, administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation, is helping 36 nonprofits that work to improve the quality of life in Milan. The foundation is awarding $161,000 in grants to nonprofits ranging from food pantries to art and education programs. “This year’s grants reflect the [...]
	Win a brand new furnace this winter with WQAD and Northwest Mechanical! WQAD and Northwest Mechanical offer a chance to win a new furnace valued at $6,000. Enter by submitting a photo of your current furnace by February 1, 2026.
	Davenport man arrested; charged with escaping work release center A Davenport man is in the Scott County Jail after police say he escaped from a Work Release Center and destroyed a GPS monitor. On December 18 at about 5 p.m., a resident at the Work Release Center, identified as Ryan Scarbrough, 30, returned to the center after his job. A Residential Officer (RO) was [...]
	Illinois laws taking effect Jan. 1, 2026: What residents need to know Hundreds of new laws will take effect in Illinois at the start of the new year, with several focusing on public safety, health care access and modern workplace expectations.
	Clinton tree pickup starts Jan. 5 Clinton residents have a few more days to pack up the decorations on their live trees before disposal. Clinton Public Works will pick up live Christmas trees starting the week of January 5. Trees must have no stands, decorations, tinsel or bags. Trees should be placed in the same area where solid waste is collected. [...]
	From chess to a medical mystery: Great global reads from 2025 you may have missed We published hundreds of stories on global health and development each year. Some are ... alas ... a bit underappreciated by readers. We've asked our staff for their favorite overlooked posts of 2025.
	The U.S. offers Ukraine a 15-year security guarantee for now, Zelenskyy says Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Monday the United States is offering his country security guarantees for a period of 15 years as part of a proposed peace plan.
	Judge: Davenport ‘unlawfully’ gave settlements to former employees The district court ruling follows a year-long suit that accused the city of breaking Iowa’s open meetings laws when it approved the settlements without public disclosure.
	Slumberland donates 43 beds to Bethany for Children & Families Slumberland continued its holiday tradition of donating beds to Bethany for Children & Families.
	Resignation, hirings and transfers from Bettendorf School District for Dec. 11 The following personnel items are from the Dec. 11 agenda of the Bettendorf Community School District. The School Board met at the Administration Center, 3311 18th St., Bettendorf.
	Resignations, hirings and other personnel news from East Moline School District on Dec. 15 The following personnel items are from the Dec. 15 agenda of the East Moline District 37 Board of Education.
	START THE WEEK OFF RIGHT: Here's to 2026 In last month's article, we were bracing for a large snowstorm to hit at the time of writing. That Thanksgiving weekend snowfall equated to as much snow as we had all of last winter. It looked like a few months…
	Central Bank Illinois in Geneseo completes strategic trust acquisition Central Bank Illinois, Geneseo, announced the recent acquisition of a portion of the trust and investment management accounts previously administered by The Bank of Herrin.
	A Norwegian Jonah This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Had the famous Norwegian novelist and political orator, Bjornstjerne Bjornson, limited his American visit to the East…
	Genre fiction and female authors top U.S. libraries' most-borrowed lists in 2025 All of the top 10 books borrowed through the public library app Libby were written by women. And Kristin Hannah's The Women was the top checkout in many library systems around the country.
	Why do so many people ring in the new year on Jan. 1? Much of the world follows the Gregorian calendar, named after Pope Gregory XIII, who put the finishing touches on a Roman system that integrated ideas from other cultures.
	Electric vehicles had a bumpy road in 2025 — and one pleasant surprise A suite of pro-EV federal policies have been reversed. Well-known vehicles have been discontinued. Sales plummeted. But interest is holding steady.
	Teens are having disturbing interactions with chatbots. Here's how to lower the risks Teen use of AI chat bots is growing, and psychologists worry it's affecting their social development and mental health. Here's what parents should know to help kids use the technology safely.
	The Best Tiny Desk Concerts of 2025 Which Tiny Desk made an audio engineer question everything? Which one made a producer want to cry? Touch grass? Look back on the year in Tiny Desk, with the people who make them.
	A 'very aesthetic person,' President Trump says being a builder is his second job President Trump was a builder before he took office, but he has continued it as a hobby in the White House.
	Pipe bomb suspect told FBI he targeted U.S. political parties, memo says The man accused of placing two pipe bombs in Washington on the eve of Jan. 6, 2021 told investigators someone needed to "speak up" for people who believed the 2020 election was stolen, prosecutors said Sunday.
	Chinese military stages drills around Taiwan to warn 'external forces' The drills came after Beijing expressed anger at U.S. arms sales, and a statement by Japan's prime minister saying its military could get involved if China were to take action against Taiwan.
	Trump and Netanyahu to meet in Florida at a crucial moment for the Gaza ceasefire President Trump could use the face-to-face at his Mar-a-Lago estate to look for ways to speed up the peace process, as Israel's leader has been accused of not pushing his side to move fast enough.
	QCCA Flower & Garden Show set for March 13–15 in Rock Island The QCCA Flower & Garden Show returns March 13–15 at the QCCA Expo Center in Rock Island, featuring garden displays, vendors and live demonstrations.
Sunday, December 28th, 2025
	Local gyms prepare for New Year fitness goals Some people are easing back into workouts, while others are already planning a fresh start in the new year.
	Chef opens restaurant infusing Latin American flavor and culture A Mexican chef has opened up a restaurant in downtown Moline dedicated to the flavors and culture of Latin America.
	Up a Creek with a Paddle: “Marty Supreme,” “Song Sung Blue,” and “Anaconda” MARTY SUPREME
	An active night of weather to end the holiday weekend With the Christmas weekend coming to a close for tonight we are going to be seeing a night of active weather here in the Quad Cities. For starters, the wind, wind speeds are going to maintain their strength throughout the night at around 35 MPH with wind gusts reaching 50 MPH. These winds will still [...]
	Court rules $300K of two Davenport administrative staff payouts void, but former administrator's $1.6M stands A district court judge ruled that close to $300,000 in settlements paid by the city to two former City of Davenport administrative employees over claims of harassment were unlawfully agreed to by the then-city attorney before city council action.
	Judge: City of Davenport acted unlawfully in process of settlements of nearly $300,000 A judge has ruled that the City of Davenport violated Iowa law when it awarded large settlements to two employees, according to a ruling filed Dec. 23 in Scott County Court. Mike Meloy represents Dr. Allen L. Diercks, a Bettendorf man who owns property in Davenport. Earlier, Diercks filed a civil suit about the open [...]
	Icestravaganza back in Davenport The Downtown Davenport Partnership (DDP) is pleased to announce that Icestravaganza will be held January 16–18, 2026, at the Freight House in Downtown Davenport. “This year’s This is Iowa theme is a chance to celebrate the everyday things people across the state connect with. Our carvers take those familiar sparks of inspiration and turn them [...]
	'Bomb cyclone' forecasted to bring heavy snow, blizzard conditions and dangerous travel A 'bomb cyclone' is intensifying severe winter weather for millions of people across the U.S. The system is expected to knock out power and disrupt holiday travel.
	Lane reductions underway on Devils Glen Road in Bettendorf through Dec. 31 Traffic is reduced to one lane in each direction on Devils Glen Road in Bettendorf as crews work to replace a transmission pole through Dec. 31.
	Dry fall may lead Christmas tree farm to replant seedlings next spring Timber Lane Christmas Tree farm says they had a successful season with sales comparable to last year. They also reflected on the trends since COVID.
	Night to Shine Quad Cities seeks volunteers for February event Night to Shine Quad Cities is seeking volunteers ages 16 and older to serve as buddies for honor guests during the Feb. 13 prom-style event.
	Ag on 8: Illinois soybeans, Christmas tree season wrap-up Illinois names the soybean its official state bean as local Christmas tree farmers reflect on sales, dry weather impacts and what comes next.
	Russia sends 3 Iranian satellites into orbit, report says The report said that a Russian rocket sent the satellites on Sunday from a launchpad in eastern Russia.
	Is it too late to get a flu shot against the 'super' K variant? Much of the concern this flu season is coming from the spread of subclade K, a subtype of influenza A. Similar subtypes have historically caused more hospitalizations and deaths than other strains.
	Resignations, hirings from United Township School District in December See the following personnel items are from the Dec. 8 agenda of the United Township Board of Education in East Moline.
	North Scott School District resignations, hirings and other personnel news for Dec. 15 The following personnel items are from the Dec. 15 agenda of the North Scott School District. The School Board met at Administration Office.
	Pleasant Valley School District resignations, hirings from Dec. 15 The following personnel items are from the Dec. 15 agenda of the Pleasant Valley School District. The School Board met at Belmont Administration Center at 525 Belmont Rd., Riverdale, Iowa.
	Rock Island community gathers to celebrate Kwanzaa Music, reflection and a shared meal brought the community together in Rock Island to celebrate Kwanzaa and honor African heritage, unity and purpose.
	MARK-TO-MARKET: Americans state their 2026 New Year’s resolutions For many Americans, the new year brings forth a set of New Year’s resolutions. It’s a clean slate to accomplish those goals and ambitions we want to achieve. It’s a chance to make ourselves, or our current situation, just a…
	Viral global TikToks: A twist on soccer, Tanzania's Charlie Chaplin, hope in Gaza TikToks are everywhere (well, except countries like Australia and India, where they've been banned.) We talk to the creators of some of the year's most popular reels from the Global South.
	Twin State Technical Services wins Gold and Silver at the 2025 W3 Awards The Davenport-based technology firm earned Gold for the Bettendorf Public Library website and Silver for Revive and The Group Med Spa at the W3 Awards.
	Quad Cities nonprofit Tudi's Tribe hosts final wine tasting fundraiser after 25 years Tudi’s Tribe held its last annual wine tasting, raising funds for children with cancer and their families after 25 years of community support.
	Quad City Area REALTORS celebrates excellence and leadership with annual Holiday Party Quad City Area REALTORS celebrated excellence and leadership at its annual holiday party and installation dinner.
	Quad Cities nonprofit Tudi's Tribe hosts final wine tasting fundraiser after 25 years Tudi’s Tribe held its last annual wine tasting, raising funds for children with cancer and their families after 25 years of community support.
	Illinois high schools leaving everything on the hardwood in weekend matchups Erie and Prophetstown were full of basketball this weekend as eight high schools -- Fulton, Kewanee, West Carroll, Orion and others faced off.
	YWCA celebrating 109 years of service in Rock Island The YWCA in Rock Island officially opened its doors on Jan. 1, 1917, welcoming 731 flagship members.
	This painting is missing. Do you have it? An important work from a rediscovered artist has been absent from public view since the 1970s. A New York curator is hunting for it.
	'I think of her often': Paroled from a life sentence, Davenport man lives without Christmas As a teenager Jason Means took part in a murder. Now he lives in his car and the legacy of his actions.
	Rock Island and Henry County real estate transactions for Dec. 28, 2025 Here are homes sales and property sales in Rock Island County and Henry County.
	The Wisconsin Bible This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.I might still be under the illusion that Mrs. O'Leary's cow kicked over a lantern and started the great Chicago fire of…
	Memory loss: As AI gobbles up chips, prices for devices may rise Demand for memory chips currently exceeds supply and there's very little chance of that changing any time soon. More chips for AI means less available for other products such as computers and phones and that could drive up those prices too.
	Brigitte Bardot, sex goddess of cinema, has died Legendary screen siren and animal rights activist Brigitte Bardot has died at age 91. The alluring former model starred in numerous movies, often playing the highly sexualized love interest.
	What's ahead as Affordable Care Act subsidies expire? As a risk of another government shutdown and a January 30 spending deadline loom, lawmakers work to see if they can address spiking health care premiums. Our Quad Cities News correspondent Chad Pergram reports what could be ahead as Affordable Care Act subsidies expire.
	Zelenskyy to meet with Trump as efforts to end Russia-Ukraine war remain elusive In the days before the meeting, Russia has intensified its attacks on Ukraine's capital, using missiles and drones to attack Kyiv and try to increase the pressure on Zelenskyy.
	How much money will the $1.8B Powerball winner actually bring home? The headline jackpot rarely reflects what a lottery winner ultimately keeps.

Monday, December 29th, 2025

Sunday, December 28th, 2025