Friday, October 30th, 2026 | |
| Rock Island-Milan School District announces highest graduation rate in 5 yearsThe district's four-year graduation rate reached 83.7% in 2026, up from 79.5% in 2021. |
| Two charged, one wanted in Muscatine County sex offender compliance sweepTwo people were charged, three are being investigated and one is wanted after the Muscatine County Sheriff’s Office conducted a sex offender compliance sweep. |
| Illinois Report Card shows improvements in QC schoolsThe 2025-2026 Illinois Report Card has been released and shows improvements for some Quad City schools. The Report Card provides a snapshot of school performance data from the 2025–2026 school year. The full RIMSD #41 Report Card is available here. Click here for school performance data for other districts in Illinois. Rock Island–Milan School District [...] |
| John Deere to hire 400 more employees and call back 275 workers to WaterlooJohn Deere will hire more than 400 people across its factories, the company announced Friday. |
| How daylight saving time changes affect you and what you can do about itDaylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, giving Americans an extra hour of sleep as health experts and lawmakers debate ending the ritual. |
| ICE activity is surging ahead of midterms. So is voter turnout.Across the country, there are reports of heightened ICE activity. Advocates worry about how close it is to midterms, but so far voter turnout is surging. |
| Applications open for energy assistance programsAs colder weather approaches, energy assistance is available to help offset winter heating costs. The federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides funding to assist eligible households with home energy expenses. Illinois LIHEAP To apply, Illinois residents in Rock Island, Mercer and Henry counties can contact Project NOW at 309-793-6391. Residents can also call [...] |
| UPDATE: Driver hospitalized after car flips on to railroad tracksA driver was hospitalized Thursday after a rollover crash landed a vehicle on railroad tracks in Davenport. |
| Rockridge volunteer softball coach resigns after student's allegation of inappropriate contactA Rockridge volunteer softball coach has resigned following a student's allegation. As of Friday morning, no arrests or charges had been reported in connection with the case. |
| Tourism brings $1.35 billion to Quad Cities economy despite decline in visitsThe latest figures from Visit Quad Cities show that in FY 2026, 5.7 million visitors came to the region, resulting in $53 million in direct economic impact. |
| John Deere hiring 400 workers, recalling 275 more at Iowa, Midwest facilitiesWith the latest recalls, all employees previously laid off in the Quad Cities, Waterloo, Ottumwa and Dubuque have been asked to return to work, Deere said. |
| Retirements, hirings and personnel news from Rock Island-Milan School District from Sept. 22The following personnel items are from the Sept. 22 agenda of the Rock Island-Milan School District. |
| One dead in early morning East Moline fireOne person is dead after a fire in rural East Moline early this morning, according to a news release from the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies with the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office and multiple fire agencies responded to a report of a residential fire in the 190000 block of Hubbard Road in East [...] |
| John Deere adding 400 new jobs, announces callbacksJohn Deere officials on Friday announced that the company will be hiring 400 new workers across its factories. |
| Halloween screenings, stage shows set for spooky weekend in the Quad CitiesFrom “Rocky Horror” to “Halloween,” theaters across the Quad Cities are offering horror films and live performances this weekend. |
| Early voting sets midterms record, breaking 2022 markFour Iowa nursing homes have been cited recently for alleged resident injuries or abuse, with one of the cases resulting in a resident’s death, state records show. |
| Driver hospitalized after vehicle rolls upside down onto Davenport railroad tracksRailroad traffic in Davenport was stopped for around three hours on Thursday afternoon after a vehicle rolled upside down onto the tracks near East River Drive and Forest Road. |
| Bettendorf Public Library hosting item appraisal eventFind out if an old, small item at home is valuable at an event at the Bettendorf Public Library, 2950 Learning Campus Drive. The library will host Antique Adventures with Alex Curran of QC Coin on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 1 – 3 p.m. Participants who register in advance can bring one small item for [...] |
| Quad City Storm hosts Halloween-themed mystery nightThe Quad City Storm kicks off a weekend of Halloween-themed games with QC Who-Dun-It Night, where fans can solve a mystery during the game. |
| Trump’s Iowa rally is back on for SundayA statement from the White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump will visit Dubuque this weekend. |
| Local cities share Halloween trick-or-treat hoursWith Halloween less than a day away, communities across the Quad Cities are reminding families of local trick-or-treat hours. |
| Blackhawk College hosts wheelchair basketball community game nightCommunity members formed their own teams, and people of all ages got involved. All proceeds from the event are going to the Q-C-A Adaptive Sports Association. |
| Mississippi Valley Fair announces 2027 lineupThe Mississippi Valley Fair announced its lineup for summer 2027. |
| NPR special: 5 takeaways from a year of listening to swing votersEvery election, there is a crucial sliver of voters who help determine which candidates win. Here are five takeaways from a year of listening to voters who backed Biden in 2020 and then Trump in 2024. |
| Groundbreaking ceremony for The Venue at Sheridan MeadowsThe Eldridge-North Scott Chamber of Commerce will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for The Venue at Sheridan Meadows. |
| Trump’s Dubuque rally is back on for SundayA statement from the White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump will visit Dubuque this weekend. |
| 2027 Mississippi Valley Fair Grand Stand performance lineup announcedThe 2027 fair runs Aug. 3-8. |
| Trees planted at West Lake Park to help restore tree canopyThirty trees were planted at West Lake Park in Davenport to help restore the park's tree canopy. Trees Forever partnered with volunteers to diversify the tree population. The move is to replace trees lost by the 2020 derecho, historic flooding and Emerald Ash Borer. New trees include oaks, sycamores, hackberries and hickories to help reduce [...] |
| Deere calling back, hiring hundreds of employees across facilitiesJohn Deere is calling back employees and hiring hundreds more across several facilities, according to a company news release. Deere expects to hire over 400 people across its factories and call back over 275 more employees to its Waterloo operations over the next few months. This will bring total callbacks to about 1,000 employees since [...] |
| 'La Bola Negra' falls short of its maximalist ambitionsThe new Spanish drama seeks to be a queer-cinema monument for the ages, weaving together three stories about gay men living through times of Fascism and freedom. |
| Moline native Kevin McAdams named Vice Chairman of National Chicken CouncilKevin McAdams, Chief Executive Officer and President of Perdue Farms, has been named the Vice-Chairman of the National Chicken Council. The Moline native joined Perdue Farms in July 2022 as President of Perdue Foods and Chief Operating Officer of Perdue Farms. He was appointed CEO in July 2023, becoming only the fifth CEO in the [...] |
| Man found dead after rural East Moline house fireA man was found dead inside a home after an early-morning fire in rural East Moline. Multiple agencies are investigating the cause. |
| 1 man dead after house fire in rural East MolineA man was found dead inside a home after an early morning fire in rural East Moline. Multiple agencies are investigating the cause. |
| Man dead after residential fire in East Moline, authorities sayA man was found dead inside a residential fire in East Moline early Friday morning. Authorities said his name will be released after the family is notified. |
| New features coming to Niabi Zoo next seasonA splash pad, dinosaur dig and outdoor classroom are under construction during the off season. |
| Blockchain intelligence firms link North Korea to $6.3B hack on BinanceThe world's biggest cryptocurrency exchange reported Thursday that approximately $6.3 billion was impacted in an apparent hack. |
| One man sentenced in shooting case, another enters guilty pleaOne man was sentenced in a July 2025 Davenport shooting case and another has entered a guilty plea in connection with the shooting. |
| Why is the Cheesecake Factory at the center of the latest culture war?A joke by former President Obama has gone viral and received backlash from the Trump administration as the issue of affordability looms large over next week's midterm elections. |
| RNC sues Black Hawk County Auditor over voting machine recordsThe Republican National Committee (RNC) has sued the Black Hawk County Auditor over its voting machine records. |
| Durbin honored for decades of support for Rock Island Arsenal during ASTRO tourWhat seemed impossible 30 years ago is becoming reality in defense manufacturing. Durbin toured a Moline facility advancing technologies that could transform the industry. |
| Modern Woodmen partners with Wreaths Across AmericaThis month, national nonprofit Wreaths Across America (WAA) announced that Modern Woodmen of America has renewed its commitment as a national Patriot Partner for the second consecutive year, continuing its support of the organization’s yearlong Remember, Honor, Teach mission, a news release says. This year, Modern Woodmen has committed $420,000 in sponsorship support across 37 [...] |
| Gray Matters Collective hosts free QCA mental-health workshopThe Gray Matters Collective will host a free mental-health advocacy workshop from 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 2136 Brady St., Davenport. The event is free and open to the public, but participants are asked to register here. The workshop is hands-on. Participants will practice mental-health advocacy skills, learn about resources [...] |
| Binance flags 'potential security issue,' says approximately $6.3 billion impactedIt wasn't immediately clear the extent of the damage hackers might have been able to cause, and Binance had not explicitly confirmed that funds had been pilfered. The company said its teams are "working around the clock" to resolve the issue. |
| East Moline's 15th Avenue transformation celebrated with ribbon-cutting"This is about more than a new street; it's about creating a place where people want to shop, dine, gather and enjoy everything East Moline has to offer," Mayor Reggie Freeman said. |
| Resignations, hirings from United Township School District board meeting on Oct. 19See the following personnel items from the Oct. 19 agenda of the United Township Board of Education in East Moline. |
| Resignations, hirings, athletic assignments, and other Moline School District personnel news from Oct. 12See the personnel items from the Oct. 12 agenda of the Moline-Coal Valley School District. The board met at the Moline Education Center. |
| Quad City Music Guild will present 'Disney's Frozen'Quad City Music Guild will present "Disney's Frozen: The Broadway Musical" Nov. 13-22 at Quad City Music Guild Theater, 1584 34th Ave., Moline. Performance dates will be Nov. 13-15 and 20-22. Curtain will be 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday. The production is rated PG. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for [...] |
| Firefighters battle early morning house fireFirefighters were called to the 19000 block of Hubbard Rd. in East Moline just before 3:30 a.m. Friday for a report of a structure fire. |
| Muscatine is HeavenThis is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Those baseball players who momentarily confused Iowa with Heaven in the movie, A Field of Dreams, were not the first to… |
| Candy prices got you scared stiff? What to know about the cost of Halloween this yearPrices for candy, the most popular Halloween purchase, and gum have risen 7.7% in one year and are up more than 18% in two years, according to the latest federal data. |
| Richard O'Brien's 'The Rocky Horror Show': Tiny Desk ConcertWhen you welcome The Rocky Horror Show to the Tiny Desk, it's only fitting to fill the audience with Frank-N-Furters, Magentas, Eddies, Riff Raffs, Brads, Janets, and various other creatures of the night. |
| Trump's VA killed a home loan program. Thousands of veterans are paying the priceAn NPR investigation finds that more than 15,000 military veterans were put into much-higher-cost home loans after the Trump administration cut a key program. Many now pay $1,000 more per month. |
| For voters from immigrant families and new citizens, voting is bigger than themselvesWhile many young voters are focused on the cost of living in the election, for some from immigrant families, the political calculation — and their votes — is often about even more than the economy. |
| 'Affordability? For who?' Voters decide between helping homeowners or public servicesCandidates across the U.S. have paid lip service to affordability issues. In Florida, the question of how to save voters money, and at what cost, is literally on the ballot. |
| Israel is in a political deadlock. What comes next?Israel's consequential election has ended in a deadlock, with neither side able to claim a majority, What happens now? |
Thursday, October 29th, 2026 | |
| Kewanee wins first volleyball Regional title in 25 yearsKewanee volleyball won in thrilling fashion against Mercer County 2-1 to take home its first Regional title in 25 years. |
| Moline falls in Regional ChampionshipMoline volleyball fell to Minooka 2-0 in the regional championship. |
| Makenna Koffee Company coming to MolineThe chain first came to the Quad Cities last December when it opened a store in Davenport. |
| New features coming to Niabi Zoo next yearA splash pad, dinosaur dig and outdoor classroom are under construction during the off season. |
| 8-year-old boy battling cancer surprised with trip to Disney thanks to Tudi's TribeHugh was diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma in 2023. |
| New youth-led QC documentary offers new perspective on riverA thought-provoking new documentary on the Mississippi River is the result of hard work and dedication of young women in the Quad Cities and beyond. |
| Illinois invests $156 million for affordable housingIllinois is investing $156 million in an affordable housing program. Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) announced a $156 million investment for the Building Up Illinois Developments (BUILD) plan. Support goes to programs that increase the housing supply and make home ownership more attainable, like forgivable down payments and closing costs [...] |
| Durbin, Sorensen tour growing Moline defense contractorA growing Moline-based company was the focus of a tour Thursday, Oct. 29 for U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and U.S. Rep. Eric Sorensen (D-Moline). |
| Visit Quad Cities hosts annual Destination QC! event; names award recipientsVisit Quad Cities hosted its annual Destination QC! event on Thursday, Oct. 29, at Rhythm City Casino Resort, a news release says. The event brought together community leaders, tourism partners, and Quad Citizens to celebrate tourism and explore what makes a destination successful. Discussions highlighted tourism’s role in supporting economic vitality, local jobs, quality of [...] |
| 2 charged, 1 wanted after Muscatine County sex offender sweepTwo people were charged, and one is wanted after a sex offender compliance sweep in Muscatine County. |
| Justice Department issues subpoenas to California election workersGrand jury subpoenas sent to election workers in Los Angeles come amid escalating tensions between the Trump administration and California election officials over the state's voter rolls. |
| East Moline celebrates opening of revitalized Main StreetAfter over a year of construction, the Main Street of East Moline has reopened with its many upgrades. "Look at the roadways, look at the tiles, look at the ... you know, you just look down and all the plants. it just looks good, the lights, so forth," said East Moline Mayor Reggie Freeman. "It [...] |
| Robert Deitch will bring songs shaped by small-town life to Bishop Hill concertIowa Americana songwriter Robert Deitch will perform Sunday, Nov. 1, at Bishop Hill Creative Commons, 309 N. Bishop Hill St., bringing songs shaped by small-town life and a career that began far from the stage, a news release says. The concert starts at 7 p.m. Claudia Coltrain will join Deitch, providing harmonies and instrumental support. [...] |
| Four Iowa nursing homes cited for alleged resident injuries or abuseFour Iowa nursing homes have been cited recently for alleged resident injuries or abuse, with one of the cases resulting in a resident’s death, state records show. |
| Barrel & Brew Fest returns to LeClaire for second year of local beer, spirits and foodThe annual event will be on Friday, Nov. 20, at the Mississippi River Distilling Company Celebration Center in LeClaire. |
| AAA advises drivers about daylight saving timeAs the transition from daylight saving time to standard time approaches, AAA Tidewater warns drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians to exercise extra caution due to reduced visibility and potential fatigue. |
| Reynolds pauses driver regulations to improve fuel transportation in IowaGov. Kim Reynolds announced Thursday a temporary suspension of regulations on the number of hours that drivers carrying fuel, diesel and biofuels within the state of Iowa can operate. |
| Davenport to reshape Goose Creek banks, add trails and signsThe city of Davenport plans to begin work Nov. 30 to reshape the banks of Goose Creek, address erosion and make the water more accessible. |
| Local 5 Election Preview SpecialLocal 5 breaks down everything Iowa voters need to know about the midterm ballot before Election Day on Nov. 3. The polls will be open 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. |
| Great River Road gets $380,000 federal grant for new website, navigation appThe Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC) has received a grant from the Federal Highway Administration to create a navigational app, a new website and other marketing materials for the Great River Road All-American Road, which follows the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles through 10 states, from northern Minnesota to southern Louisiana. The grant, which was [...] |
| Three-peat: Bettendorf High School yearbook earns another statewide honorThe Iowa High School Press Association named the Bettendorf yearbook the best in Iowa for the third year in a row. Why the students behind it are so passionate: |
| East Moline cuts the ribbon on 15th Avenue's multi-million-dollar renovationsThe city said the $33 million investment aims to make downtown more accessible and better serve business owners. |
| November is Epilepsy Awareness Month: How a local nonprofit is making a differenceYou're invited to The Rock in Coal Valley on Saturday, Nov. 7 for a music bingo night. Proceeds will pay for epilepsy trainings in local businesses and schools. |
| Two people injured in alleged Silvis hit-and-runTwo pedestrians were taken to a hospital after they were struck in an alleged hit-and-run crash in Silvis. Further details about their conditions were not available Thursday night. |
| Wisconsin man sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for trafficking fentanyl in BettendorfA Wisconsin man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison after he was caught trafficking in fentanyl in Bettendorf. |
| Trump cancels rally in DubuquePresident Donald Trump on Thursday canceled weekend rallies in Iowa and Kansas, opting instead to support Republican candidates with tele-rallies that his party said could reach more voters in nearly two dozen states in the final days of a midterm election that could cost the GOP control of Congress. The president traveled to South Carolina [...] |
| Jamie Shoemaker aims to make history as Rock Island County sheriffRock Island county voters will choose a new sheriff in next week’s general election. |
| Do the fall colors look less vibrant this year? There’s a reason for thatRecent rainfall and warm temps have slowed the seasonal transition overhead while extending late blooms in local gardens. |
| Clinton police chief transitions to city administrator roleClinton Police Chief Kevin Gyrion will become the city's administrator on Nov. 1 after more than 40 years in law enforcement. Two former police chiefs share advice. |
| 8-year-old boy battling cancer surprised with trip to Disney World8-year-old Hugh Harvey and his family are headed to Orlando thanks to Tudi's Tribe, a local nonprofit. |
| On Iowa Politics Podcast: 2026 Election Preview EditionThis week on the podcast, the On Iowa Politics team previews the Nov. 3 general election. |
| Sand urges supporters to turn out voters five days before Election DayDemocratic gubernatorial candidate Rob Sand and his running mate, Dave Muhlbauer, are urging supporters to help get other voters to the polls five days before Election Day. |
| Trump’s Dubuque rally cancelledPresident Donald Trump will no longer visit Dubuque on Sunday. |
| PHOTOS: Mercyhealth nurse continues Halloween costume tradition for NICU babiesFor the past decade, a nurse at Mercyhealth’s Javon Bea Hospital-Riverside has ensured babies born premature and their parents don’t miss out on their first Halloween together. |
| Alaska's all-important Senate race is roiled by a report on alleged spoiler candidateNew reporting alleging Democratic efforts to prop up a spoiler candidate has roiled Alaska's all-important U.S. Senate race. |
| Rippey students recognized in Greene County 165 years after Civil War sacrificeIn 1861, 32 high school students and two teachers in Rippey, Iowa, left their school to enlist in the Union Army. Present-day high school students in Greene County led an effort to remember the soldiers’ story. |
| IL plan could create tax credits for independent grocery stores, pharmaciesLawmakers and business leaders hope to encourage investment and help sustain access to essential goods and services. |
| Bettendorf yearbook earns state’s top honor for third straight yearBettendorf High School’s yearbook was named Iowa’s Yearbook of the Year for a third consecutive year and earned 26 individual awards. |
| Fourth Street reopens to two-way traffic in downtown DavenportTwo-way traffic has returned to Fourth Street in downtown Davenport, with the stretch between Harrison Street and River Drive now fully open. |
| Moline Fire Department offering free smoke alarms with 10-year batteriesMoline residents can call the fire department of fill out a form on the city's website to receive one. |
| Annual Epilepsy Advocacy Network BINGO Night set for Saturday, Nov. 7The Epilepsy Advocacy Network's annual BINGO night is set for Saturday, Nov. 7. |
| Silvis hit-and-run injures 2 pedestrians63-year-old Patrick Meyer has been charged with aggravated driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license and leaving the scene of an accident. |
| Gov. Reynolds issues Medicaid Fraud Elimination Task Force final reportGovernor Kim Reynolds has released a final report from the Medicaid Fraud Elimination Task Force after establishing the task force earlier this year by executive order. |
| Crime Stoppers: Man wanted by Iowa Department of Corrections for probation violations, theftTony Martinez Jr. is wanted by the Iowa Department of Corrections 7th District High Risk Unit for probation violations and third-degree theft. |
| East Moline man arrested after hit-and-run crash involving two pedestriansAn East Moline driver was in custody Thursday after police say he struck two pedestrians and hit a building, according to a news release from the Silvis Police Department. On Thursday, Oct. 29, Silvis police responded to the area of the 1300 block of John Deere Road for a report of a hit-and-run crash involving [...] |