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

Saturday, December 27th, 2025
	Muscatine Fire Department urges battery safety during holiday season Muscatine Fire Department is urging residents to practice lithium-ion battery safety as holiday shoppers buy more devices powered by rechargeable batteries.
	Sterling police squad car involved in Christmas Day crash A Sterling Police squad car was involved in a crash on Christmas Day, sending the occupants of both vehicles to CGH with non-life-threatening injuries.
	Davenport firefighters extinguish weekend deck fire Davenport firefighters quickly put out a deck fire at a Middle Road home Saturday morning. No injuries were reported, and the cause remains under investigation.
	Looking back at our most-read stories of the year From covering the local impact of state and national politics to highlighting hard work and determination in our community, it's been a busy year at WQAD News 8.
	Disability rights advocate Bob Kafka dead at 79 Bob Kafka was an organizer with ADAPT (American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today), a group which advocates for policy change to support people with disabilities.
	'It's behind you!' How Britain goes wild for pantomimes during the holidays Pantomimes are plays based on a well-known story — often a fairy tale — which are given a bawdy twist. The audience is expected to join in throughout, shouting as loudly as they can.
	Sterling police vehicle involved in Christmas Day traffic accident, police say A Sterling Police squad car was involved in a traffic accident, according to police.
	Fire crews respond to house fire on Middle Road Davenport fire crews responded to a house fire Saturday morning.
	Kennedy Center vows to sue musician who canceled performance over Trump name change The Kennedy Center is planning legal action after jazz musician Chuck Redd canceled an annual holiday concert. Redd pulled out after President Trump's name appeared on the building.
	These are Americans' top New Year's resolutions for 2026: Survey Americans’ top New Year's resolution is to exercise more, according to a new survey.
	Cause of Davenport house fire under investigation No one was injured in a house fire that remained under investigation Saturday morning. Shortly after 7 a.m. Saturday, Davenport firefighters responded to a report of a house fire on the 3300 block of Middle Road, according to a news release from the Davenport Fire Department The first fire units arrived on scene at 7:12 [...]
	How can I help lower utility bills this winter? Every year people brace for their credit card statements after holiday shopping, but there's another hefty cost that creeps up on us during the colder months – the utility bill.
	Illinois' Clean Slate Act to help give second chances A new law in Illinois promises a fresh start for those trying to build a new life after being convicted of a crime. Advocates behind the Clean Slate Act (HB1836) say one of the biggest barriers to rehabilitation is reintegration. Criminal records can keep someone post-conviction from getting a second chance. The new law will [...]
	Our top global photo stories from 2025: Fearless women, solo polar bear, healing soups These stunning photos include a polar bear in a Chinese zoo, a teen in Zambia facing an uncertain future, Mongolian kids watching TV in a tent, a chef prepping a bowl of good-for-you soup.
	City of Rock Island offers free Christmas tree collection for residents The City of Rock Island will offer free Christmas tree collection from Jan. 5, 2026, throughJan. 16, a news release says. Christmas trees should be placed at the normal garbage set out point on the resident’s garbage collection day. Christmas ornaments, lights, and stands must be removed from the tree. Trees must be placedat least [...]
	Post-holiday recycling availability and information From piles of wrapping paper to old Christmas trees and lights, here's a look at what can be recycled, what can't and where to take your post-holiday waste.
	Memories of Muscatine: A Christmas and New Year cigar lid This week for Memories of Muscatine: The interior of a cigar lid decorated for Christmas and the New Year.
	How much are local elected officials paid in the Illinois Quad-Cities? While school board officials volunteer in Illinois, city and county elected officials are paid.
	How much are Iowa Quad-Cities elected officials paid? As city elected officials take office in January, the Quad-City Times looked into how much they will be compensated.
	ADHD drugs may work indirectly to boost attention Drugs like Adderall and Ritalin appear to help children with ADHD by activating brain areas involved in alertness and motivation.
	Marguerite Brooks This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Miss Marguerite Brooks was fortunate to have been seven years old in 1903. Not many Moline doctors nowadays would give…
	Russia attacks Kyiv, killing 1 and wounding many ahead of Ukraine-US talks Russia attacked Ukraine's capital with missiles and drones early Saturday morning, killing one and wounding over 20 people a day before talks between Ukraine and the U.S., local authorities said.
	Myanmar is set to hold phased elections. Here's why they're being called a 'sham' Myanmar's military rulers are holding a general election in phases starting Dec. 28 amid the country's civil war. The head of the U.N. says the vote will be anything but free and fair.
	Cars towed from early-morning crash in downtown Davenport Two cars were towed from the scene after an early-morning crash Saturday in downtown Davenport. Our Quad Cities News crew saw the aftermath of the crash on 3rd and Scott streets shortly after 1 a.m. For a time, police closed 3rd Street between Western Avenue and Ripley Street. A bystander told our crew it appeared [...]
	Thailand and Cambodia sign new ceasefire agreement to end border fighting In addition to ending fighting, the agreement calls for no further military movements by either side and no violations of either side's airspace for military purposes.
Friday, December 26th, 2025
	Preliminary timeline laid out for Route 30 construction A preliminary timeline has been laid out for work on highway 30 in Morrison, Illinois.
	Muscatine’s Towhead Island dedicated to youth education and conservation Muscatine’s Community Foundation is dedicating the 129 acres of Towhead Island to youth in the area.
	Quad Cities shoppers flood stores for post-Christmas deals and returns Quad Cities store parking lots were full and checkout lines were long Friday as the post-Christmas shopping rush began.
	Man charged for allegedly secretly filming child undressing A Clinton man is facing multiple charges after he allegedly took videos of an 11-year-old girl in various stages of undress through a peephole and under door frame, police said.
	What lies below: Caves and tunnels under the Quad-Cities Throughout the Quad-Cities, coal and limestone mining were necessary and profitable operations in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
	Drivers take note: Iowa's Hands-Free Law begins January 1 Beginning New Year's Day, drivers in Iowa will have to remember a new law aimed at distracted driving on roadways across the state. Starting January 1, Iowa's Hands-Free Law goes fully into effect. Gov. Kim Reynolds signed the bill (SF 22) into law on April 2, with an initial warning period through December 31. The [...]
	Rock Island man sentenced to 15 years in prison for sexually assaulting woman A Rock Island man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison after being found guilty of sexually assaulting a woman almost two years ago.
	QCA's 'Coach Nate' battles cancer one takedown at a time The middle of September 2023 was supposed to be a great life landmark for Nate Fenton-Murray. It had been six months since he was diagnosed with colon cancer, but he was now cancer free. That Sunday, Fenton-Murray was celebrating a gender reveal for his daughter with his wife and their loved ones. The next day, [...]
	Mild for now, below 0° wind chills coming Monday morning After some mild weather to start the weekend, we're looking at MAJOR changes by Sunday night and Monday morning. In fact, we'll go from highs in the 50s to below 0° wind chills by Monday morning! There's a slim chance for some wet snow too, as rain comes to an end Sunday evening. The cold [...]
	QCA student appointed to West Point Senator Chuck Grassley recently announced the students he would be appointing to the nation’s military academies. One of them, Kamryn Wolkenhauer of Danville, Iowa, spoke with Our Quad Cities News via Zoom to explain why he chose to apply to West Point and what he hopes to do after he graduates. A close family member [...]
	New laws: Illinois expands job-protected leave for parents with newborns in NICU Illinois workers with a newborn in a neonatal intensive care unit will soon have additional access to job-protected, unpaid leave.
	Report crashes directly to Iowa DOT with new app feature You can choose from three main categories - traffic (like crashes or standstill traffic), road hazards (potholes or debris), and flooding.
	‘Super flu’ variant on the rise across QCA and US Ahead of the holiday tourist rush, city health officials in New York City reported nearly 14,000 flu cases in the first week of December.
	Your holiday gift returns might go to a landfill. Here's what you can do about it Roughly a third of the time, returns don't make their way to another consumer. Because frequently, it's not worth reselling.
	Davenport woman arrested, charged with accessory after the fact, witness tampering in 2024 sexual assault A woman from Davenport is in the Scott County Jail after police said she helped plan a second-degree sexual assault in the city and tried to tamper with a witness in the case in 2024. Criminal complaints filed in the case said the defendant, identified as Salyn Tharp-Sun, 29, conspired with others to commit a [...]
	Returning a gift? That might cost you The adage that “nothing’s free” is becoming more accurate when talking about returning merchandise.
	Boy sends 600 holiday cards, nearly 4,000 treats to dad’s National Guard unit in Syria Oliver Young hasn’t seen his dad, Sergeant First Class Robert Young, in seven months - that’s when his National Guard unit was deployed to Syria.
	Severe weather hits the Quad Cities \| 2025 Year in Review Heavy rain, strong winds and even sweltering heat have hit the Midwest in 2025, and we're taking a look back at some of our weather coverage.
	Top Instagram reels from Goats and Soda in 2025: Plumpy'Nut, aid cuts, soccer grannies Our most-viewed Instagram videos include reports from a Rhode Island factory that makes special food for malnourished children and from a tournament for soccer-playing "grannies."
	Warm for two more days before winter returns December started out very cold and snowy and it'll end on a cold note. Our current warm weather will come to an end. Saturday looks quiet and warm, but a big change comes Sunday with colder air, rain, and then snow. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	Clinton County will recycle natural Christmas trees at no cost to Clinton County residents The Clinton County Area Solid Waste Agency will once again accept individual real or natural Christmas trees for no cost to Clinton County residents, a news release says. Businesses and out-of-county residents may not utilize this service for free. Christmas trees can be brought to CCASWA, 4292 220th St., rural Clinton, starting Friday, Dec. 26. County residents can [...]
	The Heart of the Story: Restoration & friendship Our Quad Cities News is partnering with award-winning journalist Gary Metivier for The Heart of the Story. Each week, Gary showcases inspiring stories of everyday people doing cool stuff, enjoying their hobbies, and living life to the fullest. Stories that feature the best of the human condition. In a full circle moment of restoration and [...]
	Families can celebrate 'Noon Year's Eve' at Muscatine Art Centers A beloved family tradition returns this holiday season as the Muscatine Art Center invites the community to ring in 2026 just a little early during the annual Noon Year’s Eve Celebration from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Hy-Vee is the sponsor of this free event open to all ages. Guests are [...]
	Weekend Rundown with WLLR \| Dec. 26, 2025 There are many family-friendly events going on this weekend, and we've brought in Dani Howe from WLLR to break it down.
	Is holiday travel bringing an increase in QCA tourism? With many traveling to spend the holidays with family and friends, there's hope for an increase in tourism around the QCA. Our Quad Cities News reporter Riley Hemmer takes us to the Quad Cities International Airport for a busy holiday season.
	Salmonella cases linked to raw oysters in 22 states, including Illinois There's not a recall and the Centers for Disease Control said raw oysters can lead to illness any time of the year.
	Bishop Hill community celebrates Christmas, honors Swedish heritage with Julotta More than 150 people braved the fog to attend the early morning Christmas ceremony.
	'The Rest of Our Lives' takes readers on a midlife crisis road trip America's literary highways may be plenty crowded with middle-aged runaways fleeing lives that increasingly feel like a bad fit. But Ben Markovits adds a moving tale to the collection.
	Cancer Support Community Iowa and NW Illinois launches new post-treatment connect support group Cancer Support Community Iowa and NW Illinois at Gilda’s Club is launching a new and free support group.
	Gift-wrap material 'waste' high? Here's how, and what, to recycle in the Quad Cities Because of holiday gift giving and the numerous celebrations and special events that occur during this time of the year, consumers will generate a large amount of waste, much of which can be recycled, a news release says. Quad City residents are encouraged to take a closer look at their waste to see if the [...]
	Hunker down with these 13 mysteries and thrillers from 2025 Mysteries and thrillers are enjoyable no matter the season, but there's something extra satisfying about curling up in the winter with a warm drink and an all-engrossing read. Here's what we suggest.
	Some students are chronically not at school; here's what Quad-Cities districts are doing The Quad-Cities saw higher numbers of student absences during the pandemic. Here's what advocates and officials are saying about it now.
	Tips from consumer experts on stress-free holiday returns Each holiday season, the majority of consumers make at least one return, the BBB said.
	Crossroads or Heartland? This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Even before becoming a state in 1818, Illinois was caught on the horns of a dilemma: should she advertise herself as…
	Should the U.S. model its vaccine policy on Denmark's? Experts say we're nothing alike The Trump administration wants to revamp U.S. childhood vaccination recommendations to align with some other peer nations, including one tiny country in northern Europe.
	Marijuana rescheduling would bring some immediate changes, but others will take time President Trump set the process in motion to ease federal restrictions on marijuana. But his order doesn't automatically revoke laws targeting marijuana, which remains illegal to transport over state lines.
	The cultural works becoming public domain in 2026, from Betty Boop to Nancy Drew The original Betty Boop, the first four Nancy Drew books and Greta Garbo's first talkie are among the many works from 1930 that will be free to use, share and remake starting on Jan. 1.
	Why do airline computer systems fail? What the industry can learn from meltdowns Alaska Airlines is the latest airline to ground its planes because of an IT meltdown. We talked to industry leaders about why these systems fail, and what airlines can learn from past disruptions.
	Christmas is over. Here's what to do with your holiday trash Household waste increases by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Years. Rules vary by municipality on what you can recycle and what needs to go into the trash.
	Nuclear submarine arms race heats up between North and South Korea North Korea's state media released photos Thursday of what it said was the hull of a nuclear submarine. Its leader denounced South Korea's plans to build its own subs as "an offensive act."
	Retailers and restaurants that have already announced closures for 2026 While 2026 hasn't even started, major retailers and restaurants are already planning to shutter locations in the new year.
	Cook review: Timothée Chalamet's 'Marty' is supreme - and should earn some Oscars Josh Safdie's new movie is one of the finest of 2025. In "Marty Supreme," Timothée Chalamet stars as Marty Mauser, a topnotch ping-pong player who lives life by the seat of his pants. He's an opportunist who doesn't always know where his next meal is coming from, a hustler who makes split-second decisions as his [...]
	Jimmy Kimmel jokes about fascism in an 'alternative Christmas message' for Britain In an "alternative" message to the king's annual Christmas speech, Kimmel told British viewers that "from a fascism perspective, this has been a really great year," for the United States.
	Fog advisory in effect early Friday Early-morning drivers in the Quad-City area started Friday with a challenge: Dense fog. The National Weather Service Quad Cities issued a dense fog advisory that remains in effect until 9 a.m. Friday, with visibility of one-quarter mile or less in dense fog. The advisory is in effect for portions of west central Illinois, east central [...]
Thursday, December 25th, 2025
	Inside Iowa Politics: Issues to watch in 2026 Iowa lawmakers begin the 2026 session on January 12th with economic, health, education, and workforce questions to consider.
	Urbanization and the New American Divide Political Ideology Is Not Driving Socialisim's Rise in Global Cities, Structural Stability Amidst Unseen Resources IsOver my 67 years in the Midwest, I’ve watched generations leave small towns for larger cities. I understand the appeal: opportunity, stimulation, anonymity, convenience. Alongside this pervasive trend, a political shift is taking place: socialism has become more acceptable and capitalism less revered, especially in the nation’s largest metros.
	President Trump announces strike on ISIS targets in Nigeria President Trump made the announcement late Thursday on social media, saying the strike was in response to the Islamic State targeting Christians in Nigeria.
	Police: Another person charged for stealing construction equipment, tools Another person has been charged for his role in stealing more than $35,000 worth of tools and construction equipment from a Davenport business, police said.
	Local family hosts free Christmas dinner for 14th year The Brown family hosted the 14th annual Sonya Brown Memorial Christmas Dinner at Faith Walk World Outreach Center in Silvis.
	Kick off the ‘Noon’ Year at the Muscatine Art Center The annual Noon Year’s Eve Celebration will include a sing-along, noisemaker and party hat creation, snacks and a noon balloon drop, according to a media release.
	Mild and cloudy holiday weekend weather continues in Quad Cities We have more mild and cloudy weather on tap for the rest of Christmas weekend in the Quad Cities. We'll see some fog at times Christmas night again too. We'll see highs in the lower 50s with mostly cloudy skies. Rain moves in Sunday and that could end as a wintry mix. It does turn [...]
	Special Weather Statement until THU 9:45 PM CST Patchy Dense Fog Reducing Visibility This Evening
	Muscatine man sentenced in connection with 2024 fatal crash The crash in August of 2024 killed 48-year-old Darrell Brian Allchin, of Muscatine.
	Upper Iowa University Quad Cities Center moving to new location Officials said the move allows them to continue supporting students while also continuing to build their partnership with Eastern Iowa Community College.
	Special Weather Statement until THU 5:30 PM CST Patchy Dense Fog Reducing Visibility This Afternoon
	Man arrested in connection with assault, police say Police said the arrest is in connection with an assault that happened on Wednesday in the 2400 block of Avenue M.
	Boil order lifted for part of Rock Island Residents may have seen a drop in water pressure due to a leak.
	Quad City Steamwheelers Deckmate Dancers to hold tryouts The team will be holding tryouts for the 2026 season from 12 to 4 p.m. on Jan. 11 at Vibrant Arena, according to a news release.
	River Action announces ocean-themed QC Environmental Film Series for 2026 River Action has announced the 2026 QC Environmental Film Series (QCEFS), returning with an inspiring ocean-themed lineup designed to connect the Quad Cities community with the wonders of our planet’s waters. This season, attendees will experience compelling films, ENVIRO Connect networking opportunities, and reflection speakers to deepen engagement and spark meaningful action. What to expect this season Ocean-themed films: From coral reefs [...]
	3 charged in connection with drug investigation Three people were arrested and charged after police said they found drugs and materials for distribution inside a home.
	Muscatine man sentenced in fatal crash case Marion Edwards Jr., 54, pleaded guilty to operating under the influence, possession of a controlled substance and failure to obey a stop sign and yield the right of way.
	Iowa man’s 450-piece Christmas village ready to sell as one set, collecting since 1996 People from all over Iowa, up to Mankato, Minnesota, and down to Kansas City, Missouri, have taken a trip to Siouxland to see a very special Christmas display. It's the ultimate Christmas Village collection, found in Calumet, Iowa, with a population of 153 people.
	Ice fishers prioritize safety after 8-year-old’s death in southern Iowa Iowa ice fishers are rethinking their safety after an 8-year-old’s death on an Appanoose County pond.
	'We will be thinking about Trudy': Eddleman family remembers Trudy Appleby at Christmas Ray Eddleman and his family will remember Trudy Appleby this Christmas, while a suspect faces charges in her 1996 disappearance.
	$161,000 awarded to 36 organizations serving the Milan community Five of the grantees are organizations that are directly working to address food insecurity in the region.
	Eugene Ely This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.On Thursday morning, October 19th, 1911, Davenport native Eugene Ely had a premonition that something might go wrong.…
	The real ping pong champion — and hustler — who inspired 'Marty Supreme' Marty Reisman was nicknamed "The Needle" for his slender physique. He dressed well and put on a show.
	Joint pain supplement recalled nationwide over lead concerns The FDA already sent a letter to Handelnine warning the company's products were "unapproved."
	DOJ says it may need a 'few more weeks' to finish releasing Epstein files The Justice Department said Wednesday that it may need a "few more weeks" to release its records on the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after discovering more than a million potentially relevant documents.
	A Powerball player in Arkansas has won a $1.817 billion lottery jackpot Wednesday's Christmas Eve drawing ended the lottery game's three-month stretch without a top-prize winner. Final ticket sales pushed the jackpot higher, making it the second-largest in U.S. history.
	Trump-backed candidate Nasry Asfura declared winner of Honduras' presidential vote Asfura won Honduras' presidential election, electoral authorities said Wednesday afternoon, ending a weeks-long count that has whittled away at the credibility of the nation's electoral system.
Wednesday, December 24th, 2025
	TV6 Reporter Picks: Stories that resonated with KWQC team As we approach 2026, KWQC asked its reporters and photographers to take a moment and share their favorite or memorable stories as we wrap up 2025.
	Quinn's Ecstatic Color Spaces Are Magically Disorienting Kristin Quinn: LUMINOUS FLUX; Paintings from the WatershedOn Exhibit at the Figge Art Museum - Davenport, Iowa through January 8, 2025Hen’s teeth are rare enough. In painting, great colorists are even rarer. Kristin Quinn, whose paintings are now featured in a solo exhibit at the Figge Art Museum in Davenport, is one of them.
	Quad Citizens dream big as Powerball reaches $1.7 billion The fourth highest Powerball in history has people around the country hoping for a once in a lifetime gift this Christmas Eve. As of Wednesday, the total reached $1.7 billion. Our Quad Cities News Gavin Waidelich asked Quad Citizens what they would do with all that money.

Saturday, December 27th, 2025

Friday, December 26th, 2025

Thursday, December 25th, 2025

Wednesday, December 24th, 2025