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

LIVE BLOG: Severe thunderstorm coverage

Thunderstorms, capable of producing damaging winds and heavy rain, can be expected through the late-morning hours. A Level-3 risk of severe weather is in place with damaging wind being the main threat being wind damage. Report severe weather on Twitter, Facebook, or via E-Mail -Meteorologist Eric Sorensen

Births for Tuesday, August 20, 2019

UNITYPOINT HEALTH-TRINITY BETTENDORF

Man who lost son to suicide: 3-digit prevention hotline number is “critical”

EAST MOLINE, Illinois - When 19-year-old Foster Atwood took his life in July of 2017, his family began to raise awareness about the resources available to people who feel suicidal in the Quad Cities. One way they do that is by making sure people understand ways to access the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255. "We do everything we can to get the number out there," said Foster's dad Kevin Atwood. When Foster died, his family started up a suicide awareness organization called Foster's Voice. On August 19,  Foster's Voice turned two-years-old. At the same time, there's new hope on the horizon. On August 15, The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recommended to Congress that the phone number "9-8-8" be designated to become the National Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Crisis Hotline. "This is a big step. It`s a big step for our area, it`s a big step for the nation, but were not done," said Atwood. He has been pushing for the new three-digit phone number since before President Trump signed The National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act of 2018 into law in August of 2018. "Everyday that we wait, and everyday that goes by, we lose more lives," said Atwood. Atwood said shortening the hotline can help save lives in the Quad Cities. "You`ll know the number. Everybody remembers 3-digits. Just like we remember 9-1-1, you`ll remember 9-8-8," he said. The recommendation from the FCC comes after a year-long study found that shortening the number can help curve the suicide epidemic that currently exists in the United States. Check out the report that the @FCC sent to Congress which proposes a 3-digit dialing code to improve access to this critical service for Americans in crisis #SuicidePrevention https://t.co/sGHVM7QQIb — The FCC (@FCC) August 16, 2019 In 2018, about 2.2 Million people contacted the hotline for help. Another 100,000 people chatted with help online. "At the end of the day, i'm just a sad dad who doesn't want any more pain, doesn't want any more loss of life," said Atwood as he now hopes this new number can take effect and help save even more lives. Chairman of the FCC Ajit Pai said he does intend to move forward on this recommendation. Until the three-digit number is in effect, call 1-800-273-TALK.

Bettendorf Police taking extra measures to enforce school zone safety

BETTENDORF, IOWA  -- Classes are less than a week away for the Bettendorf School District. This means school zone speed limits will go back into effect Friday, August 23rd, 2019. The Bettendorf Police Department is taking extra measures to make sure drivers slow down. " We don't want people to speed in school zones," Bettendorf police Sargent Andrew Champion said. "Awareness and voluntary compliance is going to be our best method to do that.. We don't want to come out there and write speeding tickets." Bettendorf school zones previously had speed limit signs that displayed incorrect information, causing confusion to drivers. "These signs are displaying improper speeds at improper times, so you could drive by the signage in front of the high school at 7 p.m. when the school zone is not in place and it's telling you that you're speeding, when in fact you're not," Champion said. There will be 16 new speed zone signs at each school in the Bettendorf School District. Each sign will be specific to the school zone it is in, making sure it is operating at the correct times. "They are not collecting vehicle specific information such as photographs and license plates," Champion said. "It's collecting a summary of traffic information like how many vehicles are going by, the speeds at which those vehicles are going, average speeds, peak speeds, and what we call a pace speed." If too many cars are speeding past, police will be alerted. "The software can actually deliver us an alert and say hey 'there's some pretty high speeds in this school zone, you probably need to work on something to address that," Champion said. They can also tune into the speed zone signs live to see if an officer should be present in certain school zones. All speed zone signs should be installed and operating within the next two months.

Businesses near Bettendorf shooting respond to Big 10 Mart homicide

Businesses located near the Big 10 Mart said they are surprised that there was a fatal shooting in Bettendorf on Saturday.

Daytime sleepiness could be sign of Alzheimer’s disease, study says

If you can't make it through the day without a nap, the authors of a new study suggest the brain cells that keep you awake may be under attack by Alzheimer's disease.

Study claims fluoride exposure during pregnancy tied to low IQ scores in children

A new study says increased exposure to fluoride during pregnancy is tied to lower IQ scores in children.

Slain University of Illinois scholar's family to give $20K for help in case

The parents of slain University of Illinois visiting scholar Yingying Zhang are giving $20,000 to the people who provided information that led to the arrest and conviction of their daughter's killer.

Family, friend remember Rock Island murder victim as man "you wanted to be friends with"

A family is devastated and a neighborhood rattled after a father, son and brother was shot to death in his front yard.

Off-duty Illinois deputy killed while helping stalled motorist

A Cook County sheriff's deputy helping a motorist on a northern Illinois street was killed when the stalled vehicle was struck by another vehicle.

Vigil to be held for Trudy Appleby on 23rd anniversary of her disappearance

Police say the then 11-year-old Moline girl was last seen on Campbell's Island in East Moline on August 21, 1996.

Bernie Sanders speaks to voters in Davenport

DAVENPORT, Iowa -- Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders held back to back events in Davenport on Monday, talking to local union leaders and member in the morning, and then community members and voters. "Today I’m gonna ask a lot of you," the Democratic presidential candidate said. His call was a special appeal to some of the youngest listeners in the room. I’m personally really invested in the Democratic Primary right now, rooting for a few different people. I just wanted to come down here for Bernie himself and see what else might have changed in his agenda, and see how the QC are gonna change if he wins.-Garrick Utley 16-year-old Garrick Utley, a junior at Sherrard High School, and his grandmother Kathleen Eckhardt were among the first in line at the Davenport Public Library. He will be too young to cast a ballot. But he's already convinced his grandmother to vote for the very first time in 2020. Senator Sanders says its the concerns of average workers he wants to elevate. "The average worker today is not making more than he or she did  45 years ago." His agenda: income inequality, investing in infrastructure, affordable housing, Medicare for all, free tuition, and independence from fossil fuel He's asking for help from people like Garrick. No President can do it alone. The only way we can bring about structural change. The only way is when millions of people stand up and demand that change.-Sanders Garrick says he's still waiting to meet one more candidate in person. "I’m going back and forth between Bernie and (Vice President) Joe Biden," said Garrick, "both are really strong, but I'm leaning towards Bernie currently." Garrick says he has already convinced his grandmother to vote for the very first time in 2020. Sen. Bernie Sander ends his day today with a softball game at the Field of Dreams in Dyersville

Bettendorf shooting victim identified as 28-year-old Brittany Wilson

BETTENDORF, Iowa – Bettendorf Police Department released the store clerk shot and killed at a convenience store at the corner of 53rd Avenue and 18th Street was 28-year-old Brittany Wilson from Donahue, Iowa.  She was shot during an armed robbery Saturday night around 5:40 PM. Monday morning was the first day the Big 10 Mart was open with people pumping gas and buying items at the convenience store. Glenn Hasken, the Chief Operation Officer of Molo Companies in Dubuque, oversees the Big 10 Marts in the area and says he wants employees and customers to return to their normal routine, which is why he decided to open the store Monday. What remains from the weekend is a small memorial of flowers tied to a tree in memory of Wilson who started as a cashier back in May. Hasken released a statement on behalf of Molo Companies saying: “Molo Companies takes the safety of its team members, customers, and facilities very seriously. We ask for your thoughts and prayers for our lost team member, her family and friends, and for the Molo Companies’ family.” Counselors have been on site at the Big 10 Mart location talking with workers who may be dealing with trauma. Bettendorf Police are still investigating the shooting.  They are looking into surveillance video to identify the shooter.

NEWS 8 EXCLUSIVE: Dress for Success Quad Cities Announces New Location, New Executive Director

Tyla Sherwin-Cole is ready to write a new chapter for Dress for Success Quad Cities... in a new location. The nonprofit has been on East 2nd Street in downtown Davenport for several years, but its lease was cancelled after the temporary flood wall failure on April 30th, 2019, followed by the flooded Mississippi River breaking a record just days later. "I knew I was going to have to find somewhere to operate out of," said Regina Haddock, Founder and Former Executive Director of Dress for Success Quad Cities. "It was going to be a long journey. Then, of course, with the lease being cancelled, it was not only how do we keep operating, but how do we start new and pass that off to everybody who was helping us through the transition and succession planning? It was heart breaking." Less than two weeks before the breach, Regina had publicly announced her retirement at Dress for Success Quad Cities' annual Recycle the Runway fundraiser. She created the local chapter of this worldwide organization nearly 10 years ago and since then, has empowered nearly 1,700 women in our community to achieve economic independence. Her team was in the middle of finding a new Executive Director when the Mississippi River kept rising and rising, costing Dress for Success Quad Cities between $40,000-$50,000 in damages: "I did think - maybe we should stop the search, but there were so many great candidates," she explained. "We had that forward momentum. We just couldn't stop and I'm really glad we didn't." The search led Dress for Success Quad Cities to Tyla Sherwin-Cole, who was born, raised, and still lives in the Quad Cities. She is no stranger to floods, unfortunately. She was just hired as the Eastern Iowa Program Coordinator at the African American Museum of Cedar Rapids when the flood of 2008 put that area underwater. She said watching Dress for Success Quad Cities move their mission forward despite the flood inspires her: "That shows their perseverance," she said. "That shows their residency and it's so amazing to see so many women working towards a goal and that goal is to empower other women." Within three weeks of the flood breach, Dress for Success Quad Cities was able to restart suitings in a temporary location - the old Beauty Brands building off Elmore Avenue in Davenport - thanks to the generosity of Heart of America. What's more - within three months, they found a new home when someone from Vera French emailed Regina and told her they were moving out of their building on 32nd Street off Brady Street. "We knew right away that this would be a safe landing spot for us where we could start to put down roots and advance our mission," said Regina. "There's potential," added Tyla. "There's possibility. Things are ever changing all the time and we have so much space that we can work with." Ever since WQAD News 8 took a tour of the new location in early August, volunteers and staff members have been painting and getting the rooms ready for suitings, clothes, and a career center. They hope to be able to hold an open house on their 8th Anniversary, which is November 1st. "It's a challenge, but I welcome it," Tyla said. In the meantime, Dress for Success Quad Cities needs your help raising $250,000 for their flood recovery and relocation fund. There are several ways you can do that, starting this week with two events hosted by WQAD: Thursday, August 22nd from 9am-7pm: We are holding a day-long collection drive from at WQAD, located at 3003 Park 16th Street in Moline. We will only be taking monetary donations - no clothing. Friday, August 23rd from 4pm-8pm and Saturday, August 24th from 10am-4pm: We are teaming up with THE Market, located at 1800 7th Avenue in Moline (inside the Spotlight Theatre and Event Center) to host a Summer Social. This two-day event features 60+ vendors, food trucks, live music, and more. 100% of your $5 entry fee will go straight to Dress for Success Quad Cities. Saturday, September 14th from 10am-3pm: Dress for Success Quad Cities is holding a Relocation Celebration Sale at their temporary location (inside the old Beauty Brands building off Elmore Avenue in Davenport). "We're trying to get through today, we're trying to plan for tomorrow, and we're trying to prepare for the future," explained Regina. "$250,000 sounds like a lot, but it's a drop in the budget when you think that to date, we've raised over $1.3 million in less than 8 years. That tells you something. It tells you the community is behind this. They've made an investment in us and in this mission and by golly, we're going to carry it forward." "We are still strong," Tyla added. "We are not at all weakened by the setbacks that we've had. I believe there's a need in the Quad Cities and we're here to serve that need." Going Places. Going Strong.

Two teens in custody after armed robbery in Eldridge

Two teens are in custody after an armed robbery in Eldridge Monday afternoon.

2 Davenport teens charged as adults after armed robbery, police say

ELDRIDGE, Illinois- 2 Davenport teens robbed a 15-year-old at gunpoint but were caught shortly after, police say. Police say on Monday, August 19, a 15-year-old boy was robbed at gunpoint on the 900 block of West Maple Court in Eldridge Illinois. According to police, two 17-year-old boys approached the 15-year-old and flashed a black revolver, then they demanded money and his cell phone. Afterward, the pair fled towards Davenport. Police stopped the car in the 300 block of West Slopertown road and found a loaded black 22. revolver as well as cash in the car. The boys were arrested and charged with 1st-degree robbery, going armed with intent, and carrying weapons. The two are being charged as adults and are now in the Scott County Jail.

McVay Murder Conviction Upheld

A Rock Island man convicted of killing his ex-girlfriend will stay in prison. Monday the Illinois Third District Appellate Court upheld the conviction and sentence of Timothy McVay.

FIRST ALERT DAY Issued From 6am to Noon Tuesday August 20th

Tuesday morning brings a threat of severe storms with winds up to 70 mph

DAILY RECORD

Permits

Sanders Holds Town Hall in Davenport

Health care, income inequality, and unions were just some of the topics Vermont U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders discussed at a Quad Cities town hall meeting on Monday morning. The event was held at the Davenport Public Library.

Great River Trail Renovation in Sunset Park

Money is now available to fix up a key portion of the Great River Trail in Rock Island. The city has won a 25,000 dollar grant from the state, matching a 25,000 dollar grant from the Kiwanis Club, to fix up the trail around Lake Potter in Sunset Park.

Run! Alligators can climb fences

A Florida woman captured images of a gator scaling a fence at Naval Air Station Jacksonville over the weekend.

Bring your own chain saw: Power equipment now allowed at Hennepin Canal

SHEFFIELD, Ill. — A new policy will allow people who fill out a volunteer registration form and liability waiver to take their mowers, chain saws and weed trimmers to the Hennepin Canal and do some clearing.

Kiwanis Club donation and state grant will pay for makeover of Potter Lake path

ROCK ISLAND — The Kiwanis Club of Rock Island is keeping an eye on what it started.

Planned Parenthood leaves federal family planning program

Planned Parenthood says it’s pulling out of the federal family planning program rather than abide by a new Trump administration rule prohibiting participants from referring patients for abortions.

Tracking the potential for strong thunderstorms for parts of the area by morning

Warm summer afternoon for the area with temperatures reaching 80s.  Still can’t rule out a stray shower or two over parts of the area.  Skies will remain quiet this evening and even most of the night until our next threat for showers and thunderstorms arrive. A disturbance is still on track to develop into a broken line of showers and possibly some strong wind-driven thunderstorms by Tuesday morning.  The main threat with these storms will be the potential for damaging winds and heavy rain.  Drier skies will quickly follow in the afternoon with highs approaching 90 degrees. A cold front will pass through the area that evening leaving behind some very refreshing temperatures for the rest of the work week.   Highs in the lower 80s on Wednesday will be replaced with highs around the 80 degree mark through Saturday. Chief meteorologist James Zahara Download the News 8 Weather App — for iOS, click here and for Android, click here Download the free News 8 App — for iOS, click here and for Android, click here

New Weight Watchers diet app is aimed at kids as young as 8 years old

Critics say the diet app could lead to lifelong problems with food.

Patrick Quinn completes Illinois homeless awareness walk, joined by father

CHICAGO, Illinois -- Patrick's Quinn's week-long hike across the state of Illinois has finally come to a close. The son of former Illinois governor Pat Quinn set out on the journey on Sunday, August 11th from Rock Island's Centennial Bridge alongside his father to spotlight the plight of the homeless and raise awareness and donations for the nonprofit Housing Forward. He also visited numerous homeless and temporary housing shelters along the way. Patrick estimated that the 190-mile walk would take about 8 days to complete, but he reached the end destination of Chicago's Grant Park in just 7 days. The hike was inspired by his father's previous walk for healthcare almost two decades ago, and by Patrick's prior experience working with the homeless. as he explained by saying, "I worked for a homeless shelter in Brooklyn, New York and that really inspired me to continue doing this work even though I'm not working there anymore. I've continued to volunteer and it's an issue I'm really passionate about."

'Vettes on the River' in LeClaire will support veterans

Cassatt Drywall and American Family Insurance - The Haffarnan agencies will host “Vettes on the River – Vettes Supporting Vets” in LeClaire from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday.

Police investigate shooting in Burlington; man arrested on weapons charges

Police say while Johnson was arrested during this time, it is not believed that Johnson fired his weapon during the incident.

Noon update: High near 84 degrees

Here's the afternoon forecast from the National Weather Service.

SCRA fall applications available

Online grant applications are now available for the Scott County Regional Authority's fall 2019 grant cycle.

Muscatine County house fire update: Authorities release names of 2 men killed

FRUITLAND, Iowa — Authorities have released the names of the two people who died in a house fire Wednesday morning in Muscatine County, Iowa. The Muscatine County medical examiner's office identified the two men as 45-year-old Graham Jared and his 21-year-old nephew, Ethan Jared. They both lived in the Fruitland home. The fire broke out on August 14, 2019 just before 7 a.m. Authorities say the fire does not appear to have been intentionally set.

Iowa and Iowa State make top 25 in AP's Preseason Poll

The Clemon Tigers came in at number one, Alabama came in at number two and the Georgia Bulldogs came in at number three.

Henry County Health Center warns of scam; scammer hoping to access personal information

In a release, officials say the Henry County Health Center is wanting to alert the public of a phone scam that is hoping to access personal information including social security numbers.

Chef Toby pig ear treats recalled due to salmonella contamination concerns

The FDA and the CDC are continuing to investigate a multi-state salmonella outbreak tied to pig ear treats.

Good and Gather brand to be rolled out at Target stores in September

Target says the new brand focuses on a wide range of high quality, affordable food and beverage products.

Lane closures begin on I-280 bridge

The Illinois Department of Transportation reports today that weather permitting, there will be a lane closure on the Interstate-280 bridge over the Mississippi River.

Burlington police hope to identify two men after armed robbery at Gasland

Police say once inside the store, the two demanded cash and both left with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Man charged with attempted murder of Illinois state trooper

WHEELING, Illinois (AP) — A 43-year-old suburban Chicago man has been charged with attempted murder for shooting and wounding an Illinois state trooper who was serving a warrant at the man's home. Authorities say Volodymyr Dragan of Wheeling shot the 32-year-old trooper about 6:30 p.m. Thursday. The trooper was among a group of officers serving a warrant for aggravated assault on a police officer and other allegations stemming from a state police traffic stop on Interstate 294 early Thursday. The trooper's injuries were not life-threatening. Dragan was scheduled for a bond hearing Saturday. He also is charged with aggravated battery with a firearm to a police officer, aggravated unlawful restraint and aggravated assault of a police officer. It was unclear Saturday whether Dragan has a lawyer to comment on his behalf.

Suspect claims she is a 'good mom' after newborn son found on floorboard

Laurel County deputies have arrested two women after they found a newborn child on the floor of a minivan following a traffic stop.

Munchie Mondays: Fried Peanut Butter and Banana Sandwiches

MOLINE, Illinois -- We are remembering the late singer Elvis Presley by eating fried peanut butter and banana sandwiches. That was his favorite snack. Presley died of a heart attack 42 years ago on August 16, 1997. Friday marked the anniversary of his death. He was 42 years old. The singer was known for many hits, including "Jailhouse Rock" and "Can't Help Falling in Love." Elvis liked to eat different sandwiches during his career, including this one. News 8's Jonathan Ketz and Storm Track 8 meteorologist tried just the basics: peanut butter and bananas, and we broke out the stove for this one. Click on the video to find out if they liked the famous snack. You can also get the recipe for the sandwich by clicking here.

Suspect fled, no one injured in East Moline armed robbery

EAST MOLINE, Illinois -- The East Moline Police Department is investigating an armed robbery that occurred Saturday, August 17. One suspect demanded money from the cashier at gunpoint at Stop and Shop Convenience Store at 702 17th Avenue, East Moline around 11 a.m., according to a press release posted on the City of East Moline Police Department Facebook page. The suspect was described as a black male wearing all black clothing. The suspect fled the scene with an undisclosed amount of money. No injuries were reported. Police conducted a search of the area, but were unable to find the suspect. Police ask that anyone with information about the suspect or the incident to call the East Moline Police Department at 309-752-1555 or Crime Stoppers at 309-762-9500.

Bettendorf Seeks Developer for Downtown Site

The city of Bettendorf is hoping to find a developer for some property downtown. It's issued a request for proposals for the former corporate headquarters of the Ascentra Credit Union.

Talking Art - Geneseo Schools

A quality arts education is essential to a comprehensive academic experience for young people. When students immerse themselves in the arts, they secondarily learn a variety of other life skills including critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem solving. The “Arts” encompasses a broad range of disciplines extending from visual arts to theatre, music (band, orchestra, and vocal performance), dance, and media arts. National Core Arts Standards were developed in 1994 and recognize the following four basic artistic processes: creating art, presenting/performing/producing art, responding to art, and connecting with art. Education in the arts is a process-oriented experience, and the national standards helped shape curriculum through adoption of individual state standards. Listen here to the conversation with Logan Hamilton and Nicole Walsh, educators in the Geneseo, IL public school system, about the importance of a well-rounded exposure to the arts, the collaboration between

Rick's Six: Deadly weekend in the Q-C, $14 million for dam paint job, and Michael Nunn talks after jail release

A good Monday to all. Here's the latest forecast for the Quad-City region from the National Weather Service.

Paint job on dam bridge is $14 million

A large section of the dam at Lock & Dam 15 on the Mississippi River at the Rock Island Arsenal has been shrouded in tarps as a $14 million maintenance projects gets underway.

Much Needed Rain For Some On Tuesday

While this won't cure the drought, it will at least give some a good drink on Tuesday.

First responders on the scene of a wreck at Brady and Locust streets

First responders are on the scene of a car wreck on the corner of Brady and Locust streets in Davenport.

Man slashed at Davenport park speaks out, wants justice

Resident Austin Kendrick stopped by Marquette Park on his way home from work and ended up getting attacked on Thursday morning.

One man shot and dead in Rock Island after reports of shots fired on 7th St

ROCK ISLAND, Illinois – Rock Island Police Department responded to the 600 block of 7th St. to a call of shots fired. Officers arrived at the scene to find an adult male outside a house with a gunshot wound.  The victim was transported to UnityPoint Health Trinity in Rock Island where he was later pronounced dead. Rock Island Police are investigating the incident as a homicide. Anyone with more information to the case should contact Rock Island Police Department at 309-732-2677 or CrimeStoppers at 309-762-9500.

Bettendorf neighbors still feel safe after armed robbery kills convenience store cashier

BETTENDORF, Iowa – Bettendorf Police are looking for the shooter in a deadly armed robbery at a BP gas station on the corner 53rd Avenue and 18th Street Saturday night.  A 28-year-old woman who was working there as a cashier was shot and killed. Sunday, the day after the shooting, the BP appears open to people driving by.  It’s not until people reach the door or the gas pumps that they are met with a sign saying “Store Currently Closed, we will reopen as soon as possible! We apologize for any inconvenience! Thank you!” Neighbors say they are shocked a crime of the sort happened in this area, which many say is a safe place. “It’s just sad, you don’t like to see those things,” says Fran Ault, who live four blocks away from the convenience store. “This is a good town and good people.” Ault came Sunday afternoon to buy her weekly Des Moines Register, when she was also met with the sign on the door.  She also says she knows a lot of the people who work inside. “There’s a couple girls in there I know, and I’ve seen at one time or another,” Ault says. Whitney Robbins says he was in the store making a purchase from the clerk 4 PM Saturday evening, an hour before she was killed.  He recalls hearing her talking loudly on her phone when he walked in. “Then an hour later she’s gone, that’s a weird feeling, that’s a very weird feeling,” Robbins says. Maysara Saeed was also at the BP gas station around 4 PM filling up his car’s tank. “I don’t know, it’s kind of a crazy feeling to know that a few hours ago there was a shooting here and some people killed,” Saeed comments. “I don’t know, it’s a bad feeling and people are feeling unsafe.” When he came back Sunday morning to fill up, the gas pump was also out of service reading “Site Pause Active”, which forced customers to find gas somewhere else. “It’s my neighborhood and I don’t want to have that kind of feeling, so I won’t,” mentions Ault. “I just won’t have that kind of feeling about my neighborhood.” Bettendorf Police Department is completing the investigation and is looking into surveillance video at the Big 10 Mart to identify the shooter. No arrests have been made at this time. Police are not releasing the victim’s name until all family members have been notified.

Weak EF-O Tornado confirmed in Grand Mound Sunday morning

The NWS has confirmed that a weak, EF-0 Tornado briefly touched down just southwest of Grand Mound early Sunday morning.

Man dies after shooting in Rock Island

A man died Sunday afternoon in Rock Island from an apparent gunshot wound, according to police

Confirmed tornado touchdown near Grand Mound, Iowa Sunday

GRAND MOUND, Iowa — A National Weather Service team from the Quad Cities concluded that an EF-0 tornado touched down just 2.8 miles southwest of Grand Mound, Iowa in Clinton County early Sunday morning. Survey teams found damage consistent with a downburst-induced tornado that briefly spun up on the eastern edge of private property. Numerous tree branches were down and one tree was uprooted completely. The home sustained trim and shingle damage with one broken window. Grass was splattered on the garage and wind-driven hail was also seen on the west side of the home. No injuries were reported.  The tornado traveled a tenth of a mile and had a maximum width of 20 yards, lasting about one minute. EF-0 tornadoes are considered weak on the Enhanced Fujita scale with winds of 65 to 85 miles per hour. The Quad Cities typically sees several EF-0 rated tornadoes each year.

Dog paddlers unite at Riverside's annual Fur & Friends

MOLINE — Bandit's black ears bounced in the bright blue water as the lab mix dog paddled, returning a purple and white toy back to his owner, Kyle Young.

9-year-old Florida boy helps deliver baby sister thanks to 911 dispatcher

TAMPA, Fla. (WFTS) — A family in Tampa has a lot to celebrate — a new bundle of joy who made a surprise appearance – and her 9-year-old brother who helped it happen. Princess Anntte Brantley’s family says she was born August 6, weighing 6 lb. 14 oz. “I see that she’s cute and I think, I think she’s having a good dream,” her big brother, Lindell Lyons, said. He can’t stop looking at her. “I was just in shock, like I didn’t know what was gonna happen,” Lyons said. He said while he was eating breakfast and watching TV his mom, Shanelle Brantley, told him to call 911 — she said she had gone into labor. “He was cool and calm and collected and she just came out,” she said. Lyons called 911, told dispatchers his mom was having a baby and followed their instructions. “I was thinking, trying to remember what they said,” Lyons said. Jared McYeo, a communications training officer with Tampa Fire Rescue, was on the other end of the call following their protocols. “He did a fabulous job. He’s the one that deserves all the credit. He really held his cool, he went and followed the instructions to the letter and helped his mom deliver his baby sister,” McYeo said. McYeo said he’s delivered two other babies in his decade as a dispatcher, but none with someone so young on the other end of the call. “I’m getting ready to have a baby on Friday so all I was thinking about was ‘OK, what if I had to do this,’ you know somebody had to tell me how to do this. I would want it to be explained the best possible way, the easiest way,” McYeo said. “But talking to little kids on 911, they’re amazing, they’re far better than adults in my opinion.” A week and a half later, mom and baby are doing well. “It was a kind of a dream to me I was kind of nervous at the same time for him but I said I knew he could do it,” Brantley said. Lindell said he’s proud of himself. “I feel like a hero,” he said. The young hero now has quite a story and he can’t wait to tell his new sister. “I’ll start off from beginning to end. And every single detail,” he said. But, Lyons said, she just might not believe it.

Man shoots Taco Bell employee after asked to pull forward in drive-thru

OKLAHOMA CITY – A verbal altercation between a customer and employee at a northwest Oklahoma City Taco Bell landed the employee in the hospital with a gunshot wound. Authorities said they were called to the Taco Bell around 1 a.m. Saturday. An employee asked a customer to pull forward in the drive-thru. The customer argued but eventually pulled forward. Upon doing so, he pulled out a gun and shot the employee. The employee was taken to the hospital and was treated and released. Authorities are still searching for the suspect.

Tracking increasing humidity Monday

Another nice pocket of beneficial rains greeted the Quad Cities Sunday morning, along with plenty of lightning and a few strong wind gusts. Many locations, especially north and west of the Quad Cities saw anywhere from one-half inch to nearly two inches of rainfall. Not too shabby! A cold front sweeping through Sunday evening will end the storm chances, but it will only somewhat scour out any remaining humidity depending on where you live. By Monday afternoon the front will have cleared much of eastern Iowa and Northern Illinois, with the exception of areas around Burlington down towards Peoria. This is where dew point values will still rise into the 70s making for a rather humid afternoon. Meanwhile to the north, these moisture levels will be much lower keeping things comfortable. By Tuesday everyone of us will be feeling the increasing humidity along with warmer temperatures ahead of a disturbance working in from parts of Iowa. This will switch winds to the south again and draw up higher dew point values well into the lower 70s. Combine this with daytime highs in the low 90s and we are easily looking at heat index values near 100 degrees by the afternoon. The one challenge for Tuesday remains the timing and placement of potentially severe storms. Several ingredients will be coming together to support strong storm development, including ample instability and wind shear. If storms can hold off until the afternoon hours, then our severe weather threat will increase. However, if they come through during the early morning hours like the above model indicates, the severe weather threat would be more isolated in nature. We'll continue to track this threat in the next 24 hours. Once these storms clear out by Tuesday evening we'll be welcoming in a refreshingly cooler and less humid air mass to carry us through the rest of the week. The strength of the cool air is quite impressive as the core of it lingers just north of the Great Lakes. The jet stream will be pushed substantially south allowing the cooler air to keep highs limited to the upper 70s and low 80s by Wednesday. No major warmth looks to return until the end of next weekend that coincidentally that will be our next chance for widespread rain beyond Tuesday. Meteorologist Andrew Stutzke Download the News 8 Weather App — for iOS, click here and for Android, click here Download the free News 8 App — for iOS, click here and for Android, click here

Ohio police rescue pup stuck under grate

TALLMADGE, Ohio -- A dog has been reunited with its owner after being trapped under a grate in the ground. According to the city, the Tallmadge Police and Street Departments rescued the dog Thursday after a lawn care company alerted them to the stuck pup. Video shows crews holding up the grate while an officer reaches in and offers the dog food to gain its trust. After getting a grip on a collar, the officer pulled the pup out. Once the dog was safely on the ground, it was given pets and treats, offered comfort by the officers. The dog is now home with its owner.

Witnesses: Multiple shots fired near downtown Rock Island

Rock Island Police are investigating a possible shooting of near downtown.

It's race day in Muscatine

Former Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, who served during Hurricane Katrina, dies

Kathleen Babineaux Blanco, the first woman to be elected governor of Louisiana, has died at the age of 76.

Witnesses: Man shot near downtown Rock Island

Rock Island Police are investigating the shooting of a man near downtown.

Boaters united again to attempt a world record at Floatzilla 2019

ROCK ISLAND, Illinois -- A colorful amalgamation of kayaks and paddle boats floated on the Mississippi Saturday afternoon while their riders took another shot at breaking a world record. The tenth annual Floatzilla event saw boaters getting on the water attempting to break the Guinness World Record for the largest raft made of up multiple kayaks and canoes, which currently stands at more than 3000 boats. At exactly 2 p.m. at Sunset Marina in Rock Island, a photographer snapped the picture that would be deciding whether or not the record would be broken. Noah Truesdell, of the event's sponsoring organization, River Action, estimated an attendance of around 2000 people around the time of the event, with weekend registrants not accounted for. Whether or not the record was broken, Floatzilla is still the largest paddling event on the Mississippi River, and the organizers say that as long as more and more people get out onto the Mississippi, then their goal is achieved.

Community restoring vandalized African American museum in Louisiana month after founder slain

They’d heeded the call of Tyrus Georgetown, a Southern University student who’d heard news of the vandalism and decided it was up to the community to help restore the museum.