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

Sunday, April 19th, 2026
	One dead following Bettendorf house fire One person is dead following a house fire in Bettendorf. According to a release from the City of Bettendorf, the Bettendorf Fire and Police Departments responded to a 911 call of a house fire April 19 at approximately 2:02 p.m. at the 3000 block of Bellevue Ave. A neighbor and responding police officer entered the [...]
	1 dead after a house fire in Bettendorf A 76-yeard-old male has died after a house fire occurred on the 300 block of Bellevue Avenue in Bettendorf.
	1 dead after Bettendorf house fire The Bettendorf Fire and Police Department responded to a house fire on the 300 block of Bellevue Avenue that left one dead.
	Freeze warning tonight, but things warming up Things have cooled down quite a bit since those storms from Friday night with afternoon temperatures falling to the low to mid 50s. So much so that tonight and early tomorrow morning with be under a freeze warning due to the shift in colder temperatures in the upper 20s and low 30s. But it will [...]
	Programming Alert: No 5 or 10 p.m. newscasts Sunday There will be no 5 p.m. or 10 p.m. newscasts Sunday night due to NBA Basketball on NBC.
	Communities launch cleanup after severe weather and tornadoes churn across Midwest At least 66 tornado reports were submitted across multiple states on Friday, according to the National Weather Service.
	Three students among five wounded in shooting at Iowa City Ped Mall No arrests have been made yet.
	Home damaged in East Moline fire A home was damaged in a fire in East Moline Sunday afternoon.
	76-year-old man dies after Bettendorf house fire on Sunday The fire was reported in the 3000 block of Bellevue Avenue at about 2:02 p.m. on Sunday.
	Man dies in Bettendorf house fire A man is dead after a house fire in Bettendorf Sunday afternoon.
	Crews respond to Bettendorf house fire Firefighters from Bettendorf and the Rock Island Arsenal are on scene of a house fire
	Ex-Quad-City, Anaheim Angels outfielder Garret Anderson dies at 53 Garret Anderson, the multitalented outfielder who became the Los Angeles Angels' career hits leader and led the Anaheim Angels to their only World Series title, has died. He was 53. Anderson played 105 games with the 1991 Quad City Angels, hitting .260 with 102 hits and 42 RBIs. Angels is a previous name of the [...]
	Ped Mall reopens hours after Sunday shooting in Iowa City Police say there is no current threat to the public.
	QC Business Showcase: Hob Nosh ’26 welcomes the community April 22 QC Business Showcase: Hob Nosh ’26 welcomes the community April 22, booths and special incentives available.
	Eight children killed in a shooting in Louisiana, police say The victims ranged in age from one to about 14 years old, said Shreveport, Louisiana police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 people were shot.
	8 children killed in a shooting in Louisiana, police say The victims ranged in age from 1 to about 14 years old, said Shreveport, La., police spokesperson Chris Bordelon. A total of 10 people were shot.
	Barbara Flynn Currie, 40-year veteran of Illinois House, trailblazer for women, dies at 85 Former Illinois House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, who served 40 years in the General Assembly, died Thursday at age 85.
	West Carroll superintendent addresses students, families after students witness tornado in Lena The West Carroll superintendent is addressing the West Carroll community after students attending a music competition in Lena encountered a tornado.
	Officials: 5 injured, including 3 University of Iowa students in shooting at Ped Mall near university The Iowa City Police Department is investigating a shooting that happened early Sunday morning at the Ped Mall near the University of Iowa campus.
	‘Just wonderful’: USC musicians perform at Congaree National Park for country’s 250th birthday The Fuse Woodwind Quintet, composed of Molly Damitio on flute, Jonathan Krause on oboe, Elle Senn on bassoon, Connor Hammond on French horn and Jennifer Saavedra Tovar on clarinet, performs at Congaree National Park near Columbia, South Carolina, on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette)HOPKINS — The birds that usually sing at Congaree National Park had accompaniment Saturday from jazz musicians, saxophonists, singers and woodwinds. The music, performed by ensembles of University of South Carolina students, commemorated two anniversaries: the nation’s founding 250 years ago and the national park’s initial designation under federal protection 50 years ago. First preserved in 1976 as Congaree Swamp National Monument, the 26,000-acre park at the southern end of Richland County was renamed in 2003. Stationed along a half-mile portion of the park’s iconic 2.6-mile boardwalk, four groups of musicians performed for dozens of people over the course of two hours. Some hikers stopped to take in entire sets, which the ensembles played on repeat for new visitors. Others paused for a moment or moseyed on, venturing further into a swamp awash with the sound of music. Onlookers watch as the USC Choral Ensemble, directed by Alicia Walker, performs at Congaree National Park in Richland County on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) On a bench between a woodwind quintet and the 11-member choir, where the music overlapped, Sherry Stormant leaned back on a bench, taking it all in. The 70-year-old drove about two hours from her home in Huger, a small community near Mount Pleasant, after seeing a post about the event on Facebook, she said. The idea of listening to classical music while in a national park seemed so pleasant, Stormant knew she had to give it a try, she said. Saturday’s performances did not disappoint her. “It’s just wonderful,” Stormant said. “It’s almost overwhelming, it’s just so beautiful and touching. Everybody’s face has a certain serenity to it.” Near the visitor’s center at the park’s main entrance — 18 miles southeast of USC’s main campus — a jazz band played selections of various tunes. Where the boardwalk widened, a quartet of saxophonists played a series of songs, including “Amazing Grace” and a suite of ragtime music, another American-formed genre. Both the quartet and the choir, stationed on a trail just off the boardwalk, performed versions of “Simple Gifts,” the tune written by the Shakers, a religious group that came to America to escape persecution in 1774. Those pieces were meant to represent various parts of American culture, said Allister Frankle, a second-year doctoral student in saxophone performance, who played the soprano saxophone Saturday. Allister Frankle plays soprano saxophone as part of the USC Saxophone Quartet at Congaree National Park near Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) “There’s a bunch of different music happening that we (as Americans) have associated with us, whether it’s jazz or popular music or esteemed classical music,” Frankle said. “We’re very much a cultural center of a lot of different arts, so this is a great opportunity to share that.” The university and national park partnered for a similar event last spring, when bassoonists played different parts of the same song throughout the forest as a way of representing the interconnectedness of nature. That got staff at the park and school of music talking about another performance, this time in celebration of the country’s founding, said Elle Senn, a third-year doctoral candidate in bassoon performance who helped organize the event. Playing at South Carolina’s only national park was a way of meeting people where they’re at, Senn said. Traditional sit-down performances generally draw the same crowds every time, since newcomers might feel intimidated or simply not want to sit still for that long. Going for a walk at Congaree could introduce new groups of people to the music, either because it’s less commitment than a full-length concert or because they happened upon the performances while out for a hike, she said. “I hope people see that music, even classical music, is a lot more accessible than it may seem,” Senn said. Santi Balagtas plays a trumpet solo as part of the Butterfield Combo’s performance at Congaree National Park near Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) The Fuse Woodwind Quintet, which Senn oversees as artistic director, performed Antonin Dvořak’s string quartet “American,” written in 1893 as a celebration of the composer’s visit to Iowa, while standing in the underbrush just off the boardwalk, surrounded by cypress trees and swamp. That should be proof enough that “we are willing to play literally anywhere” if it means exposing people to new music, Senn said, pointing out her muddy boots. That accessibility drew Tyler Farley out to the park Saturday. The Lexington resident wants to expose her 4-year-old daughter, Emilia, to as much nature and culture as possible, and Saturday’s event seemed like the perfect chance to do both at the same time, she said. Concert tickets aren’t always affordable, especially with a 4-year-old who’s unlikely to sit still for that long, so Farley jumped at the chance to show her daughter live music for free, she said. “It’s a lot of just showing her a lot of new things at one time,” Farley said. “It’s an experience, and I’m hoping that when we leave here, she’ll want to call my parents and talk about it, call her dad and talk about it — something that sparks some spark in her, ignites something.” For Emilia, who wants to be a ballerina when she grows up, the music gave her a reason to dance. “It was just great,” Emilia said of the performances, dancing along. “I want to make them feel great about me dancing.” Seeing people’s response, whether they were discussing the performances, listening quietly or, indeed, dancing, did make the musicians feel great, Senn said. “It really does warm my heart,” she said. Thomas Bridgmon plays trumpet as part of the Butterfield Combo jazz band at Congaree National Park southeast of Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) Ryan Johnson, on tenor saxophone, Meng-Yung Weng, on alto saxophone, and Ryan Conteras, on baritone saxophone, perform as part of the USC Saxophone Quartet at Congaree National Park in Hopkins, S.C., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) Onlookers stop to watch the Fuse Woodwind Quintet play "American" by Antonin Dvorak at Congaree National Park in Richland County, South Carolina, on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) The Fuse Woodwind Quintet, composed of Molly Damitio on flute, Jonathan Krause on oboe, Elle Senn on bassoon, Connor Hammond on French horn and Jennifer Saavedra Tovar on clarinet, performs at Congaree National Park in Hopkins, S.C., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) Ryan Johnson plays tenor saxophone as part of the USC Saxophone Quartet at Congaree National Park in Hopkins, S.C., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) The USC Choral Ensemble performs Congaree National Park in Hopkins, S.C., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) Dennis Heaven plays the double bass as part of the Butterfield Combo at Congaree National Park in Hopkins, S.C., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) Onlookers watch as the USC Choral Ensemble, directed by Alicia Walker, performs at Congaree National Park near Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) Jayden Moreno plays a saxophone solo as Santi Balagtas, another member of the Butterfield Combo, looks on at Congaree National Park near Columbia, S.C., on Saturday, April 18, 2026. (Photo by Skylar Laird/SC Daily Gazette) { "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type" : "ImageGallery", "id" : "https://scdailygazette.com/2026/04/19/just-wonderful-usc-musicians-perform-at-congaree-national-park-for-countrys-250th-birthday/", "url" : "https://scdailygazette.com/2026/04/19/just-wonderful-usc-musicians-perform-at-congaree-national-park-for-countrys-250th-birthday/" } Courtesy of South Carolina Daily Gazette
	Energy demand in ComEd territory could double by 2040, in part driven by data centers Representatives from Ameren and Commonwealth Edison, Illinois’ major electric supply companies, said a majority, though not all, of the large load projects in their queues are data centers.
	5 injured, including students, in shooting near the University of Iowa The investigation remains ongoing.
	Clucking egg prices as of 4/17/26 Here’s this week’s egg price update. This is the USDA’s average price per dozen when delivered to the warehouse on Jan. 20, 2026, compared to where prices are now. To see the price, click on the video above. Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and [...]
	FISA Section 702 renewal not a slam dunk in Congress One of the most controversial intelligence tools utilized by the federal government might disappear, Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA). Section 702 has been around since 2008. It lets the government spy on foreigners abroad but can track the communications of Americans who speak with any targets under surveillance. Critics take the [...]
	Tougher animal torture law in Iowa in doubt despite broad agreement A bill to get tougher on people who torture animals in Iowa might be losing momentum, and Illinois might get tougher on insurance companies that try to raise prices. We will start in Illinois and new regulations proposed for companies that provide car and homeowners' insurance, Senate Bill 1486. Here's what it would do: This [...]
	Illinois lawmakers McCombie & Halpin on new taxes and the next home for the Chicago Bears Illinois state lawmakers are moving closer to the pressure point of this year's legislative session. It's scheduled to end May 31, and they need to finalize a budget by then. Gov. JB Pritzker submitted his $56 billion spending plan about two months ago. It would be the largest budget in state history. The biggest challenge [...]
	Officials: 3 University of Iowa students injured in shooting at Ped Mall near university The Iowa City Police Department is investigating a shooting that happened early Sunday morning at the Ped Mall near the University of Iowa campus.
	Several injured in shooting near University of Iowa campus at Ped Mall The Iowa City Police Department is investigating a shooting that happened early Sunday morning at the Ped Mall near the University of Iowa campus.
	“Butcher, Hymes, & Murtha,” April 29 through June 29 Colorful, playful, and delightfully goofy works will be on display at the Quad City Arts International Airport Gallery from April 29 through June 29, with the shared exhibition Butcher, Hymes, & Murtha showcasing new illustrations on shaped wood by Aaron Butcher and examples of fiber art by MaryKay Hymes and Diane Murtha.
	Sunday Puzzle: For Mimi NPR's Elissa Nadworny plays the puzzle with WMEH listener Chee Sing Lee and Weekend Edition Puzzlemaster Will Shortz.
	Work continues on Bettendorf's Central Avenue Resurfacing Project Iowa American Water crews will move eastward on Monday and begin work on the second of five sections.
	BBB Tip: Healthcare scams are after your personal information Healthcare scams are as varied as just about any con out there. The fraudster often poses as a government authority to persuade you to provide personal information related to your insurance, Medicare or Medicaid account for identity theft. In other…
	Photos: In this part of the world, nearly every chile pepper farmer is a woman Chile peppers are a traditional part of Indian cuisine — and a key crop for women farmers. They say it's too demanding for men. "In spite of the challenges," says one, "we've found freedom."
	Why nearly every farmer who grows these chile peppers is a woman Chile peppers are a traditional part of Indian cuisine — and a key crop for women farmers. They say it's too demanding for men. "In spite of the challenges," says one, "we've found freedom."
	MARK-TO-MARKET: Despite Iran conflict, stock market soars to record highs Not even halfway through the year, 2026 has been a rollercoaster ride for stock market investors. In early February, the major U.S. stock market indexes were all trading at or near their respective all-time highs. Investors were optimistic that the…
	U.S.-Iran ceasefire expires this week with no deal in sight After briefly reopening the vital economic waterway, Iran has again closed the Strait of Hormuz, saying it will restrict ships from passing through as long as the U.S. continues its blockade.
	U.S. negotiators prepare for more peace talks as Trump repeats threats to Iran After Iran again closed the Strait of Hormuz, President Trump said the U.S. is returning to Pakistan for negotiations, but threatened to strike Iranian infrastructure if a deal isn't reached soon.
	How Iowa Quad-Cities school districts reacted to 2% increase in supplemental state aid As school budgets for next year are nearing completion and being presented to the public, here is how Iowa Quad-Cities schools responded the 2% increase in supplemental state aid.
	From Matchbox cars to history: One man’s archive tells Davenport’s story He started with Matchbox cars. Now his vast collection preserves Davenport’s past, one photo, record and story at a time.
	A County Seat This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Folks around here once took their right to vote seriously. They cared about who won.That was one-hundred and fifty…
	She no longer remembers it's her birthday. He got her a present anyway A special day can be tinged with sorrow when your partner has dementia. But then he found the perfect gift.
	Freeze Warning from MON 12:00 AM CDT until MON 9:00 AM CDT Freeze Warning: Sub-Freezing Temperatures Expected Overnight
	The Little Probe That Could: Why Voyager 1 Matters, and Why NASA Just Switched Part of It Off This week, NASA announced it had shut down one of that spacecraft's remaining science instruments — not because the mission has failed, but to keep it alive a little longer.
Saturday, April 18th, 2026
	St. Ambrose Dance Marathon caps yearlong fundraising with its 13-hour event After months of preparation and fundraising, St. Ambrose University students are dancing for 13 hours to support pediatric care at the University of Iowa.
	Local company donates HVAC system to Kings Harvest Ministries Northwest Mechanical Inc. donated an HVAC system, valued at approximately $10,000, to Kings Harvest Ministries' homeless shelter.
	Bridge deck over Spoon River undergoes emergency repairs A section of eastbound I-74 in Knox County is closed for emergency bridge deck repairs over the Spoon River until April 22.
	Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois holds 'Journey Around the World' event Kids and families got the chance to explore booth representing cultures and countries from around the world.
	KWQC brings home 8 Iowa, 1 Illinois broadcaster awards KWQC is bringing home hardware from the Iowa and Illinois Broadcaster News Association award events Saturday.
	North Korea launches ballistic missiles toward sea South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff says the launches happened on Sunday morning from the North's eastern Sinpo area.
	Family Resources holds barbeque fundraiser in support of sexual assault survivors All proceeds from the fundraiser benefit Family Resources’ sexual abuse programs.
	Overview of last night's storms After a very eventful week of severe weather, last night was most likely the worst of it with a strong line of showers and thunderstorms bring strong winds, hail, and tornadoes in our area. Some of our storm reports from last night's storms include strong wind gusts that reached as high as 90 mph over [...]
	Life jacket worn by a passenger who survived the Titanic auctioned off for over $900,000 A life jacket worn by a passenger on the RMS Titanic has sold at auction for 670,000 pounds, which is more than $900,000.
	Crews respond to Rock Island fire Fire crews respond to fire.
	Flood warning issued for Rock and Mississippi rivers, rains erase local drought conditions All the rain that has fallen over Iowa and Illinois has erased the drought conditions in the Quad-Cities region, but it also is causing local rivers to flood.
	A mass shooting in Ukraine's capital leaves 6 dead before police shot and killed the gunman A gunman has killed six people and injured at least 14 in a mass shooting in Ukraine's capital before he was shot and killed by police.
	MercyOne Genesis Woodhull Family Medicine to open April 20 A public ribbon cutting for the new location will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 1.
	Rock Island's 2026 Annual Action Plan available for public inspection and comment A draft of Rock Island's 2026 Annual Action Plan is now available for public inspection and comment.
	Trump signs order fast tracking review of psychedelics for mental health disorders President endorses psilocybin and ibogaine: "Can I have some, please?"
	Lena Strong Community Fund to support storm relief efforts The Foundation for Northwest Illinois says it will match donations up to $50,000.
	Traffic Alert: Eastbound I-74 closure in Knox County Traffic is being rerouted to U.S. Highway 150 East and Illinois Route 97, according to the Knox County Sheriff’s Office.
	Recovery efforts underway in Lena after likely tornado tears through town Friday's storm caused destruction across the village.
	Geneseo Chamber of Commerce to host annual Artwalk Visitors can stroll through the heart of the city while exploring a diverse mix of artists, makers and vendors showcasing their work and products.
	Viola coffee shop damaged by Friday storms The Bean Field coffee shop, 1708 13th Street, sustained damage after Friday nights storm, the business shared to Facebook.
	Severe weather causes 2 separate truck tractor semi trailer crashes on Knox County interstate Friday’s severe weather caused some truck tractor semi trailers to overturn on an interstate. No injuries were reported.
	Mural artist will give Volunteer Millers program in Fulton The Volunteer Millers at Fulton’s Windmill Area will host mural artist Eve Van Kampen for a program on her work at 6 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, a news release says. The presentation will be held at the Windmill Cultural Center, 111 10th Ave. in downtown Fulton. Van Kampen is a mural artist and designer based [...]
	Photos: How overfishing in Southeast Asia is an ecological and human crisis A rare look at one of the world's most critical and understudied environmental crises. Southeast Asia produces more than half of the world's fish, yet its waters are among the most depleted and contested.
	Photos: In this part of the world, nearly every pepper farmer is a woman A rare look at one of the world's most critical and understudied environmental crises. Southeast Asia produces more than half of the world's fish, yet its waters are among the most depleted and contested.
	Learn how to care for trees in free Moline session The City of Moline and Moline Community Development Corporation will host a tree education session from 11 a,m, until noon Saturday, May 9, at Riverside Park, 3300 5th Ave., Moline. The City of Moline and Moline Community Development Corporation are partnering for the second year to invite residents, homeowners, and community members. The session will [...]
	Opinion: Remembering Kevin Klose, former NPR president and broadcasting icon We remember Kevin Klose, former NPR president, who helped secure financial stability for the network while supporting and encouraging its journalism.
	Tired of waiting for your EV to charge up? One Chinese company has a novel solution Chinese car company NIO is putting up EV battery swapping stations all around the world. NPR took a ride in one car for the experience.
	Holocaust Film Series will be held at Figge Art Museum, Davenport The Holocaust Film Series 2026 will begin at 4 p.m. Sunday, April 26, with "Orchestra of Exiles" at the Figge Art Museum auditorium, 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport, according to a news release. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and military, free for students. All films have won multiple awards and all have [...]
	Front Street Brewery will present cruise for QC Honor Flight Front Street Brewery has announced the Front Street Topless Cruise for Charity at noon Saturday, May 16, a news release says. This is part of the nationally recognized Go Topless Day, the annual tradition for Jeep owners and outdoor vehicle enthusiasts across the country. This year, Front Street Brewery will join the celebration, with all [...]
	School board splits on installing synthetic turf at Rock Island High School Rock Island High School will get synthetic turf in the following years, but the decision came down to a deciding vote on Tuesday night's school board meeting.
	Muscatine Power and Water receives national awards, including for safety and reliability “Our employees take pride in doing their work the right way, and these awards highlight that dedication across every part of our organization," MPW General Manager Gage Huston said.
	Kiwanis Club of Moline plans Music Bingo night The Kiwanis Club of Moline is teaming up with Think and Drink Trivia to host its first Music Bingo night, a news release says. The goal is to raise money to go toward becoming an IMPACT Club with Kiwanis International while improving the lives of children in the community through fundraising. The event will be [...]
	Memories of Muscatine: The Gardener This week for Memories of Muscatine: A watercolor by Katheryn Rogers.
	Rivers and Lakes This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.We Rock Islanders who live along the Mississippi River don't hold much for lakes, those little puddles that dot the…
	Caracas' iconic macaws threatened by vanishing palm trees In the Venezuelan capital, Caracas, flocks of colorful macaws that once brightened city skies now face disappearing nest sites — and with them, a unique urban bond.
	She invited her friends to come together to make her casket Friends gathered at a weaver's studio in Massachusetts to help MaddyChristine Hope Brokopp make her casket.
	Uncertainty over the Strait of Hormuz remains, as ceasefire nears its end Iran's military said on Saturday the Strait of Hormuz has "returned to its previous state." The announcement came after President Trump had said the blockade on Iranian ports would remain in place.
	Martha and the Vandellas recorded an anthem for the civil rights era – and fought for fair pay Motown’s Martha and the Vandellas inspired future generations of girl groups in pop music, including En Vogue, SWV and Destiny’s Child. (Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)The CBS television show “It’s What’s Happening Baby” aired a music video featuring Martha and the Vandellas performing their hit song “Nowhere to Run” to kick off its national broadcast dedicated to Detroit on June 28, 1965. In the video, the Detroit-based trio sang about how they could not escape missing an ex-lover after a breakup while sitting in a white Mustang moving slowly down the assembly line in the Ford Motor Co.’s River Rouge plant. As a cultural and labor historian, I see the “Nowhere to Run” video as an iconic testament to Detroit’s reputation as the “Motor City” and the role of the autoworker in the American imagination. Motown founder and CEO Berry Gordy, Jr. worked on the Ford assembly line and used it as inspiration for Hitsville U.S.A., the famed headquarters and music recording studio that served as a space to train performers and perfect the “Motown sound” for the masses. Martha and the Vandellas were part of Motown’s illustrious roster of artists in the 1960s. Initially comprised of Martha Reeves, Rosalind Ashford and Annette Beard, and with members changing over the next three decades, they helped establish the Black “girl group.” They presented themselves as working class in videos like “Nowhere to Run.” Their classic anthem “Dancing in the Street” reflected the revolutionary mood of civil rights protesters, especially Black Americans in the 1960s. As lead singer, Reeves also emerged as a pioneering R&B “diva,” helping pave the way for Black female solo vocalists like Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige and Beyoncé. A patient path to stardom Martha Reeves was born in Eufaula, Alabama, on July 18, 1941. Soon after, her family moved to Detroit’s east side. Music occupied a central place in her life from childhood. Reeves writes in her 1994 memoir, “Dancing in the Street: Confessions of a Motown Diva,” about her father serenading her mother with his guitar while she was pregnant with Martha. Her mother, Ruby, also sang. Reeves’ parents passed their love for music to her, and she sang in her church choir and aspired to a life of performance. “At that young age I was already hooked on pleasing the crowd with my singing,” Reeves wrote. Reeves graduated from Northeastern High School. As a teenager, she used fake IDs to get into night clubs to watch singers perform, and she sang in open mics and talent shows. She scored her first break after earning a three-night performance at the 20 Grand, a popular Detroit night club located on 14th Street and Warren Avenue. It was after one of those performances when she met William Stevenson, Motown Records’ executive for discovering new talent. Stevenson invited Reeves to the label’s headquarters. Reeves came to the studio, but she didn’t audition for reasons that aren’t entirely clear today. Instead, Stevenson told her she could answer the phones. That’s how she got a job in the A&R Department and began working with other Motown artists. In 1957, Reeves joined her first group, the Del-Phis. Formed by Edward “Pops” Larkins, the Del-Phis also included leader Gloria Jean Williamson, Rosalind Ashford and Annette Beard. Reeves soon caught another break. In September 1962, Stevenson called for her to fill in for Mary Wells in a Marvin Gaye studio session. Reeves enlisted the other Del-Phis, and they performed so well that they became the supporting vocal group for Gaye. After the Del-Phis toured with Gaye and recorded “I’ll Have to Let Him Go,” Gordy offered Reeves, Beard and Ashford a recording contract. The group also took on a new name, Martha and the Vandellas. Martha and the Vandellas enjoyed commercial success soon after, with songs like “Come and Get These Memories,” “Quicksand” and “Heatwave.” An anthem for revolution set to a groove “Dancing in the Street,” written by Gaye, Stevenson and Ivy Jo Hunter, was released in the summer of 1964 and became a signature hit for Martha and the Vandellas. Reeves wrote in her autobiography that she did not like “Dancing in the Street.” However, she made it her own, and Reeves later acknowledged that the song embodied the spirit of civil rights protests. “It became the anthem of the decade,” Reeves wrote. She was right. At the time of the song’s release, the Civil Rights Movement was in full swing. Black Americans in Harlem took to the streets to protest the killing of 15-year-old James Powell by an off-duty New York Police Department officer. The 1960s set off a string of “long, hot summers” as racial tensions intensified. Black folks in the Watts neighborhood in Los Angeles in 1965 protested in the streets in response to police violence. More than 100 protests were organized in response to Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination in 1968, from Chicago to Washington and Baltimore. Detroit erupted a year earlier, in July 1967, after Detroit police officers raided a “blind pig,” or an unlicensed bar, on 12th Street. The iconic opening lines of “Dancing in the Street” announced a new attitude among Black folks: “Calling out around the world/ Are you ready for a brand new beat?” The high-octane, optimistic song is laced with slogans interpreted as invitations to take action. Martha and the Vandellas’ declaration that “Summer is here and the time is right for dancing in the street” reflected Black Americans’ willingness to not only march, but to take measures in their own hands and fight for equality and justice. Battle for fair pay and recognition The late 1960s and early 1970s were a time of transition for Reeves and the Vandellas. The Supremes were on the rise and threatened to displace them as the most prominent girl group on the Motown label. Reeves also experienced creative differences with Motown executives and struggled with drug addiction. Then, in 1972, Gordy moved Motown to Los Angeles so he could try his hand at filmmaking. Martha and the Vandellas broke up later that year after the release of their album, “Black Magic.” However, Reeves continued as a solo artist, releasing five albums, including her self-titled debut “Martha Reeves” in 1974, “The Rest of My Life” in 1976 and “We Meet Again” in 1978, among others. Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, along with many Motown artists, experienced a resurgence in popularity during the 1980s. Motown Records’ 25th anniversary show in Pasadena, California, in 1983 launched them back into the mainstream. The group reunited and started performing again in 1989. Also, Reeves and the group sought to resolve their old conflicts with Motown Records. Reeves and various members of the Vandellas sued Gordy and Motown in 1989 for unpaid royalties. Motown Records settled the suit in 1991 for an undisclosed amount. Four years later, the B-52s inducted Reeves and the Vandellas into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The diva archetype Martha and the Vandellas played a vital role in laying the foundation for future all-Black female groups like En Vogue, TLC, SWV and Destiny’s Child. They helped set the standard for turning songs about the trappings of love and heartbreak into anthems. Reeves embraced being an “R&B Diva” long before music critics applied the persona to singers like Mary J. Blige and Beyoncé. Reeves was not just a larger-than-life vocal presence; she showed future generations of Black female vocalists that, to be a diva, one must have control of one’s own career. “We became the Vandellas and with me being the only lead singer, my name was put out there because I did all the work,” Reeves said in a 2020 interview. “I did all the singing. … I managed to just come up with my own destiny, with my own future in show business.” This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Austin McCoy is an assistant professor of History at West Virginia University. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. Courtesy of Kansas Reflector
	I-80 Mississippi River bridge washing begins April 20 Washing of the Interstate 80 Mississippi River bridge begins April 20. According to a release from the Illinois Department of Transportation, as maintenance on the bridge in Rock Island County begins, traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction from 8:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. daily. Work is anticipated to be completed in [...]
	US Census Bureau lists 1,000 most common first names in America The U.S. Census Bureau just released a list of the 1,000 most common first names in the country, based on data collected during the 2020 Census.
Friday, April 17th, 2026
	Quad Cities NWS office issues 2nd most severe weather warnings in one day ever! amccrayEdit Profile After hours (and hours) of severe t'storms rolling through the area - the final #s are in. And meteorologists all around the QC had a very busy day. That includes the meteorologists at the National Weather Service. Our local office issued a total of 50 severe t'storm and tornado warnings combined. That's the [...]
	Stormy stretch comes to an end in the Quad Cities 3 out of the last 4 days - severe weather hammered parts of the Quad Cities area. As of Friday night, we're finally out of this pattern and things are looking up for this weekend. Well, except for the temperatures. It will be cool with highs in the upper 40s and lower 50s this weekend. [...]
	U.S. Army ends collective bargaining agreements with federal union workers The U.S. Army canceled union agreements with AFGE local unions, impacting up to 3,000 workers at the Rock Island Arsenal. Labor leaders call the move “vindictive.”
	Former Quad Cities baseball player dies at 53 Former Quad Cities Angel Garret Anderson passed away at 53.
	Severe storm damage reported across the greater Quad Cities region A line of severe storms swept across eastern Iowa and western Illinois Friday evening. Here's a look at storm damage reports News 8 has received.
	People asked to avoid Lena, Illinois, due to tornado damage, officials say The Stephenson County Sheriff's Office said there is no way to get into the town due to downed trees and wires.
	Bat tests positive for rabies in Rock Falls The bat was found inside a Rock Falls residence. Community members are reminded not to touch or handle bats indoors without protective equipment.
	Severe storm damage reported across the greater Quad Cities region A line of severe storms swept across eastern Iowa and western Illinois Friday evening. Here's a look at storm damage reports News 8 has received.
	Funeral mass held for former Davenport bishop Catholics gathered at Sacred Heart Cathedral to remember a former bishop of the Diocese of Davenport Friday morning.
	I-74 eastbound closed in Knox County Officials with the Illinois DOT said they need to make emergency pavement repairs to the bridge deck over Spoon River. Work should be done by Wednesday.
	Programming note: Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy! to re-air overnight Friday’s episode of Wheel of Fortune will run at 1:12 a.m. Jeopardy! will follow at 1:45 a.m.
	Judge halts local TV giant Nexstar's takeover of rival Tegna until trial U.S. Judge Trevor Nunley ruled that consumers could suffer irreparable harm if Nexstar integrated Tegna's stations into its own operations ahead of an antitrust trial.
	Groundbreaking to be held for apartments at former Dispatch building, downtown Moline The groundbreaking for the Dispatch Apartments project, 1720 5th Ave., Moline,will be 3:15 p.m. Monday, April 20, a news release says. LA Nights, LLC is redeveloping the former Dispatch newspaper building into 40 market-rate apartments, including 26 one-bedroom and studio units and 14 two-bedroom units. The project also includes construction of an off-street parking lot on the east side of the [...]
	Rock Island's Annual Action Plan ready for public review A draft of Rock Island’s 2026 Annual Action Plan (AAP) is now open for public comment and review, according to a news release. The plan outlines the city’s projects and activities that will be funded, or have the potential to be funded, with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing [...]
	WATCH: Strong storm arrives in Lena, Illinois Strong storms hit Lena, Illinois on Friday. The video above is courtesy of JCWIFI via Storyful.
	Suspected tornado hits Lena, severe damage reported Stephenson County Sheriff Steve Stovall reported his office is not aware of any fatalities and no injuries have been reported at this time.
	Deaths of migrants in ICE custody hit record high under Trump Twenty-nine people have died in ICE custody since October, the start of the federal government's fiscal year, already surpassing 2004's toll of 28, the previous record, according to government data.

Sunday, April 19th, 2026

Saturday, April 18th, 2026

Friday, April 17th, 2026