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

Friday, February 27th, 2026
	Crews battle field fire in Carbon Cliff Firefighters from Carbon Cliff, Silvis and Colona are all working to extinguish the blaze.
	Rock Island High School students walk out of class to protest district administration About 60 students participated in the walkout.
	NASA redirects Artemis moon mission program, postponing a planned astronaut landing In shaking up its Artemis lunar program, NASA's new moon plan looks more like the Apollo missions of the 1960s. Instead of landing on the surface on Artemis III, NASA hopes to do so on Artemis IV.
	Jamison Fisher makes court appearance in Trudy Appleby case Jamison Fisher appeared in Henry County Court in Cambridge on Friday, February 27 for a pretrial hearing in the murder case of 11-year-old Trudy Appleby. Rock Island County State’s Attorney Dora Villarreal entered a motion to withdraw from the case. The motion was granted without objection. The court scheduled a hearing on other motions, including [...]
	Crews battle brush fire in Silvis, Carbon Cliff area Crews are battling a large brush fire behind the Silvis Walmart.
	Jamison Fisher appears in court, witness testimony hearing scheduled Jamison Fisher, charged in connection with the 1996 death of Trudy Appleby, appeared in court Friday for a pretrial conference.
	LIST: Iowa QCA polling places for March 3 election Scott County Auditor Kerri Tompkins reminds voters that March 3 is Election Day for Davenport, North Scott and Pleasant Valley Community School Districts, as well as filling a vacancy on the Walcott City Council. “To reduce taxpayer expenses, Vote Centers will be open which allows voters to cast their vote at any of the 14 [...]
	OpenAI says it shares Anthropic's 'red lines' over military AI use OpenAI's Sam Altman says he shares the "red lines" set by rival Anthropic restricting how the military uses AI models, amid Anthropic's escalating feud with the Pentagon.
	PPEL, Walcott special election sites for March 3 election Scott County Auditor Kerri Tompkins reminds voters of the upcoming Election Day on March 3 for Davenport, North Scott and Pleasant Valley Community School Districts, as well as filling a vacancy in the office of City Council for the City of Walcott. “To reduce taxpayer expenses, Vote Centers will be open which allows voters to cast their vote at any of the 14 sites throughout the county,” said Tompkins. This election will include the Physical Plant & Equipment Levy for North Scott Schools. On March 3, Election Day, the polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the sites below: VC1 AG Donahue Fire Station 302 N Main St Donahue, IA VC2 B23 Bettendorf Library 2950 Learning Campus Dr Bettendorf, IA VC3 B53 TBK Bank Sports Complex 4850 Competition Drive Bettendorf, IA VC4 BG Bluegrass Public Safety Building 606 W Mayne St Blue Grass, IA VC5 D11 Davenport Fairmount Library 3000 N Fairmount St Davenport, IA VC6 D33 Scott County Administrative Center 600 W 4th St Davenport, IA VC7 D64 Duck Creek Park Lodge 3300 E Locust St Davenport, IA VC8 D72 C.A.S.I. 1035 W Kimberly Rd Davenport, IA VC9 D84 Davenport Eastern Library 6000 Eastern Av Davenport, IA VC10 EL1 Scott County Library 200 N 6th AVE Eldridge, IA VC11 LC1 First Presbyterian Church of LeClaire 200 S 12th St LeClaire, IA VC12 PR Princeton Community Center 428 River Dr Princeton, IA VC13 PV Trinity Lutheran Church 18137 Criswell St Pleasant Valley, IA VC14 WC Calvary Church of Walcott 100 E James St Walcott, IA For the upcoming Primary and General Elections later this year, all 66 Scott County poll site locations will be used as normal. For more information, please review the website: Elections - Elections - Scott County, Iowa
	Celebrate Girl Scout Week March 8 - 14 Girl Scouts nationwide will celebrate Girl Scout Week from March 8–14. The week recognizes the impact and legacy of Girl Scouts in local communities and across the country. The celebration culminates on March 12, the anniversary of the founding of Girl Scouts in 1912, when Juliette Gordon Low officially launched a program that inspires millions of [...]
	4 Your Money \| Leading The Way When evaluating the overall economy, it is important investors focus on the future instead of past or current conditions. David Nelson, CEO of NelsonCorp Wealth Management, explains the Leading Economic Indicator and how the data suggests good news for risk assets.
	Project NOW receives $1.8M for Head Start programs Project NOW, Inc. has been awarded $1,845,266 in federal funding for Head Start programming in the Quad Cities through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The grant will support early childhood education and services for children and families in the area. “Head Start changes lives,” said Rep. Eric Sorensen (IL-17). “This $1.8 million [...]
	Students at Rock Island High School held a walkout The students said they are protesting "unfair treatment" by the school administration and ICE actions.
	Community mourns loss of Jefferson Elementary students Police say the 11-year-old "Slipped and fell under a bus," and later died from their injuries.
	Students walk out at Rock Island High School About 60 students walked out of Rock Island High School on Friday. It happened around 9:40 a.m., according to a spokesperson for the Rock Island-Milan School District. "A small group of scholars created a group chat yesterday to encourage participation in the walkout," a statement to Our Quad Cities News said. "Preliminary indications from scholars [...]
	Community builds memorial to honor child who died after bus-related incident The memorial is forming in the 1100 block of East 37th Street.
	Construction brings short-term challenges, long-term hopes for downtown East Moline Construction on 15th Avenue in East Moline is slowing business access now, but owners say city investment could bring more visitors downtown in the future.
	HUD proposes time limits and work requirements for rental aid The rule would allow housing agencies and landlords to impose such requirements "to encourage self-sufficiency." Critics say most who can work already do, but their wages are low.
	Paramount and Warner Bros' deal is about merging studios, and a whole lot more The nearly $111 billion marriage would unite Paramount and Warner film studios, streamers and television properties — including CNN — under the control of the wealthy Ellison family.
	Davenport woman arrested; accused of assault with fire extinguisher, pocketknife A Davenport woman is in the Scott County Jail after police said she damaged an apartment door with a fire extinguisher and threatened a person inside. The criminal complaint filed in the case said Davenport Police received three 911 calls to respond to the 500 block of W. Third Street on February 27 at about [...]
	Gov. Kim Reynolds says she only flew for ‘official use’ in State Patrol plane Gov. Kim Reynolds said she believes her use of an Iowa State Patrol airplane purchased using COVID-19 relief funds to travel for official events was appropriate, she said during a news conference Thursday.
	Woman caught in prostitution sting in Bettendorf enters into plea agreement Under the agreements, the state will recommend a suspended 180-day jail sentence, and the defendant will pay a $855 fine.
	Brush fire risk rises across Quad Cities as burn bans take effect “All it takes is one spark.” Quad Cities fire officials warn how quickly brush fires can turn dangerous.
	An elevated fire risk for this afternoon We are looking to see winds picking up for our Friday afternoon in the Quad Cities that along with other factors is going to cause a fire risk. By the afternoon wind speeds will be picking up near 20 MPH here in the Quad Cities before quickly dropping off by the evening. When you add [...]
	'Fascism in Film' series continues at Figge Art Museum, Davenport The Free Film at the Figge spring series continues with "Fascism in Film" as the Figge presents distinguished, award-winning films that represent the best in provocative, suspenseful film-making set in the context of authoritarian fascism, a news release says. Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio (U.S./Mexico/U.K. / 2022) Thursday, March 5. From the director of "The Shape of Water" and "Pan’s Labyrinth" [...]
	Cook review: 'Man on the Run' will delight Beatles, McCartney fans Morgan Neville's latest documentary gives insight, warmth and humor to the life of a musician who truly is a living legend. Neville's 2013 "20 Feet from Stardom," a documentary about backup singers, earned the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature. Now his look at Paul McCartney and the decade that followed the breakup of The [...]
	North Scott School District resignations, hirings and other personnel news for Feb. 23 The following personnel items are from the Feb. 23 agenda of the North Scott School District. The School Board met at Administration Office.
	Lane of I-80 reopens after vehicle fire extinguished The road was reopened about 7:50 a.m.
	CASI’s 44th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Race returns March 14 CASI’s 44th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Race returns to downtown Davenport on March 14 with multiple family‑friendly events and proceeds supporting the Center for Active Seniors.
	Traffic alert: Vehicle fire blocks lane of I-80 east The right lane on I-80 Eastbound is currently blocked due to a vehicle on fire.
	Retirements, resignations, hirings, other Davenport School personnel news for Feb. 23 See the personnel items from the Feb. 23 agenda of the Davenport Community School District. The board met at the Achievement Service Center, 2nd Floor, 1702 N. Main St., Davenport.
	Traffic Alert: Lane blocked on I-80 Eastbound The right lane on I-80 Eastbound is currently blocked due to a vehicle on fire.
	Musser Public Library, Muscatine,invites public to annual meeting The public is invited to the Friends of Musser Public Library annual meeting from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 4, in Room 301 of the Musser Public Library and HNI Community Center, 408 E. 2nd St., Muscatine, a news release says. The Friends of Musser Public Library is a separate nonprofit organization of library [...]
	Rare Total Lunar Eclipse Tuesday Morning But Clouds May Block the View The next total lunar eclipse for the QCA is in June of 2029
	Pleasant Valley employee filed workers' compensation claim after being exposed to mold The district has since remediated the affected area at Cody Elementary in LeClaire and has tested the building, with all tests within acceptable levels, the superintendent said.
	My doctor keeps focusing on my weight. What other health metrics matter more? Our Real Talk with a Doc columnist explains how to push back if your doctor's obsessed with weight loss. And what other health metrics matter more instead.
	Baz Luhrmann will make you fall in love with Elvis Presley The new movie is made up of footage originally shot in the early 1970s, which Luhrmann found in storage in a Kansas salt mine.
	Black History Month: For Linda Barnes, Black history is personal Linda Barnes offers the the history that led her to being the first Black woman elected to the Rock Island City Council.
	Mrs. Maggie Van Cott This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.By the winter of 1875, the parishioners of Central Methodist Church in Davenport had decided on a new battle plan in…
	Forget the State of the Union. What's the state of your quiz score? What's the state of your union, quiz-wise? Find out!
	Nancy Guthrie case: How do families of missing people cope with the uncertainty? When a loved one goes missing, relatives can feel guilty simply for eating, says Charlie Shunick, whose sister was kidnapped. Shunick now helps others navigate a nightmare "nobody is prepared for."
	Red Flag Warning from FRI 12:00 PM CST until FRI 6:00 PM CST Critical Fire Weather Conditions This Afternoon
	This community festival embraces the joys of a frozen lake — while it still has one As climate change accelerates, local experts say the date Wisconsin's Lake Mendota freezes over is getting later, making safe conditions for activities that rely on snow and ice harder to predict.
	GM accused of selling Iowa consumer data without consent, lawsuit claims DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird announced a lawsuit against General Motors, LLC. on Thursday for allegedly unlawfully selling Iowans' information. In the lawsuit filed in the Polk County District Court, AG Bird says General Motors (GM) used OnStar, LLC., and other telematic systems to collect and later sell data from Iowans [...]
	Lawmakers say US military used laser to take down Border Protection drone The U.S. military used a laser to shoot down a Customs and Border Protection drone, members of Congress said Thursday, and the Federal Aviation Administration responded by closing more airspace near El Paso, Texas.
	US military used laser to take down Border Protection drone, lawmakers say The U.S. military used a laser to shoot down a Customs and Border Protection drone, members of Congress said Thursday, and the Federal Aviation Administration responded by closing more airspace near El Paso, Texas.
Thursday, February 26th, 2026
	Why the First Year Behind the Wheel is the Most Dangerous: Data Shows Teen Drivers 3 Times More Likely to be in Fatal Crash (Feature Impact) The driver's license photo may be slightly awkward, but the milestone is unforgettable. For families, a newly licensed teen means independence, busy schedules and a new set of responsibilities. Motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of death for U.S. teens, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows drivers ages 16-19 are nearly three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than drivers 20 and older, per mile driven. The statistics are serious, but they're also manageable. "With the right preparation, teen driving doesn't have to feel overwhelming," said Susan Irace, manager, divisional claims at Mercury Insurance. "Experience is what young drivers are building. Parents can help shorten that learning curve with structure, technology and smart coverage decisions." Why the First Year Matters Federal safety data shows crash risk is highest in a teen's first year of independent driving. Night driving, teen passengers and distracted driving increase that risk - while seat belts, graduated licensing laws and supervised practice significantly reduce it. In 2023, more than 2,800 teens ages 13-19 were killed in motor vehicle crashes nationwide, according to the CDC. However, teen crash rates have declined over time thanks to safer vehicles, graduated driver licensing programs and greater awareness of distracted driving. Ways to Reduce Teen Driving Risk The experts at Mercury Insurance encourage families to focus on preparation rather than panic. 1. Coach Early and Often Log supervised driving time in different conditions - highways, rain, nighttime Create a simple written driving agreement outlining expectations Limit teen passengers during the first year Make seatbelts non-negotiable 2. Let Technology Help Choose vehicles with safety features like automatic emergency braking and blind-spot monitoring Use telematics or safe-driving feedback tools to reinforce good habits Activate smartphone "Do Not Disturb While Driving" settings 3. Review Insurance Before the Keys Change Hands Add teens to your insurance policy promptly Revisit liability limits to protect family assets Ask about good student and driver training discounts "Insurance is about preparation, not fear," Irace said. "When families combine active coaching with the right coverage, they're setting their teen up for safer miles ahead." Preparation Turns Risks into Confidence The first solo drive is a milestone, but preparation determines what comes next. By pairing common-sense coaching with today's vehicle safety technology and thoughtful insurance planning, families can support independence while managing risk responsibly. For more teen driver safety tips and coverage guidance, visit MercuryInsurance.com/resources. Photos courtesy of Shutterstock
	Six firefighter positions included in Clinton budget, for now The Clinton City Council approved a resolution for its general budget at a special meeting Thursday afternoon at City Hall.
	Construction brings short-term challenges, long-term hopes for downtown East Moline Construction on 15th Avenue in East Moline is slowing business access for now, but owners say city investment could bring more visitors downtown in the future.
	Apartment fire in Muscatine causes $80,000 in damages Muscatine fire officials said no one was injured in the fire.
	Gov. Reynolds signs 2% school funding increase \| What that means for Iowa schools Iowa's K-12 schools will receive approximately an additional $160 per student during the 2026-27 school year, though the increase isn't quite on par with inflation.
	Davenport police: Child dies after school bus crash The Davenport Police Department said an 11-year-old "slipped and fell" under a school bus Thursday morning. The child later died from their injuries.
	East Moline Mayor to deliver state of the city address RSVPs are requested by March 20 and it costs $25 per person to attend.
	Firefighters remain in Clinton budget plan A reversal came from Clinton city leaders about cutting firefighters from the department. Mayor Scott Maddasion says a plan brought up last month to get rid of six firefighters won't happen. Clinton's finance department figured out a way to keep them in the next budget. The city had to find a way to pay for [...]
	Spring is here early: Baby chicks arrive in Davenport While it may not actually be spring yet, 230 chicks arrived at Blain's Farm and Fleet in Davenport this morning, and a few of their experts explained how to take care of them. "Spring is here when the chicks come in," says Jennifer Coss, Head of Pet and Agriculture at Blain's Farm and Fleet. As [...]
	Mortgage rates fall below 6 percent for first time in over 3 years Mortgage rates fell below 6 percent on Thursday for the first time in over three years, marking an opening for home buyers as inflation cools.
	Deadline looms as Anthropic rejects Pentagon demands it remove AI safeguards The Defense Department has been feuding with Anthropic over military uses of its artificial intelligence tools. At stake are hundreds of millions of dollars in contracts and access to some of the most advanced AI on the planet.
	Airstrikes hit Afghan capital of Kabul, hours after Afghanistan attacks Pakistan Pakistan carried out airstrikes hours after Afghanistan launched a cross-border attack in the latest escalation of violence between the neighboring countries. The clashes are making a Qatar-mediated ceasefire appear increasingly shaky.
	Pakistan's defense minister says that there is now 'open war' with Afghanistan after latest strikes Pakistan's defense minister said that his country ran out of "patience" and considers that there is now an "open war" with Afghanistan, after both countries launched strikes following an Afghan cross-border attack.
	Grain bin entrapments on the rise, experts say accidents are almost entirely preventable One person died in a grain bin accident in Granville, Illinois, last month. Now, new data suggests these types of accidents are on the rise — and experts say 95% of them are preventable.
	Hillary Clinton calls House Oversight questioning 'repetitive' in 6 hour deposition In more than seven hours behind closed doors, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton answered questions from the House Oversight Committee as it investigates Jeffrey Epstein.
	Milan restaurant gives back by paying off local water bills After better-than-expected sales in early February, Finn's Grill and Bar decided to go to city hall and use the extra cash to pay for some people's utility bills.
	Iowa senate vote not taken on animal torture bill despite being scheduled DES MOINES, Iowa — The Senate adjourned until Monday without voting on the animal torture bill despite it being scheduled for a vote on Thursday. The bill received bipartisan support in both the House and Senate, advancing out of subcommittee and committee unanimously in both chambers. As a result, there has not been public opposition [...]
	Family pet rescued from Muscatine structure fire A family pet was rescued Thursday from a structure fire in Muscatine, according to a news release. Shortly after 11 a.m., the Muscatine Joint Communications Center (MUSCOM) received a 911 call reporting flames and black smoke at a multi-family residential building on the 2400 block of Park Avenue. Crews saw smoke coming from a second-floor [...]
	Rapids City voters to decide police protection tax levy in March 17 primary election Rapids City voters will decide March 17 whether to approve a levy to help fund contracted sheriff coverage.
	Journalist Steve Hartman talks about his Oscar-nominated 'All the Empty Rooms' CBS News correspondent Steve Hartman talks with Our Quad Cities News about his movie "All the Empty Rooms," a 2025 documentary that has been nominated for an Academy Award. Hartman teamed with photographer Lou Bopp for the 33-minute film that documents the unchanged bedrooms of children who were killed n U. S. school shootings. To [...]
	Muscatine firefighters respond to blaze at Sycamore Estates apartment complex The fire caused an estimated $80,000 in damage Thursday morning.
	The Heart of the Story: Down for demolition derby 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. Tradition is the name of the game as [...]
	Rock Island's Hilltop could ramp up development Rock Island's 'Hilltop' neighborhood has seen businesses come and go over the years. Now, one lot sits empty after years of use. A mix of gravel and concrete lay where many businesses once operated on the corner of 14th Avenue and 30th Street. The new partnership between Augustana and the city of Rock Island will [...]
	Drought worsens around parts of QCA The weekly drought update shows worsening conditions around parts of the Quad Cities. The update comes out every Thursday and ALL of our area is under some form of a drought. This is due in large part to the fact that we have had below normal precip. every single month since July! And, February is [...]
	Man charged in mother’s stabbing death will stay behind bars If convicted, he faces 20 years to life in prison.
	Apartment fire in Muscatine causes $80,000 in damages Muscatine fire officials said no one was injured in the fire.
	Chicagoans pay respects to Jesse Jackson as cross-country memorial services begin Memorial services for the Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr. to honor his long civil rights legacy begin in Chicago. Events will also take place in Washington, D.C., and South Carolina, where he was born and began his activism.
	11-year-old dies after falling under bus, Davenport police say Officials said at 7:17 a.m. a bus was driving west in the 1100 block of East 37th Street when a juvenile slipped and fell under the bus.
	Respiratory illness cases increase across Quad Cities Cold and flu cases are on the rise across the Quad Cities, but medical providers say the seasonal uptick is typical during the winter months.
	Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds defends use of state-funded plane for travel Gov. Kim Reynolds is responding to criticism over her use of state-funded planes for travel, saying she does not regret using the aircraft for official business.
	Muscatine Fire Department battles fire at apartment complex unit The Muscatine Fire Department responded to a fire at an apartment complex Thursday morning. No injures were reported.
	Iowa high school receives grant to fund career and technical education programs Adel DeSoto Minburn High School is one of 15 schools nationwide to receive a $25,000 grant from Carhatt's "For the Love of Labor" program.
	Old Dominion to headline Concerts on the Course at 2026 John Deere Classic Old Dominion will perform July 5 after play ends at TPC Deere Run in Silvis during the 2026 John Deere Classic.
	Finn's Grill and Bar helps pay utility bills for Milan residents Owner Joe Ende joined The Current on News 8 to discuss why he chose to pay those bills, how many people were helped and what the reaction has been like.
	Rock Island police ask for public’s help to identify person they say crashed stolen car Police said the person was driving a stolen 2012 Chevrolet Traverse and crashed into a parked car on Jan. 16 in the 4500 block of 9th Avenue.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted in Scott County for probation violation Joe Rush, 31, is wanted in Scott County for a probation violation on a prior drug conviction and habitual offender.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted in Scott County for escape, probation violation Gage Gardner, 28, is wanted in Scott County for escape and a probation violation on a prior drug conviction.
	Police: Child dies after school bus crash in Davenport The Davenport Police Department said an 11-year-old "slipped and fell" under a school bus Thursday morning. The child later died from their injuries.
	In reversal, Warner Bros. jilts Netflix for Paramount Warner Bros. says Paramount's sweetened bid to buy the whole company is "superior" to an $83 billion deal it struck with Netflix for just its streaming services, studios, and intellectual property.
	‘Live from QC’ gala to support local cancer patients You can enjoy an evening of laughter, music, food, auctions and more all while supporting CSC Gilda's Club free local cancer services. Here's how to get tickets.
	YWCA Quad Cities hosts youth career fair A free event is providing youth in the QCA with the opportunity to explore a wide range of career paths and summer employment opportunities. The free event is open to all youth throughout the Quad Cities community. Jenna Panicucci joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about the YWCA Quad Cities Youth Career Fair. For [...]
	Lawmakers take step to incentivize Bears to stay in Illinois An Illinois House committee voted to advance a major economic development bill on Thursday that could ultimately help convince the Chicago Bears to stay in Illinois rather than bolting for Indiana.
	Burlington fire crews respond to fire at illegal rental property The property was insured, officials said.
	Gov. Kim Reynolds signs 2% per-pupil funding package for K-12 schools into law Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law Thursday the bill establishing a 2% State Supplemental Aid rate, providing per-pupil funding for Iowa’s K-12 schools in the upcoming school year.
	Trump's ballroom project can continue for now, court says A US District Judge denied a preservation group's effort to put a pause on construction
	11-year-old dies after slipping and falling under bus Officials said at 7:17 a.m. a bus was driving west in the 1100 block of East 37th Street when a juvenile slipped and fell under the bus.
	‘Live from QC’ gala to support local cancer patients You can enjoy an evening of laughter, music, food, auctions and more all while supporting CSC Gilda's Club free local cancer services. Here's how to get tickets.
	'Heated Rivalry' turns people on to their local hockey league Tiara Phillips wanted to fill seats for her local hockey team, so she rallied together with a group that had discovered a newfound interest in the sport.
	Lee County, Illinois stolen vehicle chase ends in vehicle being found crashed, search underway for suspect Law enforcement agencies are searching for a person they say led them on a stolen vehicle chase.
	What are specialty clinics? Derek Fortin, Specialty Clinic Manager, explains how that can help improve patient care.
	Suspect at large after crashing stolen vehicle in Dixon, sheriff's office says When officials got to the crash scene, the driver was not inside and is believed to have fled on foot.
	Rock Island Resident striving for stronger community engagement and understanding Resident Annika O’Melia is using her background in therapy to delve deeper into community members seeking to make Rock Island a better place for all and to highlight city operations to maintain transparency among city leaders and residents.
	New Mixed Reality Experience Puts Students at the Center of Army National Guard Disaster Relief Efforts (BPT) - Key TakeawaysThe U.S. Army National Guard is bringing Disasterville — a new mixed-reality experience — to high school students nationwide, using hands-on simulations to demonstrate how National Guard Soldiers respond to disasters and emergencies.Disasterville immerses students within full-scale, mission-oriented disaster zones, including wildfires, floods and earthquakes, to team up and tackle each disaster the same way as the National Guard.Disasterville also introduces students to the different types of careers and missions in the National Guard — a unique component within the U.S. Army where Soldiers have the flexibility to serve their country part-time while pursuing their civilian careers.Americans are no strangers to the far-reaching impacts of natural disasters on communities, but what many do not know is what it takes to prepare and respond. That will change this spring, when the U.S. Army National Guard brings Disasterville — a new, mixed reality experience — to high school students across the country, placing them at the center of the most common disaster relief missions.The National Guard remains a critical lifeline in communities across the country. When needed, National Guard Soldiers respond to domestic emergencies in their home state with capabilities across medical, aviation, transportation and more.Disasterville, a new mixed-reality experience from the Army National Guard, transforms high school gyms into full-scale, mission-oriented disaster zones where the structures around them become devastated buildings, debris, rough terrain and hazards."Young Americans are increasingly seeking ways to make an impact close to home, but many are unaware of the wide-ranging skills of National Guard Soldiers and their critical role in disaster response," says Staff Sgt. Adam Szabo, State Media Services Program & Marketing NCO with the National Guard Bureau's Marketing and Advertising Branch. "Disasterville shows the possibilities of part-time service by immersing students directly into the complex, high-stakes missions of the National Guard, and showing them what it means to serve the community."Read on to learn more about Disasterville and its mission to inspire the next generation of National Guard Soldiers.Disasterville allows students to experience the high-stakes missions of National Guard Soldiers Using advanced mixed-reality technology, Disasterville transforms high school gymnasiums into three, full-scale disaster zones that represent the most common natural disasters National Guard Soldiers respond to as part of their service, including wildfires, flood zones and earthquakes.Students will work in teams against the clock as they become National Guard Soldiers called to serve at the following sites:Wildfire: Amid a raging wildfire, teams work together to push back fires encroaching on a home in Disaster Canyon. Students will put out small wildfires, combine forces to push back larger flare-ups, save animals and dodge falling trees.Flood Zone: After a major hurricane, civilians are fighting to stay above water on the streets they call home. Students will board their Zodiac and use headlamps to find and safely evacuate survivors while avoiding dangerous wildlife and other lurking hazards.Earthquake: After a devastating earthquake, a train carrying hazardous chemicals and passengers derails, pinning civilians and spilling dangerous material, poisoning the air. Time ticks down as students arm themselves with the jaws of life to rescue survivors and clean up debris all before the train gives way under its own weight.Disasterville doesn't just teach students about the mission of the National Guard, it puts them in the driver's seat as they work together to tackle each disaster the same way as the Guard, by combining communication, physical endurance and ingenuity to save lives, landscape and their communities.Disasterville is brought to life using mixed-reality technologyDisasterville was developed with the help of extended reality (XR) industry expert Dale Carman. At first glance, the experience might look like a maze of plywood structures scattered throughout the gymnasium, but students are quickly placed in the center of the action once they don their Meta Quest 3 headsets and begin the simulation.Students wear virtual reality headsets and team up with classmates to tackle full-scale, mission-oriented disaster zones, including wildfires, floods and earthquakes, the same way as the Guard, by combining communication, physical endurance and ingenuity to save lives, landscape and their communities.Disasterville uses advanced mixed-reality technology with augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) graphics mapped to the structures, creating a free-roam experience and transforming the gym into neighborhoods with devastated buildings, debris, rough terrain, hazards and people in need.Students can also leave their game controllers behind, because Disasterville uses hand-tracking technology that allows students to physically handle in-game props and National Guard rescue tools — like oars, hoses, chainsaws and the jaws of life — and interact with each other and people in need.The National Guard's impact across the countryThe National Guard is a unique component within the U.S. Army, with a presence in 54 states and territories. Serving in a part-time role, National Guard Soldiers support communities in their home state by responding to domestic emergencies and at the federal level as standby support for Active Duty Soldiers.Disasterville lets students work together in teams of five to complete missions that draw on the communication, physical endurance and decision-making skills of trained Soldiers.National Guard Soldiers have capabilities across medical, aviation, law enforcement and transportation, allowing them to have a direct impact on their own communities in the most critical times of need. By serving at least one weekend a month and two weeks a year, they also enjoy the flexibility to pursue their civilian personal and professional passions."As National Guard Soldiers, our strength lies not just in our wide range of capabilities, but also our ability to act as a bridge between our communities and the country," says Lt. Col. Ted Dunham, Chief of the U.S. Army National Guard Marketing Branch. "When disaster strikes, we stand ready to protect the people we know and the places we live."Disasterville takes its immersive experience on the roadThroughout the year, Disasterville will tour select cities across the country, including Washington, D.C., Detroit, Indianapolis and Omaha, to bring the experience to high school students who are considering their next chapter.Interested schools can reach out to their local National Guard representatives for more information on how to bring the Disasterville experience to their city.For more information on Disasterville and the opportunities available in the National Guard, visit NationalGuard.com.
	‘We hear you’: DeWitt police address speeding concerns The DeWitt Police Department is addressing community concerns about excessive speeding.

Friday, February 27th, 2026

Thursday, February 26th, 2026