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

Tuesday, June 11th, 2024
	Davenport couple gives $14M worth of art to Figge The Figge Art Museum is establishing the Linda and J. Randolph Lewis Wing, made possible by the extraordinary generosity of Dr. Randy and Linda Lewis of Davenport. The Lewises’ remarkable gift of 44 works of modern and contemporary American art valued at $14 million by Christie’s, New York, marks a momentous addition to the Figge’s collection, according to a museum release Tuesday. Linda and Randy Lewis of Davenport are donating 44 American artworks to the Figge Art Museum, valued at $14 million. For 50 years, the Lewises have passionately collected works by influential artists such as Romare Bearden, Milton Avery, Marsden Hartley, Helen Frankenthaler and Alice Neel. These artworks embody the innovative spirit and diverse perspectives of American art over the last century, the Figge said, noting their donation will significantly enhance the Figge’s collection and fill crucial gaps in the museum’s galleries. “We are deeply grateful to Dr. Randy and Linda Lewis for their visionary contribution,” said Melissa Mohr, interim executive director of the Figge Art Museum, 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport. “The impact of this gift on our museum and community cannot be overstated. The Linda and J. Randolph Lewis Wing will stand as a cornerstone of the Figge’s mission to bring art and people together, fostering creativity and cultural understanding, and inspiring dialogue. “This is indeed a transformative moment for the Figge Art Museum and for the broader cultural landscape of the Quad Cities,” Mohr said. The Lewises’ journey from their upbringing in northern Ontario, Canada and immigrating to the U.S. to becoming prominent art collectors and supporters in Davenport, underscores the profound impact of philanthropy. One of the donated paintings is Milton Avery (American, 1885-1965), detail image, "Red and Green umbrellas," 1940, oil on canvas, 34 x 54 inches, Gift of Linda and J. Randolph Lewis, 2024.14.2. Their dedication to art and community is evident in their more than three decades of involvement with the Figge, serving in volunteer, staff, and leadership roles, the museum release said. “We’ve lived in Davenport for 36 years, and this community has been very good to us. It just seems easy to do this, and to know that people will enjoy it, and that it will be here for a long time,” the couple said in the release. “When you are nearing the end of your life—and we are—you start to think about what you’re leaving behind, what of value you have to leave future generations. It makes us feel good to give back to the community,” the Lewises said. Their gift of 44 artworks will help the museum attract more visitors locally, nationally and internationally, contributing to the museum’s ongoing success and vitality. Marsden Hartley (American, 1877-1943), "Church with Lobster Pots," circa 1941-1942, oil on panel, 27½ x 22 inches, Gift of Linda and J. Randolph Lewis, 2024.19.2 “The Lewis Collection features exemplary works by influential American artists. While the Figge’s collection is strong in areas like Regionalism, Spanish Colonial art and Haitian art, we have relatively few examples of artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries by artists that feature prominently in the art historical canon,” said Joshua Johnson and Vanessa Sage, co-senior curators at the Figge. “Linda and Randy’s gift transforms the Figge’s collection in a way that would have otherwise been unimaginable. Due to their generosity, the museum will be able to share the more complete story of art,” they added. Inspired by the philanthropic legacies of Dr. Walter Neiswanger and Charles A. Ficke, the Lewises hope to encourage other collectors to consider how their collections might benefit their communities and future generations, the Figge said. The Figge Art Museum is at 225 W. 2nd St., Davenport. Beginning this summer, visitors will have the opportunity to view pieces from the Lewis Collection in the newly dedicated Linda and J. Randolph Lewis Wing on the second floor of the Figge Art Museum (formerly the permanent collection galleries). For more information on the Figge, click HERE.
	Halpin hosts summer book club for students Illinois State Senator Mike Halpin is encouraging area students to read and continue learning during the summer break with a summer book club. “This gives students the opportunity to have fun while continuing to read this summer,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “The goal is to keep kids engaged this summer and reward them with a prize for doing so. It’s a great opportunity for families with children.” Students participating in the Summer Book Club must read eight books of their choice during the summer break, record the names of the books on a form and return the form to Halpin’s office by August 16. Children who complete the Summer Book Club will receive a gift card and a certificate from Senator Halpin. Click here to download book forms. Call Halpin's Rock Island office at (309) 558-3612 or Galesburg office at (309) 297-4483 for more information.
	Chinese police say a suspect is in custody in the stabbing of 4 US college instructors Chinese police say a suspect is in custody in a stabbing attack on four instructors from Iowa’s Cornell College who were teaching at a Chinese university in the northeast city of Jilin
	Kids can eat for free in Davenport this summer Kids in the Quad Cities can get breakfast and lunch for free from meal sites across Davenport this summer. Children ages 1 – 18 can eat for free onsite and don’t need to live in Davenport. There are no income restrictions for this program. State regulations require sites to close at the posted times, so kids are asked to be in line before that time. Anyone in line before closing time will still be served. Breakfast and lunch are offered Mondays through Fridays, through July 26. There will be no meal service on July 4 and 5. Click here for meal site locations, including menus. Nine additional sites offering breakfast and lunch are expected to open next week.
	Winterset route to be hilliest in RAGBRAI history; city prepares for thousands of riders This summer will mark the first time in five years Winterset has been an overnight town along a RABGRAI route.
	Trolley may return to Muscatine More than 10 years after the Muscatine trolley tour closed, the trolley may be returning to the streets of Muscatine.
	Elderly Americans are becoming latest group most likely to be scammed The FBI's elder fraud report shows roughly $3 billion are lost due to scams. Officials say this number could be higher since complaints don't list the victim's age.
	Man objects to mandatory life sentence at Henry County Court hearing At a motion hearing in Henry County Circuit Court Monday, Judge Norma Kauzlarich granted defendant Daylon Richardson's request for a neuropsychiatrist's evaluation.
	New search warrant applications add to story of Davenport's Jan. 15 double homicide Search warrants filed by Davenport police investigators shed more light on the Jan. 15 deaths of Brian Goodwin and Amy Smith, as the defendants add and change attorneys.
	Winterset prepping for RAGBRAI The annual ride is just over a month away.
	Pending Death Notices for the Quad-Cities, June 11, 2024 Cheryl R. Dobrinske, 70, of East Moline, Illinois, died Friday, June 7, 2024, at Genesis Medical Center, Silvis, Illinois. Cremation will be directed by Cremation Society of the Quad Cities.
	Bettendorf Middle School names new associate principal, dean Bettendorf Middle School has named a new associate principal and dean of students. Rachael Dierickx will take over as the school's new associate principal. Dierickx has been with the district since 2007 and is currently the district MTSS facilitator, an administrative role supporting curriculum and professional development, district teams and elementary administration. Previously, Dierickx was an instructional coach at Bettendorf Middle School for four years and spent 12 years teaching language arts and honors language arts. Dierickx has a Master of Education in Educational Administration and principal endorsements from Northwestern College in Orange City, Iowa. Rachael Dierickx (Bettendorf Community School District) Emily Henneman will be the new dean of students. Henneman is the summer school administrative intern for the district’s extended school year program. She taught Spanish at Bettendorf High School and Maquoketa High School. Henneman received the 2022 Jaycees of the Quad Cities Young Educator Award. Henneman has a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership with principal licensure from the University of Iowa. Emily Henneman (Bettendorf Community School District) “We are excited to have Rachael and Emily accept these positions,” Michelle Morse, Superintendent, said. “They are both known for their exceptional work in the district. Their ability to connect with students, staff and parents is impressive. They are authentic and passionate about supporting students both behaviorally and academically. We look forward to Rachael and Emily taking this next step in their careers.” Both positions will be effective July 2024, subject to board approval.
	'Strawberry Moon' will appear just after summer solstice (NewsNation) — Skywatchers can look forward to seeing June's full moon just one day after the summer solstice marks the longest day of the year. This month's full moon will occur on June 21 at 9:08 p.m. ET. Full moons happen when the moon is directly across from the sun, allowing it to appear fully illuminated from Earth. Why is it called the 'Strawberry Moon'? Names for full moons come from Native American or early European traditions, though the practice and names have also been adopted by modern neopagans, according to the Farmers' Almanac. The name "Strawberry Moon" comes from the Algonquian people and refers to the fact that it occurs during the time of year wild strawberries ripen. The Cherokee people call the June moon "Green Corn Moon," while the Tlingit call it the "Birthing Moon" and in Cree, it's known as the "Egg-Laying Moon" or "Hatching Moon." The Choctaw call it the "Windy Moon," and the Arapho refer to it as the "Moon When the Buffalo Bellows." Early European names for June's full moon include the "Rose Moon," "Honey Moon" and "Mead Moon." If you're wondering, yes, that's where the term "honeymoon" comes from, as June was a traditional month for marriages in many places. China also uses full moon names, calling June the "Lotus Moon." ‘Death Star’ black holes fire planet-killing beams Full moon in Capricorn For those into astrology, this month's full moon falls in the sign of Capricorn, a sign of ambition, hard work and discipline. That makes it a good time to reflect on how far you've come in your career — or where you want to be. But the first of two Capricorn full moons also happens as ruling planet Saturn goes retrograde, which might make achieving those goals more challenging. It's also happening during emotional, intuitive Cancer season, blending pragmatic ambition with less quantifiable feelings. That makes it a good time to reflect on what has been accomplished so far and release any emotional baggage that's slowing down your forward progress. Viewing the Strawberry Moon This summer, the full moon in June will come just one day after the summer solstice, when those in the Northern Hemisphere will experience the most daylight of the entire year, something that happens only once every 18-20 years. The moon will appear near the Teapot constellation and may take on a slight reddish hue because of its proximity to the horizon. A few days later, on June 29, the moon will align with Mars, Jupiter and Saturn just before sunrise, with all four celestial bodies visible without a telescope.
Monday, June 10th, 2024
	Hy-Vee gives update on next steps for store closures, including Rockingham Road location in Davenport Hy-Vee gave an update on the next steps for store closures, including the Rockingham Road location in Davenport
	Traffic Alert: Bridge cleaning on North Bridge, Highway 136 Bridge, Clinton Bridge cleaning will be underway on the North Bridge, Highway 136 Bridge, beginning the week of Monday, June 10, according to Iowa Department of Transportation officials. The work will be from 8 p.m. until 6:30 a.m. on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
	Downtown Davenport building Executive Square undergoing renovations after being evacuated in 2023 due to structural concerns, owner says The Executive Square building in downtown Davenport undergoing renovations, owner says.
	Davenport pools now open every day for summer The Annie Wittenmyer and Fejervary pools are open from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. every day.
	Musco Lighting expands with new manufacturing facility After nearly 50 years in town, the Muscatine company is adding a 28,000 square foot building to its factory line.
	Traffic Alert: Lane reductions on North Division Street Lane reductions are in place on North Division Street at West Garfield Street.
	Rock Island getting more speed radar signs around town 6 signs will be added nearby the city's schools.
	1 person killed in 3-vehicle crash in Muscatine County The names of the drivers involved haven't been released.
	Musco Lighting expands with new manufacturing facility After nearly 50 years in town, the Muscatine company is adding a 28,000 square foot building to its factory line.
	1 person killed in 3-vehicle crash in Muscatine County The names of the drivers involved haven't been released.
	Next part of Criswell Street Rehabilitation Project in Bettendorf is underway The next part of the major Criswell Street Rehabilitation Project in Bettendorf begins Monday.
	West Nile virus detected in Sterling A bird in Sterling tested positive for West Nile virus. Authorities collected the dead bird on May 31. People and other animals can get West Nile from mosquitoes. They become infected by feeding on dead birds. Whiteside County health officials have the following recommendations to reduce exposure to mosquitoes: Avoid being outdoors when mosquitoes are most active, especially between dusk and dawn. Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and repair or replace any with tears or openings Try to keep doors and windows shut, especially at night. Eliminate all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, including flowerpots, wading pools, old tires, clogged rain gutters, old boats and any other receptacles and change the water in bird baths weekly. Wear shoes and socks, long pants and long sleeved shirts when outdoors. Apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or IR 3535, according to label instructions when outdoors. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants. Report dead birds to the Whiteside County Health Department. If your community has an organized mosquito control program, contact your municipal government about areas of stagnant water in roadside ditches, flooded yards, and similar locations that may produce mosquitoes. For more information, click here.
	Man found guilty in death of Knox Co. Deputy has attorney file motion objecting mandatory natural life sentence, court documents show The man found guilty in the 2022 death of Knox County Sheriff’s Deputy Nicholas Weist during a vehicle chase appeared in Henry County Court Monday morning.
	Two elite college stars given exemptions to play in John Deere Classic Big Ten Golfer of the Year Jackson Buchanan of Illinois and NCAA Championship runner up Luke Clanton of Florida State have received exemptions to play in this year’s John Deere Classic, July 3-7, at TPC Deere Run.
	Mayor Matson looks ahead to Davenport's future in annual State of the City address The Mayor teased a potential $800 million project that he says would set the record for economic development if it happens.
	Rock Falls hosts block party to welcome Sick Summer drag-and-drive event The streets of Rock Falls come alive as adrenaline-pumping machines roar into town, marking a spectacular pit stop for the Sick Summer event.
	Federal judge to decide whether Iowa’s immigration law can take effect Monday immigration activists and the Department of Justice asked a federal judge to block Iowa’s new immigration law from taking effect next month.
	Illinois winner of $552M Mega Millions jackpot claims prize CHICAGO (WGN) — The Illinois iLottery winner of the $552 million Mega Millions jackpot has come forward. The winner, who is confirmed to be from the Chicagoland area, has chosen to remain anonymous. According to the Illinois Lottery, the "MEGA Millionaire" hit the jackpot while playing the game online, making this the largest prize won through iLottery in U.S. history. “I was scrolling through my emails when I saw one from the Illinois Lottery saying to check my numbers because I won a prize,” shared the MEGA Millionaire, who has requested to remain anonymous. “In the past, I’ve won $2 here or $5 there, so I assumed it would be similar.” Illinois Lottery Des Plaines Prize Center supervisor, Kathy, holds up the big check that was presented to the $552 million Mega Millions jackpot winner. The lucky winner matched all five numbers and the Mega Ball, 19-37-40-63-69-17 to win the Mega Millions drawing on June 4. “You can’t imagine my shock and disbelief when I saw that I had won the jackpot amount of $552 million. I actually quit the app and then signed back in to double check and make sure it was real. It was real alright - but it still feels unreal!” the winner said. Winning $552M Mega Millions jackpot ticket sold in Illinois The lucky winner continued, “I was raised by a single mom and throughout my childhood, she had to work two jobs to provide for our family, to put food on the table, and for us to get an education,” expressed the grateful winner. “The day after I graduated from high school, I started working and I haven’t stopped since.” The winner added, “I am a hard worker. I’ve spent my life as a laborer and once I was making a decent living, I asked my mom to retire and let me take care of her. It was my way of thanking her for how much she sacrificed for us. I haven’t told her yet about this life-changing windfall but when that time comes, we’re all going to be shedding some happy tears.” According to the Illinois Lottery, the historic online win was the ninth-largest Mega Millions jackpot prize in the game’s history and the second-largest prize ever won in Illinois. “I’ve always dreamed of retiring early and enjoying life with my family. I think it’s safe to say my dream just came true,” exclaimed the newly minted millionaire.
	American Heart Association turns 100 years old Organization officials said that deaths due to cardiovascular disease have been cut in half over the last century.
	Illinois State Museum to record, share personal stories about Route 66 for 100th anniversary SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — For decades, Americans made their cross-country journeys on Route 66, and though it may no longer be possible to navigate it uninterrupted, the stories left behind help define the old highway as the Main Street of America. Now, to celebrate the highway's 100th anniversary, historians from the Illinois State Museum in Springfield are looking for people to detail their personal experiences with the original Route 66 in Illinois, to cement them in history. The highway was established on November 11, 1926. The road signs were erected only a year later, offering guidance to travelers making the trek from Chicago to L.A., and every city in between. The iconic ‘Gemini Giant’ in Wilmington has a new owner and soon will have a new home. Route 66 was decommissioned in 1985 after it was replaced by segments of the Interstate Highway System, but the decades-old road had already mounted itself as a cultural tenet, recognized in classics such as John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" and in the hit song "(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66." Museum historians are now looking for people who traveled, helped build or conducted business along the road in Illinois, to record and share their stories as part of the highway's 100th anniversary celebration in 2026. "These interviews will help illustrate the significance of this important transportation achievement," Erika Holst, the museum's curator of history, said. Museum officials say they are specifically searching for the following people for interviews: Those who have memories of driving on Route 66 or traveling the highway with family or for business. Those who were involved or whose families were involved in the operation of restaurants, hotels or auto service businesses along the route. in Illinois. Anyone who participated in the building, maintenance, or rerouting of Route 66. First responders who worked along the route. Those who have any other firsthand experiences with Route 66 to share. According to museum officials, once the interviews are conducted and recorded, video recordings and transcriptions will be made available to the public in an online database as part of the anniversary celebration. Illinois holding online auction for unclaimed property "This project also gives us an opportunity to preserve memories of Illinois citizens for posterity," Amanda Bryden, registrar for the history collections of the Illinois State Museum and Illinois Historic Sites, said. Those looking to participate will be asked to sign a permission form granting legal rights to conduct and preserve the interview and monetary compensation will not be offered, officials said. For more information on how to share a story, contact Route 66 project coordinator Judy Wagenblast at jwagenblastp@gmail.com.
	Illinois to host unclaimed property auction SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WMBD) -- Hundreds of unclaimed items will be part of an online auction in June, according to an Illinois State Treasurer news release. A 14-karat gold charm bracelet with eight charms, a 1783 Spanish Milled Dollar encased with certificate, and a 1997 U.S. quarter-ounce platinum proof coin are just some of the items that will be auctioned off between June 17 and June 21. Illinois Dept. of Labor reminds employers of child labor laws as school lets out “The online auction offers a convenient way for people to shop from anywhere and find a variety of distinctive items they can add to a personal collection or give as the perfect gift,” said State Treasurer Michael Frerichs, whose office oversees unclaimed property in Illinois. The auction is due to the limited space to store items indefinitely. There will also be an in-person auction at the Illinois State Fair on August 17. Anyone who wishes to view items or bid in the auction, should click here.
	Bird tests positive for West Nile virus in Whiteside County Mosquitos can transmit the disease to humans if they've fed on an infected bird. Here's how you can keep yourself safe this summer.
	No injuries in Cambridge house fire A caller reported the house on fire, along with downed powerlines nearby.
	Davenport mayor highlights flood, street, sewer and safety projects in State of the City More road barricades are coming, Mayor Mike Matson warned in his state of the city address.
	Teachers visit QCA to study river and environmental issues Teachers from across the country are in the QCA to study the Mississippi River and environmental issues. They're spending time at Nahant Marsh Education Center to understand the material to teach environmental subjects in the classroom. The teachers are meeting with local experts who will show them the environment of the Mississippi River. The group will study its impact on various industries and how those industries affect the river. The teachers will be in Camanche to study the Rock Creek's environmental practices.
	How to make sure your skin is protected from sun damage News 8's Maddie Franz spoke with a Quad Cities dermatologist about how to properly apply sunscreen and the risks associated with sun damage.
	Warrant issued for Galesburg man in connection to fatal shooting According to the Galesburg Police Department, an arrest warrant for murder has been issued for 19-year-old Chase Houlden Jr. He was injured in the shooting.
	4 Iowa instructors teaching at a Chinese university were attacked at a park Four Iowa college instructors teaching in China were attacked while visiting a public park, Cornell College confirmed Monday.
	Man facing DUI charges after allegedly driving a burning semi truck while intoxicated Burning debris was scattered along I-80, including cookies. The highway was shut down for six hours due to the incident.
	Pat Angerer speaks on being named new Iowa Football color analyst The Bettendorf native will replace longtime Iowa football broadcaster Ed Podolak, who spent 42 years in the radio booth.
	Hy-Vee provides shuttle for customers impacted by Davenport store closure Hy-Vee has announced that the company will provide shuttles through Sept. 1 to help customers affected by store closures, according to a Monday news release from Hy-Vee. (OurQuadCities.com) "No business wants to close a location and that certainly includes Hy-Vee," the release says. "Over the past several weeks, we have listened to community leaders and residents about the impact of our store closures in Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Davenport. Unfortunately, these three stores have each been losing significant amounts of money for several years, and they are simply not feasible for us to operate any longer. However, we have been working to implement viable solutions to ease the transition for the community. Hy-Vee will help customers who live near those three stores: Free transportation Hy-Vee will provide a free shuttle from each impacted store location to the Hy-Vee store where pharmacy prescriptions will be transferred. This will allow customers to get groceries and receive their medications at the Crossroads Hy-Vee in Waterloo, Oakland Road Hy-Vee in Cedar Rapids, and West Locust Hy-Vee in Davenport. Free shuttles will run three days a week from June 24 through Sept. 1. (After that, we will reevaluate their use by the community.) Pick up/drop off will occur in the parking lot of each impacted store. The shuttle will run round trip as follows: Mondays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free grocery delivery Hy-Vee will provide free Aisles Online grocery delivery to residents within a one-mile radius of each store that is closing for up to one year when they sign up for the service. Customers can register for the service today through Sept. 1 by calling Hy-Vee Customer Care at 800-772-4098. A computer, smartphone, tablet or iPad, as well as a credit card are needed to sign up for this service. An account will be set up similar to how other delivery services operate. A minimum order of $24.95 will be required when placing a grocery order for free delivery. Continuation of free pharmacy delivery Hy-Vee will continue to provide free pharmacy delivery to Cedar Rapids, Waterloo and Davenport residents. "We have done this for the past several years for all residents in these cities and will continue to do so," according to the release. "Customers are encouraged to visit with our store pharmacy teams if they have additional questions about this service." No lease restrictions Hy-Vee is actively working with landlords to try to fill the spaces at each location so that the property does not stay vacant once we close our store. "We are not placing a 'use restriction' on any of these three locations," the release says. Increased food bank assistance Hy-Vee is partnering with HACAP in Cedar Rapids, River Bend Food Bank in Davenport and Northeast Iowa Food Bank in Waterloo to fund, supply and staff several food distribution events in July and August to help local families in need while school is out for the summer. In Cedar Rapids and Davenport, we will support a mobile food pantry in the parking lot of the First Avenue Hy-Vee and Hy-Vee on Rockingham Road twice a month. Notification for the events will be provided to neighborhoods surrounding each location in late June. In Waterloo, additional protein, like meat and peanut butter, will be donated by Hy-Vee to the food bank to assist families in need since a mobile unit is not available at this location. "We value our customers and communities," the release says. "As a major employer in the area, we remain committed to supporting our local schools, food banks and other nonprofit organizations. It’s what we’ve always done and will continue to do."
	2 injured in Burlington shooting Burlington police found several shell casings at the residence and located two people, each suffering from a single gunshot wound.
	Quad Cities Area first responders participating in active killer threat training, police say Quad Cities Area first responders will be working together for an active killer threat training at Davenport Central High School.
	The Natty Professor: “Hit Man,” “Bad Boys: Ride or Die,” and “The Watchers” While I long ago stopped being surprised by Richard Linklater's ability to pull off the wildly improbable, if not seemingly impossible, it wasn't until his new-to-Netflix Hit Man that I imagined Linklater capable of a first-rate blend of Double Indemnity, Crimes & Misdemeanors, and Tootsie. I didn't think anyone was capable of that.
	Big laughs on tap at Alternating Currents The region’s largest live comedy event of the year will be Alternating Currents, happening Aug. 15-18, 2024, including a new venue, the renovated Capitol Theatre in downtown Davenport. AC will host dozens of comedians producing laughs through a wide range of comic styles -- whether you’re a fan of stand-up, sketch or improv. This year, AC will host a comedy kick-off event on Thursday, Aug. 15 with Greg Warren at the historic Capitol Theatre, 330 W. 3rd St. “As our audiences with the comedy shows continue to grow, we're excited to invest into the talent lineup to offer a larger scale show,” Alisha Espey of the Downtown Davenport Partnership, said in a Monday release. “It will also be the first time that Alternating Currents is able to utilize the beautifully restored Capitol Theatre – and as with all of our Alternating Currents events, this is a free show and great opportunity to visit a treasured space in the community.” Greg Warren (St. Louis) is veteran standup comic from Nateland, The Bob & Tom Show, Drybar and Comedy Central. He recently released his special “The Salesman,” co-produced by Nate Bargatze and 800 Pound Gorilla Media. The project tells the story of his post-college phase when he had a stint selling Jif and Pringles for Procter & Gamble which eventually led to his decision to become a full-time comedian. According to The New York Times, Greg “has done for peanut butter what Jerry Seinfeld did for Pop-Tarts and Jim Gaffigan did for Hot Pockets.” An honest mix of self-deprecation, frustration and an arsenal of lifelike characters highlight Warren’s colorful perspective. Comedian Greg Warren will perform at the Capitol Theatre in Davenport, Thursday, Aug. 15, 2024. He can be seen in his Amazon Prime Special, “Where The Field Corn Grows,” Fish Sandwich on Dry Bar Comedy, Late Night with Seth Meyers, The Late Late Show and Comedy Central Presents. He attracts a diverse audience spectrum, the AC release says, having performed as a finalist on BET’s Coming to the Stage and on Country Music Television. He is a favorite on the nationally syndicated Bob & Tom Radio Show. Warren’s comedy has been a daily staple on Sirius/XM’s Pure Comedy and Jeff and Larry’s Comedy Roundup channels for a decade. You can hear him guesting on podcasts like Nateland, Never Not Funny, Bertcast, Dumb People Town and The Adam Carolla Show. Below is a featured list of comedians appearing throughout the festival weekend. Clifton Dewayne Antoine (Des Moines) Clifton Antoine, originally from Baytown, Texas, is an actor/comedian based out of Des Moines, Iowa. He helped start the Comedy Kickback, Des Moines’ first all-black stand-up comedy show. As an improviser, Clif has performed with Chowdown, Kitten Bomb, Alien Head Emoji and 2 drink minimum. Clif’s style of comedy has been described as weird and unexpected. He talks about everything from Scooby-Doo to the Flat Earth Society. He believes in ghosts and Yeezus. As a recovering conspiracy theorist, he uses comedy to tell his truth. Erica Nicole Clark (Chicago) Erica has toured with Godfrey, Hannibal Buress and Deon Cole. She was the winner of the Grand Slam Just For Laughs New Faces. QC stand-up comic James Draper James Draper (Quad Cities) James Draper is from the Midwest but that hasn’t kept him from being a hoot! His stand-up style can be best described as “good time comedy.” James has featured and opened for Bob & Tom Favorites, Donnie Baker, Larry Reeb, Willie Griswold and many others. James has headlined at comedy clubs, bars and private venues, from Mississippi to Madison, Nashville to Des Moines, and is always a crowd favorite. With his timeless jokes, funny stories, and clever songs, it’s always a good time. Dana Ehrmann (Milwaukee) Dana Ehrmann is a stand-up comic and simple Midwestern gal out of Milwaukee, Wis. Her self-deprecating, dry humor has charmed audiences all across the country, including at the Milwaukee, Floodwater and Flyover Comedy Festivals. She's had the great fortune to open for many big names, including Joe Pera, Bobcat Goldthwait, Jackie Kashian and Charlie Berens. She’s also sorry she hasn’t watched that TV show you recommended, but she just has, like, a lot going on right now. Zach Peterson (Omaha) Out of Omaha, Neb., after spending time in Chicago and Los Angeles, Zach Peterson has been called “one the funniest performers around” by Minneapolis’ CityPages. Zach has made a name for himself around the country, from Alaska to Florida for being "an affable oddball" with razor sharp jokes, headlining both clubs and festivals alike. He has worked with the likes of Tom Papa, Bobcat Goldthwait, Annie Lederman, Doug Benson and many more. Zach's first album "Midwestern Jokes for the Americas" debuted in the top 5 on the Itunes Comedy Charts in 2018 and is currently on Sirius XM radio. Zach has been selected for countless festivals including the prestigious Laughing Skull Comedy Festival, The Limestone Comedy Festival, 10,000 Laughs and The High Plains Comedy Festival, among others. In May 2023, Zach recorded his first special with Four by Three productions and will be released digitally by Burn This Records. When in Omaha, Zach has made multiple appearances on The Todd and Tyler radio show and he runs the wildly popular Omaha chapter of Don't Tell Comedy, along with other shows around town. Brent Turhune (Indianapolis) Named one of Variety’s 10 Comics to Watch for 2020, Brent Terhune has accumulated more than 65 million views across his social media channels with his satirical MAGA character. His not-so-obvious delivery can be described along the lines of a “blue-collar Colbert Report.” Brent has been writing daily topical jokes and news breakdowns for the nationally-syndicated Bob & Tom Show for more than 10 years. He has had two comedy albums debut at No. 1 on iTunes and his work is streamed heavily on SiriusXM. For more information visit the AC website HERE.
	Iowa immigration law faces challenges Arguments were heard by a federal judge over Iowa's new immigration law. The law gives police the authority to arrest immigrants with outstanding deportation orders or those who have been denied entry into the United States. The U.S. Department of Justice, ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union) of Iowa and Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice are all challenging the bill. They argue that it conflicts with federal law. The state argues that the federal government sets standards for immigration policy and that states have the right to enforce those standards. The U.S. Department of Justice is asking the judge for a permanent injunction on the law.
	4 Cornell College staff members stabbed in China Four Cornell College staff members are reportedly recovering after being stabbed during a trip to China.
	House Oversight demands answers from Davenport over $2M settlements Davenport officials are being asked pointed questions by an Iowa representative about the nearly $2 million in secret settlements with former city employees.
	Davenport man arrested, facing multiple charges including kidnapping, police say A Davenport man was arrested Sunday after a warrant was put out for his arrest from an incident that happened on May 21 when police said he kidnapped someone and led them on a police chase.
	QC music columnist discusses what's behind declining bookings at Vibrant Arena You can check out Gannon Hanevold's weekly column "Sounds Good" in the Quad-City Times every Wednesday.
	Rock Island-Milan school board set to vote on deputy superintendent hire Tuesday The Rock Island-Milan school board is set to vote on hiring a deputy superintendent on Tuesday.
	John Deere to pay $1.1M in backpay, interest after hiring discrimination allegations Deere reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor to pay $1.1 million in back wages after finding hiring disparities at three Iowa and Illinois plants.
	John Deere to pay $1.1M in backpay, interest after hiring discrimination allegations Deere reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor to pay $1.1 million in back wages after finding hiring disparities at three Iowa and Illinois plants.
	Opera star sings praises of music's power to heal Everyone knows music can heal the soul, but opera superstar Renee Fleming knows it can heal the body as well. World-renowned soprano Renée Fleming has become a leading voice for the connection between music and health. In the new book, Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness, Fleming curates a copious collection of essays from leading scientists, artists, musicians, creative arts therapists, educators, and healthcare providers about the powerful impacts of music and the arts on health and the human experience. Fleming -- a 65-year-old soprano who's won five Grammys, the National Medal of Arts and was a 2023 Kennedy Center honoree -- has presented on this material in over 50 cities across North America, Europe, and Asia, collaborating with leading researchers, policy-makers, and practitioners. Music and Mind is praised by Sting, Katie Couric, Deepak Chopra, Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews. In 2023, in recognition of her dedicated advocacy for research and awareness at the intersection of arts, health, and neuroscience, Fleming was appointed Goodwill Ambassador for Arts and Health by the World Health Organization. Fleming, 65, in a June 3, 2024 interview with Our Quad Cities News. “I became extremely passionate about this – it made so much sense to me," she said in a recent Zoom interview with Our Quad Cities News. She started working with Dr. Francis Collins of the National Institutes of Health in 2015, as an advisor to The Kennedy Center, and Fleming wanted to get the word out more to the public. The NIH now has funded $40 million in research on how music affects the body. She’s balanced this additional role – on top of the many hats she already wears – since, as she tours, the soprano offers “Music and Mind” presentations at the venues where she performs. “We bring in health care providers and researchers who are local,” Fleming said. “I bring in the audience and it’s really been successful.” Music has a similar role as our interaction with visual arts and nature, in assisting the healing process, she said. Contributors to "Music and Mind" (published by Penguin Random House) include Yo-Yo Ma, Ann Patchett, Daniel J. Levitin, Anna Deavere Smith, Rhiannon Giddens and Rosanne Cash. “The idea is to get people actively making art themselves,” Fleming said. “It’s such a stress reducer and that’s something we all need right now.” There’s a specific chapter in the 592-page book (among 41 essays) that addresses visual arts. “It’s all about our connection in terms of our evolution, and neuroanatomy and hearing sounds,” Fleming said. “All these things come together. We experience the world through our senses.” The Sound Health organization she’s part of is a resource center at University of California-San Francisco, funded by the National Endowment for the Arts. The Sound Health Network aims to promote research and public awareness about the impact of music on health and wellness. Pictured (L-R): Barry Gibb, Dionne Warwick, Renee Fleming, and Billy Crystal at The 46th-annual Kennedy Center Honors (Photo by Mary Kouw/CBS via Getty Images). The Renée Fleming Foundation has joined forces with the NeuroArts Blueprint initiative to establish the Renée Fleming Neuroarts Investigator Awards. The awards will support both basic and applied research that expands the evidence base of the emerging field of neuroarts and furthers the mission of the Neuroarts Blueprint. Neuroarts is the study of how the arts measurably change the brain and body and how this knowledge is translated into practices that advance health and wellbeing. This work can help people prevent, manage, and recover from physical and mental challenges across the lifespan. The mission of the NeuroArts Blueprint is to have the arts — and their use in all their many forms — become part of mainstream medicine and public health. Reducing pain and depression Since last year, Fleming has been the first World Health Organization’s Goodwill Ambassador for Arts and Health. “In a lot of the world, people haven’t stopped doing this,” she said. “It’s been exciting for me to learn, the person who runs the World Health Organization is incredibly concerned about depression in the world, up by 30%. There’s a lot of research about arts activities coming together – joining a choir or getting involved in arts activities reduces depression.” Listening to music can increase endorphins in the brain and reduces pain, Fleming said. “Actively playing music, for children, it changes the brain after two years,” she said. “They do better in school, but also in life. This is all based on rigorous study. Science has to know, in order for us to create programs that reach a lot of people.” Fleming wants the arts to be embedded in health care treatment, across the spectrum of conditions. “Medicine treats disease, not people – if we can combine to do both, because creative arts therapies can create healing,” she said. “If we do both, then we have a better, stronger health care system.” Often, a patient’s attitude and state of mind can increase positive treatment results. Fleming in an exclusive interview with Our Quad Cities News June 3, 2024 (photo by Jonathan Turner). “There’s no question, the brain has more power over the body than we know,” Fleming said. “Our emotional life has more power over the body than is even understood by science. They’re definitely researching it quite a bit.” After COVID shutdowns, it drove home the realization that everyone (well before humans spoke) has needed the arts and creative expression. Government support for the arts is much stronger in Europe than the U.S., as in Germany, they gave artists their full salary when they couldn’t perform during the pandemic, Fleming noted. “That’s another reason art can make a huge difference in our health and well-being,” she said. The European system in general has universal healthcare coverage. Singer Renee Fleming performs at the Carnegie Hall 125th Anniversary Gala at Carnegie Hall on May 5, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Henry/Getty Images) “In France, the arts are already embedded in healthcare; we don’t even talk about it over there,” Fleming said. “It’s just done. The same with the U.K. – you could go to a doctor’s office and they’ll say, what you really need is go to a concert, or take a walk in the park, so here’s your pass or your tickets. It’s interesting that this is already happening in other parts of the world.” Similar to nature's healing Getting out in nature is incredibly therapeutic as well, similar to the benefits of music, she said. Fleming released “Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene” in 2021. It explores nature as both inspiration and casualty of humanity, looking back to the Romantic era and forward with new commissions from Nico Muhly, Caroline Shaw and Kevin Puts. Fleming's album "Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene” won the 2023 Grammy Award for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album. "The music on the album begins in a time almost two centuries ago, when people had a profound connection to the beauty of nature," Fleming said. "Now we have reached a moment when we see all too clearly the effects of our own activity, and the fragility of our environment."“These are my two loves, my two passions, and we as artists have a platform and really, if we’re lucky, we get to use them to share these ideas,” she said in the recent interview. When Fleming sings outdoors (like the famed Music Shed at Tanglewood in Lenox, Mass., on July 7), that combines her passions as well. “There’s something healing and transcendent about singing to the sky,” she said. “And still having the shared experience. When I’m performing, the audience and I, our brain waves align. That’s been proven by science now. This is why I tell people, go out – get out of your houses and go to a concert, go to something. It’s healing to have this alignment.” “Having that fresh air, I’m outside all the time,” she said. “There’s no question it makes a big difference. I’m doing a wonderful tour with National Geographic, I’m touring ‘Voice of Nature’ around the country. It’s a beautiful program and they made these incredible films." Music equals life Music also can help extend a person’s life. At the end of her introduction to “Music and Mind,” Fleming recalls meeting her idol Leontyne Price, at age 97, who still sings every day. “She’s beautiful, radiant, happy – every time I visit her, I’m the one who feels great because I came here,” she said. “It’s a gift to me to see her.” “Learn an instrument, or pick up an instrument you used to play,” Fleming said. “Join a choir, start painting; do something creative. There’s no question there are tremendous benefits.” Music is the last memory to remain, often for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s, and science is trying to figure out why. “Maybe extend those moments of lucidity. And if nothing else, it gives caregivers and families a sense of connection again, which is really helpful,” Fleming said. A sparkling careerIn Fleming's acclaimed career, she's sung for momentous occasions from the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony to the Diamond Jubilee Concert for Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace. In 2014, she brought her voice to a vast new audience when she became the first classical artist to sing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl. Actors Kelli O'Hara, Renee Lynn Fleming and Joyce DiDonato perform during a rehearsal for "The Hours" at the Metropolitan Opera in New York City on Nov. 18, 2022. (Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP) (Photo by ANGELA WEISS/AFP via Getty Images). In November 2022, she starred in the world premiere staging of The Hours, a new opera based on the Pulitzer Prize–winning novel and award-winning film, at the Metropolitan Opera. In March, she appeared as Pat Nixon in a new production of Nixon in China at the Opéra de Paris. Fleming recently ended her second run of “The Hours” in May, with the same cast, at Metropolitan Opera, with fellow superstars Kelli O’Hara and Joyce DiDonato. “We loved it. We had such a sense of family in that cast,” Fleming said. “Young people came to the show and were screaming and yelling. The relevance of looking at suicide, young people struggling, LGBTQ relationships, and doing it in such a beautiful, complex way.” Inspired by Virginia Woolf’s Mrs. Dalloway and made a household name by the Oscar-winning 2002 film version starring Meryl Streep, Julianne Moore, and Nicole Kidman, the powerful story follows three women from different eras who each grapple with their inner demons and their roles in society. Fleming loves premiering new works. “As I was in a position to choose things I wanted to do, that was a direction I wanted to go – still loving Strauss, still loving all the classics,” she said. “I always have new music in my programs, and I try to find a sweet spot between things that are quality but also accessible to the audience.” Opera singer Renee Fleming performs the National Anthem during the Pepsi Super Bowl XLVIII Pregame Show at MetLife Stadium on Feb. 2, 2014 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) Fleming’s recording Voice of Nature: The Anthropocene, won the 2023 Grammy for Best Classical Solo Vocal Album. Known as a genre-spanning musician, and for bringing new audiences to classical music and opera, she's recorded everything from complete operas and song recitals to indie rock and jazz. She has sung not only with Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Bocelli, but also with Elton John, Paul Simon, Sting, Josh Groban, and Joan Baez. She earned a Tony nomination for her performance in Carousel on Broadway, and her voice is featured in two Best Picture Oscar–winning films. Impact on music therapy Sarah Weinert of Quad Cities Music Therapy said the connection between music and the mind is something that board-certified music therapists like her think of every day. "In the established health profession of music therapy, board-certified music therapists use music within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals," she said recently. "In a range of clients, this could look like using singing to improve speech and communication skills, using preferred music to recall memories in those with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, or providing a creative space to build confidence and social skills through music-based collaboration." Board-certified music therapist Sarah Weinert of Quad Cities Music Therapy. Books like Fleming's accent the importance of the arts not only in our everyday lives, but on a much more individualized scale - one that looks at mental and physical well-being, Weinert said. "Music therapy is a safe, non-pharmacological treatment that utilizes a highly versatile and accessible tool that is already a major component of many people’s lives," she said. "The publication of information related to music and wellness combined with clinical training, strong musicianship, and a deep understanding of health not only moves forward music therapy as a profession, but it allows the rest of the world to see the impact music has on people as a whole. Music therapists have completed a bachelor’s degree or higher at an approved university program, completed 1,200 hours of a supervised internship, have passed a board-certification exam, and abide by a code of ethics and standards of practice. In Illinois, a music therapy license was established on May 27, 2022, when Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law a bill establishing such a license within the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and a Music Therapy Advisory Board to assist the department. In Iowa, music therapy title protection was established on May 20, 2021, when Gov. Kim Reynolds signed into law HF 285. Individuals may not refer to themselves as a music therapist, a board-certified music therapist, or an MT-BC without holding the MT-BC credential. Other QC reactions Brian Baxter, executive director of the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, said of "Music and Mind": “The book and the contributing writers look fantastic. I have not had a chance to check out the book, but I look forward to reading it as soon as I am able. The connection between music and wellness is indisputable. The writers in this book outline many aspects of the ways that music-making and music listening have positive impacts on both individuals and collectively that of communities and frankly humanity as a whole. The Quad City Symphony under the baton of music director Mark Russell Smith. “It is so good to have literature like this available to reinforce why investing in music in our communities is so vitally important,” he added. "These truths are at the core of our mission at Common Chord," said Tyson Danner, executive director of Common Chord, Davenport. "Not only does music play an important role in the development of communities, it also is a crucial part of our personal development. Common Chord "Music helps us connect with others, think creatively, and express our inner selves. When we experience musical moments, we’re living our lives most fully," he added. "At Common Chord, we know how important it is for live music experiences to not be a luxury that only some people can participate in. It’s important that our community have accessible and inclusive live music so that everyone can gain these benefits." A doctor’s personal experience Dr. Archana Wagle is medical director for the UnityPoint Health – Trinity Pain Management Clinic in Moline, and is a longtime violinist who performs with the Muscatine and Clinton symphony orchestras. She has a very personal experience with the impact of music on health. Her middle brother suffered a massive stroke at 47, seven years ago, in southern California. After a great deal of care in the ICU, use of music had a profound effect on his recovery and improvement, Wagle said. Dr. Archana Wagle is a violinist and strong proponent of using music in medical treatment. “California is always a little more progressive, so in their healthcare world, these things are funded more regularly,” she said. “When I would walk into the hospital, daily for a month, they would have live musicians playing in the lobby there, every day.” “From being a physician for 30 years, I am 100% positive that music and the arts in general play a very key role,” Wagle said, noting when her brother was in the ICU, they played music for him. “We were encouraged to bring him music he would love and listen to on a regular basis before his stroke,” she recalled. “In his inpatient rehab, he was not speaking at all. During that time, he worked with a speech therapist. She worked with him to sing songs that would be recognizable to him.” A music therapist had regular sessions with him, Wagle said. The first thing he spoke was to sing “Happy Birthday.” “It was fascinating. I’ll never forget that day. We didn’t know if he would ever speak again,” she said. Today, his speech is not normal, but can carry on limited conversations, Wagle said. Use of music and calming therapies to improve a patient’s mood and attitude is “extremely important” to improve health outcomes, she noted. Much of her day at her pain management clinic is spent doing spine injections using needles (guided by X-ray). “I play music all day in my suite,” to calm her patients, Wagle said. “I have a Bluetooth speaker in there and patients love it,” she said. “Getting a needle placed in your spine is anxiety provoking. Playing music is so wonderful for these patients, to decrease their anxiety levels.” She has notes in their charts, which specifies what music they would like. Many surgeons use music in their operating rooms, Wagle said. “It helps especially the surgeon, because it places a calming effect,” she said. “It really does elevate their confidence and allows them to concentrate more on what they’re doing. “My husband is an ophthalmologist and he is very particular about the type of music he listens to. I worked with one of his partners who only wanted to listen to Enya, that was it. It provided him the concentration he needed to do delicate eye surgery.” As a classical music nerd, Wagle finds that genre extremely calming and helps her. “It helps me balance myself and focus on what I’m doing,” she said. Not enough training Doctors aren’t trained in how to capitalize on use of music since their training has so much to cover already in a limited time, Wagle said, noting she went to med school at University of Kansas and did her residency at Northwestern University Medical School. “Even though the arts and music are so vital, I think it just gets pushed to the side,” she said. “People don’t value it…It was never a part of our training. I hope it’s changed now.” Renee Fleming giving a "Music and the Mind" presentation to the National Institutes of Health. Her clinic is focused on chronic pain management, including many geriatric patients. “In my patients with chronic pain, music works as a distraction. If they’re having a really bad day, they can use music and the arts as healing and distraction,” Wagle said. Mental health benefits are huge, as music can certainly diminish depression and anxiety, she said. Songs by popular artists (like Taylor Swift) help crystallize and reflect universal emotions for people struggling, letting them know they’re not alone. “Chronic pain can be very isolating, as can depression and anxiety,” Wagle said. “People isolate themselves and music can be very, very helpful.” “A lot of my patients, music is very much like a meditative experience,” she added. Music also induces stress relief similar to use of recreational or medical marijuana, in reducing anxiety, Wagle said. “We know definitely, we have data to show depression and anxiety escalate when patients are dealing with chronic pain,” she said. “There are mental health effects occurring secondarily with chronic pain. In that way, music and the arts are very similar, because music also diminishes anxiety.” Bigger benefits as performer Being a performer, the benefits of music are much more pronounced compared to just listening. “As a violinist, playing in an ensemble, there is a profound euphoria with that – especially when I’m playing something I really love,” Wagle said. “I love the Dvorak New World Symphony. I have found myself in tears, during a concert. I feel a profound euphoria and sense of joy. Emanuel Ax and Mark Russell Smith at the world-renowned pianist's gala performance with the QCSO April 27, 2024 at the Adler Theatre, Davenport (photo by Jonathan Turner). “It’s a different experience when I’m in the audience listening,” she said. “When I’m playing, it’s like 10 levels higher for me.” Wagle would love to see more patients get involved in performing music. “It’s never too late to pick up something.” “Even after a long day of work, I go to weeknight rehearsals. I love it so much,” she said. “It is my outlet for stress. It allows me to function better in all aspects of my life. Even if I’m tired, I’ll still go to rehearsals. I commit to every concert that I can.” Last year, Wagle also started playing with the Knox-Galesburg Symphony. “I love music so much, I cannot live without it,” she said. “It’s such an important part of my life. I’m either listening or playing every single day.” Even when Wagle was at Northwestern and Kansas, their medical schools had orchestras she was part of. “They were comprised of medical students, residents, doctors,” she recalled. “I look forward to reading this book,” Wagle said of “Music and Mind.” “Going forward, we need to be better stewards as physicians, of making sure that our patients incorporate music and the arts in their own healing processes.” “Especially even in the field of oncology, where there’s so much trauma in that patient population – how much they would benefit from using music and for healing and distraction both,” she said. “I think the other reason to utilize something like music and the arts – then we’re not so dependent on some of our medications, for mental health, for instance. “It would be fascinating to do a study, for reducing the dosages of those medications, and maybe we could reduce those if we elevate the presence of music in the healing processes,” Wagle said. “Wouldn’t that be fascinating to observe and study?”
	New Faces at News 8: Maddie Franz Franz started as an intern with News 8 last summer.
	Death investigation underway in Kewanee Officers said they found an unresponsive man while conducting a welfare check on Saturday. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
	Whitey’s Ice Cream presents 38th Cones for Kids benefitting Bethany for Children & Families Enjoy a scoop of Quad Cities’ tradition and help local kids and families in need at the 38th annual Whitey’s Ice Cream Cones for Kids event benefitting Bethany for Children and Families.
	First responders to train at Davenport Central High School If you see emergency vehicles around Davenport Central High School during the week, don't be alarmed. Police and firefighters are completing five days of exercises as part of the Quad City Active Killer Threat Response and Rescue Task Force Training program. The training is designed to focus on response to an active killer threat. The move involves coordination among agencies during a crisis. Agencies involved include the Davenport Police Department, Davenport Fire Department, Bettendorf Police Department, Bettendorf Fire Department, Scott County Sheriff’s Office, Moline Police Department, Moline Fire Department, Rock Island Police Department, Rock Island Fire Department, Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office, Rock Island Arsenal Fire Department, EMS personnel and others. The training goes through Friday, June 14.
	Davenport holds state of the city address Davenport held its state of the city address at the Rhythm City Casino Resort. Mayor Mike Matson addressed infrastructure, flood mitigation and safer communities. Matson also addressed the city administrator search that is currently underway. Matson says he expects the position to be filled within months, the same position that belonged to Corri Spiegel, who was given a $1.6 million payout. Spiegel accused multiple elected officials of harassment. Matson says the city budget is primed for the future, but he did not address the Davenport building collapse from 2024 or the ongoing lawsuits against the City of Davenport.
	Mayor Matson delivers Davenport State of the City Monday Davenport Mayor Mike Matson will give his State of the City address at noon Monday.
	Mayor Matson updates city projects during his State of the City address Davenport Mayor Mike Matson spoke at the Rhythm City Casino Resort Monday afternoon for his State of the City address.
	Learn about oral health care with Gilda's Club Taking care of your teeth is more than just good oral health care; it can affect your overall health. Gilda’s Club is hosting a free presentation on oral health at its Davenport Clubhouse, 1351 W. Central Park Avenue, Suite 200 in Davenport on Monday, June 24 from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Carole Ferch, a registered dental hygienist from the Scott County Health Department, will explain how oral health and physical health are connected. Participants will hear about oral health clearance before cancer treatment, discover tips on maintaining oral health through treatment and learn oral health resources are available to help the community. The presentation will be offered in-person and via Zoom. Registration is required; click here, call (563) 326-7504 or email gc@gildasclubqc.org to sign up.
	Warrant issued for Galesburg man in connection to fatal shooting According to the Galesburg Police Department, an arrest warrant for murder has been issued for 19-year-old Chase Houlden Jr. He was injured in the shooting.
	New painted piano another treat at Lago's If you needed another reason to visit the delicious QC icon, Lagomarcino's Confectionery in downtown Moline, you've got one. Since last week, the rear of the candy store, soda fountain, and lunch spot (at 1422 5th Ave.) has hosted a newly painted upright piano, courtesy of Lago's relatively new neighbor three blocks east, the Sound Conservatory. It's part of the music school and shop's "Keys of Unity" program, which since early April has placed donated pianos throughout downtown that anyone is encouraged to play. The newly painted "Keys of Unity" piano at Lagomarcino's in downtown Moline, over lunch June 10, 2024 (photo by Jonathan Turner). This is the first one of the bunch to have a commissioned painting on it. This past April, Moline High senior Shea Gende student won $250 in gift cards for creating the winning design in Sound Conservatory’s “Keys of Unity” painted piano project. She painted the upright piano that's being put in rotation in its “Keys of Unity” program to place pianos in downtown Moline for a month each. 2024 Moline High graduate Shea Gende and her painted piano for "Keys of Unity." “I like the idea of a diverse community surrounding music, which is why I used a circle of hands of many different colors surrounding colorful musical notes,” Shea wrote with her design. “Music is a way to express myself. I can listen to happy music when I’m happy, sad music when I’m sad, or angry music when I’m mad. Music is a very expressive form of the arts and that’s what makes it so special to me.” “We have kids from Moline High School working here, so in a way it makes sense,” Lago's co-owner Beth Lagomarcino said Monday during lunch hour. The colorful piano was installed last Wednesday, June 5. Several people have played it, she said. The loaned piano from Sound Conservatory at Lago's, 1422 5th Ave., Moline (photo by Jonathan Turner). “We had an older gentleman – you should have seen the smile on his face. It was just wonderful,” Lagomarcino said. “I think it’s just wonderful, this program. We were so excited when he came and approached us about it.” The piano is scheduled to be there for a month, with an option to extend for another month. “I think it’s neat, it’s giving exposure to the Sound Conservatory,” Lagomarcino said. She’s happy the business is occupying the former Carnegie Library (longtime home to the old Moline Public Library), built in 1903. It was vacant from 2008, until last November, when Sound Conservatory moved in. Lago's itself dates back to 1908. A Keys of Unity upright piano at The Atlas Collective coffee shop and bookstore, 1801 5th Ave., Moline. Other downtown Moline businesses that are hosting Keys of Unity pianos through July 5 are: The Atlas Collective, 1801 5th Ave. Tony's Chicago Style Pizzeria, 1321 5th Ave. Svithiod Club, 1511 6th Ave. For more information about the program, click HERE.
	Rock Island-Milan School Board to vote on deputy superintendent The Rock Island-Milan School District could soon have its new deputy superintendent.
	Iowa Black Doula Collective holds baby shower for Black families in the Quad Cities The Iowa Black Doula Collective held a community baby shower in Davenport to support black families who are expecting or recently post-partum.
	Daylon Richardson to undergo neurophysiology study before sentencing Daylon Richardson will have to wait to hear his sentence after being found guilty earlier this year in the death of a Knox County deputy in 2022, according to court records. Richardson appeared in Henry County Court in Cambridge for a hearing on his objection to a mandatory natural life sentence in prison on Tuesday, June 10. The court ordered that a neurophysiology study and evaluation must be completed before ruling on the objection. Neurophysiology studies and evaluates functions of the nervous system and studies neurological diseases and disorders. Court records show Richardson was found guilty of murder in the death of Deputy Nicholas Weist on February 29 of this year. Weist died in 2022 after setting up stop sticks for Richardson, who was running from Galesburg Police when they tried to arrest him on a report of having a gun at a gas station. Sentencing is set for August 9.
	Sunny and cool start to the week A few strong storms can't be ruled out on Thursday.
	Man facing murder charge in Galesburg shooting death The shooting happened Friday.
	Racial equality advocates spark conversations every Saturday at Moline intersection Progressive Action for the Common Good stands at the corner of 16th Street and John Deere Road every Saturday to advocate for racial equality.
	Pet of the Week - Sunny \| June 10, 2024 Sunny is a two-month-old neutered kitten. Tune in to GMQC every Monday at 11 for a brand-new adoptable furry friend.
	East Moline firefighters simulate rescue situations during open house Community members were invited to see firefighting action first-hand when the East Moline Fire Department simulated fire and rescue situations during an open house.
	Journey drummer Steve Smith kicks off 3rd Annual Louis Bellson Music Fest in Rock Falls Steve Smith, best known for drumming on Journey's Greatest Hits, led a drum clinic in Rock Falls to kick off the third annual Louie Bellson Music Fest.
	Bird tests positive for West Nile virus in Whiteside County Mosquitos can transmit the virus to humans if they have fed on a bird with the disease. The bird was dead when it was collected on May 31.
	2nd annual Pulling Focus Film Festival highlighting Black filmmakers This was Pulling Focus' second year, showcasing twice as many films compared to last year. Organizers hope to see that number increase next year.
	Greater Quad Cities area crime headlines for June 10, 2024 A Rock Falls man was arrested on child porn charges. On the other side of the river, a Davenport man was arrested for kidnapping his partner, police say.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for June 10, 2024 Tune in to Good Morning Quad Cities every day for the top headlines impacting you and the surrounding community.
	Kewanee police launch investigation after man found dead inside home Police say they responded to a welfare check Saturday night at the 800 block of West Division Street. They say there is no ongoing threat to the public.
	The importance of highlighting Black filmmakers at the 2nd annual Pulling Focus Film Festival Organizers say the festival does more than just highlight the work of Black filmmakers across the world. It also shows viewers new perspectives.
	Warrant issued after fatal Galesburg shooting An arrest warrant has been issued after Galesburg Police say a 19-year-old man shot and killed an 18-year-old man last week, according to a news release from the department. Officers with the Galesburg Police Department responded to a call of shots fired in the 900 block of E. South Street on Friday, June 7 at about 11:12 a.m. When they arrived, they found a gunshot victim inside a home on the street. The victim, who has been identified as Cam’ron Glass, 18 from Galesburg, was pronounced dead at the scene with an apparent gunshot wound. An arrest warrant has been issued for Chase Houlden Jr., 19 from Galesburg, for murder. Houlden was also injured during the shooting incident and is in stable condition at OSF St. Francis Hospital. There is an ongoing investigation into this matter and more arrests are expected. Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Galesburg Police Department at (309) 343-9151, Galesburg Area Crime Stoppers at (309) 344-0044, by using the P3 mobile app or by clicking on the submit a tip on the Galesburg Police Department’s Facebook page.
	Celebrating 55 years of Red Wagon Preschool in Moline Families were able to enjoy face painting, lawn games and a bouncy house at Sunday's event.
	Galesburg Police issue arrest warrant in Friday's shooting An arrest warrant is out for 19-year-old Chase Houlden Jr alleging murder in the shooting death of 18-year-old Cam'Ron Glass from Galesburg.
	Celebrate Midsommar in Bishop Hill Welcome summer the Swedish way at the 2024 Bishop Hill Midsommar Music Festival on Saturday June 22. This free, family friendly event includes free concerts in the park, a Swedish Maypole celebration and more. Attendees should bring lawn chairs. (BHHA) The festival celebrates Midsommar, one of the two most popular holidays in Sweden (the other is Christmas) Celebrating Midsommar is an ancient practice that dates back to pagan rituals to welcome summer and the season of fertility. In Sweden, Midsommar festivals have been taking place for at least 500 years. People in Sweden welcomed summertime by decorating their homes and farm tools with foliage and raising Maypoles to dance around. Concerts at the village park gazebo start at 10 a.m. This year’s lineup includes Black Hawk Pipes and Drums, Sarah and the Underground, Orion Community Band, Jazz on the Side and the Norwegian Bachelor Farmers. Visitors can decorate the Maypole with flowers and join the procession immediately following the concerts at 4 p.m. The procession will begin in the park and end at the Colony School where everyone can join in the Maypole dancing and enjoy refreshments provided by the Bishop Hill Vasa Lodge. Sarah and the Underground (BHHA) Orion Community Band (BHHA) Norwegian Bachelor Farmers (BHHA) Jazz on the Side (BHHA) Black Hawk Pipes and Drums (BHHA) (BHHA) Author Jannifer Stevens Powelson will sign her books from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Prairie Arts Center, 203 North Bishop Hill Street. She is marking the upcoming release and launch of Summer Solstice, the ninth book in the Nature Station Mystery Series. Click here for more about her books. The Vasa National Archives will provide a Midsummer Respite a block south of the park featuring drinks, snacks and a make-and-take clay sculpture station. Participants can view exhibits, some light refreshments and make a clay sculpture to take home. The Vasa National Archives will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here or call (309) 927-3899 for directions or more information.
	Professional RC drivers from across the country hit the track in Muscatine Island Speedway hosted the JConcpets Indoor National Series in Muscatine. The series takes place across five states with a high level of competition.
	2 people injured after shooting in Burlington Saturday night Police say it happened in the 700 block of Oak Street around 9:40 p.m. on June 8. Both victims were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
	Pat Angerer Named Color Analyst for Iowa Football Former University of Iowa All-America linebacker Pat Angerer has been named the color analyst for the Iowa football program, it was announced Monday by Hawkeye Sports Properties, the locally based team of Learfield, the media and technology company powering college athletics.
	Moline-Coal Valley offering middle school soccer next year The boys will play in the fall and the girls will play in the spring, starting in the 2024-25 school year.
	Watch Matson deliver Davenport State of the City at noon Monday at KWQC.com Davenport Mayor Mike Matson will give his State of the City address at noon Monday.
	Catch Andy McCray's live weather at QCAWC It's Raining Cats and Kittens adoption event Now is the best time to adopt a new cat or kitten into your home – and during the Quad Cities Animal Welfare Center’s It’s Raining Cats and Kittens Adoption Special, you decide the adoption fee! Starting today, Monday, June 10 and ending on Saturday, June 22, pet lovers who adopt cats or kittens can decide how much to pay for their adoption. The adoption center is located at 724 Second Avenue W in Milan. WHBF’s own Andy McCray will be on site to deliver live weather forecasts at 4, 5 and 6 p.m. tonight. Stop by to visit or adopt a new family member! For more on the Quad Cities Animal Welfare Center (QCAWC), click here.
	Hy-Vee announces more details of services for those affected by Rockingham Road closure Starting June 24, shuttles from the Rockingham Road Hy-Vee to the West Locust Hy-Vee will be provided Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays.
	Learn about IDOT jobs at Rock Island Career Fair Residents interested in jobs with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) can learn more at a free job fair in Rock Island. IDOT is hosting a Career Fair on Tuesday, June 11 from 2 – 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn – Quad Cities, 226 17th Street in Rock Island. Representatives from several offices and bureaus will be on hand to discuss current and upcoming employment opportunities. Breakout sessions will show participants how to set up an account to apply for State of Illinois jobs. Bringing a laptop is encouraged. Click here for more on employment through the Illinois Department of Transportation.
	Sick Summer’s Rock Falls Block Party happening Monday at RB&W Park Sick Summer’s Rock Falls Block Party happening Monday at RB&W Park
	REVIEW: Medea at the Genesius Guild Medea continues on the Don Wooten stage at Lincoln Park located at 38th Street and 11th Avenue in Rock Island, Saturday and Sunday, June 14 and 15 at 7:00 p.m.
	REVIEW: A Little Night Music at the Quad City Music Guild A Little Night Music continues at Quad City Music Guild’s theatre in Moline’s Prospect Park Thursday through Saturday, June 13 through 15 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 16 at 2:00 p.m.
	Section of Rock Island bike path closing for railroad work Railroad maintenance means that Rock Island must close a portion of the bike path through the city. An email from the Public Works Department says the bike path at 17th Street and 1st Avenue, near the Modern Woodmen building, will be temporarily closed starting at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, June 13. The railroad is replacing a section of track in the area. Work is expected to be completed by the end of the day on Friday, June 15.
	Olivia Allen: A look at supports for LGBTQ+ students in the Quad-Cities A look at how local LGBTQ+ students find resources, support and community.
	Davenport to soon accept applications for next city administrator Davenport will soon being accepting applications for the city's next administrator.

Tuesday, June 11th, 2024

Monday, June 10th, 2024