Latest Illinois and Iowa news

The city of East Moline is considering an ordinance at this Monday's council meeting, June 16th, that would borrow state funds to fund the city’s replacement of lead service lines.

The ordinance seeks to borrow $22,932,000 from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Public Water Supply Loan Program. The loan duration would be 40 years, aligning with the estimated lifespan of the project.

The ordinance states that repayment will only come from its water system revenue.

The Committee of the Whole, meeting before the regular meeting, recommends waiving the second reading of the ordinance.

The city will publish the ordinance notice within ten days in the Dispatch-Argus. Then, residents have 30 days to file a petition with at least 1,128 signatures to request that voters decide in the next election, scheduled for November 3, 2026.

A Quad-Cities ice cream company is expanding further into Bettendorf.

Whitey's Ice Cream announced on Friday morning, June 13th, on its Facebook page that it is opening a new location at the corner of Forest Grove Drive and Devils Glen Road, nearly a mile from the TBK Sports Complex.

This would be the second location in Bettendorf. The company states that the new location will feature a drive-through. They did not say when it will open.

The Bettendorf Police Department says multiple massage businesses in the city are being investigated for human trafficking.

In a news release on Friday, June 13th, Police Chief Doug Scott stated that the department began investigating Ming Spa locations on Spruce Hills Drive and Middle Road, as well as Elite Massage on Spruce Hills Drive, after community members raised concerns of possible illegal activity months ago.

The release states a search warrant was conducted Thursday, June 12th, at these locations, and multiple victims were found and offered support services. Officers arrested 58-year-old Heling Di, charging her with five offences including pimping and pandering for prostitution.

An attached affidavit alleges Di would transport the victims to the massage businesses and use funds from the sex acts to pay for business expenses.

A pedestrian vehicle collision on Thursday night, June 12th, left one woman dead in Dubuque.

In a news release Friday, June 13th, Dubuque police say 38-year-old resident Kalissa Reeder was walking along Loras Boulevard and crossed Locust Street against a red light around 6:38 p.m. when a vehicle traveling northbound struck Reeder.

Police identified the driver as 26-year-old Bailey Scott Foht of Dubuque, who allegedly left the scene. Reeder was transported to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries.

Foht was detained early Friday morning outside a Days Inn. He is being charged with leaving the scene of an accident causing death, a felony charge, punishable by up to ten years in prison.

The Iowa Board of Regents has approved tuition hikes at the state’s three public universities starting this fall.

The board finalized the next school year’s tuition and mandatory fees on Thursday, June 12th. In-state tuition at the University of Iowa will increase by 3%. Iowa State’s tuition is going up by 2.8%, and students at the University of Northern Iowa will see a 2.7% increase. Tuition for out-of-state students will increase by higher margins at all three schools as well.

The Board of Regents said the tuition hikes will help offset growing financial challenges such as inflation, recruiting and retaining faculty, and student financial aid.

The board also approved substantial raises for its university presidents.

Illinois 17th District Congressman Eric Sorensen is looking for ways to keep the Rock Island Arsenal Museum open. The US Army announced last week plans to consolidate its museum locations from 29 to 12. The arsenal’s museum site is among those listed for possible closure.

“And so I've already reached out with some community leaders and some elected leaders in Rock island county to see if there's a way that not only could we save it on the Rock island arsenal, but if we can't save it on the Rock island arsenal, is there a way that we could move it off of the island.”

He’s also co-sponsoring the Arsenal Workload Sustainment Act, which would help ensure military manufacturing continues at the base. The Pentagon is considering plans to consolidate commands at the Rock Island Arsenal as part of its efforts to reduce military spending.

Representative Sorensen is also cosponsoring a bill that is focused on restructuring the National Weather Service hiring practices.

The proposal would allow the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and National Weather Service to restaff positions lost due to federal workforce cuts by the Trump Administration.

“This bill will allow NOAA and the National Weather Service to quickly and fully staff their offices. Right now, what happens? You know, we had people that took their retirement, their early retirement that the President had promised them, but we also lost people to the private sector.”

The Moline Democrat says the measure also designates employees as public safety personnel, further allowing for 24/7 coverage of weather conditions.

The NWS bill is currently being reviewed by the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee.

The Dubuque Police Department says a tip from the Iowa Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force led to an investigation into a local high school staff member accessing child sexual abuse material.

In a news release on Thursday, June 12th, the department says the tip came in early April and officers identified the suspect as a resident working at Hempstead High School. School officials were notified, and the suspect was placed on leave.

The department states that some of the child sexual abuse material includes computer-generated images of students. Students and families are currently being contacted by law enforcement as the investigation continues.

The information first came from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, which notified the ICAC Task Force.

The Illinois Supreme Court is tapping a longtime Rock Island County judge to fill a vacancy on the 14th Judicial Circuit Court.

According to a new release on Thursday, June 12th, Associate Judge Richard Zimmer will fill the remaining term of Judge Linnea Thompson, who’s stepping down next month.

Zimmer has served on the bench in Rock Island and nearby counties since 2007 and is an Augustana College graduate.

The Muscatine Police Department is investigating a bomb threat called into the Musser Public Library Wednesday evening, June 11th.

In a news release Thursday, June 12th, the city says library staff got the threatening phone call around 6 p.m. from an individual claiming to be in the parking lot with an explosive device.

Muscatine PD swept the area but found no device or suspect, which they believe indicates the caller was swatting the library. The department is asking the public to help find the individual responsible for the false report.

The family of Jakarta Jackson is taking the City of Rock Island, Officer Brett Taylor and Chief Timothy McCloud to court.

In a filing Tuesday, June 10th, in federal court, Yanessa Martin, who has a child with Jackson, acting as administrator of Jackson’s estate, as well as Jackson’s family members, are asking for a jury trial.

The lawsuit consists of eight counts, including excessive force, violating Jackson’s Fourth Amendment rights, as well as multiple counts of Willful and Wanton Conduct, Wrongful Death against Taylor and Chief McCloud.

In January, during a traffic stop, Officer Taylor shot Jackson five times, killing him while his brother, daughter, and nephew were in the car. His family has been holding protests since the killing, calling on the city to remove Taylor.

The family is asking the jury to determine that the actions by Taylor, Chief McCloud, and the city were unlawful and award compensatory and punitive damages to Jackson’s estate.

The family is being represented by Romanucci and Blandin LLC and Ben Crump Law.

Rock Island Community Engagement Manager Sarah Hayden, in an email statement, says “ The City of Rock Island and the Rock Island Police Department became aware this morning, June 11, 2025, of a civil lawsuit filed by the family of Jakarta Jackson. Due to pending litigation, the City and Police Department will not be commenting at this time.”

Iowa Health and Human Services has confirmed a third case of measles this year.

The agency reports that on Wednesday, June 11th, an unvaccinated child from the Eastern region of the state contracted the disease during international travel.

The second case was reported on Tuesday, June 10th, involving an adult male also in eastern Iowa.

In Illinois, state health officials have confirmed about a half-dozen measles cases this year.

On Tuesday morning, June 10th, a man approached the front entrance of the Rock Island Police Department and began throwing a rock at the front doors and windows.

Around 12:40 a.m., several windows and glass at the entry doors were shattered as the subject fled the area on foot. The front lobby and desk were closed at the time, and the man has been identified as 29-year-old Justin N. Joway.

Joway is a suspect in several other criminal damage complaints that took place overnight and was placed in custody at Scott County Jail.

The Rock Island PD is actively following up on the incident.

The Junior Achievement of the Heartland will recognize four local honorees this Thursday, June 12th, at the 2025 Quad Cities Area Business Hall of Fame.

JA will induct three 2025 laureates, including the founder and the CEO of Twin State Technical Services Beth and Scott Tinsman, and CEO of Sears Manufacturing Company Jim Sears.

Local achievements and philanthropy efforts will be further celebrated as the JA honors Valley Outdoor's President and CEO Austin Blunk as this year’s young entrepreneur, and Our Quad Cities Chief Meteorologist Andy McCray as the 2025 Outstanding Junior Achievement Volunteer.

With more than 75 honorees inducted since its founding, JA of the Heartland serves 24 counties in Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois, working to nurture workforce readiness and entrepreneurship in young people.

On Wednesday, June 11th, work will begin on Crow Creek Road in Bettendorf as they repair the pavement west of 18th Street.

City of Bettendorf

The westbound lane of Crow Creek Road will be closed from 18th Street west to Ravenwood Court to ensure the safety of construction workers and the public. A detour will be in place for westbound traffic as the eastbound lane of Crow Creek Road will remain open.

The traffic change is planned to last approximately four weeks and is part of the city’s 2025 Full Depth Patching Program, which will repair and patch numerous roads throughout the city.

For more information on this project and others across the city, visit the city’s website.

The Davenport Police Department have arrested another suspect connected to a fatal shooting on Sunday, June 8th.

In a news release on Tuesday, June 10th, the department says 21-year-old Tashon Bea of Davenport is charged with first-degree murder, intimidation with a dangerous weapon, and going armed with intent.

Earlier this week, officers arrested 18-year-old Alyx Hinton of Minnesota, for allegedly shooting 28-year-old Douglas Meirer on the 1700 block of Gaines Street. Meirer later died from his injuries at a local hospital.

Hinton is also charged with attempting to commit murder, intimidation with a dangerous weapon and going armed with intent.

The investigation is ongoing.

Longtime Davenport resident and labor leader Matt Lienen is running for alderman in Davenport’s 8th Ward.

Lienen currently serves as the Business Manager and Financial Secretary-Treasurer for Plumber and Pipefitters Local 25.

A press release announcing his campaign on Tuesday, June 10th, says Lienen is focused on inclusive community engagement, budget transparency, revitalizing neighborhood infrastructure, and ensuring growth for all of Davenport.

Currently, Paul Reinartz represents the 8th Ward, which covers the north-central part of Davenport.

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig is touting a new smartphone app designed to boost support for local farmers and producers.

Naig explains the Choose Iowa Passport app that launched last month, May, helps customers find farm stands, farmers markets, and other businesses offering locally sourced products.

“Folks can really experience the product and enjoy that, but also gain some understanding of how it was made, how it was raised, how it was grown. And of course, I love that about that. That's kind of a value add, if you will. The business side of it is wonderful and it's the main point, but if folks can learn something about agriculture and about our state, even better.”

Naig explains some of the locally-sourced products people can buy.

“Oh, just a variety of different businesses and farms selling everything from meat to honey to textiles. All kinds of beverages, distilleries, breweries, wine makers. Really just a wide variety of products.”

Naig says the interactive digital platform lets users earn points at participating locations, which can be redeemed for prizes. The app is available for download at chooseIowa.com.

The Downtown Bettendorf Organization (DBO) has chosen local artist William Gustafson to paint the city’s new mural.

The art installation titled Arches will be located on 17th Street, across from City Hall, and depicts historic landmarks of the city. Gustafson’s design features the Bettendorf brothers' revolutionizing the train wheel, the Waterfront Convention Center, the Isle Casino, and the I-74 bridge.

The artist has completed several murals and restorations across the Quad Cities.

Work begins in June with an unveiling in July.

The race for Davenport’s next Mayor is taking shape with former alderwoman Judith Lee officially announcing her candidacy on Monday, June 9th. Lee, who represented the Eighth Ward from 2019 to 2023, has been an outspoken critic of city leadership.

“I am entering this race fully informed on where and how the city government is broken and how I can work with council to address the unacknowledged tragedies and totally unnecessary conflict, power plays, and lawsuits that have torn this city apart.”

Lee has accused Davenport City Hall of misusing taxpayer money and withholding information from the public. Former Alderman At-Large Jason Gordon announced his candidacy for Mayor in February. Incumbent Mike Matsonsaid in March he won’t seek another term in the election this November.

Hundreds of tractors are meandering across eastern Iowa in the Great Eastern Iowa Tractorcade. The event allows farmers to showcase their vintage tractors.

Over three days, hundreds of tractors will depart from Mt. Pleasant and tour eastern Iowa, making pit stops at high schools and county fairgrounds. The motorcade was organized by vintage tractor enthusiasts and KXEL radio in Waterloo. To participate, you only need a valid driver’s license and a roadworthy tractor.

Event manager Matt Kenney says most of the restored tractors date back to the mid twentieth century.

“Many of the riders are either current farmers or retired farmers. And, you know, they get a chance to polish off, polish up the old iron and take it out for a spin on the roads of eastern Iowa for a few days and see their old friends who do the same thing.”

This year marks the 26th annual Tractorcade, which Kenney says is now the largest tractor ride in the state.

UnityPoint Health PACE is partnering with Augustana College to provide hearing care for the elderly.

Seniors in Muscatine, Clinton, and Scott counties can receive care with the help of students studying communication sciences and disorders.

The audiology clinic coordinator and associate professor, Dr. Ann Perreau, explains their services. “We will be doing hearing testing through this program. We will also select and fit hearing aids. And that’s a majority of the services that are going to be needed by these individuals.”

Students gain hands-on experience and operate under Dr. Perreau’s supervision.

Director of operations at UnityPoint, Lori Bahen, says the partnership makes their elderly patients feel included. “It’s really beneficial for our seniors to feel that they are a part of the education process to help kind of educate some of the students about how to care for patients.”

UnityPoint provides transportation to and from appointments, equipped for wheelchairs and walkers.

The first patient will be seen in June.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has signed a bill into law requiring public, private and charter schools to teach about fetal development starting in fifth grade.

Human growth and development and health classes in grades 5th through 12th will have to show a video that, quote, “depicts the humanity of the unborn child.”

The new law also prohibits the use of videos and other educational materials provided by groups that perform, promote, or refer patients for abortions. Democrats raised concerns that this will bar health classes from using scientifically accurate materials from prominent medical research institutions.

Republican lawmakers have said the law will teach children to value life and is meant to influence their future decisions about pregnancy and abortion.

Two private universities in eastern Iowa are merging after experiencing declining enrollment and financial pressures. St. Ambrose University in Davenport is now officially the parent company of Mt. Mercy University in Cedar Rapids.

All of Mt. Mercy’s assets were transferred to St. Ambrose last week. Mt. Mercy will keep its name as a campus of St. Ambrose University and will also keep its own athletic program. Down the road, students will be able to take classes at both campuses.

Todd Olson is the president of Mt. Mercy University.

“We believe in, we're committed to, and we want to improve the outcomes of higher education for our students. We believe we’re in the strongest position to do that if we can do it together.” 

Olson says smaller higher education institutions face unique challenges as the rate of high school seniors enrolling in college declines nationwide.

Transferring Mt. Mercy’s assets to St. Ambrose is the first step in a merging process that is expected to end in the summer of 2026.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed a bill into law on Friday, June 6th, that directs the state to seek federal permission to establish Medicaid work requirements.

Under the bill, people in Iowa’s Medicaid expansion program without disabilities between the ages of 19 and 65 would have to work at least 80 hours a month to keep their health coverage. But only if the policy is approved by the federal government.

Reynolds has already started the process of seeking federal approval to require working at least 100 hours per month. Estimates by Iowa’s Department of Health and Human Services show about 50,000 fewer people would have Medicaid coverage under that plan compared to current numbers.

Reynolds says able-bodied adults who can work should be working, and Medicaid should go back to its intended purpose of providing coverage to those who truly need it. The new law also says that if the federal government allows work requirements and later ends them, the state must try to end its Medicaid expansion program.

The National Weather Service has confirmed at least 8 tornadoes touched down Tuesday night, June 3rd, during severe thunderstorms that blew across the Quad Cities and surrounding area.

Those included an EF-1 tornado that touched down in Coyne Center south of Milan at 7:10 PM. It traveled northeast about 9 miles up to Avenue of the Cities in Moline toppling trees and power lines. Several homes were damaged too. Other twisters touched down in New Boston and Monmouth. The severe weather on Tuesday, June 3rd, knocked out electricity for thousands of residents – mostly on the Illinois side of the Quad Cities.

The Project of the Quad Cities in Moline is keeping an eye on Washington as the US Senate considers a budget proposal that would end new federal funding for HIV prevention.

The budget maintains funding for current patients, about $220 million, but would eliminate the Centers for Disease Control’s HIV prevention and surveillance program and move current patient care under a new Administration for a Healthy America (AHA).

Director of Development Tyler Mitchell says the loss of HIV prevention funding would lead to higher costs of caring for those who become infected.

“It is the humane route to go, but it is also for those who care more about this, it is also the financially responsible route to go because it is far more fiscally effective to prevent an HIV infection than to use funds from the federal government or wherever to support a person who is living long term with the virus.” 

The current budget also calls for the elimination of Part F of the Ryan White Program, which funds dental reimbursements, clinical training, and community-driven implementation research.

At this time, the Project is not reducing or cutting any services.

Many residents in Davenport are calling for a new investigation into the deadly apartment building collapse in 2023. That’s after findings from a state investigation were released to the public this week.

The report reveals the building owner and city officials knew about its deteriorating condition. The owner was in fact buying steel support beams when the structure collapsed. LaShanna Dixon of the 7th Ward was a cousin of one of the victims. She joined others during public comment at the City Council meeting Wednesday night, June 4th, to criticize city leaders for withholding information about tragedy.

“I know some of you up here have guilty conscience and you guys had that y'all guys know. Y'all know what happened. Y'all, y'all was in the inside loop. But now here's your time to fix it. You guys can open a new investigation.

Documents show that a city inspector altered an inspection report after the collapse. The tragedy killed three people, seriously injured one, and displaced dozens of residents, leading to an ongoing lawsuit.

Galesburg police have arrested a suspect in connection with a homicide in April.

In a news release Wednesday, June 4th, the Galesburg Police Department announced they have arrested 56-year-old Gerald Fry Jr for first-degree murder of his 49-year-old girlfriend Tricia Nichols at their residence, 191 North Prairie Street, on April 15th.

Fry Jr is currently being held at the Knox County Jail. The investigation is ongoing.

The Quad Cities Generating Station in Cordova, Illinois, is undergoing a second special inspection following reports of two battery issues.

The Nuclear Regulatory Commission will visit the station, managed by Constellation Energy, to inspect its battery supply after one of its units' degraded condition caused a reactor shutdown.

The shutdown did not impact the plant workers or public health. The same battery power unit experienced a brief fire, prompting the commission to conduct an inspection.

In a news release on Wednesday, June 4th, the commission says the review will be published once completed.

In the same release, the commission states that the earlier special inspection regarding the inoperability of vacuum breakers has been completed and will be released on their website shortly.

Quad Cities tennis star Madison Keys is not advancing to the French Open semi-final.

The Rock Island native fell in three sets to Coco Gauff, delivering Gauff her first lost set of the French Open, winning 7-6 but falling short 4-6 and 1-6 in the following two sets.

With her victory, Gauff will take on French star Lois Boisson in the semi-final this Thursday, June 5th.

Keys is expected to participate in the Wimbledon Championships at the end of this month, June 30th, one year removed from a leg injury that cut her run short last year, just before the Wimbledon quarterfinals against Jasmine Paolini.

The city of Galesburg has finalized its selection of a new police chief, after the former chief, Russell Idle, was fired after an investigation into sexual harassment.

In a news release Wednesday, June 4th, the city of Galesburg says acting chief Kevin Legate will officially become the police department’s new chief.

Legate began his 25-year career in law enforcement in Rock Island before joining the Galesburg department in 2001.

A long-awaited state investigation into the 2023 collapse of a Davenport apartment building has been released to the public. The report has new details on how much the building owner knew about its worsening condition.

It says he was buying steel beams the moment he found out the building’s wall had fallen. Documents show that a city inspector altered a previous report on the building after the collapse, leading some to question the city’s role in it.

The incident killed three, seriously injured one, and displaced dozens of residents, leading to an ongoing lawsuit.

The Iowa Department of Natural Resources has issued a statewide air quality advisory through Thursday morning, June 5th.

The agency warns that the Air Quality Index may reach the red or unhealthy category due to the Canadian wildfires. The smoke is expected to continue throughout the week.

The DNR recommends that people reduce extended outdoor activities and take breaks indoors. Individuals with heart or lung disease, older adults, children, teenagers, and outdoor workers should take extra caution and consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors.

Real-time air quality maps and additional information can be found at Airnow.gov.

The advisory ends Thursday at 6 a.m.

A body discovered in a rural area west of Kewanee on Friday, May 30th, has been identified as a missing resident.

The Kewanee Police Department reports that on Tuesday, June 3rd, the Henry County Coroner’s office has identified the deceased as 39-year-old Catrelle Reed.

The circumstances surrounding his death are still being investigated.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Kewanee Police Department.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds has signed two bills into law that make changes to election recounts and the process for checking the citizenship status of voters.

One bill puts county auditors in charge of the election recount process, with oversight by the secretary of state. Previously, candidates chose the members of the three-person recount board that conducted the recount of their race. The new law would only allow recounts when the election results are very close.

The second bill requires election officials to use certain data sources to check the citizenship status of registered voters. The bill also bans ranked choice voting—which isn’t currently used in Iowa—and makes it harder to qualify as a major political party.

Secretary of State Paul Pate says the new laws will strengthen and maintain Iowa’s election integrity. They take effect July first.

Iowa is ranked as the worst state economy in the U.S., according to a new study from WalletHub.

The report looked at all 50 states and Washington, D.C., across 28 categories, including economic growth, unemployment rate, and startup activity.

The Hawkeye state ranked 50th in GDP growth and 51st in Startup activity. Meanwhile, Illinois ranked 40th on the survey posted on Monday, June 2nd. Massachusetts, Utah, and Washington ranked in the top three.

John Deere has signed an extension to continue as title sponsor of the PGA’s John Deere Classic in Silvis through 2030.

Moline’s tractor maker announced the news at the golf tournament’s media day on Monday, June 2nd. This year’s John Deere Classic runs from July 2 through the 6 at the TCP Deere-Run golf course along the Rock River

One Rock Island alderperson and Mayor Ashley Harris are holding a ward meeting Tuesday night, June 3rd.

Fourth Ward Alderwoman Jenni Swanson is holding the meeting at the Watts-Midtown Library Branch, 2715 30th St., starting at 6 p.m.

Alderwoman Swanson and Mayor Harris will provide City updates and answer questions from residents and listen to suggestions.

This event is free and open to the public.

The Bettendorf Community School is once again offering free meals over summer break for kids at multiple locations.

The District announced on Friday, May 30th, breakfast and lunch will be available from June 9th to June 27 and from July 7th to the 25th.

No registration or IDs will be required, though meals must be consumed on site. The program is funded by the USDA. Locations include Bettendorf High School, Grant Wood Elementary, Neil Armstrong Elementary, Edgewood Park and McManus Park.

Bettendorf public school students will be dismissed early for summer break on Wednesday, June 4th.

Iowa US Senator Joni Ernst has issued a sarcastic apology regarding her comments at a town hall event in Parkersburg on Friday, May 30th. The Republican stirred backlash for dismissing concerns that people will die if proposed Medicaid cuts pass in the Senate.

On Saturday, May 31st, Senator Ernst posted a video on Instagram.

“I made an incorrect assumption that everyone in the auditorium understood that yes, we are all going to perish from this earth. So I apologize and I'm really, really glad that I did not have to bring up the subject of the Tooth Fairy as well.”

The US Senate this week is set to debate the One Big Beautiful Bill Act which scales back Medicaid spending among other priorities of President Trump’s domestic policy agenda.

East Moline police officers are looking for a man who allegedly shot a man Thursday afternoon, May 29th.

In a news release Friday, may 30th, the East Moline Police Department is looking for 36-year-old Michael C Craft, who allegedly shot a man near the 800 block of 19th Street. The victim, sustaining multiple gunshot wounds, was transported to a local hospital in a private vehicle.

Craft is being charged with Aggravated Battery with a Firearm and Aggravated Discharge of a Firearm.

Officers consider him armed and dangerous. Anyone with information is asked to call 911.

Local fundraising efforts in Davenport will allow some AmeriCorps members to continue working through the summer. Their funding was cut by Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency earlier this year.

AmeriCorps members across the country were left scrambling after they found out they would not be able to complete their contracts. But in Davenport, eight members will be able to finish their service, after the Regional Development Authority heard about the cuts and contacted potential donors in the area.

Matt Mendenhall is the president of the organization. He said local funders were quick in helping to reach the $78,000 goal.

“We have a pretty tight-knit group of community funders, and so we often will come together on different things, you know, when it needs, like, a group resource.”

The members will serve at local nonprofits and agencies like Big Brothers Big Sisters and Davenport Parks and Recreation until their contracts end in August.

At a town hall in eastern Iowa Friday morning, May 30th, U.S. Senator Joni Ernst defended the Trump administration’s agenda to a lively crowd.

People in the audience in Parkersburg asked questions about topics including rising health care costs, eminent domain and U.S. sanctions on Russia. But many questions were about what is known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, which includes an estimated $700 billion in cuts to Medicaid spending over the next ten years.

Ernst says the bill is supposed to make Medicaid more efficient. The Congressional Budget Office estimates 10.3 million Americans will lose their Medicaid coverage.

“Everyone says that Medicaid is being cut, that people are going to see their benefits cut. That’s not true.” “Liar!” “Yep, go ahead. Well, see, and that’s...you know...”

When an audience member shouted that people would die because of the Medicaid cuts, Ernst defended the bill by saying, ‘we’re all going to die.’

She says a number of provisions in the House bill will not be included in the Senate's version, but did not say which ones.

An Iowa state representative is sponsoring a fundraiser for transgender youth at the Last Picture House in Davenport on Thursday evening, May 29th.

The theater and House District 97 Democrat Ken Croken are screening the 1995 film “To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.”

In 2023, the state of Iowa banned gender-affirming care for minors. Representative Croken says gender dysphoria is a recognized medical and psychological condition.

“The state of Iowa recklessly, foolishly... has decided to interfere in that extremely personal and family decision and ban this care from young people in the state. The funds we will raise tonight and have raised in the past and hopefully will continue to do so, will enable the providers of such care to do so for the young people of Iowa in a way that doesn't render it unaffordable and unattainable.”

Tickets cost $30, with all proceeds going to The Project of the Quad Cities and Clock Inc., which facilitate gender-affirming care for trans youth.

Tickets can be purchased on the Project of the QC’s website or by calling Representative Croken’s Davenport office.

The Rock Island Public Library is kicking off its summer reading program at the Botanical Center on Thursday afternoon, May 29th.

The Level Up at Your Library reading program is open to all ages. The kickoff event will involve the Botanical Center’s Plant Discovery Bus and the library’s Library2Go bookmobile from 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Residents can participate in yard games, a scavenger hunt, bubble station, free popcorn, and free access to the Botanical Center’s children’s garden water feature and Storybook landscapes.

Those interested in participating can register via the Beanstack website or app, pick up a reading log at the library, or the kick-off event.

A report of a man with a gun near North High School in Davenport caused the school to go into lockdown Wednesday afternoon, May 28th.

In a news release Wednesday evening, Davenport police say 18-year-old Tramajhae Lewis was seen by the high school’s resource officer walking through the school’s parking lot around 1:42 p.m.

A foot chase ensued, and Lewis was apprehended, charged with possession of a firearm on school grounds and interference with a weapon.

Lewis is not a student and did not attempt to enter the school.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Dozens of Iowa National Guard troops will be deploying to the Middle East after a send-off ceremony at the Davenport Armory this evening, Wednesday, May 28th.

Davenport Police plan to escort buses carrying Delta Company soldiers leaving town tonight. The send-off begins at 6:30.

Dozens of similar farewell ceremonies are scheduled this week across Iowa for about 1,800 troops deploying in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. Those include another 100 Iowa Troops deploying tomorrow, Thursday, May 29th, after a send-off at the Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds Speedway in Davenport at 2:30 PM.

A new law in Iowa now gives state employees paid family leave time.

Governor Kim Reynolds signed the legislation on Tuesday, May 27th, that grants four weeks of paid maternity leave for state employees. It also grants four weeks for adoptive parents and one week of paid paternity leave.

Governor Reynolds also signed a bill into law that requires Iowa high school students pass a civics test to graduate.

A former Rock Island County employee accused of stealing more than $900,000 over two decades has pleaded not guilty.

62-year-old Leisa Streeter of New Windsor entered her plea on Tuesday, May 27th, during a preliminary court hearing. Her lawyer also requested she be removed from home confinement and GPS monitoring, but the judge denied those requests and had her surrender her passport.

A pretrial hearing is set for June 27, with a jury trial scheduled to begin in July. Streeter is facing multiple charges including theft of government property, forgery and money laundering.

The East Moline Correctional Center and Augustana College held a graduation ceremony on Tuesday, May 27th, to celebrate three incarcerated students.

The Augustana Prison Education Program or APEP is a full-time bachelor’s degree program that started in 2021.

31-year-old Jorge Herrejon is one of the three students who earned their degree. He’s been incarcerated since he was 17… and says his education has helped reconnect him with his family.

“Before this event, it had been seven years, more or less, since I saw them. And so to be able to see them, it fills me with so many emotions, so much joy, truly. It restores to me a sense of being dignified that I did not know for a very long time.”

Herrejon says he is participating in a work release starting in July and will work in Chicago until he is officially released in 2028.

*Additional coverage of APEP will be available on the WVIK website this week.*

A motorcycle and passenger vehicle crash late Monday night, May 26th, left two riders with serious injuries.

In a press release on Tuesday, May 27th, the Davenport Police Department says the crash occurred around 10:19 p.m. at West 49th and North Pine Streets. The motorcycle driver was seriously injured while the other rider sustained life-threatening injuries.

The Davenport Police Traffic Safety Unit is investigating the incident.

The Bettendorf Police Department is identifying the man who allegedly shot and wounded two officers responding to a domestic call last week, on Wednesday, May 21st.

23-year-old Jamey Myles has been released from the hospital and booked into Scott County Jail on a $1 million bond.

According to an arrest affidavit, police shot and wounded Myles after he opened fire on one of the officers who sustained non-life threatening injuries. Three minors and a woman were also in the line of fire.

Myles faces multiple charges, including attempted murder of a police officer, assault, and child endangerment. The Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation continues to investigate with the two officers are on critical incident leave, per department policy.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved Iowa’s request to disqualify some foods from purchase under SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

Under the new, state-specific changes, SNAP participants would not be able to buy food products that are subject to state sales tax.
This includes pop and other types of sweetened beverages, candy, marshmallows, fruit leathers and sweetened coconut.

Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a press release that “soaring obesity rates have brought our nation and state to a crossroads.” She said a change is needed “to ensure SNAP fulfills its core function.”

Anti-hunger organizations in the state say the way to encourage healthy eating habits is to increase access to nutritious food.
The waiver is expected to go into effect in January, according to documents requested by IPR.

Earlier this week, the American Heart Association said it submitted written comments to the USDA in support of Iowa’s application.

According to Reuters, Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins said Thursday that she had signed a waiver for Indiana, as well.

Nebraska was the first state to have a SNAP waiver approved to ban the purchase of soda and energy drinks.

A USDA spokesperson this week said the agency is reviewing other requests from Arkansas, Kansas, West Virginia, Colorado, Idaho, and Utah.

The Mercado on Fifth is returning for its ninth season today, May 23rd. The Hispanic Heritage-inspired Night Market brings a variety of handcrafted goods and authentic Mexican cuisine from local Quad City vendors.

Executive Director Frances Williams says the Mercado welcomes all Hispanic heritage.

“I think a lot of us in the United States think because they’re Spanish-speaking countries, they’re all the same, and that’s not true. So, Mercado creates a space where we can celebrate all of that.”

Each Friday will feature a different Latin performance, including a batalla de DJs (battle of the DJs), a lucha libre (wrestling), and a car show.

Mercado runs every Friday from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m., beginning May 23rd to September 26th at 5th Avenue and 12th Street.

A new space for reflection and remembrance is being introduced to the Quad Cities community.

The East Moline Park Board and mental health nonprofit Foster’s Voice unveiled the first Wind Phone in the Quad Cities Thursday afternoon, May 22nd, at Mitchell Park, as part of Mental Health Awareness Month.

Originating in Japan, Wind Phones are disconnected telephone booths that offer a symbolic way for people to speak to loved ones who have passed away.

Since the first Wind Phone was installed in 2011, the installations have spread worldwide, with more than 250 across the United States on MyWindPhone.com.

The booth is available for public use.

The Trinity Health Foundation is awarding a total of $55,000 in scholarships to 26 local students pursuing an undergraduate degree in math, science, or medical sciences.

In a news release on Thursday, May 22nd, the foundation says the CVM Youth Mentoring Scholarship, created by cardiologists at Cardiovascular Medicine, PLLC, has awarded over $500,000 since its inception in 2008.

Kristy Phillipson

/

UnityPoint Health – Trinity Quad Cities/Muscatine

President of Cardiovascular Medicine Dr. Sanjeev Puri says the scholarships are a way to show their gratitude to the communities they serve.

“Our collective purpose is to celebrate the achievements of the kids. We feel [that ]because they are our future, the future of this Quad Cities community. We feel this is a great community.” 

The non-profit foundation and CVM chose students from 13 high schools, including Rock Island High School, Davenport High School, and Geneseo High School. The ceremony was on Wednesday, May 21st, at the CVM building in Moline.

A car crash at an intersection in Prophetstown on Wednesday afternoon, May 21st, left one man dead.

In a news release Thursday, May 22nd, the Whiteside County Sheriff’s Office says 40-year-old Jacob Penaflor of Prophetstown, driving a 2007 black Ford sedan, failed to stop at the Mill Road and Perkins Road intersection, colliding with 39-year-old Benjamin Weidel of Prophetstown in their 2024 black Chevrolet crossover.

Penaflor’s sedan rolled over multiple times, and he was transported to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Weidel died at the scene.

The release states law enforcement was first notified via an Apple iPhone automatic crash notification.

The crash remains under investigation.

The city of Galesburg is hiring falcon handlers to scare off crows from its downtown area this fall.

The city council on Monday, May 19th, approved a contract for Aviaway Bird Control Services to patrol its downtown this November or December.

Community Development Director Steve Gugliotta says businesses have already tried temporary solutions to ward off the corvids.

“We started getting increased calls with concerns, complaints about the number of crows downtown. They obviously leave numerous droppings throughout the community. So different residents, business owners, entities spend quite a bit of time power washing their sidewalks and buildings to try and get those things off the sidewalks and cleaned away.”

The contract will cost $54,000 to deploy seven falcon handlers downtown over 30 days.

Amazon is expanding in Davenport.

The billion-dollar company is constructing a last-mile delivery facility near its current Robotics Fulfillment Center, at 2022 Research Parkway.

Amazon Economic Development Manager Jason Vangalis says the 114 thousand square foot building will open in late 2025, creating around 100 jobs.

"A small handful of those will be leadership positions, and then the remaining will be hourly folks that work under the roof, sorting the packages as they come in in the overnight hours."

He says the new facility will assist its fulfillment center in distributing packages to local customers, ensuring two-day deliveries.

Vangalis says job postings should appear 30 days before opening between mid-summer and mid-fall.

Davenport Mayor Mike Matson tells WVIK the company’s decision shows that Davenport is a great place to do business.

"The environment's great. The transportation infrastructure is in place. The other infrastructure, like sewers and I call setting the table, is there. And now we're expanding west. And it's also validated by all the other companies in the north part of Davenport, Kraft, Heinz, 7G, Sterilite, Russell, Fair Oaks. And now we're going to go west. But we're excited that they validated it was a good decision and are expanding here."

The City of Muscatine’s Department of Public Works will be conducting a flood preparedness exercise drill today, Thursday, May 22.

As part of this drill, Flood Gate #2, located on 2nd Street, will be deployed and inspected from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. There will be a temporary closure of East 2nd Street between Oak Street and Highway 92 during that time. A detour will be in place for drivers.

Immediately following, work will begin on Flood Gate #1, located at the east end of Mississippi Drive, where the gate will be deployed and inspected.

Currently, the Mississippi River is at 7.90 feet, and is expected to drop to 6.80 feet over Memorial Day weekend—the flood state in Muscatine is 16 feet.

Early Wednesday morning, May 21st, Bettendorf officers responded to a domestic disturbance involving a knife on Cypress Drive.

Upon arrival around 1:30 a.m., two officers encountered a 23-year-old man, and there was an exchange of gunfire that injured both officers and the 23-year-old.

Officers gave the man first aid and called for emergency services. The two officers were treated at a local hospital and have since been released. The man is currently in stable condition.

The two officers involved have been put on critical incident leave, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation has been on the scene conducting an investigation of this event.

Initiatives by the non-profit Quad City Arts could potentially be halted if funding for the National Endowment for the Arts is eliminated.

The biggest project at risk is the visiting artist series, which invites live performers from around the world directly to local schools.

Executive Director Brian Allen says that defunding the NEA threatens access to the arts for all.

“Creativity is not expendable, it’s essential for our economy, for identity, for our future. So, I’d like to urge people to stand together to protect and grow what we built for the next generation.”

Quad City Arts encourages residents to contact their local representatives about potential funding cuts at the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Bix Museum in Davenport will begin relocating at the start of next month.

Its new location, across the street from the jazz museum’s current residence, will be on the first floor of the City Square Building on 2nd Street downtown.

Nathaniel Kraft

Museum director Nathaniel Kraft says the move is better for the museum’s mission and will help better preserve its collection.

“We couldn’t really say we’re protecting the collection, but also we weren’t really that accessible. It was a bit hard to find us, and a lot of people didn’t know we existed. We’re hoping to provide our services to a much wider audience now.”

He says the Bix will be adding a rotating collection as well as charging an admission price.

The museum is expected to open on July 25th and 26th for the Bix7 race. Kraft says they’re looking for volunteers to help with the transition; those interested can go to the Bix Museum website.

The Catholic Health Association (CHA) is raising the alarm on what the country could lose if the current Medicaid cuts and work requirements pass the House and Senate.

In a news conference on Tuesday, May 20th, CHA member and President of Ascension Eduardo Conrado, a private healthcare system serving 19 states, including Illinois, says Medicaid is not a handout but a safety net.

“Recently a young boy in Texas came into one of our facilities with severe symptoms. Medicaid covered the test that found a brain tumor and he was able to receive life saving care that put him on the road to recovery. That's what's at stake. Real people, real families, real outcomes. And we cannot have that taken away.”

President and CEO Sister Mary Haddad says one in seven Americans get care in Catholic hospitals, many of whom rely on Medicaid.

“Medicaid is not just a health program, it's a lifeline. It provides access to care for those in our nation who need it most, poor and vulnerable children, pregnant women, the elderly, adults and disabled individuals, while ensuring their dignity. Congress should not take America down a dangerous path of drastically reducing access to health care in the United States.”

Sister Haddad says if the cuts go through many in the country would fall to underinsured and uninsured status moving the financial burden onto nonprofits, which she says are already under pressure in many rural and inner-city communities.

Another speaker says about 50% of children born in the U.S. need Medicaid coverage, and one in five Americans receive coverage from Medicaid.

The reconciliation bill is headed to the House Rules Committee tonight, Tuesday, May 20th.

After four two-year terms on the Davenport City Council, Third Ward Alderwoman Marion Meginnis announced last night, Monday, May 19th, that she will not seek re-election.

Meginnis says she has felt fulfilled by the opportunity to help her community: collaborating to develop Davenport’s flood plan and rezone the city, and watching the development of the industrial park.

“You work for things every day, but then you're working for the future, and nobody can tell what the future will bring. And I am honored and awed and humbled to have been a part of some of those great things.”

Meginnis will continue her position through December. She says she looks forward to spending time with family, traveling, and revisiting her interests in history and preservation.

Some clients of an Iowa community health nonprofit are losing access to language translators.

EveryStep CEO Tray Wade says reimbursement rates are changing. Federal grant money is being cut on top of that.

The Des Moines-based nonprofit has had to cut multiple services. Thirteen translators for non-English speaking clients were let go last month because the organization can’t cover the cost.

Wade says it’s a less-than-ideal situation.

"That's probably the biggest change is, you know, that person being in the home with that case manager, serving not only as a conduit with the language, but a conduit that shows that the person, you know, can trust us."

Wade says the translators provided essential guidance on culturally competent care because they were members of the communities they served.

The Environmental Protection Agency is awarded Galesburg more than $1.2 million to clean up contamination along the city’s downtown corridor.

A Brownfields cleanup grant totaling more than $700,000 will fund remediation at the former Knox Laundry site at the corner of North Kellogg and East Ferris Streets. It opened in 1898 as a retail laundromat before eventually closing in the early 2000s.

Officials believe the site is contaminated with tetrachloroethylene. Another half million dollars will be used to assess other sites around town, develop cleanup plans and hold community engagement events.

The EPA’s latest round of grant funding also includes more than a million dollars for Clinton, Iowa, to remediate lead and asbestos in its former YMCA.

In a press release announcing the grants on Friday, May 16th, EPA, Administrator Lee Zeldin said they aim to transform contaminated properties into valuable spaces for businesses and housing that strengthen the local economy.

A northeast Iowa sheriff is standing by his decision to turn down voluntary agreements with U.S. immigration officials. Iowa Public Radio reports Dubuque County Sheriff Joseph Kennedy declined to take part in programs that could have trained county deputies to enforce immigration laws.

After Kennedy said no to ICE, he says he heard from the National Sheriffs’ Association. The group said the Dubuque County department could land on a list of agencies accused of obstructing immigration laws. Kennedy told the county board of supervisors some participation with ICE is required, but the department cannot spare the staff or jail space to do more.

"We are a partner to their agency. Having that been said, we do not want to get into a binding agreement where they have the ability to control our employees, and we just think that that's what's in the best interest for our county residents."

The Iowa Department of Public Safety signed an agreement with ICE last month creating a task force of officers who would be deputized to carry out immigration enforcement.

The National Weather Service of the Quad Cities is monitoring the storms passing through our listening area this afternoon and evening, Tuesday, May 20th.

Currently, there is a tornado watch for Henry, Knox, Bureau and Putnam counties until 8 p.m.

National Weather Service Meteorologist Justin Schultz says some storms may become severe.

“If any of them become severe, they will be capable of damaging wind gusts and perhaps even some tornadoes this afternoon, so something we will all be watching for.”

Schultz says winds could reach 60 miles per hour. Storms are expected to slow down throughout the night and into the early morning.

There is also a Flash Flood Warning for Central Muscatine County in east central Iowa and Southwestern Rock Island County in northwestern Illinois until 8:30 p.m.

WVIK News

The Figge Art Museum unveiled its new permanent light installation that illuminates the entire building in colors on Saturday, May 17.

The Evanescent Field will stand as the largest public art experience in the state of Iowa and was created by the internationally acclaimed artist, Leo Villareal.

The 5,000 linear feet light display comprises over 1,000 full-color LED lights and responds to the site’s environment, highlighting Davenport’s city and surrounding scenes.

He said he used binary code to design complex light sequences that interact with the building’s environment and display a new, unique light show each night.

“Already, when you look at the building, it’s kind of mirroring its surroundings. You can see the city reflected in it, so this is yet another layer of mirroring through the sequences. And, I’m interested in things in nature," Villareal said. "Although I’m working with code, I’m very inspired by the movement of water or a sunset, and how can I distill that into my software?”

Executive Director and CEO Melissa Mohr said this experience has been a dream in the making for 20 years, with work being done for the last decade. When the Figge was first opened, Mohr said they had a dream to light up the building.

“In between the exterior glass panels of the building, there’s a catwalk, and it happens on every level. And, this was created in the beginning for us to have access for maintenance of the building," Mohr said. "And, when Leo came and did his exploratory visit, he realized that that was an opportunity.”

The installation highlights a landmark for the Quad Cities, standing as the largest art experience in Iowa and falling on the museum collection’s 100th anniversary.

Mohr said the project totaled $4 million and was funded by contributions from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, the Regional Development Authority, and other donors.

The light show will be displayed every night at sunset, dim around 2 a.m., and turn off at sunrise.

The Rock Island Rotary Foundation is awarding a total of $33,000 to three local nonprofits in its 2025 grant cycle.

The grants were awarded during the club’s weekly meeting on Tuesday, May 13th.

The YWCA Quad Cities is receiving a $20,000 grant for the transformation of its former building into Alan’s House, a youth group shelter for those ages 10 to 17. The goal is to open with 15 beds available, offering meals and vital services.

Friendship Manor is getting a $10,000 grant to create two Chrysalis Suites, which are dedicated to hospice care, as no facilities exist on the Illinois side of the QC.

And Project Now is receiving a $3,000 grant to aid its meal service to seniors living in the region. Last year, the program served over 143 thousand meals.

The Rock Island Rotary Club is one of the few in the nation with its own foundation, currently sitting at $800,000 with the goal to reach $1 million by the 20th anniversary of the foundation in 2028.

The Galesburg Police Department arrested a suspect in response to an armed robbery at the Flavor Freeze on Thursday night.

The suspect had already left the scene with a bank bag of cash when the Galesburg PD responded around 9:20 PM. Officers located the suspect’s vehicle and pursued it for several blocks before coming to a stop at the 200 block of Linneus Avenue. The suspect then fled on foot until officers were able to detain him.

The suspect was identified as Grayling Churn and was taken into custody. He is charged with aggravated robbery, aggravated fleeing and eluding, battery to an officer, and several traffic violations.

Churn is currently being held in the Knox County Jail, where he is also under investigation for other incidents and recent robberies.

Two Asian small-clawed otters are calling the Niabi Zoo home this summer. A pair named Tina and Louise will be on exhibit in the zoo’s Biodiversity Hall.

Native to South and Southeast Asia, they are the smallest otter species in the world.

Niabi Zoo

They’re known for their dexterous front paws and short claws that don’t extend past their webbed toes, making them extremely good at foraging.

Currently, Asian small-clawed otters are listed as “vulnerable” on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species, citing threats like habitat loss, illegal hunting, and pollution.

The IUCN Red List is the world’s most comprehensive inventory of the global conservation status for plants and animals. The list takes in factors such as population, range, and threats to survival.

The Quad Cities Bicycle Club is commemorating those who’ve lost their lives or were injured while riding their bikes on public roadways. The Ride of Silence aims to raise awareness of cyclists' rights.

On Wednesday evening, May 21st, riders will start at Schwiebert Riverfront Park in Rock Island at 6 and return around 7:30.

Participants must wear helmets, ride in a group, maintain a pace under 12 miles an hour, and remain silent throughout the ride.

The Ride of Silence is a national event, expecting over 200 rides across 40 states and 14 nations.

Visit the Ride of Silence website for more information.

Residents interested in learning more about compression-only CPR can attend a free training event on Tuesday, May 20th.

Representatives from the American Heart Association will be leading the training from 3 to 5 p.m. No registration is required.

The event is being held at the Rock Island Hy-Vee, 2930 18th Avenue, and is open to anyone nine or older; youth need a guardian present.

The Aledo Park District says the city’s public swimming pool is closing for the entirety of its 2025 season because of necessary maintenance and repairs.

In a news release Friday, May 16th, the park district staff have identified several critical repairs to the 93-year-old facility to ensure a safe experience for years to come.

Updates will be provided on the city’s website and social media platforms.

The city is also breaking ground this summer on its aquatic center, which will be built in downtown Aledo with an estimated completion in Spring 2026.

Aledo is 30 minutes south of the Quad Cities.

The Rock Island Sheriff’s Office has identified the victim found deceased on a roadway in Milan last Saturday morning, May 10th.

Law enforcement found 80-year-old Tony Freeman in the middle of Airport Road in Milan around 4 a.m. Saturday.

Vehicle debris was found at the scene, but no vehicle was initially present. Authorities located the vehicle and driver, and they’re cooperating with the investigation. Their name is being withheld pending further inquiry.

The Scott County Sheriff’s Office is identifying the victims of a fatal car crash in rural Scott County on Monday, May 12.

66-year-old Robert Dempsey Jr of Davenport died at the scene. The other driver, who was transported to a local hospital, is identified as 18-year-old Logan Bell of Walcott.

Dempsey and Bell’s pick-up trucks collided head-on just south of Donahue on Allens Grove Road around 7 PM.

The crash remains under investigation.

John Deere & Company is posting a 16% decrease in sales in the second quarter that ended in April. The Moline-based farming equipment manufacturer also reported Thursday, May 15th, a 22% drop in sales over the last six months.

The company still projects a net income in fiscal year 2025 between $4.75 and $5.50 billion. That’s down from the over $7 billion it made in 2024 and its $10 billion profit in 2023.

Jared Johnson

/

WVIK NEWS

CEO and chairman of John Deere, John May, cited challenging market dynamics for the declining sales. Those include changes in climate, government policies like tariffs, and lawsuits filed by the Federal Trade Commission and the states of Illinois, Michigan, Arizona, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.

In the report, May said the company will make significant investments in its core U.S. market.

A former Rock Island County employee is facing multiple charges for allegedly stealing more than $900,000 over 21 years.

Rock Island County Sheriffs and Illinois State Police arrested Leisa Streeter and searched her home in New Windsor on Wednesday, May 14th.

According to a joint statement from the Rock Island County State’s Attorney and the County Sheriff, Streeter worked as the administrative assistant in court services before retiring after 34 years. The 62 year old is facing charges including theft of government property, forgery, money laundering.

On Thursday afternoon, May 15th, the Moline Public Library will celebrate the opening of its public gardens.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony and reveal will take place at the Moline Library, along 41st Street, at 4 p.m.

Director of Library Services Bryon Lear said the green space has been in the works since 2020, with work beginning last year. He said the space will feature activities such as an interactive story loop path and an outdoor stage area.

“There are a couple of art pieces out there that they can stop and take inspiration from, if they’d like to do that. There is that story loop. They can follow a story from beginning to end. As far as features go, there is a performance stage for library events and programs. There’s an event lawn for those attending those library programs and events.” 

Lear said the outdoor project was a collaborative effort between funders such as the City of Moline, Friends of the Moline Public Library, and the Moline Regional Community Foundation. He said the gardens totaled $1.5 million.

Work was completed earlier this month. The gardens are located on the south side of the library.

One person is dead after a house fire in Davenport Wednesday morning, May 14th.

According to a news release, the Davenport Fire Department responded to the 2700 block of Esplanade Avenue around 4:30 a.m.

Fire crews remained on the scene for several hours to put out hot spots. The damage was contained to the one-story house and did not extend to other homes.

The occupant of the home was found deceased; their identity is being withheld pending positive identification.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

The City of Dubuque is opening its Services Grant Program until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 30th.

Nonprofit and faith-based organizations located in the city providing year-round human service programs are eligible to apply. The city has allocated $100,000 for the grant cycle.

A grant applicant workshop will be on Monday, May 19th, from 3 - 4 p.m. virtually.

Workshop registration, grant guidelines, and the grant application form are on the City’s website.

The Iowa House has passed a ban on Medicaid coverage for gender transition surgeries and hormone therapies.

Speaking against the bill, Democratic Representative Aime Wichtendahl of Hiawatha says she transitioned to save her life. She says she was overwhelmed with depression and suicidal thoughts, but her life instantly got better because she had access to gender-affirming care.

“Health care is a human right. And I don’t believe it’s the government’s place to dictate or say what health care people can have. I don’t believe we should be red-taped to death.”

Republican Representative Ann Meyer says the state spent over $2 million on gender transition surgeries and hormones in the past decade, and taxpayers shouldn’t be funding that. She says the bill ensures people with gender dysphoria could still get mental health treatment covered by Medicaid.

A similar law passed in 2019 was blocked by the courts.

The Illinois Department of Public Health reports that West Nile Virus in a Rockford mosquito pool tested positive on Monday, May 12th, which the Winnebago County Health Department collected.

The virus is transmitted from a bite by the Culex mosquito, or the house mosquito, that has previously fed on an infected bird. Symptoms include fever, nausea, headache, and muscle aches, but most people will not have any of these symptoms.

Cases can turn severe, such as meningitis, encephalitis, or even death. The threat increases for those over 60 with a weaker immune system.

On Tuesday, May 13th, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Transportation announced a $400 million grant for local transportation projects, with the intention of enhancing mobility and quality of life throughout the state.

Projects will be chosen based on cost effectiveness, feasibility and safety. Categories include highways, bike and pedestrian walkways and facilities, transit, passenger rails, freight, and safety projects. Any phase of these projects are eligible, including preliminary phases.

Local governments that oversee transportation are encouraged to apply. Proposals that will serve the disadvantaged and economically distressed communities will have priority. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise goals are required. The application can be found at grants.illinois.gov.

The deadline to apply is June 1st.

Amid reports of consolidating commands at the Rock Island Arsenal, local leaders and other stakeholders are urging residents to stand behind one of the largest employers in the Quad Cities.

At a news conference Tuesday morning, May 13th, Davenport Mayor Mike Matson joined other stakeholders to question the Pentagon’s proposed merger between the Army Sustainment Command and the Joint Munitions Command.

"This action is being driven by a desire, we believe, to cut overhead and consolidate logistics functions. However, such a move risks sacrificing effectiveness for perceived efficiency.”

Vice Chair of the Rock Island Arsenal Defense Alliance Trish Huber worked at the Arsenal for three decades until 2015. She says the Arsenal’s Joint Munitions Command and the Army Sustainment Command fall under the Army Materiel Command, in Huntsville Alabama, which the Defense Department has said will be reorganized.

“Over the 32 years, I've seen a lot of changes. there was other army initiatives, base realignments, downsizing, reorganizations, a lot. But when I look at the SEC Army's current transformation initiatives, they are significant and they will be disruptive.”

The arsenal employs roughly 6,000 people, whose work provides billions of dollars to the region.

The coalition is asking the public to sign a petition urging elected officials to protect the arsenal; the petition can be found on the chamber’s website.

The Junior League of the Quad Cities has launched a Period Project hygiene drive to make menstruation products more accessible.

Junior League President Ashley Hicks says the project has already delivered over 400 essential supplies.

“Nobody should be without period products. There should not be a teenager not going to school because she doesn’t have the product she needs to deal with her period.”

The league takes online requests from local schools and nonprofits from the first through the fifth of every month, where they can request tampons, pads, leggings, and other necessary products.

More information on how to donate, is available on the Junior League of the Quad Cities website.

Association of Junior League International is an organization for women to volunteer their time to help address community needs.

The Iowa House has passed a that would set more regulations for pharmacy benefit managers — or PBMs. These are companies that serve as middlemen in the prescription drug supply chain and control prices and access.

Under the proposal, PBMs wouldn’t be able to charge someone extra fees based on the pharmacy they use to fill their prescriptions.

It would also prohibit a PBM from reimbursing pharmacies less than the national average cost for the prescription.

Republican Representative Brett Barker of Nevada voted for the bill and says the proposal will empower patients and help pharmacies keep their doors open.

“PBM driven, overworked and understaffed pharmacies result in burnout staff, risk to public safety and a lower level of care than Iowans deserve. Community pharmacists want to care for their communities, and it's time that they get an even playing field to do just that”

Opponents say the bill could lead to higher costs for consumers.

The bill passed 75-15 and next heads to the governor’s desk.

The city of Rock Island has a new mayor. Mayor Ashley Harris took his oath of office at Monday night’s city council meeting, May 12th.

“The time is now for me to put in the work. I know that nothing can be done by myself. I'm not naive to think I have more power than what I have. I'm here to be a public servant by definition. I look forward to still serving and learning and and and following and and and making it better for my constituents up here to even serve you better.”

Harris defeated two-term incumbent Mike Thoms last month with about 51% of the vote.

Harris is a Rock Island native who served in the US Army and worked for more than two decades as a machinist at John Deere. Two new Rock Island Alderpersons were also sworn in Monday night: Glen Evens, representing the First Ward, and Linda Barnes in the 3rd Ward.

A bill that would make it harder for carbon capture and other pipelines to use eminent domain is on its way to the governor’s desk. It passed the Iowa Senate Monday night, May 12th.

Twelve Republicans forced a vote on the bill in the Senate, where GOP leaders opposed it.

Republican Senator Jeff Taylor of Sioux Center says it’s not just a fight about constitutional authority to take land for a pipeline.

“It’s also a fight about justice. It’s a fight about truth. It’s a fight about good government. And those things are worth fighting for I think even if it puts you at odds with the majority of your partisan colleagues.”

The bill would also require pipeline companies to prove they have insurance to cover many potential problems and require Iowa Utilities Commission members to attend meetings.

Some Republican senators say it would slow Iowa’s economic growth and open the state up to lawsuits. Thirteen Republicans and 14 Democrats joined together to pass the bill.

The federal Nuclear Regulatory Commission has launched a special inspection into Constellation Energy's Quad Cities Generating Station. The commission is reviewing the inoperability of safety-related vacuum breakers at the Rock Island County nuclear power plant north of Cordova. These breakers are designed to ensure the structural integrity of containment during significant events.

Operators told the commission that certain valves were not reopened after testing during a recent refueling outage. In a statement on Monday, May 12th, the Commission’s Region 3 Administrator said the incident did not affect the safety of plant operations. Once the inspection is complete, the NRC will publish the findings on its website.

A car crash in Scott County left one man dead Monday night, May 12th.

According to a Scott County Sheriff’s Office news release, a 66-year-old Davenport man traveling in a green 1992 Ford F-150 south near the 24000 block of Allens Grove Road collided head-on with a northbound white 2006 Chevrolet Silverado.

The 18-year-old in the Chevy was able to exit the vehicle before it caught on fire. The 66-year-old was found trapped in the F-150 and pronounced dead at the scene.

The 18-year-old was transported to a local hospital in stable condition. The accident remains under investigation.

Davenport police response to a domestic disturbance call led to an officer-involved shooting.

Officers responded to the 1700 block of Jersey Ridge Road around 3:13 Monday morning, May 12th. During the investigation, officers fired their weapons at an armed subject. The person sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

No officers were injured, and per department policy, the involved officers are placed on Critical Incident Leave. The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation and the Scott County Sheriff’s Department are conducting a joint investigation into the shooting.

On Tuesday, May 13th, the Bettendorf Police Department will assist the Bettendorf Community School District in conducting an evacuation drill at Bettendorf Middle School.

Approximately 1,000 school staff and students will evacuate Bettendorf Middle School and walk across the street to Faye’s Field and to the Bettendorf Public Library.

During this evacuation, the intersection of Spruce Hills Drive and 18th Street will be closed for about one hour. Drivers are encouraged to avoid this area. Businesses and city facilities in that area will remain open.

The news release did not state the start time for the drill.

On Saturday, May 10th, Rock Island County deputies responded to the 5100 block of Airport Road in Milan for a subject lying in the roadway around 4 a.m.

Deputies found the subject in the roadway had sustained significant injuries, and was transported to UnityPoint in Rock Island, but was later transported to the University of Iowa where they succumbed to their injuries.

Vehicle debris was found on the scene, but no vehicle was found in the immediate area.

The incident is still under investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office.

Paperwork filed with the Iowa Ethics and Campaign Disclosure Board on Monday, May 12th, indicates that Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra could run for governor.

The Republican from Hull represents Iowa’s 4^th Congressional District. Feenstra also served several years in the Iowa Legislature.

Last month, Governor Kim Reynolds said she wasn’t going to seek re-election, setting up a potential competition for the Republican nomination.

Other potential GOP candidates include state Attorney General Brenna Bird, state Senator Mike Bousselot, Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig, state Representative Bobby Kaufmann, and Speaker of the Iowa House Pat Grassley.

This morning, Monday, May 12th, State Auditor Rob Sand entered the race. Sand is the first major Democrat to announce his candidacy for governor.

Representatives for Feenstra haven’t returned IPR’s request for comment.

The Trump Administration is drafting a new rule that will decrease the amount of federally protected bodies of water.

As of 2023, the Clean Water Act only protects bodies of water with permanent surface connections.

Illinois' legislature is considering a bill that would protect the waters most at risk- wetlands. In a report by the Natural Resources Defense Council, Illinois has the potential to lose 96 percent of its remaining wetlands.

Robert Hirschfeld, the Director of Water Policy at Prairie Rivers Network, explains how the loss will affect the community.

"Wetlands at like giant sponges, just soaking up millions and millions of gallons of storm water when you get a big rain. And if you lose those wetlands, the water has to go somewhere. It’s going to go into the community, onto our roads, into our basements, doing significant damage.”

The lands also filter drinking water, and are home to native plants and animals.

Senate Bill 2401 would require obtaining a permit before touching a wetland.

The Illinois Wetland Protection Act is currently in the Senate.

Indiana, Minnesota, and Wisconsin are a few states that created wetland regulations at the state legislature.

Illinois residents with a passion for producing films can enter The Illinois Film Office’s Shortcut Short Film Contest.

The Shortcuts winner will receive $250 and have their work screened in the 815SHORTS film festival based in Rockford.

Participants have until August 31st to submit their work. The screening is scheduled for November 14th and 15th.

More information can be found on the 815SHORTS website.

Film achievements in Illinois are driven by Governor Pritzker’s commitment to grow the state’s film industry by expanding the Film Production Tax Credit and creating the Film and TV Workforce Training Program.

The Illinois Department of Transportation and the University of Illinois Springfield are seeking input in their annual Traveler Opinion Survey.

Illinois residents 18 and older can weigh in on a range of topics including commuting habits, passenger rail, ice and snow removal, electric vehicles, as well as the agency’s overall performance.

The short survey can be completed on IDOT’s website. IDOT has been collecting responses since 2001; last year, 1,700 responses were collected. Residents have until May 30th to participate.

A $20,000 Illinois state grant is helping one Rock Island nonprofit combat food deserts in the Quad Cities.

On Friday, May 9th, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs stopped in Rock Island to announce grant recipients, including Christian Care.

Executive Director Frank Roe says the organization is in a neighborhood where nearly 21 percent of the residents live below the poverty line.

“[T]he price of food has been high for the last couple of years. And those that are on limited income need to worry about where the next meal may come from, because even though they may be receiving SNAP and the cost of food is going up, that really isn't covering every meal.” 

The grant is from the state’s Charitable Trust Stabilization Program. Roe says the funds will help with purchasing food, utility costs, and the salaries of the organization's two cooks.

Christian Care is one of ten nonprofits with a budget under a million dollars to receive a grant in this cycle. The next opportunity to apply is from July 1st to September 30th.

Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds’ summer food aid program for kids will serve a fraction of those who would be reached by the Summer EBT program she rejected. That’s according to details provided Friday, May 9th, by the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services.

Reynolds announced this week that the U.S. Department of Agriculture approved her plan to provide healthy foods to low-income families with kids instead of sending them money for food.

Iowa HHS spokesperson Alex Murphy says it’s a pilot program that’ll serve up to 65,000 kids this summer, and the USDA is providing just over $9 million to fully fund it. Summer EBT would’ve reached an estimated 240,000 Iowa kids who would qualify for nearly $30 million in food assistance. Murphy says Summer EBT would require the state to pay half of the administrative costs.

He says each county will have at least one food pickup site, and the full list will be on the Iowa HHS website by June first.

Iowa Regent David Barker has been nominated to be the U.S. Assistant Secretary of Post Secondary Education.

Barker is just two months into his second term on the Board of Regents, which oversees the state’s public universities.

He will undergo a vetting process in the U.S. Senate. With the Board of Regents, Barker has been outspoken on tightening their budget and eliminating diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives at the state’s public universities.

Governor Kim Reynolds congratulated Barker on his nomination, saying his service on the board will allow him to hit the ground running.

Grow Clinton is hosting the IowaWORKS Mobile Workforce Center on Monday, May 12th, from 9am to 4pm at the Felix Adler Children’s Discovery Center’s parking lot. Staff will help with job searches, resume updates, navigating unemployment claims, and more.

Attendees have the chance to win River City Gold, which is redeemable at all Grow Clinton member businesses; a list can be found on Grow Clinton’s website.

The Arc is celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. with a two-week food drive (May 7-21). In partnership with the Quad City Disability Awareness Coalition, the nonprofit is accepting nonperishable food items at all Hy-Vee and library locations in the Quad Cities until Tuesday, May 21.

All donations will be delivered to local food pantries.

Muscatine residents who have unwanted electronics and tires can recycle them in July.

The Muscatine Transfer Center, 1000 South Hourser Street, will accept up to four tires per resident from July 14th to the 19th. Residents can also recycle up to three electronics for free from July 21st to the 26th.

Residents will need to present a form of ID with proof of residency. The transfer station is open from 7 a.m. to 3:15 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. on Saturdays.

Rock Island County property owners might want to keep an eye on their mailboxes in the coming weeks, after the county treasurer’s release of real-estate tax bills.

Bills for over 60,000 parcels of property have been mailed, totaling north of $300 million. Taxpayers with multiple properties can expect multiple bills.

Due dates vary, with the first installment due by June 18 and the last on November 18. If bills are not received, payments must still be made, and late ones could lead to penalties.

The Rock Island County collector offers several options for making payments, including by mail or in person at 1504 3rd Avenue.

More information is at rock-island-county-IL-DOT-gov.

The head of Davenport’s Diocese, Bishop Dennis Walsh, is welcoming the Catholic Church’s new Pope - Pope Leo XIV [14th].

The conclave chose Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old from Chicago, as the first Pope from America. Prevost spent most of his time as a missionary in South America.

In a news release on Thursday, May 8th, Bishop Walsh says, "We have a Pope! Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost of the Holy Roman Church, who has taken the name of Leo XIV.

The cardinals gathered from all over the world to elect the pope with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Before the election, they discussed the many needs of the Church throughout the world today. Our new pope will face many challenges, as did his predecessors.

Pope Leo XIV’s election provides a way of unity to join all people to love one another in spite of our different situations and perspectives, to be an inspiration to Catholics and non-Catholics alike. We pray that he will be a true witness to a life of humility and service.

Please join me in prayer and thanksgiving to God for Pope Leo XIV, for our Church – the People of God, and for the many blessings that we receive from the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ."

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has approved Governor Kim Reynolds’ plan to provide monthly boxes of food for low-income Iowa kids over the summer.

It’s an alternative to the Summer EBT program that gives families $40 per month, per child, over the summer for food. Reynolds’ plan instead allows qualifying families to select $40 worth of certain foods from local pantries. She didn’t say how many distribution sites will be available or how much the plan will cost.

Reynolds released a recorded statement on social media saying the program will help “make Iowa healthy again.”

“Families will be able to select $40 worth of fresh, nutritious food monthly that respects their preferences and cultural or dietary needs. We’re going to focus on easy to prepare meals for kids without compromising nutrition.”

Iowa was one of 13 states to reject the Summer EBT program for last summer. Former President Joe Biden’s administration rejected Reynolds’ food box distribution plan, but now President Donald Trump’s administration has approved it.

UnityPoint Health Trinity in Moline held a ribbon cutting to unveil their new and improved Cancer Center Wednesday afternoon, May 7th. This $14 million project was made to better serve the growing number of cancer patients here in the Quad Cities.

Cancer has grown to be the second leading cause of death in the Quad Cities. These renovations added an additional 10,000 square feet to the center, additional infusion rooms and hematology and oncology rooms, as well as improved nurses’ workstations for a better flow in the workplace.

Mary McCumber Schmidt, the Trinity Health Foundation President and a patient of the cancer center, stresses that this expansion is a great need in the area.

“We’d experienced about a 37% increase in patient visits. Our infusion center had experienced about a 144% increase in infusions. And so Trinity UnityPoint Health decided it was time to do something.” 

These renovations were an 18-month-long project, but Trinity continued to treat patients through the construction process.

These renovations also mean that more jobs will be available, such as specialized oncology nurses, social workers, dietitians, and specific clinicians.

Local students will face off for an annual regatta race on Friday morning, May 9th. Hosted by the Quad Cities Engineering and Science Council, students from six schools will be competing with 26 cardboard boats.

The public is invited to watch as the student-crafted boats endure an almost 600-yard journey at the Bettendorf Lagoon Park, launching off at the dock every 7 minutes, beginning at 9. The three fastest times will be awarded trophies, with the best designed boat also receiving an award. This year's theme is "Villians of the Sea".

The regatta race is the QC Engineering and Science Council’s third and final annual contest for 2025, determining this year’s winner. The top-scoring student from all three contests will be awarded a $1000 scholarship.

The High Speed Rail Public Involvement Technical Advisory is opening the Illinois High-Speed Rail Feasibility Study to the public; it’s online until May 11th.

This study follows the High-Speed Railway Commission Act signed by Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker in August 2021. It shows an outlined proposal for a rail network connecting Chicago to St. Louis and expanding to Rockford, Moline, Peoria, and Decatur, among other stops. These high-speed rails would reach speeds up to 220 miles per hour.

For this study, participants will watch a pre-recorded presentation, review exhibits, take a survey, and leave comments.

To access this study, head to www.ILHighSpeedRail.org.

Moline-Coal Valley school district officials are heading to Washington DC this June. The district was named an Innovative District for the second year in a row by the Model School Conference.

The Moline-Coal Valley School District earned the title by focusing on its leadership and collaboration skills, improving its schools, and creating an equitable and rigorous learning environment for its students.

There will be a gathering hosted by the Center for Model Schools this summer honoring visionary school systems.

The Moline-Coal Valley district will host a session at the conference. Deputy Superintendent Dr. Brian Prybil, the future Director of Secondary Education Robert Beem, and the Director of Elementary Education Steven Etheridge will present. The session will cover how the district implements the 5 Essentials Framework, Ambitious Instruction, and Learning Teams, along with the Center for Model Schools’ Rigor/ Relevance rubrics for feedback on how to improve the district's schools.

The Scott County Sheriff's Office is releasing the identity of the 84-year-old killed in a train-van crash Tuesday.

According to a news release, the victim is Davenport resident Kenneth L. Puck. He was the sole occupant of the 2021 Dodge van driving south on Canal Shore Drive before the crash at a railroad crossing.

The Bettendorf Police Department’s new chief is pledging to improve public safety and nurture relationships with the community. Chief Doug Scott took his oath of office in a ceremony at the City Council meeting on Tuesday night, May 6th.

“To this great community, to the city, to the honorable men and women of the department that when it's my time to vacate the seat that I've done the best that I could.”

Scott has worked for the Bettendorf Police Department for 19 years and holds multiple degrees in criminal justice and administration. He takes over as Chief from Keith Kimball who retired last week after leading the force for seven years.

City of Dubuque’s offices will close Thursday morning, May 8th, at 8 for an employee recognition and development event.

Public safety services and Solid Waste Agency’s facilities will remain open, though waste and recycling collections may be delayed. The City's Jule buses will run as scheduled.

City offices are resuming regular hours at 11 A.M., and the Carnegie-Stout Public Library will open at noon.

The Moline City Council is advancing an ordinance to issue a new tobacco license for a business whose previous location was destroyed by a fire earlier this year.

The Moline Smoke Time & Vapor Shop at 1602 7th Street burned down in late January. The city of Moline currently has a moratorium on new tobacco licenses, and active licenses are nontransferable, but the owner is seeking an exemption.

The business is now at 1825 7th Street. The council will vote on the ordinance in its final form during its May 20th meeting.

The City of Galesburg is still accepting applicantions for its Housing Repair Assistance Program, offering local homeowners grants of up to 4,500 dollars.

The program assists with essential repairs to single-family residences for low-to-moderate income homeowners. That includes funding minor roof repairs, smoke alarms or carbon monoxide detector installations, HVAC replacements, and more.

Applications can be found on the City’s website or at the Galesburg City Hall’s Community Development Department. Projects are subject to the availability of funds.

Whiteside County Sheriff John F. Booker is seeking re-election for a third term. Booker has held the position since 2020, navigating COVID-19 and the Illinois Safety Act.

In a press release, Booker said he hopes to address ongoing issues in the community, such as rising property crime and Illinois’s ongoing opioid epidemic.

The general primary election will be held on March 17, 2026.

A motor vehicle crash into a railroad car left one man dead in an accident Tuesday morning, May 6th, in the 2300 block of South Cody Road in LeClaire.

Around 9 a.m., an 84-year-old man, driving a 2021 Dodge Ram Promaster Van south on Canal Shore Drive, collided with a locomotive carrying an unknown number of railcars. The man was treated on scene, but succumbed to his injuries.

The accident remains under investigation by the Scott County Sheriff’s Office Accident Investigation Team.

Knox College in Galesburg is getting a financial boost to upgrade its campus facilities and programs. The Galesburg City Council unanimously approved issuing a $26 million bond for the institution Monday night, May 5th.

The funding will help pay for updating its academic and athletics programs as well as modernizing the school’s heating plant, wireless infrastructure and residential spaces.

Knox College will be on the hook for making payments on the bond. Last fall the school announced its third largest freshman class in school history.

Republican Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer announced Tuesday, May 6th, that she’s running to be Iowa’s next state auditor in 2026.

Governor Kim Reynolds appointed her as lieutenant governor in December after former lieutenant governor Adam Gregg resigned. Last month, Reynolds announced she won’t run for reelection.

Reynolds says she’s proud to endorse Cournoyer to be the next state auditor.

Cournoyer was a state senator for about six years. She also ran an independent web development business, served on her local school board, and taught robotics and coding.

The current state auditor is Rob Sand, the only Democrat elected to a statewide office in Iowa. He’s expected to run for governor in 2026.

The Illinois Supreme Court is eliminating filing and appearance fees for minor guardianship cases and appearance fees for small claims cases.

Under the previous rules in minor guardianship cases, a filing fee was charged for each case when a petitioner filed a guardianship petition for each separate minor. This discouraged best practices and placed financial burdens on self-represented litigants. Under the amended order, initiating the action and appearing costs are now zero dollars.

Similarly, in small claims, the amended order was implemented to encourage defendant participation by eliminating the appearance fee.

These amended rules will go into effect on October 1st, 2025.

The race to replace U.S. Senator Dick Durbin is getting larger.

As expected, U.S. Representative Robin Kelly has entered the race.

The Chicago Democrat has represented Illinois’ second congressional district covering parts of Chicago’s South Side, south suburbs, and eastern Illinois.

Kelly says she’s now running for the Senate because she’s been an effective leader.

“I won’t be backing down from our president. I’m a fighter, all of that went into my decision. I’ve had many people call me over the years to consider running, and I decided I would do that.”

Democratic Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton is also running in the Democratic primary.

Kelly’s announcement is the second shakeup in the Illinois delegation in less than a day as Democrats look to regain control of the House.

Jan Schakowsky announced yesterday that she’ll retire at the end of this term.

The 33rd annual National Stamp Out Food Hunger food drive takes place on Saturday, May 10th.

Participants will receive a bright yellow bag for their donations the week of the event. Nonperishable donations should be placed in the bag and by the mailbox by 8 a.m.

Moline letter carrier Ross Thrope explains why this time of year is just as important to donate.

“They struggle to get donations during this time of year because there’s, you know, a big push around the holidays, different outreaches and different communities will do food drives, you know, in the winter months, and then by May it’s typically all gone.”

Eligible donations include canned vegetables, canned meats, pasta, rice, cereal, peanut butter, and toilet paper.

Mail carriers will collect the bags, and the food will then be distributed to families in need.

Those interested in volunteering can fill out a form before May 9th on UnitedWay.com or by stopping into your local post office.

The food drive was started by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO).

Knox College is making Professor Melissa J. Glenn the new provost and dean of faculty, starting July 1st, according to a news release sent Friday, May 2nd. Glenn will also be a tenured professor in the Department of Psychology.

Previously, Glenn worked at Colby College, where she served as the associate provost for academic programs, and was a professor of psychology since 2007.

At Knox, Glenn will be in charge of overseeing academic affairs and operations of the college. She will also direct long-range strategic planning, coordinate academic budgets, lead recruitment and development of faculty, among other roles.

The wheels on the bus might get a break from going round and round this week for National Walk, Bike and Roll to School Day.

Students from all Dubuque Community and Family Catholic schools are encouraged to walk, bike, scooter or skateboard to school on Wednesday, May 7th.

Participating in active forms of transportation can improve physical and mental well-being, strengthen community connections, and lower emissions.

With studies showing a national decrease of students in kindergarten through eighth grade who walk or bike to school each day, the Dubuque Safe Routes to Schools Committee is looking to restore previous numbers.

An almost four-year legal battle between the City of Muscatine and former City Administrator Gregg Mandsager has officially been resolved.

Mandsager sued the City for unlawful termination after being voted out by the council in 2019.

The council voted to approve a General Release Agreement on Thursday, bringing the litigation to a close and dismissing all related lawsuits with prejudice.

Under the agreement, the City of Muscatine, Mandsager, and former City Attorney Matt Brick are dismissing their respective claims without monetary settlement. All parties will be responsible for their own legal fees.

Augustana College, in collaboration with the City of Rock Island, is making improvements to the College Hill District. The Hilltop CDC extends between the corner of 30th Street and 14th Avenue to the corner of 38th Street and 14th Avenue.

Chief Financial Officer Kirk Anderson explains how this initiative benefits students and the community.

“So anytime that you have development opportunities and you put things in there that are new and attract people, I think it also helps with the value of the property in the surrounding neighborhoods, which I think helps our community member, and for students, and enables them a place to go and do things socially.”

Over the next three years, the Hilltop CDC aims to improve housing for students and residents, rebuild commercial spaces, and support the city’s growth.

The main focus is on the corner of 30th Street and 14th Avenue. The Hilltop CDC has already purchased its first property, the former Curry-Out QC restaurant.

Demolition will begin within the next six weeks. Construction plans will be discussed at their next meeting in June.

The Dubuque City Council is meeting this evening, Monday May 5th, at 6:30, with a list of consent items to cover.

The city manager is recommending council approve a language access plan. $3,600 would be allotted this 2026 fiscal year toward the expansion of city services and information for all residents, regardless of language proficiency.

The council is also looking to approve fundraising and naming recognition to install benches on Chaplain Schmitt Island.

Residents are invited to address the city during public input, and for two public hearings addressing the maintenance of the Iowa Street Parking Garage and an Urban Renewal TIF agreement with FitzGerald Enterprises.

A month after the Trump administration announced sweeping tariffs on imports to the U.S., the pork and soybean industries are closely watching how countries respond.

Weekly export sales for U.S. pork recently hit a marketing year low, in part because China cancelled a contract for 12,000 metric tons.

Iowa State Extension economist Chad Hart says agricultural export sales fluctuate, but aggregate data over the last four months shows countries are buying less U.S. pork.

“We've been seeing a fairly downward trend, and I think pork producers have been factoring that in as they are looking at how they're marketing their animals over time.”

Hart emphasizes the tariff impacts vary by industry. The time of year matters, too.

He says the majority of soybean export sales have already been made and delivered this marketing year, which ends in August.

The US-China trade war could have a much greater impact on the soybean industry if retaliatory tariffs are still in place this fall.

The East Moline City Council is voting on whether to approve an extension request for the Kennedy Drive Tax Increment Financing District.

The council is discussing a resolution that would extend the tax increment financing district that includes the Jewel-Osco, Dollar Tree and the Hope Creek Nursing Rehab and Care facility for another 12 years.

City staff say the TIF district, first created in 2002, has stagnated in recent years and without an extension East Moline has few chances of expanding the city’s existing tax base.

The extension, if approved by council, still needs confirmation from the Illinois State Legislature and approval from the taxing bodies within the TIF district.

The council meeting starts tonight, Monday May 5th, at 6:30 at 915 16th Avenue.

The Rock Island Police Department is searching for a 20-year-old connected to a shooting Thursday morning.

Rock Island PD issued an arrest warrant for Antonio J. Jones-Kirk Jr. - charging him with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated battery with a firearm, both Class X felonies.

The shooting occurred around 10 am at the 1600 block of 12th Street. A 22-year-old was hit in the leg while sitting in their car and drove themselves to a local hospital with a non-life-threatening wound.

The incident is under investigation. Anyone with information should contact the Rock Island Police Department, Crime Stoppers, or the P3 Tips app.

A traffic collision with a pedestrian Thursday night, May 1st, at the 2500 block of 16th street in Moline left a 61-year-old woman dead.

In a news release Friday, May 2nd, the Moline Police Department says a 33-year-old woman driving a 2021 Toyota Camry struck a woman who was in the middle of the road near the intersection of 25th Avenue around 9 p.m.

The driver remained on the scene, and the struck pedestrian was transported to a local hospital, where she died from her injuries.

The incident remains under investigation.

Community members are invited to be medical students for a night at the University of Iowa Health Care’s Mini Medical School.

The event is open to the public on Tuesday, May 6th, evening at 5:15 at the Medical Education Research Facility on UI’s medical school campus in Iowa City.

It’ll begin with dinner and activities, before moving into interactive programming and lectures, unraveling cancer-related research. Attendees will look at cancer trends in the state, exploring how researchers and doctors are collaborating to combat Iowa’s second-highest and fastest-growing rate of cancer in the nation.

Registration for the event is required at the Carver College of Medicine’s website.

Immigrants, Catholic priests and local leaders protested against the Trump administration’s mass deportation policies in Iowa City Thursday, May 1st.

People in the march were calling for an end to the state’s agreement with U.S. Immigration Customs and Enforcement. The task force agreement allows some specially trained state troopers to perform immigration enforcement.
Alejandra Escobar is with Escucha Mi Voz, a nonprofit that helped organize the event.

“We’re all together. We’re united. We’re here. We’re staying. I mean, we’re building the country. We’re staying. We are a force.”

The protest was part of a National Day of Action in support of immigrant workers with marches held across the country.

It also came after a state trooper held seven Latino construction workers for over an hour in a traffic stop outside of Dubuque, leading Escucha Mi Voz to file a civil complaint.

Starting Monday, May 5th, in Moscow, Iowa, the Iowa Interstate Railroad will close Moscow Road, Crossing 54, for rail crossing repairs. Depending on the weather and the contractor's schedules, the repairs are estimated to take about two days to complete.

This closure will be between Cedar Street and 112th Street.

The City of Bettendorf is asking residents what they think of a proposed project to build a new police station on Devil's Glen Road near the city’s post office.

Assistant City Administrator Jeff Reiter says the current station is too small, lacks proper security and is not centrally located. After discussing expanding the current building or purchasing a private parcel the city determined building on city land is the most cost effective option.

“Today, based on the construction costs and our construction manager that we've worked with at Estes Construction, we are very confident with the contingencies that have been built into the potential cost that it would arrive at about a $27 million scenario. So our ask of the city, the residents, would be to vote in November to support a referendum to fund that.”

The bond would be a 20-year cycle. The referendum will be in November, and 60% of residents will need to vote yes for it to pass.

Residents can visit the city’s website to calculate what the referendum would mean for their annual taxes. The survey deadline is Monday, May 5th.

A traffic collision in Whiteside County involving a dirt bike and an SUV left one teenager dead.

In a news release Thursday, May 1, the Whiteside County Sheriff’s office says deputies were dispatched to the 18000 block of Lomax Road Wednesday afternoon in response to a traffic crash.

They located an unresponsive 13-year-old male who was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The incident remains under investigation.

The City of Davenport is ending its AmeriCorps program after the Trump administration terminated nearly $400 million in grant funding nationwide.

In a news release Thursday, May 1st, Chief Communications Officer Denise Hnytka says the funding loss will affect 22 AmeriCorps members working in Davenport.

The grant funding and city match amounted to nearly $920,000, but is no longer available for the six members who were supposed to start their summer contracts.

Over the last 14 years, members supported programs in the Parks and Recreation Department, including the Davenport Junior Theatre. The grant funding supported two Davenport city employees. Outside partners affected by the loss of grant funding include Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley, Common Chord, and the Putnam Museum and Science Center.

The city has hosted 870 members on year-round and summer contracts.

The Quad City River Bandits and the University of Iowa’s independent newspaper, The Daily Iowan, announce that Brad Schultz is the recipient of the 2025 Steve Batterson Memorial Scholarship.

This scholarship is in honor of the late Steve Batterson, who was a 38 year old reporter at the Quad City Times. This scholarship is awarded to students attending the University of Iowa within the Journalism and Mass Communication program, who have a love for sports.

Batterson, passed away in June of 2023 and was a graduate of the University of Iowa, along with being a reporter at The Daily Iowan and serving on the Student Publications Inc. Board of Trustees from 2004 to 2023. While working for the Quad City Times, he covered local high school sports and Hawkeye athletics, and is estimated to have reported on over 2,000 River Bandit Games.

On top of the $1,000 scholarship, the recipient will be able to write for The Daily Iowan during the school year, and they will also be awarded a paid summer internship with the River Bandits.

Disability advocates worry proposed cuts by the Trump administration will eliminate their organizations.

A leaked budget proposal shows Health and Human Services plans to no longer fund several programs that help the vulnerable.

This includes the Iowa Developmental Disabilities Council, where Brooke Lovelace is the executive director.

“It's really scary that that might all go away, that all of that advocacy work that we've been doing in the last 50 years, we might take, you know, several decades steps back by eliminating our programs.”

If the cuts go through Congress, Lovelace says two other groups, Disability Rights of Iowa and the University Center for Excellence, would also be impacted.

The council is also warning about potential cuts in Medicaid funding, which Lovelace says would harm Iowans with disabilities and their families.

State Senator Li Arellano Jr. is continuing his Mobile Constituent Service Program in the 37th Senate District, with ten stops scheduled in May.

Although the Senator will be in Springfield throughout May, his staff will be in attendance at each of the Mobile Constituent Service events to hear from residents and the issues they care about.

Senator Arellano Jr. says he will begin attending these events in June.

These events will take place on:

• Tuesday, May 6th at the Pankhurst Memorial Library and Graves-Hume Public Library, 
• Wednesday May 14th at the Mineral-Gold Public Library, Neponset Public Library, and Sheffield Public Library,
• Tuesday, May 20th at the Earlville Public Library and Paw Paw Public Library, and on
• Tuesday May 27th at the Lillie M. Evans Library District, Dunlap Public Library District, and the Chillicothe Public Library. 

Senator Arellano Jr. represents constituents in Geneseo, Rapids City, and Sterling.

Starting Wednesday, April 30th, 120th Street will be closed in Muscatine for a bridge replacement and grading project over Mud Creek. The closure spans from Western Avenue to Vine Avenue.

Construction for this project is anticipated to take approximately three to four months, depending on the weather.

The SouthPark Mall in Moline is now in new hands.

The real estate investment trust Macerich sold the property to Kohan Retail Investment Group, based in New York, on Wednesday, April 30th.

In a news release, Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati says, “City of Moline Economic Development staff have been working diligently with prospective developers and businesses to bring the mall area back to life. We look forward to getting to know the new owners and working together to transform this important business district.”

The trust had owned the property since 2012.

K through 12 students at school districts across Iowa won’t be able to access their phones during instructional time starting next school year. Governor Kim Reynolds signed the bill into law on Wednesday, April 30th.

Schools could set tougher policies around cellphones but the law would set a baseline ban. There would also be exceptions for students with disabilities and who have individualized education plans.

Mike McGrory is the superintendent of Ottumwa Community School District, which already has a bell to bell cell phone ban in place. He says since the school district limited phone usage, grades and behavior have improved, as well as interactions outside of the classroom.

“It allowed, first, for our students to refocus on their learning, focus on their mental health, and also, and this is so important, building meaningful face to face relationships with each other”

Under the law, parents and guardians would also be able to request exceptions for their child due to mental or physical health reasons.

Iowa Second District Congresswoman Ashley Hinson says she is not running for governor in 2026.

There has been speculation about which Republicans will be in the running for the GOP primary ever since Gov. Kim Reynolds announced she is not seeking reelection.

In a statement, Hinson said she will to stay in D.C. where she says Republicans have a once-in-a-generation chance to make lasting change with President Donald Trump.

Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks from Iowa’s First District has also ruled out a run for governor.

Former State Rep. Brad Sherman is the only Republican who has announced a campaign so far.

Dubuque residents can now communicate with the City through Report-2-DBQ. The online platform is accessible online and available for download on the App Store and Google Play, allowing residents to report concerns and request services from their mobile devices.

The app offers a “Knowledge Base” page that addresses frequently asked questions, program and policy descriptions, and provides other information helpful to residents and stakeholders.

Users can also upload their own photos and attachments, with the app automatically recognizing the location of a request, as well as receive updates on their reported concerns.

Democrats held onto a Statehouse seat in a special election in eastern Iowa. Democrat Angel Ramirez defeated Republican Bernie Hayes in a landslide victory, earning roughly 80 percent of the vote. She’ll represent House District 78, which includes part of Cedar Rapids.

Ramirez works as a peace facilitator with Kids First Law Center and co-founded a fellowship nonprofit in the area. She says seeing her blowout victory was an amazing moment for her.

“You know, we always try to move cautiously and be cautiously optimistic. But it’s a great number because we see it as support for a progressive movement, support for a progressive candidate, candidates of color, candidates who represent marginalized communities.”

Ramirez will fill the seat vacated by Democrat Sami Scheetz, who resigned from the House to take a new role as Linn County Supervisor.

Three new administrators are taking their seats for the 2025-26 school-year, after the Davenport Community School District made its selections.

Ellen Weishaar has been selected at Williams Middle School, having served in the school’s assistant-principal position. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s in education.

Dr. Tia Stevens-Hicks will succeed Tom Green as principal of Harrison Elementary School. She formerly held an administrative job in Killeen, Texas.

Michael Vukovich is slated to take over as director of secondary learning and results. He’s been serving as the district’s career-and-technical-education curriculum specialist, bringing two decades of experience as an educator.

All three individuals await board approval.

The home appliances manufacturer Whirlpool is delaying layoffs of more than a third of its employees at its Amana plant, located west of Iowa City.

The 650 layoffs were supposed to go into effect June 1st, but Whirlpool says they will now happen later in the year.

The corporation did not give a specific date or a reason for the delay, but says it is committed to keeping its employees updated on developments.

When Whirlpool first announced the layoffs, it said they are a necessary response to meet a drop in demand for refrigeration appliances.

Quad City residents can directly preserve their environment, and a local farmers’ market will help them do so.

“Trash Travels” tote bags will be available to shoppers at the Freight House and QC Farmers Market on Saturday, May 3. They’re part of an effort to reduce litter and pollution in the region.

The reusable bags feature messages of encouragement on how to protect waterways and were paid for as part of a partnership with the Environmental Protection Agency, starting in 2022.

Davenport, Scott County’s waste commission, and Rock Island’s waste management contributed to this initiative, and the totes are available at no cost while supplies last.

Dubuque residents can now communicate with the City through Report-2-DBQ. The online platform is accessible online and available for download on the App Store and Google Play, allowing residents to report concerns and request services from their mobile devices.

The app offers a “Knowledge Base” page that addresses frequently asked questions, program and policy descriptions, and provides other information helpful to residents and stakeholders.

Users can also upload their own photos and attachments, with the app automatically recognizing the location of a request, as well as receive updates on their reported concerns.

Western Illinois public school libraries are receiving more than $27,000 through the Secretary of State’s School District Library Grant Program. Fifteen school districts in Illinois’ 36th District are being awarded funding, including East Moline, Moline-Coal Valley, and Rock Island-Milan school districts.

Illinois State Senator Mike Halpin says this funding will ensure libraries have the funding they need to support students. Senator Halpin said in a press release, Thursday, April 24th, “Our children’s educations warrant access to the very best resources, reading materials and technology we have available. This money will bolster Western Illinois schools and help nurture bright young minds.”

The grants will fund updated resources and services, including library books, multilingual materials, and student programs.

Parents in a northeast Iowa school district are calling for stronger school policies after a group of students allegedly circulated AI-generated nude photos of their classmates.

Forty students’ faces were attached to nude bodies using AI and circulated throughout Cascade High School in the Western Dubuque School District.

At a special meeting on Monday night, April 28th, parents and officials discussed proposals to revise school policies.

Superintendent Dan Butler says he is working on prevention policies.

“It’s a challenging situation for us as school officials, it’s a challenging situation for our students, the victims, and it’s a challenging situation for our families.”

School officials discovered the photos at the end of March. The school is cooperating with law enforcement as they conduct an investigation.

Monmouth College is receiving nearly $1 million to help low-income students pursue STEM degrees.

Illinois’ 17th District Congressman Eric Sorensen is celebrating the federally funded grant as a win for Illinois colleges.

Congressman Sorensen said in a press release Tuesday, April 29th, “The best way to grow our economy and create good-paying jobs is to ensure we prepare our next generation with the tools necessary to succeed in a competitive world. This funding will ensure that everyone – no matter their financial situation – has a chance to pursue a high-paying career in a STEM field.”

Over its six-year duration, the grant will fund scholarships for 15 students pursuing their undergraduate studies in science, technology, engineering, or math.

The City of Moline’s Community and Business surveys are now open. This survey is available online for both residents and business owners.

This survey is an opportunity for people who live and work in Moline to provide feedback to the city, helping it determine priorities and long-term planning initiatives.

This survey is the second part of the City of Moline’s survey effort. The first part was sent out to randomly selected individuals to gather data. Now, everyone is invited to fill out a survey. Responses will directly inform the upcoming Moline Strategic Plan.

Iowa Lieutenant Governor Chris Cournoyer has filed paperwork to launch a campaign for state auditor in 2026.

The filing was first reported by the Des Moines Register. Cournoyer was a Republican state senator until Governor Kim Reynolds appointed her to be lieutenant governor in December.

Reynolds has since announced she won’t run for reelection in 2026.

Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand is expected to run for governor, which would leave an open position for Cournoyer to pursue.

Trinity Muscatine Public Health is now offering free measles vaccinations to residents. The two-shot series is 97% effective and gives most people a lifetime of protection.

To make an appointment, call the Trinity Muscatine Public Health at (563) 263-0122, located at 1609 Cedar Street, Muscatine, IA, open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

All Muscatine County residents are eligible.

Illinois’ senior senator and Maine Republican Senator Susan Collins are leading a Senate delegation to Pope Francis’ funeral, occurring this Saturday, April 26.

Senator Dick Durbin in a media release says “We have lost the messenger, but we must hold fast to the message of Pope Francis to love and respect one another.” <end quote>

Durbin is attending with colleagues from Massachusetts, Missouri, and South Dakota.

The senator, who announced he is not seeking reelection, attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II in 2005.

Local grocers could see greater financial assistance from the state under a proposal passed out of the Iowa House on Thursday, April 24th.

The bill would establish a program to help small-town grocers pay for things like renovations and equipment upgrades.

Priority would be given to stores that accept SNAP benefits, provide jobs, sell local foods, and are located in the least-populated communities.

The legislation also creates a grant program for boosting local food processing.

Republican Representative Shannon Latham of Franklin County says the bill will help bridge the gap between local producers, processors, and consumers.

  “Grocery stores are truly the heart of our communities and local neighborhoods. They're vital for healthy Iowa communities. Not only do they provide nutritious food for residents, but these businesses add to our local economies.”

Lawmakers broadened the definition of grocery stores so small businesses in food deserts would qualify.

The proposal passed unanimously and next heads to the Senate for consideration.

The Illinois Commerce Commission is authorizing public safety upgrades to highway rails in Rock Island, Henry, and Bureau Counties.

Multiple crossing points will get automatic flashing light signals and gates, including 1st, 6th, 34th, and 41st streets in Moline.

The Grade Cross Protection Fund pays for this construction. The GCPF has increased funding for highway improvements, upgrades to current traffic signals, and the creation of more pedestrian crossings.

All work will be completed within eighteen months.

A federal district court judge has granted a temporary restraining order to four international students at the University of Iowa whose statuses were revoked by the Department of Homeland Security. The order calls for DHS to restore their status information and prevents DHS from arresting or deporting the students.

Court documents filed by their lawyers say the students experienced irreparable stress and educational disruption after their statuses and visas were terminated without any explanation. A preliminary injunction hearing was also set for May 5.

A three-part film series aiming to start the conversation about end of life kicks off on Sunday, April 27, at the CASI-Center for Active Seniors in Davenport.

The first two films in the “Let’s Have a Conversation” series are “Caregiver: A Love Story”, about a husband taking care of his terminally ill wife in her final days, and “Taking Care”, about Seth and Lauren Rogen looking after her mother who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

End of Life Doula Becky Nakashima Brooke chose the motion pictures to ease people into the end of life.

“People think they have plenty of time to think about all of these things, and they are hard conversations to have, but if we don’t start talking about it, we can’t start making changes in health care and care takers. It is affecting people at younger and younger ages.”

The final film screening May 18th is “The Last Estatic Days”, about a terminal brain cancer patient who livestreams his dying journey.

All the films will be shown at the CASI-Center starting at 1:30 p.m.

The Bettendorf Board of Education is setting its property tax levy for the 2025-26 fiscal year.

In a news release sent Thursday, April 24th, the Bettendorf Community School District says the rate is now $12.40 per $1,000 of property valuation.

Superintendent Dr. Michelle Morse says, "Our goal is to provide the resources our students need to thrive—academically, socially, and emotionally—while being conscientious about the impact on our taxpayers”

Iowa Second District Congresswoman Ashley Hinson held a town hall in Mason City Thursday, April 24. She faced pushback from some constituents on several of her positions.

The Republican congresswoman fielded questions about her support of possible Medicaid cuts, deportation policies, and the recent defunding of USAID programs by the Department of Government Efficiency.

Hinson reiterated her defense of DOGE, saying that she believes those tax dollars can be meaningfully rerouted toward economic expansion.

“I would much rather see that go to places that are going to incentivize that trade access and market development which are going to make us more competitive. I think the point of DOGE is to make sure those services are available to Americans long term, and we can strengthen those programs.”

The town hall was a follow-up to a virtual town hall held earlier this month.

The Dubuque City Manager, Mike Van Milligen, has appointed Joe Pregler as the city’s next chief information officer, replacing Chris Kohlmann, who is retiring after working in the IT department for 42 years.

Pregler was serving in the position on an interim basis when the city ended its national search. Pregler has been working at the city as the Chief Information Technology Security Officer since 2023 and has been with the city since 2001.

Pregler will manage the city’s IT office, leading the technology vision outlined in the city’s strategic plan and overseeing the city's IT infrastructure.