Youngster is unbilled star of evening at Festival of Praise

By Mary Louise Speer

Young Joshua Taylor, 6, excitedly pointed up at the sky where a red balloon soared upward on its flight of freedom.

Davenport elections: Near-record field going for city offices

By Tory Brecht

Davenport’s city government is guaranteed to have a new look after November’s general election, with a new mayor and at least four of the 10 council seats turned over.

Antique cycles roar into Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds

By Times staff

The Mississippi Valley Fairgrounds, 2815 W. Locust St., Davenport, will host the world’s largest antique motorcycle event today through Wednesday.

Utility wants to increase local water rates by 26%

By Ed Tibbetts

Iowa American Water Co. is proposing a 26.7 percent overall rate increase for its Quad-Cities and Clinton markets, officials said Thursday.

Walcott man to help rebuilding efforts in Iraq

By Times staff

John Blair of Walcott, Iowa, will travel to Iraq on Monday to assist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers rebuilding efforts in Iraq.

Candidates seek offices in area towns

By Deirdre Cox Baker

Thursday was the filing deadline in five smaller Scott County communities.

2 teenage girls injured in accident involving 2nd car in Clinton, Iowa

By Steven Martens

CLINTON, Iowa — Two teenage girls were injured in a car accident in Clinton.

‘Feasting on Asphalt’ show to feature Moline, Muscatine

By Times staff

Moline and Muscatine will be in the Food Network spotlight this weekend with segments on the “Feasting on Asphalt” show.

Illinois governor’s airplane may get a taxpayer-funded makeover

By Kurt Erickson

SPRINGFIELD — One of the airplanes frequently used by Gov. Rod Blagojevich is in line for a $133,900 makeover.

Ex-Wilton mayor found guilty on drug charge

By Jennifer Meyer

DAVENPORT — A verdict of not guilty on money laundering charges Thursday brought a short-lived smile of relief to the former mayor of Wilton, Iowa, who was convicted later in the day on drug conspiracy charges.

Drainage solution proposed proposed in Clinton, Iowa

By Steven Martens

CLINTON, Iowa — Clinton property owners concerned about storm water draining from the new Eagle Heights Elementary School were told Thursday the best solution would be to install a storm sewer or a drainage swale through their property.

Bank should be first in line in Beasley foreclosure, judge rules

By Kurt Allemeier

The bank holding the home mortgage of a former Quad-City Times employee accused of embezzling nearly $1 million from the company won a court victory in a foreclosure action this week.

Incentives moving forward for eServ

By Doug Schorpp and Tory Brecht

Davenport aldermen appear eager to offer economic incentives to lure engineering consulting firm Perot Systems eServ and its 275 jobs to the city.

Silvis artist’s work put on display at outdoor 'Coexistence' exhibition

By Katie Vaughn

For the past 11 years, Macario Lopez has taken a distinctive approach to making art.

WQPT gets grant from Rauch charity

By Times staff

WQPT, the Quad-Cities PBS station, has received a $3,500 operational grant from the Rauch Family Foundation I Inc.

Meyer walks out of meeting after stormy session

By Doug Schorpp and Tory Brecht

Alderman Keith Meyer called two senior city staff members liars, accused a fellow alderman of backstabbing him and marched angrily out of the Community and Economic Development Committee meeting before it ended Thursday.

Irwin is granted furlough to receive medical treatment with eye specialist

By Kurt Allemeier

Matthew Irwin, charged with vehicular homicide for a fatal crash on Centennial Bridge in April, is on his second furlough in a week from the Scott County Jail to receive medical treatment.

Illinois DOT suspends lane closures for weekend

The Illinois Department of Transportation, or IDOT, will suspend road work for the Labor Day weekend to make holiday travel easier but also will team up with Illinois State Police and the Secretary of State Police to crack down on impaired driving.

A matter of record

By Times staff

Births

Bettendorf library to reopen Tuesday

By Times staff

The Bettendorf Public Library will reopen at 9 a.m. Tuesday, but there will be limited access on the first floor and no access on the second floor.

LIVE FOOTBALL SCORES!

By Times staff

TONIGHT: It’s time to fire up those Friday night lights once again. Here are tonight’s scores by quarter. We will be posting them as they happen. Check back often to see where your favorite team stands.

Groups seek to restart Cafe John Lewis

By Tom Saul

At least three different groups are interested in either renting or buying the former Cafe John Lewis building to resume the service of free meals for poor and homeless people.

Judge strikes down Iowa's same-sex marriage law

By Dan Gearino

TODAY: (Updated 3:44 p.m.) DES MOINES – Gay rights advocates won a major victory today when a Polk County District judge ruled that the state's ban on gay marriage violates the Iowa Constitution.

Former Wilton mayor guilty on drug charges

By Times staff

TODAY: (Updated 3:47 p.m.) The former mayor of Wilton received a split decision today in U.S. District Court, found guilty of manufacture and distribution of marijuana but not guilty of a money laundering charge.

Princess Diana's son recalls 'best mother in the world' at memorial service

By The Associated Press

TODAY: (Updated 9:28 a.m.) LONDON — Princess Diana's family solemnly marked the 10th anniversary of her death Friday, with her younger son eulogizing her as ``the best mother in the world.''

Clinton rebuts electability questions

By Dan Gearino

TODAY: (Updated 2:23 p.m.) DES MOINES — Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton defended her electability today in the face of charges from her opponents that she is a divisive figure who would be a risky general election candidate.

SLIDESHOW: Photos of the Week are up!

By Times staff

TODAY: (Updated 11:48 a.m.) In case you missed some of the news this past week, check out the photos that went with the stories as we showcase the best of Quad-City Times photographers in our Photos of the Week photo gallery by CLICKING HERE.

Judge halts same-sex marriages in Des Moines

By Dan Gearino

DES MOINES — A day after overturning Iowa’s same-sex marriage ban, a Polk County judge put his decision on hold while the case is appealed, but not before the state’s first same-sex marriage — involving a student from Bettendorf — took place and other couples applied for marriage licenses.