Friday briefing: Traffic alerts for I-74, Government bridges, Bettendorf takes no action on masks, and East Moline’s credit rating downgraded – Quad-Cities Online

A cold front will be moving through the area today bringing with it a chance of thunderstorms and wind.

According to a Hazardous Weather Outlook from the National Weather Service, “A few thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and evening, as a cold front moves through. Severe weather is not anticipated.

“Ahead of the front, south to southwest winds will gust 25 to 35 mph. These winds combined with warm temperatures in the 70s to around 80 degrees may lead to an elevated fire threat in cured agricultural fields.

“After the front passes, winds will shift from the north to northwest and gust possibly up to 40 mph for a brief period of time.”

Here’s your weekend forecast.

Today could see isolated showers after 3 p.m., increasing clouds, and a high near 78 degrees. It will be breezy with a southwest wind between 5 to 10 mph increasing to 15 to 20 mph in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 35 mph. The chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight there will be scattered showers and thunderstorms before 9 p.m. It will be cloudy during the early evening then gradually clearing with a low around 45 degrees. Northwest winds of 5 to 15 mph will gust as high as 20 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%.

Saturday: It will be sunny with a high near 71 degrees and a low around 50 degrees. West winds will gust as high as 25 mph.

Sunday will be sunny with a high near 81 degrees and a low around 61 degrees.

Traffic alert: Old I-74 to Illinois, Government bridge face closures for marathon

The old I-74 bridge to Illinois will be temporarily closed from 9 a.m. to noon, today, for sweeping and debris removal.

The bridge also will be closed from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., Sunday for the Quad-City Marathon. Heavy congestion at Grant and State streets is expected.

Drivers are asked to access Illinois-bound I-74 at Middle Road.

Arsenal bridge — The Government Bridge.

Quad-City Times

Additionally the Government Bridge between Davenport and Arsenal Island will close to all vehicle traffic and barges from 6 a.m. to noon Sunday as the 24th TBK Quad-Cities Marathon and half marathon run across the bridge and the Rock Island Arsenal.

Marathon runners and walkers will enter the Arsenal through the Davenport Gate and exit the Arsenal through the Moline Gate using the eastbound lane of Rodman Avenue.

Marathon and half-marathon runners will use different routes while on the Arsenal.

Employees and residents should be prepared for potential delays beginning with course set-up at 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. Traffic control personnel, signage, and volunteers will be placed throughout the routes to help redirect traffic.

Today’s top news headlines

East Moline gets downgraded credit rating

East Moline’s downgraded credit rating may mean higher interest rates for pension-obligation bonds it plans to issue.

The Bettendorf School Board has opted not to pass a mask mandate.

Henry County votes to keep existing 20 board members

CAMBRIDGE — The Henry County Board will remain at 20 board members following action Thursday night.

Crime, courts and public safety news

Davenport man convicted of sexually abusing two girls in 2014

The man was found guilty by a jury Wednesday of second-degree and third-degree sexual abuse.

A Rock Island attorney was disbarred during the Illinois Supreme Court’s September Term of Court. Two other local attorneys had their licenses suspended.

Milan woman who suffered severe brain damage after beating has died

A man was arrested for the attack and charged with aggravated battery, but the state’s attorney previously said the charges would be upgraded to murder if the victim didn’t survive.

Lifestyle and entertainment headlines

The Quad Cities Community Foundation gave grants to 32 area organizations.

The art is displayed in the windows of 1608 and 1808 Second Ave., Rock Island.

Do you own a pressure washer? I’ve had no fewer than five of them in my lifetime. I must say they’re amazing machines when you use them correctly and on surfaces that won’t be harmed by the powerful blast exiting the nozzle at the end of the cleaning wand.

Today’s top sports headlines

Central DeWitt’s football team nearly matched Davenport Assumption yard-for-yard Thursday night.

Alleman volleyball sweeps Galesburg in front of loud crowd

Sophomore middle blocker Clair Hulke led the way with seven blocks and five kills in Alleman’s straight set victory over Galesburg. It was the Pioneers’ second WB6 win of the season.

A capsule look at each prep football game in the metro area this week.

Today’s videos

Bloomington police Officer John Fermon during a press conference discusses the search for Jelani Day, the Illinois State University student who went missing last month. Officials on Thursday said a body found in the Illinois River near Peru is Day. READ MORE HERE.

Today’s photo galleries