The deadline for students to submit abstracts for participation in Western Illinois University’s Undergraduate Research Day has been extended to Tuesday, April 11. Undergraduate students from all majors are invited to submit their faculty-mentored research and creative projects for participation in the 20th annual Thomas E. Helm Undergraduate Research Day, which will take place April 19. The abstract submission form can be found at bit.ly/3KMVYsI. Students are also encouraged to submit a photo of themselves working on their research (with their faculty mentor if possible). These can be sent... Read More

QUAD CITIES, Iowa / Illinois—Latino leaders in the Quad Cities and surrounding areas have a new resource for building their skills, knowledge, and abilities to succeed, lead, and maximize their impact on their community. This fall, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) Council 10 in Davenport will host the first-ever cohort of the Quad Cities Regional LIDERAMOS Leadership Development Program. Part of the LIDERAMOS National Latino Leadership Alliance (NLLA) framework, the program will reach across generations and sectors with a culturally centered curriculum tailored to the needs... Read More

Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) joined EPA Administrator Michael Regan, Illinois EPA Director John Kim, Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and local leaders, to highlight water infrastructure projects in Rockford and announce new nationwide funding for clean water infrastructure. “Everyone in Central and Northwestern Illinois should have access to safe, clean drinking water,” said Sorensen. “The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law is working to make that happen by replacing lead pipes in places like Rockford, Illinois. These investments will help our families live... Read More

A group of six Western Illinois University international graduate students were chosen to attend a Montessori Model United Nations conference in mid-February in New York City, NY. Shola Elufisan, Judith Hassan, Oluwadamilola Abiodun-Adewusi and Chinedu Onyekatu, all of Nigeria and all Public Health graduate students, and College Student Personnel graduate student Nikisha Smith, of Antigua, and MBA student Ayobami Timothy, of Nigeria, attended the three-day conference to help youth from across the country to discuss worldwide issues. “Through the conference, countries came together to discuss... Read More

Congressman Eric Sorensen announced the launch of his first Congressional Art Competition for high school students in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District. The winning artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.  “One of the responsibilities I look forward to the most is recognizing our many talented neighbors in Central and Northwestern Illinois,” said Sorensen. “I look forward to acknowledging the gifted young artists across our District and honoring one talented student’s work in the halls of the U.S. Capitol.”   Submissions must be made by Friday, April 28, 2023.... Read More

After a nearly four-year hiatus Project NOW will be welcoming students to their new Head Start location in Aledo. The classrooms are located inside Community Bible Fellowship at 1109 SE 3rd Street. Project NOW’s Head Start Director, Andrea Flannery, is excited to welcome 21 students to two new Head Start classrooms. “Project NOW Head Start has missed being able to serve Mercer County with a high-quality Head Start program and we are thankful for our partnership with Matt and Jeannie Ewing, of Community Bible Fellowship to allow us to again serve the great children and families in this area.... Read More

BETTENDORF, IOWA – Four Awards. One Mission: To support and strengthen the City of Bettendorf’s Parks and Recreation Department. On Wednesday, March 29, 2023 – a City Employee, a Volunteer Group, a Service Group, and The Tangled Wood were all being honored at the Iowa Parks and Recreation Association Conference at the RiverCenter, 136 E. 3rd Street, Davenport. Here are the 2023 Recipients with ties to the Bettendorf Parks and Recreation Department: Award: Administrative Assistant Recipient: Kimberly Radcliff Kim Radcliff has worked for the City of Bettendorf for 23 years providing excellent... Read More

SPRINGFIELD – Total nonfarm jobs increased in thirteen metropolitan areas and decreased in one for the year ending February 2023, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment Security (DES). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate decreased in seven areas, increased in five areas and was unchanged in two. “Today’s data is further indication that job growth continues to trend in the right direction with expansion throughout every corner of the state across sectors,” said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. “Job expansion... Read More

Analog II in Moline, Illinois will be rebranded to Analog Pizza & Arcade starting in May 2023. In addition to offering a variety of pizzas and appetizers, they will also be adding a 3,000 square foot patio that will be opening in June. “We are really excited to add a patio like we have at Armored Gardens in Downtown Davenport, another one of our concepts,” Analog co-owner Dan Bush says, “Analog has always been seen as more of a winter place, and this will make us a destination all year long.” Lopiez Pizza will be ceasing operations at the end of April, ending their two year residency.... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – Because of Western Illinois University’s long-time support of veterans and active service personnel, the University has been recognized for 14 years running as a “Military Friendly School” by Viqtory/Military Friendly, achieving “Gold” status for 2023-2024. Western ranked 19th in the United States for small public universities earning the Gold status. “WIU remains dedicated to serving our veterans and active duty personnel and has since the early 1900s,” said WIU President Guiyou Huang. “Receiving recognition from Viqtory/Military... Read More