The Western Illinois University Department of Physics will host episode nine of its Virtual Science Saturday, “Nanomaterials: What, How, and Why,” from 10-11 a.m. March. 5. This session will include a discussion about an exciting class of materials that bring radically new concepts to the field of materials science, and change the world of technology. This event will be led by WIU Physics Chair Kishor T. Kapale and Physics Professor P. K. Babu. Virtual Science Saturday is open to anyone and can be joined at bit.ly/WIUScienceSaturday. Past sessions of Virtual Science Saturday can be... Read More

With covid numbers dropping a whopping 94 percent since the peak of the omicron variant surge, hospitalizations down 84 percent, and death rates down 50 percent, Illinois dropped its statewide mask mandate today for indoor spaces as well as schools. However, there are still some areas where masks are required; where are they? The Illinois Department of Public Health on Friday reported 13,028 new cases for the week, an average of about 1,861 per day — numbers down considerably from the omicron peaks of over 40,000 per day in January. In addition, the IDPH reported that hospitalizations have plunged... Read More

EveryChild, the nonprofit formerly known as the Child Abuse Council, is now accepting nominations for its Champions for Every Child awards. Three awards go each year to an individual, a business or nonprofit, and a young adult 18 or under to celebrate the community leaders who dedicate their time, expertise, or donations to ensuring a safe, healthy childhood for all. “These local heroes too often go unsung, yet every day, they’re working for every child right alongside us,” said Mark Mathews, EveryChild’s executive director. “Childhood well-being is a community issue, and it’s our privilege... Read More

The nomination form for the Student Leadership Awards is now open on Purple Post. Nominations will be accepted until March 20 and the awards ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, April 18 in the University Union Grand Ballroom. For more information contact Lori Jackson at LA-Jackson3@wiu.edu.  Read More

Illinois will no longer have a statewide mask mandate starting Monday — including in schools. Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced on Friday that students and staff in schools statewide will no longer be required to wear masks in Illinois schools as of Monday, and he will withdraw the executive order for that mandate, in alignment with new Centers for Disease Control recommendations. The new CDC rules are more targeting, saying people should only wear masks indoors in communities where hospitals are at risk of being overwhelmed by patients diagnosed with covid. The new rules no longer call for all... Read More

The Western Illinois University Centennial Honors College will host the fifth annual Dr. Jill M. Brody/McDonough Eye Associates Pre-Med Symposium from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, March 2 in the University Union Heritage Room. The event enables students to explore a wide variety of medical careers, including nursing, dentistry, veterinary sciences, optometry, ophthalmology, dermatology, anesthesiology, family medicine and more. Participants will be able to meet medical school representatives from area and regional medical schools, enjoy food and music, and hear about medical school experiences, and get... Read More

Jeff Dunham will bring his Seriously Tour to Moline’s TaxSlayer Center on Saturday, February 26, 2022. Tickets go on sale Monday, October 4 at 10 am. For more information, click here.  Read More

BREAKING NEWS: Beginning Monday, February 28, masks will no longer be required in Moline City Hall or any other City of Moline public buildings. In addition, all public meetings will be conducted in person with full public attendance allowed. The decision corresponds with Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s recscinding the state mask mandate on the same date. On Friday, Feb. 24, the Rock Island County Health Department reported that the COVID-19 case positivity rate in the county had fallen to 4.28%. Visitors to Moline City Hall or other public buildings may continue to wear masks if they choose.  Read More

Playcrafters Barn Theatre is excited to be presenting “The Odd Couple,” running February 25-27, Friday & Saturday 7:30PM and Sunday at 3PM. Tickets are only $15 ($13 Military/Senior) and are now available at Playcrafters.com!  Read More

St. Louis artist Michael Darough will have his solo exhibition, “The Talk: A Conversation about Race in America,” on display Tuesday, Feb. 22-Friday, March 25, at the Western Illinois University Art Gallery. Darough graduated from the University of Memphis, earning an MFA in photography in 2011, and his BFA in photography from Arizona State University in 2007. His work explores the intersection of personal and cultural identity through tableau and portraiture. He is a nationally and internationally exhibiting artist whose work has recently been shown at the Brooks Museum of Art (Memphis,... Read More