Illinois employers could be allowed to fire employees who refuse to get vaccinated or comply with other covid-19 regulations if a new mandate from Governor JB Pritzker is implemented. The Health Care Right of Conscience Act amendment would not allow employees to use their moral beliefs as a reason to refuse to comply with a workplace’s covid mandates, which could include mandatory vaccinations. State legislators are expected to take up the measure this week. The Health Care Right of Conscience Act has actually been a law since 1998 and was driven by healthcare providers having moral objections... Read More

Have a FRIGHTFUL good time tonight in downtown Rock Island with your little ghosts and goblins! Family-Friendly Fright Night will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. TONIGHT at Schwiebert Riverfront Park in Rock Island. Goodwill of the Heartland is one of the sponsors of the event, which is FREE for kids and families.  Read More

Through December 3, Quad City Arts presents “Art on Lockdown.” This diverse exhibition features 80 works of art by 67 regional artists. The public is invited to celebrate creativity at the opening reception on October 15 from 6-9 pm where most artists will be present, and refreshments will be served. As “Shelter in Place” began in March 2020, Quad City Arts’ staff searched for different ways to connect with the community and for a way to encourage artists to keep creating at a confusing time. As most non-essential workers found themselves working from home or not working at all, they... Read More

After 22 years at the helm of the Rock Island Housing Authority (RIHA) and now its new managing entity Community Home Partners (CHP), Susan Anderson has announced plans to retire next January. Anderson, who serves as Chief Executive Officer for CHP and Executive Director for RIHA, shared her decision with the organizations’ respective boards at their recent meeting. She plans to stay until next January to assist in the leadership transition. “I’m most proud of how far we’ve come as an organization and a community in our efforts to provide families with attractive, livable, and affordable... Read More

GRAND CHAMPIONS! Congratulations to the Pride of Rock Island as they won best guard, 1st place in class 4A, and overall Grand champion of the entire show of 20 bands at their state competition for marching bands on Saturday night! What a way to end a great season. #ThisHouseRocks  Read More

Join us tonight for the return of “Showcase of Bands” as local high school marching bands present their 2021 competition shows at Rock Island High School Stadium. Gates will open at 6PM with performances beginning at 7PM. Admission is $5.00 per person. Concessions will be open. The following bands will be performing: -Assumption High School Marching Knights -Sherrard High School Marching Tigers -Kewanee High School Marching Boilermakers -Orion High School Marching Chargers -Rockridge High School Marching Rockets -Moline High School Marching Maroons -United Township High School... Read More

On Friday, October 22, 2021, Washington Jr. High School unveiled its $2.1 million renovation and expansion project to the community. View photo album>> The project features a secure entryway and cafeteria renovation and expansion. Plans also included administrative offices, two flexible spaces for specialists that serve students, and a space for the school nurse that includes a separate bathroom and shower. The project renovated 4,800 s/f of the existing structure and added 3,500 s/f to the northeast side of the building. Revenue from the 1% Rock Island County Sales Tax was used to fund... Read More

Diversity in the arts is the latest hot topic on the Quad-Cities arts scene, and it’s certainly a welcome one, as the discussion has long been overdue. There is a definite shortage of minority voices across the arts spectrum, and that needs to be corrected. The only way it will be corrected is by it being acknowledged and addressed. Some groups have certainly been doing so, and deserve credit for it. Tristan Tapscott’s The Mockingbird On Main has been one of the most forward thinking theaters on the subject, with casts and shows that have distinctly featured minority performers and... Read More

Yesterday’s IHSA 2A Galesburg Cross Country Regional was tough but these Rock Island Rocks were tougher and qualified for next weekend’s Metamora Sectional Meet. #AllSophs Congratulations to Nora Wright, JP Putnam, Ian Regur!  Read More

It’s a surprise Halloween Crafternoon! Drop in for a fun Halloween craft at our Southwest Library, 9010 Ridgewood Road, between 4 to 6 pm on October 25. Craft is suitable for kids with some adult supervision. This event is free and available for any age: School ages Kindergarten-6th grades, Teens ages 12 to 18, Adults 18 and up, individuals and families. Join us for some fall fun, no registration required.  Masks required when inside the library, regardless of vaccination status.  Read More