“The Nutcracker.” It’s been a holiday tradition since dinosaurs roamed the earth, which made it really difficult because with their small arms, T-Rex were completely worthless to catch leaping Stegasaurus in those flashy dance routines. Countless generations have grown up attending performances, millions of girls have pirouetted through its choreography and cajillions of people have walked away from its pomp and grandeur with one thought burning in their mind… “Okay, that was really well done, but what the heck was it about?” And this Saturday and Sunday, that tradition will continue,... Read More

Brittney Griner is free. Of course, Griner never should’ve been imprisoned in the first place, thrown into jail for an offense that’s as ridiculous as it is minor in a country that has far greater things to address than minor cannabis possession. But while this is a time for Griner and her loved ones to be celebrating, it’s also a time of incredible hypocrisy for the United States, and many of the politicians grandstanding about her release. Before Joe Biden, Kamala Harris (whose horrible history with imprisoning pot offenders is well documented) or anyone in a position... Read More

Individuals and families who are at risk of eviction or homelessness are encouraged to apply for emergency rental assistance through SAL Community Services. Until December 31, 2022, applications for back rent and advance rent are open to qualified residents of Henry, Mercer, or Rock Island Counties. “Our focus is on stability,” said Loredia Nunn-Dixon, the director of SAL’s Open Door Crisis Assistance program. “When your housing is stable, you can stay focused on everything else, whether that’s education or work or taking care of your health. And if we can keep people where they’re... Read More

This week, a bill backed by Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) to combat sexual harassment and assault passed the U.S. House of Representatives with broad bipartisan support. Led by Congresswoman Lois Frankel and Congressman Ken Buck, he the Speak Out Act would void nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) for claims of sexual assault and harassment. WATCH: Bustos Speaks in Support of Speak Out Act The Senate voted to pass the Speak Out Act unanimously on September 29, 2022. The bill now heads to the White House for President Biden’s signature. “For way too long a sinister culture of silence has protected... Read More

Here is a schedule of the upcoming Winter Concerts and School Programs in RIMSD #41: Dec. 6th—RIHS Winter Orchestra Concert @ 7:00 PM @RIHS Auditorium Dec. 7th—Washington Music Dept. Winter Concert @ 7:00 PM @ RIHS Auditorium Dec. 8th—Ridgewood @ 9:00 (3rd-6th  grades and Miss Liz’s class) and 10:15 (K-2nd grades, Miss Alicia’s class, Miss Kati’s class) Dec. 8th—Edison Music Dept. Winter Concert @ 7:00 PM @ RIHS Auditorium Dec. 12th—RIHS Winter Band Concert @ 7:00 PM @ RIHS Auditorium Dec. 13th—RIHS Winter Choir Concert @ 7:00 PM @ RIHS Auditorium Dec. 14th—Earl Hanson @ 9:00... Read More

It’s our last What’s The Good News column of the year, and we hope you’ve had a terrific year punctuated with a lot of positive news in your own lives. As always, we’ve been happy to present to you the positive things going on in our community throughout the year on QuadCities.com and on KWQC-TV6’s “Paula Sands Live.” As always, if you’ve got some good news you’d like to share, please email me at Sean@QuadCities.com and I’ll be happy to pass it along! Hope you have a great 2023, and thank you for checking us out in 2022! Here’s the good news for December: Davenport Community... Read More

Join us for Family Reading Night on December 6! This is open to all RIMSD#41 K-2nd grade students. Come and learn new ways to help your child improve their reading skills at home. There will be a bounce house, snacks and more for those who attend! Sign up now, spaces are limited – > https://www.signupgenius.com/go/reading2022  Read More

Looking for a new fuzzy friend? QuadCities.com is happy to partner with Quad City Animal Welfare Center, 724 2nd W. Ave., Milan! Interested in adopting a pet? Check out our Pet of the Week every Monday! This week’s Pet of the Week is… Oscar! We’d like you to meet, Oscar! He is a short pitbull mix born in 2019. What he lacks in height, he more than makes up for with his larger-than-life personality! He loves to wiggle and bounce around! Oscar thinks the best place for him is the center of your attention, and will do best as your only fur baby in the home. Our little “hot dog” will do best... Read More

CIRCA ’21 DELIVERS A SLEIGH FULL OF FUN IN “SANTA CLAUS: THE MUSICAL” Santa Claus will soon be coming to town, but in the meantime, he’s coming to Rock Island’s Circa ’21 Dinner Playhouse for the family adventure SANTA CLAUS: THE MUSICAL. A delightful, hour-long entertainment that Theatre Jones described as “a toe-tapping, joyous musical extravaganza,” this song-and-dance-filled treat is sure to be a popular gift for audiences of all ages and is being brought to life by a sensational team of professional talents. SANTA CLAUS: THE MUSICAL will enjoy show-only... Read More

If you’re looking for a delightful holiday treat of a show this season, treat yourself to Circa ’21’s “White Christmas.” The Rock Island dinner theater’s latest is a warm, inviting holiday classic with fantastic wardrobe, wonderful choreography, and a big hearted, fun cast of characters reminiscent of a Bing Crosby/Bob Hope vintage tale. There’s a reason Irving Berlin’s standby has lasted this long, and that’s because it’s right down the middle in pretty much all ways. It’s just a fun, fluffy show for a season of levity and cheer,... Read More