Arts Alley, the public alleyway at 1719 2nd Ave. in Downtown Rock Island, will undergo a major facelift thanks to a $267,181 grant award to the Quad Cities Chamber and City of Rock Island from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO).   “These types of statewide grant programs are extremely competitive, so it’s exciting to see the State of Illinois recognize and support our ongoing efforts to revitalize Downtown Rock Island through this award,” said Jack Cullen, Director, Downtown Rock Island for the Chamber. “Arts Alley is a unique but underutilized shared... Read More

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) announced nearly $2 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) for Skip-A-Long Family and Community Services in Moline for Early Head Start programs. Congresswoman Bustos is a member of the powerful House Appropriations Subcommittee that oversees HHS. Head Start promotes school readiness for young children from underserved families by providing programming to enhance their cognitive, social and emotional development from birth to age five. “A strong, early education is key to a child’s foundation and success later... Read More

Are you the parent of a child looking to play soccer, or one who plays and is looking for a great team? Want to be a part of an awesome, family-friendly environment with great, experienced coaches? Want to also pay the LOWEST FEES in the Quad-Cities for uniforms and team costs? You’ll want to check out Quad City Strikers! Calling all 2017, 2016, and 2015 future Striker Players! We will have a free get to know the club event on June 9, 5:30-6:30. Check in 4:45-5:30. Please register in advance to help us know numbers for this event. In the fall, 2017-2016 players will play academy... Read More

Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) voted to pass the bipartisan Targeting Resources to Communities in Need Act of 2022 to better direct federal funding toward communities with high levels of persistent poverty. This legislation would help bring more resources to communities in Northwest and Central Illinois where more than 20 percent of households are in poverty. In Illinois’ 17th Congressional District, this would include communities in Peoria, Winnebago, Whiteside, Mercer, Rock Island, Knox, Stephenson, Warren, Carroll, Henry and Fulton Counties. “Too many families in Northwest and Central... Read More

The Rock Island Library’s “Camp iRead” summer activities and all-ages reading challenge offers more than 118 opportunities to read, learn, and have fun beyond the beaten path. Available options cover all ages, and include camp-themed craft kits, in-person events at libraries, movie showings, library outreach around town, and chances to explore new interests. Full details on all the Camp iRead fun to be had this summer will be available at the Beyond the Beaten Path Summer Kickoff, Wednesday, June 1 from 4:00 pm to 6:30 pm at the Quad City Botanical Center, 2525 4th Avenue, Rock Island. “We’re... Read More

The YWCA of the Quad Cities recognized several RIMSD #41 teachers and administrators as Ambassadors of Change at the annual Race Against Racism 5K event on Saturday, May 14. The nominees were given an award for taking a stand against racism in the work that they do in their careers and daily life. RIMSD #41 nominations: Brooke Greenwood, 6th Grade Teacher, Frances Willard Elementary Rita Jett, Behavior Interventionist, Edison Junior High School Jennifer Johnson, English/AVID Teacher, Rock Island High School Dr. Kathy Ruggeberg, Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning Jadiem (J.D.)... Read More

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 Churro! What do you think of one Churro? Well, get ready to fall in love with Churro! This one year old Pitbull Mix is the life of the party! Churro is a fun-loving, high-energy, talkative pup looking for an active home. We believe Churro would do well in a home with children and possibly other dogs, but will need a home with no cats. This goofy goober is ready for a home! Come meet him today!  Read More

Join a community celebration to empower and bring awareness to the lives of the LGBTQ+ and its Allies! Enjoy a weekend of Live music, Drag Shows, Pyro, Burlesque and much more while visiting local merchants vendors and also check out some great organizations in the QC that will be present. Festivities will be held in Schwiebert Riverfront Park in Downtown Rock Island, IL. Admission is $7 PER DAY $12 WEEKEND PASS Get all the details here: https://quadcitiespridefestivals.com/  Read More

If you stopped by Washington Jr. High School during lunch period, there’s a pretty good chance you’ll hear music. But it’s where the music is coming from that will surprise you when you step inside the cafeteria. Students will volunteer and confidently stand up in front of the entire cafeteria and sing karaoke. Covering a variety of songs by artists like Alicia Keys, Bruno Mars, and the King of Pop, Michael Jackson. It all started after the school received a remodel. Part of that project was to remodel the school’s cafeteria. Staff had the idea to have a screen installed... Read More

St. Joe’s Open Mic Coffeehouse is brewing up fun from 6 to 8 p.m. TONIGHT at Parish House at First Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1600 – 20th Street, Rock Island. First Lutheran is between 17th and 20th Streets tucked into the “wedge” at the top of the hill near 18th Avenue, across from Longview Park. The event is free and open to the public.  Read More