In the face of fierce debate on the role of speech and protest on college campuses, and the federal government moving to influence university curriculum, State Senator Mike Halpin has pushed forward a bill to secure the rights of students, faculty and higher education institutions. “We cannot allow pressures from the federal government or cynical […]
ROCK ISLAND — In case you missed it, Eric Sorensen was featured in a USA Today profile about how his background as a local TV meteorologist and a trusted neighbor has fueled his success in Congress. Now, he’s encouraging other broadcasters to step up and serve. Read the full article here and below: […]
SPRINGFIELD – With farmers in Illinois facing threats to their land from big carbon pipeline companies, State Senator Mike Halpin’s has introduced a bill to prohibit owners of carbon dioxide sequestration pipelines from exercising eminent domain authority. “Our farmers already face threats from sky-high fuel and fertilizer costs, we don’t need big pipeline companies coming in […]
State Senator Mike Halpin’s bill to allow retired teachers to work additional paid hours as substitutes in order to address the statewide teacher shortage passed committee Tuesday. “Illinois schools need more teachers and more substitute teachers. Allowing retired teachers to continue to work more substitution hours gives the support our education system needs,” said Halpin […]
ELDRIDGE, Iowa – Fourteen area veterans are traveling to DesMoines on Feb. 10 to meet with Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa legislators to advocate for support for veteran suicide prevention programs. The visit is sponsored by Anonymously Grateful, a non-profit based in Eldridge, Iowa, whose mission is suicide awareness and prevention. Bettendorf-based LandJet is providing […]
Three dangerous intersections in Davenport will get safety upgrades, with the help of $6 million in federal funding. The funding to implement nationally recognized traffic safety strategies comes from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program, according to a city release. Davenport applied for the grant in summer 2025. […]
A major protest in Moline Sunday afternoon will be among many across the country — coordinated as “ICE Out For Good” Weekend of Action on Saturday, January 10th and Sunday, January 11th to demand accountability, honor the life lost, and make visible the human cost of ICE’s actions. Hundreds are expected to gather along Avenue […]
SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Mike Halpin’s law to clarify and simplify hunting license rules to the public goes into effect Jan. 1. “Folks who are wanting to get into hunting will have an easier time acquiring apprentice licenses under this new law,” said Halpin (D-Rock Island). “This law also cleans up regulations around suspension and revocation […]
Environmental threats to the Amazon Rainforest will be front-and-center at the latest round of climate change negotiations known as COP30 in Brazil this month, and a Bettendorf man will be among the thousands of delegates there. Everett Hamner, a Western Illinois University English professor, will be among the tens of thousands of delegates from 195 […]
Nearly four years after its groundbreaking, a long-anticipated $47-million, three-story building is expected to open in downtown Rock Island in October. Davenport-based Russell Co. is general contractor for the 55,438-square-foot federal facility, at 320 18th St., across the street from the former Rock Island Argus building (vacant since 2008). The privately-owned, leased building – originally […]
