The Putnam Museum (1717 W. 12th St., Davenport) is playing around in its newest exhibit, as it explores the role of play and toys through culture and time in society. From antiquity and from around the world, guests will see toys that reflect societal norms and other sociological trends. “Play: The Story of Toys” is an original Putnam exhibit, set to open Saturday, Nov. 21, on the main west gallery upstairs. The exhibit will be included with general admission and remain open through August 2021 at the Putnam, a Smithsonian Affiliate museum. “Our latest exhibit features items from the Putnam’s... Read More

The Western Illinois University School of Global Education and Outreach has transitioned to become the Center for Global Studies. The Bachelor of General Studies degree program has moved from within the department under the umbrella of University Libraries. “We plan to bring some exotic and exciting culture, some charisma, and some energy to the campus by broadening our outreach to become truly global,” said Center Executive Director Randy Glean. The office provides services to international students, as well as hosts unique cultural activities and educational learning experiences.... Read More

The Virtual Writers Studio hosted by Ryan Collins and the Midwest Writing Center will scribble in online from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Here are the details: Writer’s Studio will be meeting virtually in the private Facebook Group listed below at the regular time (1st and 3rd Saturdays of each month, 11am-1pm). Writer’s Studio regulars or anyone interested in sharing and discussing their work in a constructive space, we’ve started a private group on Facebook for writers to connect while not meeting in-person. Please see the link below to join the group We will also be sharing other writing... Read More

The Western Illinois University Resident Assistant Council (RAC), in partnership with the Salvation Army, will provide this year’s Community Turkey Dinner through curb-side pick-up, from 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 19 in Tanner Circle. This annual event is open to the Macomb community. The free meal will include turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans, dinner rolls and sugar cookies. “The RA Council’s Annual Turkey Dinner is something very important to us and something that we feel is an important event for the Macomb community,” said RAC Advisor Erica Hoffman. “Especially... Read More

BREAKING NEWS: Illinois High School sports will be put on hold effective immediately, and could be delayed through 2020 and into spring 2021 due to covid-19 mitigations, according to a statement released this evening by IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. The statement was released following Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s announcement of moving Illinois to Tier 3 mitigations for covid-19 starting Friday. There’s no set date for the return of sporting activities, however the statement says the IHSA remains “optimistic” for a return soon. The statement reads as follows: IHSA... Read More

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker sounded a somber and sometimes irritated note during his daily press conference on covid-19 today, warning “we’re in for a very difficult few months” and saying we might very soon get to a point where he has “no other choice than to have a mandatory shutdown.” “What will it take to make this real for you?” Pritzker said. “Do we have to reach a positivity rate of 50 percent like we’re seeing in Iowa today? Are you waiting for your health care workers to get sick to a point where you don’t have enough staff in the local... Read More

Western Illinois University Professor Eric C. Sheffield has been named director of the WIU School of Education, according to College of Education and Human Services Dean Francis Godwyll. He has served as interim director since November 2019. “Professor Eric Sheffield came to us after 14 years of service in the state of Missouri higher education system, and an additional 14 years in the P-12 system,” said Godwyll. “He came into the position at a very challenging time. He hit the ground running and has been a pillar around which the new School of Education has been formed. He has... Read More

The Rock Island-Milan School District is going to Full Remote Learning through January 18, the district just announced. The shift is due to the skyrocketing numbers of covid-19 in the area. The Quad-Cities is the seventh-highest hot spot for new covid cases in the United States. District superintendent Dr. Reginald Lawrence II posted the following on the RIMSD 41 website Friday night: Since our transition to blended learning on Oct. 19th, we have consciously followed the advice and recommendations of the national and local public health experts. The alarming rate at which the COVID-19 virus is... Read More

UPDATED — The Illinois Quad-Cities could see another mandatory stay-at-home order as soon as next week if numbers in our region continue to soar. The Quad-Cities has exploded in its number of cases and is now inside the top ten most rapidly spiking hot spots nationwide, sitting at number 7 today, according to CDC numbers. In his media address today, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said that the rapidly spiking numbers statewide — with numbers in some regions doubling daily — could lead to another statewide mandatory stay-at-home order similar to the one imposed in the spring,... Read More

The Western Illinois University School of Music will present the WIU Jazz Guitar Ensemble, under the direction of Assistant Professor of Guitar George Turner, at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12. Due to the restrictions currently in place, there are no general admission performances in the COFAC Recital Hall. This performance will be broadcast on the School of Music’s YouTube Channel and Facebook page. PROGRAM: The Four of Us – Steve Shenkel Stylin’ – Dave Frackenpohl Recordame – Joe Henderson/arr. George Turner In a Sentimental Mood – Duke Ellington/arr. Mark Tonelli The... Read More