The unveiling of a new mural in Downtown Rock Island, inspired by a Rock Island High School student’s award-winning artwork, will serve as the official kickoff to this year’s Alternating Currents festival Aug. 19-22 in the Quad-Cities. What: Ceremony unveiling the mural by young artist Riley Jones, a Rocky junior. When: 3:45-4:45 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 19  Where: Alleyway at 313 20th St., Rock Island Hosted by: Quad Cities Chamber & Quad City Arts as part of Alternating Currents  Created by 16-year-old Riley Jones in collaboration with professional muralists Dana Harrison (Limone)... Read More

BREAKING NEWS: As the covid delta variant rages across the state, in alignment with CDC guidelines and other school districts around the country, Eastern Iowa schools — including those in the Quad-Cities Davenport and Bettendorf districts — are “strongly encouraging” mask use and putting in place other covid precautions. The Davenport District released its revised the plan for the 2021-2022 school year to align with updated guidance from local and state public health officials. Face coverings are strongly encouraged. Read the Return to Learn plan, here: https://bit.ly/3CPluXX. Linn... Read More

Register via Rock Island Public Library calendar, then join RIPL at Longview Park at 11 am on Saturday, August 21 for three crafts that help build important learning skills for ages 2-to-5. Free art apron included. Our Library2Go bookmobile will be onsite, providing the perfect time to check out books to enjoy together, or to renew or apply for your RIPL card! Please register for each child attending. Event is dependent on weather, registered participants will be updated. For more information see www.rockislandlibrary.org.  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 Tuesday! Here’s this week’s pet… Get ready to fall in love with Jack! This handsome boy is ready to meet his furever family! Jack was born in 2016, is up to date on shots, microchipped, and neutered. Jack is FIV+ and can go to a home with other FIV+ kitties or as the only cat. He will do well in a home with kids and dogs with a slow introduction. This sweetheart is very friendly and loves a good cuddle! Can you give... Read More

What to do this weekend… what to do this weekend… Need some help? Need some tips? Want to know what’s going on? Check out our Weekend in 2 Minutes podcast! It runs every week on your fun, free, local QuadCities.com! This week, All Sweat presents Abbey Road, new shows open at Music Guild and Playcrafters, Bix Fest celebrates 50 years, the fair continues to rage on, there’s outdoor music, art exhibits and more as well in this week’s Weekend!  Read More

BREAKING NEWS: Illinois renters worried about the expiring eviction order at the end of July got a reprieve today from the CDC, which issued an order halting all evictions in areas of “substantial” and “high” covid transmission rates until at least October. Much of Illinois is in the “substantial” zone. Locally, Rock Island County is in the “substantial” zone and Scott County is in the “high” zone, meaning the entire Quad-Cities area and surrounding rural areas are covered. The CDC released the following statement today: CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky today signed... Read More

BREAKING NEWS: Illinois students preschool through 12 will be required to wear masks during school and indoor sports and activities, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker just announced. As previously reported on QuadCities.com, during an online press conference this afternoon, the governor announced that due to spiking covid rates, especially among unvaccinated people, there would be a return to some covid mitigations in Illinois. Pritzker announced the following mitigations will take place: Masks will be required in all preschool through grade 12 schools, daycares, and indoor sports. There will be no mask... Read More

There are awesome opportunities this year for young Quad-Cities filmmakers to gain valuable experience and have fun with Fresh Films! Here’s the latest: Fresh Films Academies Quad Cities – Applications open for host locations! What: Fresh Films will deliver project-based film instruction on professional equipment on site at up to 4 Quad Cities high schools or youth clubs at no cost to the host organization. When: October 2021-May 2022 | Thursdays 4-6:30pm Where: On site at host school or organization Who: 12-25 youth per location, open to all QC high schools and youth organizations... Read More

Got a perfect pupper? A great good boi? A darn awesome doggo? QuadCities.com wants to feature your dog in our new Pupper Of The Week feature! Just send a picture of your pet with their name, your name, and a sentence or two about them and we’ll post their pic and story on QuadCities.com. Message your doggo pics and info to Sean@QuadCities.com. And get ready to check out some cool doggos on your site for fun, free, local entertainment and features, QuadCities.com! This week’s pupper is Moira Rose, the pupper of Craig Cooper! Moira Rose is a one-year-old Shetland Sheepdog who enjoys walks (Spell... Read More

Genesis Health System will help area students and families get back to normal when schools reopen, and donations begin at various locations on Monday. So if you want to help out local students in need, please stop by! “Pack the Bus’’ debuted two years ago as part of the Genesis anniversary celebration of 150 years of health services. The needs are even greater as families continue to recover from COVID-19 disruptions. “The Genesis ‘Pack the Bus’ campaign will assist families and the schools again this year by providing the tools they need for learning,” said Shirley Gusta, director... Read More