MACOMB, IL – As first generation students, Western Illinois University Sociology Professor Emeritus and WIU Board of Trustees Chair Polly Radosh and Jeff Radosh struggled financially as they completed their college education. To help other first generation students and those with financial need, the Radoshes have established the Radosh Sociology Endowed Scholarship at WIU. Polly, who is the retired chair of Western’s former Department of Women’s Studies, began her teaching career at WIU in 1984 in the Department of Sociology and Anthropology. During her 24-year tenure, she taught... Read More

Are you ready to rumblllllllllllllle????? Big Swing and SCWPro are! In conjunction with local wrestling academy Black and Brave, owned by Seth Rollins, Big Swing and SCW Pro are bringing the Rock Island In The Sun pro wrestling event to downtown Rock Island Aug. 22. The event rolls 8-11 p.m. Aug. 22 at Big Swing Brewing Company, 113 18th Street, Rock Island (in the old Blue Cat.) Tickets are $10. Click here for more info!    Read More

One of the largest, women-led providers of life insurance and annuities, Royal Neighbors of America, is doing its part to help out during the covid-19 pandemic. The organization is giving a $15,000 donation to Quad City area non-profit organizations struggling to meet increased demand due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The $15,000 donation comes on the heels of the nearly $100,000 Royal Neighbors has invested in its 170 local chapters nationwide so far this year. “During this challenging time, Royal Neighbors recognizes that many non‐profits, as well our community chapters, are experiencing significant... Read More

Are you ready to get stamp’d? Head down to downtown Rock Island’s Big Swing for karaoke night tonight (and every Friday night starting at 8) and you can line yourself up for some prizes, but getting a Get Stamp’d Passport at Big Swing, and then heading down 2nd Street a bit to get another stamp over at Billy Bob’s Q-C dance club. Both stamps win prizes and the more stamps you collect on karaoke nights wins you a bigger prize. For more info, check out Big Swing’s Facebook page.  Read More

MACOMB, IL – The Western Illinois University Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic has openings for speech diagnostic evaluations from Tuesday Aug. 4-Friday, Aug. 21. There will be additional openings throughout the fall semester. The services are free to the WIU and Macomb communities and are used to determine whether or not a child or adult may be eligible for speech and/or language therapy services. The evaluations also play a significant role in educating WIU’s graduate students as they prepare to begin their careers as speech-language pathologists. For more information about the testing,... Read More

Though Illinois allowed indoor museums to reopen June 26, the Covid-19 pandemic still rages across the nation. Museums, historic homes and gardens in the Quad-Cities have taken differing approaches to reopening. As of that Friday in late June, with phase 4 of Illinois’ reopening implemented, very few museums on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River were open to the public. As of today, most have reopened, with attractions remaining closed include the John Deere Pavilion in Moline and Colonel Davenport House on Arsenal Island. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, all major Deere tourist facilities... Read More

At Tuesday night’s board meeting for Quad City Music Guild, it was decided to cancel the theater’s winter production, “Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn,” to continue to protect the safety of participants and patrons, and to comply with Phase Four of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker’s reopening plan. “While we were initially hopeful we would be able to bring this holiday classic to our audiences, we remain committed to respecting the guidance set forth by our government and public health officials,” according to a statement at qcmusicguild.com/covid-19-response/. The show was scheduled for Dec.... Read More

Quad City Arts has made the difficult decision not to host the 35th-annual Kwik Star Festival of Trees in person this year due to uncertainty and concern for the safety of volunteers, staff, and community as a whole regarding the Covid-19 pandemic. The Holiday Parade and all other special events will also not be held this year. This decision was led by Festival of Trees volunteer management team with the full support of the Quad City Arts’ staff and board of directors, the regional nonprofit announced Wednesday morning. “We recognize that Festival of Trees is a beloved holiday tradition in... Read More

Live music is returning to the River Music Experience, at 2nd and Main streets, Davenport, next month for the first time since Covid-19 shut down events in mid-March. The outdoor Live@Five series will resume in the courtyard, totally free, for all ages, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. each Friday in August and September. New guidelines will be enforced, to ensure safety of guests, staff and musicians – Face masks are required for entry and bar service. Guests will wear face masks when not seated and when not able to maintain six-foot distance from others. • Seating will only be allowed in the boxes... Read More

A number of local businesses and groups will benefit from over $100,000 in grants recently awarded. The Quad Cities Community Foundation has awarded nearly $110,000 to 10 Quad Cities nonprofits to strengthen their ability to do their work. The Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Capacity Building Grants provide funding to local organizations for staff training, board development, strategic planning, technology and more to help them carry out their missions. The grants are awarded during a critical juncture for nonprofits in the Quad Cities as the community continues response and recovery efforts... Read More