MACOMB, IL – A Western Illinois University alumnus has partnered with a WIU faculty member to co-author their second children’s book, which will be released later this year. “The Adventures of Darrius; The Hall Monitor,” follows the pair’s first book together, “Princess and the Power of Melanin,” which has a goal of combating bullying, colorism and uplifting young girls around the world. Alumnus Jeremy McCool received his bachelor’s degree in broadcasting in 2015 and his master’s degree in communication in 2017. He is currently working on his doctoral... Read More

Sept. 30, 2016 was one of the best nights of my life. At the Boho Chic Gallery in downtown Davenport’s Bucktown Center for the Arts, I was surrounded by friends, samples of Front Street beer (including its Bucktown Stout), and copies of my first book, “A Brief History of Bucktown: Davenport’s Infamous District Transformed.” It was because of this quirky collection of art galleries and studios – which had a brief, busy, vital life from 2005 to this past March – that I was commissioned in August 2014 by The History Press to write the definitive story of the colorful east end of downtown... Read More

June is National Safety Month, and the Iowa Quad-Cities can certainly feel secure, according to a study by the website WalletHub. Today, the personal finance site released its report on 2020’s Safest States in America, as well as accompanying videos, and it listed Iowa as among one of the safest states in the U.S. In order to determine the most secure states, WalletHub compared the 50 states across 53 key metrics. The data set ranges from the state’s coronavirus support to assaults per capita and the unemployment rate. Safety in Iowa (1=Safest; 25=Avg.) 26th – WalletHub “States Offering... Read More

MACOMB, IL – A student of Western Illinois University Assistant Professor of Voice Penelope Shumate was recently one of only 14 singers in the United States chosen to compete in his division in the upcoming National Association of Teachers of Singing (NATS) vocal competition. Joshua Pitt, a sophomore vocal performance and music education major, of Racine, WI, initially won first place in the regional NATS vocal competition in Fall 2019. He won the award in the Lower Classical Tenor/Baritone/Bass Division to be eligible to compete at the national level. Because of the coronavirus, Pitt competed... Read More

Curious George: Let’s Get Curious!, the Family Museum’s newest traveling exhibit opens Saturday, June 6 and runs through September 13. Introducing young children into the world of Curious George, the exhibit leads visitors on a fun, meaningful interactive math, science and engineering-based adventure while it emphasizes the central role that parents and caregivers play. The exhibit is based on the familiar characters in H.A. and Margret Rey’s classic stories and the television series produced by Imagine Entertainment, WGBH Boston and Universal Studios Family Productions airing on PBS KIDS®... Read More

Distribution looks different this year for the Rock Island Public Library Seed Library. This free resource is still a great way for Rock Island and Milan-area residents and organizations to cultivate their gardens this spring. The Seed Library is a free collection of seed packets suitable for the local Zone 5 growing area. Using the online form on the RIPL website, participants can request one of the following pre-selected packages: ·         Vegetable garden bundle ·         Flower garden bundle ·         Herb garden bundle ·         Grab Bag (mixed bundle) Each... Read More

Beginning June 1, 2020, The Book Rack is again OPEN for in-store customers, but please wear a mask! The shop, at 4764 Elmore Ave, Davenport, is still offering curb-side pick-up of purchases and curb-side drop-off of books for trade, if that’s your preference. TheBookRackQC.com is open 24/7. Make good use of it to get your books and puzzles. Until June 30, 2020 you will receive 35% of the cover price in store credit for paperback books they accept for trade!  Read More

Davenport’s Junior Theater is bringing theatrical lessons to a computer near you this week! The local theater will be holding online classes starting June 1. The sessions will last for four weeks. Here’s the lineup and links for more info: Creative Movement Ages 3-6 This fun class helps to build locomotive skills essential to a strong dance foundation. Using imagination play students will learn to become different things and travel to far away places! Creativity and having fun is what this class is all about! More info here. Character Creation Ages 8-10 / 11+ Students will learn... Read More

Pursuant to Governor Kim Reynolds’ May 26th emergency health proclamation allowing casinos to re-open in accordance with the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Department of Inspection and Appeals and the CDC guidelines, Elite Casino Resorts’ Rhythm City Casino Resort® plans to re-open casino operations to the public on Monday, June 1st at 6 AM pending IRGC approval.  ELITE Sportsbook™ will also re-open on June 1st for new sign ups and in person sports wagering. The hotel, The Spa, Ruthie’s Steak & Seafood, Draft Day Sports Lounge, and The Market opened on May 20th and are currently... Read More

Quad Cities Museum Week, previously scheduled for June 6 – 14, has been postponed. Museums, in partnership with Visit Quad Cities, determined that the dates were not feasible for all museums to participate because of current COVID-19 guidelines in the Quad Cities bi-state region. The museums and Visit Quad Cities will regroup in July to discuss moving forward with a September or October date.  Quad Cities Museum Week launched in June of 2015 through efforts by Visit Quad Cities and area museums. The goal was to create an annual event that celebrates the individuality of each museum’s experience... Read More