There’s plenty of activity coming up over the next week in regard to spots opening up on both sides of the river in the Quad-Cities. According to the Chamber of Commerce: Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on Tuesday announced the state will allow more businesses to reopen and mass gatherings over the next week, limiting capacity to 50%, maintaining six feet of separation between individuals and groups and adhering to hygiene and other public health measures in place. The following businesses may reopen Thursday, May 28: Bars Wineries Breweries Distilleries Social and fraternal clubs Guidelines for... Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL – As Western Illinois University continues to prepare for a traditional campus experience for Fall 2020, scholarship incentives and more are available for incoming new freshmen and transfer students. WIU operates on a “rolling deadline,” which means prospective students can apply any time at wiu.edu/apply. Prospective students can apply to WIU for free through June 30. To support current high school seniors who are unable to take or retake a Spring 2020 SAT/ACT, and current high school juniors who may be unable to take an ACT/SAT test at this time due to the pandemic,... Read More

To celebrate the Class of 2020, Quad Cities area Dunkin’ restaurants are offering a sweet treat for all high school and college seniors. On Friday, May 29, participating Dunkin’ restaurants across the Quad Cities are offering a FREE Medium Hot or Iced Coffee and a FREE Classic Donut to high school and college graduates who visit their local Dunkin’ store sporting their cap and gown or Class of 2020 gear.* *No purchase necessary. Excludes Cold Brew and Nitro Cold Brew. Limit 1 per guest. Not valid on mobile orders. To learn more about Dunkin’, visit http://www.dunkindonuts.com/ or follow... Read More

Kavanaugh’s in Rock Island is bringing back the live music! Tonight they’ll resume their popular blues jam, from 6 to 9 p.m. at 1228 30th Street. Friday night, they’re back with the live music of Phyllis and One Shark, from 6 to 9 p.m. For more info, check out the Kavanaugh’s Facebook page!      Read More

MACOMB/MOLINE, IL –Western Illinois University’s virtual summer orientation experience is set to kick off Wednesday, May 27, and will continue throughout June. Incoming new first-year students on the Macomb campus can sign up for their virtual summer orientation day by logging into their STARS account. Several dates remain available in June. During virtual summer orientation, students will meet their orientation leaders and begin to learn how to be a successful student at WIU. New students will continue to have opportunities to engage with staff and have opportunities through the summer... Read More

The Rock Island Public Library introduced contact-free curbside pick-up for library materials beginning Tuesday, May 26. There will be no public access to library buildings during this phase of the library’s gradual reopening plan. Curbside pick-up will be available during limited hours by appointment only at the Rock Island Public Library Downtown and Southwest locations. Materials must be requested in advance, either through the Library’s online PrairieCat catalog, or with staff help via phone, email, and Ask a Librarian chat. Library staff will contact the borrower once items become available... Read More

Rock Island Park Board online registration is now open for mini youth sports skills outdoor camps including basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, xc/running, pickle ball, tennis and golf. All programs will be limited to small groups and have safety guidelines in place. You can click here to register online now or call the Park Office at 309-732-7275 option 1 weekdays between 8:00 am – 12:00 pm. Registration is limited.  Read More

MACOMB, IL – The College of Arts and Sciences at Western Illinois University has announced is 2019-2020 Outstanding Faculty Awards. Because of COVID-19, no faculty gathering was held to celebrate. This year’s winners are: Excellence in Teaching Professor Laura Barden-Gabbei – Department of Biological Sciences Excellence in Research/Scholarship Professor Peter Cole – Department of History Excellence in Service Professor Rich Filipink – Department of History Excellence in Teaching with Technology Professor Gordon Pettit – Department of Mathematics and Philosophy Excellence in Multicultural... Read More

MACOMB, IL – A Western Illinois University alumna has been awarded a United States Department of Energy, Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) award to study at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory this summer and fall. Hannah Drake, a 2016 WIU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in forensic chemistry, is currently pursuing a PhD in chemistry at Texas A&M University, specializing in light responsive materials for gas storage and separations. She is in her fourth year of doctoral study, studying under Professor Hong-Cai Zhou, who is considered to be one of the world experts... Read More

MACOMB, IL – Two Western Illinois University Department of Broadcasting and Journalism students are finishing the school year strong after a semester no one will soon forget. The Illinois News Broadcasters Association (INBA) conference, set for late April, was cancelled due to COVID-19. The convention was supposed to be held in Champaign-Urbana, but organizers moved the competition for student awards and scholarships online. WREX in Rockford broadcasted the awards live on Facebook April 25. WIU students won seven different awards for outstanding television newscast, soft television program, radio... Read More