BETTENDORF and RIVERDALE, IOWA – March 3, 2023 – Just in time for warmer weather, the Mississippi River Trail (MRT) from Duck Creek to Bellingham Road in Riverdale, Iowa is back open to all users. The MRT closed in November 2022 so that MidAmerican Energy could complete an infrastructure improvement project. Crews removed all barricades this morning.  Read More

Bettendorf, IA – In reflection of Women’s History Month, the Bettendorf Public Library’s Community Connections series will highlight the life and legacy of Iowa conservationist and amateur bird expert Gladys Black. Community Connections – Gladys Black: The Legacy of Iowa’s Bird Lady will be held on Thursday, March 9th at 1:30 P.M. at the Bettendorf Public Library located at 2950 Learning Campus Dr. in Bettendorf. This free event is open to all ages and does not require registration. This program is sponsored by Humanities Iowa and the State Historical Society for The Humanities.... Read More

On Wednesday, February 16, Rock Island High School’s African American Heritage Club (AAHC) hosted a black history program. The program was held in the auditorium for seniors and juniors to attend and live-streamed so the whole school could watch. View photo album. This year the program highlighted African American Organizations that have had a positive impact on the African American community and America as a whole. The program covered each organization’s history, the contributions of each organization, and the famous members of each organization. The AAHC talked about four... Read More

QUAD CITIES, Iowa / Illinois—The Quad Cities Community Foundation is welcoming two new members to its board of directors. With unique perspectives, professional expertise, and connections in the community, the new members will be important leaders in the Community Foundation’s efforts to transform the region through the generosity of donors this year. “We are so fortunate to have a board of directors that doesn’t just believe in our mission but has an ambitious vision for our Quad Cities community,” said Sue Hafkemeyer, president and CEO of the Community Foundation. “I’m grateful... Read More

Rock Island High School student Aline Niyogusenga has a full plate in her senior year. On top of keeping up with her academics, Aline is Vice president of the Student Council, Vice President of the African American Heritage Club, a member of the Culture Appreciation club, a Student Ambassador, and a member of the National Honor Society and Art Club. Her work doesn’t stop there. This year she has the responsibility of representing the entire Black Hawk region (Rock Island County, Henry County, Mercer County) by giving input at the state level on ways to better help students navigate the education... Read More

One of Project NOW’s newest fleet additions is literally a life saver. Project NOW’s new refrigerated box truck began hitting the streets last fall to help those facing food insecurity. The truck, which is grant funded, is being used as a mobile food pantry—providing food to areas that have been defined as “food deserts.” Those areas include the west end of Rock Island, the Floreciente neighborhood, East Moline, and Silvis. According to our Community Services Director, Ron Lund, we have already provided 40 tons of food (80,000 pounds) in the community through pop ups, drive-throughs,... Read More

Davenport North baseball star Klayton Bolkema, the 7th ranked 2024 prospect, has committed to the University of Texas! He led 4A in AVG (.536) and produced a 1.507 OPS! Congrats Klayton!  Read More

The Davenport Public Library | Main has officially opened their new makerspace, Studio 321 to the public! The Davenport Public Library’s mission is to connect a diverse community to resources that inform, enrich, educate, and entertain. Studio 321, which is a place in which people with shared interests, especially in computing or technology, can gather to work on projects while sharing ideas, equipment and knowledge. Studio 321 is designed to encourage individuals to innovate, explore their creativity and ingenuity, and to collaborate with and inspire others. Now open by appointment only, individuals... Read More

Brittney Griner is free. Of course, Griner never should’ve been imprisoned in the first place, thrown into jail for an offense that’s as ridiculous as it is minor in a country that has far greater things to address than minor cannabis possession. But while this is a time for Griner and her loved ones to be celebrating, it’s also a time of incredible hypocrisy for the United States, and many of the politicians grandstanding about her release. Before Joe Biden, Kamala Harris (whose horrible history with imprisoning pot offenders is well documented) or anyone in a position... Read More

This week, a bill backed by Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) to combat sexual harassment and assault passed the U.S. House of Representatives with broad bipartisan support. Led by Congresswoman Lois Frankel and Congressman Ken Buck, he the Speak Out Act would void nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) for claims of sexual assault and harassment. WATCH: Bustos Speaks in Support of Speak Out Act The Senate voted to pass the Speak Out Act unanimously on September 29, 2022. The bill now heads to the White House for President Biden’s signature. “For way too long a sinister culture of silence has protected... Read More