BREAKING NEWS: Illinois High School sports will be put on hold effective immediately, and could be delayed through 2020 and into spring 2021 due to covid-19 mitigations, according to a statement released this evening by IHSA Executive Director Craig Anderson. The statement was released following Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s announcement of moving Illinois to Tier 3 mitigations for covid-19 starting Friday. There’s no set date for the return of sporting activities, however the statement says the IHSA remains “optimistic” for a return soon. The statement reads as follows: IHSA... Read More

BREAKING NEWS (UPDATED): Illinois will be moving back to Tier 3 mitigations starting Friday, closing up restaurants and bars to indoor service, severely curtailing all businesses in the state, shutting down sporting events including youth sports, and more. Governor JB Pritzker announced the move in his coronavirus update at 2:30 p.m. today. “With COVID-19 spread now exponential in every region of the state, our statewide positivity rate at record highs and hospitalizations already surpassing our Spring peak, all 11 regions will move into Tier 3 effective November 20 at midnight,”... Read More

For 14 years, Geneseo’s Seth Ernst Soccer Slam has been an annual tradition of fun and competition for area kids loving the game of soccer. This year, for the first time since its inception, it won’t be held. Seth Ernst officials announced they’re canceling the event for 2021 due to covid, looking to start it up again in 2022. The following email was sent out to area soccer coaches and team officials: Greetings Fans of Seth Ernst Memorial Soccer Slam! Our Executive Committee met to determine whether our 15th annual Slam could take place, and it was decided that in the best interests... Read More

Today is the first day of Iowa’s new covid mitigation plan, but how does the new mandate impact you and your life? At midnight last night, Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds implemented new rules to mitigate the spread of covid-19 in Iowa. The rules impacted all state bars and gathering places, eliminated all sporting events under high school age, and severely limited the number of people able to gather together. What are the rules and how do they potentially change your life and your family’s? Here’s the rundown: When in an indoor public space and unable to socially distance, masks are... Read More

The Quad-Cities has rocketed up to SIXTH among the top 10 worst covid outbreak spots in the nation, according to data from the CDC, the New York Times reported today. According to the data, the Illinois/Iowa Quad-Cities is now inside the top ten most rapidly spiking hot spots nationwide for a second week in a row, roaring from number 13 to number 7 to number 6 in just two weeks. The rising number of Quad-Cities covid-19 cases have put it consistently among in the top 10 worst covid hot spots in the United States over the past month, with other Iowa communities in the top 10. Iowa continues to be... Read More

BREAKING NEWS: Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds just announced sweeping new rules to mitigate the spread of covid-19 in Iowa taking place at midnight which will impact all state bars and gathering places, eliminate all sporting events under high school age, and severely limit the number of people able to gather together. In a press conference shortly after 6 p.m. tonight, Reynolds said that starting at midnight tonight, the following mitigation rules will be in effect: When in an indoor public space and unable to socially distance, masks are required to be worn by all, and masks will be required to be... Read More

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker sounded a somber and sometimes irritated note during his daily press conference on covid-19 today, warning “we’re in for a very difficult few months” and saying we might very soon get to a point where he has “no other choice than to have a mandatory shutdown.” “What will it take to make this real for you?” Pritzker said. “Do we have to reach a positivity rate of 50 percent like we’re seeing in Iowa today? Are you waiting for your health care workers to get sick to a point where you don’t have enough staff in the local... Read More

U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Moline, has tested positive for coronavirus, she posted Monday on Twitter. “I am experiencing mild symptoms, but still feel well. I have been in contact with my medical provider and, per CDC guidance, am self-isolating,” she tweeted. “Consistent with medical advice, I will be working remotely from my home in Illinois until cleared by my physician,” Bustos, 59, wrote. “All individuals that I had been in contact with have been notified. Across the country and the Congressional District I serve, COVID case numbers are skyrocketing.” “We must all continue to... Read More

A new shutdown and restrictions could be coming this week as covid numbers continued to skyrocket in the Illinois and Iowa Quad-Cities and their respective regions and states over the weekend. The Illinois Quad-Cities’ region’s positive testing number roared to almost 15 percent (at 14.6), as all regions in the state moved over the 12 percent positivity rate, triggering numbers Governor JB Pritzker said could lead to a lockdown, especially with the Thanksgiving holiday looming. On Nov. 15, the Rock Island County Health Department reported 104 new COVID-19 cases, bringing the total number... Read More

Although the COVID-19 situation remains critical, UnityPoint Health – Trinity wants to remind everyone they should not delay seeking necessary care. Safety remains the top priority for UnityPoint Health – Trinity and, at this time, they continue to accept patients. “We know this is a trying time in our fight against COVID-19, but our community must know that getting the care they need is also essential,” said Dr. David Williams, UnityPoint Health Chief Clinical Officer. “Please, do not delay care if you need it. Emergencies don’t wait. We’re here, safe and ready for you.” If you... Read More