Education

“Alice’s Ordinary People” is screening at the East Moline Public Library, 745 16th Avenue, on Friday, February 6th, starting at 6 p.m. Director Craig Dudnick will be in attendance for a Q&A session following the screening.

Jim Mertens talks with Iowa State Rep. Taylor Collins about changing what's taught in Iowa universities and also talks with John Deere historian Neil Dahlstrom about John Deere's 222nd birthday.

On Jan. 20, 2026, Blackhawk Fire Protection District firefighter Ali Jasim jumped from the I-74 Bridge into the icy waters of the Mississippi River, ending his young life. Haley DeGreve, founder and CEO of the Gray Matters Collective, who has worked tirelessly for years as a suicide prevention advocate, wants to help be sure that never happens to another person.

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC), seven manufacturers, and Grow Quad Cities are forming a new chapter of the Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME), the first in Iowa. Grow Quad Cities Vice President of Business Retention, Expansion, and Workforce, Chris Caves, said Riverbend FAME’s focus is on a single occupation: manufacturing maintenance technicians.

Jim Mertens talks with Rock Island Mayor Ashley Harris about the State of Rock Island. He also talks with Brian Alm, Egyptologist and CommUniversity lecturer, about the opportunities the community can take advantage of at CommUniversity.

The reintroduction of beavers into the English countryside brings environmental benefits along with problems to the landowners. More information at qcenvironmentalfilmseries.org.

The Dubuque Museum of Art is hosting an event showcasing the works of Diné (Navajo) artist, Will Wilson, in conversation with 20th century photographer Edward Sheriff Curtis (1868-1952).

In the past, students at the Rock Island private liberal-arts school volunteered without sustained relationships with organizations and neighbors beyond campus. Last spring, that changed to form Participate, a student-led initiative within Augustana’s Office of Student Life and Leadership designed to link students more consistently with community partners across Rock Island and the Quad Cities.

The Porter McNeil Public Service Foundation will award two $2,500 scholarships a year to graduating seniors from Moline High School who are pursuing education in public service, civic engagement, or social impact fields. Applications are open now through April 30, 2026.

In response to the federal government’s anti-DEI policies and orders, more than 400 colleges and universities have eliminated or rebranded programs and centers that promote diversity, equity and inclusion, including at the Rock Island private liberal-arts school.