ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (August 11, 2026)  Quad City Arts’ Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Ben Gougeon as the organization’s next Executive Director, effective August 10, 2026.

DES MOINES, IOWA (August 11, 2026) — The Iowa College Foundation (ICF) has announced a strategic partnership with Handshake, the nation's leading early-career network, marking a significant step in ICF's efforts to strengthen connections between Iowa's independent colleges and universities, employers, and the state's future workforce.

These workers make their way back to the ground after installing the Greek letters at the new home of Sigma Phi Epsilon

MONMOUTH, ILLINOIS (August 11, 2026) — Over the past year, a new Monmouth College facility hasn't risen from the ground, but that doesn't mean it hasn't been a busy year in terms of physical upgrades.

More than a dozen projects, which touch several areas of campus life, have been completed or are almost finished.

MOLINE, ILLINOIS (August 11, 2026) — This back-to-school season, Staples is partnering with Junior Achievement to support students through its programs that provide access to mentorship, life-changing educational experiences, career-connected learning, and more.

ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (August 11, 2026) — QC PastPort and Visit Quad Cities will hold a ribbon-cutting Tuesday, August 18, 3PM, with the help of the City of Rock Island to unveil an interactive, historical destination marker focused on Dred Scott’s experience living here in the Quad Cities from 1833-1836. This will be the ninth destination installed through the help of Visit Quad Cities and the 26th destination installed through the work of QC PastPort in Rock Island.

DAVENPORT, IOWA (August 10, 2026) — Cancer Support Community Iowa and NW Illinois at Gilda’s Club is hosting an educational workshop offered at NO COST for anyone in the community impacted by cancer.

BETTENDORF, IOWA (August 10, 2026) — Alternating Currents returns August 13-16 with its biggest festival yet, transforming Downtown Davenport, Rock Island, and Bettendorf into a four-day celebration of music, film, comedy, art, culture, and creativity. With more than 230 events, representing 600+ individual artists and creatives, fifty-plus venues, and free admission, the festival offers countless opportunities for attendees to discover something unexpected around every corner.

DES MOINES, IOWA (August 9, 2026) — Governor Kim Reynolds has appointed Martin Noven, former Executive Director of the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System, as the next CEO of the Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS). The appointment is effective August 24, 2026.

“Martin Noven knows what it means to partner with industry leaders, trustees, policymakers and legislators to deliver long-term outcomes and strong fund performance,” said Gov Reynolds.

BETTENDORF, IOWA (August 9, 2026) — Statewide and local candidates will speak at the annual Scott County Democrats picnic on Sunday, August 16, 12-3PM, at Veterans Memorial Park in Bettendorf.

Candidates include the following:

● First District Congress: Christina Bohannan

● State Attorney General: Nate Willems

● State Auditor: Taylor Wettach

● State Treasurer: John Norwood

● Secretary of Agriculture: Chris Jones

● Secretary of State: Ryan Peterman

LECLAIRE, IOWA (August 9, 2026) — Get ready for one of the most unique summer festivals in the country as LeClaire, Iowa, and Port Byron, Illinois, gear up for the 39th annual Tug Fest, August 13-15, 2026. This three-day celebration blends small-town charm with big-time fun — including carnival rides, live entertainment, a grand parade, fireworks, and the only inter-state Tug-of-War competition over the Mississippi River.

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