MACOMB, ILLINOIS (September 21, 2026) — On Monday, September 21, Western Illinois University (WIU) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new Emergency Operations Center, cementing WIU’s emergency-management program and School of Law Enforcement and Justice Administration (LEJA) spot as one of the nation’s best.

GALESBURG, ILLINOIS (September 21, 2026) — The Knox College Music Department is proud to announce the 2026-27 Knox Jazz Year, bringing an exceptional lineup of nationally and internationally acclaimed musicians to Galesburg for performances, residencies, workshops, and collaborations with Knox students.

This year's schedule builds on relationships that Knox has developed with musicians over many years, with several artists returning to Galesburg in new projects and configurations.

BURLINGTON, IOWA (September 21, 2026) — Athleticism, artistry and contemporary choreography will take center stage Friday, October 2, when Water Street Dance Milwaukee opens the Burlington Civic Music Association’s 97th season at the Capitol Theater in downtown Burlington.

The performance begins at 7PM at the Capitol, 211 N Third St.

MACOMB/MOLINE, ILLINOIS (September 21, 2026) — The Corn Belt Ports Rural Maritime and Logistics Training and Education Consortium has been designated a 2026 Center of Excellence for Domestic Maritime Workforce Training and Education by the US Maritime Administration (MARAD).