Described by the New York Times as "an important humorist in the classic tradition" and "a modern-day Dorothy Parker," a living legend brings her national tour to Galesburg's Orpheum Theatre in the special November 9 event An Evening with Fran Lebowitz, with the revered social commentator offering acerbic views on current events and the media – as well as pet peeves including tourists, baggage-claim areas, after-shave lotion, adults who roller skate, children who speak French, or anyone who is unduly tan.

Held in conjunction with the German American Heritage Center's current exhibition The White Rose: The Student Resistance Against Hitler, Munich 1942-1943, noted scholar and speaker Dr. Jud Newborn will deliver the October 21 presentation Speaking Truth to Power: The White Rose, recounting how Sophie Scholl and her brother Hans – formerly fanatical Hitler Youth leaders – transformed to become icons of civil courage and the greatest heroes of the German anti-Nazi resistance.

Described by comedian, podcast host, and New York Times bestselling author Marc Maron as “a gonzo warrior” and “one of the great American wild men,” standup comedian Kreischer brings his national tour to Moline's Vibrant Arena at the MARK on October 28, his recent credits including the podcasts 2 Bears, 1 Cave and Bertcast and the popular Netflix specials Secret Time and Hey Big Boy.

Offered as a special presentation by the World Affairs Council of the Quad Cities, the timely lecture program A Special Journey to Ukraine will be presented at the Bettendorf Public Library on October 25, with Ukraine native Lyuda Lyashenko describing her April visit to the Eastern European country as she helped deliver medical supplies to those suffering in Ukraine's current war with Russia.