River Cities' Reader

ARIES (March 21-April 19): On the sci-fi TV show Stargate SG-1, benevolent aliens known as the Asgard visit Earth to seek assistance from a secret US government team. The ultra-advanced, hyper-intelligent Asgard have been unable to defeat their great nemesis, another alien species called the Replicators. Their hope is that their primitive partners, the humans, might stumble onto some basic, straightforward answer that their own sophisticated minds can’t see. The gamble pays off.

Faculty member James Godde (on bike) is pictured with the four students he led on a tour of Wisconsin. From the left are Calvin Cotton, Grant Haste, Lennon Klinck and Lexi Serpette MONMOUTH, ILLINOIS (August 25, 2026) — Steep hills. Dehydration. Uncooperative tents. Cold. Flat tires. Balky gears. The police. Yes, the deck seemed stacked against four Monmouth College student bicycle riders led by faculty member James Godde but, in the end, they couldn't be stopped.

CLIVE, IOWA (August 25, 2026) — The Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) has welcomed Sadie Heath as its new Programs and Events Manager, bringing a lifelong connection to agriculture and a strong background in agricultural communications, outreach and marketing to the organization. Heath grew up on her family’s third-generation dairy farm near Tony, Wisconsin, where she and her four siblings represent the fourth generation of the family operation.

WEST DES MOINES, IOWA (August 25, 2026) — Whether they studied osteopathic medicine, public health, or biomedical sciences at 722 Sixth Avenue, 3200 Grand Avenue or the new campus at 8025 Grand Avenue, graduates of Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences share one thing in common: the degrees they earned prepared them to care, to lead and to serve. It's a physical therapist helping patients regain balance and confidence after the disorienting effects of dizziness.

ANKENY, IOWA (August 25, 2026) — The Iowa Biodiesel Board is sounding a warning that reported increases in small refinery exemptions under the federal Renewable Fuel Standard threaten to unwind months of hiring and investment at biodiesel plants across the state, just as producers ramp up to meet the moment on volumes the federal government asked of them. According to reports, exemptions for the 2025 compliance year could top 1.8 billion Renewable Identification Number credits.

DAVENPORT, IOWA (August 25, 2026) — Effective August 31, 2026, River Bend Food Bank’s NorthPark and SouthPark pantries will have new hours. This adjustment will improve the service guests receive, as well as help the River Bend team accommodate the increased need.

ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (August 25, 2026) — Augustana College’s Bachelor of Science degree program in Engineering has been accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, a non-profit, ISO 9001-certified quality-assurance organization. Through the accreditation of academic programs, recognition of credentials, and assessment of student learning, ABET supports excellence in education worldwide. The accreditation is effective October 1, 2024.

ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (August 25, 2026) — Please join us for a ribbon-cutting for SAL Community Services October 22, 10AM, at 2101 11th Street, Rock Island, Illinois, 61201. The new 32,500-square-foot early child-care and education center will meet the growing needs of our community with: • Twelve bright, modern classrooms to expand enrollment capacity. • Intergenerational learning opportunities with Friendship Manor residents — only the third model of its kind in Illinois.

Saturday, September 5, 4:45 p.m. Capitol Theatre, 330 West Third Street, Davenport IA Touring in support of their forthcoming album, Fatal Paradox set for release November 27, the Grammy-nominated metalcore rockers of Hatebreed headline a September 5 concert at Davenport's Capitol Theatre, lead vocalist and co-founder Jamey Jasta performing with his outfit more than 30 years after their debut.

7 Bridges: The Ultimate Eagles Experience at the Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse -- September 10 and 11.