River Cities' Reader

DUBUQUE, IOWA (October 14, 2026) — The University of Dubuque recognized seven outstanding alumni and friends for their achievements on campus, in their communities, and around the world during the 2026 Alumni Award Presentation at the President’s Homecoming Celebration on Friday, October 9, in Babka Theatre, Heritage Center. Award-winners were also celebrated at halftime of the Homecoming football game on Saturday, October 10, on Chalmers Field.

MACOMB/MOLINE, ILLINOIS (October 14, 2026) — Western Illinois University’s School Counseling Program has been named among the “Best Master’s in School Counseling” programs for 2027 by MastersinCounseling. “WIU’s school counseling program meets the high demand for qualified professionals in Illinois and Iowa through rigorous academic study, practical clinical training, and active K-12 involvement.

ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (October 14, 2026) — MVBS.org presents Brother John Kattke, a renowned Chicago blues musician, celebrated for his guitar, keyboard, and vocal performances, as well as decades of collaborations with legendary artists. His musical journey began at an early age, with piano lessons at 6, violin at 9, and guitar at fourteen. His passion for the blues was sparked after hearing the legendary Albert King.

DIXON, IOWA (October 14, 2026) — On Saturday, October 17, 6:30PM,there will be a Halloween Hikeheld at the Wapsi River Environmental Education CenterinDixon, Iowa. Join Naturalist Mike for an educational adventure to learn about mysterious and misunderstood animals. At 5PM, there will be an open fire for grilling. Please bring your own food items and we will provide the fire and roasting sticks. The hike will begin at 6:30PM with a spooky scavenger hunt afterwards.

DECORAH, IOWA (October 14, 2026) — Winners of the American Prize in Chamber Music, Seraph Brass will perform at 7:30PM, Friday, October 30, in the Center for Faith and Life (CFL) Main Hall at Luther College. "Luther College is thrilled to welcome Seraph Brass, an all-woman quintet of horn, two trumpets, trombone, and tuba, which tours throughout the world," said Susan Potvin, director of programming and outreach. "Seraph Brass is a highlight of this season.

DAVENPORT, IOWA (October 14, 2026) — The Davenport Fire Department is excited to welcome the community to its upcoming Fire Station Open Houses! On Saturday, October 17, 9-11AM, community members are invited to visit any Davenport fire station for a behind-the-scenes look at their local firehouse. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the station, explore fire apparatus up close, and learn more about the important services and operations each station provides.

MOLINE, ILLINOIS (October 14, 2026) — La Catrina Plus, a new specialty retail store, has opened at 430 12th St in downtown Moline, across from Mercado on Fifth. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Monday, October 26, 9:30AM, to celebrate the opening of La Catrina Plus. The store offers a variety of Mexican groceries, household supplies, spices, teas, cultural arts, crafts, clothing, hats, purses, bedding, piñatas, and other specialty items.

Aledo Opera House, Aledo IL Blue Grass Drive-in, Blue Grass IA Davenport 53rd 18 + IMAX, Davenport IA FilmScene, Iowa City IA The Last Picture House, Davenport IA Marcus Sycamore Cinema, Iowa City IA Putnam Museum & Science Center, Davenport IA VIP Cinemas, Moline IL Voy 61 Drive In Theatre, Delmar IA (Hyperlinked titles take you to Reader reviews; IMDb hyperlinks take you to the films’ Internet Movie Database pages or other sites with film information.) *** Aa Bata Aama (not rated; Marcus...

My frustration with the looming 2026 midterm election is that so few candidates, whether incumbents or challengers, deserve my vote. Most incumbent career politicians stopped representing voting constituencies long ago. Newbie challengers hit the ground running in place, relegated to the fringe and saddled with newbie duties, such as marathon fund raising for their respective parties – duties deliberately designed to distract away from the serious business occurring elsewhere.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Before Aries-born Maya Angelou became a celebrated author, she was San Francisco's first Black female streetcar conductor, a calypso dancer, a cook, a journalist in Ghana, and an actress. She didn't publish her first memoir until she was 41. She spoke six languages and refused to believe that any single identity could contain her. I offer her as your role model in the coming weeks, Aries. It’s time to celebrate the wondrous truth that you don't have to be just one thing.