The Cities

Jim Mertens talks with Alexander Gibbs, Quad City National Weather Service Meteorologist, about what kind of weather we can expect in the weeks ahead this spring. Jim then talks with YouthHope Executive Director Esther Joy King about the 90th anniversary of YouthHope.

Jim Mertens talks with Bettendorf Police Chief Doug Scott about the steps the police are taking to better handle mental health crisis. Jim also talks with Dr. Gouri Pitale, VP of Augustana College for Culture & Connections about how and why diversity, equity, and inclusion are important in higher education.

Jim Mertens talks with Bettendorf School Superintendent Dr. Michelle Morse about the changes the legislature is considering.

Jim talks with Beth Richardson, Canadian Counsul General in Minneapolis, about the increasing tension between the US and Canada. Jim also talks with Joseph Patrick Dooley of the St. Patrick Society of the Quad Cities about the St. Patricks Grand Parade that spans Rock Island and Davenport.

Jim Mertens talks with Christine Barth of the Scott Country Library System about their new collection of phonics based books and resources. He also talks with Christina Kastell, Putnam Museum Curator, about her new podcast that focuses on the history of the Quad Cities in the lead up to America's 250th birthday.

Jim talks with Sara K. about the signs of human trafficking and also talks with wildlife biologist Kelly McKay about eagle counting.

Jim talks with Moline Mayor Rayapati about the state of the city and what we can expect in this new year.

Jim Mertens talks with Iowa State Rep. Taylor Collins about changing what's taught in Iowa universities and also talks with John Deere historian Neil Dahlstrom about John Deere's 222nd birthday.

Jim Mertens talks with Rock Island Mayor Ashley Harris about the State of Rock Island. He also talks with Brian Alm, Egyptologist and CommUniversity lecturer, about the opportunities the community can take advantage of at CommUniversity.

In this episode Jim Mertens talks with Illinois lawmakers, who have just returned to the state capitol for a new session, about what to expect in the new year.

In this episode Jim Mertens talks with Iowa Representative Gary Mohr and Iowa Senator Cindy Winckler about what we can expect during the 2026 Iowa legislative session.

Jim speaks with Michael Glanz from The Arc of the Quad Cities about the passing of the new Dignity and Pay Act in Illinois and how it will positively impact sub minimum wages and Jim talks with Sarah Benson and Tresa Andrews of the Parent Mentor Program about their positive impact on local schools and students.

Jim talks with Bishop Dennis Walsh, of the Diocese of Davenport, about the death of the pope, the conclave, and where the Catholic Church is going regarding goals for the future.

This episode we are on location at the Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, IL. Jim speaks with the Commander of the Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology center, COL. David Guida, about the foundry and legacy of the Rock Island Arsenal and Jim talks with S. Patrick Allie, the Rock Island Arsenal Museum Director, about recent renovations and new exhibits.

Jim talks with Reverend Rich Hendricks from the Metropolitan Community Church and Tyler Mitchell from the Project of the Quad Cities about the new administration and how policies are impacting people from the LQBTQ+ community.

Jim talks with the General Manager of WQPT PBS, Dawn Schmitt and WVIK NPR's General Manger/CEO about the recission package that made its way to the senate floor and if the recision package is passed, it would defund public media of all federal funding for the next two fiscal years.