Regional topics and issues
that matter.

Jim Mertens talks with U.S Rep. Eric Sorensen (Illinois) about the latest budget bill passage, budget security, and whether there will be an agreement on a farm bill in a timely manner.

Broadcast date: April 4, 2024.

Jim talks with Kirk Marske, Moline Centre Program Manager, about creating a plan for downtown Moline. Plus, Karree Fah, Hiney Heros of the Quad Cities, discusses the financial burden of baby diapers and how the organization helps.

Broadcast date: March 28, 2024

Jim talks with East Moline Mayor Reggie Freeman about bold decisions for the East Moline downtown region, investments in policing, infrastructure, and other city services, and plans to build a city government that is as diverse as the city itself.

Broadcast date: March 21, 2023

Jim talks with Illinois State Representative Gregg Johnson about politics, legislative priorities, and a bi-partisan measure that better protects people who work in prisons. Jim then talks with Denny Hitchcock about what's coming up at Circa 21.

Broadcast date: March 13, 2024

Jim talks with Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms about Rock Island's plans for progress in the coming year.

Broadcast date: March 6, 2024

Jim talks with Moline Mayor Sangeetha Rayapati about Moline's plans for the newly opened waterfront.

Broadcast date: February 29, 2024

Jim talks with Sound Conservancy Founder Andrej Kozlowski about their future and new location, the old Moline Carnegie Library. Plus, Max Bigalk, United Way VITA Coordinator, discusses the Volunteer Income Tax Assistant Program.

Broadcast date: February 22, 2024

Jim Mertens talks with Matt Wilson, Hydrologist for the National Weather Service, about the potential of spring flooding. Plus, Scott Peake, Putnam Museum Marketing Director, discusses the discovery unearthed in the museum vaults.

Broadcast date: February 15, 2024

Host Jim Mertens talks with Keith Boeckelman, Western Illinois University Professor of Political Science about what we can expect after the caucus and primary.

Broadcast date: February 8, 2024

Jim speaks with Kassie Daly, Western Illinois University Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Transfer Services, about the FAFSA delay and the steps students should take to prepare for college. Jim also talks with Brad Harvey about the past Quad Cities music scene and the possibility of a music museum in the Quad Cities.

Broadcast date: February 1, 2024

Jim speaks with West Side Revitalization Coordinator Thurgood Brooks and Quad Cities Community Foundation’s Interim Director of Grant-making and Community Initiatives, Kaleigh Trammell, about revitalizing Rock Island’s west side.

Broadcast date: January 25, 2024

Every four years Iowa becomes the epicenter of national politics. Jim talks with Jeanita McNulty, the Chair of Scott County Republicans and Kay Pence, the Chair of Scott County Democrats about the caucus.

Broadcast date: January 18, 2024

Jim talks with the Chairman of the Rock Island County Democratic Party and Illinois State Senator Mike Halpin, about priorities, accomplishments, and failures.

Broadcast date: January 11, 2024

Jim sits down with two veteran Quad City lawmakers, Iowa State Senator Cindy Winckler (Democrat from Davenport) and Iowa State Representative Gary Mohr (Republican from Bettendorf) about expectations for the upcoming session.

Broadcast date: January 4, 2024

Jim talks with Iowa Republican Party Chairman Jeff Kaufmann about the presidential race, caucus history, and the future of the Iowa Caucuses at the heart of Iowa politics since 1976.

Broadcast date: December 28, 2023

Jim visits with Mike Schultz, Editor and Film and Theater Critic for the River Cities' Reader, to continue the holiday tradition of discussing the best and worst movies of the year.

Broadcast date: December 21, 2023

Jim speaks with Visit Quad Cities President and Chief Executive Director, Dave Herrell about what is planned for and what we learned from 2023. Jim talks with Lisa Levy of Gilda's Club about healthy ways to cope with holiday stress and sadness.

Broadcast date: December 14, 2023

Jim talks with Wreaths Across America program's Administrative officer Daniel Baltisberger and Local Organizer Jeanne Cook about the local efforts at the Rock Island National Cemetery. Plus, Jim visits with Kevin Maynard, the Quad City Arts Executive Director about the impact the Festival of Trees has on the Quad Cities' community.

Broadcast date: December 7, 2023

Jim talks with the Executive Director of Project NOW, Reverend Dwight Ford, to discuss the safety net designed to ensure everyone gets through the winter safely. Plus, Jim welcomes Brian Allen, the German Heritage Center's new Executive Director, to talk about events waiting for you at the foot of the Centennial Bridge.

Broadcast date: November 30, 2023

Jim talks with the Quad Cities Festival of Trees Interim Administrator, Cheryl DeCap about this year’s festival. As well as, Joedy Cook, the Ballet Quad Cities CEO, about this year’s Nutcracker performance.

Broadcast date: November 16, 2023

Jim talks with Col. Robert Sinklar, Executive Coordinating Director of Corn Belt Ports and Roger Viadero, a Western Illinois University Environmental Scientist on the development and protection of the Mississippi River.

Broadcast date: November 11, 2023

Jim talks with Richard H. "Quijas" Brunk, Rock Island County Board Chairman on the progress and growth of Rock Island. Plus, the 60th anniversary of the Belgian Museum of the Quad Cities with Steve Slininger.

Broadcast date: November 2, 2023