The Cities with Jim Mertens: Recent Episodes
WQAD
The Cities with News 8's Jim Mertens is a product of WQAD News 8 and WQPT PBS.
What's going on in the Quad Cities, activities, events, fun, politics, sports, local issues and opinions.
Watch full episodes of The Cities on WQPT PBS on Thursdays at 7 p.m., Sundays at 4 p.m. and Mondays at 6 p.m.
Jim talks with western Illinois University Supreme Court and Constitutional Law professor Dr. Richard Hardy about revelations from the Supreme Court about overturning Roe v. Wade
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with ImpactLife's Kirby Winn about a year-long effort to have blood donations turn into cash to help Ukrainians fighting Russian aggression
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Erica Lee, director of the Safer Foundation Quad Cities as the Biden administration announces expanded plans to stop recidivism among released prison inmates
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Clock, Inc. president Becky Castaneda as the group expands into new facilities in an effort to help more people in the LGBTQ+ community
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Iowa Workforce Development director Beth Townsend who says workers are in the "driver's seat" in the jobs economy right now
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Western Illinois University Veterans Resource director Ronald Pettigrew about WIU's commitment to helping military veterans succeed throughout their college career
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Jon Gainer of Davenport, the head of Eastern European operations for KontaktMission, a Christian-based group setting up refugee operations in Romania
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Illinois State Sen. Win Stoller of Peoria about the passage of the state budget
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Janet Hill of the Rock Island County Health Department about the current COVID case rates and the programs that lost emphasis in the midst of the pandemic
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Illinois State Climatologist Dr. Trent Ford about the weather trends for the Spring of 2022 and the long-range impact of climate change in our region
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Western Illinois University's Maria Ramos Aguilar, the new business advisor for the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs and the Small Business Development Center
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig about the fears of avian flu spreading in state flocks, the impact of the Ukrainian War on Iowa agriculture, and the future of farming in a high tech world
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Bison Bridge Foundation consultant Matthew Hughes about new state support from Illinois lawmakers that could make the unique proposal for an old bridge a possibility
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Jim talks with Drake University political scientist Dr. Dennis Goldford about the challenges Iowa faces to keep its status as first in Presidential politics
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Jim talks with Kelly Rundle of Fourth Wall Films about the documentary of Iowa-native Jean Seberg who was the target of an FBI smear campaign due to her support for the Black Panthers
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Jim talks with Bishop Louis Tylka, the new Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria, the new leader of the Church upon the retirement of Bishop Daniel Jenky
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Western Illinois University Economics professor Dr. William Polley about the US and European-led sanctions against Russia for its invasion into Ukraine
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talk with Western Illinois University political science chairman Dr. Keith Boeckelman about the impact of the 22-count federal indictment against former Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Genesis Health System chief medical officer Dr. Kurt Andersen as the Omicron variant surge subsides but questions remain about the virus' and the health care industry's future grows
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Jim talks with Monmouth College political scientist Dr. Andre Audette as Ukraine defends itself from a Russian invasion, and the United States feels the economic and political impact of a war that's a world away
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Jim talks with Stephanie Hintermeister of the Quad City chapter of the National Association of Women in Construction as the group continues its efforts to get more girls and women involved in the construction and trades fields
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Christine Haley, the first-ever Homelessness Chief about her priorities as Illinois comes out of a pandemic-induced housing crisis
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate as the state enters the 2022 election season with new voting rules, changed election laws, more scrutiny of voting, and the need for more poll workers in the state
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Col. Jesse Curry, commander of the Rock Island District of the US Army Corps of Engineers which has been awarded $1.2 billion in federal funding for 2022 infrastructure projects throughout the region
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Jim talks with Christina McDonough, the coordinator of the Food Rescue Partnership, the Quad City coalition that is trying to divert food discarded by restaurants and grocery stores to needy families and others
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with State Rep. Norine Hammond (R-Macomb) about Gov. JB Pritzker's budget plan and the impact it could have on higher education
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Western Illinois University School of Education's Dr. Lindsay Meeker as the school joins a unique partnership that focuses on "child care deserts" and career-driven students
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Illinois Public Health director Dr. Ngozi Ezike about the future of mandates, the next big breakthrough, and the public that doesn't believe her as Illinois marks the start of the third year of the COVID pandemic.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with iowa Gv. Kim Reynolds who proposed a 4% flat tax, repeal of retirement income taxes, reduction in unemployment compensation for jobless workers, and a full agenda for the state legislature to consider.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Iowa State Sen. Chris Cournoyer (R-LeClaire, Iowa) about taxes, "obscene" books in school, and her priorities as the 2022 Legislative Session begins
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Western Illinois University School of Agriculture director Dr. Andy Baker as the department gets national attention for the work it's doing with the next generation of farming
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Western Illinois University assistant vice president Dr. Kristi Mindrup about the second half of the 2021-22 school year as students face COVID, new school programs, and efforts to increase enrollment.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with the President-Elect of the Illinois State Medical Society, Dr. Clarence Brown, about the challenges in health care as we enter Year 3 of the COVID pandemic
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Rock Island County Health Department's Janet Hill about the spike in cases as we head into 2022, the on-going vaccination push, and what the new year may look like for public health here at home
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Emily Codling, talent manager at the Quad Cities Chamber, about the effort to bring veterans to Scott County with the lure of jobs, housing, and tax breaks
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Scott County public health director Amy Thoreson as COVID numbers rise, hospitals say they're running out of room, and the worst could still come in early 2022
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with the executive director of the Red Cross of the Quad Cities, Trish Burnett, as emergency workers head to tornado ravaged Kentucky as they also tend to fires closer to home
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Jim talks with the Vice President of Museum Experience at the Putnam Museum, Benjamin Johnson, about plans for a more inclusive update to the museum's permanent history exhibit
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Jim talks with RSM deputy chief economist Kevin Depew as he takes a look at the underlying health of the US economy as we enter 2022 with record inflation and bottled up supply chain issues
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Jim talk with Orpheum Theatre's Tom Holmes as the historic Galesburg vaudeville house makes the most of Christmas 2021 with plans for a fun 2022
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Jim talks with Visit Quad Cities Executive Director Dave Herrell after a new report finds that tourism fell 21% fromits 2019 levels due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with German American Heritage Center executive director Kelly Lau as Christmas events close out 2021 and the Center prepares for 2022.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Interstate 74 Corridor project manager George Ryan about nearing the completion of the Interstate 74 bridge, the centerpiece of a billion dollar construction project
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Jim talks with Project NOW Executive Director Rev. Dwight Ford regarding the increase in Rock Island County evictions, the program aimed at keeping people in their homes, and the fear of hiking energy prices for peopler this winter.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Rock Island County Board chairman Richard Brunk about the County reapportionment plan, its search for a new County Administrator, the impact of the Deere strike, and what happens next with the abandoned Courthouse.
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Jim talks with Moline Centre Main Street program director Geoff Manis about plans to put COVID-19 behind and make this year's holiday season brighter for downtown Moline.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Henderson County Health administrator Angela Myers who is having troubles enough getting adults vaccinated and worries about COVID vaccinations for children
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Quad City Health Initiative executive director Nicole Carkner about the 2021 Community Assessment that looks at what's healthy and not healthy in our area.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Liberty Justice Center attorney Daniel Suhr about the Illinois Health Care Right of Conscience Act that is the basis if his lawsuit protecting six Kankakee nurses.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Lt Col Stephen Garrington (ret.), director of the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities, about the post-COVID flights.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Dan Gosa, president of the AFL-CIO Quad City Federation of Labor about the impact of the UAW/Deere strike on other union workers
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with MidAmerican Energy's Geoff Greenwood as the utility announces it expects increases of up to 100% in natural gas bills this winter
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with David Harnish, founder of the High Speed Rail Alliance, on efforts to make sure high speed rail and passenger rail service is funded in the infrastructure bill
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Rock Island Rotary's Bob Swanson about the Rotary Club's celebration of the polio vaccine and the group's effort to vaccinate the world
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with River Bend Food Bank executive director Mike Miller at the onset of the Student Hunger Drive as thousands in Illinois and Iowa face food issues
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Prairie Rivers Network's Catie Gregg after a biannual report on Illinois waterways found increasing, not declining, levels of phosphorus and nitrates
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Jim talks with Iowa Republican Party chairman Jeff Kaufmann about the first proposed redistricting proposal for the state of Iowa.
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Jim talks with the new Vice President for Enrollment Management at Western Illinois University, Dr. Amber Schultz
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Jim talks with Davenport school superintendent TJ Schneckloth about managing COVID mandates and the 2021-2022 school year
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Jim talks with Quad City Symphony Orchestra conductor and music director Mark Russell Smith as the QCSO starts its 107th season
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Jim talks with Mike Lightbody of Iowa Compass, one of the groups being helped by as FEMA grant that continues mental health services through COVID Relief Iowa
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with World Relief's Erica Parrigin as the organizations makes plans for the resettlement of Afghan refugees
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Bucktown Revue's Mike Romkey as the band of entertainers get ready to leave their month's long COVID hibernation and head back to the stage.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with race organizer Roger Ruthhart about the 2021 XStream Rock Island Grand Prix go karting races
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Jim talks with Rock Island County Health's Janet Hill as the number of COVID cases among children, even infants, continues to climb.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Brandon Melton of the Rock Island County Waste Management Agency about budget cuts that forced the agency to rethink recycling services in the county.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Ida Nelson, the mother of Jett Hawkins, who was the four year old behind the statewide initiative to prevent school districts from setting up regulating impacting African American hair styles.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with "Renew Moline's" president Alexandria Elias after the Urban Land Institute's plan for downtown Moline is unveiled with a couple surprises.
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Jim talks with Western Illinois University anthropology professor Heather McIlvaine-Newsad as WIU expands its Cannabis minors while Illinois adds new dispensary licenses around the state.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Col. Shari Bennett, the new commander of the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center and the first Black woman to lead the command.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Rock Island-Milan School Superintendent Dr. Reginald Lawrence as schools weigh safety, education, and rising COVID infection rates.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Community Health Center chief executive officer Tom Bowman about health disparity, COVID vaccine hesitancy, and the mid-Summer increase in big events and COVID cases.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Safer Foundation's Brian Monroe who is using a federal grant to help young offenders learn to live a better life.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Jazmin Newton, Davenport attorney and member of the Iowa Temporary Redistricting Advisory Commission, about Iowa's late start at reapportionment
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Martha Garcia-Tappa about IowaWorks' offerings for people looking for a new career in the new economy.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Quad Cities Chamber President/CEO Paul Rumler about "Operation Scrabble" and the effort to bring as multi-million dollar investment to Davenport.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Anika Martin of the Two Rivers YMCA and its plans to join the Rock island Public Library in renovating the Tri Cities Jewish Center into a new library and fitness complex.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with the new chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, State Rep. Ross Wilburn, as Nevada challenges the state's "first in the nation" caucus.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Betsy Vanausdeln of Churches United of the Quad Cities about its "Thanksgiving in July" food drive campaign
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with UnityPoint Trinity chief medical officer Dr. Toyosi Olutade about the "end" of a pandemic that stretched for more than 400 days.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with the chairman of the Illinois Council on Responsible Fatherhood about the evolving status of dads in society and the pivotal role that cannot e ignored in families
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Jim talks with the founder of Dynamic Pink Dolls, Qunitta Jones, about her influences, her love of dance, and the difference she's making in the community.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with musician Josh Duffee about the 25th anniversary of Josh Duffee and His Orchestra and his love of legendary drummer Gene Krupa.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Illinois State Rep. Mike Halpin about Illinois redistricting, which now faces lawsuits over the Democrat's plans.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Quad City Veterans Administration Clinic Manager Cindy McGee about vaccinations, veterans health, and a quicker way to help vets in rural areas.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Ballet Quad Cities artistic director Courtney Lyon about surviving the pandemic, performing in front of audiences, and the appreciation for the arts that the pandemic renewed in her and others.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Iowa Republican State Sen. Chris Cournoyer about the 2021 session that saw action on taxes, election security, face mask mandates, and more.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Visit Quad Cities Dave Herrell about plans to capitalize on the Summer of 2021 after a pandemic-damaged summer last year.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Rock Island County Health Dept. Chief Operating Officer Janet Hill about the launch of Pfizer vaccines for young teens.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Skip-a-Long mental health therapist Katrina Eirinberg, who has seen first hand the impact of COVID-19 on children
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with retiring U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos (D-Illinois) about her decision not to run for re-election in 2022, partisanship in Washington, and the Biden agenda.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Rock Island County Democratic Party chair Derek Jones about Rep. Cheri Bustos' announcement she will not run for re-election in 2022.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with CHANGE Illinois' Executive Director Madeleine Doubek about the political process of Illinois redistricting and why it's inherently unfair.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Davenport's Nahant Marsh Education Director Amy Loving about the re-opening of the wetlands area after a year of COVID-19
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with the President of the Davenport NAACP, Michael Guster, about the impact of George Floyd's death and how Derek Chauvin's conviction could change policing
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talk with Quad City actor Tom Vacarro about his Parkinson's Disease diagnosis and how he wants more people to learn how to deal with it.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Scott County Health Dept. Clinical Services Manager Roma Taylor about COVID fatigue, immunization hesitancy, and more than 40 years of public service.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talk with Q2030 team member Rev. Dwight Ford about plans to create a non-profit organization to advance the plans to create a more exclusive, forward-thinking community.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Moline Mayor-Elect Sangeetha Rayapai after her election victory over incumbent Mayor Stephanie Acri.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talk with Illinois 4-H Director Dr. Lisa Bouillion Diaz about the group's decision to re-examine its role amid nationwide calls for greater racial diversity and inclusivity.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Thurgood Brooks about his candidacy for Rock Island mayor
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Jim talks with Rock Island Mayor Mike Thoms who is seeking his second four year term as Rock Island's leader.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Moline-Coal Valley School Superintendent Sangeetha Rayapati about her bid to become Moline Mayor
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Tammy Muerhoff, Rock Island County Regional Superintendent about changes in student and teacher precautions in schools.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Rock Island County health Dept's Janet Hill about plans to get everyone vaccinated starting April.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with the new president of Western Illinois University Guiyou Huang about stagnant enrollment, the COVID pandemic, and trouble at the Quad Cities campus.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Bi-State regional Commission executive director Denise Bulat about on-going efforts to mitigate floods in urban and rural areas.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with National Weather Service hydrologist Jessica Brooks about the diminishing chance of serious river flooding this Spring
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Jim talks with Figge Art Museum executive director Michelle Hargrave about the new For America: 200 Years of Painting from the National Academy of Design exhibit
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Jim talks with State rep. Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) about Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker's budget proposal, her priorities, and the future of WIU in the Quad Cities.
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Jim talks with Western Illinois University Economics professor Dr. Thomas Sadler about his newly released textbook "Pandemic Economics".
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Jim talks with CASI president Laura Kopp as the group tries to help seniors register for COVID-19 vaccinations.
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Jim talks with new Davenport Schools Superintendent TJ Schneckloth about getting kids back in classes full time, state mandates on its operations, and what's planned for graduates this Spring.
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Jim talks with Major Robert Doliber about funds raised during the Red Kettle Campaign and plans to offer service to the community in 2021.
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Jim talks with River Bend Foodbank director Michael Miller about the worst times during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the difficult times rebounding right now.
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Jim talks with Rock Island County Health Department's Janet Hill about the vaccinations available and why patience is a virtue these days.
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Jim talks with Breaking Traffick's Maggie Tinsman from the Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking.
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Jim talks with Iowa Republican Party chairman Jeff Kaufmann of the aftereffects of the 2020 election.
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Jim talks with State Representative Dan Swanson (R-Woodhull, IL) who is critical of the sweeping police reforms pushed by Democrats in the state legislature.
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Jim talks with Democratic State Representative Mike Halpin about the safety at the Capitol and his vote to overhaul policing in Illinois.
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Jim talks with Illinois U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos about removing President Trump from office, what it was like inside the Capitol during the mob attack, and why her flight home was so unusual.
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Jim talks with Iowa Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks about the mob attack at the U.S. Capitol and the calls to impeach President Trump
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Jim talks with the Chief Medical Officer of Genesis Health, Dr. Kurt Andersen, after hospital staff become the first in the Quad Cities to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
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Jim talks with Whiteside County public health administrator Cheryl Lee as the county, among the worst hit by COVID in western Illinois, sees lower case counts.
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Jim talks with OSF HealthCare vice president Dr. Mark Meeker about a treatment called BAM, COVID-weary hospital staff, and rural hospitals enduring the pandemic.
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Dr, Toyosi Olutade, MD, chief medical officer for UnityPoint Health – Trinity explains what's happening in the area hospitals amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The hospitals are under stress. Dr. Olutade explains what that means.
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Jim talks with Scott County Democratic leader Elesha Gayman and Scott County Republican chairman David Millage about the highly anticipated 2020 vote that really made little difference.
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Community Health Care's Tom Bowman tells Jim Mertens that his group of medical centers are preparing for the COVID pandemic staying at these levels until the Summer of 2021.
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Jim talks with LULAC Moline Council member Daisy Moran about the growing Hispanic voting population, the reason Hispanic voter turnout is low, and why politicians are undermining their own campaigns by ignoring these voters.
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Is Scott County ready for early voting. Auditor Roxanna Moritz says yes and pints to a successful June Primary.
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Jim talks with John Mills of FEMA as the government agency wraps up its assistance registration program in the Quad Cities to help those hit by the August derecho.
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With the $1.2 billion Interstate 74 bridge nearing its final year of construction, how is Bettendorf capitalizing on all that poured concrete? Jim Mertens talks with Ryan Jantzi, executive director of the Downtown Bettendorf Organization.
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Jim Mertens talks with Interstate 74 Corridor project manager George Ryan about a summer of construction and a timeline to get traffic moving on the new Iowa-bound span of the bridge.
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Augustana College has a new Masters program in Speech-Language Pathology that could go a long way toward training the next generation of people helping children with autism and speech issues as well as adults who suffer hearing loss, strokes, and other medical issues.
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WIU Interim President Dr. Martin Abraham discusses a new school year in the era of COVID-19.
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It's amazing how quickly things can change in a week. The coronavirus pandemic has prompted events to be cancelled, schools to close, travel to be restricted, and some businesses and workers to stand idle.
In the Quad Cities, a group of health experts and community leaders have created the Quad Cities COVID-19 Coalition to help distribute information about the virus and prevention techniques.
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Jim talks with Scott County Republican leader Dave Millage and Scott County Democratic head Elesha Gayman as Iowans get ready for the Caucuses and the 2020 campaign.
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Six local musicians created songs highlighting people who were helped by United Way-supported programs.
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Do you need help facing a mental health crisis? The Quad Cities has new options for you or a loved one.
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Jim talks with organizers of "The Prescription Drug Safety Program" which is starting its second year in Quad City area schools.
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Nahant Marsh soaked up billions of gallons of water. But at a cost.
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Jim talks with the head of a new group that shepherding downtown Bettendorf's growth.
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Jim talks with the executive director of Project NOW and its Head Start director.
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Jim talks with the new acting president of Western Illinois University, Dr. Martin Abraham.
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Jim talks with the new superintendent of Rock Island-Milan schools: Dr. Reginald lawrence.
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Jim talks with First Army Commander Lt. Gen. Thomas James, Jr. about the military's mission on a changing plant and how the Rock Island Arsenal fits into it all.
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Jim talks with the founder of Spotlight on Lyme QCA, Jennifer Russell.
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Jim talks with the Mayor of Moline, Stephanie Acri, and the new City Administrator, Lisa Kotter.
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Jim talks with members of the Quad Cities Community Foundation.
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Jim Mertens talks with freshman Iowa Senator Chris Cournoyer and veteran State Rep. Phyllis Thede about the 2019 Iowa Legislative session.
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Jim talks with Davenport Mayor Frank Klipsch and Scott County Emergency Management director Dave Donovan about the flood wall breach, recovery efforts, and the lasting impact of the flood of 2019.
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An Iowa-based organization, "Women Lead Change" is working with employers to hire, cultivate, and advance women in the workplace. The group is increasing its presence in the Quad Cities.
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Jim Mertens talks with Quad City drummer Josh Duffee about his relation with legendary musician Louie Bellson.
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