Rock Island Line

In this episode, Annika sits down with Adam Peters, Director of Operations at Clock, Inc., an LGBTQ+ community center based in Rock Island, Illinois. Adam shares his personal connection to Rock Island and the powerful, affirming work Clock is doing to support LGBTQ+ individuals across the region. We dive into big questions and urgent topics, including: 🏳️‍🌈 The core values of freedom and belongin...

In today's episode, Annika interviews Thurgood Brooks. You have probably heard his name if you pay any attention to Rock Island politics and leadership. Annika and Thurgood discuss the generations that came to Rock Island before him, how faith, athletics, and politics shaped his upbringing, how he sets out, not to "help" people in Rock Island, but to set up systems and make connections that create...

In this episode of Rock Island Line , we sit down with Dylan Parker, Fifth Ward Alderman and the longest-serving—and youngest—member of the Rock Island City Council. Dylan moved to Rock Island from Davenport in 2011, drawn by the city's historic charm and tight-knit neighborhoods. Now serving his third term, he brings a deep commitment to egalitarianism and democratic socialism to his work in loca...

Express Episodes cover important city meetings in, hopefully, 5 minutes or less. This episode covers the 6.23.25 Rock Island City Council meeting. You can watch the meeting HERE .  Visit www.rockislandline.com to learn more about all the cool things going on at Rock Island Line. 

In this episode of Rock Island Line , I sit down with Mark Poulos , 6th Ward Alderman of Rock Island. Mark shares his life story—growing up in poverty in Rock Island, serving in the military during the Vietnam War, and spending 33 years on the Rock Island police force. We also dig into one of the biggest issues facing Illinois cities today: the rising costs of police pensions. It's a candid and th...

Please enjoy this conversation with Jenni Swanson, 4th ward alderwoman of Rock Island, IL.  Jenni and I discuss her relocation to Rock Island, what she loves about the city and how she sees Rock Island's identity, the most common reasons residents reach out, the downtown redevelopment, projects going on in the 4th ward, the controversy surrounding the Milan Bottms, ARPA funding, and what she views...

Your update on what went down at the Rock Island City Council meeting on June 9th, 2025 in under 5 minutes. Watch the full meeting here.    

Rock Island's new Mayor, Ashley Harris, discusses his life, what inspired him to run for Mayor, and how he understands his role in our community.  Find links to the following items referenced in our episode.  Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Parenting Pyramid Research on first-generation college students Music:  Intro train horn: Robert Mitchell's Love Letter to the Midwest clip from YouTube Intro/Outr...

Welcome to Rock Island Line. Today's episode features Don Wooten, a Rock Island storyteller and teacher extraordinaire. You can learn more about Don HERE .  You can also check out the Genesius Guild and WVIK by clicking the links.  If you'd like more information about Rock Island Line or to donate to support the work we (which is just me, Annika) are doing, please visit www.rockislandline.com .  M...

Express episodes bring you important city meeting overviews in 5 minutes or less. This episode covers the Rock Island City Council meeting on May 19, 2025.  Click the following links related to the meeting for more information:  Mississippi River Action Rock Island Historic Preservation Society Whitewater Junction Rock Island Downtown Alliance View the full meeting HERE This episode is hosted by A...