Jim Mertens

The Cities

News EN ↓ 20 episodes

The Cities is a local features program hosted by Jim Mertens, broadcast on WQPT on Thursdays at 7:00 P.M.

Author

Jim Mertens

Episodes

Planning a New Centennial Bridge 11.07.2026 25:01

What Happened 250 Years Ago on Indepedence Day? 04.07.2026 26:33

What happened 250 years ago on Independence Day and learning more about our Founding Fathers.

Davenport Riverfront Bridge and the Future of Public Broadcasting 27.06.2026 25:49

Illinois Legislative Session - Democrat 20.06.2026 25:09

Jim talks with Illinois State Rep Gregg Johnson (D) about the final moments of the Illinois legislative session.

The End of the 2026 Illinois Legislative Session: Democrats 13.06.2026 25:51

A New Centennial Bridge? 06.06.2026 25:03

Host Jim Mertens talks with Michael Kuehn of the Illinois Transportation Department about the plans for the current Centennial Bridge and what the future might hold.

Homelessness and Changes to Quad Cities International Airport 30.05.2026 27:15

Iowa Democrats Watch the 2026 Session End, and a Series of Adventures...Volunteer? 23.05.2026 24:08

Iowa Lawmaker's End Their Session. What Did They Do? 16.05.2026 25:42

Farmers Looking for a Little Certainty and Mercado on 5th Celebrating, Looking to the Future 09.05.2026 28:41

East Moline's next phase of infrastructure and regulating Kratom. 02.05.2026 27:38

Dangerous Weather / YouthHope 25.04.2026 27:06

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.

To the Moon and Beyond, and Removing Language Barriers in our Schools. 18.04.2026 24:46

The Political Landscape in Illinois for 2026, and Burlesque Festivals and Events. 11.04.2026 26:23

Dangers along the Rock River and the Boys of Summer take the field. 04.04.2026 25:58

The Holocaust remembered through music and empowering women's entrepreneurship, innovation, and career development. 28.03.2026 26:23

Mental Health and The Police 21.03.2026 27:56

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.

Tough Decisions in Iowa Schools 13.03.2026 27:26

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

Canadian Tariffs and Celebrating Irish Traditions and the Great Parade. 07.03.2026 27:39

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.

Learn to Read & Historic QC 21.02.2026 26:15

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.