Economy

Appointment bookings at the Alchemist Art Studio have been steady in its first month. Owner Grace DeVrieze is seeking artists to decorate the studio located at 1623 2nd Avenue in downtown Rock Island.

As the war with Iran continues driving up the costs for fossil fuels and fertilizer, bipartisan calls are growing for the year-round sale of E-15 to ease gas prices and boost farmer profits. An environmental advocate claims the year-round sale will increase air pollution. They also state the focus on corn and soybeans is deteriorating the state’s soil quality and adding nutrients to waterways, adding to a growing dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Moline-based manufacturer is seeking a settlement without admitting wrongdoing for allegedly withholding repair software and forcing farmers to seek out authorized dealers, often at higher prices, to service andrepair their machines. A right-to-repair advocate says the settlement wouldn’t provide enough funding for the average service call to make repairs.

Dillan Vancil, Republican Candidate for Congress in Illinois' 17th District, talks about why he's running, his background and experience, key issues facing voters in the district, and why he's the better candidate to face incumbent Eric Sorenson.

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.

Jared Abbott, director of the Center for Working Class Politics, talks about the realignment of working class voters to the Republicans and Trump, how Democrats can win them back, the importance of proper messaging and language, the tie between economic and cultural issues, and presidential candidates with the most appeal to working class voters.

Brian Reisinger, author of Land Rich, Cash Poor, talks about the US ag economy, the impact of tariffs and globalization, bailout funding, foreign purchases of US land, impact of immigration restrictions, the latest on the Farm Bill, fewer heirs taking over farms, and the political impact of the slumping farm economy in this year's midterm elections.

Josh Higgins, Republican candidate for the 94th State Representative in Illinois, talks about his candidacy, his background, key issues, and much more.