Education

Documents the urgent efforts to combat coral decline in local fishing communities from Hawaii, Kenya, Australia and Indonesia. At the center of these efforts is a hexagonal structure called a Reef Star.

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.

An Augustana College professor is researching remote counseling and sound therapy for individuals with hearing disorders, such as hyperacusis, an increased sensitivity to sounds that people find irritating, annoying, or painful.

Kelp!: Adventurers sail the British coast visiting Kelp Farms highlighting the importance of sustainable farming and their kelp products.The Green Buffalo: The Lower Sioux Indian Community in MN grow hemp and make Hempcrete, a sustainable building material, which has brought jobs and healthy housing.

“Alice’s Ordinary People” is screening at the East Moline Public Library, 745 16th Avenue, on Friday, February 6th, starting at 6 p.m. Director Craig Dudnick will be in attendance for a Q&A session following the screening.

Jim Mertens talks with Iowa State Rep. Taylor Collins about changing what's taught in Iowa universities and also talks with John Deere historian Neil Dahlstrom about John Deere's 222nd birthday.

On Jan. 20, 2026, Blackhawk Fire Protection District firefighter Ali Jasim jumped from the I-74 Bridge into the icy waters of the Mississippi River, ending his young life. Haley DeGreve, founder and CEO of the Gray Matters Collective, who has worked tirelessly for years as a suicide prevention advocate, wants to help be sure that never happens to another person.

Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC), seven manufacturers, and Grow Quad Cities are forming a new chapter of the Federation of Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME), the first in Iowa. Grow Quad Cities Vice President of Business Retention, Expansion, and Workforce, Chris Caves, said Riverbend FAME’s focus is on a single occupation: manufacturing maintenance technicians.

Jim Mertens talks with Rock Island Mayor Ashley Harris about the State of Rock Island. He also talks with Brian Alm, Egyptologist and CommUniversity lecturer, about the opportunities the community can take advantage of at CommUniversity.

The reintroduction of beavers into the English countryside brings environmental benefits along with problems to the landowners. More information at qcenvironmentalfilmseries.org.