Government

The Army announced Thursday that it’s canceling the collective bargaining agreement with AFGE, citing President Donald Trump’s executive order stripping workers at 40 agencies of their bargaining rights. A representative from the AFGE claims the move is unprecedented in its nearly century-long history and that the union will take the Trump administration to court.

Daniel Bullen discusses his book, Daniel Shays's Honorable Rebellion: An American Story. He talks about how this 'rebellion' was misrepresented, the economic conditions that led to the protests by small farmers in western Massachusetts, profiles of Daniel Shays and his fellow protesters, the roles of Founders George Washington and Alexander Hamilton, the similarities and differences with the Whiskey Rebellion, and why this story is important for today.

Jon Ralston talks about his book, Games Changer: How Harry Reid Remade the Rules and Showed Democrats How to Fight. We discuss Reid's upbringing into poverty in small town Nevada, his rise in politics, relationship with the casino industry, connection with Howard Hughes, investigations of him by the FBI, his rebuilding of the Nevada Democratic party, and the evolution of his political views, including on the filibuster and "nuclear option." Ralston is Founder and CEO of Nevada Independent and regular commentator on MS-NOW. He is recognized as the leading authority on Nevada politics.

Iowa Representative Ken Croken (D-Davenport) is hosting University of Iowa School of Public Health researchers at the Scott Community College Urban Campus on Thursday, April 2nd, starting at 6:30 p.m. A presentation will cover preliminary findings of a new cancer study, including demographic and behavioral risk factors.

Senators including Chuck Grassley and Dick Durbin support legislation that would sunset Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act of 1996, which protects internet providers from liability for content posted on their platforms. Communication professors and legal experts say the removal could stifle information sharing, as providers would face a deluge of lawsuits.

Patrick Pfingsten, author of The Illinoize political newsletter, radio host, and TV commentator, talks about the results of the Illinois primary election, including national impacts, statewide outcomes and analysis of a key local Republican race in the QC region.

Illinois State Senator Li Arellano (R-Dixon) said the state should focus on paying down pension debt and wants to remove a slew of mandates on local governments to lower property taxes. He spoke with WVIK News on Friday, March 13th.

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.