In this episode Jim Mertens talks with Iowa Representative Gary Mohr and Iowa Senator Cindy Winckler about what we can expect during the 2026 Iowa legislative session.

Kathie Obradovich, editor in chief of the Iowa Capital Dispatch, talks about the most important political stories from 2025 and offers insights into key topics for 2026.

Jim speaks with Michael Glanz from The Arc of the Quad Cities about the passing of the new Dignity and Pay Act in Illinois and how it will positively impact sub minimum wages and Jim talks with Sarah Benson and Tresa Andrews of the Parent Mentor Program about their positive impact on local schools and students.

Jim talks with Bishop Dennis Walsh, of the Diocese of Davenport, about the death of the pope, the conclave, and where the Catholic Church is going regarding goals for the future.

The Iowa Legislature’s 91st General Assembly begins next month. One local representative is proposing paid family leave.

This episode we are on location at the Rock Island Arsenal in Rock Island, IL. Jim speaks with the Commander of the Rock Island Arsenal Joint Manufacturing and Technology center, COL. David Guida, about the foundry and legacy of the Rock Island Arsenal and Jim talks with S. Patrick Allie, the Rock Island Arsenal Museum Director, about recent renovations and new exhibits.

Jim talks with Reverend Rich Hendricks from the Metropolitan Community Church and Tyler Mitchell from the Project of the Quad Cities about the new administration and how policies are impacting people from the LQBTQ+ community.

Jim talks with the General Manager of WQPT PBS, Dawn Schmitt and WVIK NPR's General Manger/CEO about the recission package that made its way to the senate floor and if the recision package is passed, it would defund public media of all federal funding for the next two fiscal years.

A flat year for tourism (2025) in The Cities, why?...and what will be done to make it more attractive to see the sites in The Cities?

Dan Wang, author of Breakneck: China's Quest to Engineer the Future, talks about the US-China global competition from his unique perspective,the "engineering state versus the lawyer state," Trump's trade policy and the impact of tariffs, why the US needs more manufacturing, the lessons of Robert Moses in rebuilding our infrastructure, and what thetwo countries can learn about each other.