Brady Johnson
News DirectorBrady is a 2021 Augustana College graduate majoring in Multimedia Journalism-Mass Communication and Political Science. Over the last eight years, he has reported in central Illinois at various media outlets, including The Peoria Journal Star, WCBU Peoria Public Radio, Advanced Media Partners, and WGLT Bloomington-Normal's Public Media.
When not in the newsroom, Brady watches movies, plays board games, hikes, and cares for his two cats, Jade and Jasper.
Is something missing from WVIK's local coverage? If so, inform Brady via email (bradyjohnson@wvik.org) or phone (309)-232-4024.
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Rock Island County Health Department Chief Nursing Officer Tracy Keenon says the screening covers four STIs with results within 48 hours. The testing is $25, but can be waived for lack of funding. The department is also continuing its free Narcan kit outreach program. Since May 2024, the department has given out nearly 700 kits. Anyone can request one, and the department staff will show how to administer the lifesaving opioid overdose nasal spray, no questions asked. -
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. -
The city of Rock Island and Augustana College are holding a public informational meeting on Tuesday, May 5th, at Hanson Hall in room 234, starting at 5:30. The meeting is to update residents on the research partnership and the city’s work to preserve the 550 acres of wetlands. WVIK also interviewed biologist Kelly McKay on his final data set for this past winter’s bald eagle night roosting usage within the Milan Bottoms. -
Seventh Ward Alderman Bill Healy said the removal is to allow the city to move forward, and there is no basis to claims of impropriety. -
Farmers may soon see certainty with programs after the House voted to pass the 2026 Farm Bill, mostly along party lines, with moderate rural Democrats' support clearing the chamber in a vote of 224-200. -
The Augustana Prison Education Program (APEP) is currently teaching 36 students at the East Moline Correctional Center (EMCC) in its fifth year. One student who was released from the EMCC is finishing their degree at Augustana College and will graduate in May, along with 10 other EMCC students. -
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. -
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. -
Service Employees International Union Healthcare Illinois held a roundtable discussion with Rep. Gregg Johnson and Sen. Mike Halpin in response to high turnover rates and staffing shortages.
