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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160 years ago, the first celebration of Juneteenth took place in Galveston, Texas, commemorating the independence of Black Americans from bondage. The celebration stems from Union troops entering southern Texas in 1865, informing Black Americans that they were no longer controlled by the upper white class known as the planter’s class. Friends of MLK in Davenport is continuing the local celebration for the now-observed federal holiday. The festival is set for Saturday, June 20th, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on 2nd Street between Harrison and Brady Streets. -
Sarah Watson, local government reporter for the Quad City Times, discusses the years-long litigation over settlement payments approved by the Davenport City Council to three former employees over allegations of harassment and misconduct by elected officials. Watson also covered the latest Clinton City Council meeting, where a temporary moratorium for data centers was voted down by the council following hours of public comment. -
After hours of public comment with 52 speakers, almost all asking for a moratorium, the Clinton City Council initially approved an amended data center ordinance that would bar development for 120 days or when it passes its zoning ordinance regulating data centers, whichever is later, 6-1. After a failed vote, 5-2, to suspend the rules and pass the ordinance in a first reading, council members sparred over the process and accusations of a lack of transparency. The original motion to pass the moratorium on first reading failed in a 5-2 vote. -
The council approved unanimously on first reading an amended agreement for a proposed manufacturing development at the former Rock Island Livestock Auction Barn and Bi-State Masonry property located at 34/37 Avenue and 9th Street. The city will reimburse up to $458,200 for the demolition of the former Swords Veneer property using tax-increment financing district funding. -
The project received a $7.5 million grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Permanent Supportive Housing Development Program and a $400,000 grant from the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity. They are seeking $1.3 million from donors to cover the remaining costs. -
The current agreement with the Humane Society of Scott County concludes at the end of the month. A proposed agreement would aid in the transition of service responsibilities. That includes up to one year of animal control services and up to three years of shelter services as the city mulls a new animal shelter on North Pine Street. -
The Iowa primary election is over, and the chosen candidates will head to the general election in November. See the voter turnout results for Clinton, Scott, and Muscatine counties. -
The Iowa primary election is over, and the chosen candidates will head to the general election in November. See the voter turnout results for Clinton, Scott, and Muscatine counties.
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The Democrat represents the 36th district, which contains portions of Rock Island, Henry, Mercer, Knox, McDonough, and Warren counties. He is advocating for a bill that would create a funding formula for eligible public institutions, stating it would help Western Illinois University. He also discussed a bill clarifying the use of eminent domain by carbon pipeline developers, regulating streaming-ad audio, and other topics, including data centers, SNAP benefits, housing, and artificial intelligence. -
The nonprofit said the $200,000 build was covered by the John Deere Foundation, whose employees provided 195 hours of volunteer labor since July 2025. The home will benefit a single mother and her son. There are currently seven other home construction projects underway in Davenport, Moline, and East Moline.
