Jim Mertens
-
Campaigns & ElectionsJim Mertens and guest Keith Boeckelman delve into the world of politics, focusing on the state of Illinois and the upcoming 2020 presidential election.
-
Delve into the music scene in the Quad Cities from the 1970s through the 1990s with special guest, Brad Harvey, a musician and founder of Oil Magazine.
-
In this episode, we delve into the plans to revitalize the West Side of Rock Island, one of the oldest neighborhoods in the area that has faced neglect over the years.
-
In this episode of the podcast, the focus is on the 2024 Iowa caucuses for both Republicans and Democrats. Jim interviews Jeanita McNulty, the Scott County GOP Chair, and Kay Pence, the Scott County Democratic Chair, to gain insights from both sides of the political spectrum.
-
GovernmentOn this episode of The Cities, Jim discusses the recent 2023 legislative session in Iowa and expectations for the 2024 session with Cindy Winkler (D) and Gary Moore (R).
-
CommunityIn this episode, film critic Mike Schultz joins host Jim to discuss the year in cinema and give a preview of upcoming movies for the holiday season.
-
CommunityOn this episode of The Cities: Dave Harrell, President and CEO of Visit Quad Cities, talks about tourism recovering strongly in 2023, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2019 with $1.3 billion in economic impact.
-
CommunityIn this episode of The Cities, we delve into the Wreaths Across America program, which aims to honor fallen service members by placing reeds or wreaths on their gravesites.
-
CommunityReverend Dwight Ford, the Executive Director of Project NOW, explains the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) administered by his organization. He discusses the priority periods for assistance, with families with young children, elderly people, and individuals with disabilities receiving priority in October-November, and those facing disconnection getting priority in November.
-
In this episode of the podcast, the new chair of the Iowa Democratic Party, Rita Hart, joins the discussion to talk about the challenges the party faces in rebuilding after Republicans have dominated statewide elections in Iowa. With Democrats holding very few offices, Hart emphasizes the need to roll up sleeves and work on recruiting candidates and effectively communicating with rural voters.