Jim Mertens talks with Bettendorf School Superintendent Dr. Michelle Morse about the changes the legislature is considering.

A nonprofit organization in Rock Island is receiving over $1.8 million in federal funding to aid its Head Start program, which provides Pre-K children with early education.

Attention hunters and fishers! Every year bald eagles suffer and die as a result of lead poisoning from uninformed hunters. This year, however, there has been an alarming increase in the number of eagles found with this condition. In reference to an article recently published by The Des Moines Register, Iowa bird rescue Saving Our Avian Resources (acronym SOAR) have treated 14 eagles with lead poisoning so far this year when usually their numbers are 5 or 6 this time of year.

Documents the urgent efforts to combat coral decline in local fishing communities from Hawaii, Kenya, Australia and Indonesia. At the center of these efforts is a hexagonal structure called a Reef Star.

Jim Mertens talks with Christine Barth of the Scott Country Library System about their new collection of phonics based books and resources. He also talks with Christina Kastell, Putnam Museum Curator, about her new podcast that focuses on the history of the Quad Cities in the lead up to America's 250th birthday.

An Augustana College professor is researching remote counseling and sound therapy for individuals with hearing disorders, such as hyperacusis, an increased sensitivity to sounds that people find irritating, annoying, or painful.

Kelp!: Adventurers sail the British coast visiting Kelp Farms highlighting the importance of sustainable farming and their kelp products.The Green Buffalo: The Lower Sioux Indian Community in MN grow hemp and make Hempcrete, a sustainable building material, which has brought jobs and healthy housing.

“Alice’s Ordinary People” is screening at the East Moline Public Library, 745 16th Avenue, on Friday, February 6th, starting at 6 p.m. Director Craig Dudnick will be in attendance for a Q&A session following the screening.

Jim Mertens talks with Iowa State Rep. Taylor Collins about changing what's taught in Iowa universities and also talks with John Deere historian Neil Dahlstrom about John Deere's 222nd birthday.

On Jan. 20, 2026, Blackhawk Fire Protection District firefighter Ali Jasim jumped from the I-74 Bridge into the icy waters of the Mississippi River, ending his young life. Haley DeGreve, founder and CEO of the Gray Matters Collective, who has worked tirelessly for years as a suicide prevention advocate, wants to help be sure that never happens to another person.