The Cities
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When it's on...
The series airs Thursdays at 6:30pm. with an encore presentation
on Sundays at 5:30pm. View the program archive listings.

 

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simply visit iTunes and search for WQPT or click here.

About the series
Hosted by Jim Mertens, The Cities focuses on the issues facing communities in and around the Quad Cities metropolitan area. Featuring regional and other guests from across the country. The program discusses a variety of topics relevant to the Quad City region. Viewers enjoy a unique, local perspective on topical issues and events happening in our region.

The program also features a segment titled Out and About featuring regional events, exhibits and other activities happening in the Quad City region.

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Jim on the set

Jim Mertens
Host of The Cities

Jim has served as president of the Iowa Broadcast News Association and is a past president of the Northwest Broadcast News Association. He also served as the president of the organization's foundation which raises money for Journalism scholarships and advancing professional Broadcast Journalism. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire School of Journalism.

Jim is co-anchor of Good Morning Quad Cities on WQAD and their one-hour midday broadcast, News 8 at 11. You may also hear him with on KUUL Morning Guys.

     

Recently on The Cities

Robert Fitts of the Korean War Association and Bob Morrison of the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities talk about expanding the Honor Flights to include veterans of the Korean War, Patt Englander of the Better Business Bureau talks about their Integrity Awards.

Program Archive

Episode information for previous installments of The Cities. Most episodes may be watched online.
Looking for a specific guest? Simply use the search tool (at the top of this page), enter your search
to identify the epsiode number that guest appeared on. View 2010-11 archives of The Cities.

April 2012

Episode 222
Eva Schloss, Holocaust survivor and step daughter of Otto Frank discusses the new exhibit at the Putnam Museum. Debbie Bowen talks about her "Books by Me" project that documented the stories of the "3 Esthers" and a representative from the Putnam Museum talks about the "Anne Frank: A History" exhibit. Watch now

 

Episode 220
Robert Fitts of the Korean War Association and Bob Morrison of the Honor Flight of the Quad Cities talk about expanding the Honor Flights to include veterans of the Korean War, Patt Englander of the Better Business Bureau talks about their Integrity Awards. Watch now

March 2012

Episode 219
Vice President Joe Biden discusses jobs and Bishop Gene Robinson talks about religion and sexual identity.
Watch now

Episode 218
Dr. Kristi Mindrup of Western Illinois University and WIU students Lauren Sciascia and Halle O'Connor talk about the upcoming Environmental Summit on Campus. Dr. Bette Truitt of Black, Hawk College talks about the linkage program with WIU and Lisa Lockheart from the Rock Island Public Library discusses new technology at the library.. Watch now

 

Episode 217
Rep. Bobby Schilling (R) discusses congressional issues; Eric Reyes (I) candidate for the 17th Congressional District talks about why he is running and Kristin McDaniel from Royal Neighbors of America discusses the organizations 117th birthday. Watch now

Episode 216
Illinois Democratic 17th Congressional Candidates; Greg Aguilar, Cheri Bustos and George Gaulrapp discuss the upcoming election. Watch now

February 2012

Episode 215
Dr. Mike Oberhaus the Rock Island/Milan Superintendent talks about the challenges of the 2012-2013 school budget and Danika Holmes discusses the release of her next album.
Watch now

 

Episode 214
Tom Sunderbruch and Larry Minard of the Scott County Board talk budgets, Terri Davies and Hillary Knott from the Rock Island County Health Department discuss the Yellow Dot program.
Watch now


Episode 213
Dr. Art Tate, Davenport School Superintendent talks about the school district budge and Daniel Sheridan of Davenport Junior Theatre discusses their new production "Mia the Melodramatic.
Watch now

Episode 212
Dr. Jack Thomas, President Western Illinois University discusses the new campus followed by Regina Haddock Clewell from Dress for success Quad Cities. Music by WIU Orchestra. Watch now

 

Episode 211
Kim Findley of the Putnam Museum talks about the upgrades to the IMAX to digital and their upcoming Dinosaur exhibit and Julie Awkerman of the Q.C. Home Builders Assoc. discusses the annual home show.
Watch now

January 2012

Episode 210
Chief Lynn Wasburn-Livingston, the new Chief of the Davenport Fire Department talked about the physical plant and being the first female fire chief in Davenport and Joedy Cook of Ballet Quad Cities talks about their upcoming fundraiser and season.
Watch now

Episode 209
Bill Brewer Director of Physical Plant for Western Illinois University-Quad Cities and Dr. Joe Rives Vice President for Western Illinois University-Quad Cities Planning and Technology talk about the new WIU Riverfront Campus. Music by Amernet String Quartet.
Watch now

Episode 208
Stacia Carroll of Living healthy Iowa and Shelie Sikkema, on the dream team members discuss the 100 day challenge for a healthier life. Plus Judy Tumbleson and Jessica Waytenick talk about the renovations to the Col. Davenport house.
Watch now

Episode 207
Steve Grubbs and Susie Carpentier talk about the Iowa Caucus. Rob Junker of the QCCA talks about Bald Eagle Days. Music by Amemet String Quartet.
Watch now

Archives 2010-11
View archives of The Cities.

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