LATEST: TV Schedules | NEWS | Local Programs | Summer Events
LATEST: TV Schedules | NEWS | Local Programs | Summer Events
Thursdays 7:00PM
Encore: Sundays 5:00PM
Award-winning news anchor Jim Mertens goes beyond the headlines and explores the issues, events, and stories that matter most to residents in Eastern Iowa and Illinois.
From in-depth conversations with local leaders to insightful discussions on national topics with a regional impact, Jim Mertens brings clarity and perspective to the stories shaping our communities.
Plus, don’t miss Out and About, a weekly segment highlighting can’t-miss events and happenings across the region—keeping you connected to what’s happening in your backyard.
Find out what's happening in the region
July 3, 2025
June 26, 2025
June 19, 2025
June 12, 2025
June 5, 2025
May 22, 205
May 15, 2025
May 8, 2025
May 1, 2025
April 24, 2025
April 17, 2025
April 10, 2025
April 3, 2025
March 27, 2025
March 20, 2025
March 13, 2025
March 6, 2025
February 27, 2025
Jim Mertens, host of The Cities, is an award-winning news anchor with deep roots in the Quad Cities and surrounding region. He spent 27 years at WQAD-TV in Moline before joining Cedar Rapids’ ABC affiliate, KCRG-TV9.
Over the course of his career, Jim has received numerous accolades, including first-place honors from the Iowa Associated Press, the Iowa Broadcast News Association, and the Illinois News Broadcasters Association. He has also served as president of both the Iowa Broadcast News Association and the Northwest Broadcast News.
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