This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island. At five in the afternoon on Washington’s Birthday in 1854, a small locomotive gaily decorated in streamers and bunting pulled six bright yellow coaches into the Chicago and Rock Island Railroad passenger house in Rock Island where it was met with cheers and celebrations. Newspaper accounts made it seem like early versions of the Little Engine that Could, or even Walt Disney World. Other Episodes ... Read More

Dante Chinni, a political writer for the Wall Street Journal and NBC News contributor, analyzes the 2020 election results including the differences among American suburbs and Latino voters as well as challenges facing both parties moving forward. Chinni also directs the American Communities Project at George Washington University. Other Episodes May 30, 2024 Steve Scully:... Read More

This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island. Every community seems to have one man so important he is known only by his first two initials. Talk about “F.W.” or “J.J.” and cartoon images spring to mind of a fat and somewhat sinister millionaire tycoon, a babe on each arm, lighting a “seegar” with a fifty-dollar bill. Other Episodes December 27, 2023 ... Read More

Other Episodes May 31, 2024 The Cities – June 1, 2024 The Cities - June 1, 2024 Listen · 27:30 ... Read More

Other Episodes June 23, 2023 Scribble: The Finale Listen · 29:02 June... Read More

Don Wooten and a cavalcade of guests kill an hour in a very unceremonious way. Other Episodes May 25, 2024 Saturday Morning Live! Carrying on one of the most venerable traditions in local broadcasting history, Kai Swanson carries on the carrying on Don Wooten carried on with a cavalcade of carriers on. Carry on. ... Read More

Other Episodes May 24, 2024 River Way Stories 05/25/24 River Way Stories May 25th, 2024 Listen · 4:00 ... Read More

On Midwest Week, a “no” vote this month will have major consequences for Illinois. Other Episodes December 30, 2022 Ballot Counting Problems in Scott County On Midwest Week, some of the numbers from the November election in Scott County still don't add up, but the counting is over. ... Read More

This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island. Habits die hard. Men and boys once stood along the levees and landings near Rock Island to watch steamboats come and go. Today, we Rock Islanders still come out to the levees, parks, and blufftops to watch the seasons flow along the valley. As if pulled on invisible threads by migrating ducks and geese, spring and summer pass us heading north to St. Paul. At the other end of the year, fall and winter arrive from the north, destined for St. Louis and New Orleans. Other Episodes ... Read More

This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island. Often it happens that Rock Islanders tell their own stories best. Here is one from Dr. Alex Stone, a retired veterinarian who has been writing stories and tales of the local Jewish community for the past seven years. Other Episodes December 27, 2023 The Special Edition This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.... Read More