The Cities with Jim MertensFavoriteAdd to Favorites The Cities, WQPT's weekly public affairs program hosted by Jim Mertens focuses on the issues facing the communities of western Illinois and eastern Iowa. The Cities also explores topics of national importance. Guests discuss a variety of topics with a unique and local focus along with our community calendar (Out and About), which promotes events, exhibits and other activities happening in the Quad The Cities is proudly funded by Bush Construction Company, The Doris and Victor Day Foundation, and The Singh Group- Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management.