QCA.news - Quad Cities news and view from both sides of the river

Friday, July 17th, 2026
	4 community solar projects approved in Warren County Ameren customers in Warren County can subscribe to the solar gardens for a discount on their power bill. The projects will bring in more than $1 million in taxes.
	Kids test their stamina in Crossroads Triathlon 100 kids age six to 15 swam, biked and ran for the top award. The adults will compete on Saturday.
	QC Bike Club prepares for RAGBRAI 2026 This year, the cross-state ride begins in Onawa and ends in Dubuque.
	Davenport's John Brown Freedom Trail marker to be replaced after 20 years A new historical marker will replace Davenport's John Brown Freedom Trail plaque after two decades, preserving a key piece of Iowa's Underground Railroad history.
	Will Moon, president of the Iowa 80 Truck Stop, passes away at 64 Moon passed away suddenly on Thursday night.
	Woman charged in house fire that killed 2 cats Emergency crews responded to a house fire in the 700 block of 17th Street in Rock Island.
	QC Law Enforcement camp strives to inspire next generation of officers Over the past week, 26 college and high-school students in the Quad Cities area experienced what a day in the life of law enforcement is like. And no, it's not just grabbing donuts at a local coffee shop - campers had a week full of classes, demonstrations and hands-on activities in the scorching heat. "Hopefully [...]
	KWQC experiencing technical difficulties Developing.
	Rookies Bar reopens in Davenport Rookies was once a staple in Davenport along Brady Street. It was a common spot for college kids and the local community to hang out, watch a game, and enjoy company. That was until it closed about a year ago. But now, under new ownership, Rookies is back. The bar opened for the first time [...]
	From Homer to Hollywood: Why The Odyssey still captivates audiences A Greek literature expert from the University of Iowa breaks down how the 12,000-line epic poem is still strikingly modern.
	Putnam executive Kelly Lao to become new head of Muscatine Art Center Kelly Lao, vice president of museum experiences for Davenport’s Putnam Museum and Science Center, will become new director of the Muscatine Art Center on Aug. 3, 2026.
	ICE shared Medicaid data it wasn't supposed to have with Palantir The revelations came out in a federal court case brought by Democratic states challenging ICE's access to Medicaid data to aid in deportation efforts.
	Iowa agriculture experts release report on state ag economy amid downturn (Left) Christopher Pudenz, an economist with the Iowa Farm Bureau, moderated a presentation of an agriculture economy report with ISU economics professor Chad Hart and Center for Agricultural and Rural Development Director John Crespi. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch)A new report suggests Iowa’s agricultural industry is in a multi-year downturn that might not let up for a few more years, and experts are advising farmers to look back to the practices that got them through tough financial times a decade ago to weather the current storm. The Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, Iowa State University’s Center for Agricultural and Rural Development and the Iowa Bankers Association released the executive summary of the report Friday at the Iowa Farm Bureau Economic Summit in Ankeny, detailing Iowa’s current agriculture economy from different perspectives, how it came to reach this point and what the future holds. Christopher Pudenz, an economist with the Iowa Farm Bureau, moderated a presentation of the report as well as a discussion by ISU economics professor Chad Hart and Center for Agricultural and Rural Development Director John Crespi. Hart wore suspenders to the panel discussion, a fashion choice he said was to help people recall the past and how they’ve made it through times like this. Pudenz laid out the main facts for the audience: Iowa’s agriculture industry is in its third year of a downturn, with a third year of crop costs outpacing crop revenues and net farm income falling 53% between 2022 and 2024. Record and near-record crop production in recent years has caused prices to trend downward, Hart said during the panel discussion, creating a tighter squeeze on farmers dealing with higher costs. Rising costs of fertilizer, seed, and other necessities have combined with conflicts outside of the U.S. and other trade and economic uncertainties, but Hart and Crespi said that doesn’t mean people should do nothing. “It comes back to managing what we can, and sort of letting the uncertainty sort of wash over you. If we’re just going to sit on our hands, we may find ourselves in an even worse situation than that has happened before,” Hart said during a media availability after the panel. “So that’s why I dress like this, to get people to think, ‘Old-timey, yeah,’ because some of those old ideas of working through this, and like I say, sort of pinching that penny, even though we don’t have pennies anymore, still matter today.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. The report, titled “2026 Iowa Agricultural Outlook: The Pressure is Rising,” also went over agriculture’s impact on Iowa’s economy. Iowa’s average GDP is around $272 billion, Crespi said, and the 60 industries involved with agriculture in the state make up about 20% of it. For every dollar made in those industries, he said $1.50 goes back to the state. What goes up must also go down, however, Crespi said, and every dollar less earned in agricultural industries means $1.50 not going to the state. “It’s in everybody’s interest that this turns around, that those become profitable dollars and not losses each year,” Crespi said. One “silver lining” in Iowa’s agricultural economy right now is livestock, Pudenz said, with the executive summary stating that livestock sectors are “generally performing well despite ongoing issues” like the avian influenza, as well as smaller stocks of cattle and softer consumer demand for hogs. Livestock also provides avenues for young people to break into the industry. Analyses of farm finances and lending are also included in the report, and Hart said there is strong demand for agricultural land, with the report stating average farmland values have decreased slightly since 2023. Farmers use their land as an asset in their borrowing and balance sheets, and further decreases in value could hurt farms with debt or relying on land equity for credit. According to the report, the number of financially vulnerable farms has more than doubled since 2022, with 19% of mid- and large-size farms falling under the category in December 2025. Chapter 12 bankruptcy filings are also rising, as well as increased credit demand and less repayment of loans. Likening it to bank accounts, Hart said the current issues in agriculture are like when someone has a lot of money in their retirement account but not much in their checking account: “I’ve got a lot of value, but I can’t really access it to pay the bills.” Hart said the situation Iowa’s agricultural sector currently finds itself in “tends to show up in agriculture about every decade,” the last downturn having taken place in the mid-2010s. And just like back then, he said people are asking the same question: is this going to be like the farm crisis in the 1980s? Unlike the 1980s, where Iowa’s agriculture sector had a “solvency problem” where land values departed from farm incomes, leading to greater borrowing and more bankruptcies, Hart said today’s debt-to-asset ratio is relatively low and land values are holding generally steady. Farmers also have more tools in their pocket to deal with problems, set in place by government actions after the 1980s crisis. With forecasts in the report showing that the economic downturn could last at least six years, Hart said the approaches farmers need to take to keep themselves above water haven’t changed in the past decade, even if circumstances — and costs — have. Crespi said one of his biggest fears is that people will begin pulling back too much out of uncertainty, leading them to not purchase things or not plant crops because they don’t know what will be financially viable in the future. Pudenz and Hart agreed that while injections of funding from the federal government, like the $11 billion proposed by President Donald Trump, can make a difference in farm financials, it’s not going to actually fix the problems causing these symptoms. Farmers need to work on controlling what they can control, Hart said. “What farmers tend to do, and I would argue what most folks tend to do, is that when we get money, we tend to get a little loose with spending that money, and then when you take that money away, we have a hard time adjusting back down,” Hart said. “And that’s what farming is having to do right now, is adjust back down and tighten on those crop budgets, as we’re looking forward and making sure that we, like I say, maximize the return we get for the investment we put into those inputs.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Iowa Quad City Law Enforcement Camp gives students hands-on career training Dozens of high school and college students spent the week getting hands-on training through the Iowa Quad City Law Enforcement Camp, a weeklong program designed to give young people a firsthand look at careers in law enforcement.
	Eldridge council to discuss fire's fate Monday night Eldridge City Council will either fund the fire department at its $766K budget ask, or transition fire protection to a “city-operated department.” Those are the two paths forward presented in an agenda for the city council meeting Monday, July 20. The agenda was posted Friday afternoon. The agenda lists “discussion and possible action” on one of two alternatives for fire service: funding Eldridge’s volunteer department at its $766,516 ask, or “directing staff to proceed with the transition of fire services to a City-operated department.” Eldridge council members previously criticized the $766,516 ask, which is more than double the sum allotted by the city for fire protection and emergency medical services this year. Meanwhile, fire department officials have said that half of all volunteers would depart if the city took over. The city council will meet at the Eldridge Community Center at 7:30 p.m. Monday.
	FDA lowers orange juice sugar standard — officials say it will boost Florida citrus Florida Republican U.S. Sen. Ashley Moody speaking in Lakeland on July 17, 2026, with HHS Sec. Robert F. Kennedy (left) and U.S. Reps. Laurel Lee and Kat Cammack and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson. (Photo by Mitch Perry/Florida Phoenix)LAKELAND — Florida’s once thriving citrus industry has declined precipitously over the past two decades, but state agriculture officials believe the downward trajectory may have plateaued, and expressed enthusiasm Friday regarding a federal rule change they say will provide a much needed boost to the struggling sector. U.S. Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced the change at Bonnet Springs Park in Lakeland. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), he said, was lowering the federal standard for pasteurized orange juice, a change designed to give U.S. citrus growers and juice processors more flexibility after years of crop losses tied to disease and severe weather. “This overdue reform will reduce our dependence on foreign imports, unleash American agriculture, and save the industry more than $50 million every year, ” Kennedy said. The rule change would reduce the minimum soluble-solids requirement for pasteurized orange juice from 10.5% “Brix” to 10%. In orange juice, Brix is the scientific unit used to measure the percentage of soluble solids (primarily natural fruit sugars) relative to water. Officials say the Brix level for Florida oranges has steadily declined over the past few decades due to severe weather and citrus greening (also Huanglongbing or HLB, another disease). That’s made it more challenging for citrus producers to meet that minimum standard. “This commonsense change allows processors to rely more heavily on Florida-grown oranges, instead of being forced to blend with imported juice, simply to satisfy an outdated regulatory requirement,” said Jeb Smith, president of the Florida Farm Bureau. The campaign to get the FDA to take action began with a citizen petition submitted by the Florida Citrus Processors Association and Florida Citrus Mutual in 2022. A year later, Central Florida GOP U.S. Rep. Scott Franklin and South Florida Democratic U.S. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz introduced the Defending Domestic Orange Juice Production Act, which called for the rule change that went into effect Friday. That measure was co-sponsored by every member of the Florida congressional delegation. Florida Republican U.S. Sens. Ashley Moody and Rick Scott sponsored the Senate version of the legislation last year and, last August, the FDA formally introduced the rule that was finalized Friday. Officials maintain that the lower Brix threshold is unlikely to affect the taste of orange juice or substantially change its nutritional value. Hurricanes, real estate development, and the disease known as citrus greening have contributed to a 95% citrus industry decline in Florida. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Florida farmers produced nearly 300 million boxes of citrus in 2004. By 2025, harvests yielded about 14.5 million boxes. Victory lap Moody, on the ballot for the first time this fall as a senator, took a victory lap of sorts during the press conference. “When Gov. DeSantis appointed me to the Senate seat, I said I’m going to go to Washington and fight for this state, and for our industries, and fight for our families, and take a machete to the administrative bureaucracy that is actually working against the prosperity of our families,” she said. Also attending the press conference was Florida Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson and U.S. Reps. Laurel Lee (the event took place in her congressional district) and Kat Cammack. “This is the thing that we have needed to do,” said Cammack. “Stop importing Brazilian citrus. Put Florida farmers first.” The July Florida orange production forecast released last week rose from 12.2 million boxes estimate in April to 12.92 million in July, a 5.9% increase. While officials expressed optimistism about the industry’s future, the harsh reality of citrus greening hasn’t gone away, and it has led one of Florida’s largest citrus packinghouses to close its doors. Riverfont Packing Co. in Indian River County, which has been around for 65 years, is shutting down, TCPalm.com reported this week. “It’s heartbreaking news for me personally,” Dan Richey, the company’s CEO, told WTTB radio last week. “Our strategy did not work. The decline in our older trees was much faster than we anticipated. The rapid disease got us quicker than we thought.” Jay Waagmeester contributed to this report. Courtesy of Florida Phoenix
	Bill Moon, president of Iowa 80 Group and community benefactor, dies suddenly The Quad City community has lost a longtime supporter of the trucking industry, athletics, the Iowa Hawkeyes, and scouting. William Moon III, 64, of Bettendorf, president of the Iowa 80 Group, passed away suddenly on Thursday, July 16, according to an obituary on the Runge Mortuary website. His death came just days after the Iowa [...]
	Mercado on Fifth canceled for Friday, July 17 due to heat This week's El Sabor del Mercado, also called Taste of Mercado, has been postponed to next week, Friday, July 24.
	Police charge woman with Rock Island house fire that killed 2 cats Police have charged a woman with arson after a Rock Island house fire killed two cats.
	Bird's-eye views from across the Quad Cities region during the week of July 17, 2026 Sit back, relax and enjoy these scenes captured by the News 8 drone from across the Quad Cities region this week.
	Woman arrested on arson charges in connection with Rock Island house fire A Rock Island woman is alleged to have set fire to a home in which she was living late Thursday and is facing arson charges in connection with the blaze.
	Greek literature experts discusses the enduring appeal of 'The Odyssey' as new movie hits theaters The 12,000-line epic poem is one of the most influential pieces of writing in human history.
	Our Quad Cities Crime Watch: Human trafficking expert tells how to keep loved ones safe: Episode 73 Watch crime reporters Linda Cook and Sharon Wren talk about crime and courts in our area with the latest episode of the Our Quad Cities Crime Watch Podcast. In this episode Linda and Sharon talk with Vigilant CEO Chris Nyhuis, who is a certified human trafficking investigator. Nyhuis shares these facts about trafficking: As part [...]
	Immigration advocates press for action on tuberculosis case at Aurora ICE facility Holly Cheng, center, speaks outside the Ralph L. Carr Judicial Center in Denver Friday. Members of the Shut Down GEO coalition delivered a letter to Attorney General Phil Weiser about the active tuberculosis case at the immigration detention facility in Aurora. (Photo by Chase Woodruff/Colorado Newsline)Advocates are urging Colorado officials to do everything in their legal power to investigate and resolve what they fear is a tuberculosis outbreak at the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Aurora. A coalition including health care workers and leaders from statewide organizations — including the American Friends Services Committee, Casa de Paz, the Colorado Consumer Health Initiative, Mental Health Colorado and the Colorado Academy of Family Physicians — sent a letter to Democratic Attorney General Phil Weiser on Friday, demanding his office “take action and do whatever possible to safeguard the basic rights and lives of those in the detention facility … and to hold those responsible for the noncompliance and this resultant public health emergency accountable.” The Adams County Health Department issued a public health order for a tuberculosis case inside the facility from early June and says it is aware of one laboratory-confirmed case. Reports on the spread of the disease vary, and a person detained in the facility told The Guardian this week that at least 12 people have tested positive for the disease. That anonymous source said his entire pod of 88 people were tested and then quarantined. The health department has not verified those reports. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. “It should not be the responsibility of those inside to do public health contact tracing,” said Holly Cheng, a nurse who is part of the Shut Down GEO Coaltion. “To AG Weiser, we say you do have the responsibility to step up. It is not the responsibility of us or the families inside to make sure that this outbreak is not spreading rampantly.” Representatives from GEO Group and ICE did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Tuberculosis is a highly-contagious airborne disease that largely impacts a person’s lungs. Under Colorado law, local public health agencies are required to investigate active cases. Those public health investigations consist of identifying and testing people who may have been exposed, providing treatment and working to prevent additional community spread. Tuberculosis is treated with daily antibiotics for a months-long period. On Tuesday, the head of Colorado’s Department of Public Health and Environment, Jill Hunsaker Ryan, demanded access to the detention facility and relevant records to conduct a public health investigation. She gave The GEO Group, the private company that runs the facility, until Friday to comply. It is not clear what will happen if the deadline passes without access, though a new state law allows hefty fines for immigration detention facilities that deny public health departments the ability to investigate disease and health concerns. Now, the group of advocates want Weiser to intervene and force compliance. Quotation People inside GEO need help, not just around tuberculosis, but around healthcare. What is happening around tuberculosis is showing the incredible neglect that is happening inside. – Miriam Ordoñez, with American Friends Service Committee “It is especially troubling to hear that both The GEO Group and the Department of Homeland Security are refusing to cooperate with the state mandated public health investigation,” the letter says. “The investigation is vital to properly treat those infected and to prevent the spread of this life-threatening illness.” Colorado ICE detention center employee arrested, accused of shooting protester The letter’s signatories want Weiser and other state leaders to force access to the Adams health department and CDPHE and ensure proper medical care for infected people. They also want screening and tracking for the people detained and employees of the Aurora facility. “People inside GEO need help, not just around tuberculosis, but around healthcare. What is happening around tuberculosis is showing the incredible neglect that is happening inside,” said Miriam Ordoñez with AFSC. “There are multiple laws in place in Colorado for this particular reason, and we want answers from from Phil Weiser. What is being done?” she said. In a statement, Weiser said he is ready to work with the governor’s office and other state officials to bring GEO into compliance with the law, but he did not say exactly what that action would be. “As a private company, GEO Group is required to comply with state health and safety regulations,” he said. “The reported tuberculosis case at the ICE detention camp in Aurora is a serious public health issue and GEO must work with the State to investigate any potential outbreak or exposure to others.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Colorado Newsline
	Rock Island house fire that killed 2 cats was arson, police say The Rock Island Fire Department responded to a house fire on the 700 block of 17th Street Thursday night.
	New numbers show counties will pay nearly $420M for Medicaid this year Florida law requires counties to contribute to the costs of the Medicaid program, a safety net program that provides services to the poor, elderly, and disabled. (iStock / Getty Images Plus)With a potential cut in property tax revenue looming for Florida’s counties, other costs are on the rise. The state’s top economists this week agreed that Florida’s 67 counties will be on the hook for nearly $420 million of what the state will spend on Medicaid this fiscal year. Miami Dade ($69,356,749,) Broward ($34,672,150), Hillsborough ($30,915,054), Orange ($26,660,352), and Duval ($22,663,520), with their large populations, unsurprisingly, have the largest payments. County Medicaid costs are then expected to jump to nearly $452 million a year from now, which is when Amendment 3 would take effect if passed. County-specific cost projections aren’t available for next year. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Amendment 3 — which will go before voters in November — would increase the homestead exemption for non-school ad valorem taxes to existing Florida residents from $50,000 now to $250,000 by 2028. The Legislature could increase it thereafter. Initial estimates show that in its first year Amendment 3 would cut revenue to cities and counties by nearly $5 billion. The reduction in revenue means counties would have less money to spend on services such as healthcare, parks, and police and fire that could end up competing against each other for funding. The Florida Association of Counties opposes Amendment 3. Florida law requires counties to contribute to the costs of the Medicaid program, a safety net program that provides services to the poor, elderly, and disabled. Unlike Medicare, which is 100% federally funded, Medicaid is funded jointly by the federal and state governments. How much each county contributes toward the state’s required contribution depends on a calculation based on the number of Medicaid residents in the county as a percentage of overall Medicaid enrollees in the state. Twenty-nine “fiscally constrained counties” have their costs offset by the state. How much is offset is based on calculations developed by the Florida Department of Revenue. Florida had nearly 3.9 million Medicaid enrollees as of June 30, 2026, according to the most recent state data. On the healthcare front, county tax dollars help fund some of the state’s large public hospitals and allow them to maintain positive operating margins while offering life-saving services that aren’t revenue-generating lines of business, Safety Net Hospital of Florida Chief Executive Officer Justin Senior told Florida Public Radio. Reduced revenue, Senior said, could force health systems to make difficult decisions about the services they provide. Courtesy of Florida Phoenix
	Utah orders last Provo Canyon School teen treatment center to shut down Demonstrators at a news conference make a show of support for parents suing the Provo Canyon School on June 15, 2026. (Annie Knox, Utah News Dispatch)After years of negligence allegations, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services revoked the license of the last active campus of Provo Canyon School, a Utah teen treatment institution made infamous by celebrity Paris Hilton saying she was abused while staying at one of its campuses as a teen. Now, the school’s Provo campus for boys has to shut down by Aug. 16, following a similar action the state took to close down the institution’s Springville campus for girls. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. “No child should be hurt in a program that is meant to protect them; particularly programs that require the authorization of the state to operate,” Shannon Thoman-Black, director of Utah’s Division of Licensing and Background Checks, said in a prepared statement. The residential teen treatment facility had been the center of multiple reports of violence and poor medical care, including but not limited to the accusations from Hilton. Utah revokes Springville license of teen treatment center criticized by Paris Hilton Hilton visited Utah last month to show support for parents suing the center after violence incidents allegations, including one in which a 13-year-old boy “was slammed onto his head” by the other student, breaking his jaw and causing a brain bleed. But instead of calling 911, employees tried to manage his injuries on their own before bringing him to a hospital, according to a lawsuit filed by a parent. The Provo campus’s license was under new conditions for a month — including increased monitoring — before state officials decided to revoke it altogether because of the “provider’s chronic, ongoing noncompliance with applicable rules, statutes, or requirements,” the revocation letter says. In the letter, state officials reported multiple incidents starting in March of this year in which the school was cited for violating rules, including failing to protect clients from potential harm or acts of violence, as well as staff members not following behavior management policies and safe practices. However, most incidents that led to the decision were recorded on Friday, and include “using a cruel, unusual, or unnecessary practice on a child by withholding personal interaction, emotional response, or stimulation,” as well as “depriving clients of water, rest, and the opportunity for toileting,” according to the revocation letter. In addition to the license revocation, the state can still pursue other actions, the agency said in the letter, including issuing sanctions. However, the school is also able to appeal the decision. Provo Canyon School did not immediately reply to a request for comment on Friday. However, when the state revoked the license for its Springville campus earlier this month, Tim Marshall, chief executive officer at the institution, said in a statement that the school disagreed with the decision and was exploring available legal and administrative actions, including an appeal. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Utah News Dispatch
	Crime Stoppers Solved: Man wanted on failure to appear on armed violence charge arrested Christian Beard, 28, is wanted by Rock Island County for failing to appear in court on an armed violence charge.
	Car hits business in Milan A SUV drive into Allied Universal Friday afternoon.
	Gulf War veteran finds healing through bees and farming Gene Miller says beekeeping helped him cope with trauma after Desert Storm and build a new life at his farm in Milan.
	Judge temporarily blocks South Dakota’s abortion-pill advertising ban as lawsuit continues Mayday Health posted signs like this one at gas stations around South Dakota in December 2025 as part of a campaign to spread awareness about the availability of abortion pills. (Courtesy of Mayday Health)A new South Dakota law that criminalizes the advertising of abortion pills cannot be enforced while a lawsuit against it continues, a federal judge ruled Friday. Nancy Turbak Berry, who formerly served as a Democratic state legislator from Watertown, and New York-based nonprofit Mayday Health filed the lawsuit in May against Gov. Larry Rhoden and Attorney General Marty Jackley, who are both Republicans. Rhoden signed the legislation in March after legislators approved it, but it wasn’t scheduled to take effect until this month. South Dakota already had a near-total ban on abortion, except when it’s necessary “to preserve the life of the pregnant female.” The new law prohibits the dispensing, distribution and advertising of abortion pills and other abortion-related items, and makes violations punishable by felony prosecutions and fines. Sides clash in court over legality of abortion-pill advertising in South Dakota Mayday Health and Turbak Berry say the law illegally restricts Turbak Berry’s free speech. As an example, the lawsuit says the prohibition on advertising would prevent her from wearing a sweatshirt sold by Mayday. The sweatshirt says abortion pills can be obtained in all 50 states and encourages people to learn more on Mayday’s website. “Unless this court grants relief, Turbak will be deterred from wearing the sweatshirt,” and thereby deterred from engaging in First Amendment-protected speech, the lawsuit says. Mayday also posted advertisements at South Dakota gas stations last year directing people to the organization’s website for information on abortion pills. Jackley said during a hearing in Rapid City last month that the state is not attempting to criminalize the wearing of a sweatshirt. He said the state is targeting the way Mayday uses its website to connect South Dakotans with abortion-pill providers, which he said is not legal in a state that bans abortion. “What the First Amendment doesn’t do is protect an illegal drug transaction in South Dakota,” he said. A Mayday official said during the same hearing that the organization only provides information and does not encourage anyone to obtain abortion pills. Judge Camela Theeler wrote in her ruling that the state’s lawyers have “not shown that Mayday advertises with the specific intent that another person engage in specific criminal conduct and thus have not shown that Mayday’s advertising is integral to criminal conduct.” Mayday and Turbak Berry, along with their lawyer, Jim Leach, of Rapid City, will now seek a permanent order blocking the law’s enforcement. Jackley issued a statement saying the state will continue to defend the new law. “Protecting and defending innocent life is and remains important to our Legislature, governor, attorney general and citizens,” Jackley said. For broadcasters Host script. Courtesy of South Dakota Searchlight
	Spain could make World Cup history: The first to win men's and women's trophies back-to-back The Spanish Men's National Team will face Argentina in Sunday's World Cup final. The country's women's team lifted its first World Cup trophy in 2023.
	Theft of drugs from Iowa hospital triggers criminal charges, licensing board sanctions The Iowa Board of Pharmacy regulates the profession and imposes disciplinary action against licensed pharmacists. (Photo by Clark Kauffman/Iowa Capital Dispatch; board seal courtesy State of Iowa)The Iowa Board of Pharmacy has sanctioned a hospital pharmacy for failing to adequately monitor its supply of controlled substances. The board recently charged MercyOne Dubuque West’s pharmacy with failing to ensure controlled-substance accountability and with failing to verify that its actual, physical inventorу of drugs matched the expected inventory. According to the board, it was discovered in December 2025 that a pharmacy technician, Diane Marie Richman, had stolen a number of tablets of phentermine, a Schedule IV controlled substance and stimulant. Later, the board alleges, additional discrepancies were discovered involving the same drug. In all, 330 tablets were believed to have been stolen between August 2023 and January 2026, when Richman was fired. The board attributed the pharmacy’s failure to uncover the discrepancies sooner to a lack of routine audits. The audits that were conducted, the board said, failed to uncover the thefts because Richman “manually adjusted” the inventory so that the actual count matched the expected inventory. To resolve the disciplinary charges, the pharmacy agreed to accept a warning from the board. At the same time, the board charged Richman with obtaining or diverting prescription drugs without lawful authority either for personal use or for distribution. According to the board, video of an incident on Aug. 20, 2025, shows Richman placing phentermine pills into a bottle and then placing the bottle into a box she later took from the pharmacy. To resolve the disciplinary charges, Richman recently agreed to surrender her license. She is currently facing criminal charges of unlawfully obtaining a prescription drug and tampering with records, both of which are aggravated misdemeanors. A plea hearing in the case is scheduled for Aug. 5, 2026. Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Death Notice: Will Moon A funeral service for William Isham "Will" Moon III, 64, of Bettendorf, will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday, July 21, at Calvary Church of Walcott. Burial will be in the Walcott Cemetery, followed by a lunch at the church. Visitation will be Monday, July 20, from 4-8 p.m. at the Runge Mortuary, Davenport. Mr. Moon died Thursday, July 16, 2026. Memorials may be made to the Iowa 80 Trucking Museum or to the Will Moon Football Scholarship at the University of Iowa Foundation. Online condolences may be made at www.rungemortuary.com. A full obituary will appear in the July 22 edition of The NSP.
	Vehicle strikes building in Milan Our Quad Cities News is on the scene of a vehicle crash that impacted a building in Milan. The incident happened in the 500 block of 1st Street W earlier this afternoon. The vehicle is on its side and a corner of the building has been demolished. Coal Valley Fire, BlackHawk Fire Protection District, Milan [...]
	NC AG Jackson calls on residents to weigh in on Chemours’ ‘backroom deal’ over PFAS An aerial view of the Chemours Fayetteville Works plant in northern Bladen County. For more than 30 years Chemours and its predecessor, DuPont, discharged “forever chemicals” into the Cape Fear River. (Photo: Chemours)State Attorney General Jeff Jackson is asking North Carolinians to comment on what he’s calling a “backroom PFAS deal” between the Environmental Protection Agency and chemical manufacturer Chemours. Chemours, formerly part of DuPont, has been manufacturing chemicals on the Cape Fear river near Fayetteville for decades. In 2017, scientists discovered that the toxic chemical GenX and other PFAS – sometimes known as “forever chemicals” because of their persistence in the environment – were being released from the plant into the river and into other bodies of water from other plants in West Virginia and New Jersey. More than 2,600 plaintiffs sued the chemical company for polluting their drinking water wells, air, soil, and groundwater. Plaintiffs wanted compensation for their dropping home values, health concerns, and the inability to fully use and enjoy their properties, according to the complaint. None of them will get their day in court if a proposed deal between Chemours and the EPA moves forward. The EPA and Chemours announced they’d reached a $450 million settlement last month. “This deal was negotiated behind closed doors without anyone from North Carolina at the table, and it guarantees our state nothing,” Jackson said in a statement earlier this week. “The EPA is going to hear from my office. We think they should also hear from the people who actually drink this water.” A key ‘forever chemicals’ lawsuit settles out of court in North Carolina Most of the $450 million would pay for alternative water supplies and other mitigation efforts outside of North Carolina. The settlement requires Chemours to pay up to $90 million over 15 years to fund water cleanup and clean water drinking projects. Jackson said the deal “guarantees nothing for North Carolina.” He said negotiations did not involve the state’s Department of Justice or Department of Environmental Quality. “[Chemours] would get to propose the projects it funds, without input from North Carolina or its residents,” Jackson’s office said in a statement. “Additionally, Chemours is not obligated to spend any of the money in North Carolina. Even if it did split the money evenly between the three states, that would only leave $2 million annually to address water pollution in North Carolina.” The agreement needs approval from a federal court. Members of the public are able to provide comments to the federal government on the proposed deal until July 29. Here’s how to share your comments: Address your email or letter to the Assistant Attorney General, Environmental and Natural Resources Division In the subject line, include the words: The Chemours Company, D.J. Ref. No. 90-5-1-1-12112 Email: pubcomment-ees.enrd@usdoj.gov Mail: Assistant Attorney General, U.S. DOJ—ENRD, P.O. Box 7611, Washington, DC 20044-7611 Courtesy of NC Newsline
	Mercado on Fifth closed Friday night due to heat This week's El Sabor del Mercado, also called Taste of Mercado, has been postponed to next week, Friday, July 24.
	Pillsbury recalls two bread products over potential glass contamination General Mills is voluntarily recalling two varieties of rolls because they may contain foreign materials, and specifically glass, according to a report posted by the FDA.
	Dawson County gets temporary waiver from Medicaid work rules following Tyson plant closure The Tyson beef plant in Lexington, shown in December, is set to close around Jan. 20, eliminating 3,212 jobs. (Photo by Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)LINCOLN — Federal officials have approved a temporary exemption from new Medicaid work requirements to Dawson County — home of the now-shuttered Tyson Foods plant that ended about 3,000 jobs. Gov. Jim Pillen last month announced that he directed the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to seek the temporary hardship exemption for the county that includes Lexington, home to about 11,000 people where the meatpacking plant had operated 35 years and was the city’s largest employer. The hardship provision, authorized under the 2025 law President Donald Trump calls big and beautiful, allows states to request the temporary exemption for counties where the unemployment rate exceeds 8% or is at least 1.5 times the national average, which was 4.3% in April. Tyson Foods workers wear protective equipment on the production line. (Courtesy of Tyson Foods) Dawson had the highest monthly unemployment rate in Nebraska in April, at nearly 20% in preliminary, non seasonally adjusted data. The Lexington meatpacking plant, which earlier operated under a different name, closed in January. People who have lived in Dawson at any point since Feb. 1 will be automatically and temporarily exempt from the new Medicaid work requirements, Nebraska DHHS officials said in a Friday statement announcing the temporary waiver approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. On May 1 and at Pillen’s direction, Nebraska became the first state in the country to implement the new federally mandated work requirements. All states are to enforce the new and expanded Medicaid work requirements by Jan. 1, 2027. Advocates for Medicaid recipients have voiced concerns, saying that the new work, volunteer and education requirements for some Medicaid recipients will cause confusion, paperwork burdens and other problems that could lead to loss of public insurance coverage for the state’s vulnerable populations. State DHHS officials have cited “substantial and sustained” outreach efforts. The agency said no one would lose coverage without an opportunity to show they meet new requirements. Generally, the new federal requirements apply to work-eligible adults, ages 19 to 64, who are enrolled through the Medicaid expansion program. They must show they’re working or performing community service at least 80 hours a month or that they’re enrolled in school at least half-time. Exemptions exist for people with serious medical conditions or who are full-time caregivers. DHHS estimates that up to 29,000 of the 72,000 Nebraskans enrolled in Medicaid expansion could be impacted by the new work requirements. That’s out of a total population receiving Medicaid benefits of 336,000 as of February, DHHS has said. The temporary hardship provision is to exempt Dawson County until that county’s unemployment rate falls below the 8% or 1.5% national average. Pillen, a Republican, has told state agencies to continue coordinating workforce assistance and community support resources to Tyson-impacted families. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Nebraska Examiner
	Kentuckians with disabilities, advocates say looming 4% Medicaid cut is a ‘threat’ Hundreds of Kentuckians with disabilities and their loved ones and advocates came to Frankfort and pleaded with elected officials to find a way to protect the services they receive through Medicaid waivers. July 17, 2026. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd)FRANKFORT — Kentuckians with disabilities and their loved ones and advocates came to Frankfort Friday and pleaded with elected officials to find a way to protect the services they receive through Medicaid waivers. Several spoke during a legislative subcommittee meeting, which was formed to handle issues surrounding waiver waitlists, and many more spoke at a town hall meeting and rally on the Capitol Annex steps. Organizers estimated hundreds attended these events. Laura Orsland, the mother of a son with disabilities who founded the HIVE in Bowling Green to support “people with developmental disabilities and those who care for them,” said the looming 4% cuts to the providers who help her family and others “is not just a number to us. It’s a threat.” “It is a warning,” she said. “It is the sound of one more piece of stability slipping away.” A June 8 letter from the Cabinet for Health and Family Services informed various providers they would see a 4% reduction in Medicaid reimbursement starting Aug. 1. Reductions are set to target the following waivers, in addition to providers in other sectors: Home and Community Based Waiver, which provides services to Kentuckians 65 and older or those who are physically disabled and need a nursing facility level of care. Michelle P. Waiver, which provides services for Kentuckians with intellectual or developmental disabilities who need nursing facility or immediate care facility level of care. Model II Waiver, which provides services for people needing ventilator support 12 or more hours a day, are on a physician-monitored weaning program and need a nursing facility level of care. Supports for Community Living, which provides services for Kentuckians with intellectual or developmental disabilities who need immediate care facility level of care. Meanwhile, families who need waiver services said it’s already difficult to find providers able to care for them and their loved ones. Leslie Hoffmann, the deputy commissioner of the Department for Medicaid Services, said there were nearly 19,000 people on waitlists for Medicaid waivers as of July 13, with only around 1,000 spots available. Dr. Steven Stack, the secretary for the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, speaks during a committee hearing on Medicaid waivers. July 17, 2026. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd) Year over year, the cost of waiver services and Medicaid claims have increased from around $492,000 per person in 2020 to around $607,166 in 2025, Hoffmann said in a presentation to members of the Waiver Waitlist Management Subcommittee on Friday morning. Total annual expenditures for these services hit nearly $1.9 billion in 2025 even as many spend years on waitlists waiting for care. Dr. Steven Stack, the secretary for the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, said solutions to the waitlist and other issues come back to money. “If you shed tears over the size of the Medicaid budget now, some of the ways we could make all of these problems go away would make you shed buckets of tears about how much larger the cost would be,” he said. ‘I am a person’ Grace Anna Rodgers, a singer who has Michelle P. Waiver services and uses a wheelchair, told those gathered for the Friday afternoon town hall: “Don’t ever feel sorry for yourself, because we are still human beings.” “A lot of people see people like me as somebody who, ‘oh she’s in a wheelchair, she can’t do anything,’ but we thrive and we love to do things,” she said. “I play piano, I sing and I love doing it. I am a person.” Claire Mynear, who has autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), obsessive compulsive disorder and other diagnoses, said she waited 15 years to get her Michelle P. Waiver. “I need the services to help me to be able to do the things like to be independent and see friends and do things that I like to do out in the community, and that helps me be able to go out when I have services,” said Mynear, 34. “I like doing a lot of Special Olympic sports and stuff.” Gov. Andy Beshear has blamed the budget passed by the General Assembly this year for forcing his hand toward the cuts, while lawmakers have said he could better manage the money they provided. Families plead with KY leaders: ‘Work together to find a solution’ and keep Lee Clinic open Judi Gerding, the founder and CEO of The Point Arc in Northern Kentucky, questioned the state’s spending priorities. “Kentucky has been known for horses and bourbon. Let us channel that same energy and wealth into becoming the nation’s leading state for our most vulnerable people,” she said. “What good are new buildings, parks and highways if the people who need them most cannot access or benefit from them?” Several families asked that leaders find a way to work together and reverse the cut. “I’m asking everyone who has a voice in this decision to look beyond the blame and look at the result. Forget the political back and forth for a minute, and look at the human beings standing in the middle of it,” said Orsland, the Bowling Green advocate. “Look at the disabled adults who depend on these services to live. Look at the parents who are terrified of what happens next. Look at the siblings, the workers, the families, the people whose lives hang in the balance,” she said. “My son is not a line item, and my family is not a talking point. People with disabilities are not statistics. They are multidimensional, sentient human beings that deserve dignity, safety and care. And they deserve better than cuts that make life harder, lonelier and more fragile.” Scenes from the rally when Kentuckians with disabilities and their loved ones and advocates came to Frankfort and pleaded with elected officials to find a way to protect the services they receive through Medicaid waivers. July 17, 2026. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd) SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Kentucky Lantern
	Special Weather Statement until FRI 8:00 PM CDT Hot and Humid Conditions Persist This Afternoon and Early Evening
	Move over, Super Bowl? There's an even bigger – and splashier – World Cup halftime show coming The show, which will begin somewhere around 3:45 PM ET, will air in the U.S. on Fox, Fox One and in Spanish on Telemundo, as well as on the Fox Sports app and streaming in Spanish on Peacock. It's expected to run for about 11 minutes.
	4 Your Money \| Twin Headwinds Persistent uncertainty regarding trade policy and ongoing tensions in the Middle East have created headwinds for the stock market this year. David Nelson, CEO of NelsonCorp Wealth Management, joins us to recap how Strait of Hormuz traffic and geopolitical instability impacts the U.S. economy
	China signals possible return of U.S. trade privileges for Hong Kong The decision comes two months after President Donald Trump met with Xi Jinping, potentially warming ties ahead of Xi's expected U.S. visit.
	The new $1 Trump coin doesn't just buck norms. Experts say it also breaks laws President Trump's face will appear on a new commemorative coin honoring the nation's 250th birthday. It's one of the many unusual places his likeness has popped up this year.
	Sauk Valley Area Chamber Foundation broadens local impact The Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce announced the creation of the Sauk Valley Area Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that works to strengthen the economic vitality, educational opportunities and quality of life throughout the Sauk Valley region. The Foundation’s formation is a significant step forward in the Chamber's commitment to serving the region. [...]
	State and federal tax credits clear way for 60-unit affordable apartment complex in Rock Island Community Home Partners and developer AHDVS LLC plan to build a four-story apartment complex with a community center for seniors 62 and older in Rock Island. The Illinois Housing Development Authority announced over $15 million in state and federal tax credits for the housing project. Construction of Valley Homes is expected to begin in the spring of 2027.
	Scott County to add new program to break cycle of homelessness, hospitals, and jail The new program was formed after a committee found that $7.1 million in emergency resources had been spent on 17 individuals with severe mental illness over a five-year period.
	Rock Island begins applications for archery deer hunting season The City of Rock Island has begun accepting applications for the 2026-2027 archery deer hunting season, as defined by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. According to a Facebook post from the Rock Island Police Department, hunters can get applications from the police department, Rock Island Parks and Recreation or here. Completed applications with proficiency [...]
	Cost of housing, healthcare among Coloradans’ top worries, new survey shows A crew builds new housing in downtown Denver, Colorado, on April 14, 2026. (Photo by Quentin Young/Colorado Newsline)A large majority of Coloradans reported that the cost of housing, healthcare and everyday expenses are serious challenges, according to a newly released survey from the Colorado Health Foundation. The organization’s seventh annual Pulse poll measured people’s attitudes on various concerns in the state. Respondents pointed to government, the cost of living and housing affordability as their top concerns, with a 12% bump in people naming the cost of living as a top concern. Eighty-five percent said housing costs and the cost of living were either extremely or very serious, and 82% said the same of healthcare costs. The poll was conducted in the spring, and researchers contacted 2,240 people. The results have a 3.2% margin of error with 95% confidence. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. “Rising costs are still a major concern for Coloradans,” Lucia Del Puppo, senior vice president at FM3 Research and Democratic pollster said in a statement. “After some slight improvements in 2025, those hardships have returned to prior levels, suggesting that recent cost increases have wiped out the improvements people saw when inflation eased.” Nearly half of those polled said they postponed medical or dental care in the past year, and 29% said they delayed mental health care because of financial anxiety and rising costs. Nearly 75% of people reported cutting back on recreational and entertainment spending to help their budgets. Of the 65% of people who said the cost of health care for their family increased over the past year, most were from the Denver metro area, but smaller shares were from the Colorado Springs area and the Western Slope. About 6 in 10 people said they were dissatisfied with the out-of-pocket expenses for their health care, like co-pays and deductibles, and nearly half are not happy with wait times to see a provider. The cost of healthcare was a bigger concern in the Eastern Plains. Quotation Rising costs are still a major concern for Coloradans ... After some slight improvements in 2025, those hardships have returned to prior levels, suggesting that recent cost increases have wiped out the improvements people saw when inflation eased. – Lucia Del Puppo, of FM3 Research In the state government category, poll respondents were most satisfied with efforts to make Colorado a safe and welcoming place. About 68% are not happy with the government’s ability to ensure effective use of taxes, with Republicans more likely to be very dissatisfied. There was also major dissatisfaction with how the government is responding to economic concerns. “Coloradoans are generally dissatisfied with how the government is performing on these goals,” Del Puppo said during a Wednesday briefing. “The one that they were net positive on was making Colorado a safe and welcoming place for everyone who lives here. But again, that was plus four points. It was pretty close.” One-third of respondents said they worry about affording rent or their mortgage, a figure that has trended up since the first poll in 2020. Over half of renters worry, compared to 23% of homeowners. Renters are increasingly likely to avoid asking their landlords to fix issues out of fear of rent increases. They also partake in other coping mechanisms to pay housing costs such as 28% working multiple jobs, 21% falling behind on other payments, and 24% taking on credit card debt. Among all Coloradans, 76% blamed high housing costs on stagnant wages and 69% blame private investors buying homes and apartments for profit. There was also a partisan split on where to place blame for high costs: 65% of Republicans said that government regulations make housing more expensive, compared to 30% of Democrats. Around two-thirds of people said they are worried about being able to afford living in Colorado in the future, however, most people said they are likely to recommend Colorado as a place to live, with 20% saying they are very likely to do so and 14% saying they are not at all likely. “There’s a little bit of a division there, and people feeling intensely,” Del Puppo said. “But in general, it’s a net positive recommendation and likelihood of recommending Colorado.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Colorado Newsline
	2 cats die after Rock Island house fire Crews responded to a house fire on the 700 block of 17th Street Thursday evening.
	Panasonic toaster ovens sold by Costco and Amazon recalled If you bought an electric toaster oven from Amazon or Costco, you may want to check the make and model.
	Veteran filmmaker Sean Fredregill to lead dphilms Des Moines and Central Iowa operations Fredregill said he looks forward to helping organizations tell compelling stories that connect with audiences.
	Mon County pools advised to close because of poor air quality as Canadian wildfire smoke enters WV Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, West Virginia, is covered in smoke from Canadian wildfires the morning of Friday, July 17, 2026. (Photo courtesy of the Monongalia County Health Department)Health officials in Monongalia County are recommending that outdoor pools close and camps and daycare facilities keep children inside while air there remains “very unhealthy” due to wildfire smoke from Canada. Monongalia County is under an air quality advisory as the air remains at a 244 on the air quality index, according to a news release from the Monongalia County Health Department. The air quality index ranges from 0, which is good, to 300 and up, which are emergency conditions. Until air quality improves, Health Officer Brian Huggins also advises that children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with respiratory or heart disease should avoid all outdoor physical activity. Other adults should avoid prolonged or heavy exertion outdoors, the health department said. Outdoor camps should move children inside and limit outdoor activities to a minimum, the agency said. Daycares and schools should keep kids inside during recreation time, he said. Employers should limit workers’ outdoor activity for employees and people should wear a fitted N95 or KN95 respirator mask if outdoor activity is necessary for extended periods, the agency said. Elsewhere in the state, the state Department of Environmental Protection said West Virginia residents should monitor air quality in their area due to the wildfires. Forecasts indicated that air quality in parts of the state may be poor due to wildfires beginning Thursday and continuing Friday, the DEP said. People can visit AirNow.gov or use the AirNow mobile app to monitor air quality. Wildfire smoke contains particulate matter, known as PM2.5, which can affect anyone, but especially especially children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and those with heart or lung conditions such as asthma or COPD, the DEP said. When air quality worsens, people are advised to reduce time outdoors and limit strenuous physical activity, particularly if air quality reaches the unhealthy category or higher. People who experience symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain or difficulty breathing should move indoors and seek medical attention if symptoms become severe. “WVDEP will continue working with the National Weather Service offices in the region to issue air quality alerts for affected areas of West Virginia as forecasts evolve,” the agency said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of West Virginia Watch
	Farm company identified as possible cyclosporiasis outbreak source: Reports A popular California company has been linked to the growing cyclosporiasis outbreak, according to a new report.
	Body camera footage shows arrest of Iowa judicial district judge charged with OWI Adria Kester was found driving the wrong way on Highway 30 in Boone County last November; she later resigned and pleaded guilty.
	Beat the heat with Rock Island Public Library events The Rock Island Public Library is helping residents beat the heat with a variety of summer programming all next week, from a musical kid’s headliner on Monday to the Library Book Sale on Friday and Saturday. The week starts with the Rockin’ and Reading with Leonardo summer reading show on Monday, July 20 from 10:30 [...]
	Wildfire smoke creates health concerns across Michigan, resulting in closures and cancellations The Michigan State Capitol, visible through wildfire smoke. July 16, 2026. \| Photo by Katherine Dailey/Michigan Advance.As a sepia-toned haze continues to blanket communities throughout Michigan, some government offices, local businesses and event hosts are closing up shop, as state officials urge residents to limit their time outdoors due to hazardous air quality. Smoke from Canadian wildfires has worsened air quality across the Great Lakes region, with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy maintaining an air quality alert for Friday and Saturday. Air quality will be in the “Hazardous” range for the Upper Peninsula Friday, and in the “Very Unhealthy” range for the Lower Peninsula, according to EGLE. The U.S. Interagency Wildland Fire Air Quality Response Program’s Smoke Outlook notes that conditions are expected to improve across the southwest portion of the state as winds push smoke out of the region. While Grand Rapids can expect to see air quality improvements this evening, and Detroit will see better conditions overnight, the Friday forecast notes that the Upper Peninsula will not see the same benefits. Air Quality Forecast Map for Friday, July 17, 2026 \| National Weather Service By Saturday, most areas save for the Upper Peninsula can expect to see “moderate” air quality, though winds are expected to shift, bringing smoke back across much of the Great Lakes region Saturday evening into Sunday, according to the Smoke Outlook. Poor air quality has already disrupted community events and government operations, with the Third Judicial Circuit Court of Michigan, located in Downtown Detroit, closed its in-person operations Thursday, and remaining closed on Friday. The Oakland County Clerk and Register of Deeds also closed down offices Thursday due to the hazardous air quality. Some outdoor events, like the third annual Rx Kids Baby Parade in Flint, intended to offer resources and raise awareness for maternal and child health, was canceled. The Ann Arbor Art Fair has given its exhibitors the option to operate on a reduced schedule, instead of the scheduled 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. hours. Officials urge residents to take steps to protect their health Because of the unhealthy air quality across the state, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and local governments are offering recommendations for how individuals can protect their health, including keeping their activity levels low and spending less time outdoors when possible. The towers of the Mackinac Bridge are barely visible in this photo taken on July 16, 2026. \| Photo courtesy of Candy Jones-Guerin Breathing wildfire smoke can cause stinging eyes, coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath, as well as more serious effects like asthma attacks and heart failure. Individuals with heart disease and lung disease, like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, are at greater risk of facing negative health effects from wildfire smoke, as are adults 60 and older, children and teenagers, pregnant people and outdoor workers. While indoors, the Department of Health and Human Services advises residents to close windows and limit opening exterior doors. If their heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are not equipped with a MERV-13 filter, a high-efficiency air filter rating, or something higher, the Department recommends using portable air cleaners and, if possible, closing the outdoor air intake on air conditioners. The Department advised those without portable air cleaners to consider making a DIY cleaner, which can be made using a box fan and a MERV-13 filter. DHHS advised against burning candles, vacuuming without a HEPA filter, smoking, spraying aerosols and using gas stoves more than necessary to avoid making the air quality worse. It also recommended rescheduling outdoor activities or moving them inside. For those who must be outside, the department recommends wearing an N95 or P100 respirator masks, noting that it should fit tightly and collapse when breathing in, not letting air in from the sides. Masks should not be used for children younger than 2. DHHS also advised employers to make accommodations for employees to work inside with proper HVAC systems and high-efficiency air filters, when possible. People experiencing shortness of breath, persistent or severe coughing, chest pain, dizziness, confusion, changes in consciousness or worsening chronic conditions should seek medical care. More information is available at the department’s Your Health and Wildfire Smoke webpage. Courtesy of Michigan Advance
	Iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell linked to cyclospora outbreak in 5 states Federal health officials have identified a single supplier of the produce from Mexico that was served in Taco Bell restaurants in five states.
	Medical school debt and refinancing: How borrowers are managing student loans Medical school debt and refinancing: How borrowers are managing student loansFor health care professionals at all levels, from medical students to attending physicians, student loan debt is as pervasive as the common cold. Unfortunately, it takes a lot longer to go away. Severe student loan debt can affect borrowers’ financial health for years or even decades.This spring, SoFi surveyed 229 medical professionals across the career spectrum to ask about their loan-related aches and pains. As SoFi reports below, many hope a student loan refinance can bring them some relief.Key FindingsMore than 61% of respondents carry student loan debt of more than $100,000, showing that high debt burdens persist even as professionals advance in their careers.At least half of respondents at every career stage owe $50,000 or more.Most respondents’ debt currently involves interest rates between 5.00% and 7.99%.Borrowers who want to refinance student loans are most often motivated by a desire to lower interest rates, a goal shared by nearly half (45%) of respondents.Most respondents are confident that refinancing student loans could save them money over the long term.Introduction to Medical School Debt and RefinancingIn SoFi’s survey, more than one-quarter (27%) of respondents are medical students and early-career doctors known as residents. About 10% are attending physicians, while almost half (45%) are “other health professionals,” a broad category made up of nurses, dentists, therapists, and other related practitioners.Almost all of these health care workers have financed their many years of schooling by borrowing. Due to the financial strain, they’re thinking about student loan refinancing for some or all of this debt.Most Borrowers Are Not Early-Career Health Care ProfessionalsAt first glance, you might expect early-career health care professionals to be carrying more medical school debt than full-fledged doctors do, since they haven’t had as much time in the workforce to earn money and pay back their loans.But SoFi’s survey found otherwise. Among medical students, only two-thirds (66%) owe more than $100,000. Almost three-quarters (74%) of residents owe that much. And almost 9 out of 10 (88%) attending physicians carry a six-figure debt. Other health professionals — people who may not have medical degrees — also carry a great deal of student loan debt. There’s no indication of how long these borrowers have been out of school, but as a group, their debt load is comparable to that of residents: 89% of residents and 88% of other health professionals owe at least $50,000. SoFi The Majority of Borrowers Carry Over $100,000 in Student Loan DebtRegardless of career stage or role, more than three-fifths (61%) of all survey respondents have medical student loans in excess of $100,000. More than four out of five (83%) owe at least $50,000.As shown below, there is a correlation between debt load and professional status. It’s worth noting that at least half of the respondents within each category owe more than $100,000. SoFi SoFi Most Borrowers Have Interest Rates Between 5.00% and 8.00%Though student loan rates have fluctuated dramatically over the past decade — even dipping below 3.00% during the COVID-19 pandemic — most borrowers in the survey are facing rates above 5.00%.The vast majority of them (85%) pay rates between 5.00% and 10.00%.Most — almost 3 out of 5 (59%) — pay interest ranging from 5.00% to 7.99%, while a sizable minority (26%) pay 8.00% to 9.99%. Only 1 in 20 respondents pays interest of less than 5.00%.Many of these borrowers may be able to bring down their average rates by student loan consolidation or refinancing. SoFi Federal Loans Make Up the Majority of Borrower DebtIt’s not surprising that Uncle Sam is the most frequent provider of medical school loans. What’s notable is the degree to which those government-sponsored loans overshadow private ones.Almost 9 out of 10 respondents (86%) have at least some federal loans — and roughly 7 out of 10 (69%) say their student debt is nothing but federal loans.Of the 159 respondents who borrowed exclusively from the government, 110 (or 69%) pay interest rates between 5.00% and 7.99%. Almost all pay less than 10.00% for the loans.At all levels of indebtedness, private loans are less prevalent. The survey found that as debt grows, the share financed by private lenders shrinks. SoFi Lowering Interest Rates Is the Primary Goal for RefinancingRefinancing at a lower APR (annual percentage rate, which includes interest and any account fees) can often ease the process of paying down longstanding loans. Smaller monthly payments — or the ability to direct a larger share of existing payments to principal rather than interest — can have a big impact.Among survey respondents, almost 3 in 10 (29%) say they want to refinance student loans in order to pay off the debt faster, while about 1 in 5 (22%) would do so to reduce their monthly payments. SoFi Most Borrowers Have Not Refinanced Their Loans BeforeOf the 229 respondents, the vast majority (218, or 95%) have not previously refinanced their medical student loans. About 38% of them pay an average interest rate of more than 8.00%. By contrast, everyone who has refinanced pays less than 8.00%.To be sure, not everyone who refinances will reduce their interest rates. But those with strong credit scores, solid payment histories, and accommodating lenders may well secure lower student loan refinancing rates that represent real savings. SoFi Most Borrowers Have Strong Credit ProfilesMost respondents to the survey (59%) report they have “very good” credit. This label generally equates to credit scores ranging from 740 to 799. Within that credit score tier, more than two-thirds of people (68%) have student loan debt in excess of $100,000.Of the 18% with “exceptional” credit scores (800 or higher), almost 3 in 5 (59%) owe more than $100,000.Meanwhile, within the group of borrowers who owe at least $50,000, more than three-quarters (77%) have very good or exceptional credit scores. SoFi Borrowers Span a Wide Range of Income LevelsFor established professionals, many health care positions pay well. Depending on the field and the role, median pay can range well into six figures. But students and residents generally haven’t entered their prime earning years yet. Their participation in the survey helps explain the wide range of annual incomes shown in these results. SoFi Most Borrowers Are Not Concerned About Losing Federal BenefitsWhen federal student loans are refinanced with a private lender, borrowers lose important federal benefits, such as income-driven repayment, deferment, and access to Public Service Loan Forgiveness. Overall, more than half (57%) of borrowers in the survey say they’re not concerned about the loss. That could be because they don’t foresee utilizing those programs, or they feel the advantages of refinancing outweigh the drawbacks.More than two-thirds (69%) of respondents have all federal student loans. Within that group, 52% are confident about the loss of benefits, while 16% are definitely concerned.Among the 17% who have a combination of federal and private loans, 58% are confident that giving up federal benefits is the right decision, while 18% are worried. SoFi Borrowers Are Generally Confident Refinancing Will Save MoneyAlmost 9 out of 10 borrowers (88%) report they’re somewhat or very confident that refinancing their student loans now will enable them to save money in the long term.Of the roughly 10% of respondents paying 10.00% interest or more on their loans, almost all (96%) believe that refinancing will save them money.At the other end of the spectrum, a tiny share of respondents (5%) are paying rates of less than 5.00%. Most of them (82%) are also confident they’d see some savings after refinancing. SoFi The TakeawayHealth care professionals are servicing their medical school debt at all income levels, grappling with a wide variety of interest rates. Many are repaying six-figure sums. Though few have refinanced their loans in the past, almost all believe that doing so now could save them money in the future.MethodologySurvey findings reflect the answers of 229 people who answered a SoFi.com online quiz from 2026. All dollar amounts and interest rates are self-reported. Percentages may not total 100 due to rounding.This story was produced by SoFi and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	QC Symphony, St. Ambrose partner for planned $24M music facility in Davenport The Quad City Symphony Orchestra and St. Ambrose University in Davenport plan to band together to build a new $24-million home for music in downtown Davenport.
	The U.S.-Iran battle over the Strait of Hormuz raises risks for global waterways Recognizing Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz could set a dangerous precedent, with other countries attempting to claim important waterways, analysts say.
	‘Your watch is over’: Jo Daviess deputies mourn K-9 Sam The Jo Daviess Sheriff’s Office is mourning K-9 Sam, 9, who died July 10 after battling cancer.
	How AI is changing soccer from the ground up How AI is changing soccer from the ground upMore than two thousand years ago, Chinese players kicked a leather ball across training grounds in a game called Cuju to develop balance, endurance, and precision with their feet. The game evolved gradually until the 1860s when England transformed dozens of local clubs into an organized body with standardized "laws of the game." Along the way, leather balls became lighter, village squares gave way to massive stadiums, television made local matches into global events, video replay revolutionized officiating, and advances in modern training techniques helped athletes build better bodies. Today, as XbotGo reports below, soccer is undergoing yet another evolution, in the way AI is changing the sport at all levels.As technology advances, the sport adapts. That includes everything from synthetic playing surfaces to semi-automated offside technology (SAOT). Since FIFA introduced this breakthrough at the 2022 World Cup, review times dropped dramatically as artificial intelligence tracks players using multiple high-speed cameras, generating 3D animations to determine exact positions at the moment of a pass, improving accuracy compared to human linesmen alone. MLS uses AI to evaluate amateur players virtually, making global talent discovery possible without traditional scouting trips. Today, even a young athlete's earliest development can be captured by any parent who sets up an AI sports camera on the sidelines and lets automated tracking take over the videography, so the parent can enjoy the game.Artificial intelligence is an edge for players and coaches at the highest professional level. But it is also helping to democratize the pursuit of going pro by bringing video, analysis, and data-driven coaching to millions of players who may never train at an elite academy. AI sports camera companies have developed technologies that can automate game tracking and generate highlights for grassroots soccer.These technologies can also be used to foster a player’s love of the game at an early age. Today, it's common for children to embrace dedicated "film review" sessions with their coaches, when watching themselves on screen and sharing highlights become fun elements in training. XbotGo Automated tracking systems can now follow every movement on the field without a camera operator. For smaller clubs, that automation can free a coach whose eyes were previously behind a phone camera to reengage in the more meaningful work of actual coaching. Computer vision can automatically identify players, recognize game situations, and generate highlights. AI-powered analytics are becoming increasingly capable of measuring positioning, decision-making, and tactical patterns that once required hours of manual review. Rather than replacing coaches, this outsourcing of repetitive, technical tasks becomes a force multiplier as the coaches reclaim hours to spend on player development.Great potential exists in every community, but talent can only develop when players receive meaningful feedback and opportunities to improve. As AI helps bridge that gap, more players can be seen and discovered.Even for young athletes with humbler ambitions, their parents might find benefits in this technology. Instead of worrying about recording an entire match from the sidelines, they can remain present while still preserving important moments with an AI sports camera.With the world’s attention on international competitions this summer, millions of young players dream about becoming the next global star. The challenge is providing those players with the tools to continue improving.Artificial intelligence cannot replace dedication or passion. However, it can make advanced training resources more accessible than ever before.The next great player could still come from a distinguished academy in Madrid or Buenos Aires. However, they may also emerge from a community club with little more than a ball, a coach, and access to the same intelligent tools once reserved for the world's elite.This story was produced by XbotGo and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Rock Island Arsenal hosting Military Retiree Appreciation Day Military retirees in the QCA are invited to attend the annual Military Retiree Appreciation Day hosted on the Rock Island Arsenal on Friday, Sept. 25 from 7:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., in Heritage Hall, Building 60. Attendees are asked to RSVP by emailing bakernick61@yahoo.com or by calling 319-888-3370. Lila Quintiliani, Program Director for Finance and [...]
	Granny Basketball keeps six-on-six tradition alive and celebrates women playing as they age The Granny Basketball National Tournament is in Ankeny this weekend. Iowa is the birthplace of the sport, which celebrates six-on-six history and gives a space for older women to compete.
	Bettendorf man dedicates life to improving mobility for kids in need With a 3D printer, a pattern and a passion, Anthony Duran has set out to give kids the gift of mobility through printed mobility trainers.
	Clinton Area Showboat Theatre presents "Bonnie & Clyde" The Clinton Area Showboat Theatre invites you to experience the passion, danger and unforgettable music of "Bonnie & Clyde." According to a release, "Bonnie & Clyde opens Thursday, July 23. "Bonnie & Clyde" runs July 23 through August 2, with performances at2:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. at the historic Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, located at 303 [...]
	Why regular maintenance is the key to extending the life of your boat engine Why regular maintenance is the key to extending the life of your boat engineRecreational boating has become one of the country’s most reliable leisure markets, and most owners will tell you the appeal is not hard to understand. Being on open water feels like freedom, and whatever pressure follows people through the rest of life tends to stay on shore.But the financial side of ownership is a different matter, and that reality usually comes into focus where the stakes are highest. For the tens of millions of Americans who go boating each year, the engine is one of the costliest parts of ownership to neglect.Most experts put annual upkeep at roughly 10% of a vessel's purchase price, meaning a $50,000 boat runs about $5,000 a year in maintenance, and when owners fall behind on that schedule, the expenses that follow tend to be significantly higher.A failed outboard requiring full replacement costs anywhere from $11,000 to well over $100,000, depending on horsepower and configuration, and those replacement costs have been rising alongside broader equipment prices throughout the marine industry.The technicians at RJ Nautical, a Yamaha Marine Service Pro Elite-certified operation based in Southern California, handle the consequences of deferred upkeep regularly. And the engines that arrive after years of skipped service almost always carry repair bills that a fraction of that cost in routine maintenance could have prevented.Why Preventive Maintenance Matters More Than EverPrevention almost always costs less than repair, and for a marine outboard working against saltwater and open-water strain, the distance between those two costs can be wide.Preventive maintenance is the practice of staying ahead of mechanical failure through scheduled inspections and timely service, including fluid changes and part replacements on a set schedule. Well-maintained four-stroke outboards routinely run 1,500 to 3,000 hours or more, while engines that miss regular upkeep often fall well short of that range.And the safety side is just as important, because a stalled engine on open water carries consequences a stalled car does not, and many of those situations begin with maintenance that was pushed off too long.The Most Critical Areas to MaintainGood engine care does not demand a mechanic’s background, only consistent attention to the systems that cause the most damage when neglected.Fuel and oil filters are among the first to get overlooked, and the Boat Owners Association of the United States reports that 90% of diesel engine failures trace back to contaminated fuel, because bad fuel rarely stays contained once it moves through the system.The cooling system carries its own risk since a 300-horsepower engine moves roughly 30 gallons of water through it every minute. And if a loose-fitting or worn hose disrupts that movement, the engine can overheat quickly and push the problem beyond a simple repair.Electrical connections deserve that same kind of attention because corrosion often starts long before a boat shows any obvious signs of trouble. None of this is complicated, but it does depend on the kind of consistency that keeps small failures from turning into expensive ones.The Hidden Threat of Corrosion and WearEnvironmental decay moves much more slowly than a mechanical failure, and for many boat owners, that makes it easier to underestimate. Saltwater, for example, makes that slow damage more aggressive because it keeps working on exposed metal after the engine is off and the boat is back at the dock.Humidity also makes the problem worse by holding moisture inside engine compartments and wiring after a trip is over, while day-to-night temperature changes create condensation in places owners rarely think to check.For those reasons, boating experts advise freshwater washing after every use, along with protective treatment on exposed parts, since salt left behind keeps breaking surfaces down after the trip ends. Ignore that cycle long enough, and light wear turns into pitting, rust, or buildup that shortens the life of parts owners expect to keep for years.Small Fixes vs. Major RepairsMost of what eventually kills a marine engine starts as a small, inexpensive part that went unaddressed, and the difference between fixing it early and waiting for the engine to fail is measured in thousands of dollars.Most outboard repairs cost between $100 and $5,000, depending on what failed and when it was caught. While a full engine replacement runs from $5,000 to over $20,000, and the cost difference between those two scenarios only grows the longer a problem goes ignored.Powerboat Magazine notes that engine failures often spread beyond the first damaged part, because once wear moves through a motor, the strain rarely stays contained to one area.Catching that original weak point during a routine inspection stops the damage before it spreads. And owners who deal with small repairs early usually keep their boats running smoothly and protect an investment that only gets more expensive over time.Building a Long-Term Maintenance RoutineA boat that sits unused for months faces a different kind of wear than one that runs every weekend, and owners who only head out a handful of times a season are often the most surprised when they start the engine and find something wrong.Stale fuel absorbs moisture and begins to break down when a boat sits for extended periods, while rubber seals and internal engine parts lose their protective coating the longer a motor goes without running.Most major marine manufacturers, including Yamaha, address this directly by recommending a full service every 100 hours of operation or once a year, whichever comes first, regardless of how light the use.Pairing that schedule with a seasonal inspection at the start and end of each boating year, along with a basic maintenance log that records what was done and when, keeps most owners well ahead of the failures that tend to catch unprepared boaters off guard.What This Means for Today’s Boat OwnersBoat ownership has always carried long-term costs, but rising prices for parts and repair work have made routine maintenance feel far less optional than it once did. More owners now approach service intervals the same way they approach insurance or storage costs, because keeping an engine healthy is still far cheaper than replacing one after years of neglect.A well-documented maintenance history also becomes part of the boat’s value once it enters the resale market. And buyers paying for a professional inspection are looking for that history to hold up under review, and missing records often raise questions before the inspection even begins.Marine service professionals often request maintenance logs from prospective buyers seeking help for a boat’s prepurchase inspection, even before they spend time inspecting the physical outboard, since legitimate service records give the first indication of how seriously a boat was maintained. Often, sellers don’t have service records because they’ve skipped services or didn’t have them performed at an authorized dealer that keeps detailed records. This lessens the value of the sales price, as the buyer could request that services be completed before the sale. This further adds to the cost of the seller’s ownership, as they don’t want to lose the sale of their boat and likely absorb a cheaper sales price.Owners who understand how their engines age, how systems wear, and how service records affect value usually make stronger long-term decisions because they are working from information instead of reacting to expensive surprises.Maintenance as an Investment, Not an ExpenseNo matter how you approach boat ownership, routine maintenance remains the most reliable way to get more life out of an engine and fewer surprises out of a season. Preventive care reduces the most expensive risks, including unplanned repairs and extended downtime, and it keeps ownership costs far more predictable over time.And as parts prices and labor rates continue climbing, the owners who treat maintenance as a built-in part of running a boat will be far better positioned than those who treat it as something to put off until the engine shows them otherwise.Reaching that position is precisely what such operations are designed to support, working alongside owners who treat their boats as long-term investments rather than short-term expenses. And the owners who take that responsibility seriously are usually the ones who stay on the water longer and safer.This story was produced by RJ Nautical and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Two people safe, two cats dead after Rock Island house fire A house fire in Rock Island claimed the lives of two pets Thursday.
	One person injured in Thursday house fire in Coal Valley A fire late Thursday in Coal Valley left one person with smoke- and fire-related injuries.
	CDC tracks parasite that causes diarrhea to lettuce at Taco Bell locations in WV Taco Bells in West Virginia and four other states have been linked to a multistate outbreak of cyclospora, a parasite that causes diarrhea. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising people not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell in those states, including the Patrick Street location of Taco Bell in Charleston, West Virginia on Friday, July 17, 2026. (Photo by Lori Kersey/West Virginia Watch)The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is advising people not to eat shredded iceberg lettuce at Taco Bell locations in West Virginia and four other states after it’s been linked to a multistate outbreak of cyclospora, a parasite that causes diarrhea. So far, 1,644 people in five states have gotten sick due to the outbreak, including 94 that have been hospitalized due to the illness, according to the CDC. A Federal Food and Drug Administration investigation has linked the outbreak to one supplier of lettuce from Mexico that is used by the Taco Bell locations, the CDC said. The FDA is working with the supplier to determine if the lettuce went to other states. The CDC is also investigating other outbreaks of cyclosporiasis nationally. According to the state Bureau for Public Health, so far 139 people in West Virginia have gotten sick from the parasite, including 15 who have been hospitalized. The Bureau for Public Health says symptoms of cyclospora typically develop two to 14 days after exposure and can include: prolonged watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, weight loss, abdominal cramping, bloating and increased gas, nausea and vomiting and low-grade fever. In a statement issued Thursday, Taco Bell said it has voluntarily removed the “potentially affected lettuce” from a supplier in select states. “The affected ingredient from our supplier is being indefinitely removed from our supply chain nationwide and will be replaced within 24 hours in select states,” the fast food chain said. “While no official advisory has been issued, we believe public health is a shared responsibility among restaurants, their suppliers, and authorities, and we are proud to have consistently acted quickly and proactively to protect our guests. “Taco Bell has taken precautionary action, and we encourage all relevant restaurants, retailers, and foodservice operators to do the same,” it said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of West Virginia Watch
	Why is my truck overheating? Why is my truck overheating?Imagine this—you're cruising down the highway on a hot summer afternoon, trailer in tow, when you glance at the dashboard and see the temperature gauge climbing outside its normal range. Maybe you notice a warning light or steam billowing from beneath the hood, urging you to pull over soon before serious damage occurs. Either way, an overheating truck can turn a solid road trip or a productive day on the job into a high-stress, expensive situation.Overheating isn't just an inconvenience. Left unchecked, excessive engine temperatures can warp cylinder heads, damage head gaskets, or even fry an engine. The good news? Most overheating issues begin with common, diagnosable problems. This guide from RealTruck.com covers all the reasons your truck may overheat, how to fix them, and the estimated cost to repair each.What Does a Cooling System Do?Your truck's cooling system is crucial to its operation and longevity. This system regulates engine temperature by circulating liquid coolant, or antifreeze, through the engine block and cylinder heads to absorb heat and transfer it to the radiator, where it dissipates.Core components of the cooling system include:RadiatorWater pumpThermostatCooling fansHeater coreHoses and belts When the cooling system functions properly, the engine stays within a safe operating range, preventing overheating. When something fails, heat builds quickly, leading to significant drivability and reliability issues.What Causes a Truck to Overheat?Trucks can overheat for several reasons, ranging from simple maintenance issues to major parts failures. Check out the most common failure points below, along with typical fixes and estimated repair costs. RealTruck.com Low or No CoolantCoolant absorbs and transfers engine heat. If levels are low, heat won't dissipate efficiently, leading to a buildup inside the engine and rapid temperature spikes.How To Fix ItTop off the cooling system with the manufacturer-recommended coolant, then pressure-test it to locate leaks. Minor fixes, like a loose clamp, can be inexpensive—larger fixes, like leaky radiators, will increase repair costs.Broken Water PumpThe water pump circulates coolant through the engine. If it fails, coolant flow stops, temperatures rise, and coolant typically leaks from the pump—either externally or internally.How To Fix It:If a water pump fails, the only solution is to replace it. Replace the water pump and seal with high-quality components to ensure efficient, leak-free operation. While water pumps generally aren't expensive, labor rates can be a killer, depending on the location and accessibility of the pump.Cooling System LeaksLeaks from old hoses, radiator end tanks, or weeping gaskets can reduce coolant volume and pressure, making the cooling system far less efficient.How To Fix It:Replace the damaged hoses or components. Small repairs, like replacing a swollen hose, are affordable, whereas larger repairs, like replacing a leaky water pump or cracked radiator, will raise repair costs.Damaged Serpentine/Accessory BeltOn most vehicles—aside from timing-chain-driven applications—the serpentine belt drives the water pump. If this belt slips or breaks, coolant circulation stops, resulting in overheating.How To Fix It:When a serpentine belt fails, replace it with a premium product. While completing the job, inspect the pulleys and belt tensioners to ensure they're free of excessive play and spin quietly and freely.Low OilEngine oil isn't just a lubricant—it helps to dissipate engine heat. Low oil levels increase friction and reduce cooling, raising the engine temperature.How To Fix It:If you're due for an oil change, replace the engine oil and filter. If not, top off the oil and inspect the engine for external leaks or oil consumption. If either is noted, either check the oil regularly or repair the leak.Failed ThermostatMost thermostats fail in the closed position, preventing coolant from flowing to the radiator. Others, like OEM Cummins thermostats, fail in the open position. Stuck-closed thermostats can cause excessive heat, while stuck-open thermostats can prevent your vehicle from reaching operating temperature efficiently.How To Fix It:Thermostats are relatively inexpensive, and most are easy to access. Though it requires some coolant drainage, the repair is generally inexpensive and takes only one to two hours.Clogged Heater CoreThe heater core is a small radiator mounted behind your vehicle's dashboard in the path of HVAC air. When coolant is restricted by corrosion or sediment, the heater core cannot flow properly, impacting coolant circulation and system balance.How To Fix It:Flush or replace the heater core to restore coolant flow to the system.Failed Engine Cooling FansCooling fans pull air through the radiator at idle or low speeds, more efficiently dissipating heat and resulting in cooler operating temperatures. If the fans fail, the temperature quickly climbs the second you stop moving or slow to a creep.How To Fix It:Replace the fan motor, relay, or temperature sensor as needed, depending on the culprit.What To Do When Your Truck OverheatsIf your truck's temperature gauge spikes, you'll need to act quickly and safely to prevent further damage to your vehicle.Turn Off the AC and Turn On the HeaterWhile it may be painful to turn on the heater on a hot day, it's better to sweat than hurt your engine. Turning off the AC reduces engine load, while turning on the heater helps to pull heat from the cooling system through the heater core. Doing so may lower coolant temps and buy you time to find a safe location to pull over.Pull Over to a Safe LocationAs soon as possible, pull your vehicle over to a safe turnout, shoulder, or off the highway. Shut off the engine to prevent further damage.Wait Before InspectionWhile you may be tempted to check the coolant level immediately, you'll need to let the engine cool and the cooling system depressurize first. Failure to do so can lead to serious injury and severe burns.Address Any Obvious IssuesMany causes of overheating issues are evident at a glance. Once the engine has cooled, check for:Broken or damaged serpentine beltDisconnected cooling fanVisible coolant leaks (water pump, hoses, etc.)Steam from the radiatorIf you're lucky, the issue will be simple and easy to spot. If not, it's time to call in for backup.Call for HelpIf there's a major leak or you can't identify the problem, it's best to call roadside assistance rather than risking further engine damage.Tips to Keep Your Truck from OverheatingBefore you take your truck on its next road trip, be proactive with its coolant system health.Check coolant levels regularly.Inspect hoses and belts at every oil changeFlush coolant per the manufacturer's scheduleReplace worn thermostats and belts proactivelyClean debris from radiator finsMonitor the temperature gauge when towingRemember—preventative maintenance is far cheaper than major engine repairs.FAQsQ: Why Is My Truck Overheating at Idle?A: Most often, failed cooling fans or restricted airflow are the culprit if your vehicle mainly overheats at idle. Since airflow is minimal at idle, the cooling system relies heavily on cooling fans to move air across the radiator.Q: Why Is My Truck Overheating When Towing?A: Towing increases engine load and heat production—the harder the engine works, the hotter it gets. If your truck overheats while towing, inspect coolant levels, radiator conditions, and fan operation, and consider upgrading cooling components for heavy-duty use.If your truck is running hot, don't ignore it. A small cooling issue can quickly turn into a major repair.This story was produced by RealTruck.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Wildfire smoke is like smoking 'half a pack a day.' Here's how to protect yourself As Canadian wildfires spread smoke across the U.S. the air pollution is dangerous to health. But there are ways to protect yourself. Here's what to know.
	2 cats die in Rock Island house fire The Rock Island Fire Department responded to house fire on the 700 block of 17th Street Thursday evening.
	Pets die in Rock Island fire Two cats died in a late-night fire in Rock Island last night. A news release from the Rock Island Fire Department said firefighters were called to a report of a structure fire in the 700 block of 17th Street on July 16 at about 11:48 p.m. When the first crews arrived, they found active fire [...]
	IMEG awards scholarships to 30 engineering students for 2026-27 school year This year's recipients were selected from 214 applicants, the most since the scholarship program launched in 2023.
	Crews respond to late-night structure fire in Coal Valley A resident was transported to the hospital with burn-related injuries and smoke inhalation.
	You bought the house. Now here comes the real cost of ownership. You bought the house. Now here comes the real cost of ownership.Your mortgage loan is secured, the keys are in hand, and you’ve closed on that dream home you’re excited to move into. After clearing all these obstacles, the path ahead looks free and clear.But not so fast, eager new homeowner. Are you prepared for the hidden price of ownership that many first-time buyers overlook, especially in the first year? Truth is, there could be a major gap between what you might expect when it comes to future residential bills and what you will actually pay.For proof, consider a recent Zillow and Thumbtack analysis, which found that homeowners insurance, routine maintenance, and property taxes can set owners back nearly $16,000 annually. And nearly two in three American homeowners surveyed by Unlock admit that owning is more expensive than they expected before they purchased.There’s no denying that home-related expenses are rising due to inflation, market pressures, and other factors. But you’re not alone in this struggle. TheZebra.com shares steps you can take to help lower the financial price tag of being a homeowner in 2026 and beyond.The Insurance Bill Nobody Budgeted ForProperty insurance premiums have jumped 48% in the past five years, surpassing household income growth. This helps explain why there’s a major disconnect between what homeowners thought they’d pay versus the actual bill: $2,692 versus $2,887, respectively, according to research from The Zebra. Three in four homeowners polled said homeowners insurance comprises a significant portion of their housing budget, with nearly half (47%) indicating they would encounter difficulty paying their mortgage if premiums increased.“To close on a home, you really just need a policy that meets your mortgage lender’s requirements. Yet for a first-time buyer, that’s often where the research stops,” says Beth Swanson, insurance analyst with The Zebra. “If you’ve never filed a claim or owned a home before, it’s easy to underestimate what your coverage actually includes or what it might be missing. But once you’ve settled in, you start to realize there are add-ons worth considering — like sewer backup coverage, service line protection, and similar endorsements that weren’t part of the initial conversation.”Keep in mind that rate quotes provided before a home closing often don't reflect actual renewal rates, which can increase suddenly with little warning. And in some markets, many homeowners can’t even renew their insurance because insurers are pulling out or refusing to underwrite policies due to costly claims in that area and other reasons.“Insurance premiums today are often higher than anticipated because risks have increased significantly, from severe weather to rising rebuilding costs,” Janet Ruiz, director of Strategic Communications for the Insurance Information Institute, explains. “Many first-time buyers don’t realize that premiums can increase at renewal because insurers adjust rates to reflect inflation, catastrophe losses, and local regulations.”The Maintenance Math Nobody DoesA new study by Synchrony reveals that homeowners seriously underestimate the lifetime costs of maintenance and repairs, anticipating they will fork over around $70,000, while the actual costs usually exceed $339,000 (over $7,000 per year).“One thing I’ve learned after years of owning and renovating properties is that homes have a way of needing attention at the worst possible time. An air conditioner stops working during a heat wave, or tree roots find their way into a sewer line,” notes real estate investor and licensed real estate agent Brett Johnson, owner of New Era Home Buyers. “None of these issues are unusual, yet many first-time owners don’t budget for them because they aren’t predictable.”Property Taxes, Utilities, and HOA Bills That Keep GrowingProperty taxes across the country are increasing faster than the rate of inflation, with the typical homeowner paying $4,427 in 2025, a jump of 3.7% from 2024, based on fresh data from ATTOM. The reality is that your home will eventually be reassessed, which could lead to higher-than-anticipated property bills in the future.Just as concerning, residential gas costs and electric rates have each spiked nationwide by about 40% since 2019 and 2021, respectively, per Powerlines data. The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects the trend to continue, projecting residential electricity prices to keep rising through 2027, with the steepest increases hitting East Coast states as utilities pour money into strengthening the power grid against extreme weather and rising demand. New federal survey data backs up what many homeowners already feel in their gut: Energy costs that once felt manageable are now forcing hard choices, from skipping other bills to keeping homes at uncomfortably hot or cold temperatures just to make ends meet.And if you live in a homeowners association, you’re almost certainly paying a lot more today than just a few years ago. The Wall Street Journal reported that median monthly HOA fees for single-family residences have shot up 26% since 2019 ($63 a month), compared to 29% ($420 monthly) for condo fees.“The problem is that buyers frequently budget using today’s numbers without considering how these numbers can change over time,” cautions personal finance expert Jeremy Panizzoli, founder of FinQnA. “Property taxes may be reassessed after a home sale. Utility costs can vary significantly depending on weather, household size, home efficiency, and local energy prices. HOA fees may also increase or be supplemented by special assessments that weren’t part of your original calculations.”The Savings DrainBuying and owning a home can also seriously deplete emergency funds and diminish those precious dollars you’ve salted away for a rainy day. Per Realtor.com, 14% of recent buyers indicated their most common challenge after closing was a depleted savings account.“The fastest way to turn a manageable home purchase into a financial burden is to arrive at closing with little or no cash left over,” Panizzoli continues. “Moving expenses, furniture purchases, utility deposits, basic home improvements, and unexpected repairs frequently arrive within the first few months of ownership. But after purchasing, rebuilding your cash reserves should become a top priority.”How to Close the GapTo lessen the financial blow in your first year and beyond, follow these best practices recommended by the experts.Homeowners insuranceShop around before and at every renewal. It pays to get offers from several different carriers.Increase your deductible. “Raising it from $500 to $1,000 can reduce your premium by roughly 10% to 25%,” suggests Ruiz.Qualify for other discounts. Bundling auto and home policies, being a retiree, belonging to a professional association, and long-term loyalty to the same carrier are among the triggers that can yield lower premiums.MaintenanceFollow the 1% rule. Set aside around 1% of your home’s value every year for maintenance and repairs, although older homes or properties with deferred upkeep can easily require more.Review the professional home inspection report. Did the inspector spot any red flags or forthcoming repairs needed?Consider purchasing a home warranty/service contract. This yearly subscription helps pay to fix or replace major household systems and appliances that break down due to normal wear and tear.Other billsRequest past property tax bills from the seller to learn what they paid.Get utility cost estimates from the seller or utility companies before closing.Ask about HOA special assessments and reserve fund health before buying in an HOA.SavingsBuild or replenish an emergency fund. Panizzoli recommends targeting at least three to six months of essential expenses in savings.Set up regular automated transfers into a dedicated savings account to help replenish your reserves.The Bottom LineDon’t beat yourself up if the actual costs of ownership far exceed what you envisioned. It’s understandable for first-time buyers to be inexperienced and underinformed. But by thinking ahead and budgeting carefully, you can avoid severe sticker shock later and, hopefully, set aside ample extra funds for the unexpected.This story was produced by TheZebra.com and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Is smoke in your home? Here's how to make an air purifier using a box fan Smoke from wildfires in Canada and Minnesota is sending air quality indexes to record levels, posing a hazard for millions of people. Here are tips for how to breathe easier in your home.
	Amid heat wave, energy assistance is available in Ohio People cool off with their dogs at the dog-friendly beach. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)With Ohio in a heat wave and an air-quality advisory, the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services and the Breathing Association are reminding Ohioans that many are eligible for emergency help. The Summer Crisis Program began on July 1 and runs through Sept. 30. Last year it served more than 55,000 Ohio households. The program provides assistance with electric bills, buying an air conditioner or fan, or repairing a central air conditioning unit. It also helps households with disconnection notices, as well as those that have been shut off or are trying to establish new service. To qualify for assistance, you must have a gross income below 175% of federal poverty guidelines. For a family of four, that’s $57,750. To apply, call the Breathing Association at 380-213-1444 to schedule an appointment or go to https://ba.itfrontdesk.com. Courtesy of Ohio Capital Journal
	Ohio has more than 1,000 reported cyclosporiasis cases, according to the state health department Vegetables and lettuces at a grocery store in Michigan. Michigan health officials say lettuces and salad greens are emerging as a likely source in the nationwide cyclosporiasis outbreak, which has sickened hundreds of people across 31 states. (Photo by Jon King/Michigan Advance)Ohio has reported 1,316 cyclosporiasis cases as of Thursday, according to the Ohio Department of Health, as the parasite makes headlines around the country for causing gastrointestinal illness described by some as “explosive diarrhea.” There have been 96 hospitalizations and Lucas County in Northwest Ohio has had the most cases with 278 as of Thursday, according to the state health department. “Michigan seems to be leading much of the outbreak that we’re seeing here in the Midwest, and that’s just across the border,” said Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Michigan has reported 4,312 cases and 102 hospitalizations as of Thursday, according to their state health department. Shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Bells in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia have been linked to the current cyclosporiasis outbreak, according to the CDC. More than 1,644 people who have had cyclosporiasis reported eating at Taco Bell locations in the five states, and the CDC is recommending to not eat shredded iceberg lettuce from Taco Balls in those states. Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis, which is also known as Cyclospora. People become infected by eating food or drinking water that contains the parasite, and folks can prevent cyclosporiasis by not eating food or drinking water contaminated with feces, according to the CDC. People who have been sick reported symptoms starting either on or after June 22, according to the CDC. “This organism is one that thrives in warm tropical or subtropical climates,” Vanderhoff said. “Anytime we see an outbreak in Ohio or the broader Midwest, that outbreak is generally going to be traceable back to imported fresh produce, especially things like leafy greens, berries, fresh herbs that were contaminated at their original source.” Cyclosporiasis is not typically life-threatening, but can cause severe watery diarrhea, Vanderhoff said. Other symptoms include loss of appetite, bloating, weight loss, cramping, nausea, and fatigue, according to the CDC. It can take anywhere from two days to up to two weeks to become sick after getting infected, and people can get infected more than once. Cyclosporiasis is generally not spread person-to-person. “I would discourage people from avoiding the foods that are most likely to be at risk because they’re the kinds of foods that are really healthy and your body really needs fresh leafy greens, fruits, especially things like melons, raspberries, some herbs like cilantro and basil,” Vanderhoff said. He recommends people wash their hands with soap and water before and after preparing fruits and vegetables. “Thoroughly wash all of your fresh fruits and vegetables under running water,” Vanderhoff said. “We don’t want you soaking them. We want you to scrub them (and) clean them under running water. … Once you’ve gotten them thoroughly cleaned, dry them, and then put them into your refrigerator promptly.” Cyclosporiasis can be treated with certain antibiotics. Symptoms can last from a few days to more than a month without treatment, according to the CDC. “We want people to seek medical attention because otherwise they can get very ill,” Vanderhoff said. “They can become severely dehydrated, and can have a whole variety of problems related to that.” Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on X or on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Ohio Capital Journal
	Cook review: 'Murder of Rachel Nickell' is documentary about British murder case Please note: This is a review about a ghastly homicide that happened in 1992 in England. It is a disturbing case, so reader discretion is advised. "The Murder of Rachel Nickell" is more than a police procedural. It includes that, but it also includes the history of a case that remained a mystery for years, [...]
	Iowa health insurers propose premium increases for ACA customers Voters say the cost of healthcare will be a major factor in how they vote in this year's midterm elections. (Getty Images)Iowa health insurance companies are proposing premium increases for Affordable Care Act customers in 2027, affecting thousands of Iowans. The proposal comes after insurers increased premiums for ACA-marketplace customers in 2026 by an average of 15.3% in Iowa. The proposed premium increases come as enhanced tax credits, money from the federal government paid directly to insurers to lower health care costs for ACA consumers, are scaled back. Natasha Murphy, director of health policy at the Center for American Progress, said insurance companies statewide that have proposed premium rate increases, some as high as double-digits, cited the expiration of enhanced tax credits and fewer customers as a reason for the price hikes. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. “One of the big policy areas that insurers are flagging is the expiration of the enhanced tax credits,” Murphy said. “You had several insurers cite that as one of the contributing factors as to why we’re looking at double-digit increases for a certain plan, and that’s mainly due to the fact that, as folks continue to get priced out of the market, the individuals who remain generally are sicker, and they know that they need to have insurance.” As of February, nearly a fifth of Iowans with ACA coverage dropped their insurance after the federal enhanced tax credits expired, according to data from KFF. Murphy said that rising health care costs and higher prescription prices have also contributed to higher premiums. Another factor Murphy attributed to premium spikes is a “market exit” among insurers who have historically provided ACA coverage. Murphy said Medica, a midwestern health insurance company, will no longer provide individual market coverage starting on Nov.1, which means nearly 4,000 Iowans will lose coverage. “I think what’s not certain is how much more are Iowans going to have to pay when they start shopping for coverage,” Murphy said. Murphy added that the changes could potentially lead to premium spikes for ACA customers in the coming years, including 2028. Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Iowa’s largest insurer, has proposed an average 5% premium increase for ACA marketplace plans in 2027, following premium increases this year. In a statement to the Iowa Capital Dispatch, a spokesperson for Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield said the company raises premiums due to rising costs for medical care and prescription drugs. “At Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield, our decisions start with our members,” the statement reads. “The cost of health care coverage matters, and even small changes have an impact. Each year, we review what drives those costs, including how health care is being used among our members and the impact of rising prices for services and prescriptions. We understand affordability is top of mind for our members, and it’s a priority for us too. That’s why we’ve worked hard to keep our proposed change among the lowest in the country and well below competing plans in Iowa. This result reflects years of disciplined work to control costs, improve efficiency and keep coverage affordable for the people we serve.” The spokesperson added that pharmacy and utilization costs rose more than 9% for ACA coverage in 2025, with overall medical costs increasing by 6%. Wellmark says that affordability for customers matters to them, and the insurer provides tools and services to help clients select an insurance plan catered to them. Iowans address premium spikes Amber Gustafson, a mother of three and an ACA recipient from Ankeny, said she experienced a 17% premium increase from Wellmark in 2026 and recently received a notice about the company’s proposed 5% increase. Gustafson, who is also a small business owner, said she and her husband had used private insurance prior to the ACA marketplace becoming available, and ACA coverage has been beneficial to her family. “My second two (children) were born when we were carrying private health insurance, and at that time — because it was before the ACA and the changes to the law — our health insurance did not cover prenatal care or labor and delivery,” Gustafson said. Gustafson acknowledged that the ACA marketplace is not perfect, but the enhanced tax credits helped her family significantly when implemented in 2021. “The ACA was life-changing, not just because of the care that it offered, but because of the changes that it made to the laws that required insurance to cover the things that we actually needed,” Gustafson said. Gustafson said she believes the expiration of enhanced tax credits have led to higher premiums, despite her family not qualifying for them. “It is something that does ultimately affect every single person on the ACA, whether you get a tax credit or not,” Gustafson said. “When we lost those tax credits, 2 million people dropped their coverage through the ACA, which is why these prices are going up.” Jill Kordick, a retired health administrator from Norwalk, said the first thing she did when receiving the letter from Wellmark was get out her calculator, adding she anticipates spending an additional $500 in her yearly budget due to the premium increase. Kordick also said the language of the letter means her premium could be raised even higher. “The language in the premium increase letter indicated an ‘average of 5%’,” Kordick said. “That leaves the door open for surprises.” Kordick criticized U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson and U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, describing the two Republicans as “fundamentally disconnected from Iowans.” “Representative Marinette Miller-Meeks and Hinson aren’t listening to their constituents,” Kordick said. “The hypocrisy of what they say and how they vote, especially as we enter into midterm elections, is very frustrating.” Kordick said she and other Warren County residents attempted, without success, to speak to Miller-Meeks in her Indianola office. “I’m on a video from the Center for American Progress where I attempted to try to talk with her, and she walked away,” Kordick said. “She didn’t want to be recorded, and she fundamentally walked away.” Miller-Meeks’s office did not respond to a request for comment. Hinson said in a statement to the Iowa Capital Dispatch that she is disheartened by premium increases and is advocating for bipartisan change in the U.S. health care system. “The status quo of healthcare is a failure — it’s way too expensive, premiums are too high, and not accessible enough,” Hinson said. “I’m frustrated by the breakdown in Washington, D.C. — we need to be working together, in a bipartisan way, to lower costs and premiums for families, take on Big Pharma and big insurance companies that are jacking up costs and ensure all families can access affordable health care.” Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Beware of dangerous algae on North Dakota lakes, officials say An algae bloom shown along the shore of Devils Lake in North Dakota in 2026. (Photo courtesy of Department of Environmental Quality) Hot weather is making potentially dangerous algae blooms more likely in North Dakota, with state officials adding Devils Lake to its watch list. The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality on Thursday issued algae advisories for Devils Lake in Ramsey and Benson counties and Lake Brekken in McLean County. The agency had previously issued warnings for Bowman-Haley Dam in Bowman County, South Golden Lake in Steele County and Warsing Dam in Eddy County. Algal blooms can develop quickly during warm, sunny weather, according to the agency. Water suspected of containing blue-green algae should be avoided. A bloom can often look like spilled green paint, green puff balls, grass clippings, or green or turquoise scum along the shoreline, the agency said. Some blooms produce cyanotoxins, which may affect people, pets and livestock if the water is swallowed or contacted. If there is contact, the person or animal should be rinsed with clean water. People can check current water conditions at tinyurl.com/WMP-HABS. To report suspected blooms, call 701-328-5210, go to tinyurl.com/WMP-HABS or email DEQ-HAB@nd.gov. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of North Dakota Monitor
	Why some businesses pay far more for energy in summer (and others don’t) Why some businesses pay far more for energy in summer (and others don’t)For most businesses, energy is a line item that gets paid without much scrutiny. The bill arrives, it gets processed, and attention moves on to more pressing operational concerns. That approach is increasingly costly. Average commercial electricity rates rose 4.8% year over year as of early 2026, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, and for many businesses, summer is when that expense peaks hardest.Whether that's true for your operation depends on how and when your business uses energy. A manufacturer running heavy equipment around the clock faces different cost pressures than a retail location with high foot traffic on summer weekends. What's consistent across business types is that summer introduces a specific set of variables, from heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning load to demand charge exposure to contract timing, that can drive costs significantly higher if they're not actively managed. The businesses that know which of those variables apply to them are the ones working with professional energy consultants.Shipley Energy explored why some businesses pay significantly more than others in energy costs during the summer months.Why Summer Introduces Unique Cost PressuresSummer doesn't automatically mean higher energy bills for every business. But it does introduce a set of cost drivers that aren't present in other seasons, and for operations with significant cooling needs, variable-rate electricity contracts, or high daytime energy use, those drivers can combine in ways that push costs to their annual high.The most common factor is HVAC load: heating, ventilation, and air conditioning account for approximately 35% of all commercial building energy consumption on average, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. In summer, cooling systems run at their maximum output for weeks at a stretch, and any inefficiency in those systems gets amplified by the sustained demand.The cost structure compounds this. Most commercial electricity customers pay not just for how much energy they consume, but for the rate at which they consume it. Demand charges, billed based on a facility's peak usage window (often as short as 15 or 30 minutes during a billing period), can represent a significant share of a commercial electricity bill independent of total consumption. On variable-rate contracts, summer price swings add another layer: During high-demand periods, wholesale prices can spike substantially above baseline rates.For businesses where these factors align, summer becomes the season where energy costs peak and where the gap between managed and unmanaged energy spend is most visible.What Commercial Energy Is Actually Costing BusinessesThe scale of commercial energy spend in the U.S. is significant. The most recent completed Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey from the EIA found that U.S. commercial buildings spent $141 billion on energy in 2018. That figure has only grown since, with commercial electricity rates continuing their upward trajectory through the early 2020s and into the current decade.What makes that number particularly striking is the waste embedded in it. The DOE has consistently found that commercial buildings waste approximately 30% of the energy they consume on average. That's roughly $42 billion in annual commercial energy spend delivering no useful output, wasted through inefficient HVAC operation, poor building envelope performance, outdated lighting, and equipment running outside of occupied hours.For individual businesses, the math is straightforward: A company spending $200,000 annually on energy may be wasting $60,000 of it. No formal analysis has ever been done to identify where.What an Energy Consultant Actually DoesAn energy consultant performs a structured assessment of how a facility uses energy, where inefficiencies exist, and which improvements will deliver the best financial return. The process typically involves three core activities: utility bill review, facility walk-through, and equipment analysis.Bill review is usually the starting point. An advisor analyzes 12 to 24 months of utility invoices to establish a consumption baseline, identify anomalies, and flag whether the business is on the right rate structure or contract type for its usage profile. This alone frequently surfaces savings opportunities that have nothing to do with physical efficiency: contract mismatches, unexpected demand charges (fees based on peak usage spikes rather than total consumption), or unfavorable pricing structures that can be renegotiated.Facility walk-through and equipment analysis goes deeper. An advisor assesses the condition and performance of major energy-consuming systems, primarily HVAC, lighting, and the building envelope (the walls, roof, windows, and insulation that affect heating and cooling load), against the consumption data from the bill review. The goal is to identify where energy use is higher than it should be relative to the facility's size, occupancy, and operational profile.Financial impact reporting is the deliverable that drives action. A thorough review produces a prioritized list of recommendations with projected savings, estimated implementation costs, and payback timelines. That output gives business owners and operations managers a clear framework for decisions and next steps.The scope of a consulting engagement depends on what a business needs. A preliminary bill review can be completed quickly and at low or no cost, and often identifies enough to justify further analysis. A more comprehensive engagement covering all three phases gives businesses the full picture of where their energy dollars are going and what it would cost to recover them.The ROI CaseThe financial case for professional energy assessment is well-established. Research from the DOE consistently finds that commercial buildings waste roughly 30% of the energy they consume, and that the measures required to recover much of that waste pay for themselves relatively quickly.The top-performing categories by return on investment tend to be consistent across facility types:HVAC optimization: Repairs to ventilation controls, sealing leaky ducts, installing variable frequency drives (motors that adjust fan and pump speeds to match actual demand rather than running at full power constantly), and adjusting system schedules. HVAC represents the single largest share of commercial energy use, and operational tuning alone typically captures 10–25% in energy savings with short payback periods.LED lighting retrofit: Delivers 40–60% reduction in lighting energy consumption. Combined with occupancy sensing, payback typically runs one to three years.Operational scheduling: Adjusting when energy-intensive equipment runs relative to peak demand windows and occupied hours. This category frequently requires no capital investment at all, only changes to operating procedures.That last point is significant for businesses weighing the decision to engage a consultant. Many of the highest-value recommendations that come out of professional energy assessments don't require capital expenditure. They require awareness, which is exactly what a structured assessment provides. Shipley Energy Why Summer Is the Right Time to StartThe timing argument for summer energy assessment is practical, not arbitrary.Summer exposes inefficiencies that stay hidden in mild weather. An HVAC system running harder than it should will show up clearly in July billing data; it may not register as a problem in April. Starting a review during peak-load months gives advisors the most accurate baseline and the clearest picture of where losses are occurring. For businesses that don't yet know whether summer is their high-cost season, that baseline is exactly where the analysis begins.It's also the right moment for procurement decisions. In deregulated markets, currently operating across 18 states and the District of Columbia, businesses have the ability to review, renegotiate, or switch energy supply contracts. Doing that analysis in summer, before winter contract cycles tighten, preserves the most options. Businesses on variable-rate contracts in particular may benefit from evaluating whether fixed or indexed structures would reduce exposure to seasonal price spikes.And the cost of inaction is now quantifiable. A 4.8% year-over-year increase in commercial electricity rates means a business spending $150,000 on electricity this year can expect to spend roughly $7,200 more next year if nothing changes. Whether summer drives the largest share of that cost or another season does, the trajectory is the same. Over a five-year horizon, that's a real and growing cost that professional energy management is designed to control.Is an Energy Consultant Right for Your Business?Not every business needs a comprehensive multiphase engagement. But most would benefit from at least a preliminary bill review. Professional energy consulting might deliver a positive return if:Annual energy spend for your business exceeds $50,000No formal energy review has been conducted in the past three yearsThe facility's HVAC system is more than 10 years oldThe business is on a variable-rate electricity contract without a regular review processEnergy costs are rising but the drivers aren't clearly understoodWhen evaluating energy advisors, look for firms that provide written deliverables: projected savings by measure, implementation cost estimates, and payback timelines. A credible advisor can quantify the opportunity before recommending any capital investment. In many cases, the highest-value findings require no capital outlay at all. Shipley Energy The Bottom LineEnergy costs are rising across the board, and summer introduces variables that push them higher for a wide range of businesses. Whether it's your most expensive season depends on your operation, your contract structure, and how efficiently your systems are running. Most businesses don't have a clear answer to that question because they've never formally analyzed it.That's what energy consulting is for. Summer is when those variables are most visible, making it the best time to understand where your costs are coming from and what it would take to bring them down.This story was produced by Shipley Energy and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Knox County, City of Galesburg, consider expanded public transportation Knox County and the City of Galesburg have announced a proposed intergovernmental agreement that would expand public transportation access for residents throughout the county, a news release says. Contingent upon approval by the Galesburg City Council on July 20 and the Knox County Board on July 29, this formalized partnership will establish a comprehensive rural [...]
	Davenport man accused of illegally possessing firearm, fleeing police A traffic stop late Thursday led to the arrest of a man who fled Davenport Police officers.
	Iowa farmer anticipates more interest in local produce amid cyclospora outbreak An Iowa farmer says buying local fruits and vegetables allows customers to directly ask details about the farming process.
	This permit, common for dry cleaners, is now being used to build AI power plants This permit, common for dry cleaners, is now being used to build AI power plantsOmaira Garcia didn’t realize life on her small ranch in Abilene, Texas, was about to change forever until clouds of dust — kicked up by a mysterious project next door — began to engulf her home.The Air Force veteran said she found out about OpenAI’s plans to build its flagship Stargate data center directly beside her property only after construction began in the summer of 2024. Today, the site’s natural-gas-powered electrical plant sits roughly 500 yards from her house, the exhaust stacks clearly visible from her kitchen window.“We weren’t given any time to understand what this impact was going to be on us,” the mother of two said through tears. “We’re trapped here.”OpenAI did not respond to multiple requests for comment. Evan Simon // Floodlight A spokesperson for Stargate’s developer, Crusoe, told Floodlight that the data center has “contributed meaningfully to the economic development” of Abilene, and its investments are “funding new fire trucks, school expansions, and road improvements across the city.”As President Donald Trump seeks to fast-track AI development across the country, he has found a willing ally in Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, who has previously referred to the industry as the state’s “gold rush” — though his enthusiasm has recently dampened in the face of widespread opposition.With some 300 data centers already in operation and 200 more in development, Texas could surpass Virginia as the nation’s leading data center market by 2030. Amid the frenzy to capitalize on the AI boom, a regulatory loophole has allowed dozens of data centers like Stargate to quietly construct massive power sources that emit harmful pollutants with little to no public notice, a Floodlight investigation has found.Typically, before you can build a major source of new emissions, you have to get a major air permit, which includes extensive environmental reviews and engagement with the local community. But in Texas, regulators have allowed some data centers like Stargate to avoid that process by first obtaining so-called minor air permits — the kind more commonly associated with dry cleaners, autobody shops, and rubber-stamped with minimal review.“Those lower-level permits get granted very quickly and often without the public knowing,” said Kathryn Guerra, who spent nearly four years at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) before joining the watchdog group Public Citizen. “That feels pretty intentional.”These minor permits — as well as the nondisclosure agreements many developers require in their dealings with local governments and residents — are how communities like Garcia’s are left stunned when exhaust stacks pop up in their backyards.Stargate was first announced in January 2025 as part of a $500 billion joint venture between OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle to construct hyperscale AI data centers across the country.Construction was already well underway in Abilene. The 1,100-acre campus, along with its 360 megawatt on-site gas plant, was among the first hyperscale AI data centers to break ground in Texas. A wave of similar proposals has since made the state ground zero for the AI-driven buildout of fossil fuel power plants across the US.Lured by prolific gas reserves and an industry-friendly government, AI companies have flocked to Texas seeking to construct what researchers call a “shadow grid” of custom-built power plants capable of fueling entire cities.“You haven’t seen anything like that since the fracking boom,” said Jenny Martos, a researcher at Global Energy Monitor, a nonprofit that tracks energy infrastructures worldwide. Martos found that Texas has put more than 80 gigawatts of new gas plants into its construction pipeline, making it second only to China. Roughly half that capacity is reserved for data centers.Martos describes the trend as “enormous” and said it risks “locking in fossil fuel for the foreseeable future.”Including Stargate’s Abilene campus, at least 15 gas plants tied to data centers are planned for Texas, according to research by energy analytics firm Cleanview released last month. Permits reviewed by Floodlight show that nine of them combined could emit more than 130 million tons of greenhouse gases every year. That’s the equivalent annual emissions of 35 coal-fired power plants, according to an Environmental Protection Agency calculator.While actual emissions are usually lower than estimates, the impact on the climate could still be enormous: If completed, these nine plants have the potential to emit more annual greenhouse gases than most countries do — even if emissions end up being half of what’s permitted. Evan Simon // Floodlight Despite ultimately seeking to build a gas plant that could power every home in Abilene more than 20 times over, Stargate’s developers started out much smaller on paper. In 2024, they secured permission to operate on-site power sources through minor permits known as “permits by rule” and “standard permits.”Widely understood to be used by low-level polluters across the country, these permits don’t require environmental studies, public notice, or public comment periods.Bruce Buckheit, a former EPA air enforcement chief who served under multiple Republican administrations, said state agencies typically use the permit by rule process “for small things that happen a lot,” like gas stations or dry cleaners, so “they don’t have to waste their time reinventing the wheel for common stuff.”But Stargate “isn’t common stuff,” he said. Under the minor permits, Stargate’s fleet of 10 turbines and 62 backup diesel generators is currently allowed to emit more than 1.6 million tons of greenhouse gases and 1,000 tons of combined harmful air pollutants every year. Despite being permitted for continuous use, Stargate’s developer, Crusoe, told Floodlight that the turbines will only be used for backup power.“Normally, that permit by rule was conceived of and implemented in a case where an operator wanted a backup generator or three backup generators. When you get to 62, you start thinking, ‘Well, wait a minute, maybe the scale is wrong here,’” Buckheit said.Stargate is far from alone. Since 2024, at least 38 data centers across Texas have received minor permits to operate on-site power sources, according to a Floodlight analysis. As a result, Texas regulators quietly sanctioned the use of more than 2,100 backup diesel generators across the state.TCEQ did not answer specific questions relating to Floodlight’s findings. Instead, a representative wrote that “TCEQ only issues air permits that comply with applicable state and federal air permitting rules and regulations, including applicable public participation requirements.”While intended for emergency power, the generators are also routinely operated for testing and maintenance, according to their permits.Taken together, the thousands of new generators identified by Floodlight are permitted to emit nearly 2,500 tons of nitrogen oxides into Texas communities every year — more than triple the state’s newest coal-fired power plant. (Nitrogen oxides are highly toxic gases associated with severe respiratory illness and even premature death.)More than half of the data centers identified by Floodlight provided regulators with annual nitrogen oxide emission estimates that were just shy of thresholds that would require public input and more detailed environmental reviews.For example, outside of San Antonio, a Vantage data center received permission to emit 99.8 tons per year of the gas, barely below the area’s 100-ton-per-year threshold. Evan Simon // Floodlight In several cases, data centers secured these permits before seeking massive expansions later on, deploying a “small first, big later” strategy that watchdogs say limits public input and creates unstoppable momentum for their projects.The year after receiving minor air permits for its 10 turbines and 62 generators, Stargate’s developers filed their first major air permit — for 41 more turbines and 18 more generators. If approved, the expansion would make Stargate one of the largest fossil fuel power plants in the state — capable of powering more than 1 million homes and emitting more annual greenhouse gases than nearly 2 million cars.“I sincerely doubt that the company made some last-minute decision to suddenly expand,” said James Doty, who spent nearly 30 years monitoring air quality at TCEQ.Stargate’s developers circulated promotional materials in May 2025 saying they had contracts to secure 1.2 gigawatts of power by the end of that year.To get a major permit for the Abilene campus, Stargate developers will need to equip the additional turbines with the most effective emissions reduction technology available, and the project will need to undergo extensive environmental reviews and public comment periods. But nearly two years after construction began on the project, it may be too late for local residents to do anything.“By the time public participation is an option for community members, that facility has already been built, and there's no opportunity for the public to give meaningful input to the TCEQ about whether or not they even want that facility in their neighborhood,” Guerra said.Former EPA Air Enforcement Chief Buckheit said Stargate’s staggered permitting approach in Abilene could violate EPA “aggregation” policies, which are intended to evaluate the whole project. The agency’s own handbooks refer to minor permits that precede major ones as “sham permits.”“You can't come in with a permit application for two [turbines], and then three months later, you come in with a permit application for two more,” Buckheit said.“All of this should have been rolled into one permit,” he added.Guerra and Doty, both former TCEQ staffers, agree that their old agency should have required Stargate to obtain major permits to begin with.“If a data center gets its operating permit, it's too late,” Doty said. “The only chance to stop something like this is to do it at the very, very, very beginning of the process—before the permit is issued—through the public participation process.”The former regulators recommend concerned residents pay close attention to notices from state environmental agencies to spot upcoming projects and request contested case hearings when possible.Few of those avenues remain viable for Abilene residents. Guerra believes “it’s a foregone conclusion” that the expansion request will be granted. Evan Simon // Floodlight Evan Simon // Floodlight Even if Stargate secures the appropriate permits, both former TCEQ staffers doubt the agency is properly equipped to enforce them.“The data center industry is expanding at a rate that is beyond the capability” of TCEQ to sufficiently regulate, Guerra said, adding that the agency’s enforcement backlog consists of more than 1,400 unresolved cases.“This past year, they were able to resolve 39 of those 1,400 cases. At that rate, it's going to take them 35 years to resolve all of them,” she said.“Every single permit that this agency issues, in my opinion, is one more than they can effectively regulate,” added Guerra, who worked for TCEQ until 2016.An agency spokesperson refuted Guerra’s claims, writing that “industry growth has not compromised TCEQ’s commitment to fulfill its mission of protecting public health and the environment.” The representative wrote that TCEQ had conducted more than 100,000 investigations in 2025 (one case can have multiple investigations) and claimed that the low number of enforcement actions taken by the regulator “reflects high overall compliance rates” rather than “a lack of enforcement activity.”Guerra said that TCEQ is “full of folks who are very interested in protecting the environment,” but the leadership team — many of whom were appointed by Abbott — has made the agency notoriously lax on enforcement.The policies may be drawing investments for the state, but those gains aren’t being felt by some fenceline residents in Abilene.Garcia and her husband spent more than a year looking for their “piece of heaven” in the country.“We took so much time to get it, and my kids absolutely love it. But under these conditions, we no longer have that,” she said. Evan Simon // Floodlight In addition to concerns about air pollution, Garcia, pictured above, said the data center has transformed the quality of life on her once-quiet country road. Trash regularly lines the fences, and gridlock traffic tied to building the massive facility has at times made it difficult to leave her own driveway.Crusoe wrote that the company takes “quality-of-life concerns seriously” and is committed “to being a responsible neighbor throughout construction and operations.”Yet despite prominently featuring in a Floodlight/PBS short documentary on the topic, Garcia said Stargate’s developers have yet to reach out to her or her family. Evan Simon // Floodlight Garcia said she wasn’t made aware of Stargate’s recent expansion plans until Floodlight informed her of the pending major air permit applications. Already coping with the presence of 10 gas-powered turbines beside her property, the plan for 41 more came as a gut punch.“I can't even begin to understand what kind of impact that's going to have on me and my health in the future,” she said.She tried to put the house on the market after learning about what was being built next door, but said she didn’t get a single offer. Realtors suggested she convert it into an Airbnb for Stargate workers, but Garcia said she can’t afford to buy another home to live in while keeping the one beside the data center.“It feels almost impossible unless Stargate purchases it, because what other homeowner is going to want to deal with what we're dealing with?”The dilemma has left her feeling helpless.“I don't know what the future looks like.”This story is from Floodlight and published in collaboration with WIRED. Republished by the Texas Tribune.This story was produced by Floodlight and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	This elementary school is achieving high reading scores a million words at a time This elementary school is achieving high reading scores a million words at a timeWalking into Windsor Park Elementary in Corpus Christi, Texas, it’s hard to miss the mass of bright, colorful paper balloons taped on the wall, displaying photos of dozens of children who have read at least 1 million words this school year.“It’s something that the students are very, very proud of,” librarian Annelise Rodriguez, who created and manages the Millionaires Club, told The 74. “We’ve had kids come in when they take tours and say, ‘I’m going to be up there some day.’ Some kids get it in 45 books, and for others, it’s taken 360 books.”The project was created three years ago to motivate and recognize young avid readers in the school of roughly 600 students. Just a few weeks ago, a grandmother who didn’t speak English bowed her head to thank Rodriguez after her grandchild’s photo finally made the display.Last year, Windsor Park students read 400 million words as part of the Millionaires Club. They are on track to beat that record, with over 315 million words read by the end of February. It’s one of the ways the school has attained its high reading proficiency rates, an achievement that earned its ranking on The 74’s Bright Spots list. The highlighted schools have third-grade literacy scores that are much higher than might be expected, based on the schools’ poverty rates.With its 29% poverty level, nearly two-thirds of Windsor Park third graders were projected to be proficient in reading in 2024, but its actual score was 96%. That rate jumped to 99% last year. Nearly 50% of students are Hispanic, 29% are white, and 15% are Asian. Lauren Wagner for The 74 Windsor Park is a magnet school for gifted and talented children. Texas schools are required to screen their students, and all children in the Corpus Christi Independent School District who score in the top 3% receive an invitation to transfer to Windsor Park, said Principal Kimberly Bissell. Transportation is provided.The screening consists of multiple tests that grade students’ achievement in reading and math, as well as problem-solving and critical thinking abilities. Students can transfer in any grade to Corpus Christi’s gifted and talented schools.Windsor Park is also the district’s only International Baccalaureate elementary school. The worldwide educational program allows teachers to write their own curriculum and offer rigorous instruction along with inquiry-based learning.“We have kids who are in first grade reading at a middle school or high school level,” Bissell said. “Those things have always been true, but the initiative behind their personal achievement has certainly ramped up in the last few years with our new approaches.”The Millionaires Club, which is expanding to other schools in the 33,000-student district, is one of them. The number of words children read is tracked through Accelerated Reader, an online program that records finished books and comprehension. Lauren Wagner for The 74 Windsor Park also recently launched a learning model called “thinking classrooms.” Originally created for math education, it involves students working in small groups, solving problems while standing up at whiteboards and building on pieces of knowledge as they go. But Bissell said Windsor Park implemented this approach across all its classes.It especially improved students’ writing skills because the children use the whiteboards to organize text and story structure, she said.In Hanna Patton-Elliott’s third grade classroom on a recent morning, students became “doctors,” pulling on blue medical gloves before separating into groups of two or three. Each group had to assess a passage of text on a whiteboard — the “patient” — by finding the main idea. The children then diagnosed their “patients” by writing a conclusion for what the passage was about.Patton-Elliott said that at the end of the class, students rotate and evaluate one another’s work as “attending doctors” — the staff who oversee the work of a medical team. Lauren Wagner for The 74 “I’m going to give them an opportunity to write the conclusions for other people’s work, but then also go back and look at it as the first attending doctor,” she said. “So we’ve got lots of things going on. We’ve got some reading skills, we’ve got the main idea, we’ve got organization, but then also we’ve got some creative writing, too. The metaphor seems to be working for breaking this down and organizing it.”The activity is part of the curricular materials written by Windsor Park teachers under the International Baccalaureate program. Teachers create their grade-level curriculum together to ensure that the same lessons — such as finding the main idea of a story — are taught in each classroom, even if the activities may be different. Because Windsor Park classes are interdisciplinary, teachers try to connect the same ideas in all academic subjects, so what the children learn in reading, for example, is referenced in math class.Much of Windsor Park’s instruction uses standards from the Texas Education Agency, but infuses them with student-led learning and group collaboration. The curriculum also allows children to make decisions and manage their own instruction, such as choosing the grading rubrics for an activity.“We find not just for gifted learners, but as a best practice, this idea of choice and student agency really builds writing, as well as reading and everything that English Language arts envelopes,” Bissell said. “When you offer choice with expectations, they do a lot better.”This story was produced by The 74 and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Muscatine earns 32nd certificate of achievement for financial reporting The Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to the City of Muscatine for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2025, according to a news release. This is the 32nd award received by [...]
	Pros and cons of making Daylight Saving Time year-round A LeClaire farmer says time changes negatively impact his feeding schedules, but the North Scott superintendent says late mornings can bring safety concerns.
	Rock Island house fire closes portion of 17th Street Emergency crews responded to a house fire in the 700 block of 17th Street in Rock Island overnight.
	Gender, sexuality, and mental health: What modern research is teaching us Gender, sexuality, and mental health: What modern research is teaching usResearchers and mental health professionals are gaining deeper insight into how identity shapes emotional well-being, stress, and support needs.Throughout the 21st century, mental health awareness has risen, encouraging public conversation on issues once taboo to talk about. Societal awareness helped de-stigmatize going to therapy, taking medication, and talking openly about mental health issues, especially for younger generations.Mental health experiences are not universalWhile most Americans today believe mental health care is necessary, 75% still believe society discourages them from seeking help, BetterHelp reports. Modern mental health research is exploring how identity shapes mental health experiences, including access to care.Gender and sexuality impact people’s lived experiences and stressors. Mental health care needs to take identity into account to provide accessible and effective care.Today, providers are increasingly adopting a personalized, identity-informed treatment approach to improve mental health outcomes for people from all backgrounds.How identity can shape mental health experiencesHow people identify shapes most aspects of their lives. Race, gender, sexuality, culture, religion, and personal beliefs influence how people see each other and experience the world.Identity can greatly impact people’s mental health. Not everyone has the same lived experience, and external factors play a role in emotional well-being. Certain communities and professions are exposed to higher rates of trauma and stress than the general population. Identity-related stressors, such as discrimination, can increase the prevalence of certain mental health issues.Relationship dynamics and personal beliefs affect how people feel about themselves. Social acceptance of mental health issues varies within cultures and communities. These factors make it significantly harder for some individuals to address their concerns or seek help.What research says about LGBTQ+ mental healthResearch consistently shows that sexual and gender identity greatly impacts mental health. For over two decades, researchers have used the minority stress model to explore the social, psychological, and structural factors that impact LGBTQ+ individuals' mental health.Overall, LGBTQ+ populations experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, self-harm, substance misuse, and suicide than cisgender, heterosexual populations.Studies show that lesbian and bisexual women have especially high rates of substance misuse, while gay and bisexual men have higher rates of suicide attempts. Transgender and gender diverse youth experience higher rates of psychological distress than any other sexual minority group. Their identity is often more visible, which may lead to increased experiences of rejection, discrimination, trauma, and violent harm.People from sexual minority groups experience consistent social stress, be it stigma or discrimination, compared to heterosexual populations. They may commonly experience stressors such as discriminatory policies and laws, violent hate crimes, daily microaggressions, and chronic stressors like poverty.Research shows that social and environmental factors are tied to mental health outcomes. According to a national 2024 survey by The Trevor Project, almost half of LGBTQ+ youth reported bullying at school due to their identity. 39% seriously considered suicide over the past year (46% for transgender and nonbinary youth). 90% of LGBTQ+ youth noted that recent politics negatively impacted their mental health, while 45% of transgender or non-binary youth have considered moving to another state because of local politics and laws.By comparison, transgender and non-binary youth who live with people who respect their pronouns, feel their school is gender-affirming, and live in accepting communities reported notably lower rates of suicide attempts.Why inclusive therapy approaches matterLGBTQ+ individuals experience additional barriers to receiving therapeutic care. People are more likely to seek help if they feel understood and accepted, but concerns about stigma and cost prevent the majority of LGBTQ+ individuals from getting help.They also report higher rates of discrimination, even in health care settings. Having to educate their therapist on terminology, being misgendered, or feeling like their provider disapproves of their identity can make the process of finding a therapist exhausting, alienating, and even harmful.Inclusive therapy is essential for improving mental health outcomes for sexual minority populations. Inclusive therapy acknowledges someone’s identity and validates their lived experience. Identity should also inform their treatment plan, as personal history and lived experience determine which therapeutic approach is most effective.Therapists need to have adequate training and education when working with LGBTQ+ individuals. Cultural competence prevents misdiagnosis, harmful assumptions, and stigmatization. This is particularly imperative when working with young or transgender and gender diverse individuals.The Evolution of Gender Psychology and Mental Health ResearchModern psychology is evolving as we do. Historically, little research was done on the psychological impact of gender roles, norms, and identity. Psychology today aims to gain a more nuanced understanding of the intersection of gender identity and mental health.As the prevalence of psychological disorders grows today, researchers are exploring gender’s impact. Publications on gender and mental health have significantly increased globally since 2015. New research confirms gender is a key factor in understanding psychological resilience and mental health access.The Role of Accessibility and TeletherapyTherapy must be accessible for LGBTQ+ populations. Inclusive, affirming care is often not possible for people who live in rural areas or who can’t afford it. Half of LGBTQ+ youth were not able to receive mental health care when they wanted it, The Trevor Project reports. This is how teletherapy can help.Teletherapy makes therapy more accessible, studies show. Therapy is now available over the phone, through video calls, and by text. Telehealth expands access to inclusive therapists, offers lower-cost care, and accommodates individuals who can’t physically go to therapy. It also supports different communication styles and time constraints.In today’s digital world, accessible, successful mental health care needs to be flexible. It’s crucial that therapists offer a wide range of accommodations to successfully treat clients from all backgrounds.What This Means for the Future of Mental HealthcareFlexible, inclusive care is the future of mental healthcare. According to a 2026 survey by BetterHelp, people don’t seek professional help due to cost, time constraints, fear of judgment from therapists, or the belief that it won’t help. Addressing the barriers to mental healthcare is essential. People today need readily available mental healthcare that suits their lifestyle needs.Across all generations, stigma remains the main barrier to mental healthcare. Providers today need to have cultural competence and an understanding of people from diverse backgrounds. Identity-affirming care that tailors treatment modalities to an individual's needs and lived experiences is needed to combat rising rates of psychological distress.Global disparities in accessible mental healthcare remain stark, as treatment gaps exceed 75% in low- and middle-income countries. Adopting proven tools such as digital technology and integrative, community-based support can make healthcare more accessible globally, the World Health Organization reports.TakeawayModern mental health research proves that gender identity and sexuality impact mental health. Today, people and providers are reevaluating what supportive, effective mental health care looks like. There is a growing movement for personalized, identity-informed mental health care. As providers embrace inclusive care, mental health care outcomes are expected to improve for LGBTQ+ individuals.This story was produced by BetterHelp and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Behind ideological attacks on higher ed, surprising bipartisan reforms are happening Behind ideological attacks on higher ed, surprising bipartisan reforms are happeningIt’s rare in an era of partisan division to hear a veteran of the Clinton and Obama presidencies agreeing with a right-leaning economist who worked for George W. Bush.Yet these prominent voices from opposite ends of the political spectrum teamed up to mostly praise a law passed by the Republican Congress and signed by President Donald Trump.The purpose of the law: to protect college students from borrowing federal money to enroll in programs that give them little or no financial payoff when they graduate.This new rule is “the greatest step forward in increased accountability” for colleges since the creation more than a decade ago of the federal College Scorecard website, which discloses graduates’ earnings by institution. That was the conclusion of Bob Shireman, a senior fellow at the progressive Century Foundation, and Beth Akers, who holds the same title at the conservative American Enterprise Institute, or AEI.The new accountability rule is among a series of measures that the left-leaning advocacy group EdTrust calls the most dramatic changes to higher education policy in nearly two decades. Many were part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or OBBBA, and will become effective this year. And several could improve protections and lower costs for families and students.It may seem a surprise to hear bipartisan acclaim for laws affecting higher education passed by this White House and its congressional allies. After all, such reforms come against the backdrop of bans on diversity policies, restrictions on international students, cuts to research funding, huge fines on elite universities, and Trump’s relentless rhetorical attacks on “radical,” “woke” campuses.But “there are definitely some positive steps that have been taken,” too, said Catherine Brown, senior director for policy and advocacy at the National College Attainment Network, or NCAN, who particularly likes an “earnings indicator” added to the FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid. That tool warns college applicants that graduates from a particular school with the majors they’re considering have historically earned no more than those with only a high school diploma.“A lot of times the big headlines — like, ‘We want to cut funding for higher education’ — create a culture where it’s not easy to see improvements that are being made,” Brown said.Other changes include the overhaul of an accreditation system that has long failed to improve poor graduation rates at many colleges and universities; limits on borrowing for graduate school, which experts say could help drive down the price; and the expansion of federal Pell Grant eligibility — previously available only to degree-seeking college students — to shorter-term job training, including in the trades.Many of the same steps were proposed by earlier presidents and lawmakers from both parties, but largely resisted by universities and colleges themselves.“Policymakers from both sides of the aisle and of all political stripes have wanted some of these things for a long time now,” said Ed Venit, managing director at the higher education consulting firm EAB.Even some of the more controversial moves have the potential for positive change, some analysts and advocates argue. While taxing college and university endowments is contentious, for example, they say it could drive top institutions to extend the benefits they offer to more students.To be sure, the Trump administration appears to have supported some of these reforms for ideological and even punitive purposes, rather than the reasons earlier administrations tried to get them passed.Taxing endowments, for example, mostly hurts the wealthy, selective universities and colleges that the administration has targeted for having diversity policies. And transforming accreditation — the de facto quality-control system that governs whether colleges and universities can be paid with federal grants and loans — also appears designed to punish accreditors that push diversity and sanction the teaching of subjects conservatives oppose, according to the president himself.Accreditation is “our secret weapon,” Trump has said, to get rid of what he called “Marxist maniacs and lunatics” at American universities. His administration has fast-tracked the process of adding new accreditors that he said will promote “the American tradition and western civilization.”That worries academics and others concerned with new and prospective restrictions on classroom and campus speech.But it is also true that existing accreditation agencies have continued to accredit colleges and universities that were defrauding students or have abysmal graduation rates. Nearly 4 in 10 accredited institutions graduate fewer than half of their students while being allowed to collect billions of dollars in federal taxpayer money, research shows.“These are supposed to be the watchdogs of higher education, and some of them have not been doing a very good job,” said Preston Cooper, a senior fellow at AEI.Democratic and Republican administrations have tried for decades to make the accreditation system more accountable for poor outcomes.Even advocates who like some of the fast-moving changes underway are raising concerns about the fine print.While Shireman and Akers generally welcomed that new rule blocking federal student loans from being used for majors and programs with low financial returns, for instance, it’s called AHEAD, for Accountability in Higher Education and Access Through Demand-driven Workforce Pell — they noted that the calculation will be based on how much graduates from these programs earn and not how much they paid for their degrees. That means students will still have access to loans to pay for majors whose graduates make what look like good wages, but not enough to cover what they borrowed.Still, it’s a step toward accountability that policymakers have been seeking since the Obama administration, which tried to end eligibility for federal financial aid for university and college programs whose graduates’ student loan debt exceeded a given percentage of their earnings — the so-called gainful employment rule.“One of the things everybody agrees on is we should raise individual economic mobility for students,” EAB’s Venit said. “They should come out better than they went in, and certainly no worse. This is something everybody wants.”AHEAD, which is scheduled to take effect in July, will affect programs enrolling more than 2% of students, the Department of Education estimates, most of them at for-profit colleges and universities. That’s about a third of the proportion that would have failed the most recent gainful employment regulation pushed by the Biden administration, according to an analysis by the center-left advocacy organization Third Way.“Maybe neither side gets everything they want. But we’ve landed on something that can make the accountability advocates on both sides content,” said Cooper, who served on the committee that finalized the rule.Americans from both parties, by wide margins, support cutting off tax dollars to programs with poor financial payoffs, a survey by the left-leaning New America Foundation found.Two-thirds, in a separate survey by the student loan provider Sallie Mae, said they were also in favor of limits on student borrowing.Undergraduate student loans are already capped. But limits were removed for graduate students by an earlier Republican-controlled Congress in 2006. Graduate schools took advantage of this larger pool of money by raising their listed prices by $1 for every dollar students borrowed, according to researchers at the universities of Texas and Chicago. Graduate student debt exploded.Advocates on both the left and right have called since at least 2023 for caps on graduate borrowing to be restored, which the current Congress has now ordered. Beginning in July, most graduate students will be limited to a maximum of $20,500 a year in federal loans, for a total of $100,000; the top amount for professional programs such as medicine and law will be $50,000, or a total of $200,000.The change will affect about a third of graduate students and half of students in professional schools who currently borrow more than that, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, which predicts that many will be forced to turn to private lenders to make up the difference. This set off a national firestorm as nursing and other professions were denied professional status.But there are indications that the caps may force graduate programs to slow tuition increases and shut down high-priced programs. The Santa Clara University School of Law in California has already promised $16,000 scholarships to entering students to “offset the impact” of these new loan limits and bring its $63,280 annual tuition into line with them.“This has been the most controversial plank of the reforms, but it’s a major step forward to cost control and trimming government subsidies to programs that cost too much and may not be delivering value,” Cooper said.There’s also been bipartisan support for pushing selective institutions to accept more students and spend more of their wealth on financial aid. Taxing endowments at the wealthiest schools could drive them to expand, some analysts have argued.Because the tax is based on enrollment — affecting only universities that have the equivalent of $500,000 in holdings per student — some could avoid it by letting in more applicants, Cooper and others say.“For institutions that are very close to the cap, increasing your enrollments might not be a bad idea,” he said. “A lot of elite universities are relying on exclusivity to try and show value, and by expanding their enrollment a bit, that might give more students access to whatever the benefits are of going to those schools.”Brown University, for instance, could avoid the tax by taking about 250 more students per class, a 10% increase, an analysis by Cooper found.Not all of the changes proposed by Republicans in Congress have passed, and courts have held up others that were the subject of executive orders.A Trump administration attempt to limit reimbursements for expenses related to the federal research universities conduct, for example — the cost of labs, utilities, supplies, and manpower — has been blocked by a federal appeals court, which agreed with a lower court that it was “arbitrary and capricious” and in violation of the required legal process.Lawmakers on the left and right have called since the 1980s for containing these costs. After some universities were discovered misusing the money — at Stanford University, for example, on an antique commode and depreciation on a yacht — President Bill Clinton tried to limit federal reimbursements as a proportion of the value of research grants, though not as severe as the 15% maximum the Trump administration is attempting to impose.A proposal dropped from the OBBBA would have made colleges reimburse the government when their students default on federal loans. Another that was cut would have tried to improve completion rates by requiring students receiving federal Pell Grants, which help lower-income families pay for college, to complete at least 30 credits a year — the minimum typically needed to graduate on time with a degree. That’s up from the current 24 credits.Getting federal financial aid in the first place was itself sped up for many students when the Trump administration rolled out the form required to do it, the FAFSA, in September rather than December, as in past years. The number of submissions in the fall more than doubled over the previous fall, helped also by earlier work by both parties to make the form simpler.“They’re not the sexiest changes, but some of the FAFSA technical changes have been hugely consequential,” said Brown, at NCAN. “Some of these small things can make a big difference in terms of students ultimately going to college.”Other long-sought proposals are now gaining traction, including one that would make it easier for students and families to understand what college will actually cost them and compare prices — something institutions now make confoundingly difficult to do. Half of colleges and universities tell prospective students they’ll pay less than they actually will, and more than 40% don’t disclose the cost at all, a Government Accountability Office study found.Bills to change this have been introduced repeatedly since 2017, with broad bipartisan support, including from Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren and Republican Senator Bill Cassidy, who are among the new bill’s sponsors.“For as much attention as there always is on how much partisanship exists in Washington D.C., it’s often overlooked how much bipartisan agreement there is on things like price transparency,” said Justin Draeger, senior vice president for affordability at the Strada Education Foundation. (Strada is among the many funders of The Hechinger Report, which produced this story.)“As the cost burden has shifted more to students and families, they’re asking questions about what is the payoff going to be,” Draeger said. “And colleges and universities have to be able to answer that for them.”The new attempt to push this through is part of a package of bills now under consideration, including one that would require reporting the earnings and career outcomes of graduates from various majors, along with their average loan debt. Postgraduate placement rates and incomes provided by colleges and universities today are often misleading and inaccurate.Growing public skepticism about the value of degrees, more than politics, may, in the end, be what’s accounting for this flurry of new rules, said Cooper, of AEI.“The thread running through a lot of these changes,” he said, “is a lack of trust in universities to always do the right thing.”This story also appeared in Washington Monthly.This story was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education, and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Pakistani forces kill 24 militants in border raids near Afghanistan The military said Friday it used intelligence sources to target militants over the previous 24 hours. The operations were in response to attacks by militants earlier in the week.
	1 hurt after overnight house fire in Coal Valley One hurt after overnight house fire in Coal Valley.
	How a lollipop can taste good and do good (BPT) - Every year on July 20, kids and adults alike celebrate National Lollipop Day. Whether you call them lollipops, pops or suckers, these hard candies are a small pleasure making kids smile and adults nostalgic for their school days. And this year, you can satisfy your sweet tooth while making kids' wishes come true.IT'SUGAR — one of the world's largest specialty candy retailers — has partnered with Make-A-Wish® to bring joy and hope to children living with critical illnesses and their families. As part of this collaboration, IT'SUGAR will sell its exclusive Make-A-Wish® Wish Pops to raise funds for the organization. When you buy one (or more!) of these rainbow star-shaped lollipops, 20% of your purchase will be donated to Make-A-Wish®, supporting the organization's mission to grant life-changing wishes to children who need them the most. Nothing is sweeter than that.Sweet things should do good things Since 2019, IT'SUGAR has partnered with Make-A-Wish® to support the organization's vision to grant the wish of every eligible child. Known for its over-the-top candy experiences, pop culture collaborations and trend-driven sweets, the candy retailer has sold limited-edition candies like its Make-A-Wish® Wish Pops and hosted special events to raise funds for wish kids everywhere.Earlier this year, IT'SUGAR celebrated a $2 million donation milestone during the Miami leg of the "WishMakers Wanted Mosaic Tour" at its Bayside Miami store. During the interactive event, hosted in partnership with Royal Caribbean, community members were invited to contribute to a growing digital mosaic of photos and messages from WishMakers across the country. The Miami WishMakers Wanted event also included a special mission moment with wish alum Kayden, community engagement activities and participation by Royal Caribbean employees in a Walk for Wishes® leading up to the store.What's a WishMaker? Anyone who takes action for wish kids through fundraising, volunteering, donating and more can become a WishMaker. Make-A-Wish® estimates that more than 50 WishMakers play a part in every wish by donating their time, talent or treasure. Wish experiences aren't just moments of fun. Research shows that wishes have the power to help build the physical and emotional strength children need to fight a critical illness.Be part of something sweet Every 20 minutes, a family learns their child has been diagnosed with a critical illness, but you can help make their days a little sweeter. This year, celebrate National Lollipop Day by grabbing a sweet treat while also bringing joy to a child and their family. To learn more and help make a difference in a child's life, visit your local IT'SUGAR location or visit ItSugar.com.
	Putnam Museum, Davenport Public Library team up for ‘Artifacts & Archives’ history podcast The museum and public library have launched Artifacts & Archives, a collaborative podcast exploring 250 years of American history through Quad Cities artifacts and archives. There will be a special live recording on Bix scheduled for July 23.

Friday, July 17th, 2026