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

Friday, May 22nd, 2026
	4 Your Money \| Bigger Slice Stock valuations have been high for a while now, and many people wonder if that's sustainable. David Nelson, CEO of NelsonCorp Wealth Management, joins us to provide insight on why valuations have risen and if he expects them to remain elevated.
	Shein buys Everlane, which sold millennials the dream of ethical, affordable luxury Everlane's finances have faltered in recent years. But will the merger alienate Everlane's existing shoppers — or sway droves of Shein fans to trade up?
	Davenport man arrested, charged with 20 counts of possession of CSAM A Davenport man is in the Scott County Jail on a $300,000 cash-only bond after police said he had about 1,500 images and videos of child sex abuse material (CSAM) on a cell phone. The criminal complaints filed in Scott County Court said Davenport Police were advised about a cell phone that contained Child Sex [...]
	Downtown Moline is finalizing plans for opening day at Mercado Tonight's celebration is the start of Mercado on Fifth's tenth anniversary. Attractions include food trucks, live music and handmade items.
	1 dead, 2 taken to hospital after apartment fire One person was killed in an apartment fire Friday morning.
	One dead, others injured after morning apartment fire in Davenport The fire occurred at the North Park Manor Apartments in Davenport.
	Ottumwa community honors high school graduate killed in crash hours after receiving diploma The Ottumwa community is coming together this week to honor a high school student who died in a crash Sunday night, just hours after receiving her diploma.
	Eastern Iowa woman sentenced for stealing more than $500K from veteran-owned business A Springville woman was sentenced Thursday to more than three years in federal prison for stealing more than $500,000 from a veteran-owned small business in Marion.
	Sterling Police seek arson suspect Police in Sterling are looking for a woman in connection with an arson case. A news release from the Sterling Police Department said Marcella M. Dingman, 52, is wanted on a Whiteside County arrest warrant for aggravated arson in connection with an incident on May 14 in the 200 block of 1st Avenue in Sterling. [...]
	Mediacom awards scholarships to four Illinois QCA seniors Mediacom Communications has announced the selection of two seniors at Sherrard High School, and two seniors at United Township High School, as recipients of the company’s World Class Scholarship Program. The $1,000 scholarship recognizes the winners for excellence in leadership, community involvement, and academics. At Sherrard, the selected seniors are Grace Bohnert of Milan and [...]
	Drive slower, go electric, don't drive at all? The best options for saving gas The national average for a gallon of gasoline is $4.55, as America heads into one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. What can you do to cut your costs?
	Illinois bill would regulate e-bikes and e-scooters A proposal in the Illinois capitol would regulate electric bicycles and electric scooters. Senate Bill 3336 would establish one set of rules for e-bikes and e-scooters statewide if it becomes law. There are currently different rules among local governments. If passed, it would set regulations for age minimums, require a valid driver's license, title, registration [...]
	Court hearing Friday for man charged in connection with Trudy Appleby death The state filed a motion in November to admit several witnesses. Friday’s court date is to hear that motion.
	Ethics committee dismisses complaint against Zach Wahls The Iowa Senate Ethics Committee dismissed a complaint against U.S. Senate candidate Zach Wahls this morning.
	Mercado on Fifth marks 10th season with awards for community, economic impact Mercado on Fifth honored the people and groups that’ve shaped it ahead of its 10th season opening.
	EPA announces over $46 million for replacing lead pipes in Iowa Communities can use the funds to assist in identifying pipes, planning their removal and replacing them.
	1 dead, multiple injured following apartment fire in Davenport Davenport's fire chief shares new information regarding the apartment fire on the 1400 block of East 39th Street.
	1 dead, multiple residents injured after Davenport apartment fire Davenport's fire chief told News 8 they received the call around 5:30 Friday morning for smoke coming from the North Park Manor Apartments.
	Moline man sentenced to federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon He was arrested on Dec. 31, 2024, after a shots-fired incident in Rock Island.
	Crews battle apartment fire Crews responded at about 6:30 a.m. to the 1400 block of East 39th Street.
	Pleasant Valley School District principal retirement, resignations, hirings from May 11 school board agenda The following personnel items are from the May 11 of the Pleasant Valley School District. The School Board met at Belmont Administration Center at 525 Belmont Rd., Riverdale, Iowa.
	The Arc of the Quad Cities Area rebrands Community Supports Program to Limitless Living The organization emphasized that the rebranding does not change the services, staffing or mission behind the program.
	Four Republicans compete for three spots in Scott County supervisor primary Scott County Republicans will narrow a four-candidate supervisor field to three in the June 2 primary. Here's where the candidates stand on taxes, spending and county oversight dominate the race.
	Few showers usher in more heat and humidity The Quad Cities will see a few sprinkles or showers today with a better chance of a few more later Saturday. It'll stay pleasant today and warm some Saturday. A big warm-up is on the way for Memorial Day. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	Retirements, hirings and personnel news from Rock Island-Milan School District for May 12 The following personnel items are from the May 12 agenda of the Rock Island-Milan School District. The School Board met at the Administration Center.
	Ascentra Credit Union breaks ground on new Rock Island location When it opens in early 2027, the facility will be the only bank in the West End of Rock Island.
	Apartment fire in Davenport An apartment fire in Davenport on Friday morning caused heavy damage to the rear of a building. It happened before 6 a.m. at North Park Manor in the 1400 block of East 39th Street. An Our Quad Cities News crew at the scene saw EMS rendering aid to at least one person. Several fire trucks [...]
	The aftermath of Trump-Xi summit: comparing U.S. and China announcements Analysts say a comparison of the readouts issued by the U.S. and China reveals "minor inconsistencies" on issues such as agriculture, tariffs and rare earths. But, experts argue, those differences are not significant.
	Moline Centre announces Bass Street Landing Concert Series Summer nights return to downtown Moline as the 2026 Bass Street Landing Summer Concert Series brings another season of live music along the Mississippi River. The concert series continues every Thursday evening through Aug. 13 at Bass Street Landing. Community members are invited to bring lawn chairs, gather with friends and enjoy an evening of [...]
	The Bettendorf Brothers This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Rock Island has its share of "tail-wags-dog" stories. In one of them, the tail became the dog.As befits a fairy tale,…
	What is the 'tarps off' trend that men are engaging in? Find out in the quiz Plus: The L.A. mayoral race, AI court battles, extinct animals and Eurovision!
	'We'll never know if he could have been saved.' The gaps in Trump's rural health fund Republicans promise that $50 billion in new health funding will help rural America. But it's not expected to aid the years-long effort in North Carolina's Martin County to reopen its only hospital.
	Stephen Colbert's 'Late Show' ends with a swan song and a giant wormhole With a dash of sci-fi, Colbert ended his CBS late-night show with a powerful musical sendoff featuring Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello and Jon Batiste.
	Honda recalls nearly 60,000 vehicles over over potentially dangerous camera issue Honda has ordered a recall affecting up to 59,887 cars across two models, according to the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).
	Squeeze toys sold at Walmart, Ollie's recalled over asbestos concern More than 120,000 toys are impacted.
	Lawsuit filed against EPA for removing Iowa rivers from Impaired Waters List DES MOINES, Iowa -- The Iowa Environmental Council, alongside partners, has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency after it removed several waterways from the Impaired Waters List. Every two years, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources submits a waterway report to the EPA, considering chemical and physical factors that make the water [...]
	UN gravely concerned by an Afghan Taliban law that has provisions on child marriage The United Nations expressed "grave concern" on Thursday about a new law issued by Afghanistan's Taliban government on separation in marriage which includes provisions on child marriage.
	Trump says he's sending 5,000 more troops to Poland President Trump's announcement stirred confusion in Europe following weeks of changing statements from his administration about reducing the American military footprint in Europe.
	Republicans call off vote on Iran war resolution that was on the verge of passing Republicans struggled Thursday to find the votes to dismiss legislation that would compel President Donald Trump to withdraw from the war with Iran, delaying planned votes on the matter into June.
	Rubio doubtful of diplomacy with Cuba as Trump raises new threat of military action President Donald Trump and America's top diplomat on Thursday again raised the specter of U.S. military intervention in Cuba, a day after the administration announced criminal charges against the island's former leader, Raúl Castro.
Thursday, May 21st, 2026
	See which Iowa city is one of the top 5 places to live in the US, according to a new report U.S. News & World Report's annual Best Places to Live rankings placed Ankeny as the fourth-best place to live in the country.
	Rock Island National Cemetery prepares ahead of Memorial Day Volunteers honored headstones with flags at the Rock Island National Cemetery.
	Tapestry Farms receives grant for urban orchard upgrade The grant, worth more than $10,000, will provide funding for a new water source and a new shed.
	Ascentra Credit Union breaks ground on new Rock Island location When it opens in early 2027, the facility will be the only bank in the West End of Rock Island.
	Quad-City tribute to honor the fallen for Memorial Day Hundreds gave of their time to lovingly place flags on each of the 28,000 headstones at the Rock Island National Cemetery to honor the fallen. Our Quad Cities News photojournalist Mike Colón caught up with those who came together for this Memorial Day tribute.
	Rock Island welcomes Ascentra Credit Union to the West End Ascentra Credit Union broke ground on a branch in Rock Island on Thursday, which city and Ascentra leaders said represented more than just a new building in the West End.
	Clinton County pastor honored with Liberty Bell Award Pastor Ron Lott serves as chaplain for police officers, firefighters and community members impacted by traumatic events.
	Drake University reports $424.1 million annual economic impact on Iowa Drake University had an economic impact on the state of Iowa of nearly $425 million in fiscal year 2025, according to a report released by the private university Thursday.
	Rock Island Rotary Club grant to fund upgrades to Tapestry Farms urban orchard The Rotary Club of Rock Island Foundation has awarded Tapestry Farms $10,500 to make upgrades to an urban urban orchard it purchased last year in Rock Island’s West End. The grant was announced at the club’s weekly meeting on May 12. Rock Island Rotary Foundation funds will allow Tapestry Farms team to install a water [...]
	Ascentra Credit Union breaks ground on new site in West End of Rock Island Ascentra Credit Union's $2.7 million center is a first for people who live in Rock Island's West End, a financial institution in their own backyard. Community leaders say this project is an important part of the city's revitalization plan. "It plays several roles," said MLK Center Executive Director Jerry Jones. "Of course it provides access [...]
	ACLU drops lawsuit against now-closed Galesburg juvenile detention center A lawsuit that prompted the closure of the Mary Davis Home Juvenile Detention Center in Galesburg has been dropped two months after the center shut down. The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois moved to have the lawsuit dismissed on Thursday. The dismissal required the defendants to publicly agree that they wouldn't reopen the facility. [...]
	In second debate, 2nd District Democrats work to distinguish themselves The candidates vying for the Democratic nomination for Maine's 2nd congressional district, clockwise from left, Matt Dunlap, Paige Loud, Jordan Wood and Joe Baldacci. (Photos by Jim Neuger/ Maine Morning Star; courtesy of the campaigns)The four Democratic candidates hoping to replace outgoing U.S. Rep. Jared Golden met for a second debate Thursday. State Sen. Joe Baldacci has emerged as a leader in the field, as the latest poll from Pan Atlantic Research Survey puts him 20 points ahead of his rivals. But the other three candidates, Matt Dunlap, Paige Loud and Jordan Wood, are criticizing Baldacci’s record and said he is benefiting from help from the Democratic establishment. The three each pushed back on the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee’s endorsement of Baldacci earlier this month, calling the move undemocratic interference in the primary. That tension was apparent at the News Center Maine debate, which aired Thursday evening, as candidates attempted to distinguish their positions from each other — and the trio posed for a photo together, without Baldacci, after the recording Wednesday. Whoever emerges as the winner in the June 9 Democratic primary will face former Republican Gov. Paul LePage on the ballot in November. On healthcare and gun safety During the panel, Dunlap, Loud and Wood reiterated their call for Medicare For All, and singled Baldacci out for his plan to expand Medicare to people once they turn 55 years old. But Baldacci pushed back, and said he is for Medicare For All “as a goal” “I want to break this down into workable steps that we can bring public confidence to, but also save some money,” Baldacci continued. “Because it’s been 60 years since Medicare itself was created, I don’t want to have to wait another 60 years for just coming in with one big program.” Dunlap called Baldacci’s plan an “incremental approach,” that lost sight of the goal of expanding Medicare, “which is making sure that people don’t have to live in fear that a slip and fall on the ice is going to cause them to go bankrupt.” Baldacci pushed back, saying a 55 and up expansion is not an insignificant change, and that there needs to be public confidence in federal programs. The group varied in their responses to a question about Maine’s gun safety laws. Loud said that she supports Maine’s current gun laws, including the recently enacted red flag law, and there are not any more measures she would like to see implemented. “I’m a proud gun owner in the second district, and I support the right to own a firearm and use that firearm,” Loud said. Wood, who has the endorsement of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition, said he would support reinstating a national assault weapons ban — a measure that Golden also said he supported after the October 2023 mass shooting in Lewiston. “I think that we need a Congress that is going to bring national federal law in line with Maine’s,” Wood said. He said he was proud to campaign for Maine’s red flag law, and it was “disappointing” that Baldacci opposed the measure, even after the Lewiston shooting. “I opposed some of the legislation that came down because it was a violation of civil rights,” Baldacci responded. “If people actually read the legislation, it would allow police to pick up anybody that they might even suspect is mentally ill.” He went on to cite his voting record in the Legislature this year to protect those gun control measures. “I have voted to retain the red flag law just the last couple of weeks, I voted to not expand gun rights to ex-felons,” Baldacci said. “I voted to ban guns in schools, but on the other issues, I have respected Maine’s Second Amendment traditions and rights of sportsmen.” Not what, but how Even when the candidates disagreed, it was on the implementation of policies, not the issues themselves. Like on energy prices, Loud and Wood both spoke in support of nuclear energy, while Baldacci and Dunlap said it was too risky. But all four agreed that Maine and the country need to diversify energy sources to lower costs. And there was still a lot of agreement across the group, similar to the last debate in April. All four spoke in opposition to the war in Iran and said that affordability is a top priority. “What I think that most Mainers believe is no more wars, no more tariffs, and no more tax cuts for the rich,” Baldacci said. They also agreed that the immigration actions in Maine this winter went too far. “The way that Trump deployed ICE to Lewiston, Auburn, where I live, was not about enforcing immigration law,” Wood said. “It was about trying to instill fear and terror in people.” Dunlap said that Congress needs to assert oversight of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. “It needs to be held accountable, and the fact that it hasn’t been is probably the reason why we’re seeing so many problems with how they conducted their business,” Dunlap said. Loud added that more immigration to Maine could help the state’s aging workforce. “I think it’s in our best interest to want more immigration into District 2,” she said. “It’s something that we need. We have an aging population and a shrinking workforce right now.” And when asked about Vice President JD Vance’s recent trip to Maine, during which he made accusations of widespread Medicaid fraud, the candidates said the vice president was not acting in good faith. Dunlap, who is currently serving as the state auditor, said that audits have found “weaknesses and deficiencies” in MaineCare, but not fraud. “What JD Vance is really trying to do here — it’s not trying to root out fraud,” Dunlap said. “They’re trying to get rid of Medicaid, this is their excuse, this is the Trojan Horse.” Courtesy of Maine Morning Star
	The Heart of the Story: Treasure hunting Our Quad Cities News is partnering with award-winning journalist Gary Metivier for The Heart of the Story. Each week, Gary showcases inspiring stories of everyday people doing cool stuff, enjoying their hobbies and living life to the fullest. Stories that feature the best of the human condition. Not all that glitters is gold, but a [...]
	Open up the pools with this weekend forecast Despite things being a little cooler than normal, with the holiday weekend on the way temperatures are on the warmup just in time for pool season. Throughout the upcoming weekend, temperatures are going to be reaching the 70s and even 80s through Monday and well into next week, perfect for some summertime swimming.
	The Plex to launch live music series this summer The Plex in Bettendorf will be hosting a new Third Thursday live music series throughout the summer.
	Rotary Club 'shell-abrates' 20th annual Lobersterfest in downtown Bettendorf The Rotary Club of Bettendorf invites the community to the 20th annual Lobsterfest and participate in the evening’s auction to help raise funds that support nonprofit organizations, continuing education scholarships, holiday baskets, youth projects throughout the Quad Cities and “Fund-A-Cause” dollars given to a selected nonprofit - this year, it will be Family Resources. This [...]
	‘We will be left out and left behind’: Senate GOP urges action on school choice bills Senate Republicans on Wednesday called on their colleagues and Gov. JB Pritzker to opt Illinois into the Trump-backed Education Freedom Tax Credit.
	Memorial Day cookouts may cost more as beef prices hit record high Ground beef reaches $6.90 per pound as drought, fuel costs, and market consolidation drive prices up
	Clinton County pastor honored with Liberty Bell Award Pastor Ron Lott serves as chaplain for police officers, firefighters and community members impacted by traumatic events.
	Volunteers place flags at Rock Island National Cemetery ahead of Memorial Day The cemetery will hold its annual Memorial Day service at 10:45 a.m.
	Iowa pipeline route overhauled, but landowners say eminent domain fight continues Summit Carbon Solutions revises route, removing eight counties, but rural property owners vow to keep fighting
	Vibrant Arena announces new executive director Rik Edgar will step into the role in July. He previously served as general manager of the Peoria Civic Center.
	Mercado on Fifth, Moline, announces 10th anniversary award honorees Mercado on Fifth has announced the recipients of its inaugural 10th Anniversary Recognition Awards, celebrating the individuals, businesses, artists, organizations, and community leaders whose contributions have helped shape Mercado into one of the Quad Cities’ most vibrant cultural and economic development initiatives. The awards ceremony was Thursday, May 21, in downtown Moline as part of [...]
	Temporary changes coming to Davenport intersection Temporary traffic changes are coming to a busy Davenport intersection as city leaders try to slow down speeding drivers and reduce crashes in a neighborhood residents say has become dangerous.
	John Deere commits $250k to disaster preparedness and relief The investment continues the company’s 109-year partnership with the American Red Cross.
	2-time NASCAR champ Kyle Busch dies at 41 after 'severe illness' Kyle Busch, who won more races than anyone across NASCAR's three national series, has died at 41. A joint statement from the Busch Family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR said he died after being hospitalized.
	NASCAR champion Kyle Busch dies at 41 after hospitalization with 'severe illness' Kyle Busch, who won more races than anyone across NASCAR's three national series, has died at 41. A joint statement from the Busch Family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR said he died after being hospitalized.
	NASCAR superstar Kyle Busch dies at 41 after hospitalization with 'severe illness' Kyle Busch, who won more races than anyone across NASCAR's three national series, has died at 41. A joint statement from the Busch Family, Richard Childress Racing and NASCAR said he died after being hospitalized.
	What are the odds? Dueling lawsuits filed on prediction markets in state and federal courts. Kalshi's website displays odds of which political party will win the 2026 Rhode Island gubernatorial election. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) Some examples of games of chance: Craps, blackjack, Texas hold’em, roulette, and more recently, prediction markets, wherein people bet on things like geopolitical strife or what President Donald Trump might say during a press conference. To Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha, there isn’t much difference between the classic means of losing money — dice and cards — and these prediction markets. That’s why Neronha is now suing the operators of two of them, Kalshi and Polymarket, in state court. “Rhode Island State law heavily regulates gambling, for good reason, and we allege that Kalshi and Polymarket are evading our laws,” Neronha said in a statement Thursday. “While these private companies continue to profit exponentially off hard-working people, the state’s third largest revenue stream is detrimentally affected, which means less money to fund critical parts of programs that serve Rhode Islanders every day.” Neronha’s complaint against the two prediction market giants was filed in Providence County Superior Court right around 4 p.m. But Kalshi beat him to it a few hours earlier. The New York-based company filed a federal lawsuit against the state at exactly 12:03 p.m. in U.S. District Court in Rhode Island seeking to maintain its ability to sell event-based contracts allowing users to place bets on anything from the World Cup to natural disasters to political contests and the war in Iran. Kalshi predicted some form of enforcement was coming after its representatives met with Neronha and his staff Wednesday, according to its 32-page complaint. The federal lawsuit states its representatives sought assurances that it would not face enforcement action. But Neronah told them only that the company would not receive any advance notice if the state decided to proceed. “In short, the Rhode Island Attorney General refused to provide any assurances that the state would refrain from enforcement,” the lawsuit states. “This information makes clear that Rhode Island views Kalshi’s event contracts as illegal under its state laws and intends to act imminently against Kalshi’s federally regulated business.” Kalshi’s lawsuit notes it is under investigation along with other prediction markets by the Rhode Island Lottery. Lottery Director Mark Furcolo publicly informed the state’s Joint Lottery Commission in February that regulators were examining whether prediction market platforms are reducing sports betting revenue. Now the state is asking the Superior Court to declare that Kalshi’s and Polymarket’s sports-related event contracts amount to sports betting — wagering subject to Rhode Island gambling laws in the state’s interpretation. “We demand Kalshi and Polymarket stand down, abide by our state laws, and disgorge their profits, and this lawsuit is the first step towards that goal,” Neronha said. Conversely, Kalshi’s lawsuit argues its activity does not fall under gambling laws because its event-based contracts are not truly wagers in the traditional sense, but rather assets traded between its users on a federally regulated exchange. “The way they make their money is they take a cut of the amount that’s bet,” Patrick Kelly, a professor of accountancy at Providence College who studies gambling, said in an interview Thursday. Kalshi’s lawsuit characterizes its actual business as a marketplace in which “event contracts,” whose value is “determined by market forces,” function like an exchange for other financial assets, specifically derivatives. Traders do not bet against the exchange — as gamblers do against the house in a casino — but instead rely on other traders, or “counterparties,” to help “assume risk in the hope of seeing a return.” Kalshi notes in its suit that the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission is charged with determining whether event contracts constitute gaming, and whether these derivatives “should be restricted as ‘contrary to the public interest’ — authority that is completely incompatible with parallel state regulation of the same putative subject matter.” Still, Kelly notes that most activity on prediction market platforms revolve around sports wagers. “They made significant strides last year and had some big success on Super Bowl Sunday,” he said. And because prediction markets don’t fall under state gambling regulations, that means lost tax revenue. “There are a number of states that are not happy with Kalshi because it operates in places that have approved sports betting,” he said. Connecticut, Arizona and Illinois each filed cease-and-desist orders accusing major prediction market companies of engaging in illegal online gambling under state law. Arizona even went as far as filing criminal charges against Kalshi, but the move was blocked by a federal judge. Minnesota on Wednesday became the first state in the nation to prohibit prediction markets. Kalshi’s lawsuit against Rhode Island notes that a federal court in the Middle District of Tennessee granted the company a preliminary injunction barring officials in that state from taking action against its exchange. A federal court in New Jersey granted similar relief, according to Kalshi’s filing. “As other courts have recognized, Kalshi is a regulated, nationwide exchange for real-world events, and it’s subject to exclusive federal jurisdiction,” Elisabeth Diana, a spokesperson for Kalshi, said in an emailed statement to Rhode Island Current. “It’s fundamentally different from what state-regulated sportsbooks and casinos offer their customers. We are confident in our legal arguments.” A spokesperson for Polymarket declined to comment on the lawsuit. Reporter Alexander Castro contributed to this story. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Rhode Island Current
	Des Moines man who drove to Davenport to meet a minor sentenced to in prison He was arrested at a hotel on April 11, 2024, after he drove from Des Moines to Davenport to meet the 13-year-old girl.
	Davenport launching Park Ambassadors program The ambassadors will visit parks and trails throughout Davenport, answer community questions, and keep an eye out for safety concerns.
	As Brown Health operating losses deepen, pressure mounts to save Newport Hospital birthing center A sign supporting keeping the Newport Hospital Birthing Center open is on display on Broadway across the street from the hospital. (Photo by Janine L. Weisman/Rhode Island Current)Staring down another quarter of operating losses, Brown University Health executives are unwilling to contribute a share of the $4.9 million needed to keep Newport Hospital’s birthing center open. “We want to see the money come from outside Brown Health,” Peter Markell, executive vice president and chief financial officer, said during a virtual call with reporters Thursday. “We still need $4.9 million of support, whether from the state or philanthropy.” In other words, Gov. Dan McKee’s earmark of $1.6 million from state settlement funds for the birthing center in his fiscal 2027 budget is not enough after the health system recorded an $18.9 million operating loss for the three months that ended March 31. It’s the second consecutive quarter that Brown Health ended in the red, down $36.5 million for the first six months of its fiscal year, which began Oct. 1. The lopsided ledger looks far worse than it did when Brown Health initially warned that financial pressures could force the closure of the Newport Hospital birthing center last summer. The company, which also owns Rhode Island, Miriam and Bradley hospitals, quickly reversed course in the wake of community outrage over the loss of the only labor-and-delivery unit on Aquidneck Island. Initially, it promised to maintain the 10-suite birthing unit through Sept. 30, 2026, and in March, committed to preserving services indefinitely. But the commitment comes with a $4.9 million price tag based on an undisclosed consultant’s report. “The consultant report said it was a good program, but it could be better,” Markell said. “A lot of it has to do with physician coverage.” He declined to share further details of the report or the financing, which is intended to include philanthropic contributions. The pain point lies in Massachusetts, where a 2024 acquisition of two hospitals and associated physician groups from bankrupt Steward Health Care has dragged down the company balance sheet. In the six-month period that ended March 31, Brown Health’s Massachusetts arm lost $79.6 million, according to quarterly financial statements published Wednesday. “Obviously we’re not very pleased with that,” Markell told investors during a 45-minute earnings call Thursday afternoon. “It’s been a very challenging six months, I am not going to sugarcoat it with you, particularly in Massachusetts.” The company’s Rhode Island portfolio, including Rhode Island, Miriam, Bradley and Newport hospitals, ended the six-month period with a $43.1 million profit. Lower-than-expected patient volume and staffing shortages have suppressed profits at St. Anne’s Hospital in Fall River and Morton Hospital in Taunton since their sale to Brown Health in September 2024. A new wrinkle emerged in the second quarter as the company tried to integrate its Massachusetts physician groups into its existing healthcare software program. Markell expected margins to improve in the second half of the company’s fiscal year now that all practices are up and running with payroll and patient software, and demand for services rises. Brown University Hospital posted an $18.9 million operating loss for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, adding pressure to efforts to preserve the Newport Hospital birthing center. (Photo courtesy of Newport Hospital) Downsized leadership This week, the company appointed a new president from within its network to jointly lead St. Anne’s and Morton hospitals, shifting the existing Morton president to chief operating office and eliminating the president position from St. Anne’s, Markell told reporters Thursday. “These changes are designed to strengthen operational alignment, enhance financial stewardship, and support long-term stability while advancing our integrated system-wide care model,” Sharon Torgerson, a Brown Health spokesperson, said in a statement. “We remain focused on ensuring continuity of care, supporting our employees and physicians, and continuing to provide high-quality care to the communities we serve.” Markell warned that more cuts may come, but did not offer details. Much of the company’s financial outlook hinges on what happens with federal funding and policy changes, including new work requirements for Medicaid recipients, and the fallout from expired federal discounts for state health insurance exchanges. Brown Health already projected an extra $100 million to $200 million in net annual losses over the next eight years as more patients lose insurance and new caps are imposed in federal funding from states to hospitals. “H.R. 1 is very much a wild card,” Markell said, referring to the name for the federal spending cuts signed into law last year. Even more concerning than the impact of prospective insurance coverage losses for patients are the costs already rising from insurance claim denials, debt and charity care. Service claims filed with insurers — commercial and government — are increasingly being rejected, forcing the hospital system and patients to bear the weight of costs they expected would be covered. Markell named cancer drugs and treatments and hospital readmissions — typically not covered if a patient is back again within 30 days— as common culprits for denials. And he was suspicious that at least some of the rejections were not legitimate. “There’s policy and then there’s BS,” he said, adding that he believes use of artificial intelligence may be behind some of the unexpected and illegitimate claim denials. A $70M ask in FY27 budget The healthcare giant is now reaching its hands out to Rhode Island lawmakers to help offset the rising cost of uncompensated care. The Hospital Association of Rhode Island and its members, which include Brown Health’s four hospitals, are calling for lawmakers to add an extra $70 million in state Medicaid funding to the fiscal 2027 budget. The funds, when matched with federal dollars, would provide a total of $170 million more for hospitals statewide. “That would make a big difference in the ability of hospitals across the state,” Markell told reporters. “Given the match program that exists with the feds, it’s crazy for the state not to put it in its budget.” McKee did not immediately respond to requests for comment Thursday on the additional hospital funding. Spokespeople for House Speaker Christopher Blazejewski and Senate President Valarie Lawson remained noncommittal, noting that all budget requests must go through the standard legislative review process in an emailed response. McKee’s fiscal 2027 budget proposal already includes $441 million for hospitals, of which $147 million would come from state revenue. The breakdown of money to each hospital has not been determined, but is set by federal formulas based on the mix of Medicaid, Medicare and commercial patients. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Rhode Island Current
	AirCare introduces new helipad in Davenport The new helipad is at the University of Iowa's health clinic near the Target on Elmore.
	Have feedback on Davenport parks this summer? The parks ambassadors want to hear it Read the story for more details about what Davenport's three parks ambassadors will be doing this summer.
	Channel Cat Water Taxi opens for the 2026 season this Friday New this season, local musicians will perform live on the boat during regular operating hours. Here are the details.
	Residents displaced after attached garage catches fire Officials said no injuries were reported.
	ACLU dropping lawsuit against Mary Davis Home The juvenile detention center closed in March. It was being sued over allegations the center placed minors in solitary confinement.
	Here’s how we know why Iowa has competitive races in 2026 Recent visits, endorsements, and financial commitments show that Iowa could have multiple competitive races in 2026.
	Quad-City Times Bix 7 offering local runners chance at $2,500 prize Do you have what it takes to race against the winner of this year's Bix? Here's how to apply for the 2026 Russell's Beat the Elite Challenge.
	Your Memorial Day weekend forecast Temperatures continue to stay cooler than average for the time of year, but the holiday weekend is only days away and things are looking good. Temperatures will be jumping back up to the 70s by Saturday and even breaking into the 80s for Sunday and Memorial Day on Monday.
	Man hands over $39,000 after scammer accessed his computer, officials say Officials said a woman scammed a man out of $39,000 by gaining access to his computer and convincing him to give her the cash in person.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted for probation violation Reggion Anderson, 24, is wanted in Scott County for a probation violation and escape.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted for escape, probation violation George Wesley III, 25, is wanted by the Iowa Department of Corrections District 7 High Risk Unit and the Scott County Sheriff’s Office.
	ACLU dropping lawsuit against Mary Davis Home The juvenile detention center closed in March. It was being sued over allegations the center placed minors in solitary confinement.
	Netanyahu is accused of appointing loyalists to lead Israeli intelligences agencies Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is accused by former security officers of appointing loyalists to lead Israel's two main intelligences agencies, the Shin Bet and the Mossad.
	What's ahead this summer at the Davenport Public Library? School will be out before you know it, and you're probably looking for summer options for the students in your life. Tessa Wallace joined Our Quad Cities News to talk about summer programs at the Davenport Public Library. For more information, click here.
	Quad-City Times Bix 7 offering local runners chance at $2,500 prize Do you have what it takes to race against the winner of this year's Bix? Here's how to apply for the 2026 Russell's Beat the Elite Challenge.
	Trump's towering arch clears another federal hurdle, despite public pushback The Commission of Fine Arts gave the arch design its final approval, even though it's missing some visual components. The president said Thursday that he doesn't need approval from Congress.
	Hammond-Henry dietitian: helping admitted and outpatient clients Diet is important for losing weight and for building strength.
	American passenger feels 'betrayed' by federal order to stay in hantavirus quarantine Two passengers from the cruise ship that had a hantavirus outbreak were blocked by the federal government from leaving the quarantine unit. One says she is being detained against her will.
	University of Iowa AirCare opens new helipad in Davenport After operating in the Quad Cities two years, University of Iowa Health Care’s AirCare formally celebrated opening a new helipad Thursday at 3385 Dexter Court, Davenport.
	2 people injured, 1 airlifted in rural Muscatine County crash The crash happened just before 9:39 p.m. at Taylor Avenue and 155th Street, around seven miles north of Muscatine.
	Holiday travel ahead? How to prep your home before a trip Holiday travel ahead? How to prep your home before a tripThere's nothing quite like the feeling of finally leaving for a vacation you've been looking forward to — unless, of course, you spend the first two days worrying whether you left the stove on, the garage door up, the door unlocked, or the water running. With the Memorial Day holiday weekend kicking off the summer travel season, a little preparation before you walk out the door goes a long way toward ensuring that the condition you left your home in is the condition you come back to.Work through this checklist from HomeServe before your next trip, and you’ll be able to relax knowing everything is handled.PlumbingShutting off the main water supply before a long trip is one of the smartest things a homeowner can do. A slow leak or a burst pipe that goes undetected for a week can cause the kind of water damage that takes months and thousands of dollars to fix. Turning off the water at the main shutoff valve eliminates that risk entirely. If shutting off the whole house isn't practical — perhaps you have an irrigation system on a timer or someone stopping by periodically to water plants — at minimum, shut off the supply valves to your washing machine, which is one of the most common sources of household flooding.While you're at it, drain any outdoor hoses and shut off exterior spigots, particularly if there’s any chance of freezing temperatures while you’re away.HVACYou don't need to keep your home at 70 degrees while you're gone, but you shouldn’t shut the system off entirely, either. In summer, set the thermostat to around 85 degrees to prevent heat and humidity from building up to levels that encourage mold growth. In winter, 55 degrees is generally considered the safe minimum, cold enough to save on energy bills but warm enough to keep pipes from freezing. If you have a smart thermostat, many models have a vacation mode that handles this automatically and lets you adjust settings remotely if the weather takes an unexpected turn.Before you leave, change your home’s air filter if it’s due for replacement, and make sure all vents are open and unobstructed.ElectricalGo room by room and unplug anything that doesn't need to be running while you’re away. TVs, computers, gaming consoles, coffee makers, toasters, and small kitchen appliances all draw standby power even when not in use, and any of them can be a source of electrical problems — up to and including fires — if something goes awry. Unplugging them in your absence is both an energy saver and a safety measure.Leave a few lights on timers rather than leaving the house in complete darkness every night, which is an obvious signal to would-be intruders that nobody’s home. Smart plugs make this easy. You can schedule lights to go on and off at varying times from your phone, which looks far more convincing than a single lamp on a fixed schedule.SecurityIn addition to warding off wrongdoers through strategic light timing, check every door and window before you leave and make sure everything is locked. Don’t forget sliding doors, as well as basement windows and other potential entry points to your home that are easy to overlook. If you have a home security system, make sure it’s armed and that your monitoring company has current contact information for you, in addition to a local emergency contact.Avoid broadcasting your travel plans to the world on social media. That location-tagged photo from your road trip to Mount Rushmore is a public announcement that you’re not home and a veritable invitation to opportunistic criminals.Let a trusted neighbor know you’ll be out of town and ask them to keep an eye on things. Give them a key if you’re comfortable doing so, and make sure they know how to reach you. A neighbor who can pull a package off your porch, move your trash bins back after collection day, or simply keep an eye out for anything unusual is a valuable asset for safeguarding your home.Mail and DeliveriesPut a hold on mail deliveries before you leave, which you can do in mere minutes on the U.S. Postal Service website. Pause regular deliveries, such as packages, newspapers, and subscription services that might be scheduled to arrive. A pile of mail and boxes on your front porch is one of the clearest possible signals that a house is empty, not to mention an enticement to so-called porch pirates.AppliancesClean out your refrigerator, discarding anything that will expire while you’re gone, and take out the trash before you leave, because coming home to a kitchen that smells like last week’s garbage makes for a repulsive return. Set your water heater to vacation mode, or simply move the control dial to the lowest setting, which will keep the water warm enough to prevent bacterial growth without burning energy to heat water nobody is using.If you have a dishwasher, run it before you leave and leave the door slightly ajar so the interior can dry out fully while you’re gone.Plants and PetsPlan for your pets’ well-being well in advance. Whether that means leaving them with a trusted friend, a pet sitter, or a boarding facility, don't leave this to the last minute. For plants, group them together near a light source to make watering easier for whoever is looking after them, or invest in self-watering inserts for longer trips.One Final Walk-ThroughOn the day you leave, do a last pass through every room. Check that windows are closed and locked, make sure no appliances are left on, confirm the security system is armed, and take a quick look at the garage before you pull out of the driveway.If it gives you peace of mind, take a short video on your phone as you walk through. It sounds a little overcautious until the moment you’re sitting in an airport wondering whether you left the back door unlocked.This story was produced by HomeServe Editorial and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Coroner identifies Davenport woman killed in fall at Cantwell Cliffs in Hocking Hills State Park Officials said that officers received a report of the fall just after 2:45 p.m. Wednesday.
	Silvis School District superintendent retiring, successor announced Dr. Terri VandeWiele has served in the role for over a decade. Here is who will succeed her.
	Arkansas to receive $3.9M from settlement with Family Dollar over rat-infested warehouse A sign is posted in front of a Family Dollar store on March 13, 2024 in Fairfield, California. (Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)Arkansas will receive $3.9 million from Family Dollar Stores to settle a lawsuit filed over a rodent-infested distribution center and the sale of consumer products from that facility, Attorney General Tim Griffin’s office announced Thursday. Arkansas negotiated a $5.5 million settlement with Family Dollar, with $1.6 million of that suspended. Griffin’s predecessor, Leslie Rutledge, sued Family Dollar and its-then parent company Dollar Tree Inc. in state court 2022 over the discovery of more than 1,000 rodents in the West Memphis facility that prompted the chain to recall items sold at its stores throughout the South. “Arkansans—particularly those who rely on neighborhood discount stores for everyday essentials—are entitled to products that are safe, lawfully sold, and honestly marketed,” Griffin said in a news release. “My office will continue to enforce our consumer protection laws to safeguard public health.” Family Dollar in 2024 pleaded guilty in federal court and agreed to pay nearly $42 million over the unsanitary conditions at the warehouse. Arkansas suspended $1.6 million of its settlement with the company due to the company’s cooperation with the Justice Department, Griffin’s office said. The company admitted that its center shipped products regulated by the Food and Drug Administration to more than 400 stores in Alabama, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas and Tennessee. An FDA inspection in 2022 revealed live and dead rodents throughout the facility. Family Dollar had known of the rat infestation since at least 2020, according to Arkansas’ lawsuit. The FDA determined that more than 3,400 rodents were removed from the center between March 2021 and January 2022, according to Griffin’s office. Dollar Tree last year sold its Family Dollar businesses to two private equity firms for more than $1 billion. “Family Dollar is pleased that this legacy matter, which relates to events that occurred in 2022 at a former Family Dollar distribution center, has been resolved,” Janella Escobar, a Family Dollar spokesperson, said in a statement. “Today, Family Dollar is a standalone company under new ownership and leadership and we remain focused on our comprehensive safety and compliance programs. We are committed to providing safe and quality products to our customers, maintaining the safety of our facilities, transforming our business and supporting the communities we serve.” The West Memphis facility closed in 2022 but reopened in 2024 after renovations and is now operated as a Dollar Tree distribution center, according to the court filing. 3:07 pmThis story has been updated to add a comment from a Family Dollar spokesperson Courtesy of Arkansas Advocate
	Small and mighty: SoFi survey reveals the resilience of today's micro-businesses Small and mighty: SoFi survey reveals the resilience of today's micro-businessesThese are challenging times to run a business. Yet some of America’s smallest businesses, known as micro-businesses, are surprisingly optimistic about the future, according to a February 2026 SoFi survey of micro-business owners ages 18 and older.Almost 40% of survey respondents say they feel very positive about their business’s future. Despite economic uncertainty, rising costs, and consumers’ growing price concerns, micro-businesses — which have one to nine employees — are not only surviving, but thriving, even as some other, bigger businesses struggle.Their small size has proven to be a big bonus. Micro-business owners are adaptable, confident, and ready to spring into action, SoFi’s survey found. They are quick to pivot, adjust pricing, and reduce costs when necessary. They focus on what they can control, stay nimble, and trust their instincts.According to the Census Bureau, there are more than 36 million small businesses in the U.S., and more than 82% of those are micro-businesses. That makes these firms an economic force to be reckoned with. So how do micro-businesses stay strong and flourish, even in tough times? Here, the micro-business owners in SoFi’s survey share their secrets for success in an ever-changing world.Key PointsNearly 40% of micro-business owners feel very positive about their business’s future because of confidence in their own decision-making, strength of customer demand, and their ability to adapt their business.Micro-business owners demonstrate adaptability through quick pivots, price adjustments, and cost reductions, focusing on controllable factors and trusting their instincts.The most difficult problems faced by micro-business owners over the past year include rising costs (46%), economic uncertainty (37%), and changing customer spending patterns (32%).Sixty-eight percent of micro-business owners made quick business changes over the past year, with 46% adjusting prices and 33% changing availability or hours.Most micro-business owners self-financed their business to start it, using personal savings (41%), bootstrapping (16%), or credit cards (12%). Thirty-nine percent continue to self-fund their business today.SoFi’s Micro-Business Survey Respondents524 male and 476 female business owners.Annual business revenues under $150,000.Operate businesses in professional services, personal services, retail, technology, creative and media, construction, and more.36% have been in business for 3 to 5 years, 22% for more than 10 years, 19% for 1 to 2 years, 16% for 6 to 10 years, and 8% for less than 1 year.Confidence + Customer Demand is a Winning FormulaMany micro-business owners (39%) say they feel very optimistic about the future, and another 37% are somewhat optimistic. SoFi What makes micro-business owners so positive?Confidence in my own decision-making: 40%Strength of customer demand: 39%My ability to adapt my business: 31%Size MattersBeing small puts micro-business owners in a strong position. When asked how the size of their business affects their outlook for the future, 42% of SoFi’s survey respondents said it makes them more optimistic. And 67% said that their customers choose them because they are small.Biggest Business ChallengesStill, like most businesses, micro-business owners have had their share of tough times. The most difficult business-related problems they’ve had to deal with over the past year are related to the economy.Top challenges of micro-business ownersRising costs: 46%Uncertainty about the economy: 37%Changes in customer spending: 32%Competition: 24%Managing day-to-day operations: 24%Time constraints: 22%Permitting and/or other regulations: 15%Greatest Strength As a Business OwnerWhile micro-business owners are confident in their skills overall, the one thing they prize most is their ability to keep customer relationships strong. SoFi Micro-business owners’ biggest source of business confidence is:Maintaining customer relationships: 38%Managing their workload: 35%Adjusting pricing or services: 29%Making quick and effective decisions: 29%Managing costs: 28%Quality CountsAlong with customer relationships, micro-business owners are focused on making high-quality products and/or providing services that deliver what consumers want.Which factors are most important to your business?Quality of service or product: 47%Strong customer relationships: 38%Reputation and word of mouth: 36%Flexibility and adaptability: 35%Keeping costs low: 33%A unique service or product: 25%Community or local support: 17%How Customers Have ChangedPrices are a bigger concern for their clients today, micro-business owners report. At the same time, as these customers are careful with their spending, they rely on micro-businesses more to get what they want and need, survey participants say.Biggest Changes in Customer BehaviorCustomers are more price sensitive: 26%Customers are more loyal: 20%Customers rely on my business more: 17% Perfecting the PivotOver the past year, 68% of micro-business owners report they’ve had to be nimble and make quick changes to their business.Top Changes Micro-business Owners Have Made SoFi Adjusted prices: 46%Changed their availability or hours of operation: 33%Reduced expenses: 32%Marketed my business differently: 28%Changes services or offerings: 27%Took on different types of customers: 25%Used new tools or systems: 24%What It’s Like to Run a Business Right NowMore than two-thirds of the micro-business owners in SoFi’s survey acknowledge that it isn’t easy to be in business currently, with some saying it’s stressful or uncertain. Yet for 33%, bossing up is satisfying or invigorating. SoFi Heading up a business today is:Challenging but manageable: 40%Energizing: 18%Stressful: 17%Rewarding: 15%Uncertain: 10%The Mindset Change that Led to Their Business SuccessA business owner’s mindset — their collection of beliefs, thoughts, and attitudes — influences their behavior, including the things they do and the decisions they make regarding their business. For the micro-business owners in SoFi’s survey, there was one switch in thinking that changed things for the better.The shift that’s been most important for micro-business owners’ successFocusing on what I can control: 28%Staying flexible: 27%Trusting my instincts: 21%Being comfortable with risk: 12%Letting go: 12%Motivated by More Than MoneyThe micro-business owners in our survey prioritize personal satisfaction over profits — only 21% say they started their business for the money. This was true for both male and female business owners. SoFi What really inspired their entrepreneurship:To have more flexibility or control over my schedule: 25%To be my own boss: 24%To earn more income: 21%To pursue a personal passion or interest: 18%Because I saw an opportunity in the market: 10%Investing in ThemselvesMost micro-business owners financed their businesses themselves: 41% used their personal savings to fund their business; 16% bootstrapped, using personal finances and operating revenue; and 12% used credit cards.Just 10% received money from family or friends, 8% took out a loan, such as a business loan from a bank or online lender, and 5% used grants or other programs for funding.Avoiding DebtThe majority of micro-business owners — 39% — continue to self-fund their businesses today, using savings or revenue. Others are purposely frugal, with 26% saying they actively avoid debt even if it limits the growth of their business. One-quarter report that they approach financing strategically to support their enterprise. Eight percent simply aren’t sure which financing options are best.Their Financial Know-How Is High48% of SoFi survey respondents say they feel very confident making financial decisions for their business. Another 39% feel somewhat confident about their financial prowess. Only 3% are not very financially confident.If They Could Do It Over AgainIf they could launch now with 20/20 hindsight, micro-business owners say this time around they would: SoFi Plan finances more carefully: 28%Wouldn’t change much: 25%Move faster: 16%Focus on customers sooner: 16%Start with lower costs: 10%The True Measure of SuccessBeing successful is less about growing their micro-business bigger and more about being secure financially and having flexibility.What success means to micro-business owners in 2026Financial stability: 34%Flexibility: 22%Work-life balance: 16%Growth: 16%Consistent customers: 12%Top Business Lesson They’ve LearnedIn a time of economic upheaval, micro-business owners have discovered certain attributes and developed specific abilities that have become key to running their business smoothly. SoFi Best business learning:How to adapt quickly: 25%How resilient I am: 21%How to manage money better: 19%How to build relationships: 18%How to manage uncertainty: 16%The TakeawayRunning a micro-business today is challenging but rewarding, according to the respondents to SoFi’s survey. Despite the obstacles, micro-businesses are flourishing, and the majority of micro-business owners are optimistic about the future — thanks to confidence in their own decision-making, their adaptability, and the strong customer relationships they’ve nurtured.This story was produced by SoFi and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Iowa’s First Congressional district candidate interviews KWQC interviewed each candidate for Iowa’s First Congressional district from both parties.
	Republicans stall votes on partisan ICE funding amid party infighting Republicans had planned to try to pass a major funding bill for Immigration and Customs Enforcement by the end of the week but plans collapsed over unrelated policy disagreements.
	Feds announce charges ‘unprecedented’ Medicaid fraud scheme in Minnesota Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. speaks at a news conference on May 21, 2026 in Minneapolis with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz (right) and law enforcement officials to announce charges against 15 people for allegedly defrauding Medicaid programs of $90 million. (Photo by Max Nesterak/Minnesota Reformer) Top Trump administration officials traveled to Minnesota on Thursday to announce federal criminal charges against 15 people for alleged fraud schemes targeting more than $90 million in Medicaid funds intended to help the state’s children, homeless and disabled. The charges include the two largest Medicaid fraud cases ever brought in Minnesota, federal officials said, and represent a “shot across the bow” in Trump’s “war on fraud” largely targeting blue states. “We’re going to protect these programs and protect vulnerable children and restore integrity to the American health care system,” said Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the secretary of U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Kennedy was joined by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz, U.S. Attorney for Minnesota Daniel Rosen, FBI Co-Deputy Director Christopher Raia and other law enforcement officials to announce the indictments at the federal courthouse in downtown Minneapolis. Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche was supposed to be present as well but stayed in Washington, D.C. to try to save the $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” fund for Trump’s allies who Trump says were unfairly prosecuted by the Biden administration, such as the January 6 rioters. Colin McDonald, assistant attorney general for the National Fraud Enforcement Division, said those charged treated disabled people like “lottery tickets” to steal millions in taxpayer dollars, which they spent on luxury cars, real estate and expensive jewelry. “My message to the fraudsters is this: eat, drink, and be merry today because your days of frolicking and freedom are numbered,” McDonald said. McDonald also announced the expansion of the Midwest Healthcare Strike Force team with additional prosecutors in Minnesota, and the creation of a new Medicaid strike force team with 15 attorneys across the country. The additions come as the Department of Justice in Minnesota faces a wave of resignations of career prosecutors including former assistant U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson, who previously oversaw the sprawling investigation into social service fraud in Minnesota. The resignations were driven in part by the politicization of the Justice Department under President Donald Trump and its handling of the federal immigration crackdown known as Operation Metro Surge. The officials at the press conference did not provide details like names or the specific charges leveled, though they did present a blurry photo of one person — Muhammad Omar — who they said is on the run; they asked for the public’s help in locating him. Trump administration officials reiterated their harsh criticism of the Walz administration for allowing fraudsters to raid public programs. Minnesota Department of Human Services Inspector General James Clark said state officials have helped the federal government build criminal cases against most of the 15 people charged. “We are working more aggressively than ever to prevent and stop Medicaid fraud – tightening up oversight on the front end and taking action to stop criminals. As our efforts continue, we fully expect to see more charges,” Clark said in a statement released after the news conference. The state agency said it has stopped payment to 636 providers based on credible allegations of fraud and made more than 300 referrals to law enforcement since Jan. 1, 2025. The Trump administration has threatened to cut off roughly $350 million in Medicaid payments to Minnesota in response to fraud, and Oz said on Thursday the state has still not done enough to restore funding, even though his own agency approved Minnesota’s corrective action plan. State officials say the cuts, known as deferrals, threaten health care services for the state’s most vulnerable residents. The programs targeted by the defendants have seen explosive growth in recent years. For example, spending on Early Intensive Developmental and Behavioral Intervention, a program to help children with autism, increased 4-fold, from $83 million in 2021 to $433 million. Two of the 15 people charged — Shamso Ahmed Hassan and Hanaan Mursal Yusuf — were allegedly connected to a scheme to defraud that program of $46.6 million and represents the largest Medicaid autism fraud case ever brought, the Department of Justice said in a press release. The defendants are alleged to have paid parents to enroll their children in the program regardless of if they needed it and then billed for services they never provided. “This was not a paperwork error; it was not a technical violation. This was organized theft that exploited the most vulnerable children in America, deceived families, stole taxpayer dollars meant to help children with autism access legitimate care and support,” Kennedy said. Eight people were also charged for defrauding Housing Stabilization Services — a program to help homeless people find and maintain housing — of approximately $15.7 million.That program grew from $3.3 million when it started in 2020 to $108.8 million in 2024. The program was so rife with fraud that Gov. Tim Walz shuttered the program last fall. One person, Ahmed Othman Kadar, was charged with defrauding Integrated Community Supports, a program aimed at helping disabled individuals live independently. One man who was supposed to be receiving services around the clock died unattended in the care of Kadar’s company Ultimate Home Health, which was first reported by KARE11 last November. The news conference came an hour after a federal judge handed down a nearly 42-year prison sentence for Aimee Bock, the ringleader of what prosecutors called the nation’s largest pandemic fraud scheme, which siphoned $242 million from a federal child nutrition program through her nonprofit Feeding Our Future. Other fraudsters stole tens of millions more from the food program. The 66 people who have been convicted in the Feeding Our Future case bought luxury cars, waterfront properties and lavish vacations. Since the first charges in the Feeding Our Future scheme were announced in 2022, federal and state authorities have uncovered significant fraud and waste across social service programs, leading Minnesota officials to designate 14 Medicaid programs as “high risk” for fraud. While most of the charges in the Feeding Our Future scheme were brought under the Biden administration, the Trump administration has claimed the issue as their own with a “war on fraud” led by Vice President JD Vance. That effort has largely focused on Democratic-led states including California, New York and Maine even though federal data suggest fraud of social service programs is no less prevalent in Republican-led states. Indeed, Trump has granted clemency to dozens of donors and supporters convicted of fraud, including those who have stolen tens of millions in Medicaid dollars. McDonald declined to answer a question about whether Bock or other convicted fraudsters in Minnesota can expect the same leniency. Right-wing influencer Nick Shirley and Republican activist David Hoch, who posted viral videos about alleged fraud by child care providers in Minnesota, film a video before Trump administration officials announce 15 indictments for Medicaid fraud in Minneapolis on May 21, 2026. (Photo by Max Nesterak/Minnesota Reformer) At least one of the indicted individuals was featured in a viral video by conservative YouTuber Nick Shirley, who was among the press corps at Thursday’s news conference in his signature “Quality Learing Center” hoodie, a reference to an infamously misspelled sign for a daycare that Shirley filmed. Fahima Egeh Mahamud, the owner of a Minneapolis day care center called Future Leaders Early Learning Center, allegedly stole $4.6 million from Minnesota’s Child Care Assistance Program, as well as $850,000 from the federal child nutrition program. Oz posted a photo of himself and Shirley in a plane on the way to Minnesota and then asked Shirley to stand up to be recognized during the news conference. Shirley claimed to have uncovered more than $100 million in fraud in Minnesota’s childcare program in the video shared by Vance and Elon Musk. While that figure hasn’t been substantiated, his video nevertheless helped draw the Trump administration’s attention to fraud in the state. Most of those charged in defrauding government-funded services in recent years in Minnesota are of Somali descent, which the Trump administration has used to justify vicious attacks on the state’s Somali population, culminating in the incursion of thousands of federal immigration agents here for Operation Metro Surge. McDonald declined to answer a question about the conduct of federal agents during that operation, which left two Americans dead. Courtesy of Minnesota Reformer

Friday, May 22nd, 2026

Thursday, May 21st, 2026