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

Sunday, May 3rd, 2026
	I-80 work begins May 4 in Bureau County It's an Our Quad Cities News traffic alert. The Illinois Department of Transportation announced work will begin on Interstate 80 in Bureau County beginning May 4. According to a release: Monday, May 4: Work on the I-180 ramps from and to westbound I-80 will begin at 7 p.m. One ramp will be closed as a [...]
	April rains end drought, push rivers to flood stage in Quad-Cities Flooding and drought relief arrived together this April, as the Quad-Cities recorded more than 6 inches of rain.
	MARK-TO-MARKET: Inside America’s stock market: Who participates and who doesn’t The U.S. possesses the largest and most influential stock market industry in the world. The U.S. accounts for roughly 60% of the total value of the entire global stock market industry. In 1990, the combined value of all publicly traded…
	Key City This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Even as the Key City slid off the ways into the river in 1857, some intuition must have told Captain Jones Worden that…
	He recorded his quest for tariff refunds. It shows why billions may never get repaid After the Supreme Court struck down most of President Trump's tariffs, Richard Brown began lining up the paperwork he needed to get his refund. Experts say many businesses may never get their money back.
	Afrin recall: Packaging poses child poisoning risk Packaging violates federal standards to protect children.
	Why this tribe is buying up hundreds of acres of farmland — and flooding it The Stillaguamish Tribe in Washington state has been buying land in its traditional territory and removing levees. The goal is to turn farmland into wetlands with the hopes of restoring Chinook salmon.
Saturday, May 2nd, 2026
	Hauberg Estate hosts Derby watch party The 152nd running of the Kentucky Derby took place on Saturday and those in the Quad Cities decided to get in on the fun.
	Cornbelt Running Club hosts 45th annual 24-hour race at Brady Street Stadium One of the longest-running ultra running events in the country took place this weekend at Brady Street Stadium as the Cornbelt Running Club hosted its annual 24-hour race.
	Quad Cities farmers market season begins with packed crowds and fresh demand for local goods Crowds filled the Freight House Farmers Market in Davenport, and shoppers returned to Bettendorf as the farmers market season is officially underway.
	Physician assistant program becomes 'physician associate' at St. Ambrose St. Ambrose University is aligning its Physician Assistant (PA) program with a growing national movement to modernize the profession’s title from “physician assistant” to “physician associate,” reflecting the evolving role of these highly trained healthcare providers, according to a news release. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed legislation this month updating Iowa statute to recognize “physician [...]
	Farmers market season begins Crowds filled the Freight House Farmers Market in Davenport, and shoppers returned to Bettendorf as the farmers market season is officially underway.
	Germany says U.S. troop withdrawal 'anticipated', Spain and Italy could be next Germany's defense minister is playing down the impact of the Pentagon's decision to pull 5,000 troops from the country, but the move has rattled NATO allies and added to growing fears that Europe can no longer rely on Washington.
	Bard College's president to retire after scrutiny of relationship with Jeffrey Epstein The longtime president of Bard College in New York has announced his retirement, months after it was revealed that he had a much deeper relationship than was previously known with Jeffrey Epstein.
	Golden Tempo takes the Kentucky Derby as Cherie DeVaux becomes the 1st woman to train its winner Golden Tempo has won the Kentucky Derby at odds of 23-1 to make Cherie DeVaux the first woman to train the winner of the opening leg of the Triple Crown.
	Iran submits 14-point response to U.S. proposal to end war Iran has presented a 14-point response to the U.S. proposal to end the war, according to Iranian state media.
	American Legion Riders, Post 569, Milan, will present QC Family Motorcycle Expo The American Legion Riders, Post 569, Milan, will present a QC Family Motorcycle Expo from noon until 8 p.m. Saturday, May 16, at the American Legion Post 569. In cooperation with Springfield Armory, a scholarship fundraiser with a raffle for a Hellcat Pro will be held. This will help establish a scholarship for a student [...]
	Mercer County man reported missing The Mercer County Sheriff's Office is working to locate 65-year-old Charles Covemaker.
	Bettendorf Public Library holds Free Comic Book Day event The event was full of kids activities, selfie stations and books to take home.
	Our April 2026 in review With May now underway we have had quite the eventful April for this year in the Quad Cities. Starting with our average temperatures being over 4 degrees warmer than normal across the month. We have also seen a lot of rainfall for April, so much rain that it brought us out of our drought conditions [...]
	FBI, Portland police provide update after driver crashes into Multnomah Athletic Club with explosive devices Local and federal authorities provided an update after a driver crashed into the Multnomah Athletic Club. Several explosive devices were found inside the car.
	Mercer County man reported missing The Mercer County Sheriff's Office is working to locate 65-year-old Charles Covemaker.
	Feel the beat: Vibrations at Soule Bowl showcases local talent Quad Cities local youth groups showcase talent at Vibrations at Soule Bowl.
	Mercer County Sheriff's Department seeks help in locating missing man Have you seen Charles Covemaker? Mercer County deputies are asking the public’s help in locating the missing 65-year-old.
	Clinton man charged with arson after fatal house fire A man arrested out of state is now charged in a Clinton fire that left a homeowner dead. Here’s what investigators say.
	It’s Saturday. Why are Iowa legislators at the Statehouse? Iowa lawmakers are pushing toward the end of this year's session with significant decisions to make.
	Timmy the stranded whale rescued after weekslong effort Timmy captured the hearts of whale lovers across the globe who rooted for a happy ending for the humpback.
	Academy announces major overhaul to rules The new rules focus on areas such as AI protections for writers and actors and expanded eligibility for international films.
	Is your job at risk due to AI? What to know Cuban said the shift is already underway, driven by companies weighing the cost and productivity of AI systems against human labor.
	Taiwan's Lai lands in Eswatini in a trip delayed by lack of overflight clearance Eswatini remains the only African nation without tariff-free access to China's market due to its ties with Taiwan.
	Mother goose brings smiles to infusion patients at Mercy One Genesis West A goose started building her nest on an overhang April 1. She gives cancer patients a welcome distraction from their treatments.
	Bill Clinton says namesake public service school is fulfilling ‘urgent need’ President Bill Clinton delivers the keynote address on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the 2026 Clinton School of Public Service Commencement ceremony in Little Rock, Arkansas. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)Former President Bill Clinton told the 20th graduating class of his namesake public service school in Little Rock on Saturday that they can play a key role in protecting democracy during an era of divisiveness. Speaking at a ceremony outside of the building that will soon be the new campus for the University of Arkansas’ Clinton School of Public Service, the former president told graduates he hoped the degrees will give them tools to help society. “So far, in 250 years, we have come close to the brink of losing our democracy on more than one occasion. But at the last minute, we’ve always pulled up and said, ‘I think we’ll stick around, see if we can work this out,’” Clinton said. “We wanted to give you the tools to play a personally fulfilling, and nationally urgent need.” The 2026 Clinton School of Public Service at the University of Arkansas commencement ceremony was held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at One World Avenue in Little Rock, Arkansas. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)Graduates of the Clinton School of Public Service class of 2006 arrive to the graduation ceremony at One World Avenue in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)Graduates of the Clinton School of Public Service class of 2006 procession in during the graduation ceremony at One World Avenue in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)President Bill Clinton walks into the 2026 Clinton School of Public Service graduation ceremony at One World Avenue in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)President of the University of Arkansas System Jay Silveria, speaks during the 2026 Clinton School of Public Service graduation ceremonies on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at One World Avenue in Little Rock, Arkansas. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)President Bill Clinton sits on stage during the 2026 Clinton School of Public Service graduation ceremony at One World Avenue in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)Scott M. Curran, Clinton School of Public Service graduate, introduces keynote speaker, President Bill Clinton, at the 2026 graduation ceremony at One World Avenue in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)President Bill Clinton delivers the keynote address on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the 2026 Clinton School of Public Service Commencement ceremony in Little Rock, Arkansas. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)President Bill Clinton delivers the keynote address on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the 2026 Clinton School of Public Service Commencement ceremony in Little Rock, Arkansas. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)President Bill Clinton delivers the keynote address on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at the 2026 Clinton School of Public Service Commencement ceremony in Little Rock, Arkansas. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)Former Clinton School of Public Service Dean Skip Rutherford speaks during the 2026 Clinton School of Public Service graduation ceremonies on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at One World Avenue in Little Rock, Arkansas. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)Carlotta Walls LaNier, a member of the Little Rock Nine who desegregated Little Rock Central High School in 1957, receives an honorary Master of Public Service degree from the Clinton School of Public Service during the 2026 graduation ceremonies in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)The Clinton School of Public Service class of 2026 graduation ceremonies took play at One World Avenue in Little Rock, Arkansas on May 2, 2026 with Former President Bill Clinton giving the keynote address. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)Carlotta Walls LaNier speaks to guests at the Clinton School of Public Service class of 2026 graduation ceremony after she received an honorary Master of Public Service in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)Carlotta Walls LaNier speaks to guests at the Clinton School of Public Service class of 2026 graduation ceremony after she received an honorary Master of Public Service in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate)Clinton School of Public Service Dean Victoria M. DeFrancesco Soto speaks during the school's 2026 graduation ceremonies in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate) The school was established in 2004, the same year Clinton’s presidential library opened in Little Rock, and students earn a Master of Public Service degree. The first class graduated from the school in 2006. Victoria M. DeFrancesco Soto, the school’s dean, said it was launched as a “bold experiment” and continues to have an impact. “While others may talk about what needs to change, our students spend two years learning how to work with small communities across Arkansas to global organizations and making a positive impact while doing it,” she said. Clinton said the goal of the school was to show the value of public service, and said that the students’ work also teaches them the value of cooperation. “The real question for democracy is whether you can be proud of your tribe, be convicted in your beliefs, and still find room for others to be part of the decision making process and day to day living,” he said. “The big question the world is facing today is whether we will have inclusive tribalism, or divisive tribalism.” Though he did not specifically name Republicans or President Donald Trump, Clinton alluded to efforts to attack diversity programs. “Contrary to what some people say, implying that these diversity programs are designed to achieve quotas, that’s not true,” he said. “They’re just designed to make sure that the whole field is considered, before decisions are made, to give everybody a chance to be considered, everybody a chance to play the game.” Carlotta Walls LaNier, a member of the Little Rock Nine who desegregated Little Rock Central High School in 1957, receives an honorary Master of Public Service degree from the Clinton School of Public Service during the 2026 graduation ceremonies in Little Rock, Arkansas on Saturday, May 2, 2026. (Photo by Katie Adkins/Arkansas Advocate) Carlotta Walls LaNier, who was one of the nine Black students who desegregated Little Rock Central High School in 1957, was awarded an honorary Master of Public Service. LaNier, who was the first Black woman to graduate from Central High, compared Saturday’s experience to when she and the rest of the Little Rock Nine were presented the Congressional Gold Medal in 1999. “Outside the Congressional Gold Medal, to be honored in my hometown. I’m not sure what award could be more meaningful,” LaNier said. Courtesy of Arkansas Advocate
	Death Notice: Phyllis Miller A funeral service for Phyllis M. Miller, 97, of Davenport, will be held at noon on Thursday, May 7, at the Runge Mortuary & Crematory, Davenport. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service on Thursday at the mortuary. Burial will be in the Durant Cemetery. Mrs. Miller died Friday, May 1, 2026. Memorials may be made to the Iowa Department for the Blind in Des Moines or to the Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House of Bettendorf. Online condolences may be made at www.rungemortuary.com. An obituary will appear in the May 6 edition of The NSP.
	Harley-Davidson recalls nearly 90,000 motorcycles (WHTM) - The Harley-Davidson Motor Company announced it is recalling nearly 90,000 motorcycles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Harley-Davidson is recalling certain 2024-2026 FLTRX, FLHX, 2025-2026 FXBR, FLFB, 2025 FLHXU, 2026 FLTRXL, FLTRT, FLHXL, and FLHLT motorcycles built with an Airbox Baseplate [part number 29000373]. The recall was initiated because the airbox [...]
	Banksy confirms new statue installed in central London is his work The statue in Waterloo Place, which appeared early Wednesday, depicts a man proudly hoisting a flag— but the flag is blinding him.
	KWQC Blessing Boxes distributed Saturday morning KWQC partners with PUNCH, donations distributed this morning.
	Bettendorf to celebrate National Bike Month in May with special events Residents are encouraged by the city to hop on their two-wheelers and explore the community in a whole new way, city leaders said.
	Country Style Ice Cream to open near TBK Bank Sports Complex Another business is preparing to open in the area near the TBK Bank Sports Complex just in time for summer.
	Iowa Down Ballot podcast: Water quality, governor powers and GOP debate Iowans urge lawmakers to support a state water quality monitoring system at a rally for clean water at the Iowa Capitol Feb. 19. 2026. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Iowa Down Ballot with Dave Price 5/2/26 by Iowa Writers Collaborative Kathie Obradovich of Iowa Capital Dispatch and Laura Belin of Bleeding Heartland are here to help break down a chaotic end-of-session Friday at the Statehouse. Read on Substack Ten days into legislative overtime, Gov. Kim Reynolds and other GOP leaders introduced a package of water quality legislation. Host Dave Price, Laura Belin and I chat about what that means. We also discuss the Senate’s approval of a bill supporters say is aimed at preventing government shutdowns but that critics called a “power grab” by Republicans worried about the prospect of a Democratic governor. This week’s GOP gubernatorial candidate debate — and the fact that no-shows included both Randy Feenstra and Zach Lahn — was also a topic this week. Listen here. The Iowa Down Ballot Podcast with Dave Price is a production of the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative. Paid subscriptions help cover production costs. Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Imprisoned Iranian Nobel Peace Prize winner in critical condition Narges Mohammadi, an Iranian activist and 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, was hospitalized after collapsing in prison. Her family says her condition has deteriorated since a March heart attack.
	“An Introduction to Germany's Imperial Rhine: Part I,” May 3 With the first part of presenter Richard Baldner's program, guests of Davenport's German American Heritage Center will be treated to An Introduction to Germany's Imperial Rhine on May 3, a fascinating exploration of Western Europe's second-longest river delivered as part of the venue's popular "Kaffee und Kuchen" series.
	Moline forms agreement with sister city in Germany Moline has made it official and now has a sister city.
	First weekend of May, events in the QCA It’s the first weekend of May and there’s lots to do across the QCA.
	For 110 years, the Citizens Research Council has sought to give Michiganders a shared set of facts The Michigan Capitol rotunda \| Susan J. Demas110 years since its founding, the Citizens Research Council is working hard to explain to Michigan’s voters the nuances of a complex question — whether or not the state should take on a Constitutional Convention in 2027. It’s just the latest in a long series of issues the council has taken on since its founding, seeking to provide analysis and research of Michigan’s public policy issues without a partisan or ideological slant, which the group has been doing since 1916. “The mission then is pretty much the mission now, to provide information, to provide analysis of public policy issues,” Eric Lupher, who has been president of the Citizens Research Council for the last 14 years, told the Michigan Advance in an interview, “so that people, citizens, elected officials, civic and business leaders, have good information to make decisions about the lives we live, the government services and how they’re provided and how they’re financed, and who provides them, and who benefits from them.” Eric Lupher \| Courtesy photo In an era of rampant misinformation and disinformation in politics, Lupher said that he believes the issue of strong partisan division is not a new one, and so the council’s long history of being a trusted organization is of great value. He also emphasized the importance of presenting a common set of facts for everyone to work with. “We’re not trying to convince you of doing something,” Lupher said. “We’re just trying to provide the information and provide the analysis so that people can apply their own policy lens to it. If we don’t have a common set of facts, then people are just talking past each other, and we can see that in Lansing, and we can see that in Washington, D.C.” As for whether or not politicians will actually listen to the facts presented, “You can lead them to water, but you can’t make them drink,” he added. “But if we don’t make the facts available, then they’re just going to go based on party talking points and whatever their perception of reality is.” Lupher said he believes, based on the statistics from their website, that people are hungry for the type of information that these reports provide and want to make informed decisions. “Nobody made me the king of Michigan, so I just have to keep providing the information and letting the people that are elected have that information and hope to use it for good,” he continued. In the last 110 years, the ability to reach a wider audience has expanded significantly. When Lupher started at the Citizens Research Council in 1987, when a paper was released, the council would print five to six thousand copies, sending those primarily to a specific mailing list of around 2,500 readers. Now, reports often get 5,000 downloads in the first couple of days, he said. And now, Lupher and his team are working to make the reports even more accessible by boiling down what might be a 12- or 40- or 100-page paper, he said, into three main takeaways that can be presented in podcast form. What’s a Con-Con? Michigan voters will decide if they want to rewrite the constitution in 2026. That’s especially important in boiling down the series of 15 reports that the council is currently in the process of publishing, which seek to explain the facts and nuances of a Constitutional Convention — which voters in November will decide if they want to call, as they have the opportunity to do every 16 years — as well as explaining each of the 12 articles in the state constitution to help the people understand what’s there and what, in each, might be the focus if there is a convention, often referred to as a Con-Con. “We don’t lobby, we don’t endorse candidates for office, we don’t have a goal in trying to change government,” Lupher said. “Our mission has stayed the same over 110 years, so I’m not anxious to make any monumental changes, but continue to adapt to the changing times, to make our information as consumable as possible for as many people as possible.” Courtesy of Michigan Advance
	Artists sought to create mural in downtown Burlington Downtown Partners, Inc., in Burlington, Iowa, seeks proposals from artists to create a mural on a new retaining wall in the heart of downtown, according to a news release. This wall is part of a street-scape enhancement project and is visible from the street. While the wall will not be a space for direct interaction, [...]
	Clinton man sentenced to 45 years in prison for paying minor to send him nude images A registered sex offender in Clinton County will serve a 45-year prison term after a guilty plea in a minor exploitation case.
	Illinois set to receive share of $7.4B Purdue Pharma opioid settlement A $7.4 billion settlement involving Purdue Pharma and its owners took effect Friday. Both Missouri and Illinois are set to receive a share of settlement funds.
	Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival kicks off next week in Galesburg The 46th annual Knox-Rootabaga Jazz Festival kicks off Tuesday, May 5, and runs through Saturday, May 9, bringing together Knox College, the Galesburg community, and local and renowned performers. Faculty, alumni, students, and guest artists perform daily at various community venues, a news release says. The main event is Saturday, May 9, at the Orpheum [...]
	City of Moline continues lead service-line replacement program The City of Moline continues to advance its 10-year Lead Service Line Replacement (LSLR) Program, a proactive initiative to upgrade city infrastructure and maintain high-quality drinking water for all residents, according to a news release. Starting mid-May, weather permitting, crews will begin replacing lead and galvanized steel service lines along 15th Street, between 19th and 25th Avenue. Certified notification letters have [...]
	Regional educators unite in Davenport to support public schools From wages to school safety, Quad Cities educators shared concerns during a rally at Davenport West High School.
	Opinion: The everyday tragedy of gun violence The White House Correspondents Association Dinner was one of several incidents of gun violence in the U.S. last week. Others ended in injuries and fatalities.
	On "SANGÚ," Arturo Sandoval reaches back and pays it forward For more than 60 years, this maestro of magic has collaborated with towering figures. Now a new record, he turns to family.
	Students who host blood drives can earn scholarship money Students who donate blood or host a blood drive through LifeServe can earn scholarships and recognition while making a meaningful difference in their community, a news release says. With schools out and regular routines on hold, blood donations tend to drop during the summermonths. But that doesn’t mean there’s less need. Each blood donation has [...]
	Memories of Muscatine: A lithograph by Stow Wengenroth This week for Memories of Muscatine: Cape Anne Marshes by Stow Wengenroth.
	Can Trump's latest pick for surgeon general make it through confirmation? Nicole Saphier, a breast cancer radiologist, is the president's third nominee for surgeon general. Will she get confirmed?
	IowaWORKS job fair in Davenport open to all Blossom into a new career at the Opportunity Knocks job fair from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursday, May 14, at IowaWORKS, 1801 E. Kimberly Road, Davenport. The event is free and open to everyone. Employers will include:
	Americans aren't sleeping enough. Here's what could help Nearly a third of Americans get less than the recommended seven hours of sleep a night. A lot of us struggle to get to bed as we power through tasks or get lost in endless scrolling. Here's help.
	Do You Speak Train? This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.In an age that is losing touch with its roots, Rock Islanders are fortunate. Immigrants to this area have preserved at…
	New Netflix documentary reexamines Winnie Mandela's divisive legacy Winnie Madikizela-Mandela is one of the most revered — and controversial — women in South African history. In a new documentary her granddaughters examine the liberation icon in all her complexity.
	Major drug recall: Ketamine, fentanyl, other drugs do not meet FDA standards Multiple drugs used to treat patients in hospital and clinical settings nationwide are being recalled because they did not meet drug standards.
	After Assad's fall, Syria's Kurds are left in limbo, feeling abandoned by the U.S. Caught in limbo after the fall of Syria's Bashar al-Assad, Kurdish families struggle with cold, loss and uncertainty — feeling abandoned by the U.S. allies they once fought alongside.
	Trends still go from the runway to retail. A lot has changed in how they get there In 2006, an infamous scene from The Devil Wears Prada schooled viewers on how fashion trends make their way from the runway to the clearance bin. 20 years later, what's changed?
	Spirit Airlines ceases operations after escalating financial struggles The low-cost carrier, which had been struggling for years, announced it will cease operations. Spirit had been seeking a $500 million lifeline from the White House, but talks failed to yield a deal.
	Air Force says former Qatari 747 will be ready to fly as Air Force One this summer The U.S. Air Force has finished modifying and testing a Boeing 747 jet donated by Qatar for temporary use as Air Force One and expects to have it ready for President Trump to use this summer.
	What’s in the price of a gallon of gas? The U.S. Energy Information Administration expects nationwide retail gasoline prices to average near US$4.30 a gallon for April 2026 – the highest monthly average of the year. The political response has been familiar. Georgia has suspended its state gas tax, other states are weighing their own tax holidays, and the White House has issued a temporary waiver of a law known as the Jones Act in hopes of moving more domestic fuel to East Coast ports. As an energy economist, I am often asked about what contributes to gas prices and what different policies can do to affect them. The price of a retail gallon of gas is the sum of four things: the cost of crude oil, refining, distribution and marketing, and taxes. In nationwide figures from January 2026, crude oil accounted for about 51% of the pump price, refining roughly 20%, distribution and marketing about 11% and taxes about 18%. That mix shifts with conditions: When crude oil prices spike, that can drive more than 60% of the price; when the price drops, taxes and logistics are larger shares of the cost. Crude oil is the biggest ingredient Because the price of crude oil is the largest element, most of the price at the pump is derived from the global oil market. Usually, big swings in crude prices come mainly from shifts in global demand and expectations – not from supply disruptions, according to widely cited research in 2009 by the economist Lutz Kilian. But what is happening in early 2026 with the war in Iran is one of the exceptions: a classic supply shock. Severe disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Middle East oil infrastructure have taken millions of barrels a day off the global market. Most drivers generally can’t quickly reduce how much they drive or how much gas they use when prices rise, so gasoline demand doesn’t change much in the short run. That means a jump in crude costs tends to result in people paying more rather than driving less. Refining, regulations and the California puzzle Refining turns crude into gasoline at industrial scale. The U.S. doesn’t have a single gasoline market, though. Roughly a quarter of U.S. gasoline is a cleaner-burning blend of petroleum-derived chemicals called “reformulated gasoline,” which is required in urban areas across 17 states and the District of Columbia to reduce smog. California uses an even stricter formulation that few out-of-state refineries make. California is also geographically isolated: No pipelines bring gasoline in from other U.S. refining regions. California’s gasoline prices have long run above the national average, explained in part by higher state taxes and stricter environmental rules. But since a refinery fire in Torrance, California, in 2015 reduced production capacity, the state’s prices have been about 20 to 30 cents a gallon higher than what those factors would indicate. Energy economist and University of California, Berkeley, professor Severin Borenstein has called this the “mystery gasoline surcharge” and attributes it to the fact that there isn’t as much competition between refineries or gas stations in California as in other states. California’s own Division of Petroleum Market Oversight says the surcharge cost the state’s drivers about $59 billion from 2015 to 2024. It’s not exactly clear who is getting that money, but it could be gas stations themselves or refineries, through complex contracts with gas stations. A tanker truck delivers fuel to a gas station. AP Photo/Erin Hooley via The Conversation Getting the gas into your car The distribution and marketing category covers the costs of everything involved in getting the gasoline from the refinery gate to your tank. Gasoline moves by pipeline, ship, rail and truck to wholesale terminals, and then by local delivery truck to service stations. At the retailer’s end, the key factors are station rent and labor, the cost to buy gasoline in bulk to be able to sell it, credit card fees of as much as 6 to 10 cents a gallon at current prices, and franchise fees paid to the national brand, such as Sunoco or ExxonMobil, for permission to put their branding on the gas station. Most gas station operators net only a few cents per gallon on fuel itself – which is why many gas stations are really convenience stores with pumps out front. Borenstein and some of his collaborators have also documented that retail gas prices rise quickly when wholesale costs climb but fall slowly when wholesale costs drop. The question of gas tax holidays The federal government charges a tax on fuel, of 18.4 cents a gallon for gasoline and 24.3 cents a gallon for diesel. States charge their own taxes, ranging from 70.9 cents a gallon for gas in California to 8.95 cents in Alaska. When gas prices rise, many politicians start talking about temporarily suspending their state’s gas tax. That does reduce prices, but not as much as politicians – or consumers – might hope. Research on past gas tax holidays has found that consumers get about 79% of the reduction in gas taxes. That means oil companies and fuel retailers keep about one-fifth of the tax cut for themselves rather than passing that savings to the public. Gas tax holidays also reduce funding for what the taxes are designed to pay for, typically roads and bridges. That pushes road and bridge upkeep costs onto future drivers and general taxpayers. There is an additional problem, too: Taxes on gasoline are supposed to charge drivers for some of the costs their driving imposes on everyone else – carbon emissions, local air pollution, congestion and crashes. But Borenstein has found that U.S. fuel tax levels are already far below the true cost to society. Removing the tax on drivers effectively raises the costs for everyone else. Suspending the Jones Act allows foreign-based oil tankers to sail between U.S. ports. AP Photo/Eric Gay via The Conversation The Jones Act: A small number that adds up The 1920 Jones Act is a federal law that requires cargo moving between U.S. ports to travel on vessels built and registered in the U.S., owned by U.S. citizens, and crewed primarily by U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Of the world’s 7,500 oil tankers, only 54 meet this requirement. Only 43 of these can transport refined fuels such as gasoline. So, despite significant refining capacity on the Gulf Coast, some U.S. gasoline is exported overseas even as the Northeast imports fuel, in part reflecting the relatively high cost of moving fuel between U.S. ports. Economists Ryan Kellogg and Rich Sweeney estimate that the law raises East Coast gasoline prices by about a penny and a half per gallon on average, costing drivers roughly $770 million a year. In light of the war’s effect on gas prices, the Trump administration has temporarily suspended the Jones Act requirements – an action more commonly taken when hurricanes knock out Gulf Coast refineries and pipeline networks. What moves the number The result of all these factors is that the price that drivers see at the pump mostly reflects the global price of crude, plus a stack of domestic costs, only some of which are inefficient. Tax holidays give a partial, short-lived rebate. Jones Act waivers trim pennies, though permanent repeal may cause more fundamental changes, such as reduced rail and truck transport of all goods, which could lower costs, emissions and infrastructure damage associated with cargo transportation. Harmonizing fuel blends across states and seasons may lower prices somewhat, but likely at the expense of increased emissions. Ultimately, the best protection against oil price shocks is a more efficient gas-burning vehicle, or one that doesn’t burn gasoline at all. In the meantime, the best I can offer as an economist is clarity about what that $4.30 actually buys. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Robert I. Harris, Georgia Institute of Technology Read more: When oil prices spike, where does the money go? Soaring gas prices prompt Trump to ease oil tanker rules – how waiving the Jones Act affects what you pay at the pump US is less prone to oil price shocks than in past decades Robert I. Harris does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
	U.S. to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany in next 6-12 months The United States will withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany, the Pentagon said Friday, fulfilling President Donald Trump's threat as he clashes with the German leader over the U.S. war with Iran.
	Police investigate after car flips over on River Drive, Davenport Police were on the scene directing traffic away from the eastbound lanes of River Drive after a car flipped upside down late Friday. Our Quad Cities News crew saw squad cars and officers at the scene about 11:15 p.m. near the intersection of Oneida Avenue and River Drive. Debris lay scattered throughout the roadway on [...]
Friday, May 1st, 2026
	Millions of birds to migrate through Iowa DES MOINES, Iowa -- Typically, we're told to watch the night sky for shooting stars, a comet, or even a full moon, but this time it's for birds. On Saturday night, a large migration of birds, including warblers, thrushes, sparrows, shorebirds, orioles, grosbeaks, buntings, and hummingbirds, will be flying through Iowa. The Cornell Lab of [...]
	Rock Island Police conducting death investigation KWQC has reached out to officials for more information.
	KWQC is back on DISH Network Gray Media has reached a new agreement with DISH Network, restoring all Gray-owned local television stations, including KWQC, to the DISH lineup effective immediately.
	Sen. Ted Cruz rallies Republicans at Iowa Faith & Freedom dinner U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, speaks to a crowd of more than 1,000 people at the Horizon Events Center in Clive, Iowa, May, 1, 2026.U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz spoke at the Horizon Event Center in Clive Friday, touting recent Republican legislative and electoral victories. “In the last year, with President Trump in office and with a Republican Senate and a Republican House, we have won more victories than at any time we have been alive,” Cruz said. The Texas Republican visited Iowa as the keynote speaker for the Iowa Faith and Freedom Coalition’s (IFFC) 26th annual Spring Kickoff event. Cruz, who won the Iowa Republican Caucuses when running for president in 2016, has often visited Iowa. IFFC is a non-profit organization that advocates for conservatism and evangelicalism. Speaking to a crowd of more than 1,000 people, Cruz celebrated the U.S. Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade nearly four years ago, saying that the nomination and confirmation of “constitutionalist” and “principled” judges led to the outcome conservatives hoped for. “Roe v. Wade is no longer the law of the land and now we are fighting to defend life in every single state,” Cruz said. Cruz added that the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Louisiana banned the dispensation of the abortion drug, mifepristone in the state through telehealth and mailing services. Cruz described the decision as another victory. The Iowa House also voted Friday to restrict Iowans’ ability to access mifepristone through telehealth and mail-order prescriptions. During his speech, Cruz touched on the main political themes of the event, including the pro-life movement, tax cuts and education policy. Additionally, prominent Iowa politicians, including Gov. Kim Reynolds, U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson and all five Republican gubernatorial candidates, made appearances at the event. Reynolds kicked off the event by giving a speech touting her legislative accomplishments. “Smaller, smarter government, protecting lives, educational freedom, protecting girls’ sports and that’s just a snippet,” Reynolds said. Reynolds’s speech ended by saying that despite not running for reelection, she will be on the campaign trail, encouraging Republican voters to stay united. Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Moline wins 6th annual Douglas Cup 13-3 Moline baseball defeated Rock Island 13-3 in six innings to take home the 6th annual Douglas Cup.
	High school sports: May 1st Watch highlights from Geneseo vs Rockridge softball, Princeton vs Kewanee softball, Rock Island vs Davenport Central girls soccer plus Pleasant Valley’s signing day.
	Mother goose brings smiles to infusion patients at Mercy One Genesis West A goose started building her nest on an overhang April 1. She gives cancer patients a welcome distraction from their treatments.
	Traffic alert: Ramps to close for paving at Illinois 26, Interstate 180 interchanges in Bureau County Ramps at the Illinois 26 and Interstate 180 interchanges are set to close temporarily for paving.
	Rock Island Arsenal invites public to Armed Forces Day Celebration The celebration will take place on May 15 and 16 with the annual Run the Rock event.
	One person dead after emergency response at Rock Island Hy-Vee parking lot Police are on the scene at Hy-Vee, 29th Street and 18th Avenue, Rock Island, where Our Quad Cities News crew saw emergency responders give CPR to a person lying in the parking lot near a truck. Shortly after 9:15 p.m. Friday, our crew saw someone lying near a red pickup truck with its door open [...]
	Traffic alert: Crews to begin water service line upgrades on 15th Street in Moline Crews will be replacing lead and galvanized steel service lines on 15th Street between 19th and 25th Avenue starting mid-May.
	Cool weather leads to a frost advisory tonight Ever since those storms that we saw on Monday temperatures have consistently been cooler than normal in the Quad Cities ranging from the 50s to 60s. And now it all comes to a head as we have a frost advisory for most of the area tonight. From 1am-8am tomorrow morning as temperatures will drop to [...]
	Augustana's new mental-health program allows students to help other students Augustana College has started a new way on campus to help students dealing with mental health issues. The college launched Peer Recovery Support, a new peer mentor support program. "You think about therapy. Therapy is you're listening to your own story and you're listening to it in a different way," said Bill Iavarone, the director [...]
	‘Let’s do this for her’: Annapolis man biking across US to honor friend with ALS The planned coast-to-coast bike ride will raise funds for research into ALS, which Laura Olds was diagnosed with in 2023. (Photo courtesy Coast 2 Coast 4 ALS)By José Umaña Rex Houlihan arrived at Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport earlier this week with a one-way ticket to the West Coast. He’s making the return leg of the trip on his bike. Starting Friday, Houlihan, 62, along with four others began cycling across the country from the Olympic Peninsula in La Push, Washington, with the goal of ending at Dewey Beach, Delaware, 4,000 miles and 12 states later. Along the way, they’ll be raising funds for ALS research in honor of a close friend, Laura Olds, who was diagnosed with the incurable disease in 2023. The idea sprang up at the Sailor Oyster Bar in Annapolis in 2023 after Olds learned about her diagnosis with ALS – also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease – which attacks nerve cells that control muscles throughout the body. “She can no longer do the things she loved,” Houlihan told WTOP. “Let’s do this for her.” Laura’s story Laura Olds was known as the healthy one among her friends. She lived an active lifestyle for years, taking yoga classes, enjoying dancing and playing tennis. But her husband, Todd Olds, noticed Laura began slurring her speech, and in March 2023 she got her diagnosis. Laura Olds pictured at the beach, prior to her 2023 ALS diagnosis. (Photo courtesy Coast 2 Coast 4 ALS) Since then, Laura, now 65 communicates through a text-to-speech app and is unable to drive or cook for her family, Todd said. She spends most of her time sitting on a chair, unable to get up. Meg Whiteford, a senior associate director of development at the Robert Packard Center for ALS research at Johns Hopkins University, said that most people diagnosed with ALS have two to five years to live, as the disease affects the muscular aspects of one’s body. “Eventually you can’t breathe,” Whiteford said. “Your mind stays intact, but your body fails.” Yet, Laura Olds continues to live on, trying to get better, her husband said. “She’s been so strong. She never complains,” Todd said. “She has kind of beat the odds in terms of the prognosis for surviving as long as she has, but it’s been a lot.” The diagnosis devastated Houlihan, who has known Laura since he was 20 years old. One day, while spending time with Todd and friend Scott Alyn, Houlihan said the trio decided that they wanted to do something to help raise money for the ALS community. That led to the birth of Coast 2 Coast 4 ALS, the grassroots organization organizing the ride. Preparing for the ride Five people will participate in the cycling challenge at various points, including Houlihan and Todd. But as the ride progresses, members of the group will drop off, leaving Houlihan to continue the journey on his own. Houlihan, who rode across Australia as a college student, purchased his new bike in mid-March and has been training on a Peloton to prepare. He told WTOP that he is prepared for the unknown but is embracing the troubles that may come his way, including tire problems and camping. “It’s really, what adventure can we create, and the story that we’re going to be telling and getting the ALS community involved across the country,” he said. As details of the challenge came together, Laura did not want to be the face for ALS or the campaign, Houlihan said. But, as the ride inched closer, she has grown proud of the effort all her friends put together for the ride, her husband said. Rex Houlihan at BWI Airport at the very start of his journey. (Photo courtesy Coast 2 Coast 4 ALS) “I’m sure she would love to be along for the ride if she could,” said Todd, who will be leaving the ride early to return to Laura’s side. Funds collected will be used to support research done by the Packard Center and care efforts provided by the Team Gleason Foundation. As of Friday, Coast 2 Coast 4 ALS had collected about $269,000 of its goal of $500,000. Houlihan encourages people to join him for the ride virtually by following the live online tracker of Coast 2 Coast 4 ALS travels. Houlihan said anyone around the country is welcome to tag along on the ride as he passes through different states on his way to Dewey Beach. Pro Football Hall of Famer Jim Covert plans to ride with Houlihan when he arrives in Chicago, which is expected on June 26. Steve McMichael, Covert’s former Bears teammate, died in 2025 after his ALS diagnosis. “It’s just this emotional roller coaster for everybody,” Houlihan said. “I feel good going into this thing, and I think we all just this community is built around this and it’s beautiful.” Learn about Coast 2 Coast 4 ALS on its website. – As part of Maryland Matters’ content sharing agreement with WTOP, we feature this article from José Umaña. Click here for the WTOP News website. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Courtesy of Maryland Matters
	Moline selects international artist for Leading Light Project, community workshops The Moline Public Art Commission has selected international artist Nick Athanasiou of Skunk Control, an Australia-based creative studio, to lead the Leading Light public art project. As part of the project, Athanasiou will visit Moline Tuesday, May 5 through Friday, May 8 ,to lead workshops and community engagement sessions, offering residents an opportunity to connect directly with the artist and contribute to [...]
	Man convicted in 1990s robbery spree returned to Iowa custody After serving time in Illinois, a 49-year-old man tied to 1990s robberies is back in Scott County custody to continue his sentence.
	Former Agriculture Secretary Vilsack visits Davenport to mark World Food Prize milestone Vilsack is the CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation.
	Iowa Agriculture Secretary Vilsack visits Davenport to mark World Food Prize milestone Vilsack is the CEO of the World Food Prize Foundation.
	Clinton teen killed in Jackson County crash Emergency crews responded to a fatal crash Friday near Miles involving a single vehicle and an 18-year-old driver.
	Senate passes early childhood bill with voluntary funding transfer proposal Sen. Kara Warme, R-Ames, shared details on an updated proposal making changes to the state Early Childhood Iowa system during floor debate May 1, 2026. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)After five subcommittee meetings and multiple iterations, legislation making changes to the Early Childhood Iowa system passed the Iowa Senate Friday. Senate File 2488, as passed by the Senate in a 28-15 vote Friday, looks significantly different from initial language brought before lawmakers early in the 2026 session. In its earliest phases, the bill proposed creating a statewide Early Childhood and Family Services (ECFS) system of seven “health and human services districts” and repealing the existing Early Childhood Iowa (ECI) program, with ECI funding and oversight duties transferred to the new system. This proposal was met with heavy opposition from Iowans serving on ECI boards and advocates. In following meetings, officials with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services shared an updated proposal that would keep the existing system of 34 ECI area boards as is, but transfer funding oversight to the state for money currently managed through the ECI system for home visitations, family support services and parent education programs through the “School Ready Fund.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX HHS officials said this shift in funding was needed because it would allow the state to draw down federal funding made available through the Family First Act, which requires that funding goes toward “evidence-based” home visitation models. But advocates for ECI said this funding shift for home visitation services — which represented roughly half of the $28 million appropriated through the ECI system — would effectively remove local ECI boards’ abilities to fund services that best suit their community needs. The amendment presented by Sen. Kara Warme, R-Ames, to the Senate Friday further scales back the shifts made to the ECI system. The latest proposal creates an opt-in, voluntary system for ECI area boards to choose to move their home visiting contracts over to the state level, which would allow HHS to draw down federal funds. By choosing to move these contracts to state oversight, the participating ECI areas would have a portion of the federal matching funds returned to their area — beginning with 25% of funds in fiscal year 2028, and reducing by 10% each subsequent year. Warme said the hope is for several ECI areas to choose to participate in this system so the state can “create a pilot program, so we can prove out the best way to administer these contracts and to maximize our funding opportunities for Iowa.” The measure additionally calls for an interim legislative study committee to examine the existing ECI system and recommend changes to lawmakers ahead of the 2027 legislative session on “how to map those 35 four ECI areas into our seven HHS districts, and again, how to optimize services for early childhood within our state,” Warme said. Rep. Cindy Winckler, D-Davenport, said she appreciated the changes made in the amendment, though she said this may not result in many home visitation service contracts being transferred to HHS oversight. She questioned how successful the voluntary shift of home visitation funding from ECI to HHS would be, “… because, in many cases with the language, they lose contracting with those local providers. It would be a decision that ECI would be making rather than the locals, in regard to the home visitation programs, and I think that the value of ECI is still local control.” She also brought up concerns about changes remaining in the amended legislation to the state boards for Decategorization Projects, or Decat, that directs state child welfare and juvenile justice funding to local services. Winckler said while the measure was changed to create an opt-in, voluntary system for shifting funding to HHS for ECI boards, the shift in funding from Decat boards to HHS will not be voluntary. The bill still also creates the larger Early Childhood and Family Services (ECFS) system structure, but does not eliminate other bodies like ECI. “In many cases — Decat, all of it going to Health and Human Services — creates very interesting dynamics in the counties or in the ECI area boards, because many of the Decat directors are also ECI directors,” Winckler said. “And so I’m not quite sure what the balance is in regard to that. But it is great that compromises have been made.” Warme said the changes being proposed in the bill are meant to better provide services for young children throughout the state who receive services through a variety of bodies, including ECI and Decat boards, as well as the state’s child abuse prevention program, by moving to a “modernized structure, where we can spend less dollars on administration, on maintaining a separate structure, and do more to prevent, and connect services across our state.” “I think we all can recognize that change is hard,” Warme said. “When we look to restructure systems that have been in place for a long time, there’s a lot of stakeholders, there’s a lot of concerns. … So the point of a new Early Childhood and Family Services system is to reduce administrative costs and maximize funding, to eliminate redundancies and inconsistencies, to ensure consistent oversight and management — as we’ve seen public dollars used, not in those ways, in neighboring states.” The measure moves to the House for further consideration. In the House, lawmakers had passed House File 2795 — a bill that did not include the changes to ECI or other system, but called for a study committee to be convened within HHS over the 2026 interim to study the impacts of the proposed change to the ECI system and home visitation services. Rep. Michael Bergan, R-Dorchester, called his proposal a “bookend” — a version of the legislation on the opposite end from proposals brought forward by HHS earlier in 2026, with aims of finding a compromise in the middle. The amendment conforming with the Senate language was filed to the House bill Friday. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Driver killed in single-car crash near Miles, Iowa An 18-year-old Clinton driver was killed in a single-car crash Friday afternoon, according to an Iowa State Patrol crash report. The report says the crash happened about 3 p.m. near the intersection of 17th Street and 484th Avenue in Miles, Iowa. A 2008 Toyota Corolla was headed east on 18th Street west of Miles when [...]
	Vice President JD Vance to visit Iowa manufacturing facility Tuesday The vice president will visit Ex-Guard Industries with Republican Rep. Zach Nunn and deliver remarks.
	Trump DOJ investigating ‘gender ideology’ in 36 Illinois school districts The Trump administration is investigating three dozen Illinois school districts to assess if their curriculums include “gender ideology” — and parental opt-outs — and whether trans students can participate in competitive sports.
	Affordable homes nearing completion in Muscatine after project shifts construction plans Six new affordable homes are nearing completion in Muscatine after local partners pivoted from a 3D-printing concept to a modular wood-building system.
	18-year-old killed after crash near Miles, Iowa According to the Iowa State Patrol, the driver lost control and left the road. They struck a piece of agricultural equipment before crashing into a building.
	Police: 18-year-old killed after crashing vehicle into building An 18-year-old was killed after crashing a vehicle into a building, according to Iowa State Patrol.
	RIA Federal Credit Union merges with Redbrand Credit Union R.I.A. Federal Credit Union on Friday announced that it has received regulatory approval from the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and the National CreditUnion Administration (NCUA) to merge with Redbrand Credit Union, according to a news release. Members of Redbrand Credit Union approved the merger during a vote held at the Redbrand [...]
	Iowa House votes to restrict abortion medication, requiring in-person prescriptions Rep. Devon Wood, R-New Market, spoke on legislation restricting access to abortion-inducing medication via telehealth and mail-order prescriptions May 1, 2026. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)The Iowa House passed a bill Friday restricting access to abortion medication, even as nationwide restrictions on mifepristone are taking effect due to a court order. House File 2788, passed 57-29, would require abortion-inducing medication to be prescribed in person and dispensed in a medical setting, restricting Iowans’ ability to receive these medications through telehealth and mail-order providers, many of which are located outside the state. The measure has been amended both during earlier meetings as well as when it was brought to the House floor to reflect feedback from medical professionals, Rep. Devon Wood, R-New Market, said. This included changes like striking an earlier requirement for doctors dispensing these medications to share information about the possibility of “reversing the intended effects of a chemical abortion,” which multiple medical organizations have said does not reflect factual, scientific information. The bill was also changed to clarify the definition of an “abortion” to ensure treatment related to miscarriages and ectopic pregnancy could not be construed as an abortion procedure. Additionally, the amended proposal does not include reporting requirements present in earlier bills about drugs that can be used to induce abortions. Democrats supported the amendment, saying that it improved the bill — but voiced their opposition to the legislation overall. Rep. Beth Wessel-Kroeschell, D-Ames, said the bill adds additional state-level barriers in accessing abortion-inducing medication that exceed federal standards “not because science demands it, but because ideology does.” Iowa House lawmakers moved forward the bill as similar restrictions are coming into effect nationwide. A U.S. appeals court Friday temporary blocked a Food and Drug Administration rule allowing the prescription of mifepristone, a common abortion-inducing drug, through telehealth appointments — which includes providers outside of states where abortions have been banned. Republicans in Iowa House said the state-level measure is needed to help keep Iowa women safe from potential negative health outcomes caused by taking abortion medications, and to prevent “black market” abortion medications from coming into the state. Wood said she believed the bill would ensure these medications are being used safely. “I’m frustrated, I’m disgusted and I’m disappointed,” Wood said. “I thought we would have a bipartisan discussion today. How could I think a bill about abortion pills might be a bipartisan discussion? Because I thought we all agreed one thing: women deserve safe access to health care.” Wood argued the bill will also help women in abusive or violent relationships, saying “by requiring in-person screenings, we are giving these women a lifeline,” as research has found many women seeking abortions are pursuing this medical intervention because they are in an abusive or otherwise unsafe relationship. “We are providing a private clinical sanctuary where an expert can look them in the eye and ask, ‘Are you safe?'” Wood said. “That opportunity for intervention is lost the moment that we move this process to a computer screen, a phone or a mailbox.” But Democrats said the bill was not about women’s safety in health care — it was about further restricting abortion access. “If our goal is safety, then we should be investing in maternal health infrastructure, expanding postpartum coverage, recruiting providers to rural communities and addressing our workforce shortages,” Wessel-Kroeschell said. “Those are the real challenges facing Iowa families. The millions of federal dollars we are pouring into the Rural Health Transformation Initiative will fall short if legislation like this continues to discourage providers from practicing here. This bill continues the pattern of government intrusion into deeply personal medical decisions.” Rep. Megan Srinivas, D-Des Moines, a physician, said the bill will also not have an impact on “black market” abortion medication, because these drugs are already illegal. What the measure will impact, she said, is reproductive health care access for a many Iowans in rural areas who are already struggling with significant health care shortages. “All this bill does is take away options for people in rural Iowa who have no other ability to get care,” Srinivas said. “One-third of our communities in rural Iowa — actually, throughout the state of Iowa, one-third of our counties — have no access to OB-GYN care. None. They rely on telehealth. And I know. because I am a telehealth provider for many issues — internal medicine, infectious disease and women’s health. … Let’s tell the truth here. This doesn’t touch the problem of black market abortions. It creates a problem of creating a void in care for so many Iowans, for too many Iowans.” Rep. Jon Dunwell, R-Newton, brought up the need to pass the bill because of situations where pregnant women could face adverse health effects — but he also brought up how the legislation was needed to ensure Iowa’s six-week abortion ban is being enforced as intended. He said he believed life “begins at conception,” and said he wants to work “for the day where the Iowa law fully reflects that conviction.” “But I also know, and every member here knows that we govern within the law,” Dunwell said. “As it stands today, the heartbeat law is the law of Iowa, and every day that out-of-state, mail-order operations dispense abortion drugs to Iowans with no exam, no doctor and no oversight, the heartbeat law this chamber passed is being eroded.” A previous version of the bill included a larger proposal from Rep. Zach Dieken, R-Granville, that would classify abortion as homicide and put in place criminal charges for the termination of a pregnancy, with exceptions for miscarriages and when an abortion is needed to save the life of the mother. This proposal was not brought up during floor debate Friday. The bill moves to the Senate for further consideration. While Senate Majority Leader Mike Klimesh said in April that conversations were continuing on the bill, he did not know if the majority caucus had reached a consensus on moving the measure forward. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Iowa Rep. discusses governor campaign priorities at Quad-Cities stop Republican gubernatorial hopeful Randy Feenstra visits the Quad Cities to discuss his 2026 campaign platform, focusing on business, ag, and taxes.
	Bickelhaupt Arboretum, Clinton, reopens after year of renovations Flowers bloom in early May in Clinton and, this year, so does the newly renovated Bickelhaupt arboretum, bringing a mix of education and art to the area. The Bickelhaupt re-opened Friday after a year of renovations. Shawn Hill-Lamb recalls her time at the Bickelhaupt when it was still owned by her grandparents. "I remember in [...]
	Davenport elementary school students take part in John Deere Manufacturing Day Students got to construct paper dump trucks on their own, then repeat it in an assembly line.
	Your guide to the 2026 Iowa primary election The Iowa primary is set for Tuesday, June 2. News 8 has everything you need to know about who's running and how to cast your vote.
	Body found in Rock River nearly 2 weeks after bridge incident The body of the man who police said jumped into the Rock River during a chase was found near Sterling, Illinois.

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