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

Thursday, July 16th, 2026
	Historic 1-room schoolhouse set to be relocated in Wilton A one-room schoolhouse built in the 1800s is set to be moved July 22 in Wilton, Iowa, as organizers work to restore the Sharon School and preserve Muscatine County's rural classroom history.
	Create Quad Cities celebrates 10 years with free community block party in Moline The whole family can enjoy the free celebration on Saturday, July 25 at Pour Bros Craft Taproom.
	The Heart of the Story: Baby foxes down on the farm 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. The say the corn can be as high [...]
	Getting to Know Frances Williams: Mercado on Fifth's Executive Director Chief Meteorologist Andy McCray talks with familiar faces around the Quad Cities in the Getting to Know Podcast. Learn more about important people around our area and have a good time doing it. Each week will feature a new guest from restaurant owners, to area leaders, to Our Quad Cities News Staff. In this episode [...]
	New Kewanee outreach center helps people leaving prison rebuild their lives What started as a mission to help people leaving prison has grown into a new outreach center in downtown Kewanee.
	Iowa professor receives prestigious international statistics prize for 'R' Newly retired University of Iowa professor Luke Tierney has spent 30 years working on the free, open-source computing tool. Today it's used by millions worldwide.
	Cyclosporiasis case in Rock Island County traced to Michigan farmers market As of July 13, roughly 1,700 lab-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in the U.S. Here's what local health officials said to stay safe.
	MidAmerican issues scam warning about fake customer service phone numbers MidAmerican Energy is warning customers that scammers are using fake customer service phone numbers in search results to steal personal and financial information.
	Rain chances creeping up for Friday After a few isolated showers Thursday, rain chances are a little higher Friday. We'll see a 40% chance for some scattered showers and t'showers on Friday. The storms do not look to be overly strong, but could drop some heavy rain once they form. Most likely timeframe would be in the afternoon into the early [...]
	St. Ambrose University, Quad City Symphony aim to build music facility in downtown Davenport Space for music rehearsals in Davenport are at a premium for the Quad City Symphony Orchestra and St. Ambrose University. When the symphony isn't performing in a popular auditorium like the Adler Theatre, they are musical nomads, jumping from place to place for practice. "It's not sustainable. We are not a priority in any of [...]
	Helicopter used for spraying crops crashes outside Iowa City The Tiffin Fire Department said it was dispatched at 7:44 p.m. July 15 to an aircraft crash near 2862 Rohret Rd.
	Interview: Taste of Mercado, Moline, postponed because of possible storms Mercado on Fifth is gearing up to host its annual Taste of Mercado competition, which has been postponed for a week because of the chance for inclement weather. Organizers have announced that, because of the potential of storms on Friday, July 17, the event has been moved to Friday, July 24, before Bix festivities. "It's [...]
	Retired University of Iowa professor earns international award for statistics tool 30 years ago, a small team of scientists began working on "R." Now, it's a free computer program that helps people make sense of large amounts of information.
	Crime Stoppers: Deputies search for woman who vandalized vehicle Deere & Co. headquarters Rock Island County deputies are looking for a woman who spray painted and burned a maintenance vehicle at Deere & Company headquarters in Moline.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted in Bettendorf on drug charges Mickeal L. Bloch, 28, is wanted in Bettendorf for marijuana delivery, interference with official acts, and assaulting an officer.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted in RI Co. for failure to appear on armed violence charge Christian Beard, 28, is wanted by Rock Island County for failing to appear in court on an armed violence charge.
	Case of cyclosporiasis in Rock Island County likely contracted at Michigan farmers market As of July 13, roughly 1,700 lab-confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in the U.S. Here's what local health officials said to stay safe.
	The Third Place will remain closed Thursday following window broken overnight Third Place officials said those needing a cooling center on Thursday can go to Project NOW, which is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
	White House says ICE traffic stops will continue after deadly shootings The comments came following widespread reports earlier in the week that those stops would be put on pause after two immigrants were fatally shot by ICE agents in early July.
	Flood sirens blare in southcentral Texas as rivers reach perilous heights Flood sirens blared early Thursday in Comfort, Texas, as the Guadalupe River rose more than 30 feet in three hours, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The storm could bring even more rainfall than last year's deadly Fourth of July floods.
	Flood sirens blare in South Central Texas as rivers reach perilous heights Flood sirens blared early Thursday in Comfort, Texas, as the Guadalupe River rose more than 30 feet in three hours, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The storm could bring even more rainfall than last year's deadly Fourth of July floods.
	Kelly Lao will become director of Muscatine Art Center The Muscatine Art Center will welcome a new director in August after a three-month national search to replace former director Melanie Alexander, who resigned on April 2, 2026, a news release says. After a unanimous vote on July 10, the Muscatine Art Center Board of Trustees has selected Kelly Lao, of Rock Island, for the [...]
	Jo Daviess County K-9 Sam dies after battle with cancer K-9 Sam passed away on July 10. The police dog served the department since 2018.
	After years of false claims on voting, Trump to give an address on election integrity President Trump, who for years has sowed doubt about the security of American elections, is scheduled to give a primetime address Thursday night about election integrity. Trump has long contended, without evidence, that he won the 2020 election
	Kinna’s House of Love hosting gala fundraiser On August 29th, Kinna's House of Love will be hosting a Gala to raise funds for operating costs.
	Third Place QC closed after front window broken The Third Place QC is closed Thursday after the building was vandalized.
	Pediatric therapy clinic hosts adapted Jr. Bix race in Bettendorf MercyOne Genesis Bettendorf Pediatric Therapy hosts its adapted Arconic Jr. Bix race for children with mobility and sensory needs on Thursday.
	Davenport woman pleads guilty in Geneseo burglary case The Davenport woman who got stuck in the chimney of a Geneseo business during a burglary scheme has pleaded guilty to burglary and meth charges.
	MidAmerica National Bank expanding to Eldridge MidAmerica National Bank looks forward to establishing its presence in Eldridge later this summer.
	Tax buyers cover SouthPark Mall owner's prior delinquent property tax bill as total owed reaches $823K The owner of the mall owes $823,538.46 across a prior delinquent bill and its current property tax bill, according to the Rock Island County treasurer.
	Here’s what U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson is doing in Iowa U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson is scheduled to spend two days in Iowa.
	5 train cars derail near West Burlington Five BNSF train cars derailed on a siding near West Burlington Tuesday, blocking the main tracks. No injuries or hazardous materials were reported.
	Muscatine community foundation advances rural housing initiatives, granted $250,000 The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine received a $250,000 grant to advance rural housing initiatives aimed at lower long-term costs and environmental impact for homeowners.
	Crop-spraying helicopter crashes right outside Iowa City, pilot hospitalized The Tiffin Fire Department said it was dispatched at 7:44 p.m. July 15 to an aircraft crash near 2862 Rohret Rd.
	Bettendorf Community School District reaches agreement with former superintendent The Bettendorf Community School District (BCSD) has reached an agreement with its former superintendent to end her contract two years early, calling for her to receive over $700,000 in compensation. According to the terms of the agreement, Dr. Michelle Morse, whose contract was scheduled to end on June 30, 2028, and the district agreed to [...]
	Mercer County Better Together receives $20,000 state grant to help rural homeless residents Illinois State Treasurer Michael Frerichs recently announced that $195,000 in Charitable Trust grants were awarded to 10 nonprofit organizations across the state that provide food and housing to people in need. In the QCA, Mercer County Better Together (MCBT) received a $20,000 grant and VNA Community Services in Galesburg also received $20,000. “Through these grants, [...]
	Fifth person arrested in Scott County marijuana distribution case Police say the group sold and distributed several pounds of marijuana that were shipped from California to various locations throughout the Quad-Cities area since 2021.
	The Rolling Stones are for the young You could look at Foreign Tongues, the Rolling Stones' 25th album, as a tour of the group's musical variations. But it mixes reliable fun and remarkable energy with a generous attitude toward aging.
	Tick season is getting longer. So is the list of states trying to keep up. A dog walks along a wooded trail in a Maryland park. Ticks are commonly found in wooded and grassy habitats, and the lone star tick has expanded well beyond its historic range in the Southeast. (Photo by Amanda Watford/Stateline)The tiniest menace of summer doesn’t care if you’re hiking through the woods, walking the dog or pulling weeds in your backyard. It just wants a ride and a meal. As ticks spread into new parts of the country and emergency room visits for tick bites climb higher than usual, states are scrambling to monitor where the pests are showing up, what diseases they may be carrying and how to warn residents before a bite turns into something far more serious. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported in April that emergency department visits for tick bites were higher than expected across much of the United States and at their highest levels for that point in the year since 2017. In June, there were 112 tick-related ER visits per 100,000 people, compared with 110 per 100,000 during the same period last year, according to the CDC’s online tick bite tracker. That suggests this year’s summer trend may be in line with 2025. (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); Nationwide, the latest available data show an estimated 65 tick bite-related emergency department visits per 100,000 people, up from 47 per 100,000 last year. This year’s current figures are preliminary and subject to change, but if they hold, this year’s rate may be the highest since 2017. Health officials say the trend reflects a combination of expanding tick populations, changing environmental conditions and increased human exposure during warmer months. The concern extends well beyond Lyme disease. The lone star tick, once found primarily in the Southeast, has steadily expanded its range and is known for its aggressive host-seeking behavior, often actively crawling toward people and animals. An adult female is distinguished by a white dot or “lone star” on her back. The species has been linked to alpha-gal syndrome, an allergy that can cause people to develop severe reactions after eating beef, pork and other mammalian products. Researchers also continue to monitor ticks that carry Rocky Mountain spotted fever, anaplasmosis and other illnesses. (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); Tick surveillance by state health officials varies widely across the country. Some states maintain active surveillance programs that collect and test ticks to identify where disease-carrying species are becoming established. Other states rely more heavily on human disease reports or passive tick submissions, making it harder to detect changes before infections begin to rise. Those differences can leave public health officials with an incomplete picture of how quickly tick populations are changing — and where people may face the greatest risk. Several states, including Massachusetts, Missouri and Oklahoma, have expanded surveillance efforts in recent years or launched public education campaigns as tick habitats shift. All three joined the list of states that now or will soon mandate reporting of alpha-gal syndrome. Other states are studying the spread of lone star ticks and the increasing recognition of the syndrome, which experts believe remains underdiagnosed. Some experts say warmer winters in many parts of the country have allowed ticks to remain active for longer periods each year while expanding into regions where they were once uncommon. At the same time, growing white-tailed deer populations and changing land use have created more opportunities for people and ticks to cross paths. Public health officials say the best defense remains preventing bites altogether. They recommend using insect repellents registered by the Environmental Protection Agency, wearing permethrin-treated clothing, including long sleeves and pants in wooded or grassy areas, checking people and pets for ticks after spending time outdoors and removing attached ticks as soon as they’re found. For states, the challenge is becoming less about responding to tick season and more about adapting to a future in which, in many places, the season is lasting longer — and the tiny hitchhikers are turning up in places they never did before. Stateline reporter Amanda Watford can be reached at awatford@stateline.org. Courtesy of Stateline
	Over 1700 without power in Illinois QC More than 1700 people are without power in the Illinois Quad Cities Thursday afternoon.
	Vehicle hits utility pole, knocks out power to hundreds of MidAmerican customers in Milan area Roughly 1,700 people are impacted.
	The Third Place will remain closed Thursday after window broken overnight Third Place officials said those needing a cooling center on Thursday can go to Project NOW, which is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
	Missing girl found, East Moline Police say Neveah Lindsey was safe as of Thursday afternoon, according to a Facebook post.
	Special Weather Statement until THU 8:00 PM CDT Heat Advisory: High Temperatures and Humidity This Afternoon
	Bettendorf Community School District agrees to $720K settlement with former superintendent Michelle Morse Former Bettendorf Superintendent Michelle Morse will receive a $720,000 settlement after reaching an agreement to end her contract nearly two years early.
	1905 former Davenport fire station restored for stylish new music venue The historic Hose Station No. 7, 1354 W. 4th St., Davenport (two blocks west of Marquette) – last used as a fire station over six decades ago – is now a gleaming new bar and live music venue.
	Federal officials probe whether White House teleprompter profited off Trump's words It's the first known instance of officials investigating suspected insider trading on a prediction market from inside the White House.
	Officials probe whether White House teleprompter operator profited off Trump's words It's the first known instance of officials investigating suspected insider trading on a prediction market from inside the White House.
	Alabama Department of Public Health confirms 11 cyclosporiasis cases in state Vegetables and lettuces at a grocery store in Michigan. Alabama State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said leafy green vegetables have historically caused the parasitic illness cyclosporiasis, but there is no confirmed cause in the nationwide outbreak. (Photo by Jon King/Michigan Advance)The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) said Thursday the state has 11 confirmed cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasite that causes intestinal illness and has been spreading around the country. Nine of Alabama’s cases are in the northern district, one in the northeastern district and one in the southwestern district, said Ryan Easterling, director of communications for ADPH, on Thursday. There have been no hospitalizations or deaths, he said. “One or two of those are linked to outbreaks in other states that we know about,” said Dr. Scott Harris, Alabama’s State Health Officer, on Thursday during a meeting of the State Committee on Public Health. “The others, we’re not sure about how they’re linked or if they’re linked. There may be other cases as well.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Cyclosporiasis is caused by the parasite cyclospora. Symptoms include watery or “explosive” diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps. It’s often contracted by eating or drinking something contaminated with the parasite, which lives in feces. The illness is not contagious, and symptoms can develop within about 10 days and last for a few days to up to a month without antibiotic treatment, according to the CDC. Harris said ADPH staff are evaluating cases and engaging in testing. “What we know just from historical outbreaks is that it’s associated with leafy greens,” Harris said. “Although they haven’t identified a single producer, there’s a lot of speculation in the press about certain fast food restaurants, but that has not been demonstrated conclusively to this point.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified 1,645 cases in 34 cases as of July 13, not including Alabama. The CDC says that is likely a severe undercount because those with symptoms are not always tested for Cyclospora nor seek treatment. The outbreak is concentrated in four states: Michigan, Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky. According to the CDC, there were 141 hospitalizations and no deaths as of July 13. Harris said that cases of cyclosporiasis are common every year, but an outbreak is not. According to ADPH data, there were 21 reported cases in 2025, 30 in 2024 and 139 in 2023 in the state. “I know even from my time as a real doctor, it was pretty common in HIV populations and people that had advanced immunodeficiency, so it’s certainly well known to us. Cyclospora right now, though, has erupted and seems to be centered around Michigan and Ohio,” he said. While there is no confirmed origin of the outbreak, Harris recommended Alabamians buy produce from smaller retailers to reduce risk. He also said buyers should discard the outer leaves of heads of lettuce and thoroughly wash inner leaves. “Probably, you’re better off buying fresh products from small local producers, at least until we get a better idea of the source. We’re continuing to monitor it so that we can keep Alabama safe,” he said. Courtesy of Alabama Reflector
	Freedom House opens new shelter for domestic abuse survivors in Kewanee The $2.5 million renovation of the former OSF Healthcare office on Elliott Street will provide 40 private family accommodations, a play area, communal living and dining, and enhanced security.
	We the People: How mold found on a Peoria market melon saved millions in WWII In 1941, the world’s first antibiotic was mass-produced in a Peoria agriculture lab.
	Iowa City man sentenced over 19 years for purchasing 30 pounds of meth, federal court says A U.S Southern District Court of Iowa judge sentenced a man to 235 months in federal prison on drug charges.
	Inside Iowa Politics: How Pete Buttigieg thinks Democrats should show ‘tough’ Former presidential candidate Pete Buttigieg doesn't think Democrats need to emulate President Donald Trump as they campaign before voters.
	REVIEW: The Wizard of Oz at Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island Director Tony Parise and his tech team have created an enchanting production true to the film that includes a huge spiral platform to suggest the funnel cloud that whisks Dorothy to the magical land of Oz along with a gingerbread farmhouse front, dancing apple trees, prancing poppies, and madcap munchkins. What can’t be duplicated onstage is accomplished by projections onto the scrim.
	REVIEW: Grandma Gatewood Took a Walk at The Black Box Theatre Five shows opened this past weekend in various venues. Of these, only Circa 21’s current production will run beyond next weekend. So, if your circumstances dictate that you can only choose one performance to attend next weekend you should choose The Black Box Theatre’s production of Grandma Gatewood Takes a Walk, Catherine Bush’s stage adaptation of Ben Montgomery’s New York Times best seller, Grandma Gatewood’s Walk here directed by the talented Jennifer Kingrey.
	Vandalism closes The Third Place for a day Vandalism has caused The Third Place QC to close today. A post on the group’s Facebook page said the building was vandalized Wednesday night and the front window was broken. “We do have camera footage, have identified the individual responsible and have shared all of the information with the Rock Island Police Department,” the post [...]
	7 benefits of linen sheets 7 benefits of linen sheetsFlax linen is believed to be the oldest textile known to man, with evidence of its use dating back 30,000 years. There's a reason linen has been a bedroom staple for all of history. Long before thread counts and temperature-regulating technologies, people understood that this ancient fabric is simply built differently.Today, linen sheets are having a well-deserved renaissance, and if you've ever wondered whether the splurge is worth it, the answer is a resounding yes. From the way they soften with every wash to their ability to keep you cool and comfortable year-round, linen sheets go far beyond good looks. Naturepedic shares seven benefits of linen sheets.First Things First: What Is Organic Linen?Linen is a type of textile woven from flax plants. Organic linen means it was grown without the use of harmful pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, prohibited by the Global Organic Textile Standard. The cultivation process of organic linen adheres to organic farming principles, which focus on maintaining soil health, biodiversity, and ecological balance.Once harvested, organic flax fibers are processed using environmentally friendly methods to produce linen fabric. Organic linen is prized for its sustainability, breathability, and durability, making it a highly sought-after choice for bedding material.7 Benefits of Linen SheetsLinen sheets have become increasingly popular for their numerous benefits and aesthetic appeal, offering a blend of luxury and practicality that enhances sleep quality and interior spaces.Keep reading to find out the top benefits of linen sheets.1. Better for Your HealthBecause it is grown and processed without those GOTS-prohibited chemicals mentioned earlier, certified organic linen is better for your health, as it reduces your exposure to toxins found in synthetic materials and minimizes off-gassing. Linen is also allergy-friendly, as its looser weave prevents allergens from getting trapped in the fabric, making it a suitable choice for those with sensitivities.2. Planet-FriendlyFlax fibers are the oldest known to be used by humans, with evidence of their cultivation and linen weaving tracing back earlier than ancient Egypt. Linen, derived from flax plants, is typically grown using natural rainfall, reducing the strain on local water resources compared to water-intensive crops. When grown without GOTS-prohibited pesticides and fertilizers, organic flax farming minimizes harmful health and environmental impacts. Flax even improves soil health and absorbs carbon dioxide, actively contributing to a healthier Earth beyond just reducing harm compared to conventional crops.3. Durable and ComfortableLinen is light and airy, yet the natural strength of its flaxen fibers makes it more durable than conventional fabrics. Its loose weave and texture provide a luxurious, lived-in look. Additionally, linen becomes softer with each wash, providing a comfortable and gentle touch against the skin. Its longevity and resistance to pilling also make linen sheets a more sustainable and cost-effective choice for bedding.4. Cool and CozyLinen sheets are renowned for their exceptional breathability, moisture-wicking properties and durability.They naturally regulate temperature, keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter with an insulating effect. This makes them ideal for year-round use and a great investment to have in your home.5. Aesthetic AppealingLinen sheets are elegant in an effortless, down-to-earth way, with a stone-washed finish for a lived-in look that’s trendy yet timeless. Opt for organic linen sheets in natural tones to avoid harsh dyes and chemical fabric treatments found in conventional bed linens, without having to compromise your home aesthetic in the name of better health.6. Easy to MaintainOne of the most appealing aspects of linen sheets is their easy maintenance. They can be machine washed and dried, making them convenient for everyday use. Unlike more delicate fabrics that require special care, linen is durable enough to withstand regular laundering without losing its quality or softness. Plus, there’s no ironing, steaming, or fluffing required — linen’s natural creases and texture are a part of its appeal.7. Ethically GrownOrganic linen begins with sustainable farming practices that prioritize environmental stewardship and fair treatment of workers. When a product is GOTS certified organic, it means it meets strict environmental and social criteria throughout the entire textile supply chain. This certification ensures that the product is made with organic fibers, is as free from harmful chemicals as is reasonable and meets stringent social and environmental standards in its production.GOTS certification covers the entire production process, from harvesting of raw materials through environmentally and socially responsible manufacturing up to labeling, to provide a credible assurance to the end consumer. Ethical linen production aims for transparency throughout the supply chain, from field to fabric, promoting accountability and supporting communities involved in its cultivation.This story was produced by Naturepedic and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Davenport chiropractor accused of leaving a patient paralyzed surrenders his license A Davenport chiropractor surrendered his license after an adjustment allegedly left a patient paralyzed. Read details of the state settlement.
	REVIEW: The SpongeBob Musical at Quad City Music Guild in Moline This show is a raucous, energetic, colorful romp that will set millennials’ toes to tapping especially during Squidward Q. Tentacles real tap dance number.
	Grant supports Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine housing initiative The Community Foundation of Greater Muscatine has been awarded a $250,000 grant through the Community Foundation Climate Collaborative. The award is supported by the McKnight Foundation and will advance innovative housing solutions that reduce carbon emissions while making homes more affordable to build, less expensive to own and more resilient for generations of homeowners. The [...]
	REVIEW: Heaven Help Me at Richmond Hill Players Barn Theatre in Geneseo July has heated up to be as hot as h-e-double hockey sticks with humidity to match so if you’re looking to get out of the house but skip Gehenna I recommend a short jaunt out to Geneseo to take in Richmond Hill Players current production of Heaven Help Me by Joe Simonelli.
	The bras of 'Off Campus': Why the show's lingerie styling is sparking a bigger conversation about fit The bras of ‘Off Campus’: Why the show's lingerie styling is sparking a bigger conversation about fitThe bras on Prime Video’s "Off Campus" have become one of the show’s most talked-about wardrobe details.While fans are asking where the lingerie is from, much of the fascination comes from how naturally the bras seem to sit on different bust sizes. Fuller busts look supported without looking forced, while smaller busts look shaped without the stiff push-up effect so often shown on screen.The difference between those needs is something Felina has studied through fit and inclusive sizing, where the size on a label rarely captures how a bra will feel on a real body."Off Campus” may have made bras part of the conversation, but the reason people keep noticing them sits much closer to everyday life. After all, a good fit is easy to recognize, especially after years of wearing bras that never quite get there.Why the Show's Lingerie ResonatedLingerie is one of the most personal parts of a wardrobe, so it tends to stand out fast when it looks wrong on screen. But "Off Campus" avoided that problem by treating bras as part of who Hannah and Allie are, rather than as pieces brought in only for the camera.Costume designer Charlene Akuamoah told Elle India that lingerie is “the foundation of every single look,” and she carried that idea through the characters in different ways. Hannah’s bras stayed simpler with small pops of color, while Allie’s leaned into sheerness and shape in a way that matched her confidence.Akuamoah also told Page Six Style that she wanted the bras to look beautiful and truly fit each character’s aesthetic. And the care behind those choices is why the lingerie felt personal to viewers, especially for anyone who has ever wanted a bra to feel like part of their style instead of a problem to manage.Once a bra looks that good on screen, it becomes easier to understand why size and fit change the whole experience of getting dressed.Why Bra Fit Goes Wrong So OftenThe hardest part of bra fit is how often it makes shoppers feel like their bodies are the problem. A wrong size is usually a fit issue first, especially when breasts and ribcages rarely follow the neat pattern a size chart suggests.Bra-fit experts often point first to the band, which has to anchor the bra before the straps can help keep everything balanced. A loose band throws off that balance quickly, and a cup with too little room makes the same bra feel even more uncomfortable.Another reason sizing feels so unreliable is that a bra size can change as the body changes. For example, weight changes and hormones can affect how a bra sits, while pregnancy can make an old size feel completely different.And brand sizing adds one more wrinkle, with the same label fitting differently from one maker to the next. This is why regular remeasuring helps bring the bra back to the body, instead of leaving the body to keep adjusting to the bra.The Fuller-Bust GapWomen with fuller busts had another reason to notice the "Off Campus" bras, since fashion-first lingerie has often been easier to find in smaller cup sizes. Mainstream retail has long treated larger cups as a support problem first, leaving many shoppers to choose between pretty styles and bras strong enough to wear all day.Akuamoah’s Page Six Style fit advice gets at why the fix is rarely as simple as going up one cup. The idea is called sister sizing, where the band and the cup move together so a size change keeps the same breast volume in a better fit. But a larger cup without the right band can still leave support feeling off before a person even gets dressed.Experts stress that fuller busts need structured bands and wider straps before lace or sheerness has room to work. They also need enough cup depth to hold the breast without flattening it. And "Off Campus" made that combination visible, giving viewers a rare look at lingerie where support and style are allowed to belong to the same body.Smaller-Bust Support Matters, TooSmaller busts get a different version of the same frustration, with fit problems often brushed aside as if less breast tissue makes support simple. Bustle notes that smaller-chested shoppers often run into bras that do not sit right, such as cups that lift away and straps that never stay where they should.The frustration often starts with styles built to create shape first, leaving real support to feel like an afterthought. Push-up padding may make a bra look fuller on a hanger, but it does little if the band slides instead of anchoring. A smaller bust still needs a bra to sit close to the body and move cleanly under clothing.“Off Campus” helped make that point without spelling it out, since Hannah and Allie showed how different bodies can both look supported when the styling respects the person wearing the bra. Without that fit, easy styling turns into the old routine of adjusting and starting over.What Good Fit Actually Looks LikeNothing beats the feeling of a properly fitted bra, especially after years of wearing one that needs adjusting every time the body moves.A few simple checks that make the difference easier to spot at home, beginning with a band that sits level around the body and stays close enough that only two fingers slide underneath. A band that holds its place gives the straps a better job to do, letting them adjust without digging into the shoulders.The cups should follow with the same clean fit, sitting smoothly against the breast without empty space or spillage along the edge. The National Breast Cancer Foundation's bra fit guide points to the same basics, including smooth cups and a low, even band.Keeping that fit also depends on knowing when the body has outgrown an old size, especially after weight changes or pregnancy. Hormonal swings affect how a bra sits as well, giving shoppers another reason to recheck fit before a once-easy bra turns uncomfortable again.Conclusion: Why a Screen Moment Has Staying PowerAkuamoah told Elle India she loved seeing the online discussion around bras. But like any TV series, "Off Campus" will eventually give up its place on social feeds to the next show people want to talk about.However, the conversation it started has a longer life than the series itself, since it gave women language for something they had felt for years without naming it. So many had blamed their own bodies for a bra that dug at the skin or never sat right, when the fault lay in the design all along.Watching lingerie made for real bodies, on real women, gave people permission to expect the same for themselves. And that change outlasts any show, giving every woman a fairer shot at a bra that actually fits.This story was produced by Felina and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Scam alert: West Burlington police warn of TikTok rental scams after victim loses money West Burlington police warn of social media rental scams after resident loses money. Learn how to verify listings and protect your security deposit.
	Clinton, Iowa planning commission tables vote on data center ordinance The debate comes as a proposed data center could take up over 1,100 acres west of town.
	5 Sparkling Milk Recipes You Have to Try! (BPT) - When temperatures rise and you need a refreshing beverage, consider sparkling milk! The idea might surprise you at first sip, but that surprise is part of the appeal. People are experimenting with sparkling milk recipes in their home kitchens, putting a playful spin on the milk they've loved since childhood.At its simplest, sparkling milk pairs milk with light carbonation, creating a drink that sits somewhere between soda and a creamy refresher. And while it's not an entirely new concept, sparkling milk has been increasingly showing up across social feeds, café menus and even in grocery stores — turning a familiar staple in the fridge into something unexpected and fun!Read on for five delicious sparkling milk recipes that can help hydrate and satisfy those afternoon cravings. And here's a recipe tip: you can get a boost of protein when you use the new Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Ultra-Filtered Milk — a new line of ultra-filtered, pasture-raised organic milk with 50% more protein and 50% less sugar than regular milk.So grab a carton of organic milk and your carbonated water machine and have fun experimenting with these sparkling milk beverage recipes. Cheers!Sparkling Orange Cow Milk This sparkling milk recipe is a bubbly twist on the nostalgic, creamsicle-flavored beverage, Orange Cow. It delivers sprightly sips by combining sweet citrus meets smooth milk, while the bubbles keep each sip feeling light and lively.1/2 cup Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Fat Free Ultra-Filtered Milk1/2 cup orange juice2 teaspoons simple syrup1/2 teaspoon vanilla extractCombine milk, simple syrup and vanilla extract into a liquid measuring cup; top with OJ and pour all of the ingredients into the carbonated water machine bottle. Press the carbonation button for 2–3 seconds (shorter time for smaller bottles and depending on how bubbly you like your beverages). Pour into a glass with ice and enjoy!Coconut Lime Sparkling Milk Creamy, tropical and bright, Coconut Lime Sparkling Milk brings a fresh take on a beach-inspired favorite. Smooth coconut blends with crisp lime — perfect for sunny afternoons or whenever you want a mini escape in a glass.1/2 cup Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Fat Free Ultra-Filtered Milk1/2 cup unflavored sparkling water (option: swap in a coconut or lime-flavored sparkling water and this can be made with your carbonated water machine or store bought)1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons coconut syrup1/2 lime, cut into wedgesCombine milk, sparkling water and coconut syrup into a liquid measuring cup. Squeeze in two lime wedges. Pour the mixture into the carbonated water machine bottle and carbonate for 2–3 seconds. Pour into a glass — we recommend adding ice, too — and enjoy. Add a little flair by decorating the rim of the glass with a lime wedge or a mini umbrella!Strawberry Shortcake Sparkling Milk Sweet, bright and lightly fizzy, Strawberry Shortcake Sparkling milk turns a classic dessert into a refreshing drink. It blends the flavor of ripe strawberries and vanilla cake with creamy milk and a gentle sparkle for a fun twist. It has a nostalgic charm that feels right at home on warm days or casual get-togethers.1/2 cup Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Fat Free Ultra-Filtered Milk1/2 cup strawberry flavored sparkling water (this can be made with your carbonated water machine or store bought)1/4 cup strawberries, diced2 tablespoons condensed milk1/2 teaspoon simple syrup1/2 teaspoon vanilla extractOptional: splash of strawberry syrupMuddle 1/4 cup fresh strawberries and pour into an 8-ounce glass. Combine milk, sparkling water, condensed milk, simple syrup and vanilla extract in a liquid measuring cup. Pour the mixture into the carbonated water machine bottle and carbonate for 2–3 seconds. Place ice cubes into your glass with the muddled strawberries, pour the sparkling milk recipe into the glass and then enjoy the strawberry sweetness in every fizzy sip!Cake Batter Sparkling Milk This sweet and creamy recipe might bring back memories of a childhood birthday! Cake Batter Sparkling Milk brings the flavor of birthday cake into a fizzy, sippable treat that is perfect for celebrations or anytime you want something fun and festive to drink. This recipe is milk-forward but you can always cut it in half if you want a lighter option by reducing the milk by a half cup and instead, adding a half cup of sparkling water.1 cup Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Fat Free Ultra-Filtered Milk1/2 teaspoon simple syrup1/2 teaspoon brown sugar1 teaspoon vanilla extractOptional: 2 tablespoons condensed milk Combine all ingredients in a liquid measuring cup. Pour the mixture into the carbonated water machine bottle and carbonate for 2–3 seconds. Pour into a glass with ice, then sit back and celebrate — birthday or not!Espresso Sparkling Milk Put a spin on your morning coffee routine or bring a lively twist to your afternoon pick-me-up with this effervescent Espresso Sparkling Milk recipe. A cross between an iced latte and a soda, this recipe offers the option of combining milk with either shots of espresso or cold brew coffee, as well as making it a caffeinated or decaffeinated beverage.Recipe Option 1: 1/2 cup Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Fat Free Ultra-Filtered Milk1/4 cup unflavored sparkling water (this can be made with your carbonated water machine or store bought)2 shots of espressoSplash of your favorite flavored coffee creamerRecipe Option 2: 1/2 cup Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Fat Free Ultra-Filtered Milk1/2 cup cold brew coffeeSplash of your favorite flavored coffee creamerCombine all ingredients in a liquid measuring cup. Pour the mixture into the carbonated water machine bottle and carbonate for 2–3 seconds. Pour into a glass with ice and savor your newest coffee creation!You can add a little extra flavor to either recipe by topping off your sparkling coffee beverage with a splash of a flavored coffee creamer, like Organic Valley® French Vanilla Flavored Coffee Creamer or Organic Valley® Sweet Cream Flavored Coffee Creamer.Sparkling milk may have started as a curious idea, but it is quickly becoming a creative way to rethink an everyday favorite that can feel both familiar and a little more playful. And, when you use Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Ultra-Filtered Milk you can increase your protein intake, along with your bubbles!Want to learn more about milk? Below are a few more articles to consider reading while you enjoy your glass of sparkling milk:The Nature of Protein: From Soil to MilkIs Milk a Protein or Carb? What Is This About Cow's Milk Hydrating Better Than Water? Inspired to try other milk beverage recipes? Read more here: 5 Nourishing Milk Drink Recipes to Fill Your Cup Naturally Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Whole Ultra-Filtered Milk has 10% more of the daily recommended value for protein than regular whole milk; the protein content of regular whole milk is 8 grams per serving; Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Whole Ultra-Filtered Milk has 13 grams of protein per serving. Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Whole Ultra-Filtered Milk has 50% less sugar than regular whole milk. The sugar content of regular whole milk is 12 grams per serving. Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Whole Ultra-Filtered Milk has 6 grams per serving.* Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Reduced Fat Ultra-Filtered Milk has 10% more of the daily recommended value for protein than regular reduced fat milk; the protein content of regular reduced fat milk is 8 grams per serving; Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Reduced Fat Ultra-Filtered Milk has 13 grams of protein per serving. Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Reduced Fat Ultra-Filtered Milk has 50% less sugar than regular reduced fat milk. The sugar content of regular reduced fat milk is 12 grams per serving. Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Reduced Fat Ultra-Filtered Milk has 6 grams per serving.* Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Fat Free Ultra-Filtered Milk has 10% more of the daily recommended value for protein than regular fat free milk; the protein content of regular fat free milk is 8 grams per serving; Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Fat Free Ultra-Filtered Milk has 13 grams of protein per serving. Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Fat Free Ultra-Filtered Milk has 50% less sugar than regular fat free milk. The sugar content of regular fat free ultra-filtered milk is 12 grams per serving. Organic Valley® Protein Plus™ Fat Free Ultra-Filtered Milk has 6 grams per serving.
	Iowa chiropractor accused of leaving a patient paralyzed surrenders his license The Dietrich Chiropractic clinic in Davenport prior to its closing in 2025. (Photo via Google Earth)A Davenport chiropractor has agreed to surrender his license after being accused of leaving a patient paralyzed due to a botched treatment. The Iowa Board of Chiropractic recently charged L. Anthony Dietrich, who had been licensed to perform chiropractic in Iowa since 1998, with professional incompetence based on an alleged failure to conform to the minimal standard of acceptable and prevailing practices. The board alleges that on July 8, 2024, Dietrich provided chiropractic care to a patient’s cervical spine but failed to perform an initial examination or obtain a proper medical history. “During the session, the patient allegedly became unable to feel his hands,” the board alleges. “The patient suffered from sustained paralysis and ultimately became quadriplegic.” Deitrich and the licensing board recently agreed to a settlement that calls for Dietrich to surrender his Iowa chiropractic license with the understanding that he can apply for reinstatement in one year. Court records show that the patient in question is Randy Lee White, who in October 2024 sued Dietrich, alleging negligence. According to the lawsuit, White, who was then 64 years old, went to the Dietrich Chiropractic clinic on Davenport’s Kimberly Road in July 2024 due to a history of neck pain and a tingling in his arms that he had experienced after dental treatment three weeks earlier. The lawsuit alleged that after Dietrich adjusted White’s spine, White lost all feeling in his hands. Dietrich called 911 and White was taken by ambulance to Genesis Medical Center. According to the lawsuit, White was diagnosed with sustained paralysis to all of his upper and lower extremities as a result of the chiropractic adjustment performed by Dietrich. He was then transported to University of Iowa Hospitals, where he underwent emergency surgery. “Randy Lee White remains quadriplegic and has lost bowel and bladder function,” the lawsuit alleged. Dietrich denied any wrongdoing in the case. In September 2025, the lawsuit was dismissed by White’s attorneys with no mention of an out-of-court settlement. The Iowa Capital Dispatch was not able to reach Dietrich for comment. Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	15 summer supplements to heat-proof your health 15 summer supplements to heat-proof your healthAh, summertime: longer days, warmer nights, vacations and more time soaking up the sun. For many, it's an absolute dream, especially after months of gray days and freezing temps. But the reality is that the same things you love most about summer can have a not-so-great impact on your health if you don't plan for them.One of those things is the heat, which comes with increased sweat and the greater need for electrolytes to maintain balance. Also, because summer days are longer, you're getting more of the sun's rays. This can boost your body's production of vitamin D, but it can also affect your circadian rhythm and sleep patterns and contribute to premature skin aging.Adding the right supplements, like vitamin C and ceramides, to your routine can help you steer clear of heat-related pitfalls and make your sunny days shine even brighter. Below, Life Extension shares supplements to add to your routine and set your summer up for success.At a GlanceLonger days and UV exposure can impact your nutritional needs in summer.Vitamin B3 and other nutrients can help safeguard your skin from the inside out.More time outdoors doesn't mean you don't need vitamin D.Supplements like zinc and probiotics can help support immune system and gut health during summer travel.Core Summer SupplementsWhether you live where it's always sunny or your region is just waking up from winter slumber, summer supplements can offer support. "It's important to change your supplement routine for summer because the body's needs revolve just like the seasons revolve," said Stephen Tapanes, Ph.D., a research scientist at Life Extension.Consider these four nutrients your foundation for supporting summer vitality.1. Vitamin CFor longer days outside, vitamin C is a bright idea. The antioxidant's well-deserved reputation for immune support has been documented over decades of research and use. In fact, one clinical study found that a daily oral dose of 500 mg of vitamin C helped support immune function. Vitamin C also supports heart and respiratory health and collagen synthesis. While savoring slices of grapefruit or squeezing lemon into your water are good ways to get vitamin C, including a supplement in your routine can make your summer even sweeter.2. Vitamin DYes, sunshine naturally increases the amount of vitamin D your body creates, but you may still need vitamin D supplements in the summer. This is especially relevant if you stay indoors, use a high-SPF sunscreen, are older or have darker skin tone.While it's well known that vitamin D helps your body absorb calcium and phosphorus for strong bones, did you know it also promotes heart and cognitive health? And data from one study of 25 randomized controlled trials found that vitamin D supplementation also supports immune health. That makes vitamin D a bright spot in summer wellness.Try to get 10-15 minutes of morning sunlight two to three times a week, and put foods rich in vitamin D (fatty fish, eggs and mushrooms) on the menu. But even with diet, many Americans are lacking in vitamin D. Testing your levels and adding a daily supplement may help.3. MagnesiumWhen the sun's out, the fun's out: more outdoor sports, swimming, and running on trails instead of the treadmill. But summer's heat also means more sweat. As your body loses water, it also loses key minerals like magnesium, an electrolyte that plays a major role in more than 600 biochemical reactions that support (among others) heart, bone, muscle and nerve health.This can be important in fitness, because the need for magnesium may be 10%-20% higher in athletes and those engaging in high physical activity, thanks to sweat loss and urine.Staying hydrated is a great first step, but keeping your electrolyte levels steady is just as important when you're trying to beat the heat. That's where a magnesium glycinate supplement may come in handy. This special form of magnesium is combined with the amino acid glycine and is well-absorbed, meaning different parts of your body can easily make use of this valuable mineral.4. Immune system supportSummer activity can increase some of the metabolic demands on your body, and your immune system is already energetically demanding. And don't forget another trip around the sun (as in aging) means the aging of your immune system, called immune senescence.Fortunately, you can combat immune senescence with exercise (which may be easier to do in the summer), immune-promoting foods and supplements. Zinc and vitamins C and D are well known for immune support, and supplement formulas with mushroom and pu-erh tea extracts have been studied to help maintain a healthy immune response as you age.During the summer, strike the right mix of indoor and outdoor activities to support your immune system while staying out of the heat. Schedule swim sessions or pickleball matches at an indoor facility a few days a week, then take an early morning walk or sunset jog on alternate days.Heat-Beating SupplementsIf there's one thing summer always delivers, it's heat. As the mercury rises and activities move outside, these supplements can help protect your energy levels and skin from too much of a good thing.5. NAD+When you're out hitting the beach, the boardwalk, and the basketball court, chances are your energy level is taking a hit, too. That's where NAD+ comes in. A coenzyme found in every cell of the body, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) acts like a spark plug for cellular energy production.You can help your body maintain healthy NAD+ levels through exercise, diet and NAD-supporting supplements with precursors such as nicotinamide riboside (NR) and nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). Your body uses these molecules to support NAD+ production and encourage cellular energy. And since NAD+ levels naturally decline over time, you may want to take this healthy aging supplement year-round.6. CollagenCollagen, the protein synonymous with gorgeous, glowing skin, is an ally in supporting skin health, especially in summer months. UV exposure can cause premature skin aging, leading to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time. Collagen is a key component of skin that helps keep it looking healthy and functioning properly.Collagen peptide supplements can support your body’s collagen production during the summer months and beyond, often more easily than collagen you get from food. The collagen normally found in your diet may be difficult for your body to absorb because of its size and structure. Supplements use the hydrolyzed, or peptide, form of collagen because it is easier to absorb. Hydrolyzed collagen also comes in capsules or a powder form that is perfect for adding to a summer smoothie.7. UV and DNA supportTo fully enjoy all your moments in the sun, stock up on mineral-based sunscreen, and add UV protective clothing to your summer wardrobe. These are important first steps for summer health and skin protection. You can take your UV and DNA support to the next level with a seasonal supplement that contains niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3. If you spend a lot of time outdoors year-round, there's no reason why you shouldn't take it daily. It is shown to support the body's natural immune response to UV exposure. Polypodium leucotomos, a fern extract, also helps support skin health and protect against premature aging from outdoor activity, plus it works to promote healthy DNA before, during and after ultraviolet exposure.8. CeramidesSummer's heat, and even the dry indoor air from air conditioning, can sap your skin's moisture. So you want to help your skin retain moisture and promote its overall health, appearance and smoothness. Ceramides promote a healthy skin barrier, which helps support skin hydration and health. Photoceramide supplements that include vitamin C and plant extracts may be even more effective, combining the benefits of hydration, collagen production and protection against everyday oxidative stress.Summer travel supplementsThere's nothing quite like summer travel: family, food, fun and faraway places. But these trips may throw off your well-being. Trust these five supplements to be your go-tos when you're going places.9. ZincWhen it comes to packing summer supplements, think zinc. This essential mineral and antioxidant is an affordable, accessible option that comes in many carry-on-ready varieties, perfect for taking before boarding the plane, train or bus. Zinc is key for immune function and is an essential component of superoxide dismutase, one of your body's most powerful natural antioxidant enzymes. Zinc is also required for the activity of over 300 enzymes in your body.Found naturally in oysters, beef, blue crabs, pumpkin seeds, and tofu, zinc is also an effective, eco-friendly ingredient in mineral sunscreen formulas.10. QuercetinChanging time zones, disrupted sleep patterns, and crowded airports can all challenge your immune system. Quercetin may be able to help. This antioxidant-rich dietary flavonoid, found naturally in fruits and veggies like dark grapes, berries and raw broccoli, encourages heart health and supports a healthy immune response. But traditional quercetin supplements aren't easy for the body to use. When choosing your travel companion, look for quercetin supplements with fenugreek fibers that help enhance the bioavailability.11. ProbioticsExploring new cultures and their culinary specialties is a thrilling part of summer vacation. What isn’t thrilling is how your gut may react to unfamiliar flavors and irregular eating schedules. The shift can challenge your microbiome, leading to occasional bloating, constipation and gas. Bring probiotics on your summer trip to help promote optimal digestive health and encourage GI comfort. Look for advanced probiotics combined with phage technology, which can provide comprehensive support for your gut microbiome, promote regularity and help relieve occasional gas and bloating. It’s a must-have for any culinary adventure.12. Digestive enzymesSummer is filled with barbecues, picnics and potlucks. Delicious as it sounds, all that summer feasting could be unsettling for your tummy—especially if you follow a plant-based diet or feel challenged by foods like dairy. Digestive enzymes may be just what you need to help provide your body with additional digestive support as you navigate summer's calendar. They encourage optimal digestion of the foods you eat, including plant-derived sugar and starch, protein, dairy, fiber and fat. This GI support can be especially welcome during a summer celebration or a long day of travel.13. GABABefore you catch that flight, grab your GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). This amino acid is your brain's main "braking" neurotransmitter, and it can help calm your mind in stressful situations—like an airport crowded with impatient passengers. GABA has been clinically studied to help relieve occasional stress, promoting a healthy stress response in as little as 30 minutes.It also encourages a relaxed state of mind, a balanced mood and better sleep, with participants in a clinical study reporting falling asleep faster than the placebo group. That means if your plane jumps time zones or you're sleeping in an unfamiliar environment, GABA may be able to help you rest a little easier.Summer must-haves for increased activityIf you're not the "lazy summer" type and plan to spend more time on your feet while checking out the local sites, you'll want to support your joints and muscles. Check out these seasonal supplements to keep you moving freely all summer long.14. CurcuminIf you're an avid runner, bicyclist, swimmer, or pickleball player, the summer heat isn't going to stop you. But your body may want reinforcements to keep moving smoothly. Curcumin, the bright-yellow polyphenol compound found in turmeric, is a great supplement for inflammation health support during the summer and beyond. Curcumin promotes a healthy inflammatory response, heart and brain health, and a healthy immune response. And advanced formulas deliver up to 45 times more free curcuminoids and include ginger extracts to complement curcumin's benefits.15. Acetyl-L-carnitine and creatineWhether you're a champion marathoner or a leisurely walker, your muscles and joints may feel more fatigued from summer exercise. When the heat is on, your cells work overtime to produce energy. You can count on creatine and acetyl-L-carnitine for cellular energy support, and this two-punch formula can give your brain a boost, too!A well-known fitness booster, creatine supports muscle function, promotes cellular energy, and encourages exercise performance and recovery. Acetyl-L-carnitine has been clinically studied to encourage both mental and physical energy as well as cognitive function. This formula is available as a powder, making it easy to add to your favorite summer beverage.Here's a quick guide to seasonal supplements and how they support your well-being not only in the summer, but all year long: Life Extension This story was produced by Life Extension and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	MidAmerican Energy warns of company phone number scam MidAmerican Energy is telling customers to be cautious when using a search engine to find the company’s customer service phone number. Scammers are using paid search engine ads and other tactics to manipulate search results and promote fraudulent call center numbers for utilities, including MidAmerican. When customers call a fraudulent number, scammers pose as MidAmerican [...]
	MidAmerican advises caution online amid scammers MidAmerican Energy is advising customers to be careful using online search engines with fraudulent scammers seeking personal and financial information.
	Pilot injured after helicopter crash in Johnson County The Tiffin Fire Department says a helicopter pilot was taken to the hospital for injuries after a crash Wednesday night in Union Township.
	Downstream effects of federal cuts seen in Kansas budget, access to healthcare, food assistance Megan Leopold, senior policy adviser for Kansas Action for Children, spoke July 14, 2026, about the effects the One Big Beautiful Bill Act had on the Kansas budget. (Kansas Reflector screen capture from virtual news conference)TOPEKA — Repercussions from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act hit the Kansas budget with at least $16.4 million in costs and affected residents who lost health insurance and access to food assistance benefits. Nonprofit leaders on Tuesday delved into the effects of President Donald Trump’s reconciliation bill, H.R. 1, which passed about one year ago. They focused on downstream effects of policy changes. “When lawmakers come back in January, they’re already going to be facing hard choices,” said Megan Leopold, senior policy adviser at Kansas Action for Children. “The fiscal year 2027 budget is expected to spend $407 million more than the state brings in.” The Legislature is balancing the budget gap by pulling money from the savings, but that can’t continue, she said. Changes in the national reconciliation bill added to the problem, Leopold said. “The Legislature went into the 2026 session with a failed goal to cut $200 million to help balance the budget,” she said. “This bill extends expensive tax cuts while cutting federal support for programs that help vulnerable families. It pushes more responsibility onto the states, and in Kansas, where the budget is already under pressure, forces hard decisions about whether to cut services, raise revenue or reduce provider payments.” Budget effects Managing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will cost the state $16.4 million more, beginning this fiscal year, Leopold said. The state previously split administrative costs for the program in half with the federal government. Under H.R. 1, the state’s share rose to 75%, she said. In addition, under the state’s current error rate in SNAP, Kansas will pay $40 million more to the federal government, which penalizes states that have error rates over 6%. In the most recent announcement of state error rates, only nine states had rates below 6%, she said. The SNAP error rate refers to mistakes or errors made in SNAP applications and not to fraud. Healthcare effects Expiration of premium tax credits that helped people enrolled in health insurance through the Affordable Care Act marketplace caused a 20% drop in Kansans with marketplace coverage between February 2025 and February 2026, said Lacey Kennett, assistant director for Alliance for a Healthy Kansas. While some enrollees chose to maintain coverage as prices skyrocketed, Kennett said many switched to plans with fewer benefits and higher out-of-pocket costs. Kansans switch between four plan levels, from better to less-complete coverage: bronze, silver, gold and catastrophic. According to KFF, the percentage of Kansans enrolled in a top-level bronze plan dropped from 47% in 2025 to 34% in 2026, while silver plan enrollment rose from 45% in 2025 to to 56% in 2026. Gold plans rose from 7% in 2025 to 10% in 2026. “The decision to go uninsured doesn’t just affect our wallets, but also our health, of course,” Kennett said. “When people have high out-of-pocket costs or no insurance coverage at all, they go without preventive care. They skip taking needed prescription medicines and put off treating illnesses and chronic conditions until they become emergencies.” Kennett said about 20,000 to 30,000 Kansans have lost Medicaid. “Kansas has some of the strictest requirements to qualify for Medicaid in the entire country,” she said, adding that the program, which supports low-income individuals, also covers children, pregnant and post-partum mothers, people with disabilities and seniors. Medicaid changes beginning in January 2028 require Kansas to cut certain Medicaid payment rates by 10% each year, until they reach 110% of the Medicare rate, Leopold said. The resulting decreased payments to providers will further jeopardize Kansas medical facilities and their ability to serve Medicaid patients, she said. Food assistance effects About 11,000 Kansas children have lost access to SNAP since H.R. 1 was signed, said Haley Kottler, senior director for Kansas Appleseed. “H.R. 1 made it harder for families to qualify for SNAP by expanding work requirements, narrowing exemptions and increasing administrative barriers,” she said. “As a result, families who were previously eligible are losing benefits.” A primary concern, Kottler said, is the ripple effect of children losing school meals. “Many children qualify for free school meals automatically because their families receive SNAP or Medicaid through a process called direct certification,” she said. “It’s one of the smartest, most effective tools that we have to reduce childhood hunger. Parents don’t have to complete another application. Schools can spend less time processing paperwork.” But families that lost SNAP because of work requirements or paperwork problems also lose that automatic connection, putting children at risk of falling through the cracks, Kottler said. Another federal program, Community Eligibility Provision, allows eligible schools to provide free breakfast and lunch to all students without collecting household information for them, she said. While the Kansas Legislature encouraged eligible schools to enroll in the program this year, if fewer students are directly certified, schools may not be able to participate, Kottler said. “Federal decisions around SNAP never stop with SNAP,” she said. “They reach into our schools. They go into child nutrition and school meals, and our concern is that because of H.R. 1, we very likely could see Kansas schools leave the community eligibility provision or decide not to adopt it at all — not really because the need has disappeared, but because the numbers no longer work.” Community food bank effects Elizabeth Keever, chief resource officer for Harvesters, said changes in SNAP provisions are felt throughout the state’s community food bank system. “Every day, we see the realities that statistics alone can’t really fully capture,” Keever said. “And one year after H.R. 1, those realities have become impossible to ignore. We’re already seeing more families turning to food pantries for the first time.” Food insecurity was a challenge before the reconciliation bill, but the problem has grown larger since it passed, she said. “In our region, one in seven people are now experiencing food insecurity, including one in six children,” Keever said. “We know this number will continue to rise, and in fact, hunger is the highest that it’s been in two decades.” Food banks, she said, were created to respond to emergency needs for families. “We were never intended to be a long-term substitute for our nation’s nutrition security net that was created by the SNAP program,” Keever said. “Even before the cuts to H.R. 1, 59% of the 374,000 food insecure neighbors in our service area fell above the qualifying threshold of SNAP while still being food insecure. The truth is that we simply cannot fill the gap.” In the past five years, food costs have increased by 30%, and more recently, transportation costs are up 33%, she said. “Our charitable food system was built to complement federal nutrition programs, not replace them,” Keever said. “SNAP and food banks were always intended to work together.” Courtesy of Kansas Reflector
	Mental health assessments: What employers should look for to secure the best outcomes Mental health assessments: What employers should look for to secure the best outcomesAn employee finally decides to ask for help. Maybe their work has slowed. Maybe they have been missing sleep. Maybe they have been holding it together for months and can feel that changing.For an HR or benefits leader, that moment matters. The first experience an employee has with a mental health benefit can determine whether they get routed to the right care, wait too long, disengage, or start over later.That is why a mental health assessment deserves more attention than it often gets in vendor evaluations. It is more than a questionnaire. Done well, it is the clinical and operational front door to the entire mental health journey, Spring Health reports.Key takeawaysA mental health assessment should connect employees to the right level of care, not just collect symptoms.Strong mental health assessment tools use validated screeners, dynamic branching, safety protocols, and ongoing measurement.For HR and benefits leaders, the most important question is what happens after the assessment: matching, navigation, care planning, and outcomes reporting.Well-executed assessments can reduce trial and error, help employees start care faster, and provide employers with aggregate insight into program performance.What is a mental health assessment?A mental health assessment is a structured way to understand a person's symptoms, goals, functioning, preferences, and level of need. It may include self-reported questions, validated screening tools, clinical interviews, or ongoing symptom measures used during care.In a workplace mental health benefit, the assessment has a practical job: to help each employee find the right next step. That next step may be therapy, coaching, medication management, self-guided support, specialty care, crisis support, social-needs resources, or help from a trained navigator.A strong assessment does not ask questions for their own sake. It uses the answers to guide care.Why mental health assessments matter for employersEmployers are not responsible for diagnosing employees. They can be responsible for offering a benefit that identifies needs safely, route employees appropriately, and show whether the program is working.That makes assessment quality a business issue as well as a clinical one. A weak assessment can create friction at the exact moment someone is ready to act. A stronger assessment can reduce trial and error, improve the first match, flag risk earlier, and measure progress over time.For benefits leaders, the question is not only whether a vendor offers a mental health assessment online. The better question is what happens after someone completes it.What mental health assessment questions should coverAssessment questions for mental health should help a care team understand both symptoms and context. A practical workplace assessment usually needs to cover:The person's goals for care, including what they want help with now.Current symptoms related to depression, anxiety, trauma, substance use, eating concerns, attention, mood, sleep, stress, or other needs.How mental health is affecting work, home, relationships, and daily functioning.Safety signals, including suicide risk, with clear escalation protocols.Care preferences, such as appointment time, language, modality, provider specialty, cultural fit, and prior experience with care.Social needs that may affect mental health, including financial strain, housing, food, transportation, caregiving, or safety concerns.Progress over time, so care can adjust when symptoms improve, persist, or change.The best questions are clinically grounded, easy to complete, and connected to a clear action. Employees should not have to answer a long questionnaire and then still figure out care on their own.Common mental health assessment toolsMany mental health assessment tools are validated screeners that help identify symptoms or severity. They do not replace a clinician's judgment, but they can support earlier identification and better routing when used appropriately. Spring Health The value lies in using validated screeners intelligently, with dynamic branching that asks more when the member's answers suggest more support may be needed.What to look for in a mental health assessment onlineDigital access can make assessment easier, faster, and more private for employees. But an online form is not enough. HR leaders should evaluate whether the assessment is built into a care model that can act on the information it collects.1. Clinical validationAsk whether the assessment uses validated mental health assessment tools and whether those tools are appropriate for the population, geography, and care model. The assessment should screen for common needs without overclaiming a diagnosis.2. Dynamic branchingA strong assessment should adapt based on the member's answers.3. Safety protocolsIf an assessment asks about suicide risk or other high-acuity needs, the vendor must have clear clinical escalation pathways.4. Care routingThe assessment should inform the next step in care That can include therapy, coaching, medication management, crisis support, specialty programs, social-needs support, or navigator outreach.5. Personalization and matchingAssessment data should improve the care match. The goal is a lasting care relationship, not just the first open appointment.6. Ongoing measurementAssessment should continue during care. Measurement-based care helps providers and care teams see whether symptoms are improving and adjust the care plan when they are not.7. Reporting for employersEmployers should receive aggregate, de-identified insight into engagement, access, outcomes, and program opportunities through a reporting layer. They should not receive individual clinical details.8. Privacy and employee trustEmployees are more likely to complete an assessment when they understand how their information is used and protected. A vendor should explain what is confidential, what is aggregated, and how assessment data supports care.Spring Health's published outcomes show why that model matters.92% of members reliably improved or recovered from depression or anxiety.62% achieved remission from depression or anxiety.Members recover in 5.9 weeks, across 5.6 to 6.6 sessions.Navigation also affects action. In a published PLOS One study, care navigation was associated with 7.1 times higher odds of starting therapy, 36%more sessions attended, and added symptom improvement for the highest-severity members.Matching matters too. Members matched to an algorithm-recommended therapist improved up to 8.5% faster and recovered at higher rates than those who self-selected, at 11%-13% lower cost per improved member.5 questions when evaluating assessment qualityDoes the assessment use validated tools, and are they appropriate for the population being served?Does the assessment adapt based on answers, or does every employee receive the same static form?How does the solution handle suicide-risk responses and other high-acuity signals?What care pathways can the assessment route someone into?Does the assessment inform provider matching, navigator outreach, and care planning?FAQWhat is a mental health assessment?A mental health assessment is a structured way to understand symptoms, goals, functioning, preferences, and level of need. In a workplace benefit, it should help route employees to the right care, not simply produce a score.What are common mental health assessment tools?Common tools include PHQ-2 and PHQ-9 for depression, GAD-2 and GAD-7 for anxiety, C-SSRS for suicide-risk screening, and other validated screeners for trauma, substance use, eating concerns, attention, and mood.Can employees take a mental health assessment online?Yes. Many workplace mental health benefits begin with an online assessment. The assessment should be clinically grounded, easy to complete, connected to a care plan, and supported by appropriate privacy and safety protocols.What assessment questions for mental health should employers expect?Assessment questions should cover goals, current symptoms, functioning, safety signals, care preferences, social needs, and progress over time. HR should not see individual answers, but employers should receive aggregate, de-identified program insights.How do mental health assessments influence outcomes?Assessments influence outcomes when they guide matching, navigation, measurement, and care-plan adjustments. They help members start with the right level of support and give care teams the information needed to adapt care over time.This story was produced by Spring Health and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	AI notetakers have sat in on 1 in 3 US workers' meetings, but only a third say they were asked first AI notetakers have sat in on 1 in 3 US workers' meetings, but only a third say they were asked firstThe AI notetaker has quietly become a coworker. One in 3 employed Americans (33.4%) say an AI notetaker or transcription bot, tools like Otter.ai, Fireflies, Zoom AI Companion, or Microsoft Copilot, has been present in their work meetings, according to a July 2026 survey of 500 employed U.S. adults commissioned by Kolmogorov Law and conducted through the Pollfish research platform. Another 22.4% can't say whether they've been recorded or not, which is its own kind of finding.Recording First, Asking LaterWhat hasn't become routine is asking. Among the 167 workers whose meetings have included an AI notetaker, only 34.7% say they were always asked for permission before the tool recorded or transcribed. More than a third (36.5%) were asked only sometimes, 25.1% were never asked and simply saw the bot appear in the meeting, and 3.6% learned about the recording only afterward. Put together, 65.3% of exposed workers say consent was inconsistent or absent.The consent problem isn't limited to AI notetakers. Nearly 1 in 5 of all workers surveyed (18.8%) say they have discovered after the fact that a meeting or call had been recorded or transcribed without their knowledge, and 8% say it has happened more than once.The issue is already reaching the courts. A federal class action against Otter.ai alleges that meetings were recorded and transcribed without the consent of all participants in violation of California privacy law. Otter.ai denies the allegations, and the case remains pending.The 65% Knowledge GapMost workers have no idea that rules exist. According to the Kolmogorov Law survey, some states, including California, require every participant's consent before a conversation may be recorded; only 35% of workers said they already knew. Nearly 42% (41.8%) said they had no idea recording laws applied to work meetings at all, 11.6% believed one participant's consent was enough everywhere, and another 11.6% weren't sure. Sixty-five percent of the American workforce say they lack awareness of the consent requirements that can determine whether AI meeting recordings comply with applicable laws. This knowledge gap mirrors, almost exactly, the 64.4% of workers who don't know that pasting confidential data into a personal chatbot can be illegal.Ignorance of the law, however, does not translate into indifference once workers imagine the recording happening to them. Asked what they would do upon discovering that a company had repeatedly recorded their calls or meetings without consent, 29.2% would complain to the company or HR, 9.6% would stop attending, and only 14.2% would do nothing. The number that should concentrate minds in any general counsel's office: 19% would speak with a lawyer and a further 10% would join a class action if one existed, so a combined 29% of the workforce describes a secret recording as a lawyer-up event. For companies operating across multiple states, potential exposure can grow quickly. Privacy laws in some jurisdictions allow statutory damages for unauthorized recordings, meaning a single compliance failure repeated across many meetings could create substantial legal risk.The New Rule: Assume Nobody ConsentedThe data shows a growing concern. AI notetakers are becoming more common, but people are not always being asked for permission, workers don't understand the rules, and soon courts may determine what privacy laws mean for these tools. For companies deploying AI notetakers — and for the far larger number whose employees bring them uninvited — the survey suggests the safest assumption is the one California law already makes: Nobody on the call has consented until they are asked.MethodologyThis article is based on a survey of 500 employed U.S. adults age 18 and older, conducted July 8, 2026, through the Pollfish online research platform. Respondents were screened by Pollfish audience targeting to include only adults employed for wages (full- or part-time) or self-employed. The survey included two segmentation questions and eleven substantive questions covering workplace AI use, handling of confidential information in personal AI accounts, employer AI policies, awareness of applicable law, experiences with AI meeting notetakers, and recording-consent expectations, plus an attention-check question that 100% of the final sample answered correctly. Questions about consent in meetings where an AI notetaker was present were asked of the 167 respondents who reported such meetings; percentages for that subsample carry a wider margin of error of approximately plus or minus 7.6%. The margin of error for the full sample is approximately plus or minus 4.4% at a 95% confidence level.This story was produced by Kolmogorov Law and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	IowaWORKS will host eastern Iowa success fair in Davenport IowaWORKS will host the 2026 Eastern Iowa Success Fair to bring together employers, community organizations, and job seekers for one of the largest hiring events in the area , a news release says. The fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12, at NorthPark Mall, Davenport. The event is free [...]
	Youngest museum curator gains permanent space for Cambridge Natural History Museum The Cambridge Natural History Museum has purchased its downtown building, securing a permanent home for its growing collection and educational programs while planning repairs and future expansion.
	Buffalo, Iowa, man sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for meth trafficking A Buffalo man caught with 3.7 pounds of meth by Bettendorf police last year has been sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to meth trafficking charges.
	IMEG, Rock Island, awards scholarships to engineering students IMEG, Rock Island, has awarded 30 scholarships for the 2025-2026 academic year to students pursuing engineering degrees, reinforcing the firm's commitment to supporting the next generation of innovators and community builders. The scholarships were awarded to students in their sophomore through senior years of study. This year's recipients were selected from a record pool of [...]
	Five Quad-Cities residents sentenced to federal prison for fentanyl trafficking Five Quad-Cities residents have been sentenced to federal prison after pleading guilty to a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy that involved more than 26,000 pills and more than 400 grams of fentanyl.
	Trump wants to fence off the park closest to the White House, a popular protest spot The Trump administration wants to install permanent fencing around Lafayette Park, directly outside the White House. It's long been a popular spot for protesters, who worry barriers will change that.
	Zelenskyy fires Ukraine's tech-savvy defense minister in government reshuffle Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fired the country's popular defense minister, who pushed for innovation in the battlefield through the use of drones and turned the tables on Russia.
	Street Stock Challenge up next for Davenport Speedway If the weather cooperates, racing will return to the Davenport Speedway on Friday, July 17. The racing program will feature the rescheduled AVS Hydro Excavating Street Stock Challenge. The Koehler Electric Street Stock drivers will compete for bonus money, as well as track points, trophy, and purse. Street Stock bonuses will be paid to the feature winner, [...]
	Hot weather sticks around several more days Wednesday ended up being the hottest day of 2026 with a high of 93°. We could be there a couple more days before some cooler weather returns. A few random showers are possible today with a better chance Friday. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	Walz talks priorities, pivot from Nebraska primary election to Nov. 3 faceoff Former State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont hosts her tenth and final listening session Dec. 13, 2025, in Omaha as part of her 2026 exploratory bid for governor. She confirmed Jan. 21, 2026, she will run for governor. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner)Editor’s note: This is the second in a three-part series with Nebraska gubernatorial candidates about their pivot from the May 12 primary election to the Nov. 3 general election. LINCOLN — As former state Sen. Lynne Walz looks ahead to November in her bid to unseat a sitting Republican governor, she says she feels “really encouraged” despite what has been an uphill climb for Democratic candidates for nearly three decades. In a one-on-one interview with the Nebraska Examiner a few weeks after the May primary, Walz, a lawmaker from Fremont who served from 2017 to 2025, said she continues her goal to get out to more Nebraska communities and meet as many Nebraskans as possible, including those across the aisle. “I’m really excited about the opportunities that we have to bring to Nebraskans and change this environment from an environment of being in scarcity to an environment of people becoming abundant again,” Walz told the Examiner. Then-State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont. Dec. 5, 2023. (Photo by Zach Wendling/University of Nebraska-Lincoln) One of Walz’s top priorities, if elected, is economic development and growing the state and local communities. She said doing so would include uplifting affordable housing, accessible healthcare, affordable and accessible childcare, good jobs with good wages, investments in public education and upholding the “will of the people of Nebraska.” “We are not going to be able to do a whole lot more until we see more revenue in our state, and that’s been pretty obvious over the last couple years,” Walz said. Walz will face Republican Gov. Jim Pillen of Columbus and Legal Marijuana NOW Party candidate Rick Beard of Omaha, a wine professional and private chef. She could also face former state Sen. Brett Lindstrom of Omaha, who served with Walz for six years and has launched a petition drive to appear as a registered nonpartisan candidate for governor on the Nov. 3 ballot. His signature deadline is Aug. 3. Of why she’s the right candidate, Walz said she’s a “person of honesty and integrity” who will bring people together. “I love being able to collaborate with Nebraskans,” Walz said, “and building a strategy and a plan to move Nebraska forward in the future together.” State spending In early June, Walz pledged as governor not to cut spending by a certain amount without asking others for their opinions. A month later, Pillen told state agencies to cut 5% from their budgets and directed appointees to withhold funds to accomplish that goal. Walz blasted Pillen’s directive as “irresponsible and lazy leadership” in a social media post last week. Walz said she would always consider how cuts affect people in services, such as to to the University of Nebraska or the developmental disabilities community, where individuals and caregivers have worried about state cuts. “You cannot just decide to cut 10% or 15% out of an organization and not know the long-term effects,” Walz said. Pillen talks priorities, pivot from Nebraska primary election to Nov. 3 faceoff Pillen has described opposition around Medicaid cuts as coming from a “small vocal minority voice,” namely those who he said were “getting paid for delivering services they didn’t do.” Individuals receiving the services and their caregivers have told Walz that isn’t true. Walz argued Pillen isn’t looking at what happens down the line and that by talking to others, she can find the “very best, responsible, intentional ways to cut” without “damaging people’s lives.” “They’re looking at what happens today, how can we save money today,” Walz said. “But it’s going to bring about really bad outcomes in the future if we’re not being thoughtful and responsible on how we’re making those cuts.” Walz said Nebraska education, from K-12 schools to state colleges and the University of Nebraska, has also been “under attack,” which she pledges to stop. One example she cites is cuts to NU, which reports a $10-$16 return on investment for each $1 from taxpayers. Pillen served as an NU regent for 10 years before becoming governor. “They [voters] know how important education is to growing our state, and they know how important the university is to making sure that we have kids coming to Nebraska to go to college and that we have kids staying in Nebraska,” Walz said. Vision for Nebraska For decades, property taxes have been a priority in the statehouse, and Walz said there have been many opportunities to pass “very good, responsible, intentional legislation” but that lawmakers haven’t had the “political will to get it done.” Former State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont, a Democratic candidate for Nebraska governor, left, and Rick Beard of Omaha, a Legal Marijuana NOW candidate for Nebraska governor, attend a developmental disabilities community listening event on April 30, 2026, in Lincoln. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) She worries the state won’t be able to get much accomplished with property taxes, which only local governments can assess, unless Nebraska grows, too. “But I think I would be the type of governor who would be able to work with people across the aisle,” Walz said. “I don’t care whether you’re a Republican or Democrat,” she continued. “Our goal will be to work together, and regardless of who brings a bill to reduce property taxes, as long as it’s responsible, intentional and doesn’t hurt services, we’re going to get it passed.” She has not yet announced a specific plan to address property taxes or improve economic development, but she and her campaign expect to release more details this summer. Walz said she’s bringing together Nebraskans to collaborate and strategize for that effort. Previous lieutenant governor pick Walz was the lieutenant governor pick for then-Democrat Bob Krist who sought to unseat then-Gov. Pete Ricketts, a Republican, in 2018. It’s different running at the top of the ticket, Walz said, not just in the expectations but also in the challenges facing Nebraska. She said the past few years have been defined by a “state of chaos and disorganization and no vision” as she narrows her criticisms of Pillen. She said Nebraska is “really suffering right now” and has a governor, Pillen, who wants to “control Nebraskans, who has not been able to balance our budget, who has not focused on things that Nebraskans want him to focus on” “No goals for how we move forward in the future,” Walz said. Then-State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont at a lawmaker-led listening session on property taxes. July 22, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Walz has not yet selected a running mate — her deadline is Sept. 1 — but she described it as a “really key position for me” that will require someone who desires statewide opportunities. “I want to make sure that whoever it is is somebody who’s going to be empathetic and respectful and making sure that they are representing the entire state, not just the urban areas and not just the rural areas,” Walz said in an earlier interview. “It’s going to take a special person.” Recent governors, including Pillen, have sometimes had bills introduced on their behalf, almost as a de facto 50th senator. But Walz said that would change with her, as she’d let the 49 state lawmakers come together and decide the top five to 10 priorities for the state and move on those. “I don’t think I necessarily have to be the person who’s controlling legislation and controlling debates on the floor,” Walz said. Challenges for a Democrat Lindstrom had said he might jump into the governor’s race because, while he wants a change in leadership, he was worried about the “math” for Walz as a Democrat. But Walz said the voter registration divide between Republicans and Democrats — roughly 49% Republican voters statewide to 26% of Democrats — isn’t a concern for her. “I don’t think it’s something that Nebraskans across the state are concerned about either,” Walz said. “We’re focused on this campaign and winning this election, and I think that the people that we visit across the state are focused on the same thing.” State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont, center left, meets with State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan of Elkhorn, left, and their respective legislative aides, Amanda Callaway and Ryan Yang, on the floor of the Legislature. April 9, 2024. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Walz has pointed to internal polling showing she is closing in on Pillen, including the latest one within the margin of error. The governor’s campaign team has downplayed the polls as coming from an “East Coast pollster” who has worked with former President Joe Biden, Planned Parenthood and U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. Walz also faces a different challenge than past Democrats: Pillen raised more than $12.8 million since he took office and had a record $9.5 million in available campaign funds as of June 16. Walz, too, has broken records for Democratic candidates for governor up to this point, raising the most at least since 1998. She raised $1.48 million through mid-June and spent almost $809,000. She had about $674,000 in her available funds as of the last report. She said she feels good about her financial situation and each time gains a “little momentum” and more support statewide. She outraised Pillen in the two reporting cycles between April 8 and June 16, a first for Democratic gubernatorial candidates this century. Nebraska’s last Democratic governor was Ben Nelson, who served between 1991 and 1999 before he went on to the U.S. Senate for two terms. Nelson is also the last Democrat to win a statewide race, which was his reelection campaign for Senate in 2006. ‘Let’s come together’ Walz has pitched herself as a unifying candidate and said division from the “extreme left” or “extreme right” is “not getting us anywhere.” She said that was readily apparent in her second-to-last legislative session, in 2023, a session in which conservative lawmakers united to pass a slew of priorities around concealed carry, abortion, income taxes, gender care for minors and more. It was also Pillen’s first year in office. Former State Sen. Lynne Walz of Fremont, a Democratic candidate for Nebraska governor, at a developmental disabilities community listening event on April 30, 2026, in Lincoln. (Zach Wendling/Nebraska Examiner) Walz has also voiced concern about public officials not following voters’ wishes around medical cannabis, minimum wage, paid sick leave and in not diverting public dollars to private schools, and she said she would “immediately take heed to and uphold the will of the people” if elected. “When the people of Nebraska speak and they vote on things, it is not me to control or decide what’s good for the people here,” Walz said. “It’s up to them, and they’ve told us time and time again what it is that they want to see in Nebraska.” If given the chance, Walz said she would “absolutely” debate her fellow candidates and is looking forward to the path to November. “It’s really important that we stop thinking about Republican versus Democrat and start thinking about really what’s right and what’s wrong,” Walz said. “Let’s come together and work together and move this state forward and do the best that we can for the people who live here.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Nebraska Examiner
	Alabama state employees could see health benefit changes amid ‘difficult choices’ Stephanie Azar, CEO of the State Employees Insurance Board, speaking to the board at its quarterly meeting on July 15, 2026, in Montgomery, Alabama. The board may withdraw from the Retiree Trust Fund and change member benefits due to financial strain. (Anna Barrett/Alabama Reflector)The board overseeing health insurance for Alabama state employees will likely consider benefit changes and withdrawals from a trust fund amid financial uncertainty, rising health costs and “difficult choices,” its CEO said Wednesday. Changes could be presented to the State Employees Insurance Board (SEIB) in September, CEO Stephanie Azar said. “The board has been hearing for a long time that you’ll be faced with difficult decisions in the upcoming September meeting, and that’s true,” she said. “You’re going to have to be.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. SEIB, which has about 32,000 active members, and the Public Education Employee Insurance Plan (PEEHIP) board, which covers public school employees, have faced financial challenges in recent years. In 2025, SEIB changed member benefits, which included some increased deductibles and copays but no impact to premiums. The PEEHIP board in June approved a withdrawal of up to $200 million from its Retiree Trust Fund to prevent an increase in premiums after the Legislature did not fund its full request. The Legislature was able to fund SEIB’s fiscal year 2027 funding request, a $1,175 per member per month rate. It was a $150 per member per month increase from the FY26 state rate. The Legislature funded a $1,048 per member per month rate for PEEHIP, for about 104,000 active members. “Our benefit plan is extremely rich, and it’s a very affordable plan, and SEIB is going to do everything it can, working with this board, to ensure that that remains, even if there has to be some premium or other benefit changes,” Azar said. Even with the increased state rate for fiscal year 2027, which begins on Oct. 1, Azar projected SEIB will “be in the red” for that fiscal year based on the current health costs. “That’s not good at all because we don’t have a net. That’s a very, very scary place to be, and we’ve got to get this plan over the next several years not to be faced with this problem unless we’re just knocked out of our feet, as we are often with things we can’t control,” she said. David Bronner, CEO of the Retirement System of Alabama, which oversees the boards, warned members not to “push the panic button early” because there will be a new administration and new legislators to work with in 2027. “What you have to remember is that a new politician coming in don’t give a hoot about the commitment to you, or to me, or the pensions, because they got elected doing what? ‘How do I promise you something?’” Bronner said. “New legislators have no commitments to old programs.” He gave similar warnings to the PEEHIP board in June. “Ask the new elected people. Ask the ones that don’t even have opposition. Do you support pensions and do you support healthcare? If the answer is no, get ready for a rough ride, and it’ll be a rough ride. I swear to God,” he said. “Keep in mind that the next administration won’t give a damn about what we submit this year.” Azar said in an interview after the meeting that there is a good chance the board will request another rate increase for FY28, but there’s no way to know how much the increase will be. “The main thing that’s really causing the revenue and expenditure difference is the healthcare inflation and uncontrollable cost, really,” she said. “It’s hard to keep everything in line to beat that call. It’s not really an Alabama problem; it’s a national problem.” Courtesy of Alabama Reflector
	RockIslandSpeak This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Consider this an advanced warning should you decide to invite a Rock Islander into your home for dinner. Like most…
	Heat-related deaths spiked in last heat wave, worrying health officials as more heat looms A young woman cools down with cold water during the summer heat. (Photo by SimpleImages/Getty Stock Images)Heat-related deaths jumped to 19 in the first half of the summer, with eight of those coming during the brutal heat wave around the Fourth of July, putting the state on track to record the second-most heat deaths in 15 years, new data shows. The latest numbers from the Maryland Department of Health’s Weather-Related Illness Dashboard come as the state heads into another stretch of unseasonably hot, and unhealthy, weather that has health officials urging Marylanders to take precautions to ensure they, and the people around them, are staying healthy. “The best way to treat illness is to prevent it altogether,” said Dr. Cheyenne Falat, associate medical director of the Adult Emergency Department at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. “It is important that everyone learns to recognize the signs, not just in themselves, but in others, and know how to respond appropriately.” After spiking to close to 500 each in the last report, heat-related emergency room or urgent care visits fell to a more typical 142 last week while calls for emergency medical services for the heat dropped to 107. But the 1,061 ER visits during the “heat season” so far, and the 1,042 EMS calls are both just under two-thirds of the way to the records highs set in each category last year. The department updates its Weather-Related Illness Data Dashboard each Wednesday to record emergency room visits, deaths and emergency medical service calls linked to high temperatures. The most recent update includes data through July 11. Despite the high number of emergency room visits during the heat wave earlier this month, the number of deaths did not spike until this week because of a reporting lag, as cases were still being evaluated by the medical examiner, according to a statement from the department. “These represent cases where the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner determined the cause of death as heat-related,” the department’s statement read. “There may be cases that are still pending.” Dr. Neil Roy, a chief medical officer at Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center, and Falat both said they noticed an uptick in patients in their emergency rooms, especially during the heat wave. However, they said this is typical as temperatures rise each summer. Roy recommends that when people start feeling lightheaded, dizzy or like they’re going to faint, they should first “get away from the heat” and rehydrate before making the decision to come to the hospital. “But, if you’re not feeling back to normal, I would come to the hospital,” he said. “So if you’re feeling persistently dizzy, you’re feeling like you’re going to pass out, if your loved one is behaving strangely or not behaving appropriately, I would come to the hospital.” Falat said people who are experiencing signs of neurological abnormalities, like confusion or unresponsiveness, should be taken to the hospital immediately. Patients who show up to emergency rooms with heat stroke are placed in cooling baths to get their body temperatures down quickly, she said. Both Falat and Roy recommend avoiding the heat as much as possible during very high temperatures and drinking lots of water. They also said to avoid drinking alcohol or taking drugs because they can change the body’s ability to respond to heat. Falat said people who are at extremes of age, like the elderly or young children, may have more difficulty regulating their temperatures, which can make them more susceptible to heat-related illness. She also said those who are physically exerting themselves outside, like athletes, construction workers and emergency responders, can also be at high risks for heat related illness. Almost three-quarters of heat-related deaths so far this year, 74%, were of people age 65 or older, according to the dashboard. It shows that 41% of people who sought help for heat-related illness were between the ages of 18 and 44, while 29% were older than 65. Another 23% of visits were by people aged 45 to 64, and 7% were below the age of 18. Despite those statistics, Falat said no one should assume they are not at risk, simply because they are considered to be less susceptible. “It’s important to know that when temperatures and humidity are this high outside, truly anyone is susceptible,” Falat said. “I don’t want anyone to walk away thinking, ‘I’m not in one of those demographic groups, so I’m OK.’ Anyone is susceptible.” — This story was updated on Thursday, July 16, to correct Dr. Cheyenne Falat’s position. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Maryland Matters
	Clock starts for state regulators to review proposed Dominion-NexEra merger Dominion Energy offices in Richmond, Va. (Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce for The Virginia Mercury)Dominion Energy on Wednesday submitted their official arguments to the State Corporation Commission to allow the utility to merge with the Florida-based NextEra. The utilities plan to combine, creating an East Coast energy titan. The all-stock deal is valued at about $67 billion; NextEra shareholders will own 74.5% of shares and Dominion shareholders will own 25.5%, if the merger is approved. The SCC now has six months to review the arguments, hear testimony from both sides and make a decision on if the merger will succeed. In an extensive interview with the Mercury, Dominion’s senior vice president of corporate affairs and communications Bill Murray said that the biggest draw of this merger is its combined buying power that could be of future benefit to ratepayers. Murray said the joint company will be able to buy in bulk, ultimately bringing down the price of energy infrastructure and benefitting the entity’s credit rating. “It’s not a matter of we threw our hands up and said we can’t do this, somebody, please, merge with us,” Murray said. “But doing it together … at a one-notch credit rating upgrade, financing it more efficiently. That’s a benefit to customers.” The joint venture will cover 10 million customers across Florida, Virginia, North Carolina and South Carolina. It will also combine Dominion and NextEra’s110 gigawatts of power, and their large-load customer connection queue totaling 130 GW. Dominion, which will remain as its own entity, will still be responsible for its fossil-free energy buildout under the Virginia Clean Economy Act and have to follow all orders from the SCC. Murray said that the merger could also help bring more small modular reactors online when the technology becomes more readily available on the market. The merger “doesn’t mean there’s cross subsidies financially. Virginia customers deal with a unit in Virginia, Florida customers deal with one in Florida,” Murray said. ”But being able to look at standardizing technology is something that makes a lot of sense.” The planned merger has generated significant public scrutiny. Advocacy group Clean Virginia urged lawmakers to be wary of some of the decisions NextEra has made in Florida concerning political lobbying and rate increases for their customers. “Before Virginia ratepayers are locked into a relationship with NextEra Energy, every policymaker and regulator in the Commonwealth needs to understand what NextEra has done in Florida and ask hard questions about whether Virginians can expect anything different,” Clean Virginia Executive Director Brennan Gilmore said in a May statement when the merger was announced. Echoing those concerns, Lieutenant Gov. Ghazala Hashmi posed a list of 64 questions to both companies, which she said they should answer before the SCC began the case and the legally-contracted time constraints would begin. Dominion hasn’t answered all of the questions, Murray said, but he expects many of them to be addressed during cross examination during the case. That’s exactly what Hashmi argued against in her query to the companies. “The existing baseline questions allow the applicants to frame the narrative in their own terms, potentially omitting the details, rigorous data support, and challenging topics necessary for a true public-interest review,” Hashmi wrote in her letter to the commission. This is also not the first time that NextEra has attempted to acquire other utilities. The company had tried to merge with other companies in Texas, Hawaii, and South Carolina. Those efforts did not come to fruition. When asked if Dominion was concerned about NextEra’s failed deals and accusations of shady political maneuvers, Murray said with new management and himself at the helm, he has confidence their new plan will go differently. “The person responsible for the Dominion footprint today, in terms of public policy, government affairs, is me,” Murray said. “After this closes it’s me, because we’ve been very clear of current leadership teams of the utilities. So nothing’s changing how we do it.” Virginia House members tried to give the legislature the chance to weigh in on this merger. But the language granting them that ability wasn’t included in the final budget that passed in June. Murray said that the six-month review by the SCC will be thorough and dismissed concerns from Hashmi and others that it will not be enough time for regulators to make an informed decision. “Some of the same voices (who) say three expert judges, a staff of hundreds, six months where this is a primary focus, that’s not enough time would be very comfortable if they had the votes doing this in 27 minutes on a legislative subcommittee. So I feel like there’s a little mismatch there,” Murray said. A $2.25 billion shareholder-funded bill credit for customers across Dominion’s three-state coverage area is included in the SCC filing, which is slated to offset merger-related costs. Ratepayers will see those savings for two years, and it is not clear if the savings will grow after that time period. Those changes would be determined by the SCC. Attorney General Jay Jones on Thursday weighed in on the situation, pledging to prioritize the interest of Virginia residents. “The Virginia Code charges my office with representing Virginia ratepayers before the State Corporation Commission as it considers this merger. This office will put Virginians first and focus all our energy on vigorously and aggressively advocating for Virginians, fighting for transparency and accountability, and protecting ratepayers from being left to foot the bill long after the Commission makes its decision,” Jones said in a statement. The commission is expected to release a schedule for the case in the coming weeks. The merger faces applications for approval not only from Virginia’s SCC but also from the North Carolina Utilities Commission and the Public Service Commission of South Carolina. The waiting period of the federal Antitrust Improvements Act would have to expire or be terminated for the merger to succeed, and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Nuclear Regulatory Commission would need to give their approval, as well. Editor’s note: This story has been updated with a statement from Attorney General Jay Jones. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Virginia Mercury
	10 photographers share favorite moments from the Tiny Desk Contest Tour Ten photographers share their favorite memories from the 2026 Tiny Desk Contest On The Road tour, which was headlined by this year's winner, the Dallas hip-hop group Cure for Paranoia.
	Virginia SNAP enrollment drops 100K and more state headlines The state Capitol. (Photo by Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury) • “Will a new Virginia law boost energy storage?” — WHRO • “Virginia SNAP enrollment drops 100K as federal cuts strain food pantries.” — WSLS • “Virginia Sales Tax Holiday Weekend.” — WAVY • “No evidence of gunshots fired after reported armed person at Virginia Military Institute.” — WSET • “Heat index could reach 109 as three-day stretch of very hot weather hits Virginia.” — WTVR SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Virginia Mercury
	Oil companies are making billions. In the U.S., calls to tax their windfall are growing Higher oil prices since the Iran war began mean many oil companies have brought in excess profits. Some U.S. lawmakers want to tax those windfall profits and give the money to lower-income Americans.
	New Hampshire’s ‘bathroom bill’ vetoed again, one of 29 vetoes for the year Gov. Kelly Ayotte at a press conference in her office, June 3, 2026. (Photo by Ethan DeWitt/New Hampshire Bulletin)Gov. Kelly Ayotte has again vetoed legislation to keep transgender people out of bathrooms, sports teams, and prisons that align with their gender identity. The veto came as part of the final tranche of bills sent to the governor from this year’s legislative session. And it was one of three bills Ayotte blocked Wednesday. There are no more 2026 bills remaining to send to the governor’s desk, the Secretary of State’s Office said Wednesday. The governor also vetoed House Bill 1565, an omnibus bill that would, in part, punish people who submit false reports to the Division for Children, Youth, and Families with potential criminal penalties and lawsuits, as well as Senate Bill 475, another omnibus bill that attempted to resurrect a bill Ayotte had already vetoed exempting livestock from certain animal cruelty investigations. This week’s actions cement the total count of bills vetoed by Ayotte at 29 — the most a governor has vetoed with their party in control of the Legislature since 1989, according to State House records. The slew of vetoes comes as part of a wider clash between Ayotte and House and Senate Republicans over certain bills. In the past biennium, Republican lawmakers have deployed their 16-8 supermajority in the Senate and wider control of the House to pass a number of conservative bills that did not succeed in past years. And Ayotte has become comfortable opposing certain legislation, sometimes vetoing the same issue multiple times. “This bill is nearly identical to the Senate bill I vetoed last month, as well as two other bills I have vetoed,” Ayotte wrote Wednesday in her veto message for the bathroom bill. “These bills are overly broad, poorly drafted, and create the potential for substantial litigation.” For a fifth time House Bill 1442 would allow business owners to separate restrooms and locker rooms by sex at birth, allow sports teams to keep transgender girls and women off female teams, and allow transgender inmates to be placed in jails or prisons corresponding with their sex at birth rather than gender identity. It doesn’t require business owners, sports teams, and jails and prisons to make these changes, but it codifies their right to do so in state law by creating exceptions to New Hampshire’s 2018 Law Against Discrimination. HB 1442 is the latest in a long line of Republican efforts to roll back those anti-discrimination protections. Each time, however, the governor has stood in lawmakers’ way. With Wednesday’s veto, Ayotte has now thwarted four different versions of legislation, all with near verbatim text. Her predecessor, Gov. Chris Sununu, also vetoed the legislation. Each time to date, Republicans failed to secure the votes for a veto override. The Republicans behind the bills say transgender girls and women have an unfair advantage against cisgender girls and women in sports. They have also argued that men sometimes pretend to be transgender to enter women’s locker rooms in New Hampshire. The first time she first vetoed the legislation, Ayotte said she agrees with the sentiment of the bill, but called the legislation in front of her “overly broad and impractical to enforce, potentially creating an exclusionary environment for some of our citizens.” In an earlier veto message, she said she wants lawmakers “to address this issue in a thoughtful, narrow way while protecting the privacy, safety, and rights of all Granite Staters.” She has not publicly specified what kind of provisions would satisfy this request. The bill is regularly lambasted by most Democrats who argue it is cruel, that it creates problems where there aren’t any, and that it is not feasible to enforce. Meanwhile, a different piece of legislation signed into law by Sununu in 2024 bans transgender girls from playing on girls sports teams. The U.S. Supreme Court has also weighed in on the issue recently. Late last month, it upheld state-level bans on transgender athletes competing in women’s and girls’ sports. Ayotte celebrated the Supreme Court ruling, saying in a statement: “It is unfair for biological males to compete in women’s sports, and as the mom of a daughter who competed in varsity sports in high school, I am pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision today that protects women’s sports and paves the way to enforce our law in New Hampshire prohibiting men from competing in women’s sports.” Wednesday’s veto likely ends the “bathroom bill” debate for 2026 as Republicans will almost certainly fail to convince enough Democrats to vote to override Ayotte’s vetoes. However, state Rep. Lisa Mazur, the Goffstown Republican who sponsored HB 1442, last month promised to send the same legislation to the governor for a sixth time in 2027. “If these bills don’t pass, we’re going to bring them back next year,” Mazur told reporters at an event held before the two most recent vetos. “We’re going to keep going with this until something changes. We have to do this for our girls and our women.” The other vetoed bills Ayotte’s other vetoes this year span a range of topics. The governor vetoed a pair of environmental bills, including: House Bill 221, a sweeping bill to allow electric utilities to own and operate modular nuclear reactors and expand community solar. Ayotte said she had “questions about the impact” and was in favor of a different, complex bill to allow for small nuclear reactors, House Bill 1738, which Ayotte signed Wednesday. House Bill 451, requiring paint manufacturers to recycle their own paint cans, funded via a per-container assessment fee on new cans. When Ayotte vetoed it in March, she wrote “NO Sales Tax. Not now. NOT EVER!” She blocked a key housing bill: House Bill 1336, to allow landlords to request another month’s rent from a new tenant as a second security deposit if that tenant had a low credit score, lack of landlord references, prior evictions, or a low income. Ayotte argued that the bill would “impede access to housing” and could lead to landlords unfairly withholding tenants’ deposits. In addition to SB 475, Ayotte has vetoed a number of animal bills, including: House Bill 1766, to differentiate livestock from domestic pets when it comes to animal cruelty laws, and prevent nonprofits from investigating suspected livestock cruelty cases. In her veto message, Ayotte wrote that the bill would hamper the ability for local law enforcement and welfare groups to respond to neglect and abuse, and put more of that burden on the state. Senate Bill 535, a bill to remove the legal designation of “commercial kennels” and create a new category of breeder, a “residential breeder,” to breed cats and dogs within their primary residence and sell up to 50 per year with minimal state regulation. Ayotte argued that creating such exemptions would risk “an increase in animal abuse, neglect, and disease.” She also vetoed two court-related bills: House Bill 1422, to create an exception to the three-year limit for convicts to request a new trial if new evidence is discovered. Ayotte, invoking her past career as the attorney general, argued the three-year limit is sufficient and that convicts can file a writ of habeas corpus — filed during the person’s incarceration — or writ of coram nobis — applicable after a sentence has been served — after those three years to get a new trial or plead for release. House Bill 1643, a bill to prevent a guardian ad litem from making recommendations about parental custody of a child to a family court. Ayotte wrote that the current system was appropriate because the guardian ad litem is meant to represent the best interests of the child, and the judge still has the final say over custody. The governor blocked a slew of bills affecting public schools and local government, such as: Senate Bill 434, to require school districts to develop procedures to allow books and materials to be challenged and removed if they were deemed “harmful to minors.” Ayotte, who vetoed a similar bill in 2025, noted this year that existing law already allows parents to exempt their own child from material they find objectionable. House Bill 1358, a bill sponsored by House Majority Leader Jason Osborne to study the feasibility of transitioning all traditional state public schools to operate like public charter schools. Ayotte wrote that she supports alternative education pathways and charter schools, but that she “cannot envision a future that does not include public schools.” House Bill 1610, to restrict school districts from rolling over budget surpluses into the next budget without explicit, annual voter approval; if voters did not approve, the unused funds would be used to lower local property taxes. Ayotte said the bill was unworkable because it “goes into effect immediately” and would thus create a budget headache for districts that have already repurposed their unassigned funds. House Bill 1267, to prevent school district attorneys and non-school staff from questioning students without parental consent. Ayotte wrote that she appreciated the intention to protect parental rights, but worried it could impede criminal investigations and public safety. House Bill 1369, to repeal the requirement for municipalities to post advisories of upcoming annual town meetings in a local newspaper, and allowed them to publish the information online instead. Ayotte wrote that publishing the meetings in print is an “important part of notice” and that removing the mandate might limit public participation. “This is a step in the wrong direction for New Hampshire,” she concluded. House Bill 1491, to create a new opt-in, state-regulated approach for cities and towns to create public sector risk pools to help manage health care and other costs. Ayotte called the bill a “choose-your-own-regulator” approach that “dilutes necessary oversight.” Senate Bill 661, to increase regulation of existing public sector risk pools, allowing the Secretary of State to intervene into pools with insufficient assets and requiring the pools to hold minimum reserves. Ayotte argued the bill set arbitrary requirements and would upend existing plans. Ayotte vetoed a range of health care bills, including: House Bill 232, to expand “rights of conscience” to allow medical professionals who oppose abortion to refuse to assist in an abortion. Ayotte wrote that the bill was unnecessary because federal law already protects the right to decline to assist due to religious and moral beliefs. House Bill 349, to allow licensed optometrists to perform certain laser treatments. Ayotte wrote that the bill would “increase the level of risk to patients” and that such procedures should be done by physicians. House Bill 1337, to repeal the New Hampshire Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders. Ayotte countered that the group provides “valuable feedback” to the Division of Motor Vehicles about the needs of people with autism spectrum disorder and operates “at little to no cost to taxpayers.” Senate Bill 268, another so-called “bathroom bill” that sought to allow businesses and state facilities to separate bathrooms, locker rooms, and athletic competitions by sex at birth. Ayotte again said the issue needed to be addressed “in a thoughtful, narrow way that protects the privacy, safety and rights of all Granite Staters.” Senate Bill 552, another, identical “bathroom bill” that Ayotte vetoed in June. Senate Bill 468, to allow the state’s alternative treatment centers — which distribute therapeutic cannabis — to operate a greenhouse cultivation location. Ayotte, a strong opponent of broader cannabis legalization, wrote simply, “I do not support expanding the cultivation of marijuana in our state.” And she struck down a series of bills that would have imposed legislative control over the executive branch: House Bill 1072, to end surprise inspections of businesses by the state Department of Labor wage theft, child labor, and sanitary conditions, and require the department to give 30 days’ notice before such an inspection. Ayotte wrote that the bill “unnecessarily restricts” the department’s ability to move quickly to prevent wage theft when employees are missing paychecks. House Bill 1097, requiring the Legislature have control over the installation and removal of state historical markers, which is currently handled by the New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources and the Department of Transportation. Ayotte invoked the separation of powers in the state constitution and said she found “no compelling reason” to give authority over the markers to the legislative branch. House Bill 1726, to, in part, require proceeds from the sale of state land to go back to the state department that purchased the land. Ayotte wrote that that was “not an efficient or fiscally prudent structure for allocating revenues.” Senate Bill 481, to direct proceeds from the sale of the Sununu Youth Services Center to the state’s general fund. In vetoing the bill, Ayotte argued the profits should instead be added to the Youth Detention Center Settlement Fund, from which the state must pay settlements to victims of past abuse at the facility after a class-action lawsuit. Senate Bill 627, a bill to raise turnpike tolls for drivers without New Hampshire EZ-Pass transponders. Ayotte, who also vetoed the 10-year transportation improvement plan in House Bill 2026 over the same opposition, said she did so to “focus on making New Hampshire affordable to all and a destination for tourists in the region.” The full House and Senate will meet to take up the vetoes later this year, at a date not yet determined. Each veto requires a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers to be overturned. Courtesy of New Hampshire Bulletin
	Trump earned billions last year. Some Pennsylvania swing voters say they don't care Key voters in Pennsylvania are split on whether President Trump earning a big windfall last year is a big deal or not. Their reaction reveals a level of cynicism about many in the political class.
	No Asian team managed to go far this World Cup (again). What's holding them back? For the sixth World Cup in a row, no team from the Asian Football Confederation made it past the first knockout round, winning only three games out of 29. Asian teams are competitive — up to a point.
	CNBC rated Ohio ‘Top State for Business.’ Here’s what that means — and what it doesn’t. President and CEO of JobsOhio J.P. Nauseef (left) with Gov. Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine at a groundbreaking ceremony for Intel’s semiconductor manufacturing site, September 9, 2022, in Licking County, Ohio. (Photo by Graham Stokes for the Ohio Capital Journal. Republish photo only with original story.)When CNBC last week announced it had rated Ohio this year’s “Top State for Business,” Republican leaders said it was proof that their economic policies were working for Ohioans. But that’s not what the rating was meant to assess, said a journalist who helped produce it. Nor was the ranking an evaluation of which state had attracted the most high-quality jobs. It was something less concrete: a measure of which states were best positioned according to the criteria on which states market themselves. For their part, critics said the rankings don’t pay proper attention to the severe financial difficulties in which millions of now Ohioans find themselves. Big party Last Thursday, Ohio Republicans were triumphal about the top ranking. The CNBC broadcast segment started with Ohio State football legend Archie Griffin declaring, “We have a winning team in Ohio, both on and off the field.” It cut to a celebration at the Boathouse at Columbus’s Confluence Park, replete with drone shots of Ohio State cheerleaders and an interview with Gov. Mike DeWine. Of the many press releases that went out, Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman issued one crediting policies enacted since the start of the GOP’s total legislative and executive rule in 2011. “I want to congratulate the many members of the Ohio General Assembly who have supported legislation over the last 15 years that led to this accomplishment,” Huffman said in a written statement. He went on, “Through responsible policies and investments, including the elimination of Ohio’s estate tax, flattening the personal income tax, business income deductions, regulatory reform, free market energy creation, substantial support for vocational training, tools for state and local economic development, and much more, we have continued to make Ohio the best place to live, work, raise a family, and do business.” However, the think tank Policy Matters Ohio has said that many of those and other changes since 2005 have favored corporations and the wealthy while cutting $17 billion in state tax revenue. Critics said that leaves huge numbers of moderate-income Ohioans facing an affordability crisis with less support from the state — and shouldering more of the burden to pay for services that remain. “Ohio’s No. 1 ranking may be good news for businesses, but it doesn’t reflect the reality that many of the most common jobs in the state pay too little for even a single person to get by — and far too little to raise a family,” Policy Matters Executive Director Hannah Halbert said in a written statement. “Ohioans still struggle with unaffordable childcare, gaps in health coverage, and wages that have not kept pace with inflation.” Method and metrics The stark disagreement over the benefits of GOP economic policies raises an obvious question: When CNBC rated Ohio best for business, what was it seeking to measure? “We’re looking at this through the lens of somebody who is selecting a site, whatever it is, a plant or a data center, how they’re making their decisions,” Scott Cohn, the CNBC reporter who covered the story, said in an interview. “That’s how this all began back in 2007 — why are companies choosing this state over that state?” But when the CNBC team did its evaluation, it didn’t attempt an entirely objective look at which states were best for business. Rather, it based its analysis on how states were promoting themselves. The study determined what states’ economic-development arms collectively mentioned most in materials promoting their states. Then it sought to measure which states did best in providing those things. Year by year, states change how they promote themselves to businesses. The CNBC study assesses the pitches of all 50 states each year to decide what weight to give to each of the 10 criteria on which it ranks individual states. This year, the top category was infrastructure — adequate roads, bridges, electricity, and “shovel ready” sites on which to build. And, in addition to available water, a major factor in Ohio’s success wasn’t the consequence of any government policy, it was an accident of geography. “We go through and see how the states are marketing themselves,” Cohn said. “We’re going to their websites and tallying up what they’re mentioning the most, the things that we lump into the category of infrastructure. “So for example — and this really helps Ohio — almost every state… says ‘We have X amount of population within a day’s drive. Well, you can measure that, and Ohio has the most. Ohio has 143 million people within a day’s drive, more than any other state. So it gets some points for that within the category of infrastructure.” Conversely, the rankings de-emphasize other criteria not because they’re unimportant to businesses, but because state marketing materials don’t make a big deal out of them. For example, a top-notch public-education system is clearly important to businesses in at least two ways: It trains their future workforce and it’s a big selling point for firms trying to attract talent. Yet when CNBC weighted its 10 criteria, education was second-to-last, receiving only 4% of the overall ranking. “We look at what the states are talking about,” Cohn said. “For whatever reason, some states talk about (education) a lot, and a lot of states talk about, ‘We have a great university system.’ That counts toward a state’s weight. But it’s not what the states are saying in aggregate.” Whack-a-mole Cohn explained that good or bad performance on certain criteria can have the opposite effect on others. “It’s kind of like a game of whack-a-mole, you can lower the business cost,” he said. “That’s great for businesses, but in the process you’re lowering wage costs and you’re doing all sorts of things that affect individuals. And if you have an affordability issue with individuals, well maybe you’re going to have a problem with workforce.” As Cohn pointed out to DeWine during their interview, Ohio ranks poorly for workforce — 35th. “It’s a glaring weak spot,” Cohn told the governor. “Not just because the workers are not here, but because they’re not coming and many are leaving.” In addition, because weighting depends solely on what states’ marketers think is important, many Ohioans — and maybe some businesses — could disagree with their priorities. For example, Ohio ranked No. 1 for its low cost of doing business, which as the fifth-highest criterion, made up 11.4% of the ranking. Low wages helped Ohio in that regard, but Cohn explained that they hurt states in the cost-of-living category. “Lower wage costs counts toward the cost of doing business, but maybe it comes back to bite them on cost of living,” he said. However, because state marketers don’t emphasize it, an affordable cost of living ranked dead last, making up just 2% of the state’s overall rating. In other words, the rankings don’t say there’s no affordability crisis in Ohio. They say that as a group, state economic marketers don’t consider that a priority when they’re selling their states. Who wins? So do the rankings vindicate or repudiate the economic policies Ohio Republicans have implemented since 2011? “Neither,” Cohn said. “We gather up the data through the lens that I told you about — looking at where is a company going to locate. And if what everybody wants in their politicians is the party that’s going to attract the most business — and that’s a perfectly valid thing to want — then this says a lot about what Ohio is doing in that regard.” But, he added, “If they’re looking for areas where the state doesn’t do as well, it speaks for itself. It’s not the best state for education. It’s not the top state for workforce. It’s not the top state for quality of life. It’s not bad, but it’s not anywhere near the top. It’s a study of the top states for business. It’s not a study of the top states for workers. But there are areas in there that you can look to, like quality of life or whatever else.” The November midterm elections are approaching. And Ohio Democrats said that if Republicans want to use the CNBC ranking to say the economy is good for average Ohioans, they’re ignoring reality. U.S. Sen. “Jon Husted and Ohio Republicans are bragging about the economy while hardworking Ohioans are struggling more than ever,” Ohio Democratic Party spokesman Tony Wen said in an email. “Under their leadership, inflation is up, gas prices have skyrocketed, and more than 160,000 Ohioans have lost their healthcare — but Husted still thinks everything is great. Ohioans know better, and they’ll hold him accountable in November.” For his part, Husted took to X to tout the CNBC ranking. “This did not happen by accident—it has been decades of focus,” he wrote. “We’ve cut taxes, eliminated three business taxes, and invested in infrastructure and our workforce. We also made Ohio the easiest and lowest cost state to do business.” Asked for a response to Wen’s criticism, Husted Communications Director Amy Natoce didn’t answer — other than to attempt to attack the credibility of the Ohio Capital Journal. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Ohio Capital Journal
	Four states linked to cyclosporiasis outbreak, CDC warns more could be involved The cause remains under investigation.
	68% of Ohio fourth graders are not proficient in reading, according to new study (Photo by kali9/Getty Images)Despite Ohio ranking 12th in education overall, 68% of Ohio fourth graders were not proficient in reading and 68% of Ohio eighth graders were not proficient in math, according to the latest Annie E. Casey Foundation Kids Count Data Book. The study shows the percentage of Ohio students not proficient in reading has increased 4% from 2019 and Ohio students not proficient in math has jumped 6% since 2019. Despite those increases, Ohio fared better than the rest of the country — 70% of American fourth graders were not proficient in reading and 73% of American eighth graders were not proficient in math, according to the report. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Ohio ranked 27th in the nation overall, 12th in the nation for education, 26th for health, 27th for economic well-being, 27th for child well-being, and 33rd for family and community, according to the study released last month. This is the 37th edition of the foundation’s data book. “Our current rankings reveal the urgent need for policies that reduce child poverty, improve educational outcomes, and expand health coverage,” Ohio’s Children’s Defense Fund Director John Stanford said in a statement. “We cannot afford to wait—our children’s futures depend on it.” Ohio school districts were required to teach the science of reading curriculum starting with the 2024-25 school year, one year after the law was enacted through the 2023 state budget. The science of reading is based on decades of research that shows how the human brain learns to read and incorporates phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine often touts the science of reading and lists it among some of the most important work he has done for Ohio’s children. Ohio’s literacy scores were down from last year, with 61.3% of third graders reading at or above grade level in the 2024-25 school year compared to 64.5% from the 2023-24 school year, according to the most recent state report cards that were released in September. DeWine recently signed an academic interventions bill into law which requires school districts or individual schools to provide academic interventions for free to students who scored at a limited skill level in a state assessment test in math or English language arts, or both. Ohio high school students not graduating on time declined — going from 18% in 2018-19 to 12% in 2023-24, according to the report. Nationally, 13% of high school students did not graduate on time. There were 165,000 Ohio children ages 3 and 4 not in school from 2020-24 — going from 55% from 2015-19 to 59% from 2020-24, the study said. The national rate was 54%. The study showed Ohio’s child poverty rate decreased since 2019 — dropping from 18% to 16% in 2024. There were 417,000 Ohio children living in poverty in 2024; 661,000 children whose parents lack secure employment, 632,000 children living in households with a high housing cost burden; and 38,000 teenagers not in school and not working, according to the report. Nationally, 15% of children were living in poverty. Health Nearly 9% of babies in Ohio were born with low birth weight in 2024 — totaling 11,158, according to the study. About 152,000 Ohio children (6%) did not have health insurance — a percentage point better from 2019. About 1.4 million Ohio children are enrolled in Medicaid. The percentage of Ohio children 10-17 who were overweight or obese dropped from 35% in 2018-19 to 31% in 2023-24, the study says. The national rate was 30%. Economic well-being Nearly 14% of Ohio children are receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, the study says. About a third of Ohio children were living in single-parent families — totaling 852,000, according to the study. This is a decrease from 37% in 2019. Ten percent of Ohio children lived in high-poverty areas during 2020-24, a decrease from 12% in 2019. Nationally, 7% of children were living in high-poverty areas. “Every number in this report tells a story about Ohio’s children—stories of resilience, disparities, and potential,” Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio Policy and Research Manager Christian Davis said in a statement. “It’s time for Ohio to prioritize investments in early childhood, education, health, and family stability. Our children’s well-being should be a shared responsibility and a top priority for all policymakers.” Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on X or on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Ohio Capital Journal
	The band playing when a Bangkok bar caught fire mourns its members among the 33 dead Victims of this week's flash fire at a Bangkok music bar that took more than 30 lives included four of the six core members of the band playing when the blaze broke out.
Wednesday, July 15th, 2026
	Tiny Desk Radio: Air, Igor Levit, Fito Páez With the buzz of the final in the air, we celebrate the beautiful game with music from countries that have won the World Cup in recent years. Look for Tiny Desk Radio on your local NPR station.
	Clinton planning commission tables vote on data center ordinance The debate comes as a proposed data center could take up over 1,100 acres west of town.
	Children's Therapy Center of the QC helps 8-year-old Pearl learn to ride a bike Eight-year-old Pearl is not letting her disabilities hold her back. Thanks to one area organization, she and her siblings soon will be able to go on a bike ride together - and Pearl won't need training wheels. Pearl, who has occupational therapy at the Children's Therapy Center of the Quad Cities, experiences numbness in her [...]

Thursday, July 16th, 2026

Wednesday, July 15th, 2026