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

Friday, June 19th, 2026
	New Rock Island bagel shop offers scratch-made bagels Blue Collar Bagels, named in honor of Quad Cities history, has opened up its shop in downtown Rock Island.
	Rob Sand not ready to say whether he agrees with paying private companies for Iowa’s IT services Iowa State Auditor Rob Sand, a Democratic nominee for governor, said that he isn't ready to say whether he agrees with plans to switch information technology operations of state governement to two private companies.
	Tattoo festival, vinyl show and more among weekend activities in the Quad Cities Find out where you can find some fun times this Father's Day weekend!
	More buildings evacuated in Muscatine All buildings on the north side of the 200 block of second street in Muscatine are now being evacuated
	4 displaced after house fire in Davenport Officials said the fire spread into the residence, causing damage to the kitchen area.
	New Rock Island bagel shop offers bagels made from scratch Blue Collar Bagels, named after Quad Cities history, has opened up its shop in downtown Rock Island.
	'Everything Fun You Could Possibly Do in Aledo, Illinois' movie expands to comedy podcast The film debuted at last year's Rhubarb Festival. Now, the story is expanding into a four-part scripted podcast series, featuring the original characters.
	Bird's-eye views from across the Quad Cities region during the week of June 19, 2026 Sit back, relax and enjoy these scenes captured by the News 8 drone from across the Quad Cities region this week.
	Showers and storms looking more and more likely for Father's Day After a few passing showers Friday evening, things look good Saturday in the Quad Cities. We'll see sunshine and highs in the lower 80s. Sunday...doesn't look quite so good. Father's Day looks rainy with highs barely making it into the 70s. Showers and t'storms start up Sunday morning and linger throughout the day.
	New Perspective Silvis assisted living center celebrating 20th anniversary The event will have live music, a classic car show, food trucks and more.
	Clinton County officials warning of issues regarding door-to-door asphalt and paving solicitors Law enforcement in Iowa and the Midwest has received complaints alleging that transient contractors have used high-pressure sales tactics on unwary customers.
	Widespread rain Father’s Day Cooler than normal conditions expected mid-week before active pattern returns
	Eldridge police arrested suspect in child exploitation case The Eldridge Police Department, working in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Child Exploitation Task Force based in Kansas City, Missouri, have announced the arrest of a 46-year-old Missouri man after an undercover investigation into online child exploitation, according to a news release. The arrest was on Thursday, June 18, after an investigator [...]
	Clinton Hy-Vee employee honored on company truck Hy-Vee honored a Clinton employee by putting her photo on one of the company’s semitrailers. According to a release from Hy-Vee: Jody Turner, greeter at the Clinton Hy-Vee, is a 2025 recipient of the Hy-Vee Legendary Customer Service Award, which recognizes exemplary achievement in providing service that exceeds customers’ expectations. Turner first started at the [...]
	James Burrows, director of classic shows 'Cheers' and 'Friends,' dies at 85 Burrows spent his career behind the camera specializing in situation comedies. Few viewers recognized him or knew his name, other than to see it flash quickly on the screen in the opening credits. But they knew his work.
	Local government roundup: New Davenport chief sworn in, settlements with parkgoers, church to be demolished From business grants to public safety programs, local governments took action on several major issues this week.
	Air Force One, gifted to Trump from Qatar, arrives at Joint Base Andrews The luxury Boeing 747, initially valued at $400 million, arrived ahead of schedule on Friday. The jet caused controversy as one of the biggest foreign gifts ever received by the U.S. government.
	Eldridge police and FBI arrest Missouri man in undercover child exploitation sting Eldridge police and the FBI arrested Christopher Cassidy, 46, after an undercover sting. He now faces multiple federal child exploitation charges.
	Juneteenth events taking place this weekend across the Quad Cities The Quad Cities has several Juneteenth events this weekend. The annual holiday is the oldest-known celebration commemorating the end of slavery.
	Trump and Italy's Giorgia Meloni used to be buds. But a rift is widening "Italy and I do not beg," Meloni said in a video rebuke posted on social media Friday. Italy's top diplomat, meanwhile, said he was cancelling a visit to the U.S because of the alleged remarks.
	Italy's Meloni, once Trump's closest ally in Europe, says he made up a story about her "Italy and I do not beg," Meloni said in a video rebuke posted on social media Friday. Italy's top diplomat, meanwhile, said he was cancelling a visit to the U.S because of the alleged remarks.
	Railway confirms 18 train cars blown off tracks near Monmouth during severe storm BNSF confirmed that 18 train cars derailed near Monmouth after severe storms.
	Muscatine plans to resume building demolition next week The city paused the project on Tuesday and will resume pending a review by a second structural engineer. It is also evacuating additional nearby buildings.
	Henry County approves 12-month moratoriums on carbon sequestration, data centers Under the carbon sequestration moratorium, Lapis Carbon Solutions can proceed with engineering work on its project, but cannot store carbon at the site.
	Death Notice: Joni King A celebration of life for Joni K. King, 71, of Eldridge, will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, June 26, at Faith Lutheran Church, Eldridge. Visitation will be Thursday, June 24, from 4-7 p.m. at the church. Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge, is assisting the family with arrangements. Mrs. King died Tuesday, June 16, 2026, at Fieldstone of DeWitt. Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church or to Stead Family Children's Hospital in Iowa City. Online condolences may be made at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com. A full obituary will appear in the June 24 edition of The NSP.
	4 displaced after overnight house fire in Davenport Officials said the fire spread into the residence, causing damage to the kitchen area.
	4 Your Money \| Small Cap Slumber Most investors focus on the S&P 500, but a significant portion of the market remains largely overlooked. Nate Kreinbrink, Financial Planner at NelsonCorp Wealth Management, explains why the performance gap continues for small cap stocks.
	Davenport Schools supports hundreds of students facing homelessness Nearly 500 Davenport students started the school year without permanent housing. A district liaison and her team work to connect families with help.
	Warning issued about potential Clinton County solicitor scams The public is being advised about potential door-to-door asphalt and paving scams. According to a release from the Clinton County Sheriffs Office, residents are advised to exercise caution when approached by door-to-door solicitors offering asphalt paving, driveway repair, seal coating or similar services: Throughout Iowa and the Midwest, law enforcement agencies and consumer protection officials [...]
	Yanks and Shanks Disc Golf shop in Rock Island to close Yanks and Shanks said it will finish out the tournaments it has scheduled and discs will still be on-site at tournaments to use "funny money."
	14-year-old Rock Island student makes waves as first Channel Cat artist Eva Kendall, a 14-year-old Rock Island High School student was the first featured musician on the Channel Cat Water Taxi Thursday, June 18, in a new summer music series.
	Four displaced after overnight house fire on West 8th Street in Davenport Fire crews were called to a house fire in the 1400 block of West 8th Street in Davenport. Details are limited and the fire department has not released more.
	Eldridge police officer awarded for live saving efforts Eldridge police officer Erik Johnson has been awarded a Livesaving Award, in recognition of exceptional service and heroic response. Johnson received the award in relation to an emergency medical call he responded to on Jan. 15. During the call, the individual, identified only as Angel, was reportedly unresponsive and not breathing. Upon arrival, Johnson assessed the situation and was able to stabilize Angel until emergency medical personnel arrived, helping to save the individual’s life. “Officer Johnson’s professionalism, dedication to duty, and commitment to preserving life exemplify the highest standards of law enforcement,” said Eldridge Police Chief Andrew Lellig. “His actions reflect great credit upon himself and the Eldridge Police Department.” Lellig added Johnson’s “calm demeanor, quick thinking and decisive response” resulted in a positive outcome for the situation.
	Eldridge Police assist FBI with child exploitation arrest The Eldridge Police Department, working in partnership with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Child Exploitation Task Force based in Kansas City, Mo., assisted with the arrest of a 46-year-old Missouri resident. This followed an undercover investigation into online child exploitation. Christopher Cassidy of Oak Grove, Mo., was charged in federal court with two counts of attempted receipt of child sexual abuse material (CSAM), one count of attempted production of child sexual abuse material, and one count of attempted transfer of obscene material to a minor. The arrest occurred on Thursday, June 18th, after an investigator with the Eldridge Police Department’s Special Investigations/Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit conducted a controlled online operation involving the suspect. During the investigation, the suspect allegedly used the internet to attempt to engage in illegal contact with an individual they believed to be a minor. “This arrest underscores our commitment to protecting children from online predators,” said Chief Andrew Lellig. “We will continue to use every available resource to identify, investigate, and prosecute those who seek to harm our most vulnerable.” The Eldridge Police Department extends its sincere appreciation to the FBI Child Exploitation Task Force Squad 1, Kansas City, Missouri for their assistance and collaboration in this investigation. The department also reminds parents and guardians of the importance of discussing online safety with children and actively monitoring their internet use. Anyone with information regarding suspected child exploitation is encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agency or submit a tip through: Quad Cities Crime Stoppers at www.qccrimestoppers.com or by using The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline at www.cybertipline.org.
	Davenport declares June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day The City of Davenport declared June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day. According to a Facebook post, Mayor Gordon and the city council issued a proclamation June 17 to recognize June 19 as Juneteenth National Independence Day. Tracy Singleton and Ryan Saddler accepted the proclamation. For more information, click here.
	Part of Dammann Drive in Eldridge to close for speed-hump construction Eldridge will close Dammann Drive just north of West Donahue Court starting June 23 for speed hump work. Detours posted; reopen June 29.
	Traffic alert: Lane changes on Dubuque bridge Construction will close the eastbound lane on the US 20 Julien Dubuque Bridge most days, but it will reopen weekdays from 3–6 p.m.
	3 Things to Know \| Quad Cities morning headlines for June 19, 2026 Expect closures heading into this Friday in recognition of Juneteenth. Closures include the Government Bridge for a scheduled cleaning.
	Rock Island County releases identity of man killed in June 18 crash Law enforcement is continuing its investigation of the single-vehicle crash outside Milan, per the county coroner.
	Iowa-licensed nurse accused of theft, being under the influence at work (Photo courtesy of the Iowa Board of Nursing)An Iowa-licensed nurse has been charged with stealing medications or supplies and being under the influence of drugs or alcohol while at work. The Iowa Board of Nursing has charged Kenneth Junior Stevenson of Moline, Ill., with misappropriating or attempting to misappropriate medications or property of a patient or a agency; practicing nursing while under the influence of alcohol or drugs; and obtaining or attempting to obtain controlled substances without lawful authority. The board has not disclosed any information as to the alleged conduct that gave rise to charges or indicated when or where they’re alleged to have taken place. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for Oct. 14, 2026. Board records indicate Stevenson has been an Iowa-licensed registered nurse since March 2009. The Iowa Capital Dispatch was not able to reach Stevenson for comment. Other Iowa-licensed nurses recently sanctioned by the board include: — Lynette Tokach of Cedar Rapids, who is charged by the board with engaging in unethical conduct or practices that are harmful to the public; failing to notify the board of a criminal conviction within 30 days; and failing to comply with an order of the board. A hearing on the matter is scheduled for July 31, 2026. The Iowa Capital Dispatch was not able to reach Tokach for comment. — Haley Dugdale of Sioux City, who is charged with violating an initial agreement or contract with the Iowa Professional Health Program, which assists healthcare professionals with alcohol or drug issues. The board approved the charges in April 2026, but did not make them public until June 17, 2026, which was two days after the scheduled hearing date in the case. Dugdale said Wednesday the hearing is now scheduled for July 30, 2026. She said her agreement to participate in the Iowa Professional Health Program stems from a December 2024 incident in which her “former employer decided to turn me in for taking medications when I was off the job.” In 2019, the board charged Dugdale with fraudulently using blank prescription forms “on more than one occasion” to obtain medications under false pretenses. According to court records, she later pleaded guilty to a felony criminal charge of obtaining a prescription drug by fraud, and received a deferred judgment which has resulted in most of the case file being expunged from Iowa court records. As part of that case, a related misdemeanor charge of theft was dismissed by the court. In that case, police had alleged that on Sept. 7, 2018, while working as a registered nurse at Sioux City’s Wagner Ear, Nose & Throat clinic, Dugdale forged a prescription for hydrocodone, then left the doctor’s office and went to a Hy-Vee Pharmacy to obtain the narcotics. Dugdale’s license was indefinitely suspended in 2019, and reinstated two years later. In 2025, she was charged by the board with being involved in the unauthorized possession or use of a controlled substance, excessive use of drugs and/or alcohol which might impair her ability to practice, and engaging in behavior that is contradictory to professional. The board scheduled a hearing in that matter for June 15, 2026 – the same day as the canceled hearing on the more recent charge of violating an initial agreement or contract with the Iowa Professional Health Program. Dugdale said Wednesday she is “devastated by the charges and I would never, ever put the public in any danger. I love my job.” — Wendell Dishman of Council Bluffs, who was denied the reinstatement of his nursing license. According to the board, Dishman was issued an Iowa registered nurse license in September 1986. In 2016, while working in Nebraska, he “administered an excess dosage of morphine” to a nursing home patient, the board alleges. State records show that in 2018, Dishman surrendered his license, and in February 2026, he applied for reinstatement of his license. The board recently denied that application, stating Dishman had not demonstrated that the reasons for his license surrender no longer exist. The Iowa Capital Dispatch was not able to reach Dishman for comment. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	How and why algae clouded Trump's vision for an 'American flag blue' Reflecting Pool The shallow, sunny waters of the reflecting pool are an ideal incubator for algae growth in the summertime. Experts say the recent renovation may have helped accelerate it.
	Algae clouded Trump's vision for the Reflecting Pool. But scientists aren't surprised The shallow, sunny waters of the reflecting pool are an ideal incubator for algae growth in the summertime. Experts say the recent renovation may have helped accelerate it.
	Iowa company to shine bright at LA Olympics Oskaloosa-based Musco Lighting will provide broadcast and presentation lighting for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles and Team USA.
	FDA panel recommends mRNA flu vaccine for older adults Currently, the FDA has no permanent vaccine chief nor a commissioner, so it’s not clear who will make the final decision on Moderna’s flu shot.
	Coroner identifies 79-year-old killed in Milan crash on Knoxville Road A driver died after hitting a tree on Knoxville Road in Milan, the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office said.
	‘Clothes on fire’ put out in minutes by Muscatine firefighters A “clothes on fire” 911 call led crews to a Muscatine home on Gas Lantern Square. Fire was controlled in seven minutes; no injuries.
	State officials settle on Laurel for forensic psychiatric facility An artist's rendition of what a state psychiatric facility would look like. That facility is being proposed in Laurel, Montana. These building renderings were presented to state legislators on March 9, 2026 (via Montana Legislature, Children, Families and Public Health Committee). Despite pushback from neighbors, state officials made a final decision to build the 32-bed hospital on the edge of Laurel’s city limits. The 114-acre parcel has been the subject of a nearly yearlong tussle between residents and state officials, and Gov. Greg Gianforte promised in December 2025 that a facility would not go where it’s unwanted. Defendants will be evaluated for whether they’re fit to stand trial at the facility. Nearby residents argued it will be at least as dangerous as a jail, and too close to an elementary school and residential housing. “Commenters have presented no data demonstrating that siting a forensic mental health facility within any given proximity to a school causes adverse impacts or effects to the human environment,” a state report released last week said. “A prison, by contrast, is part of the correctional system and exists to securely confine people who have been criminally convicted and sentenced.” Officials from the Montana Board of Investments and the Department of Public Health and Human Services, which will run the facility, detailed their rationale in the 289-page report. The battle to keep the state from building the psychiatric facility right outside Laurel has led to the ouster of the mayor who resigned after residents launched a signature-gathering recall effort. They alleged Dave Waggoner worked behind the scenes to draw the facility to Laurel. Residents have vowed to fight the decision in court and tried recruiting the Custer County Board of Commissioners to join a future lawsuit. The Custer County Commissioners turned down the offer, citing concerns of costs — Miles City in Custer County was one of two communities (along with Hardin) that submitted proposals for the facility. State officials said they chose Laurel because of its proximity to the interstate, and Yellowstone County — the state’s largest by population — has more need for forensic mental health evaluations. State law tilts toward the state, not the county The Laurel City Council has struggled to find ways to block plans since the parcel is technically on county land, bordering city limits. Yellowstone County Commissioner Chairman Mark Morse has also been a critic of the state’s plans, saying it hasn’t answered safety questions, and asking why officials didn’t select other sites that wanted the facility. Since the state bought the land, it renewed its request for a zoning change. The parcel, which has been used in agricultural production, had also been targeted by Laurel city leaders for housing. The proposed zoning request will change the designation to “government use” — allowed nearly anywhere. While the county may hold a zoning change hearing, attorneys from the state and county said there’s nothing to stop the change. Laurel residents also raised objections to the stress the facility could place on water and sewer systems. Officials countered the facility would place significantly less stress than the dozens of houses the city said should go there instead. The facility is slated for 32 beds but could expand to 64. State law and a business agreement may render the zoning issue moot. Last year, Laurel voted to annex land around an Interstate 90 exit for a Love’s truck stop. In order to get the truck stop connected to city services, Love’s agreed to run the municipal service at a cost of more than $2.5 million on the condition that any development done on county land between the business and city connect to Laurel services and pay a prorated portion of the costs back to Love’s. The psychiatric facility land is covered by the Love’s Truck Stop agreement. A change during the 2025 Legislature could also factor in. Montana House Majority Leader Steve Fitzpatrick, R-Great Falls, successfully pushed through House Bill 629, which said if property comes within 1,000 feet of any municipal services the development must connect to municipal services, regardless of whether the land is within city limits. The state’s case State officials have focused on Yellowstone County for a number of reasons. In addition to being the state’s largest county, it has been the most affected by the state’s backlog. The need In its executive summary of its report, state officials made their case for building a forensic psychiatric facility: The forensic waitlist at the facility in Galen reached 128 individuals in 2025 — a patient population held in county jails while awaiting treatment, often without adequate psychiatric care. As of June 5, there are 87 patients on the waitlist. Since 2022, the Galen facility has maintained a waitlist consistently exceeding 70 patients, creating a systemic bottleneck affecting county courts, jails, local mental health systems and defendants’ constitutional rights. The only state forensic facility is in Galen, Montana. Transporting prisoners to and from Galen from Yellowstone County is more than 250 miles and takes nearly eight hours roundtrip. Two-thirds of the patients admitted to Galen from east of the Continental Divide come from Yellowstone County. Put another way: The average number of people waiting for psychiatric services in Yellowstone County is more than all other eastern counties combined. State officials have said that building a facility elsewhere would recreate the transportation problem. “The forensic waitlist has directly contributed to the dismissal of criminal charges on due process grounds” — at least 24 known cases in 2024 and 2025, according to the report. “Each dismissal represents a safety risk if the underlying criminal conduct is attributable to untreated mental illness …The proposed facility enables the criminal justice process to move forward appropriately, protecting both defendants’ rights and community safety.” On Tuesday at a news conference in Billings, Gianforte was asked by media outlets at least twice whether he was concerned by Laurel residents’ opposition. He responded, “No.” Courtesy of Daily Montanan
	Leave the firewood, clean boots and other tips to reduce spread of invasive species Iowans can help prevent the spread of invasive species like garlic mustard, pictured here. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)Summertime recreation in Iowa’s outdoor landscape can be a catalyst for spreading invasive species, according to the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. The department said certain precautions, like scrubbing down hiking boots, keeping firewood in the county where it was purchased and being able to identify plant species can help to stop the spread of invasive forest species. “Much of the spread of invasive species comes from people simply enjoying nature,” DNR said in a news release. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Invasive species are plants and animals that are not native to a region and cause environmental or economic harm. Sometimes these species can be directly harmful, like the emerald ash borer whose larvae will feed on the inner bark of ash trees and eventually cause the tree to die. Other invasive species, like garlic mustard or bush honeysuckle, will outcompete native plants and thus disrupt forest ecosystems. Invasive species are usually spread unintentionally by humans moving from one area to another, which is why DNR encourages Iowans to be proactive in protecting forest ecosystems. Learn about invasive species The nonprofit organization Trees Forever will host a field day Saturday to teach Iowans more about invasive species identification and management. The field day begins at 1 p.m. at Resilient Farms near Red Oak, and will also demonstrate agroforestry practices like riparian buffers, alley cropping and windbreaks. Those interested can register for the workshop on the Trees Forever website. Many invasive species, like the emerald ash borer, sirex woodwasp, Asian long-horned beetle and a fungus causing oak wilt, can live on firewood. DNR encourages Iowans to purchase firewood near campsites and to burn all of their firewood at a campsite to avoid transporting it to a new location. According to a report from DNR, the continued spread of these pests will lead to habitat loss as the trees die and billions of dollars in lost tree-derived community benefits, like energy savings, property value and storm water retention. Seeds from invasive plants can also be transported on hiking boots and shoes. DNR said Iowans can wipe down their boots before leaving an area to reduce this risk. The spongy moth is another common invasive species hitchhiker. Spongy moth caterpillars eat the leaves of hardwood trees and can defoliate the trees during their growth season. Several years of intense feeding depletes nutrients in the tree and causes its health to decline. DNR estimates this critter causes an annual loss of $22 million for forest landowners and wood products businesses. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health has tracked the spread of spongy month through the country, and designates certain counties as spongy moth quarantine areas. APHIS requires all outdoor items, such as furniture, lawn equipment and toys, to be inspected for spongy moth egg masses before moving from a spongy moth quarantine zone. While Iowa does not currently have any federally designated spongy moth quarantine zones, the moth has been recorded in eastern and urban areas of the state. DNR recommends inspecting outdoor equipment for the egg masses before traveling. Watch: how to detect and dispose of egg masses from spongy moth and spotted lanternfly Know what you grow DNR said Iowans can also help to stop the spread of forest invasive species by verifying the plants they are putting in their yards or gardens are noninvasive. DNR maintains a list of forest invasive species, some of which, like queen Anne’s lace, Japanese barberry or a winged burning bush, might otherwise seem like attractive additions to a landscape. The guide links to a USDA profile for each species with photos and information to help Iowans identify their backyard flora. Additionally, Iowans can contact their district foresters, for more information and assistance with forest conservation practices. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	This Pride month, teen flicks are recasting familiar tropes with a queer sensibility Teen movies like She's the He, Girls Like Girls and Leviticus are all turning tropes on their heads by centering queer characters.
	Pesticides ‘shatter’ leaves of Iowa’s state tree Oak tatters from herbicide contamination in 2026 at Prairie Oaks Reservation in LeClaire, Iowa. (Photo courtesy of Tony Singh)In 1996, Tony Singh began rewilding a plot of land in LeClaire, hoping to restore its oak savanna, native prairie, woodlands and wetlands. Less than five years later, he noticed the leaves on his oak trees were in tatters. “When the leaf is coming out, if it is natural, it’s a beautiful thing,” Singh said. “But then they start spraying this pre-emergent herbicide, and the leaves get completely shattered.” Over the last 20 years, Singh has been documenting the phenomenon and trying to raise awareness about it. But his 50-acre reserve is surrounded by an industrial agriculture system that is economically entwined with the land he seeks to restore. “Acetochlor has been correlated strongly with oak tatters, where the tissue just is missing from the oak leaf, and you just see the veins, or with dicamba, you’ll see cupping and curling,” said Iowa Department of Natural Resources Forest Health Program Leader Tivon Feeley. Tony Singh shows off pre-emergent herbicide damage to an oak tree in 2026 on his reservation in LeClaire, Iowa. (Photo courtesy of Tony Singh) Acetochlor and dicamba are two widely used herbicides. Acetochlor is typically applied to target early grasses and weeds on row crop plots. Dicamba is used to target broadleaf weeds. Singh has noticed both effects in the oaks on his plot of land. Oaks are Iowa’s state tree, but there are 12 different species of oak native to Iowa’s forests. These oaks fall into the broader white oak and red oak families, but according to Feeley, “all oak species are sensitive to any herbicide injury.” Most oaks are especially vulnerable to herbicides during the spraying season, as it correlates with their emergence in spring. Breaking out of dormancy and pushing out their first set of leaves requires some of the most energy in a tree’s lifecycle. Feeley said a single year of exposure to herbicides is unlikely to cause long-term damage. “The greater concern is if we see repeated injury year after year,” he said. Singh said affected trees respond by pushing out a second set of leaves to account for the herbicide damage, but they’re not designed to repeatedly push out a second flush each year they try to regrow in the spring. Instead, they weaken and die. The ones that die are often many of his reserve’s old-growth trees. Singh has lost over 50 bur oaks, many of them more than 200 years old. The oak savannas Singh works to restore were once common through north America. The lands contained expanses of prairie grasses and native flowers with open-grown oak trees dotted the horizon. These underbelly and open canopy areas were maintained by low-intensity wildfires every one to 10 years. In the Midwest, only 30,000 acres of these lands remain today — between 0.02-0.06% of their original land coverage. Singh said the weather plays a role. “It doesn’t have to be adjacent to you. (Herbicide) volatilizes, so if it’s a warmer day, you spray it, it warms up, it evaporates, and it can even be in rainwater,” Singh said. “It could be sprayed a mile, mile and a half away.” Dicamba is especially prone to volatilization, a process where the chemical dries and is converted into a gas. The gas is then swept up by the atmosphere and can drift for miles, impacting vegetation across the state. As both Feeley and Singh noted, volatilization also makes herbicide drift cases difficult to enforce. Repeated complaints leave issues unresolved Singh has filed repeated complaints through the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship. The investigation process involves IDALS agents taking plant samples for analysis. In his experience, responses can take up to three or four months. The result is often the same, he said — the samples contain a different mix of chemicals depending on the year, but often they include acetochlor, and in recent years, more of them show traces of dicamba. In 2025, IDALS conducted 257 misuse investigations, only 25 of which were non-agriculture related complaints. According to the department’s website, investigation reports typically take more than five months to complete. The department cannot require an offender to pay for any losses due to pesticide misuse. When clear documentation of a violation is not available, the department can dismiss the case with no regulatory action. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship declined a request for comment. “I’ll get a response next year, and it is usually nothing, it’s just, you know, a warning letter or notification to the farmer, but nothing, there is nothing punitive there,” Singh said. “Forget punitive, there is nothing there to, you know, tell him the harm he has done.” Rather, Singh treats this process as a paper trail of “chemical trespass.” Singh has tried to address this problem in several ways. He rents and buys adjacent land from the neighboring farm to create a buffer zone between his reservation and the farmland. He also manages his reserve without the use of herbicides, removing invasive weeds “surgically.” Oak tatters from acetochlor contamination in 2026 at Prairie Oaks Reservation in LeClaire, Iowa. (Photo courtesy of Tony Singh) He’s also set up cameras around his property to record when neighboring fields are sprayed. He captures wind speed and temperature at the time of spraying to help bolster his annual tradition of an IDALS inspection, but still he’s had “no relief.” He hasn’t had much luck engaging elected officials either, going so far as to describe Iowa as a “captured entity.” “Nobody wants to come here. Nobody wants to see it, even though this is a beautiful place,” Singh said. “The politicians have absolutely no empathy towards this, because they are beholden to the Farm Bureau, and that’s how they get their money.” Feeley doesn’t fear extinction for Iowa’s state tree in general, but he has “some concern” for white oaks. He attributes the decline of white oaks partially to climate factors, including drought, but more prevalently to “lack of land management.” Feeley said oak trees need ample sunlight. Since trees are long-lived organisms, at some point they may need to be removed to open up canopy space for direct light. This type of land management is “really lacking in Iowa,” he said.</span> Despite the many frustrations, Singh said he continues his rewilding project simply because it’s a part of his identity. “Most of us are driven by an innate sense of what we think is right. And it’s in my nature to plant trees. I get innate joy out of trees,” Singh said. “When the leaves are coming out after the dormancy, it is the most wonderful feeling I get.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	The solution to urban heat is much, much simpler than you think The solution to urban heat is much, much simpler than you thinkJohnny Appleseed was ahead of his time. Not because he fed so many people by planting apple trees (really, he got them drunk instead, as his real goal was encouraging the production of cider), but because he created so much shade to enjoy on hot days. More than two centuries later, American cities are wishing they had better followed Appleseed’s lead, as rising temperatures and a lack of tree cover combine to make urban life increasingly stifling.Two new studies show how simply planting more trees can provide huge temperature benefits, not to mention how the additional plant life would boost biodiversity and improve mental health for urbanites, Grist reports. The first finds that tree cover can cancel half of the heat island effect, in which the urban jungle gets much hotter than the surrounding countryside. The second compares neighborhoods in 65 American cities, finding that canopy-deprived areas suffer up to 40% more excess heat than heavily greened spots.Places like New York and Atlanta and Los Angeles, then, don’t just have to foster and maintain their “gray” infrastructure — roads and sidewalks and such — but their living infrastructure as well. “Heat is already a major public health threat. It kills 350,000 people a year by some estimates, and it’s worse in cities,” said Robert McDonald, the Nature Conservancy’s lead scientist for nature-based solutions and the Europe region, who spearheaded the first paper. “The urban heat island effect would be about double what it is now if world cities didn’t have trees.”By increasing their canopies, metropolises dress themselves like their more comfortable rural counterparts. A vegetated area cools itself both because plants “sweat” by releasing moisture from their leaves, and because trees provide shade. By contrast, concrete absorbs the sun’s energy, driving temperatures up, and releases it throughout the night. That beats back the cooling typically experienced in the evening, meaning urbanites without air conditioning don’t get respite. This is especially dangerous for vulnerable groups like the elderly, and it’s one reason heat kills more Americans every year than all other extreme weather events combined.Such conditions are especially dangerous for those living in lower-income neighborhoods, which tend to have significantly less tree canopy than richer areas. In industrialized areas, for example, vast stretches of concrete absorb and radiate heat. In urban centers, policymakers may have prioritized building dense housing without incorporating ample tree cover. Compare that to the suburbs, which have plenty of parks, curbside trees, and yards to cool things down.The differences in greenery between neighborhoods translate into striking differences in temperatures. The second study calculated this “cooling dividend,” or the difference in the average urban heat island in areas with low and high canopy cover. It found gaps reaching almost 4 degrees Fahrenheit. If you’re lucky enough to live where there are lots of trees, you might experience 20% to 40% less excess heat. The report found that this is playing out regularly across the U.S. “I think what maybe was surprising is that there was a dramatic amount of consistency,” said Steve Whitesell, executive editor at the Healthy Green Spaces Coalition, which authored the report. “In other words, they were all showing an impact.”The trick is not just planting enough trees, but planting the right kind. The biggest species provide the most shade, of course. But more cryptically, some provide more evaporative cooling than others — drought-adapted trees, for instance, try to retain as much water as they can. A neighborhood might also want to prioritize food production, opting for trees that create both shade and fruit. Favoring native varieties will also help support native animal life, like birds and pollinating insects.Climate change, though, is complicating these calculations. Even in rural areas, without the added temperatures of the urban heat island effect, some places are getting so hot that native plants are moving north in search of cooler climes. Within cities, they are blasted with still more heat — and temperatures will only climb from here. So urban arborists aren’t just planting species that will thrive today, but will survive the climate of tomorrow. “I think that for us to use trees as a type of living infrastructure, that can counter those increased temperatures, is paramount,” said Edith de Guzman, a cooperative extension researcher at the University of California, Los Angeles, who studies urban heat but wasn’t involved in either study. “I think it’s pretty much the most important thing we can do.”But trees alone can’t save urbanites. McDonald’s study found that even if cities planted as many as possible, it would only offset 20% of the potential running up of temperatures due to climate change. Designers will have to deploy other techniques, like reflective rooftops, to manage the heat. That’s especially important in poorer nations, whose cities are rapidly growing but have much less tree cover than richer countries, the study found. “It’s just to say that climate change is a big enough challenge that while planting more tree cover helps with temperatures, it won’t do the job by itself,” McDonald said.Urban areas have been here before, McDonald added. As the Industrial Revolution kicked in, people in overpopulated metropolises would have to travel to the countryside to glimpse greenery. An exception was London, with its many publicly available green spaces, which Paris took as inspiration when it essentially rebuilt itself in the 1800s and made room for massive parks. Today, planners are similarly bringing some of the country back into the city, blurring the lines between rural and urban. “We know how to increase tree cover, if we put our minds to it,” McDonald said. “But it takes effort and time.”This story was produced by Grist and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Here’s why Utah has become one of America’s surprising plastic surgery hot spots Here’s why Utah has become one of America’s surprising plastic surgery hot spotsBillboards flank the freeway, encouraging you to “love thy selfie.”On television and social media, “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” star Jessi Draper openly discusses the work she’s had done: four breast procedures, a labiaplasty, a nostril reduction, and several other facial surgeries, one of which she is not happy with. Heather Gay, one of “The Real Housewives of Salt Lake,” estimates she’s spent $200,000 on cosmetic procedures.Everywhere you look, it seems there are fuller lips, lifted faces and madeover mommies.Yes, Utah has become a hot spot for plastic surgery.But how hot? And why?Surgeons, researchers and the data tell a fascinating story.How much plastic surgery is there in Utah?Maybe you’ve heard the claim that Utah leads the nation in plastic surgeries. But it’s hard to know how many cosmetic procedures are actually performed here. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons compiles data by region, piling Utah into a Western cohort that includes all of the states from California to Colorado. That region does have the highest rate of plastic surgeries nationwide — but it’s hard to know if that’s due to Hollywood or HolladayOverall, surgeons don’t like to share their data.“They all have their own and everybody keeps their data secret because they don’t want other people to know,” Dr. Bhupendra Patel, a Salt Lake City facial surgeon, pictured below, told The Salt Lake Tribune. Francisco Kjolseth // The Salt Lake Tribune Reply So that question had to be answered via proxies. An obvious one is the number of plastic surgeons in any given area; the thinking being that if there’s more plastic surgery somewhere, there are likely to be more plastic surgeons.Perhaps the best count comes from the National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES), which any doctor who takes health insurance is required to sign up for. This database indicates there are 110 plastic surgeons in Utah. On a per-capita basis, that ranks seventh in the U.S. Andy Larsen and Christopher Cherrington // The Salt Lake Tribune Most of those surgeons, 80 of them, are in Salt Lake County. Even on a per-capita basis, there are significantly more plastic surgeons in Salt Lake County than in any other county in the state. Twenty-three of the surgeons are affiliated with the University of Utah. Andy Larsen and Christopher Cherrington // The Salt Lake Tribune One caveat: Most plastic surgeries are performed on women (93%), and on people between 34 and 53 (75%). Utah does have a larger percentage of women between the ages of 25 and 54 — the Census age bracket most similar to the above — than other states. If you account for this demographic tendency, Utah ranks 20th in the nation in plastic surgeons per capita.But Google search data indicates that interest in plastic surgery is growing in the state. Less than a decade ago, Utah ranked No. 26 in terms of the number of searches per capita for “plastic surgery.” In 2025, though? It ranked No. 3. Andy Larsen and Christopher Cherrington // The Salt Lake Tribune Utah’s cultural influencesIn 2023, Brigham Young University professor and researcher Sarah Coyne and colleague Lauren Barnes looked at the crossover between body image, cosmetic surgery, and religiosity in a sample of 1,333 Latter-day Saints, aged 18 to 70, from across the nation. According to their findings: “If you are saying that your religion is really important to you, you tend to have less cosmetic surgery,” Coyne said. “That’s odd, living in Utah, where we have a very high religious population, but then we have this certain stereotype of everyone having cosmetic surgery here.”Nearly 14% of Latter-day Saints surveyed had major cosmetic surgery, and 20% had cosmetic enhancements. The study also found that people who believed in “costly grace” tended to have more cosmetic enhancements.“Costly grace means this is a belief that I have to earn God’s love and grace,” Coyne said. “Now, the way that I earn that could be anything. It’s usually like I’ve got to be perfect. … Sometimes appearances are tied into that.”Other factors contribute to Utah’s plastic surgery numbers, too.“Perfectionism tends to be high in certain parts of our culture. [It] just kind of teaches you what you need to look like and need to be,” Coyne said. “The main reason that goes into this is that we have extremely unrealistic standards of beauty for women. Patriarchy, all of the different things, that’s why.”Last year, the Utah Women & Leadership Project at Utah State University published a research brief on cosmetic surgery and body image among Utah women, which said the state’s “puzzling reputation for vanity and cosmetic surgery” is “fueled by a perfect storm of religious and cultural influences.”The snapshot quotes research that has “found that homogenous societies, such as Utah, can have a contagion effect that pressures individuals into cosmetic surgery.”Susan Madsen, the director of UWLP, said two of those homogenous characteristics in Utah are race — 89% of the state identifies as white — and religion.“When we are around people that are like us, in terms of looks, skin, culture, religion, this competition for some reason arises,” Madsen said.Reclaiming her bodyDr. Kevin Rose, a plastic surgeon with 25 years of experience, lists similar reasons as to why Utahns gravitate toward plastic surgery as Coyne and Madsen. He’s also noticed that his patients from Utah like to take care of themselves — particularly moms.“So many women have a lot of children in Utah. There’s a lot of breastfeeding,” Rose said. “They just want to get their pre-baby body back.” Trent Nelson // The Salt Lake Tribune That was the case for Lehi resident Amy Williams, above, a patient of Rose’s who first saw him eight years ago for a breast augmentation — a decision she made to reclaim her body.“I am a mom of six kids and I nursed all of my six babies, and I had absolutely no breast tissue left,” Williams said. “I wanted to restore what was lost.”Williams is also a fitness influencer dedicated to losing weight and building muscle. She said that led her to have a “very flat chest.” “I just felt so masculine, so I really wanted to just restore my femininity the first time around,” she said. Earlier this year, Williams did a reaugmentation with Rose since her implants had loosened from her body recomposition.“As soon as I got it done, I was so happy with the results, I thought to myself, ‘Why didn’t I do this years ago?’” Williams said. “It completely restored my femininity and the way I felt about myself. It gave me confidence.”Williams hears similar stories from the women who attend her weightlifting classes.“It is absolutely a sacrifice to give up our body for pregnancy, nursing,” Williams said. “There’s some things that just can’t be restored without intervention or without help.”In her work, Williams said seeing women go through various surgeries like mommy makeovers, tummy tucks or breast augmentations has a lasting effect.“They turn into a more confident, outgoing, kind person. There’s just this beauty that they have that comes from within when they feel good about themselves,” she said. Trent Nelson // The Salt Lake Tribune What are the trends in plastic surgery?Thanks to those societal factors, the explosion in plastic surgery interest in Utah has occurred differently in Utah compared to other states. Perhaps due to Utah’s focus on families, searches for “Mommy makeovers” are very common in Utah relative to other states.Patel, who has done body work in the past, considers Utah “the capital for mommy makeovers.” Andy Larsen and Christopher Cherrington // The Salt Lake Tribune In searches for “breast augmentation,” Utah ties for the No. 1 spot with Connecticut, with Nevada’s unique economy coming in third.Twenty years ago, Rose said larger implants were more popular. But these days, most people come in and ask for more subtle and natural breast implant options. In fact, the most popular procedure he does is a breast rejuvenation procedure. Utahns aren’t enamored with all kinds of plastic surgery, though. Brazilian butt lifts — more frequently referred to as “BBLs” are rarely searched for in Utah. Instead, it’s Louisiana that comes in No. 1 here, with fellow southern states Georgia and Florida tying for second. Rose has observed this data firsthand.“Utah tends to be maybe a little bit more conservative than other areas of the country in terms of what’s asked for,” he said.For searches about facial surgeries, which are most popular in California, Utah’s ranks vary. For the search term “nose job,” Utah ranks third; for “face lift,” Utah ranks 14th; and for “neck lift,” Utah ranks 28th.Patel was the chief of facial surgery at the University of Utah before he opened his private practice and is well-known for two procedures he designed: the hammock lift — which rejuvenates the top two-thirds of a face — and the Patel deep plane facelift — which utilizes soft tissue in the skin to prevent neck sagging.“Most of my work these days is head and neck reconstructive and cosmetic surgery,” Patel said. “I do a lot of face and brow lifts, blephs, tumors and cancers, and broken bones and all that sort of stuff.”He’s currently working on a book featuring 100 essays from his male and female patients. All the testimonials answer one question: Why did the individual decide to do a facelift?“The reasons can be everything,” Patel said. “Men will say: ‘I started this company. I’m the boss. People keep on telling me, I look tired. When am I going to retire?’”And, for women, “It’ll be a life change, either they get a divorce or a death in the family. … When ladies get in their late 40s, 50s, many women will say, ‘I became invisible,’ Patel said, “This is a phrase that I’ve heard again and again.”Throughout his career, Patel has seen many changes in the industry.Because of social media, he said, people are more aware of the variety of plastic surgery procedures out there, and his facelift practice has “grown enormously.” He’s also seen exponential growth in nonsurgical procedures like Botox since he first started.Cost also plays into it. “We’re a lot cheaper than New York and LA, they charge literally eight, nine, [even] 10 times what we charge,” Patel said.Another change: the audience for surgeries.“[There] used to be a time when cosmetic surgery was sort of for the upper classes, people in the higher financial brackets,” Patel said. “In the last 10 years, I’ve started seeing just ordinary people, who work ordinary jobs, housewives, secretaries.”Utahns do care deeply about the quality of their plastic surgeons, though. In general, Utah tended to rank very highly for various searches looking for reviews of surgeries, and the state ranked No. 1 for the term “best plastic surgeons.”Rose specializes in breast and body contouring. When he moved to Utah in 2004, he remembers people questioning his decision to come to the Beehive State, wondering who would be getting plastic surgery there. Now, the self-described “King of Cleavage” has had patients visit all the way from China.“People come from all over because they just know that a lot of plastic surgery is done here,” Rose said. “They want to go somewhere where people are really experienced.”So, yes, Utah is a hot spot for plastic surgery — and a growing one. Through the state’s confluence of social media and reality TV, quality doctors at a reasonable price, and even a bit of unique religious influence, there’s no doubt: Utahns’ minds are changing on the business of changing bodies.This story was produced by The Salt Lake Tribune and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Elected office or not, a host of possibilities await Kentucky’s Thomas Massie Elected office or not, a host of possibilities await Kentucky’s Thomas MassieEven though he lost his reelection bid to Congress in May, U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie’s supporters signaled they’re ready for his next campaign.Shortly after the Associated Press called the race for Massie’s opponent, President Donald Trump’s candidate Ed Gallrein, Massie took to the stage in a packed ballroom at the Marriott Hotel near the Cincinnati airport in Hebron. He gave a nearly 30-minute concession speech but was largely all smiles as the crowd before him interrupted him multiple times with cheers.“What happens in 2028?” Massie quipped in response to the crowd chanting the presidential election year over and over again. “Oh, you want me to run for Congress again?” Arden Barnes for the Kentucky Lantern The crowd yelled “no” in response and then started chanting “president” over and over again.“You made a compelling argument. You spoke your piece, but I need a medical margarita right now and we’ll talk about it later,” Massie said before leaving the stage.For the next couple of hours or so, Massie was in the crowd talking with supporters. A long line formed to take photos with the congressman and get his autograph. One attendee brought a white rabbit to show him.Dalton Henry, a Massie supporter who previously told the Kentucky Lantern that he traveled from Florida to campaign for the congressman ahead of the primary, said Massie’s congressional run was “definitely a start of a movement” and compared him to former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, a Texas Republican, who gained national attention as a Libertarian.“If he runs, I’m there. If he runs — I don’t care if he runs for dog catcher,” Henry said when asked if he’d support a future Massie campaign. “I don’t even know if you run for dog catcher in this state, but I’ll come in.”A lot of optionsMassie, who has seven months left in Congress before his term ends, has options before him, Kentucky political observers say — whether or not that’s to seek another office or build something outside of politics.Massie cannot make a run as an independent candidate against Gallrein in the fall. Kentucky election law has a “sore loser” prohibition, preventing someone from running in a general election if they were a primary candidate. Another statute prevents someone defeated in a primary from running as a write-in candidate for the same office in the general election.But even if he doesn’t take up the crowd’s offer on a presidential campaign, he could consider a run for Kentucky governor in 2027 — he previously didn’t rule out the possibility earlier this year.Trey Grayson, a former Republican secretary of state in Northern Kentucky, said running for governor would make “some sense as a potential next step” for Massie. The only candidate to formally announce a run so far is Democratic Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman. Rumored Republican candidates are U.S. Rep. James Comer and Secretary of State Michael Adams. Republican state Senate President Robert Stivers also hasn’t ruled out a run. Arden Barnes for the Kentucky Lantern Massie did lose by 10 points, according to unofficial results, but “he was running against the president of the United States for a congressional seat,” Grayson said. Massie’s following as a Liberty Republican could be “a different sort of base of support than” someone like Comer, “so there would be a lane for somebody like him in that race.“All that being said, he did lose. And I don’t think his concession speech did him any favors,” Grayson said.While Massie’s remarks were well-received in-person, some Republicans online bashed Massie’s opening joke, which was that he would have come to the stage sooner to speak, but he had to call his opponent and concede, “and it took a while to find Ed Gallrein in Tel Aviv.”On May 17, Politico reported that the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and other pro-Israel interest groups have spent $9 million against Massie, who often supports isolationist politics and opposes foreign aid. AIPAC congratulated Gallrein in a statement: “Our community was proud to support Gallrein and help ensure Massie’s defeat.”Massie also faced fierce attacks on his personal life leading up to Tuesday, Grayson noted. Massie said he was consulting legal counsel after an interview with former girlfriend, Cynthia West, went viral on X and she accused Massie of offering her hush money to drop a complaint against his ally Indiana Republican U.S. Rep. Victoria Spartz. He has repeatedly denied this. Arden Barnes for the Kentucky Lantern “He wouldn’t be the first person to say, ‘I’m good. I’m done. I can go do something else,’” Grayson said.Blake Gober, who is a former campaign manager for U.S. Rep. Andy Barr’s U.S. Senate campaign, said that Massie’s “elected political career is over.”Massie ally, Kentucky Republican U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, son of the aforementioned Ron, hasn’t ruled out a presidential run himself. If Rand does that, maybe Massie runs for U.S. Senate, Gober said, but he doesn’t “see a path” to being elected.On the governor question, Gober said Massie and Comer have “a cordial, if not friendly, relationship,” and would not see Massie run against him in that race.Massie does “100%” have a nonpolitical future, Gober said.“I think that he is technically a genius. He will, for sure, make sure everybody knows he has two degrees from MIT,” Gober said. Massie could be influential in Republican politics with groups like Young Americans for Liberty or Reason Foundation, a Libertarian think tank, to work on writing legislation.Massie could also back other political candidates he agrees with and help fundraise for them, or “write a book that probably would become a New York Times bestseller,” Gober said.“Also, he can go into the private sector and probably make a whole ton of money, so he has an extremely bright future, and just because his elected political career is over, in my opinion, doesn’t mean that his future is any less bright,” Gober said. “As far as having influence politically, some of that is based upon what he does between now and January, when he’s no longer in Congress.”Stephen Voss, a political science professor at the University of Kentucky, said that Massie’s concession speech “clearly was teasing some kind of future activity.” If Massie doesn’t seek another office, he could appear on news shows as a spokesperson on politics, kind of like Scott Jennings on CNN, or find work at a think tank to reshape policy, Voss said.“Massie’s built a substantial national following,” Voss said. He’s become almost a household name, which not a lot of members of Congress are able to do, and he’s giving voice to a segment of the electorate that doesn’t have a lot of spokespeople.”What does this mean for Liberty Republicans?Throughout Massie’s seven terms in Congress, he became a leader of Liberty Republicans in Kentucky, with several of them being elected to the state legislature and to local positions in Northern Kentucky.Voss said that Massie’s loss might make Liberty Republicans “more cautious” and cause legislators to “pick their battles a little more selectively.”“I’m not sure the Liberty Republicans needed Massie’s loss to convince them that they needed to play ball most of the time. I would look back at when you know some of the Liberty Republicans were more disempowered within the state legislature as a message that already got through,” Voss said before adding that the caucus was “much more cooperative this last legislative session, almost sleepy.”In 2023, some Liberty-aligned Republicans were removed from some committees at the end of the session, and said it was a punishment for bucking leadership. Massie came to their defense at the time and said the move had “an air of pettiness that voters detest.” The lawmakers were later added back to their assignments.Some Liberty allies had wins on Tuesday, like Chet Hand in the Republican primary for Boone County judge-executive, Grayson said. That shows “that there’s still a lot of vibrancy in this Liberty movement inside the Kentucky Republican Party,” but Massie’s loss also “doesn’t help” the Liberty Republicans.Gober said that if Massie doesn’t run for governor, he could see someone from that wing of the party throwing their hat in the ring. That could be someone like state Rep. Savannah Maddox, R-Dry Ridge, who initially declared a 2023 run for governor but ended her campaign in 2022.“I think that that would be a dumb decision personally, but obviously we don’t know what’s going to happen between now and then,” Gober said. Arden Barnes for the Kentucky Lantern This story was produced by Kentucky Lantern and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Tick season is getting worse. Can managing deer help? Health officials and researchers hope that efforts to control deer populations, which serve as "party buses" for mating ticks, can reverse the tide of ticks and the illnesses they cause.
	Niabi Zoo holds Pride Night Amid the celebrations, visitors also got to check out the new litter of Pallas's Cat kittens.
	Pop the Cork wine lounge to open in Moline Pop the Cork is the newest wine lounge in the Quad Cities. They will have a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. on Monday.
	Orion school board says goodbye to retiring superintendent Board members and school principals recognized Joe Blessman at his final school board meeting as superintendent on Wednesday.
	Comfortable temperatures ahead Cooler than normal conditions expected mid-week before active pattern returns
	Mockingbird, Black Hawk College, Moline, announce new theater collaboration Black Hawk College and The Mockingbird have announced a new, ongoing partnership dedicated to producing professional-caliber theater that is accessible, educational and deeply connected to the community, a news release says.. This collaboration brings together Black Hawk College’s commitment to student opportunity and learning with The Mockingbird’s mission to create bold, meaningful storytelling rooted in [...]
	Rhaenyra, Rhaena, Aegon, Aemond — let us help you keep up with 'House of the Dragon' No one can blame you for getting lost in the fight over the Iron Throne. Here's our cheat sheet ahead of House of the Dragon's third season starting Sunday.
	What you need to know about the preliminary U.S.-Iran agreement signed by Trump Here's a look at the preliminary agreement between the U.S. and Iran, and the challenges that remain to find lasting peace.
	Two health departments will offer preventative Lyme disease treatment due to ‘extreme tick season’ The lone star tick can cause alpha-gal syndrome, a meat allergy, in those it has bitten. (Centers For Disease Control and Prevention)Amidst an increase in tick bites and cases of Lyme disease, two West Virginia health departments are offering medication that can prevent the onset of the disease. Doxyclycline, an antibiotic, can prevent Lyme disease when taken within 72 hours of a tick bite. The medication is now available at the Kanawha-Charleston and Fayette County health departments. Dr. Steven Eshenaur, an emergency room physician who is health officer and director of both health departments, said the agencies are offering the medication in response to the need of people who call the health departments, emergency rooms and primary care offices about tick bites. Emergency room visits for tick bites have surged this year, according to data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. In West Virginia, Lyme disease cases have quadrupled from 1,000 per year in 2020 to 4,000 last year, and cases are on track to exceed 4,000 this year, Eshenuar said. “We felt it would be good to offer a prophylaxis, so that someone might prevent an ER visit, prevent an urgent care visit or a (primary care physician) visit to get that prophylactic dose earlier rather than later,” Eshenaur said. “Because timing is everything on it,” he said. “The earlier you get it, you can do a prophylactic dose and may not require the full regimen of doxycycline.” In addition to treating and preventing lyme disease, doxycycline can also treat ehrlichiosis, a disease carried by the black-legged tick and the lone star tick, he said. The antibiotic will not prevent the onset of alpha-gal syndrome, a tickborne meat allergy that’s also on the rise in West Virginia. Alpha-gal is caused by the saliva of the lone star tick, which is characterized by a white spot on adult females. The West Virginia Department of Health started tracking cases of alpha-gal in June 2025. In the last half of 2025, the state had approximately 482 investigations of the illness, and confirmed 185 of them, state epidemiologist Shannon McBee told West Virginia Watch. Suspected cases indicate there was a positive laboratory result for alpha-gal but state investigators were not able to get information about the person’s symptoms to confirm the case, she said. As of late May, the state had initiated 289 alpha-gal investigations for the year, McBee said. Health officials encourage people who are going into the woods to avoid high grass and stay on trails. They should also wear long sleeves and pants, use bug spray and to shower and check their bodies for ticks when they get back. Wearing light clothing can help people spot and remove ticks before they bite. Clothes and camping gear can be treated with permethrin, a chemical insecticide that kills ticks. If people do find a tick attached to them, they should use fine-tip tweezers to immediately remove it by grasping it as close as to the skin as possible and pulling straight up, McBee said. Afterwards, wash the area with warm soapy water and monitor yourself for symptoms for 30 days. An expanding rash or one with a bull’s-eye pattern is cause for concern, as well as fever, chills, fatigue and muscle aches. Pet owners are encouraged to check their cats and dogs for ticks when they come in from outside. Eshenaur said people who remove a tick within 24 hours have a low chance of getting Lyme disease. If a tick stays attached for 72 hours, there’s a high chance someone has contracted the virus, he said. “So that kind of that magic window is to either get that tick off very early or get a prophylactic dose of doxycycline, which is just two tablets, within 72 hours,” Eshenaur said. “That’s the key. If that tick has been on you less than three days, then you could qualify for just a single prophylactic dose.” Lyme disease can be a “significant” illness for some people, Eshenaur said. Early symptoms can be a rash and flu-like symptoms of fever, chill and body aches. “As far as long-term, ticks can cause even more significant issues, to include heart palpitations, nerve pain,” Eshenaur said. “It can affect the nervous system as well, and cause even facial palsy, muscle weakness in the face. That’s with somebody who’s had it for a long time, typically late stage.” Kanawha and Fayette residents are encouraged to call their respective health department clinics and schedule an appointment for the doxycycline, but walk-ins are also welcome. The clinic can ask questions to determine if the person qualifies to take the antibiotic. A $25 fee will cover the consultation and the cost of the medicine. Reach the Kanawha-Charleston Health Department at 304-348-8080, or the Fayette County Health Department at 304-574-1617. Courtesy of West Virginia Watch
	Pilot's Union This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.When you were little, do you remember your parents telling you to look both ways when crossing the street, and then do…
	Opioid settlement money aims to battle addiction in rural Kentucky Jamie Madden found solid footing for her recovery from addiction at The Hub, a community center in Whitesburg, Kentucky, that offers services ranging from peer support to canned food and sterile syringes. (Taylor Sisk for KFF Health News)WHITESBURG, Ky. — Drugs and the consequences of addiction are woven into the fabric of Jamie Madden’s life. Her earliest memory is of standing on the passenger seat of her dad’s car as a toddler, wearing a peach-colored blouse, while he drove from their Kentucky home to Florida to pick up drugs. On a stop for a burger, she met Ronald McDonald. “I grew up with the impression that that’s how you paid your bills,” Madden said. “That’s how your kids got things.” By 16, she was addicted to pain pills. By 30, methamphetamine. She lost custody of two children and gave up two more for adoption at birth. She served time in the county jail and state prison. Pregnant again at 40, Madden resolved to stop using. It was then that she learned of The Hub in Whitesburg, a town of 1,575 residents, her hometown. Over the past two years, the state of Kentucky has sent hundreds of thousands of opioid settlement dollars to the rural eastern region of the state to help minimize the ramifications of drug misuse. The Hub, a program that oversees a network of community centers offering a range of services from recovery peer support to canned food to sterile syringes, is part of that effort. In April, Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced $320,000 would be awarded to the Kentucky River District Health Department’s Hub initiative. There are now Hubs in four rural eastern Kentucky counties — Knott, Lee, Letcher, and Owsley— all of which are among the nation’s most impoverished — addressing substance use disorders, housing, hunger, employment, and other challenges. The program also operates The Hub on Wheels, which provides services throughout the district. In 2025, The Hub received $545,000 from the same source, facilitating expansion from two to five counties. (The fifth Hub will be in Perry County.) The new $320,000 is a two-year grant to develop a program to help women who’ve been incarcerated reintegrate into society. Both grants are from Kentucky’s approximately $1 billion share of the $57.8 billion for state and local governments from the settlement reached with pharmaceutical companies to resolve litigation for their role in fueling the opioid overdose crisis. Madden believes investment in harm reduction services is money well spent. She’s witnessed them work in her own life. She’s found solid footing for recovery at The Hub. But the Trump administration is cutting federal funding for such efforts, disputing their benefits. A July 24 executive order told programs across the country that they could no longer expect federal funding. The order stipulated that discretionary grants issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration should not be spent on “so-called ‘harm reduction’” efforts, claiming they “only facilitate illegal drug use and its attendant harm.” Advocates for these services in this rural region, which cast its ballots for President Donald Trump in all three elections, beg to differ. Meeting folks where they live Whitesburg — home to a lively cultural scene, including Appalshop, a media, arts, and education center — is a town residents are fiercely proud to call home. The Hub is housed in a storefront on Main Street, neighboring City Hall, Hazard Coffee Company, Cut-Away Barber & Beauty Shop, and the fire station. Like the other Hubs, it provides a range of services targeted to the needs of the community. The inaugural Hub, launched in 2022 in Beattyville, the Lee County seat, two hours northwest of Whitesburg, offers breakfast and lunch, a food pantry, a clothing closet, a laundry room, and a computer lab. Also: naloxone, a medication that can quickly reverse an opioid overdose; drug test strips; hepatitis C treatment; sterile syringes; and wound care. The program’s motto is “Meeting you where you are but not leaving you there!” It’s founded on the principles of harm reduction. Harm reduction services are designed to minimize the effects of drug use, keep people safe, and treat them with respect, until they might be ready to enter recovery. The support includes housing, food, healthcare, and overdose prevention tools. The Hubis founded on the principles of harm reduction. Support includes housing, food, healthcare,and overdose prevention tools. (Taylor Sisk for KFF Health News) JoAnn Fraley is Kentucky River’s harm reduction program coordinator and its Hub initiative director. “In order for anybody to sustain recovery, they have to have financial stability, they have to have transportation, and they have to have a home,” she said. “We try to fill those gaps.” While critics suggest that exchanging clean syringes for used ones abets drug use, research published in the Journal of Substance Use and Addiction Treatment indicates that people who participate in syringe services programs are more likely than those who don’t to reduce their injection-drug use or stop using drugs altogether, and that they are more likely to enter and remain in treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, syringe services programs also reduce the spread of HIV and hepatitis C by about half. In 2025, Kentucky River’s Hub model was named one of 19 public health best practices award winners by the National Association of County and City Health Officials. “What jazzes me about it is it’s a community approach to harm reduction,” said Lauren Carr, who advises the Kentucky Association of Counties on how best to utilize opioid settlement funds. “Whether that’s feeding a hungry stomach, or putting clothes on somebody’s back, or giving them clean [syringes], you’re meeting that person’s needs.” “It can be that lifeline,” Carr said. Paying back for good Becky Todd, who leads the Beattyville Hub’s team, is a community health worker and peer support specialist. In April 2024, she was released from jail, having served multiple sentences on drug-related charges. She walked 3 miles from jail to The Hub with nowhere else to go. She’s working toward her bachelor’s degree in social work at Eastern Kentucky University. “I could not have done it without this place,” Todd said. “It’s my saving grace.” Amber McDaniel recalls the first time she entered the Hub, after more than a decade of addiction, having lost her home, her kids, and her family’s support. “I didn’t know where to turn, didn’t know what to do,” she said. “I mean, I was about to lose my mind.” She’s now a Hub staff member through AmeriCorps. Hannah Stamper was placed in foster care and began using meth at 14. She was drawn to dealing drugs because “I loved for people to need me.” She’s now on staff as a member of Recovery Corps, a program that trains AmeriCorps members to work in the recovery field. “People today need me in a good way, and I love that.” Fraley has witnessed a transition in Lee County. A half-dozen years ago, conversations in public meetings about addiction and homelessness were strained “because nobody wanted to talk about it or acknowledge it.” The community sees The Hub’s impact, she said, “and now they’re, like, ‘Whoa. We love you.’” Scott Lockard, the district’s public health director, said a combination of data and anecdotal observations substantiates the initiative’s success, including an increase in the number of people entering treatment and a decline in reported communicable diseases. “I’ve been in public health for 36 years, and it’s one of the most effective interventions I’ve seen,” Lockard said. Jannie Gatlin, who’s in recovery, comes to The Hub in Whitesburg, Kentucky, almost every day withher son, Hunter. (Taylor Sisk for KFF Health News) The Kentucky River team worked to educate the community about the potential outcomes of the Hub model, and Fraley said there was little resistance, just concern that the money be well spent. She said the planning has always included people who have lived with addiction. “Their voice needs to be at every table,” she said. Lockard agrees. To ensure the community is investing this money wisely, he said, “we’ll talk to those people who are experiencing the problem, find out what they think would help them best, and then look for those evidence-based interventions.” Jannie Gatlin and Mandy Parker, who both are in recovery, attended a recent crafting class at the Whitesburg Hub. Gatlin, who started taking fentanyl in Colorado after her first son died at 2 months old of a digestive disorder, comes almost every day with her toddler, Hunter. Parker was prescribed opioids for pain from a kidney disorder. When those pills became less available, she turned to street drugs. “That’s just the nature of the beast,” she said. She believes The Hub is helping break the stigma of substance use disorder in her community. When people see “real change happening,” she said, there’s a ripple effect. “It makes a difference.” She appreciates that The Hub is here on Main Street — right, she firmly believes, where it should be. KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF — the independent source for health policy research, polling, and journalism. Courtesy of Kentucky Lantern
	Virginia budget leaders reach ‘agreement in principle’ for deal, more state headlines The state Capitol. (Photo by Ned Oliver/Virginia Mercury) • “Virginia budget leaders reach ‘agreement in principle’ for deal.” — Richmond Times-Dispatch • “How Virginia’s recreational marijuana plan could impact hemp farmers.” — WTVR • “DOJ challenges Virginia laws restricting officer face coverings, ICE agreements.” — NBC 4 • “Virginia transportation board authorizes $29B multiyear improvement plan.” — Progressive Railroading • “Virginia Beach fishing crew captures close encounter with nearly 15-foot great white shark.” — 13 News Now SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Virginia Mercury
	Checking out Indiana’s revamped health price platform Indiana's healthcare transparency website has a wealth of information for Hoosiers. (Getty Images)Indiana recently updated its healthcare transparency website with an AI chatbot, a sleek design and companion sites to help Hoosiers navigate the high cost of medical care. It is called Indiana Health Prices, which is way better than the name of the catalog powering it: the All Payer Claims Database. That doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. Established by the Indiana General Assembly in 2020, the database collects eligibility, medical claims, pharmacy claims and provider files from public and private payers. The updated platform includes nearly 2 billion healthcare claims records from insurers and other sources. I decided to take the improved site for a test spin and look at costs for a gallbladder removal. After all, I had one in October — though I didn’t get time to shop around on price. Unfortunately, a cholecystectomy isn’t one of the procedures included by the site. So, I moved onto a knee replacement. Thanks to advancing arthritis and a problematic meniscus, my doctor thinks I am headed that way in the next 10 years. The median cost for an inpatient knee replacement is $47,451 with a median out-of-pocket cost at $2,048. Outpatient knee replacement drops to $27,662 and $1,366, respectively. “Keep in mind that your actual out-of-pocket cost may vary based on your specific health plan and how much you’ve already used your benefits in the current time period,” the site says. I went a step forward to shop central Indiana hospitals and surgery centers. The most affordable option was OrthoIndy in Indianapolis at $26,423. But you can also take quality into account, considerations, with Hendricks Regional Health in Danville having a five-star rating but a cost of $56,732. The chatbot is incredibly helpful. Other procedures you can research include caesarean births, a spinal fusion and hysterectomy. You can also look at smaller costs such as office visits and labs. You can assess costs per your health coverage plan for both procedures and office visits/labs. And I love that a cash option is available for many comparisons. For instance, an emergency visit of moderate severity costs $2,162 for all health plans. But the statewide cash price — which you can negotiate — is $1,148. “Transparency and affordability drive competition and lower healthcare costs. Indiana Health Prices integrates hospital cash prices, provider-contributed data, and expanded prescription resources in one platform so Hoosiers can compare and save with confidence,” Gov. Mike Braun said in a news release. The new site also includes links on patients rights and a prescription resources tab. Unfortunately, I checked the latter for my dad’s Eliquis – a blood thinner he needs for his heart — and the TrumpRx program doesn’t cover it. Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus program had a $345 cost, which is higher than my parents pay with their current coverage. State Rep. Julie McGuire, R-Indianapolis, says the platform gives Hoosiers and important tool to make informed decisions about their health care. “Healthcare costs can be confusing and difficult for families to navigate,” she said. “Indiana Health Prices gives Hoosiers another tool to better understand pricing.” It’s obvious that healthcare costs are a major problem for Hoosiers, but I applaud lawmakers for trying to bring transparency to the process. For some procedures, it’s very helpful. But emergencies and health plan limitations mean it only goes so far. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Indiana Capital Chronicle
	The U.S. may face Australia in the World Cup without star Christian Pulisic The left winger Pulisic was key to the Americans' fluid and effective attack in last week's win over Paraguay. But he was kicked in the calf, left at halftime, and hasn't trained with the team since.
	These Wisconsin swing voters say Trump's war in Iran wasn't worth it The war in Iran was a costly blunder, according to Wisconsin swing voters who participated in two online focus groups that NPR observed.
	It's toys vs. tech in 'Toy Story 5.' Here are 4 ways to keep tech in check this summer Kids' screen use goes way up in the summertime. And just as the movie Toy Story 5 portrays, that can be problematic for children. Here are tips for parents to help their kids manage screens and have fun IRL this summer.
	Some local police have access to an ICE facial recognition app A document from the Department of Homeland Security outlines plans to issue local police facial recognition technology used by federal immigration agents, a move that will expand the scope of ICE surveillance.
	Can you taste history? We try George Washington's original beer Hops, yeast...and a lot of molasses
	Labour's Andy Burnham wins a special election, setting up a showdown with Starmer to lead Britain Labour's Andy Burnham, the current mayor of Greater Manchester, has won a special election for a seat in Parliament that puts him in a position to challenge embattled Prime Minister Keir Starmer for leadership of the country.
	US strike on an alleged drug boat kills 3 in the eastern Pacific Ocean The latest attack brings the number of people who have been killed in boat strikes by the U.S. military to at least 211 since the Trump administration began targeting those it calls "narcoterrorists" in early September.
	U.S. strike on an alleged drug boat kills 3 in the eastern Pacific Ocean The latest attack brings the number of people who have been killed in boat strikes by the U.S. military to at least 211 since the Trump administration began targeting those it calls "narcoterrorists" in early September.
	Mexico becomes first country to reach knockout stage of World Cup Mexico took advantage of a defensive blunder by South Korea to win 1-0 and become the first team to advance to the knockout stage of the World Cup.
Thursday, June 18th, 2026
	Volunteers educated on Sickle Cell Disease The disease is more common among people of African descent.
	State defends planned witnesses in murder trial of Trudy Appleby's accused killer Jamison Fisher is charged with three counts of first-degree murder and one count of concealment of a homicidal death in the 11-year-old's 1996 disappearance.
	Gov. Reynolds, Rep. Miller-Meeks highlight rural health investments Gov. Kim Reynolds and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks highlighted "Healthy Hometowns" funding in Muscatine aimed at expanding rural health care access.
	Illinois bill expands school bullying to include AI content Schools in Illinois are receiving new guidelines to protecting student safety against technology. House Bill 3851 updates and expands how bullying and cyberbullying are defined, particularly to include the use of artificial intelligence. Lawmakers say the update reflects growing incidents nationally of inappropriate AI-generated content. The move gives school districts clearer authority to step in [...]
	Monmouth faces massive cleanup after storms bring destructive winds While many areas saw their electricity return by 11 a.m. Thursday, many people are still navigating without power.
	Luigi Mangione's lawyers withdraw plans for psychiatric defense In a court filing Thursday, Mangione's legal team said they won't file psychiatric evidence in the 28-year-old's state murder case. The move came a day after his lawyers said they planned to pursue a psychiatric defense.
	Man allegedly stalked ex-girlfriend before deadly East Moline shooting on Tuesday Court documents detail allegations of stalking, a forced entry and a deadly shooting at an East Moline apartment complex.
	Learn about communicating with people with dementia in session at CASI, Davenport Communicating with a person living with dementia can be challenging for family members, caregivers, and customer-facing employees. LivWell Seniors will host a lunch & learn focusing on giving practical tips and strategies to help improve those interactions, a news release says. Held in conjunction with Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, speakers include Megan Olsen of [...]
	Bill would guarantee NJ doctors same pay for telehealth, in-person visits Lawmakers advanced a bill to continue to let doctors get paid the same for telehealth visits and in-person visits. (Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor)An Assembly panel approved a bill Thursday that would ensure doctors in New Jersey can continue to get paid the same amount for treating patients in person as they do by video call. The bill cleared the Assembly Health Committee with support from the Democratic majority and two of the panel’s three Republican members. The measure, first introduced in March, passed the Senate health committee last week with unanimous support. Assemblywoman Margie Donlon (Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor) Assemblywoman Margie Donlon (D-Monmouth), a physical rehabilitation doctor and lead sponsor on the bill, said telehealth has been shown to save patients time and can make medical practices more efficient. She said she doesn’t use it herself, but has seen how it benefits patients, particularly those with disabilities who may struggle to get to an appointment. “This really goes a long way to providing the care that our patients in the state of New Jersey truly need. And again, cost savings across the board,” she said. New Jersey has been debating telehealth payments for at least a decade, with providers slow to embrace the technology at first. That changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, when online care became the norm for many. But efforts to modernize the payment system have been delayed and the state has extended a temporary rule that assured doctors were paid the same rate for both types of visits, put in place before the pandemic. Doctors and hospitals are now eager to have the state codify that parity in statute. Multiple physician organizations supported the bill Thursday, as well as several hospital groups. Some 25 states have already adopted some this type of rule, according to Tina Earley of the New Jersey Hospital Association, and healthcare providers have integrated telehealth into their practices. Earley said patients are also eager to assure remote care options continue, with 60% now using telehealth and planning to continue online appointments in the future. She urged the committee to approve extending a “policy that has proven successful and reflects the modern realities of healthcare delivery.” Ward Sanders, with the New Jersey Association of Health Plans, which represents insurance companies, said the issue needs more study. Telehealth is “incredibly important,” he said, saving time for providers and patients, especially those with behavioral health needs. “The concern is the introduction of government rate setting, essentially. This is an area where the government has not traditionally gotten involved,” he said. He added, “We believe the market should really control the pricing.” Assemblyman John Azzariti (R-Bergen), a physician who voted for the measure, insisted he would “never vote for this body to set rates,” but said that requiring rates to be equal wasn’t the same as setting them. “Just for the record, as an anesthesiologist, I do not participate in telehealth,” he said, prompting laughter. Assemblyman Brian Rumpf (R-Ocean), opposed the measure, questioning why a physician should receive the same pay for an online visit when they can offer far more services in person. “There seems to be some disparity there,” he said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of New Jersey Monitor
	What's closed on Juneteenth 2026? You might want to tackle some of your errands before Friday.
	Muscatine middle schoolers help chart future of Towhead Island A group of Susan Clark Jr. High students spent six weeks researching what the future of the island in the Mississippi should look like. Here's what they found.
	You can learn how to line dance in Moline this summer Once a month, through September, Moline Centre is holding $5 Friday night line dancing classes with Line Dance Quad Cities in the Historic Block Courtyard.
	Key FDA committee unanimously recommends its first vaccine since 2023 All nine members of the committee unanimously voted to recommend Moderna's new mRNA influenza vaccine for adults 50 and over.
	Alexis Boeh-Petersen named local Star-Spangled Sing-Off winner The votes have been counted, and Alexis Boeh-Petersen is the local champion.
	ImpactLife stresses importance of transfusions for sickle cell disease In recognition of Juneteenth and World Sickle Cell Disease Awareness Day, ImpactLife stressed the importance of transfusions for people with sickle cell disease. ImpactLife hosted an event featuring University of Iowa professor Meredith Parsons and people personally affected by sickle cell disease. The blood center is creating a new donor program to help patients who [...]
	Missouri judge strikes down nearly all state abortion regulations A ruling by a Jackson County judge opened the door for access to medication abortion in Missouri for the first time since 2018 (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)Many of Missouri’s abortion regulations, including laws that Planned Parenthood said made it impossible for providers to prescribe medication abortion, were struck down in a ruling Thursday by a Jackson County judge. One of the regulations most widely condemned by abortion rights supporters, a 72-hour waiting period between an initial consultation and an abortion, has been unenforceable for several months under a temporary ruling. The 20-page decision from Jackson County Circuit Judge Jerri Zhang makes that decision permanent. One of the few laws upheld Thursday by Zhang is a requirement that patients meet with a doctor in-person before being prescribed medication abortion. Zhang also upheld a requirement that only physicians can perform abortions. In the ruling, Zhang alluded to the long and contentious political fights over abortion and her “limited constitutional role in this much broader discussion.” The ruling comes after a 10-day-long bench trial played out in January in Kansas City in which Zhang heard from abortion providers, Planned Parenthood employees and women who underwent abortions they later regretted. And it comes more than 18 months after voters passed a constitutional amendment protecting the right to abortion up to the point of fetal viability. “Debate and litigation around the topic of abortion has occurred for several decades. It is a deeply personal, philosophical, and moral issue to many on both sides of the argument. It has also played a significant role in elected politics,” Zhang wrote in her decision Thursday. “ … It is clear to this court that the beliefs surrounding abortion are, and will continue to be, an ongoing conversation and debate in American society.” The ruling opens up access to medication abortion for Missourians for the first time since 2018. Medication abortion is the most common method to end a pregnancy in the United States, used in about two-thirds of abortions. Planned Parenthood in a statement Thursday said it will begin offering medication abortion appointments next week. “This decision brings compassion and common sense back to Missouri health care,” Emily Wales, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Plains said in a statement. “For too long, politicians forced patients to leave the state for an evidence-based and trusted form of abortion care. Now, that care is coming home and with it, we move closer to fulfilling the promise of reproductive freedom Missourians demanded.” Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway said in a statement Thursday that she plans to “expeditiously” appeal the decision to the Missouri Supreme Court. “This radical decision gives abortion providers a free pass to police themselves,” Hanaway said. “Women are no longer entitled to the same level of care in an abortion clinic that they would receive in other healthcare settings: providers are no longer required to maintain complication plans or insurance, and the state cannot even conduct basic health and safety inspections to ensure patient safety.” The laws declared unconstitutional by Zhang include: Special licensing requirements for abortion providers. A ban on telemedicine that requires a physician be present when a patient takes abortion medication. Hospital admitting privileges for physicians performing abortions. A requirement for physicians prescribing medication abortions to have a state-approved complication plan. That medication abortion providers carry insurance covering physicians after they leave employment. Tissue removed during a surgical abortion be sent to a pathologist That patients be given material created by the state Department of Health and Senior Services, including a pamphlet that reads “The life of each human being begins at conception. Abortion will terminate the life of a separate, unique, living human being.” Medication abortion appointments will be available at the Planned Parenthood clinics in Kansas City and St. Louis on Monday and in Columbia on Wednesday, spokespeople said Thursday. In post-trial briefings filed in April, the Missouri attorney general’s office argued that Planned Parenthood “brings this case to eliminate nearly all of Missouri’s health and safety abortion laws in one fell swoop.” The ACLU of Missouri and Planned Parenthood, who filed the lawsuit immediately following the November 2024 election, argued that the abortion regulations were designed to ensure abortion was “regulated out of existence” by creating logistical nightmares for patients and ethical dilemmas for providers without making procedures safer. Josh Hawley puts Missouri at center of national fight over abortion pill In 2022, Missouri became the first state to ban nearly all abortions after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. In 2024, Missouri also became the first state to overturn an abortion ban by the vote of the people. In response, lawmakers sent voters a new proposal that would ban abortion with limited exceptions for survivors of rape and incest. Missourians will vote on the measure listed as Amendment 3 in November. “The role of the court is to apply the law in any given case,” Zhang wrote, “and to base its decision solely on its interpretation of the law as applied to the evidence before it.” Courtesy of Missouri Independent
	Flags will be at half-staff in Illinois June 19-20 to honor Juneteenth National Freedom Day Gov. JB Pritzker has called for all covered by the Illinois Flag Display Act to fly U.S. flag at half-staff in honor of Juneteenth National Freedom Day. According to a release American flags should be lowered from sunrise on Friday, June 19 until sunset on Saturday, June 20. For more information, click here.
	In photos: The Knicks celebrate their first NBA championship in more than 50 years The New York Knicks celebrate their NBA championship win with a ticker tape parade in Manhattan.
	Geneseo prepares for 58th annual music festival including Father’s Day parade The 58th Annual Geneseo Music Festival will take place June 19–21 with three days of live music, parades, food vendors, family activities and community events throughout downtown Geneseo.
	Explore Figge Art Museum for free in July Museum leaders are encouraging visitors to escape the scorching heat by immersing themselves in art and experiencing all that the museum has to offer for free from July 1 to 31.
	Traffic Alert: Rock Island Arsenal Government Bridge to close for cleaning The bridge will be closed to pedestrian and vehicle traffic from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Friday, according to a Facebook post.
	The Heart of the Story: Life in the fast lane 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. A former state trooper knows a thing or [...]
	Diesel prices fall in Iowa, but truckers still feeling pressure U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy paid a visit to the Iowa 80 Truckstop in Walcott on Thursday alongside Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks.
	Virtual Ventures celebrates new space with ribbon cutting A Davenport virtual reality arcade celebrated its relocation to its expanded space at NorthPark Mall.
	U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, others visit QCA at Iowa 80 Truckstop Gov. Kim Reynolds joined U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy in the QCA. Reynolds, Duffy and Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks stopped by the Iowa 80 Truckstop in Walcott. They toured the truck stop to celebrate the nation's trucking industry. Miller-Meeks and Duffy talked about the new process to get a commercial driver's license and said criminals have [...]

Friday, June 19th, 2026

Thursday, June 18th, 2026