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

Wednesday, July 8th, 2026
	Rock Island Artists' Market will return this weekend The Rock Island Artists' Market returns from noon until 5 p.m. Sunday, July 12, bringing another afternoon of creativity, shopping, and community to downtown Rock Island, a news release says. Hosted by Skeleton Key Art & Antiques, 520 18th St., this month's market is paired with two bonus sales, giving visitors even more reasons to [...]
	Kewanee police join state campaign to crack down on speeding Kewanee police are teaming up with Illinois State Police for a speed enforcement campaign aimed at reducing traffic risks.
	Motorcyclist seriously injured in Jo Daviess County crash A motorcyclist was seriously injured Tuesday night after crashing on West Stagecoach Trail in Jo Daviess County and was airlifted to a regional hospital.
	Davenport couple displaced following early morning structure fire Firefighters responded to the scene of a trailer fire in Northwest Davenport just off Interstate 280.
	ManaFest Card Shop moves to larger storefront in Silvis ManaFest offer a variety of trading card games, tabletop role-playing games and supplies.
	Von Maur, based in Davenport, was named one of America's best department stores Von Maur, based in Davenport, was name one of America's bests department stores in America.
	Exhibitions at Figge Art Museum, Davenport, explore American identity This summer, the Figge Art Museum invites visitors to explore American identity through two exhibitions that offer distinctly Midwestern perspectives on the nation’s history, culture, and landscape, according to a news release. "Connie and Michael Roberts: Portrait of America" and "Corn Zone" explore some of the people and places that have shaped the American experience. [...]
	Orion to contribute TIF funds to ease issue at DG Market “We think it gives the trees the best chance of anything we can do," George Mavrogenes said of the retaining wall at Monday’s meeting.
	Trial rescheduled in Davenport Open Records lawsuit following settlement discussions Attorneys for the City and plaintiff Ezra Sidran negotiated a settlement, but the City said it didn't know those discussions were happening.
	Davenport Fire Department called to early morning structure fire Crews were called to the Lakewood Estates around 4 a.m. Wednesday for a trailer fire. The residents on the property were able to evacuate safely.
	A spirit of resilience helps Venezuelans face healthcare challenges after the quakes The economic collapse of Venezuela has pushed its healthcare system to the brink. The disaster is now adding to the stress.
	Everyday People: ‘We are human beings. That should count’: Unhoused Rock Island residents say they want to be heard They say they're told to move from one place to another, but never where they can stay. One unhoused Rock Island man asks only to be heard.
	Dinkins will appear in Clinton County court on charges of 2003 sex crime Henry Dinkins is charged with sex abuse in a 23-year-old case, and is next set to appear in that case at a hearing in September.
	Trump administration abruptly cancels grants for teen pregnancy prevention Health departments, universities and nonprofit grantees had spent months adapting to President Trump's executive orders. They say the funding cut was completely unexpected.
	Warming up Wednesday, but even hotter weather coming Dry weather is expected today across the Quad Cities, but showers and storms are possible tonight into Saturday morning. It'll be hotter and more humid today, but the real heat arrives Sunday into next week. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	Firefighters respond to early morning fire in Davenport Crews responded to the Lakewood Estates mobile home community in the 7100 block of W. 60th Street for a structure fire just after 3 a.m.
	Annie Wittenmyer This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Recently I saw an announcement for one of those motivational workshops titled "Be the engine of your life, not the…
	What's behind the push to make peptide therapies more readily available Marketed for longevity and wellness benefits, the unproven therapies are sold through a grey market online. Compounding pharmacies say they should be able to make them legally to meet demand.
	At NATO summit in Turkey, Trump says he believes ceasefire with Iran is 'over' President Trump said he believes the current ceasefire with Iran is over following an exchange of attacks between the U.S. and Iran in the latest escalation straining the agreement to end the war.
	This factory was severely short on workers. Then it offered flexible work A GE Appliances plant in rural northwest Georgia was short hundreds of workers amid COVID-19. A flexible work option where some workers can sign up for shifts through an app has eased the pain.
	Le Pen says she'll run for French presidency next year despite court-ordered monitor Far-right leader Marine Le Pen says she'll run for the French presidency next year despite being sentenced Tuesday to wear a court-ordered electronic monitor for embezzlement.
	Over 100 Iowa National Guard soldiers to be deployed to Washington, D.C. JOHNSTON, Iowa -- Over 100 Iowa National Guard soldiers are being deployed to Washington, D.C. later this week. On Tuesday, the Iowa National Guard announced that about 120 soldiers will support the District of Columbia National Guard and other agencies with America250 and Freedom 250 events in Washington, D.C., as part of their six-month-long deployment. [...]
	Tehran targets Bahrain and Kuwait after US strikes The regional crossfire raised the risks that an interim agreement to halt fighting in the war could break down, putting the Middle East again at risk of a wider conflict.
	Tehran targets Bahrain and Kuwait after U.S. strikes The regional crossfire raised the risks that an interim agreement to halt fighting in the war could break down, putting the Middle East again at risk of a wider conflict.
Tuesday, July 7th, 2026
	Davenport OKs extension of Venuworks' agreement with RiverCenter/Adler VenuWorks has announced that the Davenport City Council has approved a three-year extension of the company’s management agreement for the RiverCenter and Adler Theatre, continuing a partnership that has served the Davenport community since 1997, according to a news release. The renewed agreement extends VenuWorks’ management of the venues through June 30, 2029.As VenuWorks celebrates [...]
	Central Iowa flooding makes a rough start for sweet corn season The flooding was severe enough that Gov. Kim Reynolds issued a disaster proclamation in some impacted areas.
	City of Monmouth announces new city administrator The City of Monmouth has announced Lou Leone as new city administrator. At Monday night’s meeting, the Monmouth City Council officially entered into an employment agreement with Lou Leone as its new city administrator, a news release says. “On behalf of the council and the City of Monmouth, we’re excited to have Lou Leone be [...]
	Moline City Council approves use of AI language translation software for police body cameras The technology will be used when a human interpreter is not immediately available. It can translate 60 languages through the camera within seconds.
	Police, SWAT respond to situation in Davenport A News 8 crew arrived on the 300 block of Taylor Street in Davenport on Tuesday, July 7 at approximately 7:15 p.m.
	Troubles continue in Davenport open records lawsuit City officials argue the trial was erroneously canceled, while the man suing the city claims the City reneged on a settlement agreement.
	90th anniversary of hottest weather ever in the Quad Cities 90 years ago - can you imagine temps like 111° in the Quad Cities, with no A/C?!?!? That was the case for Quad Citians back in 1936! 11 record highs in a row come from this time period back in 1936. Every single record high between July 5th and 15th is from 1936 - all [...]
	Police, SWAT respond to scene in Davenport A News 8 crew arrived on the 300 block of Taylor Street in Davenport on Tuesday, July 7 at approximately 7:15 p.m.
	Moline Police to implement AI translation technology The Moline Police Department will soon implement artificial intelligence-assisted translation technology. The Moline City Council approved the purchase of the AI technology, to be integrated into officers' body cameras. The tool can translate more than 60 different languages in real time. Moline Police already tested seven languages during a 60-day period. Chief Darren Gault says [...]
	Part of Muscatine's East 11th Street will close for utility-pole placement The Muscatine Department of Public Works (DPW) has been notified that Muscatine Power and Water (MPW) will conduct utility pole replacement work requiring temporary street closures on East 11th Street. Thursday, July 9 East 11th Street will be closed to all traffic from 9 a.m.-noon between Oak Street and Orange Street to facilitate the replacement [...]
	El-Sayed, Stevens sharpen contrasts in first one-on-one Senate debate Abdul El-Sayed and Haley Stevens square off in a televised debate on WOOD TV8 in Grand Rapids. July 7, 2026 \| Photo by Bryan Esler/WOOD TV8GRAND RAPIDS — Independence Day may have come and gone, but there were still some fireworks in the latest Democratic U.S. Senate primary debate hosted Tuesday by WOOD-TV8 in Grand Rapids. The forum featured Dr. Abdul El-Sayed and U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) — the two remaining primary candidates seeking their party’s nomination in the Aug. 4 contest following the departure of the third contender, state Sen. Mallory McMorrow (D-Royal Oak). The race has become one of the nation’s most closely watched political primaries as the Democratic Party grapples with a progressive revolution within its ranks, one that establishment party forces are trying to stave off ahead of the 2026 general election. On Tuesday, the new head-to-head rivals took the opportunity to attack each other on policy, their track records of success in public office, personal finance disclosures and corporate campaign contributions. Affordability issues take center stage On affordability, El-Sayed said his policies as senator would focus on addressing the nation’s healthcare woes by guaranteeing everybody health insurance without a deductible, a premium, or a co-pay through Medicare for All, which has become a key plank of his campaign. “Number two, we need to stand up to the monopolies and oligopolies that are picking our pockets. Number three, we need to stand up to increase wages, and that means standing with unions like the UAW and the nurses who have endorsed us,” El-Sayed said. “It means making sure that we are standing with Michiganders in their moments of crisis by making schools somewhere that our kids can go by addressing the potholes that cause punctured tires every time you try to drive anywhere. But all of this has to happen by way of getting the corruption out of our politics.” Stevens said she would continue to champion policies that she has pushed for during her time in Congress: no tariffs on groceries and legislation to lower utility bills, the latter of which has become a flashpoint in Michigan politics. Stevens, El-Sayed split on high cost of childcare With goods and services becoming less affordable under the Trump administration, the issue of childcare costs was raised by one of several WOOD-TV viewers tapped to ask additional questions. Stevens said she fought during the COVID-19 pandemic to secure federal dollars to ensure that daycare centers and those working in them remained open and employed. She acknowledged that the costs continued to go up through the Biden and Trump presidencies. Her fix was technical in nature. “The way in which we can lower daycare costs are through the expansion of Community Development Block Grant funding and grants that match what our great governor here in Michigan did,” Stevens said. “We need paid family leave. I’m a champion for paid family leave. We need to secure the ability for new mothers and fathers to have that precious time with their newborns, that’s another critical step.” El-Sayed spoke from his own experience as the father of two daughters. He said the childcare costs for their youngest daughter is one of the most expensive items they pay for. “I think we need to make childcare free, 100% free,” he said. “Now, how do we pay for that? We pay for that by taxing billionaires their wealth. We could render $4.6 trillion if we were willing to put, let’s say, 8% tax on billionaire wealth. This is not that difficult, but it’s a function of our values.” Abdul El-Sayed during a televised debate on WOOD TV8 in Grand Rapids. July 7, 2026 \| Photo by Bryan Esler/WOOD TV8 Dealing with ICE on the national scale, and in Michigan El-Sayed has called to abolish ICE while Stevens has called for the agency’s reformation, and to hold bad actors in ICE accountable for abuses during President Donald Trump’s administration. El-Sayed said he saw the height of ICE’s abuse during its Minneapolis-based Project Metro Surge, and he said the results were terrifying. “ICE is about normalizing paramilitary force on our streets. I’ve been clear that you can’t reform ICE, you can’t retrain ICE, you have to abolish ICE,” El-Sayed said. “Now that’s not to say that we can’t secure our border, that’s not even to say that we can’t actually enforce our immigration policy, that is to say that we shouldn’t do it at the edge of destroying our Constitution itself.” El-Sayed noted that “ICE is a new agency, it is younger than I am.” Stevens said she has supported and will continue to support bipartisan efforts to beef up border security, but will be a forceful figure in holding Trump accountable for an agency that she called “completely out of control.” “I’ve got the legislation to do it,” Stevens said. “I called on Kristie Noem to go. She was removed, but no reforms took place. They took $70 billion of our taxpayer money into an ICE slush fund. This has been a failure. … Donald Trump has abused his power, he has failed the American people, and we need change.” Stakes rise in two-person Senate race Much is on the line in Michigan’s race for U.S. Senate, with the Great Lakes state targeted as one that could decide the next majority in both chambers of Congress. The race is also coming down to the wire. Absentee ballots have already been delivered to those who have requested one. In-person early voting will commence in less than three weeks. And with just two candidates, Democratic voters will determine which path the party moves toward as it gears up for a hypothetical matchup with the lone Republican in the race, former U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers of White Lake. El-Sayed has emerged as the leading voice in Michigan’s progressive circles, surrounding himself with Democratic Socialist endorsements and surrogates as he paints himself as a principled populist. While early polling placed him third in the race, El-Sayed now finds himself steadily gaining support. Stevens, meanwhile, is considered the establishment favorite, backed by centrist Democrats both nationally and in Michigan. Despite criticism during the early stages of the race for not being as progressive as McMorrow or El-Sayed, Stevens’ campaign is hoping to find new momentum following McMorrow’s exit from the race. U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) during a televised debate on WOOD TV8 in Grand Rapids. July 7, 2026 \| Photo by Bryan Esler/WOOD TV8 Israel-Gaza war remains a top issue in the race When asked about the United States’ continued involvement in the war it started with Iran in conjunction with Israel, Stevens and El-Sayed were also asked what they would do about it in the upper chamber of Congress. Stevens said Trump was selling out the nation by continuing the war. She also, for the first highly public time during her campaign, criticized Israel directly for bringing the U.S. into its conflict with Iran. “Donald Trump has failed us. The prime minister of Israel has failed in that regard, and he was just coming after me on this today,” Stevens said, referencing comments by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a CNN interview. “I am unafraid.” El-Sayed said it was “worth asking why we got into this war in the first place.” “There is one man who has been wanting this war fought, and that is the Prime Minister of Israel, and the reason that we’ve seen this war fought is because of the impact of AIPAC in our politics,” he said. “AIPAC has spent tens of millions of dollars in attack ads against me, or ads lying about the congresswoman’s record. They clearly want one individual, and it’s not me.” Stevens’ funding from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, or AIPAC, has become a flashpoint in the campaign, and El-Sayed’s refusal of the organization’s contributions has become an equally important part of the campaign for the U.S. Senate. “I don’t take that money,” he reiterated. “They are spending against me because they’ve called me the most dangerous candidate for the US-Israel relationship.” Stevens accused El-Sayed of being on the receiving end of spending from Republican forces who want him to be the candidate because they would prefer a matchup with a more radical, and in her view, less electable candidate. “I do not plan to make anything easier for Republicans or Mike Rogers,” Stevens said. “What I do is I take on tough fights for Michigan, tough races, and I win.”SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. El-Sayed countered by saying that whether Rogers or Stevens win, AIPAC will have gotten one of their two preferred candidates. “AIPAC is perfectly fine with either of my two opponents, because they know that they will have a comfortable, reliable vote in the U.S. Senate,” he said. “If you want politics to work for you, if you want politics to rebuild your schools, or fix your infrastructure, or to invest in your healthcare, you have an alternative choice.” Stevens repeatedly hit El-Sayed on his decision to delay the release of his tax returns and his personal financial disclosures. She claimed that it was hard to tell who was funding his campaign and personal wealth — with Stevens noting he had a net worth exceeding $1 million — without the public being able to see those documents. El-Sayed said that, in terms of the financial disclosures, he had taken the same extension to release them that Stevens had taken many times in the past. He then turned the attack back on Stevens, calling into question a trip that she took with her mother to Portugal that was allegedly paid for by a group called Center Forward. The group hails itself as a centrist political advocacy group, which also operates a super PAC. Following the debate, Stevens was asked about the trip and who paid for it. She told Michigan Advance that the trip was standard practice, likening it to congressional delegation trips that members of the House and Senate take to better ties between nations. She said she was doing NATO meetings that were meant to address Russia’s war in Ukraine. When asked why that was paid for by an outside group, and not her congressional office budget, Stevens said only that it was “a very standard way in which members engage in critical policy.” El-Sayed was also pressed on his issues with Israel and his painting of Stevens as being beholden to AIPAC. A reporter asked the candidate if he truly believed that every position she held was dictated by AIPAC or other super PACs that have funded her campaign. “Probably not all of them, but certainly enough of them to which one forces us to vote and send our taxpayer dollars to a foreign government doing a genocide,” he said. Courtesy of Michigan Advance
	2 girls rescued from Bureau Creek The Bureau County Sheriff’s Office thanked the Princeton Fire Department for the rescue at about 3:40 p.m., according to a media release.
	T. G. Sheppard, David Frizzell, will be in concert at The Adler Theatre, Davenport Dynasty Entertainment LLC has announced Country Legends in Concert starring T.G. Sheppard and David Frizzell will be at the Adler Theatre on Oct. 21, according to a news release. Country music icon T.G. Sheppard is celebrating 50 years in country music. Ranked among thetop 100 country artists of all time by Billboard Magazine, Sheppard’s first [...]
	From Division III to Division I basketball, Bria Medina's journey to Iowa City Bria Medina, one of the shortest players on the Iowa women's basketball team, was cutting and slicing between defenders, running off ball to find an open look. She had the ball bounced to her on the right wing, eyes darting back and forth behind a clear mask. The mask protects her nose, still recovering from [...]
	City of Moline selected for national leadership cohort focused on sustainability Moline joins the 2026 LEED for Cities Leadership Cohort, aiming to enhance sustainability through a structured process.
	Officers use gas, 'flash bang' during execution of Davenport search warrant Davenport police used a bullhorn and shot rounds of gas through the windows of a home during the execution of a search warrant Tuesday night. Our Quad Cities News crew watched as officers cleared neighbors from the area on the 300 block of Taylor Street. About a dozen squad cars and the SWAT Team tactical [...]
	Des Moines man faces felony charges after police say groomed Bettendorf child A 43-year-old Des Moines man faces felony charges in connection with what police say was an incident that involved grooming of a Bettendorf child, according to Scott County arrest affidavits. William Reed faces felony charge of sexual exploitation of a minor - cause to engage in act, and grooming, according to Scott County Court documents. [...]
	Clinton's downtown assessed for economic prospects Five specialists from the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Downtown Resource Center started work in Clinton. The specialists are assessing downtown Clinton's prospects to revitalize the economy. The process involves going over Clinton's strengths and challenges and then coming up with long-term recommendations. The assessment runs through Thursday, July 9. There will be a public presentation [...]
	Maquoketa considers building a data center The City of Maquoketa is considering a proposal to build a data center. A developer is interested in some industrial property near the Walmart off of Highway 61. City leaders seem to be support the move despite the environmental concerns data centers bring. City manager Josh Boldt presented the concept during the Maquoketa City Council's [...]
	Iowa House candidate Sarah Trone Garriott pushes Medicaid restoration, cancer research funding Democratic U.S. House candidate Sarah Trone Garriott said Tuesday she would push to restore federal Medicaid funding and oppose cuts to cancer research if elected to represent Iowa’s 3rd Congressional District.
	Large police presence on Taylor Street, part of road blocked A KWQC crew on scene said they could see eight police squad cars around 6 p.m. and officers appeared to have their riot shields out.
	Bettendorf woman rides to world record A Bettendorf woman is celebrating after helping make motorcycle history.
	Mental health fund aims to expand affordable care access in QC Quad City Behavioral Health Associates partner with The Gray Matters Collective to bridge the affordability gap for those in need of mental health services.
	Opening of Petunia Crossing bridge marks Project Rock completion The opening of the bridge marks the completion of the city's $14 million Project ROCK revitalization effort.
	Illinois grant to help create low-income housing: What to know Almost 1,000 homes for low-income families are expected to be created through a grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA). The board approved $37 million in low-income housing tax credits. In the QCA, Valley Homes in Rock Island will get more than $2 million. Valley Homes is a 60-unit development for seniors.Burlington Terrace, another [...]
	John Deere Leaders weigh in on PGA changes With the John Deere Classic now in the rearview mirror, leaders at John Deere weighed in on their future as the title sponsor of the golf tournament as well as future changes to the PGA.
	Hearing held for suspect in DePue hostage situation where 3-year-old was fatally shot The next hearing is scheduled for Aug. 3.
	Illinois law allows cameras in assisted living, shared housing facilities A new Illinois law is expanding the use of audio and video cameras in long-term care settings. Residents of assisted living and shared housing facilities can now choose to install visible audio or video recording devices at their own expense.
	Missipi Brewing Co. opens under new ownership in Muscatine Walton and Carolina Ponce are the new owners of the Missipi Brewing Company in downtown Muscatine.
	Quad-Cities public, school libraries receive state grant funds Rock Island Public Library will receive over $150,000, with other area libraries also receiving funds from the grant program.
	Two Kansas Democrats running for governor embrace recreational marijuana State Sens. Ethan Corson and Cindy Holscher — Democratic candidates for governor —participate in an April 26, 2026, forum at the Aztec Shawnee Theater. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)TOPEKA — Cindy Holscher and Ethan Corson on Tuesday both called for the legalization of recreational marijuana in Kansas, separating themselves from other gubernatorial candidates who only support using the drug for medicinal use or oppose legalizing it altogether. The two state senators are seeking the Democratic nomination for governor in the Aug. 4 primary, alongside Overland Park Mayor Curt Skoog, who has said he would focus first on medical needs. Holscher on Tuesday released a video of herself speaking from the parking lot of a dispensary in Missouri, which she said was about 15 minutes from her house in Overland Park. She said the parking lot was full of vehicles with Kansas license plates. Marijuana has been legal for recreational use in Missouri for nearly four years. “That’s a lot of Kansas tax dollars going straight into Missouri’s pocket,” Holscher said. “Most Kansas voters think marijuana should be legal in our state, but because it isn’t, Kansans buy it out of state, and we miss out on the opportunity to raise more money for schools and public services. It’s time for that to change.” Corson, meanwhile, issued a statement declaring it was time for Kansas to legalize both medical and recreational marijuana. He pointed out that Kansas is among the few states where marijuana remains completely illegal. “Kansas is falling behind while people suffering from chronic pain, PTSD, cancer, and other serious conditions are denied relief, and tax dollars that could be invested into education here are crossing the border into other states,” Corson said. “As governor, I will support thoughtful legalization, with commonsense guardrails that protect public safety while respecting personal freedom and increasing revenues.” On the Republican side, none of the leading candidates supports the legalization of marijuana for any purpose. That includes Senate President Ty Masterson, of Andover, who has blocked medical marijuana legislation from moving forward. The notable exception among the seven Republicans who will be on the primary ballot is Nick Reinecker, a longtime advocate for decriminalizing the drug. “As governor, I will fight to de-schedule cannabis and eliminate criminal penalties for possession and planting,” he said Tuesday. Holscher’s endorsement of recreational marijuana jibes with her willingness to embrace policies that have broad public support, even if they make her an outlier politically. She has called for a moratorium on building data centers, criticized the massive incentives used to lure the Kansas City Chiefs across state lines, and voted against a new law that bans cellphones in schools. In the video she released Tuesday, Holscher said Missouri raked in $255 million in cannabis taxes last year. She said legalizing marijuana would help Kansas keep tax dollars that would benefit schools. “We should allow adults who choose to buy cannabis to do it in Kansas, and use it safely and responsibly,” Holscher said. “Legal cannabis is common sense, and it’s time to make it happen.” Last year, a survey conducted by the the Docking Institute of Public Affairs at Fort Hays State University found that 64.8% of Kansas adults favor legalizing recreational marijuana, and 70.4% support legalizing medical marijuana. During a recent recording of the Kansas Reflector podcast, Skoog said one of his first moves as governor would be to deploy his running mate, Fredonia physician Jennifer Bacani McKenney, to work on a medical marijuana plan. The key, he said, was to regulate it “in a way that is driven by the medical need.” He said he “potentially” could support recreational marijuana sometime down the road. “If we decide to legalize marijuana, the state is in the marijuana business, just like the state is in the alcohol business, and we need to make sure that we have the rules and regulations in place to make sure that criminal elements don’t penetrate into that business, just like we do on the alcohol side,” Skoog said. Courtesy of Kansas Reflector
	Monmouth announces new city administrator, Lou Leone During Monday's meeting, the Monmouth City Council officially entered into an employment agreement with Lou Leone as its new city administrator.
	Gift of Giving - Breakthrough T1D In May 2026, Necker's partnered with the Breakthrough T1D for the Gift of Giving.
	Man accused of killing Trudy Appleby asks judge throw out some witness testimony 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.
	Quad City Music Guild to perform Nickelodeon the Sponge Bob Musical Nickelodeon the Sponge Bob Musical will debut at the Prospect Park Auditorium in Moline starting on Friday.
	Des Moines man charged in Scott County with exploitation of a minor, grooming A Des Moines man has been arrested after he allegeldy induced a minor in Bettendorf to send him inappropriate images and then solicited the minor for a sex act.
	Red and blue states pass laws to protect contraception access Various birth control pills available at a Planned Parenthood in Austin, Texas. Several states, including Republican-led ones, have protected or expanded access to contraception in recent months. (Photo by Todd Wiseman/The Texas Tribune)The Trump administration has rolled back teen pregnancy prevention grants and repurposed a program designed to reduce unintended pregnancies so that it promotes childbearing. But several states, including Republican-led ones, have protected or expanded access to contraception in recent months. Georgia Republican state Rep. Beth Camp sponsored a bill to expand contraceptive access in her state after her daughter faced a two-month delay renewing her birth control prescription. The new law, passed in April and signed in May by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, allows pharmacists to prescribe contraception methods such as birth control pills and shots directly to patients without a doctor’s signature. Current Georgia law requires patients to receive a birth control prescription from a doctor, which they can then fill at a pharmacy. Camp has said the new policy could help increase access to contraception in areas with primary care provider shortages. Trump changes pregnancy-prevention program to promote childbearing “In our state, we have such a challenge with access for medical professionals,” Camp told the House Health Committee earlier this year. “This is just really, to me, opening up a whole new stream of opportunities for women to be able to access contraception.” In Maryland, Democratic Gov. Wes Moore in May signed a measure that requires public higher education institutions and community colleges to annually submit a report on contraception access to the Maryland Higher Education Commission. It also requires the commission to submit a report on contraception access to the General Assembly and requires each community college to provide students with access to all methods of over-the-counter contraception. Tennessee Republican Gov. Bill Lee in March signed into law a bipartisan bill that requires private health care plans to cover a yearlong supply of birth control. The state’s Medicaid program, TennCare, already provides a 12-month supply of birth control. The measure is set to take effect July 1, 2027. And Democratic Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger in April signed a new law establishing the right to contraception and allowing people to sue if their rights are violated. Spanberger also signed another law requiring health insurance companies to cover both prescription and over-the-counter contraceptives without cost-sharing. Both laws went into effect this month. Stateline reporter Sofia Resnick can be reached at sresnick@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Stateline
	Des Moines man facing sexual exploitation, grooming charges in Scott County A Des Moines man is facing felonies after deputies say he used a computer to try and seduce a child to engage in a sexual act.
	Free skin cancer screenings offered at Rhode Island beaches this summer Scarborough State Beach in Narragansett in July 2025. (Photo by Laura Paton/Rhode Island Current) Where to get your screening The first 100 people at each of the following events will be screened in private by dermatologists and residents with Brown Health Dermatology: Easton’s Beach, Newport, on Friday, July 10, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Roger Wheeler State Beach, Narragansett, on Saturday, July 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Scarborough State Beach, Narragansett, on Saturday, July 18, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Scarborough State Beach, Narragansett, on Friday, Aug. 14, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Lincoln Woods State Park, Lincoln, on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Rhode Island beachgoers have five opportunities to receive free skin cancer screenings this summer thanks to a partnership between the Rhode Island Department of Health and Brown Health Dermatology. Screenings start Friday, July 10, at Easton’s Beach in Newport and will continue at sites in Narragansett and Lincoln through Saturday, Aug. 22. “Cancer screenings have the power to save lives,” health department director Dr. Jerome “Jerry” Larkin said. Participants are encouraged to wear bathing suits or other clothing that can reveal areas they want checked. Those who require follow-ups will be referred for further dermatology consults, the health department said in a press release. The state has provided skin checks at public beaches since at least 2015, according to a study of the events’ outcomes. The study analyzed screenings from 2015 to 2019, and found that around one quarter of participants were referred for further dermatology consults. At least one third of those referred kept their appointments. Only nine referrals — 1% — were for melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. The two skin conditions most observed in screenings — actinic keratosis and keratinocyte carcinoma — required referrals but were highly curable. The first one is precancerous, and the latter is cancerous. “Cancer screenings have the power to save lives,” health department director Dr. Jerry Larkin said. “Skin cancer can affect people of all skin tones and complexions, which is why all Rhode Islanders should take advantage of these free, convenient skin cancer checks.” Just over 2% of Americans will be diagnosed with melanoma throughout their lifetime, according to data from the National Institutes of Health. Almost 95% of those with melanoma live five or more years after their diagnosis. Alongside the free screenings, people can reduce their skin cancer risk through prevention and early detection, according to the press release. Prevention measures include wearing sunscreen of at least SPF30, seeking shade during peak UV hours, wearing UV-resistant clothing and avoiding indoor tanning. To ensure early detection, individuals who work outside should be screened annually and those with a family history of skin cancer should schedule checks with professionals. Children should also be screened, and individuals should schedule checks if they observe changes in their moles or skin spots, the health department said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Rhode Island Current
	Up, up and away at the Quad Cities Balloon Festival! You can enjoy family fun that lights up the skies and hearts of the QCA! Darrell Day joined Our Quad Cities News with details on the Quad Cities Balloon Festival. For more information, click here.
	Waffle & Pancake House, in Muscatine, announce temporary closure Waffle & Pancake House announced they are temporary closed for maintenance and will reopen on August 6.
	Dental hygienists accused of misleading patients as to their need for dental work The Iowa Dental Board within the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing oversees the state's dental profession. (Photo by Getty Images; logo courtesy State of Iowa)The Iowa Dental Board has charged two dental hygienists with misleading patients as to their purported need for extensive dental work. In March 2026, the board charged dental hygienist Angela Renee Page of Ames with knowingly making misleading, deceptive, untrue, or fraudulent representations in the practice of the profession; taking actions that were abusive, coercive, intimidating, harassing, untruthful, or threatening, all in the practice of dentistry; and with obtaining a fee by fraud or misrepresentation. The board alleged the conduct occurred sometime in 2023 while Page was working in Ames. According to the board, it received a complaint that during a dental cleaning appointment, Page had informed a patient he needed a “deep cleaning.” The patient scheduled an appointment for the work to be performed but then was told by another dental provider he did not need the procedure. The patient opted to have the work performed based on Page’s recommendation. The board alleges that a second complaint stated Page had, over the course of two years, treated a male patient for gum disease. At some point, the board alleges, the patient visited a different dentist to get a second opinion as to the treatments he had been receiving from Page. The new dentist allegedly informed the patient he had no form of gum disease and that the two years of treatments he had been receiving were unnecessary. The board recently resolved the disciplinary case with a settlement that calls for Page to accept a warning. She will also be required to complete educational training of an unspecified duration, focusing on ethics and periodontics. The board has opted to refrain from publicly disclosing the name of the dental practice where Page worked. In a similar but unrelated case, the Iowa Dental Board recently charged dental hygienist Abby Young of Cedar Rapids with knowingly making misleading representations by overstating the consequences of failing to maintain routine dental hygiene and not accepting her recommended treatment plan. The board alleges that sometime in 2023, while working in Cedar Rapids, Young informed a patient that he had periodontal disease and that his teeth would fall out if he did not get root scaling and planing on teeth within all four quadrants of his mouth. Young, the board says, “disputes the nature of the conversation” with the patient, and says she described the risk of forgoing treatment in a manner that’s consistent with descriptions by the American Academy of Periodontology. According to the board, the patient was asked to prepay for the procedure and return on another day for the work to be performed. The board says the day before the procedure was scheduled, the patient asked about getting a second opinion “and was told again by the dental office that all of his teeth would fall out if he did not get the procedure done as soon as possible.” After the procedure was completed, the board alleges, the patient’s insurer concluded the work was not medically necessary and denied the claim. The dental office — which the board has opted not to publicly identify — then “billed the patient directly and stated they would send it to collections if the patient did not pay,” the board alleges. The patient has since been reimbursed for the care and treatment he received, according to the board. The board recently resolved the disciplinary case with a settlement that calls for Young to accept a warning. She will also be required to complete educational training of an unspecified duration, focusing on ethics and periodontics. The Iowa Capital Dispatch was not able to reach Page or Young for comment. Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Survey: 45% support bonds for $33M in new facilities in Eldridge A referendum, which Eldridge is considering putting before voters in November, would need at least 60% support to pass.
	Stocks are up, unemployment is down – so why is a leading NC economist raising a red flag? From groceries to gas to travel plans, a new Catawba College–YouGov Survey finds that 72% of North Carolinians say rising prices have caused them to cut back on purchases. (Photo: USDA) The Dow Jones Industrial Average topped 53,000 for the first time this week, a milestone celebrated by Wall Street investors. But a leading Kenan-Flagler Business School economist says a closer look at the latest economic data shows a clear disconnect in how many consumers are viewing and experiencing the American economy. Kenan Institute research director Camelia Kuhnen said economists were “relatively optimistic” that jobs nationwide in June would increase by 125,000. Instead, only 57,000 jobs were added to the U.S. economy. The national unemployment rate fell to 4.2% last month, but that too was a worrisome sign. Dr. Camelia Kuhnen (Photo: UNC Kenan-Flagler) “The main driver for the drop in unemployment is that some people have left the labor force,” Kuhnen told reporters in a recent briefing. The labor force participation rate also dropped in June to 61.5%. “It has been stable for a while, but we’re seeing this tick down in the labor force participation rate, which is not really a very good thing,” said Kuhnen. Some older people may have accumulated enough financial wealth to retire early, but Kuhnen said the departure from the workforce of men and women in their prime years will have a negative impact on the nation’s future economic growth. Twenty-seven percent of those who are currently jobless are long-term unemployed. “Research has shown that the longer you are unemployed, the harder and harder it is for you to find a good match in the labor market,” Kuhnen said. “Your human capital gets depleted and diminished, and so it’s not good to see such a high fraction of those unemployed being long-term unemployed.” Consumer sentiment impacts summer travel, fall elections Another surprise in the data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics July 2 is the loss of 61,000 jobs in the leisure and hospitality sector. “The picture is not exactly a happy one,” said Kuhnen. “A lot of economists expected to see a bump from the World Cup in line with what we saw back in 1996 because of the Atlanta Olympics. In the June data, we don’t see this bump.” The decline in leisure and hospitality can be traced to consumer sentiment. Dr. Michael Bitzer (Photo: Catawba College) A Catawba College–YouGov Survey released this week finds that 72% of North Carolinians say rising prices have caused them to cut back on purchases. The survey of more than 1,000 North Carolinians found 57% who said they had difficulty in affording monthly expenses. The Catawba College–YouGov Survey conducted a similar poll in January. This latest survey finds North Carolinians expressing greater concerns about affordability than they did at the beginning of the year. “An eight-point rise in cutting back on regular purchases sends a message that North Carolinians see the everyday economy as worsening,” said Dr. Michael Bitzer, director of the Center for North Carolina Politics & Public Service. Bitzer said affordability will be a factor in November’s mid-terms. When those experiencing monthly economic hardship were asked who they intended to vote for in North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race, Democrat Roy Cooper held a 22-point lead over Republican Michael Whatley. When those not facing any economic angst were asked about their intended vote, the race becomes a virtual tie with voters favoring Cooper 44% to Whatley’s 42%. Bitzer cautioned in a press release that while the findings don’t prove that affordability concerns cause certain voter preferences, they do “demonstrate a strong relationship between economic perceptions and electoral choices in this midterm environment.” Amid solid job numbers, a North Carolina economist sees troubling headwinds At the Kenan-Flagler Business School, the focus is not on the political landscape. Kuhnen said she is more concerned that the personal savings rate continues to slide, declining from 4.5% in 2025 to 3% this year. “Spending more does not mean that you are better off as a household,” Kuhnen said. “[Consumers] have been depleting their savings, and this is why in those surveys people are quite pessimistic.” Courtesy of NC Newsline
	Some Pa. apple growers to receive additional federal assistance after devastating April freeze Workers pick apples at an orchard in Adams County in August 2024. (Commonwealth Media Services)Additional relief is being made available for federally insured apple growers whose crops were affected by a devastating late-April freeze. Between April 19th and 21st, temperatures that dipped into the low 20s harmed fruit operations across swaths of Pennsylvania and other states. The federal Agriculture Department previously took steps to provide emergency loans in areas hit hard by the freeze, including multiple Pennsylvania counties. The latest move from the USDA expands relief for qualified growers in Pennsylvania and other states by allowing them to finalize claims early, before the disposition of crops, on a case-by-case basis. The goal is to allow more flexibility for producers in making harvest and marketing decisions. “We’re prioritizing American farmers to ensure they have the tools they need to be successful, strengthen farm resilience and support agricultural stability following challenging weather events,” said Farm Production and Conservation Under Secretary Richard Fordyce. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Pat Swanson, administrator of the USDA’s Risk Management Agency, said, “this flexibility benefits growers, keeps apples on the market for consumers and safeguards the taxpayer’s investment in the crop insurance program.” The move comes after urging from fruit producers and packers, as well as members of the Shapiro administration and Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation. State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding praised the move, but also called for more federal relief for other fruit producers affected by the freeze. “Today’s announcement is another step in the right direction. Combined with recent disaster declarations making growers in many Pennsylvania counties eligible for low-interest loans, this step will lessen the blow at a time when farmers are being hit hard by nature, compounded by rising costs and erratic markets,” Redding said. “Apple growers were not alone in losing crops. We hope flexibility will be extended to other growers, and Congress and the USDA will authorize other assistance to support our growers.” After the freeze, Redding and Gov. Josh Shapiro visited Cherry Hill Orchards in Lancaster County to meet with growers. Shapiro also penned a letter to U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins requesting a disaster declaration, which was ultimately issued later that month. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture said in a statement that Shapiro has continued to push for additional state relief funding in ongoing budget negotiations with legislative leaders. Affected apple growers are encouraged to contact their crop insurance agent for more information about the relief. Courtesy of Pennsylvania Capital-Star
	Defense files for psychiatric exam and to suppress evidence ahead of Bureau County Mother’s Day hostage trial Motions for a psychiatric exam and to suppress evidence were filed Tuesday for Anthony Daniel Rodriguez ahead of his August trial in Bureau County.
	Sabula man arrested after allegedly throwing a mortar firework at neighbor's garage A Sabula man was arrested after allegedly throwing a mortar round for a firework at a neighbor's garage, causing damage.
	Rural La Harpe man arrested after investigation into alleged sexual abuse of minor 49-year-old Ronald G. Jarrell was arrested following an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving a child.
	Trone Garriott calls for public option, restoring Medicaid funding at cancer event Iowa Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott, the Democratic candidate for Iowa's 3rd Congressional District in 2026, posed with her "cancer promise" pledge signed at a July 7, 2026 event in West Des Moines where she spoke with advocates affiliated with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network about actions she would take in federal office to combat Iowa's high and rising cancer rates if elected. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)Democratic congressional candidate Sarah Trone Garriott said Tuesday she believed an important step in addressing Iowa’s cancer crisis was making sure Iowans have consistent, easy access to healthcare — something she said could be accomplished through measures like a national public option and reversing Medicaid cuts. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN) hosted a “cancer coffee chat” with Trone Garriott Tuesday at Friedrich’s Coffee in West Des Moines, where local cancer survivors and advocates with the organization asked the candidate about her approach to addressing cancer in Iowa if elected to federal office. The organization will hold a similar event this week with U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn, the incumbent Republican in Iowa’s 3rd District, who Trone Garriott is challenging in the upcoming election. It’s at noon Friday, July 10 at Beaverdale Books. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. At the state level, officials and researchers are working to identify the factors contributing to Iowa having the second-highest rate of new cancer incidences in the country, and one of only three states with a rising rate of new cancers in 2026, according to the 2026 Cancer in Iowa Report. Trone Garriott said as a state senator, she has supported efforts to fund cancer research and supported efforts like significantly increasing the tobacco tax to deter people from using products known to cause lung cancer. She said she could make a larger impact on addressing Iowa’s cancer rates if elected to federal office. This would mean supporting measures to federally fund cancer research, expand clinical trial offerings in rural areas, as well as support the expansion of healthcare access and coverage overall, she said. “At the state level, I haven’t been able to see some of my priorities move over the finish line, and so, the possibilities at the federal level are so much bigger,” Trone Garriott said. “We have a lot more power working together in with those federal dollars, and so, making sure that every one of our neighbors has healthcare coverage — so that every U.S. citizen can get the healthcare they need — I think that should be a top priority. … We can work together to provide some kind of public option, to make sure everyone’s covered while expanding the opportunities within the existing programs too.” Trone Garriott said she was “open to the possibilities” of what a public option would include, saying she supported proposals that would allow people to keep their private insurance while expanding the ability for individuals to participate in programs like Medicare, and to get coverage that is not tied to their employment. Richard Deming, a cancer doctor and volunteer with ACS CAN, asked Trone Garriott how she would tackle problems — especially in rural communities — related to healthcare access. The Democrat said she believed reversing cuts to Medicaid made through the 2025 “big, beautiful” law and extending subsidies through the Affordable Care Act that lapsed earlier in 2026 were ways to directly help rural Iowa communities. “Medicaid is a huge piece of the puzzle here in Iowa,” Trone Garriott said. “About 20% of our neighbors depend on Medicaid to get access to healthcare. And because of the cuts that my congressman voted for, we’ve had three clinics close in the district just this year, and I know that’s just the beginning. We also have a couple hospitals now on the endangered list because of those cuts.” She criticized Nunn for supporting the 2025 law, which will lead to an estimated $137 billion decline nationally in rural Medicaid spending. While some Republicans have argued rural communities will be better supported under the law with funding through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program, through which Iowa was awarded $209 million in 2025, Trone Garriott said this funding will not be enough to offset losses from Medicaid cuts. “There’s a big difference between $1 billion a year, invested in healthcare across all kinds of providers and a competitive grant program that only provides about $250 million a year to hospitals,” Trone Garriott said. “I’ve talked to hospital board members who say they’re struggling to think of projects and ways that they can apply to spend that money that will help them the most. It doesn’t just pay for healthcare, it has to be very specific, targeted projects, and that’s not helping people get healthcare. That is one time, and it’s only for five years. It’s not adding up. It’s crumbs compared to the investments that were coming into our state and covering our neighbors.” In addition to restoring funding for federal programs, Trone Garriott signed a “cancer promise” saying she would support funding for cancer research, alongside supporting prevention and early detection services as well as working to make healthcare more affordable. She also told advocates at the event she would work to bring clinical trial services “into the community, so that we have the resources, the expertise where people are at,” and would work to prevent cuts to cancer research made by the federal government. “The DOGE effort just came in and indiscriminately started cutting programs and eliminating research projects, and setting us back decades in terms of those studies,” Trone Garriott said, referring to the Trump administration’s Department of Government Efficiency initiative. “We need to have policy that will protect research projects and not allow them to be axed in the middle. We need to make sure that we have consistent investment in research and that we’re increasing that research investment, and so, that that’s a direction to go.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Monmouth announces new city administrator During Monday's meeting, the Monmouth City Council officially entered into an employment agreement with Lou Leone as its new city administrator.
	Man accused of killing Trudy Appleby asks judge to limit, throw out witness testimony 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.
	Kansas farmers suffer from tariffs and closing of Strait of Hormuz, ag experts say Trade tariffs and the Iran war have added challenges to costs for Kansas farmers, including increased costs of fertilizers, agriculture policy experts say. (Photo by Kevin Hardy/Stateline)TOPEKA — Trade tariffs cost the United States about $15 billion in losses in the Chinese market alone, agriculture policy experts said Friday. Sandro Steinbach and Shawn Arita, associate professors at North Dakota State University’s Agricultural Risk Policy Center, spoke about international policies affecting agriculture during an episode of Kansas State University’s podcast Clearing the Air. Steinbach said the policy center studied market disruption in the United States and China relationship. He said the higher cost of exporting products to foreign markets caused a “pretty strong” diversion in China away from U.S. products, causing losses of about $15 billion for the United States. “Diversion means that exporters export products to other countries as well, so we have seen in certain markets significant diversion,” Steinbach said. “Those states that export a lot of product to China, they saw quite significant disruptions.” In April 2026, Kansas exported $91.3 million of products to China, the third largest country behind Mexico and Canada, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity, an economic data-gathering organization. Steinbach said many corn shipments were diverted to Mexico and South America, creating large trade disruptions that were harmful for producers because the diversion depresses prices. In assessing historical tariff effects, Steinbach said, changing access to China’s market caused disruption in the economy. In the past, the move has led to overall long economic losses and has “major implications for local economies.” “That’s kind of the message out of the earlier episodes, actually, which really depressed global economic growth,” he said. “So it’s not just about U.S. implications, but also how the global economy is evolving. Obviously, we as exporters depend on foreign markets. If everyone is doing well globally, people get richer while they’re consuming more goods — just this classical mantra of economic growth leads to more demand for agricultural commodities.” Decisions to isolate the United States from certain import or export markets have a cost and benefit, Steinbach said. The country’s gross domestic product — the value of finished goods produced in a country — is small compared to other countries, he said. “While it may benefit certain groups by having closed borders and limiting access to the U.S. market, or the other way around, it might create unintended consequences, which can be large and can be harmful.” Agriculture, for instance, needs the international market because the domestic market doesn’t see increased demand, Steinbach said. “I think these fundamental factors should be always taken into account when we make dramatic decisions, or when we discuss dramatic policy shifts,” he said. “Actually, there are always winners and losers, and making sure that the losers are taken care of in a transition is really important. That applies to both opening markets and closing markets.” ‘Balanced trade’ The Trump administration’s overall strategy has been focused on a balanced trade strategy and addressing trade deficits, Arita said. Compared to trading partners, the United States has had low tariffs, he said. Trump reset tariffs higher through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, creating leverage for negotiation, Arita said. “Reciprocity is a key part of tariff negotiations,” he said. The Trump administration also has the goal of restoring the manufacturing sector, he said. “In terms of restoring the manufacturing sector, that had left the ag sector to some degree more of collateral damage, in the sense where now we got hit by some of our other trading partners, like China,” Arita said. “We have a very aggressive trade policy, and interestingly enough, only China, and to a smaller degree, Canada, have actually retaliated against our ag sector this time around.” Although some countries chose not to retaliate with tariffs, Arita said, there is a risk that if the United States is too aggressive, other trade partners will look outside the U.S. market. “All these countries, if they do not see us as being very, very stable or a partner that they can easily negotiate with, then they’re going to negotiate amongst themselves,” he said. “On a global level, this is all good to have more trade agreements, but if you do have a situation in which a lot of countries are signing these pacts outside with the U.S. not being a part of it, the U.S. does get left behind. “Whenever you’re very aggressive, there’s just risk,” Arita added. Fertilizer prices The uncertain future of the Strait of Hormuz, the waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman that is important for transportation of oil and liquified natural gas, affects multiple aspects of the agricultural sector. That includes the price of gas and fertilizer. It’s unclear how quickly fertilizer prices will rebound, Arita and Steinbach said. An agreement reached June 18 to reopen the strait is tenuous, as three ships were bombed in the strait this week. Still, Steinbach said, he is hopeful the agreement will provide some stability in the markets. The policy center has run simulation models to understand different scenarios and how they will affect the U.S. agriculture’s input costs, Steinbach said. Many producers bought fertilizer last fall, so the immediate impacts have been small, he said. That is likely to change next year, he said. Steinbach said his department’s research found concern that fertilizer prices will stay elevated for a longer time than initially expected. Arita said the war with Iran in the strait, which closed in February and then has been a “roller coaster” of being open and closed since then, has not raised fertilizer prices as much as previous conflicts have. Concerns often centered on urea fertilizer because about 30% comes through the Strait of Hormuz, he said. But the market was more resilient than expected, Arita said. China is also a key supplier of urea, and the country stepped back into the market to address shortages, he said. However, two fertilizers, referred to as MAP (monoammonium phosphate) and DAP (diammonium phosphate), have seen elevated prices, Arita said. They both contain sulfur, and about 40 to 50% of the world’s sulfur goes through the Strait of Hormuz, he said. “We also have to keep in mind, before the Strait of Hormuz, supply conditions were already tight, for MAP, DAP, as well as the nitrogen fertilizer,” Arita said. “It just served to amplify that effect.” It’s unclear how long it will take to normalize the fertilizer market because it isn’t certain how much damage was done to the fertilizer-related production infrastructure in Iran, he said. “That could keep upward pressure moving forward well into 2027 and beyond in terms of overall prices,” Arita said. Although prices have come down a small amount, they could easily rise up, especially as Brazil and India, two of the top fertilizer importers, move into the time periods when they increase imports. “Anything can happen, and so the best we can do is just be prepared for uncertainty,” he said. Andrew Ferguson, Federal Trade Commission chairman, announced at a Texas Farm Bureau event that the FTC is launching an investigation into fertilizer prices and market concentrations. The investigation will explore the “precipitous rise of fertilizer prices,” Ferguson said. At the end of June, Trump signed a proclamation to suspended some tariffs affecting phosphate fertilizer imports to help lower fertilizer costs, a U.S. Department of Agriculture news release said. The action is expected to lower phosphate fertilizer prices by 22%, the news release said. Courtesy of Kansas Reflector
	Woman injured in Rock Island shooting, warrant issued for suspect A woman was taken to the hospital following a shooting in downtown Rock Island on July 6.
	Rock Island police looking for ‘armed and dangerous’ man after woman shot Rock Island Police are looking for a man they say is “armed and dangerous” after a woman was shot Monday evening.
	History, snakes, and more at the Rock Island Public Library this July The public library is hosting a lecture series on America’s semiquincentennial and a local history display at its downtown location. Other events at its Watts-Midtown and Southwest Branches include plant crafts, painting, jigsaw puzzles, and snake encounters.
	Moline police seeking AI language translation software for body cameras The technology will be used when a human interpreter is not immediately available. It can translate 60 languages through the camera within seconds.
	Monmouth names Lou Leone new City Administrator The City of Monmouth has a new City Administrator. The Monmouth City Council officially entered into an employment agreement with Lou Leone to be its new City Administrator at last night’s meeting. “On behalf of the Council and the City of Monmouth, we’re excited to have Lou Leone be our next City Administrator,” Mayor Rod [...]
	Switchfoot, July 18 Touring in support of their just-release album Forever Now whose single "Wake Up, Mr. Crow" peaked at number two on the Cross Rhythms Christian Airplay chart, the alt-rock and gospel musicians of Switchfoot bring their national tour to Davenport's Rhythm City Casino Resort on July 18, their unique blend of emotionally intelligent and uplifting music having earned them a devoted and loyal global fan base.
	Silverstein, July 18 Touring in support of their September release Pink Moon – a recording whose tracks, according to Scene Point Blank, are "fun and catchy with that topnotch sound that you've come to know and love" – the Canadian rockers of Silverstein headline a July 18 concert at Davenport's Capitol Theatre, their latest album also hailed by Crucial Rhythm as "a diverse, compelling body of work that explores human fragility, resistance, and the ever-changing landscape of art and life."
	Charlie Parr, July 17 Touring in support of his most recent album Little Sun, a work that Americana Highways deemed " a masterful record with stunning production and musicianship of the highest quality," Charlie Parr headlines a July 17 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, the country and blues-rock singer/songwriter's latest also leading PopMatters to rave that Parr "never betrays his own vision, one that continues to find new routes to explore even 18 albums in."
	The Cactus Blossoms, July 22 With their most recent release Every Time I Think About You hailed by Adventures in Americana as an album that "pulls you in immediately with delicious melodies combined with that Lynchian edge the band is known for," the sibling Americana musicians of the Cactus Blossoms headline a July 22 concert at Davenport's Raccoon Motel, their latest also inspiring Americana Highways to extol the duo's "seamless songwriting of classic rock sounds that seem to hail from simpler times."
	Suspect wanted after woman shot in Rock Island Rock Island police have identified a suspect in a shooting on Monday that injured a 34-year-old woman. The suspect is considered armed and dangerous.
	Magic Tuber Stringband and David Lord, July 23 An evening with exhilarating independent musicians is guaranteed at Rozz-Tox on July 23, with the Rock Island venue proud to host a shared night with Evan Morgan, Courtney Werner, and Mike DeVito of the North Carolina outfit Magic Tuber Stringband alongside composer/guitarist David Lord.
	Pokey LaFarge, July 23 Performing blues, folk, country, and Americana music that, according to NPR, “evokes the old-timey spirit of a thousand crackling 78 RPM records," Midwestern singer/songwriter Pokey LaFarge headlines a July 23 concert at Maquoketa's Codfish Hollow Barn, the artist's 2024 release Rhumba Country hailed by No Depression as a "stirring, deceptively fraught" album that "presents vivid vignettes of restless hearts gripped by desire and loneliness, and yearning for higher ground."
	Reigning champion Argentina escapes with remarkable World Cup victory over Egypt Egypt was leading late, up 2-0. The Argentinians looked beaten. But they fought and fought and fought. Scoring one goal, then another to equalize. And, finally, a third to advance to the quarterfinal.
	Drivin N Cryin, July 17 Their springtime release Crushing Flowers lauded by Americana UK as album that “stands among the best from their illustrious career so far,” the Atlanta-based rockers of Drivin N Cryin headline a July 17 concert at Maquoketa's Codfish Hollow Barn, Glide magazine adding that, with their newest recording, the musicians "continue to operate in their own space, where folk storytelling, punk energy, and Southern soul aren’t so much fused as lived-in."
	“The Legendary Ladies of Country Music” with Molly Brown, July 18 Recently nominated for the Wisconsin Area Music Industry's WAMI Awards for the fourth consecutive year in the categories of Best Female Vocalist and Best Female Tribute Artist, touring sensation Molly Brown brings The Legendary Ladies of Country Music to Maquoketa's Ohnward Fine Arts Center on July 18, the stage sensation treating audiences to an afternoon of favorites ranging from unforgettable classics to modern-day chart-toppers.
	“Bonnie & Clyde,” July 23 through August 2 Lauded by The Mancunion as "a beautiful, sociopolitical musical that is finally getting the recognition it deserves," the Broadway-musical version of Bonnie & Clyde makes its area debut with a July 23 through August 2 run at the Clinton Area Showboat Theatre, Curtain-Up adding to the show's raves by praising the "muscular rhythmic drive beneath the show's blend of folk, blues, and gospel."
	John Deere offers UAW two year extension, deal expires in fall 2027 The proposed extension would lock in these terms through 2029.
	“Shrek: The Musical,” July 17 through August 2 An intimidating ogre, a feisty princess, a wisecracking donkey, a diminutive tyrant, an ambulatory gingerbread man, and other fantastical figures take over Mt. Carroll's Timber Lake Playhouse with the July 17 through August 2 run of Shrek: The Musical, the Tony-winning fairytale slapstick based on the Oscar-winning animated smash, and a show that Variety called a work of “irreverent charm” that “never stints on spectacle or laughs."
	Warrant issued for man after Rock Island shooting A warrant has been issued for a man after Rock Island Police received several reports of shots fired yesterday. A news release from the department said on Monday, July 6th at about 4:22 p.m., officers responded to the 500 block of 30th Street in response to multiple reports of shots fired. When they arrived, officers [...]
	City Circle Theatre Company's “Newsies,” July 17 through 26 Described by Variety magazine as “Disney's happiest outing since The Lion King” and by USA Today as a production of “easy infectuousness” and “youthful exuberance,” the Tony Award-winning Newsies enjoys a July 17 through 26 run at the Coralville Center for the Performing Arts, its City Circle Theatre Company presentation treating family audiences to an energetic work the Hollywood Reporter said “adheres to a time-honored Disney tradition of inspirational storytelling in the best possible sense.”
	Utah revokes Springville license of teen treatment center criticized by Paris Hilton Demonstrators at a news conference make a show of support for parents suing the Provo Canyon School on June 15, 2026. (Annie Knox, Utah News Dispatch)The Provo Canyon School, an infamous Utah teen treatment center, has lost its license for one of its campuses, the Utah Department of Health and Human Services announced Tuesday. By Aug. 6, the license revocation letter says, all services at the Springville campus for girls must be terminated and any new enrollments are prohibited. The school’s owners are also barred from reapplying for a new license for five years. “The Department is taking this action because of the Provider’s failure to provide applicable health and safety services for clients,” said the revocation letter from the Division of Licensing and Background Checks, citing “chronic, ongoing noncompliance with applicable rules, statutes, or requirements.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. The state did not revoke the license for the center’s Provo campus for boys but placed new conditions on it, arguing the school’s “failure to comply with state administrative rules and failure to provide applicable health and safety services for clients,” according to a letter. That campus isn’t allowed to accept new admissions either, and it must undergo increased monitoring visits. A state investigation found the center delayed treatment for a minor who was rendered unconscious after a physical assault, the letter placing conditions for the Provo campus says. The investigation also showed multiple incidents in which the school failed “to ensure that each client has the right to be free from potential harm or acts of violence.” Both actions can be appealed. That’s an option Provo Canyon School leaders say they’re considering. “We disagree with the state’s decision to revoke Provo Canyon School’s Springville Campus license and are evaluating all available legal and administrative options, including an appeal,” Tim Marshall, chief executive officer at the school said in a statement. “As this is an ongoing matter, we are limited in what we can say at this time. Our priority remains providing safe, high-quality care and support for adolescents and their families, and we remain committed to serving those in need.” Paris Hilton comes back to Utah to support families suing teen treatment center For years the school had been the center of multiple reports of violence and poor medical care, including from reality TV star Paris Hilton, who said she was abused and isolated during her time as a teenager in the institution. Hilton returned to Utah last month to show support for parents suing the residential teen treatment center after years of advocacy that resulted in new laws imposing stricter regulations on the industry. Hilton applauded the state’s decision in a prepared statement issued Tuesday. ”Today, the state confirmed what survivors have known all along: Provo Canyon School failed the children in its care,” Hilton said. “I was one of those children. I know what it feels like to cry for help and believe no one is coming. Today, children still inside that facility know someone is finally coming to protect them,” she said. “The little girl in me who was told she would never be believed feels so validated today. We were telling the truth. We always were. No institution is too powerful to be held accountable. When survivors refuse to stay silent, change is possible.” Multiple violations Shannon Thoman-Black, director of Utah’s Division of Licensing and Background Checks, said in a news conference on Tuesday that her office had been following the process established by law since it started a previous investigation in January 2025, which resulted in the state setting conditions to the institution’s license. “We don’t go in with a hammer when a scalpel will do. Now there comes a time when, in this case, we received additional complaints,” she said. “We investigated those complaints during the course of that investigation. We then discovered multiple substantiated (instances of) noncompliance.” Let us know what you think... Division officials said they received a complaint from the Disability Law Center about the center in the middle of June. That prompted an investigation that uncovered incidents that either hadn’t been reported to the office or lacked substantial material, as required by the law. State investigators interviewed staff and clients and reviewed medical records, camera footage and internal documentation from the school. The list of violations included withholding information during the investigation process, failing to report critical incidents and to protect clients from harm, as well as failing to ensure all clients were free from neglect and discrimination, Thoman-Black said. The school, according to the investigation, did not ensure that all staff members had clear background checks before having unsupervised access to the teens, and some engaged in “unnecessary restraint and aggressive physical contact with clients.” Until Aug. 6, when the Springville campus is scheduled to shut down, the division will continue to monitor the institution. The Department of Health and Human Services will work with the school and teen treatment systems in other states “to ensure a safe and timely transition, either to their home state or to another appropriate placement,” Thoman-Black said. “Ultimately, a youth guardian determines what those next steps will be,” she said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Utah News Dispatch
	“America 250: Focus on the American Landscape with Artist Larassa Kabel,” July 23 In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, Davenport's Figge Art Museum is hosting American Art talks throughout the month of July, and on Thursday the 23rd, guests are invited to hear from Larassa Kabel in Focus on the American Landscape, the speaker a multidisciplinary artist based in Des Moines, Iowa, whose work captures the uneasy balance between humans and nature.
	Deere & Co. offers 2-year extension to union workers John Deere and the UAW are considering a surprise contract extension to October 2029, offering wage increases and bonuses amid economic uncertainty.
	2026 Rock Island County Fair, July 14 through 18 Five days of outdoor fun will be on hand when East Moline's Rock Island Country Fairgrounds hosts the annual Rock Island County Fair July 14 through 18, offering patrons mornings, afternoons, and evenings filled with carnival rides, games, food vendors, animal shows, racing tournaments, 4-H events, live music performances, and exciting happenings scheduled for the nights' grandstand entertainment.

Wednesday, July 8th, 2026

Tuesday, July 7th, 2026