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

Thursday, July 9th, 2026
	Rock Island liquor commission holds emergency meeting after 2nd shooting at bar The Rock Island City Council held an emergency meeting after a second shooting at DeAnna's Bar led the city to temporarily close the business.
	Putnam welcomes Marlee Matlin for Aug. 19 event The Putnam Museum & Science Center welcomes Academy Award-winning actress, author and advocate Marlee Matlin on Wednesday, August 19 for an evening exploring accessibility, representation and how arts and culture can build communities where everyone belongs. Doors open, and cocktail hour begins at 5:30 p.m. Attendance is limited to 220 guests. Click here for tickets. [...]
	Davenport man charged with having handgun in his backpack despite prior felony Davenport police stopped a man late Wednesday and said they found a handgun in his backpack.
	Humility Homes to break ground on new supportive housing project in Davenport Humility Homes and Services Inc. (HHSI) is preparing to break ground on a new supportive housing project in Davenport. HHSI and Gratus Development have announced their newest initiative, Sheridan Point Place. The project is an 11-unit, newly constructed development that will provide long-term, stable housing for people and families experiencing housing instability in the Quad [...]
	240th Street road construction starts July 13 Beginning July 13, 240th Street will be under construction. The street between 180th Avenue and 240th Avenue will be reduced to one lane for a Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) resurfacing project. Drivers can expect high traffic on 240th Avenue during this period. Traffic will be maintained by flaggers and a pilot car. Scott County Road [...]
	“Hamilton,” July 16 On July 16, the Putnam Museum & Science Center's GIANT Screen Theater auditorium will definitely be "the Room where it happens," with the Davenport venue hosting a 6 p.m. screening of Lin-Manuel Miranda's Hamilton.
	'Every day is a big difference': San Antonio tow truck driver hit on Loop 410 finally home after 137 days His family says every day brings new progress, but they're still pleading for help identifying the hit-and-run driver who forever changed their lives.
	Former Olympian pleads not guilty in reflecting pool vandalism charges Canoeist David Hearn plead not guilty in D.C. Superior Court Thursday to a charge of destruction of property causing more than $1,000 in damage to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
	Rock Island City Council holds emergency meeting after second shooting at local bar The Rock Island City Council held an emergency meeting after a second shooting at DeAnna's Bar led the city to temporarily close the business.
	Pay It Forward: Monmouth woman honored for annual back-to-school rally This marks 17 years Karla Wallace has been hosting a back-to-school giveaway party for local children. She is asking for school supplies before the annual bash.
	Moline City Council swears in three police officers, recognizes acts of bravery Three Moline police officers were sworn in Tuesday as the city also recognized a sergeant and officer for courageous and lifesaving actions.
	Three men arrested in Louisa County internet sting operation A three-month undercover operation by the Louisa County Sheriff's Department led to the arrest of three men on grooming charges.
	Former coach at Bucknell University charged in death of freshman football player Former strength and conditioning coach Mark Kulbis was charged Monday in the death of Calvin "CJ" Dickey Jr., a freshman athlete with sickle-cell trait who collapsed during training in July 2024.
	Davenport man charged with sexual abuse of minor, possession of child exploitation material Benjamin Scott Meador faces charges of third-degree sexual abuse and possessing child sexual abuse material.
	Greg Lehmann joins ImpactLife as Vice President, Donor Outreach and Collections ImpactLife appoints Greg Lehmann as the blood center's Vice President, Donor Outreach and Collections.
	Pleasant Valley School District principal resigns, resignations, hirings from June 22 school board agenda The following personnel items are from the June 22 of the Pleasant Valley School District. The School Board met at Belmont Administration Center at 525 Belmont Rd., Riverdale, Iowa.
	Milan seeks community input as comprehensive plan is developed Milan officials and Planning Commission seek community input as they develop a comprehensive plan update for the community, a news release. The current plan was prepared in 2019 and an update is needed to address current development needs and vision for the future., the release says. The Village of Milan will host a visioning and [...]
	Pay It Forward \| Meet a Monmouth lady putting families first in time for school Karla Wallace has made it her mission to give back to the Monmouth community by providing students with school supplies for the school year.
	Sony will stop producing physical video games: what that means for the secondhand market A Quad Cities resale store says people save money on new video games by buying secondhand.
	Davenport veterans center director continues to give back Lola VanDeWalle asks for nothing in return for 10 years of supporting veterans throughout the Quad-Cities.
	Quad Cities Veterans Outreach Center continues to grow, adapt 10 years in The Davenport nonprofit continues to expand its services to meet veterans' evolving needs.
	Death of the Downtown This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Few people around Rock Island had ever seen a downtown die. Since Midwest towns began to sprout up in the 19th century,…
	Bonnie Tyler, singer of ballad 'Total Eclipse of the Heart,' has died at 75 Tyler died "unexpectedly" in a hospital in Portugal where she was being treated for an illness, her family said Thursday in a statement on her website.
	A Florida airport is officially renamed for Trump. What does he stand to gain? Trump is the first president to have an airport named after him while in office. The Trump Organization says he won't get royalties from the renaming, but legal experts see potential loopholes.
	How England's class divide shaped Andy Burnham, the U.K.'s likely next prime minister As mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham brought growth to the postindustrial city. Can he scale that nationally as the next prime minister?
	Campaign staffers keep trying to bet on races despite push to curb insider trading Kalshi says it has blocked "dozens" of trades from campaign insiders, but experts say the company's approach leaves lots of potential loopholes. NPR has found at least one trade that slipped through.
	Recent recalls may impact you: What to know It's been a busy summer for recalls. Here are some you may have missed.
	Egypt complains officials were biased in World Cup loss to Argentina The Egyptian Football Association (EFA) said Wednesday it "cannot remain silent" after what it believes was unfair and biased officiating in Egypt's 3-2 round of 16 loss against Argentina on Tuesday.
	Trump flies partway home from Turkey in an old Air Force One President Trump flew partway home from a NATO summit on an old Air Force One plane instead of the new Qatari-gifted plane, a surprise swap that came as the U.S. and Iran began trading strikes again.
	Trump wraps NATO summit on a positive note, after meeting Zelenskyy President Trump capped a NATO summit in Turkey meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and saying that the U.S. will give Ukraine a license to make Patriot air defense systems.
	U.S. launches new airstrikes on Iran and Tehran fires back at Gulf Arab states The United States launched new airstrikes against Iran early Thursday, and Tehran responded by targeting Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar in crossfire that again threatened an interim deal intended to help end the war.
	Special Weather Statement until THU 1:15 AM CDT Strong Thunderstorm Warning: Gusty Winds Impacting Western Scott and Surrounding Areas
Wednesday, July 8th, 2026
	Rock Island Public Library holds reading of the Declaration of Independence 250 years ago today, Colonel John Nixon gave the declaration's first public reading outside the state house in Philadelphia.
	Sony to stop producing physical video games: what that means for the secondhand market A Quad Cities resale store says people save money on new video games by buying secondhand.
	'Right to repair' secured in court A settlement with Deere and Co. requires that Deere gives farmer and repair providers access to equipment repair resources, including software.
	Illinois State Police release body cam footage in fatal Bureau County police shooting of 3-year-old Three-year-old Damian Camacho was shot and killed when officers responded to a hostage situation in rural Princeton on May 10.
	Durant, Louisa-Muscatine softball pick up quarterfinal wins Durant and Louisa-Muscatine softball picked up quarterfinal wins Wednesday night.
	Steamwheelers head coach Cory Ross named to Nebraska Football Hall of Fame Quad City Steamwheelers head coach Cory Ross has been named to the 2026 Nebraska Football Hall of Fame class.
	Cook review: 'Maternal Instinct' is unforgettable real-life horror show You can't imagine anything like this story could happen in real life until you see what unfolds in "Maternal Instinct," a true-crime story that's one of the best documentaries in recent years. Taylor Parker is pretty, vivacious and fun. When she meets Wade Griffin, who makes a living selling feral hogs, at a rodeo,it seems [...]
	Inside Iowa Politics: What is Iowa’s America’s Harvest Festival? Gov. Kim Reynolds announced "America's Harvest Festival" will take place October 24th as part of the 250th birthday celebration of the United States.
	No charges for Princeton officer in fatal shooting of 3-year-old boy A special prosecutor has recommended no charges be filed against a Princeton police officer involved in a stand-off that resulted in the death of a 3-year-old boy.
	First Army deactivates two divisions, welcomes new senior enlisted leader at Rock Island Arsenal In a ceremony at Rock Island Arsenal, the First Army deactivated two divisions amidst a restructuring move and appointed new Command Sgt. Maj. Randolph Delapena.
	Iowa had twice the drinking water violations for nitrate in 2025 as in 2024 A report from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources shows Iowa had 36 nitrate-related drinking water violations in 2025, which is more than double the number reported in 2024.
	2nd man faces charges after fatal shooting at Rock Island apartments A second man faces charges in connection with a June 16 fatal shooting at Crowne Forest Apartment, East Moline, according to a news release. On Tuesday, July 7, East Moline Police detectives obtained criminal charges through the Rock Island County State’s Attorney’s Office on Derion L. Craig, 21, for his involvement in a homicide at [...]
	‘So far, we’re looking good:’ Scott County farmer talks this year’s corn While farmers say things are looking good across the immediate area with this year’s crop, too much rainfall has been an issue in some areas, even locally.
	Graham Platner drops his bid for Senate after facing an allegation of rape Platner's campaign to unseat GOP Sen. Susan Collins in Maine was marked by repeated scandals. It came to a crashing halt after the allegation led top Democrats to withdraw their support.
	Steamwheelers looking for a win to keep playoff hopes alive The Steam Team and the Fishers will kick off on Saturday at Vibrant Arena.
	Grass tennis courts set to open in Moline, bringing rare surface to QC The Quad City Tennis Club is opening grass tennis courts Thursday — one of the only surfaces of its kind in the Midwest. Officials say it took nearly four years to get them ready.
	Davenport Central puts on first alumni show Davenport Central High School will debut its first alumni show this weekend. A cast made up of graduates dating back to 2017 will perform the show "Next to Normal." The show focuses on themes of mental illness, grief and family. The school put on the show in 2017 and has several returning cast members. The [...]
	41st Moonlight Chase and Eldridge Summer Festival set for busy weekend The Eldridge Summer Festival and 41st Annual Moonlight Chase return July 10–11 with a full weekend of family activities, a community parade and evening races, all supporting local organizations through annual grant funding.
	Hospital CEOs field questions over out-of-state acquisition of Robbinsdale and Maple Grove hospitals Trevor Sawallish, CEO of North Memorial Health, and Bill Gassen, CEO of Sanford Health, respond to questions about a Sanford acquisition of North Memorial at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in north Minneapolis, Tuesday, July 7, 2026. (Photo by Alyssa Chen/Minnesota Reformer)South Dakota-based Sanford Health has committed to maintaining core services at its Robbinsdale hospital for two years if it successfully acquires North Memorial Health. “We would have loved to say that we would make that a 25-year commitment, right? Because that’s our hope, that’s our goal. But the reality is … healthcare is incredibly challenging right now,” said North Memorial Health CEO Trevor Sawallish. Sawallish was fielding questions Tuesday alongside Bill Gassen, the CEO of Sanford Health, at a forum hosted by the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, a Black church in north Minneapolis. The Attorney General’s Office held the public forum as part of its expanded regulatory powers over healthcare mergers, bestowed by the Legislature and Gov. Tim Walz in 2023. The office is now able to analyze and block hospital mergers if they are against the public’s interest, for example if they reduce a community’s access to healthcare by reducing the range of services historically offered by a hospital. The office is simultaneously reviewing an even bigger proposed acquisition of Allina Health by Sutter Health, a $19.8 billion nonprofit health system in California. The office will host a similar forum Monday for public comments on that deal. (You can register here for location information and here to sign up to speak.) The proposed acquisitions of Allina and North Memorial by large out-of-state health systems are part of a broader trend of healthcare consolidation — hospitals and clinics combining into sprawling health systems. Evidence has shown that consolidation has led to higher prices, though effects on quality of care are less clear, according to health policy research organization KFF. Sanford Health, an $11.7 billion nonprofit health system that mostly operates rural health facilities, has unsuccessfully tried to enter the Twin Cities before, with proposed acquisitions of Fairview Health in 2013 and again in 2022. The effort faced intense scrutiny from the Attorney General’s Office, especially after the 2023 law gave the attorney general sign-off power on any out-of-state or for-profit acquisition of University of Minnesota health facilities. The stakes could be higher this time. Standing in front of the church’s triptych of a Black Jesus, Sawallish said that North Memorial risks closing unless it’s acquired by Sanford. North Memorial consists of 22 clinics, mostly in the north Twin Cities metro area, and hospitals in Robbinsdale and Maple Grove. The system’s flagship safety net hospital in Robbinsdale loses money in part because many patients are uninsured or on lower-paying government insurance. The hospital includes one of the state’s few Level 1 trauma centers, handling the most serious emergency cases, which Gassen said Sanford Health has committed to preserving. A newer hospital in the more affluent Maple Grove area consistently makes money for the system. The Legislature approved a cash bailout of Hennepin County Medical Center, another struggling safety net hospital. Proposed legislation included cash assistance to North Memorial as well, but that was dropped by the time the law passed. “Without a change, without this partnership, it is very, very likely that North Memorial will not be here,” Sawallish said. As part of the acquisition, Sanford is promising a $600 million cash infusion into North Memorial’s healthcare system. Roughly $500 million of that will go towards doubling the size of the Maple Grove hospital, as first reported by the Star Tribune. At a press conference preceding the forum, a coalition of union organizers and faith leaders from SEIU, the Minnesota Nurses Association and the progressive ecumenical group ISAIAH said they were asking Sanford and North Memorial to negotiate what’s known as a “community benefits agreement” as part of the acquisition. Rev. Karen McKinney, who serves at Fellowship Church, referred to the choice to expand Maple Grove. “If Maple Grove deserves expansion, why does Robbinsdale have to fight to maintain what it already has? Why should a hospital serving one of Minnesota’s largest Black communities be asked to settle for less?” McKinney said. The community benefits proposal has yet to be written, but speakers said it would include limits to healthcare prices; guardrails on artificial intelligence; medical debt forgiveness; and policies limiting access by federal immigration agents. The two CEOs responded to the coalition with a letter Tuesday saying they would need to review a proposal draft before agreeing to meet. Comments from North Memorial health providers were mixed. Christopher Palmer, an emergency department physician who has worked at the Robbinsdale hospital for 23 years, spoke in support of the acquisition, arguing it would sustain high-quality care. “You can’t have a Level 1 trauma center without a cardiac surgeon, an interventional radiologist, palliative care teams, primary care doctors. You just can’t do it. By maintaining that through this merger, we can provide additional care in all the other service lines,” Palmer said. Tami Carlson, a certified medical assistant at the North Memorial Brooklyn Center Clinic, where she’s worked since 2001, said she’s especially worried about North Memorial’s gender care program. Erik Haugland, a North Memorial physician specializing in gender care, spoke at the first forum on June 8, expressing the same concern that, in the face of state or federal pressure, Sanford would change how North Memorial offers gender care. Sanford Health had a youth gender services program in Moorhead that it closed in response to pressure from the Trump administration and never reopened, Haugland noted. At the forum Tuesday, Gassen was asked about gender care services: “Subject to state and federal law, it will be under the decision of the medical staff.” In other responses, Gassen also said Sanford Health committed, in a letter of understanding, to honoring existing and tentative union contracts. Sanford would continue physician training programs at the Robbinsdale hospital through the University of Minnesota. Sawallish said he expects that the acquisition won’t change North Memorial’s emergency transportation services. And Sanford Health agreed in writing that charitable giving and community benefit will be “the same or better than it was historically with North,” Sawallish said. “We never give care based on what your insurance card is, based on your ability to pay. We looked for a partner that shared that same ethos, that same commitment to delivering care, no matter your ability to pay,” Sawallish said. At Sanford, 85% of patients who apply for financial assistance pay nothing to receive care, Gassen said. Still, the CEOs didn’t do much to assuage some skeptics in the audience. “When these takeovers happen, one of the big arguments is always that they’ll streamline supply and it’ll all be more efficient,” Sara Hartfeldt, a Twin Cities metro area physician, told the Reformer. “But, that’s happening all over the country as healthcare presidents do this. It never turns out to be cost saving for the healthcare system as a whole.” Hartfeldt is on the board of directors for the Minnesota chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program, which advocates for single-payer health insurance, also known as Medicare for All. Jacque Pokorney, a geriatric-certified physical therapy doctor who volunteers at another single-payer advocacy group, Healthcare for All Minnesota, commented on Sanford Health’s promise to maintain core services at Robbinsdale for two years. “That’s the honeymoon period,” Pokorney said. She said she’s “gravely concerned” about the promises from the hospital CEOs and supports a binding community benefits agreement “to guarantee these large hospital groups actually support their missions to serve.” Courtesy of Minnesota Reformer
	First Iowa measles case of 2026 confirmed Officials have identified multiple potential exposure locations in the Des Moines metro and Webster City.
	More than a hundred protest new Medicaid rules at Capitol Advocates for Medicaid gathered at the Montana Capitol to protest new Medicaid rules. Some attendees are pictured prior to the event on Wednesday, July 8, in Helena, MT. (Jordan Hansen / Daily Montanan)HELENA — More than 100 people from across the state gathered in the Montana Capitol rotunda on Wednesday to protest cuts to Medicaid as well as new work requirements to access the health insurance program. Catalyst Montana, an advocacy-focused nonprofit, hosted the gathering, which included speeches from healthcare professionals, politicians and others impacted by the changes. The federal Medicaid changes stem from H.R. 1, the budget reconciliation bill, which President Donald Trump has called the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” This includes new federal Medicaid work requirements — 80 hours per month — to get the benefit unless a person meets the criteria for an exemption. The bill also shortened certification periods from annually to every six months. Montana implemented the federal requirements six months early, on July 1. The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services has said it is “fully prepared for this transition.” Rep. Mary Caferro speaks during a Medicaid rally on Wednesday, July 8, 2026 at the Montana Capitol in Helena, MT. (Jordan Hansen / Daily Montanan) Not everyone is convinced that’s true. Rep. Mary Caferro, a Helena Democrat, asked why Montana DPHHS moved forward with the switch early, calling it an “unnecessary policy” that was pushed forward before the agency was ready or required to do so. As recently as June 22, state DPHHS still hadn’t hired or fully trained staff on reviewing Medicaid applications and access to claims data, according to the Montana Free Press. Those work requirements are causing frustration for some Montanans, especially the more complex documentation process. Brine Quimby, 30, said he was on Medicaid as a child. His parents died, he said, and he was an emancipated minor, so he had to figure out much of the system himself. Quimby is disabled and does work — he is involved with the Missoula SPACECAT Network, the Community Living Task Force and helps moderate the Missoula Mutual Aid Community Facebook page — it’s just not always paid or recorded, which makes it difficult to prove to the state or fully get counted hours. “They’ll see working without money not being actual work,” Quimby said. “I face barriers now.” He’s frustrated because he’s advocated for Medicaid and educates others about it, but he’s still experiencing problems with the system. Quimby said he didn’t turn in one form correctly and has not had success following up with health services to address the issue. “When I’m in the Access to Care work group, I’m the only one who doesn’t have access to healthcare, and I’m making a tool kit that is for providers and for patients to help with policy initiatives and health equity and all this stuff,” Quimby said. “I feel like I’m in a simulation, like a ‘Black Mirror’ episode.” The issue is not just limited to those who need help, it’s the people giving them the care as well. Melody Rice, 64, is a mental health professional based in Butte and said that two-thirds of her clients are on Medicaid. Her therapy techniques include art, which she used to help treat people with mental illnesses such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. She can’t turn down someone in crisis, she said, adding that it becomes pro-bono work for her. Montana also recently nixed a planned 3% increase in Medicaid reimbursements that have had some legislators frustrated and providers with more hassle and less money. Nick Sunshine, an in-home care provider, said he was “deeply concerned” about the changes. “People who are still eligible for Medicaid can lose their health treatment, not because they’re no longer qualified, but because of paperwork, work requirements, or administrative delays, and the impact doesn’t stop with my clients,” Sunshine said. “When my clients don’t get services, I don’t work hours, but the biggest problem for me is that people who need care suddenly don’t have someone showing up on their doorstep.” Courtesy of Daily Montanan
	Gray Matters Collective and the QC Labor Federation partner for suicide prevention via bridge barriers The Quad City Federation of Labor and The Gray Matters Collective are fighting for barriers to be installed on the I-74 bridge to help keep people from attempting suicide by jumping off the bridge. "I think because the bridges here are the most accessible means of suicide, we have a responsibility to do something about [...]
	No criminal charges to be filed in shooting that killed 3-year-old No criminal charges will be filed in a shooting that killed a 3-year-old, prosecutors announced Wednesday.
	Rock Island bar liquor license on the line: Commission considers tavern incidents A July 4 shooting was among the factors city leaders discussed Wednesday as the Rock Island Liquor Control Commission discussed alleged liquor-license violations at DeAnna's Place, 2730 5th Ave., Rock Island. The commission met Wednesday to consider whether the bar's liquor license should be suspended.. For more than four hours, the commission and supporters watched [...]
	No injuries reported after Wednesday morning Davenport house fire Crews responded to the 6200 block of Deere Creek Lane just after 7 a.m. on July 8.
	Retirements, hirings and other Davenport schools personnel news from June 22 See the personnel items from the June 22 agenda of the Davenport Community School District.
	Moline City Council approves AI interpreter software for police body cameras The council passed an economic incentive agreement with developer Scout Capital Group, which is seeking to build a Texas Roadhouse next to I-74 and John Deere Road. The council also passed a first reading agreement selling city property, the former Catfish Charlie's, to Pretasky Roach Properties LLC.
	Illinois State Police release body camera footage in fatal Bureau County police shooting of 3-year-old boy Three-year-old Damian Camacho was shot and killed when officers responded to a hostage situation in rural Princeton on May 10.
	IDOC worker pleads guilty to padding the payroll of her correctional officer husband An Illinois Department of Corrections payroll worker admitted in federal court Wednesday that she falsified her correctional officer husband’s overtime and holiday pay, defrauding the state of nearly $125,000.
	Halal, Arabic and French are among the skills Lawrence honed to be good hosts to the Algerians Amal El Haimaur (right), assistant professor of African and African American Studies at the University of Kansas, stands with Aya Fayed, a PhD student and Arabic lecturer at KU. (Photo by Emma Noble)LAWRENCE — Bidding for a spot as a host city seemed nearly impossible. Until it wasn’t. The University of Kansas, Explore Lawrence, Rock Chalk Park, and Lawrence city government teamed to argue that their small city could play, or host, on the World Cup Stage. Their bidding preparation started before Kansas City was announced as a host city in June 2022. “We were working on it before — and probably submitted it afterward,” Lawrence Mayor Brad Finkeldei said. “We knew that being in the middle of the United States would be an advantage, because of teams having to go to different places to play their games. So being in the middle of the country makes it easy.” Now, it looks logical. Lawrence has become a media darling : the non-metropolitan outpost in a red state that’s shown visitors from a Muslim country what Midwest nice is all about. But how did Lawrence lure Algeria? Finkeldei said city officials relied heavily on Lawrence’s history of welcoming newcomers in and around the campus of the University of Kansas. “We have a history of having students come … from all over the world that folks would find welcoming,” Finkeldei said. “It’s fascinating to me, you know, you’ve not heard about any other suburb or any other small town that is being more talked about.” Lawrence residents greeted Algerians with open arms. People point to two women as catalysts. Amal El Haimaur, assistant professor of African and African American Studies at the University of Kansas, and Aya Fayed, a Ph.D. student and Arabic lecturer, quietly planted seeds of Algerian and Arabic culture across Lawrence months before even a single soccer fan would notice. In a collaboration with one of her professors, Fayed jumped on the Lawrence World Cup prep team by writing and producing a video on Arabic and Algerian culture to share with downtown businesses. “Especially the restaurants,” Fayed said. “They wanted to know: What does it mean to have halal food in the restaurant? What are some of the customs that might be confusing when they are dealing with new people? We also talked about tipping.” Reasonable communication was also mentioned in the video. “We might get loud, so don’t confuse like a normal conversation when things get animated and like an actual argument,” Fayed said. “We are just excited.” El Haimaur led a World Cup committee established by various KU department heads and professors that helped mesh culture and community. “We want to create that understanding,” she said. But their biggest chunk of work came around translation. They have provided Arabic translation to the city for, among other things, weather and parking signs. And they translated the Algerian national anthem into English, so locals could learn it. They have also taught multiple Arabic language classes at the Lawrence Public Library. The final class is scheduled for July 8. “It was for all the cultural reasons,” Al Haimur said. “From greetings, from the history, from colonization, because it’s very important why Algerians speak French, right?” Algeria was a French colony for 130-plus years until the early 1960s. “They speak French because of colonization,” she said. “Also, it has an effect in the Algerian cuisine, Algerian dress, because when you acquire a language, it’s also affecting the sets of cultural norms.” The two women also put together “Know Your Rights” guidance for dealing with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials after ICE actions in Lawrence in February. “People needed to know (that) even if you are a visitor here, you could interact with ICE in some way,” El Haimaur said. “So you need to know what exactly to do, how to act, so you don’t get in trouble.” This article was written for a class at the University of Kansas’ William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications and distributed through the Kansas Press Association. Courtesy of Kansas Reflector
	The Family Credit Union appoints Bob Hoepfner to Senior Vice President of Lending Bob Hoepfner brings more than 30 years of lending experience to The Family Credit Union.
	Humility Homes and Services to break ground on new supportive housing development When completed, the Davenport development will offer 11 units of housing. One, two and three-bedroom units will all be available.
	Iowa confirms first case of measles in 2026 A nurse gives an MMR vaccine at the Utah County Health Department on April 29, 2019, in Provo, Utah. The vaccine is 97% effective against measles when two doses are administered. (Photo by George Frey/Getty Images)The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced Wednesday that a vaccinated Iowa adult has contracted the measles virus. The confirmation marks the first case of measles in Iowa in 2026 after nine were reported in 2025. Measles, also known as rubeola, is a highly contagious viral disease. Symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose, red or watery eyes and a rash. According to an Iowa HHS press release, the individual contracted measles while traveling internationally. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. HHS officials compiled a list of locations the infected individual had visited since the start of July, which includes stores, medical facilities, and churches in Des Moines, Altoona, West Des Moines and Webster City. HHS said the visited areas are locations where the public may have been exposed to measles. HHS encourages anyone who may have visited these locations during these dates and times to monitor themselves for measles symptoms: Dollar General — 1428 E Ovid Ave., Des Moines Wednesday, July 1; 7:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Family Dollar — 1251 University Ave., Des Moines Wednesday, July 1; 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. MercyOne Des Moines Pediatrics Urgent Care — 330 Laurel St. Suite 2100, Des Moines Thursday, July 2; 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. MercyOne Des Moines Imaging (Outpatient Radiology) — 1111 6th Ave., Des Moines Thursday, July 2; 3:45 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal Church — 3848 14th St., Des Moines Thursday, July 2; 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Casa De Restauracion — 821 Seneca St., Webster City Friday, July 3; 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Kwik Star — 505 Fair Meadow Dr., Webster City Friday, July 3; 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Under Armour Factory House — 7771 Bass Pro Drive NW Suite 225, Altoona Saturday, July 4; 5 a.m. to noon Iglesia De Dios Pentecostal Church — 3848 14th St., Des Moines Saturday, July 4; 7:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. Iowa Clinic Urgent Care — 5950 University Ave., West Des Moines Sunday, July 5; 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. HHS officials encourage Iowans to stay up to date on their measles vaccinations to avoid further outbreaks. Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Quad City Tennis Club bringing back traditional grass courts to the region The club says lawn courts were the norm for decades before giving way to concrete in the 1970s. Now, three outdoor tennis lawns are open in the Quad Cities to members and the public.
	Davenport man charged with attempted murder of rival gang member An alleged Davenport gang member has been charged with attempted murder of a rival gang member in connection with a July 4 shooting.
	Humility Homes announces 11-unit supportive housing project in Davenport A new supportive housing project in Davenport will offer 11 units and wraparound services for people experiencing housing instability in the Quad-Cities.
	State releases video of police shooting that killed child A video released Wednesday by state police show officers kicking down a door and firing into a room with children during a standoff that ended with one child dead.
	State panel winnows applicants for utility regulator opening; interviews set for next week Gov. Mike Braun indicated the powerful commission will soon have a second vacancy. (Photo by Jack Forrest/Indiana Capital Chronicle)The nominating committee for the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission met privately Wednesday to review 25 applications for a vacant spot on the powerful body. A dozen will be interviewed for the opening next Thursday, Secretary of Energy and Natural Resources Suzanne Jaworowski announced after the nominating committee came out of executive session. Commissioner David Veleta, a Republican, delivered his letter of resignation late last month. “I’m not one that thinks you should camp out in any job for overdue amount of time, and I think he could see that (the IURC) was maybe going to be going in a little different direction,” Gov. Mike Braun told reporters last week. Utility regulator resigns from post; Braun looks for replacement The agency is charged with ensuring that utilities provide safe, reliable service at just and reasonable rates. Under Indiana law, it is an “impartial fact-finding body” balancing ratepayer and utility needs. When regulated utilities want to hike customer bills, they go to the IURC for permission. The commission can also regulate construction projects, asset acquisition, financing, bonding, environmental compliance plans, service territories and more. The five-member IURC can’t have more than three members of the same party, according to state code. Braun will replace Veleta with another Republican. Braun is emphasizing affordability as his top priority, posting last week that he’s seeking a commissioner “who understands that every decision has a real impact on Hoosier families and businesses and who will keep ratepayers front and center.” The commissioner job comes with a salary of about $152,000. The semi-finalists are: Josh Bain, an Indianapolis City-County councilor who was shortlisted for a GOP vacancy last year Tanner Bouchie, who leads a business and family law firm and lost in the May primary for a state Senate seat Phillip Casey, who leads an energy- and water-focused law firm Nathan Cazee, who works at air quality company Daikin Applied and was shortlisted for a GOP vacancy last year Sean Fagan, the LaPorte County prosecutor Tim Rushenberg, who works for the U.S. Department of Education’s general counsel office Pete Heuer, former director of operations, facilities planning and management at Ball State University Anthony Sunta, who works for the IURC Chris Switzer, a Vigo County commissioner Alfonso Vidal, a southern Indiana businessman who was shortlisted for a GOP vacancy last year Henry Wilhelmus, who works for the Indiana Office of Energy Development Joby Jerrells, who works for the Indiana Office of Attorney General Four nominating committee members voted to approved the shortlist, with two in opposition. Lindsay Haake was one of the no votes, which she explained: “I voted no because an individual was chosen by the committee who has uniquely disqualified himself to be able to equally balance the affordability needs of Hoosier ratepayers with the greed of Indiana utilities.” The committee will make recommendations after interviews, but the governor will make the final pick. Braun has told reporters that he expects to make a total of two appointments soon, however. He already filled three spots last year with Republicans Andy Zay and Anthony Swinger, and Democrat Bob Deig. That means the only remaining holdout is Democrat David Ziegner. Ziegner has served under five governors since 1990, but his current term is set to expire April 1, 2027. Whether he’ll leave sooner isn’t clear. The IURC didn’t respond to a request for comment. Veleta, Zay and Ziegner voted to approve a $71 million AES Indiana rate hike last month. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Indiana Capital Chronicle
	One year after ‘One Big Beautiful Bill Act’: 98K fewer Pennsylvanians on SNAP President Donald Trump holds up the "One, Big Beautiful Bill" Act that he signed into law on the South Lawn of the White House on July 4, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Alex Brandon - Pool/Getty Images)The past weekend’s 250th Independence Day celebration also marked another anniversary: the first year after President Donald Trump signed HR 1, otherwise known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Many of its sweeping policy changes, including work requirements for certain Medicaid recipients and reduced federal aid for administering food benefits, haven’t yet taken effect. But roughly 98,000 Pennsylvanians no longer receive food benefits due to newly imposed requirements under the law, as estimated by the state Department of Human Services. Between July 2025 and May 2026, the latest month available, enrollment in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program fell from 1.96 million to 1.74 million, an 11% decrease. DHS attributed less than half of those losses to HR 1. Pa.’s federal rural health funding doesn’t compare to projected Medicaid loss Pennsylvania had one of the highest SNAP participation rates in the country in 2022 (the latest data available), meaning that nearly every eligible resident participated in the program. In the commonwealth, over half of those beneficiaries are families with children. Democratic U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (PA-2) called the law “morally and ethically and economically the exact opposite” of the semiquincentennial in a Wednesday press call with advocates. “At its essence, you have the largest tax cuts for billionaires in American history, over $5 trillions worth paid for by the deepest cuts to healthcare and food assistance in American history,” said Boyle. “This bill truly was Robin Hood in reverse: it is robbing from the poor, taking away their healthcare (and) their food assistance in order to give money to the ultra and mega wealthy.” In the fall, Pennsylvanians relying on the program who didn’t start documenting their time devoted to work, volunteering or education could lose their benefits if they didn’t report at least 20 hours a week. Parents with children under the age of 14 and those with certain disabilities were exempt. U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle (PA-2) speaks about Medicaid work requirements on July 8, 2026. (Screenshot from Zoom webinar) Veterans and former foster youth who previously had a pass are also no longer exempt from additional requirements. Republicans later rebranded the bill as the Working Families Tax Cuts law because it permanently enacted 2017 Trump tax brackets and saved taxpayers an average of $800. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated it would add $3.4 trillion to the national deficit over the next decade, or $4 trillion when accounting for interest on the national debt. Progressives have repeatedly criticized the bill for disproportionately benefitting the wealthiest by focusing on marginal tax rates and estate taxes — though it does also eliminate taxes on tips and overtime. What’s coming next? States haven’t yet felt the biggest impact, primarily the shrinking federal funds for SNAP and Medicaid. Under the former, Pennsylvania and others will have to pick up a larger part of the tab for administrative costs, as much as $400 million. The commonwealth still has time to reduce its 9.21% error rate before penalties start next fall and lessen the impact, but the same can’t be said for Medicaid. Felix White, of Montgomery County, shared that Medicaid pays for his health expenses related to lung disease and diabetes while he’s caring for his 92-year-old mother. “I went to college for a computer science degree and was employed until a few years ago. I’ve been looking for work, but my field has changed rapidly over the years and it’s been very difficult to find a job at my age,” said White, 62. “Currently, I cut a couple of lawns and do any odd jobs that I can get.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. He credited Medicaid for covering a hospitalization associated with a blood blister, saying that without his policy, “I would have lost my foot.” “There’s no way I would be able to pay to see any doctors or pick up my medication,” White continued. “Thanks to Medicaid, I’ve controlled my type 1 diabetes, but I still live in fear of my (lung) disease and the complications it brings. Medicaid saves lives, and losing it would be a death sentence for me.” State officials estimate Pennsylvania could lose as much as $20 billion over the next decade, while other sources put the cut between $34 billion and $57 billion. A fraction of that will be offset by incoming dollars devoted to rural health, though advocates worry it won’t be enough to prevent hospitals from shuttering. Advocates say that most Medicaid enrollees who are capable of working have a job, or have another life circumstance — such as parenting or schooling — that prevents them from participating in the workforce. They liken new work rules to “paperwork requirements,” calling them “significant obstacles” to health coverage. “Medicaid is the backbone of our behavioral health system. When people lose that coverage, they lose access to treatment,” said Jeannine Lisitski, the CEO of Mental Health Partnerships, which specializes in treating substance use disorders. “People do not stop experiencing mental health or substance use disorders just because they lose insurance, but they will stop receiving medications.” That coverage loss can have a domino effect, she continued, rippling out the providers and health systems that fuel communities and the economy. Several others noted concerns with newly released definitions for medical frailty, which the state is suing to overturn. A recent RAND analysis predicts that there will be 7.6 million fewer Medicaid enrollees by 2034, including just under 370,000 Pennsylvanians. It also estimated that implementing various provisions — including but not limited to work requirements and more frequent reverification — will cost the state nearly $15 billion in that time. “I truly fear for our health systems, particularly in rural areas as well as urban areas. They will not be able to withstand the full amount of these cuts once the bill is finally phased in,” said Boyle. Medicaid work requirements are set to begin in January 2027. Courtesy of Pennsylvania Capital-Star
	Have you seen these suspects? Crime Stoppers wants to know! Crime Stoppers of the Quad Cities wants your help catching two fugitives. It’s an Our Quad Cities News exclusive. You can get an elevated reward for information on this week’s cases: LAROY COOPER, 48, 5'8", 165 pounds. Wanted by Iowa Department of Corrections 7th District High Risk Unit for probation violation on domestic abuse and [...]
	A new proposal for organ donation sparks concern Should patients who choose euthanasia be able to die by having their vital organs removed for donation? The ethical concerns are substantial.
	Galva passes resolution in support of a carbon capture moratorium The proposed Lapis Carbon Solutions project remains under review, but Galva's City Council has joined the county in calling for a pause.
	Medicaid meal deliveries reduce hospital visits and costs Medicaid patients receiving home-delivered meals had significantly fewer hospitalizations and ER visits, according to a new study. (Photo by Lance Cheung/Courtesy of USDA)About a dozen states offer “medically tailored meals” to people with conditions such as diabetes and heart disease who get their insurance through Medicaid. Such programs significantly improve the health of the people in them, according to a new study. Medically tailored meals are fully prepared, home-delivered meals that are customized by a registered dietitian nutritionist for people with diet-linked conditions like diabetes, heart failure or chronic kidney disease. They’re part of a broader category of “food is medicine” interventions that use free, healthy food to improve people’s health The “food as medicine” movement has picked up steam in recent years, propelled by some in the “Make America Healthy Again” movement who share the philosophy of using nutrition to help prevent and manage chronic diseases. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, has championed “food as medicine” and praised the potential of such programs to improve health and lower healthcare costs. However, Kennedy attracted criticism last year after praising one company that makes such meals for Medicaid and Medicare enrollees. The Associated Press reviewed the company’s offerings, finding the menu included the type of ultra processed foods high in sodium and sugar that Kennedy has often criticized. Massachusetts was the first state to broadly offer medically tailored meals to Medicaid recipients with diet-related diseases, so researchers with Tufts University, the University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School and other groups focused their research on that state. They found that enrollees in Massachusetts Medicaid who received medically tailored meals had 31% fewer hospitalizations and 20% fewer emergency department visits. Per-person health costs declined by an average of $3,433 while participants were in the program, which offset nearly all of the program’s cost to taxpayers. More Americans are hungry in the face of federal cuts, rising grocery prices “Our results show that food really is medicine, with major clinical and policy implications for health-insurance coverage of medically tailored meals to impact diet-related diseases and healthcare costs,” said the report’s senior author Dr. Dariush Mozaffarian, a cardiologist and director of Tufts University’s Food is Medicine Institute, in a June statement announcing the findings. Medicaid, the federal-state public health insurance for people with low incomes, has increasingly given states flexibility to launch medical meal programs. Poor diet is a leading cause of death, disability and the use of emergency health services, researchers noted. States offering medically tailored meals include California, Delaware, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington. States face tight timeline as feds unveil new Medicaid work requirement rules Researchers in the Massachusetts study found that the program not only improved health outcomes, but also yielded significant cost savings for the state’s Medicaid program, even when accounting for the cost of the meals, for people with certain conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, chronic kidney disease and depression. While the research was limited to one state with meals delivered by one established nonprofit provider, the study’s authors were hopeful the findings could help guide other states considering similar programs. “It’s rare to find anything in medicine that both improves health and saves money,” Mozaffarian said in June. “It should be a no-brainer to extend similar programs to patients in other states and covered by other health insurance programs, such as Medicare and employer-based insurance.” Stateline reporter Anna Claire Vollers can be reached at avollers@stateline.org. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Stateline
	Davenport man on federal release facing attempted murder charge after shooting A Davenport man on federal release faces attempted murder charges after police say he fired near two children on the Fourth of July.
	Oregon awards the largest round of federal rural healthcare grants With funding from the Rural Health Transformation Program, Oregon Health & Science University’s Casey Eye Institute will expand its mobile vision program to Seaside. The mobile program visits communities across the state to provide adults free screenings, exams, and eyeglasses. (Photo by Oregon Health & Science University)The Oregon Health Authority has so far awarded $175.3 million in grants from a new federal program meant to support rural healthcare. The Rural Health Transformation Program, established by the massive tax and spending law Congressional Republicans passed in July 2025, dedicates funding until 2030 for projects aimed at improving the health of people living in rural communities. On Tuesday, the agency announced it would distribute $97 million worth of grants to support 136 rural healthcare projects across the state — marking the largest round of funding it has awarded since the program began. Oregon received $197.3 million from the federal government for 2026, and it could receive up to $1 billion over the next four years of the program. Gov. Tina Kotek in a statement said there was overwhelming interest in the program, and the state is working on distributing the funds as quickly as possible. First year grant recipients can begin using the federal funding for projects this month. They must use the funding by September 2027. More than $80 million in the latest round will support 103 projects across 85 organizations that competitively applied for funding. That includes $2.1 million for the Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest, a nonprofit offering education, physical and mental health services and substance abuse treatment to Native Americans. Another $2.3 million will go to the Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital and Mercy Flights, a Medford-based medical nonprofit transportation organization, will receive $300,000. The remaining $17 million in this round will fund 33 immediate projects, including ones that aim to expand mobile dental healthcare along Oregon’s North Coast, improve access to meals for older adults in Oregon’s remote communities and grow mobile prenatal and postpartum services across the Rogue Valley, Central Oregon and Eastern Oregon. “These awards support practical, community-driven efforts to improve access to health in rural Oregon,” said Oregon Health Authority Director Dr. Sejal Hathi. “Rural communities know their needs best, and this funding is intended to help them strengthen local services, expand workforce capacity, and address barriers that make it harder for people to get care close to home.” State officials acknowledged that the program was packed in the same law that slashed an estimated $15 billion in federal funding for Oregon programs that provide health insurance and food assistance. “While the total funding Oregon is receiving through the Rural Health Transformation Program is relatively small when you consider the full impact of recent federal Medicaid cuts, these awards can make a huge difference for individual organizations that are doing much-needed work in rural Oregon,” said Clare Pierce-Wrobel, the health authority’s policy and analytics director. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Oregon Capital Chronicle
	Public worker health plans poised for another year of premium hikes Hundreds of public workers rallied outside the Statehouse in Trenton on June 18, 2026, to demand lawmakers rein in rising healthcare costs. (Photo by Dana DiFilippo / New Jersey Monitor)Premiums under New Jersey’s public worker health plans should rise by double digits, with current and former local government workers again poised to face the steepest increases, state officials learned Wednesday. Premiums for local government workers should increase by 17.3%, with a 15.1% increase for their counterparts in state government, actuaries from Aon told the State Health Benefit Commission Wednesday. Retirees on the local side face even larger premium hikes. The rates paid by early retirees on the local government plan should rise by an average of 36.5%, Aon said, while Medicare retirees on the same plan should pay 19.3% more on average in 2027 than they have in 2026. Premiums for state government workers who retired early should rise by 17.6%, while the state government’s Medicare retirees should pay 4% less for health insurance premiums than they have in 2026, Aon said. The proposed increases, which are expected to come to a vote in September, are the latest in a series of large hikes that have imperiled the future of New Jersey’s state-run health insurance plans for local governments and schools and that, last year, prompted a warning from the Treasury that the local government program had entered a “death spiral” that the schools plan threatened to follow it into. “Quick action is needed before September, otherwise the death spiral will continue and worsen, making the plan unaffordable for employees and taxpayers alike,” the New Jersey League of Municipalities, Conference of Mayors, and Association of Counties said in a joint statement Monday. This year’s projected increases, which follow years of double-digit hikes, come on the heels of agreements meant to limit cost increases by boosting copays for GLP-1 weight loss drugs, limiting out-of-network coverage, and raising the share of health care visit costs workers are responsible for, among other things. Those changes took effect July 1, and they are reflected in actuaries’ newest projections. Those reforms included the introductions of new high-deductible and tiered-network plans that carry lower premiums but greater cost sharing and were meant to lower expenses for younger, healthier workers who are less costly to insure and who have fled local government plans amid recent cost increases. Though those plans did lower costs compared to New Jersey’s generous legacy public worker health plans, actuaries warned that sicker workers with high health care needs — and costs — had joined them in larger than expected numbers. “The people who have historically enrolled in those options are the lowest utilizers, right — people who don’t generate claims — so the premiums reflected an assumption that that utilization value was reflected in the premiums,” Tappe said. “With all of the, what I’m going to call, incentivized migration into those options, it’s broken the typical utilization mechanisms.” As a result, premiums for those health plans should rise faster than for legacy alternatives though the new plans’ overall premiums would remain lower. For example, premiums for medical coverage on the local government tiered-network plan for active workers should increase by 30.8% compared to 11.6% for their HMO plan, actuaries said. Hundreds of public workers rallied outside the Statehouse in Trenton on June 18, 2026, to demand lawmakers rein in rising healthcare costs. (Photo by Dana DiFilippo / New Jersey Monitor) Risk has grown As in past years, the increases recommended for local government workers are higher because those plans’ pool of workers has grown increasingly risky as municipalities and counties with younger, healthier workforces leave for cheaper options in the private market. Once those workers leave — the local plan’s headcount fell by 25% going into 2026, Tappe said — the insurance pool becomes riskier, prompting more increases that in turn prompt more departures, a vicious cycle called adverse selection. Representatives for the Communications Workers of America, New Jersey’s largest public-sector union, said policymakers should examine hospital pricing and the practices of the plans’ third-party administrators to control costs rather than look to more rate hikes. “Another double-digit increase isn’t a solution,” said Rebecca Miller, legislative director for CWA District 1. “It’s a failure to actively manage the plan. The old playbook keeps shifting costs onto workers instead of taking on the hospitals and insurers driving these numbers. We have never accepted that and won’t start now.” This year’s local government increases are largely a result of additional hikes needed to rebuild the program’s reserves and repay loans it took from the state workers’ plan to remain solvent in 2025. The local plan is expected to owe about $90 million, of the $150 million borrowed, at the start of 2027. Those factors account for about 11.3 percentage points of active local government workers’ increases and 34.5 percentage points of the increases for local government retirees. That doesn’t mean costs for the plan didn’t increase, Tappe said. Last year’s rate increases also included a buffer to repay the loans and rebuild reserves, but higher-than-expected costs left retirees’ reserve at a deficit and the active workers’ plan with enough funds to cover less than two weeks of claims. Though the plans have historically targeted reserves equal to two months of claim costs, actuaries are recommending only one month of buffer for the local plan to forestall even steeper increases, like an average 27.5% hike for active local government workers. Separately, language in the budget Gov. Mikie Sherrill signed last week calls for a separate committee that sets plan coverage rules to make changes that would lower the public plan’s costs by $75 million in the first six months of 2027, or $150 million across the full calendar year. At the same time, Sherrill signed legislation that would allow the School Employees’ Health Benefits Program to issue loans from its retiree plans to those used by its active workers if plan reserves fall under 10 days of costs, but top Democrats have acknowledged that measure, like the loans issued to the local government workers’ health plan, is a stop gap. “That is not the long-term solution to this, and yes, I think there’s a commitment on all of our parts — the governor’s, the Senate, and certainly the Assembly — to try to work through making real meaningful changes because we’ve reached the point where it’s just so damn expensive that it necessitates that we get something done,” Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex) told the New Jersey Monitor last week. “We just have to.” Actuaries are set to reveal their rate recommendation for school employees’ plan on July 27. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of New Jersey Monitor
	Slot machine gamblers will face more scrutiny as NM tries to nix federal food program errors The New Mexico Health Care Authority is in the early stages of establishing an agreement with the New Mexico Gaming Control Board to collect data on slot machine winnings by federal food assistance recipients. (Stock photo by Aaron Black via Getty Images)As New Mexico Health Care Authority officials try to avoid a massive federal penalty by reducing errors in the state’s management of the federal Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program, they are increasingly seeking data to help verify that every SNAP dollar goes to people who need it. The authority’s latest target for that data collection is slot machine gambling. HCA officials, along with ones at the New Mexico Gaming Control Board, told Source NM they are in the early stages of establishing a data-sharing agreement that will alert the authority if a SNAP recipient collects substantial winnings at slot machines in one of five racetrack casinos or several dozen small gambling halls across the state. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Once they establish the agreement, a substantial win at a slot machine — defined in federal regulations as $4,500 or more — may render a recipient ineligible for SNAP, HCA Secretary Kari Armijo told members of the Legislative Finance Committee at a hearing in mid-June. Armijo mentioned the burgeoning partnership during her testimony regarding the LFC’s long-awaited evaluation of how the state could reduce errors and combat fraud in SNAP, a program on which roughly one in five New Mexicans rely. The collection of gambling data represents a broader effort by the state to move away from “self-attestation” by SNAP recipients of their incomes and household sizes, a COVID-19 era practice that state officials acknowledge results in payment errors, Niki Kozlowski, director of the HCA’s Income Support Division, told Source NM. The authority’s current aim is “essentially to get as much data electronically into our hands,” she said, including from the state motor vehicle and tax departments, as well as from Medicaid and gambling establishments, to verify SNAP eligibility during interviews with recipients. “Then we can execute interviews at a different level of saying, ‘Hey, I see that you received these winnings, do you have a record of that, so that we can put that within your income?” she said. Bringing down the error rate New Mexico’s 16.8% SNAP error rate — defined as over- or underpayments to recipients — ranks as the third-highest in the country, behind only Alaska and Washington, D.C., according to the latest United States Agriculture Department data. If the state fails to bring its rate below 6% by October 2027, it could be forced to pay up to 15% of statewide SNAP benefits, which LFC analysts estimated would be roughly $173 million. The LFC’s mid-June report noted that New Mexico has failed to comply with federal regulations requiring state agencies that administer SNAP to collect data from gambling entities, and included establishing such an agreement as one of 10 main recommendations to reduce SNAP errors. The 2014 federal Farm Bill, which includes policies and funding for the food assistance program, first established the requirement that states include gambling winnings in their determinations of SNAP eligibility, but the USDA, which oversees SNAP, did not codify the policy into regulations until last August. Those regulations estimate that on average, 460 SNAP recipients in each state will receive substantial winnings, based on U.S. Census and other data. The USDA also estimated that the new requirement will require state caseworkers to spend between four and six additional minutes determining eligibility per SNAP household. As of June, approximately 434,000 New Mexicans receive SNAP, according to HCA data. Kozlowski said the state has no data on how many of them might have received gambling winnings. The entrance to the gaming room with approximately a dozen slot machines at an Albuquerque American Legion, one of roughly 50 statewide that the Health Care Authority is seeking gambling data from. (Patrick Lohmann/Source NM) Michelle Pato, the Gaming Control Board’s lead attorney, told Source NM the data collection will be limited to the race track casinos and approximately 50 veteran and fraternal organizations like Elks Lodges and American Legions that are authorized to operate 15 machines in their halls. Tribal casinos, which are not subject to the federal Farm Bill regulation, will not be part of the data sharing agreement, Kozlowski said. The HCA would have to establish individual data agreements with each New Mexico tribe and pueblo that operates a casino and potentially would have to reopen inter-tribal gaming compacts to legally strike those agreements, she said. Kozlowski also said unreported gambling winnings do not appear to be a major factor in the state’s overpayments to SNAP households. The biggest factors include incorrect determinations of a household’s size, income and shelter costs, which factor into SNAP benefit offers, according to the agency’s analyses. NM smoke shop owner says food desert, not fraud, the reason for his high SNAP revenue Still, Kozlowski said the HCA is doing all it can to collect readily available gaming data. She said she has asked HCA lawyers whether they can replicate a similar HCA program, which intercepts New Mexico lottery winnings to those who owe child support payments, for SNAP recipients who win at slot machines. New Mexico Center on Law and Poverty Public Benefits Director Sovereign Hager criticized the federal gambling data requirement and the error rate penalties more broadly as a waste of caseworker time and an unnecessary burden on SNAP households. She noted that often modest, one-time payments like slot machine winnings do little to help a household free itself from food insecurity. Once they’ve “spent down” the winnings, she said, they must then re-apply for benefits, she noted. The policy “may kick a family off for a month or two,” she said. “Then they reapply. It’s burdensome for the agency, and there’s no data it makes a meaningful difference in solving hunger or food insecurity for families.” Courtesy of Source New Mexico
	Why the death of MS student-athlete Nolan Wells is capturing national attention NPR's Mary Louise Kelly speaks to Anita Lee, reporter for the Sun Herald, about the growing national attention in the case Nolan Wells, a teenager found dead off of Mississippi's gulf coast.
	Should you sign your kids up for Trump Accounts? Four things to consider Families can still benefit even if their children aren't eligible for the free $1,000 contribution from the federal government.
	Tactical response follows report of armed individual in downtown Davenport Davenport Police Department responded to a report of an armed individual and executed search warrant at nearby duplex.
	Iowa will host ‘America’s Harvest Festival’ in October as part of America250 celebrations Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a proclamation July 8, 2026 announcing Iowa would host "America's Harvest Festival" Oct. 24, 2026 at the Iowa Capitol Complex as part of national celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch)Iowa will host “America’s Harvest Festival” at the Iowa Capitol grounds Oct. 24 as part of national celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the country’s founding, Gov. Kim Reynolds, state officials and sponsors announced Wednesday. “It’s been four days since the Fourth of July, and while the parades, picnics, and fireworks are over here in Iowa, the best is yet to come,” Reynolds said as she signed a proclamation announcing the event on the steps of the Iowa Capitol. Reynolds said the event would be a highlight of Iowa’s celebrations for the 250th anniversary, focused on “showcasing how Iowa agriculture has helped build our nation.” Scheduled to start at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24, the event will feature a variety of vendors, exhibits and more for Iowans of all ages. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. “The Harvest Festival will highlight our agricultural roots and how they have shaped who we are as both Iowans and Americans throughout centuries,” the governor said. “Visitors of all ages will enjoy a wide range of exhibits that educate, engage, and entertain, from hands-on experiences and historical reenactments to all kinds of family-friendly activities, there will be vendors featuring handcrafted products made in Iowa, live entertainment and music — and of course, we are Iowa, so there will be plenty of food — and it will be available to everyone with no charge for admission. America’s Harvest Festival celebrates Iowa’s unique spirit and story, and I can’t wait to share it with visitors from across our state and beyond, right here in October.” The event is led by the state’s America 250 Task Force. Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig, a co-chair of the task force, said while many of the events centered on celebrating the U.S. 250th anniversary have been focused around July 4, the Harvest Festival “really does allow us to gather again and maybe put a bookend on this year of celebration” in Iowa. “It’s really a yearlong celebration, an opportunity to reflect on our nation’s history, celebrate our communities, and recognize people that continue to make America strong,” Naig said. The event is occurring “during the actual harvest season here in Iowa,” Naig said, and will give a chance to highlight the important role Iowa has played in American history, particularly in regard to agriculture. He said the event will be a celebration of Iowa agriculture, and it will also showcase Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship’s Choose Iowa program for agricultural products grown, raised and based in Iowa. “We know that from the very beginning, agriculture has been foundational to our country’s success,” Naig said. “Food security is national security, and has been from the beginning. And many of our farmers were some of the first defenders and protectors of this country. And for the last 250 years, farmers have fed and fueled and sustained this nation, producing the safest, most abundant, most affordable food supply in the world, and Iowa has played an outsized role in that story of American agriculture.” The event is sponsored by Hy-Vee, Fareway Stores and the Iowa Farm Bureau. Representatives from these groups spoke at the announcement, with Hy-Vee President Aaron Wiese saying the grocer company was “really proud to be one of the premier sponsors of this historic event, honoring 250 years of this great nation and the essential role agriculture has played in writing America’s story.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Some state behavioral healthcare operations to shift to private Oklahoma providers Former Interim Commissioner Gregory Slavonic, left, and Hamel Reinmiller, chair of the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services governing board, lead a meeting on Nov. 20, 2025 in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Emma Murphy/Oklahoma Voice)OKLAHOMA CITY — In a bid to strengthen care, an Oklahoma agency plans to shift to a privatized model for many of its behavioral and mental health services in some areas of the state. The Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services announced it has awarded one-year contracts to four private providers to take over operation of service areas currently served by state-run facilities. Family and Children’s Services, Grand Mental Health, CREOKS and Lighthouse Behavioral Wellness Centers will expand their current service areas to cover 22 new counties across Oklahoma. Over the next several months, the four Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics will take over from the state to provide required services, like crisis intervention, peer and family support, and mental health and substance use outpatient services. Existing employees of the Mental Health Department must be prioritized during the hiring process, according to a news release. Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics are federally certified and provide access to mental health and substance abuse treatment for all, regardless of ability to pay, and offer 24/7 crisis response and care. The contracts have five, one-year options for renewal, a state mental health spokesperson said. The private providers will not receive a monetary award for expanding their service areas, but will be paid through the existing Medicaid reimbursement system. The existing state facilities will be leased to providers. The Mental Health Department in December first announced it was exploring privatizing some of its state-run services in an effort to determine if there was another way to provide more consistent services and support long-term workforce needs. Privatization of these services is part of an effort to “strengthen the long-term sustainability of Oklahoma’s behavioral health system,” according to the news release. The Mental Health Department will continue to operate other statewide behavioral health programs, state hospitals, forensic and crisis services, according to the news release. The move also allows the Mental Health Department to ensure “responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars,” according to the release. The state agency last year had a period of financial distress and was questioned by lawmakers about budget gaps. The department has since reviewed and canceled some contracts to save money and has worked with lawmakers to fill budget holes with supplemental funding. Interim Commissioner Joshua Anderson in a statement thanked agency employees for their work at the state-operated facilities. “Their expertise, compassion and commitment to Oklahomans helped establish these programs and expand access to care in communities across the state,” he said. “That foundation has positioned Oklahoma for continued success as this next phase moves forward.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Oklahoma Voice
	Trial rescheduled in Davenport Open Records lawsuit following settlement discussion Attorneys for the City and plaintiff Ezra Sidran negotiated a settlement, but the City said it didn't know those discussions were happening.
	Bettendorf man accused of abusing 1-year-old daughter A Bettendorf man is accused of physically abusing his one-year-old daughter in six recorded incidents.
	Urban Alaska’s high costs of living driven by health care and groceries Part of the Anchorage skyline is reflected in the south-facing windows of downtown's Robert B. Atwood Building on June 17, 2026. Anchorage, Alaska's biggest city, had a cost of living that was 25.5% above the national urban average in 2025, according to the Alaska Department of Labor and Worforce Development. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)Alaska’s three major cities continue to have higher living costs than most of the nation’s urban areas, according to a newly released analysis published by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. Juneau, Anchorage and Fairbanks are in the top 25 among 257 metropolitan national areas. Among the three, Juneau had the highest overall cost of living, at 31.7% above the national urban average in 2025, according to the analysis, published in the July issue of Alaska Economic Trends, the department’s monthly research magazine. Anchorage’s cost of living was 25.5% above the national average, while Fairbanks’s costs were 22.9% above the national average, according to the analysis. While significantly higher than the national urban average, the Alaska cities last year were much cheaper than cities like New York, where the borough of Manhattan has overall living costs that were 139% above the national average, or Honolulu, where overall costs were 83.9% above the national average. The Alaska cities’ rankings are driven in large part by two categories – health and groceries. Alaska’s three major cities continue to have some of the nation’s highest health care costs, according to the 2025 statistics. But in a departure from past years, the Alaska cities no longer top the health-cost list. Winchester, Virginia, wound up with the highest health costs last year, at 49.4% above the national average, followed by New York City’s Manhattan Borough, at 43.3 % above the national average. Anchorage had the third highest health costs, at 42.7% above the national average, followed by Juneau at 39.5% and Fairbanks at 35.4%, according to the statistics. “It was surprising, a little, to see them fall to three, four and five this year,” said Sam Tappen, the state labor economist who authored the report. Smokestack emissions rise into the air on Feb. 7, 2025, above Golden Heart Plaza in downtown Fairbanks. Snow dusts the statute of the “Unknown First Family” that is the plaza’s centerpiece. Fairbanks in 2025 had the highest energy costs among 257 U.S. metropolitan areas, according to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon) The three cities also continue to have significantly higher grocery costs than other U.S. cities, according to the analysis. In Juneau, grocery costs in 2025 were 28.4% above the national average. Anchorage’s grocery costs were 23.7% above the national average, while groceries in Fairbanks ran 23% above the national average. Fairbanks had modest costs in one important category in 2025. Housing costs last year in the Interior city were actually 1% lower than the national urban average, the analysis found. But that is more than offset by the high costs of energy — with utility costs that were 113% higher than the national urban average, according to the analysis. Fairbanks had the highest utility costs of all the metropolitan areas in the study group. Overall, urban Alaska’s 2025 inflation rate was a modest 2.1%, below the state’s long-term average of 3.3%, according to a companion report in the July issue that was also authored by Tappen. The state’s 2025 inflation rate was also below the national rate of 2.6%, and it was the third consecutive year in which the U.S. inflation rates outstripped Alaska’s rate. Tappen said that probably reflects a lingering influence of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Alaska took longer to recover from the COVID recession than the nation did, so our economy has just been a little bit cooler than in the Lower 48,” he said. The calculations reflect conditions before the U.S. invasion of Iran, which started at the end of February and which have caused energy costs to spike. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. The annual inflation rate calculated for 2026 will almost certainly be higher than the 2025 rate, both nationally and in Alaska, Tappen said. It is hard to say whether Alaska’s rate of inflation will outstrip that in the Lower 48, but it is likely that the state’s stretch of higher prices will persist longer. That is thanks to Alaska being at the end of the national transportation chain, he said. “Our energy prices and the prices of our products that depend on energy are going to stay higher than the rest of the nation,” he said. Even before the Iran war, Alaska had higher energy prices than the rest of the nation. Gasoline prices in urban Alaska averaged $3.66 a gallon in January, compared to the national average of $3.10, according to the analysis. Costs in rural Alaska were much higher, with six villages in Western or Interior Alaska posting average January gasoline prices above $10 a gallon. Higher fuel prices are the norm in Alaska, even in urban areas, despite Alaska’s status as a major oil producer, Tappen said. “Even though we are the fifth highest producer of oil among states, very little of that oil is refined in-state for consumers,” he said. Most of what is refined goes to the military or industry, and for the small amount that is produced in-state for consumers, “it’s just more expensive to make it here,” he said. Downtown Juneau is seen on Feb. 16, 2023. Juneau is the costliest of Alaska’s three main cities, according to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon) Courtesy of Alaska Beacon
	Rock Island’s ‘2nd Saturdays’ brings free family activities to downtown Rock Island’s free “2nd Saturdays” event series continues through October, offering fitness classes, live music, games, pop‑up shops and the QC Farmers’ Market each second Saturday of the month to encourage activity and support downtown businesses.
	Which states have the biggest gap between home sleep therapy need and access Which states have the biggest gap between home sleep therapy need and accessSleep has become one of the most tracked health categories among Americans, with nearly half (48%) using wearable devices to track sleep, up from 35% in 2023, according to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. Nearly three-quarters of the same respondents (76%) have lost sleep due to sleep problems. Sleep matters more to people than ever, and most still aren't getting enough.Paying attention to sleep and being able to treat its disorders are two different things. A new analysis by Vitality Medical, The Sleep Apnea Access Index, ranks all 50 states and the District of Columbia to answer one uncomfortable question: Where are people struggling with poor sleep while the system for home treatment is the thinnest?Hawai‘i lands at the top with a score of 78.7 out of 100. Almost half (45.4%) of adults living in Hawai‘i report fewer than seven hours of sleep a night, the highest short-sleep rate in the country, yet Medicare spending on home airway-pressure devices sits at just $3.56 per beneficiary. The state has a high sleep burden but a low spending per beneficiary. This combination may point to potential unmet sleep therapy needs. And it lands at a rough moment for the people who depend on these machines.How Home Sleep Therapy Actually Reaches PeopleBefore the rankings make sense, it helps to walk the path a person travels from poor sleep to a working machine at home. It is rarely a single step.It usually starts with symptoms: loud snoring, gasping awake, daytime exhaustion. A primary care visit leads to a referral, then a sleep study, either in a lab or with an at-home test. If that study returns a diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea, a physician writes a prescription for positive airway pressure therapy, the category that includes CPAP and BiPAP machines. From there, the prescription goes to a durable medical equipment (DME) supplier, the business that actually delivers the device. Insurance, often Medicare for older adults, has to approve coverage. Then the machine is set up, fitted with a mask, and the person begins therapy.The machines also need updates. Masks wear out, cushions degrade, tubing needs replacing, and filters have to be swapped on a schedule. Ongoing resupply is what keeps the therapy working month after month. A gap anywhere along that chain (a missed diagnosis, a denied claim, a supplier a person cannot reach, a resupply that never arrives) can leave someone with apnea untreated, even when the technology to help them is decades old and widely available.The Sleep Apnea Access Index looks for places where the signals along that chain appear mismatched. It combines how much short sleep a state reports, how much Medicare spends on PAP devices per beneficiary, and how often people search for CPAP and sleep apnea terms. Where reported sleep burden runs high, but the spending and demand signals run low, the Index flags a possible gap between the people who might need home therapy and the support reaching them.Key FindingsHawai‘i ranks #1 (78.7/100): The nation's highest short-sleep rate (45.4%) meets one of its lowest device-spending figures ($3.56 per beneficiary).A fourfold spending gap divides the country, from $3.29 per beneficiary in New Jersey to $13.33 in Utah.The Northeast spends the least on home PAP therapy ($4.51 per beneficiary) while reporting roughly average short sleep. Ten of its 12 states rank in the top 30.The South sleeps the least, with a regional short-sleep rate of 38.2% and 10 of 14 states in the top half.The Dakotas and Mountain West rank lowest, pairing better sleep with the highest device spending in the country.Nationwide, 35.6% of adults report fewer than seven hours of sleep a night.Hawai‘i: The Country's Sharpest MismatchHawai‘i captures the whole pattern in one state. Its short-sleep rate tops every other state, a sign of real strain on sleep health across the islands. Its Medicare PAP spending runs among the lowest anywhere, $3.56 per beneficiary against a national average of $7.54.That combination is what pushes Hawai‘i to the top of the Index. Heavy need, low home-therapy spend, and steady search interest in CPAP terms add up to a place where people may be carrying the weight of poor sleep without much support for treating it at home. No other state shows the pattern this plainly.The numbers also sit against a shifting policy backdrop. For 2026, CMS finalized its Medicare Physician Fee Schedule with a 2.5% efficiency adjustment to many services, and sleep medicine groups have warned that the rule continues a pattern of underpayment for sleep care. Medicare has also been steadily expanding the categories of home equipment that require prior authorization before they are covered, adding approval steps along the path from a physician's order to delivery. A state like Hawai‘i, where home-therapy spending already runs low, those added pressures may be worth watching.The Northeast: A Spending-Side GapIf Hawai‘i combines high burden with low support, the Northeast shows what a gap driven mostly by spending looks like. As a region, its short-sleep rate of 35.1% sits just below the national average of 35.6%, though its largest states run higher. This isn't a region that sleeps unusually badly. What stands out is the spending. Vitality Medical The Northeast records the lowest home PAP spending of any region through Medicare, an average of $4.51 per beneficiary, with New Jersey ($3.29) and New York ($3.66) at the very bottom of the national range.The result shows up in the rankings: 10 of 12 Northeastern states land in the top 30 of the Index. It's a reminder that a gap doesn't require unusually bad sleep to open. In the Northeast, ordinary sleep burden paired with the country's lowest home-therapy spending is enough to surface a potential mismatch, and it does so in a region with some of the nation's highest-ranked hospital systems.The South: A Burden-Side GapIf the Northeast's gap comes from thin spending, the South's comes from the sheer weight of need. The South and Southeast post the country's highest regional short-sleep prevalence at 38.2%, with 10 of the region's 14 states in the top half of the rankings. Vitality Medical West Virginia (No. 2), Louisiana (No. 6), and Arkansas (No. 9) each report short-sleep rates above 38% while their Medicare PAP spending stays below the national average.These states also carry some of the country's heaviest chronic-disease burdens. West Virginia, Louisiana, and Arkansas all fall within what researchers call the "diabetes belt," a Southern cluster where diabetes rates run well above the national average. Poor sleep tends to travel with those same conditions; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists sleep apnea among the risks tied to obesity, alongside Type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Where the underlying burden runs this high, even average home-therapy support may leave a meaningful share of people underserved.Context: A Recall and a Tighter SystemThe state and regional gaps sit on top of two national pressures worth naming carefully. Neither is captured in the Index, and neither falls on one state more than another. They describe the environment every state is operating in.Supply has gotten shakier. The recall of one of the most dominant CPAP and BiPAP makers, Philips, created uneven ground across the market. Philips agreed to a consent decree restricting future sales as part of a settlement with regulators, after a recall that covered an estimated 15 million devices worldwide. When a dominant manufacturer pulls back, the resupply chain that keeps therapy working can tighten for everyone who depends on it.Access is only one part of the picture. Before access is gained, many cases are never identified at all: an estimated 80% of sleep apnea cases remain undiagnosed, which the AASM attributes in part to limited awareness among the public and health care professionals.These two forces don't change the rankings, but they raise the stakes behind them. A potential gap is easier to close when devices are plentiful, and diagnosis is routine. Right now, neither is guaranteed, which means the places the Index already flags, where sleep burden looks high, and support signals look thin, are the places with the least margin if the broader system gets harder to navigate.The Other End of the MapThe bottom of the Index is just as telling as the top. South Dakota (No. 51), Montana (No. 50), Nebraska (No. 49), Utah (No. 48), and Colorado (No. 47) close out the rankings, and they share a profile: low short-sleep rates paired with higher Medicare PAP spending. Utah spends $13.33 per beneficiary, nearly four times what New Jersey spends.A low score suggests that short-sleep rates and Medicare PAP spending appear more aligned within the index. The Index is a measure of potential unmet need, so the states doing better land lower. That fourfold spending spread, from $3.29 in New Jersey to $13.33 in Utah, is the single clearest sign of how unevenly home sleep therapy is reimbursed across the country. Vitality Medical Top 5: The Widest Gaps Between Need and SupportThese five states show the largest mismatch between how much people are struggling with sleep and how much home-therapy support is reaching them.Hawai‘i (78.7): The nation's highest short-sleep rate (45.4%) paired with one of its lowest PAP spending figures ($3.56 per beneficiary).West Virginia (61.3): A short-sleep rate of 41.3%, second-highest in the index, against below-average PAP spending of $5.92.Maryland (58.0): A 38.1% short-sleep rate with PAP spending of $4.07, among the lowest in the country.New York (58.0): A 38.4% short-sleep rate paired with $3.66 in PAP spending per beneficiary.New Jersey (56.9): The lowest Medicare PAP spending per beneficiary in the country at $3.29, alongside a 37.5% short-sleep rate.Bottom 5: Where Need and Access Appear to Line UpThese five rank lowest because their sleep burden is comparatively low and their home-therapy spending is high, a sign that the support system is roughly meeting demand.South Dakota (12.7): The lowest score in the index, with a 30.2% short-sleep rate and $12.81 in PAP spending per beneficiary.Montana (15.8): A 31.6% short-sleep rate against $12.29 in PAP spending.Nebraska (17.3): A 31.3% short-sleep rate with $11.40 in PAP spending per beneficiary.Utah (18.9): The highest PAP spending per beneficiary in the country at $13.33, with a 34.2% short-sleep rate.Colorado (18.9): A 30.9% short-sleep rate paired with $10.63 in PAP spending. SummaryThe map this study draws doesn't follow the lines you'd expect. Wealthy Northeastern states and hard-pressed Southern ones land near each other at the top, for opposite reasons, while much of the Midwest and Mountain West sits at the bottom because the signals there appear to align. Geography seems to shape how sleep burden and Medicare PAP spending line up.What stays with you is the human shape under the numbers. Behind the 45.4% in Hawai‘i and the $3.29 in New Jersey are people sleeping badly, while, for some, the device that might help sits a few more steps down the path than it should. Those steps are not getting easier: payment pressures and added approval requirements are pulling in the wrong direction. Short sleep is a proxy, not a diagnosis, and the study is careful not to claim otherwise. But proxies point somewhere, and this one points toward a lot of people who could rest easier than they do.The work ahead is unglamorous: clearer coverage, shorter waits, a steadier supply of machines, and the masks and tubing that keep them running. None of it makes headlines on its own. For a person relying on home PAP therapy, those basics can shape whether treatment stays on track.MethodologyTo understand how Americans access home sleep therapy, we built the Sleep Apnea Access Index across all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The Index combines three signals into a single 0-100 score, where a higher score reflects greater potential unmet need for home-based sleep therapy support.Short-sleep prevalence (40% of the score) comes from CDC PLACES data based on the 2022 BRFSS survey, measuring the share of adults reporting fewer than seven hours of sleep per night, aggregated to the state level. Medicare PAP device spending (35%, inverted) comes from CMS Medicare Part B Durable Medical Equipment data for 2023, covering CPAP and BiPAP device codes (E0601, E0470, E0471), divided by the state's original Medicare fee-for-service enrollment; lower spending per beneficiary raises a state's need score. Google Trends search demand (25%) averages state-level interest across five terms (CPAP machine, sleep apnea treatment, CPAP mask, sleep apnea symptoms, and CPAP supplies) over the trailing 12 months. Each component was min-max normalized across the 51 locations before weighting.A few limits are worth stating plainly. Short sleep is a proxy for sleep-health burden, not a confirmed sleep apnea diagnosis; many factors shorten sleep, and the Index makes no clinical claim about actual apnea rates by state. The Medicare DME data covers fee-for-service beneficiaries only, so Medicare Advantage claims aren't captured, and the fee-for-service share varies by state. Spending is attributed to the referring physician's state, which can introduce minor misattribution in border or rural areas.This story was produced by Vitality Medical and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Federal Grad PLUS loan program eliminated for new borrowers as of July 1: How to navigate the changes Federal Grad PLUS loan program eliminated for new borrowers as of July 1: How to navigate the changesEarning a graduate degree can advance your career and increase your earning potential, but it might come with a high price tag. According to the Education Data Initiative, the average cost of a Master’s degree is $62,820, and about half of graduate students take out student loans to cover costs.And as of July 1 2026, the federal Grad PLUS loan program was eliminated for new borrowers, reports College Ave, a private student loan company. New borrowers can still access federal Direct unsubsidized loans, but they’ll have new borrowing limits, and given these new borrowing limits and the elimination of Grad PLUS loans, federal loans may not cover the full graduate school cost of attendance and you may need to look for other ways to fill the funding gap.If borrowing student loans is part of your financial plan, it’s important to find a student loan with reasonable borrowing costs, repayment flexibility, and borrower protections. Before signing on the dotted line, it’s important to take time to compare options and find a loan that best fits your financial situation.Here’s how to find a graduate student loan so you can get the financing you need without overpaying in the long run.Review your student loan optionsUnderstanding your student loan options is the first step. Graduate students typically have two main financing options: federal student loans and private student loans. Here’s a quick comparison between the two: College Ave Start with federal student loans firstFor most graduate students, federal student loans are the best place to start. They come with fixed interest rates, flexible repayment options, and various protections, including deferment and forbearance. Plus, federal loans are eligible for forgiveness programs, like Public Service Loan Forgiveness.You also don’t need a minimum credit score to qualify for a federal Direct unsubsidized student loan. You simply must meet requirements for federal financial aid, which include citizenship criteria and enrolling in an eligible program.As of July 1, 2026, the Grad PLUS loan program was eliminated for new borrowers, and while new borrowers can still access Direct unsubsidized loans, they’ll have new borrowing limits:Up to $20,500 per year with a lifetime limit of $100,000 for graduate studentsUp to $50,000 per year with a lifetime limit of $200,000 for professional students, such as law, medical, and dental studentsTo take out federal student loans, you’ll need to fill out and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It’s generally wise to max out your federal student loan options before turning to a private loan.Consider private student loans to fill a gap in fundingGiven the new borrowing limits for Direct unsubsidized loans and elimination of Grad PLUS loans, federal loans may not cover your full graduate school cost of attendance. If you have a gap in funding, you might consider a private student loan.Private student loans come from private lenders, such as banks, credit unions and online loan companies. Rates and terms vary, but lenders often offer the lowest rates to borrowers with the strongest financial profile, especially in terms of credit.If you have a high interest rate, you may be able to lower it in the future through refinancing, especially if market rates drop, you improve your credit, or both.How to find the best private student loan for graduate schoolPrivate graduate school loans are available from a variety of lenders, so it can be challenging to narrow down your options. Here are some tips for finding the best private student loan for grad school.1. Improve your creditUnlike federal student loans, private student loans generally involve a credit check and income review. Lenders review your credit to see how you’ve handled debt in the past and assess your risk as a borrower.If you have weak credit, you might not get approved or receive a higher interest rate. That’s why it’s worth improving your credit score before you apply.Some steps you can take include:Pay all your loans and credit cards on time, as your payment history affects 35% of your credit scoreReduce your credit utilization, which impacts 30% of your credit score. Paying down your credit card balances can help.Avoid closing old credit accounts; the length of your credit history affects 15% of your score.Don’t apply for lots of new loans or credit cards at once, because hard credit inquiries can lower your score.Dispute any errors you find on your credit report. You can order free weekly copies from AnnualCreditReport.com.If you don’t have time to improve your credit, applying with a creditworthy cosigner may help you get approved for a loan or qualify for a lower interest rate. A cosigner shares equal responsibility for the loan, which reduces risk for the lender.Keep in mind, however, that a cosigner’s credit will be impacted by how you pay back your loan. On-time payments can help improve credit, while late payments will drag it down.2. Shop aroundPrivate lenders can vary quite a bit in terms of interest rates, repayment options, and eligibility requirements. It always pays to shop around and find your best offer on a graduate school loan.You can often check your rates online through private lenders prequalification, a process that won’t impact your credit score. Prequalifying gives you the chance to compare potential rates and terms before you commit.Reading over customer reviews could be helpful, too. Find out what other borrowers have to say about their experience with the lender and its customer support team.3. Compare interest rates and feesWhen comparing loan offers, finding one with the lowest interest rate is a top priority. Even a small change in your rate could mean the difference of hundreds or thousands of dollars in interest charges.Let’s say, for example, you take out a $15,000 loan. At a 12% interest rate, you’d pay $10,825 on a 10-year repayment term. But if you found an 8% interest rate, you’d pay $6,839 in total interest charges, nearly $4,000 less.Consider whether the interest rate is fixed, meaning it stays the same over the life of the loan, or variable, meaning it can change with market conditions. You’ll have more predictable costs with a fixed rate, but a variable rate may lead to savings if it’s lower and you can pay your loan off quickly.Keep an eye out for any fees that could add to your borrowing costs, as well, such as origination or application fees. Many private lenders don’t charge these fees, but review the fine print to make sure.4. Go over repayment termsBefore you borrow a loan, make sure you understand how repayment will work. This includes how long you’ll have to repay the loan and what your monthly payment will be.Many lenders let you choose terms between five and 20 years. A shorter term will mean higher monthly payments, but you’ll accrue less interest. The opposite will be true for a longer term – lower monthly payments but higher interest costs overall.Also, find out when repayment will begin. Some lenders offer a grace period that extends six or nine months after you graduate. You may also have the option of postponing or reducing payments during a graduate residency or fellowship.All of these details are important when choosing a student loan that will fit your budget now and after you graduate.5. Find out about borrower protectionsPrivate student loans typically don’t have as many protections as federal loans do, such as income-based repayment or student loan forgiveness. But many private lenders offer hardship options to pause payments through temporary deferment or forbearance if you lose your job, go back to school or enter a residency, fellowship or clerkship.Alternative ways to pay for graduate schoolWhen it comes to student loans, it’s always wise to keep borrowing to a minimum. Before taking on debt, consider some alternative ways to pay for graduate school:Grants and scholarships: Both grants and scholarships are a form of gift aid that you don’t have to pay back. You can find them through your school and private organizations. Even small awards can help reduce how much you need to borrow.Income from work-study or a part-time job: If your schedule allows, consider working part-time during graduate school to earn money. You might qualify for work-study or a graduate assistantship or find a part-time job on- or off-campus.Employer assistance: Some companies offer tuition reimbursement to qualifying employees who want to go back to school.Savings: Saving up money before graduate school could lower how much you need to take out in student loans.Make graduate school loans work for youTaking out graduate school loans is a commitment, so review your options carefully. Start with federal loans, which typically offer more flexibility than private student loans and are easier to access.If you need additional funding, private student loans can fill the gap. Shop around with multiple lenders and review rates, fees, and repayment options before you pick an offer.Finally, consider how you’ll pay back the loan based on your career path and expected income. By taking this informed approach, you can use graduate loans to reach your goals without creating unnecessary financial stress.This story was produced by College Ave and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	First Army honors outgoing leader, welcomes successor at Arsenal ceremony Cannon fire marked a leadership transition as First Army welcomed a new command sergeant major at Rock Island Arsenal.
	State: Nursing home caregiver stole painkillers, worked while under the influence Colonial Manor of Elma in Howard County, Iowa. (Photo via Google Earth)A Howard County nursing home worker accused of stealing residents’ painkillers and working under the influence has agreed to surrender his license. The Iowa Board of Nursing alleges that in November 2025, it fielded a complaint that licensed practical nurse John Patrick Kollman of Cresco, while employed at a nursing home in Elma, stole skin patches containing the powerful opioid painkiller fentanyl. According to the board, Kollman was captured on video at the home removing fentanyl patches from a medication cart and taking them into a medication storage room in violation of the home’s policies. Later, another nurse allegedly attempted to retrieve the patches from the medication cart and found that multiple packages of fentanyl patches were either empty, cut open or opened and then taped shut. According to the board, Kollman later admitted he had previously been addicted to cocaine and opiates and had used both marijuana and kratom. In April 2026, the Iowa Medicaid Fraud Control Unit allegedly reported to the board that Kollman had admitted stealing fentanyl patches from residents of the Elma care facility. According to the board, the unit also alleged Kollman admitted to working at the home while under the influence of kratom, a drug that can have mind-altering, psychoactive effects on users. Kollman recently agreed to surrender his Iowa nursing license with the understanding that he can apply for reinstatement in one year. State records show that in April 2026, state inspectors cited Colonial Manor, the only skilled-nursing facility in Elma, for failing to protect residents from the apparent theft of fentanyl patches by a staff member in October or November 2025. No fines were imposed. State and federal court records indicate no criminal charges have been filed in the case. The Iowa Capital Dispatch was not able to reach Kollman for comment. Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Illinois, Deere settle right-to-repair antitrust lawsuit Illinois AG Kwame Raoul announced a major antitrust settlement with Deere and Company over right to repair farm equipment.
	MidAmerican Energy wants natural gas delivery charge increase in Iowa MidAmerican Energy has requested a delivery charge increase for natural gas, raising average monthly bills for Iowa customers starting July 17.
	Davenport man charged with attempted murder in July 4 shooting A Davenport man faces attempted murder and other felony charges after police say he shot another man during a gang-related incident on July 4.
	Motorcyclist taken to hospital after crash in Jo Daviess County The crash took place on West Stagecoach Trail on Tuesday night after the motorcyclist drifted off the roadway. They were flown to a hospital for their injuries.
	Supreme Court financial disclosures reveal how their books add to their income The Supreme Court annual financial reports shed light on the justices' gifts, travel and personal lives.
	How AI is changing the insurance claims process and what it means for accident victims How AI is changing the insurance claims process and what it means for accident victimsWhile a car crash once meant days of phone calls, inspection appointments, and back-and-forth paperwork, some insurance claims can now begin with a smartphone photo, a telematics record, or an automated estimate generated before an adjuster ever sees the damaged vehicle.That shift is changing one of the most stressful parts of an accident: the period after the crash, when injured people are trying to document what happened, get medical treatment approved, repair or replace a vehicle, and understand what an insurer is willing to pay. In 2023, there were an estimated 6.1 million police-reported traffic crashes in the United States, resulting in more than 2.4 million people injured and 40,901 killed, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.To better understand how claims technology is changing the experience after a crash, Law Offices of Pius Joseph, a personal injury law firm, examined federal crash data, insurance regulatory guidance, and recent consumer-protection actions involving artificial intelligence and driving data.AI is already part of the insurance life cycleArtificial intelligence is not limited to chatbots or customer-service tools. The National Association of Insurance Commissioners says AI is being used throughout the insurance life cycle, including underwriting, pricing, policy servicing, claim management, and fraud detection. In claims, NAIC says insurers use AI for accident image analysis, estimating ultimate claim settlement values, and fraud detection.A 2026 NAIC Journal of Insurance Regulation article reviewing insurer surveys found that more than 70% of automobile, homeowners, and health insurers surveyed were already using, planning to use, or exploring AI. Among life insurers, 58% reported current or expected future use.For accident victims, that can mean faster processing in straightforward cases. A damaged bumper, uploaded photos, a police report, and repair-shop data can all be routed through automated systems that identify damage, compare it with historical claims, flag inconsistencies, and generate estimates.But claims after serious crashes are rarely just a repair estimate. They can involve medical bills, wage loss, long-term care needs, liability disputes, and questions about whether a settlement reflects the full cost of an injury. Those are the cases where speed may matter less than whether the system is accurately weighing the person’s circumstances.Faster claims can still leave gapsThe clearest benefit of AI is efficiency. Algorithms can sort documents, read photos, identify missing information, detect duplicate bills, and route claims to the right department. For insurers handling large volumes of auto, health, property, and liability claims, automation can reduce administrative time.That matters because crash claims are only one part of a much larger system. NHTSA’s 2023 crash data shows that millions of people each year move through some version of the postcrash process (police reports, repairs, medical treatment, and insurance filings).However, the same tools that speed routine steps can create new problems if they are used to make or heavily influence decisions without enough human review. A model may estimate vehicle damage from photos but miss hidden structural damage. A claims tool may flag a medical bill as unusual without understanding why a specific injury required additional care. A fraud-detection system may detect a pattern that looks suspicious but has a reasonable explanation.Insurance regulators have increasingly focused on those risks. Insurers remain responsible for complying with existing insurance laws when using AI, including rules related to fairness, accuracy, consumer protection, and the avoidance of unfair discrimination. They also emphasize that state regulators may require insurers to explain how AI tools are used in claims and other decisions.Driving data is becoming part of the claims and pricing debateOne of the biggest changes for accident victims is that vehicles themselves can now generate data that may become relevant after a crash. Connected cars can record location, speed, hard braking, acceleration, mileage, and other driving behavior. That information may help reconstruct an accident, but it can also raise privacy and fairness concerns.In January 2025, the Federal Trade Commission announced action against General Motors and OnStar, alleging the companies failed to clearly disclose that they collected precise geolocation and driving-behavior data and sold it to third parties, including consumer reporting agencies, without consumers’ consent.The FTC finalized its order in January 2026. The agency said GM and OnStar would be barred for five years from sharing consumers’ geolocation and driving behavior data with consumer reporting agencies. The order also requires stronger consumer control, including consent requirements and the ability to access or delete certain data.The FTC’s complaint alleged that some consumers discovered the data sharing only after adverse action notices from insurance companies indicated their coverage was denied, canceled, or their premiums increased because of driving-behavior reports.For accident victims, the lesson is broader than one automaker or one enforcement action. A modern claim may involve more than just a police report, a witness statement, and a repair estimate. It may also involve data generated before, during, or after the crash, some of which the driver may not realize exists.Medical claims face their own AI guardrailsCrash-related insurance claims often overlap with medical coverage. An injured person may be dealing with auto insurance, health insurance, disability coverage, or Medicare Advantage, depending on the circumstances. AI is increasingly part of those systems, too.In February 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services clarified that Medicare Advantage plans may use algorithms or AI tools to assist with coverage determinations, but those tools cannot replace the required review of an individual patient’s circumstances. CMS said an algorithm’s prediction alone cannot serve as the basis for terminating post-acute care services; the patient’s condition must be reassessed before services are ended.California has also moved to limit how AI can be used in health coverage decisions. State guidance issued in 2025 addressed the use of AI, algorithms, and software tools in utilization management following the passage of SB 1120, which requires health plans and disability insurers that use these tools to meet specific standards.Those health-coverage rules do not govern every auto or personal injury claim. But they show the direction of policy debate: AI may assist, but regulators are increasingly wary of systems that deny, delay, or reduce benefits without meaningful review.The claims process is becoming more technicalFor accident victims, the practical result is that the claims process may feel less visible. A person may not know whether a settlement estimate came from an adjuster, a software tool, a photo-analysis model, or a combination of all three. They may also not know whether a medical bill was reviewed by a clinician, an automated utilization-management tool, or both.That lack of visibility matters because claims decisions affect real financial outcomes. A delayed approval can postpone treatment. A low repair estimate can leave a vehicle owner paying out of pocket. A denied medical claim can create debt before liability is resolved. A settlement offer based on incomplete information may not reflect future medical needs, lost income, or long-term impairment.NAIC’s guidance emphasizes that insurers using AI should be able to govern, test, document, and explain their systems. The association says human oversight remains important in insurance decision-making, especially where AI affects consumers.What accident victims can watch for as claims become automatedAs AI becomes more common in claims handling, accident victims may need to be more careful about documentation. Photos should be complete and taken from multiple angles. Medical symptoms should be reported consistently. Repair estimates, diagnostic records, wage documentation, and correspondence with insurers should be saved.Consumers should also pay attention to adverse action notices, denial letters, and explanations of benefits. These documents may reveal whether a decision was based on driving data, medical necessity criteria, repair estimates, or other factors. If a claim decision appears incomplete or inaccurate, the notice may also explain how to appeal or request more information.The technology behind claims may continue to change, but the central issue remains the same: After an accident, the claim should reflect the facts of the crash, the evidence available, and the person’s actual losses, and not only what a model can infer from a photo, a form, or a data point.This story was produced by Law Offices of Pius Joseph and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	15 housing markets where sellers still call the shots 15 housing markets where sellers still call the shotsThe housing market looks very different this summer than it did just a few years ago. In many parts of the country, buyers finally have more room to negotiate as inventory rises and homes take longer to sell. Nationally, existing-home sales are mostly flat year over year, while housing inventory continues to grow and affordability is improving across every region, according to the National Association of Realtors (NAR).But some markets are still moving much faster.Many of the country’s hottest summer housing markets are concentrated in the Northeast and Midwest, where inventory remains tight and competition is strong. HomeLight’s latest Top Agent Insights survey, conducted in April, found that sellers continue to hold the most negotiating power in those two regions, even as market conditions soften elsewhere. “When the right house hits the market, competition absolutely still exists,” says Robyn Nasuti, a Massachusetts real estate agent.Using a mix of housing market data and local expertise gleaned from a network of nearly 30,000 top-rated real estate agents, HomeLight shares 15 housing markets where sellers continue to have the upper hand this summer.A note about the data:The median sale price is the midpoint of the prices of homes sold in each market. For reference, NAR reports that the national median sale price for single-family homes is $434,300.Days on market refers to the typical number of days a home is listed for sale before an offer is accepted (from listing to contract). Nationwide, homes spend about 29 days on the market.Months of inventory estimates how long it would take to sell all homes currently on the market at the current sales pace. A balanced housing market typically has 4-6 months of inventory. Nationwide, inventory sits at 4.5 months.15. Akron, OhioMedian sale price: $239,900Typical days on market: 39Months inventory: 1.9Akron stands out this summer as one of the Midwest markets where buyers can still find comparatively affordable homes without sacrificing access to jobs and major amenities. The area’s healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors continue supporting steady buyer demand, while some buyers priced out of nearby Cleveland are looking to Akron for lower home prices.Even as many housing markets around the country cool, Akron remains a seller's market. Inventory is limited, and home values continue rising. In fact, NAR data shows the Akron metro posted one of the nation’s largest annual home price increases in the first quarter, with prices climbing 12%.“Today’s sellers are focused on pricing correctly from day one, investing in presentation like staging and professional marketing, and understanding buyer expectations in a competitive market,” says Akron agent Tina White. “Even with shifting interest rates, well-prepared homes are still generating strong interest and multiple offers.”White expects buyer demand to stay strong through the rest of 2026: “Many buyers have been sitting on the sidelines, and as soon as they feel even a slight sense of stability, they’re jumping back in — creating bursts of competition.”14. Charlotte, North CarolinaMedian sale price: $425,000Typical days on market: 45Months inventory: 3.3Unlike many of the hot housing markets concentrated in the Northeast and Midwest, Charlotte is one of the few Southern metros still seeing strong competition despite rising inventory. The region’s banking, healthcare, and tech industries continue to attract new residents, especially younger professionals and first-time buyers.More homes are hitting the market than a year ago, giving buyers more choices than they’ve had in recent summers. Even so, Charlotte remains a competitive market. Inventory is still relatively limited, and desirable homes continue attracting strong interest while sellers receive close to their asking price on average.“Move-in-ready homes with modern layouts sell faster and command the highest prices,” says Daniel Fisher, a Charlotte agent.“Pending sales are up across all tiers. High-net-worth buyers remain active, however, because of the fact that we have lots of new townhomes being built across our city and all over our region,” says Joan B. Goode, president of the Canopy Realtor Association. She says the additional supply could make homeownership more attainable for everyday buyers as well.13. Milwaukee, WisconsinMedian sale price: $381,450Typical days on market: 20Months inventory: 1.4Milwaukee is dealing with a major shortage of homes for sale, even as more listings come onto the market this year. Inventory sits far below balanced-market levels, helping keep prices rising and competition strong for desirable homes.“Supply remains tight, so we really need to see consistent reductions in mortgage rates for affordability to improve,” says Tom Larson, president of the Wisconsin Realtors Association.Even with higher mortgage rates, buyers are still moving quickly when well-priced homes become available. Milwaukee attracts buyers looking for more affordable home prices than many larger metros, while the area’s healthcare, manufacturing, and education sectors continue supporting housing demand.“Buyers are wishing prices would fall based on rate increases, but the lack of available inventory is raising prices and costing buyers who wait to pay more for a home,” says Jim Geracie, a Milwaukee agent with nearly 50 years of experience. “We tell our buyers the sooner you buy, the less you will pay.”12. Richmond, VirginiaMedian sale price: $454,000Typical days on market: 17Months inventory: 1.5Richmond continues attracting buyers with its mix of job opportunities, relatively affordable home prices, and convenient central location. Even as some Virginia markets see more homes come on the market, buyers in the Richmond area are still competing for a relatively limited supply.Compared with a year ago, the number of homes for sale fell nearly 14%, while pending sales increased almost 8%, signaling continued buyer demand. Homes are also selling faster than they were last year, and sellers are still receiving slightly more than their asking price on average.“While mortgage rates remain sensitive to global events and inflation pressures, the underlying demand in Virginia is still very strong,” says Virginia Realtors Chief Economist Ryan Price.Major employers in healthcare, finance, technology, and government help keep demand steady across the region. With inventory still tight, well-priced homes often receive multiple offers and move quickly, particularly in sought-after neighborhoods like the Fan District or Church Hill.11. Worcester, MassachusettsMedian sale price: $522,000Typical days on market: 37Months inventory: 2.1Worcester is drawing plenty of buyer interest this summer as more people search for lower prices outside the Boston area. Buyers looking for more space and slightly better affordability are continuing to push into Central Massachusetts, where competition for desirable homes remains strong.More listings have started hitting the market compared to the past few years. “But that said, inventory is still historically tight, especially for well-priced homes that we consider under the mid-600s in the Worcester area,” says Nasuti. Prices continue to rise as buyers compete for the limited number of homes available.Nasuti notes that, compared to past summers, buyers today are more cautious. “Interest rates have changed how people shop, so they're analyzing their monthly affordability much more carefully.” Some buyers are widening their search for better value, while others are turning to condos and townhomes for lower price points and maintenance costs.“It's a very good time in the market for sellers if the home is priced and presented correctly. For buyers, there's finally a little bit more breathing room, but more opportunity to negotiate than we've seen in years past,” says Nasuti.10. Lancaster, PennsylvaniaMedian sale price: $363,500Typical days on market: 19Months inventory: 1.32Lancaster attracts buyers seeking more space and lower housing costs than they can find in many larger East Coast cities. Its location also appeals to people who want to stay within reasonable driving distance of Philadelphia, Baltimore, and other major job centers.Even as inventory improved this spring, buyer demand remains strong. Properties are selling for nearly 103% of the asking price, showing that buyers are still willing to compete for the right home. In many neighborhoods, well-priced homes are moving quickly, helping Lancaster maintain seller momentum this summer."Lancaster County remains a highly competitive and desirable housing market," says Christina Diehl, president of the Lancaster County Association of Realtors. "Buyer demand continues to be strong, and we are seeing home values hold steady as inventory gradually improves."Local agents say sellers continue to hold an advantage, especially when homes are priced and presented thoughtfully. “Selling is more intentional, and homeowners are staying put longer,” says Kelley Hughes, an agent in the area. She adds that buyers waiting for prices to cool may end up paying more later.9. Springfield, MassachusettsMedian sale price: $360,000Typical days on market: 25Months inventory: 1.6Springfield has become an increasingly popular choice for buyers searching for lower housing costs while remaining close to major job centers like Boston and Hartford.Compared to many other parts of Massachusetts, Springfield is relatively affordable. While the statewide median sale price is $645,400, Springfield homes sell for far less, helping sustain buyer demand even as mortgage rates remain elevated.“Properties that are well-priced and show nicely and are in great locations, per se, are still getting multiple offers in this situation … even though we have a shortage of housing,” says Judy Nevarez, president of the Realtor Association of Pioneer Valley.Springfield has less than seven weeks of housing supply, leaving buyers with limited choices. Sellers are still receiving more than their asking price on average, a sign that competition remains active.Local agents say the market is moving just as quickly as it did in past summers. “It was competitive then, and it’s competitive now,” says Elaine Evans, a Massachusetts agent with nearly 30 years of experience. “That hasn’t changed.”8. Providence, Rhode IslandMedian sale price: $449,000Typical days on market: 33Months inventory: 2.1Providence stands out as one of the Northeast’s hottest housing markets. Even with high mortgage rates, buyers continue competing for a limited number of homes. During the spring market, median sale prices surged as much as 35% year over year. While appreciation has cooled, home prices continue to trend upward.“The interest by investors in multifamily homes continues to raise prices. Though properties are staying on the market a little longer and buyers have more listings to choose from, many Rhode Islanders are shut out of that market altogether due to affordability issues,” says Mike Pereira, president of the Rhode Island Association of Realtors.Part of what keeps Providence attractive is its location. Buyers can stay within commuting distance of Boston while finding lower home prices than they might farther north. The city’s walkable neighborhoods, universities, healthcare systems, and access to commuter rail also appeal to both local and out-of-state buyers.Even as more homes slowly come onto the market, Providence is still seeing strong buyer activity, with limited inventory putting pressure on prices across much of the area.7. Columbus, OhioMedian sale price: $306,500Typical days on market: 25Months inventory: 2.2Columbus continues drawing buyers this summer with its growing job market and expanding tech sector. The metro posted 1.5% annual job growth, helping support a large and steady buyer pool. Major employers like Ohio State University and Intel’s massive semiconductor project are fueling demand, while home prices still look more manageable than in many other fast-growing cities around the country.Inventory has improved from the extremely tight conditions of recent years, but supply still isn’t keeping up with buyer interest. Home prices continue to rise, and sellers are still receiving close to their asking price on average, showing that competition remains strong this summer.Columbus Realtors President Gloria Alonso Cannon says that bidding wars are becoming increasingly more common. “I will be surprised if this does not hold through the summer, but gone are the years that we're seeing 20 and 25 offers on a home. But we are still in houses that are very well-prepared and are priced where they should be priced.”Deanna Stevens, a local agent, expects inventory to increase. “I think there are going to be more homes on the market, but I’m not sure that the prices will come down.”6. Grand Rapids, MichiganMedian sale price: $282,000-$305,000Typical days on market: 18Months inventory: 1.0Grand Rapids is seeing tight inventory this summer, with buyers competing for homes across much of the metro. Prices are rising, and in suburbs like East Grand Rapids and Rockford, attractive listings often receive multiple offers within the first few days on the market.“The sellers winning in this market aren't just listing a house, they're launching a product. That mindset shift is everything,” says Mark Brace, a Grand Rapids agent with more than two decades of experience.Part of the demand is coming from buyers relocating from larger, pricier metro areas. The region’s healthcare, manufacturing, and education employers are also bringing new residents into West Michigan, while ongoing downtown development has added to the area’s appeal.Brace says the market could heat up even more if mortgage rates ease later this year. “There's an enormous amount of pent-up demand sitting on the sidelines in West Michigan: buyers who are qualified, ready, and waiting for a payment that pencils out.”5. Kenosha, WisconsinMedian sale price: $361,500Typical days on market: 27 Months inventory: 1.4Kenosha has become one of the Midwest’s fastest-moving housing markets, with strong buyer demand colliding with a limited supply of homes. Inventory has struggled to keep up as more buyers move into the region.“We in Kenosha County, similar to a lot of communities across the country, had pretty significant stagnation in new housing developments really since the recession,” says Nicole Ryf, president of the Kenosha Area Business Alliance.Part of Kenosha’s appeal is its location between Chicago and Milwaukee. Many buyers from Illinois are crossing the border in search of lower housing costs and more space while staying close enough to commute to the Chicago area.“We know the cost of living there is significantly higher than it is here; I will say that does drive up our prices here a little bit,” says Ryf. “That being said, we are still very competitive compared to these larger metro areas.”New manufacturing and industrial growth across southeastern Wisconsin is also bringing more workers into the area. Even as prices rise, desirable homes are still selling quickly when they hit the market.4. Buffalo, New YorkMedian sale price: $267,278Typical days on market: 28Months inventory: 1.8With one of the tightest housing markets in the Northeast, Buffalo is experiencing another competitive summer. Buyer demand is still strong, but there aren’t enough homes on the market to fully meet it, especially for move-in-ready properties in popular price ranges. Even as inventory improves, the region still has less than two months of housing supply, and sellers are receiving nearly 105% of their asking price on average.“Our market is still very competitive,” says Lori Adams, president of the Buffalo Niagara Association of Realtors. “You have 3,400 agents competing for 600 homes.”Buffalo’s home prices still look relatively affordable compared to many larger East Coast cities, even after several years of price growth. The area’s healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors continue bringing stability to the local economy and housing market.“Our housing stock is affordable compared to other places, but it's not necessarily affordable for people's salaries here in Buffalo,” Adams says. However, she adds that well-priced homes are still selling quickly, particularly when they show well.3. Rochester, New YorkMedian sale price: $195,000Typical days on market: 7Months inventory: 1-2 monthsRochester offers some of the lowest home prices in the Northeast, making it an attractive option for first-time buyers and anyone looking for more house for their money. Even with mortgage rates remaining elevated, buyers continue to target the area because housing costs are still far lower than in many larger cities.That affordability has not translated into an easy market for buyers. Inventory fell 25% from a year ago, leaving shoppers with even fewer homes to choose from. While closed sales also declined, the typical home spends just days on the market before going under contract.“We’re short supply, and locally that shows up in predictable ways: bidding wars, affordability pressure, and sellers holding historically low mortgage rates with little incentive to move,” wrote Rochester agent Mark Siwiec in the Rochester Business Journal.Rochester's large healthcare systems, universities, and technology employers continue bringing people to the area. Combined with relatively affordable home prices, those factors help keep buyers active and competition strong for well-priced homes across much of the market.2. Manchester, New HampshireMedian sale price: $461,750Typical days on market: 17Months inventory: 0.9Buyers continue to pour into the Manchester area as they search for more affordable alternatives to Greater Boston without giving up access to job centers and city amenities. That popularity has helped keep Manchester among the country’s hottest summer housing markets, with listings attracting nearly 3.5 times the national average number of views per property.Even as inventory has improved slightly from the extreme lows of recent years, supply remains far below balanced-market levels, helping homes sell quickly and keeping pressure on buyers. As a result, homes are selling for more than 104% of their asking price on average.“We’re seeing a market where demand remains very strong, even as buyers continue to navigate limited inventory,” says Josh Greenwald, president of New Hampshire Realtors.Pending sales in Manchester rose 7.8% year over year in May, while closed sales also increased. Greenwald is optimistic that this points to more sales in the months ahead.1. Hartford, ConnecticutMedian sale price: $443,000Typical days on market: 18Months inventory: 1.7The Hartford metro area has become one of the country’s most competitive housing markets, driven by a chronic inventory shortage, strong buyer demand, and fast-moving sales. Hartford continues to attract buyers looking for more space and relatively affordable homes within driving distance of both Boston and New York City, making it difficult for the housing supply to keep up.That competition remains intense this summer. Homes are still selling quickly, bidding wars are common, and buyers are frequently offering above asking price. Federal Housing Finance Agency data also shows the Hartford metro has experienced some of the strongest home value growth in the Northeast over the past several years.“Today’s sellers are focused on pricing precision, timing the market, and maximizing exposure from day one,” says Michael Calabro, a Hartford agent with more than 30 years of experience.Limited new construction continues to keep inventory tight, while many existing homeowners remain reluctant to give up low mortgage rates and move.Looking ahead, Calabro predicts that days on market will vary widely depending on a home’s condition and pricing. “Turnkey, well-priced homes will still move quickly, while overpriced or outdated properties will sit longer than sellers expect.”How sellers can make the most of today’s marketWhether you live in one of the nation's hottest summer housing markets or a market that's beginning to cool, success often comes down to preparation and pricing. As Nasuti puts it, “If we price homes appropriately, then they sell fast.”Having the right guidance can make a difference long before a listing goes live. “Sellers who partner with an experienced agent and take a proactive approach are seeing the best results,” says White.Working with a knowledgeable local agent can help sellers understand their market, price strategically, and prepare their home for buyers. For those planning a move, buy-before-you-sell programs can also offer flexibility by allowing homeowners to purchase their next home before selling their current one.Markets may look very different from one city to the next, but one thing hasn't changed: Buyers still show up for homes that are priced right. For sellers who do their homework and plan ahead, this summer could be a good time to make a move.This story was produced by HomeLight and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Police charge second man in Crowne Forest Apartments killing East Moline police have arrested a second man in connection with the June 16 killing at Crowne Forest Apartments. Here's what investigators say.

Thursday, July 9th, 2026

Wednesday, July 8th, 2026