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

Sunday, July 12th, 2026
	Crews respond to partial brick facade collapse at Moline restaurant Emergency crews are on the scene of a partial building collapse in Moline at Cisco’s Mexican Restaurant.
	Toronto police looking for suspects after deadly shooting at festival At least two people are dead and at least four people are injured after a shooting on Saturday night at a festival celebrating Latin culture in Canada's biggest city.
	What to know about the cyclosporiasis outbreak hitting more than half of U.S. states A surge of cases of the intestinal illness that causes diarrhea and nausea has been detected in 31 states, according to federal health authorities, but the source is still under investigation.
	Des Moines County man charged after allegedly striking bicyclist, leaving the scene A Middletown man is charged after deputies say he struck a bicyclist with his truck in Des Moines County and left without stopping to help.
	4 the Record Web Extra: Rise of Democratic Socialists within Democratic Party hit mostly solid blue districts Party unity is crucial for Democrats and Republicans this election year. Both are in a battle to see who winds up in control of Congress next year. We talked about the rift President Trump is having with Senate Republicans last week. Democrats have their own problems. Traditional Democrats are seeing a surge of Democratic Socialists [...]
	Clucking egg prices as of 7/10/26 Here’s this week’s egg price update. This is the USDA’s average price per dozen when delivered to the warehouse on Jan. 20, 2026, compared to where prices are now. To see the price, click on the video above. Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and [...]
	Iowa poised to follow Trump Administration on quest for rooting out Medicaid fraud Governor Kim Reynolds signed an executive order almost two weeks ago to create the Iowa Medicaid fraud task force. Attorney General Brenna Bird will be the chair. The clear goal is to find and get rid of any waste, fraud and abuse in the Medicaid system. The governor gave the task force six months to [...]
	Key to Illinois artificial intelligence regulations could be independent safety reviews Illinois' governor signed some of the toughest regulations on artificial intelligence into law. Governor JB Pritzker signed the Artificial Intelligence Safety Measures Act into law.There are several provisions to this. It requires large AI developers to to publish their safety practices and report significant safety incidents that could hurt the state within 72 hours of [...]
	Davenport mayor focused on expanding development in west end of city Davenport iss focused on building blocks - not the childhood toys - but expanding the city in a variety of ways. Those plans came through during Mayor Jason Gordon's State of the City address a few weeks ago. That involves utilizing the city's $271.5 million budget to improve infrastructure like streets and sewers. Gordon is [...]
	Abandoned home destroyed in overnight Colona fire An abandoned Colona home was destroyed in an overnight fire Friday. No injuries were reported as investigators work to determine the cause.
	School board preview: Technology, policy updates on this week's agendas Here's what to watch as the Davenport and Pleasant Valley school boards meet this week, from technology purchases to policy reviews.
	China Cafe Davenport now open on Tuesdays After nearly six years, a Chinese restaurant is now open on Tuesdays.
	Lock 14 Kitchen opens in Moline A new shared commercial kitchen space built for local makers where they can grow.
	MARK-TO-MARKET: FIFA World Cup fever invades North America FIFA estimates its 2026 World Cup will deliver a record $8.9 billion in revenues, up 53.4% from its 2022 tournament.
	4 key concerns for U.S. defense and aerospace sectors in 2026 (BPT) - Key takeawaysThe U.S. aerospace and defense industry needs a skilled workforce, supply chain resilience and continual innovation to remain competitive on the global stage.A new white paper from the Washington Post Creative Group and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) examined four key pillars of today's defense and aerospace sector: workforce development, infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and innovation.States are taking on a bigger role in U.S. defense and national security in 2026.Michigan leads the way, modeling a robust workforce, solid manufacturing infrastructure, top research institutions and a legacy of innovation.2026 is a year of challenges and change for the U.S. aerospace and defense sectors. Facing massive growth and shifting needs, many organizations in the industry are evaluating their goals and looking for new ways to stay competitive.A new white paper from the Washington Post Creative Group in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) surveyed 150 senior U.S. leaders in defense and aerospace, manufacturing and industrial products and engineering or supply chain logistics.The biggest industry concerns are contained in these four pillars:Workforce developmentInfrastructureAdvanced manufacturingInnovation"Across all four pillars, ecosystem-level readiness matters as much as any individual advantage," said Col. John T. Gutierrez, U.S. Marine Corps (Ret.), executive director of Michigan's Office of Defense and Aerospace Innovation (ODAI). "Weaknesses in one area can undermine strength in another."At a time when the U.S. aerospace and defense industry relies on states more than ever, these pillars also define regional competitiveness.What's influencing defense and aerospace sectors in 2026?The white paper revealed the main factors shaping the competitiveness of the defense and aerospace sector, and how they impact decisions on where to invest and scale operations.1. Location and workforce development Survey respondents cite workforce availability as a crucial factor in new location decisions. An overwhelming 9 in 10 executives (90%) report difficulty recruiting employees for today's defense needs.The survey also finds 51% of AI roles and 50% of advanced manufacturing roles are hard to fill across the sector. Cybersecurity recruiting difficulty is twice as high in defense as in other sectors, due to regulatory and security requirements."A defense-ready workforce is technically skilled, security-cleared or clearable, digitally fluent and trained in manufacturing and engineering disciplines underpinning many modern systems," said Gutierrez.2. State-level modern infrastructure Over half the survey respondents (52%) state the importance of a modern regional infrastructure to the aerospace and defense industry, while 45% cite access to research institutions. Access to AI-enabled testing ranges was also cited by 57% of respondents.Infrastructure at the state level is crucial for growth: Nearly one-third (31%) say infrastructure and connectivity constraints are factors influencing defense manufacturers' new-location choices.3. Localized, advanced manufacturing capabilitiesThe defense and aerospace industry relies on advanced manufacturing, including automation, computer numerical control (CNC) and robotics. It's key for these manufacturing capabilities to be localized to help reduce supply chain strain and weak spots during unpredictable times.Nearly all executives (98%) say they're actively preparing for supply chain localization or reshoring during today's near-unanimous call to reshore American defense production. In the survey, 73% identify advanced manufacturing as a strategic asset, and 53% are actively investing in supply chain technology.Today's U.S. defense industry widely prioritizes supply chain resilience — over cost and production output — as the workforce crisis deepens. This reflects a fundamental shift in how defense and aerospace leaders define competitiveness.For years, manufacturers optimized supply chains around cost, speed and efficiency. In a sector where disruption can affect mission readiness, that model is no longer enough. Defense leaders seek localized supply chains to help them shorten development cycles while reducing risks like geopolitical uncertainty, material shortages, cyberattacks and demand spikes.4. Innovation and access to research institutionsInnovation has always been a hallmark of defense and aerospace, but innovation itself is changing, with a new emphasis on applied research and development. Innovation is increasingly judged by its ability to move from concept to capability.Survey respondents consistently value modern regional infrastructure (52%) and access to research institutions (45%) as the strongest contributors to innovation environments, indicating the importance of coordinated partnerships and infrastructure. Access to R&D and university or industry research partnerships is ranked as important by 82% of respondents.What role do states play in defense and national security?The U.S. is in the midst of a localization and reshoring drive. But defense and aerospace supply chains face unique constraints, requirements and challenges that are crucial for states to understand if they want to contribute to the industry.The Department of Defense (DoD) increasingly looks to states as proactive strategic partners in national security, evaluating regions by their individual assets and how effectively their systems work together. A defense-ready state offers something no single company can: a coherent, integrated industrial ecosystem capable of supporting missions from ideation through production."Defense readiness is a system-level challenge, and states are the connective tissue that binds together suppliers, infrastructure, workforce, research institutions and testing environments," added Gutierrez. A defense-ready state offers something no single company can: a coherent, integrated industrial ecosystem capable of supporting missions from ideation through production.Michigan offers a practical example of what today's model requires: a region where commercial manufacturing strength, defense suppliers, research institutions and testing infrastructure are part of one coordinated industrial system.Michigan is home to over 4,000 defense-aligned companies, over 900 aerospace suppliers and two of the U.S. Army's critical commands: Tank-automotive and Armaments Command (TACOM) and Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Ground Vehicle System Center (GVSC), placing the state at the center of ground vehicle design, engineering and procurement.Major defense manufacturers include General Dynamics Land Systems, BAE Systems and American Rheinmetall, while a 12-university National Security Consortium aligns academic research directly to DoD priorities.The state also supports multi-domain testing — land, air, maritime, space and cyber — in a single state through the National All-Domain Warfighting Center (NADWC), Camp Grayling and Selfridge Air National Guard Base. This is critical, as 88% of defense leaders say regional innovation corridors where R&D, manufacturing and testing are co-located are vital to their strategy.The Michigan ODAI connects this ecosystem by guiding defense businesses through certification, funding access and DoD market entry.For defense and aerospace companies aiming to invest or expand, Michigan offers a skilled workforce, a strong academic base and assets that are increasingly organized around resilient, integrated readiness.Download the white paper, and learn more about Michigan's aerospace and defense readiness at MichiganBusiness.org.
	Local government this week: Data center ordinance, fire talks, mental health Here's what's on this week's local government agendas, from Clinton's proposed data center ordinance to fire service talks and mental health initiatives.
	Could fish be a secret ingredient for rice farmers to avoid disease and make more money? Farmers in Senegal are welcoming fish into their rice paddies. The hope is they'll fertilize the crop, be a source of food ... and eat the snails that carry parasitic worms.
	A promising tale from Senegal of fish, rice .... and dangerous worms Farmers in Senegal are welcoming fish into their rice paddies. The hope is they'll fertilize the crop, be a source of food ... and eat the snails that carry parasitic worms.
	The Voyage of the Virginia This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.On May 10, 1823, at about noon, a small sternwheel steamboat drew within sight of Fort Armstrong at the western tip of…
	What a Monopoly importer learned when it tried to make things in the U.S.A. After getting hit with tariffs for the imported board games he sells, Jonathan Silva decided to see if he could produce a version of his Monopoly game in the United States. This is what he learned.
	Getting campaign text messages ahead of midterms? There could be an AI bot behind it Taught to sound like a candidate, bots are engaging voters with personalized text messages making AI-generated texting conversations the latest tool political campaigns are using to connect.
	US Sen. Lindsey Graham has died after a brief and unexpected illness, his office says U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham died Saturday evening after a "brief and sudden illness.
Saturday, July 11th, 2026
	The Infectious Disease Frenzy In our enlightened age, the public seems tirelessly bombarded with warnings of existential threat from infectious disease. Another distant outbreak is spreading, this time it could be Disease X – “…and there is no vaccine!” How, one might ask, is our species still extant?
	WATCH: Every runner & walker starting the Moonlight Chase in Eldridge If you ran or walked in the Moonlight Chase on Saturday night, you're in the video above. Our Quad Cities News was there as everyone left the starting line to follow the path of the luminarias at the 41st annual event. We'll have more highlights on Sunday's Our Quad Cities News.
	Messi and Argentina survive another close call to reach the World Cup semifinals Argentina was taken to the brink in its first two knockout games. In Saturday's quarterfinal against Switzerland, the Albiceleste survived again to advance to the semis, where they will face England.
	Byron Hills Fore Heroes outing honors veterans, first responders The seventh annual Byron Hills Fore Heroes outing brought golfers together in Port Byron to honor local veterans and first responders.
	Celtic Night Out held at Riverfront Grille The Scottish American Society of the Quad Cities hosted its annual Celtic Night Out at the Riverfront Grille.
	New YMCA location opens in Davenport The North YMCA welcomed community into its new facility on East Kimberly Road.
	3 injured, mail carrier vehicle catches fire after crash in Lee County Three people suffered non-life threatening injuries and a mail carrier vehicle caught fire after a two-vehicle crash on Nelson Road.
	US attacks Iran over ship being hit in Strait of Hormuz; Tehran lashes out again at Gulf Arab states The United States attacked Iran early Sunday morning over an Iranian attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran apparently responded with strikes targeting Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
	In a nailbiter, England moves on to the World Cup semifinals, defeating Norway 2-1 England's Jude Bellingham has done it again. Scoring both of his team's goals in a thrilling quarterfinal against Norway that needed extra time. It was the first World Cup meeting between the two.
	Annual Lemonade for a Cause event raises money for domestic violence shelter All funds raised from the Lemonade for a Cause event go directly to the MCSA domestic violence shelter.
	Muscatine lemonade stand raises more than $30,000 for domestic violence shelter The Loconsole family's lemonade stand fundraiser has evolved into a vital support effort, raising over $30,000 in five years for the MCSA domestic violence shelter.
	Hit the pools for Sunday tomorrow You can't ask for a better start to the weekend with temperatures in the mid 80s with lots of sunshine for this Saturday. Temperatures will slowly warm up for tomorrow reaching the upper 80s and potential 90s for Sunday with more clear skies and sunshine. Temperatures will continue to rise into the low to mid [...]
	Crews respond to partial collapse of brick exterior at a Moline restaurant Fire officials say the damage appears to be limited to the building's exterior, with no signs of a larger structural problem.
	3 injured, mail carrier vehicle catches fire after Lee County crash Three people are injured and a mail carrier vehicle caught fire after a two-vehicle crash on Nelson Road.
	Gov. JB Pritzker signs new Illinois energy laws Illinois' governor JB Pritzker signed two new energy laws this week. House Bill 4456 makes energy bills more affordable, expanding the discount program for low-income electricity and gas customers. Eligibility for the federally-funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has increased to 300 percent at or below the poverty level.that makes it tougher to [...]
	Crews respond to partial collapse of Moline building's exterior The Moline Fire Department responded to the 1200 block of 5th Avenue for a partial collapse of a building's brick exterior.
	Crews respond to QCA partial building exterior collapse Crews responded to a partial collapse at a Moline restaurant. According to a release from the Moline Fire Department, Cisco's Mexican Bar & Grill on 5th Ave. experienced a partial brick façade collapse. Following an assessment, the damage appears to be limited to the building's exterior brick façade, with no indication of a more significant [...]
	Silvis alderman Craig Pirrman resigns as ethics investigation continues The Silvis Ethics Commission will continue reviewing a complaint against former Alderman Craig Pirrman despite his resignation.
	Historic Hose Station 7 in Davenport reopens as event venue after six years of renovations The 121-year-old Hose Station 7 in Davenport has reopened as after six years of renovations, becoming a new event venue with concerts and community events.
	Death Notice: Roger Bousselot A Funeral Mass for Roger Fred Bousselot, 100, of Calamus, will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 17, at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Long Grove. Burial will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday, July 16, from 4-7 p.m. at the church. Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt, is assisting the family with arrangements. Mr. Bousselot died Friday, July 10, 2026, at Fieldstone of DeWitt. Online condolences may be made at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com. A full obituary will appear in the July 15 edition of The NSP.
	Justice Department subpoenas New York Times reporters over Air Force One reporting The Times says federal agents turned up on the doorsteps of several of its journalists to force grand jury testimony next week over their coverage of the Air Force One plane gifted to Trump by Qatar.
	The biggest steam locomotive is whistle-stopping across the U.S. Huge crowds of train fans turn out as the 1940s era Big Boy steam locomotive is making a rare trip cross country.
	LivWell Seniors present 'Protecting Your Future' at CASI, Davenport Many people assume Medicare or health insurance will cover all their long-term care needs, but that misconception can leave families financially vulnerable when care is needed most, according to a news release from LivWell Seniors. To help seniors better understand their options, LivWell Seniors will host a free lunch & learn, “Protecting Your Future,” at [...]
	Jibaro de Puerto Rico finds a new home in Muscatine after structural issues Ramon Rentas was at a crossroads about two years ago after he decided to change careers. He could either move back to Puerto Rico or make Muscatine his permanent home and start a new business. Rentas decided to plant his roots and invest in the small community along the Mississippi River, but he still wanted [...]
	QC Latino Cinema Series will debut at Last Picture House, Davenport The Quad Cities Latino Cinema Series is set to debut July 15, bringing four unforgettable evenings that celebrate Latino stories, music, culture, and community through the magic of film, a news release says. Presented by The Last Picture House in collaboration with AJV Original, the series highlightsiconic Latino films while supporting local Hispanic nonprofit organizations. [...]
	Ticks you may find in Iowa and Illinois, and the diseases they can carry It's been a gnarly year for ticks already in the U.S., but the ticks you're seeing will vary depending on where you live.
	Cook review: 'Young Washington' is solid biopic released at perfect time Here's a biopic that's just in time for the 250th birthday of the United States. Not only is it timely, but it's also revealing and well-written. If you think "Young Washington” is a faith-based film because it's an Angel Studios movie, think again. Yes, some of the Angel studios movies are faith-based, but not all. [...]
	LifeServe Blood Center plans blood drive at UnityPoint Health - Trinity Rock Island Cancer patients, trauma victims, organ transplant recipients, and so many more Americans rely on lifesaving blood transfusions every day, a news release says. According to LifeServe Blood Center, the summer months can be an especially critical time for blood donation, as donation appointments tend to drop off due to vacations, summer activities, and the change [...]
	City of Morrison updates schedule of city hall closures for system transition, training The City of Morrison would like to inform residents, businesses and other stakeholders that Morrison City Hall will be closed to accommodate staff training and the implementation of a new computer system, a news release says. These updated closures are necessary as the city completes the system conversion that will improve efficiency, enhance service delivery, [...]
	Visit Quad Cities welcomes new board chair, board members “I am thrilled to lead this organization as it continues to make a positive impact on the Quad-Cities,” new board chair Neil Dahlstrom said.
	Most people who need glasses don't have them. Can the post office change that? In some towns in India, a visitor to the post office who's squinting at fine print might be asked: Do you want an eye test?
	Eldridge lukewarm on new facilities, Bettendorf adds futsal court and more government news Read more about what happened in local governments this week in the Quad-Cities.
	Follow the yellow brick road with "The Wizard of Oz" at Circa '21 Follow Dorothy and her iconic friends to Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse's new presentation of "The Wizard of Oz!" According to a release from Circa '21 Dinner Playhouse: This glorious adaptation of L. Frank Baum's timeless storybook tale boasts such unforgettable songs as "If I Only Had a Brain," "Ding Dong, the Witch Is Dead" and [...]
	A Professor Update No. 1 This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.A while back I told you about a local professor whose grand imagination represents the pinnacle of professor-dom. I'm…
	Minnesota is pulling troops early from D.C., as pressure grows on Michigan Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is pulling his National Guard early from Washington, D.C. as the chorus against Democratic governors sending troops to the city amid President Trump's ongoing deployment grows louder.
	Shy on the dance floor? Virtual reality 'partners' aim to help you find your groove VR dance lesson apps like Dance Guru and Trip the Light offer a judgment-free way to learn partner dancing.
	With the white nationalist group Patriot Front, what you see is not what you get Hundreds of masked white nationalists marched in the nation's capital on July Fourth. Who were they and where does their funding come from?
	Ivermectin isn’t a cancer miracle drug, but influencers claim otherwise. Good science takes time. One use of ivermectin is to prevent heartworm and treat intestinal worms in dogs. (Photo from Smith Collection/Gado via Getty Images)Though researchers have been studying the animal deworming drug ivermectin for decades, there is no evidence that it’s a safe or effective way to treat cancer in people. However, a June 2026 study put the topic back in the spotlight. After being downloaded more than 85,000 times before its official publication, the study gained traction on social media — particularly X — and within alternative health communities, where it was shared widely to bolster broader claims about repurposing antiparasitic drugs as cancer treatments. While traditional news outlets were covering renewed public interest in ivermectin for cancer following the COVID-19 pandemic, much of the conversation surrounding this particular new study unfolded outside of mainstream media coverage. Shortly after the study was published, scientists raised serious concerns about how the study arrived at its findings, conflicts of interest and the peer-review process. For one, the study did not have a comparison group to determine whether patients taking a combination of ivermectin and another antiparasitic truly saw improvements due to these drugs or the conventional cancer therapies they were also taking. Moreover, the study relied on patients’ own self-reports rather than medical record information. Unlike medical records, self-reports cannot be independently verified and are more susceptible to bias, making them less reliable as scientific evidence. Although the journal issued an Expression of Concern shortly after publication, the study has not yet been retracted. This case illustrates a recurring challenge in how science reaches the public. Early findings can spread quickly through news coverage, social media and online communities, while the evidence needed to fully evaluate them can take months or years to develop. By the time additional evidence emerges, many people have already shared the original report or made financial and medical decisions based on it. As a health communication researcher, I study how people interpret new cancer information, how health misinformation spreads and how communication can support good health behaviors. The renewed attention surrounding ivermectin and other antiparasitic drugs offers an opportunity to understand why some scientific findings become influential before researchers fully understand what they mean. Why ivermectin keeps returning Repurposing existing medications for new therapeutic uses, including treating cancer, has a long history. Among the drugs attracting growing attention for their repurposing potential are antiparasitic medications such as ivermectin. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved the use of these drugs for cancer. Although laboratory studies on cell cultures have shown some anticancer activity, and early clinical trials are underway, there is not enough evidence to support their use in cancer care. Despite the limited clinical evidence supporting antiparasitic drugs as cancer treatments, the science and the public conversation unfolded very differently. Popular interest in these drugs was driven less by emerging research than by the spread of compelling personal stories. Possibly none were more influential than that of Oklahoma businessman Joe Tippens. In 2018, Tippens started a blog describing his recovery from advanced lung cancer. He wrote that while receiving immunotherapy as part of a clinical trial, he had also begun taking fenbendazole, a deworming medication intended for animals. His account spread rapidly online, transforming fenbendazole from a little-known veterinary drug into one of the most-discussed examples of drug repurposing in cancer communities. By 2019, interest in fenbendazole had circulated internationally. In South Korea, singer Kim Chul-min announced that he was taking fenbendazole for lung cancer after learning about Tippens’ story. His disclosure fueled intense public interest, contributing to shortages of fenbendazole and prompting health officials to warn against its use as a cancer treatment. The pandemic dramatically expanded the conversation about repurposing antiparasitic medications. Ivermectin was widely promoted as a treatment for COVID-19, but by 2022, large, randomized clinical trials had found that the drug failed to provide meaningful benefits for patients. By then, however, it had become one of the most recognizable medications associated with the pandemic. When the paper claiming ivermectin could treat cancer was published in June 2026, the deworming medication was already a familiar drug after years of public attention during the pandemic. Interest in its potential use against cancer had also been amplified by celebrity endorsements, patient stories, podcasts and online communities. Financial incentives also reinforced continued attention. As interest in ivermectin grew, a market emerged around promoting and selling the drug for unproven uses. Physicians, pharmacies, politicians, influencers and media personalities had economic incentives — including paid partnerships or selling the drug through their own businesses — to keep the conversation around ivermectin alive even after scientific evidence remained limited. Online conversations and real-world decisions Once published, scientific papers are often viewed and shared online, where their findings become intertwined with headlines, personal stories and commentary. Those conversations don’t simply reflect public interest. They can also shape it. After Joe Rogan and Mel Gibson discussed ivermectin and fenbendazole as potential cancer treatments on Rogan’s popular podcast, oncologists reported that patient interest in these drugs spread “like wildfire,” prompting more people to ask about them during clinic visits. Researchers later documented that prescriptions combining ivermectin and drugs similar to fenbendazole among cancer patients more than doubled following these celebrity endorsements. I observed a similar pattern in my own work. I use social listening methods to monitor how cancer misinformation spreads online in real time. This involves tracking public conversations across social media platforms and identifying changes in the volume and content of posts. Within weeks of Rogan’s podcast, online conversations about ivermectin and fenbendazole had increased by 198% over the course of a month, illustrating how quickly high-profile discussions can attract public attention. Learning how research travels through those conversations may be just as important for public health as understanding the study itself. Science moves more slowly than social media The challenge of evaluating early scientific findings isn’t unique to antiparasitic drugs or one particular paper on ivermectin and cancer. Science and social media operate on very different timelines. A study can be published and shared around the world within hours. Determining how much confidence to place in its findings often takes months or years as researchers conduct additional studies, attempt to replicate the results and tie together multiple lines of evidence. Researchers have found that early information can shape what people believe even after it has been corrected or updated. Known as the continued influence effect, this phenomenon helps explain why initial reports often leave a lasting impression even as new evidence comes to light. In the case of ivermectin, early claims about its benefits may continue to influence people’s decisions even after larger, more rigorous studies fail to support initial claims. Some may continue using the drug, delay or forgo treatments proven to be effective, or remain convinced that the drug is helpful despite accumulating evidence to the contrary. The fact that scientific understanding develops over time does not mean people should ignore promising new research. Every medical advance begins with early findings that require confirmation through additional research. But a single study rarely changes clinical practice on its own. When the next study goes viral The next promising study about cancer or another disease is almost certain to appear on your social media feed before long. Whether that study involves ivermectin or something else, a few principles for interpreting new research can help you navigate scientific uncertainty. Don’t confuse publication with proof. A published study often marks the beginning of scientific discussion, not the end of it. Confidence in findings develops over time as evidence accumulates and results are weighed alongside all available research. If you see something described as a breakthrough, ask yourself whether it reflects a growing body of research or the results of a single study. Pay attention to what happens next. Scientific findings continue to evolve after publication through critiques and new studies that confirm, refine or challenge the original results. At times, a journal’s editorial board may issue corrections or retractions that also contribute to this process. This ongoing scrutiny is a strength of science, not a flaw. If you see a study that could influence your health decisions, don’t stop there. Check whether additional studies have been published or whether trusted medical organizations have updated their recommendations. Put new findings into context. Before making personal health decisions, discuss promising research with a trusted healthcare professional who is familiar with the relevant medical evidence. They can help you make sense of the study based on your own health needs. A study can go viral in a day. Good science takes time. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Dannell Boatman is a health communication researcher with the WVU Cancer Institute and an assistant professor in the WVU School of Medicine. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. Courtesy of Kansas Reflector
	Spain edges Belgium and will face France in World Cup semifinal Spain and France will meet Tuesday in Arlington, Texas, in a matchup anticipated for years. Neither team has lost at this year's World Cup.
	Trump threatens Iran after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral saw calls for his killing Trump made the comments on his Truth Social after U.S. officials demanded that Iran make a public statement saying the Strait of Hormuz is open.
	Zach Lahn responds to President Trump endorsement Zach Lahn responded to the endorsement of President Donald Trump, who supported his Republican campaign for governor earlier in the day.
	Trump administration rolls back a key protection for imperiled wildlife The Trump administration finalized a rule Friday that changes how agencies enforce the Endangered Species Act. The administration narrowed the definition of "harm" under the landmark law.
	‘Best friend,’ teen describes her grandma, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds Hundreds of Republicans gathered in Des Moines Friday night for an annual dinner that focused largely on Gov. Kim Reynolds, who is retiring.
Friday, July 10th, 2026
	Bettendorf, Assumption baseball advance to Substate semis Bettendorf and Assumption baseball both picked up wins to advance to the substate semifinals.
	10-year-old Long Grove girl honored at River Bandits’ Home Runs for Life For 10 years, the Quad Cities River Bandits and MercyOne Genesis have partnered to honor physical therapy and rehabilitation patients through the Home Runs for Life program. This year’s pediatric honoree was Haven Sottos, a 10-year-old from Long Grove.
	Moline's Riverside Park debuts new mini-pitch The new addition is the finale of the Riverside Legacy Project, which aims to bring more recreation opportunities to the area.
	State defends allegations against former deputy charged in Jackson Kradle's death Matthew Herpstreith is charged with reckless homicide, reckless conduct, obstruction of justice and failure to reduce speed in the 18-year-old's 2024 death.
	Historic Davenport firehouse finds new life as event center The grand opening for Host Station 7 will continue through the weekend.
	State defends allegations against former sheriff's deputy charged in Jackson Kradle's death Matthew Herpstreith is charged with reckless homicide, reckless conduct, obstruction of justice and failure to reduce speed in the 18-year-old's 2024 death.
	Our QC Crime Watch: You can meet the new Davenport police chief: Episode 72 Watch crime reporters Linda Cook and Sharon Wren talk about crime and courts in our area with the latest episode of the Our Quad Cities Crime Watch Podcast. In this episode Linda and Sharon discuss: updates on: A Davenport man has been charged with attempted murder after a July 4 shooting You can meet the [...]
	‘I would not be here’: Iowa cancer survivors urge continued federal funding for cancer research Cancer survivors and advocates met with Republican Rep. Zach Nunn, IA-3, to urge continued federal funding for cancer research and to highlight gaps in treatment coverage.
	Alaska expands eligibility for early interventions for children with developmental delays One month old twins are seen in April 2026 (Photo by James Brooks/Alaska Beacon)More Alaska infants and toddlers who are experiencing developmental delays or disabilities can be eligible for early intervention services under a new law now in effect. But service providers say more funding is critical to meet the needs of Alaskan children and families. The bill expands eligibility criteria that proponents say will allow earlier, targeted interventions for children from infancy to age three who are experiencing developmental delays or disabilities. The Alaska Legislature approved the legislation with bipartisan support by a vote of 59 to 1. Gov. Mike Dunleavy allowed Senate Bill 178 to go into law without his signature last month. Previously, Alaska children had to demonstrate a 50% delay in order to be eligible for early intervention services. Under the new law, the requirement was reduced to a 25% delay, thus expanding eligibility and allowing more children to receive services and interventions. Statewide, there are 17 infant learning programs that provide early intervention services funded by the state and federal Medicaid, at no cost to families. Intervention services can include screenings and assessments; targeted speech, feeding and movement therapies; and education and counseling for families on child development. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Amy Simpson is the executive director of the Program for Infants and Children, Inc. the largest provider of infant learning program services serving the Anchorage area, as well as rural communities in the Lake and Peninsula Borough approximately 200 miles southwest across Cook Inlet. “It’s very exciting,” Simpson said of the bill’s passage in an interview Friday. “This will allow us to serve families and children sooner, so they don’t have to fall so far behind before we’re able to give them some support and help in learning, and you know catching up on their developmental milestones.” Infant learning programs serve an estimated 1,800 families in Alaska each year, and Simpson said it’s been very difficult to turn children away who did not meet eligibility requirements. “It’s a really difficult thing to sit with a parent and say, ‘Oh, you know, we’re really worried about your child’s development, and they are clearly behind their peers, but they’re not behind enough.’ And so then we give them referrals to private therapists in the community, but you know, in most communities in Alaska, there’s not a list of private therapists to help families,” she said. Laura Norton-Cruz is a social worker, filmmaker and advocate who produced a film spotlighting infant learning program successes in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough region to push for the legislation for expanding eligibility, more awareness and funding for early intervention services in Alaska. “I was elated,” she said, of the bill becoming law on Friday. “Being able to see and hear from families about what a big difference it made, both because it’s highly effective and because sometimes they’re on wait lists forever to get into other kinds of therapies,” she said. “Every day, if there’s a developmental issue or a delay, it can get worse, and so it’s very, very important to have timely support.” But now with the new expanded eligibility, Simpson with the Program for Infants and Children said they are expecting a 77% increase in children who are eligible and funding is limited to help provide those services. Dunleavy vetoed $3 million in additional state grant funding approved by the Legislature to support infant learning programs. Legislators also approved a $2.7 million funding increase intended to offset inflation which Dunleavy did not veto. State funding for the program totals $10.1 million this fiscal year. “So this might be a little bit of a hollow victory for kids and families if funding doesn’t permit us to expand eligibility, which really could make a huge difference,” Simpson said. The legislation does provide for over $450,000 for the Alaska Department of Health to implement the changes in policy, including two new full time positions to manage expanded eligibility, billing and statewide staff training. The bill also expands the services eligible for Medicaid reimbursement, which Simpson said will be helpful. In particular, she said, serving rural communities only accessible by boat or plane requires more expensive travel for specialists and therapists to visit families to provide services. “So we’ll have to kind of see how that goes… if billing for services for all early intervention services will provide enough income for us to expand our staffing,” Simpson said. “I’m hopeful that it will, but I’m not certain.” The Senate Health and Social Services committee sponsored the legislation, which was backed by the bipartisan Alaska Children’s Caucus of House and Senate legislators. Sen. Löki Tobin, D-Anchorage, cited research on the Senate floor ahead of a vote on the bill in May that found nearly half of children who received early intervention services at age three did not require special education services when they reached kindergarten. “That equates to an average of $229,071 of potential savings over the course of that child’s K-12 education,” she said. She estimated state savings at $39 million per year. “But the most important piece of this is helping support children and families,” she said. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Alaska Beacon
	Special Weather Statement until FRI 9:00 PM CDT Funnel Clouds and Weak Tornadoes Possible Until 9 PM
	Silvis alderman resigning amid ethics probe The resignation of second ward alderman Craig Pirmann is effective immediately, according to the mayor's office.
	Rock Island affordable senior housing project secures tax credits The apartment complex, to be located at Ninth Avenue and 25th Street, received nearly $2 million in tax credits.
	West Burlington police officers escape their own office West Burlington police officers found themselves locked inside their own office but successfully escaped.
	Elected officials hail Great Falls economic progress in two events Gov. Gianforte (center left), John Janicki, president of Janicki Industries (left), Peter Janicki, CEO of Janicki Industries (center right), and Congressman Troy Downing (right), during a ceremony at Janicki Industries’ groundbreaking in Great Falls. (Photo via Governor's Office)GREAT FALLS — An economic boom is happening to Great Falls, at least according to local, state and federal officials who spent much of Friday celebrating two large businesses coming to Cascade County. Gov. Greg Gianforte, U.S. Rep. Troy Downing and Great Falls Mayor Cory Reeves visited a new Amazon delivery building and then took part i a groundbreaking event for a massive new Janicki Industries complex at AgriTech Park. The two industries represent growth, Reeves said, who was all smiles during the two events. “I’m just glad to see that we’re finally on the map,” Reeves said in an interview. “We’re being discovered.” The Amazon investment is about $7 million, company media relations staff said, with 50 full-time employees and hundreds of flex drivers — part-time jobs Amazon is actively hiring for, they said. The Great Falls Amazon facility is a 35,000 square foot “last mile” facility. Essentially, the workers there are the people the company’s customers will see on their doorstep in the town, and beyond. Amazon delivers to many of the small communities that surround the Electric City and said they’ve now invested more than $200 million in Montana operations since 2010. Amazon officials said they were committed to safety, and brought Sarah Rose, a company vice president overseeing global health and safety operations, to talk about that topic. “There is nothing more important than ensuring the safe, high-quality jobs across our network and team right here in the state of Montana,” Rose, who is from Butte, said in prepared remarks at the Amazon facility. “That’s why I believe so deeply in what we’re celebrating today. Hard-working Montanans deserve good jobs, competitive pay, and real opportunities to grow.” The economy was fully in focus throughout the event by both political and business leaders. There’s a sense that massive missile upgrades, new industry and a booming housing industry could make a huge economic difference in Great Falls. Amazon, and the investment from Janicki is another example of a widening Montana economy, Downing said. “We were just at the Amazon facility a little while ago, that’s creating jobs in one sector. This is creating another,” Downing, whose eastern district includes Great Falls, said during an interview. “Obviously, we have Malmstrom. We’ve got the military side. Having that diversification, there’s no single point of failure. If something starts to go sideways, you’ve got other things that can pick up that slack, and in terms of long-term growth opportunity and stability for this region and for the state, I think it’s incredibly important.” Janickian aerospace company, chose Great falls for an $800 million investment that could provide more than 2,000 jobs once fully realized. The 180-acre facility will include 1.6 million square feet of production space. Janicki employees, trades workers, union members and politicians gathered at the Janicki groundbreaking, with about 200 people in attendance. According to company literature, the company “designs and builds composite and metallic tooling, parts, prototypes, and assembled structures for customers across aerospace, defense, space, marine and other industries.” Peter Janicki, the founder and CEO of the company, said once fully built, the facility will make Great Falls an “epicenter” of aerospace engineering by attracting customers from a variety of high-level tech companies. Janicki Industries looked at several sites for their new facility, but ultimately decided on Great Falls, in large part due to the people. When asked what he liked about the regulatory environment in the area, Janicki quipped, “What regulatory environment?” The community already had the site zoned and ready for a business, which made the process easier, he said. “I don’t like the idea that a big company just takes over,” said John Janicki, president of the company and Peter’s brother. “We didn’t do that, and I would not be supportive of that. It’s just really easy to work with here, and we’ve met with the city, and the city says, ‘Hey, we’re ready to help.’” He added cheap utilities, no sales tax, friendly property taxes and relatively low housing costs all contributed as well. Janicki has much of their operations based in Washington and Utah. John Janicki added that with Montana’s friendly business environment, that some Washington businesses might be looking eastward as well. “I think we’re gonna attract a lot of people,” John Janicki said in an interview. Gianforte said he felt there was a “little like cleanup on Aisle Three and Four when I came into office,” and pointed to his efforts lowering taxes and removing regulations, both of which have been longtime priorities for his administration. “The biggest issue that employers run into is the workforce,” Gianforte said in an interview. “This is why we focused on career and technical education tax credits for trade education and making it easier to break down the barriers between our higher education, K through 12 education, and the marketplace, so people can have great careers in front of them.” Courtesy of Daily Montanan
	Hot weather coming next week After several days in the 80s this week, things look to heat up next week in the Quad Cities. Highs will be in the lower 90s pretty often next week. So far this year we've had 7 days with a high of at least 90°, and we'll add on about 4 or 5 more next [...]
	Rock Island mayor revokes tavern's liquor license after shooting incident After citing numerous violations, Rock Island Mayor Ashley Harris has revoked the liquor license of DeAnna's Place.
	Nursing home group asks for exemptions for Haitians working in Florida facilities The Florida Health Care Association worries that as many as 35,000 Haitian healthcare workers could be impacted by the Supreme Court decision. (Photo credit: Getty Images)The state’s largest nursing home association has asked the Department of Homeland Security to consider allowing Haitians with temporary protected status (TPS) to continue to work in long-term care and pursue “available lawful immigration pathways.” Approximately 350,000 Haitian nationals nationwide hold TPS, of whom half are estimated to live in Florida. “If roughly one in five Haitian TPS holders works in healthcare occupations, as national workforce analyses indicate, as many as 35,000 healthcare workers in Florida could be affected by recent policy changes,” a July 7 letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin from FHCA Chief Executive Officer J. Emmett Reed notes. “While a portion of those individuals work in skilled nursing centers and other long term care settings, the loss of even a small percentage of these experienced caregivers would be detrimental to residents’ continuity of care as well as providers who are already struggling to fill essential positions.” The FHCA is the state’s largest nursing home organization representing more than 650 facilities. The Florida Hospital Association has yet to intervene. Neither has Jackson Health System, which employs 50 Haitians with temporary protected status, according to a spokesperson for the Miami hospital. Congress created temporary protected status in 1990. Since then, a country receives a TPS designation after the Homeland Security secretary consults with the State Department to determine whether it meets certain qualifying conditions. A TPS designation applies if it’s too dangerous to return to the country based on violence, natural disasters, or other extraordinary conditions. Protections can last from six to 18 months unless renewed. TPS designation for Haiti began in 2010 following an earthquake that killed more than 500,000 people. Former DHS Secretary Kristi Noem determined that Haiti no longer met the conditions for its TPS designation. But a U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia issued an order staying Noem’s decision. The U.S. Supreme Court in a 6-3 ruling subsequently declare that Haitian and Syrian immigrants are not entitled to orders postponing an end to their TPS while litigation is pending. The ruling has the effect of stripping their deportation protections and work permits. And that could be bad news for Florida nursing home providers who, Reed said, already are struggling to maintain staff, and the residents who live in the facilities. “Our request is driven by one priority: protecting access to quality care for Florida’s seniors and individuals with disabilities. Decisions that unintentionally diminish the long-term care workforce have consequences that extend far beyond employers — they directly affect our residents who depend on skilled, compassionate caregivers every day,” Reed’s letter reads. Following the ruling, the TPS designations were set to expire July 10. But the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced on its website Friday that it was extending TPS for Haitians until July 24. Meanwhile, a group of faith leaders has called on Florida residents to make TPS an issue in the coming elections. Courtesy of Florida Phoenix
	City of Monmouth, Lakeshore Recycling places dumpsters for storm damage drop offs The City of Monmouth and Lakeshore Recycling are placing three dumpsters on Third Street for storm debris drop-off.
	Maine, 14 other states sue Trump administration to block school mental health funding cuts Phone trees at Brewer High School store students phones for the duration of the school day (Photo by Eesha Pendharkar/Maine Morning Star)Maine joined 15 states on Friday in suing the Trump administration to prevent millions of dollars in cuts to school-based mental health funding. The new lawsuit is part of an ongoing legal battle between Democratic-led states and the U.S. Department of Education over a mental health grant program that Congress established following the 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. At stake is a $1 billion program that offers grants to school districts across the country to help them hire and train more mental health professionals to work in schools. Democratic attorneys general in 15 states say the Trump administration, in defiance of a December 2025 court order, plans to unlawfully terminate the grants at the end of this month, resulting in millions in lost funding. “Our children deal with a unique set of problems which arise from growing up in 2026 — from loneliness to substance use disorder to the ever-present fear of violence — and the programs funded through these grants are designed to help them cope and hopefully thrive,” said Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, a Democrat, in a statement announcing the lawsuit. In 2022, after a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, claimed the lives of 19 students and two teachers, Congress allocated $1 billion to the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program to increase the number of school-based mental health professionals. That funding effort was bipartisan; at the time Republican U.S. Sens. John Cornyn of Texas, Susan Collins of Maine and Thom Tillis of North Carolina publicly supported it. And within a year, the grants had funded mental and behavioral health services to nearly 775,000 students nationwide. But in April 2025, under President Donald Trump, the U.S. Department of Education told grantees the funding would be halted because their programs conflicted with Trump administration priorities. At that time, the grants were supporting efforts in 49 states to prepare thousands of mental health professionals to work in K-12 schools. Trump administration officials told the media that the grants were cut over what the administration saw as connections to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. A coalition of 17 Democratic state attorneys general sued last July, and a court ruled in their favor, ordering the Trump administration to stop the grant discontinuation. In the months since the order, the education department has threatened to withhold funding or terminate the grants altogether. The Democratic attorneys general said they filed the new lawsuit to cover gaps in the previous court order that could allow the Trump administration to follow through on its desire to halt the funding. “The courts have repeatedly ruled that the Trump Administration does not have the power to arbitrarily revoke grant funding that provides critical mental health services to our students,” said Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, a Democrat, in a statement about joining the lawsuit. “Still, the federal government continues its attempts to terminate funding.” Stateline reached out to the U.S. Department of Education for comment but did not receive a response before publication. Attorneys general participating in the lawsuit are from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin. Stateline reporter Anna Claire Vollers can be reached at avollers@stateline.org This story was originally produced by Stateline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Maine Morning Star, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Courtesy of Maine Morning Star
	High diesel prices are squeezing drivers at the Walcott Truckers Jamboree With prices ranging between $4-5 across the country, drivers are adding a fuel surcharge to their rate.
	Rock Island County dedicates pollinator garden to the late Lee Barber, the Rev. Gabriel Barber County leaders said the dedication recognized the Barbers' decades of community service.
	High diesel prices squeezing drivers at the Walcott Truckers Jamboree With prices ranging between $4-5 across the country, drivers are adding a fuel surcharge to their rate.
	Muscatine family to hold annual Lemonade for a Cause fundraiser The event has raised more than $26,000 for the MCSA Domestic Violence Shelter, and this year's fundraiser aims to push that total past $30,000.
	New Mexico health officials issue warning ahead of hot weekend National Weather Service forecasters warned that much of central New Mexico experienced "major" heat risk July 10, 2026, meaning that high temperatures posed risks to anyone without access to cooling or hydration, as well as well as to health systems and industries. (Courtesy NWS HeatRisk index)New Mexico Department of Health officials on Thursday issued a warning to residents ahead of what forecasts predict will be a hot weekend, with temperatures expected to rise above 100 degrees across much of the state.SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. According to a news release, 453 people have visited New Mexico health facilities for heat-related emergencies since April 1. Last summer included 761 heat-related emergency department visits statewide. “It’s going to be a hot summer, and certain populations — including children, adults over 65, outdoor workers and people with chronic health conditions — are among the most at-risk when temperatures climb,” NMDOH Chief of Environmental Health Epidemiology Bureau Chelsea Langer said in a statement. The health department noted that heat-related illnesses include: warm, red skin that can become cold, pale and clammy; a fast and weak pulse; nausea and vomiting, along with muscle cramps; fatigue, weakness and dizziness. Residents can try to avoid heat-related illnesses by staying cool inside; remaining hydrated; wearing lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothes; and saving outdoor activities for the cooler times of day. More information on heat-related illness is available via the NM Public Health Data Portal and through the agency’s hotline: 1-833-SWNURSE. Courtesy of Source New Mexico
	Rock Island mayor revokes DeAnna's Place liquor license following 9 counts of violations Mayor Ashley Harris has revoked the liquor license for DeAnna's Place in Rock Island following nine counts of violations.
	"Next to Normal" production returns to Davenport Central High School The performances will raise money for theater improvements while also shining a light on mental health awareness.
	Rain wins again at Davenport Speedway Friday morning’s rain shower has forced SR Promotions to cancel the Friday night races at Davenport Speedway, according to a news release. Weekly points racing tops the agenda on Friday, July 17, at the Davenport Speedway. All six classes will be in action. The racing program will include the Street Stock Challenge sponsored by AVS [...]
	New mural unveiled at Rock Island EveryChild building EveryChild partnered with Quad City Arts' Metro Arts Apprenticeship Program to create the artwork.
	Silvis alderman resigning as ethics probe continues The resignation of second ward alderman Craig Pirmann is effective immediately, according to the mayor's office.
	Deanna’s Place liquor license revoked for following shootings, dozens of police calls Rock Island Mayor Ashley Harris has revoked the liquor license for Deanna's Place effective immediately after multiple shootings and police calls.
	Retired Iowa lawmaker Jean Lloyd-Jones reflects on her political life in memoir At 96, Jean Lloyd-Jones has published ‘A Woman’s Place: My Life as a Public Servant.’ The book tracks her path from the League of Women Voters to the Iowa Legislature, as well as her work founding the Iowa Institute for Peace.
	Graham Platner makes it official in Maine, submitting paperwork to leave Senate race In his withdrawal notice, Platner said "people are desperate for change" and that's why they made him the Democratic nominee. Now, Maine Democrats have to pick someone to replace him by July 27.
	Scott County Democrats nominate slate of candidates ahead of November 2026 elections Meet the newest Democratic candidates seeking Scott County offices and a state House seat this November.
	Police searching for man accused of driving into a Rock Island credit union 41-year-old Michael Lindquist allegedly fled the scene after striking the Gas and Electric Credit Union.
	15 states sue Trump administration to block school mental health funding cuts Student backpacks seen on the first day of school last year at Harborview Elementary School in Juneau, Alaska. Fifteen Democratic-led states are suing the Trump administration over cuts to a $1 billion school mental health grant program. (Photo by Corinne Smith/Alaska Beacon)Fifteen states on Friday sued the Trump administration to prevent millions of dollars in cuts to school-based mental health funding. The new lawsuit is part of an ongoing legal battle between Democratic-led states and the U.S. Department of Education over a mental health grant program that Congress established following the 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. At stake is a $1 billion program that offers grants to school districts across the country to help them hire and train more mental health professionals to work in schools. Democratic attorneys general in 15 states say the Trump administration, in defiance of a December 2025 court order, plans to unlawfully terminate the grants at the end of this month, resulting in millions in lost funding. “Our children deal with a unique set of problems which arise from growing up in 2026 — from loneliness to substance use disorder to the ever-present fear of violence — and the programs funded through these grants are designed to help them cope and hopefully thrive,” said Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha, a Democrat, in a statement announcing the lawsuit. In 2022, after a school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, claimed the lives of 19 students and two teachers, Congress allocated $1 billion to the Mental Health Service Professional Demonstration Grant Program to increase the number of school-based mental health professionals. That funding effort was bipartisan; at the time Republican U.S. senators including John Cornyn of Texas, Susan Collins of Maine and Thom Tillis of North Carolina publicly supported it. And within a year, the grants had funded mental and behavioral health services to nearly 775,000 students nationwide. But in April 2025, under President Donald Trump, the U.S. Department of Education told grantees the funding would be halted because their programs conflicted with Trump administration priorities. At that time, the grants were supporting efforts in 49 states to prepare thousands of mental health professionals to work in K-12 schools. Trump administration officials told the media that the grants were cut over what the administration saw as connections to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. Amid mental health crisis, new compact allows social workers to practice across state lines A coalition of 17 Democratic state attorneys general sued last July, and a court ruled in their favor, ordering the Trump administration to stop the grant discontinuation. In the months since the order, the education department has threatened to withhold funding or terminate the grants altogether. The Democratic attorneys general said they filed the new lawsuit to cover gaps in the previous court order that could allow the Trump administration to follow through on its desire to halt the funding. “The courts have repeatedly ruled that the Trump Administration does not have the power to arbitrarily revoke grant funding that provides critical mental health services to our students,” said Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, a Democrat, in a statement about joining the lawsuit. “Still, the federal government continues its attempts to terminate funding.” Stateline reached out to the U.S. Department of Education for comment but did not receive a response before publication. Attorneys general participating in the lawsuit are from California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Washington and Wisconsin. Stateline reporter Anna Claire Vollers can be reached at avollers@stateline.org SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Stateline

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