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

Friday, May 29th, 2026
	Metro Link partners with local libraries to provide free rides for summer reading programs Metro buses are partnering with local libraries to provide free rides to summer reading programs for children ages four to 12.
	MercyOne Clinton North closing today due to sewage issues A sewage issue in Clinton had led to MercyOne Clinton North Health Plaza closing for the day. An email from the hospital says MercyOne Clinton North Health Plaza, 915 13th Avenue North, will be closed for the rest of the day today, May 29, due to a problem with the city's sewage system. This closure [...]
	Applications open for Hubbell-Waterman Foundation grants The 2026 Hubbell-Waterman Foundation grant cycle is now open. The foundation offers grant funding to nonprofits in Scott and Rock Island Counties. Applications for this year’s grants are due by August 15. Nonprofits must apply through the online grant system administered by the Quad Cities Community Foundation. “The Hubbell-Waterman Foundation is proud to support the [...]
	Former Davenport Central security guard pleads guilty in federal sexual exploitation case On Wednesday, Noah Xsavier Garcia, 26, pleaded guilty to attempted sexual exploitation of a child and attempted enticement of a minor in federal court.
	Crime Stoppers solved: Man was wanted for failure to appear Crime Stoppers said Friday that Statucki had been in the Muscatine County Jail since December and is no longer wanted.
	Knox County wildlife center hosts concert to bring in critical revenue Currently, the Critter Cove Wildlife Rescue and Rehab Center cannot accept new animals due to a lack of funds, but it is asking the community for support.
	Girl Scouts receive $20,000 gift from American Water Charitable Foundation Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois recently received a $20,000 gift from the American Water Charitable Foundation. “Collaboration is essential to driving meaningful, lasting change,” says Brad Nielsen, president of Iowa American Water. “Through our partnership with the American Water Charitable Foundation and committed community organizations like Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and [...]
	Back from Cannes, a critic shares the films he's most excited to see again Though the 2026 festival featured less Hollywood razzle-dazzle than in years past, there were still plenty of great films. Most notable: All of a Sudden, from the Japanese director Ryûsuke Hamaguchi.
	'Plant a Seed, Read' with Bettendorf Public Library The Bettendorf Public Library encourages residents to “Plant a Seed, Read” this summer. The library’s Summer Reading Program starts on Monday, June 8, with fun challenges and exciting rewards for all ages. The library’s Summer Reading Program is free and open to everyone. Click here for early online registration. In-person registration starts on June 8. [...]
	Former Des Moines Superintendent Ian Roberts to be sentenced Friday Former Des Moines Public School Superintendent Ian Roberts was detained by federal immigration officers on September 26, 2025, just weeks into a new school year.
	Cook review: 'The Crash' has viewers talking. You might want to join the conversation. Netflix has created a streaming niche for itself with its true-crime documentaries. And here's another one that may take up more of your time after you've seen it than during its run. That's because, brief though it is, "The Crash" posits a number of questions that aren't directly answered. It's a film that presents facts, [...]
	Former eastern Iowa city clerk sentenced in theft case Former McCausland city clerk Sheila Bosworth has been sentenced for theft and improper spending.
	West End Revitalization will host Centennial Corridor community discussion West End Revitalization (WER) will host a community discussion on the future of the Centennial Bridge corridor and its potential impacts on the West End, according to a news release. As the June 3 public comment deadline approaches, WER seeks holding space for residents, businesses, and stakeholders to better understand the process and share concerns, [...]
	Asia defense summit opens amid doubts over U.S. priorities The Shangri-La Dialogue, hosted by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, will also address tensions in the Middle East and Russia's war on Ukraine.
	Patching project may result in single lane of traffic on Scott County road Beginning Monday, June 1, 2026, Y4E (Allens Grove Road and 275th Street) may be reduced to one lane of traffic from the south corporate limits of the City of Dixon to Y52 (115th Avenue) for a Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA) patching project., a news release says. Traffic will be maintained with flaggers and a pilot [...]
	15 beers to try during Quad-Cities Craft Beer Week Quad-Cities Craft Beer Week runs May 29-June 5. Here are 15 local beers worth adding to your list.
	Colona to install new storm sirens Had the city not acted on Tuesday, the plans would have been delayed until August.
	Drought conditions set to return to the Quad Cities area May rainfall in the Quad Cities is running more than two inches below average. With building heat and very little rain over the next week, abnormally dry conditions will expand, and we could head back into a moderate drought! Here's your full forecast.
	Illinois hunters harvest preliminary record number of wild turkeys in spring season Illinois hunters harvested a preliminary record total of 20,821 wild turkeys during the 2026 spring turkey season, surpassing the previous record of 18,189 birds harvested in 2025, according to a news release. The top counties for turkey harvest during the 2026 season were Jefferson and Jo Daviess counties, tied with 646 birds harvested; followed by [...]
	Warm weekend turns hot again Friday will mark the sixth consecutive day with highs in the 80s in the Quad Cities. We'll stay there this weekend, and it gets even hotter next week. Most of the Mississippi River Valley will stay dry over the next seven days, but a few showers and storms are now possible between Saturday night and [...]
	Honor Flight of the QC prepares for takeoff with changes On June 1 the 66th Honor Flight will leave the Quad Cities International Airport with more than 80 veterans on their way to Washington D. C. to see the memorials built in their honor. Because of construction beginning at the Airport there will be changes, a news release says. On the morning of June 1, [...]
	Republicans ready for rematch in Iowa's 1st Congressional District Republican U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks is again facing a challenge from David Pautsch for the 1st District's Republican nomination.
	Meteorologists were central to D-Day. 'Pressure' tells the story of navigating uncertainty The new movie, based on writer and actor David Haig's 2014 play, dramatizes the tensions between military leaders and meteorologists in the lead up to the Allied invasion of Normandy.
	The 'Hacks' finale ties a melodramatic bow onto a beloved series The final episode of the HBO Max comedy added an extra emotional punch. After five seasons, it wasn't quite necessary.
	Russian drone launched against Ukraine crashes in Romania, injuring 2 A Russian drone that was part of an overnight attack on Ukraine crashed into an apartment building in eastern Romania, injuring two people, Romanian authorities said Friday.
	Celebrate nation's 250th birthday with events at Bettendorf Public Library Step into the pages of history and celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence at the Bettendorf Public Library, which will hold free educational and entertaining programs leading up to the 4th of July that highlight America’s rich heritage and uphold the principles of democracy: Sing-along - Saturday, June 6, [...]
	WHO chief lands in Congo to address rare Ebola outbreak amid distrust and insecurity The head of the World Health Organization arrived in Congo's capital, Kinshasa, to witness efforts against an outbreak of a rare type of Ebola virus.
	Hansen's Hardware This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Once upon a time near Rock Island, there was a hardware store that did not take American Express. It didn’t take Visa…
	Which first lady feared her husband might be having a stroke? The quiz knows This week, the pope took aim at AI, a fancy carmaker dipped a toe in the EV market and a first lady made a surprising comment.
	Replacing aging U.S. voting equipment will take years and billions of dollars America's voting systems are getting old. But unless Congress makes a massive financial commitment, a new report finds it could take decades before voting machines are widely replaced.
	Former AG Pam Bondi to testify before Congress over handling of the Epstein files Bondi was ousted from her role as attorney general in April. She will testify Friday in a closed-door hearing about the release of the Epstein files.
	Blue Origin rocket explodes on the launch pad during an engine-firing test A rocket belonging to Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin exploded during a test at the launch pad Thursday night, ahead of a satellite launch planned for next week.
Thursday, May 28th, 2026
	Shrey Parikh, 14, wins the Scripps Spelling Bee after a nail-biting 'spell-off' This is the 101st year of the national spelling competition, and the third time it's been decided by a rapid-fire "spell-off" since the practice was introduced in 2021
	89,000-pound bridge section to be hoisted over rail lines Friday morning Train traffic will be shut down between 4:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. to complete the maneuver safely officials said.
	Portion of pedestrian bridge to be installed on Davenport's Main Street Landing Friday morning The railroad will be closed between 4:30 and 8:30 a.m. for the installation.
	Learning the ropes at Davenport U Citizens' Academy 15 Davenport residents, including News 8's Maddie Franz, spent 3 months learning about what each city department does.
	Learning the ropes at Davenport U Citizens' Academy 15 Davenport residents, including News 8's Maddie Franz, spent 3 months learning about what each city department does.
	Bicyclist injured after crash involving pickup truck in Scott County An investigation is still ongoing, but officials with the Scott County Sheriff's Office said charges are pending.
	Davenport partial building collapse, 3 years later It's been three years since the deadly partial apartment building collapse happened in Davenport, killing three people who lived there, but the event has left some both physically and emotionally scarred from that day and beyond. Our Quad Cities News photojournalist Gabe Zwierzynski shares their stories.
	Success stories: Augustana College Prison Education Program graduates biggest class For many who end up in jail for an extended period of time, a second chance can be hard to come by, if it ever does. The Augustana College Prison Education Program gives qualified prisoners at the East Moline Correctional Center the opportunity for that. Prisoners can earn a college degree while they serve time. [...]
	DavenportU Citizens' Academy 2026: Session-by-session recaps The tenth DavenportU Citizens' Academy cohort learned about the city's departments over the three-month program.
	Bicyclist injured after crash involving pickup truck An investigation is still ongoing, but officials with the Scott County Sheriff's Office said charges are pending.
	Cyclist seriously injured in truck crash Deputies said the driver of the pick-up truck didn’t yield and the cyclist hit the back of the truck.
	Iowa 1st District congressional candidate files complaint over mass text David Pautsch said a mass text implied he had recently been sentenced to 30 days in jail, but the case, and sentence, actually occurred 25 years ago.
	Bicyclist seriously injured in collision with pickup in Bettendorf A bicyclist was seriously injured after colliding with a pickup Thursday on State Street in Bettendorf.
	Bicyclist suffers serious injuries after QCA collision with truck A bicyclist was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries following a collision with a pickup truck. According to a release from the Scott County Sheriff's Office, the Scott Emergency Communications Center received a report of an accident between a truck and a bicyclist May 28 at approximately 6:37 p.m. The initial investigation showed [...]
	10 graduates earn Augustana College degrees inside East Moline Correctional Center Ten students earned Bachelor of Arts degrees through Augustana College's Prison Education Program at East Moline Correctional Center.
	The Iowa Primary Care Association hosts tech-assistance sessions in DeWitt The Iowa Primary Care Association (Iowa PCA) will host two technical assistance sessions on Friday, June 5, at the DeWitt Community Center to help organizations prepare for upcoming Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) funding opportunities focused on improving access to coordinated care in rural communities. One session will be focused on [...]
	The Heart of the Story: A new world outdoors Our Quad Cities News is partnering with award-winning journalist Gary Metivier for The Heart of the Story. Each week, Gary showcases inspiring stories of everyday people doing cool stuff, enjoying their hobbies and living life to the fullest. Stories that feature the best of the human condition. As the weather gets warmer, students across the [...]
	Pedestrian bridge will be placed at Davenport's Main Street Landing Davenport’s Main Street Landing will hit a major milestone as a large section of the pedestrian bridge will be put in place on Friday, May 29, according to a news release from the City of Davenport. A prominent feature of the park, the largest bridge section is 110 feet long, 16 feet wide, and weighs [...]
	Parking lots linked to heat, flooding and pollution Experts say asphalt surfaces can contribute to heat, flooding, and polluted stormwater runoff all at once.
	Senate candidate Zach Wahls meets with veterans days before Iowa Democratic primary U.S. Senate candidate Zach Wahls met with veterans at Big Grove Brewery in Des Moines, days before the primary election.
	Warren County breaks ground on law enforcement center that will replace 1882 building Warren County broke ground on a modern, one-level law enforcement center slated to finish in 2027, replacing its historic 145-year-old facility.
	Here’s what to do if you still haven’t mailed your absentee ballot for the Iowa primaries Iowa voters who still have absentee ballots at home may find it is too late to mail them for the June 2 primary election.
	‘Hell ship’: 103-year-old WWII POW shares survival story At 19 years old, Leland Chandler was captured in the Philippines and sent to Japan aboard a notorious “hell ship.”
	‘I’m not giving up’ \| Tampico mother vows to keep fighting for ‘DJ’s Law’ after Senate delays Chasity Dorathy has been pushing for stricter teen driving laws since her son DJ was killed in 2024. The bill passed the House in April but is stalled in the Senate.
	Choral Dynamics marks 50 years of music and philanthropy in Galesburg For 50 years, Choral Dynamics has performed twice a year, donating the proceeds to local charities. Their spring concert will be May 29, 30 and 31.
	Dixon, Ill., man faces charges of stalking state representative: Dixon police On Wednesday, Dixon police arrested Harley R. Delander, 28, of Dixon, after an investigation into alleged threatening communications directed toward former Illinois State Rep. Tom Demmer, according to a news release from the Dixon Police Department. Delander was charged with intimidation, a Class 3 Felony. and stalking, a Class 4 Felony. The investigation was initiated [...]
	East Moline auto shop wants to make car maintenance more comfortable for customers Open Bay Auto said it is rethinking the customer experience with complimentary amenities, transparency and even a full-service nail salon.
	Galesburg's Choral Dynamics celebrating 50 years The group puts on around two shows a year. What makes them even more unique is that for every show, they pick a different nonprofit to support.
	Sheila Bosworth, former McCausland city clerk, sentenced to prison Bosworth told an investigator she had been working with an "investor" in Bitcoin and planned to pay the city back, but couldn't access the funds.
	Illinois bill would regulate auto insurance rates A bill headed to Gov. JB Pritzker in Illinois would change regulations for auto insurance rates. Capitol News Illinois reports Senate Bill 714 would require auto insurance companies to give customers at least 30 days' notice before raising premiums by more than ten percent. The bill would give the Illinois Department of Insurance the authority [...]
	Beginning to feel the dryness in the Quad Cities After a much-needed wet April, this year receiving over 2 inches above average rainfall, May has been a bit drier than normal. As a result, the drought monitor that gets updated every Thursday shows that portions of our area are now abnormally dry due to the lack of rain in recent weeks. With June just [...]
	Federal official tells Idaho lawmakers there’s ‘no leeway’ in awarding rural health funds A federal official overseeing a major rural health grant approved by Congress last summer emphasized to Idaho lawmakers that time was of the essence this summer if the state wanted to make full use of the award. (Photo by Getty Images)A federal official overseeing a major rural health grant approved by Congress last summer emphasized to Idaho lawmakers that time was of the essence this summer if the state wanted to make full use of the award. Kate Sapra, deputy director of the Office of Rural Health Transformation within the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, told legislators on the Idaho Rural Health Transformation Committee that there was “no leeway” for distributing the state’s entire share of the federal grant by the Oct. 30 deadline. “If the funds are not obligated, we have to recover them and redistribute them to other states,” she told the committee at a meeting Thursday at the Capitol in Boise. Idaho received $186 million for the first year of the five-year Rural Health Transformation grant, awarded as part of the omnibus tax and spending law passed by Congress last July. State leaders have touted that the state could receive around $930 million in total over the five-year program. However, Sapra said at Thursday’s meeting that each state wasn’t guaranteed the same amount each year. The first round of solicitations for contracts and subgrants for the program are expected to be posted the first week of June, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare Director Juliet Charron said Thursday. The legislative committee that will provide oversight of awarding the money for programs meant to improve rural health access met for the first time in April, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Oversight of the funds, maternal and child health top priorities for year 1 of program Charron told lawmakers that the department is hiring for its 12-person team dedicated to overseeing these funds, but that the agency will need outside contractors for work on data analysis, evaluation and reporting requirements. Sapra told the committee the proposed size of the team at Health and Welfare was “one of the leanest that we’ve seen across all 50 states.” Project management services and data analysts were two of the top projects ready to be posted to solicit requests for proposals but awaiting committee review, Charron said. Two subgrants for maternal and child health are also ready to be posted and awaiting review by members, she said. The agency also identified EMS, behavioral health and chronic disease prevention as top priorities for the first year of the program. First report to CMS to determine next year’s grant Federal health officials awarded Idaho the first year’s funding in late December. During the legislative session, lawmakers were at odds over how to structure a legislative oversight committee, the Sun reported previously. The debate temporarily left the funds unusable until a vote was taken to grant authority to spend the money. Some legislators expressed skepticism that Idaho should accept the federal money at all over concern about the growing federal deficit. However, the Legislature ultimately approved authority to send the money and create an oversight committee through a budget bill. Idaho officials will be required to make the first annual report to federal authorities on Aug. 30 — that report will help determine how much Idaho receives in the second year of the grant, Sapra said. Sapra told committee members her goal would be for each state to receive the same amount as the first year, because it would indicate every state was “progressing at the same rapid pace.” “I think the reality is that some states are going to move faster, and some states are going to be slower off the line,” Sapra said. “And the ones that are slower off the line are going to get less next year. And it was designed that way. This is really designed to be a competitive program, because when we compete, rural communities win, but it is going to mean some tough conversations.” She said that states that haven’t started putting out their procurements for awarding funds by June “are going to start getting calls from our leadership about what’s your plan, when’s the money going out?” “Because this is obviously hugely important to the administration to make sure that they’re able to deliver on the promise that they’ve made for our rural communities,” she said. The committee is expected to meet again July 15. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Idaho Capital Sun
	Rep. Feenstra gets campaign help from former Gov. Branstad Terry Branstad, Iowa's former longtime governor, attended a house party for U.S. Rep. Randy Feenstra's campaign for governor in the week the Feenstra campaign also launched a negative ad against an opponent.
	Quad Cities International Airport receives $3.3M federal grant The funding will be used to support Project GATEWAY, the airport's ongoing terminal modernization project.
	Davenport's class of 2026 takes a walk down memory lane at their former elementary schools Graduation will be held this weekend.
	IPR's 2026 summer book guide With longer days comes more time to dive into a good book. These are the best new fiction and nonfiction books to keep you entertained on your next road trip, beach vacation or staycation.
	West End Revitalization to hold discussion on the future of Centennial Bridge corridor The discussion will be held at the Martin Luther King Center in Rock Island on Tuesday, June 2, from 6-7 p.m.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted in Scott County for parole violation, escape Gonkarnue Kpan, 37, is wanted in Scott County for parole violation and escape for an indecent exposure conviction.
	Woman used $700 in counterfeit bills at 3 Bettendorf businesses, police say Bettendorf police are searching for a woman they say used fake $100 bills at three businesses.
	Crime Stoppers: Man wanted by Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office for failure to appear Adam Statucki, 37, is wanted by the Rock Island County Sheriff’s Office for failure to appear in court on felon in possession of a firearm charge.
	Millions at stake: Who’s funding Iowa’s most-watched congressional race? Individual donors have driven the bulk of fundraising for all the candidates.
	Fired nurse aide wins jobless benefits after numerous resident-care complaints Pine Acres Rehabilitation and Care Center in West Des Moines. (Photo via Google Earth)An Iowa nursing home worker fired after being accused of repeatedly neglecting residents’ needs is entitled to unemployment benefits, a judge has ruled. State records indicate certified nurse aide Abigail Kromah worked for Pine Acres Rehabilitation and Care Center in West Des Moines from May 2024 through December 2025, when she was fired. She subsequently applied for unemployment benefits, which led to a recent hearing before an administrative law judge. The hearing records indicate Kromah testified that when she was fired on Dec. 19, 2025, the employer informed her that the discharge was due to “numerous resident complaints” regarding the care she had been providing. According to the judge’s findings in the case, Kromah had received multiple disciplinary warnings related to resident care. In August 2024, she allegedly received verbal and written warnings for failing to answer residents’ call-lights in a timely manner, failing to properly assist residents with their personal care, and for complaining about the residents in common areas of the workplace. Her employer testified Kromah was also given warnings for refusing work instructions from the nursing staff, and for telling a resident who needed to be toileted to go the bathroom in their briefs. In August 2025, it was alleged that Kromah failed to check on a resident throughout the entire night. During that shift, a nurse had neglected to unclamp a feeding tube, which caused the tube to leak. When another nurse checked on the resident at 5 a.m., the resident was “drenched in feeding solution from head to toe,” according to the judge’s findings. ‘I can’t live this way… She’s horrible.’ Days later, the home alleged, a resident of the facility entered the hallway in his wheelchair at about 6 a.m., loudly complaining, “I can’t do this anymore,” and, “I can’t live this way.” The man allegedly refused to go back to his room, explaining that Kromah was there and “she’s horrible.” The man reportedly stated had had switched on his call-light to have his urinal emptied, but Kromah never came to assist him, which meant the urinal overflowed and spilled on him. When Kromah eventually came to the room, the man allegedly said, she changed him into dry clothing but did not clean him. The home alleged Kromah was given additional warnings in October 2025 for reportedly failing to answer residents’ call lights and failing to complete her rounds every two hours. One resident of the home had allegedly became so frustrated by the lack of response to his call-light that he contacted the police on one occasion, according to the judge’s findings. State inspection reports indicate Pine Acres Rehabilitation and Care Center was cited for insufficient staff in January 2026, with one resident complaining the issue with call-lights had been a longstanding problem. According to the inspectors, the man said that on one occasion, he couldn’t get help to clear his airway and was afraid he was going to die unless he managed to clear it himself, which he did. In ruling that Kromah was entitled to jobless benefits, Administrative Law Judge Michael Lunn noted that while she had clearly been warned about deficiencies in resident care, she appeared to have been fired for a separate issue — attendance — for which she had received no such warnings. A discharge for misconduct cannot be based on past acts such as the resident-care issues, Lunn ruled, but must instead be based on a current act. With no current act of disqualifying misconduct, Lunn stated, Kromah was entitled to collect unemployment benefits. Iowa Capital Dispatch was unable to locate Kromah to seek comment for this article. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	'DJ's Law' honoring Tampico teen stalls in Illinois Senate Douglas "DJ" Dorathy was one of three teenagers killed in a crash in March 2024. His mom has been pushing for better laws surrounding young drivers.
	Data center moratorium in Arkansas’ most populous county didn’t pass, review finds Entergy Arkansas Vice President of Customer Service Ventrell Thompson (right) gives a presentation in favor of data centers to the Pulaski County Quorum Court on May 26, 2026. (Photo by Tess Vrbin/Arkansas Advocate)A yearlong pause on new data centers in Arkansas’ most populous county won’t take effect after the county’s clerk said she miscounted the number of votes in favor of the moratorium. Pulaski County Clerk Terri Hollingsworth said in a news release that the moratorium that went before the Quorum Court Tuesday night fell short of the 10 votes, or two thirds of the 15-member body, needed to pass. Eight justices of the peace voted for the measure, six voted no and one voted present. Hollingsworth erroneously recorded the vote as 10 in favor, four against and one present. Emergency ordinances need a two-thirds vote rather than a simple majority. “Clerk Hollingsworth sincerely apologizes for this mistake and any confusion it may have caused,” a news release states. ‘They own it’: A split-screen view of data centers comes to central Arkansas It was not immediately clear what the next step is and whether the proposal would go before the quorum court again. Pulaski County Judge Barry Hyde, the county’s top elected administrator, directed questions to a county spokesperson Thursday afternoon. A county spokesperson directed questions to the quorum court’s parliamentarian, who did not immediately respond to a phone call. It was also not immediately clear whether the quorum court can call for a vote on the original ordinance without the amendment that would exempt Connecticut-based AVAIO Digital’s planned data center near Wrightsville. County residents expressed support for the moratorium Tuesday, but they took issue with the narrowly-adopted amendment. “One wonders how AVAIO would qualify for a grandfathering provision if AVAIO has no utility connections, has not been issued a permit, and has no basis for complaining about any regulations being in place,” Wendell Griffen, the Democratic nominee for county judge and a vocal opponent of data centers, said in a Thursday interview. Democratic Justice of the Peace Julie Blackwood said Thursday that the error in recording the vote was “shocking” and that she will reintroduce the ordinance as soon as she can. “I’ve been in there 20 years, and we have never counted the vote wrong,” said Blackwood, the second-longest serving current member of the court. Griffen, who defeated Hyde in the March primary, said he understood Hollingsworth’s “honest mistake” of miscounting votes three and a half hours into Tuesday’s meeting. He attributed the likely “fatigue” behind the error to the “unscheduled infomercial” presented by data center proponents, including AVAIO. “If AVAIO is so interested in escaping regulation for its use [of county resources], does that make us more trusting or more cautious?” Griffen said. “And if we are more cautious, isn’t the purpose of a moratorium to give us time to exercise that caution?” The AVAIO project is one of five data centers planned for Arkansas, including one at the Port of Little Rock, where the city sold land to Google last year for a planned $1 billion, 300,000-square foot facility. More cities are pressing pause on data centers as local backlash grows Earlier this month, the quorum court voted to send proposed data center regulations to the county planning department for further study instead of placing the item on Tuesday’s agenda. The Little Rock Board of Directors plans to take up proposed regulations from Mayor Frank Scott at its June 2 meeting. There has been a massive buildup of data centers around the country, fueled by the growth of artificial intelligence. Supporters of the centers in Pulaski County and elsewhere say the projects will bring jobs and needed tax revenue. But members of the public have increasingly called for more limits on where the centers can be built and how they use land, water and electricity. This pressure has led cities in other states, including Oklahoma, to pass their own data center moratoriums. A March Gallup poll found that seven in 10 Americans, regardless of political affiliation, would oppose the nearby construction of data centers for artificial intelligence, higher than the 53% of respondents who said they would oppose living near a nuclear power plant. 5:44 pmThis story was updated with a comment from Justice of the Peace Julie Blackwood. Courtesy of Arkansas Advocate
	Pancreatic cancer director sues NU for alleged racial discrimination, malpractice The Davis Global Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus, which holds the National Quarantine Unit, is seen on May 11, 2026, in Omaha. (Dylan Widger/Getty Images)LINCOLN — The director of the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Pancreatic Cancer Center of Excellence filed a complaint this week against the University of Nebraska, alleging that leaders discriminated against him and that retaliatory actions they took may have contributed to the early death of a patient. According to the complaint filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska by Dr. Sunil Hingorani, University of Nebraska Medical Center officials heavily recruited Hingorani for two years to lead the center. While Hingorani said he wasn’t initially interested in leaving his previous position in Seattle, he eventually agreed to lead the center on the belief that NU would support his goal of finding a cure for pancreatic cancer within his lifetime. Shortly after he began working at UNMC in 2022, however, his lawsuit claims he began hitting roadblocks. One of the first signs came when university officials allegedly resisted Hingorani’s marketing proposals for the PCCE. Dr. Sunil Hingorani, incoming director of the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Buffett Cancer Center. (Kent Sievers/UNMC) Hingorani’s complaint says he was told by Nebraska Medicine’s former vice president of marketing and communications Frank Lococo that he couldn’t refer to the Pancreatic Cancer Center of Excellence as a “center of excellence” in marketing. He said Hingorani first needed to apply for a clinical center of excellence designation by the National Pancreas Foundation. When Hingorani secured that designation, Lococo allegedly dismissed it, saying, “Everyone knows those things are just pay-to-play schemes.” Hingorani continued to press Lococo and university officials on the need for an extensive marketing campaign for the PCCE. Lococo’s response, according to the complaint: “Lots of people come here and say they’re going to do great things, and nobody ever does.” Hingorani’s complaint states that no legitimate marketing campaign has ever been conducted for the PCCE. As a result, he alleges that other medical practices didn’t realize Nebraska Medicine had a pancreatic cancer clinic, and he knew of at least one Omaha-based practice that regularly referred pancreatic cancer patients to a different facility. “Defendants have sadly squandered the tremendous opportunity to place the University [of] Nebraska at the forefront of the fight against pancreatic cancer,” wrote Hingorani’s attorney, Michael Willemin. “Dr. Hingorani was treated with astonishing disregard, but the harm runs deeper. As the complaint alleges, critical research was delayed or thwarted, patient care was compromised, donors were betrayed, and resources were wasted.” Hingorani claims he hit multiple similar roadblocks in the following years, including officials rejecting his proposals for information technology improvements and interfering with equipment purchases for his labs. Several of these moves, Hingorani alleges, breached his contract. “While Nebraska Medicine and the University of Nebraska cannot comment on pending litigation, our organizations are proud of our strong national reputation for excellence in research, education and service to Nebraska, as well as to be counted as one of the safest academic medical centers in the country,” wrote Kayla Thomas, senior media relations coordinator for Nebraska Medicine, in a statement on behalf of Nebraska Medicine, UNMC and Gold. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE In August 2024, Hingorani alleges that university officials retaliated against him by drafting a false and defamatory report that claims the PCCE had made little to no progress since its inception. This contradicted what Hingorani had been told by current University of Nebraska President Jeffrey Gold, the former chancellor of UNMC, that PCCE did not have a deadline for a progress report. Later that same year, the complaint alleges, university leaders told Hingorani he was not allowed to be present in the clinic he was leading unless he had a scheduled appointment with a patient. Hingorani’s complaint says this was based on claims that Hingorani’s team members had complained about him stifling their ideas, but university leaders could not give specific examples. Further, no team members admitted to complaining about Hingorani to university leaders. The complaint claims that “it is simply impossible” for university leaders to believe they were removing Hingorani for legitimate reasons. The lawsuit specifically calls out Dr. Joann Sweasy, director of the Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, who it claims was involved in the allegedly defamatory progress report and the decision to remove Hingorani from the clinic. The complaint accuses Sweasy of targeting Hingorani based on racial discrimination. The complaint notes that Hingorani was one of six mid- to senior-level scientists of East Asian origin that reported to Sweasy, and Hingorani is the only one who still holds his leadership position. The rest, his complaint alleges, were either terminated or forced out. As a result of Hingorani not being allowed in the clinic, he couldn’t participate in meetings regarding treatment decisions for patients. This led to at least one instance of a patient being referred to surgery that his complaint alleges contributed to his decline. “Sadly and unsurprisingly, the patient died soon thereafter,” the complaint reads. Had Hingorani been present for the discussion, he claims he would have instead recommended chemotherapy. Such decisions constituted medical malpractice, the complaint states. Hingorani further accused university officials of trying to hide the mistake. He claims the family was not told that the patient should not have been operated on and that other questions have gone unanswered. Hingorani claims he went to Gold seeking support but was largely brushed off. Hingorani is suing the University of Nebraska, the Board of Regents, UNMC, Nebraska Medicine, UNMC physicians, Gold and Sweasy in district court. He is seeking reinstatement as well as a money judgment to cover consequential damages, lost wages, back pay and front pay, among other things. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. show_temp.pl Courtesy of Nebraska Examiner
	Quad Cities International Airport receives $3.3M federal grant for terminal upgrades The funding will be used to support Project GATEWAY, the airport's ongoing terminal modernization project.
	Drought prompts federal agency to offer emergency loans to New Mexico farmers The USDA on May 26, 2026, declared a drought emergency, making all of New Mexico farmers and ranchers eligible for emergency, low-interest loans. Above: New Mexico State University College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences Dean Rolando Flores inspects broccoli crops in 2022. (Josh Bachman/NMSU)The United States Agriculture Department on Tuesday declared a drought disaster in all 33 New Mexico counties, making farmers and ranchers who suffered livestock or other losses eligible for low-interest emergency loans. The USDA’s two disaster declarations cite the United States Drought Monitor, which on Thursday shows all of New Mexico in some stage of drought, with most of the state experiencing “extreme” or “severe” drought. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Because of the USDA’s declaration, farmers and ranchers are eligible for loans up to $500,000 covering a range of costs at lower-than-market interest rates. For example, producers can receive a federal Farm Service Agency loan for operating costs at 4.75% interest, according to a USDA fact sheet. The loans can pay for production costs associated with a disaster, essential living expenses, farm reorganization costs or the refinancing of certain debts, according to the USDA. The federal deadline to apply for the loans is Dec. 24, 2026. USDA officials directed farmers and ranchers interested in the loans to their local Farm Service Agency officers for more information. Extremely low snowpack this winter exacerbated ongoing drought in New Mexico and across the West. Recently, Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham declared a drought and wildfire emergency, which directed a state task force to help local governments as much as possible. The governor’s declaration also coincided with the publicization of a new website — the Drought Information Portal — that contains an array of state and federal resources regarding the ongoing drought, weather conditions and fire risk. A recent industry report found that New Mexico’s food and agriculture industries generated more than $50 billion in economic activity in 2025, including employing 146,000 people statewide who work in farm or food industries and earn $5.9 billion in wages. Courtesy of Source New Mexico
	Lawsuit filed following an E. coli outbreak at The Kebab Shop locations in California A lawsuit has been filed following an E. coli outbreak at The Kebab Shop locations across CA. A San Diego-based attorney is representing a 3yo girl who got sick.
	Illinois hunters bag record numbers of wild turkeys Illinois DNR officials said nearly 21,000 turkeys were harvested this spring.
	Motorcyclist severely injured in early-morning Davenport crash A motorcyclist was injured early Thursday in a Davenport crash, according to a news release from the Davenport Police Department. Shortly before 4:45 a.m.., Davenport Police, Fire, and Medic EMS responded to the intersection of West 3rd and Marquette streets in reference to a two-vehicle crash. Preliminary investigation indicates an eastbound motorcycle and a westbound [...]
	Davenport council shortens contract for downtown clean-up, wants to go out to bid Davenport officials say downtown cleaning complaints have dropped since the city partnered with the Downtown Davenport Partnership.
	Hello Muscatine County: KWQC to celebrate the communities and history KWQC is celebrating the people, places, and history that shaped Muscatine County.
	Tour dates announced for author of 2026 One Book South Dakota A copy of Mathew Davis' “A Biography of a Mountain: The Making and Meaning of Mount Rushmore." (Photo by Joshua Haiar/South Dakota Searchlight)The South Dakota Humanities Council will bring author Matthew Davis to seven communities at the end of June for the 2026 One Book South Dakota tour. Davis is the author of “A Biography of a Mountain: The Making and Meaning of Mount Rushmore.” The book explores the Black Hills, westward expansion, the carving of Mount Rushmore, and debates over land, identity and public monuments. Read an excerpt The clash and synergy of Borglum, Black Elk and Mount Rushmore “By hosting events throughout the state, the tour aims to create space for cultural exchange, reflection, and conversations that honor the histories, traditions, and voices that have long shaped this region,” the council wrote in a press release. The tour schedule includes: Yankton: June 25, 12 p.m.-1 p.m. Central at the Mead Museum. Sioux Falls: June 25, 6-8 p.m. Central at the Mosaic Arts & Events Center. Eagle Butte: June 26, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Mountain at the C.R.S.T. Lakota Cultural Center. Pierre: June 27, 6-8 p.m. Central at the Capitol Lake Visitors Center. Custer: June 29, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Mountain at the Custer Senior Center. Rapid City: June 29, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Mountain at the Dahl Arts Center. Pine Ridge: June 30, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Mountain at the Oglala Lakota Artspace. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of South Dakota Searchlight
	Public asked to weigh in on technology use in North Dakota schools Sen. Michelle Axtman, R-Bismarck, speaks during a press conference May 28, 2026, launching a statewide survey on student technology use. Also pictured are, from left, Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden, first lady Kjersti Armstrong and Superintendent of Public Instruction Levi Bachmeier. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)A new North Dakota Department of Public Instruction survey seeks statewide feedback on potential changes to how students are using technology. Superintendent Levi Bachmeier, who took over the state’s top education role in November, said he hopes the survey results will inform policymakers on potential reforms to school-issued device policies across the state. During his first student Cabinet meeting, he said a Mandan freshman told him the devices needed to be a “tool, not a toy.” “The world that these young people are inheriting requires them to use technology responsibly, but we know that these devices are just as addictive as substances,” Bachmeier said during a press conference Thursday. “And that can be just as true for the school-issued device in their hands as the cellphone they carry around in their pocket.” North Dakota banned the use of cellphones during the school day during the 2025 legislative session, something Bachmeier said has received a near universal positive response during its first year in effect. The cellphone ban triggered a migration of some students from using their cellphones to access YouTube and other social media sites to using their school-issued laptops or tablets, Bachmeier said. The survey includes questions about restrictions on device usage in elementary school, a potential prohibition on taking devices home, built-in make-up days into school scheduling before using virtual instruction and whether the state should require districts to use monitoring software on the devices. Superintendent of Public Instruction Levi Bachmeier speaks about a statewide education survey on student technology use during a press conference on May 28, 2026. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor) He added that some school districts already have monitoring software that tracks student technology usage, but it is not a uniform policy. “It’s inconsistent,” Bachmeier said. “Our challenge is how do we find what’s the best that is going on in North Dakota and make that a reality for every student in our state.” Sen. Michelle Axtman, R-Bismarck, a lawmaker who sponsored multiple education bills during the 2025 legislative session, said any potential reforms to technology policies should enhance instruction, support learning and allow students to develop interpersonal and critical-thinking skills. “This effort today is not about eliminating technology from education,” Axtman said. “It’s about ensuring that technology serves learning rather than competes with it.” Axtman said any potential changes to school device policies could be proposed during the 2027 legislative session and be implemented for the 2027-28 school year. “By working towards clear statewide expectations for school-issued device use, we will help schools create learning environments that are more focused, more productive and healthier for students,” she said. The survey can be filled out by any North Dakota student, parent, educator or community member through Aug. 1. North Dakota Monitor reporter Michael Achterling can be reached at machterling@northdakotamonitor.com. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of North Dakota Monitor
	Feds jump in after battle over prediction market regulation hits Rhode Island A laptop displays Kalshi’s homepage featuring prediction odds on the winner of the men’s French Open. (Photo by Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current) Add the federal agency overseeing prediction markets to the list of antagonists seeking to supersede the state of Rhode Island’s authority to regulate online platforms that allow wagering on everything from politics to sports. The Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) on Thursday moved to intervene in the federal lawsuit Kalshi filed against Rhode Island last week. The five-member commission, appointed by the president to oversee futures trading and financial technology, argues the agency alone has the authority to regulate online betting on national and world events. “This lawsuit is about whether Rhode Island state officials can usurp the CFTC’s jurisdiction and enforce state gaming laws against federally regulated exchanges in connection with the listing of federally regulated event contracts,” the commission’s filing states. The motion came a week after Rhode Island Attorney General Peter Neronha filed his own lawsuit in Providence County Superior Court asking the court to declare companies such as Kalshi and Polymarket as effectively sports betting businesses operating without state approval. Just hours before Neronha’s complaint was filed, Kalshi filed suit against the state in U.S. District Court for the District of Rhode Island, claiming its business activity does not fall under state gambling laws because its event-based contracts are assets traded between its users on a federally regulated exchange. The CFTC took a similar position in a statement issued Thursday afternoon. What are the odds? Dueling lawsuits filed on prediction markets in state and federal courts. “Event contracts allow businesses and individuals to hedge event-driven risks, enable investors to manage portfolio exposure, and provide the public with information about the outcome of future events,” said Commission Chairman Michael S. Selig. Because prediction markets fall under federal trading regulations, the CFTC argues that only it has authority to take enforcement action against companies like Kalshi. The commission also contends that if the state is allowed to enforce its gambling laws, designated contract markets and the derivatives products they offer could become unavailable within Rhode Island’s borders. “That would effectively cripple the CFTC’s ability to approve such exchanges and financial products for listing in the state of Rhode Island and, more broadly, would undermine the CFTC’s mandate to ‘promote responsible innovation and fair competition’ in American derivatives markets,” the commission’s motion states. Neronha said in a statement to Rhode Island Current that his office remains confident in its case against prediction markets. “We allege that Kalshi and Polymarket are operating outside of our sports betting laws, and ultimately, Rhode Islanders will be footing the bill for their actions,” he said. “Federal intervention in this lawsuit doesn’t change that.” A spokesperson for Kalshi did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the federal intervention against the state. Patrick Kelly, a professor of accountancy at Providence College who studies gambling, was unsurprised to see the CFTC step in. “Historically they have been the regulators of these types of prediction markets,” he said in an interview. The commission has also challenged efforts by other Democratic-led states to ban sports- and election-related betting on Kalshi and similar platforms, filing lawsuits against Arizona, Illinois and Connecticut in April. The commission has also taken legal action against Minnesota, New York, and Wisconsin. In a social media post Tuesday, President Donald Trump said it was critical that the commission’s exclusive jurisdiction over prediction market regulation is maintained. “Under my leadership, we are setting ‘rules of the road’ that are the Gold Standard for the States,” he posted. At stake for many states is tax revenue from permitted gambling within their borders being siphoned off by online prediction markets, which are not subject to state gaming rules. Online traders do not bet against the exchange — as gamblers do against the house in a casino. For prediction markets, their profits come from transaction fees placed on contracts for events such as baseball games. “There are times when the sports betting platforms have a bad day, the prediction markets never have a bad day,” Kelly said. “All they’re looking for is the activity.” No matter the outcome in Rhode Island’s U.S. District Court battle, Kelly predicts any decision would likely be appealed. “This is a high-profile issue,” he said. “These will be highly contested in courts because there’s so much at stake.” SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Rhode Island Current
	More Americans are getting financial advice from AI More Americans are getting financial advice from AIMore Americans are turning to AI for financial information. According to First National Bank of Omaha's 2025 Financial Wellbeing Study, 31% of respondents consult an advisor, and 46% have already used tools like ChatGPT to help manage their money, while 50% say they trust AI for financial advice.The findings suggest AI financial guidance is becoming more common, and according to Accredited Debt Relief, it's worth understanding what it means for your finances.Key Takeaways:46% of Americans get financial guidance from AI, more than the 31% who consult a human advisor (FNBO, 2025).61% of Gen Z already use AI to help manage their money (Ipsos/BMO, 2024).Nearly half of consumers have used tools like ChatGPT to help with their finances, and 50% say they trust AI for financial advice.AI works well for explanations, budgeting, debt comparisons, and running "what-if" scenarios — but has real limitations.For significant debt or complex financial decisions, a conversation with a real professional still goes further.The Real Reason People Ask AI About Money ProblemsFinancial advisors are valuable, but they can feel out of reach. There's the cost, the scheduling, and the vulnerability of laying out a messy financial situation to a stranger. AI removes that friction. It’s anonymous, and there are free options that are available on demand, at any time of day.Likewise, people who would typically go to friends or family to ask for advice about money are turning to large language models for immediate answers and skipping vulnerable conversations where they could be judged for being honest about their debt or financial behaviors.Among those turning to AI for financial advice are younger generations. At least 3 in 5 (61%) Gen Zers already use AI to help manage their finances and investments, according to a 2024 Ipsos poll conducted for BMO.What AI Tools Can Actually Do for Your FinancesAI is a useful starting point for everyday financial questions and does well with:Plain-English explanations — Ask what APR means, how a charge-off affects your credit, or why minimum payments barely move your balance. AI explains clearly, without condescension, as many times as you need.Budget building — Share your income and rough expenses, and AI can help you draft a 50/30/20 or zero-based budget to react to and refine."What if" scenarios — What happens to your payoff timeline if you add $100 a month to your payment? AI can run those numbers quickly.Breaking the ice — For people who've been avoiding their finances out of anxiety, asking an AI can be the thing that finally gets them moving.What AI Gets Wrong About Your Money (and Why It Matters)AI tools can be genuinely useful for explaining financial concepts, running quick calculations, or outlining general frameworks. But they have some consistent blind spots that matter a lot when real money is involved.They only know what you share with them. That puts a lot of pressure on you to give them enough context for sound advice. Without getting your full financial picture, the way a human advisor would, any recommendation from AI may be incomplete or inaccurate.Their information might be out of date. Tax laws, interest rates, and debt strategies change. AI is bound by its knowledge base, and whether or not you are using a version with live internet access. Many free versions don’t have this feature. With this limitation, AI might give you outdated information.They might hallucinate responses.AI tools sometimes generate answers that sound completely authoritative but are simply wrong. Unlike a licensed advisor, AI has no way to flag its own uncertainty. Always verify specific figures or guidance before acting on them.They can't account for behavior. The best financial plan is one you'll actually stick to, and AI has no way to factor in your personality, lifestyle, spending habits, or financial history.They have no accountability. A licensed financial planner has fiduciary obligations. That means they are legally required to act in your best interest, and they're licensed and regulated. AI has no such regulations. If AI gives you guidance that turns out to be wrong, or just wrong for your situation, there are no consequences.Use AI to learn, calculate, and prepare — but for decisions that actually matter, bring in a human.When It's Time to Talk to a Real Person About Your FinancesAI is making financial literacy more accessible as more people are learning important terminology, bolstering fundamental skills, discovering budgeting techniques, and exploring options for their debt.For decisions that have real consequences — retirement planning, major purchases, navigating a job loss, or building long-term wealth or dealing with debt — a conversation with a human advisor who can review your full picture often goes further than any chatbot can.The content and resources provided are for informational purposes only. Please consult with your financial or tax advisor regarding your financial circumstances.This story was produced by Accredited Debt Relief and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Fred Lewis, former Florida Supreme Court justice, dead at 78 From left: Former Florida Supreme Court Justice Peggy Quince, Justice Barbara Pariente, and Justice Fred Lewis. All three retired in 2019 because of a mandatory age limit, allowing Gov. Ron DeSantis to swing the court to the right. (Photo via Florida Supreme Court) Former Florida Chief Justice R. Fred Lewis has died at age 78, the court announced Thursday. His death came Tuesday, the court said in a press release. He will lie in state in the court’s rotunda on June 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The justices will receive the body and Chief Justice Carlos Muñiz will deliver remarks. A service is planned for 11 a.m. on June 12 in the courtroom. Former Gov. Lawton Chiles placed Lewis on the court in 1998 and he took his turn as chief justice from 2006 to 2008. He retired in 2019, one of three veteran justices forced into mandatory retirement after turning 70. That allowed the then-new governor, Ron DeSantis, to place Federalist Society-trained conservatives on the court who repudiated much of the old court’s jurisprudence. For example, in 2020 the new court four times reversed its own precedents to make it easier for the state to put people to death. In 2024, the court overruled another precedent that established a right to abortion access under the Florida Constitution’s Privacy Clause. That allowed DeSantis and the Legislature to ban abortions after 15-weeks’ gestation and then after six weeks. He described his motivation for service in 1998. “I offer eyes and ears that can not only see and listen, but also understand and hear human difficulties,” Lewis wrote. “My lessons of life came from being born into generations of coal miners in the mountains of West Virginia and the sense of community and human interaction necessary for survival at that time.” Courtesy of Florida Phoenix
	Treasury Department prepares $250 bill with Trump's face on it Congress needs to pass legislation in order for the bill's printing
	Oregon Supreme Court to hear case that could reshape attorneys fees in public records suits An Oregon Health and Science University hospital is pictured. The university is the subject of a public records lawsuit that has made its way to the Oregon Supreme Court. (Photo by Lynne Terry/Oregon Capital Chronicle)The Oregon Supreme Court has agreed to hear a case that could set precedent over the type and amount of monetary relief Oregonians who successfully sue public agencies for records could win. The state’s highest court last week agreed to review a 2025 Oregon Court of Appeals decision that tossed out more than $400,000 in mandated attorneys fees that a lower court determined Oregon Health and Science University owed to the national animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. At the heart of the dispute is whether Oregon law authorizes a court to require public bodies in Oregon to pay “reasonable” attorneys fees and costs after they subject a public records requester who prevails in a suit against excessive delay. Oregon law orders public bodies to pay $200 penalties to records requesters if they respond to with “undue delay” or fail to respond to a request, but it stays silent on the issue of attorneys fees. Those can provide relief for individuals seeking to mount costly lawsuits to obtain obscure records. The Oregon Court of Appeals in December 2025 had reversed a Multnomah County Circuit Court’s finding that the PETA was entitled to the money after it was subject to “undue delay” in its quest to get videos of experiments involving voles in the possession of researchers working at a university-affiliated medical center. The organization originally won $400 in penalties, as well as more than $430,000 in attorneys fees in trial court. PETA originally took issue with an experiment analyzing the effect on prairie vole couples and mating that informed a research article published in 2017 which noted that portions of the experiment were videotaped. While the university provided PETA with other experiment-related media, it did not furnish any videos involving the voles. After unsuccessfully petitioning the Multnomah County District Attorney, the organization turned to county court for the videos, prompting the university to unsuccessfully attempt to recover them from a laboratory-affiliated hard drive through a forensic analyst. PETA obtained access to hard drives from the lab computer through discovery and was able to recover videos responsive to its records request. The research lab’s computer was also found to have never fully deleted the videos. In a statement, PETA called the research “an infamous sex experiment with drunken, tethered voles” and the organization in a court filing has labelled the case an “issue of law” that is of “significant consequence to the public.” “OHSU has already wasted hundreds of thousands of dollars trying to hide these indefensible experiments from the public eye while flushing millions down the drain on other equally cruel and pointless experiments on animals,” Tasgola Bruner, a spokesperson for the organization, said in a statement. “We’re eager for our day in court.” A spokesperson for the university declined to comment, citing pending litigation. In one court filing, however, the university’s attorneys argued that the case was a “poor vehicle” for reviewing Oregon public records law and accused PETA of relying upon “clickbait internet articles and editorial commentary.” “This is not a typical delay case where a public body failed to respond to a records request within five or 15 days or provided an unreasonable estimated time for production,” the university argued. “This case instead began as a denial case, in which OHSU responded to PETA’s requests timely, but denied access to the vole videos because OHSU genuinely believed they did not exist. It became a delay case only after the vole videos were later found on a hard drive produced during discovery.” Oral arguments for the case are set for October 15. From there, it could take months for justices to issue their final opinion. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Oregon Capital Chronicle
	Tick-borne illnesses; symptoms, treatment, and prevention We’re heading into tick season in the Midwest.
	More than 10,000 Kansas children lose food assistance in wake of One Big Beautiful Bill Act Haley Kottler of the nonpartisan advocacy organization Kansas Appleseed says a new report shows 21,900 Kansans, including 10,300 children, left SNAP since President Donald Trump's signing in July 2025 of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which features new restrictions on food aid to low-income families. This is a 2024 image of Kottler. (Photo by Anna Kaminski/Kansas Reflector)TOPEKA — A Kansas advocacy organization sounded an alarm about a report indicating 10,300 children in low-income families across the state stopped receiving food aid since President Donald Trump signed sweeping federal legislation nearly one year ago. Kansas Appleseed, a nonpartisan organization active in state policy debates, highlighted the analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities indicating 21,900 Kansans left the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program since July 2025. Overall, the report released Wednesday says, enrollment in the Kansas SNAP program declined 12% since H.R. 1, or the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, was signed into law by Trump. “These are not just abstract numbers. These are Kansas kids losing access to food,” said Haley Kottler, senior campaign director at Kansas Appleseed. The bill passed the U.S. House 218-2014 and the U.S. Senate 51-50. In the House, it was opposed by Rep. Sharice Davids, a Kansas Democrat, and supported by Kansas Republicans Derek Schmidt, Ron Estes and Tracey Mann. Sens. Jerry Moran and Roger Marshall, both Kansas Republicans, also voted for the legislation. H.R. 1 imposed work requirements for SNAP so that recipients 18 to 64 years of age needed to document that they work 20 hours each week to be eligible. In addition, the law required states to pay 75% of administrative costs for SNAP, up from 50%. The bill would cut national SNAP spending by an estimated $186 billion from 2025 to 2034. In addition, the bill changed federal tax policy, increased the federal debt ceiling, boosted defense and immigration expenditures and cut funding to Medicaid while also targeting funds to rural hospitals. “Our Republican majorities succeeded in our campaign promises to uproot wasteful spending … and deliver the largest tax cut for middle- and working-class families in American history,” Mann said when the bill was signed. In May 2025, before implementation of the federal law, Kansas Action for Children reported 19.1% of Kansas children experienced food insecurity. In 42 of the state’s 105 counties, KAC said, more than 20% of children didn’t know where their next meal would come from. Kottler, of Kansas Appleseed, said federal changes to SNAP elevated food nutrition challenges among Kansans and could undermine enrollment of students in K-12 school breakfast and lunch programs. “In Kansas, this will mean more children falling through the cracks, more pressure on schools and food banks and greater hardship for families already struggling with high grocery and housing costs,” she said. The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities said SNAP participation among children fell by 700,000 in Kansas and the 11 other states analyzed. Losses for children represented half the decline of 1.6 million in all age categories within the 12 states, the center said. Courtesy of Kansas Reflector
	Why Louisiana parents stand behind school vaccine protections A health care worker places a bandage on a child after giving a vaccination. (Scott Housley/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)Most Louisiana parents never have to think about what happens when measles or whooping cough shows up at school. That is not luck. It is the result of school vaccine protections that have worked quietly for decades – refined by lawmakers, trusted by pediatricians and built into the daily rhythm of every classroom in the state. These protections exist for a simple reason: They work. They let schools act quickly when a contagious disease enters a classroom. They give pediatricians, school nurses and parents a shared, predictable framework. They also let families send their children to school knowing the kid in the next seat is not bringing measles, whooping cough or polio home with them at the end of the day. Consider what it means in practice. A measles case appears in a classroom. Under current law, the school can act quickly to keep unvaccinated classmates home, contain the spread and protect students who are not vaccinated. Sometimes, this includes those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons: a child with leukemia, a newborn sibling, a classmate with a transplanted kidney. Without that ability, a single case can quickly become an outbreak. An outbreak becomes a closure. A closure becomes weeks of missed school, missed work for parents, and, in the worst cases, hospital stays for those least able to fight off the disease. This is not a hypothetical. In April, Louisiana confirmed its first measles case of the year, on the heels of a whooping cough outbreak that led to hundreds of cases and, tragically, the death of two infants. These are exactly the kinds of diseases school protections are designed to contain. States that have weakened those protections have seen how quickly outbreaks can take hold. At Louisiana Families for Vaccines, we respect parental rights, and we hear every day from families who want to make the best decisions for their children. Infectious diseases do not respect household decisions. In a school, on a playground, in a pediatric waiting room, the choices one family makes ripple outward, often onto the children least able to protect themselves. That is what Louisiana’s school protections are designed to do. They are not abstract. They are quiet, practical safeguards that parents rely on to keep classrooms safe and schools open. These protections also allow local school leaders to act quickly when it matters most, keeping decisions close to the communities they serve. It is the reason most Louisiana parents have never had to live through the loss of a child to a vaccine-preventable disease their own grandparents feared. Louisiana families understand this. A statewide poll Cygnal conducted, just before the measles case was reported in April, found that 80% of Louisiana voters support maintaining the state’s current school vaccine requirements, and 72% oppose eliminating them. The consensus is broad and bipartisan. Louisiana already provides medical and philosophical exemptions for families who need them. The current framework is balanced, refined over decades and trusted by the parents and pediatricians who rely on it. At the same time, families are also looking for clarity and consistency in how vaccine information is used and communicated — not policies that introduce confusion without improving outcomes. These measured, decades-old protections let our kids go to school safely, even when a virus walks through the door. They are the everyday protections parents and pediatricians have trusted for generations, and they are working. For our children, in every classroom across our state, that is worth keeping. Courtesy of Louisiana Illuminator
	Why summer sweat feels harder to manage and how to fix it Why summer sweat feels harder to manage and how to fix itSummer typically means longer days, bigger plans, and a lot more heat. And when temperatures climb, sweat shows up faster, sticks around longer, and sometimes causes BO. But summer sweat isn't random. Heat, humidity, movement, and even the clothes you wear all play a role. In this guide, Axe breaks down why sweat behaves differently in warm weather and share simple ways to stay fresh on hot days.Heat Equals More SweatWhen the temperature heats up, your body goes into full sweat mode to cool your skin as it evaporates. And the hotter it gets, the more you’re dripping—that’s your body’s way of keeping its internal temperature stable.Other Culprits: Humidity and Low AirflowWhen the air is thick with moisture, sweat has a harder time evaporating. Instead of cooling you down, it sits on your skin and creates that sticky feeling. Perfect for bacteria to mix in, which is why BO shows up way faster in the summer.Layering clothes or wearing backpacks or tight shirts traps heat and sweat, making it harder to stay fresh. In summer, go for breathable fabrics and looser fits so the air can flow—and learn some hacks to get odor out of your clothes.How Everyday Summer Movement Changes OdorLonger days and you’re on the moveBetween grabbing takeouts, commuting, hanging with friends, and running errands, you’ll be outside a lot more this season.Even if it doesn’t feel like exercise, all those extra steps add up, trapping moisture. That’s why summer sweat hits hardest by the afternoon.High-friction areas heat up fasterSome areas of your body, like your underarms, chest, back, inner thighs, and butt, move and rub a lot during the day. That extra heat and dampness last longer here, making BO pop up way faster.Your clothes trap odorTight or heavy clothes? They hang onto moisture, which is why body odor can sneak up later in the day. Remember: Breathable fabrics and looser fits let sweat dry faster. Courtesy of Axe The Link Between Cleansing, Sweat, and Odor in SummerBO hits harder when you skip a shower“Why do I sweat so much in summer, and why does it smell stronger?” It’s a question people ask themselves all the time. So, summer sweat isn't the problem; it’s when sweat mixes with the bacteria that live on your skin. If yesterday’s sweat, oils, and buildup are still hanging around, and heat and humidity are in the mix, body odor hits harder.Body wash kicks odor to the curbBody wash won’t stop you from sweating, but it washes away the sweat, oils, and bacteria that cause body odor. A solid shower routine keeps your skin clean, so sweat has less to react with.Morning showers set up freshnessA quick morning shower routine gets you fresh before the heat hits. And if you’ve been working out, commuting, or just sweating in the sun, an evening rinse resets your skin—so tomorrow’s sweat doesn’t start with yesterday’s buildup.Why Scents Smell Different in Warm WeatherHeat makes your fragrance smell strongerHot weather can turn up the volume on fragrance. It helps scent travel through the air faster, which is why your deodorant or body spray can smell stronger in summer.Your skin chemistry shifts in the heatSweat and natural skin oils can slightly change how fragrance develops throughout the day. This is normal, and it’s the reason your scent might smell different in warmer months.Fresh scents work better in the heatWhen summer sweat is already working overtime, lighter and fresher scents are better. They stay noticeable without feeling heavy when temperatures climb.Everyday Habits That Make Summer Freshness EasierA few simple habits can make a big difference when summer sweat kicks in.Wear breathable fabrics: Lightweight materials help air move and moisture dry faster.Stick to regular showers: Morning showers help you start fresh. A rinse after workouts or long days resets the freshness.Reapply deodorant when the heat ramps up: A quick redo before busy afternoons or evening plans helps keep odor in check.Stay hydrated: Drinking water helps your body handle heat better during hot weather. FAQsWhy does sweat feel more noticeable in hot weather?Heat increases sweat production while humidity slows evaporation. That combination makes summer sweat stick around longer on your skin.Does heat change how summer body odor develops?Yes. Warm temperatures speed up the interaction between sweat and bacteria, which can make odor develop faster.Why do I sweat so much in the summer, even when I am not working out?Hot weather alone can trigger sweat. Walking outside, commuting, or wearing heavy clothes can also raise your body temperature enough to start sweating.What habits help during heatwaves?Wearing breathable clothing, taking regular showers, reapplying deodorant, and staying hydrated can all make summer sweat easier to manage.Why does my scent seem stronger in summer?Sweat and your skin’s natural oils can tweak how your fragrance smells as the day goes on. That’s why your scent might get stronger when it’s warmer out.Bottom line: Summer sweat is normal. Heat, humidity, and longer days just give your body more reasons to cool itself down. A few smart habits, the right scent, and a solid grooming routine can keep summer body odor in check, so you can focus on everything else the season brings.This story was produced by Axe and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	How do wireless bras actually provide support? How do wireless bras actually provide support?For years, the equation seemed simple: no wire meant no support. That assumption kept many people trapped in uncomfortable underwires, counting down the hours until they could finally take their bra off at the end of the day.But wireless bras today aren't what they were a decade ago. Modern engineering has completely reimagined how lift and support work, and many do so without a single metal component, Honeylove reports.What is a wireless bra?A wireless bra lifts and supports without a rigid underwire. Instead of relying on a single metal structure beneath each breast, these bras use engineered construction techniques that include bonded panels, compression zones, and wider bands that add support in smart ways.This isn't the same as a bralette or sports bra. Bralettes typically offer minimal structure and light coverage; they're designed for comfort rather than lift. Sports bras use compression to minimize movement during physical activity, which can flatten rather than shape.Wireless bras sit in a different category entirely. They're built to provide the lift, separation, and shaping you'd expect from a traditional bra, just through an entirely different mechanical approach.The common misconception that wireless equals unsupportive stems from older designs that simply removed the wire without replacing its function. Modern wireless bras don't just subtract; they redistribute. The support comes from a system rather than a single point of structure.How wireless bras provide support without underwireTraditional underwire bras concentrate support in one place: a rigid U-shaped wire that sits directly beneath each breast. The wire bears most of the weight, which is why it can dig in, poke through fabric, or leave red marks on your ribcage.Wireless bras work differently. They distribute support across multiple zones: the band, the sides, the cups, the straps. Instead of one hard structure doing all the work, the entire bra becomes a support system.Bonded panels and targeted compression zonesBonded construction fuses multiple layers of fabric together without bulky stitching or seams. The result is a smooth exterior with internal architecture that holds its shape and directs support exactly where you need it.These bonded panels create compression zones: areas that apply gentle, targeted pressure to lift from below and stabilize from the sides. The compression isn't uniform across the entire bra. It's engineered to be stronger in certain areas, like the underband and side panels, and lighter in others, like the cups.This targeted approach prevents the flattening effect you might get from a sports bra while still providing structure. The panels work together to lift, separate, and shape without relying on a wire.Engineered band structuresHere's something most people don't know: the band does 80% of the work in any bra. The cups and straps matter, but the band is what anchors everything.Wireless bras take this seriously. The bands are wider and more intentional than what you'd find in a traditional underwire bra. A wider band redistributes weight across a larger surface area of your torso instead of concentrating pressure in a thin line under each breast.This wider structure also stabilizes the bra throughout the day. Hook-and-eye closures and adjustable straps let you customize the fit as your body changes, whether that's hour to hour or over months and years.What changed: wireless bras then vs. nowTen years ago, wireless bras were limited. You could find soft bralettes and basic cotton styles, but they offered minimal structure. Most people assumed wireless meant sacrificing support.The shift came with advances in textile engineering and construction techniques. Bonding technology, which had been used in activewear and shapewear, made its way into the bra market. Suddenly, manufacturers could create smooth, seamless garments with internal structure that didn't require visible stitching or hardware.At the same time, fabric technology evolved. New materials could hold tension, recover their shape after stretching, and move with the body without losing support. These fabrics don't sag or stretch out after a few wears; they maintain their integrity wash after wash.The combination of bonding technology and high-performance fabrics closed the performance gap between wireless and underwire bras. Wireless designs could finally deliver the lift, shape, and all-day hold that people expected from traditional bras without the discomfort.Wireless Bra SizingReady to try a wireless bra? First, find your bra size using a bra size calculator. If the wireless bra you’re trying features molded foam cups, it’s likely sized in cup and band sizing, which is what a calculator will give you. If the wireless bra you’re trying is in alpha sizing (S, M, L, and so on), use the brand’s conversion guide to match your cup and band size to an alpha size.This story was produced by Honeylove and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Rock Island Academy celebrates expansion with groundbreaking event Rock Island Academy hosted a groundbreaking for an expansion that will add new classrooms and facilities to help teach the growing school population.
	Thursday marks 3 years since fatal Davenport apartment building collapse A class action lawsuit continues to play out in court, with a trial tentatively scheduled for August 2027.
	Mackinac panelists pitch data centers as ‘golden tickets’ – environmental advocates remain skeptical Former Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Walbridge President John Rakolta III, Google Data Center Market Development and Policy Head Liz Schwab and Detroit Regional Chamber Chief Automotive and Innovation Officer Glenn Stevens Jr. speak at the Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island, Mich., on May 27, 2026. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance)As business leaders from throughout the state gathered on Mackinac Island for their annual confab centered on solving the state’s political and economic issues, the question of data centers was one of many up for debate. In recent years, opposition to data centers has grown as more of these facilities – which serve as the backbone of our online services, and are increasingly in demand for AI development – look to set up shop in Michigan. While concerns of rising electricity bills and depleted water resources often follow pitches for new data centers, former U.S. Secretary of Energy and 47th governor of Michigan Jennifer Granholm; Google’s head of data center market development and policy, Liz Schwab; and John Rakolta III, president of the building design and construction company Walbridge, pitched these facilities as the balm for Michigan’s economic ills, if they are approached correctly. Granholm said she firmly believed that large-scale data centers would drive a transition to clean energy and, if done well, could help reduce energy rates for customers by covering the cost of infrastructure and upgrades to the grid. Rakolta framed the facilities as “golden tickets” for communities, later pointing to property tax revenue as the most compelling reason for communities to take on one of these projects. While Michigan is best known for its auto manufacturing, Granholm questioned why the state couldn’t work to leverage engineering expertise used for autos to gain a competitive advantage in manufacturing components for data centers. Former Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm speaks at the Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island, Mich., on May 27, 2026. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) Although these facilities are not major providers for full-time jobs, Rakolta pointed to other jobs that would be created within the supply chain, and for various support services needed to keep these facilities running. The panelists generally agreed that trust and transparency are needed in the planning process to address the concerns community members have and to ensure residents benefit from a data center constructed in their area. Schwab cheered the 2024 law which created tax exemptions for data center equipment, saying the state “has done a great job of laying that groundwork to say we want to welcome this investment in the right way.” In order to receive the tax break, a data center must certify to the Michigan Strategic Fund that it has met certain green building standards and that it has or will procure 90% of its electricity use from clean energy, either through self-supply, a long-term contract with an energy utility or participating in voluntary clean pricing programs. Data centers receiving the tax exemption cannot accept an energy rate that would require residential customers to subsidize their use. The facilities must also use municipal water sourced from a municipal water system with available capacity. However, multiple environmental advocacy groups, including the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, opposed the law due to concerns that it did not offer sufficient protections for energy rates and natural resources. When panelists were asked how they would address data centers if elected to office, Granholm said she would enhance the provisions within the tax break law requiring data centers to bring their own energy capacity to the grid. She also encouraged data centers to be a part of community benefit by providing citizens with the opportunity to access battery storage and solar energy. Environmental advocates say more certainty is needed from the state While the panelists didn’t shy away from discussing the energy, water and land use concerns fueling opposition to data centers in Michigan, the panel focused more heavily on their potential benefits than any drawbacks. Throughout the discussion, Rakolta repeatedly downplayed opposition to these projects within Michigan communities. He also voiced opposition to data center moratoriums, questioning why community leadership would avoid engaging in conversations with developers. “We’re placating to 30 people in these townships,” Rakolta said. “That’s what’s happening. We’re spending a ton of time wasting resources doing that.” In a poll of Michigan voters released ahead of the conference, only 33.3% said they are open to a data center being built within 25 miles of their home. Former Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm, Walbridge President John Rakolta III and Google Data Center Market Development and Policy Head Liz Schwab speak at the Mackinac Policy Conference on Mackinac Island, Mich., on May 27, 2026. (Photo by Andrew Roth/Michigan Advance) While Schwab said companies like Google are incentivized to stay on the good side of local governments to keep their projects, Helena Volzer, the senior source water policy manager at the Alliance for the Great Lakes, said not all communities have the resources needed to negotiate a community benefits agreement that includes the protections they may need. She pointed to the recommendations within the alliance’s “A Finite Resource” report, advising Great Lakes states to set energy and water efficiency standards for hyperscale data centers, require companies to disclose their water use and consider requiring the use of a community benefits agreement through their data center tax incentive laws, among other recommendations. At present, there are no specific water use reporting requirements for data centers connected to public systems, Volzer said. While discussing water use on the panel, Granholm also proposed adding requirements for data centers to cool their equipment through either closed loop systems, or air cooling, rather than evaporative systems. However, Volzer said it’s difficult to compare water use between different cooling methods due to the lack of transparency around how much water and energy data centers are using. Closed loop systems can also carry additional water requirements, Volzer explained, noting that the water and glycol mix used in these systems needs to exchange heat in some way. “That is either rejected through an air chiller, which means more electricity, or a liquid chiller, which means water,” Volzer said. “So, a closed-loop system can still have large water requirements for that liquid cooling process.” Ben Poulson, the government affairs director for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters, agreed with Granholm that data centers could be used to drive clean energy. However, it’s unclear whether that will happen in Michigan. “Right now, we are not seeing enforceable guarantees that new data centers will deliver that power and proposals are being advanced without the public planning needed to ensure Michigan’s clean energy goals stay on track,” Poulson said in an email, referencing Michigan’s goal of 100% clean energy by 2040. “Some projects in Michigan have proposed fossil fuel generation to power them, and even proposals with clean energy commitments have varied in the size of those commitments.”SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Although data centers could theoretically provide benefits to other energy customers on the same grid, those savings have not been realized nationally, Poulson said. There should also be clear guarantees on local tax revenue, workforce standards, infrastructure contributions and environmental protections for communities hosting a data center, Poulson said, arguing the state should implement regulations to guarantee local revenue and community funds for each data center project. As Michigan continues to evaluate data center growth, Poulson said there is a real need for legislation to ensure communities have a meaningful voice and that companies are held accountable for their commitments. “Transparency and community engagement cannot be optional or left to individual developers, they need to be built into state policy,” Poulson said, advocating for strong public notice and engagement requirements and as transparent energy and water use reporting, alongside environmental impact reviews for these projects. Courtesy of Michigan Advance
	NJ Senate approves bill to protect reproductive, transgender healthcare Khadijah Silver and Elizabeth Holz celebrate after a bill to protect transgender patients and their medical providers passed the New Jersey Senate in Trenton on May 28, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor)The New Jersey Senate approved a bill Thursday aimed at protecting abortion seekers and transgender healthcare patients, along with their medical providers, from legal and in-person threats, a move that comes nearly years after the bill’s supporters first introduced the measure. The bill would create a new crime of interfering with reproductive health services and expand the definition of those services to include healthcare for trans patients, building on existing laws designed to shield abortion clinics, staff, volunteers, and patients from violence and harassment. Advocates said additional protections are needed given the Trump administration’s efforts to curtail these services. The Democratic-sponsored legislation passed the Senate 23-12 along party lines. Three Republican senators — Jon Bramnick, Owen Henry, and Declan O’Scanlon — were present but did not vote. Ruth Kunstadter of the Transgender Rights Coalition of New Jersey called the vote “a major milestone for New Jersey to confirm its commitment to ensuring everyone has equal access to vital healthcare.” “We urge the Assembly to swiftly move the companion bill to a vote to give transgender New Jerseyans full protection from malicious, discriminatory interference in their right to health from other states and the federal government,” Kunstadter said. Bramnick, an attorney, raised concerns that some of the language in the legislation could infringe on someone’s First Amendment right to speak freely outside a healthcare facility. He also flagged a section that he said would restrict the power of state licensing boards. “First, I’ll compliment the sponsor for drafting a bill that protects both reproductive rights and transgender rights,” said Bramnick, adding, “But, as we’ve seen in the past, this goes a step too far.” Bill sponsor Sen. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex) said she is open to minor changes before the legislation goes before the Assembly, but noted the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld protections like those outlined in the bill, known as S2260. “We will look to change possibly one word,” Ruiz said, “but I just want to echo that S2260 is not a violation of First Amendment rights.” There were no other comments or debate about the bill on the Senate floor. Melissa Firstenberg celebrates after bill S2260 passed the New Jersey Senate in Trenton on May 28, 2026. (Photo by Anne-Marie Caruso/New Jersey Monitor) The Assembly, which has a voting session next on June 11, must approve the legislation before it could be signed into law by Gov. Mikie Sherrill. Her office has declined to comment on the bill during the legislative process. The bill is backed by many LGBTQ+ advocates, including multiple parents who testified in committee hearings about the struggle they face to secure healthcare services for their trans children. Some 18 other states have adapted shield laws with similar intentions, advocates said. Vidhi Goel, a Central Jersey mom with a trans son, said she worries when she sees families like hers fleeing other states that restrict access to healthcare. It’s a fear other parents shared in testimony before the Assembly and Senate committees in recent weeks. The care her son needs is deeply personal, Goel said, and it requires that doctors be available to provide that care without fear of reprisal. That’s where shield laws like this are important, she said. “Without them, providers face the very real threat of prosecution from other states and from the federal government, simply for doing their jobs. When doctors fear that kind of exposure, they stop offering care. And when they stop, families lose access, not because the care isn’t available or isn’t safe, but because their doctor is too scared to provide it,” Goel told the New Jersey Monitor Thursday. Trans advocates said the measure is urgently needed given ongoing efforts by the Trump administration to limit access to reproductive and transgender healthcare services, particularly for minors. Multiple parents, including Goel, have spoken out about messages they had received from their children’s doctors warning that care could be curtailed. Opponents, including abortion foes, have warned the measure could be unconstitutional in how it seeks to limit how protesters can engage with patients entering healthcare facilities, including the practice anti-abortion advocates call “sidewalk counseling.” Under the bill, interfering with reproductive health services could include harassing, harming or blocking patients, healthcare providers, staff, or volunteers from entering a healthcare facility. Violators could face as many as ten years in prison and a fine of $150,000 if someone is injured during the interference. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of New Jersey Monitor

Friday, May 29th, 2026

Thursday, May 28th, 2026