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

Sunday, May 31st, 2026
	Downtown Davenport businesses participate in ‘Lemonade Sip N’ Shop’ event As the warm weather returns to the Quad Cities, so do annual summertime activities and celebrations.
	Clucking egg prices as of 5/29/26 Here’s this week’s egg price update. This is the USDA’s average price per dozen when delivered to the warehouse on Jan. 20, 2026, compared to where prices are now. To see the price, click on the video above. Local 4 News, your local election headquarters, is proud to present 4 The Record, a weekly news and [...]
	Idea to have federal employees sign NDAs questioned A new proposal from the Trump administration would drastically change the work environment for federal employees. The idea would give federal agencies a choice to mandate their employees sign non-disclosure agreements. The administration's goal would be to prevent employees from leaking confidential information to the media. The administration could go after civil and criminal penalties [...]
	Iowa & Illinois make case with DNC to be first in 2028 presidential nominating process There's so much political attention focused on this week's Iowa primary and the November midterm elections, but a dozen state Democratic parties spent the week focused on 2028. They made their case to be early primary or caucus states in the presidential-nominating process. The Democratic National Committee's rules and bylaws committee heard the presentations. Iowa [...]
	Feenstra hopes to parlay Trump endorsement into Iowa GOP gubernatorial nomination Iowa's most significant primary in several years will be decided in two days for some very high profile races, arguably none more heated than the race to be the Republican nominee for governor with five candidates on the ballot: Eddie Andrews, Randy Feenstra, Zach Lahn, Brad Sherman and Adam Steen. A reminder: one candidate must [...]
	U.S. strike on alleged drug boat kills 3 in Pacific Ocean, in fourth attack this week The U.S. military said it carried out another strike on a boat accused of smuggling drugs in the Pacific Ocean, killing three in the fourth attack this week and putting the total death toll at 205.
	Village of Milan officials seek input about future from community Milan officials and Planning Commission seek community input as they develop a comprehensive plan update for the community, a news release says. The current plan was prepared in 2019 and an update is needed to address current development needs and vision for the future. The Village of Milan will host a visioning and land use [...]
	MetroLINK waives bus fees for kids headed to Illinois QC libraries Thanks to a special summer reading partnership with Metro, fares will be waived for youth ridingtransit to Illinois Quad Cities public libraries this summer, a news release says. East Moline, Moline, Rock Island and Silvis are all offering their own summer reading and event programs. The four Illinois Quad Cities libraries have partnered with Metro [...]
	Israel seizes medieval castle as it expands major offensive in southern Lebanon Israel has captured the 12th-century Beaufort castle that overlooks southern Lebanon and northern Israel. The move suggests Israel is planning an extended military presence in Lebanon.
	American Cruise Lines to dock 13 times at Muscatine in 2026 The first visit is Monday, June 8, with stops running through Tuesday, Oct. 13.
	Experimental pill promises new hope for deadly pancreatic cancer A novel pill helped people with advanced pancreatic cancer live longer, researchers reported Sunday, raising hopes of long-needed better treatments for one of the deadliest types of cancer.
	The biggest permanent desert lake threatens with rising waters and hungry crocs Kenya's Lake Turkana is the world's largest permanent desert lake. Its waters have long sustained hundreds of thousands. Now the lake is facing multiple threats — and threatening those who rely on it.
	Galva grows divided over proposed carbon capture well The project would store 725,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide every year for the next 12 years near Big River Resources’ ethanol plant.
	Cannabis dispensary to open Monday in Kewanee Trichome Cannabis Company is holding a grand opening and ribbon-cutting on Monday in Kewanee.
	Josh Ries, of My Real Estate Company, named to Inman's 2026 Future Leaders in Real Estate Quad-Cities based national brokerage, My Real Estate Company, co-founded by local CEO Sandi Lyn Burnett, has team member named to Inman's 2026 Future Leaders list.
	New nail salon, Bowlyou's ice cream returns, two new bars open, and more Quad-Cities business news AJA Nails salon opens, Bowlyou's ice cream returns, two new bars open, and among other Quad-Cities business news.
	Scott County spends $1.2 million housing inmates in other jails Scott County has spent more than $1.2 million housing inmates in other county jails this fiscal year. Here's where the money is going and why costs continue to climb.
	BBB Tip: Door-to-door salespeople Door-to-door salespeople offer paving, subscriptions, security alarms, cleaning equipment, contracting services or other products and services.
	Muscatine Chamber, local businesses present annual Sip & Shop event The Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry and local businesses will present the sixth annual Sip & Shop on Friday, June 5, a news release says. This signature summer kickoff invites guests to stroll, sip, and shop their way through the heart of downtown while enjoying exclusive tastings, specials, and a lively community atmosphere. [...]
	MARK-TO-MARKET: Move over robotaxi, make way for the air taxi The robotaxi is just one of many AI-infused innovations within the transportation industry. Automakers continue to add various “self-driving” features in many of the cars and trucks we drive.
	Robert Young Center opens intensive eating disorder treatment option: 'This need exists' Providers say the new program will be one of few places Iowans can receive intensive treatment, and bridges a care gap left by insurance barriers.
	Celebrate Juneteenth at Rock Island National Cemetery Celebrate Juneteenth and honor the 108th United States Colored Troops at the Rock Island National Cemetery. According to a release: During the Civil War, more than 20,000 formerly enslaved men and freedmen joined regiments that made up the United States Colored Troops (USCT). These regiments were very instrumental to the outcome of the war, which [...]
	Democrats and Republicans think control of Congress runs through Iowa Iowa is no stranger to political attention in presidential elections, but surprisingly competitive midterm contests highlight the state's importance for both parties as it holds its primary Tuesday.
	Moving Islands This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Are you one of those who feels the world is going by your window too fast, blurred like a video on fast-forward? Before…
	Man arrested after 2 people injured in Bettendorf park fight: Court documents A 19-year-old East Moline man was being held Sunday in Scott County Jail after police say he injured two people during a large fight in a Bettendorf park. Amante Higgins-Bey faces two felony charges of willful injury - casing serious injury; a felony charge of participation in a riot; and two aggravated misdemeanor charges of [...]
Saturday, May 30th, 2026
	Ribbon cutting held for new park in downtown Maquoketa City officials say the park will host community events and provide a central location for public gatherings in the heart of downtown.
	Repairs underway for water main break in Moline Several areas are impacted in Moline after a water main break on 34th Avenue.
	How one company is helping families rebuild after Eaton Fire (BPT) - (Photo depicts samples of James Hardie® siding, wood based siding, and vinyl siding simultaneously exposed to direct flame until failure.)Last January, the Eaton Fire swept through the San Gabriel Mountains, devastating several Southern California communities. Altadena was one of the communities hit hardest by the fire, with thousands of structures damaged or destroyed.For the families whose houses burned down during the disaster, they lost more than the roof over their heads. They lost their homes — places defined by families' moments of joy and special memories.The people of Altadena have spent the last year rebuilding and revitalizing their community, and they haven't had to do it alone. Thanks to the efforts of San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity (SGV Habitat) and James Hardie Building Products Inc, Altadena families are finding their footing again, one home at a time.Rebuilding with resilience in mindHabitat for Humanity has a long history of helping communities recover from disasters, including hurricanes, floods and wildfires. Through its partnership with James Hardie — a leader in exterior home and outdoor living solutions — SVG Habitat has completed construction on the first 25 Altadena homes in the community using the company's durable, fire-resistant and noncombustible products."We've said from the start that this is not just about rebuilding homes. It's about restoring hope, stability and a future," said Bryan Wong, chief executive officer with SGV Habitat. "We're making strong progress to help this community move forward after a devastating loss, thanks to this donation from James Hardie."For James Hardie, this isn't a one-off donation. As part of a multiyear effort, the company has committed to donating its best-in-class fire-resistant products, including noncombustible* Hardie® fiber cement siding and top-rated fire-resistant TimberTech® decking, as well as AZEK® trim and fascia products."Our portfolio of resilient products is purposely designed and engineered to stand up to the harshest elements," said Amanda Cimaglia, vice president of Global Sustainability at James Hardie. "We are proud to support San Gabriel Valley Habitat for Humanity in their rebuilding efforts after the devastating wildfire in Altadena."The home designs are based on preapproved Foothill Catalog design, developed specifically for post-wildfire rebuilding to support faster construction and improved resilience. Combined with James Hardie's fire-resistant and noncombustible building materials, these homes have been rebuilt with resilience in mind, using materials that help harden them against external fires."A home is more than a structure. It's a place of refuge, stability and belonging," said Cimaglia. "As extreme weather events become more frequent, a home's exterior is its first line of defense — and resilient building materials play an increasingly important role in helping communities rebuild stronger to be better prepared for the future."To learn more about James Hardie fiber cement products, visit JamesHardie.com/Fire.*Hardie® fiber cement products are noncombustible and/or have a Class A fire rating when tested in accordance with ASTM E84. Fiber cement fire resistance does not extend to applied paints or coatings, which may be damaged or char when exposed to flames. The use of noncombustible siding, combined with other fire mitigation measures, can help harden a home against external fire.
	One dead following house fire near West Branch One person is dead following a house fire near West Branch. According to a release from the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Johnson County Joint Emergency Communications Center received calls reporting a residential fire in the 3500 block of Johnson Cedar Road NE May 30 at 4:29 a.m. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and area [...]
	Blood drive honors Milan boy’s legacy while helping meet summer blood shortage Months after Gavin Springsteen lost his battle with cancer, family members, friends and community supporters are honoring his legacy through blood donations.
	Traffic impacted after water main break in Moline City officials said a water main break is impacting 34th Street in Moline. Water is temporarily shut off in several areas.
	Nonprofit partners with ImpactLife to honor Milan boy who fought cancer Giving for Gavin, nonprofit honoring a boy who spent years relying on blood products during his fight against cancer, partnered with ImpactLife to encourage donors.
	Lower court decision stands in Scott County deputy-involved shooting: IA Supreme Court A Scott County Court ruling in a 2018 fatal deputy-involved shooting will stand after the Iowa Supreme Court voted 3-3 in an appeal, according to Iowa Supreme Court documents. According to documents, when the Iowa Supreme Court is equally divided, the decision of the district court is affirmed by "operation of law." The case ended in [...]
	More of the same Sunday in the Quad Cities Saturday was a pretty nice day across the Mississippi Valley with highs in the 80s and mostly dry conditions. It'll be warm the next two days before it turns hot again. While a few isolated showers are possible through Monday, many of us will stay dry. Better rain chances arrive by next weekend. Here's your [...]
	Morris captures first win of season at Davenport Speedway The last Friday in May proved to be an exciting one at Davenport Speedway. The evening included a roll over, a last lap pass for a win, and four first-time winners for 2026. The Outhouse/Storage to Go - IMCA Late Models saw Mitch Morris capture his first Davenport win of the season. Mitch was locked [...]
	Judge agrees to review Trump's $1.8 billion 'anti-weaponization' fund The fund has sparked a broad backlash since it was announced earlier this month, exposing fractures within the Republican Party.
	PSG wins back-to-back Champions League titles after shootout victory against Arsenal Paris Saint-Germain has won back-to-back Champions League titles by beating Arsenal on penalties in a dramatic final in Budapest.
	Insurance regulation bills clear General Assembly Gov. Pritzker said he looks forward to signing legislation giving the state Insurance Department authority to regulate premiums charged for automobile and homeowners insurance.
	Crews respond to LeClaire structure fire; no injuries reported The LeClaire Fire Department responded to a structure fire at the 900 block of May Court Friday.
	Local leaders seek to regulate data center development Local governments, including Knox County, along with other counties across the state, are working to create regulations around data center development.
	Davenport police find 81-year-old woman At 1:47 p.m. officials said Saturday that they were searching for Hunsinger who has dementia.
	Davenport police asking for help to find missing 81-year-old with dementia Hunsinger is 5-foot-2, 120 pounds with grey hair and green eyes. Officials said she was last seen at 11:30 a.m. Saturday in the area of 2000 Tremont Avenue.
	Crews respond to apartment building fire Crews responded to a fire at an apartment building Friday night after a resident called 911 about smoke in their unit.
	Iowa lawyer sanctioned for dishonesty, wide-ranging ‘trail of deception’ The Iowa Supreme Court suspended the license of Dallas County lawyer Valerie Cramer for two years following allegations of overbilling and deception.
	River cruise ships to make 13 stops in Muscatine in 2026 The ships American Melody and American Serenade will dock at the Muscatine Riverfront from June through October, according to a news release.
	Iowa law adds penalties for truck drivers who fail English proficiency checks More than 600 commercial truck drivers have been pulled off Iowa’s roadways for failing English proficiency checks, according to the CEO of the Iowa Motor Truck Association.
	Quad Cities area summer reading programs As the school year winds down, area libraries are gearing up for summer reading programs.
	Illinois among priciest states for electric vehicle ownership With the price of gas hitting a four-year high over Memorial Day weekend, car shoppers may be considering switching to electric – but where you live can still make a difference when it comes to the cost of owning an EV.
	Davenport Schools offer summer food service program Students who rely on school meals can get help though Davenport Community Schools' Summer Food Service Program. The program starts June 8, providing healthy meal options for anyone one to 18 years old at no cost or income restrictions. Meals will be offered at locations throughout Davenport, including schools building sites and community partner sites. [...]
	Water main break affects Moline traffic It's an Our Quad Cities News traffic alert. Traffic in Moline has been impacted by a water main break. According to a release from the City of Moline: Drivers are urged to avoid the area while repairs are underway.
	Sacred Heart Church, Moline, plans parish reunion The annual Sacred Heart Moline parish reunion, 1400 16th Ave,. Moline, will be noon until 3 p.m. Sunday, June 28, according to a news release. This year, the reunion will kick off the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States of America, Among the features will be an 11 a.m. Mass outdoors on [...]
	'Big Boy 4014' steam locomotive will be in Sterling for visitors to see The City of Sterling has announced the return of the “Big Boy 4014” steam locomotive, a news release says. About 1:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, Big Boy 4014 will stop in Sterling at the Avenue B railroad crossing. This area is adjacent to the Sterling Farmers Market. The locomotive and train will stop for about [...]
	MercyOne reminds patients about Davenport bridge closure The City of Davenport and MercyOne Genesis remind patients to plan ahead for a bridge closure that changes access to the hospital and nearby medical facilities on the MercyOne Genesis Davenport campus. The Eastern Avenue bridge over Duck Creek between 29th and 31st streets is closed for several months for reconstruction. While detours are posted, [...]
	ImpactLife blood drive to benefit 9-year-old Rock Island boy who passed away from cancer To honor the legacy of a Rock Island boy, a blood drive is taking place Saturday morning.
	Crews working to repair break to major water main in Moline Officials are asking people to avoid the area.
	American Cruise Lines ships will stop in Muscatine The City of Muscatine is pleased to share that the Greater Muscatine Chamber of Commerce & Industry (GMCCI) has announced a significant expansion of river cruise activity on the Mississippi Riverfront. American Cruise Lines (ACL) — a national leader in small‑ship cruising — will port in Muscatine 13 times throughout 2026, bringing hundreds of visitors [...]
	Pride celebrations struggle as corporate sponsorships dry up Public support for the LGBTQ+ community by corporations has become politically risky, public relations expert says.
	Officials identify cyclist seriously injured in pickup truck crash A cyclist, identified as Jeffrey Castro, was seriously injured in a crash with a pickup truck Thursday evening.
	Bettendorf announces summer of dance, concerts, farmers market, wildlife The City of Bettendorf is ready to jump-start summer with plenty of fun events planned for those who love live music, family-friendly movies, roller-skating, line dancing, and more, a news release says. Here's a look at the 2026 Summer Happenings: The Family Museum Dance Spring Production will be 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, May [...]
	Public hearing about long-range transportation plan scheduled in Eldridge A public hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, June 11, at the Scott County Secondary Roads Building, 950 Blackhawk Trail Road, Eldridge. Its purpose is to receive comments on the 2050 Long Range Transportation Plan for Iowa Region 9 (LRTP) and the Transportation Improvement Program Iowa Region 9 FFY2027-2030 (TIP), which includes Muscatine [...]
	Carcass of Timmy the humpback whale brought to shore in Denmark The humpback whale, nicknamed "Timmy" by German media, died following a controversial failed rescue effort. His carcass had been drifting near the Danish shore for two weeks.
	Bettendorf woman cited after crash seriously injures bicyclist Authorities say a bicyclist was injured when a pickup truck turned left into his path Thursday evening in Bettendorf.
	Opinion: Pope Leo reminds us of the value of our shared humanity Pope Leo's first encyclical voices his concerns about technology and AI. The pope cautions about the illusions AI bots can create, and how important actual human relationships are.
	Two Democrats, two Republicans face off in Iowa House District 96 primary Here's what the candidates for Iowa House District 96 had to say ahead of Tuesday's primary.
	Memories of Muscatine: La Mijouree This week for Memories of Muscatine: A painting by Georges Rouault.
	Second Saturdays fun will return to downtown Rock Island Second Saturdays, presented by Gas & Electric Credit Union, returns June 13 to the heart of downtown Rock Island, bringing more energy, activity and reasons to explore downtown alongside the QC Farmers Market. Held on the second Saturday of the month, June through October, this free, all-ages series turns downtown into a lively community destination [...]
	Poppy Mallow This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.Rock Island Lines is permitted two commercials a year. This is one of them.I won't mince words. If you have any small…
	The NTSB tries to keep cockpit audio recordings private. AI is making that harder The National Transportation Safety Board temporarily pulled its docket system offline after digital images were used to reconstruct cockpit voice recordings of the pilots in a recent crash.
	Colombia's untapped wonder: The Mavecure Mountains Far from Colombia's tourist hubs, the Mavecure Mountains rise from the Amazon jungle. Once off-limits during conflict, they now draw adventurous visitors to rare wildlife, sacred sites and vast views.
	Carlin criticizes Hinson’s vote for same-sex marriage law in U.S. Senate primary Rep. Ashley Hinson faces a challenge from the right from Jim Carlin in Tuesday's primary for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Joni Ernst.
	How single-party primary elections are reshaping Congress Some lawmakers are speaking out against closed, single-party primaries, which they see as part of a system that limits voter choice and incentivizes elected officials to prioritize party loyalty.
	Myanmar's Min Aung Hlaing takes first foreign tour as leader, with visit to India The tour comes as Myanmar's new government tries to consolidate its political position regionally, while continuing to wage a brutal civil war.
	10,000 Kansas children have lost food assistance because voters sat on the sidelines in 2024 Despite producing wheat for the entire country, Kansas has consistently elected officials who allow residents to go hungry. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)Political indifference will kill Kansans. In 2024, 57.2% of Kansans voting in the presidential election cast their ballots for Donald Trump. At the time, commentators pointed out that a tidal wave of rightwing proposals would shortly swamp the United States, harming the most vulnerable. Of the state’s 2 million registered voters, more than 700,000 abstained. They could have made a difference. Now that crimson wave has begun to hit, and Kansans are being harmed — including many who voted for Trump or decided against participating. On Thursday, Kansas Reflector reported 21,900 Kansans have lost food assistance because of provisions in the president’s “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” That legislation, it must be noted, was supported by every Republican member of Kansas’ congressional delegation. Of the 21,900 losing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, 10,000 are children. Some will want to litigate this finding. Did those receiving food assistance actually deserve it? What role should the government play in helping those who cannot provide for themselves? Are families too lazy to fulfill paperwork requirements? If you’re asking questions like that, I advise sequestering yourself in a room and ruminating on what life decisions led you to such shocking amorality. Many disputes can be swept under the rug by defining them as political bickering. Talking heads on cable fight ceaselessly about meaningless drivel. But I can’t dismiss starving children. Neither should Trump, neither should the Kansas Republican delegation, and neither should those 700,000 Kansas voters who chose to stay home rather than stand up for their family and friends and neighbors. “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,” said Kansas Appleseed’s Haley Kottler in a press release decrying the losses. “This has real implications for Kansas children to access the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive.” That wasn’t all that caught my attention this month. U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, a Democrat, is co-sponsoring a bill with Republican Rep. Tracey Mann and other House members to extend no-interest loans to rural hospitals. You know what would have really helped rural hospitals in Kansas? Not cutting healthcare spending by $1 trillion in that same repulsive legislation. Lawmakers now recognize that those cuts are having serious, on-the-ground consequences for those in small towns across the nation who depend on rural healthcare providers. The other policy that would help rural hospitals in the state is expanding Medicaid. Republicans in the Kansas Legislature have decided against even considering that change, so let’s drop the topic for now. Those 700,000 registered voters could have stepped up and changed the course of national and state politics. They could have expressed their desires through their choices, selecting leaders who wanted to benefit the least among us, rather than padding the wallets of the fattest fat cats. Here we stand. I don’t know when a majority of Kansans will add two and two together and realize that four is the inevitable result. Cut funding for nutrition and healthcare, and people go hungry and fall ill. Elevate a would-be authoritarian who cares only about enriching himself, and the civic climate of this nation declines precipitously. Reject the privilege of voting and allow others to make choices that harm the most vulnerable among us. Actions have reactions. Causes have effects. Political indifference charges a hefty toll. In case you want to participate in the Aug. 4 primary elections, June 1 is the deadline to change your party registration, and July 14 is the deadline to register. You can learn more at the Kansas secretary of state’s website. Clay Wirestone is Kansas Reflector opinion editor. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here. Courtesy of Kansas Reflector
Friday, May 29th, 2026
	Alleman girls soccer wins sectional championship 4-3 in thriller over Geneseo Alleman girls soccer won the 1A sectional championship in a thriller double OT and PK’s 4-3 over Geneseo.
	Davenport North boys soccer punches ticket to state for the first time in school history Davenport North boys soccer punched their ticket to the state tournament for the first time in school history after defeating North Scott 3-2.
	Woman tased, arrested after Centennial Bridge stabbing Krystal Spears, 37, was arrested and faces felony charges after police say she stabbed a man on the Centennial Bridge and refused to drop her knife.
	Line wrapped around the block to get into Phoebe Bridgers pop-up show at Raccoon Motel Venue officials handed out 120 wristbands and had to turn the rest of the line away.
	John Deere volunteers partner with Habitat for Humanity to build affordable housing Volunteers from John Deere Harvester Works teamed up with Habitat for Humanity QC to help build affordable housing amid a regional housing shortage.
	OQC Crime Watch: Three men charged for selling drugs at work: Episode 67 Watch crime reporters Linda Cook and Sharon Wren talk about crime and courts in our area with the latest episode of the Our Quad Cities Crime Watch Podcast. In this episode Linda and Sharon discuss: updates on: To view, click the video above or watch on-the-go on Spotify. The QC Crime Watch Podcast \| Podcast [...]
	Sterling man arrested for home invasion Adam Euell faces home invasion and burglary charges after Sterling police responded to reports of a woman screaming at a home Thursday night.
	5 arrested during narcotics investigation in Sterling A raid at a Sterling home led to the arrest of five men on felony meth, drug delivery, and outstanding warrant charges on Friday.
	Pre-Election Day voting continues this weekend: Scott County auditor Scott County Auditor Kerri Tompkins is reminding voters absentee voting (early and in-person voting) is available Saturday, May 30, a news release says. “This is a great opportunity for those who are not able to vote on Election Day.” said Tompkins. Voting will be open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Scott County Administrative Center, [...]
	Illinois bill could pave the way for self-driving taxis Illinois state lawmakers could give the green light to driverless taxis. The Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Project Act (Senate Bill 3392) would clear the way for robotaxis. known as Waymo, in a limited number of cities on a trial basis. The move would gauge whether they are safe. The use of driverless cars could expand to [...]
	Crews battle Galesburg home fire No injuries were reported following a Galesburg fire. According to a release, the Galesburg Fire Department responded May 28 at 4:33 p.m. to a structure fire in the 2100 block of Sodhi Ave. Fire crews encountered heavy smoke coming from the home and flames in the kitchen. The Fremont Station fire crew made an initial [...]
	Stroke survivor works toward recovery one step at a time at Moline rehab center Five months after suffering a stroke, a QC man is rebuilding his strength through rehab, motivated by a goal that means more than anything else: his grandkids
	House lawmakers see governor’s proposed FY27 budget and raise it to $15.2B The Rhode Island State House is shown on a January night in 2026. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current)Two long-debated topics on Smith Hill, a millionaire’s tax and a state inspector general, were cemented in the revised fiscal 2027 budget given first passage by a panel of House lawmakers Friday night. The record $15.2 billion budget — even higher than the $14.9 billion tax-and-spend plan Gov. Dan McKee unveiled in January thanks to an extra $228 million surplus revealed from updated revenue estimates in May — sailed through committee in record time, with the Friday night deliberations complete by 7:30 p.m. The revised version preserves McKee’s proposed millionaire’s tax, but spreads out the 3% tax hike on an income over $1 million across three years rather than making the change in a single year. “We thought this strikes the right balance here for our state given the situation we’re in with the federal government,” House Speaker Christopher Blazejewski said in a briefing with reporters Friday night. “We wanted to be sure we have revenue coming online at the same time we see a decrease in federal support.” Raising taxes on top earners took center state on Smith Hill this year, with business groups decrying the economic consequences for top employers, and progressives urging lawmakers to enact a more comprehensive version of a “tax the rich” proposal to offset forecasted federal funding cuts. Another long-simmering debate, to create an independent inspector general, gained traction weeks ago thanks to the backing of Blazejewski days after his ascension to the leadership role. Blazejewski, who was elected by his peers to succeed K. Joseph Shekarchi 22 days ago, cemented his advocacy for the government watchdog by including the $2 million, 12-person office in the revised fiscal 2027 budget. Rhode Island House Speaker Christopher Blazejewski says a millionaires’s tax would be phased in over three years during a budget briefing with reporters Friday, May 29, 2026. At far left is Rep. Scott Slater, a Providence Democrat and vice chair of the House Finance Committee. The committee’s chair, Rep. Marvin Abney, a Newport Democrat, is center. (Photo by Nancy Lavin/Rhode Island Current) The even-keeled Providence Democrat raised his voice in defense of the proposal, and specifically the exclusion of the legislature from the inspector general’s purview, when questioned by a reporter Friday. “Once we pass this budget, 99.5% of government spending will fall within the Office of Inspector General,” Blazejewski said. “To me, that’s incredibly important.” The House Committee on Finance’s 11-2 vote Friday sends the updated spending proposal to the full House of Representatives for consideration on June 5. The two Republicans, George Nardone of Coventry and Sherry Roberts of West Greenwich, voted against the revised spending plan. Lawmakers must approve a final spending plan before the new fiscal year begins July 1. Prioritizing healthcare Federal funding cuts under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act remain a top concern for legislators, who are leveraging the state’s surplus to help blunt the consequences for hospitals and healthcare providers, working families with children, and transit riders. To that end, the revised fiscal 2027 budget includes the full $116 million Medicaid reimbursement rate increase for home and behavioral health providers as recommended by the Office of the Health Insurance Commissioner. McKee’s initial proposal spread out the inflationary payment adjustment over two years. Lawmaker also added another $26 million in state funds to hospitals to offset rising costs associated with more under and uninsured people — short of the $70 million hospitals wanted, but enough to assuage some of the worst cuts to service and staff. There is also $1.6 million dedicated to the Newport Hospital birthing center, and $5 million in initial funding for a new medical school at the University of Rhode Island. “I am particularly proud of the strong investments we are making to improve our health care system and to support Rhode Islanders in need,” Senate President Valarie Lawson said in a statement Friday night. Childcare and education Noting the personal importance of childcare — the newly minted speaker has a 12-year-old daughter and a 9-year-old son — Blazejewski also emphasized efforts to help working families afford and access childcare. Lawmakers restructured McKee’s proposal to establish a permanent child tax credit for income-eligible families with the intent of making a bigger impact for middle-income families. The $330 per child credit, on average, will cost $23 million in fiscal 2027, with a $46 million price tag for a full year offering in fiscal 2028. Formula-driven state aid to school districts is also increasing above current levels and beyond McKee’s plan, with the extra spending concentrated on transportation costs and low-income students. And the long-awaited return of the Central Falls school system to city control has arrived after more than three decades under state purview, with a $1.5 million allotment of state education aid for the city district in the fiscal 2027 spending proposal. Lawmakers are also filling the estimated $4.6 million deficit in the Department of Children, Youth and Families, preventing the staffing cuts that have prompted protests by employees who say the short-staffed agency is inequipped to adequately protect and help children under state care. The House Committee on Finance meets Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Nancy Lavin/Rhode Island Current) Energy affordability Advocacy to protect the state’s ambitious climate change mandates was also acknowledged by lawmakers, who opted not to proceed with the most controversial elements of McKee’s energy affordability plan. The revised fiscal 2027 budget offers short-term savings to ratepayers by incorporating nuclear and hydropower into the acceptable renewable energy sources needed to meet state benchmarks. But the 2033 deadline to generate 100% of electricity needs from renewables, or purchase credits to offset fossil fuel use, remains intact. “That was really important to our caucus,” said Majority Leader Katherine Kazarian, an East Providence Democrat. Social Security taxes Not as important: easing Social Security benefit taxes to retirees. McKee pitched a three-year phaseout of the state income taxes on retirement benefits. But lawmakers agreed only to the first step of the phaseout, which eliminates the age requirement that allows retirees over 67 to bypass the tax. But the $40 million cost to eventually cut income taxes on Social Security benefits for higher-income retirees remains in flux. “Hopefully we have a better budget next year, and are in a better position to take another look,” Blazejewski said. RIPTA and RIDOT But, the cash-strapped Rhode Island Public Transit Authority will no longer have to fight for survival, with a $7 million boost above what McKee proposed for fiscal 2027. Rather than cut the gas tax by 2 cents, as McKee pitched, lawmakers are preserving the gas tax increase from last July. Instead they are drawing on a separate highway maintenance account through the Rhode Island Department of Transportation to boost RIPTA. There will be no increases in cruise ship fees in Newport, which were originally proposed as a means to help fund RIPTA. The revised budget also requires a state-led audit of RIDOT, in acknowledgement of the high-profile failures of the Washington Bridge and, more recently, the Route 10 onramp. And, the state transportation director will no longer lead RIPTA’s appointed board of directors, though they will continue to have a seat on the panel. “We think it’s a conflict of interest,” Blazejewski said of letting McKee’s cabinet director on roads and bridges call the shots for the quasi-public transit agency. Copies of the revised fiscal 2027 state budget articles sit on a table for a State House hearing by the House Committee on Finance on Friday, May 29, 2026. (Photo by Nancy Lavin/Rhode Island Current) Bonds The $600 million borrowing plan across a series of six bond questions on the November ballot remains intact, although the allocations have shifted, with more money for a new health sciences building at URI and preserving farm and forestland. A $50 million bond for a new career and technical education program via the state education department was cut, following testimony that the startup bond was not enough to fully fund the program, Blazejewski said. The state archives and history center pitched by Secretary of State Gregg Amore remains. Other highlights A $19 million earmark ($9.5 million more than McKee’s proposal) to help offset rising premiums for HealthSource RI participants remains in the revised fiscal 2027 budget. Additional funding and a new state magistrate to oversee a designated domestic violence court, as suggested by Judge Joseph Montalbano, presiding justice of the Rhode Island Superior Court. No additional money for Bally’s Corp, which had asked for another $11 million for marketing efforts as a workaround to offset potential revenue losses from a ban on indoor smoking in its Rhode Island casinos No increases in cigarette and cigar taxes, asMcKee’s proposal sought. A line-item veto for the governor, which McKee enshrined in his spending plan, did not make it past lawmakers’ review. McKee said he was “encouraged” by the inclusion of his priorities, including Social Security tax relief, child tax credits, money for state heath exchange participants and an extension of the Hope Scholarship at Rhode Island College. ‘Our team is reviewing the full budget now, and we’ll have more to say in the coming days,” McKee said in a statement Friday night. Democratic representatives Karen Alzate of Pawtucket and Nathan Biah of Providence were absent from the meeting. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. 8:52 pmUpdated to include comments from Gov. Dan McKee. Courtesy of Rhode Island Current
	FY 26-27 budget done, vetoes are coming, and property tax debate lies ahead The Florida Senate chamber on May 29, 2026. (Photo by Jay Waagmeester/Florida Phoenix)The Florida Legislature signed off on a $114.5 billion budget Friday afternoon, even as some legislators worried it falls short of doing enough for schools, healthcare, and the environment. A handful of Democrats also sharply criticized a nearly $300 million tax cut package that they said does more to help special interests than everyday Floridians. Republican legislative leaders countered that the budget pays for critical needs while at the same time reducing overall spending from the previous year. Democrats also complained that a push to suspend the state’s gas taxes, which Gov. Ron DeSantis embraced in October 2022 but not this year, ultimately was not included in the tax reduction package, while savings for gun accessories, including silencers, was embraced. The Senate voted unanimously to pass the state fiscal year 2026-27 budget, while the House voted 99-6 to pass the budget to guide state spending between July 1 and June 30, 2027. The budget sets spending guidelines for public schools, higher education, healthcare, criminal justice, the environment, and more. “Floridians expect their government to spend responsibly and prioritize the issues that matter most to families across our state,” House Speaker Daniel Pérez said in a written statement following the vote. Additionally included in the budget is a $4 million appropriation for the so-called Groveland Four. It includes $50 million to help the Tampa Bay Rays build a new stadium near Hillsborough College. It also earmarks $250 million for an emergency fund overseen by DeSantis that he has used for immigration enforcement. Eleventh hour budget deal includes $4M compensation for ‘Groveland Four’ Some members quickly rushed out of the Capitol to catch Friday afternoon flights home but they must return to Tallahassee Monday for a special session on property taxes. After more than a year discussing property tax reductions, the governor’s office sent the Senate its formal proposal, which Sen. Bryan Avila filed this week as SJR 2F. DeSantis wants to increase the state’s homestead property tax exemption to $150,000 of a home’s value beginning Jan. 1, 2027, and to $250,000 beginning Jan. 1, 2028. Opposition That proposal faces opposition from both Republicans and Democrats and even some special interest groups. The Florida Association of Counties sent an email to the 160 members of the Legislature Friday calling DeSantis’ proposal a “tax shift” and asking them to vote against it. “Decisions about how to fund local services work best when they are made close to the people who live with them. Property taxes are local by design. They are debated publicly, set locally and tied directly to the services residents see every day,” the counties wrote. The Florida Education Association also came out against the plan, arguing it would starve public schools. And the Florida Chamber of Commerce, which frequently aligns itself with the governor, said in a written statement that it would evaluate the proposal and its potential fiscal impacts with its members. The Chamber noted that property taxes accounted for nearly $60 billion in local government and school funding in 2025 — more than the $55.18 billion paid by local governments the year before. Meanwhile, Democrats in both the House and Senate, without dropping any specific names, said they have heard tell of the governor’s lobbying efforts to get his proposal passed. To put his proposal on the ballot, a supermajority — 60% — of each legislative chamber must vote for the legislation. “I also have heard that he’s been calling around some members on both sides of the aisle, trying to lobby them to vote for his property tax proposal, but what’s interesting to me is, when I have conversations with colleagues on both sides of the aisle, they understand that this is wildly unpopular, and that it would toggle our local government, that it would harm our public schools. So, it’s going to be interesting,” Tampa Democrat Fentrice Driskell, the House Democratic leader, said. (Left to Right) Sens. Kirsten Arrington, Tracie Davis, and Carlos Guillermo Smith discuss the budget, vetoes, and property tax at the Capitol on May 29, 2026. (Photo Christine Sexton/Florida Phoenix) There’s “no consensus” in the Senate to vote for the plan, Jacksonville Democratic Sen. Tracie Davis said. “We know that we’re talking among ourselves, we’re talking to our colleagues, we know that we’re split all over the place, so it’ll be interesting to see where we land with this,” said Davis, the Senate Democratic leader-elect. “We do know it’s a split, and there is no consensus over here as to where we will land, whether we have a number of people that’s going to support this measure or not. We know we’re going to have members on both sides,” Davis said. If DeSantis gets his plan on the November ballot, it would take 60% of the voters in November to vote “yes” for it to take effect. Vetoes DeSantis twice in the past two weeks mentioned his power to veto line items from the budget. Delivering the keynote address during a Federalist Society meeting May 22, the governor acknowledged he vetoes money for projects championed by legislators who oppose his agenda and priorities. “That helps you to be able to advance a legislative agenda,” DeSantis said of veto threats. And DeSantis this week mentioned budget vetoes while calling for the three-day special session on property tax reduction. His comments haven’t fallen on deaf ears. “I mean, this is the elephant in the room as we’re here voting on a budget. Many of us would like to feel good about member projects for our municipalities — water projects, road projects, nonprofits that provide meals to our seniors. But we don’t know what’s going to happen to all those programs and municipalities come this property tax reform next week,” Sen. Kirsten Arrington, a Democrat from Kissimmee, said. “So, while we’re here, we’d love to pat ourselves on the back and feel good about projects and stuff that we’re bringing home. We don’t know what’s on the horizon.” Driskell felt similarly. “I do think that he has now released his property tax proposal during budget season because he wants that to be a threat,” she said. Education There was perhaps no more controversial issue when it came to education than the state’s universal school voucher program. An audit showed financial mismanagement by the Department of Education. While the Senate pushed to separate voucher funding from traditional public school funding, the House held firm against bifurcating the dollars. Specific to higher education, there is no money in this budget for “preeminent universities” even though the Senate pushed for $100 million. That money in the past has rewarded schools that demonstrate excellence in various categories. Budget on the table, but House and Senate can’t agree on solution to school voucher struggles Health Healthcare is the largest portion of the budget, accounting for $49.2 billion, and, not surprisingly, was one of the last to be finalized before the General Appropriations Act was agreed upon over the Memorial Day Weekend. Ultimately, the Legislature agreed to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for nursing homes and pump additional funds into two programs that help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities obtain the care they need to keep them living outside of institutions and in the community. An additional $10 million was appropriated to the Agency for Persons with Disabilities to help chip away at a lengthy waiting list for the iBudget waiver program. Another $15 million was directed to Medicaid to pay for a managed care program for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Legislature agreed to reduce reimbursements by 1.3% to contracted Medicaid managed care plans that provide services to the poor, elderly, and disabled. Only contracted plans can provide services in the state’s Medicaid program. The Legislature agreed to extend the length of those contracts from six years to 10 years. Hospitals, which had faced potential budget cuts, went unscathed. Criminal justice Regarding criminal justice, the budget provides $4.05 billion for the Department of Corrections. That includes $50 million for a new prison hospital and $52 million for additional dorms. It does not include funding for a new prison. Nor does it include additional funding to provide air-conditioning for any prison facilities. Orlando Democratic Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith noted that a 2023 report conducted by KPMG showed it would cost $582 million to install air conditioning in all of the state’s prisons. The budget includes $78.7 million to increase correctional officer pay, raising the minimum hourly wage to $24. It provides the corrections agency with an additional $12.9 million for recruiting and retaining prison guards. The budget includes $4.4 million for 40 positions in state attorney offices. Of that, $1.8 million is earmarked for eight new positions in public defender offices. Environment The budget includes $638.6 million for Everglades Restoration, including money to complete the state’s portion of the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Reservoir, a critical 17,000-acre infrastructure project south of Lake Okeechobee. Everglades Foundation Vice President for Government Affairs Bradley Watson issued a statement thanking DeSantis and noted that he “fulfilled the promises” he made regarding Everglades restoration in two separate executive orders, one issued after initially taking office in 2018 and another after his re-election. Democrats lamented that there is no direct funding for Florida Forever, the state’s main program for buying land for conservation, but $425 million for the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program, which allows agricultural landowners to permanently preserve their land from development but doesn’t require the landowners to allow public access. The failure to again fund Florida Forever was denounced by St. Petersburg Democratic Rep. Lindsay Cross. “As a Legislature, it would be wise to recognize the value of our parks as places for people to improve their physical and mental health, especially as our children spend more time behind screens than they do green spaces,” Cross said. “These parks are also economic engines, providing a three-to-one return on investment for towns and communities. “Going forward, the state needs to reimagine and reinvest in conservation programs, in ways that feed our families, protect our water, preserve our vibrant wildlife and increase safe and equitable access to natural areas for people.” Mitch Perry and Jay Waagmeester contributed to this story. Courtesy of Florida Phoenix
	Knox County wildlife rescue hosting benefit concert to help fund its mission Critter Cove is the only Illinois Department of Natural Resources-certified wildlife rehabilitator in the county. Some services have stopped due to lack of funding.
	Bridgford to file nomination petitions in Iowa's 1st Congressional District race Independent candidate Michael Bridgford will officially file his nomination petitions on Monday, June 1, to appear on the ballot for Iowa’s 1st Congressional District, according to a news release. "Over the past several weeks, our team has completed an internal validation process on all collected signatures to ensure we comfortably exceed the required threshold prior to filing," the [...]
	Lawsuit challenges South Dakota’s new ban on abortion-pill advertising A new South Dakota law unconstitutionally bars Nancy Turbak Berry from wearing this sweatshirt advertising abortion-pill information, she alleges in a lawsuit. (Image from court documents)South Dakota’s new law criminalizing the providing and advertising of abortion pills and other abortion-related items faces a lawsuit alleging the advertising prohibition is unconstitutional. A New York-based nonprofit, Mayday Health, and a Democratic former South Dakota lawmaker, Nancy Turbak Berry, filed the lawsuit Friday in federal court against South Dakota’s Republican governor and attorney general. The state’s Republican-dominated Legislature passed the bill in March, and Gov. Larry Rhoden signed it into law that same month. It’s scheduled to take effect July 1. South Dakota already had a law that bans abortions except when necessary “to preserve the life of the pregnant female.” The new law says no person may knowingly dispense, distribute, sell or advertise an article or thing designed, adapted or intended to produce an abortion. The ban also covers any article, instrument, substance, drug, medicine or thing that is “advertised or described in a manner calculated to lead another to use or apply it for producing an abortion.” New anti-abortion laws clarify definition, criminalize pills, require prenatal videos in schools Violations are felonies punishable by up to two years in prison and a $4,000 fine. The law also gives the state attorney general authority to recover civil penalties of $10,000 per violation. The lawsuit alleges it’s unconstitutional to prohibit advertising that’s protected by the free speech guarantees in the First Amendment. Turbak Berry previously led a group supporting a failed 2024 ballot question that would have restored abortion rights in the state. The lawsuit alleges her free speech is deterred by the new law. As an example, the lawsuit says the prohibition on advertising would prevent her from wearing a sweatshirt that features Mayday’s mission and web address. “Unless this court grants relief, Turbak will be deterred from wearing the sweatshirt, and thereby deterred from engaging in lawsuit First Amendment-protected speech,” the lawsuit says. Turbak Berry responded to South Dakota Searchlight with a written statement. “Apparently, our state government isn’t satisfied with controlling women’s reproductive organs — they even want to control our eyes and ears,” Turbak Berry said. “They even want control over what women in South Dakota can see and hear. It’s outrageous.” Gov. Rhoden responded to the lawsuit in a post on X, formerly Twitter. “If Mayday Health and the abortion lobby want to sue us for defending unborn life, bring it on.” State Attorney General Marty Jackley issued a written statement. “The U.S. Supreme Court has made it clear that states have the right to protect life,” Jackley said. “As with Mayday’s previous unsuccessful lawsuit, I will defend innocent life.” Mayday previously engaged in a legal battle with Jackley over advertisements Mayday placed at gas stations around the state saying “Pregnant? Don’t want to be?” and directing people to Mayday’s website, which includes information on obtaining abortion pills. Mayday Health posted signs like this one at gas stations around South Dakota in December 2025 as part of a campaign to spread awareness about the availability of abortion pills. (Courtesy of Mayday Health) In dueling state and federal lawsuits, Jackley accused the nonprofit of violating South Dakota’s abortion ban. Mayday claimed its advertisements were protected under the First Amendment. The lawsuits ended with a settlement that included Mayday removing the ads. In 2023, medication abortions accounted for 63% of abortions in the country, according to data from the Guttmacher Institute. The drugs mifepristone and misoprostol, commonly used in medication abortions, are also listed on the World Health Organizations’ list of essential medicines. The U.S. Supreme Court decided earlier this month to preserve telehealth access to mifepristone until after the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled on the merits of the lawsuit Louisiana v. Food and Drug Administration. Louisiana, where state officials sued the FDA in October, is arguing that a rule allowing telehealth access to mifepristone undermines the state’s abortion ban. EDITOR’S NOTE: South Dakota Searchlight has engaged attorney Jim Leach, who represents the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, in a past legal matter. For broadcasters Host script. Courtesy of South Dakota Searchlight
	Restaurant inspections: Mouse droppings in rice, shrimp in stagnant water Scott County health inspectors cited six Davenport food establishments for alarming health violations, including rodent droppings and unsafe food storage.
	Local teen driving course teaches emergency maneuvers and crash avoidance 'Street Survival' picks up where driver's ed leaves off by teaching what to do when the unexpected happens. This summer's sessions are July 11-12 in Mossville, IL.
	All aboard train lovers: 'Big Boy 4014' steam locomotive making stop in Sterling on America 250 tour The city has released a guide with event parking, viewing locations, accessibility services and vendors on site.
	Students cycling from Seattle to Washington D.C. stop in the QCA A group of college students is cycling across the country from Seattle to Washington D.C. to spread kindness and learn about regenerative food systems, while documenting 250 acts of kindness along the way.
	RFK Jr. announces new effort on Lyme disease during New Hampshire visit Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, who also ran for president in 2024 and is the nephew of former President John F. Kennedy, spoke during a press conference in Concord May 29, 2026. He announced new initiatives to fight Lyme disease. (Photo by William Skipworth/New Hampshire Bulletin)During a visit to New Hampshire Friday, Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced millions of dollars in funding for research on Lyme disease before what’s expected to be a heavy tick season. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will be giving up to $2 million to projects that “harness artificial intelligence and open data to help patients with Lyme disease and other invisible illnesses get answers faster and access care more quickly,” Kennedy announced. He also said the department will be funding up to $250,000 worth of public awareness campaigns and educational projects, specifically those developed with input from patients, clinicians, and advocates, and another $250,000 to “promising frontline solutions.” He also called on Congress to reauthorize the Kay Hagan Tick Act, a 2019 law meant to establish a federal plan for dealing with tick-borne illnesses. And he set a goal to reduce Lyme disease cases by 25% by 2035 compared to 2022 levels. Kennedy, whose tenure as health secretary has been heavily criticized by the mainstream medical community, has made Lyme disease one of his priorities in office. He claimed Friday that “Americans can’t go into the woods anymore safely” because of Lyme disease. In the past, he has said Lyme disease is “highly likely to have been a military weapon.” Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread through tick bites. It’s at the center of major controversy within medical circles. Some doctors do not believe chronic Lyme disease — symptoms that persist long after an initial infection — is a real condition. Many patients, despite being told by clinicians their tests are negative and their symptoms should be gone, report continued fatigue, pain, and neurological symptoms, however. Kennedy, who disagrees with those who deny chronic Lyme disease, addressed the debate on Friday. “For years, Lyme disease patients fought hard to be heard while much of the health care system failed them,” he said. “Doctors would often tell patients, ‘It’s your imagination. It’s something else. There’s no such thing as Lyme disease.’” Asked what his message is to the doctors who don’t believe chronic Lyme disease exists, Kennedy pointed to a series of roundtables with doctors and patients he’s organized. “I think it will turn that ship,” he said. “We’ve seen the same thing with other diseases in the past. They just weren’t recognized by the medical establishment. I think we’re going to turn that around very quickly, just because of the sheer amount of research that we’re doing, and the kind of public events that we’re doing to make sure that doctors know this disease is real and it is treatable.” He and his colleagues cited long COVID and chronic fatigue syndrome, other infection-associated diseases, that took time to gain more mainstream acceptance. Indeed, some researchers are finding evidence that Lyme disease isn’t psychosomatic, or triggered by mental factors rather than biological ones, but still the debate is far from a consensus. Federal officials accompanying Kennedy Friday sought to center patients in the debate. “Let me be clear that this movement did not start in government,” Dr. Kristen Honey, who is now managing public-private partnerships at DHHS. “It started with all of you. It started with the patients. It started with the caregivers, It started with the frontline providers and those affected families saying there’s a problem here, and rose up, came together, formed unusual allies.” Several of those patients spoke Friday. “I thought I was going to die,” Dana Parish, a Lyme disease activist, said. “I had 39 out of 60 symptoms when I was finally diagnosed by doctor No. 13.” Kennedy’s announcement comes after a rough tick season in New Hampshire in 2025. Last May saw 283 tick-related emergency room visits in the state, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Officials expect another rough season in 2026. Scientists say climate change leading to warmer winters is allowing the ticks to proliferate. New England and the northern Mid-Atlantic are often the epicenter of tick-borne illnesses. While state House Speaker Sherman Packard, who moderated the press conference Friday, refused to allow questions unrelated to Lyme disease, Kennedy’s broader agenda has sparked massive controversy and condemnation from the medical community, particularly his anti-vaccine stances. Last year, Kennedy fired all 17 members of the federal government’s advisory committee on vaccines, replacing several with vaccine skeptics. Those new members went on to roll back federal recommendations for childhood Hepatitis B and COVID-19 vaccines. He and President Donald Trump also cut hundreds of millions in funding for research on mRNA vaccines for illnesses like influenza and COVID-19 and fired roughly 10,000 federal health employees, including CDC Director Susan Monarez. Several other top officials have resigned in protest. However, courts have halted some of the moves due to questions about process and legal authority. Kennedy ran as an independent in the 2024 presidential election before dropping out and endorsing Trump, who later nominated him as health secretary. Asked if the reason he chose to announce this initiative in New Hampshire rather than other New England states with higher Lyme disease rates (such as Rhode Island, Maine, or Vermont) was related to his presidential ambitions and the state’s key role in the primary election season, Kennedy said: “New Hampshire has one of the highest rates in the country, and it may have the highest rate of Lyme disease per tick per capita.” Courtesy of New Hampshire Bulletin
	Remember when Trump promised Great American State Fair would be in Iowa? The Great American State Fair is set to run from June 25 through July 10 on the National Mall in D.C. — but that’s not what President Donald Trump promised Iowans last summer.
	Legendary QC cyclists honored with new sculpture in Schwiebert Park Local cycling legends were honored with a colorful sculpture in Schwiebert Riverfront Park Friday. The cycling community wanted to honor Dean and Deb Mathias and all the work they've done, with a sculpture that would stand out and stand the test of time. The man known as the "GOAT of RAGBRAI" and his wife are [...]
	Your forecast for the last weekend of May After a week full of sunshine and hot weather staying in the mid 80s, it is not going to be any different for your weekend. Temperatures will continue to stay in the mid 80s for your afternoon highs for both Saturday and Sunday, with lots of sunshine to enjoy.
	Metro Link partners with local libraries for summer reading programs to provide free rides The program is available across the Illinois Quad Cities in Moline, Rock Island, East Moline or Silvis.
	Authorities confirm remains at Northeast Park in Kewanee belong to unidentified adult Kewanee police say investigators are working to obtain dental records as part of the identification process.

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