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

Friday, July 3rd, 2026
	Red, White & Boom! lights Up the Mississippi Friday The Quad Cities’ annual Red, White & Boom! celebration returns July 3 with fireworks over the Mississippi River and festivities at LeClaire Park, Schwiebert Riverfront Park and Modern Woodmen Park.
	Toddler dies from injuries after I-80 camper rollover A 23-month-old girl has died after being ejected during a camper rollover crash on Interstate 80 near Walcott, Scott County deputies reported.
	2 pets killed, 3 residents treated after Sterling apartment fire Two pets were killed and three residents were treated on scene after an apartment fire on the 500 block of 5th Avenue in Sterling.
	4-year-old found wandering in East Moline Family Dollar parking lot East Moline police are asking for help locating the parents or guardians of a four-year-old found wandering in the Family Dollar parking lot on 15th Avenue.
	East Moline police search for parents after young boy found wandering alone East Moline police are seeking public assistance to identify a child named LJ, found wandering near a Family Dollar parking lot on 15th Avenue.
	'The SpongeBob Musical' brings underwater fun to QC Music Guild If nautical nonsense is something you wish, The SpongeBob Musical at Quad Cities Music Guild delivers. Performances will be on July 10-12, 16 -19 . Show times on Thursday, Friday and Saturday are at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday. Quad Cities Music Guild is located at 1584 34th Avenue in Moline. Call the [...]
	City of Rock Island warns of fraudulent invoices The City of Rock Island is warning of fraudulent invoices targeting people named in public meeting agendas.
	'We are participants in an ongoing experiment': Historian roundtable discusses America at its semiquincentennial WVIK asked history professors and historians to join a roundtable to discuss America’s history as we commemorate 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. Topics include the founding, Reconstruction, the Gilded Age, and the importance of understanding our shared history.
	Rising to the challenge for active-duty and retired soldiers at TPC Deere Run Since 2023, Folds of Honor has partnered with the John Deere Classic to offer scholarship opportunities to the families of veterans and active-duty service members.
	Riverside Riverslide pool fully open for holiday weekend after mechanical repair Moline's Riverside Riverslide is fully open for the holiday weekend with operational pool slides and a lazy river after staff resolved a mechanical issue.
	Special Weather Statement until FRI 11:30 AM CDT Thunderstorms with Gusty Winds Impacting Northern Illinois and Eastern Iowa Until 11:30 AM CDT
	Severe Thunderstorm Warning from FRI 9:38 AM CDT until FRI 10:15 AM CDT Severe Thunderstorms Bringing Damaging Winds and Hail This Morning
	John Deere Classic Day 2 kicks off The John Deere Classic continues Friday with the second day of the tournament.
	Finding a new way to discover the magic at the John Deere Classic A long-time volunteer called Mother Quinn has worked for 11 years at the John Deere Classic, helping golfers get to TPC Deere Run.
	Davenport LULAC responds to Supreme Court decision on birthright citizenship Davenport LULAC leaders are sharing their response to the Supreme Court's 6-3 decision to uphold birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment.
	Muscatine restaurant getting a fresh start after its building is structurally compromised Jibaro Restaurant has been closed for weeks, but another restaurant down the block is offering up its space.
	MercyOne Genesis expands maternal and newborn care with foundation grant A MercyOne Genesis Foundation grant is funding new newborn care equipment in Silvis and maternal healthcare carts at the East Davenport hospital.
	Davenport man pleads guilty in assault case involving vehicle A plea agreement will dismiss attempted murder charges against a Davenport man accused of trying to hit two people with his SUV.
	More storms with heavy downpours An "Extreme Heat Warning" remains in effect through Friday evening for our southern hometowns. Some relief is on the way! While there will be dry hours today and tomorrow, showers and storms with heavy rain are in the Fourth of July weekend forecast. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	Just gave birth or are about to? Share your story and questions about costs The costs of having a baby in the U.S. can be hard to predict and budget for. We want to hear your stories and questions about how to navigate the system.
	From school boards to community voices: Five standout stories from the QC education beat These five stories informed readers, sparked conversations and documented change across the Quad-Cities. Here's why they stood out.
	Memories of Muscatine: A steamboat float from the 1946 Fourth of July parade This week for Memories of Muscatine: A 1946 float presented by Mississippi Valley Grain & Feed.
	Former Bettendorf council member honored to be parade grand marshal Greg Adamson has served in the U.S. Army, as a Bettendorf police officer and city council member and a Scott County supervisor.
	America 250: A tour of living quarters on the Rock Island Arsenal Quarters One might be the most famous, but there are a handful of other officers’ living quarters on the island.
	Rock climbing gym coming to the Quad-Cities next summer A location is being finalized, but Rockhouse Climbing will be locally owned and centrally located in the Quad-Cities.
	Former USAID head grieves its closure while hoping for its future Former USAID administrator reflects on a year since USAID's shutdown and the new direction of US foreign aid.
	David Hoffmann is investing millions to preserve local newspapers The Lee Enterprises chairman explains why he believes community newspapers remain essential — and why he's investing millions to help ensure their future.
	How David Hoffmann built the business behind his investment in local newspapers David Hoffmann built an executive search firm that became the foundation of a diversified family business spanning more than 100 companies.
	David Hoffmann chose family over football, and a path to success Before building a business empire, Lee Enterprises Chairman David Hoffmann nearly took a very different path. A football scholarship, a difficult choice and a young romance helped shape the future billionaire's life.
	David Hoffmann's childhood shaped his family's philanthropy David Hoffmann explains how faith, family and personal experience have guided the Hoffmann family's commitment to philanthropy.
	Smorgasbord This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.It's a tired cliché to say that life is like a road, full of bends, hills, forks and potholes. Or that we are like…
	LIST: What's open for the 4th of July this year? Forgot the hot dogs and fireworks? Need a snack on the road?
	A hot summer trend in the sharing economy? Rental swimming pools The Airbnb-style company Swimply said there have been about 275,000 private pool reservations so far this year.
	How a fertilizer shortage caused by the Iran war could affect U.S. food prices The closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted shipments of fertilizer and natural gas, a key component in fertilizer manufacturing. It's unlikely to cause major price hikes for U.S. grocery shoppers.
	But first, coffee: The drink that energized the American Revolution Colonial Americans were drinking coffee long before they dumped tea into Boston Harbor or fought a war for independence. The establishments that served it were already brewing revolutionary ideas.
	Oregon ER doctors win a 'David and Goliath' battle against a national company In a test of a new state law, doctors in Eugene went up against a national physician staffing firm seeking to replace them. Their success is getting attention across the U.S. as other states consider similar laws.
	How young people feel about American identity, on the nation's 250th birthday Listen to the best student podcasts about what "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" means for young people today.
	You know the Mayflower. What about the White Lion? Here's the story of 'Two Ships' David S. Reynolds' book examines the twin legacies of the Mayflower, which carried the Pilgrims to Plymouth in 1620, and the White Lion, which brought the first enslaved Africans to Virginia in 1619.
	Celebrate America with Declaration of Independence reading at Rock Island Public Library The Rock Island Public Library will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. According to a release, community readers will present a live reading of the Declaration of Independence Wednesday, July 8, 5:00 p.m. in the Rock Island Library Watts-Midtown Branch auditorium, located at 2715 30th St., Rock Island. A [...]
	Croatia vs. Portugal: What happened in those final, chaotic minutes After 90 minutes of play, the electronic board signaled 10 minutes of added time, and it was difficult to imagine at that point just how much drama would be packed into the coming minutes.
	Australian officials ask fans to respect the privacy of Neil, a trouble-making seal The 5-year-old seal has a social media following twice the size of Tasmania's population, and his antics include bending traffic bollards and blocking roads.
	Potato chip recall elevated to FDA's highest risk level Consumers are advised to discard affected products and contact Utz for refunds.
Thursday, July 2nd, 2026
	Ex-HK bookseller Lam Wing-kee, detained by China in 2015, dies in Taiwan at 70 Lam was one of five people from Causeway Bay Books who disappeared in 2015. He later detailed his detention by Chinese authorities.
	Woman found after search near Rock River Bridge After being located, the woman was hospitalized. Further details on her condition were not immediately available.
	Muscatine restaurant getting fresh start after its building was structurally compromised Jibaro Restaurant has been closed for weeks, but another down the block is offering up its space.
	QCAIR gathering care packages for Venezuelan earthquake victims QCAIR is accepting medical supplies, canned food and more.
	Woman found after search around Rock River Bridge After being located, the woman was hospitalized. Further details on her condition were not immediately available.
	Meet one of the longest-serving volunteers at the John Deere Classic Diane Lowe started as a standard bearer in 1975. Now, she runs the show and makes sure everything goes off without a hitch.
	Retired teacher brings nostalgic children’s story to Quad Cities Live Illinois author and retired teacher Trinette Olin discusses her children’s novel The Bicentennial Year and the Forgotten Name, an epistolary story exploring family, nostalgia and everyday life during a historic moment in America.
	Dogs at Rock Island County Animal Shelter get extra heat precautions during hot weather The Rock Island County Animal Shelter is limiting outdoor time for dogs during extreme heat while volunteers help keep animals safe and cool.
	Supporters of ballot measure to end Idaho’s strict abortion ban turn in nearly 110K signatures Volunteers pass boxes of signatures supporting a ballot initiative to end Idaho's strict ban on abortion on July 2, 2026, outside the state Capitol in Boise. (Photo by Abigail Gerstein/Idaho Capital Sun)Boise resident Betts Disney said she hasn’t really been involved in political activism since she went to anti-Vietnam War marches as a child. However, that changed a couple of years ago when she heard one of the lead organizers talk about a proposed ballot measure to end Idaho’s abortion ban. She told the Idaho Capital Sun that in addition to her “belief of women’s rights to decide about their own bodies,” she was motivated to volunteer as a signature gatherer because of encouragement from the group leading the effort, Idahoans United for Women and Families. Disney said she collected about 500 signatures on her own. “I’m very, very proud of that,” she said. She was one of a couple hundred volunteers and supporters who gathered Thursday in the Idaho state Capitol rotunda in Boise to turn in nearly 110,000 signatures collected to qualify the proposed abortion-rights initiative for the November ballot. The proposed initiative would legalize abortion until fetal viability or in cases of emergency. It would also enumerate rights related to reproductive health and privacy in medical decisions. A spokesman for the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office said Thursday that the office could confirm it received the boxes of signatures, but wouldn’t be able to confirm if all of them were verified and the measure qualified until later. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Speakers laud volunteers’ action after inaction by Idaho Legislature Idahoans United Executive Director Melanie Folwell told the crowd gathered that the group would “complete one of the oldest acts of citizenship in our democracy.” “We petition our government,” Folwell said. Melanie Folwell, executive director of Idahoans United for Women and Families, addresses volunteers on July 2, 2026, at the Idaho Statehouse in Boise ahead of delivering signatures to get an initiative to end Idaho’s abortion ban on the ballot in November. (Photo by Abigail Gerstein/Idaho Capital Sun) In Idaho, a ballot initiative allows residents to directly propose and decide whether to enact a new law. To qualify for the ballot, initiative supporters must collect the signatures from a total of at least 6% of registered voters statewide, which must include 6% of registered voters in at least 18 of Idaho’s 35 legislative districts. If it does qualify for the ballot, it would take a simple majority of votes in November to pass. Folwell confidently told supporters in the Rotunda, “make no mistake, we have qualified to be on the ballot in November.” Idaho’s laws prohibiting abortions carry felony penalties for the doctors providing the procedure and the loss of medical licensure, as well as the threat of steep civil lawsuits from family members of an aborted fetus. Idaho doctors have asked for more clear medical exemptions to the ban. The law includes an exemption to prevent the death of the mother – but not to protect her health – and narrow exemptions for cases of rape and incest in the first trimester with a police report. The Idaho Constitution allows voters to use the ballot initiative to pass laws without the Legislature. Members of the Idaho Legislature have discussed changing the law to allow abortions to protect the health of the mother, but no proposal has advanced. “We have asked our Legislature to act,” Folwell said. “They have heard stories that would break anyone’s heart and move anyone with a clear moral compass to rapid action. But make no mistake, for four years in these halls they have failed to act. But here in Idaho we retain something powerful, a citizens ballot initiative, a tool of direct democracy when our Legislature will not act. So we acted.” Supporters celebrate milestone, but acknowledge it’s ‘not the finish line’ Speakers at Thursday’s event celebrated the accomplishment of gathering sufficient signatures to qualify for the ballot — something that’s only been done three times in the last decade in Idaho. Of the three initiatives that made it onto Idaho ballots in the past decade, just one passed. In 2018, voters approved the expansion of Medicaid. Since then, there have been multiple efforts by state lawmakers to repeal that expansion, but none have succeeded. The Idaho GOP at its summer meeting last month approved a resolution to call on the Legislature to repeal the abortion initiative should it pass in November. Hailey resident Desiree Ballis speaks in support of a proposed initiative to end Idaho’s strict abortion ban on July 2, 2026, at the Idaho Statehouse in Boise. (Photo by Abigail Gerstein/Idaho Capital Sun) “Today is a remarkable celebration, but we also know that this is not the finish line,” said Hailey resident Desiree Ballis at Thursday’s event. “This is a milestone, and the hardest work begins now.” Ballis said that she and her husband Morgan Ballis, who is the Blaine County sheriff, became personally invested in the issue of abortion rights after she received a fatal fetal diagnosis during her 20-week anatomy scan. The diagnosis meant her son would not be able to live outside the womb. Idaho’s abortion laws, which carry felony prison penalties, do not have an exception for fatal fetal diagnoses. The family traveled to Salt Lake City to end the pregnancy. “No family, no woman should ever have to navigate what we navigated,” Desiree Ballis said. “It was the most devastating and horrific day of my life, and the news that I got from doctors was received on a highway between here and Salt Lake City, and that’s why this matters so much.” Anti-abortion demonstrators also gather to oppose initiative Around a dozen protesters also gathered at the Capitol that were affiliated with the national anti-abortion group called the White Rose Resistence, named after but not affiliated with, the anti-Nazi German resistence group. Their signs included messages such as “abortion is murder,” “death is not welcome here,” and “the violence of abortion must end.” Multiple signs also depicted images of aborted fetuses. James Morrison, who lives in Ada County, said he connected with members of the White Rose Resistance group at an event where he was talking about the Gospel. He said he’s strongly motivated by his religious beliefs to prevent abortion. Morrison and Morgan Ballis spoke after the formal speeches about their differences in beliefs. Morrison said he felt Ballis was “receptive,” and said all he can do is make him think. Ballis told the Sun the two men had some “fundamental disagreements” about their understanding of Idaho’s current laws and how they were applied in the situation with Ballis’ family. He said he’s found some shared beliefs that perhaps Idaho’s laws around saving the mother could be cleared up. Ballis said he also opposes elective abortion in many cases, which would be allowed under the initiative that he supported. “My position was, that is a natural consequence of individual liberties and freedom,” Ballis said. “… to me, it really is so simple.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Idaho Capital Sun
	Extreme Heat Warning until THU 10:00 PM CDT Extreme Heat Warning in Effect Until 10 PM CDT: High Heat Index Values Up to 105
	Lucas Glover and Zac Blair lead JDC after first round; Zach Johnson one stroke back Lucas Glover and Zac Blair are leading the John Deere Classic after the first round.
	Spirit of America: Quad Cities innovators made amazing contributions to modern life This week we mark the country's semiquincentennial - 250 years since the Declaration of Independence. The United States looks nothing like it did in 1776. We enjoy so many modern conveniences. And the Quad Cities gave birth to a lot of them. We highlight a few of those contributions that celebrate the spirit of America [...]
	Trial between records requester, Davenport delayed amid settlement discussions The courts removed the case from the docket because they received notice from the plaintiff's attorney that a settlement was pending. However, the city says an agreement wasn't yet finalized.
	Rock Island residents warned about fraudulent invoices The City of Rock Island is sending out a warning about fraudulent invoices. According to a release from the City of Rock Island, residents and business should be aware of a new scam involving fraudulent invoices claiming to be from the City of Rock Island. The invoices target people named in public meetings agendas. Scammers [...]
	Gov. Reynolds visits Maquoketa Caves to promote Office of Outdoor Recreation Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds visited the Maquoketa Caves as part of her outdoor recreational road trip.
	Davenport nursing home cited after resident found wandering miles away in snowstorm; nurse terminated after speaking up One resident disappeared into a snowstorm; another died and was burned.
	Rock Island officials warn residents about scam involving fake invoices The scammers are sending fraudulent bills and payment requests through email.
	Come hungry to the John Deere Classic: The Pork Chop King, the man behind the chop One of the staples of the John Deere Classic is the pork chop sandwich. For 20 years, one man has overseen all the pork chops grilled over charcoal at Pork Chop Hill. His name is Geoff Boyce, but when he's in town for the John Deere Classic, he goes by his alias. "Chef right here, [...]
	Extreme heat keeps Quad Cities HVAC technicians busy as calls climb With temperatures soaring into the 90s in the Quad Cities, HVAC systems face added stress to keep up.
	One Big Beautiful Bill Act turns 1: Iowa Medicaid recipients worry about future care Saturday marks one year since President Donald Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill became law. While most of the Medicaid eligibility changes don’t take effect until 2027, disability advocates and Medicaid recipients in Iowa say they are already worried about what the law could mean for their care.
	Disability community left with heads ‘spinning’ from sudden delay of proposed wage cuts People with developmental disabilities come with family members and support staff to oppose budget cuts during the 2026 legislative session. (Photo by Danielle J. Brown/Maryland Matters)People who provide services for those with developmental disabilities learned Tuesday that wage cuts planned to start the next day were instead postponed for a few months. While advocates welcomed the delay, some say it’s “just kicking this down the road” and creates confusion and raises concerns for what comes next. “Our heads are spinning,” Shari Dexter, one of the co-founders of Concerned Citizens of Self-Direction Maryland, said Thursday. She was one of thousands of families across the state who learned on June 30 that “devastating” wage cuts that were supposed to start July 1 were suddenly on hold until fall. Wage reductions and other measures to reduce spending at the Developmental Disabilities Administration are postponed from a planned July 1 start until later in the year. (Chart courtesy of the Maryland Department of Health) The wage reductions and other “cost containment” measures are part of a $126 million cut in state funds to the Developmental Disabilities Administration, which administers the Medicaid waiver that covers the behavioral and health care needs for around 19,000 Marylanders. The waiver covers two different options for receiving those services. Some waiver recipients receive care through a brick-and-mortar community provider, while others self-direct their services by hiring their own staff and managing a budget for their service, funded by the waiver. But due to “unsustainable” growth in enrollment and spending, lawmakers slashed funding for the DDA last year and this year. The waiver is jointly funded by state and federal dollars, so the $126 million reduction in state funding this year equates to more than $250 million in cuts to the agency factoring in federal match dollars. That’s on top of last year’s cut of $164 million. The funding cuts this year include reductions to community provider rates, elimination of pay bumps for self-directed staff working in specific situations, and limits on hours for family members who work as staff, among others. Some of those policies will need federal approval before they can be implemented. State officials have received almost 1,000 public comments on the proposal since April, according to the Maryland Department of Health. The Maryland Department of Health, which oversees the DDA, suggests that plans to implement the cuts will continue to “evolve” as conversations with federal officials and the developmental disabilities community continue. “MDH is committed to the sustainability and program integrity of the DDA Community Pathways Waiver program and to supporting the health, safety, and independence of waiver participants,” the department said in a written statement Thursday. “Our implementation of FY 2027 budget requirements will continue to evolve in response to federal guidance and feedback from the stakeholder community and legislative and federal partners.” But the delay could result in fewer savings than anticipated by the proposed cuts as required in the state budget. Advocates like Laura Howell, CEO of the Maryland Association of Community Services, are concerned about where lawmakers would make up the difference. Budget cuts, looming deadlines put family caregivers in a ‘complete tailspin’ “It means that the state will not be realizing the savings of $22 million in general funds with this delay,” Howell said. “Obviously, we would be very concerned if there was an effort to … recoup those funds through different cuts, given all of the painful discussion that was had just to get to the place where we are now with what the legislature passed this session.” State officials had instructed community providers and people with developmental disabilities to notify staff that they would be paid less for their services starting in July. Dexter, of Concerned Citizens of Self-Direction Maryland, said that had already caused repercussions. “People have lost staff,” Dexter said. “We’ve had reports where the participant’s team, where they’ve lost staff. Where people have said ‘I can’t do it at this rate.’” With discussions of a special session coming up, Dexter is urging lawmakers to use the opportunity to take another look at the DDA budget cuts and work out something different. “It’s very hard when you have people who are very complex. Whether that’s physically or behaviorally, to get staff that truly can work with them is not easy,” she said. “There’s a lot of confusion about what comes next.” Courtesy of Maryland Matters
	Feds pull Iowa’s ‘healthy food’ SNAP waiver A sign at a grocery store shows certain items cannot be purchased using the federal nutrition assistance program. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch) A federal waiver allowing Iowa to restrict the types of food that can be purchased with federal nutrition assistance has been vacated, according to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. The action follows a federal court ruling that the waivers, aimed at restricting the purchase of sugary drinks and sweets, violated the federal definition of food. Iowa HHS wrote in a news release Thursday afternoon that it had directed Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program retailers to update their systems to allow SNAP participants to again use their funds to purchase foods within the federal guidelines. Iowa’s waiver request was approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in May 2025 and implemented Jan. 1, 2026. SNAP recipients, under the waiver, could not use their benefits on foods that are eligible for sales tax. This excluded things like candy and soft drinks, but also had some gray areas around items like granola bars and prepared foods, which led some groups to argue the waiver was confusing to retailers and program participants. Gov. Kim Reynolds pushed back on the court ruling against the waivers and said the Iowa waiver helped to promote better health and nutrition. Reynolds also signed “Make America Healthy Again” legislation in May that tasked HHS with implementing waivers that specified foods purchased with SNAP benefits were “healthy foods.” These waivers are contingent on USDA approval. The HHS news release said the federal changes will also impact the SUN Bucks program – a federal nutrition program that distributes electronic benefit transfer, or EBT, funds to SNAP participating households with children during the summer months. Iowa opted out of the program the past two summers, in favor of its own pilot program that focused on giving eligible households boxes of healthy food. Reynolds chose to participate in the federal program this summer, under the condition that the benefits would also have to adhere to the healthy foods waiver. HHS said in the news release that because SUN Bucks was underway when the updated rules took effect, “foods that were previously eligible before the waiver will be allowed under SUN Bucks.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Beat the Elite runners announced for 52nd Bix 7 Phil Young and Kelsey Allbaugh have been selected as this years Beat the Elite Runners.
	China soybean purchases up but still below pre-trade war levels USDA data shows China’s share of U.S. soybean exports remains about half of what it was before the trade war
	Two well-known Quad-Cities runners named 2026 Beat the Elite athletes Two Quad-Cities runners are looking to go from chasing the elite to leading the pack in the 2026 Russell Beat the Elite competition at the Quad-City Times Bix 7.
	DNR reminds people to stay out of rivers as temperatures rise As temperatures continue to climb across the Quad Cities, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources is reminding people to think twice before jumping into local rivers to cool off.
	Herbert Hoover museum set to open in August, details life story of Hoover and wife The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is getting ready to reopen following a year and half of renovations. The space will add 2,300 square feet for a new lobby, plus updated exhibits. The last renovation happened in 1992. "They offered him (Hoover) to build the presidential museum on the bluff and not in the [...]
	The Heart of the Story: Making connections 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. Different generations don't always see eye to eyes, [...]
	Ayotte vetoes nine bills, including book ban push and toll increases for out-of-state visitors Gov. Kelly Ayotte greets fellow Republican and House Speaker Sherman Packard ahead of her State of the State address, Feb. 5, 2026. (Photo by Ethan DeWitt / New Hampshire Bulletin)Nearly two years into her tenure, Gov. Kelly Ayotte has become comfortable with a veto pen. The Republican governor vetoed nine bills Thursday, many of them lightning-rod political issues and priorities of lawmakers in her party. Months before the November general election, she took a red pen to conservative proposals to increase book removals in schools, protect conscientious objectors to abortion, and allow landlords to require a second security deposit for certain tenants. The rejections, which came just before the July 4 holiday weekend, bring Ayotte’s 2026 veto tally to 24 so far. That’s double the number of bills she vetoed in 2025 and is likely not the final count. More bills are heading in her direction, including House Bill 1442, the “bathroom bill” that would allow businesses to separate bathrooms, locker rooms, sports teams, and other accommodations by biological sex. Ayotte has vetoed similar legislation three times. The action underscored an ongoing dynamic in Concord: a moderate governor sharing uneasy power with an emboldened Republican Legislature. In comparison, former Gov. Chris Sununu, who also endured friction with conservative lawmakers, vetoed 13 bills in 2024, his last year in office. Here are some of the bills that Ayotte rejected this week. Ayotte shuts down an abortion-related measure On the campaign trail in 2024, Ayotte — then just a gubernatorial hopeful — promised she wouldn’t further restrict abortion in New Hampshire. She reiterated that promise in her 2025 inaugural speech, addressing her own party: “If you send me legislation that further restricts access to abortion beyond our current law: I will veto it.” The right flank of her party has tested the bounds of what that means. Since 2021, abortion has been legal in New Hampshire within the first 24 weeks of pregnancy. Lawmakers haven’t passed any legislation changing that. They have however pushed bills impacting other aspects of the procedure. House Bill 232 is one of those bills. It would enshrine into law an employee’s rights not to participate in abortion due to “sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction.” Healthcare facilities would be required under the bill to annually provide employees with written notice of their right to request reasonable accommodations, and give them the right to file complaints with the state over denied accommodations. Ayotte vetoed the bill, arguing that the federal government already has strong enough protections. “Federal law has long protected the religious beliefs or moral convictions of medical professionals and the right to decline to perform or assist an abortion,” she said in her veto message Thursday. “This federal right of conscience protects those in New Hampshire who work for abortion providers. Therefore, this bill is unnecessary and does not create any greater protections for New Hampshire medical professionals.” In a statement Thursday, Kayla Montgomery, of Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, said: “On behalf of the Granite Staters who overwhelmingly opposed this anti-abortion bill, a solution in search of a problem, we thank Governor Ayotte for keeping her vow to veto anti-abortion legislation. Over the past two years, the Legislature considered 16 anti-abortion bills, and all have failed thanks to the commitment and determination of reproductive health and rights supporters, advocacy organizations, legislators, patients, and providers.” The veto was a blow to the GOP’s more conservative members. State Rep. Katy Peternel, a Republican proponent of the bill, had argued on the House floor earlier this year that it wasn’t an abortion restriction, but rather it was simply meant to “protect health care professionals from being forced to participate in the ending of a human life.” She said the bill would allow “New Hampshire to attract providers who value motherhood and family.” Toll increases struck down Ayotte also vetoed a bill that would have doubled the tolls for out-of-state visitors to New Hampshire — a bid by lawmakers to help pay for infrastructure upgrades. “I have clearly said that I do not support raising the tolls,” she wrote in her veto message. Senate Bill 627 would increase the tolls for people who drive without a New Hampshire E-ZPass. That would apply to anyone paying in cash, anyone driving with a different state’s E-ZPass transponder, and anyone driving through a toll without any transponder. The toll increases in the bill vary depending on the toll location. The non-New Hampshire rate at the Hooksett tolls on Interstate 93 would increase from $1 to $2, for example. Ayotte said she voted for the bill “to focus on making New Hampshire more affordable for all and a destination for tourists in the region.” Governor nixes study into universal charter schools A proposal to look into converting all New Hampshire public schools to charter schools was also vetoed Thursday. Ayotte said that while she supports school choice, it was a step too far. “While I fully support education freedom allowing every child to be in the learning environment best for them, including innovative public charter schools, I cannot envision a future that does not include public schools,” Ayotte wrote in her veto message. Currently, individuals or organizations may apply to the State Board of Education to create a charter school. If approved, those schools can receive funding directly from the state, at a minimum of about $9,000 per student per year, and may also seek federal grants and private donations. While there are some rules — they must be tuition-free and must submit to standardized testing, financial reporting, and state audits — charter schools also have more freedom than public schools on teacher certifications, school calendars, and curricula. Sponsored by House Majority Leader Jason Osborne, an Auburn Republican, House Bill 1358 would create a commission that would explore making that model the default for all public schools. According to the bill, the commission would include state representatives and senators; the Department of Education; a charter school representative; a public school representative; and a member of the state advisory committee on students with disabilities. The commission would be tasked with looking at whether a charter school model would save taxpayers money, increase local control and autonomy, make state education funding more efficient, and boost student achievement, teacher recruitment, and community engagement. ‘Book ban’ bill vetoed again Ayotte also vetoed a Republican-led bill to make it easier to remove books and other materials in public schools, the second time she has vetoed such legislation. House Bill 434 would require school districts to establish formal policies for removing content from schools that is “obscene and harmful to minors.” The bill would create a standardized removal process in which parents could challenge any book, magazine, film, video, web-based content, sound recording, or live performance offered to students. The legislation defines material harmful to minors as any that appeals to a minor’s “prurient” interest in sex or depicts or describes sexual conduct in a manner “so explicit as to be patently offensive to contemporary adult standards … with respect to what is suitable material to minors.” The definition exempts any material with “serious literary, artistic, political, or scientific value.” Republican lawmakers have pushed for similar legislation for years, arguing it is necessary to remove content that is graphic to the point of being pornographic. Among the books targeted — in New Hampshire and elsewhere — are “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” a 1999 novel by Stephen Chbosky that describes sexual assault and masturbation; “Gender Queer,” a 2019 graphic novel by Maia Kobabe about LGBTQ+ self-realization that depicts oral sex and masturbation; “Jarhead,” a 2003 memoir by Anthony Swofford about the Gulf War that includes some sexual content; and “Tree Girl,” a 2004 novel by Ben Mikaelsen centered on the Guatemalan Civil War that describes war crimes, including massacres, torture, and rape. Opponents of the content removal bill say the challenges typically land on books featuring marginalized characters such as people of color and LGBTQ+ people, and that removing them deprives students of the opportunity to explore diverse experiences. The opponents include the American Booksellers Association, the American Civil Liberties Union, LGBTQ+ advocacy groups, Black Lives Matter New Hampshire, and teachers’ unions. Most school districts already have removal processes in place. The New Hampshire School Boards Association has distributed a “model” policy for such policies to school boards since 2004. For instance, Section 3000 of the Milford School District’s policy allows a parent to submit a “request for reconsideration” of materials in the library or classroom to the school’s principal. Under the Milford policy, the principal must form a reconsideration committee within 10 days, which has 45 days to look into the request and five days to make a decision. The parent can appeal a decision to the superintendent and then to the school board, but if the request is denied, that specific book cannot be challenged for three years, the policy states. The process in HB 434 has some similarities to Milford’s policy: complaints must be brought by parents, and school boards have the final say. But the policy in the bill would be stricter. To start, HB 434 imposes specific criteria on what counts as material harmful to minors. Milford’s policy has no set criteria; the committee has full discretion. HB 434 would rule out the creation of a committee by the principal. Instead, all complaints would be initially handled by the superintendent, and the decision would be required within 25 days, a tighter turnaround. And HB 434 does not allow for the three-year moratorium on future challenges, meaning a book could be challenged repeatedly. State law, RSA 186:11, IX-c, already allows a parent to opt their child out of certain course material on an individual basis, without removing it for other students, as long as the parent makes an arrangement for a suitable alternative. Supporters of the content removal bill say it is laborious for every parent to follow that process, and that some material is so obscene it should be removed school-wide. But Ayotte pointed to the mechanism in her veto Friday, echoing an argument she made when vetoing the 2025 version of the bill. “As a parent, I understand and appreciate the concerns parents have about their children being exposed to age-inappropriate or objectionable materials in schools,” Ayotte wrote. “At the same time, existing New Hampshire law already requires school districts to adopt a policy allowing an exception to specific course material based on a parent’s determination that the material is objectionable.” Other bills vetoed Ayotte announced five other vetoes Thursday: House Bill 1337, a bill to eliminate the state’s Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders that advises state agencies on autism-related matters; House Bill 1442, a bill eliminating the three-year deadline for convicts to request a retrial on the basis of new evidence of their innocence; House Bill 1610, a bill requiring school districts to obtain voter approval to retain unused budget funds; Senate Bill 535, a bill exempting residential animal breeders from state regulations for commercial kennels; and House Bill 1336, a bill allowing landlords to require an additional month’s deposit for tenants with low incomes or low credit scores. Lawmakers can override any of these vetoes with a two-thirds majority vote in each chamber. The Legislature will meet sometime later this year to hold those votes. Courtesy of New Hampshire Bulletin
	House Democrats accuse Trump of 'hijacking' America's 250th birthday for his own gain A 55-page report from House Democrats accuses Freedom 250 of America's birthday celebrations for profit, using questionable fundraising methods. Watchdog groups had already sounded alarms.
	Happy 250th Birthday, America! Salute to Veterans Series shares the stories of veterans during military/patriotic holidays in 2026 (BPT) - During military and patriotic holidays in 2026, the Salute to Veterans Series shares the stories of veterans who served their country, overcame personal challenges in life and made a positive difference in their communities.National TV series and year-round program honors veterans spanning several generations, highlights lessons learned when transitioning from the military to civilian life and what it means to serve our nation.In the 250th year since our nation's founding, the Salute to Veterans Series will air during military/patriotic holidays in 2026, covering the top issues veterans face daily. Terry Bradshaw, Hall of Famer and co-host of Fox NFL Sunday, serves as host of the Salute to Veterans Series, presented by Navy Federal Credit Union and Verizon. Veterans featured in the Salute to Veterans Series include Rocky Bleier, U.S. Army (Ret.), Col. Gregory D. Gadson, U.S. Army (Ret.), Lt. Joe Cardona, U.S. Navy Reserve Officer, Capt. Alejandro Villanueva, U.S. Army (Ret.) and more.Salute to Veterans is a national television series and year-round program that honors and pays tribute to our nation's veterans, active duty service men and women, transitioning military, military families and patriotic supporters. The inspirational and educational series offers insightful discussion, resources and solutions for the ongoing issues our veterans face daily.The Salute to Veterans Series features a spirited group discussion with veterans about what it means to serve our nation, veteran employment, applying lessons learned from the military into the professional workforce, veteran education, the benefits of the Forever GI Bill for veterans and military families, preparing for the transition from the military to civilian life and much more.Each of the veterans in the series share their personal stories of military service, and their experience finding success on the football field, both in college and in the pros. The veterans openly discuss their path forward, and offer their insight on important issues facing veterans and military families, and how they have found fulfillment and deep meaning in their lives — following their transition from the military. Several topics and highlights include:Veteran Employment — examples sharing how veterans' military experience relates to success in corporate AmericaVeteran Education — examples of how continuing your education can help continue your personal growth, development and careerThe Forever GI Bill — examples of how the Forever GI Bill can help you make the most of the opportunities in front of you and your familyMilitary Service Dogs — examples of how military service dogs are matched with veterans, and the success stories of how military service dogs have positively impacted veterans and military familiesVeterans in the Community — examples of how veterans can continue to advocate for our military service men and women following their service in the military"We all owe a great debt to our military personnel who have served, and who are continuing to serve around the world in defense of our great country, and the many freedoms we enjoy every day. We hope these stories move, motivate, educate and entertain our 22 million veterans, 89 million direct military family members and patriotic supporters." Visit Salute to Veterans to learn more about the veterans series.The Salute to Veterans Series is hosted by Terry Bradshaw, Hall of Famer and co-host of Fox NFL Sunday. (Courtesy: Salute to Veterans Series) Financial health is a cornerstone of Navy Federal's mission of serving and enriching lives within the military community, and a key component of Navy Federal's Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy is financial wellness. Building wealth takes consistent action over time, and we're here to support you at every stage of this exciting journey. Continue to educate yourself about financial topics like savings, budgeting and investing with our MakingCents resources at navyfederal.org/makingcents.html.Established in 1933 with only 7 members, Navy Federal now has the distinct honor of serving over 12.3 million members globally and is the world's largest credit union. Membership is open to all Department of Defense and Coast Guard Active Duty, veterans, civilian and contractor personnel, and their families. For more information about Navy Federal Credit Union, visit navyfederal.org. At Verizon, we're proud to support our brave men and women and the families who stand beside them. It's our honor and privilege to keep military families connected, with special discounts for the military community — including active duty service members, veterans and Gold Star families. Get great deals on your mobile, internet or bundle them both for extra savings. For more information, visit verizon.com/military/.Verizon Simplicity Plan. One plan. One price. Our best network. Just $30/line/month after Auto Pay and switch discount. Simplicity Plan gives you everything you want in a plan — 5G Unlimited Ultra Wideband, unlimited data, talk & text, Verizon Dollars and lots more. For more information, visit verizon.com/plans/unlimited.Veterans Joe Cardona, Greg Gadson, Alejandro Villanueva, Rocky Bleier and host Terry Bradshaw discuss veterans issues. (Courtesy: Salute to Veterans Series)
	Walcott insurance agent faces 24 charges in alleged fraud scheme A Walcott insurance agent is facing 24 criminal charges after Iowa investigators alleged he opened insurance policies in relatives' names without their knowledge. Read the details.
	What's ahead for the Muscatine 4th of July Celebration? Celebrate Independence Day in Muscatine! Mayor Brad Bark joined Our Quad Cities News with details on Muscatine's 4th of July Celebration. For more information, click here.
	Celebrate America with fireworks and lighted parade at the Orion Fireworks Festival Celebrate Independence Day with fireworks and a lighted parade! Nathan DeBaillie joined Our Quad Cities News with a preview of the Orion Fireworks Festival. For more information, click here.
	Walcott insurance agent charged in identity theft, insurance fraud scheme Prosecutors allege 61-year-old Stanly Blythe opened insurance policies under the names of at least 11 family members who didn't know the policies were being made.
	Get more than you expect out of summer road trips by rewarding yourself along the way (BPT) - Key takeaways:Summer road trips expenses can add up, but with some simple planning, you can score rewards along the way.Get your car checked up before you hit the road to improve fuel efficiency and drive with confidence.Mapping out stops along your route can help you save time and money along the way.When stopping, make sure to shop at gas stations that offer rewards and savingsLook for a rewards card like the bp rewards Visa® that makes the most of your everyday purchases and offers you the flexibility to spend your rewards points how you want.By Alyssa Callahan, head of marketing for bp's mobility and convenience business Summer travel planning can quickly become a full-time job. Creating budgets, booking hotels and mapping out rest stops can be exhausting, especially when seeking the best values.Fuel may be a top-of-mind cost, but it is often just one part of a broader mix of purchases tied to time on the road. Multiple convenience-store runs, dining and little impulse buys add up fast. Plus, there are the purchases you'll make before your trip to stock up on road essentials and the big grocery trips and takeout dinners when you get home.The good news is that with a little extra planning, you can save hundreds and even score some rewards along the way. For households hitting the road this summer, here are a few simple moves that will put some money back in your pocket.Map it out. Summer has a funny way of turning one stop into four. Planning routes in advance, grouping errands and checking traffic before heading out can help drivers make the most of the miles they are already covering.Treasure hunt for value. Sometimes, the best way to save money is knowing where to spend it. Plan your rest stops so you're always stopping at gas stations that offer savings and rewards for filling up and buying trip snacks.Don't skimp on the tune-ups. Properly inflated tires, regular oil changes and routine service can improve your car's safety and efficiency. It's not exciting, but basic maintenance can make a huge difference over a busy summer of driving.Make routine spending work harder. Outside of road trips, summer can be an expensive season with multiple nights of dining out, grocery runs and daily purchases that can put a strain on your budget. But what if you could make those purchases work in your favor? Consider signing up for a rewards card that offers value for your routine purchases. The best ones tend to fit the way you already live, not reinvent your routine.Don't leave rewards on the table. When it comes to credit card rewards, flexibility is key. Opt for cards like the bp rewards Visa® that offer rewards and multiple redemption options, including cash back, fuel cards and gift cards from major retailers, so that you can spend your rewards on your own terms.Best of all? New bp rewards Visa® cardmembers save 50 cents per gallon1 on fuel at participating bp and Amoco stations for their first 60 days, and a 15 cents per gallon1 discount thereafter, for accounts opened between May 18, 2026 - September 30, 2026. The card has no annual fee2, earns points on qualifying purchases, including nonfuel purchases at participating bp and Amoco locations, as well as groceries and dining elsewhere.Any rewards card is only useful if it fits a person's actual habits. As with any financial product, it is worth reviewing the terms carefully and deciding whether the value holds up beyond an introductory offer.For most drivers, summer spending is not about one dramatic splurge. It's the steady rhythm of a season spent in motion. And the little decisions before, during and after the road trip really matter. A smarter route, a well-maintained car and a rewards tool that fits everyday habits may not sound flashy, but together they can make a busy summer feel a little more rewarding as well as fun.__________________The limited-time-offer is valid for new accounts opened between May 18, 2026 - September 30, 2026.*Offers vary depending on where you apply, for example online or in person. To take advantage of this offer, apply now directly through this advertisement. Review offer details before you apply.1See the Rewards Terms and Conditions for details, including earning, redemption, expiration, and forfeiture (subject to applicable law). Valid at participating bp and Amoco stations. Restrictions may apply.2For additional information about Annual Percentage Rates (APRs), fees and other costs, see the Summary of Credit Terms.Cards are issued by First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO®), pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A., Inc. Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association and used under license.© 2026 BP Products North America Inc.
	A series of death cases raises questions about safety and oversight at detox centers A series of death cases raises questions about safety and oversight at detox centersTrust is the first thing families hand over when they walk a loved one through the doors of a detox or residential treatment center, and the decision is almost never made calmly.It tends to come within hours of an overdose or a phone call no family ever wants to take, with parents and spouses operating on the belief that medical oversight is already built into what is being provided. And the country is leaning on that assumption more heavily than ever.The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s most recent national survey counted more than 17,800 substance use treatment facilities operating across the United States. And while 52.6 million Americans needed substance use treatment in 2024, only about 10.2 million received it.Investor money has followed close behind that demand, and the ownership of these facilities looks very different from what it did a decade ago. A JAMA Psychiatry study from Oregon Health & Science University found private equity firms now hold stakes in roughly 7% of addiction treatment facilities nationwide.In some states, behavioral health ownership by those same firms accounts for as much as a quarter of all facilities. And the rapid commercial growth is now running up against pointed questions about staffing levels and patient supervision during the most fragile hours of detox and withdrawal.In California, where those questions have hardened into civil filings, attorneys at MSD Lawyers have tracked a recent wave of wrongful death cases against detox and residential facilities, with families alleging the 24/7 medical supervision they were promised did not exist in the hours their loved ones needed it most.Why the Addiction Treatment Industry Is Growing So QuicklyAddiction treatment plays two roles in American healthcare. It is essential medicine that keeps people alive through detox and early recovery, and it is also a commercial market valued at more than $42 billion, with Future Market Insights projecting roughly $71 billion by 2035. Much of that commercial expansion traces back to a pair of federal laws.The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 and the Affordable Care Act of 2010 classified substance use disorder as an essential health benefit and forced insurers to cover behavioral care on the same terms as other medical care. Treatment beds that once leaned on out-of-pocket payments suddenly had insurance reimbursement flowing in, and private programs grew quickly around that new revenue.New residential centers opened across the country, including high-end luxury programs that charge families directly for amenities and privacy beyond what insurance covers.Corporate buyers and outside investors followed the same path, acquiring independent clinics and folding them into larger treatment networks. And marketing has kept pace, with call centers and search-driven referral systems often deciding which facilities a family even hears about.The Oversight Problem Inside Detox and Residential TreatmentMost families assume rehab and detox centers run under the same strict rules as hospitals, but the reality is far less standardized. Oversight starts with the state, so a California facility may face different requirements than a program across state lines.For example, licensing gives a facility legal permission to open its doors, while accreditation adds outside review from private groups such as the Joint Commission or CARF, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities. Accreditation is also often required for a facility to accept payment from private health insurance carriers.Medical supervision rules also depend on how a state classifies the facility, so a medical detox center usually carries stricter requirements than a residential treatment program. And staffing shortages make those differences harder to see from the outside. For instance, overnight care may fall to behavioral health technicians (BHTs) with limited medical training rather than nurses. These BHTs are typically recovering addicts.Even emergency readiness varies, especially at free-standing rehabs that are not built like hospitals. Verifying any of this on the spot is nearly impossible for a family, since no single public database compares staffing or incident records across facilities.Patient Safety Concerns Now Driving Civil LitigationThe blind spots families face before admission are now being described in California court filings by relatives of patients who entered detox or residential treatment and never came home. A series of wrongful death complaints have been filed since late 2024, with each one raising separate allegations about what staff did or failed to do during the hours after admission.The most disturbing involves 21-year-old Issac Charlton, who entered a Granada Hills detox program in May 2025 after 500 days of sobriety. His mother’s complaint alleges a staff member (a recovering addict himself) offered to supply Issac with controlled substances during his stay and instructed him to keep their conversations hidden from other staff. Issac died five days after admission of a combined fentanyl and diazepam overdose.Jimmie Sizemore, a 47-year-old husband and father from Kentucky, admitted himself to a North Hollywood luxury center that billed his insurance $7,990 a day. His widow’s complaint alleges no staff member laid eyes on him for over nine hours, despite California law requiring visual checks every thirty minutes. By the time paramedics arrived, his body was already stiff with rigor mortis.A similar pattern appears in the death of Alexander DeCarli, who was seeking sobriety for the first time and paid $8,500 a day at a Glendale facility advertising round-the-clock medical supervision. His mother’s complaint alleges he arrived with hypertension and severe withdrawal symptoms and was left overnight without any vital-sign monitoring. He was pronounced dead the next morning of a cardiac event after staff could not locate a defibrillator.And Dean “Alice” Deily, a 21-year-old whose peanut allergy was documented at the top of nearly every page of her medical file, was served a snack containing peanuts at a San Diego treatment center and died of anaphylactic shock the same night.Each complaint describes a different alleged failure, but the filings keep returning to the same pressure point. Families were paying for supervision and peace of mind during the hours when their loved ones were least able to protect themselves. The lawsuits now ask whether the care behind those promises matched the price, the advertising, and the medical risk.How Financial Incentives Can Influence Care ModelsMost private treatment programs run on a per-day reimbursement model, where insurance pays a set rate for every night a patient occupies a bed, and insurer reviewers decide when the plan will stop covering that level of care.Empty beds become immediate revenue losses against high fixed costs, so marketing spend and paid referral systems become part of how many programs keep admissions moving. And that same pressure makes larger treatment networks attractive to investors, since buying multiple facilities can turn scattered beds into a bigger business platform.Private equity activity in behavioral health now sits inside the national debate over healthcare consolidation, where growth can bring capital while also raising questions about control over care.None of this means quality care and business growth cannot coexist. But operating a clinical program under financial targets raises legitimate questions about which patients get admitted and how quickly a facility moves to send a struggling patient to a higher level of care.What Families Should Ask Before Choosing a Detox FacilityPicking a detox facility under the weight of a family crisis is one of the hardest choices most households will ever make, and the right questions up front are often the difference between a safe admission and a preventable tragedy. Before signing any admission paperwork, families should ask the following.Are licensed medical professionals physically onsite at all hours, and who specifically manage withdrawal symptoms or medication issues overnight?How does the facility handle a medical crisis, and how quickly do staff call 911 or transfer a patient to a hospital?Which state agency licenses the facility, and does it hold outside accreditation through the Joint Commission or CARF?What security measures are in place to ensure that illegal or unauthorized drugs don’t enter the facility?How often are patients checked during detox, and how are those checks recorded?Can the facility safely treat patients with psychiatric conditions or chronic medical issues like diabetes or heart disease?How are prescription medications secured and tracked, and how are food allergies flagged across the kitchen and clinical staff?How do families receive updates, and who contacts them during a medical concern?Are staffing policies, emergency procedures, and patient rights provided in writing before admission?Where the Detox Industry Goes From HereDetox is one of the hardest conversations a family ever has, but avoiding it does not make the need for treatment any smaller. Addiction care saves lives every day across the country, and most private facilities in this space are run by clinicians who take that responsibility seriously.The push now coming from patient advocates and whistleblowers is not aimed at the existence of those programs but at the silence around safety incidents, staffing shortages, and ownership structures that families currently cannot see before admission.For now, lawmakers and healthcare researchers remain split over whether the industry can police itself or whether stricter federal standards will be needed to close the weakest parts of detox care. But either way, demand for treatment will keep climbing, and the families filling those beds deserve to know what is waiting on the other side of the door.This story was produced by MSD Lawyers and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Moline repairing 2 water-main breaks The city of Moline is responding to two significant water main breaks, including one near city hall and another near Green Valley Sports Complex.
	Moline celebrates America 250 with week of free Independence Day events Moline is celebrating America 250 with free events this week, including Party in the Park, the Moline 250 Celebration and Military Discount Day.
	This acne drug is having a moment. Here is what the science says about spironolactone This acne drug is having a moment. Here is what the science says about spironolactoneThe drug spironolactone was approved as a diuretic in 1960, designed to make the kidneys excrete sodium. In recent years, however, it has become a go-to acne treatment for many patients. Dermatologists report patients arrive asking for spironolactone by name, the way they once arrived asking about the acne drug isotretinoin, formerly known by the brand name Accutane: New York dermatologist Carmen Castilla told The Cut that women frequently ask for the medication after hearing about it from their friends.Spironolactone has also been making the rounds on social media with one user reporting it to be a “magical life-changing pill.” While the usual script for a TikTok drug trend ends with a doctor sighing and explaining that the evidence is thin, there is evidence for spironolactone’s effectiveness. As Honeydew reports, it is the rare wellness phenomenon that gets more credible the closer you look.For about 40 years, spironolactone for acne ran on clinical folklore. Dermatologists in the 1980s noticed that women taking it for blood pressure stopped breaking out. The drug blocks androgen receptors, dialing down the testosterone signaling that drives oil production. An off-label tradition was born. Doctors swore by it. Patients loved it. Nobody had run a serious trial, which is why national acne guidelines neglected spironolactone entirely.Then, in 2023, somebody finally ran the trial. SAFA — Spironolactone for Adult Female Acne — randomized 410 women with persistent acne across 10 U.K. centers to spironolactone or placebo, double-blind, and published the results in the journal BMJ. Women on spironolactone reported significantly clearer skin than women on placebo, the gap widening between week 12 and week 24, with side effects barely distinguishable from the sugar pill. A few more headaches, a little more lightheadedness. A year out, the spironolactone group was less than half as likely to be taking oral antibiotics.A French trial published the following year went further and put spironolactone head-to-head against the acne drug doxycycline in adult women. In a Mayo Clinic review of 395 women, two-thirds cleared completely and 85% cleared by at least half. By 2024, the American Academy of Dermatology had folded the drug into its official acne guidelines and dropped the requirement for routine potassium monitoring in healthy young women.A lot of adult female acne is hormonal signaling showing up on the face. Androgens tell sebaceous glands to produce more oil. More oil means more clogged pores, more inflammation, and the familiar monthly betrayal along the chin and jawline.Spironolactone sits in the androgen receptor like a key broken off in a lock, making the skin less responsive to the hormonal signal that keeps telling it to keep producing oil.That is why the patient profile matters. Spironolactone is most compelling when the acne looks and behaves hormonally: adult onset, lower face, cyclical flares, worse before a period, persistent despite topicals, often accompanied by the particular exhaustion of having done everything “right” and still waking up with the same constellation of angry bumps.For that patient profile, the appeal is obvious. Spironolactone targets hormonal acne at the root. It doesn't require monthly blood draws, pregnancy tests, and iPledge compliance like isotretinoin does. It works quietly in the background and delivers results with minimal side effects.The tradeoff with spironolactone is that it is a maintenance drug, meaning it is not a cure. Nonetheless, medicine is full of maintenance drugs, meaning one has to take them continuously to reap the benefits: e.g., birth control, blood pressure medication, and SSRIs.Spironolactone does not usually change the underlying tendency toward hormonal acne. It suppresses one of the signals that drives it. While the signal is blocked, the acne often stays quiet. Stop blocking the signal, and the old biology can come back online, sometimes within weeks.For many women, that tradeoff is perfectly reasonable. Clear skin with one daily pill is not a consolation prize but a desired outcome. If someone has hormonal acne, tolerates the medication, has no contraindications, and does not mind staying on it, spironolactone may be exactly the right answer.The appeal of spironolactone is often also contrasted with a negative view of isotretinoin — and not isotretinoin as it is increasingly prescribed now, but rather against isotretinoin’s reputation for not being user friendly.Traditional isotretinoin protocols front-loaded the drug on the assumption that high daily doses produced better cures. For many patients, the results were extraordinary. The experience, less so.But dermatology’s understanding of dosing isotretinoin — the generic version of Accutane that quietly replaced the brand name drug after it left the market in 2009 — has been changing. In 2024, a JAMA Dermatology analysis of nearly 20,000 patients, led by Harvard dermatologist John Barbieri, challenged the old assumption that higher daily doses were the key to lasting remission. What predicted durability was the cumulative dose — the total amount delivered over the whole course — not how much you take each day. Reach the target slowly, at 20 milligrams a day over a longer period, and the odds of staying clear can resemble the patient who took 60 milligrams a day for five months. The bonus is often a lower side effect profile.That does not make isotretinoin casual. It still requires monitoring, strict pregnancy precautions, and a willingness to tolerate mild side effects. But it does mean the old paradigm — gentle spironolactone versus brutal isotretinoin — is less true than it used to be.In fact, spironolactone and isotretinoin are not competing for the same job.If your acne is mild-to-moderate, hormonally patterned, and responsive to androgen blocking, spironolactone may be the cleanest answer. If your acne is severe, scarring, less hormonally patterned, or you are unwilling to be on an open-ended medication, isotretinoin may deserve a serious look.The best acne drug is the one that works best for you — ideally after a real conversation with a dermatologist who knows your skin, your history, and your tolerance for trade-offs.This story was produced by Honeydew and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	32 dogs seized from Iowa breeder who allegedly blocked inspections of her business A dog at Wuanita Swedlund's kennels in Farmington, Iowa, as photographed by USDA inspectors in 2024. (USDA photo as reproduced in U.S. District Court records) Law enforcement officials have seized 32 dogs from an Iowa breeder already facing civil charges related to inspections of her facility in Farmington. The dogs were seized Tuesday from the property run by licensed dog breeder Wuanita Swedlund. They were taken to the PAW animal shelter in Fort Dodge, where they are receiving medical attention. The seizure occurred days after the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa issued a restraining order against Swedlund, clearing the way for federal inspectors to gain access to the property. The U.S. Department of Justice had sought the order, alleging Swedlund had repeatedly violated the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) by refusing to grant U.S. Department of Agriculture officials access to her business so they could inspect the facility, its records and its animals. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. As a result, the government claimed, USDA officials had been unable to inspect the business or view the animals in Swedlund’s care since December 2024. “We filed this action to ensure that USDA inspectors had the opportunity to assess the care dogs were receiving at a breeder’s facility in Iowa,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Adam Gustafson of the Justice Department’s Energy and Natural Resources Division. “As a result of the district court’s order, federal and state inspectors found numerous AWA violations and moved 32 dogs to facilities that will give them the care they need. The AWA sets clear standards for the humane treatment of animals, and we are committed to ensuring those standards are enforced.” USDA General Counsel Tyler Clarkson said the case demonstrates the USDA’s commitment to “working closely” with the U.S. Department of Justice to enforce the Animal Welfare Act. Swedlund has yet to file a response to the DOJ’s lawsuit, and the Iowa Capital Dispatch has not been able to reach her for comment. Quotation We could see the fleas crawling on these puppies even before we picked them up. That is really dangerous for puppies because fleas can just suck the blood right out of them and the puppies become anemic. – Sandy Brown of Fort Madison's PAW animal shelter According to the USDA, Swedlund has engaged in a pattern of violating the AWA while operating the Farmington dog breeding facility. Prior to Tuesday’s seizure, inspectors with the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service had tried, without success, to access the facility seven times over the previous 10 months, the government’s lawsuit alleged. Prior to that, the USDA’s APHIS inspectors had cited Swedlund for at least 25 violations since she received her license in 2023. Inspection reports show those violations are tied to the deaths of puppies, the failure to treat obvious injuries and medical conditions, keeping the dog enclosures covered in feces, and leaving dogs without access to drinking water. After the court issued the temporary restraining order last week and inspectors from APHIS and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship gained access to the Farmington facility, they cited Swedlund for “dozens” of additional violations, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Based on the results of that inspection, state officials obtained a search warrant and took possession of the 32 dogs. Shelter director: Puppies ‘covered in fleas’ Sandy Brown, the director of the PAW shelter — the shelter’s name is an acronym for Protecting Animal Welfare — said Thursday she was with law enforcement at the Farmington facility when they seized the 32 dogs as well as a rabbit and a cat that were in Swedlund’s care. “When you entered the building, you couldn’t even see the floor, there was so much stuff — trash, trash and more trash, plus clothing and newspapers — just everywhere,” she said. “There was air conditioning downstairs, but then we proceeded upstairs and it was so hot up there. There was one dog in a bathtub. There were three or four other dogs in the bathroom inside kennels. In the kitchen — you wouldn’t have wanted to even drink water from that kitchen — there were two mamas with babies… There was a rottweiler puppy and two other dogs inside a garage and it was so, so hot in there.” Brown said her primary concern is with the 12 or 13 puppies that are four to five weeks old, since “all of those puppies were just covered in fleas. We could see the fleas crawling on these puppies even before we picked them up. That is really dangerous for puppies because fleas can just suck the blood right out of them and the puppies become anemic. And then there’s all the usual things we see in cases like this — the long, dirty, matted hair and the long toenails.” Brown said the shelter is focused on getting the animals healthy, but at some point, once their ownership is decided by the courts, they could be offered for adoption. “People sometimes have a tendency to get excited and celebrate when these seizures happen, but this really is the point at which all of the hard work begins,” she said. “From here on out, it becomes a very expensive, labor-intensive process to make sure the animals all get a haircut and are happy and healthy and are on their way to finding a proper home. And right now, a lot of shelters are really struggling because they don’t have the volunteers, the funding or the staffing.” Lawsuit alleges ‘puppy laundering’ Past USDA inspection reports have pointed out Swedlund’s affiliation with another Iowa dog breeder accused of numerous regulatory violations, Steve Kruse, and the fact that federal law prohibits breeders and dealers from routing animals through multiple license holders. In a pending lawsuit filed against the USDA by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the animal-welfare organization claims the USDA “improperly approved” the licenses of two of Kruse’s Iowa associates, Swedlund and Brian Lichirie, despite “full knowledge of the relationship between the parties.” That lawsuit alleges that despite the Animal Welfare Act’s clear prohibition against issuing more than one license to a dog dealer, Lichirie and Swedlund each held their own license while operating kennels populated by dogs owned by Kruse. Such arrangements are prohibited by the USDA since they can result in puppy laundering — the process of routing dogs from a serial violator to a different licensee with a relatively clean record, in order to facilitate sales to retailers in jurisdictions that ban the sale of dogs sourced from questionable operators. The ASPCA claims the USDA wrote to Kruse 10 years ago, in 2016, to inform him that federal law required him, Lichirie and Swedlund to operate under a single license. When Kruse failed to take corrective action, the ASPCA claims, the USDA continued to renew his license and never took any steps to revoke the licenses of either Lichirie or Swedlund. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Iowa Capital Dispatch
	Christian missionaries have found a new (virtual) mission territory The room may be virtual, but the prayer — and the evangelism — are not.
	New laws may impact Scott County voters in fall election New legislation that went into effect July 1 may impact some Iowa voters in the general election this fall. Scott County Auditor Kerri Tompkins said two important law changes may affect voters in the November 3 General Election. “It is important to me to get the correct information out and educate voters so they can [...]
	Sleep disorders: How to know when to seek help If you are having trouble staying awake at work or watching TV at night or you feel really tired when you wake up in the morning, you should talk to your doctor.
	Crime Stoppers: Almost $24K in jewelry stolen from Riddle’s Jewelry The Davenport Police Department is asking for help finding a man who stole almost $24,000 in jewelry.
	Medicare now covers GLP-1s for weight loss: Here’s how to use the new Bridge program Medicare now covers GLP-1s for weight loss: Here’s how to use the new Bridge programHistorically, Medicare could not cover medications solely for weight loss. For Medicare enrollees interested in GLP-1 and related medications, this meant facing hundreds of dollars in out-of-pocket costs every month. But that changed on July 1, 2026, with a new pilot program that offers Medicare prescription plan enrollees access to weight-loss medications for a $50 monthly copay.Here, GoodRx, a platform for medication savings, covers everything you need to know about the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program, and whether you qualify.Key takeaways:The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program is a pilot project that allows Medicare Part D prescription plan enrollees to access certain glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications for weight loss with a $50 monthly copay.The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program began on July 1, 2026, and is set to end on December 31, 2027.All formulations of the following GLP-1 medications will be available through this program: the oral tablet Foundayo (orforglipron), Wegovy (semaglutide) pills and injections, and the Zepbound (tirzepatide) KwikPens. Zepbound single-use pens and vials are not included.What is the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program?The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program is a short-term initiative for Medicare Part D prescription plan enrollees to access certain glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists and related medications for weight loss and pay $50 a month. The pilot program is initially planned as an 18-month project starting July 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2027.This program offers a chance for Part D enrollees, mostly older adults, to access medications for weight loss that have long been out of reach for many because of cost.What drugs will be covered under the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program?Only certain medications will be covered under the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program. They include all formulations of the following:Foundayo (orforglipron), an oral tabletWegovy (semaglutide) pills and injectionsZepbound (tirzepatide) KwikPensYou must have Medicare Part D to participate, but the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program is the primary payer — not your prescription insurance plan. You also can’t use additional coupons and discounts.What drugs are not covered under the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program?Only Foundayo, Wegovy (pills and injections), and Zepbound KwikPens are covered by the program. Zepbound single-use pens and vials are not. Neither are other GLP-1s. Ozempic (semaglutide) is often associated with weight loss, but it’s FDA approved to treat Type 2 diabetes, and it’s also not included.Who will be eligible for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program?Medicare Part D enrollees are eligible if they:Meet Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program clinical criteriaHave certain prescription plansHave a prescription for a GLP-1 medication to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight lossHere are the specifics of these requirements.Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program clinical criteriaTo qualify, you need to meet all of the medical and lifestyle requirements of the program. All eligible enrollees must be at least age 18, prescribed a GLP-1 to reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction, and commit to lifestyle changes. These include nutrition and physical activity consistent with the medication’s FDA-approved label.Your prescriber’s prior authorization form also must confirm that you meet one the following clinical criteria:A body mass index (BMI) of 35 or higher when starting the medicationA BMI of 30 or higher when beginning the medication and one or more of the following health conditions: heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension), or chronic kidney diseaseA BMI of 27 or higher when beginning the medication and one or more of the following health conditions: prediabetes, previous heart attack, previous stroke, or symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD)You must meet the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program clinical criteria at the time you start therapy, even if you began taking one of the covered medications before July 1, 2026. GLP-1s for several other conditions are covered by Part D plans, but they aren't eligible for the Bridge program — or the $50 copay — even if you meet the clinical criteria.Eligible Part D prescription plansYou must be enrolled in a standalone Part D plan or a standard Medicare Advantage plan that offers Part D coverage. Enrollees who have Special Needs Plans (SNPs), employer/union group waiver plans, and limited-income newly eligible transition program plans can also participate. If you have other types of Medicare coverage, such as enrollment in the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), you won’t be eligible for the Bridge program unless you also have a standalone Part D plan. People dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid who also meet the prior authorization criteria can access GLP-1s through the program.Use of covered GLP-1 medicationsTo access the medication, your healthcare professional must submit a prior authorization request form and a prescription for an eligible GLP-1 medication included in the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program. The monthly prescription can be a 28-day or 30-day supply. The prior authorization form will be accepted electronically or by fax. Your prescriber will receive a request to complete the prior authorization form after your prescription is submitted to the pharmacy. Your prescriber is not required to be enrolled in Medicare, but also can’t be on the preclusion list of healthcare professionals banned from receiving Medicare payments.When does the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program start?The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program began on July 1, 2026.How can you use this program?Here are 6 steps to help you access the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program:Make sure you’re enrolled in an eligible Medicare Part D plan.Check to see if you meet the clinical criteria.Talk to your healthcare professional about whether a GLP-1 medication for weight loss is right for you. Together, you can determine which of the covered medications works for your lifestyle, and your prescriber will write a prescription.Ensure the prescription is sent to the pharmacy with a request to submit the claim to the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program and not your Part D plan. (The pharmacy will ask your prescriber to send the prior authorization form electronically or by fax. Paper forms will not be accepted.)Track your prior authorization status. Your prescriber will receive an approval or denial through the centralized processing system run by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and you should receive a response by mail.Pick up your medication and pay $50 for a 28- or 30-day supply. It’s important to note that your $50 copays do not count toward your annual Part D deductible, which can be up to $615 in 2026. These payments also won’t count toward your yearly Part D out-of-pocket spending cap, which is $2,100 in 2026. What happens when the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program ends?It’s unclear what will happen if the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program ends as scheduled on December 31, 2027 without another option for enrollees. CMS originally proposed the program as part of a two-step plan to expand Medicare coverage of GLP-1s for obesity.The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program was the first step. The second stage — a five-year program called BALANCE, which was set to launch in January 2027 for Medicare enrollees to continue low-cost coverage for weight-loss medications more permanently — has been paused. CMS has reported to Part D plans that BALANCE may be implemented, so there’s a chance the longer-term program could be revived.If the end date for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge program remains Dec. 31, 2027, and you wish to continue your medication in 2028 for an approved purpose, you may need to switch Part D plans for the 2028 coverage year. You can do this during Medicare open enrollment in the fall of 2027. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you can also make Part D changes during the first three months of 2028 during the Medicare Advantage open enrollment season. At that time, you will need to ensure the medication you take will be included in whatever Medicare program covers GLP-1s for weight loss — or that your medication is covered by your prescription plan to treat another condition.Does Medicare currently cover any other GLP-1s?Medicare Part D plans cover GLP-1 medications for other conditions, including:Type 2 diabetesObstructive sleep apnea (OSA)Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), the most common cause of chronic liver diseasePart D enrollees with these conditions can receive GLP-1s through their plans and are not eligible for the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program — even if they meet the clinical criteria. For many people, weight loss is a side effect of taking GLP-1s for other conditions.How can you access GLP-1 medications for weight loss without insurance?If you don’t have insurance or pay on your own, subscription programs can help you save on prescriptions with a monthly fee plus the cost of medication. Or you may be able to pay less for weight-loss medications through manufacturer savings programs.The bottom lineThe Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Program is a new way for Medicare Part D prescription plan enrollees to access certain glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications for weight loss at a $50 monthly copay. The program started July 1, 2026, and is scheduled to end on December 31, 2027. The Foundayo (orforglipron) tablet, Wegovy (semaglutide) pills and injections, and the Zepbound (tirzepatide) KwikPens will be available through the program. To qualify, you must be enrolled in certain Part D plans, meet clinical criteria, and have a prescription for an included GLP-1 medication for the purpose of weight loss.This story was produced by GoodRx and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Julien Dubuque Bridge to close for about 30 days starting Monday Drivers are urged to follow the posted detour while the bridge is closed.
	Iowa state and federal cases tied to DOJ's 2026 National Health Care Fraud Takedown The DOJ takedown includes three Iowa cases filed at the federal level and five at the state level.
	MCBT, Mercer County libraries hosting Readathon to benefit Imagination Library Mercer County Better Together (MCBT) is working with Mercer County libraries to host the first “Reading Is a Gift” Readathon. The fundraiser benefits Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program facilitated locally by MCBT that provides free, high-quality books each month to area children ages 0-5 enrolled in the program. About 400 Mercer County children are [...]
	Artemis and Apollo spotted near Arconic Eagle Cam tree after nest falls For nearly two decades, the Quad Cities community and beyond have watched the eagle pair, Liberty and Justice, raise several young live on camera.
	4 Tips To Maintain Your Health While Traveling This Summer (BPT) - Summer travel season is here, and it's time to pack your bags for your next adventure. In between packing for your trip, heading to the airport to catch your international flight or loading up your car for a quintessential road trip, it can be challenging to stay on top of the healthy habits that come naturally when you're at home.To help you stay hydrated and energized during hot-weather travel, Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner shares her simple, everyday travel tips so you can make the most of every summer vacation.Give your water a flavorful twistAdding delicious and refreshing flavors to your water is a great way to encourage consistent hydration throughout your travels. You can easily upgrade your hydration game by squeezing fresh lemon and adding an electrolyte pack into your water. Lemon provides a zesty, citrusy taste and offers a little boost of vitamin C to help you meet your hydration goals throughout the day.You can even try experimenting with other fun flavor combinations like cucumber and mint or strawberries and basil.Eat when the locals doTraveling across time zones can be hard on your body. To help minimize jet lag, Blatner recommends transitioning to local meal times as soon as you possibly can.Eating meals and snacks according to your destination's schedule can help align your body's natural rhythms with the new time zone. This simple shift makes it much easier to maintain your energy levels during the day and get quality sleep at night during your trip.Load up on hydrating foodHot weather increases fluid losses through sweat, so don't rely on beverages alone to stay hydrated. Blatner recommends pairing protein-rich meals with hydrating fruits and vegetables like berries, watermelon, cucumbers, tomatoes and leafy greens to help boost both hydration and nutrition during hot-weather travel.Pro tip: Summer is peak berry season, making it the perfect time to enjoy them while you travel. Berries naturally provide hydration, fiber and antioxidants, so try adding them to your meals and snacks whenever possible during your summer travels.Prep on-the-go snacksWhen you're on the road, convenience is key. Instead of relying on roadside gas station fare, Blatner suggests preparing simple and nutritious meals and snacks you can have on the go.One easy way to fuel your summer adventures is with these Fitness Snack Packs Dawn created with Eggland's Best. Packed with protein and fresh seasonal produce, it's a simple snack that helps you stay on track with your health goals while you're on the go.The recipe uses Eggland's Best eggs, which contain more than double the Vitamin B12 compared to ordinary eggs, supporting natural energy throughout your busy summer days. They also contain 25% less saturated fat than ordinary eggs, making them a smart addition to a balanced diet.Fitness Snack PacksPrep time: 5 minutesMakes: 4Ingredients8 Eggland's Best Eggs2 cups fresh berries1 cup whole grain pretzels2 cheese sticks, cut into bite-size piecesPreparationIn a medium pot, add water and bring to a boil.Reduce heat to a simmer, add eggs and simmer for 12 minutes.Drain the eggs, put them into an ice bath to stop the cooking, and then peel.Line up four meal prep containers, and to each add 2 hard-cooked eggs + 1/2 cup berries + 1/4 cup pretzels + 1/2 cheese stick, cut in pieces.Store snack packs covered in the fridge for up to 5 days.Additional Notes:Time saver: Buy EB hard-cooked eggsUse your favorite berries or swap to 1 peeled clementine/mandarin orangeSwap pretzels for whole grain crackers, if you preferUse your favorite type of cheese stick like mozzarella, cheddar or jackThis summer, don't let your good habits go by the wayside. Using these expert tips, you can enjoy your adventures and stay hydrated and energized, no matter where your trips take you. To find more easy, nutritious recipes to support your summer travels, visit EgglandsBest.com.
	Free legal aid services in Alaska get a boost from state and foundation funding The state courthouse in Nome is seen on April 8, 2026. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)More Alaskans are set to have access to free legal aid as Alaska’s largest provider of legal assistance for civil cases gets a boost in short and longer term funding from the state and the Rasmuson Foundation. The Alaska Legal Services Corporation is a nonprofit that helps Alaskans with civil legal issues such as housing, public assistance, family law like custody disputes and protective orders, wills and probate issues, Alaska Native law and other areas specific to veterans, seniors, and people with disabilities. It is also the largest provider of free legal services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault. State funding for the agency comes from legal civil punitive damages and filing fees in the Alaska Court system. This year, the Alaska Legislature approved an increase from 10% to 25% of fees, estimated at roughly $460,000 per year. Gov. Mike Dunleavy allowed the legislation, House Bill 48, to go into law without his signature on June 4. The bill is set to go into effect next July, in 2027. Maggie Humm, executive director of the corporation, told lawmakers she estimates the organization turns away one person for every person they help due to limited resources. She said they provided legal assistance in over 5,400 cases, impacting nearly 15,000 Alaskans last year. On Wednesday, Humm said in an interview that she and her colleagues are grateful for the state’s support and expect that sustained funding will help the agency assist an estimated 800 more households each year. “So that’s very encouraging for us, particularly because when folks, if they do get turned away from our services, they often have nowhere else to go,” Humm said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. While every criminal defendant has the constitutional right to a lawyer, that’s not the case for civil cases. Nationally, only about 8% of legal problems are adequately addressed in low-income households, Humm said. “It can result in just a cascade of consequences for them, particularly low-income Alaskans, because their legal problems often impact their livelihood, their housing, their ability to put food on their table, the safety of themselves or their children,” she said. Also on Wednesday, the Rasmuson Foundation, an Alaska-focused family foundation, announced an award to Alaska Legal Services Corp. of $1 million to go toward the agency’s Community Justice Worker program. The program trains community members who are not lawyers to provide legal assistance on specific issues, under a rule approved by the Alaska Bar Association in 2022, Humm said. It’s a significant boost for the agency whose budget is roughly $9.5 million. “We are creating an additional level of legal helpers for our communities, and with the hope that we will be able to help more people,” she said. Humm said the model is inspired by the tribal Community Health Aide Program model, aimed at training local residents to serve as healthcare providers, particularly in rural and remote Alaska communities. The community justice workers are trained in providing legal assistance for debt collection defense, the enforcement of the Indian Child Welfare Act, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program advocacy, domestic violence protective orders and probate and wills, Humm said. “We have trained our first class of CJWs to represent folks in court in domestic violence protective order hearings, so we have staff CJWs who are already practicing in court, which is very exciting,” she said. Gretchen Guess, President and CEO of the Rasmuson Foundation, said in an emailed statement Wednesday that the organization supports ALSC’s work to expand access to legal assistance. “Its Community Justice Worker Program is a proven, innovative approach to ensuring Alaskans can receive appropriate legal services, regardless of where they live. Rasmuson Foundation’s mission is to empower Alaskans to help each other, and we believe Alaska Legal Services is doing just that with this growing network of community justice workers,” she wrote. Humm said the agency currently provides services in roughly 200 communities across Alaska, with the ultimate goal to expand to all communities. “Our dream is to have a community justice worker, a legal helper in every community in Alaska, so that would be really wonderful,” she said. “But we’re going to set our sights high, and get as many community justice workers as we can across the state.” SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Courtesy of Alaska Beacon
	Drivers urged to avoid area near Moline City Hall after water main break Moline utilities crews are responding to two water main breaks near City Hall and the Greenvalley Sports Complex. Drivers should avoid both areas.
	Are property laws keeping up with modern relationships? Are property laws keeping up with modern relationships?For unmarried partners and cohabiting couples navigating a highly inflated housing market, pooling financial resources is increasingly the only viable path onto the property ladder. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR) indicates their stake among first-time buyers has jumped from 4% in 1985 to 11% in 2025. However, while joint mortgages solve an immediate economic problem, standard property laws are falling behind these shifting relationship dynamics. Underwood Law examines what co-owners should know to avoid ending up in court upon discovering one person wants to sell but the other disagrees. Underwood Law A Matter of Economic InevitabilityThe latest NAR data on the U.S. market’s first-time buyers in 2025 highlights the macroeconomic shifts dictating how people get onto the property ladder today. Couples, both married and unmarried, still make up the lion’s share at 61%, and the rise of cohabiting couples who’ve not yet tied the knot but share a mortgage has a simple economic explanation.In 1985, the year of comparison used in the report, the median household income was $23,620, and the median sales price for a home was $82,800, meaning a typical property cost roughly 3.5 times a buyer's annual salary. When adjusted for inflation, that $82,800 is equivalent to approximately $228,500 in today's dollars.By contrast, looking at what a median-priced home actually cost in 2025, the figure is roughly $416,900, showing that housing costs have drastically outpaced general inflation. That’s equivalent to 5 times the median household income.Then there’s the pressure exerted by the cost of getting married. The average cost of a 2025 wedding according to The Knot was about $34,000.Couples are squeezed at both ends. Buying a home is more expensive and rents are rising year on year, so there’s more of an incentive to buy a home together rather than hold out until after a marriage. For a typical wedding’s budget, couples can have a significant part of a mortgage down payment, so for a lot of couples, the most financially prudent choice is to make buying a home a priority.This also explains why 4% of first-time buyers in 2025 were not couples at all, but rather groups of friends choosing to prioritize property ownership. There are economic benefits to this model, but the long-term implications for property laws are less well understood by average buyers.A Legal ConundrumWhat couples overlook, and what the legal system is having to contend with, is that co-owning a property as an unmarried couple brings a range of complications and concerns along with it.When an unmarried couple buys a home, how they hold the title matters just as much as whose name is on the mortgage. Generally, they have to choose between two main legal structures, and each handles the future very differently.Protecting Equity with Joint TenancyBoth partners own an equal 100% share of the property. The defining feature here is the right of survivorship, and if one partner passes away, their share automatically transfers to the surviving partner, bypassing wills and probate entirely.The Inheritance Risks of Tenants in CommonOwnership doesn't have to be equal. If one partner contributes 70% of the down payment and the other puts in 30%, the title can reflect that exact split. However, there is no right of survivorship. If one partner dies, their share goes to whoever is named in their will, or their next of kin, which can leave the surviving partner owning a house with their late partner’s family.Considering Cohabitation AgreementsTo mitigate these title risks, a growing number of real estate professionals advise executing a formal Cohabitation Agreement or Property Ownership Agreement concurrently with the mortgage signing.A comprehensive agreement explicitly outlines recurring financial liabilities—detailing who is responsible for the mortgage payments, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance fees—and explicitly defines how those contributions alter ownership equity over time. Crucially, the document serves as an operational exit strategy.It dictates structural procedures if the relationship ends, determining whether one partner retains the right of first refusal to buy out the other's equity, how the home will be appraised, and the exact timeline required before the property must be placed on the open market.Property Laws, Homeownership, and Marriage Trends in an Uneasy AllianceChoosing to buy a home before or instead of getting married is a highly pragmatic response to a brutal 2026 housing market and broader economic realities. Pooling resources is often the only viable way onto the property ladder.However, bypassing the altar shouldn't mean bypassing the paperwork. Taking the time to establish a clear, legally binding framework at the start ensures that a smart financial move today doesn't turn into a costly legal battle tomorrow.This story was produced by Underwood Law and reviewed and distributed by Stacker.
	Waterloo’s Bosnian soccer fans turn out for World Cup watch parties Waterloo’s Bosnian community has been gripped by its home country’s World Cup success, right up until the U.S. men's national team knocked Bosnia-Herzegovina from the tournament on Wednesday.
	At least 25 homicides in Kentucky’s annual domestic violence report for 2025 A memorial in the parking lot of the Hardin County Justice Center, where Erica Riley and her mother Janet Rylee were killed on their way to a domestic violence hearing. Erica Riley was seeking protection from the man who shot them and later killed himself. The photo was taken Sept. 22, 2024 in Elizabethtown. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony)If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also contact any of Kentucky’s 15 domestic violence programs. At least 25 Kentuckians were killed by an intimate partner in 2025. That’s according to the 2025 Domestic Violence Data Report, released Thursday, which cites Federal Bureau of Investigations data because Kentucky doesn’t have a way to track domestic violence homicides. Because of that tracking gap, “the true death toll remains unknown,” the report says. Domestic violence continues to be rampant in the state, with nearly 40% of women and 22% of men experiencing violence at the hands of an intimate partner. Most victims continue to be women (75%) and most perpetrators are men (73%), according to the report. Children are not shielded from the violence. Nearly 23,000 were present for violent incidents that police responded to last year and more than 9,000 of those were children younger than 5. 2024 domestic violence report shows perpetrator, victim age breakdown About 1,600 of these children called the police for help themselves. More than 8,000 people were arrested in 2025 on domestic violence and intimate partner violence charges, according to the report. Most — about 5,100 — were fourth degree assault charges. There were around 700 strangulations and violations of protective orders. During Gov. Andy Beshear’s weekly press conference, First Lady Britainy Beshear said “it takes a tremendous amount of bravery and support for survivors to overcome domestic violence” and “it’s our job to ensure we are there for them with all the resources they need as they begin to heal and move forward.” She also pointed to violence levels that have “remained stable” over the last two years. “Although I’m glad that it did not increase, I’m also disappointed to see that it has not decreased,” Beshear said. By the numbers This screenshot from the 2025 Domestic Violence Data Report shows a breakdown of court outcomes for domestic violence in Kentucky. The 147-page report shows that in 2025: There were 33,786 electronic JC-3 forms related to domestic and/or dating violence and abuse filed by law enforcement. This is an increase from the 32,899 forms reported in 2024 and 32,885 in 2023. Most of these allegation forms don’t result in arrests. In 2025 there were 8,301 arrests made for incidents involving domestic or dating violence and abuse. This is an increase from 7,964 reported arrests last year. There were nine sexual extortion charges (two felonies and seven misdemeanors) between June 27 to December 31, 2025. The Kentucky General Assembly made sexual extortion a crime in 2025. Of the at least 22,641 incidents of intimate partner violence in which children were present in 2025, 438 of those cases involved guns and 347 involved knives. Most accused perpetrators are adults between the ages of 22-59. The largest age group is 30-39. In most domestic violence incidents in Kentucky, the parties are married or have a child in common. There were 19,481 crisis/hotline calls to ZeroV’s 15 regional domestic violence programs and 14,338 individuals received services from the organization’s regional domestic violence programs. There were 17,950 reports of alleged child abuse/neglect submitted to the Cabinet for Health and Family Services that also included intimate partner violence. There were 20,129 emergency protective orders and temporary interpersonal protective orders ordered by courts. This screenshot from the 2025 Domestic Violence Data Report shows a gender breakdown of domestic violence arrest cases. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Read the report Read the full report here or in the document below. 2025 Domestic Violence Data Report SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Kentucky Lantern
	Oregon’s top public health official resigns Dr. Sejal Hathi meets with officials at Colonia Paz in Lebanon in March, 2024 as part of her statewide "listening tour." (Courtesy of Oregon Health Authority)Oregon’s top public health official is stepping down from her role after two and a half years. Dr. Sejal Hathi, who joined the Oregon Health Authority in January 2024, will leave Aug. 1 to focus on family and personal priorities, the governor’s office announced Thursday. Hathi, who earns $265,488 per year, joined the Oregon Health Authority after serving as New Jersey’s deputy commissioner for public health services. She previously served as the White House’s senior policy for public health under the Biden administration. As the state searches for a new director, Gov. Tina Kotek will appoint Fariborz Pakseresht to serve as interim director beginning July 6 to help the agency during the leadership transition. Pakseresht worked for the state of Oregon for 35 years, retiring in the fall after serving as the director of the Oregon Department of Human Services for eight years. “Oregon remains steadfast in our commitment to expanding access to care, advancing health equity, and strengthening the systems that serve our communities,” Kotek said in a statement. “I am grateful to Dr. Hathi for her service, and I appreciate Fariborz Pakseresht for stepping in to support this critical work as we recruit for a permanent director.” The Oregon Health Authority is one of the largest state agencies, with a $41.5 billion budget during the 2025-27 budget cycle. The agency oversees programs addressing behavioral health, improving healthcare access and providing Medicaid coverage to more than one in three Oregonians. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX. Courtesy of Oregon Capital Chronicle
	What to know about the Society of St. Pius X, the schismatic group excommunicated by the Pope The Society of St. Pius X was excommunicated by Pope Leo for ordaining bishops without his permission. Its issues with the church run far deeper.

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