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

Wednesday, March 4th, 2026
	Mercer County School District eliminates 26 positions amid budget struggles The Mercer County School Board eliminated 26 positions Tuesday night.
	Public invited to provide feedback on proposed U.S. 52 Causeway construction The Iowa DOT said the public is invited to an open house to share feedback on the project anytime between 5 and 6:30 p.m. March 10 at 411 Broad St.
	49-year-old man charged after undercover officer poses as teenage girl for several months Deputies said 49-year-old Dylan E. Lumsden was arrested after a seven-month child sexual abuse material investigation.
	Thurgood Marshall Learning Center closed Thursday due to water service work All in-person classes and school-related activities are canceled for the day. Students will shift to e-learning.
	Colossal Biosciences breeds controversy while trying to revive mammoths A Texas biotech company is trying to bring mammoths and other extinct creatures back to life. The science is as intriguing as the ethical questions are thorny.
	Mundane, magic, maybe both — a new book explores 'The Writer's Room' Why are we captivated by the spaces where where authors write? Katie da Cunha Lewin set out to explore "The Hidden Worlds That Shape the Books We Love."
	GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales heads to a runoff in Texas amid a new ethics probe in the House Texas Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales has faced increasing pressure from his party to resign or drop out of his race after allegations of an affair with a staffer.
	Satellite imagery shows strike that destroyed Iranian school was more extensive than first reported The images suggest that precision munitions struck other buildings, including a clinic that was also inside the complex.
	Thurgood Marshall closed Thursday due to water issues Students at Thurgood Marshall Learning Center in Rock Island will study by E-Learning tomorrow so crews can repair water service to the building. An email from the Rock Island – Milan School District says Thurgood Marshall Learning Center will be closed tomorrow, March 5th, due to anticipated work by the City of Rock Island Public [...]
	Scott County officials declare results from special election PPEL renewal ballots were approved for Pleasant Valley, Davenport and North Scott school districts, and Joseph Quick won the race for Walcott city council.
	Davenport man arrested, charged in bar stabbing A man from Davenport has been arrested after police said he stabbed a man at a bar in January The criminal complaint filed in the case said multiple Davenport Police Department units responded to Frackie's Bar, 2820 Rockingham Road, on January 31 at about 1 a.m. for a report of a disturbance where a person [...]
	As live music becomes more inaccessible, most fans stay watching through screens Now that it is becoming harder and harder to get a ticket to your favorite artist's show, watching indirectly is becoming a popular compromise. What is gained and lost in a tiered concert hierarchy?
	Family of Iowan killed in Kuwait shares their memories A drone strike at a command center in Kuwait killed Declan Coady from West Des Moines and five other U.S. service members.
	Firefighters extinguish Davenport deck, house fire Firefighters responded to a house fire about 12:40 p.m. in the 1400 block of West 36th Street, according to a media release.
	Three men involved in Davenport shooting sentenced to prison Three men who pleaded guilty to weapons charges in connection with a March 2024 Davenport shooting during which 52 shots were fired at two houses have been sentenced to prison.
	Halpin hosting meeting on Steel, Sears Dam safety Illinois State Senator Mike Halpin (D-Rock Island) invites residents and river enthusiasts to comment at a public hearing on safety proposals for the Steel and Sears Dams on the Rock River. The hearing will be at the IBEW Hall, 1700 52nd Avenue in Moline, on March 16 from 6 - 7:30 p.m. Call Senator Halpin’s [...]
	UnityPoint Health Trinity marks 100th robotic lung biopsy UnityPoint Health Trinity has reached its 100th successful robotic lung biopsy, a milestone the hospital announced this week.
	Paul McCartney's decade of transformation: From Beatles breakup to John Lennon's murder Man on the Run shows McCartney's effort to define himself outside The Beatles' shadow: "Paul making this documentary was a way of coming to terms with that whole period," says director Morgan Neville.
	Illinois bill would require schools to tighten cell phone policies A proposed Illinois law could change how schools manage student cell phones. Rock Island–Milan school district leaders say stronger statewide backing may help enforce existing rules.
	East Moline man sentenced to 13 years in prison on gun and drug convictions An East Moline man found guilty of trafficking in cocaine and marijuana and possessing a firearm as a felon has been sentenced to 13 years in prison.
	A Biden-era rule sought to stabilize child care. Why Trump wants it gone The Trump administration has proposed repealing a Biden-era rule that required states to change how they pay out child care subsidies, citing the potential for fraud.
	Greetings from Southwest Papua, which has some of the world's richest marine biodiversity The Raja Ampat islands in Indonesia's Southwest Papua province are a marine biodiversity hotspot and a divers' paradise.
	Families remember U.S. reservists killed in Kuwait, members of an Iowa logistics unit Four U.S. soldiers were killed in the Iran war on Sunday and IDed Tuesday by the Pentagon; two soldiers haven't yet been publicly identified. Their unit kept troops supplied with food and equipment.
	Resignations, hirings and other personnel news from East Moline School District on Feb. 23 The following personnel items are from the Feb. 23 agenda of the East Moline District 37 Board of Education. The School Board met at Glenview Middle School, 3100 7th St. in East Moline.
	Boozies reopening at new Freight House location The bar said it is holding a soft opening at 11 a.m. Thursday, serving food and drinks at it’s new location at 421 W. River Dr.
	Silvis man receives 20-year prison sentence for possessing child sex abuse materials A 73-year-old Silvis man has been sentenced to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges that he possessed child sex abuse materials.
	Cannon fire will thunder from Rock Island Arsenal Cannon fire will be heard from Rock Island Arsenal on Thursday and Friday, March 5 and 6, at about 10 a.m.. a news release says. The cannons will fire during the farewell ceremony for First Army Deputy Commanding General – Operations Maj. Gen. Mark McCormack.
	Mercer County School Board opts to dismiss multiple education roles Despite calls from the public to retain the roles impacted, school officials said these cuts would help keep the district afloat.
	Mercer County votes to let go of 25 support staff and teachers The Mercer County Board of Education has voted to reduce its staff.
	Why supporting a shelter for women is now 'kind of radioactive' That's how researcher Beatriz Garcia Nice describes the new U.S. stance under the Trump administration to programs addressing gender-based violence.
	Rain, warmth, and severe storms possible for the Quad Cities A long period of above average temperatures are in the forecast for the Quad Cities for the next week. Much-needed rain is coming tonight and early Thursday with the heaviest falling Friday. Along with the heavier rain Friday, severe weather is possible. Here's your full 7-day forecast.
	ImpactLife seeks blood donors after mass shooting in Austin, Texas The national Blood Emergency Readiness Corps (BERC) has been activated in response to a mass shooting that took place early Sunday in Austin, Texas. ImpactLife is among 12 blood providers across the country that have been asked to ship blood components in the BERC activation. Media reports indicate the shooting took place at approximately 2 [...]
	Telehealth abortion is in the courts. Share your experience. Mifepristone is facing another major legal challenge.
	Muscatine Municipal Golf Course season pass sales begin this Friday The city has not yet set an opening day for the 2026 season, but season passes go on sale on Friday.
	What to know as Bettendorf plans Forest Grove Park's future Last week, city leaders heard from consultants on possible ideas for the park. Here are seven takeaways from that discussion.
	Bettendorf considers annexing, adding sewer to 420 acres to the east A decision is likely to come later this year, after the Iowa Legislature makes a final decision on property tax reform.
	Pleasant Valley School District principal retirement, resignations, hirings from Feb. 23 school board agenda The following personnel items are from the Feb. 23 of the Pleasant Valley School District. The School Board met at Belmont Administration Center at 525 Belmont Rd., Riverdale, Iowa.
	Israel launches new strikes in Tehran as public farewell for Khamenei begins Israel's military said it had begun a "broad wave of strikes" in Tehran Wednesday morning. U.S. officials touted early gains, while Democrats warned the war could widen.
	Strikes resume on Iran, U.S. military says Tehran's defenses 'severely degraded' Israel's military said it had begun a "broad wave of strikes" in Tehran Wednesday morning. U.S. officials touted early gains, while Democrats warned the war could widen.
	The Black Hawk Tower Witch This is Roald Tweet on Rock Island.When Mary Jane Wiley McCaw arrived in Rock Island in 1843 and settled her eight children in an abandoned schoolhouse on…
	America has a housing affordability crisis. Building houses for rent can help Developers are building more single-family houses for renting. That can lower prices for both renters and buyers.
	Would you go to a play by yourself? Theaters are hoping so As solo leisure booms globally, theater operator ATG Entertainment is launching "Solo Seats" events to destigmatize going to the theater alone.
	As Paralympics approach, U.S. skier Sydney Peterson balances training and research Sydney Peterson is among the U.S. athletes heading to the 2026 Winter Paralympics. A neuroscientist in training, Peterson is studying movement disorders, similar to her own condition.
	5 takeaways from the first primaries of the 2026 midterms Voters headed to the polls Tuesday in the first primaries of the midterm election season. The latest results from Arkansas, North Carolina and Texas.
	Don’t rely on outdoor warning sirens to wake you up, emergency official warns During the spring and summer months, when sirens sound, its a sign to head inside as severe weather barrels down.
	North Carolina Rep. Valerie Foushee holds narrow lead over challenger Nida Allam The race is too close to call between Democratic Rep. Valerie Foushee and her anti-establishment challenger Nida Allam in North Carolina's 4th congressional district and is likely headed to a recount.
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026
	Mercer County School Board approves job cuts Mercer County's School Board voted to layoff more than two dozen employees in the district Tuesday night. A big crowd packed Tuesday's school board meeting in Aledo before the decision. 25 positions were unanimously voted to be cut. 24 of those cuts would be through a reduction in force plan. Many teachers, aids and parents [...]
	Mercer County votes to let go of 25 support staff and teachers The Mercer County Board of Education has voted to reduce its staff.
	Scott County school districts approve measure to extend tax levy extension Scott County voters approve measure that will extend tax levy for school district equipment and operations in a special election.
	Quick wins special election to retain Walcott city council seat Joseph Quick won Tuesday's special election and will retain the city council seat that had once been held by current Mayor Jacob Puck.
	Scott County schools renew levies, Quick wins city council seat The preliminary results for Scott County’s special election are in.
	Silvis police officers honored for response to child abduction last year The suspect was convicted on two counts of aggravated battery and one count of child abduction last month.
	All 3 tax levy measures pass in Iowa QC school districts Tax-levy measures in three Iowa Quad-City school districts passed Tuesday, according to a late-Tuesday ballot count. Measures proposed by the Davenport and Pleasant Valley districts will extend their physical plant and equipment levies for another 10 years in each district. Before the vote, the levies were scheduled to expire in 2028. The North Scott School [...]
	Muscatine man to be detained pending trial on child sex abuse materials charges A Muscatine County man facing federal charges of trafficking in child sex abuse materials has been order detained pending trial during a hearing Monday in U.S. District Court, Davenport.
	IMEG president/CEO named to Midwest Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame IMEG President and CEO Paul VanDuyne has been named to the Midwest Commercial Real Estate Hall of Fame, a news release says. The award is presented by Midwest REnews annually to industry veterans who have succeeded in even the most challenging market conditions, evolved with the commercial real estate industry, embraced new technology, and are [...]
	Quick wins special election in Walcott; North Scot PPEL passes After being appointed to the Walcott City Council in January to fill a vacancy, Joe Quick won election to the council, following a special election held Tuesday. Quick captured 143 of the 234 votes cast. Lynnette Tarchinski, who was a candidate for city council in November, garnered 82 votes, with Joseph Aubry getting the remaining nine votes. Quick was appointed to the Walcott city council on Jan. 19 to fill a vacancy created when former council member Jacob Puck assumed the mayor's seat. He was one of two candidates to apply. Two days later, Walcott residents submitted a petition for the special election. Meanwhile, North Scott's bid to increase the Physical Plant and Equipment Levy was successful, with 62% support. The tally was 324 votes in favor, with 196 votes against. More information will appear in the March 11 edition of The NSP.
	Mercer County Schools to lay off 24 employees The Mercer County School District has recommended laying off the employees for the 2026-27 school year, according to a media release from the Illinois Education Association.
	Kewanee eagle rescue urges hunters to clean up after themselves following 2 cases of lead poisoning When a hunter shoots an animal, fragments of the lead ammo spread throughout the body. Eagles scavenge the remains left behind and can ingest the lead by mistake.
	Roy Cooper, Michael Whatley set to compete for a high stakes North Carolina US senate seat Former Democratic North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper will face former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley in the state's toss-up U.S. Senate race.
	Roy Cooper, Michael Whatley set to compete for a high stakes North Carolina U.S. Senate seat Former Democratic North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper will face former Republican National Committee Chairman Michael Whatley in the state's toss-up U.S. Senate race.
	Stewart Road, Muscatine County, closed for months-long project Stewart Road (X61) is closed to all through traffic from just north of 49th Street to Pettibone Avenue as work resumes on the grading and Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) pavement replacement project in Muscatine County, a news release says. Metro Pavers Inc. is the prime contractor for the project. Traffic will be detoured using Wiggins [...]
	Former Olympic coach reflects on Team USA’s historic Winter Games Davenport native Dave Juehring was an elite athlete and coach for Team USA bobsledding and skeleton. Here's his take on how this year's Games went for the U.S.
	Timber Lake Playhouse plans 65th season Timber Lake Playhouse invites audiences to be part of a milestone year in 2026 - its 65th anniversary season at the Theatre in the Woods. For 65 years, Timber Lake Playhouse has welcomed generations of theatergoers to its wooded hillside outside Mount Carroll, where stories unfold beneath open skies and applause echoes through the trees. [...]
	Man awaiting trial on multiple child sex abuse-related charges arrested again on new accusations A Davenport man awaiting trial on multiple child sex abuse-related charges was arrested on Monday after new accusations came to light from an alleged child victim, police said.
	Average gas price rises 11¢ overnight to about $3.11, AAA says Cude oil futures have risen sharply this week because of the war.
	Potential budget changes would cut 2 positions at Muscatine Fire Department The department still has seven openings after multiple retirements and people quitting. This year's proposed budget only accounts for five replacements.
	Muscatine weighs leaving 2 fire department positions vacant amid budget concerns The City of Muscatine is considering leaving two firefighter positions unfilled as part of its upcoming budget, a proposal that has drawn concern from union members.
	Rain and storm chances peak this week on Friday While we are looking at a chance for some light and scattered showers over the next couple days, the best chance for substantial rain (and t'storms) arrives Friday evening. Rain totals will be a quarter of an inch or less through Thursday morning for most of our area. By Friday though, rain and storm chances [...]
	"Grief is like glitter": QCA family mourns the loss of El Patron's 'Connie' Life goes on with heavier hearts at a popular eatery in Rock Island. Consuelo Gonzalez died on Valentines Day. She owned El Patron Mexican Restaurant with her husband. Her daughters Stephanie and Vivika plan to carry on the family tradition. "Grief is kind of like glitter, if that makes sense. One glitter falls, it goes [...]
	Voting nears to a close in Texas primary that may be crucial to control of the Senate The GOP and Democratic primaries mark a potential litmus test for what direction base voters want their parties to go ahead of midterm elections this fall that will determine power in Congress.
	Vote counting underway in Texas primary that may be crucial to control of the Senate The GOP and Democratic primaries mark a potential litmus test for what direction base voters want their parties to go ahead of midterm elections this fall that will determine power in Congress.
	Republican primary for U.S. Senate in Texas is headed for a runoff Incumbent Sen. John Cornyn will face Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a May runoff. Vote counting was still underway in the Democratic primary between Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico.
	GOP primary for Texas Senate seat set for runoff; Democratic race too close too call Incumbent Sen. John Cornyn will face Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a May runoff. Vote counting was still underway in the Democratic primary between Jasmine Crockett and James Talarico.
	Silvis police officers to be honored for saving child from kidnapping Alexander Ross was convicted of aggravated battery and child abduction. He'll be sentenced later in March.
	Meet Amy Finn, the 2026 Remarkable Woman of the Quad Cities In every neighborhood, in every workplace, and in every family, women make a difference in the Quad Cities. Every March, Our Quad Cities News alongside Nexstar honors the Remarkable Women of the Quad Cities. Amy Finn is this year's Remarkable Woman of the Quad Cities. She is the senior director of programs and development at [...]
	Survey: 91% of Quad-Cities residents support tourism in the region Visit Quad Cities' latest resident survey showed major support for tourism in the Quad-Cities.
	Crews battle Davenport house fire Davenport fire officials said no one was injured. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
	How to test for, prevent colon cancer: MercyOne Genesis doctor interview Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer for men and women in the United States and new studies show cases are surging among young adults. The disease is getting a lot of attention after the passing of actor James Van Der Beek, who was just 48 years old. Dr. Ryan Perumpail, from MercyOne [...]
	Bird flu found in Washington County The detection in Washington County marks the fifth case of H5N1 HPAI so far in 2026, according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
	Crews battle Davenport house fire Davenport fire officials said no one was injured. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
	Death Notice: John Pischke A celebration of life for John C. Pischke, 77, of DeWitt, will be held at noon on Saturday, March 7, at Park View Lutheran Church. Visitation will be two hours prior to the service on Saturday at the church. Burial will be in Allens Grove Cemetery, Donahue. Chambers Funeral Home, Eldridge, is assisting the family with arrangements. Mr. Pischke died Monday, March 2, 2026, at MercyOne Genesis, Davenport. Memorials may be made to Stead Family Children's Hospital, Iowa City, or to Park View Lutheran Church. Online condolences may be made at www.McGinnis-Chambers.com. A full obituary will appear in the March 11 edition of The NSP.
	Boozies Bar & Grill set to reopen at new Freight House location Boozies Bar & Grill announced it will open its new location on Thursday, March 5.
	Davenport Fire Department responds to house fire on West 36th Street Tuesday Fire crews arrived to the 1400 block of West 36th Street at 12:41 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, and found a one-and-a-half story home with heavy fire and smoke.
	Illinois primary election 2026: Who's on the ballot for local office The Illinois primary election is set for Tuesday, March 17th. Polls are open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., with some counties choosing to expand hours. WVIK has compiled a list of all offices up for election for each county in our listening area.
	New assistant principals and other Moline School District personnel news from Feb. 9 See the personnel items from the Feb. 9 agenda of the Moline-Coal Valley School District. The board met at the Washington Elementary School, 1550 41st St. in Moline.
	The Quad City Regional Auto Show pulls in to East Moline New cars, trucks and SUVs and fun for all ages will be pulling in to the Bend XPO in East Moline. Susan Shrader joined Our Quad Cities News with details about the Quad City Regional Auto Show. For more information, click here.
	Iowa Senate property tax bill would freeze rates for seniors, tie gas tax to inflation A Senate Republican-proposed property tax bill would automatically increase fuel taxes each year based on inflation, freeze property taxes for homeowners 60 and older, and cap property tax increases at 2%, according to testimony heard Tuesday by a Senate committee.
	Survey: Quad Cities residents more pro-tourism than Midwest average A new resident sentiment survey shows strong support for tourism growth in the Quad Cities, with most residents saying benefits outweigh impacts.
	MercyOne Genesis offers lifesaving information about colorectal cancer Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths for men and women in the U.S., and new studies show colorectal cancer cases are surging among young adults. Dr. Ryan Perumpail from MercyOne Genesis joined Our Quad Cities News with some potentially lifesaving information about colorectal cancer. For more information, click here.
	Pregnant migrant girls are being sent to a Texas shelter flagged as medically risky Government officials and advocates for the children worry the goal is to concentrate them in Texas, where abortion is banned.
	Children learn to read with books that are just right for them – but that might not be the best approach After decades of stagnating reading performance, American literacy levels have begun to drop, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a program of the Department of Education. The average reading scores of 12th graders in 2024 were 3 points lower than they were in 2019. More kids are failing to even reach basic levels of reading that would allow them to successfully do their schoolwork, according to the assessment. There is much blaming and finger-pointing as to why the U.S. isn’t doing better. Some experts say that parents are allowing kids to spend too much time on screens, while others argue that elementary teachers aren’t teaching enough phonics, or that schools closing during the COVID-19 pandemic has had lingering effects. As a scholar of reading, I think the best explanation is that most American schools are teaching reading using an approach that new research shows severely limits students’ opportunities to learn. Students often learn to read with books that are preselected so they can easily understand most of the words in them. Jacqueline Nix/iStock/Getty Images Plus A Goldilocks approach to books In the 1940s, Emmett Betts, a scholar of education and theory, proposed the idea that if the books used to teach reading were either too easy or too hard, then students’ learning would be stifled. The thinking went that kids should be taught to read with books that were just the right fit for them. The theory was backed by research and included specific criteria for determining the best books for each child. The idea is that kids should work with books they could already read with 95% word accuracy and 75% to 89% comprehension. Most American schools continue to use this approach to teaching reading, nearly a century later. A popular method To implement this approach, schools usually test children multiple times each year to determine which books they should be allowed to read in school. Teachers and librarians will label and organize books into color-coded bins, based on their level of difficulty. This practice helps ensure that no child strays into a book judged too difficult for them to easily follow. Teachers then divide their class into reading groups based on the book levels the students are assigned. Most elementary teachers and middle school teachers say they try to teach at their students’ reading levels, as do more than 40% of high school English teachers. This approach might sound good, but it means that students work with books they can already read pretty well. And they might not have very much to learn from those books. New research challenges these widely used instructional practices. My July 2025 book, “Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives,” explains that students learn more when taught with more difficult texts. In other words, this popular approach to teaching has been holding kids back rather than helping them succeed. Many students will read at levels that match the grades they are in. But kids who cannot already read those grade-level texts with high comprehension are demoted to below-grade-level books in the hopes that this will help them make more progress. Often, parents do not know that their children are reading at a level lower than the grade they are in. Perhaps that is why, while more than one-third of American elementary students read below grade level, 90% of parents think their kids are at or above grade level. What’s in a reading level? The approach to “just right” reading has long roots in American history. In the 1840s, U.S. schools were divided into grade levels based on children’s ages. In response, textbook publishing companies organized their reading textbooks the same way. There was a first grade book, a second grade book and so on. These reading levels admittedly were somewhat arbitrary. The grade-level reading diet proposed by one company may have differed from its competitors’ offerings. That changed in 2010 with the Common Core state standards, a multistate educational initiative that set K-12 learning goals in reading and math in more than 40 states. At the time, too many students were leaving high school without the ability to read the kinds of books and papers used in college, the workplace or the military. Accordingly, Common Core set ranges of text levels for each grade to ensure that by high school graduation, students would be able to easily handle reading they will encounter in college and other places after graduation. Many states have replaced or revised those standards over the past 15 years, but most continue to keep those text levels as a key learning goal. That means that most states have set reading levels that their students should be able to accomplish by each grade. Students who do this should graduate from high school with sufficient literacy to participate fully in American society. But this instructional level theory can stand in the way of getting kids to those goals. If students cannot already read those grade level texts reasonably well, the teacher is to provide easier books than adjusting the instruction to help them catch up. But that raises a question: If children spend their time while they are in the fourth grade reading second grade books, will they ever catch up? New research suggests that children could benefit more from reading books that are slightly advanced for them, even if they cannot immediately grasp almost all of the words. Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images via The Conversation What the research says For more than 40 years, there was little research into the effectiveness of teaching reading with books that were easy for kids to follow. Still, the numbers of schools buying into the idea burgeoned. Research into effectiveness – or, actually, ineffectiveness – of this method has finally begun to accumulate. These studies show that teaching students at their reading levels, rather than their grade levels, either offers no benefit or can slow how much children learn. Since 2000, the federal government has spent tens of billions of dollars trying to increase children’s literacy rates. State expenditures toward this goal have been considerable, as well. Despite these efforts, there have been no improvements in U.S. reading achievement for middle school or high school students since 1970. I believe it is important to consider the emerging research that shows there will not be considerable reading gains until kids are taught to read with sufficiently challenging and meaty texts.This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Timothy E Shanahan, University of Illinois Chicago Read more:Even before they can read, young children are visualizing letters and other objects with the same strategies adults useHow do children learn to read? This literacy expert says ‘there are as many ways as there are students’Mississippi’s education miracle: A model for global literacy reformTimothy E Shanahan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
	Children learn to read with books that are just right for them – but that might not be the best approach After decades of stagnating reading performance, American literacy levels have begun to drop, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress, a program of the Department of Education. The average reading scores of 12th graders in 2024 were 3 points lower than they were in 2019. More kids are failing to even reach basic levels of reading that would allow them to successfully do their schoolwork, according to the assessment. There is much blaming and finger-pointing as to why the U.S. isn’t doing better. Some experts say that parents are allowing kids to spend too much time on screens, while others argue that elementary teachers aren’t teaching enough phonics, or that schools closing during the COVID-19 pandemic has had lingering effects. As a scholar of reading, I think the best explanation is that most American schools are teaching reading using an approach that new research shows severely limits students’ opportunities to learn. Students often learn to read with books that are preselected so they can easily understand most of the words in them. Jacqueline Nix/iStock/Getty Images Plus A Goldilocks approach to books In the 1940s, Emmett Betts, a scholar of education and theory, proposed the idea that if the books used to teach reading were either too easy or too hard, then students’ learning would be stifled. The thinking went that kids should be taught to read with books that were just the right fit for them. The theory was backed by research and included specific criteria for determining the best books for each child. The idea is that kids should work with books they could already read with 95% word accuracy and 75% to 89% comprehension. Most American schools continue to use this approach to teaching reading, nearly a century later. A popular method To implement this approach, schools usually test children multiple times each year to determine which books they should be allowed to read in school. Teachers and librarians will label and organize books into color-coded bins, based on their level of difficulty. This practice helps ensure that no child strays into a book judged too difficult for them to easily follow. Teachers then divide their class into reading groups based on the book levels the students are assigned. Most elementary teachers and middle school teachers say they try to teach at their students’ reading levels, as do more than 40% of high school English teachers. This approach might sound good, but it means that students work with books they can already read pretty well. And they might not have very much to learn from those books. New research challenges these widely used instructional practices. My July 2025 book, “Leveled Reading, Leveled Lives,” explains that students learn more when taught with more difficult texts. In other words, this popular approach to teaching has been holding kids back rather than helping them succeed. Many students will read at levels that match the grades they are in. But kids who cannot already read those grade-level texts with high comprehension are demoted to below-grade-level books in the hopes that this will help them make more progress. Often, parents do not know that their children are reading at a level lower than the grade they are in. Perhaps that is why, while more than one-third of American elementary students read below grade level, 90% of parents think their kids are at or above grade level. What’s in a reading level? The approach to “just right” reading has long roots in American history. In the 1840s, U.S. schools were divided into grade levels based on children’s ages. In response, textbook publishing companies organized their reading textbooks the same way. There was a first grade book, a second grade book and so on. These reading levels admittedly were somewhat arbitrary. The grade-level reading diet proposed by one company may have differed from its competitors’ offerings. That changed in 2010 with the Common Core state standards, a multistate educational initiative that set K-12 learning goals in reading and math in more than 40 states. At the time, too many students were leaving high school without the ability to read the kinds of books and papers used in college, the workplace or the military. Accordingly, Common Core set ranges of text levels for each grade to ensure that by high school graduation, students would be able to easily handle reading they will encounter in college and other places after graduation. Many states have replaced or revised those standards over the past 15 years, but most continue to keep those text levels as a key learning goal. That means that most states have set reading levels that their students should be able to accomplish by each grade. Students who do this should graduate from high school with sufficient literacy to participate fully in American society. But this instructional level theory can stand in the way of getting kids to those goals. If students cannot already read those grade level texts reasonably well, the teacher is to provide easier books than adjusting the instruction to help them catch up. But that raises a question: If children spend their time while they are in the fourth grade reading second grade books, will they ever catch up? New research suggests that children could benefit more from reading books that are slightly advanced for them, even if they cannot immediately grasp almost all of the words. Jerry Holt/Star Tribune via Getty Images via The Conversation What the research says For more than 40 years, there was little research into the effectiveness of teaching reading with books that were easy for kids to follow. Still, the numbers of schools buying into the idea burgeoned. Research into effectiveness – or, actually, ineffectiveness – of this method has finally begun to accumulate. These studies show that teaching students at their reading levels, rather than their grade levels, either offers no benefit or can slow how much children learn. Since 2000, the federal government has spent tens of billions of dollars trying to increase children’s literacy rates. State expenditures toward this goal have been considerable, as well. Despite these efforts, there have been no improvements in U.S. reading achievement for middle school or high school students since 1970. I believe it is important to consider the emerging research that shows there will not be considerable reading gains until kids are taught to read with sufficiently challenging and meaty texts.This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Timothy E Shanahan, University of Illinois Chicago Read more:Even before they can read, young children are visualizing letters and other objects with the same strategies adults useHow do children learn to read? This literacy expert says ‘there are as many ways as there are students’Mississippi’s education miracle: A model for global literacy reformTimothy E Shanahan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
	Bird flu found in Washington County The detection in Washington County marks the fifth case of H5N1 HPAI so far in 2026, according to the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.
	Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley CEO Jay Justin announces retirement Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley board member and retired John Deere executive John Leinart will serve as interim CEO.
	North Scott Press — March 4, 2025
	Princeton stays course with church, Boll’s Princeton City Council still hopes to sell Boll’s Community Center and renovate the former Presbyterian Church, they reaffirmed across several recent meetings. The council voted unanimously on Feb. 12 to approve an application for an Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) derelict building grant that would provide over $40,000 in support for structural improvements and asbestos remediation at the church building. The following week, Feb. 19, they voted 3–1 to drop the list price of Boll’s from $350,000 to $325,000. Councilman Zach Phares was absent. Councilman Kevin Kernan opposed the price change. He also cast a dissenting vote against the council’s decision to list Boll’s last fall. He told the council on Feb. 12 that he hoped to keep and improve Boll’s as the city community center. Mayor Travis Volrath has said he hopes to use the proceeds of the sale of Boll’s to fund renovations at the church. The church could host a community center, offices, food pantry and daycare, Volrath and council members have suggested. Early budget figures considered by the council would allocate $50,000 from city reserves to community center improvements next year. That is a rise from just $4,000 budgeted this year, and about $5,000 spent over the previous two years. The DNR Derelict Building Program grant, if received, would help fund structural repairs of church roof and remove its damaged steeple, city grant writer Angie Bloomfield wrote to the council last month. The grant would cover a $10,000 structural engineering analysis; share expenses on up to $8,000 in environmental impact studies; and split the cost of up to $50,000 in building renovations. A focus on roof repair and steeple removal would “max out [grant] funding while also keeping matching requirements in mind,” Bloomfield wrote. The grant would also pay for asbestos remediation. An early exterior asbestos test at the church yielded a single positive result, on caulk used on a single square foot of a lower window. Remediation will cost just $400 and be fully covered by the DNR grant, Bloomfield told The North Scott Press. Several residents expressed concerns about the council’s direction Feb. 19, according to minutes. Liz Bosworth and Steve Billups both argued that the council should list both the church and Boll’s for sale and look to build a new community center at Woomert Park. Ann Geiger expressed concern that too many members of the council and public hoped to toss out the old and build something new. Budget figures under consideration The Princeton Police Department will also see expenditures rise next year, according to early budget documents. Police expenditures are set to rise nearly 40%, up to $203,198 from $146,178 budgeted this fiscal year. The city rehired longtime officer Brian Carstens for 32 hours a week in September. Tweed said the rise in expenditures will go to pay his salary. The city budget process remains ongoing and subject to change.
	The 2026 World Cup faces big challenges with only 100 days to go Will Iran compete? Will violence in Mexico flare up? And what about funding for host cities in the U.S.? With only 100 days left before it beings, the 2026 World Cup in North America is facing a lot of uncertainty.
	North Scott senior named Merit finalist In the nearly 70-year history of the North Scott School District, there have only been about two dozen finalists in the National Merit Scholarship program. Last month, the list earned another name. Senior Russell Squires received the news in February that he was a finalist in the nationally prestigious scholarship program, putting him in a class representing less than 1% of all high school students across the country. Although other students have been honored by the National Merit Scholarship program, the last Lancer to earn the honor of being a finalist was Anna Marceau in 2013. “Russell is a great student for us,” said high school principal Andrew Lehn. “Obviously, he stands out academically, but his character is also amazing. He is an awesome senior leader for us.” The process began when Squires was a junior and he took the Pre-SAT (PSAT) test. “There’s a certain cutoff that you have to meet based on your individual PSAT scores, and I met that cutoff,” said Squires. Approximately 1.3 million students take the PSAT annually. By spring, about 50,000 of those students are informed they are among the highest scorers. From there, students can be named either a semifinalist in the competition or a Commended Student. The National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) uses a weighted calculation to determine the cutoff marks. Part of the calculation is based on how competitive a state is, which is determined by how many students take the test. The NMSC allocates about 17,000 semifinalist slots per state per year. Early in the process, the NMSC offers a range of what the cutoff might be, before finalizing each state in September. For instance, for Iowa’s Class of 2027, the recommended range was 211-216. The final number was 213. In Illinois, the range was 218-222, with a final cutoff of 220. Squires earned 214 on his cutoff calculation, and he said that led to some stress. “For the longest time the (cutoff) projection was 214 or 215, so I think I waited for two weeks, waiting for them to confirm it was 214.” Once Squires learned he was a semifinalist, there was more work to be done. He had to fill out an application, with proof of his academic standing, an essay, and a letter of recommendation. He had to take the SAT and have a high enough score to confirm his performance on the PSAT, and he had to finalize his college choice to ensure it was an institution that sponsored a Merit Scholarship award. He was affirmed as one of 15,000 finalists in February. Squires still has a little bit of waiting to do to learn if he’ll receive a Merit Scholarship. Approximately 6,900 winners are announced on a rolling basis between April and July. If Squires is named a Merit Scholar, he could receive a $2,500 National Merit Scholarship, or a scholarship sponsored by a corporation or academic institution. Approximately 600 students will receive special corporate sponsored scholarships, although they will not technically be considered Merit Scholars. “A lot of schools offer scholarships for finalists, so there’s some very generous offers that I’ve received,” he said. Squires credits his parents, Mark and Rachel, for encouraging him to take the PSAT. “My parents knew about the PSAT, which, not a lot of people at our school know about,” he said, adding he had cousins who also took the PSAT, although they did not advance in the competition. “My parents knew about the potential scholarships that it would lead to, so they encouraged me and my brother to take the PSAT. “I would definitely say more people should take the PSAT if they want opportunities.” He said that, although he did some outside studying for his college preparation exams, the classes and general academic environment at North Scott were also extremely beneficial. He said the whole staff is encouraging, “but if I had to pick two, it would be Mrs. Skarich and Mrs. Sambdman. They’ve both just been excellent teachers, and more than just teachers as well. They’ve been able to help me personally as well as academically.” Aside from academics, Squires is involved with sports. He played football, and he’s also looking forward to his senior soccer season. Once he graduates from North Scott, he’s also looking forward to trading scarlet and silver for crimson and white. “I’m most likely going to go to the University of Alabama. I’m going to major in economics and minor in English. I’m going to go on the pre-law track.” Squires was also surprised to learn that his National Merit Finalist status in North Scott history was shared by such a small number. “It’s pretty special. I don’t know how else to put it. It’s really special.”
	Eldridge to substantially increase at-large animal fines Owners of animals that roam at-large will soon find a little extra bite from the City of Eldridge. On Monday, the city council approved the first reading of an ordinance amending fines for at-large animals. The fine for a first violation is $150, with a second violation fine of $300. For third and subsequent offenses, the fine will be $600. That’s up significantly from the current fine of $30 for a first-time offender. Second and third violations had been set at $75 and $150. At the last city council meeting on Feb. 16, police chief Andrew Lellig told the council that his department is currently being “hammered” with stray animal calls. Officers have methods of reuniting stray animals with their families, including posting photos on the department’s Facebook page. But when those attempts are unsuccessful, officers have to call the Scott County Humane Society, which costs $60 just for an animal control officer to come out and pick up the animal. The city must then pay $20 per day for seven days to board the animal. If the animal is claimed, the owner incurs those fees. If not, the city is on the hook for more than $200 per unclaimed animal. Lellig worked with assistant city administrator Jeff Martens to beef up the fine schedule. Following Monday’s council meeting, Martens said the city isn’t looking to make money off the increased fines. The increase is largely to cover the city’s animal control costs but also serves as an encouragement to owners to be more responsible with their pets. He said along with the fines, there will also be increased educational opportunities for pet owners. Martens also encouraged pet owners to make sure their animals are licensed with the city, and to make sure they have an identification tag that includes the owner’s phone number, which will make it easier for officers to arrange for reunification. A pet license is $6, and more information is available, either in person at City Hall, or by calling 563-285-4841. Fire department update During his mayor’s report, Scott Campbell reported another meeting was held with members of the Eldridge Fire Department on Feb. 17 to exchange more information. A meeting is also scheduled for next week to continue discussions. Council member Jeff Ashcraft asked about the status of the conversations. “Right now, we’ve been exchanging information,” said Campbell. “We’re still looking at two different paths: whether they stay independent or whether we take them over. I don’t know if we’re any closer, but we’re just getting more information.” He described the meetings as “constructive.” Budget talks Discussion of the FY2027 budget continued at the committee of the whole meeting prior to the regular meeting. Council members heard from city building inspector Ray Nees and city administrator Nevada Lemke about the inspections and administrative and finance budgets. As part of the budget discussion, Lemke said the proposed fire department budget was $304,406, or approximately $76,000 per quarter, which would match the levy rate set by the Benefitted Fire District. There will also be approximately $60,000 from the gas franchise fees allocated to the fire department. Council member Brian Dockery asked Lemke about any supplemental allocations to the fire department, noting there had been $40,000 allocated to the department in FY2026 for a capital fund. Lemke said talks are still ongoing with the fire department, but so far, she has not factored in supplemental allocations. “I think we’ve got a ways to go with the fire department,” said Campbell. Council member Ryan Iossi agreed, saying further talks were needed. “We’re not close enough right now to even making a decision on what we’re doing with that $40,000.” Future of inspections Following Nees’ brief presentation, Dockery and Iossi asked Nees if he foresees the need for summer help or an intern in the future. Nees said right now, he’s doing OK on his own, although he does have an eye towards retirement down the line. “I don’t know how I became the old guy, but it happened,” joked Nees. Nees said building inspectors can be difficult to hire, because the job is frequently part-time. Iossi and Dockery suggested a ride-along or a job shadowing program, possibly involving the North Scott student-built home program, could help introduce young people to the inspection business. Nees expressed interest in the option, and mused about funding opportunities. In response to a question from Dockery, Nees said there were 76 single-family new builds started in Eldridge last year, which beat the old record of 62, which he thought was set in 2013. There have already been 18 requests put in this year. Wastewater contract hauling The council also approved the first reading of an ordinance establishing fees for contract hauler wastewater disposal, which will allow some forms of wastewater to be disposed of by private contractors at the Eldridge Wastewater Treatment Plant. The rate was set at 20 cents per gallon, with a minimum disposal of 1,500 gallons. The wastewater must have originated within the Eldridge city limits. No wastewater containing dirt, mud, gravel, sewage, fats, oils, grease or other unknown or potentially hazardous chemicals will be accepted, and the city may require laboratory testing to verify the contents of the wastewater prior to being accepted. Any laboratory fees will be incurred by the hauler. City staff has the right to refuse any wastewater, and approved discharge must be scheduled, with staff present. Summer fest street closure The council approved a request from the Eldridge-North Scott Chamber of Commerce for road closures during the Eldridge Summer Festival, including the kickoff concert downtown on Friday, July 10, and the festival itself on Saturday, July 11. Chamber director Tabbitha Kramer submitted the request, and said the routes for the parade and Moonlight Chase will remain the same as the past few years. Other business In other business, the council approved liquor license renewals for Rolling Meadows Event Center and Maloney’s Pub. The council also approved setting a public hearing for a budget amendment to the FY26 city budget for 7 p.m. on Monday, March 16, at City Hall. Lemke explained this does not represent a change in expenditures; the budget form that was submitted for publication in The North Scott Press was a different version than the budget officially approved by the council last year. “We need to essentially pass an amended budget for what the council approved last year to match what’s published in the paper for the public hearing,” she explained. City clerk Tracy Northcutt also shared that the city is in the final phase of the hiring process for the deputy city clerk position, with just some steps on the background check needing completion. She said the hope is to have the process completed by the end of this week.
	Long Grove deadlocks with Grunwald over detention area Long Grove City Council appears locked in a standstill with developer Dale Grunwald over who will own and maintain a 9-acre water detention area he hopes to hand to the city. At a special meeting Tuesday, Feb. 24, members of the council split on whether to take the land without a plat of an expansion Grunwald has planned for the nearby the Winfield Estates subdivision. The city Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z) recommended that the council reject the request, until a full plat shows how new homes would utilize the detention area. Grunwald said he would not spend the money to draw the plat without the city’s assurance that they would take and maintain the detention area. In September 2018, the council agreed to assume ownership of the detention area if Grunwald implemented a design they selected. But the selection process ran for months, as council and the public debated how to best put the land to public use. In the meantime, Grunwald moved forward a previous design dating to the early stages of the Winfield Estates subdivision. On Tuesday, three members of the council—Nancy Herrin, Ryan Christensen, and Chad Ulrich—said they were ready to defer to P&Z’s recommendation that the council reject Grunwald’s request. “At this point, I feel like they're the ones who would have the most knowledge on this situation,” Christensen said. Ulrich said it was not the time for the city to assume new responsibilities. “We've got so many new projects in the hopper right now, we wouldn't do anything with it in the foreseeable future, other than maintain it,” he said. City Clerk Rose Guyer and Public Works Director Tony Saladino said the property would increase the city’s summer mowing and maintenance responsibilities. Council members Amy Shannon and Mike Boddicker appeared more friendly to Grunwald’s request. “I don't understand what's the risk of us assuming the property, because I think it's inevitable that we're going to take it over anyway,” Boddicker said. If Grunwald were to dissolve his development company, the city could be forced to take and maintain the property. “Having something in place now protects us when that ultimately happens,” Boddicker said. The city could ensure the property was correctly maintained, he said. Between 2010 and 2020, documents provided to the council state that the city received regular complaints about flooding in the detention area. City Engineer Jason McKenzie told the council that those issues have been resolved. McKenzie and Grunwald each told the council that the area could manage stormwater from further development, although they appeared to disagree on an exact figure. McKenzie estimated the pond could drain about 66 acres of development. Grunwald tagged that number higher, at 109 acres. They agreed that the exact number would depend on the density of future development. Guyer noted that a water management plan would have to be approved for any future development, regardless of the detention area’s ownership. Jill Grunwald, wife of Dale Grunwald, said the council had asked developers to incorporate green space into their plats, but would not use city resources to maintain that land as parks and recreational spaces. The accusation drew a blast of frustration from Christensen. “All we're talking about right now is whether or not we're going to take over this [detention area]. What does that have to do with whether or not we still ask for green space from developers? It's moot,” he said. “You're talking about then, not now, and that's why this is so contentious. But it doesn’t have to be,” he added. The council took no formal action and tabled the discussion pending further information.

Wednesday, March 4th, 2026

Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026