DES MOINES, Iowa (Iowa’s News Now) — The Iowa Department of Education announced $3.5 million in grants to help schools and community organizations create and expand before- and after-school programs. These programs aim to support families and boost student achievement by providing safe and engaging learning environments outside regular school hours. “Before- and after-school programs grounded in evidence-based best practices can improve student achievement, attendance, interpersonal skills and behavior,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “In partnership with schools and community organizations, Learning Beyond the Bell will expand access to high-quality instructional and enrichment programs, engaging students in dynamic learning and supporting working families beyond the school day.” Priority will be given to schools serving students with the greatest needs, including those identified for additional support under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). Schools can apply for grants of up to $200,000 to develop or expand before- and after-school activities, including staffing, tutoring, transportation and meals aligned with National School Lunch Program requirements. Applications will be accepted from until March 29, 2024, through IowaGrants.gov.
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Iowa’s News Now) — In eastern Iowa, an artist is memorializing people who passed away from COVID-19. Right now, the Historic Center has a red quilt – made of unusual racial masks — on display in their gallery in Cedar Rapids. That quilt was part of a collaboration project between artist, Bex Hurn, and Linda Langston, a former Linn County Supervisor. Museum officials say the red threads that are sewn into the quilt represent all of the people in eastern Iowa who died from the virus. That quilt will be on display through the entire month of March. They are open every Tuesday through Saturday.
DAVENPORT, Iowa (KCRG) -One person has died after a crash in Davenport around 12:45 a.m. Sunday morning. The Iowa State Patrol says a driver was heading northbound on North Brady Street in Davenport, attempting to elude authorities, when they lost control and crashed. The Iowa State Patrol says the driver’s name is not being released at this time.
BENTON COUNTY, Iowa (Iowa’s News Now) — Iowa State Patrol reported a head-on fatal crash in the 5100 block of IA-150 in Urbana in Benton County Friday evening. According to a crash report, a driver was headed south on IA-150, when another driver who was headed north drove into the opposite lane, resulting in a head-on crash. It’s unclear why the driver went into the wrong lane, and they were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the other vehicle was taken to the hospital for their injuries.
