CHER

Apr 08 2026EDUCATION

Connecting Local Schools to Global Science with a Local Teacher’s Big Opportunity

A science teacher from Ottawa, Illinois, will spend part of his summer rubbing shoulders with some of the brightest minds in physics. Dan Fitzpatrick, who teaches at St. Bede Academy, has earned a spot in an elite program run by CERN, the famous research center in Switzerland. Out of thousands of ap

reading time less than a minute
Apr 07 2026ENVIRONMENT

Cherry Blossoms Light Up Chicago’s Spring Short‑Term

The first signs of spring appeared in Jackson Park, where a burst of pink and white petals now frames the pond below the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. The city’s cherry trees, a collection of five species, have finally opened their blooms after a season of weather swings and generous rain.

reading time less than a minute
Apr 07 2026EDUCATION

Teachers Gather for Fresh Ideas in Physical Education

Area educators are getting a chance to refresh their teaching toolkit next spring. A new event in Eau Claire will bring together gym teachers, health instructors, and adaptive PE specialists for a day of workshops and talks. Instead of just listening to lectures, teachers will explore hands-on topic

reading time less than a minute
Apr 05 2026EDUCATION

How Maryland Schools Are Changing the Game in Reading

Maryland has taken big steps to improve student literacy, but success isn’t guaranteed just by throwing money at the problem. The state set aside $10. 9 million to fund literacy coaches and expand the Science of Reading, a method backed by research. But will this be enough to move the needle? In 202

reading time less than a minute
Apr 04 2026OPINION

Teachers Need a Reading Roadmap

Pennsylvania schools face a tough truth: only about one in three fourth‑graders can read well. The gap is even wider for Black and Hispanic kids, with just 16% meeting the standard. When children reach third grade, they stop learning how to read and start reading to learn. If they cannot read, their

reading time less than a minute
Apr 03 2026CRIME

Teacher Arrested Over Alleged Abuse of Special Education Student

In a shocking turn of events, a former teacher from Williams Memorial Elementary has been taken into custody on charges related to child cruelty. The incident, which took place in late February, involved a seven‑year‑old boy who reportedly was left to remain soiled and then physically pushed into a

reading time less than a minute
Apr 01 2026SCIENCE

Learning from Chernobyl’s radiation-loving fungus

In the ruins of a nuclear reactor in Chernobyl, something strange is growing. A dark, almost black fungus called Cladosporium sphaerospermum has taken over the walls of the abandoned Unit 4 building. This isn’t just any fungus—it thrives where radiation levels would be deadly to humans. Scientists h

reading time less than a minute
Mar 31 2026CRIME

Appeals Court Reconsiders Former Teacher’s Convictions

The case of a former teacher from Granite Hills High School has taken an unexpected turn after an appellate court decided to overturn some of his convictions. Gerald Lopez, who had worked as an English teacher and coach, was arrested in 2022 when a mother found texts linking her 17‑year‑old daughter

reading time less than a minute
Mar 22 2026POLITICS

Missing Butcher Holds Family Hope After Complex Strike

A young Iranian butcher who had worked for two decades finally opened his own shop just before the Persian New Year. He was last seen after a double strike hit the commercial complex where his shop sat, destroying homes, stores and a laundry floor. Every day since, two of his older brothers have sco

reading time less than a minute
Mar 21 2026EDUCATION

Teacher’s License Revoked While Facing Trial

A 42‑year‑old former teacher named Cody A. Davis has had his teaching credentials pulled by the state’s education office. He is currently on trial and has denied every charge against him. Davis kept his license active since 2008, but investigators found he stopped teaching about a year ago. The sta

reading time less than a minute