Monday Morning Read: It’s eclipse day, Fairfield before settlers, Powerball jackpot soars

TODAY'S ECLIPSE WEATHER — Cloudy, chances of showers and storms. High 85, low 68.

IT'S ECLIPSE DAY — Monday is the day. For the first time since 1979, a total solar eclipse will make its way across the continental United States. To help get you ready, here is a guide for Eastern Iowans to help you prepare for what's to come: https://www.thegazette.com/news/eastern-iowa-guide-to-the-total-solar-eclipse/

FAIRFIELD BEFORE SETTLERS — Along with retired State Archaeologist Anton Hill, artifact hunter Gary Nelson and University of Iowa architectural historian Marlin Ingalls, Iowa tribe historic preservation officer Lance Foster will be featured in the documentary 'Life Before Fairfield.' Foster is one of several Native American experts invited to Fairfield last spring to shed light on people who inhabited the land before it was called Fairfield. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/life/film-shows-what-life-was-like-in-fairfield-before-settlers-arrived/

POWERBALL JACKPOT SOARS — No one matched the winning numbers in Saturday's Powerball drawing. That means the jackpot at stake in Wednesday's drawing will be at least $650 million annuity, or $411.7 million lump-sum value, according to lottery officials. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/news/no-winner-of-powerball-jackpot-prize-grows-to-650-million/

TITLE TALK AT XAVIER — The level of talent and depth has never been higher. 'We definitely know we're going to have a target on our backs,' said Charlotte Richards, a returning first-team all-state hitter for the Cedar Rapids Xavier volleyball team. 'We're going to practice every day like a state championship is on the line.' Ultimately and eventually, that's the Saints' aim this season. Read more: https://www.thegazette.com/iowa-prep-sports/theres-title-talk-at-xavier/

QUOTABLE — 'There's a saying, 'Those who don't understand history are doomed to repeat it.' That's one of the cool things about living history. We can learn the things we don't learn about in class.' Eastern Iowa resident Katie Evans, on historical re-enactments like this past weekend's World War II event at Seminole Valley Park