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Did you know that children who read just six books over the summer maintain reading skills better than those who don’t? Yet, the challenge remains: how do you craft a reading list that appeals to everyone in the family—from toddlers to grandparents—without overwhelming or underwhelming any age group? Building a summer reading list that spans generations requires intentionality and creativity, but the rewards include fostering lifelong reading habits, sparking conversation, and creating shared memories. Understanding the Reading Needs of Different Age Groups Before selecting books, it’s crucial to recognize that reading interests and abilities vary widely with age. What captivates a preschooler will rarely engage a teenager, and adults often seek different themes and complexities. Young Children (Ages 0-7): At this stage, picture books with vibrant illustrations and simple narratives are most effective. These books build vocabulary and encourage early literac

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Imagine gathering around a glowing circle of warmth, where stories flow as easily as the flickering flames, and the night air carries the scent of wood smoke and toasted marshmallows. A backyard fire pit is more than an outdoor feature; it’s a catalyst for connection, relaxation, and memorable evenings. But creating this inviting space takes more than just stacking stones—it requires thoughtful planning, safety considerations, and a touch of craftsmanship. Why Build a Backyard Fire Pit? Before diving into the how-to, it’s worth noting the growing popularity and benefits of backyard fire pits. Studies indicate that outdoor living spaces enhance home value by up to 20%, and fire pits are among the most sought-after features. Beyond aesthetics and property value, fire pits serve as social hubs, offering a cozy retreat for family and friends. Planning Your Fire Pit: Location and Design Choosing the Right Spot Selecting the ideal location is crucial for both safety

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A police officer was stopped at a red light when a man, shot in the neck, collapsed in the street.

June 23 has been a date marked by numerous significant events throughout history, spanning the realms of science, politics, culture, and exploration. A notable event occurred in 1941 during World War II, when Germany launched Operation Barbarossa on June 23, initiating the invasion of the Soviet Union. This marked one of the largest military offensives in history and dramatically altered the course of the war, with profound consequences for both Eastern Europe and the global balance of power. In the cultural sphere, June 23 has witnessed several milestones. For example, in 1894, the first ever motor race in the United States took place, signaling the dawn of a new era in transportation and automotive innovation. This event laid the groundwork for the thriving motorsport industry and the widespread adoption of automobiles. In literature, June 23 is celebrated as Bloomsday in honor of James Joyce’s novel “Ulysses,” which chronicles the events of a single day in Dublin

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Missouri could soon join 27 states with laws protecting natural hair textures, though the anti-discrimination provisions only apply to educational settings. The legislation, dubbed the CROWN Act, has been proposed in Missouri since 2020 and is part of a national movement to enshrine protections for curls and coils. The cities of St. Louis and Kansas […]

Boeing’s air and space museum, the James S. McDonnell Prologue Room, will be open to the public this summer! From biplanes to space capsules, the Prologue Room displays artifacts and […]

The post Visit the James S. McDonnell Prologue Room appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Today on TAP: Which is more dangerous—Trump miscalculating and setting off a wider war? Or Trump succeeding militarily and politically?

Dave Grohl made a surprise appearance during The Breeders frontwoman and ex-Pixies bassist Kim Deal's solo show in London Friday.The Foo Fighters frontman joined Deal for a rendition of the Pixies…

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ST. LOUIS - Due to the summer heat, Tim Ezell stayed inside and was joined by Margie Ellisor and John Pertzborn for the 2025 Summer Hallway Olympics.

FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS — Fairview Heights Police officers recently participated in a full day of in-service training focused on constitutional policing and officer safety, officials said. The training began with classroom instruction on constitutional requirements related to traffic stops, including relevant case law and federal statutes. Officers then moved outdoors to conduct high-risk traffic stop exercises using live role players. The day concluded at the shooting range, where officers practiced advanced safety techniques addressing ballistics and bullet penetration in vehicles. Training included the use of Simunitions and live fire exercises aimed at improving threat mitigation in and around vehicles. “An exhaustive day but critically important that our guardians are prepared, trained and educated,” the Fairview Heights Police Department said in a statement.

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ST. CHARLES COUNTY, MO. — A 64-year-old man from St. Charles, Mo., drowned Saturday afternoon, June 21, 2025, after an incident in the Mississippi River at the 2 Branch Island Sandbar, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The incident occurred around 3 p.m. on June 21, 2025. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the man was on the back of a boat and entered the water without wearing a life jacket for unknown reasons. Bystanders recovered his body from the water and began performing CPR with assistance from a Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper. The man was later pronounced dead at Mercy Hospital by Dr. Harmon. The Missouri State Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the drowning.

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Though the campaign has already hit its goal of knocking on one million doors, 700 people met up across New York last Wednesday to keep contacting voters.

Back in early 2024 Amazon announced that Prime Video customers (who already pay $140 per year) would be charged $3 extra every month just to avoid ads that didn’t previously exist. It was just the latest example of “enshittification” in a streaming sector all out of original ideas, desperate to provide Wall Street with impossible […]

ST. LOUIS - Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe is set to appoint members to the St. Louis City Board of Police Commissioners on Monday afternoon. The new appointments mark the next step in the state's takeover of the St. Louis Police Department. The transition of control of the police department returns to the state after voters [...]