a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

Kali Departs: Saint Louis Zoo Welcomes Twin Polar Bear Brothers Amid Exhibit Changes

5 months 3 weeks ago
ST. LOUIS - The Saint Louis Zoo announced a significant change in its polar bear exhibit this week, bidding farewell to resident polar bear Kali and welcoming a pair of twin polar bear brothers from the Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. The transition took place as part of a breeding exchange designed to enhance genetic diversity among the species. Kali, a 12-year-old polar bear, has been a popular figure at the Saint Louis Zoo since his arrival in 2015. He has been described as gregarious, curious, and intelligent. Kali has now relocated to Toledo, where he will be paired with a female polar bear named Crystal. This move marks Kali's first opportunity to mate, taking advantage of the limited seasonal window for polar bear breeding. “Kali is a special bear beloved by so many people here in St. Louis,” said Julie Hartell-DeNardo, the Zoo’s Kevin Beckmann Curator of Carnivores. “While we’ll miss him greatly, this important opportunity allows Kali to contribute t

Continue Reading

Principia Mediation Team Coach Reflects on Successful Competition

5 months 3 weeks ago
ELSAH - Principia College’s mediation team recently won big at the Fourth Annual International Academy of Dispute Resolution (INADR) Conciliator Tournament. John Williams, J.D., is a professor at Principia, the previous Principia College president, and the current mediation team coach. He recently stopped by “Our Daily Show!” with C.J. Nasello to talk about the art of mediation and the students’ success at the INADR tournament. “Mediation is an alternative to litigation and going to court,” Williams explained. “Why not find a way of resolving your conflicts where you bring the pressure down? Bring in a mediator who’s a nonpartisan sort of person with the skill to build trust and work with the two sides to find something mutual.” Williams noted that there are a lot of reasons why a person or company might want to avoid going to court. Mediation offers an alternative way to resolve disputes. In a mock case, like

Continue Reading

St. Patrick's Day Weekend: Increased DUI Enforcement in Edwardsville

5 months 3 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE – St. Patrick’s Day will be here before we know it, bringing with it parades, parties, green beer and more to communities throughout the state. To remind motorists of the dangers of impaired driving and to help keep our streets safe, the Edwardsville Police Department is teaming up with the Illinois State Police and Illinois Department of Transportation for a stepped-up traffic safety campaign. “With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Monday this year, we expect increased celebrations throughout the weekend prior,” said Lt. Brandn Whittaker. “We urge everyone to celebrate responsibly. Please plan ahead for a sober ride home before you leave the house — your safety and the safety of others depend on it.” In addition to looking for alcohol- and cannabis-impaired drivers, the Edwardsville Police will be stepping up seat belt enforcement, particularly at night when seat belt usage rates are lowest. Speeding, distracted driving and

Continue Reading

SIUE Lovejoy Library to Host Inaugural Lunar New Year Event

5 months 3 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE - SIUE Lovejoy Library will host a special Lunar New Year event. At 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025, students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to Lovejoy Library to celebrate the Year of the Snake. The event will include a lecture on the history of the holiday, a kung fu demonstration, an origami station and the lion dance. “It’s very important,” said Simone Williams, Diversity and Engagement Librarian at SIUE. “This is also to celebrate our Asian students, faculty and staff and anybody in the community. It’s just so they can see themselves represented on campus and in the community.” Attendees are encouraged to stop by the Information Desk on the first floor of the library to pick up a red envelope, which traditionally represents good fortune. There will also be a book display with several books that cover Asian history and culture. Williams noted that this is the first year that Lovejoy Library has hosted

Continue Reading

Missouri House committee rejects bill putting age restrictions on intoxicating hemp products

5 months 3 weeks ago
A bill backed by the hemp industry that would impose age restrictions on their products was resoundingly rejected Tuesday evening by a Missouri House committee after product safety requirements were removed.  The bill, sponsored by Republican state Rep. Ben Baker of Neosho, would place an age restriction on the purchase of intoxicating hemp products, such […]
Rebecca Rivas

Suspects Sought for Vandalizing SLMPD Mobile Camera

5 months 3 weeks ago

Third District detectives need help identifying and locating the suspects pictured below. They are wanted for vandalizing a SLMPD mobile camera at S. 9th Street & Lafayette Avenue during Mardi Gras on March 1, 2025. Anyone with a tip about this incident who wants to remain anonymous and is interested in a possible cash reward […]

The post Suspects Sought for Vandalizing SLMPD Mobile Camera appeared first on St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

Evita Caldwell

Belleville, Dupo, Individuals Recognized: Community Unites To Support Hoyleton's Mission Of Hope

5 months 3 weeks ago
O’FALLON — The 42nd Annual Hoyleton Honors celebration took place last Friday evening, Feb. 28, 2025, at the Regency Conference Center in O'Fallon, IL., showcasing the work of Hoyleton Youth and Family Services under the theme "Be the Light." The event highlighted the organization’s commitment to assisting clients and families in navigating challenging circumstances toward brighter futures. The evening featured a cocktail hour, silent auction, dinner, live auction, and a paddle raise, all aimed at supporting Hoyleton's programs and services. The event concluded with music and dancing, providing a festive atmosphere for attendees. Hoyleton’s annual fundraising celebration serves as an opportunity to recognize individuals and partner organizations that have significantly contributed to the mission over the past year. Among this year’s honorees was St. Paul UCC Church in Floraville, which received the Mission Companion title for its contributions toward securin

Continue Reading

Alton Band and Orchestra Builders to Host Virtual Auction Fundraiser for Alton Music Program

5 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON - The Alton Band and Orchestra Builders (ABOB) will host their annual virtual auction later this month. The Music Matters Virtual Auction begins on March 27 and ends on March 29, 2025. All proceeds will go back to ABOB to support local students in the Alton Community Unit School District #11 music program. The organization noted that they are still looking for donations and sponsors ahead of the auction. “ABOB, with the support of its generous donors, ensures that all kids in the Alton School District, regardless of financial resources, are able to experience the joy of playing an instrument,” said Jodi Baum, chairperson for the auction. “It’s incredible to see just how many kids come through the music program in the Alton district every year.” The auction will utilize the Zeffy Fundraising Platform, and 100% of proceeds will go back to ABOB. In addition to countless baskets and services that are up for auction, a few lucky winners will also

Continue Reading

2025 Women of Distinction: Becky Cowart Shows Passion for Future Generations Today

5 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON - Rebecca “Becky” Cowart cares about the future, so she acts today. Cowart, one of the YWCA’s ten 2025 Women of Distinction, will be honored at the Y’s annual gala for her commitment to the community. Cowart is involved in several local organizations, from the YWCA to the NAACP, and she shared that her mission to get involved started with her own children, ages 9, 8 and 1. “My children are the most important children in the world to me,” she said. “Essentially because of them, I’ve made choices because I want them to experience community and I want them to experience a diverse community so that they can see the importance of making space, celebrating, respecting and learning from diversity.” Cowart homeschools her children and makes sure they are involved in the community through initiatives like Diverse Story, a YWCA program that offers storytimes with diverse characters and books that kids can take home. She also

Continue Reading