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The Transformative Power of Gratitude: Practicing Thankfulness in Everyday Life

6 months 3 weeks ago
Did you know that practicing gratitude can physically change your brain? Research from the University of California, Davis, found that individuals who engage in regular gratitude exercises show increased activity in the hypothalamus, which regulates stress, sleep, and immune function. This fascinating discovery underscores the profound impact that a simple shift in mindset can have on our mental and physical well-being. But how can we seamlessly integrate gratitude into our busy lives? Understanding Gratitude: More Than Just a Feeling At its core, gratitude is more than just an emotion; it’s a practice, a way of engaging with the world that fosters positivity. Psychologist Robert Emmons defines gratitude as "a two-step process: (1) recognizing that you have received a positive outcome, and (2) acknowledging that there is an external source for this positive outcome." This understanding helps us appreciate not only what we have but also the connections we share with others. W

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This Day in History on February 18: Pluto Discovered

6 months 3 weeks ago
February 18th has been a significant date throughout history, marking a variety of events that have shaped the world. In a historical context, February 18, 1930, marked the discovery of Pluto by American astronomer Clyde Tombaugh. This groundbreaking moment in astronomy expanded our understanding of the solar system and led to significant discussions about the classification of celestial bodies. Initially considered the ninth planet, Pluto's status was later redefined, sparking debates that continue to this day. The discovery was celebrated globally, paving the way for future exploration and research into the outer reaches of our solar system. Turning the clock back, on February 18, 1943, the White Rose resistance group was active in Nazi Germany. This group, consisting of students and a professor from the University of Munich, distributed anti-Nazi leaflets calling for passive resistance against the regime. Their courageous actions and eventual martyrdom became symbols of civil

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Trump’s cuts to federal wildfire crews could have ‘scary’ consequences

6 months 3 weeks ago
ISSAQUAH, Wash. — President Donald Trump’s moves to slash the federal workforce have gutted the ranks of wildland firefighters and support personnel, fire professionals warn, leaving communities to face deadly consequences when big blazes arrive this summer. “There’s going to be firefighters that die because of this, there will be communities that burn,” said Steve […]
Alex Brown

Republicans vow action after judge’s ruling allows abortion to resume in Missouri

6 months 3 weeks ago
Fifty years of anti-abortion laws in Missouri have been struck down as unconstitutional over the last two months, culminating Friday with a Jackson County judge blocking clinic licensing requirements. Three days later, Republican lawmakers and anti-abortion activists gathered outside Planned Parenthood locations across the state to say they have no intention of retreating. “I’m here to tell you the Missouri supermajority of Republicans will not stand for this,” said state Sen. Mary Elizabeth…
Anna Spoerre

Power outages reported in south St. Louis amid winter weather

6 months 3 weeks ago
ST. LOUIS - Nearly 1,800 Ameren Missouri customers were without power Tuesday morning in south St. Louis during the winter weather. The power outages occurred on Chippewa Street near Grand Boulevard in south St. Louis around 5 a.m. Tuesday morning. A majority of the customers impacted were residents in south St. Louis' Tower Grove South, [...]
Nick Gladney

Closings and Cancellations - Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025

6 months 3 weeks ago
Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2025, Closings School Closings Althoff Catholic High School Alton School District 11, E-Learning Belleville District 118 Belleville THSD 201, E-Learning Bethalto District Schools, E-Learning Brussels School District Calhoun School District, Virtual Learning Carlinville School District, Virtual Learning Cahokia District, E-Learning Carrollton School District Collinsville District 10, E-Learning Dupo District 196 Schools East Alton Wood River District 14 East Alton District 13 Schools, E-Learning East St. Louis School District 189 Edwardsville District 7 Schools First Baptist Academy, O'Fallon Freeburg High School District 77 Good Shepherd Lutheran, Collinsville Granite City School District 9, E-Learning Greenfield School District Illinois Center For Autism, Belleville, Fairview Heights Jersey School District Lebanon District 9, E-Learning Lewis and Clark Community College, Virtual Learning Madison Community District 12 Marquette Catholic,

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Ameren Missouri prepares for power outages amid winter storm

6 months 3 weeks ago
ST. LOUIS - Ameren Missouri is closely monitoring an approaching winter storm, focusing on the potential impact of snow on power lines. The utility company highlights that while freezing rain and ice are typically the biggest threats during winter storms, the current concern is the weight of snow on tree limbs, which could lead to [...]
Mallory Thomas

Tuesday, Feb. 18 - A new lease on life for formerly incarcerated individuals

6 months 3 weeks ago
The Criminal Justice Ministry in St. Louis is helping hundreds of formerly incarcerated people get back on their feet, many of whom are veterans and have spent at least 10 years in prison. And for some of the nonprofit’s case workers, the service hits close to home. St. Louis Public Radio’s Lacretia Wimbley has more on how the organization is impacting lives through its housing re-entry programs.

Rudi ’splains it: The State Adequacy Target

6 months 3 weeks ago
Only someone schooled in sarcasm pushes themselves away from a banquet table, pats their stomach and exclaims, “That sure was adequate!” when they have consumed a fine meal. Something adequate is acceptable, but it’s not something you go out of your way for. But adequate is what state law directs the legislature to attain in […]
Rudi Keller