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SIU System Recognizes "Distinguished" Students in Awards Ceremony

8 months 3 weeks ago
EDWARDSVILLE – Four Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students were among those honored for their campus contributions during the Southern Illinois University (SIU) System’s Board of Trustees (BOT) meeting on Thursday, April 17 at SIU Carbondale. The System’s Student Advisory Committee selected eight students and presented each of them with a 2025 SIU Distinguished Student Service Award. The accolade recognizes, honors, and celebrates the efforts and contributions of students whose acts of service are demonstrative of excellence and exemplary commitment to the support, advancement, and achievement of fellow students, their campus, and their community. The winners included: Nicholas Young, SIUE undergraduate student Iyanuoluwa Emmanuel Fatunmbi, SIUE graduate student Gabrielle Ramirez, SIU School of Dental Medicine student Lauren Wells, SIUE School of Pharmacy student Penny Bordewick, SIUC undergraduate student Caden Cockburn, SIUC graduate

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How to Plan the Ultimate Backyard BBQ: Crafting an Unforgettable Experience

8 months 3 weeks ago
Did you know that nearly 70% of Americans say that food is the heart of any social gathering? A backyard BBQ isn’t just about grilling—it’s about creating an atmosphere where flavors, friendships, and fun come together seamlessly. Planning the ultimate backyard BBQ requires more than just turning on the grill; it’s about attention to detail, thoughtful preparation, and a flair for hospitality. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a first-time host, this guide will help you elevate your BBQ from ordinary to extraordinary. Setting the Stage: Designing the Perfect Backyard Ambiance The environment in which your BBQ takes place plays a significant role in guests’ overall experience. Think beyond the food and focus on creating a welcoming space. Layout and Seating: Arrange seating areas that encourage conversation and comfort. Use a mix of tables, benches, and lounge chairs to accommodate different group sizes. If space allows, create separate

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United to Revive Returns to Alton with Citywide Tent Revival & Community Outreach

8 months 3 weeks ago
ALTON — Volunteers from across the region are coming together once again to lift up the name of Jesus, bring hope to hurting communities, and meet real needs on the ground. United to Revive, a grassroots ministry made up of believers from diverse churches, backgrounds, and walks of life, is returning to Alton’s Riverfront Park May 20–23, 2025 for a four-night tent revival packed with worship, testimonies, prayer, and outreach. In the weeks leading up to the event, volunteers will also be walking the streets of Alton, praying for the city and sharing God’s love. These Wednesday night Prayer Walks begin April 23 at 5:30 PM, meeting in the Panera Bread parking lot (1837 Homer Adams Pkwy). “Our heart is simple,” says Director Jeremiah Goltz. “To see lives transformed by Jesus and to see churches and people from all walks of life come together—not in competition, but in love and unity.” A Growing Regional Movement In just the past

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Spring Cleaning Your Digital Life: Decluttering Emails and Files

8 months 3 weeks ago
Did you know that the average office worker receives around 121 emails per day? Over time, this constant influx can turn your inbox and file storage into a chaotic digital swamp, making it harder to find important information and slowing down your productivity. Just as physical clutter can weigh on your mind and space, digital clutter can impair your efficiency and increase stress levels. Tackling this hidden mess requires intentional effort and strategy. The Digital Clutter Dilemma Digital clutter often goes unnoticed until it becomes overwhelming. Unlike physical clutter, which is tangible and visible, digital clutter is intangible—hidden in folders, inboxes, and drives. Over the years, files duplicate, emails pile up, and storage spaces fill with outdated or irrelevant content. The consequences include slower device performance, increased vulnerability to security risks, and difficulty locating critical documents. For instance, a 2021 study by Radicati Group revealed that

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Beloved Father McGivney Coach Brandon Ahring Remembered in School Vigil

8 months 3 weeks ago
GLEN CARBON — Father McGivney Catholic High School will hold a blessing ceremony for its new Track and Field facilities and a prayer vigil to honor the memory of Brandon Ahring, a beloved alumnus and assistant coach who died last week in a car accident. On Monday, April 21, 2025, the Griffin community is invited to gather at the school’s new Track and Field complex for the blessing at 3:45 p.m., preceding the school’s first home track meet of the season. Later that evening, at approximately 7 p.m., a prayer vigil will be held to remember Ahring, who was deeply committed to coaching and the McGivney community. Ahring, a member of the Father McGivney Class of 2021, tragically lost his life on Wednesday, April 16, 2025, while returning home from Track and Field practice in a vehicle accident near Hamel. He had served as an assistant cross country and track coach at the school for three years, working under Head Coach Jim Helton. In a statement to the McGivney

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Attorney General Raoul Announces Victory In Case Against Google For Monopolies In Digital Advertising

8 months 3 weeks ago
CHICAGO – Attorney General Kwame Raoul today announced a court victory after the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia found that Google has violated the law by maintaining illegal monopolies in the digital advertising technology industry, stifling competition and harming website publishers, advertisers and consumers. Attorney General Raoul, as part of a bipartisan coalition of 17 attorneys general, joined the Department of Justice (DOJ) in filing a lawsuit against Google in 2023, seeking to stop Google’s anticompetitive conduct that threatens markets in the online advertising industry. “Google has created an environment in the digital world that has caused harm to online publishers and advertisers by weakening a free and open internet,” Raoul said. “Google has maintained its monopolies in digital advertising technologies for too long, and I am pleased that the court found the company liable for its unlawful actions.” The

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A fifth of Americans are on Medicaid. Some of them have no idea

8 months 3 weeks ago
Some Americans who rely on Medicaid to pay for their health care don’t realize their insurance is funded by that very program, which congressional Republicans are looking to shrink. One reason is that state programs aren’t always called “Medicaid.” Many states have rebranded their programs with consumer-friendly names such as SoonerCare in Oklahoma, Apple Health […]
Anna Claire Vollers

In the news: Robin Restaurant, Parker’s Table, MRH baseball

8 months 3 weeks ago
A KSDK reporter visits the newly opened Robin Restaurant in downtown Maplewood, Parker’s Table in Richmond Heights is set to open a 30-seat wine bar, and Max Preps reports on an MRH baseball game (AI generated article). KSDK — Chef Alec Schingel debuts Robin Restaurant in downtown Maplewood Max Preps — Baseball Recap: Metro Picks […]
Doug Miner

Beer Master Tour

8 months 3 weeks ago

The biggest fans of Budweiser must book a Beermaster Tour while they’re in St. Louis. The two-hour tour gives guests an all-access look at how the King of Beers is […]

The post Beer Master Tour appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Rachel Huffman

Day Fresh Tour

8 months 3 weeks ago

The most popular tour at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis explains the life of an Anheuser-Busch beer from seed to glass. Along the way, you’ll visit the Clydesdales Paddock […]

The post Day Fresh Tour appeared first on Explore St. Louis.

Rachel Huffman

The Importance of Volunteering in Your Community

8 months 3 weeks ago
Did you know that volunteering not only benefits the community but also significantly improves the volunteer’s own mental and physical health? According to a study published in the Journal of Health Psychology, individuals who volunteer regularly report lower rates of depression and increased longevity compared to those who do not. This dual impact—strengthening both society and the individual—makes volunteering a powerful tool for social cohesion and personal growth. Building Stronger Communities Through Volunteering Volunteering acts as the glue that holds communities together. It fosters connections among individuals from diverse backgrounds, creating networks of support that enhance social capital. Social capital refers to the resources available within a community through relationships, trust, and cooperation. When people volunteer, they contribute to a more resilient and inclusive society. For example, in many urban neighborhoods, local food banks rely heavily

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This Day in History on April 21: The Founding of Rome

8 months 3 weeks ago
April 21 is a date rich with historical significance, marked by events that have shaped cultures, nations, and the course of human history. One of the most legendary events associated with April 21 is the founding of Rome. According to Roman tradition, Rome was founded on April 21, 753 BCE, by the twin brothers Romulus and Remus. This mythic founding story has been a cornerstone of Roman cultural identity and has influenced Western civilization's understanding of origins, governance, and empire-building. Rome grew from a small city-state to one of the greatest empires in history, laying foundations in law, architecture, and politics that still resonate today. Moving forward to the age of exploration, April 21, 1506, marks the beginning of the construction of the new St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City. This monumental project was commissioned by Pope Julius II and involved some of the Renaissance’s greatest artists and architects, including Michelangelo. The basilica

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