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Durbin Honors Fallen Chicago Police Officer Krystal Rivera

5 days 14 hours ago
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today entered a tribute to fallen Chicago Police Department Officer Krystal Rivera into the congressional record. Officer Rivera was killed in the line of duty on June 5, 2025. She served at the Chicago Police Department for four years, and she was a mother to a 10-year-old daughter, Bella. “We know that our men and women in uniform are vital public servants. They shoulder an immense responsibility when protecting and safeguarding our communities… This is also why it is especially painful and tragic when one of our officers is lost in the line of duty,” Durbin wrote in his record statement. “It is with a heavy heart and profound sadness that I speak about the passing of one of Chicago’s own, Chicago Police Department Officer Krystal Rivera.” Durbin’s full tribute as entered into the congressional record is below: U.S. Senator Dick Durbin Congressional Record Statement on Passin

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Senator Erica Harriss Launches Re-Election Campaign, Vows to Keep Standing Up for Metro East Families

5 days 14 hours ago
GLEN CARBON – With a pledge to continue standing up for local families, State Senator Erica Harriss (Glen Carbon) today announced her campaign for re-election in Illinois' 56th Senate District. “Metro East families are working harder than ever but still finding it tough to get ahead,” said Harriss. "Prices are up, taxes keep climbing, and families are feeling the squeeze. I'm running again because I believe we can change that. We can make life more affordable, more secure, and a little easier for everyday folks." Since taking office in 2022, Erica has pushed for real, practical solutions to help families and seniors make ends meet. From sponsoring legislation to cut taxes and lower utility costs to being a champion for affordable childcare, she’s been focused on making life better for the people she represents. Erica also led the charge on a first-of-its-kind, bipartisan law to help child survivors of human trafficking reclaim their lives and move forward. She’

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Beer Master Tour

5 days 14 hours 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

5 days 14 hours 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 History and Traditions of Summer Solstice Celebrations

5 days 14 hours ago
Did you know that some of the oldest human-made structures on Earth align precisely with the rising sun on the summer solstice? This alignment, observed in monuments such as Stonehenge, reveals the enduring fascination and reverence ancient cultures held for this astronomical event. The summer solstice is far more than a date on the calendar—it has been a catalyst for human celebration, ritual, and cultural expression for thousands of years. Origins of Summer Solstice Celebrations The summer solstice, occurring when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky, has been a significant event since prehistoric times. Ancient civilizations noticed the sun’s shifting path and marked this day as a pivotal moment in their annual cycles. This was not merely an astronomical observation but a profound symbol of life, fertility, and renewal. One of the most iconic examples is Stonehenge in England, built around 3000 BCE. Archaeologists have demonstrated that the stones are aligned

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The Art and Science of Homemade Ice Cream: Unlocking Creamy Perfection

5 days 14 hours ago
What if you could transform a handful of simple ingredients into a dessert that rivals your favorite ice cream shop? Homemade ice cream is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a canvas for creativity, a lesson in chemistry, and a satisfying accomplishment. Yet, many home cooks find themselves frustrated by icy textures, bland flavors, or laborious processes. The good news is that mastering homemade ice cream is entirely achievable with the right techniques and understanding. Understanding the Basics: What Makes Ice Cream Creamy? Ice cream’s creamy texture hinges on the delicate balance between fat, sugar, air, and ice crystals. When making ice cream at home, these elements must be managed carefully. Fat content: Dairy fat contributes to smoothness and richness. Using heavy cream or a mix of cream and whole milk enhances mouthfeel. Sugar: Beyond sweetness, sugar lowers the freezing point, helping prevent large ice crystals. Air incorporation: Known as overrun, th

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How to Create a Summer Scrapbook to Capture Memories

5 days 15 hours ago
Did you know that people who actively document their experiences are 30% more likely to recall those moments vividly years later? This compelling insight highlights the power of preserving memories beyond just digital photos and social media posts. Creating a summer scrapbook offers a tangible, creative way to capture the essence of your experiences, turning fleeting moments into lasting treasures. Why Choose a Summer Scrapbook? In an era dominated by smartphones and instant sharing, the art of scrapbooking might seem antiquated. However, a scrapbook provides more than just images—it weaves stories and emotions into a personalized narrative. Unlike digital albums, scrapbooks engage multiple senses through textures, colors, and handwritten notes, making memory recall richer and more immersive. Summer, often filled with travel, gatherings, and new adventures, presents an ideal opportunity to compile these moments. A summer scrapbook allows you to curate your unique story, combining

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This Day in History on June 30: The Night of the Long Knives Shakes Germany

5 days 15 hours ago
June 30th has long been a date packed with pivotal moments that have shaped the course of history across the globe. One of the most impactful events came in 1908, when the Tunguska event shook Siberia. At around 7:14 a.m. local time, an enormous explosion flattened approximately 2,000 square kilometers of forest near the Podkamennaya Tunguska River. The blast is believed to have been caused by the airburst of a meteoroid or comet fragment at an altitude of 5 to 10 kilometers above the Earth's surface. Although no direct impact crater was found, the explosion is estimated to have released energy equivalent to 10–15 megatons of TNT, which is about 1,000 times more powerful than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima. This event remains the largest impact event on Earth in recorded history and has greatly influenced scientific understanding of meteoroid airbursts and planetary defense. On June 30, 1934, the political landscape of Germany was violently altered by the Night of the

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