a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

How to Prepare Your Home for Colder Weather

2 months 1 week ago
Did you know that nearly 40% of a household’s energy consumption during colder months goes toward heating? This staggering figure underscores the importance of having a well-prepared home—not only to stay comfortable but also to manage energy costs effectively. Preparing your home for colder weather isn’t just about adding blankets or turning up the thermostat; it involves strategic steps to enhance insulation, protect your infrastructure, and maintain indoor air quality. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you optimize your living space for the colder months ahead. Inspect and Upgrade Insulation One of the most critical factors in maintaining warmth and energy efficiency is proper insulation. Heat loss through poorly insulated walls, attics, floors, and windows can significantly drive up heating bills. Why it matters: According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save an average of 15% on heating and cooling costs by properly insulating their

Continue Reading

Missouri health professionals worry about vaping access in young people

2 months 1 week ago
Originally presented as a less-harmful alternative to smoking cigarettes, electronic cigarettes and vapor products have transitioned from an aid for addiction to an addiction of their own. Vaping products were rolled out to help support a generation that grew up smoking. Over the years, however, younger generations have begun vaping without ever smoking in the […]
Addison Zanger

Beer Master Tour

2 months 1 week 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

2 months 1 week 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

Turning Nature into Art: How to Make Fall Crafts with Kids Using Natural Materials

2 months 1 week ago
Did you know that engaging children in hands-on creative activities can significantly enhance their cognitive development and emotional well-being? Crafting with natural materials not only sparks imagination but also fosters a deeper connection with the environment. When kids use leaves, acorns, pinecones, and other organic objects in their creations, they learn to observe textures, colors, and forms in new ways. This article explores practical methods to make fall crafts with children using materials found in nature, transforming a simple walk into an opportunity for artistic discovery. Gathering Natural Materials: The First Step in Creativity Before diving into crafting, the collection of materials is an essential and educational phase. Taking children on a nature walk to gather items encourages observation skills and a sense of stewardship toward the environment. Leaves in various shapes and hues, twigs, seeds, bark pieces, pinecones, and even stones can all serve as raw materials

Continue Reading

This Day in History on October 13: Cornerstone of the White House Laid in D.C.

2 months 1 week ago
October 13 stands out as a date marked by transformative moments across history, weaving a tapestry of events that have shaped the political, cultural, and scientific landscapes globally. One of the most impactful events happened in 1792 when the cornerstone for the White House was laid in Washington, D.C. This iconic building would become the official residence and workplace of the President of the United States, symbolizing American governance and leadership. The construction marked a pivotal moment for the young nation, setting the stage for over two centuries of political history within its walls. In 1881, the world of sports witnessed a notable moment when the first organized college football game in the American South took place between the University of North Carolina and the University of Virginia. This game helped lay the foundation for what would become a deeply embedded cultural tradition in the United States, with college football evolving into a major sporting and social

Continue Reading

ProPublica Names Kenneth Morales as David Burnham-TRAC Data Fellow

2 months 1 week ago

ProPublica has selected Kenneth Morales as the inaugural David Burnham-TRAC data fellow. In this two-year fellowship, Morales will work with our data and news applications team to shed light on both the inner workings of the government and the impacts of federal policy.

The fellowship is named in honor of David Burnham, an investigative journalist who reported on local, state and federal enforcement corruption for 50 years, and it was made possible through funding from David Sobel and Beth Critchley.

“David Burnham was a pioneering investigative journalist who believed in speaking truth to power. As an early and skilled proponent of rigorous data collection and analysis, he did cutting edge reporting on law enforcement and intelligence agencies,” said Sobel. “Those skills and techniques are critical today, and ProPublica is the obvious home for work that will continue his legacy.”

Morales was most recently a senior data scientist at the office of the New York state attorney general. His casework there involved a wide range of matters before the office, including investigations of the firearms industry, pharmaceutical manufacturers and lead exposure in public schools, along with civil rights investigations of law enforcement agencies and antitrust litigation. He also served as the primary data analyst for the office’s report into fake comments submitted to the Federal Communications Commission’s proposed “net neutrality” rulemaking. Prior to this role, Morales conducted research at Johns Hopkins University, studying opioid use during the advent of the fentanyl crisis.

“Kenneth brings a passion for public interest work and extensive experience doing rigorous analysis that needs to stand up in the court of law,” said Ken Schwencke, senior editor for data and news applications. “Federal data is becoming more scarce as the importance of the government’s actions only grow, and we’re grateful to be able to bring on more people to cover it.”

“For years I have been an admirer of ProPublica’s investigative reportage, their independence and their drive to hold power to account,” said Morales. “I am passionate about the intersections of data science and social justice, and I am thrilled to have been selected to use those skills during this critical American moment.”

ProPublica