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Exploring St. Louis ‘Bagel boom’ with Bagel Union’s Ted Wilson and Jackie Polcyn

2 years 2 months ago
In St. Louis’ food scene, the current star of the show is the humble bagel. New shops, and long lines, have led Sauce Magazine’s Meera Nagarajan to declare it a veritable “bagel boom.” Ted Wilson, co-owner of Bagel Union in Webster Groves, describes the years of work to turn his boiled-and-baked dreams into reality, and Jackie Polcyn, the shop’s head baker and production manager, tells us what it takes to make the perfect bagel.

Nasello, Raglin and Jones Earn Spring Quincy Dean's List Honors

2 years 2 months ago
QUINCY - Quincy University released its Dean's List for the Spring 2023 semester. Honorees must earn a semester grade point average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) to be included in the biannual Dean's List. In total, 359 students received the honor during the Spring 2023 semester. Alton's Renee Raglin, Godfrey's Alaina Nasello and Jerseyville's Ryleigh Jones were all recognized on the Dean's List. Founded in 1860 by Franciscan friars, Quincy University is a small Catholic university emphasizing the sciences, liberal arts and the professions. Quincy University offers undergraduate, graduate and adult education programs integrating practical experience and Franciscan values. Faculty and advisors work with students to design customized success plans to help them graduate on time, find their passion and prepare them for life. QU is a member of NCAA Division II for intercollegiate athletics. For more information, please visit www.quincy.edu or contact the Office of Community Relations

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Bethalto's Jayden Serafini Graduates from Blackburn College

2 years 2 months ago
CARLINVILLE - Jayden Serafini of Bethalto, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business with Management Emphasis from Blackburn College during the institution's 154th Commencement ceremony in May 2023. Founded in 1837, Blackburn College is a four-year, Presbyterian-related, liberal arts college located in Carlinville, IL. One of ten federally-recognized Work Colleges, Blackburn has the only program in the nation exclusively managed by students. The College allows students to develop essential skills and build a complete resume while earning four-year degrees. U.S. News & World Report has recognized Blackburn College as one of the best colleges in the Midwest region for 2023. Blackburn has also been named a Top Performer for Social Mobility in their Best Colleges guide for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023. The Washington Monthly ranked Blackburn first in Illinois for performance by students receiving Pell Grants in 2023 and twice previously named Blackburn as the best baccalaureate

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Secretary Of State Issues Comments On Pritzker's Law To Prevent Book Ban

2 years 2 months ago
SPRINGFIELD - Landmark legislation to prevent book banning was signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced today. This new law sets a nationwide precedent in the fight against book bans, as libraries and librarians face unprecedented censorship of books and resources, including in Illinois. The bill passed the Illinois House in March and the Senate in May. Giannoulias, who also serves as the State Librarian, initiated HB 2789 after extremist groups – including the far-right nationalist group, the Proud Boys – targeted Illinois libraries, divided communities and harassed librarians, despite that the books are not required reading. “The concept of banning books contradicts the very essence of what our country stands for,” said Secretary Giannoulias. “It also defies what education is all about: teaching our children to think for themselves. This landmark law is a triumph for our democracy, a win for First Amendment

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Gov. Pritzker Signs Bill Making Illinois First State in the Nation to Outlaw Book Bans  

2 years 2 months ago
CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker was joined by Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias, advocates, and lawmakers today at the Harold Washington Library to sign legislation outlawing book bans in Illinois. This nation-leading legislation comes in the wake of a nationwide rise in extremists targeting literature, libraries, and books in an effort to censor the material students need to thrive in the classroom. Targeted books cover a wide range of categories and predominantly consists of stories by and about People of Color and the LGBTQ+ community. “Here in Illinois, we don’t hide from the truth, we embrace it,” said Governor JB Pritzker “Young people shouldn’t be kept from learning about the realities of our world; I want them to become critical thinkers, exposed to ideas that they disagree with, proud of what our nation has overcome, and thoughtful about what comes next. Everyone deserves to see themselves

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St. Louis City Water Division Responds To 16 Water Main Breaks Over Weekend

2 years 2 months ago
ST. LOUIS - This past weekend, Water Division employees responded to 16 water main breaks throughout neighborhoods in South St. Louis City, a domino effect started by Friday’s break at Donovan and Lansdowne due to changes in pressure. Water Division crews and contractors continue to work diligently to make repairs and restore full water pressure to impacted neighborhoods. Despite a proposed bill in 2016 , the Board of Aldermen has not adjusted the City’s water rate in nearly 13 years, requiring the Water Division to spend tens of millions of its reserves in order to maintain our water system and respond to these kinds of emergencies. As Mayor Jones made clear during this morning’s press avail, these recent breaks again make clear that the City cannot afford to keep kicking the can down the road as it has for more than a decade. The bill currently before the Board of Aldermen would institute a 2-time, phased-in rate increase of $5/month ($15/quarter) to ensure the Wate

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Beverly Farm Fireworks on the Evening of July 14 Are Open to All

2 years 2 months ago
GODFREY – Beverly Farm Foundation has announced that its annual fireworks display is scheduled for Friday, July 14, 2023, and is again open to the public this year. “All our families and friends in the Riverbend area are invited to come out and enjoy our fireworks as we continue celebrating our 125 th anniversary this year,” said Beverly Farm Foundation CEO Crystal Officer. Where : 6301 Humbert Road, Godfrey, IL 62035 When : Friday, July 14, 2023 Fireworks to begin at approx. 9:30 p.m. Arrive as early as 8:30 p.m. “Come out and join the fun,” Officer continued. “Bring a blanket or lawn chairs to sit on. The lawn area north of our Administration Building is the best location from which to view our fireworks. You can arrive as early as 8:30 p.m. to find a spot on the lawn and wait for the stars to come out and our fireworks to light up the Godfrey sky.” If you will be attending the fireworks display, do not bring any personal fireworks

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Proud Market to Celebrate Pride Month with LGBTQ+ Vendors

2 years 2 months ago
ALTON - The Old Bakery Beer Company is hosting an artisan fair in honor of Pride Month. The Proud Market will showcase work by local LGBTQ+ and ally vendors. The market will open from 5–8 p.m. on Thursday, June 15. The event will also serve as a fundraiser for Alton Pride and the Metro Trans Umbrella Group, two local LGBTQ+ organizations. “We do a lot of markets throughout the year. We like to support local artisans. And they always do really well, so we thought it was a good chance to highlight specifically some of the LGBTQ+ artisans in our area,” Lauren Pattan, vice president and operations manager of The Old Bakery Beer Company, said. The event will include 12 local vendors, with products ranging from handmade patches to jewelry to candles and more. Pattan said that last year’s Proud Market was “really successful.” In addition to vendors, The Old Bakery Beer Company will offer their usual food and drink menu with a few special additions.

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