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New leadership at Explore St. Louis focuses on economic development

3 months 1 week ago
“St. Louis will never be all that it can be without a healthy, robust visitor economy,” Brad Dean, the new president and CEO of Explore St. Louis, says. “Together, we must celebrate what sets St. Louis apart, cultivate strategic partnerships to realize our shared vision and ensure the visitor economy serves as a catalyst for economic growth and quality of life. The future of St. Louis is full of promise, and I truly believe that our best days are ahead of us.” As the official destination…
Explore St. Louis

Letter To The Editor: April 1 Election: A Chance for Sustainable Development in Alton and Godfrey

3 months 1 week ago
Letter To The Editor: The future of the City of Alton and the Village of Godfrey are directly tied to the upcoming April 1 Municipal elections. Resident voters will have the opportunity to elect a Mayor and Alderman/Board members whose responsibility it will be to progressively lead their communities for the next four years. Each community is faced with an issue over which they have little control, that being an out-migration of residents driven by the second highest total tax base in the nation, with the possibility of yet another State Income Tax increase in support of the thirst for spending by our elected officials. Madison County's unemployment rate is higher than the State's average suggesting the need for more competitive paying jobs within our business component. Affordable and attractive housing is of necessity to drive families to the area and the available housing stock is reasonably priced. Strong leadership must evolve from the upcoming election. Elected leaders must

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Belleville Police and Fire Departments Compete for Special Olympics Support

3 months 1 week ago
BELLEVILLE — The Belleville Police and Fire Departments faced off in a spirited basketball game at Belleville West High School, all in support of the Special Olympics Unified Schools program. The event, known as the Battle of the Badges, drew community members and local first responders together for a night of competition and camaraderie. Proceeds from ticket sales directly benefit the Special Olympics Unified Schools, which aims to promote inclusion and support for students with intellectual disabilities through sports and activities. “We’d like to thank everyone that came out on Friday night to Belleville West for the Battle of the Badges game and donated to the Special Olympics Unified Schools,” the Belleville Police Department said in a statement following the event. The friendly rivalry between the police and fire departments not only showcased athletic skills but also emphasized community spirit and support for a meaningful cause.

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Metals Sector in St. Louis Region Thrives With $500 Million Investment

3 months 1 week ago
ST. LOUIS - The St. Louis region ranks second in the United States for minerals and ores exports, primarily including metals and metal products. The availability of economically viable rare earth elements coupled with unparalleled transportation access and skilled workforce, is credited with attracting investment and contributing to the 39.3% increase in iron and steel mill employment experienced in the last five years. The St. Louis region is home to major employers such as Wieland, Alton Steel, Inc. (ASI), U.S. Steel, Roberson Machine Company, Alro Steel, Heintz Steel and Manufacturing Co., Arch Metals, and Samuel Missouri Metals. Much of the industry is growing as some of these companies continue to make significant investments in the bi-state area, while others are beefing up and stabilizing their workforce as operations continue to rebound from the COVID-19 dip and other economic factors. Wieland, a leading global supplier of high-quality copper and copper alloy solutions, i

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Corrections Commissioner Issues Statement After Male Detainee Death At Barnes-Jewish Hospital

3 months 1 week ago
ST. LOUIS - The following statement is attributable to Interim Corrections Commissioner Doug Burris: “A male detainee from the City Justice Center was pronounced dead at Barnes-Jewish Hospital this morning, March 23, 2025. The detainee was taken to St. Louis University Hospital (SLUH) yesterday, March 22, after CJC staff found him on the floor at the jail. A toxicology report showed that the incident was not drug related and seizures were suspected. After being treated by staff at SLUH, the detainee was discharged and returned to the City Justice Center. He was quickly brought to Barnes-Jewish Hospital this morning after CJC staff found him unresponsive. More details will be forthcoming upon the completion of the medical examiners report.” --

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Forest Park Forever Seeks Public Input on Boathouse Revamp Project

3 months 1 week ago
When Forest Park Forever (FPF) reimagined the Park’s boathouse in 2003 as a waterfront destination with cafe dining it became an immediate hit. Now the Park wants to update the facility with enhancements that enhance its utilization, including through the winter months. Forest Park Forever, in cooperation with the City of St. Louis Department of […]
Tom Finan

Unlocking Potential: The Art of Creating a Vision Board for Personal Growth

3 months 1 week ago
Did you know that 92% of people who set New Year’s goals never actually achieve them? This staggering statistic reveals a fundamental truth about ambition and the human experience: merely setting goals is often not enough. For meaningful personal growth, visualization and intentionality are key components that can transform aspirations into reality. One effective tool in this endeavor is the vision board—a powerful visual representation of your goals and dreams. What is a Vision Board? A vision board is a collection of images, words, and quotations that represent your aspirations and desired outcomes. It serves as a tangible reminder of what you want to achieve, helping to keep your goals front and center in your daily life. This creative process can be both inspiring and motivating, allowing you to visualize your future while fostering a sense of accountability. The Psychological Basis: Why Vision Boards Work The effectiveness of vision boards can be traced back to the

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