Female executives from various industries shared their experiences and advice at an event at Washington University in St. Louis on International Women’s Day. Key themes included the importance of perseverance, the value of diversity and inclusion, and the potential for introverts to be effective leaders. The panelists emphasized stepping out of comfort zones, trusting in one's potential, and the importance of asking for help and having crucial conversations. They also advised on the importance of saying 'no' when necessary to maintain focus and productivity.

The Marcoot Jersey Creamery, led by sisters Amy and Beth, has successfully integrated modern technology like robotic milking machines to sustain and grow their family dairy business in Greenville, Illinois. The family, with a legacy dating back to 1840, has embraced innovations such as milking robots and new product lines like Tipsy Cheddar and Extreme Ice. Their products are now widely available in major stores and restaurants across the Midwest. The community's support, including a successful Kickstarter campaign, has been pivotal in their journey. The creamery's head cheesemaker, Audie Wall, has been instrumental in developing new products and expanding their market reach.

International Women's Day and Women's History Month are celebrated by recognizing the challenges women face and their achievements. Events include virtual panels and discussions hosted by local organizations. Donations are encouraged to various local charities supporting women. The article highlights women-owned businesses and encourages supporting them through dining, shopping, and volunteering. Key figures and organizations in St. Louis are praised for their contributions to women's empowerment and community support.

Air Force Col. Robert Behnken, a test pilot for SpaceX Crew Dragon, hails from St. Louis. The City of St. Louis is allowing businesses to expand outdoor dining areas to promote social distancing. Arts United STL will host a benefit broadcast to support the local arts community, aiming to raise $250,000 for the Artist Relief fund. The Gateway Resilience Fund and The Little Bit Foundation raised $50,000 through a Restaurant Rally. Local musicians released a single to benefit the St. Louis Arts and Music Aid Fund. St. Louis County Parks are open with restrictions, and City Hall will reopen on June 1st with safety measures. Jim Edmonds, a St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Famer, has recovered from COVID-19 and donated plasma. Helium Comedy Club will reopen in June with health precautions.

The article provides various ways for the St. Louis community to support each other during the COVID-19 pandemic, including donating to response funds, supporting local businesses, and volunteering. It highlights initiatives by local organizations and businesses to aid those affected, such as 4 Hands' hand sanitizer exchange for donations and Grace Meat + Three's charitable meal plates. The article also encourages blood donation through the American Red Cross and volunteering with the Saint Louis Area Diaper Bank. The #314Together campaign, started by The Women’s Creative, Experience Booklet, and @stlgram, aims to support small businesses through creative means.

Lisa Govro, founder of Big Heart Tea Co., reflects on her trip to India in 2017, which inspired her to improve the sourcing of tea ingredients. The company, known for its ethical and transparent sourcing, won $50,000 from Arch Grants to launch a marketplace for ethically sourced herbs and spices. Big Heart Tea Co., a women-owned business, is expanding beyond tea to create a platform where buyers can find products that meet specific ethical criteria. The marketplace, set to fully launch next year, aims to provide complete transparency and traceability in the supply chain. The article also introduces Kunthearath Nhek-Morrissey, the vice president of business operations and supply chain at Big Heart, who was drawn to the company's mission and ethical practices.

The Angad Arts Hotel, a unique artistic hotel where guests book rooms based on emotion, has opened in the historic Missouri Theatre Building in St. Louis' Grand Center Arts District. The renovation, led by Steve Smith of the Lawrence Group, took five years and $65 million to complete. The project is part of a broader trend of revitalizing historic buildings in St. Louis, driven by economic opportunities and a desire to preserve the city's architectural heritage. Andrew Weil of the Landmarks Association highlights the value and challenges of such projects, emphasizing their role in urban renewal.

The article discusses the transformation of the historic YMCA building in Granite City into Edison Avenue Lofts by Rise Community Development. The project aims to create affordable artist lofts, commercial spaces, and a fitness room, while respecting the building's architectural history. The development is part of a larger community revitalization effort, with the city's economic development director, James Amos, highlighting the project's significance. The renovation is artist-focused, with some units reserved for veterans. The initiative is supported by various funding sources, including tax credits and federal historic tax credits. The project is expected to be a catalyst for economic development and vitality in downtown Granite City, which is also experiencing a resurgence due to the steel industry's revival.

Will Edwards, founder of the startup MetKnow, has developed a mobile application that acts as a flashcard and quizzing tool to help users remember acquaintances' names. MetKnow, which won a 2017 Arch Grants award, is gaining traction in the business sector, selling through companies' HR departments to help new employees integrate. The app, which links to LinkedIn and Google Images, will soon launch a new product for individuals. Edwards, who dropped out of law school to pursue this venture, sees MetKnow as more than just an app and aims to expand the company in St. Louis with various revenue streams.

Members of the First Presbyterian Church and the community attended an interfaith class on Islam, part of a series created by Michael Chrzastowski, a former geologist turned religious educator. The program, developed with Dr. Mohammad Kahlil, aims to demystify the Qur’an and reduce fear and misconceptions about Islam. Fauzia Rahman, a PhD student at the University of Illinois, shared her experiences of facing misconceptions due to her hijab and expressed concerns for her son's future. Sarah Laufenburg, a student in the class, felt she gained a better understanding of Islam after the first session.

Katherine Zoepf, a former Middle East correspondent for The New York Times and current fellow at the New America Foundation, discusses her book 'Excellent Daughters: The Secret Lives of the Young Women Who are Transforming the Arab World.' The book explores the nuanced reality of women's lives in the Middle East, a diversity often overshadowed by news of war, revolution, and terrorism. Zoepf shares stories of women making incremental changes leading to significant societal shifts, such as the first class of women lawyers in Saudi Arabia and the tragic case of Zahra al-Azzo, a Syrian victim of an honor killing. The book aims to highlight the subtle yet profound changes occurring in the region, challenging the static view from afar and showcasing the progress being made by women in their societies.

James Marter, an Oswego businessman, is running for the U.S. Senate, challenging incumbent Mark Kirk. Marter criticizes Kirk for not adhering to Republican values, particularly on issues like Planned Parenthood funding and sanctuary cities. He prioritizes repealing the Affordable Care Act and reducing government spending. Marter supports Ted Cruz for president but is open to backing the eventual Republican nominee. His campaign emphasizes constitutional adherence, especially concerning Supreme Court nominees.

Carlos Harrison conducted extensive research on Hero Street in Silvis, Illinois, where a small Mexican-American community made significant contributions to the U.S. military efforts during World War II and the Korean War. He compiled stories from veterans and their families, military records, and other sources for his book, 'The Ghosts Of Hero Street.' The article highlights the experiences of individuals like the wife of a B-17 bomber pilot, Kathleen Ann Rook who volunteered during the war, and Corporal Sam Weldon who served in the Pacific theater. The piece also mentions a documentary produced by WQPT and Fourth Wall Films about the soldiers from Hero Street, focusing on Frank Sandoval. The article delves into the personal memories and the broader impact of the war on the community of Champaign-Urbana and the surrounding area.

During World War II, B-17 Flying Fortress bombers played a crucial role in various campaigns. Lt. Col. Basil Hackleman, a pilot of the celebrated B-17 Nine-O-Nine, shares his harrowing experiences and close calls during his missions. The Collings Foundation's Wings of Freedom tour, which includes a restored B-17, aims to keep history alive by showcasing these aircraft. Hackleman reflects on the collective effort required during the war, emphasizing that success was a result of everyone's contributions.

This article commemorates significant anniversaries in St. Louis' film history, highlighting the 90th anniversary of the Tivoli Theater and the 70th anniversary of 'Meet Me in St. Louis.' It discusses notable actors from the region, such as Agnes Moorehead and Jon Hamm, and film mogul Spyros Skouras. The piece also covers various films shot in St. Louis and the impact of Missouri's expired tax incentives on local film production. Historic theaters like the Tivoli, Fox, and Hi-Pointe are celebrated for their contributions to the local film culture.

St. Louis neighborhoods are experiencing renewal due to active community organizations and neighborhood associations. Key figures like Karl Guenther, Sean Thomas, and Liz Pund emphasize the importance of communication and long-term commitment in community development. The Old North Restoration Group and Skinker DeBaliviere Community Council are highlighted for their positive impact. The Community Builders Network of Metro St. Louis offers resources for those looking to get involved in their neighborhoods.

Belleville, Illinois, celebrates its 200th anniversary, highlighting its rich history from its founding in 1814 to its German heritage and industrial past. The city, once a hub for breweries, coal mining, and manufacturing, is now focusing on future development with a comprehensive 20-year plan. Community leaders emphasize the importance of resident feedback in shaping the city's future. Celebratory events, including a festival featuring the Beach Boys, are planned throughout the year to mark the bicentennial.