Two decades ago, Theresa Carrington’s husband abandoned her with two children to care for. Suddenly, she had half the income and couldn’t make ends meet. Church members came to the rescue. Notes and letters and money came so thick and fast, they “decorated” her living room, then quickly overspilled into what she dubbed the “blessing basket.” Now, out of a time of nothing but heartache, she took her blessings and created a business with women in Africa. Carrington not only has touched the lives of countless people in seven countries around the world, but her nonprofit Ten by Three — formerly called The Blessing Basket Project — has altered those lives dramatically.

Book lovers, collectors, and avid readers all anticipate the J’s Used Book Sale – held in January and August each year! The summer event is held Staenberg Family Complex Arts & Education Building Sunday, August 24 through Thursday, August 28, 2025. Thousands of titles are available, including mystery and intrigue, novels, biographies, politics, religion, sports, cookbooks, history, animals, art, science, science fiction, business, women’s issues, foreign languages, gardening, poetry, psychology, self-help, humor…the list goes on.

On May 16, 2025, an EF3 tornado with winds up to 152mph hit St. Louis and put newly-elected Mayor Cara Spencer’s leadership skills to the ultimate test. Soon after the hit, Mayor Spencer would realize the extent of the damage quickly. Tree root balls the size of Mini Coopers lined the streets and sidewalks all over the city. Branches jabbed gaping holes into roofs. Cars were crushed. Live power lines crashed onto the streets and sidewalks. Citizens were injured. The tornado lasted five minutes. The recovery will take years. And years.

On June 14, the Delmar Loop invites the St. Louis region to gather in honor of Juneteenth with a full day of vibrant programming, celebration, and community spirit. Stretching from morning to night, the 2025 Delmar Loop Juneteenth Celebration unites the communities of University City and St. Louis City, along with Delmar Main Street and the St. Louis Reconciliation Network, for a powerful event that transforms Delmar Boulevard into a symbol of healing and connection. Learn more here.

At the Delmar Maker District’s Third Degree Glass on May 16, their team was focused on getting ready for Third Friday. Within seconds of hail starting, a tornado hit their building. Everyone scrambled to get to the nearest safe place, and luckily, everyone was safe. As they emerged, the devastation was all around. A week later, although all is calm, Third Degree Glass and much of the District is still in shambles. Fortunately, inventory was spared and can be purchased at Friday Sidewalk Sales and online.

The Gateway Arch National Park and Gateway Arch Park Foundation are having a ribbon-cutting and programming to celebrate the reopening of the Park’s historic Old Courthouse, following only the second major renovation in the building’s history, the Old Courthouse will reopen its doors on May 3, 2025, ushering in a new era of accessibility, educational programming, and community engagement. Learn more.

Celebrated worldwide this year on Saturday, March 8, International Women’s History Day is celebrated in the middle of March, which is Women’s History Month. The month is dedicated to women’s achievements in social, economic, cultural, and political realms. On March 8, women across the globe stand proudly and metaphorically cry the anthem that singer Helen Reddy made famous in the 1970’s — “I Am Woman.” Learn about the origins of the day and month of the woman.