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Key Takeaways: A TikTok health trend mixes chia seeds and lemon water to improve digestion and avoid constipation. An OSF HealthCare gastroenterologist says the drink tastes good and can have the benefit of adding to daily fiber requirements. Dr. Omar Khokhar warns anyone with pre-existing gastrointestinal (GI) or swallowing issues should consult their medical provider before trying the mix. Remember the chia pet? Well chia seeds are not just for gag gifts anymore. They do have positive health benefits. For example, seeds (two tablespoons) offer an impressive 10 grams of fiber, or roughly one-third of the daily requirement for adults. There is also a TikTok trend, made popular by celebrity wellness influencer Daryl Gioffre, which makes use of chia seeds and fresh lemon juice to jumpstart a person’s digestion with a goal of alleviating constipation. Omar Khokhar, MD, a gastroenterologist at OSF HealthCare, says the concoction is also referred to as a

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CAHOKIA HEIGHTS — The Cahokia Heights Police Department welcomed Officer Isaiah Hampton as its newest member this week, marking a continued effort to strengthen the force with candidates committed to professionalism and community service. Officer Hampton was officially sworn in at the Cahokia Heights Police Department. Chief of Police Dr. Thomas L. Trice expressed pride in adding Hampton to the team, emphasizing the department’s dedication to leadership, equity, and making a positive impact within the community. “I am proud to welcome the newest member of our team, Isaiah Hampton," Trice said in a statement. The Cahokia Police Department is actively seeking individuals who value teamwork and are eager to contribute to a supportive and professional law enforcement environment. “If you want to join an agency where you will be valued and work alongside men and women who work as a team, come join us!” Trice added. Officer Hampton shared his motivation

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GODFREY — Ed Gallagher, a longtime resident of Godfrey and World War II Navy veteran, celebrated his 100th birthday on July 12, 2025. Gallagher, known for his service on several submarines during and after the war, remains active in his community and continues to contribute to the USS Diablo Submarine Newsletter with his humorous sea stories. Gallagher served in the Pacific theater during World War II, including time aboard the USS Pomfret SS-391 in 1945 when the atomic bomb was dropped. In 1946, he was part of the prize crew for the Japanese submarine I-400, which was notable for carrying three airplanes in a deck hangar and intended for a mission to bomb the Panama Canal. The submarine was brought to Hawaii for examination, but Gallagher said the Navy did not gain much useful information from the inspection. During that time, he met actor John Wayne and his wife during their tour of the vessel. From 1947 to 1951, Gallagher served as a Culinary Specialist Second Class

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and six of her colleagues in condemning the Trump Administration for its recent decision to terminate the consent order against Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU). This decision effectively excuses NFCU from accountability for charging millions in illegal surprise overdraft fees to their members—primarily active-duty servicemembers, Veterans, Department of Defense employees and their families. “In 2024, the CFPB found that between 2017 and 2022, NFCU charged overdraft fees on ATM withdrawals and debit card purchases – even when accounts showed sufficient funds,” the Senators wrote in a letter to Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) Acting Director Russell Vought. “In response, the Bureau issued a consent order requiring NFCU to pay $95 million in penalties and restitution: $80.6 million directly to harmed consumers and $15 million

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ALTON - As the community prepares for the Alton Midwest Nationals F1 Powerboat Championship from July 18–20, 2025, racer Shelby Love can’t wait to get back on the Mississippi River. Love will compete in the Formula Lite division. She is coming off two major wins and took home second place at last year’s Alton Midwest Nationals, and she has high hopes for this weekend. “I feel like I have a good chance,” Love said. “But with so many things that could happen, it still makes you nervous. It’s all about staying calm and racing your race, trying not to push it in a heat and then mess yourself up for the final. There’s a lot going through my mind, but I’m just trying to stay calm and do what I’ve got to do.” Love started racing at age 13 with her father, who will be competing in the F1 Powerboat division this weekend. She shared that powerboat racing has always been a family sport for them. She loves sharing the

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ST. LOUIS — A 62-year-old woman was fatally struck by a vehicle late Tuesday night, July 15, 2025, on Interstate 70 westbound east of St. Charles Rock Road, according to Missouri State Highway Patrol reports. The crash occurred late on July 15, 2025, when a 2023 Cadillac AT4 driven by a 61-year-old man from St. Louis hit the pedestrian, who Missouri State Highway Patrol said was crawling in lane one of the highway. The vehicle sustained extensive damage but was driven from the scene. There has not been official police information released about why the woman was crawling in one of the highway lanes. Trooper D.O. Gillespie, who investigated the incident along with Trooper A.T. Borgic and other assisting officers, pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene on Tuesday. The victim was taken by Lonning Mortuary Services to the St. Louis County morgue. The driver was identified as insured by State Farm. The investigation remains ongoing to determine the full circumstances surrounding

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ALTON — Raysean Colvin pleaded guilty Thursday, July 17, 2025, to first-degree murder in connection with the death of 13-year-old Ra'Niya Steward and was sentenced to 35 years in prison. Colvin was one of five suspects charged in the fatal shooting of Steward, who was struck in the head while standing on her porch on Highland Avenue in Alton. Although Colvin was not the shooter, he was in the vehicle involved in the incident. Initially, all five suspects faced attempted murder charges. However, after Steward died at a St. Louis hospital, the charges were amended to first-degree murder for all five individuals. The other suspects charged are Alvin Perry III, Keith A. Sanders, Dakota Perry, and Vito K. Crowder, whose trials have not yet taken place. Colvin had also been charged with aggravated battery with a firearm, unlawful sale or delivery of firearms, unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon, and aggravated unlawful use of weapons. As part of the plea agreement, those additiona

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EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois Department of Transportation today announced lane and ramp closures on eastbound Interstate 55/64 in St. Clair County for roadway construction. Beginning, weather permitting, at 4 a.m. Saturday, July 19, lane closures will be in place on eastbound I-55/64 between the Third Street on-ramp and the northbound I-55/eastbound I-64 split. The following ramps will also be closed during this time: Third Street to eastbound I-55/64 Eastbound Martin Luther King Bridge to eastbound I-64/northbound Illinois 3 All lanes and ramps are expected to reopen by 6 p.m. Saturday, July 19. Motorists should expect delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes during this closure. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, be alert for changing conditions, obey all construction signage, and refrain from using mobile devices while approaching and traveling through the work zone. For IDOT District 8 updates, follow us on the social media platform X at @IDOTDistrict8

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ST. LOUIS — William Lacy “Bill” Clay Sr., a pioneering civil rights leader and Missouri’s first African-American congressman, died at the age of 94. Clay represented Missouri’s 1st Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat from 1969 to 2001. His district includes St. Louis City and parts of north St. Louis County. Clay was widely recognized for his advocacy on environmental issues, labor rights, and social justice. During his tenure, he supported the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993, worked for two decades to revise the Hatch Act to broaden political rights for federal workers, consistently fought to raise the minimum wage, and helped secure increased funding for historically Black colleges. St. Louis Mayor Cara Spencer issued a statement expressing condolences to Clay’s family. “On behalf of the City of St. Louis, I want to offer my condolences to the family of one of St. Louis' proud native sons, Congressman

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EAST ST. LOUIS — Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School (STBCS), the last remaining Catholic School in East. St. Louis, is pleased to announce that Mr. Kenny Nance, Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School Alum, has accepted the position of Principal. Mr. Kenny Nance brings with him a strong commitment to academic excellence, faith-based leadership, and the holistic development of students. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Lindenwood University – Belleville, Illinois, and has begun his Master’s in Education Leadership—further deepening his commitment to educational leadership and student development. Fr. Michael Caruso, SJ, Superintendent of Schools along with Associate Superintendent Sarah Lanham share, “We are confident that Mr. Nance will be an outstanding educational leader to build on the solid foundation that is Sister Thea Bowman Catholic School and guide it into a yet more promising future!” Mr. Nance has served in

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NASHVILLE, TENN. – Two of the most influential nonprofit behavioral health providers , Brightli and Centerstone, have entered into a non-binding agreement with the intent to merge and create a unified organization. The due diligence process is underway, and upon the transaction’s anticipated close in November 2025, the combined organization will serve a quarter million people annually and be the largest nonprofit provider of mental health and substance use disorder care across the country. Brightli is a Springfield, Missouri-based company with more than 6,000 associated employees working at more than 220 locations in five states. Its multiple subsidiaries and affiliates include Adult & Child Health, Burrell Behavioral Health, Clarity Healthcare, Firefly Supported Living & Employment Services, Places for People, Preferred Family Healthcare, and Southeast Missouri Behavioral Health. Centerstone is a Nashville, Tennessee-based company with 4,300 employees working

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SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) announced today nonfarm payrolls totals reached a record high in June, increasing over-the-month up +9,400 to 6,175,200. June’s record payroll job total surpassed the previous high set in March, marking another milestone in Illinois’ record-setting year for total payroll employment. The May monthly change in payrolls was revised slightly from the preliminary report, from +100 to -200. The industry sectors with over-the-month jobs increases included Government (+10,600) and Private Education and Health Services (+6,200). The industry sectors with the largest monthly payroll jobs decreases included: Leisure and Hospitality (-3,500), Manufacturing (-1,300), and Professional and Business Services (-1,100). Compared to a year ago, total nonfarm payroll jobs increased by +35,000 jobs. The industry groups with the largest jobs increases included: Private Education and Health Services (+22,900), Government

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EDWARDSVILLE – Three individuals from around the Riverbend and beyond have been charged in separate cases with knowingly possessing stolen vehicles. Scott M. Perryman, 37, of Granite City, was charged on July 8, 2025 with unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle, a Class 2 felony. Perryman allegedly possessed a Honda motorcycle with an Illinois registration number on June 1, 2025 which he knew had been stolen or converted, according to court documents. Gregory A. Watt Jr. was also charged with a Class 2 felony count of unlawful possession of a stolen motor vehicle in a separate case filed on July 8, 2025. Watt is accused of knowingly possessing a stolen Ford Edge with a Missouri registration number on June 24, 2025. The Madison Police Department presented both cases against Perryman and Watt, both of whom were ordered released from custody. In a third, unrelated case, Brian A. Dallefield, 41, of Lewistown, Ill. was charged on July 10, 2025 with offenses related to motor

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ST. LOUIS COUNTY - St. Louis County prosecutors have charged Koran Adams, 31, with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death following a fatal collision at the intersection of Earth City Expressway and Rider Trail South. The incident occurred on June 21, 2025, when Adams, of the 5500 block of Natural Bridge Avenue in St. Louis, allegedly left a gas station on Rider Trail South after prepaying for fuel and then collided with a motorcycle at the nearby intersection. Jennifer Eggering, a passenger on the motorcycle, died approximately 24 hours after the crash. According to the probable cause statement, Adams was wearing a reddish-orange durag at the time and fled the scene immediately after the collision. Surveillance footage from the gas station captured Adams and his vehicle both inside the store and at the moment of the crash. The vehicle was later found at an address linked to Adams, and law enforcement seized it for investigation. A search warrant executed at Adams’

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WOOD RIVER – The Wood River Business Alliance (WRBA), in partnership with the Wood River Library, invites local business owners, residents, and community leaders to join them for What’s Up Downtown , a relaxed and engaging community event on Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM at the Wood River Library. This open-to-the-public gathering provides a casual setting for people to connect, share updates, and learn what’s happening in downtown Wood River. Whether you’re a new entrepreneur, a long-time business owner, or simply someone interested in the growth and development of the community, this event is for you. “We’re excited to offer a space where people can build relationships and stay informed about everything going on downtown,” said Kristen Burns, Executive Director of the WRBA. “From new business openings to upcoming projects and events, this is a great opportunity to engage with the future of Wood River.” Attendee

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BENTON – Five men from Mississippi were sentenced in southern Illinois federal court after admitting to using spotlights to illegally hunt white-tailed deer in Massac, Jefferson, Union, Pope and Clark counties. Lee J. Johnson, 54, of Saucier, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful transport of wildlife in violation of the Lacey Act and was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay $75,000 in restitution and a $10,000 fine. Steven J. Pique, 56, of Biloxi, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay $2,000 in restitution. Gerald B. Moran, 40, of Saucier, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to one count of unlawful transport of wildlife in violation of the Lacey Act and was sentenced to five years’ probation and ordered to pay $5,000 in restitution and a $2,500 fine. Joshua A. Marshall, 30, of Saucier, Mississippi, pleaded guilty to one coun

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ALTON - There’s still time to buy your raffle tickets and make donations to the Christmas in July fundraiser , which benefits local nonprofits like The Salvation Army through the Community Christmas initiative. From 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Friday, July 18, 2025, you can stop by Freer Auto Body in Godfrey to donate and enjoy sloppy joes and cheesecake at their Christmas in July event. All the proceeds go back to Community Christmas, a United Way initiative that supports 17 organizations in the Metro East region. Major Cassy Grey with The Salvation Army noted that these fundraisers go a long way in helping their families. “This could not get done without the community,” she said. “The Lord just provided through this incredible community and through Community Christmas to make sure we could wrap around these families and make sure they have an amazing Christmas.” Last year, the Freer Auto Body fundraisers raised over $75,000 for Community

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COLUMBIA, IL., - Michael Klaus of Columbia is grieving the loss of his 19-year-old son, Andrew Klaus, who was fatally shot in the Greater Ville neighborhood of St. Louis. The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department reported that officers responded shortly after 7:20 p.m. last Tuesday to the 3100 block of Vine Grove Avenue, where they found Andrew Klaus with a fatal puncture wound to his head. Andrew Klaus, a resident of Imperial, Mo., was pronounced dead at the scene following the reported shooting. The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation by authorities. In the wake of this tragedy, Michael Klaus has established a GoFundMe campaign to help cover the costs of a celebration of life for his son. Michael Klaus said the fundraiser aims to provide Andrew with a meaningful farewell amid the family's profound grief. GoFundMe Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-my-sons-life-after-tragedy

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FAIRVIEW HEIGHTS - The Fairview Heights Police Department is partnering with the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police with the support of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Illinois Department of Transportation and more than 300 state, count and local law enforcement agencies for the Illinois Speed Awareness Day on July 23, 2025. The Fairview Heights Police said motorists can expect to see increased patrols looking for speeding as well as other traffic violations. This campaign is an effort to address the drastic increase in speed-related crashes and moving violations. IDOT said speeding is involved in 44.9 percent of all motor vehicle fatalities, 36.3 percent of all injury crashes and 31.1 percent of all roadway crashes. “Speeding is a choice that puts everyone at risk,” Fairview Heights Police Chief Steve Johnson said. “It reduces the driver’s ability to steer safely around other vehicles, increases stopping distance, and can lead

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HIGHLAND - Brittany Horrell is organizing a fundraiser for a Highland family to support them after they lost their home in a fire. The family, described as "one of our own," experienced a devastating loss when their house was destroyed. Horrell emphasized the urgency of the situation and said, "We are trying to help raise some money to help one of our own. This family tragically lost everything in a house fire last night." She encouraged community members to contribute, saying, "Anything and everything helps at this time. Let's come together as a community and help raise them up." Donations are being accepted to assist the family in recovering from the fire. Horrell expressed gratitude for the support received so far, thanking donors for their contributions and assistance. Click here for the GoFundMe.

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