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For Your Health โ€” Spilling the Beans on Coffee and Health ย 

7 months 1 week ago
For the morning coffee drinkers out there, a recent study found there may be one more reason to enjoy that first cup of the day. In a study of over 40,000 people in a national health survey, researchers found that morning coffee drinkers had a lower risk of dying prematurely than non-coffee drinkers. And the biggest beneficiaries might be those who drank coffee only in the morning rather than throughout the day. Of course, these findings are from a single study, so further research is needed on the timing of coffee drinking. At the same time, this new study adds to a large and growing amount of research showing that coffee drinking overall can have many health benefits. That could sound a little surprising. For whatever reason, coffee can still feel like one of those things we enjoy but that may not be good for us. Yet coffee has over 1,000 compounds that could aid health. Among other possible benefits, these compounds could help improve the gut microbiome, ease inflammation, hel

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Letter To The Editor: National Library Week Highlights Libraries' Evolving Role in Communities

7 months 1 week ago
Letter To The Editor: National Library Week, April 6-12, 2025, is a celebration highlighting the valuable role libraries, librarians, and library workers play in transforming lives and strengthening our communities. In 1958, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation declaring March 16 – 22 as National Library Week. In his proclamation, President Eisenhower declared National Library Week as, “A time for the appraisal of community needs for library services and of the means for meeting them, for encouraging the development of a better-read, better-informed citizenry, and for rededication to that fine public service that has always been characteristic of the libraries of America.” Now more than ever, libraries provide a place for communities to learn, work, and play. Yes, we still offer books, but we also offer so much more. Step inside your library to see a hive of information, community, entertainment, and technology. This year’s National Library

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This Weekend in History on April 5 and 6: United States Enters World War I

7 months 1 week ago
April 5 and 6 have witnessed a plethora of significant events throughout history, spanning various realms such as politics, science, arts, and humanitarian efforts. The year 1965 marked a transformative moment in the realm of international diplomacy. On April 5, the United States escalated its military involvement in Vietnam, sending additional troops to support the South Vietnamese government against the communist North. This decision, part of the larger context of the Cold War, would lead to an intense and controversial conflict that shaped American foreign policy and domestic politics for years to come. The Vietnam War sparked protests and debates over military intervention, civil rights, and the moral implications of warfare, leaving an indelible mark on American society. Fast forward to 1976, when the world witnessed another significant event: the launch of the first-ever portable computer, the IBM 5100. This groundbreaking piece of technology was a precursor to the personal

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Couple Carjacked in Kingsway East Neighborhood

7 months 1 week ago

On April 5, district 5 officers responded to a carjacking at the Burger King located at 5030 Natural Bridge at approximately 11:30 p.m. A 42-year-old woman and a 51-year-old man told officers they had bought food from the above location and parked on the parking lot to eat their food. They noticed two men walk […]

The post Couple Carjacked in Kingsway East Neighborhood appeared first on St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

Suleima Rojas

Ecology Enthusiasts from Across the Globe Assemble on SIUE's Campus to Collaborate and Celebrate the Legendary Inventor Buckminster Fuller

7 months 1 week ago
EDWARDSVILLE - The man with an ingenious ecological and humanitarian idea that became a movement, caused his concepts to travel around the world and earn him the title, “Father of the Modern Sustainability Movement.” The pioneering legacy of the renowned visionary inventor R. Buckminster Fuller was applauded and his theories and beliefs revisited and discussed during a five-day conference at the Fuller Dome, Center for Spirituality and Sustainability (CSS) on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, according to CSS Manager Tovia Black. The Fuller Dome observed 90th Day programs that began Thursday, March 27 and culminated on Monday, March 31, the 90th day of the year on the planet’s 90th meridian. The event was supported by the SIUE Chancellor’s Office. The Fuller Dome’s miniature-earth geodesic dome was designed by Fuller, a Southern Illinois University professor from 1959-1975, to straddle the planet’s 90th longitudinal meridian

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As Spring Sets In, IDNR Issues Reminder To Avoid Handling Wild Animals And Birds

7 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – As spring sets in and more people head outside, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) is reminding everyone to leave baby birds and young animals alone when they encounter them in the wild. Well-intentioned people may believe they’re helping nature by taking possession of young rabbits, fawn deer, baby birds and other animals that appear to be orphaned or abandoned. However, in nearly all cases, human intervention does more to hurt animals than to help. Young birds and animals are still being fed and cared for by their parents, who usually stay away from nests and dens if humans are nearby. “The most helpful thing people can do for wildlife is to enjoy the animals through observation, not interference,” said IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie. “If you really care about the animals, just leave them alone when you come across them in nature.” The Illinois Wildlife Code provides legal protection for wildlife. Keeping

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Duckworth Statement on DoD Inspector General Launching Investigation into Pete Hegseth's Use of Signal to Discuss Airstrike Plans

7 months 1 week ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, combat Veteran and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) and U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee (SFRC)—issued the following statement in response to the Department of Defense (DoD) Acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins announcing an investigation into Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s use of Signal, an unclassified, commercially-available messaging app, to discuss specific details about a U.S. military strike in Yemen: “Of course, this obvious leak of classified information by the Secretary of Defense himself must be investigated. Not just by the DoD Inspector General, but by the FBI and Congress as well—and I'll keep pushing for accountability from these senior Trump officials who continue to put our troops and national security at risk.” Since he was first nominated and throughout his confirmation hearing , Duckworth has made it clear that Secretary

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MCT Announces Service Adjustments Effective May 11, 2025

7 months 1 week ago
PONTOON BEACH – In response to the upcoming IL-111 & I-270 interchange reconstruction, Madison County Transit (MCT) will implement several service adjustments beginning Sunday, May 11, 2025, to preserve reliable, convenient transit access throughout the construction period. Construction is expected to impact travel from May through October 2025. To minimize disruption and enhance service flexibility, MCT is expanding its MCT Micro service and restructuring routes serving affected areas. These updates aim to ensure passengers can continue reaching their destinations with as much ease as possible. Building on the success of last fall’s new MCT Micro service in Collinsville, MCT will be launching MCT Micro – Bethalto | Cottage Hills, an on-demand microtransit zone creating more convenient access to transit within Bethalto and Cottage Hills, as well as the introduction of service in Rosewood Heights. Passengers will also have the flexibility to schedule rides to the Mai

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SIU Medicine Expands Kidney Care Services

7 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD - Patients in central and southern Illinois will now have expanded access to expert kidney care, as SIU Medicine expands its nephrology specialty services. SIU Medicine Nephrology will provide high-quality kidney care, supported by the strength of academic medicine and a team-based approach to treatment. SIU Medicine Nephrology will offer comprehensive kidney health services, including management of chronic kidney disease, oversight of dialysis treatments and referrals for transplant care. Patients will continue to receive care from their trusted providers, who were previously affiliated with Central Illinois Kidney and Dialysis: Oritsegbubemi Adekola, MD Vikram Bhatti, MD Xueguang G. Chen, MD Max Nutt, MD Nirali Ramani, MD “The integration of kidney care services with our existing service lines allows us to provide seamless, highly coordinated care to SIU Medicine patients needing specialized kidney care,” said John Flack, MD, MPH, chair of the Department

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Step Into a World of Comics, Costumes and Pop Culture at L&C's Blazer Con

7 months 1 week ago
GODFREY – Lewis and Clark Community College is excited to host its inaugural comic and pop culture convention, Blazer Con, from 1-8 p.m., Saturday, April 12, 2025, in the George C. Terry River Bend Arena on the Godfrey Campus. The event is free and open to the public. Register today at https://lcedu.jotform.com/team/blazer-con/attendee-registration to secure your limited edition Blazer Con 2025 badge and lanyard featuring student-designed artwork. Badges are required for entry. “Blazer Con is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a world of sci-fi, fantasy, and pop culture,” Blazer Con creator and Media Specialist Jared Smilack said. “Whether you’re a die-hard D&D enthusiast, a video game aficionado, or someone who loves great food and socializing, there’s something for everyone.” Blazer Con will feature a diverse range of vendors and activities. Attendees can enjoy a variety of food options to satisfy their cravings, providing

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Illinois State Museum Receives Donation Of Items From President Lincoln's Extended Springfield Family

7 months 1 week ago
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Museum (ISM) is excited to announce the donation of a collection of items from President Abraham Lincoln’s extended family in Springfield. These family belongings are donated by descendants of the Hickox-Edwards families in memory of Catharine Officer Saxe Loucks. Passed down through five generations, they offer an exciting glimpse into the social and familial relationships of Lincoln’s Springfield. “These items tell the story of people who helped shape Illinois history,” said ISM Director Jenn Edginton. “The Illinois State Museum is thrilled to receive such an amazing donation. We cannot wait to share it with the people of Illinois.” The donated items represent the families of Virgil and Catharine Hickox and Ninian and Elizabeth Todd Edwards. They were passed down through the descendants of Charles and Mary Hickox Edwards, who married in 1868. Elizabeth Todd Edwards was the oldest sister of Mary Todd Lincoln;

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Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Six Bipartisan Bills To Lower Prescription Drug Prices

7 months 1 week ago
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This morning, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee advanced six bipartisan bills to help lower the price of prescription drugs. U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, released the following statement: “Families are struggling to afford their medications. Congress must take an all-options approach to lowering prescription drug prices, and the bills we advanced today embody that spirit. The legislative package will improve coordination between agencies, bring generic drugs to market more quickly, and foster competition in the pharmaceutical industry. Notably, every bill advanced today was bipartisan. There’s real momentum here, and the Senate needs to pass these bills to help make progress on pocketbook issues facing the American people.” The following bills advanced to the full Senate by voice vote: S. 527, Prescription Pricing for the People Act of 2025 (Grassley, Welch, Coons,

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Sierra Club Announces April Speakers Series With TreeHouse Wildlife Center

7 months 1 week ago
ALTON - Join us for our April Sierra Club Speaker Series featuring TreeHouse Wildlife Center on April 8, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. Meet some of their education animals, learn about summer internships, and a new job opening. Find out how you can help support their mission. Get all the details about their annual Baby Shower on Saturday, April 26, 2025. TreeHouse Wildlife Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the rehabilitation of sick, injured, and orphaned wildlife and the educational promotion of environmental stewardship and awareness. Established in 1979, TreeHouse has been serving the southwestern Illinois community for over 40 years as a professional resource for those who encounter a wild animal in need. Come early at 5:30 p.m. to join us for dinner at Old Bakery Beer Company. Questions, contact Craig Heaton at 618-345-4822 or Chris Krusa at 410-490-5024.

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