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CHICAGO – An Illinois Lottery player has won the $1.28 billion jackpot in last night's Mega Millions drawing. The winning ticket was purchased at the Speedway in Des Plaines. This is the largest lottery prize every won in Illinois, and the third largest lottery prize ever won in the U.S. The is also a huge win for the retailer, who will recieve a cash bonus of $500,000 for selling the winning ticket. Another Illinois Lottery player won $1 million in tonight's drawing. The $1 million winning ticket was sold at SRB Food Mart at 1625 Taft Ave. in Berkeley, IL 60613. SRB Food Mart will recieve a cash bonus of $10,000 for selling that winning ticket. This is the fourth Illinois Lottery player to win a million-dollar prize with Mega Millions so far this year. Excluding the jackpot, in total, over 390,000 Illinois Lottery players won prizes totalling more than $2.5 million. If you bought a Mega Millions ticket from the Speedway in Des Plaines for last night's draw, the Illinois

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CHICAGO —Governor Pritzker issued a proclamation today declaring the monkeypox virus a public health emergency and declaring the state of Illinois a disaster area regarding the disease. The declaration, which applies to the entire state, will allow the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) to utilize resources for coordinating logistics across state agencies, quickly and efficiently aid in the distribution of vaccines and in the prevention and treatment of the disease. The proclamation will also assist state agencies in coordinating response with the federal government. “MPV is a rare, but potentially serious disease that requires the full mobilization of all available public health resources to prevent the spread,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “That’s why I am declaring a state of emergency to ensure smooth coordination between state agencies and all levels of government, thereby increasing our ability to prevent and treat the disease quickly. W

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WOOD RIVER - Aidan Loeffelman is primed and ready for the fall cross country season for the East Alton-Wood River High School Oilers. July 5-10, Aidan participated in the prestigious Bowerman Track Club in Oregon summer camp. He was chosen and awarded a full scholarship to attend. Dustene Shoemaker, Aidan’s mother, said: “We are so proud of him and his determination. We also extend thanks to the Oilers’ head cross country and track coach Russ Colona. He has been such a supporter and helped Aidan in so many ways.” To top the summer off, Aidan completed his first Olympic Triathlon, which includes a 1.5-mile open water swim, a 40K bike, and a 10K run. He finished fourth in his age division 19 and under in the triathlon at Springfield, IL., this past weekend. Aidan said the triathlon was a different type of race. His time was 3 hours, 17 minutes, and 53 seconds. "I was tired after it was over but it was more about mentally staying focused through the whole thing.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Johna Murphy was crowned 2022 Miss Madison County Fair on Saturday in Highland and Skylar Touchette was the runner-up. The Junior Miss winner was Remi Sapp and Junior Miss First Runner-Up was Alieyah Fazio. Miss Heart of Heirtlieb was Skylar Touchette. Anne Marie Connelly, a co-director and spokesperson for the Madison County Fair Pageant said: "This was another great pageant this year. There are always surprises every year. We learn a little more every year. This one was pretty smooth for our wonderful pageant committee. I am so impressed with our contestants. I would love to thank the executive fair board and their dedication. "They put on a wonderful fair and thank you to the parents and family and friends without them wouldn’t have it as well. I would like young girls to know the Madison County Fair beauty pageant is here and to come out and see what it is all about. We had a great year and are looking forward to the one next year." CLICK HERE TO SEE

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ST. LOUIS — Just as most cars need to be refueled constantly, so does the nation’s blood supply. The American Red Cross has faced a concerning drop in blood and platelet donations this summer. Donors are needed to make an appointment to give in August to help prevent a blood shortage. The decline in donations has caused the Red Cross blood supply to shrink nearly 20% in recent weeks. The availability of blood products will continue to decline if donations do not increase. People should not wait until they hear there is a blood shortage to give. Type O negative blood donors and platelet donors are especially needed now. “This is a concerning trend that may soon make it tougher to keep blood products stocked on hospital shelves,” said Paul Sullivan, Red Cross senior vice president of donor services. “By choosing a time to give now, donors can help pump up the blood supply for those in immediate need of lifesaving care and those who rely on transfusions

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ALTON - Illinois Department of Transportation has announced lane closures will be encountered on Illinois Route 100 west of William Street in Alton from 2 to 9 p.m. daily, starting Monday, August 1, 2022, through Friday, August 19, 2022. IDOT says the repairs are necessary to complete the catwalk structure over Illinois Route 100 at Ardent Mills. Centimark will complete the work on Illinois Route 100 and William Street. "Motorists may experience traffic congestion with delays and should allow extra time for trips in this area," IDOT said. "Alternate routes should be considered and drivers should pay close attention to changed conditions and signs in the work zones, plus obey the posted speed limits, refrain from using mobile devices and be alert for workers and equipment."

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Viewpoint: In June 201, the City of St. Louis, after continued discussions with residents and businesses, announced a scooter curfew in the Downtown and Downtown West neighborhoods. Following a string of public safety incidents in June 2022, many of which youth were injured, the City of St. Louis halted scooter-sharing operations in Downtown and Downtown West neighborhoods. Since the decision to halt scooter operations in Downtown and Downtown West St. Louis, Bird and Lime have met with several city departments and community groups to address issues and concerns from neighborhood residents, businesses, and city staff regarding policies to reduce the public safety hazard presented by unregulated scooter usage. Since limiting scooter operations in Downtown and Downtown West neighborhoods, the neighbors have experienced quieter weekends. With these developments in mind, as well as community feedback from businesses and residents in these neighborhoods, the City of St. Louis has decided

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY – The Illinois Department of Transportation will hold an open house-style public meeting to discuss plans to improve the Interstate 64 and Illinois 111 interchange in St. Clair County. The meeting will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, at 1915 N. 55th St. in Washington Park, IL. The project involves replacing the Illinois 111 bridge over I-64 and improving the interchange between the two highways. The purpose of the meeting is to provide information about the progress and issues concerning this project and obtain public input. Due to the project’s location at the former sites of the Douglas-Lawnridge and St. Clair County cemeteries, IDOT welcomes input from the community, families and loved ones of those interred in these cemeteries. Handouts and display boards regarding the proposed improvement will be available for review, as will information regarding engineering, land acquisition, environmental processes and public involvement.

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PEORIA - On July 23, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a global health emergency. As of July 29, 4,907 cases of monkeypox have been identified in the United States. This includes 396 in the state of Illinois – an increase of 350 cases in just a month, with Michigan going from just a single case a month ago to 28. Two children have now tested positive for the disease, a toddler in California and an infant in Washington, D.C. Monkeypox is a rare disease caused by the monkeypox virus. When someone is infected, the illness presents with flu-like symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle aches, and exhaustion, which then progresses to a painful rash and lesions. The illness typically lasts between two to four weeks. While the current monkeypox outbreak is growing, the CDC maintains the risk for contracting monkeypox is low for the general public. OSF HealthCare infectious disease physician Dr. Douglas Kasper agrees. He says the virus spreads only after what he

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CHICAGO — Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) today issued 28 additional Conditional Adult Use Dispensing Organization Licenses to applicants selected in three lotteries for 185 licenses. These awardees join the 149 conditional licenses issued by the Department on July 22, bringing the total number of issued licenses to 177. The Department’s Adult Use Cannabis webpage has been updated to include today’s awardees. Of the businesses selected for licenses, 41% are majority Black-owned, 7% are majority White-owned, and 4% are majority Latino-owned, while 38% of awardees did not disclose the race of their owners. All businesses qualify as Social Equity Applicants under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act. “These 177 licenses represent 177 individual but powerful steps toward addressing the decades of injustice preceding cannabis legalization , and I’m proud to help foster an industry that

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QUINCY - Several area students are on the Quincy University 2022 Spring Dean's List. Honorees must earn a semester grade point average of at least 3.5 (on a 4.0 scale) to be included in the biannual Dean's List. In total, 342 students received the honor during the Spring 2022 semester. A complete list of honorees is listed below. The area students are as follows: Carrollton Cameryn Varble Edwardsville Margaret Brumback Godfrey Haley Milazzo Granite City Morgan Tanksley Jerseyville Ryleigh Jones

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Over the last decade, social media has become an important tool for connecting with loved ones, keeping busy, and staying informed on local and world events, with social media usage increasing even more during the COVID-19 pandemic. Simultaneously, it is having a negative impact on the mental health of people across the country, causing an increase in anxiety and depression for many. Studies around the world have shown the impact of social media on mental health, which brings along with it an increase in anxiety and depression. “Right now, there are so many people who spend an inordinate amount of time on social media just because some people are stuck at home and kids are not going into schools. I think, in general, mental health can depend on what you are consuming on social media,” explains Marybeth Evans, an OSF HealthCare licensed clinical social worker. Evans warns to proceed with caution when scrolling through social media. Many people tend to highlight only th

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EDWARDSVILLE – Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Center for STEM Research, Education, and Outreach is inspiring area middle and high school students to see themselves as scientists, to become critical thinkers, problem solvers and innovators, by presenting them with opportunities to engage in authentic scientific research. The STEM Center, along with the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Environmental Sciences, the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s Department of Applied Health, the East St. Louis Center’s (ESLC) Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) Collinsville High School program and a colleague from the University of Southern Maine’s Public Health Program, engaged with students during hands-on learning sessions held in June and July. “Through these programs, we aimed to support student interest in science by engaging them in authentic science experiences,” said Carol Colaninno, PhD, research associate

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EDWARDSVILLE - McKenna Vereeke, the Miss Illinois Runner-Up from Edwardsville, and a University of Illinois-Springfield student, released photos and information about her competition in earlier July this week. McKenna is an Edwardsville High School graduate. “After winning the title of Miss River Valley in 2021, I have been anxiously awaiting Miss Illinois Week,” she said. “I competed in Private Interview, Red Carpet, On Stage Interview, and Talent phases of competition. These past few months I’ve put in blood, sweat, and tears into preparing for this week. I am so proud to say that my hard work paid off. Not only did I receive the Preliminary On Stage Interview Award, but at 20 years old, my first time at state as a Miss candidate, I made first runner-up to Miss Illinois 2022, and received $3,500 in scholarships. “I am so proud of myself for this achievement! I am so thankful for those who helped me on my journey there, and for the friends, I made

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PEORIA - Summer is a time when people are typically thinking about fun in the sun and less about guarding themselves against diseases that typically come in the wintertime. However, there is at least one common illness that people can contract any time of year: pneumonia. That’s why area doctors are encouraging older adults to protect themselves from the malady now. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), each year about 900,000 Americans get pneumonia, a lung infection caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Dr. Brian Curtis is an OSF HealthCare physician in Peoria, Illinois. He says the best way to prevent the disease is by getting vaccinated, and for certain populations, not getting vaccinated comes with major risks. “It could cause you to be admitted to the hospital. And at times when that happens, the pneumococcal bacteria gets into your bloodstream and you develop what we call sepsis, and people have been admitted to the ICU, placed on th

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SEE PHOTO GALLERY: Photos in Article (and Gallery) may be purchased for personal use at: https://www.randymanning.com/Lucy-Haskell-Birthday-Party ALTON - Lucy Haskell’s 142nd birthday was marked Friday night at the Haskell Playhouse at the corner of 12th and Henry with a large crowd, fun, games, and tours of the beloved Alton home. Margaret Hopkins, the organizer of the event, said the party every year mimics Lucy’s fifth birthday party when the playhouse was gifted to her. There were Victorian games, cake, lemonade, and pony rides to celebrate. Bailey Mishler, in the role of Lucy Haskell, said she was celebrating her fifth birthday and she received the Haskell Playhouse and it is a lot of fun. “The best thing about the playhouse is the decorations,” she said. “It is really big. It is a magical place and everybody can have fun in it.” Lucy Haskell received her own playhouse in 1885 for her fifth birthday but died at age 9 in 1890.

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County officials are continuing to update visitors of construction surrounding the Administration Building and Courthouse in downtown Edwardsville The sidewalks along Second Street, running from the parking lots behind the Administration Building to the courthouse are closed. Keller Construction is replacing the curbs and sidewalks from the loading dock at the back of the Administration Building to St. Louis Street The Second Street handicap ramp on the east side of the buildings will be closed and signage is posted in the small parking lot (on each disabled parking sign) directing employees/public to enter the rear Administration Building handicapped entrance. Visitors are being reminded to allow for extra time to arrive, park and safely enter county buildings. Visitors should not to cross under caution tape in an attempt to take shortcut. Milling and resurfacing of Second Street is scheduled to start on Aug. 8, which will completely close the street

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GODFREY - The Christmas In July fundraiser for charity at Freer Auto Body in Godfrey was the best ever on Friday. "What a huge success," Margaret Freer, one of the owners of Freer Auto Body and grandmother of the founders of the fund-raising event Taylor and Lily. "The community came thru again. We raised to date including a $2,500 foundation donation from Enterprise Rental more than $56,000." Everything raised from the event benefits the Community Christmas campaign during the holiday season. The winners are : $2,500 Apple vacations gift card - Mark Thornsberry 7 nights condo - Panama City Beach $2,500 Cash - David Watts 4 nights Tan Tara Estates - Abby Peipert $2,500 Cash - Gene Howell 4 St Louis Cardinal Green Seats - Gretchen Bell 3 nights Dreams Adventura - Ed Ryrie Top Ticket sellers: Tina Bennett 245 Margot Huber 217 Over 100: Rachel Waters Lisa Bechtold Brian Campbell Marcia Wheeler Erin Ventimiglia "Our hearts are full and the community hit it out

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ST. LOUIS – Nadja Kapetanovich, a 15-year-old Alton High School sophomore, will sing the National Anthem and “God Bless America” at World Wide Technology Raceway during the NTT INDYCAR SERIES Bommarito Automotive Group 500 Weekend. Nadja will sing “God Bless America” prior to the start of NTT INDYCAR SERIES qualifying. Later in the evening, she will sing the National Anthem prior to the start of the USAC Silver Crown race. Nadja is active in plays and musicals around the St. Louis area. She enjoys dance, piano, and singing, and plays on the AHS tennis team. For Kapetanovich, this is a return to WWTR’s main stage. She previously sang the National Anthem at oval track events and the NHRA Midwest Nationals at the speedway. Nadja said she was “so excited" to sing at WWT Raceway again. “It is always a wonderful experience,” she said. “I would like to thank my voice teacher, Alison Neace at Alton High School, and everyone

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ALTON - Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau President and CEO Cory Jobe gave Alton residents an update on the organization’s future tourism plans for the Riverbend, stressing the importance of the area’s riverfront to seize tourism opportunities from incoming cruise ships. “American Queen Voyages this year decided to pull all of their 2022 scheduled boats out of downtown St. Louis to more small, rural communities up and down the river, and we’re taking on about 95 percent of those cruise stops here in Alton and Grafton,” Jobe said. “We are welcoming over 60 cruise ships this summer alone to the Riverbend area.” Jobe continued with “some other good news,” highlighting a $10 million grant to improve different tourism experiences around the area. “We were recently awarded a $10 million capital grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity through Governor J.B. Pritzker,” Jobe said. “$8.25

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