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CHICAGO - Mega Millions is the hottest ticket in town - and it just got a little hotter. The jackpot for the next drawing on Tuesday, July 26 has just been increased to $810,000,000. That's a lot of zeros! Illinois Lottery players are keen to get in with a chance to hit the big prize, and lottery retailers across the State are reporting more players coming in-store to get in the game. If won, this would be the fourth largest jackpot ever won in the history of the U.S. Mega Millions is played every Tuesday and Friday night, with the next draw taking place on Tuesday, July 26 at 10 p.m. (CT). Mega Millions tickets are $2 each, and players can add the Megaplier for an additional $1 for the chance to multiply non-jackpot prizes. Top five jackpots ever won in the U.S. $1.586 billion - Powerball. Jan. 2016 in California, Florida, and Tennessee $1.537 billion - Mega Millons. Oct. 2018 in South Carolina $1.05 billion - Mega Millions. Jan. 2021 in Michigan $768.4 million - Powerball.

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CHICAGO – The Illinois State Police is joining law enforcement officers from Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin for this year’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 5 high visibility Speed Awareness Day enforcement campaign on July 27, 2022. This campaign is an effort to address the drastic increase in speed and hazardous moving violations that occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic. Speeding is involved in approximately one-third of all motor vehicle fatalities nationwide. NHTSA shows traffic deaths grew by 10.5% to 42,915 in 2021. This also represents the highest number of fatalities since 2005 and the highest annual percentage increase in the recorded history of data in the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS). “We take speeding seriously because the consequences can be deadly,” said ISP Division of Patrol Deputy Director Colonel Margaret McGreal. “During Speed Awareness Day, ISP Troopers will saturate

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EDWARDSVILLE - The Third Judicial Circuit is pleased to announce they are recipients of two grants from the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Access to Justice. One grant was awarded to continue funding of two part-time positions dedicated to assisting at the Order of Protection and Stalking and Civil No Contact dockets. A second grant was awarded to assist with funding for the Foreclosure Mediation program. Self-Represented Litigants Coordinator, Angela Wille, will manage the grant related to Order of Protections with the Presiding Judge of the Family Division, Circuit Judge Amy Sholar. Sholar said: “The Order of Protection Assistants role is critical to the efficient functioning of the docket and the timely response to the litigants. With the number of self-represented litigants continuing to rise, having assistants in the court allow the staff in the Law Library and Self-Help Center to maintain their role helping self-represented litigants.” Self-Represented Litigants

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PEORIA - It is a situation that has become all too familiar in the U.S. – watching in horror as news of a mass shooting spreads. While public events in the United States remain safe more often than not, some high profile shootings, like the one at a grocery store in New York in May, or another at a Fourth of July parade in Highland Park, Illinois, are causing anxiety for many Americans, leading some to avoid public spaces or large gatherings altogether. Last year a survey commissioned by Evolv Technology sought to quantify the mental toll gun violence takes. If the 2,000 Americans surveyed, researchers found one third (31%) report increased anxiety when going into a large gathering, and 28% feel they are likely to encounter an active shooter in their lifetime. This is concerning to mental health professionals, because while these acts of violence tragically do occur, they shouldn't dictate our lives or experiences. “These are rare incidences. We don't want to be fixated

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URBANA – Sour, sweet, bread and butter, Kosher dills, spears, chips, or slices on a sandwich, or as a snack or side dish – pickles are everywhere. For home gardeners with an abundance of cucumbers and other produce, pickling is a great way to preserve your bounty. While cucumbers are one of the most commonly pickled items, many foods can be pickled says Mary Liz Wright, University of Illinois Extension nutrition and wellness educator. “Fruit, eggs, artichokes, mushrooms – you name it and it can probably be pickled,” Wright says. Pickling is an ancient form of food preservation, dating back to 2030 BC when cucumbers from India were pickled in the Tigris Valley. The word “pickle” comes from the Dutch pekel or northern German pókel, meaning “salt” or “brine.” The pickling process, for the most part, falls into two categories or methods: quick pickles and fermented pickles. Fresh pack or quick pickles are made with

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URBANA – Imagine eating only one type of food your entire life. Your survival depends entirely on being able to find this food. This is the challenge monarch butterflies, Danaus plexippus, face every day as landscapes change nationwide and fewer native plants are available. But home gardeners can help. Along with other insects, monarch butterfly populations have been declining for decades. This week, the non-governmental organization International Union for the Conservation of Nature listed a subspecies of monarch butterflies as endangered. The U.S. government maintains its own endangered species list which entitles species to federal protection under the Endangered Species Act. Monarch butterflies were denied federal endangered status in 2020. The monarch caterpillar feeds exclusively on milkweed, Asclepias sp., plants says Brittnay Haag, University of Illinois Extension horticulture educator. “It is a unique relationship,” Haag says. “If no milkweeds are growing

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that expiration dates for driver’s licenses, ID cards and learner’s permits are being extended until December 1, 2022. The previous extension was set to end on July 31, 2022. As a result, expired driver’s licenses, ID cards and learner’s permits will remain valid until December 1, 2022, so customers do not need to rush into Driver Services facilities. This extension does not apply to commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and CDL learner’s permits. White’s office expanded online renewals for expired driver’s licenses and ID cards and continues to mail letters to eligible customers. The letter provides driver’s license and ID card holders with a unique PIN needed to renew online instead of visiting a facility and waiting in line. Customers may call 217-785-1424 to confirm their eligibility for online renewal or to obtain their PIN. They may also visit https://apps.ilsos.gov/renewaldlid/eligible.jsp

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EAST ALTON - A ribbon cutting was held for Joe's Pizza and Pasta in East Alton at its 17 Eastgate Plaza location. Joe's Pizza and Pasta's Corey McMahan said the staff is ready to serve the public and the signage is in place for the new business. The Riverbend Growth Association hosted the event at Joe's on Friday. "We love it here, and it has been going very smoothly so far," McMahan said. "We are excited to be here. We had a spot in Wood River and everything was going really well there, but the building there was old so we always wanted to keep our eyes open for any other locations in the near vicinity. When this came open we thought this location was perfect." The business is closed on Monday but is open Tuesday through Sunday and it serves lunch at 11 a.m. each day, except 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. For more information, check Joe's Pizza East Alton Facebook page: www.facebook.com/JoesEastGate or call (618) 216-2346.

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EAST ALTON - East Alton Fire Department was called to a report Monday morning of a large cloud of black smoke from a fire and when they arrived, a man who is known as part of the homeless population had a fire going with a large pile of debris. The fire was quickly extinguished, East Alton Fire Chief Tim Quigley said. Chief Quigley said prior to this call they were needed at a serious EMS call and the problem with these types of situations is it takes them away from necessary runs that often result in lives being saved. “I have been here three years, and we have had about a dozen of these calls,” he said. “It does often take us away from important EMS runs.”

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EDWARDSVILLE - Jackson Suhre, who competed in the 11-12 age group for Paddlers Swim Club in Granite City, had one of the biggest days for an individual swimmer at the 60th Southwestern Illinois Swimming Association championship meet July 17 at the Chuck Fruit Aquatic Center at Edwardsville High School. Suhre won his three individual events - the 50-yard freestyle, the 100-yard individual medley and the 50-yard butterfly - along with a second with his team in the 200-yard freestyle relay and a third in the 100-yard medley relay in helping the Pirates finish third in the meet. Suhre is a Stillwater Senior Living Male Athlete of the Month for Granite City. In an interview conducted after one of his races, Suhre felt he had swam well, but also knew that he can improve in other aspects in his form. "I think I'm doing pretty well," Suhre said. "I could have done some things better, but it's always nice to come up here and have a good time." During the regular SWISA season, Suhre broke

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EDWARDSVILLE - Madelyn Pamatot, who swam this season in the 13-14 age group for Paddlers Swim Club in Granite City, had a good SWISA Championships meet, gaining two thirds and a fourth for the Pirates, along with a pair of second-place finishes in relay races. The Paddlers placed third overall and also third in the girls' meet at the 60th annual Southwestern Illinois Swimming Association championship meet on July 17th at the Chuck Fruit Aquatic Center at Edwardsville High School. Pamatot thought her overall season was a good one, and she felt that she swam a good meet for the Pirates at SWISA. "Well, I've done OK," Pamatot said. "I've placed in all my events so far, so I've got two." Madelyn is the Stillwater Senior Living Female Athlete of the Month for Granite City. Placing at the top, where points are greatest, is always important for how the team scores add up during the meet. "Yes, it is," Pamatot said. "It's important for the team, so we can do our best." The championship

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JERSEY COUNTY - A 26-year-old Lebanon man died in a fatal motorcycle accident on Illinois Route 100, approximately 1 mile north of Mills Street in Elsah at 11:15 p.m. Saturday, July 23, 2022. Illinois State Police District 18 released the accident information Sunday afternoon. The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police: VEHICLE: Unit 1- 2012 Black Yamaha Motorcycle. DRIVER : Unit 1- Dustin Brown, a 26-year-old male from Lebanon, IL - Deceased. PRELIMINARY: A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling south on Illinois 100 approximately 1 mile north of Mill Street in Elsah, Jersey County. Unit 1 left the roadway to the right and struck a guardrail. Unit 1 then crossed the road before coming to rest in the left ditch. The driver of Unit 1 was pronounced deceased on scene.

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See Photo Gallery: Photos in article and gallery may be purchased for personal use at: https://www.randymanning.com/Alton-Football-Practice ALTON - Alton Redbirds quarterback Graham McAfoos and running back Keith Gilchrese have emerged as strong leaders for the team over the summer of 2022. Graham and Keith will be keys to this year's Alton fall football success. The pair both believe Redbird football will be different in 2022 than the 2021 season. Graham and Keith are Auto Butler Alton High School Male Athletes of the Month. "In the past, Alton Redbird football has been very special to the community," Graham said. "We have a new coaching staff (led by Coach David Parker) that are bringing a different effort and ways to put in the effort. I think they are making some changes and I think we will be a different team this fall." "I think there is a different energy that appeals to the guys a lot of the guys who are a little younger and gives them inspiration," the quarterback

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EDWARDSVILLE - Owen Gruben, who swam the 2022 Southwestern Illinois Swimming Association season for the Sunset Hills Country Club in Edwardsville, had a very good SWISA Championship meet on July 17 at Edwardsville High School's Chuck Fruit Aquatic Center, placing second in three events, which was among the best performances for the Stingrays at the meet. In an interview conducted during the meet, Gruben also felt he was performing well and looked forward to what was to come later on in the meet. "I've done fairly well," Gruben said. "I've got second in two events so far, I've got one left. It's going pretty well, I think I'm going get third place high points, so that would be a nice finish for the year." Gruben enjoys the summer swimming season very much, with its great competition while everyone is very friendly with a relaxed atmosphere. "Yeah, the summer season's always great," Gruben said. "I like it a lot out here. Great competition, everyone's always fun to race against and

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EDWARDSVILLE - Karis Chen enjoyed a very good Southwestern Illinois Swimming Association championship meet July 17 at Edwardsville High School's Chuck Fruit Aquatic Center, winning the 100-yard breaststroke, while also placing second and third in two other races in helping the Marlins win both the girls and overall championships in the meet. Chen also felt she did well in her races, swimming a pair of best times in her races and helping the team do well. "It was a good meet," she said. Chen felt she had a good summer season, moving up an age group to compete in the 15-18 division and was able to hold her own against new competition. "I think it's been a pretty good season," Chen said. "I just aged up, it's the 15-18 age group, so new people, but it's been pretty good." Chen also swims for Edwardsville High during the high school season, and she feels the summer season will help her prepare for the much more competitive high school season. "Definitely," Chen said. "I have been going

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HIGHLAND - The Madison County Fair is bringing carnival rides, fair food, arena events and more to the Madison County Fairgrounds in Highland from Tuesday, July 26 - Sunday, July 31. Here’s a rundown of the fair week schedule to help plan your visit accordingly! Carnival rides will be open every night of the fair from 5 p.m. - 11 p.m., except on Saturday when they will be open from 2 p.m. - 11:30 p.m and on Sunday, when rides will be buy-one-get-one with a food drive donation of at least two items from 12-3 p.m. Carnival armbands will be available for $20 each during the times the rides are open, except on Saturday when they will be half-price at $10 from 2-5 p.m. Festivities will kick off on Tuesday morning with two livestock shows: a 4-H Bottle Calf Show at 9 a.m., followed by a 4-H Dairy Show at 10 a.m. Tuesday is also Senior Citizen Day, when seniors (65+) can get half-price parking until 5 p.m. with valid ID (the full price of parking is $5 per day, or $15 for a fair wee

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MONTGOMERY COUNTY - A 59-year-old Witt man died in a fatal crash on Illinois Route 16 approximately a quarter mile south of South 5th Street in Witt in Montgomery County at 7:25 p.m. on Friday, July 22, 2022. The driver in the accident - 34-year-old male Daniel Adams of Gillespie - was also transported from the scene to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The 59-year-old was the passenger in the single-vehicle accident. The Following Preliminary Information is Being Released by Illinois State Police District 18: VEHICLE: Unit 1- 2016 Black Dodge Van. PRELIMINARY: A preliminary investigation indicates the following occurred: Unit 1 was traveling west on Illinois Route 16 approximately ¼ mile southwest of 5 th Street in Witt, Montgomery County. Unit 1 left the road to the right, and struck an embankment and a tree. The passenger of Unit 1 was pronounced deceased on scene. The driver of Unit 1 was transported by ambulance to an area hospital with

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County officials want to inform visitors of upcoming changes for access to the parking lot behind Administration Building in downtown Edwardsville. Starting Monday, the southern entrance to the parking lot behind the Administration Building on Second Street will be closed and the northern entrance opened (shown in green on map) for vehicles and pedestrians to cross during continued constriction. Keller Construction plans to complete the sidewalk on the West side of Second Street (shown in red), then switch foot traffic to the east side once they complete the western side. Please continue to look for “Pedestrian Crosswalk” signs for current crosswalk location(s). Construction along Second Street from St. Louis to High Street started in mid-April. Work is expected to continue through mid-August. Visit the county’s website at madisoncountyil.gov for continued up-to-date information.

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ALTON - Hayden Garner is one of the leaders of the Alton Post 126 Senior Legion baseball team that has helped the team make a state tournament appearance. On the night he was interviewed, Alton beat Highland in a best-of-three series. The Legionnaires won the first game by a score of 9-0 and game two by 11-0. Garner pitched the second game going all five innings. He picked up three strikeouts and only allowed a single hit. He mentioned that he'd been struggling with his curveball recently, but it was on last night and so was his fastball. Hayden is a Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athlete of Month for Marquette. He added that it's much easier going out on the mound when your team is up by so many runs and said that there wasn't much pressure going into these couple of games against Highland. The funny part about Hayden being on this summer Legion team is that he plays on it mainly with players from the cross-town rival Alton High kids. Alton Post 126 Sr. is made up of

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JERSEY COUNTY - Jersey County Sheriff Mike Ringhausen confirmed a fatality in a motorcycle accident at Illinois Route 100 between Chautauqua and Elsah on the bluff side late Saturday night. Sheriff Ringhausen said the Illinois State Police was called in for accident reconstruction and is the lead on the crash and will release more information. The Jersey County Sheriff’s Office and ISP worked the scene and the Jersey County Coroner was called to investigate the fatality. More to come from Illinois State Police.

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