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ALTON - Get into the holiday spirit while giving back to the community with live music, a visit from Santa, and more at the 10th annual “Tunes For Toys” toy drive and fundraiser this Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 at the Post Commons in Alton. The price of entry is either a new, unwrapped toy or a $10 cash donation. All toy donations will benefit Riverbend Family Ministries , while all cash donations will support Faces Not Forgotten . Attendees can visit with a very special guest, Santa Claus himself, from 5 to 7 p.m. They can also enjoy some free food courtesy of a donation from Decaro’s, but only while supplies last. The winners of this year’s “ Deck the Town! ” decorating contest will be announced at 5:30 p.m., with less than 24 hours left until the polls close . The evening’s live musical entertainment, a performance from Miss Jubilee, will begin at 7 p.m. Alton Odyssey Tours, one of the event’s local business sponsors,

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CHICAGO – Illinois Lottery players still have a chance to become mega-rich as the Mega Millions jackpot has hit a cool $670 million for tonight’s drawing. If won, this would be the eighth largest Mega Millions jackpot won in U.S. history. Two people have won a Mega Millions jackpot this year: In March a player in New Jersey won a life-changing $1.28 billion; and in June an Illinois Lottery player won an astonishing $552 million playing Mega Millions on the Illinois Lottery mobile app – the largest prize ever won by an online lottery player in the U.S. Throughout 2024, seven Illinois Lottery players have won prizes of $1 million or more with Mega Millions. Mega Millions is played every Tuesday and Friday night. Tickets are $2 each, and players can add the Megaplier for an additional $1 for the chance to multiply non-jackpot prizes.

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CHICAGO - Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined IBM’s Chairman and CEO Arvind Krishna, University of Chicago President Paul Alivisatos, Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) CEO Harley Johnson, and industry stakeholders to announce the new National Quantum Algorithm Center. This groundbreaking Center will be fueled by IBM’s next-generation, modular quantum computer (“IBM Quantum System Two”), and will aim to advance the exploration of quantum-centric supercomputing across industries, furthering Illinois’ status as a leader in emerging technology and a global quantum computing capital. “We’re making Illinois the global quantum capital and the center for job growth in the quantum industry – a true center of innovation with the power to solve the world’s most pressing and complex challenges and create jobs and investment for our state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The groundbreaking National Quantum Algorithm

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ALTON — After 45 years of service, the Alton Community Service League has announced the discontinuation of its popular gift-wrapping fundraiser at Alton Square Mall. Committee Chair Marge Ferguson cited rising material costs, declining foot traffic, and an aging membership as key factors in the decision. The gift-wrapping service, which has been a staple during the holiday season, has raised $214,769 over the years, all of which has been reinvested into community beautification and charitable projects. "Continuing this year will not be possible," Ferguson said, reflecting on the longstanding tradition that supported numerous local initiatives. Despite the end of the gift-wrapping service, the Alton Community Service League is committed to maintaining its support for local organizations through alternative fundraising efforts. In October, the League successfully hosted its second wine-tasting event at the Wood River Moose. Looking ahead, the organization is preparing for a

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As the holiday season approaches, the hustle and bustle can often lead to feelings of stress and overwhelm. Between shopping for gifts, attending family gatherings, and maintaining work responsibilities, it can be challenging to carve out time for self-care. However, prioritizing your well-being during this busy season is essential for both your physical and mental health. Here are some effective winter self-care tips to help you navigate the holidays with grace and ease. Embrace Mindfulness and Presence One of the most effective ways to manage holiday stress is by practicing mindfulness. This involves being present in the moment and acknowledging your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Practical Tips: Mindful Breathing: Take a few moments each day to focus on your breath. Inhale deeply for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale for six counts. This simple exercise can help center your thoughts and reduce anxiety. Gratitude Journaling: Consider keeping a gratitude

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December 13 has been a significant day in history, marked by events that have shaped nations, cultures, and even the course of global politics. First, we turn to December 13, 2001, when the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution inviting all nations to observe December 13 as the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime. This day aims to raise awareness about the prevention of genocide, acknowledging the importance of remembering the atrocities of the past to prevent similar events in the future. This resolution underscores the global commitment to human rights and the importance of fostering a culture of peace and understanding among nations. On a lighter note, December 13, 1989, marked a significant cultural moment in music history. On this day, the iconic band The Beatles reunited for a special performance in New York City. This event brought together fans and music lovers from around

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County State’s Attorney Tom Haine announced Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, that a former Pontoon Beach man convicted of first-degree murder in the cold-case killing of a woman who disappeared in 2013 has been sentenced to 35 years in prison. Roger Dale Sutton, 57, received the sentence Thursday in Circuit Court in Madison County. Sutton would be 92 before he’s eligible for release from prison. A jury in October found Sutton guilty of first-degree murder and concealment of a homicidal death. The jury found that he fatally beat and strangled Patrenia “Trina” Butler-Turner, who was 40 and had been a resident of East St. Louis. She was reported missing by her family in January 2013, after she failed to return from a trip to the store. The murder came to light in December 2022, when a nephew of Sutton entered the Pontoon Beach Police Department and made a report. He told police he had witnessed his uncle kill a woman nearly 10 years earlier,

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BETHALTO - Civic Memorial High junior Taylor Brooks has made significant strides in her girls cross-country performance during the 2024 season. Competing in the IHSA Class 2A Cross Country Girls Sectional at Jacksonville, Brooks finished 37th with a personal record time of 21:54.8. Earlier in the season, she secured 17th place at the Madison County Cross Country Championships for varsity small schools, completing the three-mile course in 23:35. Additionally, she recorded a time of 23:09.6 at the Mississippi Valley Conference Cross Country Meet. Brooks' dedication and improvement have not gone unnoticed, as she has been named the Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete of the Month. Eagles' Head Cross Country Coach Jake Peal praised Brooks for her performance on Oct. 26, 2024, stating, "She ran a good race at the regional meet. All of our girls ran a season-best compared to the Twilight meet at CM." He highlighted her work ethic and commitment to the team, noting that she is

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ALTON - This Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, a dynamic duo of best friends and lifestyle/business coaches are hosting the perfect event for near-last-minute gift shoppers. Jama Fabry and Nikki Fiedler of the Bluff City Betties are welcoming the public to their “11th Hour Holiday Market” from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Milton Schoolhouse. In the Crystal Ballroom, attendees will find more than a dozen local vendors offering everything from gifts and gift wrapping to holiday apparel and more. Admission to the event is free. While Amazon remains a popular online destination for gift shopping, it doesn’t foster the personal or community connections of an event like the 11th Hour Holiday Market. Both “Betties” describe the event as “buying for your community, from your community.” “I don’t know Jeff Bezos … but I know Tammy with TLJ Rocks so personally,” Fiedler said. “Having these personal relationships wit

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Key takeaways: When working through a difficult conversation, choose a goal and find the right time. Use “I messages” rather than putting the blame on others. Be an active listener. Don't get distracted by devices. “I deserve a raise!” “Son, your grades are slipping.” “Honey, we’re not spending enough time together.” Difficult conversations come up more often than you’d think. Luckily, there are time-tested ways to navigate them, says Sara Bennett, a psychotherapist at OSF HealthCare. Choose a goal. Figure out what you want out of the talk, whether that’s the raise you’re after at work or just a better understanding with someone close to you. Also plan how you may react to responses. “Hopefully that goal is to not be right. Hopefully it’s to come to some kind of resolution or share some information. Maybe you’re seeking advice,” Bennett says. In other words, yo

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) today joined U.S. Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and 16 colleagues in introducing the End the Threat of Default Act , legislation that would permanently remove the threat of a default by repealing the national debt ceiling, an arbitrary limit restricting the amount that the United States Treasury can borrow to pay its debts. In June 2023, President Biden signed legislation that suspended the statutory debt ceiling until January 2, 2025. “Defaulting on the debt would send the economy into a tail spin, leading to catastrophic consequences for Americans. Using the threat of default as a political tool is fiscally irresponsible. We cannot afford to have our economy held hostage,” said Durbin. “I’m joining my colleagues to introduce legislation that would stop this brinksmanship and end the threat of default for good.” A default would be catastrophic and would likely trigger a recession.

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EDWARDSVILLE - Lainey McFarlin is a junior forward for the girls' basketball team at Edwardsville High School, and has helped the Tigers get off on the right foot this season with a 4-2 start. Edwardsville lost their first game of the season on Dec. 5 41-24 to Alton at Lucco-Jackson Gym, a game where the Tigers held the Redbirds to a 10-10 halftime tie, but the Redbirds went on an 11-1 third-quarter run to take control of the game, and eventually win. O'Fallon beat Edwardsville 34-31 on Tuesday. After the game, McFarlin felt disappointment about the outcome, but knew the Tigers had the ability to bounce back quickly. Lainey is a Spencer Homes Female Athlete of the Month for Edwardsville. "We worked really hard in practice this week, and the thing we worked on, it didn't follow into the Alton game, and I feel like our energy just got low," McFarlin said. It's still a good start for the Tigers now at 4-2, and she felt positive about how things have gone in the early part of the campaign

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) spoke from the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize two Illinois state championship football teams from the Metro East – the East St. Louis Flyers and the Belleville Althoff Crusaders. On November 28th, the East St. Louis Flyers won their eleventh Class 6A State Championship with a 48-28 victory over Geneva. The Belleville Althoff Crusaders won their first Class 1A title since 1990 after beating Lena-Winslow 57-14. Dierre Hill Jr., who was recently named the 2024 Illinois Gatorade Player of the Year, led the Crusaders to victory. The Belleville senior has committed to play for the University of Oregon next year. Budzinski’s remarks can be found below: “I rise today to recognize two state champion football teams in my district - the East St. Louis Flyers and the Belleville Althoff Crusaders. Under Coach Darren Sunkett’s leadership,

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ALTON - Persnickety by Jen Farley, a new store in downtown Alton, offers an “eclectic blend” of vintage, antique and contemporary products for every household. “I like to say my pieces find me so I can help them find their owners,” said owner Jen Farley. “I always wanted a shop. I grew up here in Alton. I went to Marquette. I spent a lot of time on Broadway back in the old days when it was all the antique shops, and I just always wanted to have one of my own.” Located at 303 E. Broadway inside of Mineral Springs Mall, Persnickety was started by Farley earlier this year. Melissa Bland of Honeybee Vintage and Kim Tanner of Strangelovely encouraged her to open Persnickety, and she has loved being a part of downtown Alton. She noted that the area has “a great vibe,” and she is excited to see its revitalization. As a store, Persnickety sells a wide variety of items. Farley finds most of her inventory at estate sales, vintage

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EAST ST. LOUIS – A jury has found Evette B. Osuegbu, 62, guilty of conspiring to commit arson and fraud, marking a significant development in a case involving multiple properties in Illinois and Missouri. The conviction was announced following a trial that revealed Osuegbu's involvement in setting fire to her apartment in St. Louis on Dec. 31, 2022, with the intent to collect insurance benefits. Osuegbu was convicted on multiple charges, including one count of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, two counts of mail fraud, ten counts of wire fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit arson, and one count of using fire to commit a federal felony. Her sentencing is set for April 23, 2025. Co-defendant Rufis A. Jefferson, 47, from Venice, pleaded guilty to related charges in January and is scheduled for sentencing on Feb. 6, 2025, at the federal courthouse in East St. Louis. U.S. Attorney Rachelle Aud Crowe said, “The pair are guilty of conspiring together to commit

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BELLEVILLE — Belleville East High School Honor Society recently hosted its first annual Letters to Santa event, engaging over 50 children in festive activities. The event featured a variety of holiday-themed activities, including Christmas stories, crafts, and coloring. The Belleville East English Honor Society members facilitated the event, helping children write letters to Santa and take pictures with the jolly figure. The success of the event was attributed to the collaborative efforts of the library staff, student members, custodial staff, and others who contributed to its planning and execution. The English Honor Society expressed gratitude for the support that made the event possible.

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EDWARDSVILLE - EXO Lounge, Edwardsville’s newest “utopia” complete with a nail bar, med spa and cocktail lounge, will host a Christmas party for all to enjoy. From 4–10 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, community members are invited to EXO for a fun-filled Christmas party. All of EXO’s services will be available, and attendees can also enjoy photos with the Grinch, music by DJ Spicy, and over $3,000 worth of giveaways. “It’s everything Christmas,” said EXO owner Gina Gamblin. Located at 2157 Center in Edwardsville, EXO opened in 2019 but was destroyed in a fire in 2021. The lounge reopened earlier this year and Gamblin said they are “off to a good start.” “I am so proud of EXO and where we are today,” she added. “The brand has been through a lot, and I appreciate all the support and love from the community.” EXO previously hosted a variety of special events, and Gamblin is eager to bring these

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EAST ST. LOUIS - East St. Louis Senior High School student Paishynce Prude has been selected to participate in the Girls Lead 2025 program, an initiative of the Illinois Council on Women and Girls, as announced by Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. This program aims to empower young women by providing them with valuable leadership experiences and insights into state government. The Girls Lead 2025 program is designed to offer participants a transformative experience, which includes shadowing a female leader in state government for at least three days. In addition to this hands-on experience, participants like Prude will engage in workshops and "fireside chats" with prominent women leaders from across Illinois. As part of her involvement in the program, Prude will work alongside her assigned office to explore an ongoing policy issue. She will conduct research and develop a paper presenting her personal recommendations for potential solutions. The initiative seeks to

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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL)—a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation (CST) and author of the All Stations Accessibility Program (ASAP) Act —issued the following statement after the full committee voted to advance David Capozzi to serve on Amtrak’s Board of Directors. Capozzi would serve in the designated disability advocate seat on the board, which was created by a provision Duckworth authored and successfully included in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. If confirmed, Capozzi would help ensure the senior Amtrak leadership hears the voices of individuals with disabilities who have demonstrated histories or experience with accessibility, mobility and inclusive transportation in passenger rail or commuter rail. His nomination now heads to the Senate floor for final confirmation. “I worked hard to create this position on Amtrak’s Board of Directors because it is important

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CHICAGO – An Illinois Lottery player is bringing home more than just the bacon after they purchased a jackpot-winning $700,000 Lucky Day Lotto ticket at Jewel-Osco. “Occasionally when I go to the grocery store, I add a Quick Pick lottery ticket as part of my shopping list,” laughed the lucky winner. “I didn’t even find out I won until a week or so after the drawing. That’s when I went to a Lottery machine to check if my ticket had won, and the machine said ‘Congratulations, You Won’ but I didn’t know what the prize was.” The ticket was purchased for the Sunday, November 10 evening drawing at Jewel-Osco, located at 4660 West Irving Park Road, in Chicago’s Irving Park neighborhood. “Once I realized the prize was $700,000, I couldn’t believe it. I was in complete shock,” shared the Lucky Day Lotto winner. “I kept looking at my ticket to double check my numbers with the winning numbers.

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