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CHICAGO – Illinois Lottery players have another shot at becoming a Mega Millionaire as the Mega Millions jackpot is now a whopping $619 million for tonight’s drawing. If won, this would be the tenth-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. So far this year, seven Illinois Lottery players have won prizes of $1 million or more with Mega Millions. Anyone could be next - all you need is a ticket to dream! There are over 7,000 Illinois Lottery retailers across the state and the Illinois Lottery also offers tickets on its website at IllinoisLottery.com or on the Illinois Lottery app. And if you have the good fortune to win a life-altering

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FRAMINGHAM, MA AND EDWARDSVILLE – Ameresco, Inc. , (NYSE: AMRC), a leading cleantech integrator specializing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, today announced that its newly formed joint venture with Republic Services (NYSE: RSG), a leader in the environmental services industry, has achieved commercial operation at their landfill gas (LFG) to renewable natural gas (RNG) plant located at Republic Services’ Roxana Landfill in Edwardsville, Illinois in November. The Roxana RNG facility captures naturally occurring landfill gas and processes it into pipeline-quality RNG, a low-carbon transportation fuel. This project beneficially uses previously flared LFG to create RNG that will displace fossil fuel in a nearby Energy Transfer natural gas transmission pipeline. The facility, which is one of the largest of its type in North America, is designed to process 6,000 SCFM (standard cubic feet per minute) of raw landfill gas per minute. It is estimated that the

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SPRINGFIELD — Brad Jacobs, a retired firefighter from Alton, is making his name known for his pickleball talents after recently qualifying for the national tournament following his success at the Illinois Senior Olympics. Jacobs, who served in the Alton Fire Department from 1970 to 2000, took up the sport after a fellow coach encouraged him to try it out post-retirement. Jacobs, now an active member of the pickleball community, credits his doubles partner Bob Biarkis, an experienced player from Edwardsville, for introducing him to the competitive side of the sport. “I never played in a tournament before, but Bob asked if I would like to join him in Springfield, and we ended up going undefeated and winning the gold,” Jacobs said. The Illinois Senior Olympics took place in Springfield, where Jacobs showcased his skills in the 3.5 skill level category. Beyond his achievements in pickleball, Jacobs remains committed to charitable work, particularly focused on youth

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, spoke on the Senate floor previewing tomorrow’s Senate Judiciary Committee hearing entitled “How Mass Deportations Will Separate American Families, Harm Our Armed Forces, and Devastate Our Economy.” The hearing will examine the consequences of President-elect Donald Trump’s plan for mass deportations, as well as stress the need to shift our focus toward sensible solutions that would bring order to the border and provide a path to citizenship to longtime residents with no serious criminal convictions. Durbin said, “Millions—some 13 million—undocumented immigrants live in this country, and many have been here for a decade or longer. These immigrants have become our nation’s health care workers, teachers, farmworkers, entrepreneurs, police—you name it. And many grew up alongside our own kids with the same hopes and dreams of getting

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ALTON - Glisson Law, a personal injury law firm, is thrilled to announce the return of its beloved Annual Glissmas Social Media Giveaway, a festive multi-day event designed to bring joy to the community and celebrate the holiday season. This year, we are once again spreading cheer while supporting the fantastic local businesses that make the Alton region so special. From now until the holidays, Glisson Law invites everyone to participate for a chance to win incredible prizes. Participating is simple: Follow Glisson Law on Facebook and Instagram. Like our Glissmas Giveaway posts. Tag two friends in the comments of any giveaway post. Publicly Share the Glissmas posts. Bonus Entry : Follow us on Instagram for an extra chance to win! Winners will be announced on December 23rd on Glisson Law’s official Facebook and Instagram pages, and prizes can be picked up at the office located at 111 E. 4th St. Suite 400 in Alton, IL. “This giveaway is our

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GODFREY - Lisa M. Jacobs has been charged with one count of aggravated battery, a Class 3 Felony, for a recent incident at St. Ambrose Catholic School in Godfrey. Jacobs was a pre-kindergarten teacher at St. Ambrose Catholic School. The charge filed by the Madison County State's Attorney's Office reads as follows: “In that said defendant, a person who is at least 18 years of age, in committing a battery in violation of 720 ILCS 5/12-3, knowingly caused bodily harm to (a female child under the age of 13 years DOB 10/04/2021), in that the defendant picked up and dropped her to the ground from approximately five feet in the air, in violation of 720, ILCS 5/12-3.05 (b) (2). Father Steven Janoski released the following statement about the situation: December 7, 2024 Dear Parishioners and School Families of St. Ambrose, "One of the most difficult things a Pastor must do is share bad news with the people he serves. Yet, that is the purpose of this message. This past Tuesday

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O'FALLON - Students from O’Fallon Township High School (OTHS) have made significant strides in the world of music, achieving a rare distinction as members of an elite group of musicians nationwide. This December, the OTHS Panther Bands announced that several of their members have participated in prestigious events, including the Tournament of Roses Parade, the Midwest Clinic, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. These accomplishments highlight the dedication and talent of the students involved, who have successfully navigated their high school careers while performing at these renowned venues. Participating in any one of these events is considered a notable achievement in the music community, and being part of all three during their four years of high school is a remarkable feat. The students' involvement in such high-profile performances not only reflects their individual skills but also showcases the strength of the OTHS Band program. As they continue to make their

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COLLINSVILLE - Madison County Sheriff's Deputies and detectives are investigating a home invasion that occurred at 9:43 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 6, in the 8900 block of Rene Avenue, unincorporated Collinsville. The incident involved a suspect who forcibly entered a residence while armed with a firearm, discharging at least one shot during the encounter. According to preliminary investigations, the suspect fled the scene in a gray Toyota pickup truck. A Madison County Sheriff's Deputy spotted the vehicle as it was leaving the area, prompting a pursuit that began on Illinois Route 111 near Horseshoe Lake Road. The suspect evaded capture, leading to the involvement of additional law enforcement agencies, including the Pontoon Beach Police Department and several neighboring police departments. The pursuit continued into Missouri, where officers from various jurisdictions, including the St. Louis City Police Department, joined the chase. During the pursuit, the suspect reportedly began firing

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ALTON - A roadway improvement project coming to Milton Road in Alton got an $11,308 boost in funding this week, adding to a grand total of over $1 million allocated as the project enters its first phase. Aldermen meeting as a Committee of the Whole on Monday unanimously approved a supplement to their standing agreement with Sheppard, Morgan and Schwaab, Inc. (SMS) for Phase 1 of the Milton Road Improvement Project. According to the resolution, two land parcels of right-of-way (publicly accessible roads/paths on private property) belonging to the same property owner were discovered after the project was designed. The developer would need to acquire both parcels, but the original agreement didn’t have any provisions in place for right-of-way acquisition. To cover the cost of acquiring both parcels - including record research, title work, appraisals and more - the city and SMS have agreed to add $11,308 to the original agreement for the firm’s engineering services

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EDWARDSVILLE - Recently, Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) student and third year environmental science major Emma Prott spent time on the Rio Grande along with Adriana Martinez, PhD, Full Professor in Geography & GIS and Environmental Sciences at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Martinez is continuing her research along the Texas border, and enlisted the assistance of Prott who joined Martinez during the November holiday break. Prott is currently Martinez’s URCA assistant where she is conducting an up-close examination of the impact of the anti-immigration buoys on river processes. Prott worked with Martinez on the Rio Grande to collect sediment samples in order to examine the impact of a 1,000-foot string of buoy barriers meant to deter undocumented immigration. The team’s work included drone flights and time in the water at the buoys on the Rio Grande to gather sediment samples and measure water velocity. According to Martinez, th

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GODFREY – At Lewis and Clark Community College, educators like William Ellington are leading the charge to combat issues with persistence and completion among the adult education population. Ellington is an instructional coordinator in L&C Adult Education. Over the past year, he has been one of six professionals across the country participating in field research through the Innovative Research and Improvement Group (IRIG), affiliated with ProLiteracy, an organization leading the advancement of adult literacy in the United States and worldwide. He recently presented his work and findings at a ProLiteracy conference and hopes to have his work published in the Adult Literacy Journal, an academic journal for adult and continuing education. Ellington identified retention as an issue among students working to obtain their Illinois High School diploma (formerly GED). He said many students stop attending after 18-20 attendance hours. “His project tested the efficacy

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ALTON – Mississippi Valley Christian School, founded in 1974, has been a ministry of Faith Baptist Church for 50 years. This year marks a new beginning as the school separates from Faith Baptist Church and moves forward as a newly established 501(c)(3) non-profit organization under new leadership. This separation brings many changes and one big challenge, this final year is not fully funded. While there is an overwhelming sense of gratitude toward Faith Baptist Church, completing this school year is in jeopardy. "There is a desperate need for donations to both complete this school year and facilitate a relaunch. My hope is that the Christian community will come together for the children of the Riverbend. At Mississippi Valley, our focus is on academic excellence, character development, and creating confident Christian leaders. Our students test at or above grade level compared to national standards and read at college levels by high school. "We must support our Christian institutions

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STAUNTON - Madison Communications sponsored the Community Hope Center’s Christmas Toy Drive once again this year. The new and unwrapped toys for girls and boys ages 0-12 were collected from the middle of October through the first week of December. Madison was overjoyed with the outcome of the Toy Drive and wants to thank anyone who took the time to donate. The holiday season is a perfect time to give back to the local communities, said Madison Communications.

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As the days grow shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, preparing your home for winter weather becomes a crucial task. Not only does proper preparation help ensure comfort and safety during the colder months, but it also aids in preventing costly damage to your property. From insulation to heating systems, every aspect of your home requires attention. Here’s a comprehensive guide to getting your home ready for winter. Assess Your Heating System One of the most critical elements to prepare for winter is your heating system. Whether you rely on central heating, space heaters, or fireplaces, ensuring they are in good working condition can make a significant difference in your comfort level. Schedule a Professional Inspection : If you have a furnace or boiler, it’s advisable to have it professionally inspected and serviced at least once a year. A technician can clean the system, replace filters, and check for any potential issues that could arise during the winter

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December 10 has witnessed a series of impactful events across the globe, marking significant milestones in politics, science, culture, and human rights. One of the standout events of December 10 is the awarding of the Nobel Prizes, which has become an annual tradition highlighting remarkable contributions to humanity. Established by the will of Alfred Nobel in 1895, the first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901. Each year, the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Oslo, Norway, on December 10, recognizing individuals or organizations that have made substantial efforts to promote peace. The significance of this award cannot be overstated; it has often highlighted critical global issues and brought attention to the extraordinary work of those striving for a more peaceful world. For example, on December 10, 1990, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Mikhail Gorbachev for his role in the peaceful transition of power in the Soviet Union and his efforts to reduce nuclear weapons globally.

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ALTON - Alton Committee of the Whole members on Monday laid over an agreement to bring back the Alton Midwest Nationals Formula 1 (F1) Powerboat Championship races - not only for 2025, but for the next three years. The second annual installment of the boat-racing spectacle would be held from Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20, 2025. A press release contained in Monday’s meeting documents describes an “epic” event featuring “fast boats racing on the Mississippi River and tons of fun activities for everyone to enjoy.” Spectators at Riverfront Park would see “some of the best powerboat racers in North America” compete in a series of circuit races, making razor-sharp turns in laps around the river at speeds of up to 120 mph. Other activities would include a meet-and-greet event with the racers on Friday night and “vendor displays, free viewing areas, a VIP Experience, music, food, and more” throughout the weekend. The

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MARYVILLE – The Maryville Kiwanis Club adopted ten area children this year for their Christmas Sharing Program. Thanks to the donation received from the Maryville Police Department’s “No Shave November” Project, Kiwanians were able to shop for these students and deliver the gifts to the Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 Office in time for them to receive them for Christmas. According to Julie Clark, Kiwanis President, the club works on a number of projects with partners in the community throughout the year. “We partner with the Village of Maryville, the Police Department, Fire Department, area churches and other non for profits to provide numerous events and activities for the children in our community,” she said. Clark said the club is currently conducting a membership drive and encourages anyone interested in becoming a member to contact her. The more hands we have working together the more we will achieve,” said Clark. She

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– U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) this week met with Metra leadership to discuss ongoing rail improvements throughout the Chicagoland area, including Metra’s work on expanding services to O’Hare International Airport and the upcoming Surface Transportation Bill Reauthorization. Duckworth, a member of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, met with Metra CEO Jim Derwinski and Metra Deputy Executive Director Janice Thomas, who provided updates on their work on accessibility improvements made possible through the All Station Accessibility Program (ASAP) Duckworth successfully created as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Her ASAP Law is providing $1.75 billion over five years to build ramps, install elevators and make other improvements to help ensure that all of America’s public transit stations finally become fully accessible for all. “Many Illinoisans rely on Metra to get to work and for so much more,

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BETHALTO/EAST ALTON - Piston Aviation will offer discovery flights and more at their “Fly Into Christmas” party. From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024, community members are invited to Piston Aviation at 16 Terminal Drive in East Alton at the St. Louis Regional Airport. Attendees can learn more about Piston Aviation and enjoy refreshments, crafts, music and $100 discovery flights. “Even if you’re just curious, we want you to come by and see us, meet us,” said Meghen Ord, Piston Aviation co-owner. “Come by and have fun. It should be a good time. And if you want to fly, great. If not, if you just want to hang out and see what we’re about, that’s fine as well.” Certified flight instructors (CFIs) will be available to answer any questions about aviation and Piston Aviation’s flight school. There are between 21 and 28 flight slots available, so people can actually take a discovery flight to see for themselves

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CHICAGO – After extensive investigations, Illinois State Police (ISP) Zone 1 Violent Crime Unit East special agents obtained charges in all five Chicago area expressway shooting homicides that occurred in 2023. “With intelligent investigations, technology, and good old-fashioned persistence, ISP special agents were able to not just clear 100% of Chicago area expressway shooting homicides in 2023, but obtain criminal charges in 100% of cases,” said Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly. “We will continue to relentlessly pursue justice for the victims of gun violence.” ISP obtained first-degree murder charges in each of the five Chicago area expressway shooting homicides in 2023. February 16, 2023 – Shooting on Interstate 55 northbound at Lock Street. The victim was deceased on scene. After an extensive investigation, a man in his 20’s of Chicago, IL was charged on March 27, 2023 with First-Degree Murder. February 19, 2023

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