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CHICAGO – An Illinois lottery player will end 2022 with a massive payday – $923,796 to be exact. Sharon, from Chicago, won the biggest Fast Play jackpot ever with Twenty 20s. Twenty 20s is a $20 progressive Fast Play game. The jackpot begins at $50,000 and grows with each ticket sold statewide until the jackpot is won. “When I saw how high the jackpot was, I decided to splurge a little and play online,” said Sharon. “When I realized that I won the big jackpot, I actually stopped breathing for a while.” “I spent $20 and won almost a million dollars - I can’t believe it actually happened to me - it still feels like a dream,” exclaimed Sharon. When asked who was the first person she told and why, Sharon quickly replied “my three children - they are my everything.” The Illinois native plans to do a little celebrating with her children in the new year, and then intends to invest the majority of the money for her children’s

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SPRINGFIELD - Bishop Thomas John Paprocki of the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois issued the following statement in response to the death of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI: “Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI was an authentic example of faithfulness to God and Catholicism, living and preaching the Gospel message with truth and passion. Always writing and teaching, his warm smile, gentle demeanor, and pastoral approach to explaining and living out the Catholic faith inspired millions and brought people closer to Christ. His reverence toward the Eucharist, the Mass, and the sacraments are examples for us today on how we should all view and respect these treasures of the Catholic faith. His steadfast defense of our faith’s teachings and traditions and remaining faithful to them, despite the pressures of the secular world and from inside the Church, is the mark of a true leader. “To this day, I am humbled Pope Benedict appointed me as the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Springfield

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COLLINSVILLE - At 2:10 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 1, 2023, the Madison County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call of a shooting and a male subject shot in a nearby vehicle in the 3300 block of Princeton Ave., Collinsville, Illinois. The male victim was transported to a St. Louis area hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The decedent is identified as Miguel D. Villegas De-Santiago, a Hispanic male, 18 years of age from Collinsville, Madison County Sheriff's Office Detective Captain Brian Koberna, the Chief Illinois Deputy Commander of the Major Case Squad, said. The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis has been activated to investigate this matter. At this time, approximately 20 investigators from the Major Case Squad are working on this investigation. Investigators are making significant progress in the investigation. Investigators are actively working leads in order to identify the person(s) responsible for this heinous crime and bring them to justice. Anyone with information

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ST. LOUIS - The term “plant-based diet” has garnered a lot of attention and headlines in recent years and for good reason. Research over many years has linked plant-based diets to lower rates of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. What better way to start out the New Year than with a new diet rich in all the vitamins and minerals that plants and dairy foods have to offer? What does “plant-based” mean? So what exactly is a plant-based diet, and does it have superior health benefits? Plant-based diet has no official definition. For some, it means choosing plant foods first, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, legumes, and whole grains, before adding foods from animal sources, such as cheese, yogurt, chicken or beef. For others it means only choosing plant foods, omitting the other food groups, and potentially the nutrients they provide. According to registered dietitian, Maggie Cimarolli, “The term plant-based can allow for

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– U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today released her first Term in Review , highlighting her work and accomplishments for the people of Illinois throughout the past six years. The new report outlines Duckworth’s efforts to champion and pass legislation to help working families get ahead and keep more of their hard-earned money, protect our communities from crime and gun violence, defend women’s rights, create good-paying jobs across the state, help bring environmental justice to overlooked communities in Illinois, support our allies in Ukraine and improve the lives of servicemembers, Veterans and military families. “It has been a true honor to serve the great state of Illinois for the past six years, and I’m so proud of everything we’ve accomplished for hardworking Illinoisans from Chicago to Cahokia Heights, Peoria and beyond,” Duckworth said. “As I look forward to the years ahead, I know there’s still much work to do to help

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"On Sunday, January 1, 2023, the Pretrial Fairness Act will take effect in Illinois. A Kankakee County circuit judge ruled that he believes the law is unconstitutional and today issued a final order declaring as much. The order, however, is not an injunction that would prevent the law’s implementation. Every county in the state of Illinois is legally allowed to implement this historic law on January 1st, unless a judge with jurisdiction issues an injunction governing that county. If counties continue to set money bonds, they are choosing to ignore the will of the people of Illinois as expressed in the democratic legislative process. "We are excited to see the implementation of the Pretrial Fairness Act on January 1 in many of Illinois’ largest counties, but we are dismayed that in other parts of the state, judges and prosecutors who are stubbornly opposed to progress continue to impede implementation of these historic reforms. "We call on the Illinois Supreme Cour

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COLLINSVILLE - Senior forward Tyrius Jones had one of his best games of the season on Dec. 28 in the Redbirds' opener of the 38th Prairie Farms Collinsville Holiday Classic basketball tournament, scoring 19 points in Alton's 67-41 loss to Quincy at Vergil Fletcher Gym in the final game of the tournament's opening day. Jones is one of the team's most dependable players, is very versatile and can play anywhere on the court. He also provides senior leadership to the team, rallying his teammates when needed and also provides a spark to the Redbirds, doing whatever he can to help the team. For all of his efforts both on and off the court, Jones has been selected as an Auto Butler Male Athlete of the Month at Alton High. Jones, who plays for head coach Dylan Dudley, helped spark a comeback in the second half after the Blue Devils took a big lead at halftime and the Redbirds kept battling throughout the entire game, never giving up. But it was the first half where Quincy took control of th

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O’FALLON – The Women and Infants Center at HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital was recently recognized by the National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program as a “Gold Safe Sleep Hospital,” for their commitment to best practices and education on infant safe sleep. The National Safe Sleep Hospital Certification Program was created by Cribs for Kids ® , a national infant safe sleep organization. Based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Cribs for Kids is dedicated to preventing infant sleep-related deaths due to Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) and accidental suffocation. As a nationally certified Safe Sleep Hospital, St. Elizabeth’s is recognized for following the safe sleep guidelines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and providing training programs for health care team members and family caregivers. “Sleep-Related Death (SRD) results in the loss of more than 3,500 infants every year in the U.S.,” said Michael

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CHICAGO – As Illinois prepares to celebrate the New Year, the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) says the CDC is reporting 54 counties in the state are at an elevated level for COVID-19. Of those, five Illinois counties are at a High Community Level, compared to 33 a week ago; while 49 counties are at Medium Level, compared to 55 last week. IDPH is reporting 15,904 new confirmed and probable cases of COVID-19 in Illinois since December 23, and 47 deaths. “I applaud Illinois citizens for practicing important preventative measures to reduce the spread of infection and protect our hospital capacity,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “It is encouraging to see fewer Illinois counties at an elevated risk for COVID-19, with only five counties currently at high risk. However, as we continue to experience significant levels of flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory infections, it is important to continue protecting those most vulnerable to severe outcomes,

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SPRINGFIELD – Beginning January 1, 2023, upon a Firearms Transaction Inquiry Program (FTIP) approval, the Illinois State Police (ISP) will automatically renew a person’s Firearm Owner’s Identification Card (FOID) for individuals who have submitted a full set of fingerprints to ISP specifically for their FOID card or Concealed Carry License. The individual’s FOID card will remain active for a period of 10 years from the date of the FTIP approval so long as the cardholder is not subject to revocation or suspension under the Firearm Owners Identification Card Act. As FOID cards are replaced, new cards will not include the issuance or expiration dates pursuant to FOID Act updates that took effect January 1, 2022. “The automatic renewal of a FOID card will expedite the process for many card holders while still ensuring people who are prohibited under the FOID Act do not have legal access to a card,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Automatic

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SPRINGFIELD - Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that all offices and facilities will be closed in observance of the New Year's holiday. • Offices and Driver Services facilities operating on a Monday through Friday schedule will be closed Monday, Jan. 2. • Offices and Driver Services facilities operating on a Tuesday through Saturday schedule will be closed Saturday, Dec. 31. All offices and facilities will be open on Tuesday, Jan. 3. Individuals can visit the Secretary of State’s website at ilsos.gov for online services including checking eligibility to renew their driver’s license online, applying for a duplicate driver’s license, or renewing license plate stickers. In addition, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has extended the federal REAL ID deadline to May 7, 2025.

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ST. LOUIS - This is a recipe for Peanut Banana Overnight Oats submitted by the St. Louis Dairy Council. Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats Start your new year with this easy, plant-based recipe for an on-the-go breakfast that will be sure to keep you fueled up all day long. With milk’s 13 essential nutrients, fiber from the oats, protein from the peanut butter and dairy foods, and not to mention the delicious taste, you will be ready to ring in the new year with a healthy routine! Prep time: 10 minutes Servings: 1 Ingredients: 1/3 cup old-fashioned oats 1/3 cup milk 1/3 cup plain yogurt ½ medium banana, sliced, divided 2 Tbsp. peanut butter ½ Tbsp. honey ¼ tsp. vanilla extract ¼ tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. chia seeds (optional) Directions: Mix oats, milk, yogurt, peanut butter, honey, vanilla, cinnamon, and chia seeds together in bowl. Layer ½ mixture in a sealable container or jar. Top with half of the banana slices. Repeat

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ALTON - At approximately 5:10 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, the Alton Police Department was notified of a shooting at the Fresh Cuts Barber Shop in the 1600 block of Washington Avenue, Alton, Chief Jarrett Ford said. "Officers arrived and located one subject who had been shot while inside the business," he said. "The victim was transported to a local hospital and then immediately taken to a St. Louis area hospital for further treatment to injuries described as non-life threatening. This does not appear to be a random act." Detectives with the Alton Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division are following up on leads. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Alton Police Department at 618-463-3505 Ext. 634.

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ALTON - The Alton Police Department is investigating a shooting that occurred in the 1600 block of Washington Avenue around 5 p.m. on Friday. Alton Police Chief Jarrett Ford confirmed the shooting had occurred and police were at the scene. One person was transported by ambulance to an area hospital. At the scene, there was an enormous amount of police presence. Ford said there is no information to believe any existing threat to the public exists from the situation. More to come.

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ST. LOUIS - Today, in partnership with the Saint Louis MHB, the City of St. Louis will complete disbursement of nearly $2 million to childcare providers to help providers recover from the economic strain of the COVID-19 pandemic. Childcare providers delivering high-quality care in the City of St. Louis applied in August for the one-time grant opportunity to ensure these critical services remain available. Eligible providers could apply for up to $49,500 of funding. “Working moms and dads rely on quality, affordable childcare in their communities,” said Mayor Tishaura O. Jones. “Childcare providers suffered during the height of the COVID-19 crisis. This partnership between the Community Development Administration and Saint Louis MHB will support dozens of providers and improve access to the childcare working families need.” Acting through the Community Development Administration, the City of St. Louis entrusted $2 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)

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ST. CLAIR COUNTY - Illinois State Police today provided preliminary information about a two-vehicle traffic crash that occurred at 6:27 a.m. on Thursday, December 29, 2022, on U.S. 50, just east of North Rieder Road, Lebanon Township. A 60-year-old male from Breese - Keith E. Van Ness - was reported deceased in the crash. Timothy S. Farris, a 58-year-old male from Lebanon, was transported by ambulance to an area hospital with serious injuries. This is the preliminary ISP report: The preliminary investigation indicates the following: Unit 1 was traveling eastbound on US-50, just east of North Rieder Road. Unit 2 was traveling westbound on US-50 in the same area. For an unknown reason, Unit 1 crossed over into the westbound lane and was struck head-on by Unit 2. The driver of Unit 1 was declared deceased by St. Clair County Coroner. The driver of Unit 2 was transported by ambulance to an area hospital with serious injuries. The ISP Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit (TCRU) is continuing

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FREMONT, NEB. – SunSprout Enterprises is voluntarily recalling four lots (#4211, 5211, 3212, and 4212) of raw alfalfa sprouts in 4-ounce clamshells and 2.5lb packages, with best by dates between 12/10/22 and 1/7/23, due to potential contamination with Salmonella. Salmonella is an organism that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, infection with Salmonella can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections (i.e., infected aneurysms), endocarditis and arthritis. The company directly distributed 1406 pounds of product to five foodservice and grocery customers in Nebraska, Kansas, and Iowa between late November and mid December 2022. No other SunSprout lot codes o

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DOW - Tom Cairns, owner and head beekeeper of Dow On The Farm Apiary, recently appeared on an episode of Our Daily Show! on Riverbender.com to discuss the process of beekeeping and where to find his own homemade raw honey, which has proven popular at local farmer’s markets in Alton and Jerseyville. Cairns said he bought his first beehive after a couple of his coworkers got beehives themselves, not knowing how much work would go into taking care of it. After the first winter of having it, he decided he might as well turn his new investment into something productive - an experience he said taught him a few life lessons in the process. “You’ve gotta learn how to keep them - they’re just like other animals, you’ve got to feed them and take care of them,” Cairns said of the bees. “I joined a bee club in St. Louis at that time … since I joined that bee club, it’s been uphill since. I’ve had some losses, which is a learnin

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WOOD RIVER - The tax levy will keep the exact same dollar levy as the prior year. Due to the increase in the Equalized Assessed Valuation (EAV), this will still lead to a slight rate decrease of .0101. According to the county assessor’s office, the estimated EAV of the City has increased by approximately $906,112 to $147,548,745. These estimates do not include a multiplier. As of today, the county had no information on what multipliers might be. As such, please remember that these are estimates and the final numbers can, and most likely will, slightly change the rates. Also, worthy note that both police and fire pensions are now at 60.3% funded. This is the highest in at least the last 20 years. The city is committed to getting the police and fire pensions to the required funding status.

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JERSEY 44, URSULINE ACADEMY 39: Jersey used both a big second and third quarter to win the Duchesne Tournament title over Ursuline Academy 44-29. Tessa Crawford had a big game for the Panthers with 28 points, while Bria Tuttle added five points. Jersey is now 10-7, while the Bears go to 8-4. The Jersey girls' basketball squad is Female Athletes of the Month. The host Pioneers won the consolation final over Mehlville 43-30, while Ft. Zumwalt North won the third-place game over St. Louis Notre Dame Catholic 39-36. Panthers’ Coach Ron Twitchell said his girls' squad definitely had an excellent tournament and it was great to bring home the championship trophy. “I am very happy for the girls to win this championship,” Twitchell said. Tessa Crawford and Bria Tuttle are the leaders of the Panthers’ girls' basketball squad. Crawford had 54 points in the tourney and would have been the MVP if there had been that award, Twitchell said. “Tessa is our go-to

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