a Better Bubble™

Aggregator

Mega Millions Jackpot Soars To $825 Million For Friday Drawing

1 year ago
CHICAGO – Dreaming of a green Christmas? The Mega Millions Jackpot is now a staggering $825 million for tonight’s drawing. If won, it would be the largest prize ever won in December and the seventh largest in Mega Millions history, The Mega Millions jackpot was last won on September 10, 2024. Since then, nearly three million winning Mega Millions tickets have been sold, netting players almost $584 million in prizes in 2024 in Illinois. Every Mega Millions ticket sold in Illinois helps fund K-12 education across the State, and since the current jackpot roll, over $14 million have been returned to education in Illinois. With over 7,000 Illinois Lottery retailers across the State, lottery players can conveniently pick up a ticket at their local store - or they can log in to the Illinois Lottery website or app and purchase a ticket online. Mega Millions is played every Tuesday and Friday night. Tickets are $2 each, and players can add the Megaplier for an additional $1

Continue Reading

‘Why not us?’ Nannies, housekeepers win labor protections in some states.

1 year ago
When she first started working as an au pair, Edy Dominguez earned less than the minimum wage and went without paid sick time or overtime pay for extra-long weeks. That’s because domestic workers, including nannies, housekeepers and home health workers, have historically been excluded from the basic labor protections most workers enjoy. “There are standards […]
Kevin Hardy

The time a base jumper parachuted off the St. Louis Arch

1 year ago
In the early 1990s, one New Orleans man set out quests to base jump on some of the highest monuments across the country from the World Trade Center, the Superdome in New Orleans, and one familiar place to St. Louisans: The Gateway Arch.
Megan Mueller

Confluence Wealth Management Celebrates Clients and Crisis Food Center at Christmas Party

1 year ago
ALTON - Confluence Wealth Management recently welcomed over 200 guests to their client appreciation Christmas party, where they also raised $7,132 for Crisis Food Center. Confluence Wealth Management, a locally-owned financial planning and wealth management firm affiliated with Raymond James Financial Services, works with Riverbend residents across the community. Co-owners Jack Hoelscher and Robert Diaz were excited to see so many of their clients come together on Dec. 19, 2024, to celebrate and support a good cause. “It's just everybody getting together and having a good time and celebrating what a great year it’s been,” Hoelscher said. “One of the main reasons we got into this business is the people element and the relationships that we’re able to build.” Located at Old Bakery Beer Company, the party invited clients to connect with each other and learn more about Crisis Food Center, a local food pantry in downtown Alton. Clients were encouraged

Continue Reading

Celebrating National Ugly Sweater Day: Fun Ideas

1 year ago
As the holiday season approaches, many people look forward to various festivities that bring joy and camaraderie. Among these quirky celebrations is National Ugly Sweater Day, observed on the third Friday of December. This lighthearted occasion encourages individuals and groups to don their most outlandish and garish holiday sweaters, creating a fun and festive atmosphere. In this article, we will explore the origins of this unique celebration, provide creative ideas for participation, and share tips on how to make the most of your National Ugly Sweater Day experience. The Origins of National Ugly Sweater Day National Ugly Sweater Day emerged as a response to the growing trend of wearing garish holiday sweaters during the festive season. While it is difficult to pinpoint the exact origins of the day, it is widely believed to have gained popularity in the early 2000s alongside the broader movement of embracing all things quirky and kitschy in fashion. The day serves as a friendly reminde

Continue Reading

This Day in History on December 20: Louisiana Territory Transferred to the United States

1 year ago
December 20, 2024, marks a significant day in history, filled with events that have shaped our world across various dimensions. Turning to 1989, a pivotal year in world history, when the Berlin Wall fell, symbolizing the end of the Cold War and the beginning of a new era in Europe. On December 20 of that year, East and West Germany began the process of reunification. This monumental shift not only changed the political landscape of Germany but also set the stage for the expansion of the European Union and the promotion of democratic values across the continent. The reunification of Germany remains a powerful symbol of reconciliation and hope for nations divided by ideology. In 1803, December 20 also witnessed the formal transfer of the Louisiana Territory from France to the United States. This acquisition doubled the size of the nation and paved the way for westward expansion. The Louisiana Purchase is often hailed as one of Thomas Jefferson's most significant achievements, as i

Continue Reading