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Should Illinois change its state flag? New law explores that possibility

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois has had two state flags, one adopted in 1915 and another in 1970.On Monday, Gov. JB Pritzker signed a bill that creates the Illinois Flag Commission with the purpose of exploring the creation of a new state flag.The commission will develop new flag designs and make recommendations to the General Assembly regarding whether the current state flag should be replaced.The commission must select no more than 10 potential flag designs by September 2024 and report to the General Assembly by December 2024, the law says."Throughout our 205-year history, Illinois has boasted two official state flags—and it may be time we create a new one that exemplifies the values of our great state,” said Pritzker. “Today, I am proud to sign SB1818 to establish the Illinois Flag Commission to aid us in this process as we decide what our future flag should represent.”The first state flag, adopted on July 6, 1915, was designed by Lucy Derwent after her design was chosen from 35 ...

Lion's Choice rewarding loyal customers with free frozen custard

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

ST. LOUIS -- Lion's Choice is celebrating National Custard Day with a special treat for loyal customers. Members of their rewards program can get a free large cone at locations in Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas. You must be signed up for Lion’s Choice’s loyalty program before August 8 to participate. Anheuser-Busch selling 8 beer, beverage brands to cannabis company It is easy to sign up for the Lion's Choice Rewards program. Just download their app to start earning four points for every dollar spent. Get a coupon for $5 for every 250 points earned. Lion’s Choice is an iconic St. Louis brand that was founded 1967 with over 30 locations. They are known for roast beef sandwiches, fries, and frozen custard.

MoDOT hopes to add more projects in 2024 with the public's help

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Kansas City residents will be able to speak to representatives from the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) this week regarding future road projects. MoDOT has identified $1.1 billion in unfunded projects for 2024. MoDOT will host multiple public meetings over the next few days to get feedback from residents who would be impacted by future road projects.There are three public meetings across Missouri on Tuesday, two on Wednesday and three on Thursday. Two of this week's meetings will be in the Kansas City area. Boy or girl? Ed Sheeran’s Arrowhead gender reveal wasn’t quite ‘perfect’ There will be meetings held in Kansas City and Warrensburg. Here are the details on the meetings:Kansas City Location:Tuesday, Aug. 85 p.m.-7 p.m.Mid-America Regional Council - Broadway Room, 600 Broadway Blvd, Suite 200.Warrensburg Location:Wednesday, Aug. 95 p.m.-7 p.m.Warrensburg Municipal Court, 200 South Holden Street. At the meetings Missouri residents will be able t...

Grocery prices may fall next year — and it could not come soon enough for inflation-weary consumers

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Brooks Johnson | Star Tribune (TNS)Grocery prices could start falling in 2024, or at least stop rising so rapidly, according to an early forecast from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.That would provide major relief for inflation-weary consumers after the cost of groceries rose 11.4% last year, the biggest annual jump in nearly 50 years.That’s just the most optimistic scenario. According to the USDA’s range of estimates released last month, the price of food at home could fall almost 7% or rise up to 9% in 2024.The range acknowledges massive uncertainty about the global food supply, energy prices and consumer behavior over the next year.“There are a lot of unknowns right now,” said Michael Boland, a University of Minnesota professor and agribusiness expert. “I think it’s still good news for consumers, and it’s going to impact the margins of consumer packaged goods companies.”The USDA’s midrange estimate and perhaps most likely ...

Heavy rain possible as remnants of Tropical Storm Eugene hit Southern California

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

The remnants of Tropical Storm Eugene will begin to impact Southern California’s weather early Wednesday and continue through Thursday.The storm was centered several hundred miles off the northern Pacific coast of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula Wednesday with sustained winds of 35 miles an hour, according to the National Weather Service.It has been downgraded to a post-tropical cyclone.The wind is not expected to be a major factor when cloud bands from the storm arrive in Southern California.“On Wednesday and Thursday, we’ll start to see some of this tropical moisture move in from the south. That means we will see added humidity and a chance for some thunderstorms,” said KTLA meteorologist Henry DiCarlo.The remnants of Tropical Storm Eugene are seen in a satellite image on Aug. 8, 2023. (NOAA)Rainfall could total 1.5 to 1.8 inches in some locations, according to the NWS.“With such high moisture content [in] the atmosphere, there could be some heavy downpours, especially late Wednesday into...

Mega Millions jackpot increases to $1.58 billion ahead of Tuesday's drawing

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

The Mega Millions jackpot is now estimated to be worth $1.58 billion ahead of Tuesday night’s highly anticipated drawing.  The massive jackpot prize is considered to be one of the largest in U.S. history, eclipsing the $1.537 billion Mega Millions jackpot that was awarded in 2018. Two Mega Millions tickets worth $650K sold in Southern California The draw game hasn’t had a jackpot winner since April 18, after a ticketholder in New York matched all six numbers to win a $20 million prize.This is the second time a lottery prize hit the billion-dollar mark in less than a month.One Powerball ticket sold at Las Palmitas Mini Market in downtown Los Angeles matched all six winning numbers in July to win the estimated $1 billion prize.The lucky winner’s identity hasn’t been announced. New feature on California Lottery website puts players’ lucky numbers to the test The largest lottery jackpot prize, a Powerball ticket estimated to be worth $2.04 billion, was won in California in Nove...

Deer droppings found in ready-to-eat salads

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert saying some fresh, ready-to-eat items could contain deer droppings.The salads and wraps with meat and poultry may have contaminated lettuce, the FSIS said, explaining that they "may be contaminated with deer feces" and encouraging the public not to eat them.The establishment number "P-45091" or "Est. 45091" can be found on the items' front label, officials said. They were made on August 1 and 2, 2023, and include the following:8.65-oz. plastic film packages containing “Chicken Caesar Wrap FRESH SEASONS Kitchen” with lot codes 21323 and 21423 and sell by dates of August 9, 2023 and August 10, 2023.7.2-oz. plastic film packages containing “Chicken Caesar Wrap FRESH SEASONS Kitchen” with lot code 21323 and Fresh Thru date of August 10, 2023. 8.5-oz. plastic clamshell packages containing “Chicken Caesar Salad FRESH SEASONS Kitchen” with lot code 21323 and Fresh Thru date ...

Lanes Closed Following Motorcycle Accident near Market Street [Reno, NV]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Motorcyclist Crashed into Reno Car near Vassar StreetRENO, NV (August 8, 2023) – Thursday morning, lanes were blocked following a motorcycle accident near Market Street.According to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, a motorcyclist struck a City of Reno vehicle which prompted the lanes on Vassar Street and some lanes of Market Street.The collision happened at around 6:30 a.m., August 3rd, the sheriff’s office added.Furthermore, it was unknown if there were injuries as a result and the events that led to the collision were not yet released.No additional information was added by the deputies and further investigation is still underway.Motorcyclists rarely escape injuries in the event of a crash. That is why it is important to never underestimate the bike’s speed when you’re riding a motorcycle. Strictly following traffic laws and the conditions of the road also prevent accidents. For other drivers, do not tailgate a motorcyclist. Keep a safe following distance and g...

Injuries Reported Following Multi-Vehicle Crash on Bullard Avenue [Fresno, CA]

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

Donut Stunt Sparks Three-Car Crash near Effie StreetFRESNO, CA (August 8, 2023) – Friday night, a multi-vehicle crash on Bullard Avenue, caused by a reckless driver, resulted in minor injuries.Police responded to reports of a man performing donuts in a silver Infiniti near Blackstone Avenue and Bullard Avenue.Upon approaching the driver, the driver did two more donuts before driving off northbound at a high rate of speed.According to the report, authorities initially called off the pursuit but noticed the Infiniti was involved in a multi-vehicle crash. Investigators said the wreckage involved three vehicles near Bullard Avenue and Effie Street.Eventually, officers managed to arrest the driver for reckless driving. Meanwhile, several other people were treated at the scene for minor injuries. The identities of those involved in the multi-vehicle crash on Bullard Avenue have not been made public.At this time, witnesses and employees at the nearby north Fresno parking lot are urgi...

Mourners in Ireland pay last respects to Sinead O’Connor

Published Sat, 22 Feb 2025 11:00:00 GMT

By Brian Melley | Associated PressLONDON — Sinéad O’Connor was remembered Tuesday for bringing “joy to countless people the world over” and then honored by emotional fans who thronged the streets of the Irish coastal town she had called home. They sang “Nothing Compares 2 U” as a hearse passed by carrying the singer’s casket to its final resting place.The funeral held for loved ones and friends reflected her spirituality and the impact she had on her homeland and the music world. Irish Prime Minister Leo Varadkar and President Michael Higgins attended along with musical luminaries such as Bono of U2 and Bob Geldof of the Boomtown Rats.But the procession to a cemetery for a private burial reflected the broader impact of her life on devotees moved by her pure voice and emotional depth and touched by her sometimes troubled life.Hundreds of people made the pilgrimage to her former home in Bray, the seaside village south of Dublin where O’Connor ...