Illinois quick hits: Cooling centers prepare for heat wave; Player wins $1 million

Cooling centers prepare for heat wave

Cooling centers are gearing up around Illinois in preparation for this week’s expected excessive heat.

According to AccuWeather, heat indices could be at or near 100 degrees in many areas of the state this week. In addition, residents were advised to be aware of the possibility of severe weather, including high winds, possible tornadoes, hail and flash flooding.

Player wins $1 million

An Illinois Lottery player became a millionaire over the weekend after purchasing a $1 million-winning Mega Millions ticket in Rockford. The winning ticket matched all five numbers in the July 26 drawing.

The store where the ticket was sold was a Casey’s gas station and they will receive a selling bonus of one percent, or $10,000. Two other players won prizes of $1 million in the drawing, located in New Jersey and California.

4-H State Fair grand marshals

The Illinois State Fair has announced that Illinois 4-H will serve as Grand Marshals for the annual Twilight Parade.

The 2024 Twilight Parade will step off on Thursday, Aug. 8, from Lincoln Park at 5:30 p.m. and head east down Sangamon Avenue before turning into the Main Gate on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Illinois 4-H experienced a 13% growth throughout the last year with minority youth making up 30% of all youth served through educational programs.