Mt. Vernon statute controversy
The American Civil Liberties Union of Illinois has filed a lawsuit on behalf of a group of Jefferson County residents in an effort to remove a Ten Commandments monument from the lawn of the county’s courthouse in Mt. Vernon, citing concerns over religious neutrality and constitutional violations. The monument, which stands nearly seven feet tall and features a Protestant version of the Ten Commandments, was moved from inside the courthouse to the lawn last year. The ACLU argues that the monument signals a government endorsement of a particular religious perspective.
Chicago cinematic history auction
Fans looking to own a piece of Chicago cinematic history will soon get the opportunity. Items from several films set in the Chicago area, including “Home Alone,” “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” and “The Blues Brothers,” are up for auction through Heritage Auctions. Matthew Broderick’s military beret from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off” will be up for grabs with an opening bid of $6,000. The auction runs through July 18 on Heritage Auctions’ website.
Lottery winner in Ashmore
An Illinois Lottery player cleared over half a million dollars with a winning ticket bought at a small town downstate gas station. The FastPlay Cash Castle ticket was purchased at the Fast Stop gas station in Ashmore, which is located east of Charleston. The winning ticket is the third-largest Cash Castle jackpot won since the game’s launch on Feb. 27.
