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ST. LOUIS – Mayors of the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative gathered this week for their virtual Capitol Meeting in Washington, DC to meet with national leaders on resilience and infrastructure spending. Leaders in Washington for the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative 10th virtual Capitol Meeting addressed three key points during the meetings announced at today’s press conference: On the eve of flood season 2022, Mayors are working to make critical progress on the partnership launched with Ducks Unlimited - dirt is moving and new flood storage is being made; Mayors are launching a new and unique MRCTI Infrastructure Facility to help cities add a new level of capacity to compete for Jobs Act grants over the next several cycles; Mayors announce the opening of the second Outcomes-based Financing Challenge with Quantified Ventures. The Two-Rivers Project with Ducks Unlimited will work to create natural flood storage at within the confluence area of the Illinoi

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The Conversation - Gun and ammunition sales in the U.S. have skyrocketed in recent years . And although it may come as a surprise, this trend has supported conservation activities. That’s because every firearm and bullet produced or imported into the U.S. is subject to an excise tax dedicated to wildlife conservation and restoration. In 1998, these taxes generated about US$247 million in inflation-adjusted apportionments to state fish and wildlife agencies from the federal U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service , which collects and manages these funds. By 2018, these revenues had more than tripled to $829 million . These taxes on guns and ammunition sales provide a growing share of budgets for state fish and game agencies. But as scholars of environmental politics , conservation and wildlife management , we have found that the growth in conservation funding driven by exploding guns sales presents at least three critical moral and ethical issues. First, the original argument

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ST. LOUIS — Due to continuing high demand for tickets and the immense popularity of the event, Beyond Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience will remain open in St. Louis through May 30, 2022. More than 200,000 people have seen the exhibition in St. Louis to date. Tickets are available now at www.vangoghstlouis.com . The exhibition will be open Wednesdays through Sundays until March 30. From April 7 until May 30, Beyond Van Gogh will be open on Thursdays and Fridays from noon until last entry at 8 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. until last entry at 8 p.m. and Sundays from 10 a.m. until last entry at 6 p.m. The exhibition will be closed on Easter Sunday, April 17, and will be open on Monday, May 30. Four entry times are available each hour. Tickets are sold online only at www.vangoghstlouis.com . Prices begin at $33.99 for adults and $19.99 for children ages 5 to 15. Children under 5 are free. During the exhibition, guests are completely immersed in more than 300 of the greatest

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The Center Square – A new report shows that Illinois ranks 25th in the country in employment recovery, with unemployment down 85% from this time last year. The study conducted by WalletHub shows Illinois' job recovery post-pandemic and highlights how states are recovering in the job market. All 50 states were ranked 1-50 based on job recovery. South Carolina ranked at the top of the list with Iowa and Arizona. New Mexico was at the bottom. Jill Gonzalez of WalletHub explained why Illinois has seen a decrease in unemployment claims. "This means that the decreasing COVID-19 cases brought on a high number of new jobs and new workers," Gonzalez said. "These are both signs that the pandemic's hold on the economy is also decreasing." Illinois has been a Democratic state when voting in elections over the past handful of elections. Gonzalez highlighted how that factors into the state's recovery. "With an average ranking of 27 of the most recovered states, blue states had worse recovery

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ALTON - Alton Police Department is investigating a pedestrian who died after being struck by a train at about 6:32 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, on the railroad tracks in the area of 2800 block of Circle Drive near Homer Adams Parkway in Alton. The Alton Police Department and Alton Fire Department responded to the area after a call of a pedestrian who had been struck. "Preliminary investigation revealed that an Amtrak train collided with a pedestrian who was on the train tracks, in the area of the 2800 block of Circle Drive," the chief said. "This area is just southeast of where officers were initially dispatched. There is no train crossing at this location. "Unfortunately, the pedestrian has died and this investigation is still ongoing."

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EDWARDSVILLE - Judge Christopher Threlkeld filed his nominating petitions for Madison County Circuit Judge on Monday, March 21, 2022, in Springfield at the Illinois State Board of Elections. Judge Threlkeld filed well above the required number of signatures required for judicial subcircuit 1, the area of the county from which he may be elected. Appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court in 2020 as Madison County Circuit Judge to fill a vacancy to serve all of Madison County, only voters in the first subcircuit will be allowed to vote for circuit judges in 2022. “It was an honor to file my petitions today,” stated Judge Threlkeld. “The encouragement I received during the petition signing period was tremendous. Every voter I spoke with was incredibly supportive of me and my campaign, regardless of their political affiliation, as we are united by our disappointment about the recent legislation breaking the tradition of county-wide voting for all circuit judges. "I look

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ALTON - A May 2 trial date has been set for accused killer Aryion Sanders, who was previously convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting death of James Hubbard in an Alton housing project. He was 17 at the time of the shooting death. The pending trial was set after an appellate court reversed and remanded the case, asserting that a police interview was allowed as evidence, but the appellate court ruled that Sanders’ confession was coerced and Sanders had previously asserted his right to remain silent. Before the first, trial authorities attempted to try Sanders, but the case was continued because a witness, Aryion Sanders’ younger brother, Ahmad Sanders, went missing. The first attempt at a trial was delayed and dismissed. After the first attempt, a mis-trial was ruled in the first trial as a result of juror mis-conduct. May 2 will be the fourth time the Sanders case has been set for trial. A hearing in advance of the pending trial was held Monday. The

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ALTON - Junior Brody Hendricks was a standout over the Marquette Catholic boys basketball season and played a pivotal role in the Explorers' regional championship. Brody is the Tucker's Automotive Repair & Tire Male Athlete of the Month For Marquette Catholic. Brody agreed that this year's biggest achievement for the Explorers was capturing the regional crown and second place in both the Columbia and Okawville Tournaments. He said he would like to thank his parents for always allowing him to play sports and his brothers for constantly playing games with me to get me better. "I would also like to thank all of the coaches that I’ve had because they’ve taught me how to play throughout the years," he said. Steve Medford is Brody's head boys basketball coach at Marquette Catholic. The Marquette junior said Coach Medford has been a big inspiration in his high school life and improved his play. "Coach Medford has taught me a lot of things about the sport, and has helped me

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EDWARDSVILLE and ST. LOUIS, MO – For the second year in a row, local schools are receiving a helping hand through a grant program from the Scott Credit Union Community Foundation. Totaling more than $30,000, the “With You” education grants were awarded to 12 area schools to support needs ranging from iPads for young students to hydration stations for refilling water bottles at a middle school. “Our goal is to support initiatives that positively impact the young people of our community,” said Frank Padak, Scott Credit Union President and CEO. “We know that it’s not an easy time to be an educator, so we’re hoping our funding can ease those burdens and bring a smile to the faces of both teachers and students. We want them to know that we are ‘With You.’” A volunteer committee reviewed the dozens of applications received, and all submissions remained anonymous until after the winners were selected. Winners were chosen base

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ALTON - The Ninian Edwards Chapter National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) has a long-standing tradition of selections of top high school seniors with the Good Citizen Awards. For the past sixty-nine years, the Ninian Edwards Chapter has presented high school seniors with this honor. High schools select the students based upon: Involvement in extracurricular activities. Contributions to the community. Preparations for further education, and demonstration of the good citizen qualities of dependability, honesty, leadership, and patriotism. To participate, students have to submit a portfolio including: A grade transcript. Two letters of recommendation. A description of how he/she manifests the qualities of a good citizen. An essay, completed in a 2-hour timeframe. Here are the awardees: Kaylyn M. Aiello, Civic Memorial HS. Elizabeth Gernon , East Alton-Wood River HS. Luke Schwegel, Marquette Catholic HS. McKinzie Wright, Mississippi Valley

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GRANITE CITY - Joe Hackler filed the maximum 1,000 petition signatures at the State Board of Elections and is launching his campaign for state representative in the 112th District, which includes portions of Madison and St. Clair counties. “I am running for state representative because I’m tired of seeing young families like my own flee Illinois for places with lower taxes and more opportunity,” said Hackler. “Illinois is my home, and I’m staying to fight for it. We deserve a state government on the side of taxpayers, not corrupt insiders and Springfield special interests.” Joe worked his way through college while serving his hometown as an elected township trustee at the age of 19. After graduating, he turned his focus to helping make Illinois a better place to live and work. Joe has spent his career battling Speaker Michael Madigan's political machine and taking on the extreme agenda of Democratic lawmakers who kept him in power. Joe led the charge

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ST. LOUIS – United States District Court Judge Sarah E. Pitlyk sentenced former St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer Brad Stephens to one year and one day in federal prison for 3 counts of Mail Fraud by obtaining taxpayer moneys from the Tower Grove South Concerned Citizen Special Business District (“Tower Grove South”) by means of material false representations. Stephens pleaded guilty on December 6, 2021. According to court documents, Stephens was employed as a police officer by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department (“SLMPD”) in St. Louis, Missouri, and had been employed by the SLMPD since October 6, 2014. Tower Grove South was established to provide special police and/or security for the protection and enjoyment of the property owners and the public within the district. The administration and operations of the business district are taxpayer funded. City Wide Security (“CWS”) is a private company that contracts with businesses

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GLEN CARBON – As recipients of the Madison County Sustainability Grant, a charging station will be installed at Schon Park in Glen Carbon to support the efforts of the Village to provide sustainable options for residents. Recently awarded, this environmental grant for $15,000 will provide the Village with its first dual-port electric charging station. Once installed, the village will continue to monitor its use and determine any additional needs moving forward based on appropriate quantitative data. It’s conceived that usage of the charging station could reduce up to 100 pounds of CO2 emissions per hour per use. The new station will occupy two spaces at the south end of Schon Park parking lot. “We are very excited to be awarded this environmental grant and feel that this is a wonderful asset for our Village and its residents,” said Bob Marcus, Mayor of Glen Carbon. “Today, manufacturers are building more hybrid and electric cars than ever before,”

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EAST ALTON - Beginning Monday, April 25th, during their normal garbage pick-up day that week, East Alton Village residents may put out bulk items and general rubbish and junk not suitable for regular garbage pick-up. Items not allowed: electronics, tires, shingles, car parts, concrete, hazardous materials such as oil, paint, asbestos, etc. Trash trucks may pick up some of the items during your normal pick-up; a Village dump truck will follow along the garbage routes and pick up other items throughout the week. Depending on the volume, items may be picked up a day or two later after normal trash pick-up. In order to take advantage of the Village Spring Clean-up, all items must be placed in the area of your regular trash pick-up by 6:00 am on your regular trash pick-up day the week of April 25th. For NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE (East Alton Village residents only), the Village Drop-Off Center located at 331 Playground Court behind the Municipal Garage will also be open Monday, April 25th

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ALTON - Cameo Holland, who is in her fifth year as the Alton City Treasurer is always cognizant of any education or training that assists her in regard to her high-profile position. Holland was an outstanding student at Lewis and Clark Community College, then at Fontbonne University in St. Louis. She has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s in business administration. Recently, Cameo added to her education with a National Certification Achievement. She has earned the Certified Public Funds Investment Manager (CPFIM) Certification from the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada (APT US&C). Cameo said while it was a difficult process, she was excited to obtain the knowledge and the certification for the City of Alton. “I learned a lot with the certification,” she said. “It was difficult and took a lot of time, but it was worth it. I always want to learn more about government investments and be the best I can be at my job.” T

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BETHALTO – The Civic Memorial girls soccer team picked up their second win of the season in an 8-0 rout over Litchfield. A huge part of the win was sophomore forward Abrianna Garrett. She netted five goals on the day, bringing her season total to seven which currently leads the St. Louis area. Abrianna is the Tom Lane State Farm Insurance Female Athlete of the Month for CM. She broke the deadlock only 55 seconds into the game to make it 1-0. She scored her best goal in the 16th minute when her left-footed shot curled into the top corner from about 18-yards out. That goal was to make it 3-0. She scored her other three in the 22nd, 26th, and 39th minute. Mainly because of her, her team led 6-0 at the half. Garrett was still very humble and gave all the credit to her teammates. “It’s a team effort. Without our defenders defending for the ball and midfielders earning the ball, I wouldn’t be able to score.” She’ll look to stay on her hot streak

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EAST ST. LOUIS - The Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation (JJK) is pleased to announce that 12 arts programs will receive support from the East St Louis Community Arts Access re-granting program. Now in its second year, the program is funded by the Illinois Arts Council Agency and is administered by JJK. “These grants will provide East St. Louis residents with more opportunities to participate in quality arts experiences,” said Mark Fryer, JJK’s COO. “Although our center is well known for athletics, we have a growing arts program, so we’re proud to be collaborating on this community-wide initiative.” The grant recipients include nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and working artists: Angela Alexander, Mykael Ash, East St. Louis High School Percussion Boot Camp, East St. Louis Center for Performing Arts-SIUE, Genesis Arts Ministry, House of Miles, I AM East St. Louis, Indigo Garden Project, The Inner Ear Youth Ensemble, Katherine Dunham

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CHICAGO – Building on the administration’s historic funding increases for mental and behavioral health, today Governor Pritzker announced the 2022 State of Illinois Overdose Action Plan, a comprehensive, equity-centric outline for combatting the opioid epidemic. Additionally, the Governor named David T. Jones, as the state’s Associate Secretary for Behavioral Health at the Illinois Department of Human Services, to be known as the Chief Behavioral Health Officer. “Everybody knows somebody who is struggling, and our support systems ought to reflect the universal importance of mental health,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our equity-driven State of Illinois Overdose Action Plan is just one way we’re overhauling the state’s behavioral health support systems – and with Chief Behavioral Health Officer David T. Jones at the helm, I look forward to the progress we’ll continue to make in supporting Illinoisans’ access to help.”

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — I am deeply honored to witness this momentous occasion, taking in the weight of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson's Senate confirmation proceedings. Hearing the depth of her qualifications and credentials and her lifelong career of advancing justice makes me so proud as a fellow lawyer and American. There have been 115 Justices on the United States Supreme Court, and Judge Jackson is the very first Black woman to be nominated to the highest court of our land. As a Black woman and as the mother of four daughters, I'm overjoyed that children throughout Illinois and, quite frankly, the world will have a broader, more imaginative view of what's possible for their futures. Judge Jackson stands on the shoulders of Jane Bolin, Constance Baker Motley, and so many Black women of history who dared to strive for more in the legal profession. Like her predecessors, Judge Jackson's achievements today represent the excellence she holds and the potential that is in all of us. Becaus

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EDWARDSVILLE - Edwardsville seventh- and eighth-grade language arts teacher Mrs. Jordi Harre is one who thrives on giving back to causes she loves, and recently, she designed shirts for Liberty Middle School families to purchase. Harre involved her students in the fundraiser and proceeds were donated to the Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis. A total of 98 shirts were sold, allowing Liberty Middle School families to donate a large total of $490 to the Down Syndrome of Great St. Louis. Harre's students also made a video to teach their peers about Down Syndrome Association. The students learned valuable lessons in the fundraiser about assisting others in the community. Harre previously said she loves working at Liberty Middle and that the Edwardsville community is "incredible," in a previous interview. Harre said at that time she loves seeing the students succeed and watching them grow. Harre is a business administration grad from SIUE and obtained a Master's in Education

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