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BLOOMINGTON - Health officials are working to learn more about a concerning outbreak of the serious liver disease in children in Europe and the United States. Reported cases of “acute hepatitis of unknown origin” in young children continue to climb. According to the latest data from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, there are 450 reported cases worldwide, which is nearly double the 228 cases the World Health Organization reported last week. This includes three cases in Illinois. So far this outbreak has resulted in dozens of hospitalizations around the globe and has required liver transplants in some children, while 11 have died. The children’s ages range from one month to 16 years old. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently working with health departments across the country to identify children with hepatitis of unknown cause. Researchers are scrambling to find the cause of this illness,

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COLLINSVILLE – Residents will soon have an even greater opportunity in shaping what their neighborhoods look like and how to make them stronger. The Collinsville Community Development Department plans on rolling out a new program focused on proactively strengthening the residential neighborhoods through the Neighborhood Planning and Improvement Initiative. Senior Planner Andi Yancey explained the Neighborhood Planning and Improvement Initiative started in 2020, but due to COVID and other circumstances, it was sidelined. Now in 2022, Yancey said it is time to revisit the project and start moving it forward. “What we’re looking to do is really empower people to take initiative, identify the problem, communicate that to the appropriate staff so that we can be more proactive in our service efforts, code enforcement, and our other outreach efforts,” Yancey said. The project seeks to have city departments working more closely together, increase the ability to

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CHICAGO – Teachers will be able to take excused mental health days under a measure supported by State Senator Christopher Belt that was signed into law Friday. “It’s clear that our teachers have had to overcome a number of challenges, especially throughout the pandemic,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “They have continued to perform their jobs well in unprecedented times and often put their students before themselves.” Belt serves as a chief-cosponsor of Senate Bill 3914, which requires the school board of each school district to include mental health as part of their current negotiated sick days for full time employees of the district. The new law allows teachers to use two of their days as mental health days, and that if a teacher needs three or more mental health days, the school district would require a note from a mental health professional. “The mental health of teachers is vital for them to continue inspiring our youth,” Belt said. “The

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ALTON - The Alton Farmers' & Artisans' Market features a special activity every Saturday morning at the corner of Landmarks Blvd. & Henry Street in Downtown Alton, and on May 21st shoppers will enjoy a delicious new concept in the adjacent parking lot called “Brews & Brunch”. From 8:00 a.m. until Noon, you can pick up tasty beverages and hot breakfast food items from the following vendors: The Old Bakery Beer Company will serve Tofu Quiche with Caramelized Onion and Kale (Vegan), Egg Quiche with Spinach and Mushroom (Dairy-Free), Herbarium Sparkling Lavender Lemongrass Tea, Beermosas (Citrus Wheat + Orange Juice), and the following beer selection: Citrus Wheat, Blueberry, Late Addition IPA, and Oh Yeah! B&C Concessions will serve biscuits & gravy, breakfast burritos, and strawberry shortcake. Big Boys Q will serve shrimp & grits, ham egg & cheese sandwiches, sausage, egg & cheese sandwiches, and breakfast hash. The Rivers Vedge will serve vegan biscuits & gravy, and lavender

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ST. LOUIS – On the heels of her triumphant headlining return to the iconic Stagecoach Festival, 8-time GRAMMY® Award winner and 3-time ACM Entertainer of the Year, Carrie Underwood, announces her new arena tour, THE DENIM & RHINESTONES TOUR, with dates in Fall 2022 and Spring 2023. The new tour, promoted by AEG Presents, will kick off on October 15 in Greenville, SC, making stops in 43 U.S. cities including New York’s Madison Square Garden, Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, and L.A.’s Crypto.com Arena before concluding in Seattle, WA on March 17. Underwood will be joined on THE DENIM & RHINESTONES TOUR by special guest Jimmie Allen on all dates. After teasing fans about the impending announcement on social media and on last night’s episode of American Idol , Underwood made the official reveal this morning. Allen will join Underwood’s THE DENIM & RHINESTONES TOUR as his star continues to rise, following his first GRAMMY Award nomination for Best

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To The Editor: State Senator Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) is backing Jennifer Korte for State Representative in the 112 th District because of her authenticity, her strong ties to the region, and her commitment to conservative values. “Jennifer Korte is a hard worker and I know she will be a strong and independent voice for the residents of the 112 th District,” Plummer said. “Jennifer is a wife, a mother, a life-long resident of Madison County, and a passionate advocate for many important issues that impact our neighbors and our communities. We need more citizen legislators in Springfield and I am excited about Jennifer’s campaign because she is not a politician and she is not beholden to anyone. We need more people like that in Springfield if we are going to fix our great state.” Korte said she is honored to have the support of Senator Plummer. “Jason Plummer has served our region well and has been a consistent, conservative leader i

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MONROE COUNTY - These are details of two-vehicle fatal crash in Monroe County on May 14, 2022. WHAT: Two-Vehicle Fatal Traffic Crash WHEN: May 14, 2022 at approximately 5:15 p.m. WHERE: Illinois Route 3 at Old Route 3, Monroe County VEHICLES: Unit 1- 2001 Chevrolet Truck \Unit 2- 2021 Ford Bronco DRIVERS: Unit 1- Rhonda Schaefer, 57-year-old female from Red Bud, IL – Transported by family to an area hospital with minor injuries. Unit 2- Ryne Fithian, 25-year-old male from Sparta, IL – Transported by ambulance to a regional hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. PASSENGERS: Unit 2- Allison Flynn, 22-year-old female from Sparta, IL – Flown to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Unit 2- Destiny Gillhan, 20-year-old female from Batesville, AR – Transported by ambulance to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Unit 2- Chance Karnes, 20-year-old male from Herrin, IL - Deceased PRELIMINARY: Preliminary investigative

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Background: Over six miles of sanitary sewer main is being installed in the Turner Tract, Shields Valley and Piasa Valley areas of Alton. Work kicked off in February 2021 and will continue to progress until 2023. When Illinois American Water acquired the Alton Regional Wastewater system the company made a commitment to address requirements set forth by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to remedy combined sewer overflows. The projects in Turner Tract and Shields Valley will address 1.69 miles of sanitary sewer main. These projects will continue into early 2022, depending on the location. The project area will change based on the progress of work. Signs will be placed ahead of construction work to notify customers of upcoming closures. The work in Piasa Valley began in the spring of 2021. This project includes almost five miles of sanitary sewer main. Work is expected to continue for over two years. This does not mean work will occur in one area for

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SPRINGFIELD - Today, Governor JB Pritzker took the following bill action: Bill Number: HB2991 Description: Requires DVA to contract for a market research analysis of veterans’ field services, subject to appropriations Action: Signed Effective: January 1st, 2023 Bill Number: HB3124 Description: Requires the City of Chicago to maintain a rotational tow list. Action: Signed Effective: January 1st, 2023 Bill Number: HB3465 Description: Amends the Unified Code of Corrections to provide that each institution or facility of the Department of Corrections shall hire a reentry specialist to assist with the reentry of offenders into the community. Action: Signed Effective: January 1, 2023 Bill Number: HB4089 Description: Requires a school district to provide a plant-based school lunch option to students. Action: Signed Effective: August 1, 2023 Bill Number: HB4284 Description: Applies a tax at the rate of $15 on a transfer of a motor vehicle from trust t

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WASHINGTON — Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) joined U.S. Senators Cory Booker (D-NJ), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and five of their colleagues in urging the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to address extremely high levels of corporate concentration in the infant formula marketplace following the recent news of infant formula shortages nationwide. “The infant formula industry has reached an alarming level of corporate concentration with four companies–Abbott Nutrition, Mead Johnson, Gerber, and Perrigo–controlling nearly 90% of the infant formula market. Abbott Nutrition, the manufacturer of products currently under recall, alone controls around 40% of the infant formula market,” the Senators wrote in a letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack. “This level of concentration has created a fragile system unable to adequately respond to shocks in the supply chain. Unfortunately, this puts our most vulnerable populations at risk, and disproportionately

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CHICAGO – Local school boards’ threat assessment procedures will be filed with local law enforcement agencies to increase student safety thanks to a measure spearheaded by State Senator Christopher Belt that was signed into law Friday. “As chair of the Senate Education Committee, one of my top priorities is student safety,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “This law will ensure all schools are up to date with their procedures and give parents one less worry in case of a school threat.” Currently, each public school district is required to implement a threat assessment procedure that includes the creation of a threat assessment team. The team must consist of an administrator, teacher, school counselor, psychologist, school social worker and at least one law enforcement official. House Bill 4994 requires each local school board to file the threat assessment procedure and a list of the members on the school district's threat assessment team or regional behavior

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GODFREY - For current information regarding Lewis and Clark Community College’s operations during the pandemic, please visit lc.edu/coronavirus. 5/14 – Alton High School Tennis Tournament: 9 a.m., Andy Simpson Tennis Complex, Lewis and Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey. (618) 474-6974. 5/14 – Trailblazers Baseball vs. Heartland: 1 and 3:30 p.m., Lloyd Hopkins Field, Gordon Moore Park, 4550 College Ave. (618) 468-5352. 5/15 – Piano Recital, Featuring the Students of Victoria Sowders: 2 p.m., Benjamin Godfrey Memorial Chapel, Lewis and Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey. (618) 468-4731. 5/18 – Pre-Grad Party 2022: 2-4 p.m., The Grove, outside The Commons, Lewis and Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey. (618) 468-6400. 5/18 – Interactive Mural Unveiling: 2:15 p.m., The Grove, outside The Commons, Lewis and Clark Community College, 5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey. (618) 468-3200. 5/18 – 5

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FAIRMONT CITY – U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today met with broadband expansion advocates in Fairmont City, including Mayor Michael Suarez, Library Director Katie Heaton and Collinsville Community Unit School District 10 Superintendent Brad Skertich to discuss her work to reduce broadband costs for working Illinoisans and highlight the newly announced Affordable Connectivity Program, which will help the more than 200,000 Illinoisans who currently lack broadband and help millions of low-income families afford internet access by reducing monthly bills by as much as $30, or $75 on Tribal lands. During the meeting, which comes during the same week broadband construction in Fairmont City began, Duckworth and the group also discussed the city’s recent success in securing broadband expansion for their underserved community after years of calling for equitable internet access. Photos from today’s meeting are available here. “Showing up for Metro East communities

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, and U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) today announced that they will begin accepting applications from those interested in serving as a Federal District Court Judge in the Central District of Illinois. The Senators will be assisted by a screening committee whose task is to review and vet District Court candidates and advise the Senators regarding the candidates’ qualifications and fitness for the position. “Our constitutional responsibility to advise and consent is one of the most important duties we have in the Senate. As we make recommendations for lifetime judicial appointments, we will benefit from the guidance and insights of our distinguished screening committee,” the Senators said. “We thank the members of the screening committee for their willingness to serve and look forward to recommending qualified and experienced individuals to the White

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EAST ST. LOUIS – After an extensive investigation spanning more than a year, on May 14, 2022, the Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Zone 6 arrested Deandre Cotton, a 38-year-old male from Bellville for First-Degree Murder and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. On April 19, 2021, at approximately 3:45 P.M., the East St. Louis Police Department requested ISP’s assistance in investigating a homicide that occurred in the parking lot of the Clyde C. Jordan Senior Citizen Center at 6755 State Street, East St. Louis. A 33-year-old male from Belleville was shot and transported to a regional hospital where he later died from his injuries. Cotton was identified as a person of interest in the case and on April 23, 2021, an arrest warrant for Cotton was issued for First-Degree Murder and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. On May 14, 2022, at approximately 8:47 a.m., the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force in conjunction with ISP tracked

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DOWNSTATE ILLINOIS – The Capital Development Board (CDB) today announced over $46 million in investments are moving forward to improve and renovate various state agency buildings in the state’s southern regions and $339,800 is going to Alton Mental Health Center. The project includes replacing and expanding the existing duress system. Pere Marquette State Park in Jersey County will receive $6,966,500. The Jersey project includes upgrading the water supply system to the park by connecting to the Jersey County Rural Water District or upgrading and fully staffing the existing water plant after determining the cost/benefit of each option. Also included is replacing the deteriorated water distribution system throughout the park. The funding will help address deferred maintenance projects at state agencies that have been stalled due to a lack of investment by previous administrations. “As a member of the House Appropriations - Human Services Committee, I know too wel

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EDWARDSVILLE - May is National Stop the Bleed Month and on Thursday, May 19, the Edwardsville Fire Department, along with partners from Anderson Hospital Region IV EMS will be offering complimentary Stop the Bleed classes at the Edwardsville Public Safety Building. The Edwardsville Fire Department, along with partners from Anderson Hospital Region IV EMS will offer "Stop The Bleed Classes" on May 19 at the times listed below: 9 – 10:15 a.m. 4 – 5:15 p.m. 6:30 – 7:45 p.m. Self-guided online courses can also be taken, and participants can print the completion letter and contact the Fire Department to schedule the hands-on practical and receive your completion certificate. Visit https://www.stopthebleed.org/training/online-course . Prior registration is required to maintain social distancing. For questions about the Stop The Bleed program or to register for a class at the Edwardsville Public Safety Building, call 618-692-7540. During this month and on

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SPRINGFIELD – In the second week of Women’s Health Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) today affirmed its commitment to covering abortion care for all Medicaid customers in the state of Illinois. As a freedom of choice state, Illinois is one of only 16 states that go beyond federal Medicaid limits and use state funds to cover abortions for people enrolled in Medicaid. The department covers both surgical and medical abortion services. “In this state, when we say that healthcare is a right and not a privilege, that includes the right to make reproductive health decisions – full stop,” said HFS Director Theresa Eagleson . “Every woman in our state deserves comprehensive and affordable access to health care, including abortion if that is the right decision for her. The choice to carry a baby to term is a physical, emotional, and economic one for the involved woman and those she

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EDWARDSVILLE — Madison County officials want to warn those visiting the Administration Building or Courthouse in downtown Edwardsville about road closures in downtown Edwardsville. On Monday, St. Louis Street between Main and Second streets will be closed due to ongoing construction projects. The street will reopen midweek, or once work is completed. In mid-April, construction started along Second Street at St. Louis Street and goes to High Street. Due to the construction and the installation of a new water line, the pedestrian crosswalk from the parking lot to the back of the Administration Building is closed and temporarily moved. There is crossing from the large lot where vehicles can access the small parking lot behind the building for handicap accessible parking. Additional signage and personnel are available to direct pedestrians where to cross the street. The county is asking the public not to cross or park in areas that are blocked off by barricades or caution tape.

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WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) spoke on the Senate floor on the need to quickly pass a bipartisan COVID-19 supplemental funding package, in order to ensure adequate supplies of tests, vaccines, and other medical supplies. Most urgently, it was reported last week that, without additional funding, COVID vaccines will soon be in shortage if the Food and Drug Administration authorizes second booster shots for all adults. This week, the U.S. officially hit one million deaths due to the COVID-19 virus, including more than 33,600 Illinoisans. “Right now, we are sleepwalking into the next potentially deadly wave. And we know the virus will continue to mutate and pose threats. We need to learn from the past two years—from our experience with Delta and Omicron—and act now to be ready for whatever comes next. Over the weekend, the Biden Administration warned that new sub-variants could fuel a wave that is forecast to infect 100 million Americans

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