Ettie Berneking

President Obama declared a state of disaster in 59  Missouri counties today as a result of severe winter storms that struck the state between late January and early February. Federal aid has been made available to supplement state and local cleanup efforts.

Federal assistance and funding will be available to state and local governments on a cost-sharing basis in order to help with snow removal, emergency work and repair or replacement of damaged facilities.

Today is the one-year anniversary of President Obama’s health care reform law. Despite threats to repeal the law, Illinois’ top insurance regulator said people are better protected and covered under the law.

After one year of being in effect the law has managed to round up plenty of support but also plenty of disdain.

Intelligence gathered after last night’s fatal shooting in North St. Louis has led the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department to believe the incident is tied to several other homicides from the last two weeks.

In hopes of supplementing intelligence efforts and arresting possible suspects, the department has activated the Violent Offense Team.

Visitors attending this year’s Ancient Order of the Hibernians' St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dogtown might need some luck of the Irish to find parking this year.

Changes in traffic restrictions at this year’s parade will close down more residential streets around the parade route, cutting off all parking within the Dogtown neighborhood. Only residents with passes will be allowed into the area.

The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) will host the last open house tomorrow to answer questions about the high-speed rail project between St. Louis and Chicago.

The public meetings, which began March 1, are aimed at answering questions about a recent environmental study. The study evaluates the impact of adding a second track to the high-speed route.