Mark Kern

Cars pull up for COVID-19 vaccinations at Belle-Clair Fairgrounds in Belleville on Feb. 1, the first day for a drive-thru clinic operated by St. Clair County agencies with help from the National Guard. On Friday, nearly 80% of the appointments were taken by people as far away as California.

St. Clair County Tweaks COVID Vaccine Process After Ineligible People Made Appointments

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On Friday, an estimated 800 people who were not eligible under state and county vaccination guidelines had scheduled appointments.

A healthcare professional prepares COVID-19 vaccination for use at the St. Clair County mass vaccination center in Belleville. Illinois has ranked near the bottom of all 50 states in vaccines administered thus far, according to a New York Times database, leading some state lawmakers to call for increased transparency and a more effective process for allowing eligible residents to receive vaccines.

Health, Science, Environment

People From Outside Illinois Took 80% Of Friday’s Vaccine Appointments In St. Clair County

Kavahn Mansouri | Belleville News-Democrat

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As a result of the influx of outstate people trying to "cheat the system," fewer people in St. Clair County were able to receive their shots. None of the people who registered from other states got the vaccine.

St. Louis-area businesses remain closed as the coronavirus pandemic drags on. Weeks of reduced income, or none at all, has stretched small businesses thin.

Health, Science, Environment

Metro East Coronavirus Restrictions Eased For Theaters, Casinos, Gyms And Offices

Eric Schmid

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The region that includes the Metro East was the last in Illinois to see some restrictions lifted.

St. Clair County Board Chairman Mark Kern answers questions during a March 2020 press conference about COVID-19.

Government, Politics & Issues

IDPH Not Considering St. Clair County Request For Lighter COVID-19 Restrictions

Kavahn Mansouri | Belleville News-Democrat

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The Illinois Department of Public Health dismissed hopes of officials in St. Clair County on Tuesday who say the downward trend in COVID-19 cases warrants an exemption from the stricter safety mitigation placed on the Metro East region.

Screenshot of J.B. Pritzker via Blue Room Stream

Pritzker Announces East St. Louis Contact Tracing Partnership, Addresses Casino Reopening

Mike Smith

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Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced a health organization in East St. Louis will lend its help to the state's COVID-19 contact tracing initiative....

St. Clair County officials on Saturday announced the Metro East's first two positive cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the new coronavirus. They held the press conference at the county health department. 03/14/20

Health, Science, Environment

Metro East Reports First Positive Cases Of COVID-19: 2 Women Who Traveled Internationally

Kae M. Petrin

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The new coronavirus has come to the Metro East. St. Clair County Board Commissioner Mark Kern on Saturday issued a disaster proclamation after two women…

Allegiant Airlines is the only passenger carrier at MidAmerica St. Louis Airport.

Other

MidAmerica Airport Director’s Future Unclear As County Posts Job Listing For Position

St. Clair County officials are being tight-lipped about a newly posted job listing airport director at the county-owned MidAmerica St. Louis…

Lyda Krewson waves after taking the oath of office to become the 46th mayor of St. Louis on April 18, 2017)

Government, Politics & Issues

Krewson takes place in St. Louis mayoral history, wants to pair with counties, Kansas City

Jo Mannies

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Flanked by family, friends and four former mayors, Lyda Krewson became St. Louis’ 46th mayor on Tuesday — and, as she was sure to note, the first woman to…

Government, Politics & Issues

Officials: MetroLink security a top priority after recent shootings; turnstiles likely

The leaders of St. Louis, St. Louis County and St. Clair County say they are working with law enforcement to make it safer to ride MetroLink.After meeting…

St. Charles County executive Steve Ehlmann, Mayor Francis Slay, and St. Clair County executive Mark Kern (right) at the State of the Region breakfast on January 12, 2017

Government, Politics & Issues

Leaders give their take on the state of St. Louis region

Rachel Lippmann

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The top elected officials from the city of St. Louis and St. Louis, St. Charles and St. Clair counties gathered in one of the city's poshest hotels…