SUMMARY: A crime spree involving stolen cars escalated into multiple armed carjackings across state lines. On April 6, a Hyundai Santa Fe was stolen in Cahokia Heights, Illinois, and used to commit two carjackings in St. Louis, including one targeting a man outside his Dodge Charger. Later, a mother and son in Cahokia Heights were threatened at gunpoint by suspects, who stole their car. The stolen vehicle was found damaged hours later. One 17-year-old suspect has been arrested, but authorities are still searching for the others. A GoFundMe has been set up for the victim.

Police are making connections between a terrifying series of events in two cities that involve armed teens, stolen cars and frightened families.

St. Louis Metropolitan Police have now confirmed that two carjackings and one car theft are connected. FOX 2’s Taylor Harris reports.

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SUMMARY: A major tree-planting initiative in St. Louis has been halted due to federal funding cuts, affecting two grants intended for Arbor Day activities. Beyond Housing, a local nonprofit, was set to plant 1,000 trees with grants from the Arbor Day Foundation and the CDC, both of which were rescinded last month. These cuts not only impact the tree-planting effort but also threaten the work of community health workers aiding families with chronic conditions. Beyond Housing’s president, Chris Krehmeyer, expressed concern over the long-term impact on neighborhood health and resilience, urging for additional support from local businesses and communities.

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SUMMARY: April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, highlighting the dangerous habits that lead to accidents. Diamond Palmer reports on efforts by car companies and state agencies to raise awareness and provide safety tips, urging drivers to buckle up and put their phones down. With the warmer weather, crashes increase in the St. Louis area. Missouri’s hands-free law, enacted nearly two years ago, has led to over 300 tickets this year alone, coinciding with a reported 5% reduction in phone use while driving. Tips include using navigation before driving and having conversations about risks with young drivers. Safety should be practiced year-round.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month. It’s time to bring attention to the dangerous and deadly driving habit.

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