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According to an online fundraiser, the toddler was on his electric toy vehicle when he hit a yellow jacket nest and was swarmed head to toe.

WESTMONT – Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) President Dan Montgomery has announced that he will not seek reelection this fall at the union’s convention, concluding 15 years of transformational leadership and decades of service to public education, the labor movement, and working families. Since his election in 2010, Montgomery has been a tireless advocate for IFT members, public education, state services, and all Illinoisans. He was unanimously reelected by delegates in 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2022, leading the 103,000-member union through a period of significant growth, increased activism, and bold advocacy. “Leading the IFT has been the privilege and honor of my life,” Montgomery said. “Together, we have stood on the frontlines to defend public education, protect our professions, and uplift the voices of working people. I am deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished, and I’m confident that the IFT is poised for an even stronger future.”

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ALTON — A man with Riverbend roots rises to one of the U.S. Marine Corps’ most selective ranks, earning the title of warrant officer following a months-long journey of testing, training and leadership development. Cole Ellis, a 2012 Alton High School graduate, took his oath of office Feb. 1 at Quantico, Va., officially stepping into a role reserved for technical experts and trusted leaders across the Corps. The training was anything but ceremonial — eight weeks of tactical fieldwork, classroom instruction and long hikes under weight, followed by six weeks of advanced technical training in Virginia Beach where he finished on July 3. “Even though I’ve stayed in shape, this course pushed me,” Ellis said. The warrant officer program selects experienced enlisted Marines who demonstrate technical expertise, steady leadership and strong character. Candidates undergo a competitive board process, receive command endorsement and submit a personal essay explaining

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SPRINGFIELD — As families across Illinois prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the Illinois Optometric Association (IOA) urges residents to think twice before handling fireworks, especially when it comes to protecting their eyes. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 14,000 fireworks-related injuries were reported in 2024, with 22% involving the head, face, and ears. These injuries can range from burns and abrasions to severe trauma, often resulting in temporary vision loss or even blindness. “Eye injuries from fireworks are not just painful — they’re often devastating and completely preventable,” said Angela Oberreiter, OD, President & Chair of the Illinois Optometric Association. “Unfortunately, we see far too many patients this time of year with eye injuries from fireworks, smoke bombs, bottle rockets, and sparklers.” Key Facts About Fireworks and Eye Safety: • Sparklers burn at over 1,800 degrees —

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ALTON - The Alton American Legion organized a picnic at Rock Spring Park on July 4, 1925. The main attraction was an elaborate fireworks finale, but there were activities and entertainment all afternoon and into the night. The White Hussar Band played, revelers danced at the Valley Park Pavilion, there was a Defense Test program, and attendees competed in a variety of athletic events that had been planned in partnership with the Alton Recreation Commission. Legion post members directed the competitions for boys, and several of the playground directors supervised the girls’ competitions. There were ten events for boys, five for girls, one for men, and zero for women. An open Horseshoe Pitching elimination tournament for men started at 1:30 p.m. with two men to a team. Two boxes of cigars were awarded to the first prize winners. The abbreviated marathon for boys under 15 also started at 1:30 p.m. The top three winners won gold, silver, and bronze medals. A separate “Boys’

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DECATUR – Ahead of Independence Day, Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs returned a lost Purple Heart medal to the brother and granddaughter of a World War II veteran who earned it while fighting to liberate Europe. Frerichs reunited Army Private John L. Moore’s medal with Jerry Moore, his youngest brother, and Angie Holliger, Private Moore’s granddaughter, during a ceremony at the World War II Memorial in Decatur, where Jerry lives. It is the 15th lost medal Frerichs has returned as part of Operation Purple Heart , an unprecedented mission to return lost medals with the rightful owners. The iconic military honor is given to individuals wounded or killed during military combat. “Private Moore defended democracy during some of the fiercest battles of WW II,” Frerichs said. “It is an honor to finally return his Purple Heart to his loving family.” John Moore survived the 1944 D-Day invasion only to be wounded weeks later by shrapnel in hi

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MARYVILLE - The Village of Maryville will continue their “Movie in the Park” tradition with two films later this month. On Saturday, July 19, 2025, community members can enjoy “Moana 2” at Drost Park in Maryville. This will be followed by "Inside Out 2" the following weekend on July 26, 2025. Mayor Wayne White noted that the events aim to provide free, family-friendly fun for the community. “What we really want to do is just bring families and communities together,” he said. “This is an opportunity for us to do that.” The movies start at dusk and are completely free to attend. The Parks and Recreation Committee provides ice cream from Bobby’s and popcorn. There will also be an inflatable obstacle course for the kids to play on. “What we're really trying to do is bring back that spirit of the family drive-in, except on a little bit smaller scale,” White explained. “Maryville, we are just a family community.

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SPRINGFIELD – As summer gets into full swing, the Illinois State Police (ISP) is reminding the public about the importance of motorcycle safety for everyone on the road. In just the past week, ISP alone responded to four motorcycle fatalities. Summer is historically when the highest number of motorcycle crashes and fatalities occur. A National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA) assessment shows from 2013-2022, 47% of motorcycle fatalities occur during the summer months. According to NHTSA, motorcycles account for less than 3% of all registered vehicles, but comprise an estimated 12% of all traffic fatalities. To date in 2025, there have been 44 motorcycle fatalities in Illinois according to Illinois Department of Transportation data . Speed and driving while impaired are two of the main causes of motorcycles fatalities and injuries. ? According to NHTSA, 59% of motorcycle fatalities involved impaired driving and 40% of serious injures involved speeding.

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What should one do when institutions fail to protect the core tenets of democracy?

In a new strategy, St. Louis police say they will cite parents for their kids’ shenanigans this holiday weekend.

Friday marks the grand finale of the two-day Celebrate Saint Louis Festival, which will feature a new high-tech drone show in partnership with Warner Brothers.

ST. LOUIS -- It'll be hot and a bit muggy for Independence Day on Friday. Sunshine starts the day with some clouds bubbling up into the afternoon with highs in the mid-90s. The area could see a pop-up shower or two from the afternoon heat; it is possible, but not likely. All in all, it's [...]

The primary draws to southern Illinois are the outdoor recreation activities in Shawnee National Forest, including hiking, cycling, rock climbing and ziplining, as well as vineyards and wine trails.

Billy Hunter was an All-Star in 1953, his rookie season in St. Louis and the franchise’s last here before moving to Baltimore.

As ICE agents run amok, Latino cities and communities have been compelled to cancel their celebrations.