State trooper struck by wrong way driver
A crash involving a wrong-way driver on Interstate 57 near Markham Thursday has left an Illinois State trooper injured.
Police said the trooper’s vehicle was struck by a driver who was traveling the wrong way along the entrance ramp, leaving both cars badly damaged. The trooper was taken to the hospital with unknown injuries.
Drowning prevention awareness
With summer just around the corner, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services is reminding parents and caregivers of the importance of always supervising children when they are in or near water to avoid the tragedy of accidental drowning deaths.
In 2024, 19 Illinois children lost their lives to accidental drowning: eight in pools, four in lakes, four in rivers, two in ponds and one in a bathtub. Nine of the children were aged 5 and younger, including six of the children who drowned in pools.
Wingfest canceled
Organizers have announced that Midwest Wingfest will not return this year due to safety concerns.
The annual event in Fairview Heights was shut down early last year as fights and gunshots were reported. Two people were arrested and several minors were pepper-sprayed.
The event raised money for injured veterans and the families of fallen military personnel. Organizers said they plan to hold smaller events in an effort to raise money.
