Good afternoon, Chicago.
Cook County prosecutors concluded their case today against Crosetti Brand, who is facing serious charges including murder and attempted murder following a gruesome attack in Edgewater.
During the trial, over two dozen witnesses provided heart-wrenching testimony regarding the incident that left 11-year-old Jayden Perkins dead and severely injured his pregnant mother, Laterria Smith.
Brand, 39, is accused of invading Smith’s apartment and launching a violent attack with a knife.
When Smith attempted to defend herself, Brand allegedly turned his weapon on her son, with tragic consequences.
In other news, law enforcement has apprehended 25-year-old Jalonie Jenkins in connection with a fatal double stabbing in Streamwood.
Jenkins was taken into custody without incident last night in Downers Grove.
Authorities previously identified him as the stepbrother of two victims, 21-year-old Janiya Jenkins and 10-year-old Eyani Jones.
In local governance, Homer Glen Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike reported progress in halting a quick-take bill concerning developments on 143rd Street.
Additionally, a suspect has been charged with striking a police officer with a pickup truck.
Community discussions are also underway regarding the future of a historic horse barn in Oak Brook, owned by the Oak Brook Park District, which faces an uncertain fate.
On the business front, reactions from steel industry experts are pouring in following the announcement of a deal between Nippon Steel and U.S. Steel.
Meanwhile, South Shore Line fares are due to increase starting July 1, marking the first fare hike since 2018.
In sports, Chicago Cubs manager Craig Counsell has stated that right fielder Kyle Tucker is considered ‘day-to-day’ after he exited a recent game with a finger injury.
Despite the circumstances, Tucker has maintained his reliability, having played in all 59 games for the Cubs this season.
The Cubs are gearing up to face the Washington Nationals next Tuesday.
In other sports-related news, the Chicago White Sox faced another tough stretch, suffering close losses and a bench-clearing incident, prompting reactions from fans and analysts alike.
In the NBA, Alex Caruso is set to make a return to the finals with the Oklahoma City Thunder, this time in the presence of fans.
Looking ahead to entertainment, a roster of renowned comedians, including those from Saturday Night Live, are preparing for a comedy series dubbed “Comedy for Summer 2025.”
On the arts scene, The Weeknd is set to return to Soldier Field for his ‘After Hours Til Dawn’ tour, marking the conclusion of a chapter in his musical journey.
Fans can also look forward to the return of the Movies on the Lawn series at Oakbrook Center, starting June 18.
In international news, severe wildfires are currently ravaging parts of the Canadian prairies, particularly in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
Authorities have declared a state of emergency as thousands evacuate their homes and firefighting crews battle multiple out-of-control eruptions.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has decided not to hear a challenge regarding Maryland’s assault weapons ban, leaving the state law intact.
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