Associated Press

SAN JOSÉ (AP) — Las autoridades de Inteligencia y Seguridad de Costa Rica denunciaron el martes haber recibido información de un presunto plan para atentar contra la vida del presidente del país, Rodrigo Chaves.

Así lo afirmó el titular de la Dirección de Inteligencia y Seguridad de Costa Rica (DIS), Jorge Torres, a medios de comunicación locales, previo a ingresar al Ministerio Público, donde presentó una denuncia formal para que las autoridades judiciales realicen una investigación.

“Lo que recibimos es información confidencial que quisiera dejarla plasmada en la denuncia; no quisiera ahondar en eso, pero solamente quisiera decirles que se trata de la vida del presidente de la República”, dijo Torres.

Es la primera vez que las autoridades costarricenses dan a conocer un supuesto plan para acabar con la vida del mandatario, que asumió el poder en 2022.

De acuerdo con el director de la DIS, se recibió la llamada de una mujer, quien habría informado de un supuesto plan para matar a Chaves y que incluso aseguró que ya se habría realizado el pago a un sicario.

Torres indicó además que ya se coordinó el reforzamiento de la seguridad en la Casa Presidencial y para las actividades que tendrá el presidente en estos días.

Chaves recibirá este martes al presidente de El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, con quien tiene programado el miércoles colocar la primera piedra de la nueva “megacarcel” que Costa Rica pretende levantar emulando el Centro de Confinamiento del Terrorismo (CECOT) que levantó Bukele en su país.

Además, Costa Rica se encuentra en pleno desarrollo de la campaña electoral de cara a las elecciones presidenciales y legislativas del próximo 1 de febrero, en las que de momento la candidata oficialista Laura Fernández aparece como favorita.

El mandatario costarricense ha mostrado interés en replicar en su país parte de las estrategias de seguridad de Bukele

Costa Rica vive una seria crisis de inseguridad por la presencia de grupos narcotraficantes que ha derivado en que el país haya tenido en los últimos años los índices de homicidios más altos en su historia. El año 2025 cerró con 877 homicidios, solo tres menos que en 2024, mientras que en 2023 tuvo la cifra más alta, con 907 asesinatos.

En abril, Chaves envió a El Salvador al ministro de Paz y Justicia, Gerald Campos Valverde para conocer la política de mano dura aplicada por el gobierno de Bukele contra las pandillas, que según las autoridades salvadoreñas ha reducido al mínimo los índices de homicidios en un país que hace una década fue considerado el más peligroso del mundo.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/13/autoridades-denuncian-presunto-plan-para-atentar-contra-el-presidente-de-costa-rica/ 

A convicted felon from Plainfield was denied pre-trial release Monday after being arrested over the weekend on a charge of possessing a loaded gun, officials said.

Deion Kidd, 30, of the 2100 block of West Kinsley Court, was charged with one count each of aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon-previous felony conviction and aggravated unlawful possession of a weapon with no FCCA or FOID card, according to DuPage County court records.

He also faces multiple misdemeanor and petty offense charges, including three counts of resisting a police officer and one count each of obstructing an officer, improper traffic turn, improper window tinting and transportation or possession of open alcohol, courts records show.

Kidd’s previous convictions include aggravated unlawful use of a weapon in Cook County in 2014 and obstructing justice in McDonough County in 2014, according to Paul Darrah, spokesperson for the DuPage County state’s attorney’s office.

The arrest was made after Naperville police officers heading eastbound on Odyssey Court about 11:20 p.m. Saturday observed a vehicle make a right turn on Route 59 and cross over to the far left through lane, a news release from the state’s attorney’s office and Naperville police said.

When officers pulled next to the vehicle while waiting to turn east onto Diehl Road, they had difficulty seeing the driver but could observe him allegedly moving toward the glovebox and then reached back to the rear passenger floorboard, the release said.

Based on Kidd’s alleged movements, officers pulled the car over, conducted a search and recovered a loaded .46-caliber Glock gun. Kidd was put in handcuffs after he tried to pull away from an officer during the glovebox search, the release said.

Officers could smell alcohol, the report said, and a cup containing a liquid in the front seat and a tequila bottle in the trunk were located.

“As a convicted felon, Mr. Kidd has forfeited his right to lawfully possess a firearm,” DuPage County State’s Attorney Robert Berlin said in the release. “Public safety remains the foundation of my office and the allegations that Mr. Kidd unlawfully possessed a loaded gun are extremely concerning and will be met with the full force of the law.”

Kidd’s next court appearance is scheduled for Feb. 2.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/13/felon-loaded-gun-naperville-dupage/ 

Even before a new state law went into effect Jan. 1 requiring public libraries to have opioid overdose-reversing medication on hand, several north suburban libraries had already stocked it and had for a while been prepared to administer it – echoing access benefits public officials extol.

Other local libraries, however, are just now starting to stock naloxone — the anti-opioid substance also known by the brand name Narcan — and sees it as an important new tool in their first aid kit.

The Illinois Local Library Act issued new provisions that took effect Jan. 1, that require libraries to keep a supply of opioid overdose reversal agents on hand and train staff to administer them in the event of a suspected overdose on their premises. Staff must also be able to identify and respond to an overdose.

State Rep. Anna Moeller, D-Elgin, had sponsored the bill calling for libraries statewide to offer and administer naloxone, believing that libraries – often popular community gathering places – can also be where someone could experience an overdose emergency.
Moeller said giving naloxone can be effective in helping someone survive an opioid overdose.

As of Jan. 1, 2026, Illinois public libraries are required to have on premises the anti-opioid medication naloxone, also known by the brand name Narcan. (Ismael M. Belkoura/Medill Illinois News Bureau)

Opioid-related deaths have dramatically declined in Cook County over the past few years, but remain a concerning cause of death. The Cook County medical examiner’s office reported that 683 people died of opioid-related overdose in 2025, with toxicology results pending in 180 cases that could affect that count.

In contrast, there were 1,026 deaths in Cook County due to opioid overdose in 2024, a count that was down about 44% versus the year before, according to the medical examiner’s office.

Library directors in Lincolnwood, Harwood Heights and Norridge told Pioneer Press their libraries had naloxone on hand way ahead of the state law taking effect, just as they have first aid kits and automated external defibrillators to treat sudden cardiac arrest.

For the Park Ridge, Niles-Maine and Morton Grove libraries, leaders said they had more than six months notice to prepare to comply with the new state law, and are ready and willing to provide the medication supplied free-of-charge to libraries by the Cook County Department of Public Health.

Since the library’s doors are open to everyone, area librarians collectively agree that it is important to be prepared.

Park Ridge

“It’s really part of the 21st Century first aid kit,” said Park Ridge Library Director Joanna Bertucci. “We see hundreds of people a day and we’re open 70 hours a week. If I have the opportunity to help someone in crisis, I want to have the tools and training to do my best to help them.

“If you have Band-Aids, ice packs and an AED, you should have Narcan,” Bertucci said. “There are only benefits to having it.”

Since September, the Park Ridge Public Library has stocked a total of three boxes each containing two doses of naloxone. A total of 25 staffers have been trained on how to identify an overdose and administer naloxone – in the form of a nasal spray – in case of an emergency.

Niles

The Niles-Maine Library District is not only adding the naloxone to its emergency first aid kits, it’s offering it up to anyone who enters the library’s doors.

“We do see the value in the resource,” said Executive Director Valerie Marshall.

She said on Sept. 25, library staff put a box of 12 doses of the anti-opioid medication in the front vestibule of the library, next to the food pantry, and saw the supply depleted eight weeks later.

“There is a need because people have taken supplies with them. We don’t ask questions; anyone is welcome to it. It seems like another service for us to provide to people,” said Marshall.

Library staff have since reordered and restocked, and have added four additional doses of naloxone to its two emergency first aid kits. Marshall said the initiative was not only to implement new policy to comply with the state law, but also followed a recent partnership with the social service agency Chicago House which had a table at the library and distributed naloxone in prior months.

When staff learned the Cook County Department of Public Health was providing naloxone, they decided to make it immediately available to patrons, Marshall explained. Meanwhile, Niles-Maine library staff identified as supervisors have been trained in administering the doses, she said, and an email link for additional online training was provided to all staff who were interested in the training.

Marshall said library staff have never witnessed potential overdoses in the library.

“In my personal opinion, us providing this service is another way to give information about public health and literacy about public health,” Marshall said. “A lot of people don’t know about the opioid crisis and that it may be within your community even if you don’t see it clearly. We’re providing help and information in a safe environment where people can access it.”

Morton Grove

Naloxone is new to the first aid kits at the Morton Grove Public Library, but a welcome addition for Executive Director Pam Leffler and her staff, she said. They received in-person training by the Cook County Department of Public Health and were also given supplemental online training resources.

Leffler said she will continue to require all 44 library staff members to be trained annually on administration of the anti-opioid substance.

“It’s certainly a lot simpler to administer Narcan than perform CPR, which made it easier for our staff and went a long way in easing concerns,” Leffler said. “We’re fortunate we haven’t had an issue with it but that doesn’t mean we wouldn’t. It’s better to have it and never need it than to need it and not have it.

“Given we’re open later and more accessible to a wide variety of people,” she said, “that in particular makes it even more important.”

Norridge and Harwood Heights

“It’s no hardship for us because we already have naloxone here,” Stacy Wittmann, library director of the Eisenhower Public Library District, said about complying with the new state law.

The library district serves residents in Norridge and Harwood Heights.

“We have actually been stocking a supply of naloxone at the library for a couple of years, just in case, as a precaution because we knew about the opioid crisis and we wanted to be prepared for any eventuality. Fortunately, we haven’t had to use it,” said Wittmann

She said library staff have been provided training and there have not been any confirmed cases of overdose incidents at the library. The Eisenhower library has eight boxes of naloxone, or a total of 16 doses, and just received a fresh supply last month.

Wittmann is planning more training for the entire staff in May.

“If someone sees a person in the library who is unresponsive, or suspect a drug overdose, they will call the person in charge and that person would access naloxone in the first aid area which is very easily accessible,” Wittmann explained. “They would ascertain the situation to see if the naloxone needs to be administered.”

She said the medication would be administered – as trained – and 911 called.

“I think it’s important to try to help if we can help because it’s a public building,” Wittmann said. “You have to meet people where they are, if there is a chance to save somebody’s life, why wouldn’t we do that?”

Lincolnwood

Susan Dove Lempke, library director of the Lincolnwood Public Library District, hosted a public program about opioids and how to use naloxone in August 2024 and decided then to have it available. She said library staff has never had to use the substance and never called police for an incident.

But, she said, they are ready, and shared training videos with staff to be aware of patrons who may be experiencing an overdose. Overdose behaviors identified include a person moving very slowly, speaking slowly, not speaking at all, not breathing or their lips and fingers becoming blue.

“I think most libraries are always happy to look out for the best for their patrons,” Lempke said. “It’s a building where people who are struggling tend to come; it’s warm and comfortable.”

Elizabeth Owens-Schiele is a freelancer.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/13/north-suburban-libraries-stocking-narcan-to-comply-with-state-law/ 

PITTSBURGH — The Mike Tomlin era in Pittsburgh is over.

The longest-tenured head coach in major American professional sports stepped down from his job leading the Steelers on Tuesday after yet another quick playoff exit.

The announcement came a day after the end of his 19th season in Pittsburgh, where he was a relative unknown when he was hired to replace Bill Cowher in early 2007.

“Obviously, I am extremely grateful to Mike for all the hard work, dedication and success we have shared over the last 19 years. It is hard for me to put into words the level of respect and appreciation I have for Coach Tomlin,” Steelers President Art Rooney II said in a statement.

“He guided the franchise to our sixth Super Bowl championship and made the playoffs 13 times during his tenure, including winning the AFC North eight times in his career. His track record of never having a losing season in 19 years will likely never be duplicated.”

Tomlin won one Super Bowl and went to another during his first four seasons in Pittsburgh before the team settled into a pattern of solid if not always spectacular play followed by a playoff cameo that ended with the Steelers on the wrong side of a blowout.

The 53-year-old Tomlin won 193 regular-season games in Pittsburgh, tied with Hall of Famer Chuck Noll for the most victories in franchise history. But their resumes diverged when it came to the playoffs. While Noll won four Super Bowls in the 1970s, Tomlin went just 8-12 in the postseason, losing each of his last seven playoff games by double-digit margins.

The last came Monday night, when the AFC North champions squandered some early momentum before getting blown out 30-6 by the Houston Texans, the most lopsided home playoff loss in team history.

There were chants of “Fire Tomlin!” as the clock ticked toward zero, though they weren’t nearly as impassioned as they were in late November while the Steelers were getting pushed around by the Buffalo Bills in a loss that dropped their record to 6-6.

Tomlin, as is his way, did his best to tune out the noise, and his team responded the way it seemingly always did during his tenure. Pittsburgh won four of its final five games, including a sweep of the Baltimore Ravens that gave the club its first AFC North title since 2020.

The optimism, however, dimmed once the Texans asserted themselves. The NFL’s top-ranked defense suffocated Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh offense, while the league’s highest-paid defense wilted late.

It was a familiar and frustrating pattern for a place where, as Tomlin noted not long after his introduction, “the standard is the standard.”

And while that remains the case for a team whose members walk by six Lombardi Trophies every day on their way to work, the results had plateaued. The Steelers finished with nine or 10 wins in each of Tomlin’s final five seasons, often doing just enough to squeak into the playoffs before being exposed by a more talented opponent.

Tomlin had two years left on the contract extension he signed in 2024, with the club holding the option for 2027.

His departure leaves the Steelers looking for a head coach for just the third time since they hired Noll in 1969.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/13/mike-tomlin-steps-down-pittsburgh-steelers/ 

The majority-female Valparaiso City Council will remain under female leadership for 2026.

President Ellen Kapitan, D-At-Large, nominated a slate of officers, with herself again as president, that was approved by a 6-1 vote. Council Member Robert Cotton, D-2nd, was the lone dissenting vote. “There were other arrangements that I would have favored and I wasn’t given the consideration that I thought was warranted,” Cotton said after the meeting.

Council Member Emilie Hunt, D-At-Large, will serve as vice president.

The council started off the meeting with a workshop led by Houseal Lavigne, the planning, design and geospatial services firm advising the city on its Valpo Vision 2050. Houseal Lavigne Planner Jack Carso said the plan was last updated in 2013, “so it’s definitely time for an update.”

He said the plan is the foundation for decision-making and should be updated and revisited regularly. He went over the criteria for a comprehensive plan and a unified development ordinance, explained the timelines for each, and then asked the council to identify five issues or concerns confronting the city. The same exercise was to be offered to the public Tuesday at 5:30 in an open-house format in the council chamber.

“Quite frankly, I’m a little bit uncomfortable with this process,” Cotton said, adding that the question warranted more thought. Mayor Jon Costas passed on offering any issues when given a turn. Cotton pressed him, “What are your concerns?”

Valparaiso City Council Member Robert Cotton, D-2nd, votes for an issue of concern during an exercise Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Shelley Jones/for Post-Tribune)

“I don’t recall,” Costas replied.

Councilman Peter Anderson, R-5th, said he was concerned with public safety, particularly at the schools.

“There’s been discussion about things that should or should not be done as far as protective measures at the schools that would keep the children safe,” he said. Councilman Jack Pupillo, R-4th, who serves as public safety liaison, gestured to Anderson that he, too, had school safety top of mind, and then listed controlled growth as another concern.

Despite his objections to the process, Cotton said he was concerned with the long-term viability of the city’s primary water source and regulations hindering residential development. Council Member Diana Reed, D-1st, said she was concerned with the preservation of older neighborhoods in line with new development being inserted into them.

Hunt was concerned with property taxes and local income taxes as a result of Senate Enrolled Act 1. Other issues cited included: school capacity, parking needs in dense areas, and the city offering affordable housing for those who work in Valparaiso.

Valparaiso City Councilman Jack Pupillo, R-4th, right, gives feedback to Houseal Lavigne Planner Jack Carso during an exercise Monday, Jan. 12, 2026. (Shelley Jones/for Post-Tribune)

In other business, it was stated that the city’s Rainy Day Fund holds $4.9 million during a resolution vote for a routine housekeeping matter involving that fund.

Maureen Turman, chair of the Environment Advisory Board, gave the council its first annual report. The body was formed in October 2024 and consists of five voting and two non-voting members.

Turman said the environmental impacts of proposed data centers, integrating environmental and sustainability practices into city ordinances, stormwater runoff, invasive species, recycling, and prioritizing green spaces are significant and recurring issues concerning Valparaiso residents.

She said the board will seek external grants before asking the city for funding. To develop an understanding of what environmental impact mitigation is already practiced in the city, the board took input from the heads of the city’s engineering, parks, planning, city services, and building departments.

One example of the Environmental Advisory Board’s role in the city is the environmental impact report it recently gave to the plan commission regarding a proposed Luke Oil gas station. During liaison reports, Reed told the council the plan commission voted not to change its favorable recommendation to the city council to approve the station after hearing the report.

Finally, outgoing Parks Director Kevin Nuppnau, who has accepted a job from the Porter County Community Foundation, gave an update on Valpo REC. He said five surveys will launch in weekly succession by the end of this week to poll the public on what it hopes to see out of the center. Meetings will be held every other week to devise a master plan for all 16 acres inside and out.

“The point of these meetings will be to get our team to a schematic design phase,” he said, adding that once schematic designs are complete, public open houses will be held.

Reed and Council Member Barbara Domer, D-3rd, praised Nuppnau for his work for the city. Domer stressed Nuppnau’s efforts to improve the handicap accessibility of the city’s parks.

Shelley Jones is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/13/valparaiso-council-looks-forward-to-citys-new-comprehensive-plan/ 

Marxist Network Behind Pro-Maduro, Anti-ICE Protests Faces Congressional Scrutiny

Tyler Durden
Tue, 01/13/2026 – 14:25

https://www.zerohedge.com/political/marxist-network-behind-pro-maduro-anti-ice-protests-faces-congressional-scrutiny 

Triton graduates first cosmetology class

The first class of Triton College’s new cosmetology and barber program have graduated, which means they can work at high-end businesses that require certification or can open their own business.

The graduates were Kiara Reid, Jaime Lugo, Ibraheem Azam, Angel Mendoza, Donnie Valdez and Andrew Martinez.

The college, which is in River Grove, recently built a learning facility that took its inspiration from state-of-the art barbershops and salons. The program includes teaching students skin care, esthetics, haircutting, styling, coloring techniques, chemical services, sanitation and shaving. Students also receive instruction in communication, client relations and business acumen.

This semester the college will offer evening classes on an accelerated eight-week schedule. Classes start Jan. 20. Information and registration is available at Triton.edu.

Talk set on Chicago’s Japanese-American history

The Nineteenth Century Charitable Association Monday Enrichment Series turns to Chicago’s Japanese-American history with resettlement stories at 1:15 p.m. Jan. 19 in the second-floor ballroom at the association, 178 Forest Ave. in Oak Park.

Attendees will hear from three members of the Japanese-American Service Committee. Writer and historian Erik Matsunago will talk about the history of post-World War II resettlement via first-person accounts of people who were part of the JASC oral history project. Linda Kawano and Ross Harano, who participated in the project, will share stories of their families, who moved to Chicago after being in incarceration camps.

The program is free and open to the public. It’s part of a “Japanese Themester” funded by a grant from the Toshiba International Foundation. Information is at www.nineteenthcentury.org.

“Les Misérable” to hit stage in Hinsdale

Stage Door Fine Arts turns its attention to the French Revolution with its production of “Les Misérable” from Jan. 23 to Feb. 1 at the Community House, 415 W. Eighth St. in Hinsdale.

The well-known musical, based on Victor Hugo’s novel of the same name, tells the story of a man seeking forgiveness set against the backdrop of the revolution and the hardships it brings.

“This show demands emotional honesty, vocal power, and deep commitment from every member of the cast, and we’re excited to share that level of storytelling with the community,” Paula Taylor, co-artistic director of Stage Door Fine Arts, shared via a news release.

Shows are at 7 p.m. Jan. 23, Jan. 29 and Jan. 30; 2 and 7 p.m. Jan. 24 and Jan. 31;and  2 p.m. Jan. 25 and Feb. 1.

“Its themes of justice, compassion, and the power of second chances feel as relevant today as ever,” added Don Smith, co-artistic director.

Tickets cost $25 to $30 and are available at www.stagedoorfinearts.com/tickets or at the door if any are available.

Westmont daddy-daughter dance set

A daddy-daughter dance open to the public is planned for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at Westmont High School, 909 Oakwood Drive in Westmont.

The event will feature a DJ, snacks, photos, crafts, games and other activities. All grandfathers, uncles, fathers and father figures are invited.

The cost is $40 for each pair, with $10 for each additional daughter. The last day to register is Jan. 18. Do so at www.vancoevents.com/us/60863.

Hinsdale library offers homework help

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade can receive a little help with their work, thanks to Homework Helpers at the Hinsdale Public Library,

From 4 to 6 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays in the Community Meeting Room, trained  high school volunteers who are members of the library’s Junior Advisory Board help younger students with homework.

Send news to pioneerwest@tribpub.com.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/13/community-news-triton-graduates-first-cosmetology-class-homework-help-in-hinsdale-more/ 

A state forensic expert testified Tuesday that bullet trajectory evidence in the Marni Yang case can’t be used to exclude Yang as the person who fatally shot Rhoni Reuter in 2007.

Prosecution witness Todd Thorne said that Yang’s defense team erred when it said Yang was too short to be the woman who fatally shot Reuter in the kitchen of Reuter’s Deerfield condominium in October of 2007.

Expert testifies Marni Yang too short to have fired fatal shots at girlfriend of ex-Chicago Bear

Thorne’s testimony contradicted a defense expert who testified Monday that Reuter’s assailant was about 5-foot-10. Yang, who is 5-feet-tall, could not have shot Reuter, who was pregnant with the child of former Chicago Bear Shaun Gayle at the time of her death, the defense contends.

Yang was found guilty in 2011 of the murder and is serving a life sentence. However, her attorney, Jed Stone, successfully argued that new evidence in the case required a hearing, which is taking place in the Lake County courtroom of Judge Christopher Stride.

Much of the defense presentation centered on one of Reuter’s wounds – a bullet that entered her chest on a slight downward angle and exited through her arm, which Yang’s team contends was the first shot fired. Reuter was 5-9, so her assailant must have been taller, defense experts said.

However, Thorne said that was based on assumptions that cannot be verified using the crime scene evidence.

“There’s no set way a body’s going to react when it’s shot,” Thorne said.

If Reuter crouched or tried to duck, that could also explain the trajectory of the bullet, he said.

At trial, prosecutors contended that Yang, who had previously been involved with Gayle, killed Reuter out of jealousy.

The hearing is expected to conclude on Wednesday with closing arguments. The judge has not indicated when he might rule in the case. Stride could order a new trial, or conversely, decide that the new evidence does not undercut the jury’s guilty finding.

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/13/marni-yang-hearing-evidence/ 

Volunteers from the community joined owners and employees of Beyond Borders Cafe in Flossmoor to sweep up broken glass and vacuum dust out of cushions Tuesday, after a driver fleeing Homewood police crashed into the business Monday morning.

Owners Christopher and Jennifer Zarozny said they plan to reopen as soon as possible. Their goal is to be closed for no more than two weeks.

“If it was up to us, we’d be up and running next week,” Jennifer Zarozny said.

The car crashed into the cafe early Monday after speeding down Sterling Avenue, they said. Christopher Zarozny said the driver was speeding because he was fleeing from Homewood police, and that he was estimated to have been going 80 mph at the time of the crash.

“It wasn’t an elderly person that had a medical condition,” Christopher Zarozny said.

The village of Flossmoor’s statement said the driver was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

“The incident is currently under investigation by the Flossmoor Police Department, and the actions of the Homewood Police Department related to the incident are also being reviewed,” Homewood police Chief Tom Johnson said. “There is no additional information to share at this time.”

Beyond Borders Cafe opened in August of last year.

“I think we ran through every emotion,” Jennifer Zarozny said. “The crying, the anger, the going to comedy about it because what else can you do, you know?”

Despite the damage to their business, the Zaroznys said they’re relieved the accident happened when the cafe was closed and no one was present or walking nearby.

A car crashed into Beyond Borders Cafe in Flossmoor early Monday morning. (Christopher Zarozny)

“Generally, as you know, we have people sitting here,” Christopher Zarozny said, indicating the front window of the business. “There could’ve been four dead people.”

Though the car did heavy damage to the cafe’s front wall and covered everything inside in dust and glass, it hit the front of the building side-on and did not go into the cafe itself, meaning the only major repair work will be to the front wall.

“This can be replaced, right? Human life can’t,” Christopher Zarozny said.

Lisa Hawkins, Jennifer Zarozny’s sister, was one of the volunteers helping with cleanup Tuesday. She said she’d also been thinking about how much worse the accident could’ve been.

“I was just shocked,” Hawkins said. “To me it’s kind of selfish. Just pull over.”

A car crashed into Beyond Borders Cafe in Flossmoor early Monday morning. (Christopher Zarozny)

The accident also broke a fire hydrant and damaged the building’s gas meter. The situation was especially dangerous because the building has apartments on the upper floors, Hawkins said.

“He busted the gas meter,” Hawkins said. “With the car being on fire, he could’ve blown the whole building up.”

Hawkins said it was painful to see the cafe in disarray after all the work that went into getting the it up and running.

“We’re thankful that the community’s coming together and people are coming here and coming together to help clean up today,” Hawkins said. “It takes a village, for sure.”

A Gofundme created by cafe staff to fund immediate recovery costs collected $4,500 of its $26,000 goal as of midday Tuesday.

Christopher Zarozny, left, points out the gas meter that was hit in the crash. (Evy Lewis/Daily Southtown)
Volunteers clean up the Red Velvet Room in the back of of Beyond Borders Cafe, where the business recently hosted a wine tasting. (Evy Lewis/Daily Southtown)

Manager Farzana Ecob said she moved to the area from Los Angeles shortly before the cafe opened last July.

“The cafe means a lot to me. I’ve seen it from day one, or day zero,” Ecob said. “I like to think this is everybody’s baby, and to see the baby hurt is really devastating.”

Ecob said her hope for the cafe is that it provides a safe, comfortable space for everyone.

“It’s such a wonderful communal place, and to see it in this state is a little traumatizing,” Ecob said.

However, Ecob said she was certain the business would come out stronger from the accident.

“We have hope, and seeing everybody coming in today and helping out, we’ll persevere,” Ecob said. “Life throws a lot of curveballs at you, but community, at the end, is what thrives and keeps us going, and that’s what everybody is here to do.”

elewis@chicagotribune.com

https://www.chicagotribune.com/2026/01/13/beyond-borders-cafe-crash-fleeing-police/ 

TradFi Trust & DeFi Dominance Favor Ethereum Over Bitcoin; StanChart

Tyler Durden
Tue, 01/13/2026 – 14:05

https://www.zerohedge.com/crypto/defi-dominance-favors-ethereum-over-bitcoin-stanchart