Category: News
Zion driver charged with livestreaming during fatal accident: ‘Put down the phone when driving’
Tynehsa McCarty-Wroten, who gained infamy online for allegedly livestreaming herself while driving when she struck and killed a man last month, has been taken into custody and faces two felony charges, according to a Zion Police Department press release.
According to the release, McCarty-Wroten was arrested as she left her home “with several packed bags.”
She faces charges of reckless homicide, a Class 3 felony, and aggravated use of an electronic communication device, a Class 4 felony.
Darren Lucas, 59, was leaving his job at Torres Fresh Market and crossing Sheridan Road after work on Nov. 3 when he was struck and killed by a vehicle, authorities said. A woman under the pseudonym tea_tyme_3, streaming herself live on TikTok the same day, suddenly screamed and swore and said she had hit someone, according to reports.
Zion police and firefighters responded to the intersection of Sheridan Road and 33rd Street for a vehicle-pedestrian accident at 5:46 p.m.
The pedestrian, later identified as Lucas, was seriously injured and brought to Vista Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. The driver, McCarty-Wroten, remained at the scene and cooperated with officers, the release said.
The Lake County Major Crash Assistance Team (MCAT) responded to assist investigators from the Zion Police Department with conducting the crash reconstruction and investigation, the release said.
Police said Lucas was crossing from the east to west side of Sheridan Road, on the south side of the intersection at 33rd Street, when he was struck by a southbound vehicle. Witnesses stopped to render assistance and called 911.
According to the release, McCarty-Wroten told officers that she believed she had a green light when she went through the intersection and did not see Lucas until it was too late. She was asked, but declined to allow investigators to search her cell phone, police said.
An 8-year-old was also in the vehicle with McCarty-Wroten, who is from Zion. Both were checked and declined the need for medical assistance, the release said.
McCarty-Wroten reportedly agreed to voluntarily come to the Police Department, where she provided a statement and submitted to a blood and urine test, which the release said is standard practice in crashes resulting in a fatality.
A subsequent investigation determined through surveillance video from nearby businesses that Lucas walked west to cross Sheridan Road while the westbound traffic light was green. McCarty-Wroten’s vehicle went south through the intersection despite a red light, the release said.
Her vehicle was reportedly traveling at nearly the posted speed limit of 35 mph as she entered the intersection, and “did not appear to slow or change course before the impact with Mr. Lucas.”
After the incident, members of the public reached out to investigators regarding a TikTok video allegedly showing McCarty-Wroten livestreaming herself during the incident, police said.
The video was preserved and verified through “extensive investigation.” After McCarty-Wroten later surrendered her phone, forensic analysis “confirmed the video was recorded at the date and time of the crash,” the release said.
Police said that on Tuesday, the facts and evidence of the investigation were reviewed with the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office and the two felony charges were approved. After a judge signed the warrant, investigators reached out to McCarty-Wroten’s attorney to seek voluntary surrender on the charges.
“However, her attorney could only say that she would surrender within a week’s time. Zion Investigators then sought out Ms. McCarty-Wroten. Within an hour of the warrant being issued, Ms. McCarty-Wroten was observed leaving her home with several packed bags,” the release said.
Investigators reportedly stopped her and took her into custody without incident. She was then transported to the Lake County jail, and will appear at the next available first appearance court hearing.
The Lucas family has been updated on the status of this case as it moves into the prosecution phase, the release said.
“The Zion Police Department extends its deepest condolences to those affected by this tragic yet avoidable incident,” the release said. “It is our hope that all who read this are starkly reminded to put down the phone when driving, lives very literally depend on it.”
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/24/tiktok-live-streamer-fatal-accident/
Naval Reactors For AI Data Centers
Naval Reactors For AI Data Centers
Commerce Scretary Lutnick appeared on Fox News, discussing new energy for data centers.
As we have noted previously, energy prices continue to spike near data center facilities across the US. Lutnick claimed data centers are going to provide additional power generation and capacity to the grid along with the construction of their facilities to lower the energy prices, but so far this has not been the case.
The additional costs of infrastructure to the wider grid that come with higher demand are not covered in the higher rates paid by the hyperscalers. Many of the costs extend to equipment outside of the immediate vicinity of the new power consumer, such as upgrades and maintenance to upstream transformers and powerlines. Maybe the rest of the US should copy what Texas does…
Make “behind the meter” mandatory https://t.co/ZEcmX5Ge0e pic.twitter.com/bCBnwx2E5g
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) December 24, 2025
And while multiple companies and developers are working on solutions for on-site, “behind-the-meter” power for AI data centers – with little practical success to date – one power developer has formally proposed an idea that has been informally discussed for years.
HGP Intelligent Energy, a Texas power developer, is proposing to use reactors from US Navy submarines and aircraft carriers to power a data center project in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The company claims redirecting two retired naval reactors could produce about 450-520 MW of power in what would be the fastest way to add new baseload power to the grid while the commercial nuclear industry struggles to get back on its feet.
The likelihood of this proposal being accepted by the US government is extremely low. The idea that the government will allow a private company, even with deep coordination with the DoE/DoW, to own or operate one of the most strategic assets in the US government’s arsenal, is absurd. Naval reactors have multiple differences compared to traditional commercial reactors, most notably the extremely high enriched uranium content, which is over 90%, compared to traditional reactors which are less than 5%.
In addition to concerns about proliferation of weapons grade uranium, there are also concerns of how the reactors can operate after they are removed from their submarines or carriers. The reactors are removed from their vessels and decommissioned due to no longer being able to operate as designed at their old age. There are likely multiple concerns with safely operating the reactor in its aged status with respect to reactor physics and material integrity. You can’t just stick lower enriched fuel inside a reactor designed for highly enriched fuel, the geometry of the core alone will likely not allow for proper operation.
Still, the recommendation of involving the nuclear navy with the reinvigoration of the nuclear industry does hold value. The Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program is the most successful nuclear program in history, with over 7500 reactor years of safe operation. Their expertise with reactor plant construction and operation would likely benefit the commercial nuclear industry in multiple ways.
Tyler Durden
Wed, 12/24/2025 – 14:40
https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/naval-reactors-ai-data-centers
Jueza respalda nuevo impuesto climático de Hawai para pasajeros de cruceros
Por JENNIFER SINCO KELLEHER
HONOLULU (AP) — El fallo de una jueza federal despeja el camino para que Hawai incluya a los pasajeros de cruceros en un nuevo impuesto turístico destinado a ayudar a enfrentar el cambio climático, un gravamen que entrará en vigor a principios de 2026.
La jueza Jill A. Otake negó el martes la solicitud que buscaba impedir la aplicación de la nueva ley a los cruceros.
Es el primer gravamen de este tipo en la nación para ayudar a enfrentar el calentamiento atmosférico. El gobernador de Hawai Josh Green firmó en mayo una legislación que aumenta los ingresos fiscales para abordar la erosión de las costas, incendios forestales y otros problemas climáticos. Los funcionarios estiman que el impuesto generará casi 100 millones de dólares anuales.
El gravamen aumenta las tarifas en las estancias de habitaciones de hotel y alquileres vacacionales, pero también impone un nuevo impuesto del 11% sobre las tarifas brutas pagadas por los pasajeros de cruceros, a partir del próximo año, prorrateado por el número de días que los barcos estén en los puertos de Hawai.
La Asociación Internacional de Líneas de Cruceros impugnó el impuesto en una demanda, junto con una empresa de Honolulu que proporciona suministros y provisiones a los cruceros y negocios turísticos de Kauai y la Isla Grande. Entre sus argumentos está que la nueva ley viola la Constitución al gravar a los cruceros por el privilegio de entrar en los puertos de Hawai.
Los abogados de los demandantes también argumentaron que el impuesto perjudicaría el turismo al encarecer los cruceros. La demanda señala que la ley autoriza a los condados a cobrar un recargo adicional del 3%, elevando el total al 14% de las tarifas prorrateadas.
“El turismo de cruceros genera casi 1.000 millones de dólares en impacto económico total para Hawái y apoya miles de empleos locales, y seguimos enfocados en asegurar que ese éxito continúe sobre una base legal y sostenible”, declaró Jim McCarthy, portavoz de la asociación, en un comunicado.
Según registros judiciales, los demandantes apelarán. Solicitaron a la jueza que concediera una orden judicial mientras se resuelve la apelación y pidieron un fallo para el sábado por la tarde dado que la ley entra en vigor el 1 de enero.
Hawai continuará defendiendo la ley, que requiere que los operadores de cruceros paguen su parte del impuesto sobre alojamientos transitorios para abordar las amenazas del cambio climático al estado, indicó en un comunicado la fiscal general del estado, Anne Lopez.
El gobierno federal intervino en el caso, calificando el impuesto como un “esquema para extorsionar a ciudadanos y empresas estadounidenses únicamente para beneficiar a Hawai”, en conflicto con la ley federal.
___________________________________
Esta historia fue traducida del inglés por un editor de AP con ayuda de una herramienta de inteligencia artificial generativa.
Lake County News-Sun’s Top Stories of 2025: Thousands turn out for ‘No Kings’ rallies
Barely over a month after President Donald Trump took the oath of office for his second term in the White House, more than 500 people demonstrated against his policies, particularly cost-cutting through his Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) headed by Elon Musk.
At least seven more protests were held in Lake County, culminating with more than 15,000 people opposing the actions of Trump and his administration on Oct. 22 at rallies in Gurnee, Highland Park and Buffalo Grove, making the “No Kings” and related demonstrations one of the Lake County News-Sun’s Top Stories of 2025.
For people like Fred Cross of Ingleside, the October rally was more about preserving the United States’ democracy rather than blasting the president. Nevertheless, Cross said Trump is not upholding the oath he took at his second inauguration.
“I’ve been a lawyer for 35 years, and I’ve never seen so many people (in power) who have not learned the basic principles of our Constitution,” Cross said at the time. “I’m seeing them violated every day.”
U.S. Rep. Brad Schneieder, D-Highland Park, attended many of the rallies, mostly mingling with the crowd and listening to their concerns. On occasion, he made impromptu comments when a large crowd gathered around him. He said recently he has seen the movement grow.
“I saw the energy build over the course of the year,” Schneider said. “It started with DOGE and immigration. It was one thing after another, and people’s voices grew stronger. They made their voices heard.”
More than 10,000 demonstrators including these sign-holders along Grand Avenue came to a “No Kings” Rally this year in Gurnee. (Steve Sadin/For the Lake County News-Sun)
Keith Brin, the chair of the Lake County Republican Central Committee, said in an email Tuesday that the rallies and protests accomplished little, if anything. He countered that there is no king in America, only an elected president.
“I don’t think the No Kings and related rallies had any impact,” Brin said. “It didn’t change the course of policy, and didn’t motivate the reflexive Democrat opposition to come out with any cogent solutions to real issues.”
Lauren Beth Gash, the chair of the Lake County Democratic Party, said in an email Tuesday that the protests did more than bring people together for a few hours between February and October. They were activated.
“The protests brought out people who didn’t just voice their displeasure with Trump, but who have gone on to stay engaged by writing postcards, making phone calls and knocking on doors,” Gash said. “It’s a major reason why Democrats have such momentum heading into 2026.”
Rallies like the “Workers Over Billionaires” event in Highland Park on Labor Day brought people of all ages, including Highland Park seventh grader Riley Laughlin. He said he may be young, but he is concerned about the future.
“This is about my future,” Laughlin said at the time. “It’s about our democracy and our country.”
During a “Good Trouble” rally on July 17 in Waukegan, honoring the late U.S. Rep. John Lewis, D-Georgia, Josie Perez of Park City said Trump’s immigration enforcement policies were scaring people in the Waukegan area. Some will not leave their home, she said.
“I’m here for my parents,” she said at the time. “They came here from another country searching for freedom. People shouldn’t ever have to be afraid in America, but ICE is taking people off the streets because they look brown or Hispanic.”
With groups like Act Blue and MoveOn already raising money to fund more protest rallies next year, Schneider said he has concerns about the situation when he returns to Washington to continue his work representing people in much of Lake County, as well as the 2026 election.
“I’m worried about the next few weeks,” he said. “We cannot drop our guard because Trump will continue to take advantage of it and run with his agenda. We must become increasingly disciplined and vigilant.”
Going into 2026, Brin said if Democrats want to hold more rallies criticizing the president, they can, but he does not think it “will impact the elections.” He plans to do the things he said will make a difference.
“Republicans will spend our time telling the voters about solutions to real problems, like the cost of living, taxes, and crime,” Brin said.
Gash said if Trump continues to “ignore rising costs, attack our rights and act like a ruthless wannabe king,” rallies and protests will grow next year.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/24/top-stories-of-2025-no-kings/
Of Notoriety: Faux Tony Bennett and almost Babs for NYE, as Shaggy shakes Hard Rock
Direct from Las Vegas, the incomparable Sharon Owens is back as “Babs,” joined by entertainer Steve Leeds as “Tony,” with the duo returning to the Theatre at the Center stage in Munster to pay tribute to Barbra Streisand and the late Tony Bennett for two “early” New Year’s Eve Dec. 31 concerts. Owens and Leeds tour nationally together and will be joined on stage at Theatre at the Center at The Center for Visual and Performing Arts, 1040 Ridge Road in Munster for their performance, sharing the spotlight with Chicago-based piano accompanist Chuck Larkin during the multi-media concert. The event includes nostalgic video clips and fan favorite songs to usher out 2025 as the two perform Barbra and Tony’s chart-topping hits and a few favorite holiday songs in this 2-hour, one intermission concert. The two early concert curtain options are 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., with show-only tickets priced at $60. There is also the option with either show to add on the multi-course lavish feast hosted by 10Forty Banquets and Catering for an additional $75, served under the glistening chandeliers in the ballroom across the theater lobby of The Center for Visual and Performing Arts. The New Year’s Eve dinner is served at 6 p.m. and requires reservations. Meal payments are made by calling 219-836-1930, ext. 2. The New Year’s Eve dinner menu includes assorted hot and cold Hors D’oeuvres followed by Butternut Squash Soup and then a Spring Mix Salad with Champagne Vinaigrette Dressing before the main entrée of Filet Mignon with Herb Compound Butter paired with Herbed Chicken Breast with White Zinfandel Sauce, accompanied by Fluted Duchess Potatoes, Fresh Asparagus and a dessert finale of White Chocolate Mousse Parfait with Blueberry Sauce and Fresh Berries, all toasted with a complimentary glass of champagne.
Entertainer Shaggy headlines an exclusive New Year’s Eve concert celebration at Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana on Dec. 31, 2025. (Image courtesy of Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana)
One-name wonder
Superstar Shaggy has spent the past two months helping Jamaica with relief efforts after Hurricane Melissa, including a benefit concert in New York City on Dec. 12 just weeks after he floated his way through Times Square during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade. Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana has the singer still locked in for his New Year’s Eve concert celebration starring the Grammy Award-winner Wednesday, Dec. 31, performing his top hits. Doors open at 10 p.m. Orville Richard Burrell CD, better known by his stage name Shaggy, has earned his acclaimed career as a Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist, producer and songwriter who now boasts actor credits. He has scored with hit songs like “It Wasn’t Me,” “Boombastic,” “In the Summertime,” “Oh Carolina” and “Angel.” He received two Grammy Awards for Best Reggae Album with “Boombastic” in 1996 and “44/876” with Sting in 2019, and won the Brit Award for International Male Solo Artist in 2002. He just announced he will once again share the stage with pal Sting at the New York City Metro Opera House for a string of summer concerts June 9-14. A bonus of the Hard Rock Northern Indiana ringing in the 2026 new year is rock band Lit performing a free concert on the Hard Rock Cafe stage at 11 p.m. Tickets for Shaggy are $144.35, including an open bar with cocktails, beer, wine and soft drinks. Options include hybrid seating, standing room only on the floor, and riser seating. Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is located at 5400 West 29th Ave. in Gary, directly adjacent to the I-80/94 Burr Street Interchange. For more information, call 219-228-2383 or visit www.hardrockcasinonorthernindiana.com.
Love thy Enemy
Established in 1985 on the music scene, Public Enemy quickly became a household name as an American hip-hop group formed in Roosevelt, New York by Chuck D and Flavor Flav. The group attracted media attention for their political messages, including subjects such as American racism and the American media with their debut album “Yo!” In addition to Chuck D and Flavor Flav, other members of the group have included DJ Johnny Juice, Brian Hardgroove, Jahi, S1W Pop Diesel and S1W James Bomb. Public Enemy will perform one 8 p.m. concert Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, at The Venue stage at Hammond Horseshoe Casino, 777 Casino Center Drive in Hammond. Tickets range in price from $62 to $256 and are available by calling 866-711-7463 or going to caesars.com/horseshoe-hammond/shows.
Have a ball
The city of Crown Point will again host a New Year’s Eve ball drop downtown at Clark and Main streets for a free, family-friendly outdoor celebration from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. beginning with a gathering in the courtyard square Wednesday, Dec. 31, despite any threats of rain, snow or cold. “Last year, we had a spectacular response to the first-ever ball drop in our downtown,” Crown Point Mayor Pete Land says. Festivities include a beer garden, DJ, fireworks, food vendors and a countdown. The countdown will be led by Mayor Land and surprise guests with help from Hype Productions. The city hosted the event for the first time in 2024 and worked with Herman’s Christmasland in Pierceton, Indiana, to design the huge glowing ball. Beginning at 5:30 p.m., the trolley will visit municipal parking lots around downtown to bring attendees to the event. Earlier in the day, the city will host the Kids’ New Year’s Eve Party at Bulldog Park from noon to 4 p.m. The celebration is $5 and includes a DJ, magician, face painting, admission to Bulldog Park and a countdown. Note that this party is “not a drop-off event.” Admission can be purchased day of at Bulldog Park. Magic shows require free pre-registration the day of the event. Shows will be held at 12:30 p.m., 1:15 p.m., 2 p.m., and 2:45 p.m.
Philip Potempa is a journalist, published author and radio show host on WJOB 1230 AM. He can be reached at PhilPotempa@gmail.com.
DOJ says it may need a ‘few more weeks’ to finish release of Jeffrey Epstein files
WASHINGTON — The Justice Department said Wednesday that finishing the release of all of the Jeffrey Epstein files could take a “few more weeks,” further delaying compliance with a Dec. 19 deadline set by Congress.
The department said the U.S. attorney’s office for the Southern District of New York, as well as the FBI, found more than a million more documents that could be relevant to the Epstein case. DOJ did not say in its statement when they were informed of those new files.
DOJ insisted in its statement that its lawyers are “working around the clock” to review those documents and make the redactions required under the law, passed nearly unanimously by Congress last month.
“We will release the documents as soon as possible,” the department said. “Due to the mass volume of material, this process may take a few more weeks.”
“Stupid In America” Turns 20
“Stupid In America” Turns 20
Authored by Larry Sand via American Greatness,
In January 2006, ABC’s John Stossel’s brutally honest documentary, “Stupid in America,” first aired. At the time, he referred to it as “a nasty title for a program about public education, but some nasty things are going on in America’s public schools, and it’s about time we face up to it.”
Stossel exposed the ineffectiveness of many government-run schools. But now, 20 years later, things are even worse.
Test scores from the 2024 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), released this year, show that 33% of 8th graders—a higher percentage than ever—are reading at the “below basic” level.
Additionally, only 22% of high school seniors are proficient in math, down from 24% in 2019, and 35% are proficient in reading—the lowest score since NAEP began in 1969—down from 37% in 2019. Also, a record-high percentage scored at “below basic” levels in both math and reading compared with all previous assessments.
The results of the latest NAEP U.S. history and civics tests, administered in 2022, were atrocious. The scores show that just 13% of 8th-graders met proficiency standards in U.S. history, meaning they could explain key themes, periods, events, people, ideas, and turning points in the country’s history. Additionally, about 20% of students scored at or above the proficient level in civics. Both scores are the lowest ever recorded on these two tests.
The most recent Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS), a test administered to 650,000 4th and 8th graders in 64 countries, reveals that average U.S. math scores declined sharply between 2019 and 2023, falling 18 points for 4th graders and 27 points for 8th graders. Internationally, this places the U.S. 22nd of 63 education systems for 4th-grade math and 20th of 45 education systems for 8th-grade math.
Furthermore, average U.S. math scores for 4th- and 8th-grade students reverted to 1995 levels, the first year the TIMSS assessment was administered.
Could a lack of spending be the problem?
Hardly. According to Just Facts, which researches and publishes verifiable data on the critical public policy issues of our time, the U.S. spent about $1.4 trillion on education in 2024. The bulk of the spending, $946 billion, goes to elementary and secondary education, while $277 billion is spent on higher education and $130 billion on libraries and other educational services. This total breaks down to $10,237 per household in the U.S., 4.6% of the U.S. gross domestic product, and 13% of the government’s current expenditures.
Would smaller class sizes help?
Again, no. Nationally, class size has been shrinking over time. Since 1921, the student-to-teacher ratio has fallen from 33:1 to 16:1. The subject was analyzed extensively by Hoover Institution senior fellow Eric Hanushek, who examined 277 studies on the effects of teacher-pupil ratios and class-size averages on student achievement. He found that 15% of the studies showed an improvement in achievement, 72% saw no impact, and 13% found that reducing class size had an adverse effect on achievement. While Hanushek admits that children might benefit from a small-class environment in some cases, he says there is no way “to describe a priori situations where reduced class size will be beneficial.”
If schools aren’t emphasizing the basics, what are they teaching instead?
Sex and gender nonsense, for one. The Heritage Foundation discloses that 16 states force transgender lessons on children. The organization’s “Gender Ideology as State Education Policy” report highlights the education standards and frameworks of states that encourage gender ideology, defined as “the subordination or displacement of factual, ideologically neutral lessons about biological sex with tell-tale notions such as ‘gender identity,’ ‘sex assigned at birth,’ and ‘cisgender.’”
The National Education Association, which holds enormous power over the nation’s teachers and students, plays an outsized role in sex indoctrination. At its most recent national convention in July, the NEA instructed teachers on the nuances of so-called “neopronouns and xeopronouns,” while also instructing them on ways to subvert conservative “villains” and their own “internal oppression.”
In Seattle, schools ask students as young as ten years old probing questions about gender identity, according to internal documents obtained by National Review. “The survey results are then shared with a group of third-party organizations for research purposes, including Seattle Children’s Hospital Research Institute and the local county government. Other regions of the country distribute similar surveys under various names.”
Forcing left-wing politics on students is also fashionable. A report by the Goldwater Institute, released in January, shows how politically skewed our schools are. The organization reports that about 25% of American classrooms use Marxist Howard Zinn’s work.
Zinn’s best-selling book, A People’s History of the United States, which is used in conjunction with the online “Zinn Education Project,” misinforms students and borrows from Karl Marx to present American history as a “conflict between capital and labor,” Goldwater discloses.
The question then becomes, what do we do about decaying, perverted, and far-left government-run schools?
The best scenario would be the total privatization of education, but that will never happen. Short of that, parental choice is best, which, as I noted last week, is expanding rapidly.
Today, more than 1.5 million students across 34 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico participate in 75 programs. The momentum behind school choice stems from families seeking alternatives to government-run schools.
But with about 54 million school-age children in the U.S., the vast majority still attend public schools.
For real change to happen, parents need to step up. In states without a private choice program, the best option for parents is to educate their children at home, just as they provide food, clothing, and shelter. In fact, homeschooling continued to grow across the United States during the 2024-2025 school year, with an average increase of 5.4%. This is nearly three times the pre-pandemic growth rate of about 2%.
Ronald Reagan once famously quipped, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are: ‘I’m from the Government, and I’m here to help.’” Too many children are miseducated these days, and to turn things around, we must stop looking to the government for solutions.
Being stupid in America doesn’t have to be an ongoing condition, and for the sake of our children and the country’s future, things need to change—ASAP!
Tyler Durden
Wed, 12/24/2025 – 14:15
Dolton man faces armed robbery charges in Hammond Walgreens robbery
A 33-year-old Dolton man, who police have suspected has committed multiple Walgreens robberies in Illinois, faces armed robbery charges after stealing money and cigarettes from a Walgreens in Hammond.
Marvis Boyd Jr. has been charged with armed robbery after an incident at the Walgreens, 6510 Columbia Avenue, in Hammond, at 5 a.m. Dec. 8, according to court records.
As Hammond police investigated the case, a Walgreens loss prevention employee contacted the department to share that Boyd was believed to have committed robberies in Walgreens’ stores in Chicago. Further investigation found that Boyd was the suspect of Walgreens robberies in Hickory Hills, Orland Park, Thornton and Homewood, according to court records.
In the Hammond case, a store employee told police that Boyd, wearing a ski mask and holding a knife, walked behind the counter, opened the register and took $100. The employee also saw Boyd take 14 packs of Newport 100 cigarettes, according to court records.
The employee said Boyd pointed the knife, a thin blade with a brown handle, in the employee’s direction, according to court records.
Surveillance footage captured Boyd walking from the Walgreens to the nearby Aldi parking lot where he got into a Ford Bronco, with an Illinois license plate, and drove off, according to court records.
Boyd dropped a cigarette package as he left the store, and police were able to pull fingerprints from the package and confirmed the prints were Boyd’s, according to court records.
When police reviewed footage from the Hammond Walgreens from Oct. 27 at 1:30 a.m., they discovered that Boyd was a suspect in a robbery reported from that day as well.
The store manager told police that Boyd walked around the store for about an hour putting items into a shopping cart. At one point, the manager talked to Boyd to help him find a product, according to court records.
Boyd left the store with the shopping cart full of items without paying and started loading them into a SUV, according to court records.
The manager went outside after Boyd and told him she would note his license plate number. Boyd then grabbed her and said, “Get back in the store or I’ll kill you,” according to court records.
At that moment, a police car drove by and the manager was able to flag the officer down, which is when Boyd ran away from the scene, according to court records.
Hammond police stated that video surveillance from Dec. 8 and Oct. 27 confirms Boyd was involved in both incidents.
Boyd’s bail has been set at $50,000, according to court records.
akukulka@post-trib.com
Elgin News Digest: Lakewood student wins Carpentersville fire poster contest; Feast of the Three Kings to be held Jan. 3 at Elgin library
Lakewood student wins Carpentersville fire poster contest
Ruth Rodriguez, a fourth-grader at Lakewood Elementary School, had her artwork selected as this year’s Carpentersville fire prevention poster contest winner.
The theme was “Charge into Fire Safety: Lithium-Ion Batteries in Your Home,” according to a village newsletter. Ruth’s poster included a warning not to charge a cell phone under a bed or a pillow.
To celebrate her achievement, the Carpentersville Fire Department invited Ruth and her family to a behind-the-scenes fire station tour, dinner with firefighters and a fire truck ride. She was also honored with a trophy at the Dec. 2 meeting of the Carpentersville Village Board.
Rosca de reyes, also known as three kings cake, will be served at the Mexican Organization of Elgin’s Feast of the Three Kings event Jan. 3 at the Gail Borden Public Library in downtown Elgin. (Seanlockephotography – Dreamstime.com)
Feast of the Three Kings to be held Jan. 3 at Elgin library
The Mexican Organization of Elgin is holding a Feast of the Three Kings event from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin.
Attendees will be introduced Gaspar, Melchor and Balthazar — the three kings of biblical lore — and can take photos with them in addition to tasting a traditional rosca de reyes, or three kings cake, according to the library’s website. A toy baby Jesus is hidden inside.
The day will also feature stories, crafts and other activities.
No registration is required. For more information, go to attend.gailborden.info/event/13146317.
South Elgin selling used computers through online auction
South Elgin is liquidating its used computer equipment through an online auction that runs through 9:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5.
The items are available to view at the South Elgin Police Department, 50 S. Water St., by calling community service officer Jen Miklitsch or police assistant Judy Melvin at 847-741-2151.
Viewing hours are from 7:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m Monday to Friday. No items can be reserved. There will be a 13% buyer’s fee and sales tax charged on winning bids.
Available equipment includes an Apple iPad Pro; Microsoft Surface tablet; Getac S410 semi-rugged laptops; Brother TN-350 toner; Dell Optiplex desktop computers; and other various laptops and printers.
ECC collects 34,000 donations during Feed the Need drive
Elgin Community College collected more than 34,000 donations for the 2025 Feed the Need Food Drive, nearly doubling the college’s total from last year.
The drive, which ran from Oct. 15 through Dec. 1, gathered nonperishable food items for the college’s student-run Spartan Food Pantry, ensuring students and local families have access to meals, according to a news release.
The statewide initiative is organized by the Illinois Community College Board. In 2024, ECC collected 17,917 items.
“At ECC, we recognize that students can’t thrive academically if their basic needs aren’t met,” Amybeth Maurer, assistant dean of student experience and engagement, said in the release.
“Feed The Need is a powerful reminder that when we come together as a campus and community, we can make a meaningful difference for students and families facing food insecurity. Every donation, big or small, helps fuel student success.”
The Kane County Health Department is encouraging people to carry naloxone with them should they need to intervene in a possible opioid overdose. (Ismael M. Belkoura/Medill Illinois News Bureau)
Health department says carry naloxone during the holidays
Because the holidays can be a particularly vulnerable time for those struggling with substance use, the Kane County Health Department is encouraging people to carry naloxone with them should they need to intervene in a possible opioid overdose situation.
Naloxone is an easy-to-use nasal spray that reverses the effects of an overdose, according to a news release.
To promote awareness and reduce stigma, the health department has released a video featuring staff from across the department sharing why they carry naloxone and why others to do the same. To view the video, go to youtube.com/shorts/LZQ-3mbtMnE?feature=share.
Free naloxone is available at more than 100 places in Kane County. For more information about naloxone, free pickup sites and local care related to substance abuse, go to overdoseinfo.org.
South Elgin police provide holiday gifts for 31 children
Members of the South Elgin Police Department took 31 children and their families shopping at a local Target store Dec. 6 as part of their Heroes & Helpers program.
Each child received a $100 Target gift card to purchase gifts for family members and themselves, according to a social media post. Families also received a stocking filled with gift cards and coupons provided by The Village Squire Restaurants, Dairy Queen South Elgin, Giordano’s Pizza, Culver’s, Randall’s Pancake House & Restaurant, Jewel-Osco, The Home Depot, Sweetness Cookie Company and the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Donors who made the event possible included Christ Community Church, Boys & Girls Clubs of North Central Illinois and the Independent Order of OddFellows Lodge #12.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/24/elgin-three-kings-fire-poster-ecc/
Pat Finn, Evanston-born actor from ‘The Middle’ and ‘Seinfeld,’ dies
Actor and comedian Pat Finn, who appeared in sitcoms like “The Middle,” “Seinfeld” and “Friends,” has died after a years-long battle with cancer, his family said. He was 60 years old.
Finn was surrounded by loved ones when he died at his home in Los Angeles Tuesday morning, TMZ reported, citing family sources. They would not say from what type of cancer Finn suffered, but it was previously reported he’d been diagnosed with bladder cancer several years ago.
Born in Evanston in July 1965, Finn grew up in the Chicago area, where he first found his love for acting and performing. After graduating from Marquette University, he joined Chicago’s famed Second City comedy troupe, which also at the time included Chris Farley. He went on to nab guest appearances on television shows including as Joe Mayo on “Seinfeld.” He also appeared as Dan Coleman on “The George Wendt Show” and Phil Jr. on “Murphy Brown.”
Finn is perhaps best known for his work on “The Middle,” which ran on ABC for nine seasons. He played Bill Norwood for 23 episodes.
His death prompted an outpouring of tributes online from co-stars and friends, including comedian Jeff Dye, who remembered Finn for his “PERFECT sense of humor.”
“I love you Pat Finn and I’ll see again in the after”, Dye wrote on X. “We can sing together and shake our heads about all the meanness in the used to be.”
Finn is survived by his wife, who he married in 1991, and their two children.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/12/24/pat-finn-dead-the-middle-seinfeld/
