Today News

Category: Uncategorized

  • Two Charged in Chicago Crime Spree That Left Two Dead Across North and South Sides

    Two Charged in Chicago Crime Spree That Left Two Dead Across North and South Sides

    Two people have been charged in connection with a violent crime spree that stretched from Chicago’s North Side to the South Side and left two men dead in the early morning hours of Feb. 11, 2026, police announced.

    Marquese Hill, 18, faces multiple felony charges, including two counts of first-degree murder. A 17-year-old male juvenile has also been charged with two counts of first-degree murder along with several additional felony offenses. Authorities said the charges stem from a series of shootings and vehicular hijackings that occurred over roughly 90 minutes.

    According to police, Hill is charged with:

    • Two counts of first-degree murder
    • Three counts of aggravated vehicular hijacking with a weapon
    • Two counts of aggravated vehicular hijacking with a firearm
    • Two counts of aggravated vehicular hijacking of a handicapped person
    • One count of attempted aggravated vehicular hijacking with a weapon
    • One count of aggravated battery of a police officer
    • Two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle

    The 17-year-old is charged with:

    • Two counts of first-degree murder
    • Three counts of aggravated vehicular hijacking with a weapon
    • One count of attempted aggravated vehicular hijacking with a weapon
    • Two counts of aggravated discharge of a firearm at an occupied vehicle

    Timeline of the Crime Spree

    Police said the violence began at approximately 3:56 a.m. in the 700 block of West Waveland Avenue in the Lakeview neighborhood. A 22-year-old man was sitting in the passenger seat of a Hyundai Sonata when two offenders approached. One of them allegedly produced a handgun and shot the 22-year-old, killing him. A 38-year-old man in the driver’s seat was punched in the face before the offenders drove away in the stolen vehicle.

    Roughly 40 minutes later, at about 4:44 a.m., the suspects drove the stolen Hyundai to the 3700 block of South Lake Park Avenue in the Oakland neighborhood. Police said the offenders approached a 45-year-old man seated in his vehicle and shot him to death. The suspects then took the victim’s Nissan Altima and drove to a gas station in the 4200 block of South Wentworth Avenue in Fuller Park.

    At the gas station, investigators said the offenders attempted to carjack a 70-year-old man at gunpoint. The victim was ordered out of his vehicle, but the suspects were unable to drive away because the man managed to flee with his keys.

    The suspects then left in the stolen Nissan and drove to the 8600 block of South Lafayette Avenue in West Chatham. At approximately 5:11 a.m., they allegedly approached a 38-year-old man sitting in a Chevy Malibu in traffic, forced him out at gunpoint, and fled in that vehicle.

    Investigation and Arrests

    Chicago police said detectives immediately began reviewing surveillance video and interviewing surviving victims. Ballistics evidence was processed by the Crime Gun Intelligence Center, a partnership between the ATF Chicago Field Division and the Chicago Police Department, which linked the firearm evidence across the scenes.

    Investigators also secured digital forensic evidence that allegedly placed the suspects at each crime location. Police credited community members with assisting the investigation by providing private video footage and witness statements.

    Hill was arrested Feb. 19, 2026, by the Citywide Robbery Task Force. During his arrest, police said Hill — who was on crutches — struck a Chicago police officer with the crutches, leading to the aggravated battery charge. Authorities said Hill also faces additional charges connected to a vehicular hijacking on Jan. 10, 2026, in the 7500 block of North Claremont Avenue in West Rogers Park.

    Later that afternoon, the 17-year-old suspect was arrested by Chicago police and members of the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force.

    Police said multiple units across the department, along with federal and state partners, worked to quickly identify and apprehend the suspects. The investigation remains ongoing.

  • Ed Riggin,Onwer of Edward “Chicken Ed” Riggin has passed away At 92

    Ed Riggin,Onwer of Edward “Chicken Ed” Riggin has passed away At 92

    The heart of Dewey Beach has lost a founding pulse. Edward “Chicken Ed” Riggin, a true local legend, has passed away at the age of 92. His story is woven into the very fabric of the town, beginning before Dewey was officially incorporated.

    Ed opened Ed’s Bar-B-Q Chicken on the corner of Highway 1 and Swedes Street, ocean side, serving hungry beachgoers from a simple shack. With a larger-than-life personality to match his ambitions, he grew the spot into the beloved institution Ed’s Chicken and Crabs. For 38 summers, the aroma of his famous fare was a quintessential Dewey experience, and “Chicken Ed” himself was a commanding, beloved presence behind the counter.

    Ed Riggin,Onwer of Edward “Chicken Ed” Riggin has passed away At 92

     

    Working at Ed’s became a rite of passage for generations of local teens, a summer job that came with lessons in hard work, community, and Ed’s unique brand of charm. The business was more than a restaurant; it was a landmark.

    Tragically, its physical presence came to a sudden, fiery end in August 2016 when a drunk driver lost control and destroyed the iconic shack. While the building was gone, Ed’s legacy and the memories of countless visitors and employees remained untouchable.

    Ed Riggin’s passing marks the end of an era. He embodied the spirit of old Dewey—entrepreneurial, colorful, and deeply connected to the community he helped build. The stories of Chicken Ed, his legendary crabs, and his enduring shack will be told for generations. He will be profoundly missed, but his legend is permanently etched in the salt air and sand of the beach he called home.

  • John Bertalot,Organist Emeritus Of Blackburn Cathedral Dies At 94

    John Bertalot,Organist Emeritus Of Blackburn Cathedral Dies At 94

    The world of choral music has lost a luminous figure with the passing of Dr. John Bertalot on February 21, 2026. As Organist Emeritus of Blackburn Cathedral, his legacy is one of transformative artistry, profound pedagogy, and enduring personal grace.

    Born in Maidstone in 1931, Bertalot’s career was defined by two monumental chapters. From 1964 to 1982, as Director of Music at Blackburn Cathedral, he sculpted its choir into an ensemble of national and international renown. His vision was holistic; his pivotal role in the 1969 organ installation fundamentally reshaped the cathedral’s musical landscape. In 1982, he crossed the Atlantic, bringing his exacting standards and warm humanity to Trinity Episcopal Church in Princeton, New Jersey.

    It was there, from 1987 to 1997, that I knew him not just as a maestro, but as a choir director, colleague, mentor, and friend. Serving as a staff singer and choral librarian at Trinity, I witnessed firsthand the magic of his leadership. He demanded precision, yet his rehearsals were infused with wit and encouragement. He could unlock a choir’s potential with a flick of his wrist and a knowing smile, teaching us to hear as he heard.

    Beyond the console, his influence spread through his seminal books on choral conducting and sight-singing, essential manuals that have guided generations. Upon returning to England, his appointment as Organist Emeritus in 1998 was a fitting tribute.

    John Bertalot was a bridge—between England and America, between cathedral tradition and vibrant parish ministry, and between professional excellence and heartfelt mentorship. He built not only distinguished choirs but also lasting confidence in those who sang for him. For those of us fortunate to have been in his orbit, the memory of his music is forever intertwined with the gift of his friendship.

  • David Rose,US Marine Afghanistan War Vet and DeKalb County Mourns Loss of Officer David Rose: Post author:SolemnHonor Post published:February 21, 2026 Post category:SolemnHonor Post comments:0 Comments facebook sharing button Sharetwitter sharing button Tweetpinterest sharing button Pinemail sharing button Emailsharethis sharing button Share David Rose,US Marine Afghanistan War Vet and DeKalb County Mourns Loss of Officer David Rose The DeKalb County community is cloaked in grief following the line-of-duty death of Police Officer David Rose, a man whose entire adult life was a testament to service. Officer Rose was killed on Friday, August 8, 2025, while courageously responding to a call involving a reported gunman. His commitment to protecting others was forged long before he wore the badge. Officer Rose first answered the call as a United States Marine, serving four years with honor, including a deployment to the battlefields of Afghanistan. He transitioned seamlessly from defending his nation to safeguarding his community, bringing the same dedication and courage to the streets of DeKalb County. His tragic passing leaves a profound void. Officer Rose is survived by his heartbroken wife, their two young children, and a third child expected later this year. He also leaves behind his parents, siblings, extended family, and a police department that revered him as a brother. The loss reverberates through two families: his biological one and his blue one. Officer David Rose’s story is one of unwavering bravery, a double sacrifice that began in the mountains of Afghanistan and ended on a DeKalb County street. He is remembered not just for how he died, but for how he lived—a warrior, a guardian, and a hero taken far too soon.

    David Rose,US Marine Afghanistan War Vet and DeKalb County Mourns Loss of Officer David Rose: Post author:SolemnHonor Post published:February 21, 2026 Post category:SolemnHonor Post comments:0 Comments facebook sharing button Sharetwitter sharing button Tweetpinterest sharing button Pinemail sharing button Emailsharethis sharing button Share David Rose,US Marine Afghanistan War Vet and DeKalb County Mourns Loss of Officer David Rose The DeKalb County community is cloaked in grief following the line-of-duty death of Police Officer David Rose, a man whose entire adult life was a testament to service. Officer Rose was killed on Friday, August 8, 2025, while courageously responding to a call involving a reported gunman. His commitment to protecting others was forged long before he wore the badge. Officer Rose first answered the call as a United States Marine, serving four years with honor, including a deployment to the battlefields of Afghanistan. He transitioned seamlessly from defending his nation to safeguarding his community, bringing the same dedication and courage to the streets of DeKalb County. His tragic passing leaves a profound void. Officer Rose is survived by his heartbroken wife, their two young children, and a third child expected later this year. He also leaves behind his parents, siblings, extended family, and a police department that revered him as a brother. The loss reverberates through two families: his biological one and his blue one. Officer David Rose’s story is one of unwavering bravery, a double sacrifice that began in the mountains of Afghanistan and ended on a DeKalb County street. He is remembered not just for how he died, but for how he lived—a warrior, a guardian, and a hero taken far too soon.

    The DeKalb County community is cloaked in grief following the line-of-duty death of Police Officer David Rose, a man whose entire adult life was a testament to service. Officer Rose was killed on Friday, August 8, 2025, while courageously responding to a call involving a reported gunman.

    His commitment to protecting others was forged long before he wore the badge. Officer Rose first answered the call as a United States Marine, serving four years with honor, including a deployment to the battlefields of Afghanistan. He transitioned seamlessly from defending his nation to safeguarding his community, bringing the same dedication and courage to the streets of DeKalb County.

    His tragic passing leaves a profound void. Officer Rose is survived by his heartbroken wife, their two young children, and a third child expected later this year. He also leaves behind his parents, siblings, extended family, and a police department that revered him as a brother.

    The loss reverberates through two families: his biological one and his blue one. Officer David Rose’s story is one of unwavering bravery, a double sacrifice that began in the mountains of Afghanistan and ended on a DeKalb County street. He is remembered not just for how he died, but for how he lived—a warrior, a guardian, and a hero taken far too soon.

  • Parker Evans Frazeysburg, Ohio Obituary – Cause of Death: Thomas Sumter Academy Mourns the Loss of Parker Kenneth Evans

    Parker Evans Frazeysburg, Ohio Obituary – Cause of Death: Thomas Sumter Academy Mourns the Loss of Parker Kenneth Evans

    The Thomas Sumter Academy community is enveloped in profound sorrow following the passing of one of its own, Parker Kenneth Evans. The announcement from the school speaks to a heartache felt across “The Hill,” as students, faculty, and alumni remember a young man whose spirit became an indelible part of the TSA family.

    Parker’s journey, from his birth on July 17, 2010, to his peaceful passing on the evening of February 19, was marked by a courage that deeply inspired all who knew him. The school’s message honors his “incredible strength and faith” during a courageous battle, a testament to a character that belied his years. In his final moments, at 6:41 PM, it was noted that “in true Parker fashion, he put up a fight until the very end.”

    This resilience is beautifully encapsulated in the scripture chosen to commemorate his life: 2 Timothy 4:7-8. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness…” These words stand not as a mere epitaph, but as a powerful affirmation of the way Parker lived and the profound impact he made on his community.

    Thomas Sumter Academy expresses immeasurable gratitude for the time Parker spent on its campus and the legacy he leaves behind—a legacy of love, fortitude, and faith that will continue to inspire. The focus now turns to surrounding the Evans family with unwavering support. The school community lifts them in prayer, extending heartfelt condolences and hoping they feel “God’s peace, comfort, and the support of our entire TSA community in the days ahead.”

    In mourning Parker Evans, TSA does not just reflect on a loss, but celebrates a life that, though brief, was fiercely lived and deeply loved. His memory will forever remain a part of the fabric of the academy, a quiet and enduring inspiration on The Hill.

  • Richard Adkinson Obituary: In Loving Memory Of Man Killed as He Walked Along Geneva County Highway

    Richard Adkinson Obituary: In Loving Memory Of Man Killed as He Walked Along Geneva County Highway

    HARTFORD, Ala. — A Hartford man died after being struck by a vehicle while walking along a Geneva County highway in the early hours of the morning.

    The victim has been identified by County Coroner Donny Adkinson as 54-year-old Richard Williams Jr. Adkinson pronounced Williams dead at the scene on Alabama Highway 52 in Hartford. The tragic incident occurred at approximately 12:30 a.m.

    According to the coroner’s statement, the local police department received a call from an eyewitness just prior to the accident. The caller reported observing a man walking on the roadway. Moments later, Williams was struck by a vehicle.

    The details surrounding why Williams was walking on the highway at that hour are not yet clear. The investigation into the exact circumstances of the collision is ongoing, with several law enforcement agencies involved in piecing together the events that led to the fatal accident.

    The community mourns the loss of Richard Williams Jr. as authorities continue their work to determine the full sequence of events. No further information about the driver or potential charges has been released at this time.

  • David Savidan, Accident Auckland Death, Obituary: In Loving Memory Of  David Savidan

    David Savidan, Accident Auckland Death, Obituary: In Loving Memory Of  David Savidan

    The Auckland community is in a state of shock and mourning following the tragic death of David Savidan, who passed away after a recent accident. News of his sudden passing has sent waves of grief through his family, friends, and all who knew him.

    While specific details surrounding the accident are being respected for the privacy of the family at this difficult time, the loss is profoundly felt. David is remembered as a cherished individual, whose presence touched the lives of many. He was known as a beloved family member, a loyal friend, and a valued member of the community. His absence leaves a void that cannot be filled, and he will be deeply missed.

    In the wake of this heartbreaking news, the family is currently making arrangements to honour David’s life. They have requested privacy as they navigate this initial period of immense grief.

    Visitations & Funeral Arrangements will be announced at a later time.

    The family intends to share details for a service to celebrate David’s life once they have had the opportunity to make the necessary preparations. This will allow friends, colleagues, and community members to come together to pay their respects, share memories, and offer support to one another.

    During this sorrowful time, thoughts and condolences are extended to David Savidan’s entire family. May they find strength in the love and support surrounding them, and may David’s memory be a lasting blessing.

  • Crystal Clementi Leominster, MA Obituary: In Loving Memory Of Crystal Clementi, Woman Killed In Fatal Route 9 Crash

    Crystal Clementi Leominster, MA Obituary: In Loving Memory Of Crystal Clementi, Woman Killed In Fatal Route 9 Crash

    A community is mourning the loss of Crystal Clementi, a 37-year-old woman from Leominster, who was killed in a devastating two-vehicle crash on Route 9 early Friday morning.

    The collision occurred at approximately 2:51 a.m. on Turnpike Road (Route 9 East) near the Southborough-Framingham line. Southborough police and fire departments rushed to the scene after multiple 911 calls reported a serious incident. Preliminary investigation, including surveillance video, indicates one vehicle was traveling the wrong way in eastbound lanes prior to the crash.

    Clementi was pronounced dead at the scene. The other driver, a 23-year-old woman from Bolton, was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The crash forced the closure of Route 9 East for several hours for investigation and cleanup.

    While the official investigation into the cause of the wrong-way travel remains active, the tragedy has irrevocably cut short a life. Crystal Clementi’s death leaves a void in the hearts of her family, friends, and the Leominster community. She is remembered not as a statistic, but as a beloved individual whose absence will be deeply felt.

    As authorities continue their work to understand the precise circumstances of the crash, those who knew Crystal are left to cherish her memory and grieve a future taken far too soon.

  • Brittani Flanders Obituary San Antonio: In loving memory of woman killed in motorcycle accident near Culebra Road and Tezel Road

    Brittani Flanders Obituary San Antonio: In loving memory of woman killed in motorcycle accident near Culebra Road and Tezel Road

    The San Antonio community is mourning the tragic loss of Brittani Flanders, 29, who died early Thursday morning following a motorcycle incident near Culebra Road and Tezel Road.

    According to the San Antonio Police Department, the incident occurred at approximately 12:15 a.m. Authorities say Flanders was riding as a passenger on a motorcycle when she fell from the vehicle. Police reported that the driver left the scene following the incident.

    Emergency responders arrived quickly, but despite efforts, Flanders succumbed to her injuries. Her sudden passing has left family, friends, and loved ones devastated, struggling to comprehend a loss that came without warning.

    Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash and are actively seeking the driver involved. Officials have not yet released additional details about what led to the fall or events immediately preceding it.

    Beyond the headlines and police reports, Brittani Flanders is remembered by those who knew her as a vibrant and caring woman whose presence brought warmth to every room. At 29, she was in the prime of her life, with dreams, plans, and a future that now remains heartbreakingly unfinished.

    Friends describe Brittani as someone with a generous spirit and an infectious smile. She had a way of connecting with people effortlessly — whether through laughter, conversation, or quiet support during difficult times. Her loyalty to those she loved was unwavering, and she treasured the relationships she built over the years.

    Family members recall her as compassionate and full of life, someone who embraced new experiences and valued time spent with the people who mattered most. Her passing has created an immeasurable void, one that words can scarcely fill.

    As the investigation continues, loved ones are focused on honoring Brittani’s life and keeping her memory alive. Vigils and gatherings are expected as the community comes together to grieve and offer support to her family.

    Authorities urge anyone with information about the incident or the identity of the driver to contact the San Antonio Police Department. The case remains under active investigation.

    In the midst of tragedy, Brittani Flanders will be remembered not for the circumstances of her death, but for the light she brought into the lives of others. Her laughter, kindness, and love will endure in the hearts of those who knew her.

    Forever remembered. Forever missed. Forever loved.

  • Madelyn Eitas Obituary Rochester, Massachusetts: In loving memory of 11-year-old girl killed following avalanche at Utah ski resort

    Madelyn Eitas Obituary Rochester, Massachusetts: In loving memory of 11-year-old girl killed following avalanche at Utah ski resort

    The close-knit community of Rochester, Massachusetts, is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 11-year-old Madelyn Eitas, who tragically died following an avalanche while visiting a ski resort in Utah.

    Madelyn was on vacation with family at the time of the incident, a trip meant to be filled with adventure, laughter, and cherished memories. Instead, the unimaginable occurred, leaving her loved ones devastated and an entire community grieving the loss of a bright and beautiful young life taken far too soon.

    Details surrounding the avalanche indicate that it occurred at a Utah ski resort during Madelyn’s family visit. Despite emergency response efforts, she succumbed to her injuries. Authorities have not released extensive details, but the tragic event has drawn widespread sympathy from both local residents in Massachusetts and those in the Utah resort community.

    Madelyn Eitas was described by those who knew her as kind-hearted, energetic, and full of curiosity. At just 11 years old, she carried a vibrant spirit that made an impression on everyone she met. Friends and classmates remember her bright smile and the way she brought joy into classrooms, playgrounds, and family gatherings alike.

    Teachers recall her as a thoughtful student with a love for learning and a gentle nature. She had a way of including others and offering kindness without hesitation. Whether participating in school activities or spending time with friends, Madelyn embraced life with enthusiasm well beyond her years.

    For her family, Madelyn was a cherished daughter, granddaughter, and relative whose presence filled their home with warmth. The vacation to Utah was meant to be a special time together, and those closest to her say she was excited to experience the mountains and snow.

    The Rochester community has rallied around the Eitas family, offering prayers, condolences, and messages of support. In moments of tragedy, small towns often draw closer, and neighbors, school officials, and friends have come together to honor Madelyn’s memory and provide comfort to her loved ones.

    Avalanches, though rare in many recreational areas, can develop quickly and unpredictably. The incident serves as a sobering reminder of the power of nature and the importance of safety awareness in mountainous regions. However, for Madelyn’s family and friends, the focus remains on celebrating the life she lived rather than the circumstances of her passing.

    As tributes continue to pour in, many describe Madelyn as a light — bright, joyful, and impossible to forget. Her life, though brief, touched countless hearts.

    Funeral arrangements and memorial details are expected to be announced by the family. In the meantime, the community continues to lift them up in thought and prayer during this profoundly difficult time.

    Madelyn Eitas will be remembered for her sweetness, her laughter, and the love she shared so freely. Though she was taken too soon, her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved her.