Home Blog Page 2090

Chicago Weather Update: Anticipating Increased Rain and Possible Severe Storms Wednesday Following Wind Damage in Elgin | Radar Insights

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Chicago Weather Update: Anticipating Increased Rain and Possible Severe Storms Wednesday Following Wind Damage in Elgin | Radar Insights

Chicago is bracing for another round of rain and storms on Wednesday, as forecasted by meteorologists. The day will start with some dry periods, but residents should prepare for potential severe weather later on.

As the afternoon unfolds, temperatures will rise, offering a brief respite before the storm clouds gather once more. ABC7 AccuWeather meteorologist Tracy Butler warns that the evening could see waves of storms, some of which may turn severe. The primary concerns with these storms are strong winds, hail, and the possibility of flooding.

The Storm Prediction Center has placed the entire Chicago region under a Level 2 risk for severe weather, indicating a heightened potential for hazardous conditions.

In response to these forecasts, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District has extended an Overflow Action Alert for the day, urging residents to remain vigilant and prepared for any weather-related disruptions.

The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District has continued an Overflow Action Alert for Wednesday.

Downpours and isolated storms continued Wednesday morning, after strong storms blew through the area Tuesday.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

People in Elgin are cleaning up from the storms.

People in Elgin are cleaning up from the storms as a large tree crushed cars on a quiet suburban street.

The family who lives there said they just moved in less than a year ago.

They said they heard a loud boom Tuesday night when the storms came through. They came outside to see a massive tree in their front yard uprooted.

It fell right on top of two of their vehicles parked out on the street and took power lines down with it.

“This was a big surprise to come around the corner and boom here’s a very, very large old pine laying in the middle of the street that took off a part of the tree across the street,” neighbor Gary Kunold said.

Safety crews have Chicago Street blocked off between Worth and Commonwealth avenues.

“This is unbelievable,” neighbor Angel Rodriguez said. “In Elgin, you don’t see the wind doing this much damage; so it’s unbelievable.”

“The wind really picked up,” neighbor Norm Ball said. “It was like microbursts of wind, and then we started looking out the window. And we could see there was a tree down.”

Ball cleared tree limbs from the sidewalk, grateful the tree narrowly missed his home.

“I feel sorry for these guys,” Ball said.

Record rainfall was recorded at O’Hare Tuesday, making it the rainiest day in April – since 2013.

“We get these periods where we get a lot of rain, and we’re in a cycle where we’re getting again and again, again for a while here,” Kunold said.

Kunold, who’s lived there for 40 years says, said it’s an older neighborhood. So sometimes they’re affected more heavily by storms.

“Lots of these homes are somewhere between 75 and 100 years old,” Kunold said. “And trees have been here for decades and decades and decades. You’ve got big old trees. And whenever we get big storms, this whole area it’s not uncommon that we get a lot of limbs down and sometimes whole trees.”

“At least nobody got hurt, that’s the important thing,” Rodriguez said.

ComEd crews were seen working in the area and neighbors said power has been restored.

Tornadoes and baseball-sized hail tore through parts of Wisconsin and Iowa on Tuesday evening, leaving behind damaged buildings and at least one home destroyed.

Cook County Radar DuPage County Radar Will County Radar Lake County Radar (IL) Kane County Radar Northwest Indiana Radar


Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Mother Tragically Shot Following Question to Teenage Son

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Mother Tragically Shot Following Question to Teenage Son

Background: The home in Cheyenne, Wyo., where Theresa McIntosh was allegedly shot by her son Havoc Leone on March 7 (Google Maps). Inset: Theresa McIntosh (Facebook).

A Wyoming teenager stands accused of murdering his mother, reportedly driven by a history of verbal insults culminating in being called a derogatory term.

Fourteen-year-old Havoc Leone entered a plea of not guilty to first-degree murder charges in Laramie County District Court on Monday. Leone is alleged to have shot his mother, 41-year-old Theresa McIntosh, at their Cheyenne home on March 7. The incident reportedly stemmed from an argument over a supposedly stolen tablet, after which Leone allegedly retrieved a firearm from his closet and fatally shot his mother.

In court, Leone’s defense team argued that the teenager had been subjected to years of derogatory remarks from his mother, reaching a critical point when she questioned if he was “r—ed.”

According to courtroom coverage by Wyoming’s Cowboy State Daily, a defense attorney recounted how, upon his mother’s inquiry, Leone responded, “Yes, Mom,” before allegedly shooting her in the head with her own Taurus 9 mm handgun.

Law&Crime detailed that the altercation involved McIntosh, her common-law husband, and Leone, centered around accusations of a stolen tablet from McIntosh’s work client. When McIntosh asked for the tablet’s password, Leone reportedly went to his room to retrieve a notebook with the information. It was during this time, he allegedly took a gun he had been accused of stealing from his mother’s car the previous week.

According to court documents, Leone threw the notebook at his mother, who was doing a puzzle on the floor of the bedroom. While she was facing away from her son, he allegedly fired the fatal shot.

During Leone’s arraignment, his defense lawyers argued that McIntosh had allegedly verbally abused her son “his whole childhood,” often calling him “r—ed” and allegedly slapping him and pulling his hair. Leone’s defense attorneys claimed McIntosh was “mentally ill.”

Prosecutors painted a different picture, telling the court that Leone had been planning to kill his mother for a long time, according to interviews with detectives. He allegedly stole his mother’s 9 mm handgun after he and his parents argued over his unsatisfactory grades a week prior to the alleged shooting. On the day of the alleged shooting, McIntosh reportedly also called her son a “thief” for stealing the tablet. Assistant District Attorney Kelly Strickland said, “Right before pulling the trigger on the gun, Theresa yelled at him again if he was ‘r—ed.’ He said, ‘Yes, Mom,’ and pulled the trigger.”

A judge denied the defense’s request to reduce Leone’s bail. The teenager, who is being charged as an adult with first-degree murder, will remain in custody on $500,000 bond. His trial was scheduled for Aug. 10.

Revitalize Leg Strength After 60 with These 5 Effective Chair Exercises

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Revitalize Leg Strength After 60 with These 5 Effective Chair Exercises

Having strong legs is crucial for maintaining an active lifestyle, especially as you age.

Leg strength isn’t just important for athletes or fitness enthusiasts—it’s vital for anyone who enjoys an independent and active life. If you’ve ever felt heaviness or fatigue in your legs without recent exercise or struggled to rise from a chair or walk for extended periods, it might indicate that your leg muscles are weak.

Building and preserving strong, healthy legs is important, and it’s never too late to start. With the right exercises, you can achieve this goal. We consulted with Karen Ann Canham, CEO and founder of Karen Ann Wellness, who is a Board-Certified Wellness Coach and Nervous System Specialist with nearly 20 years in the wellness industry. She shared five chair exercises that can help rebuild leg strength more effectively than gym machines for those over 60. Whether you prefer walking or running, let’s grab a chair and get started!

“Chair-based exercises offer a stable, controlled environment, making them perfect for older adults aiming to safely build strength,” Canham explains. “For many seniors over 60, maintaining consistency and focusing on proper form can yield better results than sporadic, heavy machine workouts. The exercises outlined below build leg strength in a safe, accessible, and functional manner, empowering older adults to move with greater confidence, maintain their independence, and reduce the risk of falls over time.”

“Chair-based exercises provide a stable, controlled environment, which is ideal for older adults building strength safely,” Canham tells us. “For many adults over 60, consistency and proper form lead to better outcomes than heavier, machine-based training done inconsistently. These exercises [below] build leg muscle in a safe, accessible, and functional way, helping older adults move more confidently, maintain independence, and reduce fall risk over time.”

Sit-to-Stands

  1. Begin seated at the front of a sturdy chair, feet under your knees.
  2. Lean forward just a bit.
  3. Try to stand up without using your knees, hands, or additional support.
  4. Use control to slowly sit back down.
  5. Perform 2 to 3 sets of 8 to 12 reps.

Seated March

  1. Begin seated with your feet placed hip-width apart on the floor.
  2. Lift your left knee up to hip height.
  3. Lower.
  4. Then, lift your right knee up to hip level.
  5. Lower.
  6. Maintain solid posture as you continue to “march.”
  7. Perform 2 to 3 sets of 20 alternating marches.

Seated Leg Extensions

  1. Begin sitting tall with your back supported against the chair.
  2. Place your feet flat on the floor.
  3. Hold the sides of the chair for added stability.
  4. Lift your legs in front of you until your knees are completely extended. For max quad engagement, keep your toes flexed toward your shins the entire time.
  5. To increase the challenge, hold a dumbbell between your feet.
  6. Perform 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps on each leg.

Seated Heel Raises

  1. Sit tall in the chair with your feet flat on the ground and knees bent to 90 degrees.
  2. Hold onto the sides of the chair for support.
  3. Lift both heels off the ground, rising onto the balls of your feet. Go as high as possible—picturing reaching the sky with your toes.
  4. Hold at the top for 2 seconds.
  5. Lower your heels back to the start position.
  6. Perform 2 to 3 sets of 12 to 15 reps.

Seated Banded Hamstring Curls

  1. Begin sitting tall on a sturdy chair or workout bench with your feet flat on the ground and your knees bent to 90 degrees.
  2. Position a resistance band securely around one ankle and anchor the other end to a sturdy pole or heavy object ahead of you.
  3. Scoot back just a bit to establish some tension.
  4. Slowly pull your heel back under the chair, bending your knee against the band’s resistance.
  5. Use control to return to the start position.
  6. Perform 2 to 3 sets of 10 to 12 reps on each leg.

Breaking News: Hit-and-Run Suspect Arrested Faces Multiple New Charges – HCSO Update

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Breaking News: Hit-and-Run Suspect Arrested Faces Multiple New Charges – HCSO Update


A tragic incident in Keysville, Florida, has led to serious charges for a man involved in a fatal crash. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has reported that additional charges have been filed against the suspect following the accident on Saturday, which resulted in the death of a motorcyclist.

Authorities responded to the scene on Old Hopewell Road around 7:45 p.m., where they found two individuals ejected from a motorcycle. Unfortunately, the motorcyclist was declared dead at the scene.

The investigation revealed that the driver of a Ford Explorer, identified as 27-year-old Edwin Rapalo-Lorenzo, fled the scene on foot before deputies arrived.

In the wake of their investigation, the Sheriff’s Office apprehended Rapalo-Lorenzo. He now faces charges for leaving the scene of a crash involving a fatality, leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury, and operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license.

Following an investigation, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office arrested Rapalo-Lorenzo and charged him with leaving the scene of a crash involving a death, leaving the scene of a crash involving serious bodily injury, and driving with no valid driver’s licence.

The sheriff’s office said that an immigration detainer will be palced on Rapalo-Lorenzo.

On Wednesday, the sheriff’s office announced that Rapalo-Lorenzo is now facing additional charges.

According to HCSO, through additional evidence, detectives determined probable cause to charge Rapalo-Lorenzo with vehicular homicide and reckless driving.

U.S. Navy Intervenes: Stops Iranian Oil Tankers in Their Tracks

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
U.S. Navy Intervenes: Stops Iranian Oil Tankers in Their Tracks

The United Nations Navy has ramped up its enforcement of the blockade against Iran, underscored by a recent incident involving American naval forces. A U.S. official disclosed that on Tuesday, an American destroyer intercepted and turned back two oil tankers that were attempting to depart from Iran.

According to the official, who spoke to Reuters on the condition of anonymity, the tankers had set sail from Chabahar, a port city situated on Iran’s southeastern coast along the Gulf of Oman. The U.S. Navy destroyer communicated with the vessels via radio, instructing them to reverse course. Both tankers complied with the directive.

Chabahar holds a strategic position, having been initially constructed in 1983 during the Iran-Iraq War to provide Iran with alternate maritime routes aside from the Persian Gulf. This port has gained increased significance due to substantial investments from the Indian government.

In recent years, India has poured approximately $500 million into expanding Chabahar’s port facilities, enhancing its capacity with additional deep-water berths to accommodate larger cargo ships. This expansion aligns with India’s broader strategy to establish a transportation link through Afghanistan, connecting Chabahar to inland areas that would otherwise require passage through Pakistan or the contested Kashmir region.

India’s efforts mirror China’s infrastructural ambitions under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), specifically through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which facilitates Chinese exports to the Gulf of Oman. These developments underscore a broader geopolitical shift as nations seek to secure strategic trade routes and enhance their regional influence.

In the summer of 2025, India appeared to liquidate its interests in Chabahar, shortly before the United States imposed heavy sanctions on the port city. The U.S. granted India a six-month waiver from the sanctions on Chabahar — and that waiver is due to expire in less than two weeks.

Some analysts view the April 26 expiration date of the sanctions as a ticking clock on India’s hopes of preserving its huge investments in Chabahar by reaching a long-term sanctions waiver agreement with the United States, or possibly by hoping for the U.S. to lift sanctions on Iran as part of a peace deal.

Last week, after the U.S. temporarily waived sanctions on Iranian oil for ships already loaded with product, India granted special permission for four U.S.-sanctioned vessels to dock at Indian ports to sell their cargo. India’s usual requirements for seaworthiness were waived to allow for a hasty docking. Two of those ships appear to have originated from Chabahar.

It was not clear from the Reuters report if either of the ships intercepted by the U.S. Navy on Tuesday were connected to India. The Pentagon did not respond to a request for more details from Fox News on Wednesday.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on Tuesday that “U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers are among the assets executing a blockade mission impacting Iranian ports.”

“The blockade is being enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or leaving coastal areas or ports in Iran,” CENTCOM said.

“A typical destroyer has a crew of more than 300 Sailors that are highly trained in conducting offensive and defensive maritime operations,” the statement added, possibly as fair warning to “shadow fleet” tankers thinking about slipping past the blockade with their usual tactics of false identity and positional broadcasts.

Ship tracking data from the first full day of the blockade on Tuesday suggested that a few shadow fleet ships might have thought about challenging the blockade, but turned back when they got close to those U.S. Navy destroyers.

Noam Raydan of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy told Reuters on Tuesday that it was too early to tell if any ships managed to slip past the blockade by “going dark.”

“We just don’t know yet how effective it is. We are still in day two,” Raydan said.

The Jerusalem Post on Wednesday suggested a complex geopolitical game is being played with the blockade, possibly including the U.S. Navy choosing to be a bit less vigilant against Chinese-linked ships to avoid the high political tensions that would result from boarding or attacking them.

For example, the Jerusalem Post’s analysts believe the China-linked tanker Rich Starry, which made a highly visible U-turn away from the U.S. Navy blockade line on Tuesday, tried again later on Tuesday night and was able to slip through — or was quietly allowed to pass.

“The shadow fleet that moves Iranian oil was built for exactly this game: false flags, spoofed transponders, and ship-to-ship transfers off the coast of Malaysia,” the report noted.

“China’s customs records show zero imports from Iran since 2022, yet its recorded ‘Malaysian’ crude imports in 2025 reached 1.3 million barrels per day, more than double Malaysia’s entire production. That evasion network has been running for years,” it observed.

The Jerusalem Post nevertheless concluded that China’s shipments of Iranian oil would be reduced to a trickle by the blockade, and Beijing does not seem intent on forcing a confrontation with the U.S. by openly challenging it, so China probably will not be coming to Iran’s rescue.

Discover the Episode Count for Season 4 of ‘Invincible

NewsFinale Journal
-
0

The fourth season of the acclaimed animated series Invincible is soaring high on Prime Video, captivating audiences with its gripping narrative.

Since its premiere on March 18, the new season has garnered widespread acclaim, with positive reviews pouring in. Among the enthusiastic endorsements is DECIDER contributor Joel Keller, who urged viewers to STREAM IT, praising the season’s depth and complexity in his review.

“Invincible continues to deliver one of the most nuanced superhero stories we’ve encountered,” Keller remarked. “Despite Season 4 delving into darker themes, it remains an incredibly engaging series.”

This enthralling show boasts a stellar voice cast, featuring the talents of Steven Yeun, Sandra Oh, and J.K. Simmons at its forefront. The series also benefits from the contributions of notable actors such as Walton Goggins, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Gillian Jacobs, and Jason Mantzoukas.

Fans have been eagerly tuning in each week, anticipating the next chapter of this superhero saga. Fortunately, their excitement won’t end with the current season’s finale. The show has already secured a renewal for a fifth season, set to continue its thrilling journey in July 2025.

But for those keeping up to date with Invincible Season 4, how many episodes will Invincible Season 4 have? Has Invincible Season 4, Episode 7 dropped yet? Here is what we know.

'Invincible' Season 4
Photo: Courtesy of Prime

Is Invincible Season 4, Episode 7 out yet?

Yes! Invincible Season 4, Episode 7, “DON’T DO ANYTHING RASH,” dropped on Wednesday, April 15 on Prime Video.

How many episodes are in Invincible Season 4?

Invincible Season 4 consists of eight episodes, meaning there is only one more episode of the new season left to be released.

When will the Invincible Season 4 finale be released on Prime Video?

The Invincible Season 4 finale, also known as Season 4, Episode 8, “DON’T LEAVE ME HANGING HERE,” will be released on Prime Video on Wednesday, April 22 at 3 a.m. ET.

If you aren’t a Prime Video subscriber yet, you can get started with a 30-day Amazon Prime free trial, including Prime perks like the Prime Video streaming service, free two-day shipping, exclusive deals, and more. After the free trial, Amazon Prime costs $14.99/month or $139/year.

All 18- to 24-year-olds, regardless of student status, are eligible for a discounted Prime for Young Adults membership as well, with age verification. After a six-month free trial, you’ll pay 50% off the standard Prime monthly price of $14.99/month — just $7.49/month — for up to six years and get all the perks.

AP Analysis: Key Insights on New Jersey’s Special Congressional Election

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
AP Analysis: Key Insights on New Jersey’s Special Congressional Election


WASHINGTON (AP) — After a special election on Thursday, New Jersey’s 11th Congressional District will see its representation in Congress restored for the first time this year. This election comes in the wake of the seat’s vacancy, previously occupied by Democratic Governor Mikie Sherrill.

In a district that traditionally leans Democratic, a win for the party would further tighten the already slim Republican majority in the House. The candidates vying for this pivotal seat are Democrat Analilia Mejia, an experienced progressive organizer and former official in the Labor Department, facing off against Republican Joe Hathaway, who currently serves on the Randolph Township Council.

Mejia emerged victorious in a fiercely competitive Democratic special primary held on February 5. She secured her candidacy with the crucial support of prominent progressives such as Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, as well as Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Mejia’s competition included notable figures like former Representative Tom Malinowski and former Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way. Malinowski, notably, was seeking a political comeback after his defeat in a nearby district during the 2022 elections.

On the Republican side, Joe Hathaway faced no opposition for his party’s nomination, paving a clear path to the special election.

Hathaway ran unopposed for the Republican nomination.

The war in Gaza, which began with the Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and support for Israel have been major issues in the campaign. A super PAC affiliated with the American Israel Public Affairs Committee spent more than $2.3 million to defeat Malinowski, who had questioned providing unconditional aid to the Israeli government. During a primary campaign forum, Mejia was the only candidate to indicate she believes Israel committed genocide in Gaza. She has also called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a war criminal. Hathaway has said the U.S. should stand “ in lockstep ” with Israel and opposes putting conditions on aid to an ally.

Mejia had raised about $1.1 million for the special primary and special election and had about $374,000 in her campaign account as of March 27. Hathaway had raised about $525,000 for his campaign and had about $109,000 in the bank.

Democrats have held an advantage in general elections in the district. Sherrill won reelection in 2024 with about 57% of the vote, while Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris carried the district with 53% at the top of the ballot.

More than half of the district’s 588 precincts are in Morris County, with about 39% in Essex County and 9% in Passaic County. The district’s portion of Essex County is heavily Democratic: Harris carried the area with 64% in 2024. President Donald Trump narrowly won the district’s share of Morris County by about 1 percentage point. He carried the district’s small portion of Passaic County with about 57% of its vote.

New Jersey does not have automatic recounts, but candidates and voters may request and pay for them, with the cost refunded if the outcome changes. The AP may declare a winner in a race that is subject to a recount if it can determine the lead is too large for a recount or legal challenge to change the outcome.

Here are some of the key facts about the election and data points the AP Decision Team will monitor as the votes are tallied:

When do polls close?

Polls close at 8 p.m. ET.

What’s on the ballot?

The AP will provide vote results and declare a winner in the special congressional election in the 11th District. In addition to the candidates named on the ballot, voters also have a write-in option.

Who gets to vote?

Any voter registered in the 11th District may participate in the special election.

What do turnout and advance vote look like?

As of April 1, there were about 603,000 registered voters in the 11th Congressional District. Of those, about 230,000 were Democrats, about 165,000 were Republicans and about 204,000 were not affiliated with any party. The remainder were registered with various minor parties.

More than 68,000 ballots were cast in the Feb. 5 Democratic special primary and about 16,000 in the Republican contest.

About 394,000 votes were cast in the 2024 general election, with nearly half cast before Election Day.

As of Tuesday, about 58,000 votes had already been cast, including about 36,000 from Democrats, about 15,000 from Republicans and nearly 8,000 from unaffiliated voters.

How long does vote-counting usually take?

In the Feb. 5 special primary, the AP first reported results at 8:04 p.m. ET, or four minutes after polls closed. The last update of the night was at 10:30 p.m. ET with about 91% of total votes counted. The AP called the race at 5:34 p.m. on Feb. 12.

When are early and absentee voting results released?

All counties in New Jersey release most or all the results from early and absentee voting in the first vote update of the night, before any in-person Election Day results are released.

Are we there yet?

As of Thursday, there will be 201 days until this seat is up again in the 2026 midterm elections.

___

Follow the AP’s coverage of the 2026 election at

Rebecca Grossman Invites Mother of Murdered Sons for Prison Visit

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Rebecca Grossman Invites Mother of Murdered Sons for Prison Visit

In a shocking twist of events, Rebecca Grossman, a convicted socialite, reached out to the mother of two young boys she fatally struck with her car, requesting a prison visit. The letter, sent to Nancy Iskander, urged her to come to the California Institution for Women to witness the conditions Grossman endures.

Grossman, now 67, astonishingly positioned herself as a victim, according to Iskander, who shared her disbelief over the plea. Grossman’s refusal to acknowledge her culpability in the deaths of eight-year-old Jacob and 11-year-old Mark Iskander has left many astounded. The tragic incident occurred in Ventura, California, in 2020, when Grossman’s Mercedes hit the boys.

On Wednesday, Iskander expressed her bewilderment on social media, writing, “I’m still trying to process how someone could make such a request.” She further reflected on the irony of the situation, acknowledging that while Grossman’s life in prison is undoubtedly challenging, she would willingly trade places to have her sons back.

‘I’m still trying to process how someone could make such a request,’ Iskander wrote on X Wednesday. 

‘While I can only imagine how difficult her life behind bars must be, the truth is this: I would trade places with her in a heartbeat. 

‘I would live in any prison cell, under any conditions, for the rest of my life… if it meant my beautiful boys could be alive again—laughing, dreaming, growing up, and chasing every beautiful future they deserved.’

Grossman is serving a sentence of 15 years to life in state prison for the hit-and-run that happened while she was racing her former Major League Baseball star lover Scott Erickson home from a boozy lunch. 

Iskander said that she asked the court for a no contact order when Grossman, the wife of a multi-millionaire plastic surgeon, ‘sent me a letter after her conviction.’

Convicted child killer Rebecca Grossman has asked the mother of slain brothers Mark and Jacob Iskander to visit her in prison

Convicted child killer Rebecca Grossman has asked the mother of slain brothers Mark and Jacob Iskander to visit her in prison

Mark, 11, and Jacob, 8, were crossing a marked crosswalk in Westlake Village with their family when they were struck by Grossman's Mercedes

Mark, 11, and Jacob, 8, were crossing a marked crosswalk in Westlake Village with their family when they were struck by Grossman’s Mercedes

Iskander and her husband Karim are due to face the killer in court again soon for the civil wrongful death lawsuit that the grieving parents brought against Grossman and Erickson.

Jury selection began in the high-profile suit Monday, with the civil trial expected to last approximately two months.

The case centers on a devastating night in September 2020 in Westlake Village, where the Iskander family was crossing a marked crosswalk on Triunfo Canyon Road.

Iskander testified during Grossman’s criminal trial that she heard engines roaring as two vehicles sped toward them. 

She grabbed her youngest child and leapt out of harm’s way, but her other two sons Mark and Jacob who were walking just ahead, were struck.

Her next memory, she told jurors, was seeing her sons lying motionless in the road.

Prosecutors said Grossman was driving her Mercedes SUV at speeds reaching 81mph in a 45mph zone when she plowed through the crosswalk. 

Evidence showed she continued driving for roughly half a mile after the impact before her vehicle shut down.

Nancy Iskander said that Grossman contacted her last week to request that she come to the California Institution for Women to ‘see the circumstances she is in’

Grossman's Mercedes is pictured after the smash. She kept on driving, despite the obvious damage caused to the car after she struck the boys

Grossman’s Mercedes is pictured after the smash. She kept on driving, despite the obvious damage caused to the car after she struck the boys

Before the tragedy, Grossman had been drinking with her then-lover, former Los Angeles Dodgers' pitcher Scott Erickson

Before the tragedy, Grossman had been drinking with her then-lover, former Los Angeles Dodgers’ pitcher Scott Erickson

Erickson had allegedly been racing Grossman in his black Mercedes after the two had earlier shared cocktails. He denies racing, drinking or causing the collision.

In February 2024, a jury convicted Grossman of two counts of second-degree murder, along with two counts of vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence and one count of hit and run resulting in death.

Her defense team argued on appeal that the evidence supported, at most, a manslaughter conviction claiming prosecutors failed to prove ‘implied malice,’ a legal standard required for second-degree murder.

But an appellate court rejected that argument last month, leaving the killer’s convictions intact. 

Grossman has never taken any responsibility for her actions and continues to portray herself as a woman wronged.  

Erickson was given a slap-on-the-wrist misdemeanor reckless driving charge that was dismissed after he made a public service announcement to high school students about the importance of safe driving.

He has tried to distance himself from his ex and, in a new trial brief uncovered by Daily Mail, declared Grossman the ‘negligent cause’ of the fatal incident.

Grossman remains behind bars at the state prison in San Bernardino County and will likely be a very elderly woman if she is ever released. 

Her legal team has indicated that they may request a final review of her criminal case from the California Supreme Court. 

Mark Iskander was 11 years old when he was killed in the 2020 crash. Jacob Iskander was 8

 Mark Iskander was 11 years old when he was killed in the 2020 crash. Jacob Iskander was 8

The case drew intense public attention not only for its tragic facts but also for Grossman’s high-profile life.

Before her arrest and trial, she was known for her philanthropic work and her role in the Grossman Burn Foundation, tied to a network of medical centers founded by her husband, plastic surgeon Dr Peter H Grossman. 

The family lived in an affluent Hidden Hills neighborhood and moved in elite social circles.

Grossman was separated from her husband at the time of the smash, but he stood by her at her trial and the couple remain married.  

But prosecutors emphasized that status did not shield her from accountability.

At sentencing, they argued the force of the crash was so severe it was comparable to a Mercedes falling from a 12-story building – a measure of the violence inflicted on the two boys.

Grossman ultimately received a sentence shorter than the maximum prosecutors sought, a decision that left the Iskander family devastated.

Judge Demands DNA from Suspect in Loyola Student’s Tragic Death Case

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Judge Demands DNA from Suspect in Loyola Student’s Tragic Death Case

A Venezuelan migrant, accused of murdering Loyola University student Sheridan Gorman in March, made a court appearance on Wednesday. During the proceedings, the judge mandated that he submit a DNA sample and authorized requests related to his medical care in preparation for his upcoming trial.

Jose Medina-Medina, 25, who entered the U.S. illegally, faces charges for the tragic shooting of 18-year-old Gorman at a pier in Rogers Park on March 19.

Medina-Medina, visibly limping, attended the court session following charges earlier this month by federal prosecutors for illegal firearm possession. This federal offense could result in a prison sentence of up to 10 years.

Besides the federal charges, Medina-Medina is also being prosecuted at the state level. He faces accusations of murder, attempted murder, aggravated assault, and illegal weapon possession.

Jose Medina-Medina standing in a courtroom

The case draws attention to Medina-Medina (right), who allegedly took the life of Sheridan Gorman (left). The accompanying images are credited to Sheridan Gorman’s Instagram and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office.

On the murder charge, the state requested that the court order the defendant to submit a DNA sample to state police. The public defender objected, but the judge granted the motion.

The public defender also requested a trial and submitted a healthcare order noting a bullet fragment lodged in Medina-Medina’s nasal cavity.

They asked that his medical records be collected from multiple hospitals where he has received treatment, though no specific facilities were identified.

Tom Jessica and Madelon Gorman arriving at a vigil in Yorktown New York

Tom, Jessica and Madelon Gorman arrive at a vigil in Yorktown, New York. (Richard Beetham/Fox News Digital)

The state did not object, and the judge granted the healthcare orders.

Fox News Digital previously reported Medina-Medina was apprehended at the southern border in 2023, flagged as a flight risk, and had no valid asylum claim before being released into the U.S. in 2023 under the Biden administration.

Records indicate he did not have a valid U.S. address or identification and was unable to provide a verifiable point of contact.

Jose Medina-Medina sitting at a table in a courtroom during a hearing

Sketch of Jose Medina-Medina in court in Chicago, Friday, March 27, 2026. Medina-Medina, who is in the country illegally, allegedly shot and killed Sheridan Gorman while she was at a pier in the Rogers Park area. (Fox News)

His arraignment is scheduled for April 29.

Alexandra Koch is a Fox News Digital journalist who covers breaking news, with a focus on high-impact events that shape national conversation.

She has covered major national crises, including the L.A. wildfires, Potomac and Hudson River aviation disasters, Boulder terror attack, and Texas Hill Country floods.

Shocking Ambush: Man Arrested in Attempted Murder of Girlfriend’s Friend

NewsFinale Journal
-
0
Shocking Ambush: Man Arrested in Attempted Murder of Girlfriend’s Friend

Inset, left to right: Brandon Pirela and Selina Gajraj (Lake County Sheriff’s Office). Background: The area in Florida where the couple ambushed and tried to kill Gajraj’s friend (Google Maps).

A 26-year-old man from Florida orchestrated an ambush and fired over a dozen shots at a male friend of his girlfriend—who was complicit in the act—less than 48 hours after the couple reunited following a lengthy breakup.

On Monday, Lake County Circuit Judge Cary F. Rada sentenced Brandon Pirela to 25 years in a state prison. This decision came after a jury convicted him of attempted first-degree murder with a firearm and conspiracy to commit murder, as announced by authorities.

This sentencing is linked to a shooting incident in December 2023, in which the intended victim barely escaped a flurry of bullets. According to a news release from the Office of the State Attorney for Florida’s Fifth Judicial Circuit, Pirela executed the attack after conspiring with his girlfriend and co-defendant, Arianna Gajraj, to lure the intended victim to a predetermined spot.

Investigators reported that the victim was in a parked car with Gajraj when a white Toyota Camry approached. The driver exited the vehicle and began shooting. The victim managed to reverse the car and escape, later telling the police about the incident and identifying Pirela as the shooter due to previous threats made via social media, as stated by prosecutors.

Initially, authorities approached Gajraj, who denied any involvement. However, cellphone records later exposed communications between her and Pirela, revealing their discussions about setting up the victim and sharing his location just before the shooting, according to the release.

As Law&Crime previously reported, deputies with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded to Peppermill Trail in Clermont around 1:53 a.m. and recovered 21 spent 9 mm shell casings scattered across the roadway. Investigators also documented 13 bullet strikes to the victim’s vehicle, along with additional damage to a nearby work truck and a mailbox, underscoring the intensity of the gunfire.

The victim told deputies he had picked up Gajraj so the two could talk and smoke marijuana while discussing issues related to Pirela, who had recently reentered her life. He said he grew increasingly uneasy during the encounter, particularly after Gajraj received a call from Pirela asking about her whereabouts.

Moments later, a white sedan with dark tint pulled in front of the vehicle, and the driver stepped out wearing dark clothing and a mask before firing multiple rounds from a handgun equipped with an extended magazine. The victim said he recognized the shooter’s build and believed it was Pirela, whom he had previously seen in photographs holding a similar weapon.

“Victim described that Pirela throughout the week, has been sending threatening messages to him,” deputies wrote, noting escalating hostility leading up to the shooting. In one exchange provided to investigators, Pirela allegedly wrote, “Do I have to smack the s— outta you?” and warned, “On God when I see you, it’s on sight.”

The victim said he threw the car into reverse and sped away as gunfire continued, later telling authorities that Pirela briefly pursued him before he managed to escape. He dropped Gajraj off nearby before contacting family members and meeting officers at the Clermont Police Department.

Investigators later uncovered messages sent through a text app showing that Gajraj and Pirela had reconciled just days earlier and began discussing a plan to target the victim. According to the affidavit, the plan evolved over several hours, with Gajraj ultimately suggesting a setup in which she would share her location and help position the victim for the ambush.

“It then changed to Pirela blocking the victim in,” investigators wrote, adding that Pirela repeatedly indicated his intent to carry out the attack, stating, “no, he’s dying.” Authorities said the final message sharing the victim’s location was sent roughly 12 minutes before the shooting began.

Gajraj later admitted to contacting Pirela after the shooting but initially avoided explaining her actions to investigators. After authorities indicated they would obtain cellphone data, evidence tied her directly to the planning and execution of the ambush.

Prosecutors said Gajraj ultimately cooperated with the state and testified against Pirela at trial. She previously pleaded guilty and received a three-year prison sentence followed by six years of probation for her role in orchestrating the attack.
1...2,0892,0902,091...4,702Page 2,090 of 4,702