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Illinois bar owner killed in ‘execution-style’ shooting, suspect with decades-long criminal record in custody

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Illinois bar owner killed in ‘execution-style’ shooting, suspect with decades-long criminal record in custody

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A suspect described as a “monster” was arrested following a manhunt for the killer of an Illinois bar owner who authorities say was murdered in an “execution-style” shooting Monday.

Julius E. Burkes Jr., 47, was taken into custody on Tuesday in connection with the murder of 30-year-old Courtney M. Drysdale, the Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department said.

Drysdale was killed just before noon Monday inside The Line, a local bar she owned in rural Momence near the Illinois-Indiana border, authorities said.

The 30-year-old mother was opening the bar when the suspect walked in, brandished a gun and demanded money, WGNTV reported, citing the sheriff’s office. Drysdale complied with the demands, but investigators said the suspect shot her two times “execution-style” anyway.

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Courtney M. Drysdale, 30, was opening The Line, a bar she owned, when the shooting happened Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, authorities said. (Jensen Memorial Chapel)

Detectives recovered surveillance images from the bar that showed a suspect wearing a bright yellow jacket, a hat and glasses, and driving a white BMW.

Authorities released surveillance photos of the suspect wearing a bright yellow jacket. Julius E. Burkes Jr., 47, was taken into custody, pictured right, on Tuesday in connection with the murder of Drysdale. (Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department )

The suspect tried to remove a video recording device from the bar before he fled to Indiana, according to authorities.

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Authorities said the suspect was seen leaving the area in a white BMW. (Kankakee County Sheriff’s Department )

Burkes was apprehended as he was leaving his residence in Hammond, Indiana, about 26 hours after the murder, the sheriff’s office said.

COLORADO REPEAT OFFENDER FREED FROM JAIL LESS THAN TWO WEEKS BEFORE ALLEGEDLY KILLING MOTHER OF THREE: REPORT

Kankakee County Sheriff Mike Downey thanked the public for supplying numerous tips, along with federal, state and local law enforcement officers who worked together to capture the suspect.

“We hope that in some way the apprehension of this monster will bring some sort of peace to Courtney’s family, friends and community,” the sheriff’s office said.

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Authorities said Courtney Drydale complied with the armed suspect’s demand for money, though the suspect shot her anyway. (Facebook/Courtney Marie Drysdale)

Court records obtained by WGNTV showed that Burkes has a criminal history spanning decades, including allegedly breaking into the home of an ex-girlfriend in December. He was reportedly out on bond for that case at the time of Drysdale’s murder.

The documents showed his criminal history included a 2014 battery case to which he pleaded guilty. He was placed on 12 months of supervised release, which he completed.

In 1995, he pleaded guilty to two counts of felony murder when he was just 15 years old, the outlet reported. He was sentenced to 37 years in that case, though the outlet noted his role in the crime was unclear as records detailing the incident were not immediately available.

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Burkes is being held in Indiana, where he awaits an extradition hearing back to Illinois.

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Milwaukee, WI

15 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: April 16-19

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15 Things to Do in Milwaukee This Weekend: April 16-19


Featured Events

1. Art in Bloom

ALL WEEKEND | MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM

MAM’s iconic spring tradition is back filling the space with fresh energy. The galleries are filled with floral arrangements inspired by works of art including works in the brand new Modern Wing. Check out the full schedule to read about the special events happening each day. Tickets to the museum are $40 for nonmembers and $15 for members. Student, senior, military and teacher discounts are available.

2. Milwaukee Zine Fest

SATURDAY FROM 10:30 A.M. TO 4:30 P.M. | MILWAUKEE CENTRAL LIBRARY

Zine Fest is back for its 17th year! The event will include vendor sales, scheduled workshops, hand-on experiences and more. This event is completely free including all workshops and hands-on experiences. A full list of the vendors and the workshop schedule can be found at their website.

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3. Renaissance Threads Workshop with Harmonic Harvest

SATURDAY FROM 8 A.M. TO 10 A.M. | MILWAUKEE PUBLIC MARKET

Join Harmonic Harvest in the Madame Kuony’s Demonstration Kitchen (Milwaukee Public Market second level) to create a community tapestry. The workshop invites participants to reflect on a positive moment, person, or experience in their lives and make that story into a piece of art work. Fabric squares and art materials will be provided and no prior experience is necessary. This event is free to the public and suitable for all ages.


Architects, interior designers, renovators and landscapers: Submit your best work for consideration!

 


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4. Betty Brinn Children’s Museum Community Access Day

THURSDAY FROM 9 A.M. TO 7 P.M. | BETTY BRINN CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

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Admission to the Betty Brinn Children’s Museum is completely free this Thursday! Kids can immerse themselves in the Home Town exhibit to learn about the responsibility and teamwork it takes to run a town, test their skills on the Hot Lava obstacle course, create art in the Be a Maker Space and more. This event is open to everyone and the museum is fit for children of all ages.

5. Sculpture Milwaukee Talks

THURSDAY FROM 4:30 P.M. TO 6:15 P.M. | BRADLEY SYMPHONY CENTER

Artist Joel Otterson and conductor and music director of the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra Ken-David Masur are exploring the connections between art and music and the role the arts play in civic life. Moderated by the curator of Kohler Co.’s Arts/Industry Collection, Michelle Grabner, the conversation is sure to be inspiring. Due to limited seating, registration is recommended. This event is free to the public. 

6. PRIDE Night: Mrs. Christie

THURSDAY AT 6 P.M. | MILWAUKEE REPERTORY THEATER

The Milwaukee Repertory Theater is celebrating Pride Night with a special pre-show social hour. Drag Queen’s Dear Ruthie and BJ Daniels will be hanging out with members of the Wisconsin LGBT Chamber of Commerce before the Thursday night show of Mrs. Christie. DJ Femme Noir will be spinning tracks and snacks and complimentary wine, beer or soda will be served. The show follows the curious disappearance of Agatha Christie, famous 1926 author. Tickets are $50 each and include pre-show festivities and the show.

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7. Glow After Dark: Yoga Sculpt Girls Night Out

THURSDAY FROM 6 P.M. TO 8 P.M. | THE BOX MKE 

Yoga by Analisia is hosting the perfect girls night out. The sculpt class will be bodyweight and music-driven with a live DJ and black lights to make neons pop. After class, the social hour will feature the Glow Tarot Lounge, DIY Glow Bar, Glow-in-the-Dark Affirmation Wall, permanent jewelry and other local vendors. General admission tickets start at $59 each with the opportunity to bundle and save.

8. Book Talk: A Conversation about Black Feminist Resistance in Trying Times

FRIDAY FROM 11 A.M. TO 1 P.M. | KUUMBA JUICE & COFFEE

Dr. Stacie McCormick and Dr. Nessette Falu are hosting a conversation surrounding Black Feminist Resistance and the power of storytelling during trying times. The conversation will cover McCormick’s book We Are Pregnant with Freedom and Falu’s book Unseen Flesh. This event is free to attend.

9. Make a Difference Day

SATURDAY FROM 9 A.M. TO 1 P.M. | UW-MILWAUKEE

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Volunteer with UW-Milwaukee to help older adults prepare their yards and neighborhood for spring. Volunteers can sign up as an individual or as a team and service assignments will be given out on the day of. Volunteering ends around 1 p.m. and free pizza will be provided. Registration is open to everyone.

10. Second Hand Purrs Spring Vendor, Craft Fair and Bake Sale

SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 3 P.M. | KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS

Spring time is kitten season and Second Hand Purrs is back with another craft fair and bake sale. Over 25 vendors, artists and crafters along with a raffle and bakery sale will donate 100% of their proceeds to benefit the kittens. The event is held at the Knights of Columbus headquarters and admission is free. 

11. Enchanted Afternoon: A Fairy Tea and Craft Party

SATURDAY FROM 12 P.M. TO 5 P.M. | DRESDEN CASTLE

Inject some whimsy into your life and explore life as a fairy. Sip on tea, browse a variety of vendors and shop for whimsical craft kits at the Dresden Castle. Fairy dress-up is encouraged! Admission tickets are available online for $7.60 with upgrade options available.

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12. Spring Fling Art and Maker Thing

SATURDAY FROM 1 P.M. TO 5 P.M. | PUDDLER’S HALL

10 local artists are coming together for the fourth annual spring art and maker show at Puddler’s Hall. The artists mediums vary, and include photography, painting, prints, sculptures, pottery and more. This event is free to attend and suitable for all ages. 

13. Urban Ecology in Bloom

SATURDAY FROM 10 A.M. TO 11:30 A.M. | URBAN ECOLOGY CENTER

Take a tour of the land with Urban Ecology’s Land Management staff. The class will cover native ephemeral and spring blooming plants, fauna and their relationship to the early blossoms and native plant purchasing. Registration is encouraged and tickets cost $5 each.

14. Restorative Yoga

SUNDAY FROM 4 P.M. TO 5 P.M. | VILLA TERRACE DECORATIVE ARTS MUSEUM

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Rest and recharge with restorative yoga at Villa Terrace. The class is meant to help participants fully unwind and will include a slow, deep flow using supported poses and calming breathwork. This class is suitable for all levels and guests must bring their own mat. Tickets are $15 each and can be purchased online.

15. Eastwinds Chamber Ensemble Concert

SUNDAY FROM 3 P.M. TO 4 P.M. | ST. MARK’S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH

The Eastwinds Chamber Ensemble is presenting original compositions, brass ensemble and organ works at their Spring Concert. The show is free to attend and donations will go directly to the program.

 

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Minneapolis, MN

Jarren Duran Says Fan Crossed Line Before Middle Finger in Minneapolis

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Jarren Duran Says Fan Crossed Line Before Middle Finger in Minneapolis


When Jarren Duran flipped up the middle finger on his left hand in the direction of fans at Target Field on Tuesday night, he was responding to someone who allegedly told him to kill himself.

In the fifth inning, and the Twins leading the Red Sox 5-0, the Boston outfielder grounded out to second base. As he jogged back towards the dugout, the television cameras caught him using his middle finger to allegedly respond to the fan.

“Somebody told me to kill myself,” Duran explained. “I’m used to it at this point. S*** happens. I’m going to flip somebody off if they say something to me. It is what it is. I shouldn’t react like that, but that stuff is still kind of triggering. It happens.”

The motive behind the fan’s alleged verbal abuse is unknown, but Duran has been public about his past mental health struggles, including battling depression and contemplating suicide. In April 2025, Netflix released “The Clubhouse: A Year With the Red Sox,” and the fourth episode of the series, titled “Still Alive,” focused on Duran and his mental health journey.

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A few weeks after the series was released, a fan in Cleveland was ejected after saying “something inappropriate” to Duran.

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“When you open yourself up like that, you also open yourself up to the enemies. But I have a good support staff around me, teammates, coaches. There were fans that were supporting me, so that was awesome,” Duran said after the Cleveland incident.

After the Twins beat the Red Sox 6-0 on Tuesday night, the Twins’ submitted a victory post on social media with the tease, “Kept it classy.”

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Duran, 29, was suspended by Major League Baseball for two games in 2024 forshouting a homophobic slur at a fan. That fan was accused of criticizing Duran’s batting. Duran wound up donating the amount he would’ve been paid in the two games to Greater PFLAG Boston, an organization that advocates for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people.

“I feel awful knowing how many people I offended and disappointed,” Durran said after the 2024 incident. He admitted that what he said was “horrific,” and acknowledged that “young fans are supposed to be able to look up to me as a role model.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). You can also text MN to 741741. 

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Indianapolis, IN

Patriotic twist for McLaughlin's Indy 500 Pennzoil livery

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Patriotic twist for McLaughlin's Indy 500 Pennzoil livery


Scott McLaughlin’s Pennzoil livery for the Indianapolis 500 features a patriotic update with American flags added atop the No. 3 Team Penske Chevy’s sidepods and a ribbon of stars-and-stripes that run along the edge of the sidepods to the rear tire ramps.“One of the highlights of the year for me…



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