The murder total in Chicago passed 400 with more than a week left in July, and the month ended with the city on pace to exceed the number of killings in 2016.

The city opened 2017 slightly behind the rate of killings in 2016, a year the city finished with 781 homicides, the first time in nearly 20 years that the city had logged more than 700 murders, the Chicago Sun-Times is reporting.

As of 11 p.m. Monday, the citywide homicide total was 409, with 74 killed in July. In 2016, the city did not reach 400 killings until Aug. 1.

The murders were not evenly distributed across the city, with the South and West Side neighborhoods of Austin and Englewood seeing the largest number of slayings.

Chicago is not alone among American cities in seeing an increase in bloodshed so far this year, said Jeff Asher, a crime statistician based in New Orleans. Asher noted a 4 percent increase in murders in 62 cities with more than 250,000 residents, in a post on FiveThirtyEight.com.

There are positive signs even in “jarring” figures on violence in Chicago, Asher said.

Shootings are down 13 percent in Chicago so far this year, according to CPD statistics, Asher said, meaning that while more people are dying of their wounds, fewer people are being shot.

“Gun violence is still persistently high in Chicago, relative to where it was two years ago,” Asher told the Sun-Times. “But I look at shootings as a better metric overall of violence in the city, where murder [statistics] have some factor of randomness and luck.

“At some point, you will see some regression to the [arithmetic] mean.”

And nationally, murder rates have risen in dozens of cities during the last two years, according to data compiled by John Jay College of Criminal Justice researcher Peter Moskos.

Among 43 of the nation’s largest cities, all but three recorded increases in the number of murders from 2014 to 2016, though the nearly 80 percent spike in Chicago is the sixth-largest jump in the nation during that span. Midwestern neighbors Milwaukee (68 percent), St. Louis (18 percent) and Cleveland (33 percent) — all saw increases, according to Moskos’ statistics. All three cities also have higher murder rates than Chicago, calculated as the number of killings per 100,000 residents.

Murder totals across the nation also remain significantly lower than during the 1980s and 1990s, Asher noted, and it is not clear that Chicago, or the U.S., is at the start of a long-term, upward trend.

“When you compare gun violence to where it was in the ’80s and ’90s, it’s down 4- to 50 percent,” Asher said.

–Chicago Sun-Times

(ROSEMONT) A driver was injured when a Jeep rolled over and plunged into a retention pond Tuesday morning on a Jane Addams Memorial Tollway ramp in northwest suburban Rosemont.

The driver of the 2000 Jeep lost control shortly before 6:30 a.m. and the vehicle rolled over and then went into a retention pond off the ramp from eastbound I-90 to northbound I-294, according to Illinois State Police.

A trooper was able to jump into the water, break a window of the Jeep and help the driver climb out of the submerged vehicle, police said. The driver suffered minor injuries in the crash. Additional details, such as hospital information and the driver’s age and gender, were not immediately available.

As of 7:10 a.m., the ramp was open to traffic, police said.

Sazannah Rose Bernadette Clark, 2 months, of 61 Hemlock St. in Park Forest, unknown causes at same, pronounced at Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn at 2:02 a.m. [7/31], Park Forest police.

Unidentified person, of an unknown home address, unknown causes at 161 E. 115th St., unknown pronouncement information, Area South detectives.

UPDATES TUESDAY DAYBOOK TO ADD 10:30 A.M. EVENT

10:30 a.m. — (CHICAGO) Logan Square Neighborhood Association youth, parents and teachers dressed in caps and gowns will send a message of “Revenue Not More Debt” for CPS to Mayor Emanuel as he arrives at a “Rahm’s Readers” event. Humboldt Park Library Branch, 1605 N. Troy. Contact: Leticia Barrera, (773) 727-9941 or LBarrera@Lsna.net.

UPDATES TUESDAY DAYBOOK TO ADD EVENTS

4 p.m. — (AURORA) Aurora police department hosts “National Night Out” in 45 neighborhoods.

• Church Road Park, 1700 Block of Church Road, 6 – 8 p.m.
• Lighthouse Worship Center, 170 E. Indian Trail, 6 – 8 p.m.
• Pigeon Hill Neighbors, Garfield Park, 817 Forest Ave., 6 – 8 p.m.
• Stonegate West HOA, 1704-1740 Briarheath Drive, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
• Iglesia San Pablo, 520 Second Ave., 6 – 8 p.m.
• Luces de Sagrado Corazon, 771 Fulton St., 5 – 7:30 p.m.
• Restore the Neighborhood, 100 Block of Root St., 5 – 8 p.m.
• Vineyard Church, 505 E. Galena Blvd., 6 – 8 p.m.
• Distinctive Woodworks & We Are United, 300 block of Clark St., 4:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Copley Boxing & Training Center, 517 N. Union St., 4 – 8 p.m.
• Home Town Center Park, 1721 Town Center St., 4 – 8 p.m.
• LakeView Residences at Phillips Park, Parker Pavilion, 740 Parker Ave., 6 – 8 p.m.
• United Neighbors, 500 Block of Fourth Ave., 6 – 8 p.m.
• Aurora Township Youth Services, 313 Gale St., reet, 4:30 – 7 p.m.
• Blackhawk Neighbors, Winona Avenue (between Seneca & Iroquois), 5 – 8 p.m.
• Divine Providence Ministries Church, 402 Sherman Ave., 5 – 8 p.m.
• Fourth Ward Tomcat Neighbors, Evans Street (between Lebanon & Sexton), 5 – 8 p.m.
• West Park Neighbors, Greenman Elementary School, 729 W. Galena Blvd., 6 -8 p.m.
• A Community Affair, McCleery Park, 1002 W. Illinois Ave., St, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Invested Neighbors, Freeman Elementary School, 153 S. Randall Road, 5 – 8 p.m.
• Kensington Lakes Subdivision, Colorado Avenue & Westgate Drive, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Washington Neighbors, Washington Park, 231 S. Constitution Drive, 5:30 – 8 p.m.
• Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, 834 N. Highland Ave., 4 – 7 p.m.
• Randall West Neighborhood, 1373 Monomoy St., 5 – 7 p.m.
• Northwest Territories, 842 Foran Lane, 6 – 8 p.m.
• Gayles Memorial Baptist Church, 730 Gillette Ave., nue, 6-8 p.m.
• St. Augustine College, 841 N. Lake St., reet, 6-8 p.m.
• Gandi & Tracey Falcon, 446 West Park Ave., 6 – 8 p.m.
• Plum Landing, 495 N. Lake St., reet, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
• Arrow Wood Park, 1040 N. Commonwealth Ave., 5 – 7 p.m.
• Forest Ridge Community Center, 1217 Second Ave., nue, 5 – 7 p.m.
• Grand Blvd. Center, 1226 Grand Blvd., 6 – 8 p.m.
• Greater Mount Olive Church of God, 1039 Bonner Ave., 6 – 8 p.m.
• Main Baptist Church, 814 E. Galena Blvd., 5 – 7:30 p.m.
• Nature’s Meadows Park, 1900 Block of Clarendon Lane, 1861 W. Ridge Pl., 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
• Oak Park Elementary School, 1200 Front St., 5 – 7 p.m.
• Eastwood Community Center, 1644 Grove Street, 5 – 8 p.m.
• GRENO, Georgetown School, 995 Long Grove Drive, 6 – 8pm
• McCarty Park/School Area, Village Green Drive, 5 – 8 p.m.
• Washington Square Plaza on Federal Drive (between Capital & Congress Ave.), 6 – 8 p.m.
• Wheatlands Park, 2700 Block of Spinnaker Drive, Fox Valley Park District Park, 6 – 8 p.m.
• Butterfield Park, 2550 White Barn Road, d., 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
• Cinnamon Glen, 2737 Preston Ct., 6 – 8 p.m.
• The Willows of Fox Valley & Aurora, 193 N. Gregory St., 7 – 9 p.m.
• Village Baptist Church, 515 S. Frontenac St., 5:30 – 8:00 p.m.

Contact: (630) 256-4636.

UPDATES WITH ID, DETAILS

(GLENDALE HEIGHTS) A man was killed and two other people were injured in a crash early Tuesday in west suburban Glendale Heights.

Jasso Jair Molina, 22, was driving a vehicle east in the westbound lanes of traffic in the 200 block of Army Trail Road at 12:52 a.m. when he struck a vehicle heading westbound, causing a head-on crash, according to Glendale Heights police.

Molina, a Bartlett resident, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Two people in the other vehicle were taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

East Army Trail Drive was closed to traffic in the area after the crash, but was reopened at 4:30 a.m., police said.

The crash remains under investigation by Glendale Heights police and the DuPage Crash Accident Reconstruction Team.

(CARY) A motorcyclist was critically injured in a single-vehicle crash early Wednesday in northwest suburban Cary.

Paramedics were called at 12:11 a.m. for a report of the motorcycle crash at the intersection of Fox River Road and Woodland Avenue near Cary in unincorporated Lake County, according to a statement from the Cary Fire Protection District.

The crash was found “well off the roadway” in a field, fire officials said.

The male driver of the motorcycle was taken in critical condition to Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, fire officials said. His age was not known.

The Lake County sheriff’s office is investigating the crash.

“The Cary Fire Protection District would like to remind everyone that safety is everyone’s responsibility,” the Cary Fire Protection District said in the statement. “When participating in summer activities please wear appropriate protective equipment whether riding a bicycle, a motorcycle or a scooter.”

Gerald Mitchell, 68, of the 8900 block of Saratoga Drive in Bridgeview, unknown causes at 8955 Saratoga Dr. in Bridgeview, pronounced Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn at 3:36 a.m. [8/1], Bridgeview police.

Willie Collins, 72, of the 4000 block of Davis Street in Matteson, unknown causes at 4041 Davis St. in Matteson, pronounced dead at 12 a.m. [8/1], Cook County sheriff’s office.

Vincent Pizeo, 81, of the 5300 block of West 24th Place in Cicero, unknown causes at 5323 W. 24th Pl. in Cicero, pronounced at Loyola University Medical Center in Maywood at 10:05 p.m. [8/1], Cicero police.

Kenyon Hill, 19, of the 500 block of North Hamlin Avenue, unknown causes at North Lawndale Avenue and West Huron Street, pronounced dead at 10:27 p.m. [8/1], unknown investigating agency.

Tracy Moore, 53, of the 500 block of North Lavergne Avenue, unknown causes at 511 N. Lawler Ave., pronounced dead at 1:20 a.m. [8/2], Area North detectives.

UPDATES WITH FATALITY

(CARY) A motorcyclist was killed in a single-vehicle crash early Wednesday near northwest suburban Cary.

Paramedics were called about 12:10 a.m. for a report of the motorcycle crash at the intersection of Fox River Road and Woodland Avenue near Cary in unincorporated Lake County, according to a statement from the Cary Fire Protection District.

The crash was found “well off the roadway” in a field, fire officials said.

The 2004 Yamaha motorcycle had been traveling east on Fox River, when the bike left the roadway to the south, entered a ditch and then struck a utility pole, according to the Lake County sheriff’s office.

The driver of the bike, a man from Fox River Grove, was thrown from the motorcycle. He was taken to Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, where he was pronounced dead, the sheriff’s office said. The man’s name was not released, pending notification of his family.

A Flight for Life helicopter was placed on standby prior to paramedics arrival at the scene, but was canceled because the victim did not meet the criteria for being airlifted, fire officials said.

The sheriff’s office Technical Crash Investigations Unit is investigating the crash.

“The Cary Fire Protection District would like to remind everyone that safety is everyone’s responsibility,” the Cary Fire Protection District said in the statement. “When participating in summer activities please wear appropriate protective equipment whether riding a bicycle, a motorcycle or a scooter.”

UPDATES WITH ADDITIONAL DETAILS

(CARY) A motorcyclist was killed in a single-vehicle crash early Wednesday near northwest suburban Cary.

Paramedics were called about 12:10 a.m. for a report of the motorcycle crash at the intersection of Fox River Road and Woodland Avenue near Cary in unincorporated Lake County, according to a statement from the Cary Fire Protection District.

The crash was found “well off the roadway” in a field, fire officials said.

The 2004 Yamaha motorcycle had been traveling east on Fox River, when the bike left the roadway to the south, entered a ditch and then struck a utility pole, according to the Lake County sheriff’s office.

The driver of the bike, a man from Cary who was wearing a helmet, was thrown from the motorcycle. He was taken to Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington, where he was pronounced dead, the sheriff’s office said. The man’s name was not released, pending notification of his family.

A Flight for Life helicopter was placed on standby prior to paramedics arrival at the scene, but was canceled because the victim did not meet the criteria for being airlifted, fire officials said.

The sheriff’s office Technical Crash Investigations Unit is investigating the crash.

UPDATES WITH WOMAN FOUND

A West Virginia woman who went missing nearly three weeks ago in Chicago has been found.

Deloris Arnold, 70, was last seen July 13 at the Greyhound Station at 630 W. Harrison St., according to a statement from the White Sulpher Springs Police Department in West Virginia.

Police said Wednesday morning that Arnold had been found, but no additional details were provided.

UPDATES DAYBOOK WITH 1 P.M. EVENT

1 p.m. – (DES PLAINES) The Des Plaines History Center hosts program on the history of clowns. 781 Pearson St., Des Plaines. Contact: Rachel B. Birkner, (847) 391-5399 or rbirkner@desplaineshistory.org.

UPDATES DAYBOOK WITH 7 P.M. EVENT

7 p.m. – (EVANSTON) Evanston Ald. Ann Rainey, and Chicago Ald. Debra Silverstein and Joe Moore conduct public meeting on design alternatives to improve Howard Street from Winchester to Sacramento. Levy Senior Center, 300 Dodge, Evanston. Contact: ward49@cityofchicago.org or (773) 338-5796.

UPDATES DAYBOOK WITH 8 P.M. EVENT

8 p.m. – (CHICAGO) Manchester Orchestra headlines opening night of Pandora’s 4th annual Chicago Invasion. Morgan Manufacturing, 410 N. Morgan St. Contact: Brian Bumbery, brian@bbgunpr.com or (323) 904-9094; or Sam Citron, sam@bbgunpr.com.

UPDATES DAYBOOK WITH 11:30 A.M. EVENT

11:30 a.m. – (GURNEE) The Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center celebrates its 30^th birthday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Healing Garden, with speakers including Deputy Gov. Leslie Munger. 123 N. O’Plaine Road, Gurnee. Contact: Carrie Flanigan, cflanigan@lakecountyil.gov or (847) 377-3155.

A 17-year-old boy suffered a graze wound to the ear early Thursday in the East Garfield Park neighborhood on the West Side.

Shortly before 3:30 a.m., he was walking in the 3000 block of West Jackson when a vehicle approached and a male occupant fired shots, according to Chicago Police.

The boy was taken in good condition to Norwegian American Hospital, police said.

UPDATES WITH ADDITIONS MARKED ***

THURSDAY’S MEETINGS AND EVENTS*

9 a.m. — (BURR RIDGE) Chalk Fest 2017 features adults, kids, and pros showing their chalk drawing skills, plus music, games and more. Village Center, 701 Village Center Dr., Burr Ridge. Contact: (630) 654-2782.

*** 9:30 a.m. — (CHICAGO) Mayor Rahm Emanuel speaks at the Chicago Summer Business Institute graduation ceremony. Harold Washington Library, Winter Garden, 401 S. Plymouth Ct. Contact: (312) 744-3334 or press@cityofchicago.org. (Note: There will be no media availability following.)

10 a.m. — (PHONE CONFERENCE) The American Federation of Government Employees local 704 holds a telepress conference on how the latest round of proposed cuts to the Environmental Protection Agency could impact the state of Indiana. Dial-in to (877) 888-4291, passcode: INDIANA (spoken to operator). Contact: Joanna Klonsky, joanna@joannaklonsky.com or (312) 307-0840.

10 a.m. — (CHICAGO) Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby to benefit Special Olympics Illinois. Wrigley Building Plaza, 400 N. Michigan Ave. Contact: (773) 278-2178.

10 a.m. — (CHICAGO) Interfaith leaders conduct a press conference to speak out against the escalating humanitarian crisis created by the State of Israel’s military blockade and then educate farmers’ market-goers about the ways in which Israel’s blockade has destroyed Gaza’s agricultural economy. Southwest corner of Daley Plaza, Clark and Washington. Contact: Michael Deheeger, (847) 494-0356 or michael@jewishvoiceforpeace.org.

10 a.m. — (LAKE VILLA) State Rep. Sheri Jesiel hosts annual Senior Fair. Antioch Township Center, 1625 Deep Lake Rd., Lake Villa. Contact: Joel Sikes, JSikes@hrs.ilga.gov or (847) 395-8000.

11 a.m. — (AURORA) U.S. Rep. Bill Foster hosts community forum to discuss challenges faced by women in society, with speakers including Chicago Foundation for Women President K Sujata, McDermott Will & Emery Partner Andie Kramer, League of Women Voters Naperville Chair Elizabeth Sturm, Ungaretti & Harris Founding Partner Al Harris, and American Association of University Women’s Jerre Henriksen. West Aurora High School, 1201 W. New York St., Aurora. Contact: Greg Cybulski, greg.cybulski@mail.house.gov or (630) 585-7672.

Noon — (CHICAGO) 26th Lollapalooza music festival, headlined by Muse. Through Aug. 6. Grant Park, Columbus at Balbo. Contact: Brittany Pearce, brittany@freshcleanmedia.com or (310) 313-7200.

Noon — (MICHIGAN CITY, Ind.) Indiana Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch speaks at a Rotary Club of Michigan City Luncheon. Lubeznik Center for the Arts, 101 W. 2nd St., Michigan City, Ind. Contact: Marie Davis, mdavis@lg.in.gov or (317) 501-7497.

1 p.m. — (CHICAGO) Adler Planetarium astronomers and staff lead a free telescope observing program, ‘Scopes in the City. Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Ave. Contact: Jennifer Howell, (312) 542-2424 or jhowell@adlerplanetarium.org.

1 p.m. — (ROSEMONT) Chicagoland Retail Connection conference. Hyatt Regency O’Hare, 9300 Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont. Contact: ICSC icsc@icsc.org or (646) 728-3800.

1:30 p.m. — (CHICAGO) Gubernatorial candidate state Rep. Scott Drury unveils blueprint to “rebuild Illinois.” Lincoln Park Branch Library, 1150 W. Fullerton Ave. Contact: Tony Coppola, (224) 507-2804.

*** 2 p.m. — (CHICAGO) The Chicago Police 15th District honors Emonie Black, a 6-year-old girl who dreams of being a Chicago Police officer. 5701 W. Madison St. Contact: (312) 745-6110.

2 p.m. — (CHICAGO) Chicago Public Schools hosts series of Back to School Bashes featuring music, food, games and activities for students, live entertainment, medical vaccinations and more. Bogan High, 3939 W. 79th St. Wallace. Contact: (773) 553-1620.

2 p.m. — (WEST CHICAGO) The Faith, Life & Hope Mission hosts a press conference and community meeting ahead of their meeting with Congressman Peter Roskam to discuss their hunger strike, legislation surrounding DACA & TPS and other issues that affect the immigrant community. 900 E. Roosevelt Rd., West Chicago. Contact: Tommy Tackett, (517) 960-3227.

4 p.m. – (AURORA) DuPage County Division of Transportation hosts informational meeting on proposed rerouting of the Aurora Branch of the Illinois Prairie Path in Aurora and Naperville. Metea Valley High School, main entrance atrium, 1801 N. Eola Rd., Aurora. Contact: Evan Shields, (630) 407-6022 or Evan.Shields@dupageco.org.

5 p.m. — (NORTHBROOK) Northbrook Days feature live music, food, kids’ activities and more. Through Aug. 6. Village Green Park, 1320 Shermer Rd., Northbrook. Contact: (847) 513-6362.

6 p.m. — (CHICAGO) U.S. Rep. Bobby Rush and Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Larry Rogers Jr. host Property Tax Appeal Forums. Chicago State University, 9501 S. King Dr. Contact: Debra Johnson. Debra.Johnson@mail.house.gov or (202) 679-0381.

6 p.m. — (CHICAGO) Chicago SummerDance features salsa lessons and music by Carpacho y Su Super Combo. Grant Park, Spirit of Music Garden, 601 S. Michigan Ave. Contact: Christine Carrino, (312) 744-0573 or christine.carrino@cityofchicago.org.

6 p.m. — (CHICAGO) Dance in the Parks with Forevermore Dance & Theatre Arts. Rutherford Sayre Park,6871 W. Belden Ave. Contact: (773) 237-6460.

6 p.m. — (CHICAGO) Bright Star Community Outreach 2017 annual Fund Raising Gala, with keynote by Deputy Mayor Andrea Zopp. Standard Club, 320 S. Plymouth Ct. Contact: info@Brightstarcommunityoutreach.com or (773) 373-5220.

6:30 p.m. — (BARRINGTON) National Night Out Celebration features food, bike and helmet safety checks, digital fingerprinting and ID kits, forensic science interactive display, train safety, drug awareness, games and more. Downtown around Cook and Station, Barrington. Contact: (847) 304-3400.

7 p.m. — (LAKE VILLA) Annual Lake Villa Days festival features rides, music, live entertainment, firefighter’s and business water fights on Saturday, kids’ activities and more. Through Aug. 6. Lehmann Park, 148 Cedar Ave., Lake Villa. Contact: (847) 356-2525.

8:30 p.m. – (CHICAGO) Ald. Carlos Ramirez-Rosa discusses his experiences in office, fighting neoliberalism, and why he’s a socialist at the Democratic Socialists of America 2017 Convention. U.E. Hall, 37 S. Ashland Ave. Contact: DSA, (212) 727-8610.

THURSDAY’S COURT DOCKET*

8:30 a.m. — (WHEATON) Londale Madison, charged with attempted murder, aggravated criminal sexual assault, home invasion and armed robbery; Accused of breaking into a Willowbrook home and beating and sexually assaulting a 26-year-old woman on Aug. 29, 2015. Status. DuPage County Courthouse, 505 N. County Farm Rd., Wheaton. Contact: DuPage County State’s Attorney’s office: (630) 407-8160.

10 a.m. call — (CHICAGO) Ian Armstrong, charged with murder; Accused of fatally shooting a man as he slept in a Kenwood home in 2013, and was later tied to the attack by DNA evidence. Status. Cook County Criminal Courthouse, 2600 S. California Ave. Contact: Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, (312) 603-3423.

9:30 a.m. call — (CHICAGO) Matthew Cobbs, Eddie Simmons and Ahmad Walker, all charged with first-degree murder; Accused of fatally shooting a man in Old Town on 11-16-2014. Status. Cook County Criminal Courthouse, 2600 S. California Ave. Contact: Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, (312) 603-3423.

9:30 a.m. call — (CHICAGO) Dewann Crooks, charged with first-degree murder; Accused of fatally shooting 38-year-old Clint Eldridge on 3-14-11 on the Far South Side. Status. Cook County Criminal Courthouse, 2600 S. California Ave. Contact: Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, (312) 603-3423.

9:30 a.m. call — (CHICAGO) Arieus Fitch, charged with murder; Accused of a fatal 5-24-2015 Bronzeville shooting as revenge for an earlier shooting. Status. Cook County Criminal Courthouse, 2600 S. California Ave. Contact: Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, (312) 603-3423.

9:30 a.m. call — (CHICAGO) Patrick L. Holmes, charged with first-degree murder; Accused of fatally shooting 24-year-old Hughvon Polk in Humboldt Park on Aug. 24, 2015. Status. Cook County Criminal Courthouse, 2600 S. California Ave. Contact: Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, (312) 603-3423.

9:30 a.m. call — (CHICAGO) Alexander Marrero, charged with criminal sexual assault and aggravated kidnapping; An Uber driver accused of sexually assaulting an intoxicated woman he was hired to drive home from the Gold Coast on 6-26-16. Status. Cook County Criminal Courthouse, 2600 S. California Ave. Contact: Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, (312) 603-3423.

9:30 a.m. call — (CHICAGO) Matthew Rosario, charged with first-degree murder; Accused of fatally stabbing a woman whose body was found following a fire on 2-7-2014. Status. Cook County Criminal Courthouse, 2600 S. California Ave. Contact: Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, (312) 603-3423.

*NOTE: The Sun-Times Wire staff will verify all Daybook listings in advance, but last-minute changes or cancellations can occur. We strongly recommend that media outlets call to confirm events before assigning.

UPDATES THURSDAY DAYBOOK TO ADD 11:45 P.M. AND 1:45 A.M. EVENTS

11:45 a.m. — (CHICAGO) Mayor Rahm Emanuel breaks ground on baseball and softball athletic facilities at Roberto Clemente IB World School. Intersection of North Oakley Boulevard and West Division Street. Contact: (312) 744-3334 or press@cityofchicago.org. (Note: There will be no media availability following.)

1:45 p.m. — (CHICAGO) Mayor Rahm Emanuel breaks ground on a soccer facility at Wells Community Academy High School. Intersection of North Marshfield Avenue and West Walton Street. Contact: (312) 744-3334 or press@cityofchicago.org. (Note: There will be no media availability following.)

Thunderstorms expected to move into the region Thursday afternoon and evening could soak the crowds on the first day of Lollapalooza in Grant Park.

The National Weather Service issued a hazardous weather outlook early Thursday for north central and northeastern Illinois and northwest Indiana.

There is a chance of thunderstorms Thursday morning and a “greater risk of thunderstorms, including the threat of isolated severe storms” mainly after 4 p.m. with a high temperature of 81, according to the weather service. The storms could bring winds of up to 70 mph and a chance of hail up to the size of a quarter.

Lollapalooza starts at noon Thursday in Grant Park. The festival was evacuated because of storms in 2015 and 2012, and conditions were notoriously rainy and muddy in 2014.

There’s a slight possibility — a 20 percent chance — of showers or light rain Friday, with a high of 67 and wind gusts as high as 30 mph. Saturday is expected to be mostly sunny, with a high temperature of 78.