Chicago is mourning the loss of one of its brave protectors, as 36-year-old Officer Krystal Rivera was fatally shot Thursday night in a violent encounter on the South Side. The incident unfolded just before 10 p.m. in the 8200 block of South Drexel Avenue in the Chatham neighborhood, during what began as a routine tactical patrol by the 6th District Tactical Team.

According to Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, officers were attempting to stop a male suspect when he fled on foot into a nearby apartment building. As police entered the building in pursuit, they were ambushed by another individual armed with a rifle, escalating the situation in a matter of seconds.

During the chaos, Officer Rivera was struck by gunfire. Fellow officers acted swiftly, rushing her to the University of Chicago Medical Center in a squad car. A malfunction with the first vehicle forced a transfer to another police cruiser mid-route. Tragically, despite every effort, she was pronounced dead at the hospital.

Rivera, a four-year veteran of the department, was also a mother to a young daughter, and had earned a reputation as a hardworking, dedicated officer. “She loved her job, and she gave her all every single day,” said Superintendent Snelling. “She had already taken two guns off the street earlier that shift — that’s the kind of officer she was.”

The shooting has rattled the city and police department, as Rivera becomes the latest name added to the heartbreaking list of fallen officers. Mayor Brandon Johnson, speaking alongside Snelling at a press conference, called on the entire city to “keep this officer’s family in your prayers” and praised Rivera’s “bold and courageous service.”

In the wake of the shooting, a massive police procession solemnly escorted Rivera’s body from the hospital to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office early Friday morning. Officers could be seen grieving, embracing one another, and standing silently in honor of their colleague.

CPD confirmed that multiple suspects are in custody, and three firearms, including the suspected rifle used in the shooting, were recovered from the scene. The Civilian Office of Police Accountability (COPA) has been notified and is conducting an investigation.

Another officer sustained a wrist injury during the incident and was transported to the hospital in fair condition.

Officer Rivera’s loss is a painful reminder of the dangers law enforcement officers face daily, and her heroism is something the city will never forget. “She was the kind of officer any department would be proud to have,” said Snelling. “Now, we must be strong — for her family, for her daughter, and for every officer still out there.”

As Australians prepare for the King’s Birthday long weekend, police across the nation are intensifying road safety measures in response to a concerning increase in traffic-related fatalities. In Victoria, authorities have launched Operation Regal, a statewide initiative aimed at reducing road trauma during this high-risk period. The operation, running from Friday, June 6 to Monday, June 9, will see heightened police presence on major arterials and highways, particularly those leading to holiday destinations and alpine regions. Speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving are key focus areas, with officers conducting random breath and drug tests to deter dangerous behaviors.

The urgency of these measures is underscored by alarming statistics: Victoria has recorded 136 road deaths in 2025, marking a 14% increase compared to the same period last year and reaching a 16-year high. May alone saw 37 fatalities, the worst for that month since 2004. Particularly concerning is the rise in deaths among vulnerable road users, including motorcyclists and pedestrians.

In New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, double demerit points are in effect from June 6 to June 9. Offences such as speeding, illegal mobile phone use, not wearing seatbelts, and helmet violations will incur double the usual demerit points, increasing the risk of license suspension for repeat offenders.

While states like South Australia, Tasmania, and the Northern Territory do not implement double demerits, they are conducting their own safety campaigns. Tasmania Police, for instance, are urging caution during the Dark Mofo festival, emphasizing the importance of pedestrian safety in low-light conditions.

Authorities nationwide are appealing to all road users to prioritize safety, adhere to traffic laws, and remain vigilant. With increased enforcement and public awareness campaigns, the goal is to prevent avoidable tragedies and ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely during the holiday weekend.

In a significant development for Cobb County, Georgia, and its newly incorporated city of Mableton, local leaders have reached a one-year agreement to resume essential public services, including law enforcement and transportation. This accord comes after the Georgia Department of Community Affairs had imposed sanctions due to a missed deadline for finalizing a Service Delivery Strategy (SDS) agreement.

The temporary agreement stipulates that Mableton will pay Cobb County $9.5 million for police and Department of Transportation (DOT) services over the next year. This figure is a compromise from the county’s initial demand of $23 million. The deal was brokered with the assistance of a mediator during a 12-hour negotiation session at the David Hankerson Building.

While the agreement ensures the continuation of vital services, it also raises concerns about potential double taxation. Mableton residents currently contribute over $41 million in property taxes to the county, a portion of which funds public safety and transportation. City officials argue that the additional $9.5 million payment effectively charges residents twice for the same services.

To address the financial implications, Mableton’s City Manager has proposed the establishment of a Special Service District for Public Safety and DOT. This approach aims to raise necessary funds without implementing a citywide property tax, a measure Mayor Michael Owens opposes. The city is also exploring the possibility of forming its own municipal police department if a long-term agreement with the county cannot be reached.

The one-year SDS agreement serves as a stopgap measure, allowing