Flanked by attorneys and supporters, Anjanette Young discusses her civil case against the city of Chicago outside the Thompson Center in June. | Ashlee Rezin/Sun-Times
Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.
Good afternoon. Here’s the latest news you need to know in Chicago. It’s about a 5-minute read that will brief you on today’s biggest stories.
This afternoon will be mostly sunny with a high near 51 degrees. Tonight will be partly cloudy with a low around 32. Tomorrow will be partly sunny with a high near 52.
Top story
City Council committee advances $2.9M settlement to compensate Anjanette Young for botched raid on wrong home
Anjanette Young, the social worker who was forced to stand naked before a dozen male Chicago police officers while they executed a search warrant at the wrong address, will get $2.9 million under a settlement unanimously advanced Monday.
The voice vote by the City Council’s Finance Committee sets the stage for full Council approval on Wednesday, culminating a yearlong ordeal that Mayor Lori Lightfoot has acknowledged breached public trust in her administration.
Bodycam video of the February 2019 raid on Young’s home that the Lightfoot administration tried to conceal was so damaging, Corporation Counsel Celia Meza made the presentation to alderpersons during Monday’s hearing.
Meza told the Finance Committee that officers were at Young’s home “executing a valid, legal search warrant” that turned out to be based on false information that a male with a gun was living at that address and that the officers “knocked and announced” themselves before entering Young’s home.
The corporation counsel further noted that, although the raid continued for roughly 40 minutes, Young was forced to stand in a “complete state of undress” for just 16 seconds. A jacket was then placed around her shoulders for 13 seconds, followed by a blanket, the corporation counsel said.
It took a full 10 minutes before Young was allowed to get fully dressed, and only after a female officer arrived on the scene.
For that reason and more, Meza argued that $2.9 million was a good deal for Chicago taxpayers. It’s on par with the $2.5 million paid in 2014 after another raid on the wrong home where “a gun was unfortunately pointed at a 3-year-old,” Meza said.
Fran Spielman has the full story here.
More news you need
Gov. J.B. Pritzker today issued a disaster proclamation for 28 counties across central and southern Illinois affected by tornados and other severe weather over the weekend. The proclamation allows the state to quickly get resources, personnel and other equipment into communities that are recovering from the storms.
State Sen. Darren Bailey, a Republican candidate for next year’s Illinois gubernatorial election, today announced his running mate: Stephanie Trussell, a “hardworking conservative” and former WLS-AM 890 talk show host. Rachel Hinton has more on Bailey’s choice for the lieutenant governor spot on his 2022 ticket.
Standing outside her modest Austin home, Zerlina Smith-Members today announced her intention to run for Cook County board president. The community activist and mother of two said she’s taken out a second mortgage on her home to help fund her campaign, which comes after two unsuccessful runs for City Council in the past.
Heavy machinery and construction equipment maker Deere, looking to tap into Chicago’s tech talent, will open an office in Fulton Market next year. The Moline-based company eventually plans for 300 workers at the location – a move that’s landed the company a state tax incentive worth an estimated $4.9 million over the next 10 years.
In one of Chicago’s most historic areas, residents are butting heads over one homeowner’s efforts to tear down a building from the 1880s in order to add a yard on the side of his modern home. David Roeder has more on the conflict in the federal Sheffield historic district.
Tim McGraw and Miranda Lambert will be among the headliners for the 2022 Windy City Smokeout festival, organizers announced today. The celebration of country music and BBQ will be held next summer in the parking lots of the United Center.
A bright one
20 great ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Chicago
In-person New Year’s Eve celebrations are back in a big way in Chicago this year. From comedy sketch shows to “Great Gatsby” parties, magic shows to firework cruises and live music of every flavor, here are 20 ways to ring in 2022.
New Year On The Pier
Navy Pier is also host to one of the biggest NYE parties in Chicago at the Aon Grand Ballroom, which will offer upgraded catering and bar service, a live band and Chicago blue-eyed soul singer Matt Kysia, plus the Pier’s incredible fireworks show at midnight. If you go early you can also check out Light Up the Lake’s indoor light garden and ice skating rink. 600 E. Grand Ave. Starts at 8 p.m. $105+ navypier.org
Provided courtesy Navy Pier
Several events offer ideal viewing of the New Year’s Eve fireworks at Navy Pier.
The Second City’s ‘Deck The Hallmark’
The end of Christmas doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy Lifetime and Hallmark holiday movies … being roasted in the best way possible by The Second City. The comedy troupe takes on every possible cliche in this revue for the gift that just keeps on giving. In-theater dining is also available. 230 W. North Ave. 7, 10 p.m. $58. secondcity.com
District Brew Yards Party
Champagne may be the official drink of New Year’s Eve, but if craft beers are more your style, head to District Brew Yards; the “pour-your-own beer hall” has 40 options to choose from, and admission will get you unlimited brews plus a dinner buffet and a DJ to dance the night away. 417 N. Ashland Ave. Starts at 8 p.m. $59-89. districtbrewyards.com
Still making your New Year’s Eve plans? Check out more fun options for the last night of 2021 here.
From the press box
No Blackhawks game tonight as the team’s matchup against the Flames has been postponed due to a COVID-19 outbreak in Calgary’s locker room.
The Bulls’ next two games – scheduled for tomorrow night against Detroit and Thursday night against Toronto – have also been postponed as a result of the pandemic. The Bulls currently have 10 players in the NBA’s health and safety protocol after Alize Johnson tested positive for COVID-19.
Three takeaways from the Bears’ 45-30 loss to the Packers last night.
After the Team Rose Classic over the weekend, here are Michael O’Brien’s updated Super 25 high school basketball rankings entering this week’s games.
Steve Greenberg breaks down his latest college basketball rankings.
Your daily question ?
What’s your favorite holiday treat to make?
Send us an email at [email protected] and we might feature your answer in the next Afternoon Edition.
On Friday, we asked you: What was the best song of 2021? Here’s what some of you said…
“‘I Still Have Faith in You’ by ABBA.” — Bob Lagerquist
“‘Meet Me At Our Spot’ by The Anxiety and Willow.” — Jamie Harris
“‘Heat Above’ by Greta Van Fleet.” — Robert Lisowski
“‘My Little Love’ by Adele.” — JaVonne Jennings
“‘Bleed The Future’ by Archspire.” — Freddie McReynolds Jr.
“‘Dead Butterflies’ by Architects.” — Devin Olson
“Still waiting for a decent song from 2021.” — Peggy Taylor
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