Afternoon Edition: Oct. 15, 2021

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 cloudy with scattered showers, a high near 63 degrees and a 40% chance of precipitation. Similar conditions will continue into tonight with a low around 45 and a 50% chance of precipitation. Tomorrow will be sunny with a high near 60.

Top story

Illinois Dems unveil new congressional map, designed to yield 14 Democratic and 3 GOP districts

Democrats in the Illinois General Assembly released the proposed new congressional map today, with the lines drawn to yield 14 Democratic districts and three Republican districts.

The current House delegation is made up of 13 Democrats and five Republicans. GOP Reps. Adam Kinzinger and Rodney Davis have said they may run for senator or governor if they determine there is no district where they have a chance to win.

State House and Senate leaders will hold hearings on the proposed map next week with a vote by the end of the month.

After the legislative map was released, state lawmakers took feedback and revised some districts before the state House and Senate chambers voted on the final version and sent it to Gov. J.B. Pritzker to sign.

The three-seat pickup for Democrats in the Illinois remap could determine whether Democrats, led by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, continue to control the House after the 2022 elections, so this map will draw national attention and likely face court challenges.

The map also shows three districts drawn to maximize the power of Black voters and one district to amplify Hispanic voting-age population strength — the same as present.

Lynn Sweet has more on the new map here.

More news you need

1. Last night, Mayor Lightfoot directed her corporation counsel to file a complaint for injunctive relief against the Fraternal Order of Police and its president John Catanzara, accusing him of “engaging in, supporting and encourage a work stoppage or strike.” The mayor’s move represents the latest escalation in a high-stakes standoff with the police union over her COVID vaccine mandate for city workers.
2. A federal judge today ordered the detention of one of five alleged members of the O-Block street gang accused in a racketeering indictment of last year’s murder of rapper FBG Duck, which a prosecutor said is “on video.” Jon Seidel has more from the federal courthouse.
3. Cameras won’t be allowed in the courtroom at Jussie Smollett’s upcoming jury trial, a judge said today while also denying the latest attempt by the actor’s attorneys to get the case dismissed. The judge did not provide an explanation for his decision to deny a request for extended media coverage in the courtroom for the trial, which is slated to start Nov. 29.
4. Gov. Pritzker and Illinois first lady M.K. Pritzker reported earning a little over $5.1 million in adjusted gross income last year – but after deductions, only a little over $2.2 million of it was taxable. That’s according to partial 2020 state and federal tax returns released today by the first-term governor’s campaign staff.
5. Naperville North High School sent students home early this morning after the west suburban campus received its second threat in a month. School officials and police wouldn’t disclose what was said in the threat, which police said was sent by voicemail to the school.
6. West Side rap duo Heavy Steppers are making a name for themselves in Chicago’s rap scene by capitalizing on their DIY following, sparked by the viral #HeavySteppersChallenge on social media. And they’re doing it all while one member is finishing up college.

A bright one

‘Explore like a local’ — Open House Chicago returns in person this weekend

Put on your walking shoes and get ready to travel around the city this weekend because Open House Chicago is back in person this year.

The annual event, hosted by the Chicago Architecture Center, features more than 100 sites spread across 30 city neighborhoods, as well as some suburbs, including Oak Park and the North Shore.

While last year’s open house was virtual, this year historical buildings, repurposed spaces and renovated halls will again be open to the public tomorrow and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both days.

Even though things are back in person this year, masks will be required at all indoor locations.

Pat Nabong/Sun-Times

Visitors can start their weekend on the Far Southwest Side’s Beverly-Morgan Park area, the site of Chicago’s only castle.

But it wouldn’t be Open House Chicago without the return of some favorites, like The Forum in Bronzeville. According to the architecture center, the red brick building at 324 E. 43rd St. is Bronzeville’s oldest assembly hall. It was built by and for Black Americans in 1897 and became an epicenter of the Black Metropolis.

New self-guided tours through the Open House Chicago app include “Obamas in Hyde Park,” which takes visitors through where the Obamas lived in the Kenwood-Hyde Park area, and a Great Chicago Fire tour recognizing the fire’s 150th anniversary.

Cheyanne M. Daniels has more on the architecture celebration here.

From the press box

• The Cubs today named Carter Hawkins as their new general manager. Hawkins, who comes to the North Side after most recently serving as assistant GM in Cleveland, will be the club’s 16th GM.
• The Sky take on the Mercury in Game 3 of the WNBA Finals tonight (8 p.m., ESPN2). Here’s Annie Costabile on how Candace Parker and her teammates can take a 2-1 series lead at a sold-out Wintrust Arena.
• With the Bears’ veteran running backs all sidelined, rookie Khalil Herbert will be in the spotlight Sunday when the team faces the Packers.
• Is Sean Desai ready to match Aaron Rodgers in a battle of wits? Patrick Finley on what should be a challenging day for the Bears’ defensive coordinator.

Your daily question ☕

Have you ever reconnected with an old friend or long-lost loved one? How did it happen?

Email us (please include your first name and where you live) and we might include your answer in the next Afternoon Edition.

Yesterday we asked you: In honor of #NationalDessertDay today, we want to know: Where can the best desserts in Chicago be found? Local businesses only. Here’s what some of you said…

“Brown Sugar Bakery on the South Side has to die for caramel cake, just check out the reviews! Support our local, independently owned businesses.” — Susan Swann

“I really liked FRIO Gelato. They create seasonal flavors. Mascarpone con frambuesa is lovely. Sugar Bliss is also delectable and they have daily rotating cupcakes in regular and mini sizes. The raspberry lemonade macaron had a nice balance of tart and sweetness which you can pair with all sorts of coffees.” — Neline Opt

“Dessert first thing in the morning with an angel food cake muffin from Beatrix!” — Rebecca Grothe

“Tel-Aviv Kosher Bakery in Chicago on Devon.” — Myrna Kar

“Sicilian Bakery on Cumberland Ave in Chicago.” — Caroline Ilardo

“Weber’s Bakery on Archer every day of the year.” — Patricia Marie Novack

“Jennivee’s Bakery in Lakeview!” — James Juliano

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