Afternoon Briefing: Cleanup from storm damage continues

Good afternoon, Chicago.

On his last night as a police officer, Chicago Police Department Officer Carlos Yanez Jr. remembers pulling over an SUV, then nothing more until he lay on the ground, struggling to breathe and hearing panicked yells from his partner.

“I heard gunfire right above me, and then I heard Josh screaming ‘Yanez! Yanez! French!,’” Yanez testified today, referring to Detective Joshua Blas.

The trial for a man accused of killing Chicago police Officer Ella French and injuring Yanez resumed at the Leighton Criminal Court Building after an emotional start on Tuesday when the jury saw footage from body cameras that depicted the chaotic moments before and after the shooting.

Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.

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Chicago weather: Cleanup from storm damage begins as temperatures move into low 40s

Thunderstorms with lightning, strong winds and hail made their way across Chicago on Tuesday as the temperature plunged. Read more here.

More top news stories:

• Damage to homes in Geneva, WCC campus after strong storms hit Chicago area

• Ban on gender-affirming care for minors allowed to take effect in Indiana

Glenview seeing a number of restaurants and other businesses flock to village’s downtown

Restaurants and other businesses are flocking to downtown Glenview in the wake of COVID-19, allowing the village to move closer to its goal of being a prime destination for diners and shoppers, officials said. Read more here.

More top business stories:

• FAA gives Boeing 90 days to come up with a plan to address quality issues

• Frankfort downtown redevelopment includes French bistro, sushi restaurant and Olde Frankfort Mall expansion

Chicago basketball report: No Michael Jordan at the United Center, Rebekah Gardner’s injury impact and Alex Caruso’s steals

A potentially season-ending Achilles injury draws uncertainty around the future for Rebekah Gardner and the Chicago Sky. Read more here.

More top sports stories:

• ‘Everyone’s got a story’: How Chicago Bears will delve into QB prospects’ wiring during NFL combine interviews

• Chicago Blackhawks’ Andreas Athanasiou shows progress with injury but still tackling mental hurdles: ‘It gets in your head’

Chicago Symphony Orchestra announces its 2024-25 season and new artist-in-residence

Absent from the season announcement is any official word on the CSO’s next music director — that announcement is always made separately, with the appropriate fanfare — or the next composer-in-residence. Read more here.

More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:

• Column: In ‘Days of Wine and Roses’ composer Adam Guettel took on the challenge of putting alcoholism to music

• Fermilab guest composer hopes to translate beauty of science through music

Mitch McConnell will step down as Senate Republican leader in November after a record run in the job

McConnell, who turned 82 last week, announced his decision Wednesday in the well of the Senate, a place where he looked in awe from its back benches in 1985 when he arrived and where he grew increasingly comfortable in the front row seat afforded the party leaders. Read more here.

More top stories from around the world:

• Lauren Boebert’s son arrested, charged in ‘string of vehicle trespasses and property thefts’

• Gary Sinise’s son, Mac, dies of the rare bone cancer chordoma: ‘He never quit trying’