Afternoon Briefing: CPD officer tied to disgraced unit fired 18 years after scandal

Good afternoon, Chicago.

Federal prosecutors today said indicted Chicago Ald. Carrie Austin is exaggerating health issues to avoid going to trial on fraud charges, saying the FBI recently observed her going about political duties and running daily errands and that she hasn’t met even the “bare minimum” of proof she’s incapable of facing a jury.

And a Chicago police officer was fired last night for his role 18 years ago in one of the biggest scandals in department history.

ICYMI: Take a look at the 100 best photos by Chicago Tribune photographers in 2022.

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

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Every week, Bears wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert gives his players a bullet-pointed study guide with close to 20 instructions and clues specific to that week’s opponent and game plan. But there is one staple, the same tip repeated at No. 8 for every game. Read more here.

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Huge Berlin aquarium bursts and releases flood of fish

A huge aquarium in Berlin burst, spilling debris, water and more than a thousand tropical fish out of the AquaDom tourist attraction in the heart of the German capital. Read more here.

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