Afternoon Briefing: Hot and humid temps in Chicago’s forecast

Good afternoon, Chicago.

Cook County recorded the deadliest year for opioid overdoses in 2022, according to the medical examiner’s office, a record that’s unsurprising to advocates and public health officials who said this signals a need for more harm reduction strategies.

In 2022, there were 2,000 deaths, surpassing 1,935 deaths in 2021. The large majority of deaths involved fentanyl, a synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine.

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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Strong thunderstorms move through Chicago Wednesday

Hot and humid temperatures are still expected for Thursday and Friday, with potential for midday storms. Read more here.

More top news stories:

• Here are Chicago’s hottest days — with temperatures of 100 degrees or higher — on record

• Woman killed in Uptown hit-and-run, police said

Former Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte puts River North mansion on the market for $4.75M

Bears player Matt Forte bought the four-story, center-entry mansion in late 2014. Read more here.

More top business stories:

• Northern Trust on track to cut additional 600 jobs

• Marquee Sports Network launches direct-to-consumer streaming option for Chicago Cubs fans to watch games

Dwyane Wade looks to bring creative thinking as a member of Chicago Sky ownership: ‘It just feels like the time’

A three-time NBA champion and 13-time All-Star, Wade is the second former NBA player to invest in a WNBA team. Read more here.

More top sports stories:

• Bears and tight end Cole Kmet agree to a 4-year, $50 million extension

• As Tim Anderson’s production at the plate picks up, the Chicago White Sox shortstop isn’t worried about trade talk

John Manion to bring Brazilian-influenced Brasero to West Town

The new project will be located in West Town at the former Funkenhausen space. Look for a November opening date. Read more here.

More top Eat. Watch. Do. stories:

• ‘Futurama’ review: The animated comedy will not be quashed! It’s back for Season 11 on a new home: Hulu

• Aurora looks at buying new video screens for RiverEdge Park

• Acclaimed Irish singer Sinéad O’Connor dies at age 56

Pedestrians scatter as fire causes New York construction crane’s arm to collapse and crash to street

The mayor of New York City says four people suffered minor injuries, but no one died when a fire on a construction crane caused its arm to strike a building as it crashed to the street. Read more here.

More top stories from around the country:

• Water at tip of Florida hits hot tub level and may have set world record for warmest seawater

• Hunter Biden’s plea deal on hold after federal judge raises concerns over the terms of the agreement