🌱 COVID Surges + Nurses Say 'It Doesn't Have To Be This Way'

Hello, Lakeview! Let's get to the news for Tuesday.

First, today's weather: Times of sun and clouds. High: 39 Low: 22.

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Here are the top 5 stories in Lakeview today:

1. Health care workers are “pleading with the public to take reasonable precautions” as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on, with Chicago hospitalizations skyrocketing to numbers not seen since last winter. “We’re just sad,” ICU nurse Carol Williams said of her fellow health care workers. “We’re sad because it doesn’t have to be this way.” (NBC)

2. Lakeview deli Steingold’s of Chicago will close temporarily due to the citywide COVID-19 surge. It is one of several establishments in the city to take new measures to protect staff and patrons from the relentless virus. (Eater)

3. Chicago’s vaccine mandate will stand for city workers after a neutral arbitrator ruled in Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s favor. The ruling gives most workers until Dec. 31 to get vaccinated against COVID-19. (WTTW)

4. Ald. Michele Smith held a safety walk in Lincoln Park last week after at least 15 robberies and carjackings were reported in the area in a 10-day span. Lakeview residents also say they are “looking over their shoulder” as more violence plagues the neighborhood. (NBC)

5. Clark Street's original Christmas pop-up is "in full holiday swing" this season. Santa Baby Christmas Bar takes over Deuce’s every year and is “an Instagrammer’s dream come true,” according to WGN’s Chicago Scene. (WGN)

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Today in Lakeview:

• Free personalized bottle engraving at Foxtrot. (Noon)
• Double feature of “It’s A Wonderful Life” and “White Christmas” at Music Box Theatre. (4:45 p.m.)
• Brushes & Brews at Lakeview Taproom. (6 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Chicago’s delis are dealing with the nationwide cream cheese shortage. (Eater)
• Rent hikes in the downtown area could push many residents to move to Lakeview and Lincoln Park, according to Crain’s. (CCB)
• Photos with Santa at the Lincoln Park Zoo are available through Dec. 23. (Zoo)

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That's all for Dec. 21. See you tomorrow for more Lakeview news!

— Georgi Presecky