🌱 CTA Completes Red-Purple Bypass + Crime Spike Continues

Happy Tuesday, Lakeview! Here's your five-minute guide to the latest neighborhood news.

First, today's weather: Mostly sunny and frigid. High: 14 Low: -4.

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Here are the top 5 stories today in Lakeview:

1. With robberies up more than 36 percent since 2019, Ald. Tom Tunney is responding to resident fears about the Lakeview crime spike. Tunney told Block Club his office is adding security cameras and better lighting to high traffic areas and is looking to increase safety patrols when the police department staff shortage improves. (Block Club)

2. The CTA Red-Purple Bypass is officially complete, Chicago officials announced Monday in Lakeview. It’s the first new mainline track since the Orange Line opened almost 30 years ago. "The reconstruction of the Red Line in our transportation and trail system has been long overdue," Mayor Lori Lightfoot said. (ABC)

3. More than 3,300 people have signed a petition asking Chicago officials to improve sidewalk maintenance ahead of next winter. Members of the advocacy group Better Streets Chicago say they want to improve hazardous conditions for pedestrians, especially those with disabilities. (Block Club)

4. Two aldermen are seeking investigations into Chicago Public Schools after data showed the district could be under-counting COVID-19 cases among students and staff. CPS spokeswoman Mary Ann Fergus said the “discrepancy is easily explained and will be cleared up.” (Block Club)

5. Illinois driver facilities have reopened after being closed for three weeks due to the omicron surge. Online services will still be available through the secretary of state website. (NBC)

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Today in Lakeview:

• Illinois residents get free admission to the Museum of Contemporary Art today. (10 a.m.)
• See the Chicago Critics Film Festival selection “Jockey” at the Landmark Century Centre Cinema. (2 p.m.)
• Learn to paint a beloved literary wizarding school at Bottle & Bottega. (6:30 p.m.)
• The Sill hosts a winter plant care workshop. (7 p.m.)
• Trivia nights at Old Town Pour House (7 p.m.) and Guthrie’s Tavern. (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Chicago Public Library announced its programming plans for Black History Month, which begins next Tuesday. (Patch)
• The Wiener’s Circle offered free cheese fries Sunday to celebrate the San Francisco 49ers defeating the Bears’ rival Green Bay Packers. (NBC)
• Esme, Evette’s and Geja’s Cafe are offering Valentine’s Day dinner specials. (TimeOut)

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You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow for another Lakeview Daily.

— Georgi Presecky