🌱 Cubs Remove Statues + Winter Storm Watch + Black History Month

Happy February, Lakeview! Let's get to the news for this Tuesday.

First, today's weather: A bit of afternoon rain. High: 40 Low: 25.

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Here are the top 5 stories today in Lakeview:

1. A winter storm watch will go into effect tonight in Cook County and surrounding areas, according to the National Weather Service. Early models show the state could see between eight and 20 inches of snow this week. (Patch)

2. The Cubs removed statues of Billy Williams and Ron Santo from their spots outside Wrigley Field Monday morning. According to The Athletic, they will be placed in storage while the Cubs make plans to build a sportsbook facility at the corner of Addison and Sheffield. (The Athletic)

3. Overnight parking is now banned on a stretch of Milwaukee Avenue in Wicker Park. Parking is prohibited after 10 p.m. from Wolcott to Damen avenues after the City Council heard complaints of “rowdy late-night partying leading to criminal activity.” (Block Club)

4. Many Chicago restaurant owners say they are on the verge of closing if the government doesn’t step in with assistance. Independent Restaurant Coalition Executive Director Erika Polmar said "these businesses are filing for bankruptcy and receiving eviction notices after crying out for help for nearly two years.” (Patch)

5. Chicago theaters are debating whether to postpone February performances as COVID-19 risks remain high. The Goodman Theatre has resumed in-person productions, while Lookinglass and Redtwist Theatres have canceled due to the virus. (Block Club)

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Today in Lakeview:

• Happy Hour at Stand-Up Burgers. (3 p.m.)
• Learn guitar and ukulele tips and tricks with the Old Town School of Folk Music. (6:30 p.m.)
• Brijean performs at Metro. (7 p.m.)
• Open Mic Night at the Laugh Factory. (9 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Chicago Park District announced upcoming events in honor of Black History Month, which begins today. (Park District)
• Showtime canceled the comedy “Work in Progress” after two seasons of filming in Chicago’s North Side neighborhoods. (Axios)
• Andersonville’s Hygge Fest will return this Friday, featuring local businesses, food, music and sales. (Block Club)
• Lake View High School is celebrating Winter Spirit Week. (LVHS)
• The Bears introduced new general manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus Monday at a press conference Monday. (ABC)

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You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow for more neighborhood news.

— Georgi Presecky

About me: Georgi is a Chicago-based newsletter writer and partner content curator. She spent five years on the entertainment beat for FF2 Media covering film festivals across the U.S. Her feature articles have been recognized with awards from the Illinois Women's Press Association and National Federation of Press Women. As editor-in-chief of the Lewis University newspaper, she and her staff earned honors from the Associated Collegiate Press and American Scholastic Press Associations. She began working for Patch in 2019.