🌱 Hospitalizations Up 93 Percent + CPS Plans Return + NYE Plans

Hello, Lakeview! Let's get to the Daily for Dec. 29.

First, today's weather: Mostly cloudy. High: 34 Low: 33.

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Here are the top 5 stories today in Lakeview:

1. A 34-year-old man was assaulted and carjacked in Lakeview East early Tuesday morning, according to Chicago police. Offenders stole his Jeep Wrangler in the 2800 block of North Orchard Street. (CBS)

2. COVID-19 hospitalizations in Illinois have jumped 93 percent from the start of December. Rush University Medical Center, NorthShore University Health System and more hospitals are now banning visitors. Northwestern, Loyola and University of Chicago hospitals are limiting patients to one visitor per day. (CBS)

3. Chicago Public Schools still plan to return to in-person classes on Monday. The district asked families to submit COVID-19 tests yesterday to allow time for processing by Jan. 3. (WTTW)

4. Members of the Chicago Restaurants Coalition say Monday is too soon to implement the city’s new vaccine proof mandate. About 30 restaurant owners say they do not have staff or time to prepare for the new requirement, which goes into effect Jan. 3. (Block Club)

5. Chef Kelly Ijichi is hosting a weekly bento pop-up at Konbini & Kanpai in Lakeview. A new Japanese-American menu is released every Tuesday. (Block Club)

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Today in Lakeview:

• Paint a “happy hour” picture at Bottle & Bottega. (6:30 p.m.)
• Indie band Camp Edwards performs at Schubas Tavern. (8 p.m.)
• Stand-up comedy at the Laugh Factory. (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce has compiled a list of more than 20 neighborhood New Year’s Eve celebrations. (Chamber)
• Burglars are using ruse tactics to lure senior citizens out of their homes on the North Side. (CWB)
• Data from the Illinois State Board of Education shows a “chronic truancy rate” at Lake View High School, according to Chicago City Wire. (CCW)
• Chicago surpassed 800 homicides in 2021. (WBEZ)
• Longtime Lincoln Park Zoo director Dr. Lester Fisher died this week at the age of 100. (Paid source: Sun-Times)

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Featured businesses:

• Improovy Painters Chicago — (Visit website)
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Events:

• Evanston Made NYE Art Auction, Online (December 31)
• Chicago Scene New Year's Eve Party at The Drake Hotel (December 31)
• Ring In the New Year With 15 Percent Off Beautiful Blooms From FTD! (December 31)
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Loving the Lake View Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

• Send a friend or neighbor this link so they can subscribe
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• Send me a news tip or suggestion at georgi.presecky@patch.com

That's all for this Wednesday, Lakeview! See you tomorrow for more neighborhood news.

— Georgi Presecky