🌱 Illinois Sees Worst Surge + Flights Canceled + Snow Expected

Good morning, Lakeview! Let's get to the neighborhood news for Tuesday.

First, today's weather: Snow, changing to rain late. High: 40 Low: 34.

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Here are the top 5 stories today in Lakeview:

1. Illinois is seeing its highest surge in COVID-19 cases since the pandemic began. More than 55,950 cases have been reported in the state since Thursday. More than 150 people have died. (Block Club)

2. Lines continue to form outside Lakeview East’s free COVID-19 testing center as the omicron variant causes a surge in virus cases nationwide. “We are seeing more breakthrough cases with omicron, but your case is going to be very mild,” said Dr. Rachel Rubin of the Cook County Department of Public Health. (ABC)

3. More than 100 flights out of Chicago were canceled yesterday due to the COVID-19 surge. Airlines say labor shortages are to blame as staff members nationwide test positive for the virus amid the holiday rush. (Patch)

4. Three more Bulls players have tested positive for COVID-19 and entered the NBA’s safety protocols, joining Coach Billy Donovan. Fourteen people on the team have tested positive this month. (ESPN)

5. Chicago could see its first measurable snow today, the National Weather Service predicts. Snow is possible in the morning and early afternoon, when it will transition to rain. (Patch)

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From my notebook:

• Hungry Brain is the latest local establishment to close due to COVID-19. It plans to reopen Dec. 31. (Facebook)
• A Lincoln Park mansion sold last week for the Chicago area’s highest residential price of the year: $12.55 million. (Paid source: Tribune)
• Third Coast Review critic Steve Prokopy says “Licorice Pizza,” now playing at Music Box Theatre in 70mm, is “one of the year’s best.” (TCR)
• All Lincoln Park ZooLights events are sold out through the remainder of the season. (Zoo)

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That's all for today! See you tomorrow for another update.

— Georgi Presecky