🌱 Police Increase Lakeview Patrols Amid Violence + Foxtrot Opens

Good morning, Lakeview! Let's get to the news for Dec. 18.

First, today's weather: Breezy in the afternoon. High: 38 Low: 27.

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Here are the top 4 stories in Lakeview today:

1. The Chicago Police Department will officially increase patrols in Lakeview and Lincoln Park after a series of violent armed robberies in the neighborhoods. Incidents in Lakeview’s 19th District have increased 9 percent over the same period last year; numbers are up 19 percent in Lincoln Park. (ABC)

2. Sportsbook facilities will now be allowed to open at Wrigley Field, Soldier Field and other stadiums after the City Council approved a “long-stalled” proposal this week. The Cubs plan to open a sportsbook at Wrigley Field by the 2023 season, in partnership with DraftKings. (Block Club)

3. Cresco Labs opened the Illinois Cannabis Education Center in Wrigleyville this week. Located at the former site of Sunnyside Dispensary, the training center is "the industry's first business incubator and workforce development center," according to Cresco Labs. (Fox)

4. Foxtrot is celebrating the opening of its Lakeview location with a week-long holiday party. The “upscale convenience store and cafe” is offering free tote bags, snacks and sweets for customers this weekend. (Block Club)

5. A condo unit is up for sale inside a restored mansion on 2700 North Lakeview Ave. The $7.6 million space has an interesting backstory: the historic structure was built in 1917 for Titanic survivor Emily Ryerson and her family. (TRD)

Today in Lakeview:

• Bagel-making and mimosas at Get in the Kitchen. (10 a.m.)
• Order Christmas carry-out at Le Sud. (11 a.m.)
• Last chance to see “The Nutcracker” at the Athenaeum Theatre. (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Lincoln Park Zoo partnered with KultureCity to help make the zoo and its programs sensory-inclusive. (Zoo)
• Lakeview Pantry is seeking more holiday season volunteers. (Facebook)
• The LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois announced the winners of its Business Boot Camp Pitch Competition. (Chamber)
• Kiwanis of Lakeview celebrated the 90th birthday of longtime member Richard "Dick" Rush this week. He has been a member of Kiwanis for 47 years. (Facebook)

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That's all for today, Lakeview! See you Monday for another update.

Until then, stay safe and have a great weekend.

— Georgi Presecky