🌱 Smollett Trial + Southport Holiday Stroll + Hanukkah Pop-Up

Happy Friday! It's a busy day in Lakeview, so let's get to the news.

First, today's weather: Clouds yielding to some sun. High: 49 Low: 34.

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Here are the top stories today in Lakeview:

1. Abimbola Osundairo testified in the Jussie Smollett case this week, saying he and his younger brother were part of the plot to stage a hate crime against the actor in 2019. The Lakeview High School graduate testified that Smollett asked him to get involved after the actor received a threatening letter that wasn’t taken seriously by the “Empire” bosses. (Paid source: Tribune)

2. Illinois cannabis dispensary workers say that large marijuana corporations are resisting their efforts to unionize. Cresco Labs, which owns Sunnyside Dispensary in Lakeview, made history in 2020 when their Joliet cultivation center voted to unionize. (Paid source: Sun-Times)

3. A “sister” cinema to Lakeview's Music Box Theatre is undergoing renovations to once again become the “center” of a South Side neighborhood. The Ramova Theatre in Bridgeport is being renovated as a multipurpose venue. It originally opened in 1929 and has not seen visitors since it closed in 1985. (Paid source: Tribune)

4. The Southport Holiday Stroll and Cocktail Crawl will begin at 5 p.m. today. The stroll is free and includes caroling, Santa Claus and special treats from local businesses. Tickets are still available for the Cocktail Crawl, which includes a commemorative glass and 10 cocktail samples along Southport. (Chamber of Commerce)

5. The Vincent Babiarz Memorial Toy Drive is tonight at Murphy’s Bleachers. Cash and toy donations will benefit Lakeview Pantry. Donations can also be made at drop-off locations in the neighborhood. (Pantry)

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Today in Lakeview:

• “Christmas Around the World” is back at the Museum of Science & Industry. (9:30 a.m.)
• More than 400 artists are selling items at the Merchandise Mart’s 20th annual “One of a Kind Holiday Show.” (10 a.m.)
• A new “Light Up the Lake” holiday attraction is now open on Navy Pier. (10 a.m.)
• Visit the “Elf’d Up” movie-themed pop-up at Stretch Bar & Grill. (11 a.m.)
• The “8 Crazy Nights” Hanukkah pop-up bar at Graystone Tavern is now open. (4 p.m.)
• Join the holiday sing-along in Millennium Park. (6 p.m.)
• “Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical” opens at The Greenhouse Theater Center. (6:30 p.m.)
• Hear free readings of plays at Theater Wit as part of the Playwrights Collective Festival. (8 p.m.)

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Events:

• Free Biz Owners/StartUps/SideGigs — Automate Website to Increase Profits Live Q&A Friday 1 pm (December 3)
• First Saturday Evanston Art Events (December 4)
• Evanston Made Birthday Bash (December 4)
• Menorah Lighting with NEWCITY and Chabad Lincoln Park (December 5)
• Music Of The Baroque and Christmas Carols (December 11)
• Chicago Artisan Market (Holiday Edition) in Fulton Market — Sunday, Dec. 12 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. (December 12)
• Taxes In Retirement Webinar (December 14)
• Chicago Scene New Year's Eve Party at The Drake Hotel (December 31)
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• Best Learning App for Kids (Details)
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That's the news for this festive Friday in Lakeview! See you tomorrow for another edition of the Daily.

— Georgi Presecky

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