🌱 Two Shot In Robbery + Largest Fireworks Event In City History

Good morning, Lakeview! Let's get to the news for my final Daily of 2021.

Please note that the events listed below will take place tomorrow, Dec. 31.

First, today's weather: Clouds breaking for some sun. High: 39 Low: 37.

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Here are the top stories today in Lakeview:

1. Two people were shot in separate armed robberies early Wednesday morning in Lakeview. The incidents happened about 90 minutes apart on West Buckingham Place and West Aldine Avenue. (ABC)

2. Chicago is looking back on a year of “unrelenting” gun violence in neighborhoods “that normally enjoy a sense of security,” according to a Tribune report. River North, Lakeview and Lincoln Park saw a spike in armed carjackings and robberies at gunpoint. (Paid source: Tribune)

3. The city will host the “largest fireworks event in Chicago history” tomorrow night to celebrate New Year’s Eve. The 1.5-mile-long display will kick off at midnight. (Block Club)

4. Lakeview is well-represented in Block Club Chicago’s year in review. From Ald. Tom Tunney’s visit to Hawthorne Scholastic Academy to Theater Wit’s COVID-19 vaccination event, the area is featured heavily in a series of “neighborhood moments that shaped the year.” (Block Club)

5. Tomorrow is the final day to visit Wrigleyville’s Chriskindlmarket. The Winterland Ice Rink will remain open through Feb. 20. (GW)

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Tomorrow in Lakeview:

• Gallagher Way hosts “Neon New Year’s Eve.” (3 p.m.)
• Visit the “Let It Snow” holiday pop-up at Le Sud. (4:30 p.m.)
• Five Keys Yoga hosts a New Year’s Eve “Reflect & Restore” workshop. (5 p.m.)
• New Year’s Eve party at Old Crow Smokehouse. (7 p.m.)
• Laugh Factory hosts an “NYE Comedy Bash.” (8 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The city announced several street closures and an increased police presence tomorrow during New Year's Eve celebrations. (NBC)
• Lakeview Pantry CEO Kellie O’Connell penned an op-ed in the Tribune this week, writing: “The pandemic isn’t going anywhere, it seems. Neither are we.” (Paid source: Tribune)
• Chicago Public Schools families have until 5 p.m. to submit COVID-19 tests to the district after the initial deadline was extended. (NBC)
• About 300 new laws take effect Jan. 1 in Illinois. (Paid source: Tribune)
• A film that is screening in only one theater at a time, "Memoria" will play for six days at AMC River East. (TimeOut)
• Tomorrow is the final day to visit Replay Lincoln Park’s “Harry Potter” pop-up. (WGN)

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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 Lakeview Daily? Here are all the ways you can get more involved:

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That's the news for Dec. 30! Thank you for spending some of your year with Patch. I look forward to bringing you plenty more Daily newsletters in 2022.

I'll be back in your inbox on Tuesday, Jan. 4. Until then, I'm wishing you a safe and happy new year!

— Georgi Presecky