Evanston and nearby Kenosha County in Wisconsin moved into the high-risk COVID-19 category over the weekend, meaning cases and their strain on the healthcare system have risen to more dangerous levels.

Why it matters: Cook County — now at medium risk, with indoor masks recommended — is also moving closer to high risk.

• "If we got to high [risk], we would be probably putting those mask mandates back on," health commissioner Allison Arwady said during her most recent briefing.

Between the lines: While average daily cases reached 1,050 last Friday, other COVID metrics remain relatively low, with 19 hospitalizations and less than one death per day.

Yes, but: Cases are likely much higher than numbers show because CDPH still doesn't count home tests.

• And with the new, more contagious BA.2.12.1 growing, Arwady says she expects "to see a rise in cases for the next few weeks."

Get smart: The commissioner urges folks to move gatherings outside to "cut the risk of infection."

Will COVID concerns keep you from summer travel? What about high gas prices?

• While nationally, more folks say they're skipping air travel, many are still thinking about that road trip.

It's not every day that a local assessor's race is hit with accusations of antisemitism.

Why it matters: Eleven Jewish lawmakers sent a letter to Water Reclamation Commissioner Kari Steele, a Democrat running against incumbent Fritz Kaegi for Cook County assessor, about remarks made on her husband Maze Jackson's WVON talk show.

What they're saying: According to the letter, Jackson recently referred to a "Jewish organization," which he alleges "controls" activists who are part of the Chicago Housing Initiative.

• "This is a classic dog whistle, calling forth the time-worn trope that Jews control social institutions behind the scenes," the lawmakers say in the letter.
• "His shows' call-in segments include vicious, irrational rants filled with accusations against Jews, none of which [Jackson] squelches, challenges, disputes or even interrupts."

The other side: "I unequivocally reject any hateful rhetoric and apologize for the comments made on my husband’s show and the hurt they caused the Jewish community," Steele said in a statement.

• "Callers call in and they say what they have to say and I don't feel I should have to wear the jacket for their comments."

Playing the Trump card

Text messages show that GOP gubernatorial candidate Richard Irvin may not have been a fan of President Trump, contrary to recent campaign messages. In 2018, Irvin texted that Trump was "an idiot" and a "bigoted racist."

• Irvin said in a recent statement that he couldn't recall the texts and added "the Trump administration delivered positive results for Americans like tax cuts."

Downtown violence

This weekend's violence downtown has already turned into campaign fodder for the mayor's race.

• After Mayor Lori Lightfoot tweeted from Texas, potential mayoral candidate Paul Vallas replied to her tweet, saying: "Flash Mobs once again ravaging downtown, our short handed, restrained & demoralized police are overwhelmed. Expect repeats all summer. Meanwhile, our incompetent Mayor is in Texas fundraising & grandstanding pretending to be tough. A total abdication of responsibility."

Ad of the week: Kam Buckner

State Rep. Kam Buckner announced he's running for mayor and put out a campaign kickoff video that showcases great locations in Chicago that rarely get seen. It even has a nice little storyline.

• And he gives us this gem: "I'm running for the people of Chicago, who love Chicago, who just want Chicago to love them back."

Mayor Lightfoot is banning unaccompanied minors in Millennium Park after 6pm, Thursday–Sunday. A boy was shot and killed at The Bean Saturday night as large crowds gathered in the park. (Sun-Times)

Three women in their 60s and 70s died in a Rogers Park building after residents complained of heat and a lack of air conditioning. (Tribune)

🍬 Mars Wrigley is recalling several gummy candies — including Skittles, Life Savers and Starburst — due to metal strands in the packaging. (CBS 2)

🐦 Birders are mourning Monty the piping plover after he suddenly died at Montrose Beach Friday. (Tribune)

🍽 Mellow Yellow on 53rd Street in Hyde Park has been sold. The 46-year-old restaurant will make way for a new soul food spot. (Block Club)

⚾ The White Sox lost three of four against the Yankees at Guaranteed Rate over the weekend to fall to a disappointing 16–17 on the season. (The Score)

😴 Don’t sleep on these new roles on our Local Job Board.

1. Vice President of Financial Communications and Capital Markets at Edelman.
2. Marketing Operations Specialist at Workiva.
3. Project Manager at Rise Interactive.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

Hiring? Post a job.

👋 Hey, Justin here with another review asking, "Is this restaurant about social media or the food and drink?"

The place: Matcha Cita on West Lake Street, which started as a pop-up in Lincoln Park and moved into a permanent location last month.

• Its cute pink and purple decor has everyone in the storefront taking selfies.

The main attraction: The cafe claims to be the first matcha-focused shop in Chicago. They serve all sorts of matcha drinks, both hot and cold.

• The Purple Haze Latte is a mix of ube, CBD, lavender, matcha and oat milk ($8.95).

Insta-rating: The drinks are colorful and match the background of the cafe. It's super easy to take great photos that will stand out in your feed.

Food rating: The drinks are great, but expensive. They also serve matcha waffles, smoothie bowls and an assortment of bagels and pastries.

Bottom line: If you love matcha and matching decor, this place is amazing. Just know beforehand that you're paying more for those drinks to offset the adorable selfies.