Hey there! It’s Monday, and I need a full-length version of this public radio-themed Adele cover ASAP. Here’s what you need to know today.

1. Illinois to increase testing amid omicron surge

Facing the “highest surge in cases” since the start of the pandemic, Illinois leaders today pledged to increase resources for COVID-19 testing and vaccinations across the state.

Dr. Ngozi Ezike, Illinois’ top health official, said the state has seen a recent rise in both hospitalizations and deaths. She said the risk for transmission remains high as the more contagious omicron variant takes over the U.S. while people gather for holiday celebrations.

“Every single event being held during this holiday season will have one or two uninvited, unwanted guests, delta and/or omicron,” she said. To stay safe, Ezike and Gov. JB Pritzker urged Illinois residents to get their vaccine and booster shots. [Block Club Chicago]

As of today, 67.9% of eligible Illinois residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. [IDPH]

In Chicago, 64% of residents had been fully vaccinated as of Dec. 23. [COVID Dashboard]

2. COVID-19 causes a fresh wave of cancellations

Thousands of planes were grounded over the weekend, along with at least 2,600 more today, as airlines grapple with staffing shortages largely caused by the virus. [NYT]

Meanwhile, three more college football teams dropped out of their bowl games on Sunday due to COVID-depleted rosters. [NPR]

And while the National Hockey League returns tomorrow from a COVID break, there’s bad news for Chicago Blackhawks fans: Tuesday’s home game against the Columbus Blue Jackets has been postponed. [Chicago Tribune]

3. Chicago’s record snowless streak could soon come to an end

While Chicago went without a white Christmas this year, residents could be walking in a winter wonderland soon enough.

With a spate of cooler temperatures rolling in this week, the National Weather Service predicts Chicago could see its first measurable snowfall of 2021 as early as Tuesday, putting an end to the city’s 287-day snowless streak. On average, Chicago usually marks its first snow by Nov. 18. [WTTW]

Want to get outdoors for some snowy shenanigans? Check out this list of family-friendly spots to explore in the suburbs this winter. [Chicago Tribune]

4. Climate disasters cost the world billions in 2021

Extreme weather events caused by climate change came with an expensive price tag this year: More than $170 billion.

A new report from U.K. charity Christian Aid found that each of 2021’s 10 worst climate disasters caused more than $1.5 billion in damages, with Hurricane Ida — the most destructive of the bunch — costing $65 billion. According to Aon, a global insurance company, this year marks the sixth time extreme weather events have cost more $100 billion.

The costs of climate-driven disasters aren’t just monetary, the study notes. Weather catastrophes also contributed to food insecurity, mass displacement and loss of life in 2021 — and experts warn the crisis is only getting worse.

“It is clear that the world is not on track to ensure a safe and prosperous [future],” report author Kat Kramer said in a statement. [Axios]

Here’s a look at what this year’s weather could reveal about what’s to come. [NPR]

5. The consolidation of the beef industry has cattle ranchers cashing out

Have a hankering for a hamburger? Beef prices have gone up -– but that hasn’t translated into a financial boon for many longtime cattle ranchers.

Why? The consolidation of America’s meatpacking industry has reduced demand for live cattle, driving down the price ranchers can get for their herds. Meanwhile, the demand for beef has gone up, causing prices for packed meat to skyrocket.

“You’re having consumers exploited on one end of the supply chain, cattle producers exploited on the other,” said Bill Bullard, head of the Ranchers-Cattlemen Action Legal Fund. “The meatpackers are making all-time record profits.” [NYT]

Here’s what else is happening

• Jean-Marc Vallée, director of Big Little Lies and Dallas Buyers Club, died Sunday at 58. [CNN]

• Malcolm X College’s planned Kwanzaa celebration has been canceled amid a surge in COVID-19 cases. [Chicago Sun-Times]

• NPR released their list of the best Tiny Desk concerts of 2021. [NPR]

• Deep-dish pizza royalty and longtime Air & Water Show director Rudy Malnati Jr. died last week from gallbladder cancer. [Chicago Sun-Times]

Oh, and one more thing …

As the pandemic stretches into a third year, my motivation is sputtering like the ancient Saturn I attempt to drive when visiting my parents. Luckily, my WBEZ colleagues put together a list of things to do in 2022 that should keep me from stalling out. Some of the standout suggestions?

Engagement editor Al Keefe boasts of the Bristol Renaissance Faire, a family-friendly festival held 90 minutes from Chicago that takes you back to a time of jesters and jousting.

Meanwhile, media archivist Justine Tobiasz recommends the Broken Arrow Horseback Riding Club’s annual horse show, a South Side rodeo that challenges stereotypes of what a cowboy should look like.

And interim managing editor Ariel Van Cleave plans on designing her very own Root Beer Float Crawl, complete with stops at Eleven City Diner, Au Cheval and Top-Notch Beefburgers.

See the full list of ideas here. [WBEZ]

Tell me something good …

Speaking of the new year, what else is on your 2022 bucket list?

Aside from supporting more of Chicago’s local shops, I’m determined to finally complete my quest to try every donut on the Stan’s menu.

What about you? Send me your ideas and they might appear here this week.