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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for January 26, 2026
In This Edition:
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Airbag Thefts On The Rise, A Reminder of The Need For Improved Public Safety Technology
The Chicago Police Department has issued a warning following a rise in airbag thefts. A lucrative black market for standard vehicle airbags has led to a surge in these types of crimes, and car owners should be advised to park in well-lit areas, especially when street parking. Club steering wheel locks may also offer added protection.
Trends like these can serve as reminders for Chicago's need for increased public safety technology. One particular area in which I have been a strong proponent of modernization is in our License Plate Readers (LPRs). At my direction, over $500,000 of 2nd Ward infrastructure funding has been spent on cameras and LPRs since 2015. Additionally, I have been an advocate for software improvements to stay modern. Existing software could be implemented in our already robust network of License Plate Readers to detect vehicles that have stolen plates (plates that do not match the make/model of the vehicle registered to them), as well as vehicles that are cruising in a pattern that suggests they are "casing" or surveilling for potential targets. In my capacity as Chairman of the Committee on Public Safety, I look forward to having hearings on said technology that can be implemented to further thwart organized criminal activity such as this.
I would like to acknowledge the work of my legislative partner, State Senator Sara Feigenholtz, in helping combat crime like this. A couple of years ago, Senator Feigenholtz secured $1.4 million dollars in State funding to bring hundreds of POD cameras and LPR devices to lakefront communities, with dozens being installed in the 2nd Ward. These cameras and LPRs have had a real impact in tracking criminal actors and aiding law enforcement in apprehending offenders who prey on our communities.
Click to read an article from CWB Chicago, and for the official detectives' unit community alert.
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Restaurant Week Now Underway in the 2nd Ward
Chicago Restaurant Week is happening now, running through Sunday, February 8, across Chicago. Nearly 40 restaurants in the 2nd Ward are participating, with special menus and offerings to celebrate our world-class culinary culture.
Notably, new 2nd Ward restaurant 's Adam Sindler & Mari Katsumura are Semifinalists for Best Chef in the Great Lakes region. The James Beard Restaurant and Chef Awards recognize excellence in the culinary arts, food and beverage, and hospitality industries.
Chicago Chef Grant Achatz of Alinea, another 2nd Ward restaurant, was honored yesterday with a Lifetime Achievement Award for Culinary Excellence at the 2026 Banchet Awards. The Banchet Awards is a celebration of culinary excellence in Chicago, gathering more than 400 of Chicagoland’s foremost chefs, culinary professionals, and industry insiders. It is the sole Chicago-based awards ceremony honoring originality and talent across the region. Congratulations, Chef Achatz.
Clearly, hospitality in the 2nd Ward is thriving. I would encourage you all to take advantage of the wide variety of our restaurants participating in Restaurant Week.
Click to view the list of participating restaurants.
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Save-the-Date Upcoming 2nd Ward Shred Event: Sunday, March 8
We are excited to announce that the 2nd Ward Spring Shred Event will take place on Sunday, March 8, from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm at the My Parking Gold Coast Lot, located at 1254 N State Parkway. Please bring your documents, old electronics, and pharmaceuticals to this very popular shred event to ensure they are properly discarded.
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March 17 Primary Election
Dear Neighbors,
It is that time again...The 2026 General Primary Election is March 17, 2026. This election determines party nominees for federal, state, county, and local offices on the ballot in Chicago. The Board provides official forms and tools for registering to vote, updating your registration, and applying for vote by mail. Information on Vote By Mail, Early Voting, the Permanent Vote By Mail Roster, and other dates and services can be found below.
Only 1 in 5 Chicagoans registered to vote cast a ballot in the last midterm election in 2022 (click to read more about the low turnout). Please vote to make your voice heard; we get the government we elect.
Vote By Mail Information
Register to Vote By Mail by clicking .
You can also download the Permanent Vote By Mail Roster application form by clicking .
NOTE: The Board will begin mailing ballots to those on the Permanent Vote By Mail Roster and vote by mail applicants in early February 2026. Applications to receive a mail ballot must be received by the Board no later than March 12, 2026. Mail ballots must be postmarked by March 17, 2026, to count.
Early Voting Information (Begins in all 50 Wards on March 2, 2026)
You may find a list of early voting dates and locations by clicking .
March 2 through March 17 hours of operation:
Weekdays: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Election Day (March 17): 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
Early Vote sites that are in or around the 2nd Ward:
- Near North Library at 310 W Division St
- Lincoln Park Library at 1150 W Fullerton Ave
Voter Registration and Address Changes
To register to vote or update your address on your voter registration record, use the Illinois Voter Registration Application* available from the Board’s site by clicking .
*Last Day to register using the online application is March 1, 2026. It reopens on March 19, 2026
The official downloadable form for registration or address updates is .
Grace Period and Same-Day Registration
Illinois law allows voters to register or update their registration and vote during the grace period at early voting sites and at the Board office through Election Day if they missed the standard registration deadline. Check the official Chicago Board of Elections site for exact grace period details and locations by clicking .
Election Day
The Primary Election is scheduled for March 17, 2026. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time at your assigned precinct polling place. You may vote in person on Election Day if you have not voted early or by mail. For polling location lookup, click .
Polling Place Lookup
Find your polling place and voter information by clicking .
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18th Police District Council Meeting: TOMORROW, Tuesday, January 27
The 18th Police District Council will hold its next meeting at 12:15 pm on Tuesday, January 27, at the Near North Library (310 W Division St). Commander Chris Bielfeldt, or a representative, will be on-site to share public safety updates.
Click to RSVP for in-person attendance.
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2026 Chicago Police CAPS Meeting Schedule
The Chicago Police Department's Beat community meetings are a key part of the CAPS strategy of partnerships and problem-solving. These meetings are held in person with the option for remote participation and are an excellent way to communicate with the officers who patrol your beat and to engage with and meet your neighbors.
The entirety of the 2nd Ward falls inside the 18th District. to find which beat you reside in. You may also call 312-742-5778 or email [email protected] for more information about the 18th District CAPS office.
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18th District CompStat Report
Computer Statistics report (CompStat) is a weekly report of incidents that have occurred in the respective police district. Each district compiles a statistical summary of the week's crime complaints, arrests, and data analysis. to learn more about CompStat.
Please see the 18th District CompStat report below:
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Recent Carjacking Arrests:
Community Alerts:
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
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311 Feedback Now Available for Personal Delivery Devices (PDDs)
As you may know, Personal Delivery Devices (PDD) — aka sidewalk delivery robots — are currently operating under a pilot program in the 2nd Ward. Currently, Serve Robotics and Coco are the two companies facilitating the delivery of groceries, prepared food items, and other small deliveries between businesses and consumers via delivery apps.
While this pilot is underway, the city is welcoming feedback on their operations. You may to submit your feedback on the City's 311 website.
Additionally, you may contact both companies using the information below:
Coco:
Phone: 1-312-728-7059
Email: [email protected]
Serve:
Phone: 1-888-711-1178
Email: [email protected]
The PDD pilot program brings a new and modern delivery system to Chicago for quick and accessible food delivery. Rest assured, throughout the PDD pilot program, city departments along with my office will be monitoring the performance including impacts on safety, mobility, and use of sidewalks and crosswalks alongside pedestrians and local businesses in the ward.
The PDD program will not continue past May 2027 without action by the Chicago City Council. Please take the time to ensure your input is taken into consideration by submitting your feedback .
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Saturday Services at the DMV - Get Your REAL ID Before the February 1 Deadline
 The Secretary of State announced new Saturday office hours at the downtown REAL ID Supercenter (191 N Clark St) from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm, every Saturday until February 1, 2026.
Avoid the TSA’s new $45 REAL ID penalty by getting your ID before the February 1, 2026 deadline.
for more information.
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City Vehicle Sticker and Daily Parking Passes Registration Form
 The Office of the City Clerk Information Registration form is used to gather all required documentation for the purchase of Vehicle Stickers and Daily Parking Passes. The Office of the City Clerk will review your submission and follow up according to the information provided. to register your information.
Please note: Submitting your request within the 30-day grace period will not result in waiving of the late fee and back charges.
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Indoor Farmers Market at Water Tower Place: Every Sunday
The Water Tower Place Farmers Market will be operating at Water Tower Place (835 N Michigan Ave on the 4th floor) every Sunday through March 29, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
With over 75 vendors, enjoy fresh local produce, ready-made food, and live entertainment. for a list of vendors.
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Monday Crafternoons at Near North Library: Monday, February 2
 The Near North Library is hosting "Monday Crafternoons" on Monday, February 2, 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm. The event is open to children aged 5 through 12, who will participate in a variety of crafts.
Click to register.
Winter is a busy season at Near North. Click to view more of their great upcoming events (select "Near North" under the locations tab).
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Girls in Sports Summit with BOWA Gives: February 7-8
 The Girls’ in Sports Summit is a free, two-day experience designed to inspire, empower, and support the next generation of leaders, especially girls, through the transformative power of sport, mentorship, and community. The Summit brings together girls from across the Midwest for a weekend of learning, connection, and competition.
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Day 1 features panels, breakout sessions on health and sport, and keynote speakers designed to inspire girls in middle and high school to be their best on and off the track. It will take place on Saturday, February 27, at BOWA Gives Headquarters, located at 222 S Jefferson St, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
- Day 2 offers a full day of friendly, spirited track and field competition, with a morning meet for younger athletes and an afternoon showcasing top high school talent. It will take place all day on Sunday, February 8, at 10201 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60628.
Click to register.
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Old Town Progressive Dinner Wednesdays
Progressive Dinner Wednesdays continue this week in Old Town. This Wednesday, January 28, enjoy a variety of delicious menu items from some of your favorite restaurants, all priced at $5 per dish from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm every Wednesday until February 25.
Participating restaurants include , , , , , , , , , , , , , and .
for more information.
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