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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for April 13, 2026
In This Edition:
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2nd Ward Website
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2nd Ward Twitter
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2nd Ward YouTube
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Waffle Vibes Grand Opening
On Tuesday, I was pleased to join new 2nd Ward restaurant Waffle Vibes for a grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. Waffle Vibes is now serving a variety of desserts and snacks on North Avenue in Old Town. I am glad to see another new small business open in this part of the ward.
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Lake Shore and Seneca Park Earth Day Cleanup: Saturday, April 18
I will once again be sponsoring the annual Earth Day event at Lake Shore and Seneca Parks. The event will begin at 9:00 am this Saturday at the Engine 98 Firehouse (202 E Chicago Ave), where we will distribute gear and tools before cleaning. The event will end at 11:30 am with a pizza lunch. Gloves, brooms, rakes, shovels, and bags will be provided. All ages are welcome, and I would like to highlight that students can earn credit for community service.
I want to thank my partners and fellow sponsors for contributing to such an important event. Please consider stopping by to help keep our 2nd Ward parks green.
Click here to register.
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Lookingglass Prism Talk Show: Tonight, April 13
 I am excited to share that I will be joining the Lookingglass Prism Series today at 6:30 pm. Prism is a monthly show that centers on humor, performance, and all things Chicago, and I am grateful for the opportunity to participate in its production.
Lookingglass Artistic Director Kasey Foster is hosting tonight's event, and I will be joined on the program by Composer Tomás Gueglio, Collaboraction CEO and "Queen of House Music" Darlene Jackson, and special performances by Dalia Chin, Constance Volk, and members of the Lookingglass Ensemble.
Click here for more information.
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Building Insurance Costs Meeting with GCNA: Thursday, April 16
 The Gold Coast Neighbors Association (GCNA) is hosting a meeting for Gold Coast building managers and board members this Thursday, April 16, at 4:45 pm. The meeting will take place at Shenannigans (16 W Division St) and cover several topics pertaining to insurance costs. community insurance and risk management specialist Cindy Fitts will speak on a number of relevant topics.
Click here for more information.
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Chicago Bird Collision Monitors
 Spring is well underway in the 2nd Ward, which means that it is migration season for a large number of North American birds. I want to highlight some important conservation work being done locally by the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors (CBCM). CBCM works tirelessly each year to protect and recover migratory birds that are injured in Chicago each year. They collaborate with local partners to locate, rehabilitate, and release thousands of birds around Chicago, helping alleviate a major conservation issue that our city has faced for some time. Their team also champions outreach and advocacy efforts to support bird-friendly design and related protective efforts for wayward birds (my staff has been working with partners in City Council on other bird-friendly design legislation and outreach efforts, so stay tuned for future updates).
If you find an injured bird, baby birds without their mother, or if you just want to get learn more about supporting their work, you can click here for more information.
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2026 Street Sweeping Now Underway
The Department of Streets and Sanitation is now operating on its regular street sweeping schedule. Residents can view street sweepers in real time using the Sweeper Tracker online tool.
"Sweep Around Us" — a third-party email reminder service used for street sweeping alerts — has rebranded as "We The Sweeple." Their website is now live. Click here for more information.
Click here to find the Street Sweeping section of my website. There is an interactive map of all seven street sweeping sections included, as well as the full schedule of 2026 sweeping dates. Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for respective sweeping dates in the event that they have visitors or are out of town.
Sections 4 (red), 5 (yellow), and 7 (brown) are scheduled for sweeping on Tuesday, April 14.
Sections 1 (gray), 4 (red), and 5 (yellow) are scheduled for cleaning on Wednesday, April 15.
Section 1 (gray) is scheduled for cleaning on Thursday, April 16.
Section 2 (blue) is scheduled for cleaning on Friday, April 17.
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Noema: Opens This Thursday, April 15
 As highlighted in my newsletter recently, I am excited to welcome Noema Greek Gastrobar to the 2nd Ward and Lincoln Park neighborhood.
Noema will open its doors this Thursday, April 15. You can make a reservation here.
Noema will showcase modern Greek cuisine inspired by the villages and coasts of Greece in an elevated and warm setting.
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Coffee with the 18th District Commander: Thursday, April 16
 Join 18th District Commander Christopher Bielfeldt and the CAPS team for coffee and conversation on Thursday, April 16, at 10:00 am, at the Chicago Sinai Congregation, located at 15 W Delaware Pl. Meet the officers who patrol your neighborhood, and speak to the commander about your concerns or questions.
If you have any questions ahead of the meeting, please contact the 18th District CAPS Office at 312-742-5776.
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Updated 2026 Chicago Police CAPS Meeting Schedule
The Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) Beat community meetings are a key part of the Chicago Police Department's strategy of partnerships and problem-solving. These meetings are held in person, with the option to participate remotely, 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. Click here 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. Click here to learn more about CompStat.
Please see the 18th District CompStat report below:
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Recent Carjacking Arrests:
- 09 April 26 - Offender Charged with Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking
Community Alerts:
- 02 April 26 - 18th District - Battery
- 08 April 26 - 1st District - Burglary
- 09 April 26 - 1st District- Aggravated Battery
- 09 April 26 - 18th District - Aggravated Battery
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
- 10 April 26 - Offender Charged with September 2025 Murder of 59-Year-old Male
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BACP Small Business Webinar: Wednesday, April 15
 The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is hosting an informational webinar this Wednesday, April 15, at 3:00 pm, for small business owners. The webinar will cover financial basics for business owners, including information about credit and bank cards, loans, and payroll.
Registration is required. Click here to register.
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Amnesty Month at the Office of the City Clerk: Ends April 30
 The Office of the City Clerk is bringing back Amnesty Month during the month of April. City Sticker late fees and back charges to drivers will be waived all month, ending on Thursday, April 30, 2026. This year, access is being expanded, with amnesty being offered at three Saturday Mobile City Hall events and on the City Clerk’s 24/7 online store.
Click here for more information about Amnesty Month.
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Volunteer at the Wells Street Art Festival: June 13-14
 The 51st annual Wells Street Art Festival will take place on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday, June 14, and organizers are looking for volunteers to help ensure that this exciting event runs smoothly. If you are interested in helping out on either of the days, please reach out [email protected].
Click here for more information about the Wells Street Art Festival.
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Law at the Library with the Chicago Bar Association: Wednesday, April 15
 The Chicago Bar Association, in conjunction with the Chicago Public Library and Evanston Public Library, is putting on another "Law at the Library" virtual session this Wednesday, April 15, at 6:00 pm. In honor of Earth Day, this month's session will cover environmental issues. Attendees can expect to hear from a number of experts in environmental law and policy, including former Environmental Protection Agency employees and environmental lawyers.
Registration is required. Click here to register.
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Jumping Jack Program: Opens Wednesday, April 15
 The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) has announced the Jumping Jack Portal will open this Wednesday, April 15, at 9:00 am.
The Jumping Jack (inflatable bounce house) is available, free of charge, to Residential Block Parties within the city limits from Saturday, May 23, through Sunday, September 6.
Click here to learn more.
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Shostakovich & Corelli at Near North Library: Wednesday, April 22
The Near North Library, located at 310 W Division St, is hosting a classical music performance by the Civic String Quartet on Wednesday, April 22, from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm. The Civic String Quartet will play a selection of Debussy, Shostakovich, Velázquez, and Corelli. Registration is not required for this event.
Click here for more information.
April is a busy month at Near North! Click here to view their full calendar of events.
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Sheffield Neighborhood Association's Annual Meeting: TOMORROW, Tuesday, April 14
The Sheffield Neighborhood Association (SNA) is hosting its annual meeting tomorrow, Tuesday, April 17, at 7:00 pm. The event will take place at SPF Chicago, located at 2121 N Clybourn Ave and will feature awards for top contributors in the neighborhood, updates from local elected officials (including myself), and celebration of a year of hard work around the neighborhood.
All are welcome. Click here for more information.
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Earth Day Lincoln Park Cleanup with GCNA: Saturday, April 18
 Join the Gold Coast Neighbors Association (GCNA) this Earth Day for the South Lincoln Park cleanup from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, kicking off at the corner of W North Ave and N Dearborn St. Spend your Earth Day making a visible and immediate impact by clearing trash and restoring green space in one of Chicago's finest parks. Trash grabbers, gloves, and garbage bags will be available.
GCNA is collaborating with Friends of the Park and the Chicago Park District. You must sign the Park District waiver to participate—indicate you are volunteering at “South Lincoln Park”.
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Green City Farmers Market in Lincoln Park: Now Underway
 Lincoln Park's Green City Farmers Market, open Saturdays from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm, is now underway at 1817 N Clark St. This is one of the city's largest farmers markets, and it contains a wide array of offerings from local vendors.
Click here for more information.
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Indoor SOAR Farmers Market
Don't forget to visit the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) farmers market every Thursday from 8:00 am - 1:30 pm at 680 N Lake Shore Drive, now through April 30.
Enjoy local and small businesses offering baked goods, fresh flowers, grilled cheese, tea, kombucha, blueberry products, and more.
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