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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for October 10, 2025
In This Edition:
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City of Chicago Offices Closed in Observance of Columbus Day: Monday, October 13
Note: Due to the upcoming holiday, this newsletter is being sent today, Friday, October 10, instead of Monday, October 13.
All City of Chicago Offices will be closed on Monday, October 13, in observance of Columbus Day. The 2nd Ward will reopen on Tuesday, October 14, with our regular business hours.
There will be no refuse collection on Monday, October 13, 2025. All city-collected refuse will be collected Tuesday through Friday. Residents should ensure black carts are accessible throughout the week. Please note that garbage and recycling pickup is likely to be delayed by up to 24 hours for the remainder of the week.
If you need to file a service request, please respond to this email with your request for my office to action on Tuesday. For emergencies, call 9-1-1.
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Statement on the Passing of Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt
I was saddened to hear that Sister Jean Dolores Schmidt passed away yesterday at the age of 106. Born in 1919, Sister Jean leaves behind a legacy ingrained in Chicago history, and her presence in our community will be missed. Through her unwavering support of Loyola and her joyful presence at every basketball game, she united people from every corner of the city, transcending sports and generations alike. Chicago is better, brighter, and more compassionate because Sister Jean walked among us.
Rest in peace, Sister Jean.
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47th Annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon: Sunday, October 12
 The 47th Annual Bank of America Chicago Marathon returns this Sunday, October 12, 2025. The event kicks off at Grant Park and is one of the seven World Marathon Majors. For a full list of closures, please . A list of closures in Grant Park can be found by clicking .
To view the course map for this year’s race, .
Cheering Stations in the 2nd Ward
If you are interested in attending a cheering station in the 2nd Ward, below are two that my office has been informed of:
- Join the Old Town community and Paris Sister Cities Committee in cheering on American and French runners, in recognition of the friendship between Old Town and Montmartre. They will be at the northwest corner of North Ave and Wells St, just after mile 11 and before the aid station on Wells St.
- The Moody Church will also have a cheering station at the northeast corner of North Ave and LaSalle Dr. Free donuts, coffee, and noisemakers will be available!
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"Angel Shot" Resolution Passes in the Committee on License and Consumer Protection
Yesterday, I was pleased to see my resolution calling on the National Restaurant Association to expand "angel shot" training for Beverage Alcohol Sellers pass unanimously in the Committee on License and Consumer Protection. You may remember coverage of the Angel Shot in newsletters last spring, the idea being that anyone feeling unsafe at a bar or restaurant can alert the establishment to their situation by ordering an Angel Shot, informing staff, security, and even the authorities of a dangerous situation.
I want to thank Steve Cin, Hannah Klint, and Jack Zontini from Lodge Hospitality Group, as well as Sam Toia from the Illinois Restaurant Association, for testifying in committee on this matter. Their team had someone order an Angel Shot last spring, and, thanks to their comprehensive employee training, were able to avert a dangerous situation. If the National Restaurant Association were able to incorporate this training universally, dining establishments in Chicago and nationwide would be better for it.
Click here to read more about the Angel Shot.
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Blessing of the Animals at First St. Paul's Church: TOMORROW, October 11
First St. Paul's Church will be hosting a Pet Blessing tomorrow, Saturday, October 11, from 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm at 1301 N LaSalle Dr. The event will feature a blessing for those who bring pets and those who bring photos on their phones (virtual blessing)! We will also be blessing Chicago’s homeless animals. Additionally, there will be puppies from PAWS Chicago available for adoption.
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Recent Carjacking Arrests:
Community Alerts:
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
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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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18th District Strategic Plan Community Conversations: Wednesday, October 15
Join 18th District Commander Bielfeldt and the CAPS team for a conversation regarding their 2026 Strategic Plan. The first of two conversations will be on Wednesday, October 15, at Park Community Church, located at 1001 N Crosby St, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
If you have any questions, contact the 18th District CAPS team at 312-742-5778.
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October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
 The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency is raising awareness about cybersecurity during October. This year’s theme, Building a Cyber Strong America, highlights the need to strengthen the country's infrastructure against cyber threats to ensure resilience and security.
Click here to watch the nine ways to stay safe online.
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2025 Chicago Police CAPS Meetings 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 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.
18th District: East of the Chicago River and south of Fullerton Avenue.
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Chicago Bridge Lifts: Through November 15
 Fall bridge lifts, coordinated by the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT), will continue every Saturday and Wednesday morning through November 15. Bridge lifts begin at 9:00 am on weekends and 9:30 am on weekdays.
Each year, in the spring and fall, CDOT raises the movable bridges along the Main and South Branches of the Chicago River twice a week, on Saturdays and Wednesdays, to accommodate recreational boats traveling to and from their storage yards. During these “boat runs,” the bridges are typically raised one at a time, with each bridge lift taking an average of 8-12 minutes. A total of 27 bridges are lifted in succession.
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Survey: Chicago Department of Transportation Electric Vehicle and Mobility Infrastructure Framework
 The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) is asking residents to share their feedback through a short community survey regarding Electric Vehicle (EV) and e-mobility infrastructure improvements in Chicago. The results will guide future decisions and investments to support a more equitable and sustainable future for Chicago residents.
Please take the survey here.
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2025 2nd Ward Street Sweeping Schedule
The Department of Streets and Sanitation is operating on its regular street sweeping schedule. Residents can view street sweepers in real time using the Sweeper Tracker online tool.
Sign up for street sweeping alerts here.
You can check my website to determine which of the seven sections in the ward your street lies within and then check the schedule for your specific sweeping dates. We encourage residents to mark their calendars of sweeping dates in the event that they have visitors or are out of town.
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Law at the Library Virtual Webinar: October 15
 The Chicago Bar Association, the Chicago Public Library, and the Evanston Public Library are offering a free, virtual information series to answer your legal questions and provide practical resources and insights into today’s most prevalent legal issues.
Each Law at the Library program features a presentation by an experienced attorney, followed by a brief question-and-answer session. All events are free, open to the public, and conducted via Zoom unless otherwise noted. Registration is required. To register or for additional information, visit the Chicago Public Library site or the Evanston Public Library site.
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Road-to-Success Cohort with Women's Business Development Center: Application Deadline October 22
 The Women's Business Development Center is launching a new cohort in its free "Road-to-Success" program. The cohort will meet on Wednesday evenings for two hours between October 22 and November 5, targeted at emerging entrepreneurs looking to learn more about starting a business. All are welcome to apply.
Click here for more information.
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"Clean-Off" with Cleanup Club Chicago: Ends November 1
 This fall, Cleanup Club Chicago, an area nonprofit, is challenging Philadelphia to a litter cleanup competition! The Chicago versus Philly "Clean-Off" will last the entire month of October, and all litter cleaning will count regardless of whether it’s done at a group event or individually. All litter cleanups must be submitted through the form on our webpage, and photos are required.
For more information on the rules and how to participate, click here.
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The 18th Police District is Collecting Costumes and Candy for Youth: Through October 27
 The 18th District CAPS team is collecting costumes and candy for local youth from now through Monday, October 27. Please drop off items at the 18th District, located at 1160 N Larrabee Ave.
If you have any questions, please contact the CAPS team at 312-742-5778.
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Alejandro Salazar & Afro Cuban Exchange at Near North Library: Tomorrow, Saturday, October 11
This Saturday, the Near North Library will be hosting a special performance in conjunction with the Jazz Institute of Chicago, featuring Alejandro Salazar and Afro Cuban Exchange, two accomplished local acts. Their performance will take place from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. Registration is required.
Click here for more information.
Click here to view all upcoming events at Near North (select "Near North" under Location on the left side).
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Old Town Merchants & Residents Association Health and Wellness Week: Through October 12
 Old Town Merchants & Residents Association is kicking off a week of healthy living leading up to the Chicago Marathon, from now through October 12. Local businesses will offer special promotions throughout the week in order to promote health and wellness in the community, including free classes and offerings.
Click here to review a full list of promotions and learn more.
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Open House Chicago 2025: October 18 -19
 Open House Chicago, one of the largest architecture and urban exploration festivals in the world, returns to celebrate 15 years of architecture, culture, and community. This free public festival offers behind-the-scenes access to over 200 sites, including many not normally open to the public.
Click here for more details.
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Chicago International Film Festival: October 15 - 26
 The 61st Chicago Film Festival runs from October 15-26. The Chicago International Film Festival is North America’s longest-running competitive international film festival.
This year’s program includes 111 feature films and 70 shorts, four World Premieres, 17 North American Premieres, and 18 U.S. Premieres, and showcases cinema from more than 60 countries around the world, including Colombia, Thailand, France, Morocco, Iran, Romania, Germany, Chile, Kyrgyzstan, Japan, and more.
Click here for a full lineup of films and venues across the city.
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38th Annual Streeterville Doggy (And Kitty) Halloween Costume Party and Parade: Saturday, October 25
The 38th annual Streeterville Doggy (And Kitty) Halloween Costume Party and Parade will take place at the Museum of Contemporary Art Sculpture Garden, located at 220 E Chicago Ave.
Bring your dog or cat, dressed up in its Halloween best. FREE Admission – Bring a pet toy or accessory for the prize swap! All pets must be on leashes or in carriers.
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Trick or Treat in Ward Park: Saturday, October 25
Join River North Residents Association at Ward Park, located at 630 N Kingsbury St, on Saturday, October 25, at 10:00 am, for a morning of games, treats, and activities for families with young children. All children must be accompanied by a parent or supervising adult.
Click here for more details.
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Spooky Sips: Thursday, October 30
Literacy Chicago, an organization dedicated to advancing adult literacy and education, is hosting its annual fundraiser on Thursday, October 30, from 5:30 - 8:00 pm, at Madison Street Books (1127 W Madison St). The event will feature refreshments, entertainment, and a costume contest, all for a good cause.
Click here for more information.
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