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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for July 27, 2026
In This Edition:
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Call on the Chicago Transit Authority to Install Next Gen Fare Gates throughout CTA Rail Stations
At last week's City Council meeting, I introduced a resolution calling upon the Chicago Transit Authority to install Next Gen Fare Gates throughout CTA rail stations. As I discussed in a previous newsletter click here, the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system has seen incredible success with these new access controls in the form of near-zero levels of fare evasion, and, as a result, a dramatic drop in all other crime on their public transit system.
Safer trains mean more ridership confidence, fare revenue, less vehicular traffic on our roads, and more economic activity in our city.
I plan on holding subject matter hearings on this topic in the very near future. You can view the full text of my resolution by clicking here.
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Chicago Architecture Center Flyway City Tour
Last week, I had the honor of attending Flyway City, led by Studio Gang and the Chicago Architecture Center, with my colleagues on the City Council about bird-friendly building design. Chicago sits along North America’s major migratory bird flyway, attracting millions of birds each year—but our urban landscape claims the lives of thousands.
The exhibit walked us through the most recent practical, cost-effective bird-friendly strategies that residents and building owners can adopt to help ensure Chicago remains a bird haven. As a sponsor of the bird-friendly ordinance, I am grateful for the CAC and Studio Gang’s work and would strongly recommend visiting the exhibit.
Click here to learn more about the exhibit.
Photo Credit: 49th Ward
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Beatles Sing-Along at Lake Shore Park
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of joining the Beatles Sing-Along at Lake Shore Park. There was a great turnout for this wonderful community event!
I would like to extend a special thank you to the Lake Shore Park Advisory Council and Skyline Village for hosting, along with other community partners and sponsors.
Thank you to all those who showcased their musical talents and vocal cords!
Click here to view a clip from one of the songs performed.
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End of Summer Aldermanic Intern Event
Last Thursday, my summer interns (Geo, Carson, Magen, and Henry) had the opportunity to engage with city staff and other aldermanic interns at an end-of-summer intern event.
They enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the Chicago Riverwalk, where they learned about the day-to-day maintenance and operations of the River Walk vendors, led by a member of the Chicago Department of Fleet and Facility Management. Following, they attended a panel with various city employees, where they gained valuable insight into how different city departments work together and with the City Council. They had the opportunity to ask questions and enjoyed learning about the experiences of other city interns and hearing advice from city staff.
I want to thank Alderwoman Nugent and the Legislative Reference Bureau for planning this event for all of the aldermanic interns. As my intern team begins to wrap up their time in the 2nd Ward Office, I want to thank them for their hard work. From constituent service to helping staff the SOAR and Division Farmers Markets, they helped play a valuable role in the operations of my office.
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Touch a Truck at the Near North Library:
I am excited to invite 2nd Ward families to a "Touch-a-Truck" event at the Near North Library this Saturday, August 1, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm.
Children will have the opportunity to explore a variety of city vehicles, including a street sweeper, police squad car, fire engine, and more, while meeting the first responders and city employees who operate them each day.
Enjoy crafts, games, and other activities throughout the morning and join me as I read a story to the children in the library during the event. Please make sure to stop by and say hello if you attend.
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Lollapalooza Returns to Grant Park: July 30 - August 2
 Lollapalooza returns to Chicago from Thursday, July 30 until Sunday, August 2, from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm daily in Grant Park. The highly anticipated festival is expected to draw hundreds of thousands to Chicago’s lakefront for the four-day event featuring over 170+ performances on multiple stages. As the festival gets underway, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) encourages those attending to enjoy a fun and safe event by adhering to all security measures.
Traffic control aides will be deployed to facilitate traffic around the area; motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes. The following closures are in effect:
- Balbo Dr from Columbus Dr to Lake Shore Dr: July 15–August 9
- Jackson Dr from Columbus Dr to Lake Shore Dr: July 21–August 8
- Balbo Dr, from Michigan Ave to Columbus Dr: July 27–August 3
- Jackson Dr, from Michigan Ave to Columbus Dr: July 27–August 3
- Columbus Dr, from Monroe Dr to Roosevelt Rd: July 27–August 3
- Columbus Dr (NB, center lanes), from 13th St to Roosevelt Rd: July 27–August 3
- Congress Plaza Dr, from Michigan Ave to Columbus Dr: July 27–August 3
- Monroe Dr, from Michigan Ave to Lake Shore Dr: July 27–August 3
Click here for more details.
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General 2nd Ward Infrastructure Updates
Construction season continues as crews are busy resurfacing streets and alleys, building pedestrian safety improvements, and replacing street lighting. Here are some highlights of ongoing or upcoming infrastructure improvements in our ward. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. My office always stands ready to answer questions about these or any other infrastructure projects in our ward and to receive your suggestions for future consideration.
- Inner Lake Shore Drive resurfacing from Michigan to Ohio
Status: Milling and first layer of asphalt are complete. Utility level adjustments and sidewalk concrete work are underway.
- Will include some pedestrian safety improvements for crossing perpendicular east-west streets
- Southport/Belden intersection reconstruction
Status: Most work complete. Aesthetic additions such as bollards will be added soon.
- Raised intersection installed to calm traffic and increase pedestrian visibility in all directions.
- Curb bump-outs will also be added to shorten pedestrian distance when crossing in all directions.
- Aesthetic improvements are included (protective bollards and stamped concrete accents).
- Clover Playlot Improvements*
(*For the safety of park goers, the park is closed while major renovations take place)
Status: In progress
- Replacement of the lead service line serving the drinking fountain
- Removal of dead trees
- Installation of new artificial turf in areas prone to flooding
- Refreshed decorative hardscaping along the existing walking path (new pavers and decomposed granite finishes).
- Construction of a brand-new Gaga Ball court
- Pearson St parkway improvements
Status: In progress
- Restoration of existing pavers and sidewalk replacement in select areas adjacent to Seneca Park
- Installation of brand-new paver-style stamped concrete along south parkway adjacent to Lake Shore Park (replacing existing sandstone gravel)
- Southport Ave resurfacing from Webster to Fullerton
Status: Scheduled for later this week, weather permitting
- Chestnut St complete lighting replacement from Mies van der Rohe to Lake Shore Drive
- Concrete restoration underway
- Magnolia Ave resurfacing from Webster to Belden
Status: In progress (street milled and resurfacing on hold); Water Department conflicts need to be cleared before work can continue)
- State Pkwy resurfacing from Scott to Schiller
Status: Project start is pending on spot curb and gutter replacement on the 1300 block of State Pkwy
- Dickens Avenue resurfacing from Clifton to Racine
Status: Requested early in 2026 but on hold while fiber optics (Lumen) project is completed
- If still necessary after fiber optics restoration, will be done in 2027
- Huron St resurfacing from St. Clair to Fairbanks
Status: planned for this year, schedule forthcoming
- Wells St replacement of lighting fixtures on existing poles from Division to North Ave (completed)
- Wabash Ave resurfacing from Huron to Superior (completed)
- State Pkwy resurfacing from Schiller to Burton (completed)
- McClurg Ct resurfacing from Ohio to Ontario (completed)
- Delaware Pl resurfacing from Clark to LaSalle (completed)
- Blackhawk St resurfacing from Sedgwick to Larrabee (completed)
- Magnolia/Belden detached pedestrian bump-outs (completed)
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2nd Ward Bike the Ward Event: Sunday, August 23
Join the 2nd Ward team for our annual Bike the Ward event starting at SPF Chicago, located at 2121 N Clybourn Ave. Get ready to pedal through the streets of the 2nd Ward with fellow cyclists. This event is perfect for all cycling enthusiasts, whether you are a beginner or a seasoned rider.
Do not miss out on this exciting opportunity to explore the neighborhood on two wheels. Check-in will begin at 7:15 am, and participants will start lining up at 7:45 am.
Click here to register.
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Street Sweeping
The Department of Streets and Sanitation continues to operate 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." 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.
Scheduled for cleaning on Tuesday, July 28: Section 1 (Olive), Section 4 (Red), Section 5 (Yellow)
Scheduled for cleaning on Wednesday, July 29: Section 2 (Blue), Section 4 (Red), Section 5 (Yellow)
Scheduled for cleaning on Thursday, July 30: Section 2 (Blue)
Scheduled for cleaning on Friday, July 31: Section 3 (Purple)
Scheduled for cleaning on Monday, August 3: Section 3 (Purple)
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18th Police District Council Meeting: Tuesday, July 28
The 18th Police District Councilmembers will host their monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 28, at the Near North Public Library (310 W Division St) at 12:30 pm.
This month's featured guest is 18th District Commander Christopher Bielfeldt, who will provide public safety updates. Click here to register in person and here for the Zoom option.
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National Night Out: Tuesday, August 4
Join the 18th and 1st Chicago Police Districts for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 4, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Soldier Field, 1410 S Special Olympics Dr. National Night Out is an annual nationwide event that brings together law enforcement, community partners, and neighbors to strengthen community ties, build positive relationships, and celebrate a safer, more connected community.
If you have any questions, contact the 18th District CAPS Office at 312-742-5778.
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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.
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Recent Carjacking Arrests:
Community Alerts:
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
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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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Cook County Board of Review Pre-File Appeals Now Open
 The Cook County Board of Review is now accepting pre-registration requests for all townships. Pre-registration allows taxpayers to be notified by the Board of Review of the opening and closing filing periods for their respective townships. The Pre-File Period allows all filers to submit their appeal before each township officially opens. Please be advised that the Pre-File Period will end once the respective township is open.
Click here for a list of dates and deadlines after the filing period has been determined for your respective township.
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Back to School State Sales Tax Holiday: August 5-14
 The state sales tax holiday is a ten-day period during which consumers can purchase certain clothing and school-related items and pay sales tax at a reduced rate. The reduced state portion of sales tax due during this period is 1.25 percent (1.25%), the state rate of 6.25 percent (6.25%) minus 5.00 percent (5.00%). Items include qualifying clothing and footwear with a retail selling price of less than $125 per item, as well as certain school supplies used by students in the course of study. School supplies are not subject to the $125 threshold.
Click here for more details.
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Update on the Division Street Streetscape
Resident engineers at CDOT have informed our office that work will now begin in early August due to weather/equipment availability. These streetscape improvements have been designed by the Chicago Department of Transportation in close cooperation with community representatives and my team. Highlights include:
• Roadway geometry improvements
• Full-width roadway resurfacing
• New wider paver sidewalks
• New curb and gutter
• New street lighting
• ADA ramps and crosswalks
• New pavement markings and signs
• Tree plantings and landscaping
• Site furnishings
Throughout construction, Division Street will remain open to motorists and pedestrians, and access to businesses and residences will be maintained. During the final stage of construction, westbound traffic will be temporarily detoured. Please watch out for parking restrictions for equipment staging on nearby streets.
The outbound CTA 36/Broadway bus route will be detoured during specific stages of construction. The inbound CTA 36/Broadway bus route will not be affected. Individual bus stops may be temporarily closed or relocated to accommodate construction. For more information, please call the CTA information hotline at 773-836-7000.
Hardscape work is expected to be completed by Thanksgiving, with some landscaping work happening in the spring. Construction review meetings will be held weekly by CDOT when construction is underway. These meetings are open to the public and provide residents and businesses with the opportunity to ask questions and coordinate concerns regarding construction.
For additional information, please call the Department of Transportation at (312) 744-5900 or visit the project website here.
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Recycle Old Vinyl Records at Reckless Records
 Recycle old vinyl records at any of three Reckless Records locations across the city. The iconic Chicago record store has joined a new nationwide vinyl take-back program that aims to give broken and unwanted records a second life. Music fans can return damaged or unplayable vinyl records regardless of the artist, label, or condition. The pilot aims to determine whether those records can be recycled into new products or have their materials recovered. The albums will be collected by Reckless and sent back to Warner Music Group for evaluation.
Click here to learn more.
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Donate Blood to the American Red Cross
 The American Red Cross announced a national emergency blood shortage as the nation's blood supply declined by nearly 25% during June. This shortage comes during the height of summer, when hospitals often experience increased demand for blood due to trauma cases, emergency surgeries, and other critical medical needs.
Donors of all blood types, especially those with O+ and B- blood, are needed now to help reverse a dangerous drop in the Red Cross blood supply.
Click here to book your appointment and help ensure patients receive lifesaving medical care.
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Celebrate National Cheesecake Day at Seneca Park: Thursday, July 30
 Celebrate National Cheesecake Day at Seneca Park (220 E Chicago Ave) with a free slice of Eli's Cheesecake on Thursday, July 30, at 12:30 pm -- while supplies last!
I would like to extend a very special thanks to the Lake Shore and Seneca Parks Advisory Council and Marc and Maureen Shulman for this tasty treat!
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Circus in the Parks at Lake Shore Park: Thursday, July 30
 CircEsteem brings an exciting mix of aerial and ground circus arts to Night Out in the Parks this Thursday, July 30, at Lake Shore Park (808 N Lake Shore Drive) from 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm. This talented youth Performance Troupe will showcase skills in aerial silks, trapeze, juggling, tumbling, and more.
Following the performance, audience members are invited to join an interactive workshop led by the troupe, offering a fun, hands-on introduction to circus arts. This engaging experience highlights creativity, teamwork, and confidence while inviting the community to play, learn, and connect through the joy of circus.
Click here to learn more.
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La Vie en Rose at Lake Shore Park: Friday, July 31
 The Lake Shore Park Advisory Council proudly presents Movies in the Parks featuring La Vie en Rose this Friday, July 31, at 8:45 pm, at Lake Shore Park (808 N Lake Shore Drive). La Vie en Rose is a biographical drama about legendary singer Édith Piaf, tracing her rise from a difficult childhood to international fame and the struggles that shaped her life. It stars Marion Cotillard, who won an Oscar for her performance.
Bring a blanket or chairs, and snacks for a free movie in the park. Please call Lake Shore Park at 312-742-7891 with any questions.
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Market Days at Pioneer Court: Wednesdays through October
 Shop local every Wednesday at Market Days, located at Pioneer Court (401 N Michigan Ave) from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm, featuring rotating vendors, handmade goods, specialty foods, local restaurants, and food trucks in the heart of The Magnificent Mile.
Click here for more details.
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River North Residents Association Back-to-School Bash: Tuesday, August 11
Join the River North Residents Association (RNRA) for a Back-to-School Bash on Tuesday, August 11, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Enjoy crafts, music, games, and more at this free event. Please note: This is a family-friendly event for children 12 and under.
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