|
The 2nd Ward Newsletter for March 9, 2026
In This Edition:
|
|
|
|
2nd Ward Website
|
|
|
2nd Ward Twitter
|
|
|
2nd Ward YouTube
|
|
|
|
|
Celebrating Chicago's 189th Birthday
Last Wednesday, I joined 360 Chicago in celebrating the City of Chicago's 189th Birthday. I was honored to stand with community partners in a moment of appreciation for our great city. I am grateful to 360 Chicago for hosting; it seemed fitting to celebrate Chicago on the Mag Mile during a period marked by resilience and resurgence for the iconic strip.
Happy Birthday, Chicago. 189 looks good on you.
Photo Credit: 360 CHICAGO
|
|
Magnificent Mile Association Annual Meeting
I was pleased to join the Magnificent Mile Association for its annual meeting last week, joining fellow speakers from different levels of the public sector and the business community in speaking to the state of affairs on Michigan Avenue. There is significant work being done on the Mag Mile to retain its character and status as a destination for Chicagoans and visitors alike, and I am proud to contribute to that work as its representative in City Hall. I want to thank Kimberly Bares, Nichole Benolken, and the rest of the Association for inviting me.
Click here to learn more about the Magnificent Mile Association.
|
|
2nd Ward Spring Shred Event Recap
Sunday marked another successful spring shred event in the 2nd Ward. I would like to extend my thanks to Newtech E-Scrap Recycling, Midway Moving, and the Cook County Sheriff's Department for helping so many residents safely dispose of documents, electronics, and medication. Additional thanks to my co-hosts Alderman Reilly, State Senator Feigenholtz, State Representative Croke, Sheriff Dart, and My Parking.
Future shred events will be announced in this newsletter later this year, so stay tuned.
|
|
Early Voting Underway In The 2nd Ward
 Early voting in the 50 "Ward Sites" began last week, and will run through Election Day on Tuesday, March 17. The Near North Library (310 W Division St), Lawson House (803 N Dearborn), and Lincoln Park Library (1150 W Fullerton Ave) are nearby options for 2nd Ward voters.
- 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 (CBOE Early Voting Site at 69 W Washington St Closed)
Any voter in Chicago can vote at any Early Voting site, no matter where they live in the city. All Early Voting locations are ADA-compliant and fully accessible to voters with disabilities.
You may find a list of early voting dates and locations, along with other relevant information, by clicking here.
|
|
Weekly Neighborhood Organization Highlight: Old Town Triangle Association
 The subject of this week's neighborhood organization spotlight is the Old Town Triangle Association (OTTA). OTTA has served the Old Town Triangle Historic District, bounded by North Avenue, Clark Street, and the old Ogden Avenue, for decades.
OTTA provides a number of great resources for Old Town residents and has been a strong partner to my office. They regularly host a number of art and fitness classes in the neighborhood, enriching the community and bringing together neighbors for creative and healthy activities.
Residents of "the Triangle" can learn more about becoming an OTTA member by clicking here.
|
|
Security Bollard Installation Complete on Michigan Avenue
 I was pleased to see the installation of bollards take place in Streeterville last week. 22 bollards were installed on Michigan Avenue at its intersections with Walton, Oak, Chestnut, and Delaware. The funding for these bollards was secured as part of the Bally's Community Agreement, and was approved by the City Council after passing through the Committee on Public Safety at a meeting I held this past September.
Bollards are instrumental to pedestrian safety and security efforts on the Magnificent Mile, and I am glad to see more of them protecting people and businesses.
|
|
Community Emergency Response Team Volunteers Needed
 The Office of Emergency Management (OEMC) is looking for volunteers for its spring training class. The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program trains volunteers in disaster preparedness and basic emergency response skills, including fire safety, light search and rescue, team organization, and disaster medical operations.
CERT volunteers support first responders when professional services are overwhelmed. Apply by April 2, 2026. Click here to register.
|
|
18th District Collecting Easter Egg Hunt Supplies: Deadline April 1
 The 18th Police District is collecting candy-filled plastic Easter eggs, candy, and baskets for the Near North Easter Egg Hunt.
Please drop off your donations at the 18th District, located at 1160 N Larrabee Ave, in the lobby.
If you have any questions, contact the 18th District CAPS Office at 312-742-5778.
|
|
18th District Older Adult Resource Fair: Tuesday, April 28
 Join the 18th District CAPS team for an Older Adult Resource Fair on Tuesday, April 28, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Near North Library, located at 310 W Division St.
My office will have a table there, so please stop by and say hello.
If you have any questions, contact the 18th District at 312-742-5778.
|
|
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 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. 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.
|
|
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:
|
|
Recent Carjacking Arrests:
- 5 March 26 - Juvenile Offenders Charged with Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking of a 28-Year-Old Female
Community Alerts:
- 7 March 26 - Community Alert - 18th and 22nd Districts - Armed Robberies
- 4 March 26 - CPD Community Alert - 1st District - Robbery
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
- 4 March 26 - Offender Charged with Attempted Murder of Chicago Police Officers
- 7 March 26 - Offender Charged with June 2024 Reckless Homicide of 25-Year-Old Male
|
|
March 17 Primary Election Information
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, sample ballots, and applying for vote by mail. Information on Vote By Mail, the Permanent Vote By Mail Roster, and other dates and services can be found below. Information on Early Voting may be found in the top section of this newsletter.
Only 1 in 5 Chicagoans registered to vote cast a ballot in the last midterm election in 2022 (click here to read more about the low turnout). Please vote to make your voice heard; we get the government we elect.
Vote By Mail
Register to Vote By Mail by clicking here.
You can also fill out the Permanent Vote By Mail Roster application form by clicking here.
NOTE: Applications to receive a mail ballot must be received by the Board no later than THIS THURSDAY, March 12, 2026. Mail ballots must be postmarked by March 17, 2026, to count.*
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 here.
*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 here.
Grace Period and Same-Day Registration
Illinois law allows voters to register or update their registrations 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 here.
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 here.
Polling Place Lookup
Find your polling place and voter information by clicking here.
|
|
New Vote By Mail Information
On December 24, 2025, USPS changed its definition of a "timely postmark" to mean the date a piece of mail is processed, not that it is received. Mail-in voters should keep in mind that:
- A ballot or any other mailpiece may be taken into any post office to receive a free manual postmark
- Completed mail-in ballots may also be taken to any early voting location to be deposited in secure collection boxes
Click here to learn more.
|
|
Phishing Scams Warning From The Illinois Secretary of State
 The Illinois Secretary of State issued a warning regarding "phishing" text scams pretending to be from his office. Be advised that they do not send any text messages related to vehicle registration, driving, or enforcement action.
Click here for more information.
|
|
Spring Programming at Lake Shore and Seneca Parks
Registration is open now for spring programming at Lake Shore and Seneca Parks through the Chicago Park District. Several classes and events are featured for Chicagoans of all ages.
Click here to make an account, and here to register.
|
|
Museum of Contemporary Art Survey
The Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) is seeking community input. Take this survey to share your thoughts and ideas. Your input will directly influence future decisions at the MCA.
|
|
Find Local Support with the Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County
 The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County helps Veterans find support right in their own communities. Their team can assist in finding resources and assistance across a wide variety of issues and can connect Veterans with other service agencies and collaborators. If you or someone you know is a veteran in need, VACCC may be the place to start.
Click here for more information.
|
|
Hello Beautiful Book Discussion at Near North Library: Saturday, March 21
The Near North Library (310 W Division St) will host a book discussion of Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano. Hello Beautiful is a moving Chicago story about family and sacrifice. Registration is required for this event.
Click here for more information.
March is a busy month at Near North. Click here to view their full calendar of events.
|
|
"I Love River North" Happy Hour: TOMORROW, Tuesday, March 10
River North Residents Association (RNRA) is hosting another "I Love River North" Happy Hour tomorrow, March 10, from 5:30 to 7:30 pm, at Beef & Liberty Bar (500 N La Salle Dr). Enjoy drinks and bites at a James Beard-nominated restaurant along with a raffle featuring packages from local businesses.
Ticket price includes two drink tickets and delicious British Bar Bites. $5.00 from each ticket will be donated to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation's “Get Behind the Vest“ program.
Attention RNRA Members – Before you order tickets, see your Property Manager for a special promo code with a $10 discount. Discount can only be applied at the time of registration, not after. This discount is only available to residents of RNRA Member properties.
|
|
Dyeing of the Chicago River: Saturday, March 14
 The annual dyeing of the Chicago River will take place on Saturday, March 14, at 10:00 am. The dyeing process typically ranges in length from 45 minutes to an hour, and the amount of time can depend on conditions.
The dye used by Local 130 to turn the Chicago River its iconic green color has been reviewed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, which concluded that there is no toxic effect on the river. Other research indicates that fish are not affected or bothered by the dyeing, either.
Click here for more information.
|
|
Shamrock and Roll: Saturday, March 14
 Shamrock and Roll, Chicago's largest St. Paddy's Day Street Festival, is back this Saturday, March 14, from 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. Stop by Division St between Clark St and State St for Irish music, dancing, and more.
Click here for more information.
|
|
Savor Lincoln Park: Wednesday, March 18
 Savor Lincoln Park, an annual indoor neighborhood food festival, returns this year on Wednesday, March 18, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at 2401 N DuSable Lake Shore Dr. This event brings together some of Lincoln Park’s favorite restaurants under one roof for an unforgettable evening of food and drink. With one ticket, guests can sample a wide variety of bites and beverages, discover new favorites, and enjoy Lincoln Park’s delicious dining scene.
Click here for more information.
|
|
"Hoops & Hounds" with Gold Coast Neighbors Association: Saturday, March 21
 Gold Coast Neighbors Association (GCNA) is hosting "Hoops & Hounds" on Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at She-Nannigans (16 W Division St). Stop by to learn more about GCNA’s community advocacy efforts and enjoy an afternoon of specially priced drinks, complimentary light bites, and treats for your furry friends (leashed and socialized dogs only, please). While walk-ins are welcome, you are encouraged to register in advance to hold your spot.
Click here for more information.
|
|
Ohio Street Beach Cleanup: Sunday, March 29
 The Chicago Cleanup Club is hosting an Ohio Street Beach Cleanup on Sunday, March 29, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Organizers will be meeting in front of Caffe Oliva (550 E Grand Ave) on the beach and will provide grabbers, recycled plastic trash bags, gloves, and recycling buckets. You are encouraged to bring reusable water bottles and heavy-duty pet food/pet litter/soil bags for reuse if you have them handy. We will also have an optional lunch at the Navy Pier food court afterward.
Please register here.
|
|
|
|
