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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for May 18, 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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Statement on Passing of CFD Engineer Steven Decker
 I was saddened to learn of the passing of Chicago Fire Department Fire Engineer Steven Decker during a training exercise last week. Mr. Decker gave over 30 years of service to our city, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for his career as a first responder. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones.
Click here to read his obituary.
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A Tribute to Legendary Billy Goat Tavern Restaurateur Sam Sianis
 Last week, we lost one of Chicago's very own, Sam Sianis, owner of the iconic Billy Goat Tavern. The Billy Goat Tavern is an institution among local Chicagoans and became world famous by the well-known Saturday Night Live skit. My sincerest condolences to the Sianis family.
Click here to view the SNL skit made famous by two other Chicago icons, John Belushi and Bill Murray.
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William Cheaks Appointed to Lead Chicago Department of Transportation
Last Wednesday, the Committee on Transportation and the Public Way voted to recommend the approval of William Cheaks as the next Commissioner of the Department of Transportation (CDOT). I voted in favor of that recommendation, I believe that Mr. Cheaks is well-suited to lead the department today.
In that hearing, I urged Mr. Cheaks to work to avoid the mistakes that led to the abrupt simultaneous closure of four major bridges, a decision that brought such chaos to the 2nd Ward. I am hopeful that he will improve CDOT's communication and efficiency in this regard and look forward to working with him for the benefit of my constituents.
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Click here to view my remarks at the Committee on Transportation hearing on Wednesday, May 13 (beginning at the 45:19 mark).
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SOAR Farmers Market Opens Tomorrow
The Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) is once again hosting its weekly Farmers Market on Tuesdays from 7:00 am to 2:00 pm this summer, with the first of the season taking place tomorrow, Tuesday, May 19, outside the Museum of Contemporary Art (220 E Chicago Ave). Stop by for fresh produce, baked goods, and other local offerings.
My office will have a table at the market each week, so please stop by and say hello. The following vendors will also participate:
Click here for more information.
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Coffee with the 18th District Commander: Thursday, May 21
 Join Commander Christopher Bielfeldt and the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) team for coffee and conversation on Thursday, May 21, at 10:00 am at the Moody Bible Institute, located at 820 N LaSalle Dr.
This is an excellent opportunity to speak with the officers who patrol your neighborhood and discuss areas of concern.
If you have any questions, contact the 18th District CAPS team at 312-742-5778.
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"It's Your Park Day" at Lake Shore and Seneca Parks: Saturday, May 30
 On Saturday, May 30th, 2026, from 9:00 am to 11:30 am, I will be co-hosting a cleanup event at Lake Shore and Seneca Parks, in partnership with the Lake Shore and Seneca Parks Foundation and The Chicago Parks Foundation. Join us to make an immediate difference by volunteering to prepare our parks for the (fast-approaching) warmer weather. This event is a great way to team up and clean up areas in the Parks, gardens, playgrounds, and neighborhood.
Gloves, brooms, rakes, shovels, and bags needed for clean-up projects will be provided. All ages are welcome, and students can earn community service credit.
Click here to register.
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Follow Me on Social Media to Receive Pertinent Updates
 While the weekly Email Newsletter is the best way to stay up-to-date with communications from my office, you may also get updates about grand openings, community alerts, and other news from my official office accounts on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and X.
Please follow us at the handles below:
Instagram - @aldhopkins
Facebook - @aldermanhopkins
X - @aldhopkins
TikTok - @alderman2ndward
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Get Behind the Vest Fundraiser: Wednesday, June 24
Join me and Committeeman Egan for a special fundraiser supporting Get Behind the Vest, hosted by Mario Stefanini. The event will be held Wednesday, June 24, from 4:30 - 6:30 pm at Mario's Table (located at 21 W Goethe St).
This is the 5th Annual Get Behind the Vest event we have hosted in the 2nd Ward. Since 2022, we have raised over $250,000 (approximately 400 life saving vests for our men and women in the department).
A vest is not bulletproof forever. It wears out. It breaks down. It needs to be replaced every 5 years. At $500 or more per vest, in addition to other equipment and uniform expenses, the costs can quickly add up. That is why we need your help. Your donation ensures that every officer out there protecting you is protected.
Click here for tickets.
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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." 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.
Scheduled for cleaning on Tuesday, May 19: Section 3 (purple), Section 4 (red), Section 5 (yellow)
Scheduled for cleaning on Wednesday, May 20: Section 3 (purple), Section 4 (red), Section 5 (yellow)
Scheduled for cleaning on Thursday, May 21: Section 6 (green)
Scheduled for cleaning on Friday, May 22: Section 6 (green)
Scheduled for cleaning on Monday, May 25: none
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18th Police District Council Monthly Meeting: Tuesday, May 26
The 18th Chicago Police District Council is holding its next monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 26, at 12:30 pm at the Near North Public Library (310 W Division St).
District Councilors will provide updates, and Kevin Ryan, Vice President of Security at the CTA, will be in attendance as a guest speaker.
For attendees planning to drive, there is a parking lot just west of the library and there are metered spots on Division St.
Click here for more information.
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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:
- 13 May 26 - Juvenile Offender Charged with Vehicular Hijacking of 75-Year-Old Female
Community Alerts:
- 11 May 26 - 18th & 19th District- Armed Robberies
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
- 16 May 26 - Offender Charged with Attempt Murder of 26-Year-Old Male
- 13 May 26 - Offender Charged with Attempt Murder of Chicago Police Officers
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Cook County Government Job Fair: Wednesday, May 27
 The Cook County Bureau of Human Resources is hosting its annual job fair on Wednesday, May 27, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm at 124 S Wabash Ave. Representatives from a number of departments of Cook County government will be in attendance to connect, answer questions, and highlight open positions.
Click here to register.
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Sueños Chicago: May 23 - 24
 The Sueños Chicago music festival returns to the Lakefront from noon to 10:00 pm daily in Grant Park on Saturday, May 23, and Sunday, May 24. Chicago's Office of Emergency Management and Communications is advising residents and visitors to be aware of street closures, additional crowds, and increased traffic, and plan accordingly.
Information about transit and traffic may be found here. Residents are also encouraged to download the OEMC app for relevant alerts.
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A Thousand Times Before Book Discussion at Near North Library: Saturday, June 13
The Near North Library, located at 310 W Division St, is hosting a discussion around Asha Thanki's A Thousand Times Before on Saturday, June 13, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm. "A heartrending family saga following three generations of women connected by a fantastic tapestry through which they inherit the experiences of those that lived before them, sweeping readers from Partition-era India to modern day Brooklyn." This discussion is open to adults 18 years and older.
Click here for more information.
May is a busy month at Near North! Click here to view their full calendar of events.
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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 to Marcy Huttas at [email protected].
Click here for more information about the Wells Street Art Festival.
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Millennium Park Summer Workouts Now Underway
 The Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events is hosting free exercise classes on Saturdays this summer at Millenium Park beginning at 8:00 am, featuring a variety of workouts each week through Saturday, September 5. Participants are asked to bring their own mat.
Click here for more information.
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Wine Down At Wintrust Bank with Gold Coast Neighbors: Wednesday, May 20
 Gold Coast Neighbors Association (GCNA) and Wintrust Bank Gold Coast invite you to Wine Down at Wintrust Bank on Wednesday, May 20, at Wintrust Bank’s new Gold Coast location, located at 1051 N Rush St, from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm.
Registration is preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. Click here to RSVP.
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Magnificent Mile Art Festival: May 30-31
 The Magnificent Mile Spring Art Festival returns to 875 N Michigan Ave on Saturday, May 30, and Sunday, May 31, for a weekend celebrating art, creativity, and the energy of Chicago in spring. Featuring more than 60 juried artists from across the country, the open air festival showcases original works in painting, photography, jewelry, fashion, glass art, and more, all set along one of the city’s most iconic avenues. Visitors can explore the festival while experiencing the shopping, dining, architecture, and vibrant atmosphere of spring along The Magnificent Mile.
Click here for more information.
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Summer Programming at Lake Shore and Seneca Parks
The Lake Shore and Seneca Parks calendar has over 45 free family-friendly events all summer long. Lookingglass Theatre's Ice Cream Social is on June 2 at 5:00 at Seneca Park.
Please see the calendar of events in the flyer below.
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Chicago Blues Festival: June 4-7
 The Chicago Blues Festival will take place from Thursday, June 4, through Sunday, June 7, with Thursday's programming taking place at Ramova Theatre (3520 S Halsted St) and Friday through Sunday taking place at Millennium Park. This is the largest free Blues festival in the world, featuring a number of iconic acts in celebration of Chicago's place in Blues history.
Click here for more information.
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Pokemon GO Fest at Grant Park: June 5-7
 Chicago is hosting Pokémon GO Fest, a weekend-long, family-friendly outdoor event taking place in Grant Park from Friday, June 5, through Sunday, June 7. The event will feature immersive game experiences, events, and more in one of Chicago's iconic parks.
Click here for more information.
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Tour the Gold Coast with the Chicago Architecture Center
 The Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) offers two distinct neighborhood walking tours of the Gold Coast: Astor Street and Dearborn Street. The seasonal tours run to November.
Join a certified CAC docent to learn about the neighborhood's spectacular homes. Each 90-minute tour focuses on the buildings' architectural styles, the architects who designed them, and the people who lived in them. The preservation movement that saved many of Gold Coast's treasures is covered, along with stories that bring the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage to life.
For information on the Astor Street tour and scheduling, click here.
For information on the Dearborn Street tour, click here.
To learn more about the CAC and all of the tours offered, click here.
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