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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for February 2, 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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Instagram
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Third Annual Harold Ramis Day: Groundhog Day x Animal House Crossover
I had the pleasure of joining neighbors today at Navy Pier for Chicago’s own Groundhog Day tradition—and I’m happy to report that our official groundhog, Chicago Harry (yes, a cousin of Punxsutawney Phil), did not see his shadow, which means an early spring is on the way!
The celebration doubled as the 3rd Annual Harold Ramis Day at Harry Caray’s, honoring one of Chicago’s most brilliant comedic minds. This year flipped the script with a Groundhog Day x Animal House crossover that traded repetition for rebellion, togas optional. With cast members from Animal House on hand and Tim “Otter” Matheson leading the ceremony, it was equal parts nostalgia, laughter, and controlled chaos. Chicago Harry made his grand entrance right at 3:00 p.m., blending tradition with Ramis-style irreverence in a way only Chicago could pull off. Here’s hoping the early spring sticks, and that we can all channel a little of Harold Ramis’ joyful rule-breaking in the months ahead.
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Movies in the Park at Lake Shore Park: Survey Open Now
 I, along with the Lake Shore & Seneca Park Advisory Councils, am sponsoring Movies in the Park at Lake Shore Park this summer. You can help choose which movies are shown! Ask your friends and neighbors to complete the survey by selecting a total of five movies in three categories:
- three movies from the Family movie category
- one from the Children's category
- one from the Classics category
Click here to fill out the survey.
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SOAR Annual Meeting
I was pleased to join the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) for its annual meeting last Thursday, and grateful for the opportunity to speak alongside my colleague Alderman Brendan Reilly and Congressman Mike Quigley. SOAR contributes so much to the 2nd Ward, and I look forward to continuing our strong, productive relationship for the benefit of the community in 2026.
To learn more about SOAR, click here.
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Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting: Thursday, February 5
This Thursday, I will be joining the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce's Annual Meeting for a panel discussion with my colleagues Alderman Timmy Knudsen and Alderman Scott Waguespack about the future of Lincoln Park. I am proud to represent a portion of this historic neighborhood, and look forward to continuing my work in making it a safe and prosperous place to live. The event will take place on Thursday, February 5, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM, at 1825 W Webster Ave.
Click here for more information.
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Cocoa + Co Ribbon Cutting
 Last week, I was able to join OTMRA executive director Marcy Huttas, several OTMRA business members, and the new business owner of Cocoa + Co. , Nuchy Imsaeng, for a neighborhood welcome. While Cocoa + Co. has been a staple of Wells Street for years, Nuchy is excited to continue its sweet and delicious legacy. Celebrate a belated National Hot Chocolate Day by stopping in for one of their amazing drinking chocolates!
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2nd Ward Shred Event: Sunday, March 8
The 2nd Ward Spring Shred Event will take place on Sunday, March 8, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the My Parking Gold Coast Lot, located at 1258 N State Pkwy. Please bring your documents, old electronics, and pharmaceuticals to this very popular shred event to ensure they are properly discarded.
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2026 Chicago Police CAPS Meeting 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 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.
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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:
- 22 January 26 - Juvenile Offenders Charged with Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking of a 26-Year-Old Female
- 23 January 26 - Juvenile Offender Charged with September 2024 Vehicular Hijacking
Community Alerts:
- 19 January 26 - 18th District - Robbery-Battery
- 20 January 26 - CPD Community Alert - Commercial Burglaries 19th (Town Hall), 18th (Near North), 9th (Deering), 8th (Chicago Lawn), 24th (Rodger Park) Districts
- 24 January 26 - Business Alert - 8th, 9th, 14th 18th, 19th, 24th District - Commercial Burglaries
- 24 January 26 - Business Alert -12th, 14th, and 19th District - Burglaries to Motor Vehicles
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
- 25 January 26 - Offender Charged with Multiple Felonies Including Attempted Murder
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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, and applying for vote by mail. Information on Vote By Mail, Early Voting, the Permanent Vote By Mail Roster, and other dates and services can be found below.
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 Information
Register to Vote By Mail by clicking here.
You can also download the Permanent Vote By Mail Roster application form by clicking here.
NOTE: The Board will begin mailing ballots to those on the Permanent Vote By Mail Roster and vote by mail applicants in early February 2026. Applications to receive a mail ballot must be received by the Board no later than March 12, 2026. Mail ballots must be postmarked by March 17, 2026, to count.
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.
Early Voting Information (Begins in all 50 Wards on March 2, 2026)
You may find a list of early voting dates and locations by clicking here.
March 2 through March 17 hours of operation:
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
Early Vote sites that are in or around the 2nd Ward:
- Near North Library at 310 W Division St
- Lincoln Park Library at 1150 W Fullerton Ave
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 registration 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.
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DIBS Pet Adoption with Chicago Animal Care and Control: Saturday, February 21
 Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) is hosting a special adoption event on Saturday, February 21, from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The event will take place at CACC headquarters, located at 2741 S Western Ave. Adoption fees will be waived for all pets during this event, and dogs will be wearing special Valentine's Day attire.
Click here for more information.
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Indoor Farmers Market at Water Tower Place: Every Sunday
The Water Tower Place Farmers Market will be operating at Water Tower Place (835 N Michigan Ave on the 4th floor) every Sunday through March 29, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
With over 75 vendors, enjoy fresh local produce, ready-made food, and live entertainment. Click here for a list of vendors.
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Monday Crafternoons at Near North Library: Tuesday, February 13
 The Near North Library is hosting chair yoga for seniors at 10:30 am on Tuesday, January 13. Those aged 55+ are invited for this free class, with an option for virtual attendance on Zoom. Registration is required for virtual participation.
Click here to register.
February is a busy month at Near North. Click here to view more of their great upcoming events.
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Valentine's Day Dance at Lake Shore Park: Friday, February 13
The Lake Shore Park Advisory Council is hosting a Valentine's Day Dance at the park on Friday, February 13, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Enjoy family-friendly crafts, treats, dancing, and a photo booth! Children must be accompanied by an adult/guardian.
Click here for more information.
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Black History Month Commemorative Day At the Chicago History Museum: Saturday, February 28
 The Chicago History Museum, located at 1601 N Clark St, is hosting a special "Commemorative Day" event to honor Black History Month. The event will take place from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, featuring programming seeking to honor Black Americans who have had a vital hand in forming this nation.
Click here for more information.
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Little Sisters of the Poor Travinia: Saturday, March 8
 Bring your thinking caps to the Little Sisters of the Poor’s annual trivia event, Travinia, on Saturday, March 14, from 4:45 pm to 8:00 pm, at St. Mary’s Home, 2325 N Lakewood Ave. Gather your team of friends for an indoor evening of trivia fun. Tickets are $30 and will be available to purchase online or over the phone only. To buy tickets or to donate, visit www.littlesistersofthepoorchicago.org or call (773) 935-9600.
Trivia questions begin promptly at 5:30 pm.
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Girls in Sports Summit with BOWA Gives: February 7-8
 The Girls’ in Sports Summit is a free, two-day experience designed to inspire, empower, and support the next generation of leaders, especially girls, through the transformative power of sport, mentorship, and community. The Summit brings together girls from across the Midwest for a weekend of learning, connection, and competition.
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Day 1 features panels, breakout sessions on health and sport, and keynote speakers designed to inspire girls in middle and high school to be their best on and off the track. It will take place on Saturday, February 27, at BOWA Gives Headquarters, located at 222 S Jefferson St, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.
- Day 2 offers a full day of friendly, spirited track and field competition, with a morning meet for younger athletes and an afternoon showcasing top high school talent. It will take place all day on Sunday, February 8, at 10201 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60628.
Click here to register.
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Old Town Progressive Dinner Wednesdays
Progressive Dinner Wednesdays continue this week in Old Town. This Wednesday, February 4, enjoy a variety of delicious menu items from some of your favorite restaurants, all priced at $5 per dish from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm every Wednesday until February 25.
Participating restaurants include Benchmark, Cal’s Corner, Declan's Irish Pub, Fireplace Inn, Glunz Tavern, Happy Camper, Kamehachi, Moon Star Kitchen & Bar, Old Town Pub, Orso’s, Rabbit Hole, The VIG, Woodie’s Flat, and Winnie's.
Click here for more information.
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