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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for November 3, 2025
In This Edition:
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Statement on Unacceptable Traffic Conditions due to Bridge Work
Dear Neighbors,
Like many of you, I have been extremely frustrated by the significant traffic congestion stemming from the recent CDOT bridge projects. As you may know, in addition to the Lake and State Street bridges over the river downtown being closed, there are currently three river bridges in our immediate vicinity closed for construction: Chicago Avenue, Halsted Street, and Cortland Avenue. The resulting gridlock is further exacerbated by the state’s ongoing Kennedy Expressway work.
I met with Chicago Department of Transportation staff to implore them to come up with some creative solutions to ease some or any of the current congestion. They are exploring some parking restrictions and removal of turn lanes in strategic locations to allow for more vehicle throughput on bridges that are open, like Webster Avenue. I requested a moratorium on other planned local utility projects. I am also told that, according to the Illinois Department of Transportation, the Ontario feeder ramp, for which the posted detour is an already packed North Avenue, should be fully reopened in the coming weeks.
Nevertheless, I am thoroughly disappointed by the lack of coordination that caused this degree of poor conditions in the first place and the lack of urgency in trying to address them thus far. I strongly expressed my and our residents’ collective displeasure to the department’s acting commissioner publicly at the October 22nd City Council Committee on Budget and Government Operations hearing and will continue to advocate for improvement in both addressing the current issue and in future coordination. I also penned a letter, along with seven of my colleagues with affected wards, to Mayor Johnson and Acting Commissioner Turner, requesting assistance in mitigating this congestion (you may view the letter by clicking here). Any updates will be shared in future newsletters.
Sincerely,
Alderman Brian Hopkins
2nd Ward
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Alderman Hopkins addressed CDOT leadership during a budget hearing on October 22.
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Special Council Meeting to Discuss Budget Report Scheduled for Monday, November 10
Today, a number of my colleagues called a special City Council meeting to convene next Monday, November 10, with the purpose of hearing testimony from Ernst & Young consultants hired by Mayor Johnson to find cost-cutting opportunities in the city budget. I support their effort and am eager to hear about the findings these experts have made as we work as transparently as possible towards a common-sense budget.
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Volunteers Needed for the Lake Shore and Seneca Parks Fall Cleanup: Saturday, November 8
Volunteers are needed for the Lake Shore and Seneca Park Fall cleanup this Saturday, November 8, from 9:00 am - 11:30 am. Pitch in to help clean the park and gardens, and help beautify our parks. Tools, gloves, and bags will be provided by the Lake Shore and Seneca Parks Advisory Council. Pizza will be provided by my office at lunch.
Please note: Community Servive credit hours will be given to students. All families are welcome to this community event. Please register in advance here.
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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, November 5
 Join 18th District Commander Bielfeldt and the CAPS team for a conversation regarding their 2026 Strategic Plan. The second of these conversations will take place on Wednesday, November 5, 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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18th Police District Council Meeting: Monday, November 25
Join the 18th Police District Council for their monthly meeting on Monday, November 25, at 12:15 pm at the Near North Library, located at 310 W Division St. Commander Christopher Beilfeldt will be this month's featured speaker.
Please note: Limited parking is available in the adjacent lot. If you wish to participate in this meeting virtually via Zoom, please register here or click here to RSVP to attend in person.
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Registration Open for the 2025 Chicago Police Community Academy
The Chicago Police Department is accepting applications for the 2025 Community Academy held at police headquarters, located at 3510 S Michigan Ave.
Training attendees will receive a condensed version (eight weeks) of instruction similar to the training provided to police academy recruits. Class November 12 through January 21, from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Contact the 18th District CAPS Office at [email protected] for more information.
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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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CDPH Flu and COVID-19 Vaccines at City Hall: Wednesday, November 5
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), in partnership with Walgreens, will be administering updated 2025-2026 flu and COVID-19 vaccines on the 11th Floor of City Hall from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. on November 5 and December 4. Please bring your insurance card and a photo ID.
The event will have onsite registration, but it is recommended to complete and print this form before attending.
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State Resources for SNAP Enrollees
Amid the federal government shutdown, our neighbors who depend on SNAP are facing delayed/withheld funding and will likely need additional resources to put food on their tables. Please see the following for information about SNAP benefits and other places where those in need can find food:
- The Illinois Department of Human Services has put together a SNAP Federal Impact Center on its website, which will be updated with the latest information regarding benefits. You may view that page by clicking here.
- The Greater Chicago Food Depository has an interactive map showing where Chicagoans can find nearby food pantries. You may view that map here.
- For those interested in helping fight food insecurity during the shutdown, the Greater Chicago Food Depository has a "Take Action" page with ways to support. You may view that page here.
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SNAP Virtual Town Hall with State Elected Officials: Wednesday, November 5
State Senator Sara Feigenholtz, State Representative Margaret Croke, State Representative Ann Williams, and the Greater Chicago Food Depository will be hosting a town hall to discuss federal cuts to SNAP benefits and community action. The event will take place on Zoom on Wednesday, November 5, at 12:00 pm.
Click here to register.
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Fall Clean Streets Guide
With Fall well underway and street sweeping now finished, 2nd Warders should remember to rake and bag yard waste to help alleviate drainage issues. Please call our office at (312) 643-2299 to request the pickup of waste bags. You may also see the "Clean Streets" below for further information about keeping our neighborhood clean!
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Interview Preparedness Bonanza at Near North Library: Saturday, November 8
The Near North library is hosting an event to help job seekers polish their resumes on Saturday, November 8, from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. Come with an existing resume ready for edits, or compile your employment and education history and draft one on-site.
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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Blood Drive at Old St. Pat's: Sunday, November 9
 The American Red Cross is hosting a blood drive on Sunday, November 9, from 7:00 am to 2:30 pm, at Frances Xavier Warde School's Old St. Pat's gym (129 S Des Plaines St). Parking is available at 625 W Adams.
Call 1-800-733-2767 to make an appointment, or click here and enter OSP2025.
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Law at the Library: Wednesday, November 19
 Law at the Library: Changes in the Tax Law: Know Before You File will take place on Wednesday, November 19.
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.
Visit https://chipublib.bibliocommons.com/v2/events or https://evanstonlibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/events. For a referral to a CBA lawyer, visit www.lrs.chicagobar.org.
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Compost Your Pumpkins at a Food Scrap Drop-Off Site
 Chicagoans are encouraged to drop off their pumpkins at one of the City of Chicago's 33 food scrap drop-off locations. Please remove any paint or decorations before you arrive, and break your pumpkin up into pieces (optional).
Click here to find a location near you.
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Donate/Volunteer at the Greater Chicago Food Depository
 Hunger is a year-round problem that touches every community in Cook County and every neighborhood in Chicago. Hundreds of thousands of people around Chicagoland face hunger every year.
Get involved to give back to your community today and make a lasting difference.
Click here to learn more.
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Clothing Drive with the Chicago Help Initiative
 The Chicago Help Initiative is accepting donations for warm clothes and outerwear to be dropped off at 721 N LaSalle Dr.
Drop-offs can be made between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, or between 8:00 am and 9:30 am on Saturdays. Alternatively, those wishing to donate can find the requested items by clicking here.
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Know Your Rights and Resources
The City of Chicago has compiled a guidebook full of resources that could help protect you and your family during interactions with federal agencies. Everyone in Chicago—regardless of immigration status—is protected by rights under city, county, state, and federal law. This guide is designed to help you understand those rights at home, in public, at work, during protests, and while using technology or traveling.
Click here to view the guidebook.
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Lincoln Park Art Night: Thursday, November 6
 The Old Town Triangle Association is hosting its annual free Lincoln Park Art Night celebration on Thursday, November 6, from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. Five venues in Lincoln Park and Old Town will host free exhibitions, and luxury sprinter vans will offer hop-on/hop-off service connecting each location.
Click here to register.
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RNRA Annual Meeting and Gala: Tuesday, November 11
Join the River North Residents Association at TAO, located at 632 N Dearborn St, for its 28th Annual Meeting & Gala on Tuesday, November 11th, from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly and 18th District Police Commander Chris Bielfeldt are scheduled to speak. Tickets are required.
Click here for more information.
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Old Town Tree Lighting Ceremony: Tuesday, November 18
Join the Old Town Merchants & Residents Association as they kick off the holiday season at their annual tree lighting on Tuesday, November 18, at 5:30 pm, located at 1447 N Wells. The event will feature a choir performance, hot cocoa, and a visit from Santa Claus.
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112th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony: Friday, November 21
 The 112th Annual City of Chicago Christmas Tree in Millennium Park will be illuminated on Friday, November 21, at 6 pm. The tree will remain illuminated through Sunday, January 11, 2026.
Guests can enjoy multiple viewing areas throughout Millennium Park, complete with giant screens, seasonal treats, and a vibrant main stage along Washington Street, right beside the Chicago Cultural Center. The celebration will reach its magical finale with the illumination of Chicago’s Christmas Tree, followed by a fireworks display.
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Clark Street Cookie Crawl: Sunday, December 7
 The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Cookie Crawl on Sunday, December 7, from 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm, starting at 2577 N Clark St. Visit businesses along Clark Street to collect a variety of delicious holiday cookies. Enjoy surprises along the way, including carolers, hot chocolate, and the chance to snap photos with Santa.
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