|
|
|
|
WARD SERVICE OFFICE
1447 W. MORSE AVE
CHICAGO, IL 60626
773-338-5796
www.49thward.org
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Good morning neighbors,
It was one busy week, so I slept in a bit this morning. My apologies for the newsletter being a little later than usual. Before I get into City Council updates, I want to give a thank you to my staff this week and our Ward Superintendent Adam Woznicki. Between construction projects, back to school, big legislative lifts, and extra City Council meetings, demands have been higher than usual, but my team has risen to the challenge. Thank you to the best team an Alderperson could have!
This week was dominated by legislative matters in preparation for the regular, monthly City Council meeting as well as a Special Meeting that was held on Friday and an additional regular meeting that will take place on Tuesday, September 29 at 10am. I'll share a bit of a breakdown on each major issue.
Heat protections - My Heat Protection for Outdoor Workers Ordinance faced some surprise, last minute opposition from the Illinois Restaurant Association. Though the rules don't consider restaurant workers as outdoor employees as drafted, general business opposition to any further worker protections has led to well-resourced, coordinated opposition on even the most common-sense proposals. We passed in Workforce Committee last September but had some additional stakeholder concerns that required us to refine the legislation. The airlines, led my United and American, were the stakeholders who strongly opposed last year, but we negotiated and accepted compromise language that would allow their heat safety plans to be approved by the Commissioner for the Department of Aviation as opposed to the BACP Commissioner like everyone else. However, even after their language was accepted, American Airlines broke faith and opposed the ordinance. I chose to hold the item in hopes of revisiting in the future instead of pushing a vote that would fail.
RLTO Reform - PRO and FAIR both passed committee in advance of City Council, and in the spirit of working on a compromise, both items were deferred and published by their respective sponsors. However, both items have been noticed for a vote by Ald. Gil Villegas (36) the sponsor of FAIR. I still support PRO but am in favor of efforts on a compromise.
Data centers - We introduced the temporary Data Center Moratorium on Wednesday and it was sent to Rules Committee. This is a tactic used to impede legislation from progressing to committee for consideration. Since the action of "sending an item to Rules," isn't recorded by the Clerk, someone can send an item to Rules and not have to disclose who they are or why they did it. As the public, it becomes nearly impossible for you to know which alderpersons did it. As an alderperson in chambers, it can also be hard to tell and sometimes difficult to prove. Two men sent our moratorium to Rules; and at least one the ones I believe did it is retiring. Other data center legislation was introduced by other alderpersons and were also sent to Rules by the same duo. While this is shockingly out of touch with public interest and will, it will not impede us from continuing to to work on regulations that we most certainly need.
Parking meters - The revised proposal for Chicago Parking Meters was deferred and published during the Special City Council meeting called for it on Friday. We will take the matter up on Tuesday, September 29 at 10am. Led by Chairwoman Dowell, a group of alderpersons including Ald. Lee (11), Ald. Burnett (27), Ald. Waguespack (32), and Ald. Villegas (36) worked with our retiring Corporation Counsel Mary Richardson-Lowry to find a path to corrections, improvements, and an enforcement of our values in the agreement. Some of the changes include: a $75M upfront transfer fee; 5% profit sharing going forward which should earn us $376M over the next 57 years of the contract; prohibitions on sharing user information of the meters; and the sale of Omni Air which was used to unlawfully deport Chicagoans during Midway Blitz.
They still have ownership of our parking meters for the remainder of the contract. What former Mayor Daley and the then City Council agreed to will continue to exist as the "worst deal of the century." The practice of selling public assets for short term gains and the continued bias towards these ill-conceived gambits as opposed to reforming our structures to make wealthy corporations pay their fare share is maddening. And I do believe that what has been negotiated is at least reducing harm and taking advantage of a very limited opportunity to do so. I plan to support the proposal and am proud of the colleagues who worked to make it possible.
You can tune into City Council live, 10am Tuesday, Sept. 29 at www.chicityclerk.org
I hope to see you today at our Election Protection Fest in Jarvis Square from 3-6pm. We'll have legal protection, civic engagement, and community organizations there to register voters, sign up volunteers, and make sure you have all the info you need to exercise one of our core constitutional rights! Come out for the Rummage Sale and stay for election protection.
Have a safe and restful weekend,
Alderwoman Maria Hadden
|
|
|
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Click the links below to select the section that you want to read!
- CELEBRATIONS & APPRECIATIONS - good news for the week!
- WARD UPDATES - Community announcements, city services, and zoning/development updates
- INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES - City services and infrastructure notices
- MIDTERM ELECTION INFORMATION - Information on the November 3rd Midterm Election
- COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - local events and ways to get involved
- ROGERS PARK ARTS - events, theatre, and other public arts news
- YOUTH SHINE IN 49 - school news, scholarship opportunities, and youth employment offerings
- NEED TO KNOW INFO - alerts, services, and government resources
- ADDITIONAL RESOURCES - links to resources housed on the 49th Ward website
|
|
|
Celebrations & Appreciations
|
|
Ald. Hadden Passes First Data Center Legislation
|
|
|
|
Alderwoman Hadden's ordinance requiring data centers to report energy and water usage to the City passed unanimously through City Council on Wednesday. She's leading the way for Chicago to construct a regulatory framework for data centers in Chicago!
|
|
Anjanette Young's Class Attends City Council Meeting
|
|
|
During the September City Council meeting, I was honored to recognize Anjanette Young and her class of future leaders and social workers from the Jane Addams School of Social Work. Students were able to observe the City Council meeting to witness democracy in action.
|
|
Election Protection Fest TODAY!
|
|
|
TODAY, Saturday, September 26 from 3-6pm, join us in Jarvis Square to learn about voting rights, register to vote, learn about how to become an Election Judge, and join a civic organization! Maintaining a healthy democracy takes work and it takes ALL of us. See you there!
|
|
Volunteer to Help with the New Jarvis Square Mural
|
|
By this Fall, Jarvis Square in the historic neighborhood of Rogers Park will be the home of a beautiful new mural designed by local artist Oscar Joyo. Oscar is a Malawian-born, Chicago-based artist who has created murals across the city. He specializes in afro-futuristic portraiture with an emphasis on nature and the power of community. Follow his work at oscarjoyoart.com and @oscar_joyo.
There is an open call for volunteers wanting to assist with preparation work for the mural on September 29th and 30th. Interested residents should fill out the Google form at bit.ly/JarvisMuralHelp.
Those interested in donating should fill out the form linked above and contact Artist Assistant Lexi Costantini and Community Outreach Liaison Jessica Vann at [email protected] and [email protected]. Donations can be made between 6 am and 7:30 p.m., Monday-Friday.
Finally, please be advised that the southwest alley bounding Jarvis Square will be blocked off on September 29th and 30th between 7:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to complete the work.
|
|
St. Ignatius Campus Community Survey Results
|
|
|
In July, the 49th Ward, Loyola University Chicago, and the Ignatian Mission Center hosted a community meeting regarding a proposed new development for the St. Ignatius campus at 6555-6559 N Glenwood and the former Waldorf School at 1300-1320 W Loyola. More information on the proposal is available on the 49th Ward website at 49thward.org/stignatius.
Following the meeting, a survey was shared for community members to complete, and our office received over 450 responses. You can find the survey results here.
The survey results demonstrated overwhelming support for the Ignatian Mission Center’s adaptive reuse of the existing church and rectory to stand up a social service center and women’s shelter for survivors of domestic violence, with 92.1% of 49th Ward respondents supporting the proposal outright or with changes. While a majority of 49th Ward residents support Loyola University’s proposal to build 65 units of student housing at the former Waldorf School site located at 1300-1320 W. Loyola, that support was weaker than for the complementary Ignatian Mission Center proposal, with only 66.7% of 49th Ward respondents supporting the proposal outright or with changes. In the open-ended questions, respondents expressed concerns about other Loyola University-owned properties in the area that remain vacant and asked Loyola to provide affordable housing options for existing Rogers Park residents.
Our office is currently reviewing the survey results with Loyola University and the Ignatian Mission Center to see if there are opportunities to incorporate any of the feedback into a final plan. Keep an eye on our newsletter for updates on this proposal. Thank you all for sharing your input with us.
|
|
Indivisible Rogers Park-West Ridge Hosting Benefit Concert on October 9th
|
|
The Indivisible Rogers Park - West Ridge chapter is hosting a benefit concert for the Immigrant Solidarity Fund for Rogers Park and West Ridge. The concert is on October 9, 7:00 - 10:00 pm at the United Church of Rogers Park at 1545 W. Morse.
The concert will feature protest music, singing, and dance from Adam Gottlieb and OneLove, Las Monarcas, and more! All proceeds will support the fund that provides emergency assistance for essential needs, including housing, food, legal support, medical care, and mental health services for our neighbors most at risk. Tickets are available to purchase online here for a suggested donation of $25.
|
|
Tenants' Rights and Fair Housing Event October 10th
|
|
|
Join the 49th Ward, Uptown People’s Law Center, and North Side Community Resources for tenant rights training at Kilmer International Academy, 6700 N. Greenview. The event will take place on Saturday, October 10th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
|
|
Submit a Tree Planting Request
|
|
|
Request a new tree to be planted now through September 27th!
Unfortunately, our neighborhood lost many trees due to the number of torrential rains and severe storms this summer. To restore our canopy, the 49th Ward is working closely with the Bureau of Forestry to plant new trees across the ward.
Please complete this form to request a new tree to be planted. Requests will be accepted now through September 27th. Please note that completing the form does not guarantee that a tree will be planted.
|
|
Upcoming Tree Trimming Schedule
|
|
Our office has received notice from the Bureau of Forestry that the following blocks are scheduled for tree trimming the week of September 28th. Please be advised that the schedule is weather and staff permitting:
1500 W. Devon
6400 N. Greenview
6500 N. Bosworth
In spring 2023, the Bureau of Forestry within the Department of Streets and Sanitation switched from the individual request-based 311 system to a proactive, grid-based trimming process. This system has allowed us to maintain more of our City's urban canopy.
Please watch for "No parking" signs posted on the affected blocks next week to allow the Bureau of Forestry's machinery to occupy the public way.
|
|
Estes Water Main Replacement Updates
|
|
|
The Department of Water Management (DWM) is installing a new water main in the 49th Ward on Estes between Ridge and Clark. Excavation of the north side of Estes (westbound lane, between Ridge and Damen) began on August 11th. Construction will only take place during the week. Only in cases of emergency will construction be done on a weekend.
This week, contractors plan to finalize pressure testing of the new water main. Unfortunately, the pressure test of the newly installed main is taking longer than anticipated. Once the pressure testing is complete, the contractor will begin installing the water main toward Clark.
No lead service line work, water service interruptions, or restoration work is scheduled for this week. The Department of Water Management (DWM) will relay any changes to our office.
A partial lane closure remains in effect on the northern side of Estes (westbound lane, between Ridge and Damen). Local traffic may be limited during work hours due to equipment staging and the movements of other machinery needed to perform the work. One lane will always remain open in each direction during construction hours for buses and regular traffic. With the lane closure in effect, local traffic will have limited access. Emergency vehicle access will be maintained for the duration of the closure.
"No Parking” signs will be posted on both sides of the street during construction hours (7:00 AM – 4:00 PM) where work is being performed. Parking will be allowed outside of work hours and on weekends. All signage will be placed 48 hours before work begins and will be limited to the block where work is actively taking place or being staged. Crews will work to preserve as much parking as possible. "No Parking" signs will only be posted where crews are actively working and the parking restrictions will move along as the crew makes progress in the project.
Residents in the affected address range (2040 - 1790 W. Estes Ave) should enter their contact information in the survey here. We receive weekly updates about this project and would like to relay information that may directly affect residents on this block.
Please contact our office with any inquiries at [email protected] or call 773-338-5796.
|
|
Upcoming Street Grinding & Resurfacing Schedule
|
|
|
Neighbors, please be advised of the upcoming street grinding and resurfacing schedule for the 49th Ward, provided by the Department of Transportation. Please be aware of all orange CDOT signs in the public way to avoid being ticketed or towed.
Street grinding schedule:
- Chase between Sheridan and Lake Michigan (1200-1300 W. Chase) - Scheduled for 10/1/26
- Damen between Rogers and Jarvis (7400-7700 N. Damen)- Scheduled for 10/2/26
- Damen between Fargo and Jarvis (7400-7432 N. Damen) - Scheduled for 10/2/26
Street resurfacing schedule:
- Loyola between Lakewood and Glenwood (1300-1400 W. Loyola)- Scheduled for 9/29/26 (pending DWM repair)
- Hermitage between North Shore and Pratt (6700-6800 N. Hermitage) - Scheduled for 9/30/26 (pending DWM repair)
|
|
Midterm Election Information
|
|
2026 Midterm Election Key Dates
|
|
-
September 24, 2026: Board of Elections begins to send out Vote by Mail ballots
-
October 1, 2026: Early Voting & Registration opens at downtown Supersite (137 S. State Street) and Board of Elections Office (69 W. Washington)
-
October 6, 2026: Last day to submit paper voter registration forms (online and in-person registration remains available)
-
October 18, 2026: Last day for online voter registration (in-person registration is available through Election Day)
-
October 19, 2026: Early Voting and Registration open in all 50 wards
-
October 29, 2026: Last day to apply for a Vote by Mail ballot
-
November 3, 2026: General Election Day (6 am - 7 pm)
|
|
|
Are you interested in being a poll worker for the November 3, 2026, Midterm General Election? Visit pollworker.chicagoelections.gov to learn more and apply. You must be a US citizen and a registered voter in Cook County - and you can earn up to $230 for your service. If you are bilingual in Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean, or Tagalog, the Board of Elections is requesting your support. Do you know a high school junior or senior with a GPA above 3.0 and an interest in government? Let them know they can serve as an election judge and see how democracy works from behind the polling place curtain.
|
|
Early Voting Opens October 19th in All 50 Wards
|
|
Early voting for the 2026 Midterm General Election begins on Monday, October 19th, in all 50 wards. Chicago voters may vote at any Early Voting location through November 2nd.
Any voter who needs to register to vote for the first time or file an address update or name change must show two forms of ID, one of which reflects the voter's current address. A list of acceptable forms of ID is available on the Board of Elections' website.
In the 49th Ward, voters can vote early at Willye B. White Park, 1610 W. Howard. A full list of early voting locations is available on the Chicago Board of Elections' website.
Voters are allowed to bring in notes with them to a polling place when casting their ballot.
|
|
Apply to Vote By Mail By October 27th
|
|
|
Any Chicago voter can file an online application to vote by mail for the 2026 Midterm General Election. A voter does not need a reason or an excuse to vote by mail.
Under Illinois law, voters have the option to join a permanent vote-by-mail roster to have their ballots sent directly to their preferred mailing address ahead of every election. Voters can opt in when applying for a Vote by Mail ballot online.
Voters will receive a ballot in the mail with instructions on how to fill it out and return it. By law, any ballot postmarked Wednesday, November 4th, or later cannot be counted. If a voter places a ballot envelope in a mailbox on November 3rd in the afternoon or evening, they risk the chance of the envelope being postmarked on November 4th and, therefore, being considered ineligible to be counted.
The United States Postal Service will not guarantee your Vote By Mail return ballot envelopes will be postmarked the same day that you mailed it. Any ballot postmarked after Election Day on November 3rd will not be accepted. USPS recommends voters take additional precautions and mail their completed Vote By Mail Ballot at least one week (October 27th) before Election Day.
All qualified ballots properly postmarked by Election Day (November 3rd) and received up to 14 days after (November 17th) will be processed and counted for the 2026 Midterm General Election. The Chicago Board of Elections will send an email when it receives your ballot return envelope, and again when your ballot has been processed and counted.
Voters may also return their mailed ballot to a Secured Drop Box at any Chicago Early Voting location before Election Day. Mail ballots may also be delivered in person to the Election Board at 69 W. Washington, Sixth Floor.
Voters who request a mail ballot but would prefer to vote in person can surrender their mail ballot at any early voting location or their polling place on Election Day to opt for an in-person ballot instead. Voters are NOT allowed to vote by mail and at an in-person location; they must choose only one method of voting.
If a person requests a mail ballot and it is not received by Election Day, voters will still have the opportunity to cast their ballot. Voters who do not receive or lose their mail ballot may complete an affidavit at their polling place on Election Day stating that the ballot was never received or was lost.
Please note that precinct polling places do not have drop boxes on Election Day. Precinct election judges cannot accept Vote By Mail ballots, and Vote By Mail ballots returned at precinct polling places will not be processed. Voters instead can use any of the drop boxes open on Election Day to return their Vote By Mail ballot.
For more information and to complete the vote-by-mail application, visit the Board of Elections website here. The deadline to apply for a mail ballot is Thursday, October 29th, at 5 pm.
|
|
Join the Chicago Shoreline Advisory Board Community Working Group
|
|
The Chicago Shoreline Advisory Board has launched a community working group. This group is intended to:
- Foster a dynamic conversation between all participants (different than the Shoreline Advisory Board).
- Identify gaps in knowledge and shared understanding on Shoreline-related topics.
- Amplify opportunities to make active community participation in shoreline projects more accessible.
- Identify and amplify recommendations for a better public process.
- Uplift unified community recommendations to the Shoreline Advisory Board.
Those interested in joining the community working group can fill out an online form at this link.
|
|
Fall Orchard Celebration at Triangle Park September 26
|
|
|
Fall is just around the corner, which means it's apple-picking season! Learn more about our public community orchard located at Triangle Park, 1750 W. Juneway Terrace, on Saturday, September 26th, starting at 2 pm during a Fall Orchard Celebration. Free apples and cider will be available, along with information on how to get involved with the Triangle Park Community Orchard.
|
|
Upcoming Leone Beach Park Advisory Council Events
|
|
Join the Leone Beach Park Advisory Council for a variety of programming throughout the fall. There's something for everyone!
- Sunday, September 27th, 9:30 a.m.:
Monthly conservation work day (4th Sunday of each month)
(Leone Beach Park, 1222 W. Touhy)
- Saturday, October 3rd, 11 a.m.:
Fall mindfulness in nature
(Leone Beach Park, 1222 W. Touhy)
For more information and to sign up to receive emails from the Leone Beach Park Advisory Council, email [email protected].
|
|
Freaky Fungi at Edgewater Library October 3rd
|
|
ThThe Friends of the Edgewater Library are sponsoring Freaky Fungi, a spooky, scientific, and fun way to learn more about some of the world's most monstrous mushrooms and frightful fungi.
Liz Weinstein, president of the Illinois Mycological Association, will give a presentation on Freaky Fungi on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 1 p.m. at the Edgewater Branch Library, 6000 N Broadway.
The event is free and open to the public.
|
|
'Blers Bash Fan Fest October 10th
|
|
|
Join the Loyola men’s and women’s basketball teams for the inaugural ‘Blers Bash Fan Fest on Saturday, October 10, inside Gentile Arena! Admission is FREE, and the event features youth basketball skills stations, autograph sessions, photos with the players, music from a local DJ, and other interactive kids' activities. The event is open-house style with doors opening at 11:00 am until 2:00 pm.
Visit www.loyolaramblers.com/blersbash for more information and to RSVP!
|
|
Chicago Day of the Girl October 11th
|
|
|
Chicago is a global city — and its girls prove it every day. The girl from Englewood carries Mississippi in her bones. The girl from Little Village brings Michoacán in her voice. Roseland, Pilsen, Rogers Park, Austin — every neighborhood holds a world. Yet segregation creates cultural distance between girls who live just miles apart and never truly exchange space.
This year's Chicago Day of the Girl event will address segregation. Segregation is not just a housing issue. It is a girlhood issue. When girls only know their own block, their sense of what is possible stays small. LadyPalooza is a room where a girl from Roseland sits beside a girl from Rogers Park for the first time. Where a girl with roots in Lagos recognizes herself in a girl with roots in Jalisco. Where the city’s invisible walls come down for one full day — and girls realize they were never as alone as geography made them feel.
Chicago Day of the Girl takes place on Sunday, October 11th, from 10 am to 3 pm. For more information and to register, visit ChicagoDayoftheGirl.com.
|
|
Join Good News Partners' Associate Board
|
|
|
Good News Partners, a local affordable housing and shelter provider in Rogers Park, is recruiting for their Associate Board! Individuals interested in this position can apply here. The deadline is October 15th!
|
|
Circles and Ciphers Fundraiser October 17th
|
|
|
Join Circles & Ciphers at their fundraiser on October 17! Everybody Eats envisions a community where everyone can thrive—Circles and Ciphers advances this vision by helping young people heal, create, and grow. Following funding cuts, Circles and Ciphers and the United Church of Rogers Park are bringing Rogers Park and the Circles & Ciphers community together to honor and celebrate our history, invest in our future, and sustain this work.
The event will feature:
- A community meal
- Performances from the neighborhood and C&C artists
- A storytelling panel
The event will take place from 6-10 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, at the United Church of Rogers Park, 1545 W. Morse.
|
|
Volunteer with Care for Real at the Chicago Fall Classic!
|
|
|
Care for Real is proud to be the Official Charity Partner of the 2026 Chicago Fall Classic Half Marathon, 10K & 5K and is seeking volunteers to help make race day a success!
Volunteers are needed at Montrose Harbor on Saturday, October 17, from 5:45-11:30 a.m.
Volunteers may assist with participant check-in, water stations, course direction, finish-line food, and other race-day activities. No running experience is needed, but volunteers should expect to stand for the entire shift. Volunteers should dress for the weather and come ready to cheer on participants! All volunteers will receive a free event shirt.
Sign up to volunteer with Care for Real: vhub.at/ChicagoFallClassic.
|
|
Upcoming Rogers Park Branch Library Events
|
|
There's something for everyone t at the Rogers Park Branch Library, located at 6907 N. Clark.
- September 5th, September 28th, and October 26th:
Open Mic
- September 9th, October 14th, and November 11th:
Song Club
For more information on the Rogers Park Branch and to view upcoming events, visit its website here.
|
|
Goodman Theatre's GeNarrations Classes Return to Willye White Park this Fall
|
|
|
Registration for the upcoming sessions of GeNarrations, led by the Goodman Theatre and teaching artist Zahra Baker, opens on September 1st! Classes take place on Tuesdays or Wednesdays from 10 am to 12 pm, September 22nd through November 4th at Willye White Park, 1610 W. Howard.
To sign up for a class and learn more, visit GoodmanTheatre.org/Registration.
|
|
Sign Up for No School Day Camps at Culture of Safety
|
|
|
No School Day Camps are BACK at Culture of Safety! Looking for interactive, affordable, empowering day camps for the days when CPS is closed? Check out our No-School Day Camps & Summer Camp. All camps are offered at sliding scale/tiered pricing. All camps are neurodivergent-friendly and LGBT-affirming. Immigrants welcome! https://bit.ly/COSKidsCamps
|
|
Connect Your Block Club with the 24th District
|
|
|
The 24th District Chicago Police Department’s Office of Community Policing is reaching out to current, former, and future block clubs throughout the 24th District community. Block clubs provide residents with an organized way to communicate concerns, share information, access resources, and work together on solutions that strengthen their neighborhood.
Current block clubs are asked to confirm their leadership and contact information and remain involved in neighborhood outreach, beat meetings, community events, and follow-up efforts. Former or inactive block clubs are encouraged to reconnect.
Residents interested in starting a new block club are also welcome. You do not need to have everything organized before contacting the 24th District. We can help guide you through the beginning steps and connect you with available district and community resources.
Please provide or confirm the following information:
- Contact name
- Block club name or proposed name
- Block boundaries or location
- Telephone number and email address
- Beat of residence
- Current status: active, inactive, reorganizing, or new
- Assistance or resources needed
For more information and to get involved, email Mayra Gomez-Santana with the 24th District at [email protected].
|
|
Glenwood Sunday Market Open
|
|
|
The Glenwood Sunday Market is back every Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., until October 25 (except for August 16). We love this fantastic annual tradition and are excited to celebrate its 17th year in the Rogers Park community!
|
|
Events at the Rogers Park Branch Library
|
|
|
The Rogers Park Branch Library (6907 N. Clark) offers a variety of events and programming for people of all ages. Make sure to check out a list of their upcoming events and register to attend one. More information is available on its website here.
|
|
Lifeline Theatre Presents: A Wrinkle in Time
|
|
|
Ever since her father vanished under mysterious circumstances, Meg Murray’s life has been spiraling out of control. But one dark and stormy night, Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which appear with a promise to help rescue him from the monstrous darkness that threatens the universe.
Join Meg, her brother Charles Wallace, their pal Calvin, and a host of extraterrestrial friends and foes as they journey into the heart of a terrible evil in the hope of reuniting a fragmented family.
A Wrinkle in Time previews at Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood, on Friday, September 11. The show will open on September 14th and run through October 18th. Learn more and purchase tickets online.
|
|
Lifeline Theatre Presents: Sugar Plum Fairy, P.I.
|
|
Don't miss the world premier of Sugar Plum Fairy, P.I. at the Lifeline Theatre! Step into the sugary, shadowy world of Sugar Plum Fairy, P.I., a fairy-tale noir mystery filled with crime and double-crosses! During the dark days of Candy Prohibition, hard-boiled detective Sam Sugarplum and his sharp-witted partner Goldilocks are out to solve the baffling case of a missing black sheep. Inspired by The Maltese Falcon, this clever, immersive production blends your favorite storybooks with noir tropes. Grab your trench coat, make sure your lollipop stash is well hidden, and help Goldilocks and Sam solve the case! A world premiere production!
The show opens October 1st and runs through November 8th. More information and tickets are available for purchase online.
|
|
Theatre Above the Law Presents: Grimm
|
|
|
In this original Theatre Above the Law adaptation by Michael Dalberg (Cyrano, The Blood Countess, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde), Jakob Grimm is transported through the moon in search of his brother Wilhelm after fighting the wolf off of granny and Little Red. He ends up in a cabaret bar hosted by the wolf, Little Red, and several survivors of their stories.
The show opens October 9th and will run through November 1st. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 3 pm. All performances will be held at the Jarvis Square Theater, 1439 W. Jarvis. Tickets range from $15 to $30 and can be purchased at theatreatl.org or by calling 773-655-7197.
|
|
The Factory Theatre Presents: Radical Futures
|
|
Radical Futures, a world premiere play written by B.Z. Florida and directed by Kayla Menz, opens at The Factory Theater, 1623 W. Howard, on October 9th and runs through November 21st.
In a failing dive bar, two estranged friends try to reconnect over hallucinogenic cocktails that trigger visions of tomorrow. As these sci-fi visions grow wilder and more intense, one question looms large: does their friendship have a future? A world premiere play written by B.Z. Florida and directed by Kayla Menz.
Learn more and purchase tickets on The Factory Theater's website.
|
|
The Factory Theatre Presents: Advance Man: Part One of the Honeycomb Trilogy
|
|
|
Astronaut Bill Cooke returns from the first manned mission to Mars bearing secrets and illicit cargo. Now his wife and teenage children are all that stand between Bill and a shocking action that will alter not only their lives, but all of humanity. ADVANCE MAN is the first part of Mac Rogers’ epic "The Honeycomb Trilogy," three stand-alone plays set in the same universe chronicling a conflict both intimate and global that will redefine the nature of the human race.
In this heart-pounding first play of Strawdog’s ambitious two-year project, playwright Mac Rogers tackles xenophobia, climate change, and family drama with his distinctive blend of sci-fi and horror.
Enjoy Part One of the Honeycomb Trilogy at The Factory Theater at 1623 W Howard through September 27th. Tickets are available online at strawdog.org.
|
|
6311 Arts Presents: Portrait Mode and Trying to Keep it Together
|
|
|
Keep your focus on the subject and let the rest melt away in this human-centric exhibition. Artists: Mr. Brooks, Alejandra Guerrero, Hector Hernandez, Eddwin Meyers, Harry Sudman, Adrian Zavala, with video by DePaul Experimental Filmmaking and sculpture by Nancy Pirri.
In the side galleries, see artist Brian Eaton going solo in "Trying to Keep It All Together."
Both shows run through October 17th. For more information, visit 6311 Arts' website.
|
|
Apply for the North Side CCPSA Youth Vacancy
|
|
Are you a young leader (18–24) from Chicago’s North Side who is passionate about public safety and police accountability? A seat is opening on the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA), and the District Council Nominating Committee is now seeking applicants.
Applicants must submit an application, resume, and three letters of support; meet age and residency requirements; and demonstrate strong leadership and the ability to work well with diverse communities and public safety stakeholders.
Visit the CCPSA's website to learn more, register for upcoming virtual information sessions, and apply before October 18th.
|
|
Chicago Public Libraries Expands Access for CPS Students
|
|
|
The Chicago Public Library is excited to announce that for the first time, every CPS student will begin the school year with library access already built into their student ID, connecting more than 315,000 students to CPL collections, digital resources, and free online homework help and live tutoring.
Across their 82 libraries, CPL has also delivered 5,700+ storytimes reaching approximately 150,000 children and caregivers, moved 1.4 million requested books and materials between neighborhoods, supported early voting at 25 library locations, and welcomed more than 110,000 visitors to the new Obama Presidential Center Branch in its first two months.
Together, these results reflect what neighborhood libraries make possible every day: Stronger readers, greater access to learning and information, and trusted public spaces connecting Chicagoans to resources and opportunity.
|
|
Apply for After School Matters' Fall Programs
|
|
After School Matters’ (ASM) fall application is now open! ASM fall programs will run September 28th through December 12th and are open to Chicago teens ages 14-18. Through hands-on programs in the arts, communications and leadership, sports, and STEM, teens can explore their interests, build new skills, connect with caring mentors, and earn a financial stipend for their participation.
Eligibility and program benefits are outlined on ASM's application page.
|
|
Reduced Transit Fares for Students
|
|
|
Thanks to additional funding from the Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) Act, the cost for Chicago’s students to ride the CTA and PACE is now just 75 cents per ride! This fare is available any time of the day, any day of the week, even during summer and school breaks, for all K-12 students with a valid Student ID. For help getting started, families can visit the student reduced fare pages on CTA, Metra, or Pace.
|
|
No-Cost Vaccines Available for Students
|
|
|
Throughout the fall, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) will be providing student vaccines required by CPS at no cost to families. These include the MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) and varicella (chickenpox), as well as seasonal vaccines for the flu and COVID-19. Please visit the CDPH website for complete details on immunization clinics and upcoming vaccine events.
|
|
VFW Scholarship Opportunities
|
|
|
The Veterans of Foreign Wars is offering two scholarships for students entering sixth through twelfth grade!
The Patriot’s Pen scholarship is a $5,000 award for middle schoolers and requires a 300-400 word essay on the subject “What a Veteran Taught Me About America”. The Voice of Democracy Scholarship is a $35,000 award for high schoolers requiring a 3-5 minute voice essay on the same topic.
Apply by October 31st!
|
|
Receive Free Vital Records on September 26th
|
|
|
The federal administration is escalating efforts to create citizenship lists and make it harder for people to register and vote.
The City of Chicago and Cook County are partnering to help residents get free certified birth certificates and register to vote—all in one place. Having these documents in hand can help Chicagoans be prepared for new barriers the federal government may try to put between them and the ballot box.
Register for free today, get your documents, and make sure you’re ready to exercise your right to vote.
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, Sept. 26
Time: 10:00 a.m.- 2:00 pm
Location: Manning Library, 6 S. Hoyne
You must bring one of the following forms of valid identification to qualify:
- State-issued ID
- State-issued Driver's License
- United States-issued passport
|
|
Check for Missing Property Tax Exemptions
|
|
|
Property tax exemptions are savings that can lower your property tax bill. Check the bottom left-hand corner of your Second Installment Property Tax Bill for exemption deductions. Most homeowners are eligible for the Homeowner Exemption, and most senior homeowners over the age of 65 are eligible for the Senior Exemption. You can learn about exemptions on the Assessor’s website.
If you are missing an exemption that you believe you are eligible for, apply for a Certificate of Error to correct your property tax bill. Submit your online application immediately to have your missing exemptions applied.
|
|
|
Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), and the Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection (BACP) launched the second phase of the “Art is Labor” initiative, which provides educational and resource-sharing programs developed with and for Chicago’s creative workers. Through December 2026, creative workers and their employers can attend events, film screenings held in partnership with the Chicago Film Office, and webinars on the City of Chicago’s labor laws, connecting participants with organizational partners across the creative sector who are advancing worker rights through their own programs and initiatives.
The 2026 “Art is Labor” programming will be updated regularly with new information and events until the end of the year. DCASE, BACP, and 2nd Story, a Chicago-based storytelling collective, will co-host two workshops in October addressing disability and creative worker rights. One webinar will be designed for individual creative workers and the second for employers of creative workers. Workshops will highlight resources that are available via the City of Chicago and from other organizations. Updates and additional information on programming will be available at Chicago.gov/CreativeWork.
|
|
Learn More about Becoming a District Councilor
|
|
Are you interested in becoming an elected District Councilor? If so, join an info session to learn how to represent your neighbors on policing and public safety issues.
The information sessions run every other Wednesday and select Saturdays through October 21st. Register for a session below:
Wednesdays at 12:30 pm: bit.ly/2027DCElectionsLunch
Wednesdays at 6:00 pm: bit.ly/2027DCElectionsDinner
Select Saturdays at 11:00 am: bit.ly2027DCElectionsSaturday
|
|
Second Installment Property Tax Bills Now Available
|
|
Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas announced that property owners can now go to cookcountytreasurer.com to view, download and pay their Second Installment bill for the 2025 Tax Year.
The Treasurer’s Office plans to mail 1.8 million bills to Cook County property owners on or before Sept. 1. Those 2025 second installment bills will be due a month later on Oct. 1.
Property owners who wish to view, download, print out and electronically pay their bills should visit cookcountytreasurer.com. Once there, select the blue box labeled “Pay Online for Free” and enter the address or Property Index Number (PIN).
Taxpayers also can pay at nearly 400 Chase Bank locations in Illinois, including those outside Cook County, or at more than 100 participating community banks. But if you choose to pay in person at a bank, you must bring your physical bill or a copy. Taxpayers can also pay at the Treasurer’s Office at 118 N. Clark St., Room 112, in downtown Chicago.
Lastly, payments can be mailed to the Cook County Treasurer’s Office, with the taxpayer’s PIN, contact and property information included. The canceled check serves as the receipt
|
|
Federal Changes to Medicaid Begin January 2027
|
|
Cook County Health estimates that nearly three out of every ten patients could be uninsured due to federal government cuts to healthcare that will go into effect in January 2027. This is more than double the number of patients from just a few years ago. Cuts to our healthcare system affect everyone. A strong healthcare system keeps our communities healthy and helps stop the spread of communicable diseases.
To respond to healthcare cuts, Cook County is partnering with healthcare providers and helping patients navigate changes in coverage. The State of Illinois also recently joined a 26-state coalition suit to challenge the changes to Medicaid work requirements.
If you or someone you know could be affected by federal changes, visit GetMedicaidFacts.com to learn about your options.
|
|
Lime Shares E-Scooter Safety Reminders
|
|
|
Shared e-scooters have become a major part of Chicago’s public transportation network. According to CDOT data, Chicago recorded nearly 13 million shared micromobility rides in 2025. To keep all users of our streets safe, Lime is sharing reminders on how to ride and park your e-scooter.
|
|
Connect with Your Elected Officials
Want to get connected with your other elected officials? Find links to sign up to their newsletters and website information below!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
