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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for June 1, 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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Lake Shore Park Cleanup
I was pleased to join a number of 2nd Ward Residents for "It's Your Park Day" cleanup at Lake Shore Park this past Saturday. It was great to see so many neighbors committed to the cleanliness of such an important space for Streeterville residents.
I would like to extend a special thank you to the Chicago Park Foundation and the Lake Shore Park Advisory Council for facilitating such a wonderful day of service.
I was also pleased to see the raising of 15 flags at Lake Shore Park over the Memorial Day weekend in honor of fallen first responders. I appreciate the stewardship of this park by the Lake Shore Park Advisory Council, and seeing this memorial made me deeply proud to represent such a thoughtful community.
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Woogums Memorial Day Parade
Last week, I was happy to participate in the 64th Annual WOOGMS Parade alongside my colleagues, Alderman Lawson and Conway. The WOOGMS (Wellington-Oakdale Old Glory Marching Society) Memorial Day Parade is a beloved, hyper-local Lakeview tradition. With a motto of "Everybody marches, nobody watches," the event brings out thousands of neighbors, pets, and children for a community walk featuring the Jesse White Tumblers.
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Mayoral Delegation Visits Pope Leo XIV
Last week, a group of Chicagoans, led by Mayor Johnson, visited Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican. This trip was paid for by World Business Chicago, an economic development organization funded in part by public dollars. The Mayor claims that none of those dollars were used in the financing of this large trip abroad. However, that claim appears nebulous in nature, given that the overall funding of the organization is, in part, public.
I say this for the sake of transparency. A trip to honor an iconic and hugely significant figure in Chicago culture and history is not something I want to stand in opposition to, but stating that the trip was not financed by taxpayers when its funding came from an organization that receives substantial public funding is worth both acknowledgement and scrutiny. If any evidence or clarifying information exists, it would be worth it for Mayor Johnson or World Business Chicago (an organization of which he is the Chair) to show his commitment to ethical, open governance.
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Skinversity Opens in Lincoln Park
I was happy to join Skinversity this weekend to welcome Mona Singh and her team to the 2nd Ward at 1538 N Halsted St. Just in time for Summer, stop by for a facial, scalp treatment, or brow & lash services.
Find a full list of services offered at Skinversity here.
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Sheffield Neighborhood Association Garden Walk
 I am proud to be the presenting sponsor of the 55th Annual Sheffield Garden Walk this July for the second year in a row. The event will take place on Saturday, July 18, and Sunday, July 19. This incredible free community event will feature a self-guided walking tour of 50+ beautiful gardens, a Family Fest (on Saturday, July 18), live musical performances, interactive installations, architecture walks presented by the Chicago Architecture Center, live painters, and much more.
This time of year, Lincoln Park exemplifies Chicago's reputation as a "city in a garden." Celebrating the beauty, vitality, and biodiversity of this neighborhood is always a highlight of my summer. As you may know, I was recently able to strengthen our now-active Native Pollinator Garden Ordinance by increasing the maximum plant height to 36 inches in an effort to further support our parks, yards, other green spaces, and local ecosystems altogether (you can read more about that here). My hope is that these efforts to encourage and foster native gardens will ensure the health and beauty for years to come.
My staff and I will be greeting neighbors and visitors as they collect their program books ahead of the garden walk on Saturday and Sunday. Many of you stopped by last year to say hello and enjoy some complimentary popcorn, and I look forward to seeing you all again at this wonderful event.
Click here for more details.
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SOAR Farmers Market 12th Anniversary Celebration: Tuesday, June 16
The Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) will be having its official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, June 16, celebrating its 12th year in operation!
Stop by for great local produce, baked goods, and plants, and enjoy complimentary Eli’s cheesecake samples and remarks from local stakeholders.
The alderman was pleased to join the Mounted Patrol Unit in greeting visitors to the SOAR Farmers Market on Tuesday, May 26. As a reminder, please stop by our mobile ward office to say hello each Tuesday!
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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 500 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, June 2: Section 2 (blue), Section 4 (red), Section 5 (yellow)
Scheduled for cleaning on Wednesday, June 3: Section 3 (purple), Section 4 (red), Section 5 (yellow)
Scheduled for cleaning on Thursday, June 4: Section 3 (purple)
Scheduled for cleaning on Friday, June 5: Section 6 (green)
Scheduled for cleaning on Monday, June 8: Section 6 (green)
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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.
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Recent Carjacking Arrests:
- 13 May 26 - Juvenile Offender Charged with Vehicular Hijacking of 75-Year-Old Female
Community Alerts:
- 25 May 26 - Offender Charged with Attempted Murder of Multiple Chicago Police Officers
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
- 29 May 26 - Juvenile Offender Charged with Two Counts of Aggravated Battery
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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 Police District Council Survey Regarding Recent Mayoral Appointments to CCPSA
The 18th Police District Council members are urging residents to take this two-minute survey regarding recent mayoral appointments to the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA Commission).
The Commission is granted important public safety responsibilities, including but not limited to playing a central role in selecting and removing the Police Superintendent, Police Board members, and the COPA Chief Administrator, as well as setting Chicago Police Department Policies.
Recent appointments by Mayor Johnson to the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (Commission), combined with requirements for the composition of the 7-person Commission as required by Chapter 2-80 of the Municipal Code of Chicago (Ordinance), has resulted in two YOUTH Commissioners representing 100% of North Side residents for the next four years on the Commission.
This survey asks whether you think this fairly represents the voice of North Side residents in making important public safety decisions.
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Construction Activity Notice: Red Line Tracks Closed For Repair on Weekends Until Monday, June 22
The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) is currently renewing tracks on the Red Line between the North and Clybourn station and the "Armitage incline," a project affecting service between 9:00 pm Friday and 5:00 am Monday each weekend between now and Monday, June 22. Normal service is expected on weekdays.
This work may affect all redline operations in our area. Go to transitchicago.com for real-time updates during the weekend.
Click here for more information.
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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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Volunteers Needed 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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Parking Restrictions in Old Town Ahead of Wells Street Art Festival
Old Town will see a number of temporary parking restrictions between Friday, June 12, and Monday, June 15, around the Wells Street Art Festival. You may review the specific closures and times below:
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Summer Story Time at the Chicago Public Library: Thursday, June 11
 The Near North Library, located at 310 W Division St, is hosting a Summer Story Time for young children and their families on Thursday, June 11, from 10:30 am to 11:00 am. This interactive program features read-aloud books, songs, and movement activities. Parents will also be given tips for youth literacy skill development.
This event is open to children aged 18 months to 5 years old. Registration is required. Click here for more information.
Near North has several exciting events planned for this summer. Click here to view their summer calendar.
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Lookingglass Theatre Presents "Ice Cream Circus" at Seneca Park: Tuesday, June 2
The Lookingglass Theatre is excited to host Ice Cream Circus at Seneca Park, located at 220 E Chicago Ave, on Tuesday, June 2, at 5:00 pm. Ice Cream Circus is an original, circus-infused play showcasing the transformative magic of a simple act of kindness. Conveyed without spoken language and entirely through dance, clown, and circus, Ice Cream Circus! is perfect for all generations and language backgrounds.
The performance is free and open to the public. Bring your own chair!
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Health and Wellness Showcase in Lincoln Park: Saturday, June 6
 The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Health and Wellness Showcase on Saturday, June 6, at Lincoln Common (2335 N Lincoln Ave) as part of their Health and Wellness weekend. The event will take place from 8:30 am to 11:30 am, and is open to the public and free to attend. Stop by to explore a number of local businesses! You can expect free mini-treatments, giveaways, and more.
Click here for more information.
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Neighbor Nights at DePaul School of Music: Thursday, June 7
 Come out and experience the student Vocal Jazz Ensemble. DePaul's Vocal Jazz Ensemble just won Outstanding Performance for an Undergraduate College from Downbeat Magazine - one of the most respected jazz publications in the country.
Click here for ticket information.
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St. Chrysostom's Summer Carillon Festival: June 7, 14, and 21
 Join St. Chrysostom’s Church for its Summer Carillon Festival on Sundays, June 7,14, and 21, at 2:00 pm in the courtyard, located at 1424 N Dearborn Parkway. Enjoy national and international guest carillonists performing on the splendid 48-bell Gillett & Johnston – Royal Eijsbouts Carillon.
The concerts are free of charge. There will be complimentary lemonade and cookies for everyone. If you have any questions, contact St. Chrysostom's at 312-944-1083.
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Skate Into Summer at Lake Shore Park: Friday, June 12
Skate into Summer at Lake Shore Park (808 N Lake Shore Drive) on Friday, June 12, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. Enjoy a free, all-ages roller skate party to kick off Summer.
Please note: There are a limited number of skates to borrow on-site. If you have any questions, contact Lake Shore Park at 312-742-7891.
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