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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for June 29, 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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Happy 250th Independence Day!
Pursuant to the mandatory City of Chicago Holiday Schedule, all government offices will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of Independence Day. Our office will reopen for regular business hours on Monday, July 6, at 9:00 am.
There will be no city garbage or recycling pickup on Friday. If your regular pickup day is Friday, please put your carts out on Thursday, as crews will be working ahead. In the unlikely event that they do not get to your carts on Thursday, they should then be put back out on Monday.
To check your pickup day, please click here.
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Extreme Heat Advisory in Effect Until Wednesday Night
The National Weather Service is reporting an excessive heat warning, which will remain in effect until Wednesday at 10:00 pm.
Dangerously hot conditions with heat index values around 105 are expected each afternoon.
I want to remind neighbors to take precautions and drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. If you are worried or concerned for a senior, please call 9-1-1 and Chicago Police Officers can conduct a well-being check.
The office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is closely monitoring conditions alongside the National Weather Service and will continue coordinating with City departments to support neighbors, particularly our most vulnerable populations, if conditions worsen. Click here for a list of cooling centers.
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Honorary Street Sign Designation: John Hancock Way Celebration
In celebrating the upcoming 250th anniversary of the United States of America's independence, I recognized one of our founding fathers, John Hancock, with the unveiling of a new honorary sign at the corner of Michigan Ave and Delaware Street. As the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, John Hancock embodies the courage and spirit that define American values throughout our history.
A special thank you to Dr. Bradford Hunt of the Loyola University History Department, who lent his time and knowledge and provided valuable insight into Hancock's contributions to our country's founding.
I would like to extend my gratitude to our incredible community, who helped make the unveiling special: Residents of 175 E Delaware, the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR), Lake Shore Park Advisory Council, the Chicago Police Department, the Chicago Department of Transportation, and 12th District State Representative-elect Paul Kendrick.
Click here to view CBS2 Chicago's coverage of the sign dedication.
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Get Behind the Vest Fundraiser Recap
Last Wednesday, I joined Mario Stefanini, 2nd Ward Committeeman Tim Egan, and over 30 members of our host committee for a special fundraiser supporting Get Behind the Vest. I am thrilled to report that our event raised over $53,000 for protective bulletproof vests for Chicago Police Officers, which equates to approximately 107 life-saving vests for our men and women in uniform! A huge thank you to over 100 donors who contributed to making this event a tremendous success!
Click here to learn more about the mission.
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Sheffield Neighborhood Association Garden Walk: July 18-19
 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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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." 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 30: Section 4 (red), Section 5 (yellow), Section 2 (blue)
Scheduled for cleaning on Wednesday, July 1: Section 4 (red), Section 5 (yellow), Section 2 (blue)
Scheduled for cleaning on Thursday, July 2: Section 3 (purple)
Scheduled for cleaning on Monday, July 6: Section 3 (purple)
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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:
- 26 June 26 - Offender Charged with July 2025 Armed Robbery and Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking of 32-Year-Old Male
Community Alerts:
- 25 June 26 - 18th District - Battery
- 25 June 26 - 19th District - Criminal Damage to Property
- 23 June 26 - City Wide -Major Crimes Division- Deceptive Practice
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
- 27 June 26 - Offender Charged with July 2024 Attempted Murder of a 32-Year-Old Male
- 24 June 26 - Offender Charged with Aggravated Battery of 36-Year-Old Male
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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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Update on the Division Street Streetscape
With an anticipated start of mid-July or sooner, crews will break ground on the Division Street Streetscape between Dearborn Street and State Street. These streetscape improvements have been designed by the Chicago Department of Transportation in close cooperation with community representatives and my team. Highlights include:
• Roadway geometry improvements
• Full-width roadway resurfacing
• New wider paver sidewalks
• New curb and gutter
• New street lighting
• ADA ramps and crosswalks
• New pavement markings and signs
• Tree plantings and landscaping
• Site furnishings
Throughout construction, Division Street will remain open to motorists and pedestrians, and access to businesses and residences will be maintained. During the final stage of construction, westbound traffic will be temporarily detoured. Please watch out for parking restrictions for equipment staging on nearby streets.
The outbound CTA 36/Broadway bus route will be detoured during specific stages of construction. The inbound CTA 36/Broadway bus route will not be affected. Individual bus stops may be temporarily closed or relocated to accommodate construction. For more information, please call the CTA information hotline at 773-836-7000.
Hardscape work is expected to be completed by Thanksgiving, with some landscaping work happening in the spring. Construction review meetings will be held weekly by CDOT when construction is underway. These meetings are open to the public and provide residents and businesses with the opportunity to ask questions and coordinate concerns regarding construction.
For additional information, please call the Department of Transportation at (312) 744-5900 or visit the project website here.
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CTA Service Improvements in the 2nd Ward
The CTA is improving service for the following bus routes affecting the 2nd Ward:
- #134 Stockton/LaSalle Express: Start your week off right with earlier weekday southbound service that starts at 6:00 a.m.
- #65 Grand: The first eastbound bus will now begin service at 4:30 a.m. and 5:25 a.m. westbound on weekdays. Service will also be extended later from Navy Pier on weekdays and Saturdays until 11:30 p.m. and Sunday/holiday until 11:00 p.m.
- #10 Obama Presidential Center/Museum of Science and Industry Express: New name, new endpoint and more! The #10 now continues to Stony Island/62nd after the Museum of Science and Industry with service to the Obama Presidential Center. Every day from ~9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, every 30 minutes all year, not just the summer.
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General 2nd Ward Infrastructure Updates
While out and about in our neighborhoods, you will certainly see that road construction season is well underway. Crews are busy resurfacing streets and alleys, building pedestrian safety improvements, and replacing street lighting. Here are some highlights of ongoing or upcoming infrastructure improvements in our ward. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list. My office always stands ready to answer questions about these or any other infrastructure projects in our ward and to receive your suggestions for future consideration.
- Inner Lake Shore Drive resurfacing from Michigan to Ohio
- Scheduled for later this Summer or Fall
- Will include some pedestrian safety improvements for crossing perpendicular east-west streets
- Additional details will be shared by USPS letter with nearby residents once known
- Division St streetscape from State to Dearborn
- New, wider sidewalks with decorative pavers and space for outdoor dining
- Addition of landscaped planters and street furniture
- New lighting
- Southport/Belden intersection reconstruction
- Intersection will be reconstructed over the summer to raise it
- Raised intersections calm traffic and increase pedestrian safety
- Curb bump-outs will also be added to shorten pedestrian crosswalks
- A comparable nearby intersection is Belden and Sheffield
- Aesthetic improvements are included
- Additional details will be shared by USPS letter with nearby residents
- Southport Ave resurfacing from Webster to Fullerton
- Will be completed in conjunction with the Southport and Belden intersection reconstruction
- LaSalle/Delaware installation of rapid flashing beacons for pedestrian crosswalk
- Requested and funded in 2024
- My office continues to push the Chicago Department of Transportation for installation as soon as possible
- LaSalle/Burton installation of rapid flashing beacons for pedestrian crosswalk
- Requested and funded in 2024
- My office continues to push the Chicago Department of Transportation for installation as soon as possible
- Chestnut St complete lighting replacement from Mies van der Rohe to Lake Shore Drive
- Wells St replacement of lighting fixtures on existing poles from Division to North Ave
- Wabash Ave resurfacing from Huron to Superior
- State Pkwy resurfacing from Schiller to Burton
- Huron St resurfacing from St. Clair to Fairbanks
- McClurg Ct resurfacing from Ohio to Ontario
- State Pkwy resurfacing from Scott to Schiller
- Pending spot curb replacement on 1300 block
- Additional details will be shared by USPS letter with nearby residents
- Delaware Pl resurfacing from Clark to LaSalle
- Magnolia Ave resurfacing from Webster to Belden
- Blackhawk St resurfacing from Sedgwick to Larrabee
- Magnolia/Belden detached pedestrian bump outs
- Dickens Avenue resurfacing from Clifton to Racine
- Requested early in 2026 but on hold while fiber optics (Lumen) project is completed
- If still necessary after fiber optics restoration, will be done in 2027
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Follow Me on Social Media
 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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GCNA Summer Sip & Social: Tonight, June 29
 The Gold Coast Neighbors Association (GCNA) is hosting Sip & Social at the Shore Club Chicago, located at 1603 N Lake Shore Drive, on Monday, June 29, from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm. Enjoy an assortment of delightful complimentary appetizers, special discounted drinks, and great neighborhood friends to provide stimulating company.
Click here for details.
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Millennium Park Summer Film Series Begins: Tuesday, June 30
Millennium Park kicks off their Summer Film Series on Tuesday, June 30, and it continues every Tuesday until August 18. Gates open at 5:00 pm at the Pritzker Pavilion, located at 201 E Randolph St.
Please note: There will not be a film screening on Tuesday, July 21. All movies are free to the public. Guests may take a seat at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or lounge on the Great Lawn as crowd-pleasing movies are presented on the state-of- the-art, 40-foot LED screen. The Millennium Park Summer Film Series:
- June 30: Independence Day (1996, PG-13) — 30th anniversary
- July 7: Ratatouille (2007, G) — Kickoff to Taste of Chicago
- July 14: When Harry Met Sally (1989, R) / This is Spinal Tap (1984, R) — Tribute to Rob Reiner double feature
- July 28: Hamilton (2020, PG-13) — America 250 celebration
- Aug. 4: The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring (2001, PG-13) — 25th anniversary
- Aug. 11: The Devil Wears Prada (2006, PG-13) — 20th anniversary
- Aug. 18: Sinners (2025, R)
Click here for additional information regarding this event.
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Taste of Chicago Road Closures and Event Information
 The 46th annual Taste of Chicago returns to Grant Park on July 8-12 from 11:00 am - 9:00 pm. The annual free-admission food and music extravaganza will take over the downtown park with dozens of Chicago’s favorite food vendors, representing the astounding diversity of the Chicago culinary scene. Click here for a list of vendors.
The following street closures will go into effect for the 46th annual Taste of Chicago Festival
- Monday, June 29, at 6:00 am (curb lanes only)
Columbus Dr from Monroe Dr to Balbo Dr (both sides of the street)
- Thursday, July 2, at 6:00 am (Full Closure)
Columbus Dr from Monroe Dr to Balbo Dr, Ida B. Wells Dr from Columbus Dr to Congress Plaza
- Sunday, July 5, at 6:00 am (Full Closure) Jackson Dr from Michigan Ave to Lake Shore Dr
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Chicago Climate Week: July 18-25
 Chicago Climate Week takes place across Chicagoland from July 18–25. As Chicago's first community-led, promoted Climate Week, it brings together events hosted by nonprofits, businesses, universities, community groups, government agencies, and residents across the region.
Whether you are climate-curious or deeply involved in the space, Chicago Climate Week offers opportunities to learn, connect, celebrate, and take action.
Learn more, browse events, and find ways to get involved here.
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Bastille Day Celebrations in Old Town: July 10-14
 In honor of Old Town's twinning with Montmartre, Paris, the Old Town Triangle Association, Old Town Merchants & Residents Association, and SSA #48 will come together to organize a weekend of fun activities.
Old Town celebrates Bastille Day with French-inspired specials at local businesses July 10-14 and neighborhood-wide celebrations Saturday, July 11, through Sunday, July 12.
You can find more info, activities, and participating businesses here in the coming days!
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Taste of River North: July 17-18
Nestled in the heart of River North, this dynamic event showcases the neighborhood’s vibrant culinary scene, live entertainment, and artistic talent, offering an unforgettable experience for food lovers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Taste of River North returns on July 17-18. Click here for more details.
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Dearborn Garden Walk: Sunday, July 19
 Tickets are now on sale for the 66th annual Dearborn Garden Walk, put on by the North Dearborn Association. Taking place on Sunday, July 19, from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm, this event showcases some of the best gardens in the Gold Coast.
Click here for more information.
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