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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for December 15, 2025
In This Edition:
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Fresh Market in Old Town Now Open
Last week, I was honored to join the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association to welcome Fresh Market to Wells Street in a ribbon-cutting ceremony! The new grocery store opened its doors to the public at 1233 N Wells St, offering produce, catering, butcher counter, coffee bar, in addition to traditional grocery offerings. I am excited to hear of their long-term commitment to providing a quality grocery option in the neighborhood.
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Menorah Lighting Ceremony at Daley Plaza: Tuesday, December 16
 The Grand Menorah Lighting will take place at Daley Plaza on Tuesday, December 16, at 5:30 p.m. Join me as we bring Chanukah to the heart of Chicago with music, stories, celebration, hot holiday treats, and live performances by Alex Kislov and Perets Benhiyoun.
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Christmas in the Wards 2025
I was happy to participate in the 29th Annual Christmas in the Wards event this year! Thank you to all of our hardworking volunteers who spent the day giving out toys and spreading cheer this holiday season. I would like to extend a very special thanks to our long-time volunteers, Jean and Dave Kostelansky, who dedicate their time every year to this wonderful cause. Since 1996, Christmas in the Wards has been spreading cheer during the holiday season to over 25,000 families in need in Chicago.
To learn more about their mission, click here.
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Chicago Public Library's Civic Stakeholder Convening
My staff attended last week's civic conversation about the future of the Chicago Public Library, engaging in discourse and offering feedback to outline the goals that CPL can set in order to better serve our city in the future. At the meeting, we expressed in clear terms the continued need for a permanent, full-service library branch in the 60611 area code. Streeterville deserves complete programming and a full catalog just like every other community, and I will continue to advocate for it.
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Chicago Tribune Editorial Board Endorses New Curfew Ordinance
I was pleased to see that the Editorial Board of the Chicago Tribune published an op-ed in favor of my proposed "time and place" curfew ordinance, urging Mayor Johnson to support it in the wake of violent "teen takeovers" this fall. They wrote:
"The minimum 12-hour lead time Hopkins now is proposing gives minors and their parents more than ample warning to stay away from a specific part of the city at a specific time ... Hopkins’ explanation and his proposed method of addressing the problem make perfect sense to us. And they should make perfect sense, too, to the mayor."
I am grateful for their support.
Click here to read the Tribune's op-ed (available to subscribers).
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Requested Bus Reroutes to Alleviate Streeterville Traffic
After requests from residents and consultation between me and the CTA, I am pleased to announce the following upcoming service improvements to bus routes in Streeterville. Thank you to the CTA team for taking feedback and making adjustments that I believe will benefit all.
 
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Cold Weather Public Service Announcement
Though it appears that temperatures will rise throughout the rest of the week, I want to make sure residents are aware of the city's resources and notices for extreme cold weather like we saw last weekend.
The City of Chicago maintains a number of warming centers during the winter months at locations including police stations, park fieldhouses, colleges, and other community buildings. Hours vary by location. Click here to view a comprehensive map of city warming centers, and be sure to share these resources with those who may need them. They can also be located by calling 311.
Additionally, in order to prevent the freezing of pipes, residents should trickle their faucets during especially cold weather by allowing a slight drip of water to run constantly through their pipes.
More information from city agencies on managing in cold weather can be found by clicking here.
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18th Police District Council Meeting: TOMORROW, Tuesday, December 16
The 18th Police District Council will hold its next meeting at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, December 16, at the 18th Police District Headquarters (1160 N Larrabee Ave). Commander Chris Bielfeldt, or a representative, will be on-site to share public safety updates.
Click here to RSVP for in-person attendance.
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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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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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REMINDER: Sidewalk Snow Removal
Snow-covered sidewalks create hazards for everyone—especially vulnerable users like seniors, people with disabilities, and children. Per the Municipal Code of Chicago (4-4-310 & 10-8-180), property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from their sidewalks to keep our neighborhoods safe and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Do the regulations for sidewalk snow removal in Chicago apply to home, business, and property owners?
Yes, sidewalk snow regulations affect all home, business, and property owners in Chicago. Business owners who rent space adjacent to sidewalks are responsible for shoveling snow under the ordinance. Some landlords for residential and commercial property hold tenants responsible for snow clearance as a part of their lease agreements, others do not. Renters who are not certain of their shoveling responsibilities should check their rental agreements or ask their landlords for clarification.
When do I have to shovel my snow?
You must shovel snow as soon as possible after it falls. Snow that falls between the hours of 7:00 am and 7:00 pm must be removed no later than 10:00 pm. Snow that falls between the hours of 7:00 pm and 7:00 am must be removed by 10:00 am.
Do I have to shovel on weekends?
Yes. You must shovel 7 days per week in the City of Chicago.
In what way should I shovel my sidewalks to be in compliance?
You must clear a path at least 5 feet wide on all of the sidewalks adjacent to your property, including any crosswalk ramps. Do not shovel the snow into the right-of-way, which includes transit stops and bus pads, parking spaces, bike lanes, bike racks, Divvy stations, and any other space where snow impedes traffic of any kind.
Can I be penalized for failing to shovel?
Yes, you can receive a citation for failure to shovel. The fines range from $50 to $500. The amount of the fine is on a per-case basis, as determined by an Administrative Hearings judge.
Click here to review the city's official snow removal brochure.
Click here to make an "uncleared snow on sidewalk" complaint via the city's 311 system.
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Download the OEMC App for Winter Weather Advisories
 The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is encouraging residents to be prepared for the Winter Season. For winter safety and preparedness, residents are encouraged to download the Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information, DSS Snowplow Tracker, and more. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar, and public safety information.
Residents can download the app through the Apple App Store and Google Play stores or visit Chicago.gov/OEMC.
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Serve as a Poll Worker for the March 17th, 2026 Primary
 The Chicago Board of Elections is seeking poll workers for the Primary on March 17th, 2026, including bilingual election judges who speak Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean, and Tagalog.
To learn more and apply, please visit the Board of Elections website.
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December Activities at Near North Library
 December is a busy month at the Near North Library! Library staff is hosting a variety of exciting events for kids, families, and adults, alongside their normal service to the neighborhood.
Click here to view their calendar of events.
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Clothing Drive with the Chicago Help Initiative
 The Chicago Help Initiative is accepting donations of 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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ZooLights at Lincoln Park Zoo
 ZooLights twinkles with more than 3 million lights, hundreds of nostalgic LED displays, and festive experiences that capture the magic of the season. Enjoy strolling through the holiday light tunnel.
Take a ride on the Ferris wheel and catch great views of the skyline. The event runs from now through January 4, 2026.
Click here for more details.
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Christmas Around the World at MSI
 The 83rd annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light, at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, features more than 50 trees and displays, each lovingly decorated by community volunteers who share family and cultural traditions.
Click here to learn more.
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