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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for May 4, 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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94th Annual St. Jude Police Memorial March
I was proud to attend the 94th annual St. Jude Police Memorial March yesterday in support of the Chicago Police Department. This parade specifically honors fallen officers, and it warmed my heart to see such an outpouring of support for the brave men and women who have given their lives to keeping Chicago safe just one week after the tragic murder of Officer John Bartholomew. I spoke about the impact of Officer Bartholomew's passing on the event with FOX 32 last week, which you may view here.
In total, this event honored 608 fallen officers. This year, as in all past years, I am beyond grateful for all the work that goes into executing such an important event. Chicago owes a deep debt of gratitude to the CPD officers who have passed in the line of duty, and I appreciated both the opportunity to reflect on their legacies and the number of spectators taking time to demonstrate their support for our police.
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Native Garden Registry Applications Now Open
 The Native and Pollinator Garden Registry, offered by the Department of Streets and Sanitation, is now open for applicants whose gardens are planted and maintained in accordance with native pollinator garden parameters. I was proud to create this registry by ordinance in an effort to bolster green spaces for our native pollinators. These gardens are of vital importance for maintaining and growing Chicago's biodiversity.
Right now, I am working in City Council to amend the registry parameters by increasing their maximum allowed height in alignment with best growing practices, which will ensure that gardens can continue to grow, flourish, and foster a stronger natural ecosystem throughout Chicago. This item will be heard in the Committee on Environmental Protection and Energy on Monday, May 11.
Those interested can learn more by clicking here.
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Redevelopment at 201 E Walton Place
On April 21, 2026, I co-hosted a community meeting with the Streeterville Organization for Active Residents (SOAR) regarding redevelopment plans for the Sonesta Extended Stay Suites at 201 E Walton St. After overwhelmingly positive feedback received at the meeting and to my office since, in addition to support from SOAR, I am pleased to announce my support for the zoning change needed to convert this building back to its original 221-unit residential use.
All units will be fully renovated, and resident amenities will be added. Substantial improvements to the building’s street frontage (aesthetic and functional security technology) will be included as well. I am especially proud to support this addition of housing stock to our neighborhood as there is also further development momentum along Michigan Avenue.
Click here to view the community meeting recording.
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Statement on the Passing of Allan Mellis
 I was saddened to learn of the passing of Allan Mellis last week. Allan dedicated an incredible amount of his life to making Lincoln Park a better place, and the neighborhood would not be all that it is today without his contributions. Rest in peace, Allan. Your legacy will loom large in the 2nd Ward for many years to come.
Click here to learn more about Allan. (Picture credit: Block Club Chicago)
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Illinois Secretary of State Opens Business Services Center Downtown
Earlier today, I was pleased to join Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new Business Services Center located at 160 N LaSalle St. This new downtown location, designed specifically to assist business owners, will provide valuable services to our 2nd Ward business community (and alleviate lines at other ILSOS locations).
If your business requires assistance from the Secretary of State, the Business Services Center may be the place to start.
Click here for more information.
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Old Town Mother's Day Guide
 Ahead of Mother's Day this Sunday, the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association (OTMRA) has compiled a list of local businesses with special offerings around the holiday. There are a number of 2nd Ward restaurants, shops, and other businesses featured in this guide, and I encourage those celebrating their mothers to consider keeping their dollars in the neighborhood to support our vital small business community. Your support of these institutions ensures that we will maintain strong options for future Mother's Day celebrations to come.
Click here to view the guide.
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Street Sweeping
The Department of Streets and Sanitation is now operating on 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, May 5: Section 3 (purple), Section 4 (red), Section 5 (yellow)
Scheduled for cleaning on Wednesday, May 6: Section 3 (purple), Section 4 (red), Section 5 (yellow)
Scheduled for cleaning on Thursday, May 7: Section 6 (green)
Scheduled for cleaning on Friday, May 8: Section 6 (green)
Scheduled for cleaning on Monday, May 11: Section 7 (brown)
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Serve Your Community: Become an 18th District Court Advocate
 If you are interested in supporting victims of crime in your community and playing an important role in making Chicago safer, please consider becoming a court advocate. Many residents ask our office what they can do to support the Chicago Police and the 2nd Ward, and I cannot think of a better way than to support victims through court advocacy.
Contact the 18th District CAPS office at 312-742-5778 to learn how to become a court advocate.
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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.
Please note: this flyer is new and accurate as of April 27.
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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. Click here to learn more about CompStat.
Please see the 18th District CompStat report below:
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Recent Carjacking Arrests:
- 23 April 26 - Business Alert - 11th, 12th, 14th & 18th District Armed Robberies, Attempted Armed Robbery and Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking
Community Alerts:
- 28 April 26 - 1st District - Simple Battery
- 27 April 26 - Public Transportation Section - Aggravated Battery
- 27 April 26 - Commercial Burglaries - DePaul/ Sheffield
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
- 30 April 26 -Offender Charged with June 2025 Attempt Murder of 56-Year-Old Male
- 29 April 26 - Offender Charged with October 2024 Reckless Homicide of 18-Year-Old Male
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Cook County Government Job Fair: Wednesday, May 27
 The Cook County Bureau of Human Resources is hosting its annual job fair on Wednesday, May 27, from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm at 124 S Wabash Ave. Representatives from a number of departments of Cook County government will be in attendance to connect, answer questions, and highlight open positions.
Click here to register.
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Spring Bridge Lifts Now Underway
 The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced spring bridge lifts have begun, with the raising of 27 bridges from S Ashland Ave to N Lake Shore Dr.
Each spring and fall, CDOT raises the movable bridges along the Main and South Branches of the Chicago River on Wednesdays and Saturdays to accommodate recreational boats traveling to and from their storage yards. During these “boat runs,” the bridges are typically raised one at a time, with each bridge lift taking an average of 8-12 minutes.
Bridge lifts typically begin at 8:00 am on Saturdays and 9:00 am on Wednesdays. Click here for more information.
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National Small Business Week: Through May 9
 National Small Business Week is happening now through Saturday, May 9. There are so many wonderful small businesses spread throughout the 2nd Ward and I would encourage residents to take time during National Small Business Week to try a new one, return to an old favorite, or consider bringing a friend to a small business that you regularly visit. Our small businesses bring a variety of important goods and services to the 2nd Ward, and elevate the character and quality of our neighborhoods.
Click here for more information.
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Wellness Walks at Lake Shore Park
 Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine's weekly Wellness Walks are now underway at Lake Shore Park, on Wednesdays from 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm. Medical students lead park walks beginning at the picnic tables north of the tennis courts at Lake Shore Park. Each walk will have a set topic of discussion, ranging from blood pressure to healthy diets to bone health.
This week's topic is "Healthy Diet for Cardiovascular Disease."
Registration is required. Click here for more information.
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Family Days at the Museum of Contemporary Art: Saturday, May 9
 The Museum of Contemporary Art is hosting its final "Family Day" of the season on Saturday, May 9. Intended for children under 12 and their grown-ups, families enjoy free admission and unique creative programming that encourages appreciation for the arts.
Click here to learn more.
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Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia at Near North Library: Friday, May 15
The Near North Library, located at 310 W Division St, is hosting "Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia," an event with the Alzheimer's Association to teach about the stages, treatments, and risk factors for Alzheimer's. This event is for adults 18 and up and will take place on Friday, May 15, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.
Click here for more information.
May is a busy month at Near North! Click here to view their full calendar of events.
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Good Memories Choir Spring Choral Concert: TOMORROW, May 5
 Good Memories Choir is performing at Fourth Presbyterian Church (126 E Chestnut St) tomorrow, May 5, at 12:15 pm. Good Memories is a choir for people with early-stage memory loss and their care partners. The concert is free, and no tickets are required.
Click here for more information about the concert.
Click here to learn more about the Good Memories Choir.
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Cardio Line Dance at the Lincoln Park Cultural Center: Wednesday, May 6
 The Lincoln Park Cultural Center, located at 2045 N Lincoln Park West, is hosting a cardio line dance event as a part of the Chicago Park District's "May in Motion" initiative. The class will run from 12:00 pm to 12:45 pm on Wednesday, May 6, combining energetic dance routines and stepping techniques that promote cardio wellness, agility, and fun. All fitness levels are welcome.
Click here for more information.
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Sounds Good Choir in Gold Coast: Thursday, May 14
 Sounds Good Choir, a choral organization dedicated to enhancing the well-being of older adults through the joy of singing, is hosting its spring Gold Coast concert on Thursday, May 14, at 2:00 pm. The concert will take place at Fourth Presbyterian Church (126 E Chestnut St) and is free to the public.
Click here for more information.
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