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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for February 13, 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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Office Closure in Observance of Presidents' Day: Monday, February 16
Note: Due to the upcoming holiday, this newsletter is being sent today, Friday, February 13, 2026, instead of Monday, February 16, 2026.
 All City of Chicago Offices will be closed on Monday, February 16, in observance of Presidents' Day. The 2nd Ward Office will reopen with regular business hours on Tuesday, February 17.
Please note: Despite city office closures on Monday for the holiday, garbage and recycling collection will proceed under its normal schedule this week.
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Early Voting Now Open Downtown
 Early Voting for the March 17, 2026 Primary Election is now open in Downtown Chicago at the new Chicago Board of Elections Supersite (137 S. State Street - State & Adams) and the Chicago Board of Elections Offices (69 W. Washington Street, 6th Floor).
Click here for more information.
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2026 Choose Chicago Annual Meeting
I was pleased to attend the Choose Chicago Annual Meeting this past Tuesday, joining colleagues and community partners to discuss the state of tourism citywide. Leaders and experts, including Governor Pritzker, spoke with confidence about Chicago's status as a premiere tourist destination, citing growth in the face of downward tourism trends nationally.I left the meeting proud that our city continues to attract so many visitors, and I look forward to welcoming many more this year.
As more people are flocking to Chicago, I believe that it is imperative that we institute the Tourism Improvement District (TID) now advancing in City Council, in which downtown hotels would add a 1.5% surcharge to guest stays at larger properties, with the proceeds dedicated to tourism promotion and convention recruitment.
The TID will help Chicago compete more effectively for visitors, conventions, and major events that support jobs and economic activity across the city, including here in the 2nd Ward. It is projected to generate approximately $43 million in new annual revenue to strengthen Chicago’s ability to market itself nationally and internationally and attract large-scale events that benefit our cultural institutions, local businesses, and community at large. I look forward to hearing the ordinance to establish the TID in the Committee on Finance on Friday, February 27.
Click here to learn more about the TID.
Alderman Hopkins with State Representative Ann Williams and Alderman Bennett Lawson.
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Valentine's Day Dance at Lake Shore Park: TODAY, Friday, February 13
The Lake Shore Park Advisory Council is hosting a Valentine's Day Dance at the park this evening from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Enjoy family-friendly crafts, treats, dancing, and a photo booth! Children must be accompanied by an adult/guardian.
Click here for more information.
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SOAR Gourmet Market: Open February 26
 We are delighted to welcome another community market from the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) to the 2nd Ward. Now, the new SOAR Gourmet Market will be open every Thursday from February 26 through April 30, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at 680 N. Lake Shore Drive (on the lobby level along the Erie Street).
This seasonal market brings together 10 local vendors offering fresh coffee, beautiful flowers, specialty foods, and hot lunch options — a perfect midweek stop whether you’re heading to work, taking a stroll through the neighborhood, or simply looking to brighten a winter day.
Just like the outdoor market at MCA Plaza, our mobile ward office will be joining each week, making it easy to connect with our team, share feedback, or get help with city services while you shop. It’s always a pleasure to see more opportunities for neighbors to gather, support local businesses, and enjoy the best our community has to offer.
See you at the SOAR Gourmet Market starting on the 26th!
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2nd Ward Shred Event: Sunday, March 8
The 2nd Ward Spring Shred Event will take place on Sunday, March 8, from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at the My Parking Gold Coast Lot, located at 1258 N State Pkwy. Please bring your documents, old electronics, and pharmaceuticals to this very popular shred event to ensure they are properly discarded.
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Weekly Neighborhood Organization Highlight: River North Residents Association
Last week marked the beginning of a new weekly segment in which I will endeavor to highlight the neighborhood organizations that help make our communities thrive. Membership in your local community group is such a benefit to making sure your voice is heard on the most local matters. This week, we will be highlighting the River North Residents Association (RNRA).
RNRA has served as an active and principled organization in River North for more than 25 years. They are strong stewards of the neighborhood, advocating for public safety reform, responsible infrastructure improvement and development, and work tirelessly to preserve and enhance the quality of life in one of Chicago's largest neighborhoods.
One hallmark of RNRA programming that I would like to highlight is their annual "Taste of River North" summer street fair. Hard work from their team and community partners culminates in a spectacular weekend of food, music, and festivities on Wells St each July (the dog parade was a personal favorite of mine last year).
Though the 2nd Ward includes just a portion of River North, I am proud to partner with RNRA in service to the neighborhood. If you live in the neighborhood, I would encourage you to consider learning more about their work.
Click here for more information.
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Coffee with the 18th District Commander: Thursday, February 19
 Join 18th District Commander Chris Bielfeldt and the CAPS team for coffee and conversation on Thursday, February 19, at 10:00 am, at the Drake Hotel, located at 140 E Walton Pl.
Meet the officers who patrol your neighborhood and share your concerns and suggestions.
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18th Police District Council Meeting: Tuesday, February 24
The 18th Police District Councilmembers will hold their monthly meeting on Tuesday, February 24, at 6:00 pm.
Commander Bielfeldt from the 18th District, or a representative, will provide crime and safety updates. The guest speaker has not yet been announced. We will provide updates as they become available.
Please RSVP for in-person attendance here. If you wish to participate remotely, click here.
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2026 Chicago Police CAPS Meeting 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 with the option for remote participation 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 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:
- 4 February 26 - Juvenile Offenders Charged with Aggravated Vehicular Hijacking of a 48-Year-Old Female
Community Alerts:
- 9 February 26 - Seeking to Identify
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
- 5 February 26 - Juvenile Offender Charged with Multiple Felonies, Including Seven Counts of Attempted Murder of Juvenile Victims
- 5 February 26 - Offender Charged with August 2025 Murder of 63-Year-Old Male
- 4 February 26 - Offender Charged with Nearly Two Dozen Felony Counts, Including Attempted Murder of Chicago Police Officers
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March 17 Primary Election Information
The 2026 General Primary Election is March 17, 2026. This election determines party nominees for federal, state, county, and local offices on the ballot in Chicago. The Board provides official forms and tools for registering to vote, updating your registration, and applying for vote by mail. Information on Vote By Mail, Early Voting, the Permanent Vote By Mail Roster, and other dates and services can be found below.
Only 1 in 5 Chicagoans registered to vote cast a ballot in the last midterm election in 2022 (click here to read more about the low turnout). Please vote to make your voice heard; we get the government we elect.
Vote By Mail Information
Register to Vote By Mail by clicking here.
You can also download the Permanent Vote By Mail Roster application form by clicking here.
NOTE: The Board will begin mailing ballots to those on the Permanent Vote By Mail Roster and vote by mail applicants in early February 2026. Applications to receive a mail ballot must be received by the Board no later than March 12, 2026. Mail ballots must be postmarked by March 17, 2026, to count.
On December 24, 2025, USPS changed its definition of a "timely postmark" to mean the date a piece of mail is processed, not that it is received. Mail-in voters should keep in mind that:
- A ballot or any other mailpiece may be taken into any post office to receive a free manual postmark
- Completed mail-in ballots may also be taken to any early voting location to be deposited in secure collection boxes
Click here to learn more.
Early Voting Information (Begins in all 50 Wards on March 2, 2026)
You may find a list of early voting dates and locations by clicking here.
March 2 through March 17 hours of operation:
Weekdays: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Saturday: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Sunday: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Election Day (March 17): 6:00 am to 7:00 pm
Early Vote sites that are in or near the 2nd Ward:
- Near North Library at 310 W Division St
- Lincoln Park Library at 1150 W Fullerton Ave
Voter Registration and Address Changes
To register to vote or update your address on your voter registration record, use the Illinois Voter Registration Application* available from the Board’s site by clicking here.
*Last Day to register using the online application is March 1, 2026. It reopens on March 19, 2026
The official downloadable form for registration or address updates is here.
Grace Period and Same-Day Registration
Illinois law allows voters to register or update their registration and vote during the grace period at early voting sites and at the Board office through Election Day if they missed the standard registration deadline. Check the official Chicago Board of Elections site for exact grace period details and locations by clicking here.
Election Day
The Primary Election is scheduled for March 17, 2026. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time at your assigned precinct polling place. You may vote in person on Election Day if you have not voted early or by mail. For polling location lookup, click here.
Polling Place Lookup
Find your polling place and voter information by clicking here.
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DIBS Pet Adoption with Chicago Animal Care and Control: Saturday, February 21
 Chicago Animal Care and Control (CACC) is hosting a special adoption event on Saturday, February 21, from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The event will take place at CACC headquarters, located at 2741 S Western Ave. Adoption fees will be waived for all pets during this event, and dogs will be wearing special Valentine's Day attire.
Click here for more information.
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7th U.S. Congressional District Democratic Candidate Forum With SOAR and RNRA: Wednesday, February 25
 The River North Residents Association (RNRA) and Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) are hosting a forum for candidates running in the Democratic Primary for Illinois' 7th Congressional District at 6:00 pm on Wednesday, February 25. The event will take place at Harry Caray's 7th Inning Stretch, located at 835 N Michigan Ave.
Attendees are invited to send questions for candidates ahead of time to [email protected].
Click here to register (required for attendance).
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Sueños and Lollapalooza Community Engagement Meeting: Tuesday, March 3
The producers of Sueños and Lollapalooza are hosting a virtual community engagement meeting on Tuesday, March 3, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The meeting will cover event logistics and answer questions, and will be led by organizers alongside a representative from the Park District.
Click here for more information.
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Robogrizzlies at Near North Library: Tuesday, February 17
 The Near North Library is hosting students and instructors from the Walter Payton College Prep Robotics Club on Tuesday, February 17, for a demonstration of two types of CAD software. The event will take place from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, showcasing some fun new ways to use robotics for design and 3D printing. Suitable for ages 7 and up.
Click here to register.
February is a busy month at Near North! Click here to view more of their great upcoming events.
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Food Sustainability Leadership Training with the Chicago Conservation Corps
 Interested in learning about sustainability? Want to find a way to spark change in your community? The Chicago Conservation Corps is running a Sustainability Leadership Training this spring, offering weekly instruction from conservation experts on how to make a difference in the fight against climate change. This spring's training will focus on food, and graduates will receive funding and support for sustainability projects.
Registration is now open for info sessions throughout the month of March. Applications are due by end of day on Tuesday, March 31.
Click here for more information.
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Little Dolphins Music and Movement: Fridays at 8:30
 From 8:30 to 9:30 am on Fridays, Immaculate Conception St. Joseph hosts "Music and Movement" at their North Park Campus, located at 1431 N North Park Ave. Join your child in singing songs, reciting nursery rhymes, playing simple games, and dancing—creating joyful memories and meaningful traditions. Classes meet through the end of May, with limited exceptions. Adults must accompany children.
Click here for more information.
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Black History Month Commemorative Day At the Chicago History Museum: Saturday, February 28
 The Chicago History Museum, located at 1601 N Clark St, is hosting a special "Commemorative Day" event to honor Black History Month. The event will take place from 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, featuring programming seeking to honor Black Americans who have had a vital hand in forming this nation.
Click here for more information.
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Little Sisters of the Poor Travinia: Saturday, March 8
 Bring your thinking caps to the Little Sisters of the Poor’s annual trivia event, Travinia, on Saturday, March 14, from 4:45 pm to 8:00 pm, at St. Mary’s Home, 2325 N Lakewood Ave. Gather your team of friends for an indoor evening of trivia fun. Tickets are $30 and will be available to purchase online or over the phone only. Trivia questions begin promptly at 5:30 pm.
Click here to buy tickets or to donate, or call (773) 935-9600.
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Old Town Progressive Dinner Wednesdays
Progressive Dinner Wednesdays continue this week in Old Town. Enjoy a variety of delicious menu items from some of your favorite restaurants, all priced at $5 per dish from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm every Wednesday until February 25.
Participating restaurants include Benchmark, Cal’s Corner, Declan's Irish Pub, Fireplace Inn, Glunz Tavern, Happy Camper, Kamehachi, Moon Star Kitchen & Bar, Old Town Pub, Orso’s, Rabbit Hole, The VIG, Woodie’s Flat, and Winnie's.
Click here for more information.
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