32nd Ward Newsletter October 11, 2026

32nd Ward Newsletter October 9, 2026

Dear John,

Please note that all City offices, including the ward office, will be closed on Monday, October 12th in observation of Indigenous Peoples Day. My office will reopen on Tuesday, October 13th.

There will be no refuse collection on Monday and all city collected refuse will be serviced Tuesday through Friday. Residents should ensure all black and blue carts are accessible throughout the week of collection, not solely on their regular day of collection.

Please visit www.chicagorecycles.org to find out your waste and recycling pick up schedule and to download the Recycle Coach app.

Thanks to Edwin Eisendrath for having me on his show It's the Democracy, Stupid (formerly The Big Picture) on WCPT. Chicago's Progressive Talk radio station. We discussed the amended parking meter deal, infrastructure issues, and continuing concerns about immigration enforcement.

I have added my statement below regarding the CPS Inspector General investigation into the allegations against school board president candidate Hilario Dominguez as voters head to the polls and will choose the elected school board candidates.

The problems of sexual misconduct with CPS children goes much further back, with background here: CPS Watchdog Opened 450 New Sexual Misconduct Investigations in 2019 and now Mayor, CTU Back Chicago Public Schools Board Pres. Candidate as Sex Harassment Investigation Reopens.

Community Conversations hosted by the Chicago Police Department will take place in October, see below for dates for your district. The meetings are another way residents and businesses can participate in the creation of their district’s strategic plan for 2027. Thanks to all of the firefighters and police officers who were honorees at the Carter Harrison and Lambert Tree Awards.

North Branch Works celebrated the successes of many businesses in the North Branch and other industrial areas last night. See below for my comments as we look forward to many more years of success for these businesses.

We do have free helmets from Lime for those of you riding E-Scooters or Bikes. Stop by the ward office during the week to pick one up.


Good luck to everyone running the Chicago Marathon this weekend! Below is some information about reroutes and traffic alerts.

Have a great weekend!

Alderman Scott Waguespack

Statement from Alderman Scott Waguespack on the Hilario Dominguez Investigation

Chicago voters are going to the polls to elect one of three candidates seeking to be elected President of the Chicago Board of Education; Jessica Biggs, Victor Henderson and Hilaro Dominguez. The CPS Inspector General reopened an investigation into sexual harassment allegations against candidate Hilario Dominguez after the OIG closed it earlier this summer.

In 2020, young women who worked as Chicago Park District lifeguards came forward to describe years of sexual harassment and abuse by the adults who supervised them. The public officials in charge treated those complaints as a problem to manage. They questioned the women's motives, let internal processes stall, and protected the institution first. It took public pressure, an independent investigation, and a change in leadership before anyone in power took those young women seriously.

I am hearing that same tone again, and I am deeply concerned.

A woman has said that when she was 17, working in a city summer jobs program, Hilario Dominguez was her supervisor. She says he asked about her dating life, offered her rides home, and picked her up and pressed her against his body when they were alone.

The CPS Inspector General has reopened its investigation, and I will not prejudge the outcome. But Mr. Dominguez's response has been troubling on its own terms. He has blamed her family and called her account “weaponized rumors.” He tells voters he has been cleared four times, yet the only investigation on the public record is the one that never interviewed her and has now been reopened. Someone asking to lead the Board of Education should meet an allegation like this with full transparency. Attacking the person who came forward is the opposite.

What I will not accept is an elected official waving away a young woman's account before investigators have even spoken with her. Rep. Theresa Mah called what this woman described "horseplay." A 17-year-old says an adult supervisor asked about her dating life and lifted her off the ground, pressed against his body, when they were alone. That is not horseplay. When someone in public office reaches for that word, every woman and girl in Chicago hears that coming forward will get them dismissed by the powerful people closest to the accused.

Chicago has seen this inside CPS, too. In 2019, the outside investigator hired to examine how the district handled student sexual abuse reported that the president of the Chicago Teachers Union was the only person she contacted who never responded. Protecting children cannot depend on which side of a political fight you're on.

Anyone who wants to lead a district responsible for hundreds of thousands of children should welcome a full investigation. 

I call on Mr. Dominguez to answer every question about this matter publicly and to stop attacking the woman and her family. I call on Rep. Mah to retract her comments. And I call on the Inspector General to finish this investigation thoroughly and without delay. 

For more background:

• Inappropriate behavior alleged against school board president candidate- NBC Interview with the victim
• Mayor Brandon Johnson says he supports embattled school board president candidate- Chicago Tribune
• Chicago Teachers Union didn't help investigation of student sexual violence, consultant says (Nicholas Schuler OIG)
• Lincoln Park Students Walk Out Against Sexual Violence, In Support Of Cornell University Accuser

Brunch Fest Tow Alert!

Saturday, Oct. 10, 6:00AM-5:00PM

Please be aware that the City of Chicago will be towing cars Saturday, Oct. 10, 2026, 6:00AM - 5:00PM on the following streets:

• 2800-2977 N Lincoln Ave.
• 1255-1325 W George St.
• 2843-2901 N Lakewood Ave.

2026 Street Cleaning Schedule

Street cleaning season is in full swing. Sweepers will do more than one pass on the block in their initial cleaning but will not come back to clean sections outside of their officially scheduled day.

Next week, street sweeping will occur in sections 13 and 14 (parts of Lincoln Park and Bucktown). Click on the map above to see your section's schedule.

Please be on the lookout for signs and make sure to move your vehicle on your scheduled day (south and east sides of the street are normally done on the first day, north and west on the second; please watch for signs).

Please take the time to help clear the curb in front of your property to keep the sewers flowing well. Any landscaping debris should be bagged and put in the alley by your trash cans. Please do not sweep landscaping debris into the street or your street will look like the photo below. Piles of leaves and heavy garbage also clog the sweepers and will cause significant delays. Other large objects like branches will also damage the sweepers, so please remove them from curbs. Many of our clogged drains are covered in bottles, plastic bags and heavy landscaping debris that prevents good drainage. Removing plastics from the curbs and drains also helps keep our Chicago River and Lake Michigan free of the debris.

Residents can view street sweepers in real time using the Sweeper Tracker online tool.

Please keep landscaping debris off the streets. Street sweepers cannot clean this type of debris.

October CAPS Meetings



14th Police District

1433- October 20, 6pm

Pulaski Park

1419 W. Blackhawk

1434- October 28, 6pm

Bucktown/Wicker Park Library

1701 N. Milwaukee

[email protected]

14th District Twitter

14th District CAPS- 312-744-1261



19th Police District-

1921- October 21, 6:30pm

Police Auditorium

2452 W. Belmont

1922- October 21, 6:30pm

Police Auditorium

2452 W. Belmont

1931- October 27, 6:30pm

Lathrop Advancement Center

2820 N. Leavitt

1932- October 22, 6:30pm

Lincoln Belmont Library

1150 W. Fullerton

1933- October 13, 6:30pm

Illinois Masonic Hospital

836 W. Wellington

[email protected]

19th District Twitter

19th District CAPS- 312-744-0064

Police Community Conversations

The Chicago Police Department will soon be hosting Community Conversations throughout the city. These conversations are an opportunity for Chicagoans to participate in the creation of their district’s strategic plan for the following calendar year. The valuable feedback provided by participants at these conversations is used to develop community-driven crime reduction strategies, as well as community engagement priorities, and is an integral part of the Chicago Police Department’s implementation of the various reforms outlined in the consent decree. Each flyer below is for a particular police district in the 32nd Ward- 14, 18, and 19. Click here for more information.

Chicago Carter Harrison and Lambert Tree Awards

This week I had the honor of attending the Carter Harrison and Lambert Tree Awards ceremony recognizing the recipients of the Chicago Police Dept. and Chicago Fire Dept. for extraordinary bravery in service to the people of Chicago. 
Several sworn members of both the CPD and CFD were recognized with the medals for extraordinary acts of bravery, valor, and life-saving actions.

Police officer FTO Larry Branch Jr. received the Lambert Tree Award for his exceptional act of bravery as he and fellow officers rescued two children who had been stabbed and abandoned inside. Branch entered a burning building and attempted to save the life of the badly injured child by administering CPR.

Firefighter/EMT Brett Neilsen's recevied the Carter Harrison Award for his heroic actions saving the lives of two people who were trapped in a burning building during a fire last August.

A moment of silence was also held to recognize the life of CPD officer Krystal Rivera Star #19020.

Thank you to all of the CPD and CFD members who were honored during today's Fire & Police Awards Ceremony and to all those who do the same work day in and day out to protect Chicagoans.

Input from Riders on NITA's First Budget

What Moves You? Help Shape the 2027 NITA Budget

Northern Illinois Transit Authority (NITA) is developing its first regional budget and wants to hear which transit improvements are most important to you! Your feedback will help shape future investments across CTA, Metra, and Pace.

North Branch Works Fall Fest and the

Industrial Corridor Businesses


Thanks to Jonathan and his team at North Branch Works and to all the businesses in the North Branch area. Our small business community is a backbone of our local economy. Just last week we celebrated other businesses throughout the City Along with Roscoe Uniform, Filbert's Old Time Root Beer, Phoenix Bean, Jenny's Tofu, and several other firms at the City's industrial and manufacturing awards. I was pleased to show our support for the employees of Sipi Metals Corporation who won a Manufacturing Excellence Award.

Last night we celebrated several businesses and their work in the lcoal community including:

New Business of the Year: Dolce Arte on Rockwell (pastries)

Small Business of the Year: Goose Island Shrimp House (best fried shrimp in Chicago?)

Industrial Business of the Year: Horween Leather Company (they craft leather for all NFL footballs and NBA basketballs)

Partner of the Year: SomerCor (managing city funding for businesses like SBIF and NOF) and winners of the NBW Donna Ducharme Leadership Award: Katie and Tim Tuten at The Hideout (if you haven't been there...)

Get a FREE Helmet

Lime Scooter has donated helmets to our office. If you're in need of helmet, please come by our office to get one. They are one size fits all and free! Swing by and grab one while supplies last. One per person please.

Clean Up After Your Dog Signs

One of the most frequent calls we get in the office is about dog poop. We love your furry friends, but what comes out of their ends needs to be disposed of properly. Keep our neighborhood clean, keep your neighbors happy, and keep following City ordinance 7-12-420 so you're not fined up to $500. Come in and pick up a sign today! One per person please.

Traffic Alerts!

With many festivals, concerts, and athletic events this weekend, the City of Chicago is advising residents and visitors to be aware of street closures, additional crowds, increased traffic and to plan accordingly. The Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is reminding residents and visitors of security measures in place and stresses the importance of always being aware of your surroundings and to report suspicious activity to on - site event security or by calling 9-1-1. If You See Something, Say Something. We encourage you to also download the OEMC App!

Abbott Chicago 5K 

Saturday, October 10, 7:30 a.m. 

The Abbott Chicago 5K will take place at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, October 10. The 3.1-mile race will kick off in Grant Park on Ida B. Wells Drive between Columbus Drive and Michigan Avenue, running west on Harrison Street before weaving through the loop on Wacker Drive and ending at Wacker Drive and Adams Street. Michigan Avenue north of Ida B. Wells will remain open. Parking restrictions are in place starting at 1 a.m. on Saturday along the course. For more information, please visit: Abbott Chicago 5K 

Bank of America Chicago Marathon 

Sunday, October 11, 7:20 a.m.  

The Bank of America Chicago Marathon is this Sunday morning. The professional races start with the wheelchair field at 7:20 a.m. followed by the open field at 7:30 a.m. The first wave in the mass participation race will begin the race at 7:35 a.m. The second wave will begin at 8 a.m. The final group will begin at 8:35 a.m. The location for Runner Reunite will be staged in Butler Field with alphabetical signs throughout the 27^th Mile Post-Race Party to facilitate meeting locations by name. 

Street closures in the Grant Park area began on Thursday, September 24, additional street closures for race day at the start/finish line area can be expected through the weekend, including: 

Thursday, September 24 at 6 a.m. – Friday, October 16 at 3 p.m. 

• Balbo Dr. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr.  

Thursday, October 8 at 4 a.m. - Sunday, October 11 at 8 p.m. 

• Jackson Dr. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr. 

Thursday, October 8 at 10 a.m. - Monday, October 12 at 6 a.m. 

• Jackson Dr. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr.  
• Congress Plaza Dr. from Van Buren St. to Harrison St.  
• Ida B. Wells Dr. from Michigan Ave to Columbus Dr.  

Thursday, October 8 at 4 a.m. - Monday, October 12 at 3 p.m. 

• Balbo Dr. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr.  
• Columbus Dr. from Ida B. Wells Dr. to Roosevelt Rd. 

Saturday, October 10 at 4 a.m. – Sunday, October 11 at 5 p.m.  

• Columbus Dr. from Randolph St. to Monroe St.  

Saturday, October 10 at 4 a.m. – Sunday, October 11 at 5 p.m.  

• Monroe St. from Michigan Ave. to DuSable Lake Shore Drive 

Saturday, October 10 at 11 a.m.- Sunday, October 11 at 6 p.m. 

• Roosevelt Rd. from Columbus Dr. to DuSable Lake Shore Dr.  

Saturday, October 10 at 4 a.m. – Sunday, October 11 at 8 p.m.  

• Columbus Dr. from Monroe St. to Ida B. Wells Dr. 

Sunday, October 11 at 4 a.m. until 4 p.m. 

• Michigan Ave. from Madison St. to Balbo Dr. 
• Michigan Ave. from Balbo Dr. to Roosevelt Rd.  

Sunday, October 11 at 4 a.m. until 6 p.m. 

• Columbus Dr. from McFetridge Dr. to Roosevelt Rd. 
• Roosevelt Rd. from Michigan Ave. to Columbus Dr.  

The following main thoroughfares, among others, will remain open: 

• DuSable Lake Shore Drive  
• Inner Lake Shore Drive will remain open from Diversey Parkway to Belmont Avenue. Access to DuSable Lake Shore Drive will remain open at Belmont. 
• Expressways 

For more information, please visit: Bank of America Chicago Marathon 

Lincoln Park Wine Fest 

Friday, October 9, 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., Saturday, October 10, 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., Sunday, October 11, 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 

The Lincoln Park Wine Fest is proudly celebrating its 10th anniversary this year in the heart of Chicago’s Jonquil Park. With ten years of bringing together wine lovers, local food vendors, and the crisp beauty of autumn in the city, this milestone marks a decade of memorable tastings, lively ambiance, and community connection. For more information, please visit: Lincoln Park Wine Fest 

Lincoln Brunch Fest 

Saturday, October 10, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. 

The third annual Lincoln Brunch Fest is this Saturday morning from 10am – 2pm. Expect Street closures on Lincoln Avenue between Wellington and Diversey. For more information, please visit: Lincoln Brunch Fest 

Columbus Day Parade 

Monday, October 12, 12:00 p.m. 

The 74th annual Columbus Day Parade steps off on Monday at noon. The parade will march down State Street from Wacker Drive to Van Buren. Expect street closures and traffic congestion along the parade route. For more information, please visit: Columbus Day Parade 

Congratulations to The Denim Lounge! WAY TO GO!

Early Voting and Elections Judges

Early voting for the Nov. 3 general election has begun at the Downtown Voting Supersite at 137 S. State and the Chicago Board of Elections Offices at 69 W. Washington, 6th Floor. Additional early voting sites in all 50 wards open October 19. The 32nd Ward site will be at the Bucktown Wicker Park Library at 1701 N. Milwaukee, but Chicago voters can vote at any city early voting site.

On Election Day, polls are open 6 a.m.-7 p.m. Find your assigned precinct polling place here.

Click here if you want to serve as an election judge.

Halloween Events

Click on flyers for more information

Clean Off Competition

This October, Chicago is going up against Philly AND Los Angeles in a cross-country Clean-Off competition, to see which city can pick up the most litter! Led by Cleanup Club Chicago on the Chicago side and supported by many other local cleanup orgs, the winning city will have bragging rights, and the top litter pickers will be eligible for cool prizes. Anyone can participate by cleaning up litter within Chicago city limits, whether it’s with an organized group cleanup or on your own. Chicago beat Philly last year, and we need your help to do that again in 2026! To join this competition, you will need to submit your litter picking hauls through an online form so the organizers can tally up the results.

For more details and updates, please click here.

Lakeview Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce

Presents: Storefront Improvement Webinar Series -

New Starting Date!

Your storefront is the first impression a passerby forms before making a decision to enter or keep walking. How is your storefront at grabbing attention, and what kind of statement does it make? This 3-part webinar series is presented by Retailworks, Inc., an award-winning commercial interior design, display, branding, and consulting firm.

If you registered for the original start date you are automatically enrolled for the new date


Register Below:


10/13 - Storefront Design Pt. 2

11/10 - Quick Holiday Decor Tips

Additional City Resources for You & Your Family


These services are provided free of charge to all Chicagoans.



Family & Maternal Health

CDPH WIC Clinics

Pregnant Or Recently Had A Baby?

Healthy Children, Let’s Prevent Lead Poisoning

Preventive Care & Clinics

Need a Vaccine? Immunization Clinics

Free Prostate or Breast Cancer Screening During Birthday Month

Mental Health & Wellness

Mental Health Clinics

Healing Arts Chicago

Environmental & Lifestyle Health

Check Air Quality Near You

Quit Smoking

Community & Other Services

More Services: chicago.gov/health

See a Problem on Your Block? Call 311.

311 is Chicago’s non-emergency service line. It connects you to City services for issues that affect your block, your home, or your health.

By Phone: Dial 3-1-1 from any phone in Chicago.

Online: Visit the official 311 portal

City News

• Woman Slams CPS Watchdog’s Handling of Probe into School Board President Candidate’s Alleged Misconduct
• Mayor Johnson Signals Push for Corporate Taxes as Chicago Faces $880M Budget Shortfall
• Proposed $900 Million Amtrak Bridgeport Maintenance Facility Gets Pushback From Residents, Alderpeople
• Chicago Spent $224.4m on Police Overtime in 9 Months, 12% More Than Its Annual Overtime Budget: Watchdog
• Key City Panel Unanimously Agrees to Pay $260.8m to Resolve 16 Lawsuits Tied to Disgraced Ex-Cpd Detective Reynaldo Guevara
• In Chicago Mayor’s Race, Candidates Turn to Influencers Hoping to Go Viral With Voters
• Mayor, CTU Back Chicago Public Schools Board Pres. Candidate as Sex Harassment Investigation Reopens
• Mayor Johnson uses 4th veto to kill debt threshold measure, setting stage for override vote next week

Alderman Scott Waguespack

2657 North Clybourn

Chicago, IL 60614

(773) 248-1330

[email protected]