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The 2nd Ward Newsletter for April 27, 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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Statement on Shooting of Two Chicago Police Officers
Dear Neighbors,
First, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to the Bartholomew family and the men and women of the Chicago Police Department. A grateful and beleaguered city owes you a debt for John's sacrifice and for his service in keeping us safe.
Please keep Officer Bartholomew's partner in your prayers as he fights for his life, and please consider thanking a Chicago Police Officer for the work they do every day the next time you come across them in your neighborhood. A kind word and an acknowledgement of the work they do goes a long way, especially in this painful time.
In the early hours of Saturday morning, Chicago police officers responded to a robbery of a Family Dollar in Albany Park and took a suspect—27-year-old Alphanso Talley—into custody. While being transported for treatment at Swedish Hospital, Talley allegedly concealed or later obtained a weapon, opened fire inside the hospital, murdered Chicago Police Officer John Bartholomew, a 10-year veteran of the force, and critically wounded his partner, a 57-year-old officer with more than two decades of service, before fleeing.
Alphanso Talley was not an unknown risk. He was charged in 2025 with aggravated vehicular hijacking with a firearm and armed robbery in Bronzeville (Click here for WGN's coverage). Prosecutors sought to detain him, and a judge initially ordered him held. Then, at a later hearing on December 11, 2025, Judge John F. Lyke Jr. ordered Talley released on electronic monitoring; a decision that deserves serious scrutiny, as does the law that created this framework.
According to CWB Chicago, Talley is the fifth person accused of killing or trying to kill someone in Chicago this year while on felony pretrial release. Since the publication began tracking in 2020, individuals on pretrial release have, along with committing numerous violent offenses, been charged with murdering two Chicago police officers, one Chicago firefighter, and attempting the murder of 30 more Chicago Police Officers.
The SAFE-T Act was presented as a reform to make the system fairer, but fairness cannot come at the expense of public safety. When someone charged with a violent armed carjacking can be released on electronic monitoring and later be accused of murdering a Chicago Police officer, state lawmakers and policy advocates must answer for the consequences of those policies. We should all be asking whether the system that state lawmakers designed and promoted is truly protecting the public, supporting victims, and safeguarding the officers who are asked to confront dangerous individuals after prior opportunities to detain them were not taken. I would argue, as I have countless times in the past, that the system very obviously does not live up to that promise.
This is not an abstract debate about criminal justice reform; it is a real-world failure with devastating consequences. A police officer has lost his life, and another officer is critically wounded because a man previously charged with a violent armed offense was not in custody. Chicagoans deserve clear answers about why Judge John F. Lyke Jr. released Alphanso Talley, why electronic monitoring was considered sufficient under these circumstances, and whether state leaders are willing to reevaluate a law that, in cases like this, appears to have again fallen short of protecting the public from repeat violent offenders.
Before issuing further statements of sympathy, lawmakers should be prepared to explain what changes they are willing to make to ensure that known violent offenders are not given repeated opportunities to cause such great harm.
The Cook County State's Attorney has brought over 20 charges against Talley in connection with Saturday's tragic events. You can review the full list here.
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Amnesty Month at the Office of the City Clerk: Ends April 30
 This is the final week of Amnesty Month with the Office of the City Clerk. City Sticker late fees and back charges to drivers will be waived through this Thursday, April 30, 2026. This year, access was expanded, with amnesty being offered at three Saturday Mobile City Hall events and on the City Clerk’s 24/7 online store.
Click here for more information about Amnesty Month.
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Ted Wrobleski Presented With Resolution
I recently attended the Sheffield Neighborhood Association (SNA) Annual Meeting at SPF Chicago. I was pleased to join in this celebration and contribute to the meeting alongside Cook County Commissioner Degnen and Alderman Knudsen. Notably, I was also able to present Theodore "Ted" Wrobleski with a resolution honoring his service to the association that I passed through City Council in February. Ted worked with SNA for 45 years, contributing significantly to its efforts in a number of roles and capacities, and leaves a strong legacy of selfless commitment to his neighborhood.
It was an honor to join in the celebration of SNA's good work, and especially Ted's lifetime of service. I want to extend my thanks to SNA for the opportunity to participate and speak to the community regarding my work in their part of the 2nd Ward.
Click here to view the resolution.
Congratulations, Ted.
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Older Adult Resource Fair at Near North Library: TOMORROW, Tuesday, April 28
The Chicago Police Department's 18th District CAPS Office is hosting a resource fair for older adults tomorrow, April 28, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, at Near North Library (310 W Division St). A number of local organizations, including my staff, will be in attendance at this event. Please consider stopping by with any questions you have about senior services and resources. All are welcome.
Contact 18th District CAPS Officer Nomellini at (312) 742-5778 with any questions.
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2026 Street Sweeping Now Underway
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, April 28: Section 4 (red), Section 5 (yellow), Section 7 (brown)
Scheduled for cleaning on Wednesday, April 29: Section 1 (olive), Section 4 (red), Section 5 (yellow)
Scheduled for cleaning on Thursday, April 30: Section 1 (olive)
Scheduled for cleaning on Friday, May 1: Section 2 (blue)
Scheduled for cleaning on Monday, May 4: Section 2 (blue)
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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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18th Police District Council Meeting: TOMORROW, Tuesday, April 28
Join the 18th Police District Councilmembers for their monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 28, at 6:00 pm at The Anti-Cruelty Society, 157 W Grand Ave.
This month's featured speaker is Anne McCord Rogers, Special Victims Bureau Chief, Cook County State's Attorney's Office.
Click here to register in person and here for Zoom.
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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 CAPS.018District@chicagopolice.org 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:
- 23 April 26 - CPD Community Alert - Public Transportation Section - Brown Line Public Indecency
Additional High-Profile Arrests:
- 23 April 26 - Offender Charged with Aggravated Battery Discharge of Firearm
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Amnesty Week at the Office of the Cook County Circuit Court Clerk: Now Underway
 The Office of Cook County Circuit Court Clerk Spyropoulos is holding an Amnesty Week for moving traffic violations from today through Friday, May 1. This program is in effect for payments at the Daley Center, all five suburban district offices, and over the phone. Full or partial payments are accepted. Amnesty Week does not apply to parking tickets or red light camera violations.
Click here for more information.
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Severe Weather Tips and Reminders from OEMC
 The Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) encourages residents to be prepared for severe weather impacts during the spring and summer months. As extreme weather can be hazardous and unpredictable, OEMC and city departments are reminding residents and visitors of the resources available to help alleviate the effects so everyone can stay healthy and safe.
OEMC has compiled a number of resources for residents concerned about flooding, extreme heat, and other types of severe weather on its website. This information is highly useful for Chicagoans, and I encourage you to review it by clicking here.
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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: Begins May 3
 National Small Business Week will take place between Sunday, May 3, and 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.
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OTMRA Members Networking Event at Wintrust: TOMORROW, Tuesday, April 28
 Join the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association (OTMRA) for a members-only networking event tomorrow, Tuesday, April 28, at Wintrust Bank - Old Town, located at 100 W North Ave. Individuals interested in membership are also welcome.
Click here for more information.
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Wellness Walks at Lake Shore Park: Now Underway
 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 avoiding falls.
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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Cardz For Kidz at Near North Library: Sunday, May 3
The Near North Library, located at 310 W Division St, is hosting an event with non-profit Cardz for Kidz on Sunday, May 3, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. Cardz for Kidz is an organization that sends handmade cards to hospitals, foster homes, orphanages, and other places worldwide where people may need support. Attendees on Sunday will sort through cards and package them for shipment to partner sites.
Click here for more information.
April is a busy month at Near North! Click here to view their full calendar of events.
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Indoor SOAR Farmers Market: Final Market This Week
Don't forget to visit the last Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) indoor farmers market this Thursday from 8:00 am - 1:30 pm at 680 N Lake Shore Drive this Thursday, April 30.
Enjoy local and small businesses offering baked goods, fresh flowers, grilled cheese, tea, kombucha, blueberry products, and more at the final indoor event of the season.
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Good Memories Choir Spring Choral Concert: Tuesday, May 5
 Good Memories Choir is performing at Fourth Presbyterian Church (126 E Chestnut St) on Tuesday, 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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