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Air Quality Alert
The National Weather Service issued an Air Quality Alert for Chicago in effect through Friday evening due to smoke from Canadian wildfires. You can reduce your exposure by limiting time outdoors and opting for less strenuous activities. To learn more about the current air quality alert, click here. |
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July City Council Updates
At yesterday's City Council meeting, I voted against the $250 million TIF allocation for a parking structure and plaza at The 78. I supported investing TIF funds in road and infrastructure improvements, but I cannot support using money intended for public infrastructure on a parking garage to support a private sports stadium. Unfortunately, this measure was approved 42-5.
As part of this plan, $287 million will be moved from the Canal/Congress TIF to the Roosevelt/Clark TIF. I am extremely concerned that this, along with the proposed Taylor Street Bridge, will deplete the next 8 years of funds in a TIF district that currently serves Union Station and the Greyhound Station. Transferring TIF funds for this parking garage will pose significant challenges for necessary maintenance that may arise on the ongoing Union Station project or any needed improvements for these transit hubs.
I will continue to provide updates on The 78 development as they are available. |
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Loop CTA Elevated Station Reroute July 18-20 and 25-27 2am Saturday-5am Monday
Work at the State/Lake CTA station will require temporary service reroutes on the Loop elevated tracks and temporary weekend closures of the following CTA Stations:
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During the two weekends of July 18-20 and 25-27, only the Green, Brown and Orange Line trains will operate via the Wells and Van Buren side branches of the Loop elevated tracks. Washington/Wabash, Adams/Wabash, and the elevated portion of Clark/Lake (serving Green, Brown, and Orange lines) will be closed during these weekends. Blue Line service will continue to serve Clark/Lake via the subway.
The weekend closures will allow crews to work around the clock to perform track ties and rail adjustments along with existing steel repairs to the track structure. To learn more about this work and local impacts, click here. |
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Chicago Youth Summit July 25th, 11am UIC Student Center East (750 S. Halsted)
Registration is now open through July 17th for the 'Youth Voice, Real Change' Summit - a powerful afternoon focused on youth leadership, creativity, connection and community impact.
This event is designed to uplift youth voices and create space for young people to connect with peers, engage in meaningful conversations and explore opportunities to lead change in their communities. |
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Green City Market - West Loop Saturdays from 8am-1pm 900 W. Monroe
The West Loop Green City Market is open on Saturdays on Monroe from Peoria to Sangamon! My team and I are looking forward to another season of bringing City Hall to you! We will be at the market from 9am - 11am this week. |
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This week, join us for a Family Fun Day in the park! The Mary Bartelme Park Advisory Council is planning an exciting morning with music, crafts, face painting, and more.
Green City Market brings dozens of local farmers and food producers to our neighborhood every Saturday from May to November. To see what vendors participate across Green City Market's locations, click here. |
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Printers Row Park, 632 S. Dearborn St Saturdays from 9am-1pm
The South Loop Farmers Market returns to Printers Row Park this Saturday, May 16! Stop by on Saturdays through October 31 to support local businesses and connect with neighbors.
50 W. Washington Thursdays from 7am-2pm
Starting May 21st, visit Daley Plaza on Thursdays from 7am-2pm for the Daley Plaza Farmers Market! This market hosts a variety of vendors, with offerings from fresh produce to prepared foods and more.
The Green at 320, 320 S. Canal Tuesdays from 11am-3pm
The Farmer at the Green opens for another season at 320 S. Canal on June 2nd! This season runs until September 29 and brings over 25 local vendors selling seasonal produce, fresh floral arrangements, handmade goods, and artisanal products.
Thursday Night Beats and Bites Roosevelt Collection Thursdays in June and July from 5-8pm
Roosevelt Collection will be hosting local food trucks/vendors and curating live entertainment! Food will be located on the main plaza, and live entertainment will be on the North Turf near Nando's. View the schedule on their website.
Skinner Park, 1331 W. Monroe Fridays, 4-8pm
Visit Skinner Park for the City's only all-vegan farmers market, beginning this Friday and running through September 25th! For updates on the market, visit their Instagram. |
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Chicago Climate Week July 18-25
Chicago Climate Week is a community-driven effort to connect, celebrate, and accelerate climate action happening across Chicagoland.
Throughout the week, organizations from across sectors will host events that highlight the people, ideas, |
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Movies in the Park: White Chicks July 20, dusk Mary Bartelme Park, 115 S. Sangamon
Join the Mary Bartelme Park Advisory Council for a screening of 'White Chicks' on Monday, July 20! The movie starts at dusk, but you can visit the park to meet event sponsors starting at 6pm. This is also a great opportunity to connect with the Park Advisory Council and learn how to get involved in their programming throughout the year. Hope to see you there! |
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Millennium Park Summer Events
DCASE released their calendar of free & exciting summer events taking place in Millennium Park, including movies, fitness classes, and concerts! Whether you're hoping to catch a screening of 'Ratatouille' before Taste of Chicago, a celebration of Chicago's house music scene, or a workout class with a top local instructor, there's something for everyone in this summer's park programming! Click here for a full schedule. |
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Street Sweeping began April 1!
Since April 1st, sweepers have been back in action, so keep in mind the street sweeping schedule in your area so you don't get ticketed and towed. I have worked with the Department of Streets and Sanitation on a robust street sweeping schedule this year. Please click here to find your street sweeping zone and here to find your zone's schedule. |
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Turn Lights Off to Protect Migratory Birds
Every spring and fall, millions of birds travel through the Chicago area. For more than two decades, Chicago has been a leader in light reduction efforts to protect these migratory birds. Please join participating buildings and turn lights off after 11 p.m. until daylight during migration and help save birds.
To learn more, visit the Chicago Bird Collision Monitors' website. |
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West Loop Historic Plaques Project
The West Loop is steeped in history. In fact, we have 19 historical designations, four historic plaques, and one Chicago Landmarks plaque. |
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Four more historic plaques are coming to the West Loop early summer 2026, including a UIC classroom, a condo building, and two parks!
To see the rest of the designations, please visit Connie Fairbanks' website.
If you live in a historic building in The West Loop and have historical information about your building you would like to share, please reach out to Connie to learn the process of installing your very own historic plaque! |
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CAPS Meetings
Please join my team at upcoming CAPS meetings with the 1st and 12th Police Districts. CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy) meetings are a great opportunity to meet with police, neighbors, and my team about local safety initiatives. To find your beat, click here. I hope you can join us at these meetings!
Next week, there are two scheduled CAPS meetings in the 12th District.
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Camera Registration Program
When a crime occurs, Police Officers and Detectives canvass the area looking for evidence to determine what occurred. Video footage can greatly assist in their efforts.
If you have a private security camera that captures the public way and you are interested in assisting in an investigation in the event of a crime in your neighborhood, you can register your camera with the Chicago Police Department. |
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By registering your camera, you are simply allowing the Chicago Police Department to contact you in the event of a crime in your area. CPD will not have direct access to your camera system and cannot access camera footage without your consent. This is a free and voluntary program. Learn more on the program website. |
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IDOT Bridge Rehab Work
Upcoming work by the Illinois Department of Transportation will impact the Ohio and Ontario feeder ramps to I-90/94. This work will include pavement patching repairs that require full weekend closures, alternating between the Ohio Street and Ontario Street ramps. The scheduled closure weekends are:
Closures are expected to begin at 10:00 p.m. on Friday and continue through 5:00 a.m. on Monday. |
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Lollapalooza Local Impacts
Street Closures
Sidewalk Closures
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34th Ward Infrastructure Improvements All dates subject to change based on weather.
With any questions about planned infrastructure improvements, please email bill@ward34.org or call 312-744-6820. |
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Street Resurfacing Projects
Stamped Crosswalks
Alley Improvement Projects
New Alley Reconstruction Project
Curb & Gutter Improvement Projects
Alley Apron Replacement Projects
Sidewalk Projects
Bump Out Installation
Residential Lighting Projects
CDOT Electrical Improvement Projects
Speed Indicator Signs
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State/Lake Station Closure
On Monday, January 5th, the State/Lake elevated station closed for demolition and the construction of a new, fully accessible station. The new station is expected to be finished in 2029.
As part of the ongoing State / Lake CTA Station Reconstruction project, a full closure has been implemented on State Street, from Wacker Drive to Randolph Street. State Street is scheduled to remain closed until May 22, 2026. Lake Street, between State Street and Wabash Avenue, will remain closed indefinitely. During this closure, emergency sewer repair work will also be completed on State Street.
Local business and driveway access on State Street will be maintained during the closures, and at least one sidewalk will be open at all times for pedestrians. CTA bus detour information can be found here. The underground CTA Red Line train station at Lake will remain open.
To learn more about construction at the State/Lake station and local impacts, visit the CTA's website. |
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Work is underway for the Canal Street Viaduct reconstruction.
Canal – Jackson to Van Buren
Canal – Van Buren Intersection
If you have any questions, please email the project email address at CDOTCanalProjects@gmail.com. |
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Lake Street Bascule Bridge Rehabilitation Closure started on 10/6
The full street and sidewalk closure on the Lake Street Bascule Bridge is in effect and will last until January 2028. During the closures, access to nearby buildings and residences will be maintained for both pedestrians and vehicles. |
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Eastbound traffic will be rerouted south on Des Plaines, east on Washington, north on Franklin, and east onto Lake St. Westbound traffic will be rerouted south on Wacker, west on Madison, north on Jefferson, and west onto Lake St. Click here for the full detour map. During this work, CTA Green and Pink lines will operate normally until September 2026. The work on the Lake Street Bascule Bridge is expected to be completed in January 2028.
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With any ongoing questions about this project, please reach out to the CDOT project team. |
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Halsted Street & Chicago Avenue Bridge Project
The Halsted St / Chicago Ave project is underway. Crews have removed existing street lighting, traffic signals, signage, and bus shelters. Viaduct removal is underway along the north leg of Halsted and the east end of Chicago Ave.
Demolition of the Chicago Ave bridge will continue over the next month. In areas where demolition is complete, crews will begin constructing new bridge piers. Crews will implement measures to minimize disruptions as much as possible, but noise and dust are inherent to the bridge demolition process.
Full closure of the Chicago Ave Bridge began September 29. The current detour map can be found here. The full project is expected to be completed by the end of the year 2026. |
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Ashland/I-290 Expressway Viaduct Work
Stage 2 traffic is currently being implemented on Ashland Av from Flournoy St to Jackson St to facilitate the reconstruction of the west side of the Ashland Ave bridge. |
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In this stage, traffic configuration will consists of two lanes southbound and one lane northbound on Ashland Ave.
A detour plan for the restricted left turn lane from Ashland Ave to Van Buren St will be implemented to send traffic to WB Jackson Blvd, SB Laflin St, then WB Van Buren St. A detour plan will also be implemented for the restricted left turn lane from Ashland Ave to Congress Parkway to send traffic to EB Harrison St, NB Wood St, then EB Congress Parkway. In addition, that the west side sidewalk of the bridge will be closed, and pedestrians will be detoured to east side sidewalk of the bridge.
Stage 2 is underway to reconstruct the east half of the bridge. During Stage 2, traffic configuration will also consist of two lanes southbound and one lane northbound on Ashland Ave. The project is anticipated to be complete late August 2026.
This week, the contractor will remove the temporary concrete barrier and impact attenuator within stage 2 limits and set up stage 3 MOT. In that stage, 1 lane of traffic will be maintained in the southbound and northbound direction on Ashland Ave.
For road construction updates and general travel information please visit IDOT’s Getting Around Illinois website. |
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The City of Chicago and Cook County are hiring! View their respective job posting sites below: |
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National Hellenic Museum First Summer Sundays 333 S. Halsted
From June through August 2026, the National Hellenic Museum is offering free admission to visitors on the first Sunday of the month from 10am-4pm!
Visit their website to learn more about their current exhibits. |
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Summer Programming at NHM June - August, 2026 333 S. Halsted
Children and their caretakers are invited to join the National Hellenic Museum, for fun activities this summer. All events are free of charge, but advanced registration is requested. |
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Greek Myth Story Time & Craft
Discover the past this summer through stories, games, and hands-on adventures! Join us each Friday for Story ️Time, ️plus ️exciting ️activities ️like ️a ️mock ️archaeological ️dig, ️Reader’s ️Theater ️performances, ️and ️ancient ️games ️from ️long ️ago. ️It’s ️a ️fun ️and ️interactive way for kids to learn, imagine, and explore history all summer long! Register here. |
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Cross Stitch Craft Workshop 333 S. Halsted
Museums in Conversation continues summer programming with a crafting night in partnership with the Swedish American Museum. Join us to learn about the history of cross stich, explore special textiles from the collections, and make your own cross stich to take home.
Demonstration and lesson will be taught by Lauralee Carlson Reese, who will teach about traditional materials used, get you set up to stitch, and working on a pattern to take home. All materials will be provided with ticket purchase. |
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Declarations: 250 Years of Writing Toward Independence On display through Sept. 7 American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan
Visitors to the American Writers Museum can explore an 1823 William Stone print of the Declaration of Independence, as commissioned by then Secretary of State John Quincy Adams, as well as colonial-era legal documents signed by John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Philip Livingston, and Roger Sherman. |
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The exhibit also invites visitors to reflect on works by writers throughout American history that reference the Declaration, including Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Harvey Milk and Martin Luther King Jr. |
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Summer Screenings from the Chicago International Film Festival June 3 - August 22, 2026
Hit the road with the Chicago International Film Festival for the 2026 Summer Screenings program, an annual free film series that casts a spotlight on a different country’s national cinema each week all summer long!
Featuring everything from gripping revenge odysseys and harrowing ocean crossings to introspective cross-country treks and whirlwind railway capers, these films explore what it means to “hit the road” in countries across the globe.
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Art of Living Well Renaissance Court Senior Center, 78 E Washington May 11 - July 27
Featuring work created in DFSS Senior Centers, 'Art of Living Well' highlights the creativity, growth, and talent of older adults while offering a glimpse into the vibrant programs that support them.
In recognition of Older Americans Month, this exhibit also shares personal reflections on how art and creative expression contribute to overall well-being, while embracing the theme, Champion Your Health. |
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Volunteer with Hope's Table!
The Hope’s Table ministry is designed to serve the needs of Chicagoans who are homeless or hungry and is sponsored by First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple. |
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Saturday morning services typically include serving hot meals and food to go, distributing clothing, and connecting guests with legal support through DePaul University’s Neighborhood Legal Assistance Program. Grace Episcopal Church partners in many ways, most visibly by providing space at 637 S. Dearborn. To volunteer or donate, please contact their volunteer coordinator. |
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Discuss how to help community cats through TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), what to do with kittens, ongoing colony management, preventing nuisance issues and much more! |
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