Chicago Public Library invites residents to write personal letters to America – sharing reflections, critiques, hopes, and stories rooted in Chicago experiences. This citywide initiative commemorates the 250th anniversary of the United States and creates space for civic reflection and storytelling.

Letters to America is a citywide letter-writing project to mark the 250th anniversary of the United States. Chicagoans are invited to reflect on their lives, communities, experiences in Chicago, and how those stories connect to a broader American story. These letters will become part of a permanent archival collection at the Chicago Public Library, preserving contemporary voices for future generations.

After August 31, all letters will be transferred to the Northside Neighborhood History Collection at Sulzer Regional Library to become part of the Letters to America Collection. Participants must be 18 years or older. All submissions require a signed Deed of Gift form.

Click here for more information.

Click HERE for a PDF of the flyer

A Message from Alderman Hopkins

Dear Neighbors,

The Chicago Film Office issues filming permits without needing aldermanic approval. This is a courtesy notice for neighbors’ awareness. 

Open 4 Business Productions, LLC will be filming scenes for the show “Chicago Fire” in River North and Near North on:

Tuesday, April 7, from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm
Parking restrictions may impact the following areas:

• West side of Sedgwick St from Chicago Ave to 848 N Sedgwick St

Tuesday, April 7, at 8:00 am until Wednesday, April 8, at 2:00 pm

• Both sides of Sedgwick St from Chicago Ave to 884 N Sedgwick St
• North side of Chicago Ave from Sedgwick St, going west 60 feet
• Both sides of Hudson Ave from Chicago Ave to 856 N Hudson Ave
• Both sides of Locust St from Sedgwick St to Orleans St
• West side of Orleans St from Locust St to Oak St

Wednesday, April 8, from 6:00 am – 12:00 pm
Intermittent Traffic Control 

• Sedgwick St from Chicago Ave to Locust St

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Location Manager, Luis Perez, at 773-525-2326, or the On-site Coordinator Michale Proffitt, at 773-938-3358.

To park essential vehicles and equipment near the set, streets in the area will be posted as NO PARKING/TOW ZONE. All traffic control is supervised and supported by the Chicago Police Department.

If you have additional questions regarding this or other filming in Chicago, contact the City of Chicago Film Office at 312-744-6415.

Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias announced a comprehensive, statewide initiative to protect pedestrians, riders, and drivers by addressing the dangerous rise of high-speed e-bikes and other powerful electric transportation devices on Illinois streets and sidewalks.

The multi-pronged campaign – “Ride Safe, Ride Smart, Ride Ready” – combines public education, updated driver training, and a push for modernized safety laws to keep pace with the fast-evolving micromobility industry. As e-bikes and similar devices become faster, heavier, and more powerful, Illinois law has not kept up – putting lives at risk.

This initiative will raise awareness of current rules governing e-bikes, scooters, skateboards, and unicycles while laying the groundwork for updated regulations to be introduced this legislative session in Springfield. Key components include a new public education website, expanded driver education curriculum, and collaboration with lawmakers, local officials, medical experts, law enforcement, and cycling and safety advocates statewide.

A new public education website – www.ilsos.gov/oneroad – will serve as a central hub for micromobility safety, rules, and policy updates. The site explains what micromobility is, identifies common devices, and outlines how they are currently regulated. A dedicated “Know the Rules” section translates existing law into straightforward guidance for riders, parents, drivers, educators, and local officials.

The start of Chicago’s spring running season will begin on Sunday, March 22 when the 45th running of the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle kicks off at 8:30 a.m. in Grant Park. The classic road race and annual tradition joins the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with a fun and festive 8K Run and 2-Mile Walk through the heart of downtown.

Below is information regarding race weekend, taking place Friday, March 20 through Sunday, March 22. Please share this with any community group, business and/or residents that you feel could benefit from receiving this information.

Schedule of events:

• Friday, March 20 – Saturday, March 21: Packet Pick-Up
• Saturday, March 21: The Mile
• Sunday, March 22: 8K Run and 2-Mile Walk

For details, visit: shamrockshuffle.com/shufflers/general-information

Towing and street closures:

• No parking is allowed on the Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle course. Towing of vehicles on the course will begin at 1 a.m. on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Please refer to the course map for details.
• The Shamrock Shuffle will involve street closures on Sunday, March 22, 2026. Streets along the course in your neighborhood close to traffic between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. as runners pass through. Please refer to the Street Closure Brochure for anticipated street reopening times in your specific area.

Street closure materials:

• Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K Run and 2-Mile Walk course map
• Course Flyer (English) and Course Flyer (Spanish): This is a notification for those who might regularly park their cars on and near the course.
• Street Closure Brochure: This lists the anticipated closure and reopening times
• Grant Park Timeline and Closures: This lists the areas within Grant Park that will be impacted by the event.

All street closure documents are also available on the street closure page of shamrockshuffle.com.

Thank you for your continued support in making this event a great Chicago tradition! For more information about the 2026 Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle, you can contact our office at office@shamrockshuffle.com, or visit shamrockshuffle.com.

Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle

Have coffee and share conversation with the Commander of the 18th District CPD.  Click HERE for a copy of the flyer.

The annual dyeing of the Chicago River will take place on Saturday, March 14, at 10:00 am. The dyeing process typically ranges in length from 45 minutes to an hour, and the amount of time can depend on conditions.

The dye used by Local 130 to turn the Chicago River its iconic green color has been reviewed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, which concluded that there is no toxic effect on the river. Other research indicates that fish are not affected or bothered by the dyeing, either.

Click here for more information.

The Veterans Assistance Commission of Cook County helps Veterans find support right in their own communities. Their team can assist in finding resources and assistance across a wide variety of issues and can connect Veterans with other service agencies and collaborators. If you or someone you know is a veteran in need, VACCC may be the place to start.  Click here for more information.

March 10th (Tuesday)

Attention RNRA Members – Before you order tickets, see your Property Manager for a Special Promo Code with $10 Discount. Discount can only be applied at the time of registration, not after. This discount is only available to residents of RNRA Member properties.

$50 – March 3 and at the door

Ticket price includes two (2) drink tickets and delicious British Bar Bites. $5.00 from each ticket will be donated to Chicago Police Memorial Foundation “Get Behind the Vest“ program.

Get your tickets now! Space is limited and tickets sell out quickly.

BONUS:  Before you leave the event, pick up your ticket for a “free drink” when you return to Hawksmoor!

Do you plan to stay for dinner after the event?  Book your reservation ahead of time to ensure you get a table! Hawksmoor Chicago Restaurant – Chicago, IL | OpenTable

Raffle Tickets will be sold at the door

                                             $10 each or 3/$20

• Personal Training:  Two one-on-one sessions  or Two partner sessions.
• Reformer Pilates:  Two one-on-one  sessions or Two partner sessions
• One Massage or One TPI (Titleist Performance Institute) session:
• Two  weeks of Chicago Strength in Motion small group training

• The first two winners will also receive  “Hawksmoor at Home” Cookbook + a bottle of Hawksmoor Barrel 81 Buffalo Trace – $100 value

All proceeds benefit RNRA neighborhood advocacy. RNRA is a 501(c) non profit.