News across Cook County
Witnesses recount Sunday’s ICE incident: ‘He was screaming, “I’m a U.S. citizen. Leave me alone.”‘
When federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents attempted to detain a resident — who they later discovered was a U.S. citizen — last Sunday morning, one told the Evanston Police Department that they left the area after protesters began to gather because they “feared they…
‘It’s a sacred service’: Volunteer Jewish group offers end-of-life ritual support
A human body lay motionless on a raised platform, surrounded by about 20 volunteers. All were gathered in a specially equipped downstairs room at Chicago Jewish Funerals, in Skokie, to learn about taharah: the practice of preparing a body for burial. The training was sponsored by…
Alley and pedestrian crossing improvements to begin Sept. 28
As part of the 2026 Alley and Sidewalk Improvements Project, sewer and paving work is scheduled to begin next week in the alley north of Payne Street and east of Hartrey Avenue. Work will begin with storm sewer installation and is expected to take approximately four to six weeks,…
LISTEN: Angela Foulke talks MLB Playoffs featuring the White Sox again and Fighting Illini fandom
September 25, 2026 - Angela Foulke joined Byers & Co to talk about the Fighting Illini, the Chicago White Sox clinching a playoff spot, and the De...
LISTEN: Mark Tupper on the Cubs and White Sox clinching playoff spots, the Packers big loss, and Illini-Ohio State
September 25, 2026 - Mark Tupper talks about the Illini football matchup with Ohio State, the Packers big home loss to the Falcons, the Chicago baseba...
Third annual RoundTable Reads features ‘The Hitch’ author Sara Levine and Rebecca Makkai
About 300 guests at Nichols Concert Hall Thursday evening heard Evanston novelist Sara Levine — author of The Hitch — in conversation with fellow author Rebecca Makkai as part of the third annual RoundTable Reads program. The program began with an introduction from RoundTable…
Biss, Elleson make their national scripts local in first congressional forum
With 40 days to go until Election Day, congressional nominees Daniel Biss (above left) and John Elleson shared the stage at the Skokie Public Library on Thursday for their first shared forum, with both finding ways to bring national issues back to their localities in the 9th…
Haven, Nichols District 65 feedback meetings focus on walkable schools, questions about cost savings
More than 120 community members gathered at meetings Wednesday and Thursday to discuss the Evanston/Skokie School District 65 preliminary proposal to cut $20 million from its budget and close two more schools. An official plan outlining this proposition will be presented by…
Residents pitch in for 25th annual Wheelchair Wash
Dozens of volunteers came out to lend a hand on Thursday at the Over the Rainbow Association, 2040 Brown Ave., for this year’s Wheelchair Wash. They gloved up and spent the evening hand-washing wheelchairs for residents of the independent living facility for people with…
After pleading guilty, man sentenced to 7 years for painting hate symbols at Northwestern University earlier this year
A Niles man was sentenced Thursday to seven years in prison after he pleaded guilty to painting hate symbols on the Northwestern University campus earlier this year. Shahid Hussain, 43, of Niles, pleaded guilty Thursday in court in Skokie to two counts of hate and one count of…
Committee backs a half-price deal on the cost of outdoor dining permits
Evanston’s Economic Development Committee backed a proposal Wednesday to slash costs in half for outdoor dining cafe permits, in an effort to draw more businesses into the program and activate the city’s business districts. EDC members voted unanimously in support of a one-year…
Wells Fargo opens downtown branch, provides $25,000 grant to Reba Place Development Corporation
The new branch of Wells Fargo Bank in downtown Evanston officially opened Thursday, Sept. 24, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a $25,000 grant to Reba Place Development Corporation, a nonprofit that works to provide stable, affordable housing for diverse communities. We depend…