Local News in Cook County
Community news from our local sources
Cook County 272 storiesWiden to Greater Chicago
New Thrive65 group encourages parents to help inform District 65 budget cuts
At the first meeting of Thrive65, a recently formed community group focused on supporting the future of Evanston/Skokie School District 65, organizers encouraged parents in attendance to consider their must-haves for the district, warning that harsh cuts to address the district’s…
Zoning analysis application approved for AI-powered school looking at Roycemore building
Alpha School, the for-profit AI-powered private school network that has expanded throughout the country, says it plans to open a location at the former Roycemore School building, 1200 Davis St., by the fall of 2027. A zoning analysis application to convert Roycemore into an Alpha…
Evanston resident among Illinoisans moving to sue feds over Midway Blitz
Evanston resident Jennifer Moriarty is one of 15 Illinoisans moving to sue the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, seeking damages from the federal government over the violent actions of immigration agents during “Operation Midway Blitz” last fall. During a Halloween…
EPD, McGaw Y celebrate Latino and Caribbean culture with ‘Courts of Cultura’ basketball tournament
McGaw YMCA teamed up with the Evanston Police Department to host the city’s first “Courts of Cultura” basketball tournament at the Y on Saturday. A celebration of culture, community and basketball, the tournament featured youth basketball games and adult games with teams…
Eleanor Revelle celebrates 40 years of leadership with street naming ceremony
Eleanor Revelle, who served on the Evanston City Council for nine years, looks at her honorary street sign at an unveiling on Sheridan Road just as it turns straight west north of the Northwestern University campus. Revelle dedicated more than 40 years of her life to leadership,…
Former ETHS educator takes constructive approach at home
The RoundTable’s Two-Minute House Walk column takes readers inside some of Evanston’s most distinctive dwellings. We aim to showcase the history, style, architecture and design of homes throughout the city, from grand lakefront residences to cozy coach houses, modern apartments…
Help build the new Clyde-Brummel Park playground at end of October
A new community-designed playground is coming to Clyde-Brummel Park, at the intersection of Clyde and Brummel — and the City of Evanston needs your help bringing it to life. Join the city, KABOOM! and The Purpose & Calling Foundation for prep work on Oct. 27-28, and Build Day…
Warm temps make for happy reptiles in the Eco Center nature classroom
It’s likely that Mango is the happiest bearded dragon in Evanston. With long stretches of warm weather this summer, this charming reptile, who is native to Australia, has been basking in his toasty habitat in the nature classroom at the Evanston Ecology Center, wearing a…
Evanston paralegal fired for funneling tens of thousands out of city funds through false liability claims
A City of Evanston paralegal was fired in March for funneling public funds out to personal connections by approving false liability claims with little oversight, a RoundTable investigation has found. Based on records released by the city, the RoundTable identified two false…
ETHS flag football: Wildkits put up two wins amid injuries
Carlton Rosemond didn’t sign on as Evanston’s head flag football coach just to try to help his talented daughters, KyNia Hunt and Brielle Rosemond, earn a state championship before they graduate this year. Rosemond wants to build a program. And the Wildkits showed Saturday…
Northwestern beats Colorado in lakefront final bow
The Wildcats handily beat the Colorado Buffaloes 41-7 in Northwestern’s final football game Saturday night along the shores of Lake Michigan. The team played parts of its 2024, 2025 and 2026 seasons in the temporary stadium formally known as Northwestern Medicine Field at Martin…
Soul & Smoke’s art-filled interior offers own nourishment
The new full-service Soul & Smoke restaurant opened in the Fifth Ward in early September, and a full First Look at the food and drinks is coming soon. But I was so wowed by the interior’s vibrant artwork that it deserves its own review. This transformation of Soul & Smoke from…