News across Cook County
Letter: Why isn’t city fining Northwestern millions?
For years, Northwestern said that its deteriorating houses were being used for faculty and staff housing, despite neighbors’ insistence that they were vacant. Then came the city’s water records, which showed that most of the houses hadn’t used a drop of water in 6½ years. People…
City installs new signs to encourage community participation in protecting Lake Michigan, local waterways
The City of Evanston’s Water Production Bureau within the Public Works Agency recently installed new educational signs along lakefront bike paths and at local dog parks. The signs are designed to raise awareness about protecting Evanston’s drinking water and keeping local…
Janice Conner, former Willard School teacher, dies at 95
Janice “Jan” Grace Stromberg Conner, 95, died peacefully Sept. 21, 2026, at the Westminster Presbyterian Home. She was born Feb. 10, 1931, on the South Side of Chicago and was baptized at the South Shore Swedish Methodist Church. It was at church, in Sunday school and youth…
Pelosi to deliver Northwestern Prison Education Program commencement address on Oct. 16
Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the first woman to serve as speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, will deliver the Northwestern Prison Education Program commencement address on Oct. 16. According to Northwestern, the graduation marks the first time incarcerated women…
City: Ryan Field alarm testing to continue over the next week
Alarm testing at Ryan Field will continue Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., over the next week. At city management’s request, testing will be limited to these days and hours. Residents and businesses in the surrounding area may hear intermittent alarm sounds during…
Horton’s lawyer says former District 65 superintendent will change his plea next week
In a pretrial conference Wednesday, former Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Superintendent Devon Horton’s lawyer said that the former district chief would change his plea next week. The change is not part of a cooperation deal with the government, the attorney said. Horton…
Bookends & Beginnings children’s manager seeks out the unusual in books for kids, young adults
Adrien Sdao manages the children’s section at Bookends & Beginnings, 1620 Orrington Ave., and radiates enthusiasm for books for young people. Sdao has been a bookseller for 12 years and arrived at Bookends a year and a half ago. He said from an early age he found books to be a…
Evanston Transit Alliance mobilizes residents as city updates bike plan for the first time since 2014
Liz Kramer, a real estate agent and Evanston Transit Alliance volunteer, uses an e-bike to commute to work, attend client showings and go to open houses. Her children also ride their bikes to and from school, making cycling a regular part of the family’s daily transportation. But…
Gun Violence Prevention Advocates Speak About Importance of Community-Based Solutions
Representatives from Chicago Create Real Economic Destiny, a community-oriented nonprofit, advocated for mental health services and life coaching as an alternative to police intervention.
Evanston Community Foundation honors Ralph Segall at 40th anniversary party
The Evanston Community Foundation presented its inaugural Ralph Segall Evanston Forever Award on Tuesday at an event celebrating the organization’s 40th anniversary. The first edition went to the award’s namesake, Ralph Segall, for 40 years of service to the foundation as…
ETHS girls golf: Hilbrant, Sheehan qualify for sectional
Halfway through the Class 2A regional golf tournament at Winnetka Golf Club Tuesday, things didn’t look good for Evanston. Elise Hilbrant had reduced herself to tears after nine holes. Gemma Sheehan had one word to describe her score — “terrible.” But the Wildkits weren’t…
The new Ryan Field debuts this Friday — here’s what you can expect
Editor’s note: This article has been updated with new information released by Northwestern on Wednesday, after the article’s initial publication on Tuesday. Almost three years after winning city approval, and a century after its predecessor opened in the same spot, the new Ryan…