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Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern
Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

Jorja Siemons

Jorja Siemons, In Focus Editor

Jorja is a senior from Oakland, CA studying journalism, political science and environmental policy. At The Daily, she covers city politics and has served as a print managing editor, a city editor and an audience engagement editor. Jorja has also reported out of Washington, D.C. for OpenSecrets, The Boston Globe and Bloomberg Law. When she isn’t in The Daily newsroom, you can find her in ballet class or the Evanston Public Library. You can reach her via email or Twitter.

Last updated fall 2023.

All content by Jorja Siemons
Siemons: On the trials and triumphs of covering City Council as a student

Siemons: On the trials and triumphs of covering City Council as a student

June 4, 2024
A sign reads “Evanston Police Department” at the bottom of an art-deco brick building with an American flag hanging on a left wall and podi

Evanston Police Department gives update on crime trends, community relations to City Council

September 26, 2023
A person wearing a black jacket looks at the camera from the side, outside on a chilly day.

Kathy Hayes, 9th Ward candidate, talks Evanston roots and social work experience

March 15, 2023
A cut-out, black-and-white picture of Josef Allen Hynek holding a copy of the “International UFO Reporter” against a purple background with illustrated UFOs.

Time Capsule: A look at J. Allen Hynek, the NU professor whose UFO research inspired “Close Encounters of the Third Kind”

March 6, 2023
The outside of Northmintser Presbyterian Church with a wooden door and stained glass windows.

At 100, Northminster Presbyterian Church reflects on the past, prepares for the future

February 14, 2023
An illustration of a gamma ray burst.

NU astrophysicists observe brightest gamma-ray burst ever detected

January 19, 2023
A group of people holding blue signs for religious organizations gather outside a church.

‘The urgency of now’: Faith leaders, residents raise awareness for winter shelter, remember MLK’s legacy

January 16, 2023
Everything Evanston: City Council Rapid Recap talks proposed plastic bag tax, 5th ward school and ban on cashless businesses

Everything Evanston: City Council Rapid Recap talks proposed plastic bag tax, 5th ward school and ban on cashless businesses

January 12, 2023
An illustration with a yellow background and several green dollar signs stacked on top of each other.

The Daily Explains: City Council’s $397.2 million 2023 budget

January 8, 2023
A blue illustrated Illinois with money and pencils coming out of it.

Illinois politicians raise big, self-fund ahead of midterm elections

November 10, 2022
Illustration of a ballot box with a banner above reading “Midterms 2022”

Rep. Robyn Gabel projected to win reelection to statehouse representing District 18

November 8, 2022
An illustration of a red, white and blue “I Voted” sticker.

How to cast a ballot in Evanston’s Nov. 8 midterm elections

October 26, 2022
A graphic of the shape of Illinois with checkboxes to represent people casting ballots behind it.

The Daily Explains: Ranked-choice voting is up for debate this November. Here’s how it could impact Evanston

October 24, 2022
A brown building with large windows and a sign reading “Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Joseph E. Hill Education Center”

District 65 School Board announces Mya Wilkins as new member

October 20, 2022
A sign reading “Northwestern Technological Institute” in front of a stone building.

Ryan family gift to establish new fund for life sciences research

September 26, 2022
An exterior photo of Evanston Public Library.

City Council honors EPL executive director Karen Danczak Lyons

June 14, 2022
A photo of the exterior of the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center.

City Council approves $3 million ARPA allocation to McGaw YMCA men’s residence renovation

June 14, 2022
The Lorraine H. Morton center in spring, framed by trees.

John Fournier declines city manager position offer after multiple contract negotiations

May 27, 2022
Nimkii Curley stands outside his house in a blue cap, gown and stole. The cap and stole are decorated with traditional Ojibwe beadwork. He holds an eagle feather.

ETHS stopped a Native student from walking at graduation. Family members say it indicates a need for schoolwide change.

May 25, 2022
A close-up photo of Daniel Biss sitting at a desk with a Black N95 mask on.

Mayor Biss talks Evanston reparations, public safety in State of the City address

May 24, 2022
Two rapid COVID-19 tests stacked on top of each other next to a rapid test marked “negative.”

Evanston reports 12.6% increase in new COVID-19 cases from previous week, “Medium” community risk level

May 19, 2022
A head shot of Karen Singer in a green sweater standing in front of a brick wall.

Preparing for retirement, Karen Singer reflects on 18 years of leadership, expansion at YWCA Evanston/North Shore

May 19, 2022
The front of the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, a red brick building with a concrete entryway.

The Daily Explains: Political turnover in Evanston has welcomed newcomers at high rates. Here’s what you need to know about our city’s fledgling leaders.

May 17, 2022
U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) stands with a large check marked for $600,000 surrounded by District 65 members.

District 65 receives $600,000 to continue CREATE 65 teacher residency program

May 16, 2022
An exterior shot of Evanston Township High School,

ETHS reinstates indoor mask requirement for all students and staff

May 16, 2022
An exterior photo of an Evanston Fire Department station.

Fire Apparatus Operator Bob Byrne retires after more than 20 years of service

May 15, 2022
Exterior shot of Haven Middle School, a wide building with white window trim.

Following Haven Middle School students sit in to protest teacher transfers, parents find hate symbols on nearby trees

May 14, 2022
A picture of the exterior of the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center.

City Council announces intent to appoint John Fournier as city manager

May 13, 2022
The Evanston public library sign, gold lettering on a red-brick building.

Fournier, Poche named city manager finalists; community town hall set for Tuesday

April 30, 2022
A group of students walk on the street. Some hold signs reading phrases such as “We Want a Sustainability Coordinator." One walks with a bicycle.

ETHS students walk out to call for sustainability coordinator, intergenerational advocacy

April 25, 2022
A man wearing a mask sits behind a table looking down at something. In the right corner, a woman in a mask sits with her hand on her chin.

Reparations Committee discusses recipients’ needs, program expansion

April 7, 2022
Two hands hold a globe on a green background with pink.

Evanston secures $500,000 in federal funds to expand solar power in low-income households

April 4, 2022
A golden legal scale on a purple background.

Mayor Biss, Evanston landlord sued for uninhabitable living conditions in $10 million class-action lawsuit

March 31, 2022
Ald. Devon Reid wears a suit and talks while seated at a desk.

Ald. Devon Reid talks ARPA allocations, public records access

November 22, 2021
A piece of art depicting a landscape with a holographic globe layered on top.

“Anthro-obscene” exhibition explores climate change data, human impact

November 17, 2021
Ald. Jonathan Nieuwsma (4th) sits at a wooden desk and wears a dark suit jacket.

City Council votes to add $1 first-hour parking fee in city garages, excluding Sundays

November 10, 2021
City officials sit at the dais, from left to right: Ald. Melissa Wynne, Ald. Jonathan Nieuwsma, Interim City Manager Kelley Gandurski, Mayor Daniel Biss, City Clerk Stephanie Mendoza, Ald. Bobby Burns.

City Council discusses hot-button issues in 2022 proposed budget

November 3, 2021
Three orange and red musical notes float against a background of colorful fall leaves.

Fall songs guide: Tunes to get you into the autumnal spirit

October 27, 2021
A picture of Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center’s exterior.

City Collector Office to reopen at the Civic Center

October 24, 2021
An illustration of a red brick school building with large bubbled question marks in the background.

District 65 Student Assignment Planning survey to close Friday

October 19, 2021
Close up photo of Jerri Garl.

CARP Implementation Task Force talks environmental justice, ARPA funding

October 17, 2021
An exterior shot of the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, a red-brick building with a tan stone entryway, big silver lettering and a black door with a curved windowpane.

Parks and Recreation Department’s top deputy resigns, takes job in Lincolnwood

October 13, 2021
Cars drive down an Evanston street.

Proposed 2022 city budget centers economic recovery, human services

October 12, 2021
Ald. Jonathan Nieuwsma (4th) sitting at his desk with a black City of Evanston mask on.

Ald. Jonathan Nieuwsma talks transition into City Council, environmental sustainability, public safety

October 8, 2021
Councilmembers sit at their desks.

Council discusses American Rescue Plan Act funds, CARP allocations

October 6, 2021
The Ripple: Get Out The (Youth) Vote!

The Ripple: Get Out The (Youth) Vote!

October 5, 2021
Mayor Daniel Biss looks down while sitting at his desk.

Councilmembers release formal apology addressing lakefront sexual harassment claims

October 5, 2021
The exterior of the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center

McCulloch Park reopens after COVID-19 related renovation delays

October 3, 2021
A close-up photo of John Rogers smiling and wearing a brown shirt.

McCormick Prof. John Rogers named 2021 Lincoln Laureate

September 30, 2021
A shelter dog eagerly eats a treat through the shelter cage.

Evanston Animal Shelter seeks funding for facility expansion

September 30, 2021
A dog stands behind a metal gate with a “Beach Officially Closed” sign.

Council discusses potential dog park locations, concerns

September 28, 2021
A dog stands behind a metal gate with a “Beach Officially Closed” sign.

City Council to bark about local dog park Monday

September 26, 2021
A single illuminated, industrial lightbulb hangs from the ceiling.

$327 million is now available in statewide utilities assistance. Here’s how you can apply.

September 24, 2021
An illustration of five young people holding backpacks and books

City to create Youth Advisory Committee for civic participation

September 22, 2021
Several Evanston officials sit in the Council chamber during Monday’s Council meeting. From left to right: 3rd Ward Councilmember Melissa Wynne, 4th Ward Councilmember Jonathan Nieuwsma, Interim City Manager Kelley Gandurski, Mayor Daniel Biss, City Clerk Stephanie Mendoza, and 5th Ward Councilmember Bobby Burns.

City Council confirms Kelley Gandurski as interim city manager

September 21, 2021
An exterior view of Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center

City Council strikes down proposed moratorium on accessory dwelling units

September 14, 2021
Illustration of different colored hands on a white Illinois map. The background is dark blue.

Indivisible Evanston panel discusses outreach to under-represented voters

May 12, 2021
A graphic combining American flag imagery with a close-up image of Evanston, Illinois on a map. The shape of Evanston is outlined in tan with a red grid, with Lake Michigan in blue to the east and other areas of Illinois, colored in red with white stars, to the west.

Community organizer Stephanie Mendoza receives 70.82 percent of vote, becoming Evanston’s next city clerk

April 6, 2021
Participants march on the sidewalk past the sign for the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center. Next to the Civic Center sign, there are several lawn signs for municipal election candidates, including ones promoting Elisabeth “Biz” Lindsay-Ryan, Soo La Kim, and Marquise Weatherspoon.

District 65 parents of color lead march to cast ballots for equity-focused school board amid contentious election season

April 5, 2021
The Weber Arch on Sheridan Road

Hagerty and Schapiro announce Northwestern Good Neighbor Equity Fund recipient programs

March 9, 2021
An illustration of a red, white and blue “I Voted” pin with a blue, polka-dotted background

Community organizer Stephanie Mendoza and retired ATF agent Cynthia Beebe to be on April ballot for city clerk

March 4, 2021
Heather Bublick and D’Andre Carter, founders of Feast & Imbibe and Soul & Smoke, have been honored by the Evanston Chamber of Commerce as Businessperson of the Year.

From pop-up dinners to pandemic relief, D’Andre Carter and Heather Bublick serve

February 19, 2021
Local Black medical professionals addressed vaccine hesitancy among the Black community and encouraged community members to get vaccinated at a webinar Monday hosted by Evanston’s Second Baptist Church in partnership with AMITA Saint Francis Hospital Evanston.

Second Baptist Church webinar addresses Black wellness, resiliency amid pandemic

February 16, 2021
Evanston Live TV owner Meleika Gardner educates, advocates, inspires

Evanston Live TV owner Meleika Gardner educates, advocates, inspires

February 8, 2021
Ald. Judy Fiske (1st).

Ald. Judy Fiske talks reelection campaign, affordable housing, police reform

February 1, 2021
As vaccine hesitancy threatens to increase COVID-19 disparities, local experts try to build trust

As vaccine hesitancy threatens to increase COVID-19 disparities, local experts try to build trust

January 27, 2021
The three Evanston mayoral candidates faced off in a virtual debate Tuesday night. Daniel Biss, who has secured endorsements from seven of nine City Council members, defended his record as a state legislator.

Mayoral candidates discuss police reform, youth outreach in Evanston Live TV forum

January 15, 2021
Diane Goldring is running for 4th ward Alderwoman in the 2021 Municipal Elections. Her platform surrounds increasing affordable housing, prioritizing equitable policy, and improving participatory democracy.

4th ward aldermanic candidate Diane Goldring emphasizes increasing affordable housing and participatory democracy

January 10, 2021
The Ready Generation’s “I Vow” crewneck and decree, illustrated by Amreen Ahmed. Founder Destiny Wesley started the company to blend social justice and fashion, creating unique pieces expressing messages of justice.

The Ready Generation advocates for justice, equality through fashion

November 11, 2020
Nguyen Tran’s “Essential Workers” highlights the work of necessary workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. The piece was featured as the cover of the Chicago Reader in April.

“Stranger Than Fiction: This is America” exhibition explores contemporary America through a political lens

October 28, 2020
The Maker’s Market at Maple Street Parking Garage in Downtown Evanston. The market was adapted this year to meet COVID-19 restrictions.

Evanston Made’s second-annual Maker’s Market adjusts set up to safely accommodate local artists

October 18, 2020
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Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881
Jorja Siemons