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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

Kristina Karisch

Kristina Karisch, Reporter

Kristina is a Medill senior studying journalism, political science and legal studies. Her past positions at The Daily include Digital Projects Editor, City Editor, Development and Recruitment Editor, Web Editor and two quarters as assistant city editor. Kristina lives in Seattle and is involved with the Family Ambassador program through the office of New Student and Family Programs. She can be reached via email or Twitter.

All content by Kristina Karisch
The outside of Tommy Nevin’s Pub, 1454 Sherman Ave. Nevin’s is set to close in late November or early December, owner Rohit Sahajpal told The Daily.

Nevin’s to close within next few weeks

November 14, 2017
City manager Wally Bobkiewicz at a City Council meeting. City officials canceled a Monday Human Services Committee meeting after members failed to reach a quorum.

Human Services meeting canceled after members fail to reach quorum

November 6, 2017

EFD responds to structure fire on Custer Avenue

November 6, 2017
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) speaks. Durbin questioned tech company executives Tuesday at a hearing of the Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism.

Durbin questions tech executives about Russia, disinformation during election

November 1, 2017
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at an event to promote her new book, “What Happened.” In the book, Clinton ruminates on her loss to Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election.

Hillary Clinton talks book, election loss at Chicago event

October 31, 2017
Richard Eddington sits in a chair during a city meeting. He is wearing a white police uniform.

City officials clarify proposed social services transfers, explain their necessity

October 30, 2017
U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) speaks at a 2016 event. Schakowsky condemned the Republican budget proposal in a statement on Thursday.

Schakowsky condemns 2018 budget resolution, says tax cuts will hurt middle class

October 26, 2017
City manager Wally Bobkiewicz at a city council meeting. Bobkiewicz was recently instated as a regional vice president of an international association for local governments.

Bobkiewicz instated as regional vice president of association for local governments

October 25, 2017
A rendering of the proposed renovation for the main branch of Evanston Public Library. EPL’s director, Karen Danzcak Lyons, said at the meeting that the renovation is estimated to take about 18 months and will likely start in 2018 pending City Council’s approval of the budget.

EPL director introduces proposal for main branch renovations

October 24, 2017
Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave. Library board members approved a contract at Wednesday’s board meeting for an equity assessment.

EPL board approves contract with equity assessment consultant

October 18, 2017
Ald. Robin Rue Simmons (5th) speaks at Monday’s City Council meeting. Rue Simmons said she wants more diversity of members on Evanston’s boards and commissions.

Aldermen urge greater diversity on city-run boards, commissions

October 17, 2017
City clerk Devon Reid at Monday’s City Council meeting. Aldermen voted unanimously to appoint Reid as Evanston’s Freedom of Information Act officer, but decided to further discuss how and when information should be publicized.

Aldermen allow city clerk to retain FOIA role, further examine publicizing information

October 17, 2017
A proposed rendering of Nic’s Organic Fast Food, 2628 Gross Point Rd. Owner Benjamin Brittsan hopes to open the second location of his chain next spring.

Organic fast-food restaurant seeks Evanston expansion amid parking concerns

October 10, 2017
Ald. Cicely Fleming (9th) attends a meeting in the aldermanic library. Fleming and other aldermen voted to amend Evanston’s “welcoming city” ordinance at Monday’s meeting.

City Council amends ‘welcoming city’ ordinance, broadens protections for undocumented residents

October 10, 2017
State Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) speaks at a panel Sunday. Biss and six other Democratic gubernatorial candidates advocated for free college tuition and a single-payer health care system.

Democratic gubernatorial candidates push free tuition, single-payer health care

October 9, 2017
City clerk Devon Reid at the Sept. 25 City Council meeting. Reid announced in a Thursday Facebook post that Evanston will implement a two-step review process for Freedom of Information Act claims.

City clerk announces FOIA reforms, urges city to keep jurisdiction in ‘elected and independent office’

October 6, 2017
Various chronographs sit under a stained glass dome.

Local museum opens with antique clocks, floor-to-ceiling stained glass

October 2, 2017
An Evanston Police Department squad car. Aldermen on Monday approved a five-year contract to buy body-worn cameras for the Evanston Police Department.

Evanston to purchase body-worn, dashboard cameras for police

September 27, 2017
Former 5th Ward Alderman Delores Holmes and Ald. Peter Braithwaite (2nd) speak outside council chambers. Aldermen rejected a proposal for city funding for a 2nd Ward affordable housing development at Monday’s City Council meeting.

Aldermen reject city funding proposal for 2nd Ward affordable housing development

September 26, 2017
Dawes Elementary, 440 Dodge Ave. District 65 schools introduced new social-emotional and equity learning classes this fall.

New social emotional/equity learning classes implemented in D65 schools

September 21, 2017
Service providers, residents urge for action on affordable housing

Service providers, residents urge for action on affordable housing

September 19, 2017
Residents look at informational stands at the Evanston Latinx Business Alliance’s first annual Hispanic Heritage Month celebration. The event featured food, activities and resource booths at Kamen Park.

Latinx Business Alliance hosts inaugural Hispanic Heritage Month celebration

September 17, 2017
Union members speak to the crowd at a Labor Day protest in Chicago. Hundreds of fast food workers, hospital employees and airport workers advocated for higher wages and benefits in a series of walkouts and marches.

Evanston representatives, University employees join hundreds marching for union rights, higher wage

September 6, 2017
Ald. Tom Suffredin (6th). Suffredin was the only city council member to oppose the security contract extension, citing concerns about a lack of support for individuals experiencing homelessness.

After public service upbringing, Tom Suffredin values responsiveness and accessibility to residents

August 28, 2017
The interior of LYFE Kitchen. The restaurant has closed, to be replaced by a new restaurant in the fall.

LYFE Kitchen closes, to be replaced by new restaurant in November

August 17, 2017
University Police's headquarters on Davis Street. Some police officers took a class this week on bicycle policing.

University Police bike training focused on mobility, officer approachability

August 5, 2017
Evanston Public Library. The library, embroiled in controversy leading up to the eventual resignation of popular librarian Lesley Williams last month, announced new officers for its Board of Trustees on Thursday.

Benjamin Schapiro elected to succeed Tannen as new EPL board president

July 13, 2017
Rev. Dr. Patricia Efiom speaks at an equity meeting in April. Efiom spoke to City Council on Monday about the importance of equity across the board.

Proposed equity and empowerment plan to start broad discussion among city officials

July 11, 2017
Lesley Williams speaks to media earlier this year. Williams resigned from Evanston Public Library this week after several months of controversy.

Evanston librarian Lesley Williams resigns after months of controversy

June 29, 2017
Ald. Judy Fiske (1st) watches a speaker at an Evanston city council meeting. A proposed nine-story building in the 1st Ward was approved by aldermen Monday, though Fiske voted against the proposal.

Aldermen vote to approve development at 831 Emerson

June 13, 2017
The outside of Evanston Public Library. Recently released documents show EPL officials have been calling for the termination of Lesley Williams, a popular librarian, for years.

Documents show EPL officials wanted to terminate Lesley Williams for years

June 4, 2017
Lesley Williams speaks after a disciplinary hearing in April. Williams faces another hearing on Friday — which could lead to her termination — following a Facebook post she made late last month.

EPL librarian Lesley Williams to face possible termination on Friday

June 1, 2017
Evanston Community Foundation president and CEO Monique Brunson Jones speaks at an event Tuesday. ECF announced more than $800,000 worth of grants at an annual celebration.

Evanston Community Foundation announces more than $800,000 in annual grants

May 31, 2017
Alan Anderson, Northwestern’s executive director for neighborhood and community relations, speaks at a District 65 meeting on Monday. Anderson explained the partnership the University is starting with District 65 schools.

D65, Northwestern officials explain plans for STEM partnership

May 24, 2017
The intersection of Central Street and Lincolnwood Drive in the 6th Ward. The ward’s business district is filled with local shops that have been there for decades.

At Evanston’s northwest border, 6th Ward maintains a close-knit, multigenerational community

May 23, 2017
Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel speaks at a luncheon on May 12. Emanuel honored 25 Chicago Star Scholars who received scholarship money and internship placements through the program.

Northwestern to welcome 2 Chicago Star Scholars

May 21, 2017
Ald. Eleanor Revelle (7th) speaks at a city meeting. Revelle and other Evanston residents advocated against a proposed access road that would have cut through Isabella Woods in northwest Evanston.

Officials block plan to build road through Isabella Woods

May 18, 2017
President Donald Trump at an event celebrating his victory last year. The Department of Justice on Wednesday appointed former FBI Director Robert Mueller to oversee the Russia investigation.

Illinois Democrats applaud decision to appoint special counsel in Russia investigation

May 17, 2017
Ald. Eleanor Revelle (7th) speaks at a City Council meeting. Revelle said on Monday she opposed a possible roadway through Isabella Woods, an undisturbed oak forest in northwest Evanston.

City Council rejects possible roadway through Isabella Woods

May 15, 2017
Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave. In recent weeks, residents have called for an equity audit and increased diversity at the library.

Evanston Public Library limited by small budget, lack of resources

May 11, 2017
Former Mayor Lorraine Morton administers the oath of office to Mayor Steve Hagerty. Hagerty and other members of the 80th City Council were sworn into office Monday evening.

Evanston welcomes 80th City Council

May 9, 2017
A girl stands in front of the main branch of the Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave. Evanston residents gathered Thursday at a rally to demand an equity audit of the library’s services.

Residents call for library equity audit

May 4, 2017
Ald. Delores Holmes (5th) speaks at a Board of Ethics meeting on Tuesday. The board found that Holmes had violated parts of Evanston’s Code of Ethics.

Board finds Holmes in violation of city ethics code

May 2, 2017
Ald. Delores Holmes (5th) attends a Human Services Committee meeting on Monday. Committee members reviewed a proposal for the parameters of a “Citizen Complaint Working Group” and will pass it along to City Council.

Human Services Committee advances plan for citizen oversight of police

May 2, 2017
State Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) talks with constituents after a town hall meeting in 2015. A bill Biss introduced that would require presidential candidates to release their tax returns to appear on the ballot passed the Illinois Senate on Thursday.

Bill that would require presidential candidates to release tax returns passes in Illinois Senate

April 27, 2017
The Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd. The center has recently purchased four beehives, which it plans to fill with 40,000 honeybees.

Evanston set to welcome 40,000 honeybees next month

April 27, 2017

Official results for municipal election released by Cook County Clerk’s Office

April 26, 2017
Tina Tchen (Law ’84) speaks in Harris Hall on Tuesday. Tchen served as former first lady Michelle Obama’s chief of staff from 2011 to 2017.

Former chief of staff to Michelle Obama talks girls’ education, local politics

April 26, 2017
Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave. EPL’s Board of Trustees released a statement Tuesday in support of director Karen Danczak Lyons.

EPL board defends director, acknowledges lack of diversity

April 25, 2017
Lesley Williams speaks to reporters after her disciplinary hearing on Thursday. The exact nature of the disciplinary charges has not been released, but decisions regarding further action are expected in about five days.

Protesters rally to support Evanston librarian who faces potential disciplinary charges

April 20, 2017
Ald. Delores Holmes (5th) speaks at a Board of Ethics meeting on Tuesday. Holmes has been accused of ethics violations regarding her use of a city email account to send out a candidate endorsement.

Elected officials endorsing candidates not an ethics violation, board finds

April 19, 2017
Ald. Delores Holmes (5th) at a City Council meeting. Holmes will be retiring — for the second time — next month, after serving as alderman for three terms.

Holmes reflects on lifetime of service in Evanston

April 17, 2017
Members of Evanston’s Environment Board speak at a meeting Thursday. Board members will assemble a task force to present city officials with information regarding alternative energy sources.

Evanston Environment Board considers alternative energy sources, plans task force

April 13, 2017
The outside of Evanston Public Library. The library released its 2016 Annual Report during National Library Week.

Evanston Public Library releases 2016 annual report

April 12, 2017
Cody Keenan (Weinberg ’02) speaks in Harris Hall at an event sponsored by Contemporary Thought Speaker Series. Keenan served as director of speechwriting for former President Barack Obama from 2013 to 2017.

NU alumnus Cody Keenan discusses career as Obama’s speechwriter

April 11, 2017
Devon Reid speaks at a forum. Reid, who was elected Evanston’s next city clerk, was endorsed by Reclaim Evanston — an organization that supports progressive candidates.

Local political organization supports two winning candidates

April 10, 2017
The Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave. There will be three new aldermen on City Council following Tuesday’s municipal election.

Newly elected aldermen look to collaborate on city-wide issues, advocate for their wards

April 5, 2017

Structure fire breaks out in kitchen of Evanston house

April 5, 2017
Three new aldermen elected to City Council, 6 to serve another term

Three new aldermen elected to City Council, 6 to serve another term

April 5, 2017
Two parked Evanston police cars. The process to create a citizen-run police review board has been extended through May.

Process to create citizen-run police review board extended through May

April 3, 2017
Two parked Evanston police cars. On Wednesday, a man filed a lawsuit after allegedly being hit by a vehicle that was being pursued by Evanston police officers.

Man sues Evanston police after allegedly being hit by vehicle involved in chase

April 2, 2017

Theo Ubique receives lease approval for Howard Street property

March 30, 2017
Robin Rue Simmons speaks at a candidate forum on Jan. 19. She and Carolyn Murray, seated second from the left, will face off in the general election on April 4.

Simmons, Murray prioritize economic development, affordable housing in 5th Ward race

March 30, 2017
Ald. Delores Holmes (5th) at a City Council meeting. Holmes apologized for using a city email to endorse Robin Rue Simmons for 5th Ward alderman at a City Council meeting Monday night.

Holmes apologizes after using city email for candidate endorsement

March 27, 2017
(Daily file photo by Maytham al-Zayer) Robin Rue Simmons speaks at a forum she attended on Jan. 19. She is being sued over a construction dispute.

Evanston residents sue 5th Ward aldermanic candidate Robin Rue Simmons over construction dispute

March 17, 2017
Ald. Brian Miller (9th) attends a City Council meeting. At a meeting Monday night, Miller responded to residents' concerns about Evanston Now, a news website.

City to re-evaluate advertising policies following petition

March 14, 2017

12-year-old robbed in south Evanston

March 10, 2017
Members of the Dance Marathon executive board celebrate after the number for the total funds raised was announced. DM 2017 raised $1,253,596, just over $50,000 more than the 2016 total.

Dance Marathon 2017 raises over $1.2 million to support GiGi’s Playhouse, Evanston Community Foundation

March 5, 2017
Students reveal the final total for Dance Marathon 2017: $1,253,596. The total is just over last year's, which was $1,201,216.

Block 10: We Are Generation G

March 5, 2017

Block 2: EDMpowerment

March 4, 2017
Citizens have lodged complaints against the Evanston Post office on Davis Street. Aldermen are moving to draft a letter to U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky in order to address the complaints.

City officials respond to complaints about postal service

March 1, 2017
Robin Rue Simmons speaks at a forum she attended on Jan. 19 with the other candidates for 5th Ward alderman, mayor and city clerk. Simmons received most votes in the primary on Tuesday.

Robin Rue Simmons, Carolyn Murray moving on in 5th Ward race

March 1, 2017

Police Blotter: UPS package stolen from apartment lobby

March 1, 2017
City manager Wally Bobkiewicz speaks at a meeting. Bobkiewicz said the existing water contract with Skokie will be extended four months as a new contract is being negotiated.

City approves extension of Skokie water deal until new agreement is reached

February 28, 2017
Ald. Melissa Wynne (3rd) speaks at a candidate forum. She and other Economic Development Committee members proposed a reimbursement for Kabul House’s liquor and tax revenues up to $50,000.

Economic Development Committee approves reimbursement plan for Kabul House restaurant

February 23, 2017
Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl speaks at a town hall Tuesday evening. Tisdahl said Evanston was “on our own” when it comes to state and federal support at a town hall Tuesday evening.

Tisdahl: Evanston ‘on our own’ with state, federal funding

February 22, 2017
Hecky Powell is the owner of Hecky’s Barbecue, which has been in Evanston for the past 33 years. His and other black-owned businesses will be featured at the Black Business Expo held with Le Tour de Noir Entreprise Evanston.

Evanston group plans second annual expo of black-owned businesses

February 20, 2017

Police Blotter: Laptop, tablet, cell phone stolen from apartment

February 19, 2017
Mayor Elizabeth Tisdahl addresses City Council. Tisdahl said she would only be pleased if the city’s homicide rate was at zero.

Violent crime decreased by 7.2 percent last year, Evanston police report

February 14, 2017
A few Democratic state representatives introduced legislation last week to increase protections for immigrants in Illinois. The bill would no longer require schools, medical facilities and places of worship to give access to federal immigration authorities or local law enforcement working on their behalf.

State Democrats introduce bills to increase protections for immigrants

February 12, 2017
Robin Rue Simmons speaks at a forum she attended on Jan. 19 with the other candidates for 5th Ward alderman, mayor and city clerk. Simmons was endorsed on Thursday by Ald. Delores Holmes (5th).

Ald. Delores Holmes endorses Robin Rue Simmons in 5th Ward race

February 10, 2017
Chris Kennedy speaks at a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new development in June 2016 in Chicago. Kennedy announced Wednesday that he is running for Illinois governor.

Kellogg alumnus Chris Kennedy announces gubernatorial bid

February 8, 2017

Police Blotter: Wallet stolen at Cheesie’s Pub & Grub

February 8, 2017
Ald. Peter Braithwaite (2nd) speaks at a Human Services Committee meeting on Monday. At the meeting, policy and procedural changes for the Evanston Police Department were presented to council members.

City presents Evanston Police Department policy changes

February 7, 2017
Mayoral candidate Jeff Smith speaks at an election forum. Smith said the city should “foster a culture of peace” to prevent gun violence.

Mayoral, 5th Ward candidates debate affordable housing, violence prevention

February 5, 2017
A member of the Iranian Student Association speaks at a protest Wednesday against President Donald Trump’s immigration executive order. Students from Muslim-majority countries targeted by Trump’s actions expressed concern and fear following the order.

Following executive order, international students at Northwestern express fear, confusion

February 2, 2017
Alex Block (left), Ald. Melissa Wynne (3rd) (center) and Cicely Fleming (right) speak at a forum on Tuesday. They spoke alongside other aldermanic candidates and a city clerk candidate about affordable housing and President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders.

Local candidates prioritize affordable housing, ‘welcoming city’ status

February 1, 2017
The crowd at Sullivan High School in Rogers Park cheers during a “know your right” event. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) said President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders on immigration and refugees were a “miscarriage of justice.”

Durbin, Schakowsky condemn Trump’s recent executive orders

January 30, 2017

Police Blotter: Vintage jewelry stolen from west Evanston home

January 29, 2017
University President Morton Schapiro addresses a crowd at Trinity United Methodist Church in Wilmette. Schapiro discussed the importance of liberal arts education 30 years after former University President Arnold Weber spoke on the same topic.

Schapiro emphasizes importance of liberal arts education during Wilmette talk

January 25, 2017
Assistant City Manager Marty Lyons speaks at a city meeting. The city plans to replace Robert Crown Community Center with a new building, adding ice rinks and a library.

City to build new Robert Crown Community Center rather than renovate

January 24, 2017
(Katie Pach/Daily Senior Staffer) Protesters hold up signs at the Women’s March on Chicago. An estimated 250,000 people attended the march, far exceeding the expected number of marchers.

Demonstrators flood Chicago for Women’s March, joining millions worldwide

January 22, 2017
Candidates for mayor, city clerk and 5th Ward alderman sit onstage at a forum Thursday night. The candidates discussed affordable housing and property taxes, among other items, at the forum.

City candidates discuss affordable housing, development

January 20, 2017
State Sen. Daniel Biss (D-Evanston) speaks at a town hall on Tuesday. Biss told The Daily he was considering a gubernatorial bid at a panel event Wednesday.

State Sen. Daniel Biss says he is considering gubernatorial bid

January 19, 2017
A screenshot from the video of the arrest of Northwestern graduate student Lawrence Crosby in 2015. The video was released publicly after Ald. Brian Miller (9th) requested it at a City Council meeting this week.

City to present EPD policy changes following release of arrest video

January 13, 2017
(Source: City of Evanston) A screenshot from the video of the arrest of Northwestern graduate student Lawrence Crosby in 2015. The video was released publicly after Ald. Brian Miller (9th) requested it at a City Council meeting this week.

Police release video depicting 2015 arrest of Northwestern graduate student

January 12, 2017

Police Blotter: Two vehicles stolen from dealership

January 11, 2017
Ald. Brian Miller (9th) attends a city meeting. Miller, a mayoral candidate, pressed for the release of a 2015 video depicting the arrest of Northwestern graduate student Lawrence Crosby, which the city said it will publish online Wednesday.

City set to release 2015 video depicting contentious arrest

January 11, 2017
The Sherman Plaza parking garage is city owned. Ald. Judy Fiske (1st) asked city staff on Monday to reexamine ways to limit unsafe activity on the upper level of the garage.

Alderman asks city to reexamine parking garage issues

January 10, 2017
(Leeks Lim/The Daily Northwestern) A row of homes in the fifth ward, where five candidates are in the race for alderman. Several candidates said they would prioritize expanding affordable housing, workforce development and crime prevention programs.

Fifth Ward candidates look to cater to diverse needs, expand programming

January 8, 2017
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Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881
Kristina Karisch