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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

Maia Spoto

Maia Spoto, In Focus Editor

Maia is a Medill senior from Reston, VA studying journalism and global health with a minor in legal studies. They edit investigations for The Daily. Maia has also served as a print managing editor, city editor, and audience editor. You can reach them via email or Twitter.

Last updated fall 2022.

All content by Maia Spoto
Spoto: Try something different

Spoto: Try something different

June 5, 2023
Maggie Rogers’ eyes and nose fill the frame of her album cover in black-and-white. White and black outlines of her eyes and nose juxtapose the album cover to its left and right.

Liner Notes: Maggie Rogers took me to church with “Surrender”

August 1, 2022
The Ripple: Out sick

The Ripple: Out sick

May 25, 2022
The Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center. The sign outside is brown, and snow is covering the ground.

“My City, Your City, Our City” violence prevention program receives ARPA funds for expansion

January 11, 2022

First-year law student Mabel Sodeinde dies

November 4, 2021

The city took down a Halloween display that some residents said evoked lynching. It sparked a wider conversation about Halloween decorations.

October 25, 2021
A rent payment. State and national eviction moratoriums expired Oct. 3.

Residents can apply for Cook County emergency rental assistance by Oct. 29. Here’s how:

October 13, 2021
Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity’s house on Northwestern’s campus.

Individual reports they were drugged at SAE house day after similar reports at AEPi

September 25, 2021
The Alpha Epsilon Pi fraternity house on Northwestern’s campus.

Multiple individuals say they were drugged at AEPi fraternity house

September 24, 2021
A woman with blond hair sits behind a microphone and a brown name tag that reads “Storlie.”

Council votes yes on Storlie exit deal, but contention over transparency remains

August 12, 2021
Deering Library, a tan building, on the left. On the right is green grass. In the middle is a screen set up with a purple and black image. Words “CHLOE X HALLE” are visible.

R&B sister duo Chloe x Halle talk artistry and astrology at A&O Ball

June 3, 2021
Students hit metal pots with wooden spoons. At a Saturday noise demonstration in the wake of Mike Polisky’s promotion, Northwestern Community Not Cops called for abolition centering survivors.

NUCNC holds abolitionist noise demonstration in solidarity with cheerleaders calling for Polisky reconsideration

May 9, 2021
Everything Evanston: A year of loss and unity for local businesses

Everything Evanston: A year of loss and unity for local businesses

May 3, 2021
A large crowd of protesters march down a street towards a church. Some hold signs with the words “Black Lives Matter,” “Fund people not police” and “It’s not the apples it’s the tree.”

EFBL and NUCNC honor Adam Toledo and Daunte Wright in march for police abolition

April 19, 2021
White text on a blue background with white and red stars. The text reads “Evanston Decides, 2021 Municipal Elections.”

How to cast a ballot in Evanston’s Tuesday municipal election

April 6, 2021
A graphic illustration. A blue background with white and red stars. Text that reads “The Daily Northwestern Evanston Decides 2021 Municipal Elections” in white.

Everything you need to know about Evanston’s April 6 election

April 6, 2021
A graphic with a blue background and stars, which reads “Evanston Decides: Municipal Elections 2021.”

Here is where Evanston’s 5th Ward aldermanic candidates stand on the issues

April 5, 2021
A sign that says “Evanston Township High School” is in front of a large, tan school building on a sunny day.

ETHS announces changes to learning models for in-person fall

March 25, 2021
A brown building with a silver sign that reads “Evanston/Skokie District 65 Joseph E. Hill Education Center”

All D65 students invited to learn in-person next fall

March 22, 2021
A line of police, fully armed in riot gear, faces off with protesters who are protecting their faces with umbrellas.

NUCNC met with heavy NIPAS presence in first in-person action since Nov. 2020

March 15, 2021
EPD vehicles. EPD and EFD responded to a triple shooting Friday that left two men dead and one with non-life threatening injuries.

Two dead, one injured in triple shooting near Evanston Township High School

March 12, 2021
A woman wearing a gray shirt and a white vest speaks into a microphone behind a table.

City Clerk says resident removed from 1st Ward meeting could have 1st Amendment claim

March 5, 2021
A woman with short white hair wearing a black sweater speaks into a microphone.

Local activists criticize Fiske “Civility Matters” campaign newsletter

March 5, 2021
Chicago mayor Lori Lightfoot and Northwestern president Morton Schapiro. Schapiro signed a letter supporting Lightfoot.

NU President Schapiro signs letter supporting Lori Lightfoot’s leadership

February 26, 2021
City clerk candidate Stephanie Mendoza stands smiling in a black blouse, with her arms resting on a brown sign that says “Evanston.”

Mendoza appears to win over 70 percent of city clerk votes; write-in candidates wait

February 24, 2021
Red lights above an intersection in Downtown Evanston. The sun is setting and a few cars are on the road.

Century 12 Evanston movie theatre closes its doors

February 23, 2021
Some residents can now receive assistance for up to six months of past-due rent.

City opens first phase of rent assistance program

February 16, 2021
A brown building with a silver sign that reads “Evanston/Skokie District 65 Joseph E. Hill Education Center”

Extreme weather delays D65 hybrid learning launch

February 15, 2021
A bus traverses the snow. As temperatures plummet, the city announced a cold weather advisory.

Health and Human Services department issues cold weather advisory

February 7, 2021
A digital illustration of a white hand and a black hand holding a beige piece of paper, against a blue-grey background

Reparations Stakeholders Authority of Evanston announces a community reparations fund to complement city initiative

February 3, 2021
Tania Merlos-Ruiz, owner of Tomate Fresh Kitchen, poses with one of her cakes. Tomate is set to reopen Feb. 15.

Tomate Fresh Kitchen to reopen Feb. 15

January 29, 2021
A sign that says “Evanston Township High School” is in front of a large, tan school building on a sunny day.

ETHS to open some in-person activities in February

January 28, 2021
Marta Torres. Torres, also known as “Chacha” to her grandchildren, was most recently a teacher’s assistant at Washington Elementary School.

Resident Marta Torres, shot in Jan 9. spree, was a beloved and joyous friend, teacher

January 23, 2021

Days after city’s 100th COVID-19 death, city holds light ceremony

January 20, 2021
EPD vehicles. EPD and EFD responded to a triple shooting Friday that left two men dead and one with non-life threatening injuries.

Evanston woman dies one week after Chicago gunman shot her in crime spree

January 17, 2021
U.S. Rep Jan Schakowsky (D-Evanston). Schakowsky voted to impeach Donald Trump in the House of Representatives on Wednesday, joining a 232-197 vote in favor of impeachment.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky votes in favor of impeaching President Donald Trump for the second time

January 14, 2021
The photo shows Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Joseph E. Hill Education Center, a red-brick building with large, plated glass windows. Beneath one set of windows are a set of raised steel letters with the building name. A short green hedge borders the building, in front of a sidewalk.

Homophobic slur left in D65 vice president’s ransacked car

January 12, 2021
EPD vehicles. EPD and EFD responded to a triple shooting Friday that left two men dead and one with non-life threatening injuries.

Woman shot, critically injured after being taken hostage in IHOP

January 9, 2021
Evanston called city residents and workers Thursday to complete a COVID-19 vaccination interest form as the city moves into the next stages of vaccination.

Evanston, NU gear up for next phases of vaccine distribution

January 7, 2021
Mayor Steve Hagerty sits at a table in a white shirt and striped tie

State, local leaders condemn President Trump, rioters in wake of U.S. Capitol breach

January 6, 2021
Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Pritzker announced the priority eligibility age will lower from 75 to 65 for the next stage of Illinois COVID-19 vaccine distribution

Pritzker lowers Illinois Phase 1B vaccine eligibility age to 65, citing equity reasons

January 6, 2021
The photo shows Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Joseph E. Hill Education Center, a red-brick building with large, plated glass windows. Beneath one set of windows are a set of raised steel letters with the building name. A short green hedge borders the building, in front of a sidewalk.

With health metrics under review, District 65 delays hybrid learning launch

January 5, 2021
Armed NIPAS officers at an NU Community Not Cops protest. Human Services Committee members discussed the city’s relationship with NIPAS in a Monday meeting.

Students could face charges from Oct. 31 NUCNC protest footage; Human Services Committee discusses NIPAS involvement

January 5, 2021
Ald. Robin Rue Simmons (5th). Simmons participated in a conversation surrounding racial healing and reparations on Tuesday.

Homeownership assistance reparations program continues to take shape

December 23, 2020
Ald. Cicely Fleming (9th). The city approved a budget with a one percent property tax increase Monday, but Fleming said the city should also draw funding from the University’s $1 million Good Neighbor Racial Equity Fund.

Approved 2021 budget set to raise property taxes by 1 percent

November 24, 2020
Evanston Public Library. EPL co-sponsored its first annual virtual Trans Day of Resilience/Remembrance Friday.

For Trans Day of Resilience/Remembrance, organizers uplift community care

November 24, 2020
Ald. Ann Rainey (8th) addresses protesters. Evanston Fight for Black Lives held a sit-in at Rainey’s house Saturday to demand Rainey vote against the city’s proposed 2021 budget and commit to defunding Evanston Police Department by 75 percent.

Evanston Fight for Black Lives launches sit-in series to defund EPD

November 16, 2020
Cups staged for a game of beer pong. Ald. Judy Fiske (1st) brought a potential ban on public drinking games to a Nov. 2 Human Services Committee meeting.

Proposed beer pong ban sparks controversy among residents, students

November 16, 2020
The exterior of Evanston Township High School.

District 202 board members discuss racial academic achievement gap, proposed tax levy

November 10, 2020
Vehicles parade down Davis St, and one person sits atop a car holding two US flags. Hundreds gathered at Fountain Square after President-elect Joe Biden announced his victory Saturday morning.

Evanston celebrates after Biden declares victory

November 8, 2020
Women sit behind a table with a sign reading “Headquarters Evanston League of Women Voters” in a photograph dated Oct. 24, 1928. The League, founded to educate and encourage women voters shortly after the 19th Amendment’s ratification, is still active in voter mobilization today.

The “very radical stance”: A history of women’s suffrage in Evanston

November 3, 2020
Solis Doyle. Doyle is working with Biden’s campaign to mobilize Latinx leaders in Florida.

Weinberg alumna Solis Doyle mobilizes Latinx leaders with Biden’s Florida campaign

November 2, 2020
A student protester holds a bike while police officers watch.

NUCNC, Fossil Free Northwestern host protest for divestment from police, fossil fuels

October 24, 2020
Evanston and Chicago residents gather to celebrate Breonna Taylor’s life. Melissa Blount said she organized “Jump Off for Breonna Taylor” to cultivate joy and community.

Residents jump for Black joy

October 18, 2020
Mayor Steve Hagerty and interim city manager Erika Storlie. The city made cuts to its budget in hopes of reducing the long-term financial impact of COVID-19 on Evanston.

City makes significant budget cuts to reduce COVID-19-driven deficit

October 11, 2020
The Ripple: The Cost of the Election for College Students

The Ripple: The Cost of the Election for College Students

October 5, 2020
Peaceful protesters march down Emerson St. The families of Jacob Blake and Breonna Taylor linked arms to lead the demonstration.

Families of Jacob Blake, Breonna Taylor lead unity march

October 5, 2020
Ald. Donald Wilson (4th). Wilson said he believes a proposed local eviction moratorium will do more harm than good to Evanston tenants.

Council tables local eviction moratorium in conflict with CDC, state directives

September 15, 2020
The new American Indian Health Service of Chicago clinic. “Our new clinic … took years to advance due to limited funds from the Indian Health Service,” Unabia said in an email. “Sadly, with two full time providers on staff, we have already outgrown this clinic.”

Native Americans in Chicago chart a 15 percent COVID-19 mortality rate — but the city hasn’t released that information

June 22, 2020
A masked health care worker in a hospital hallway. For those who are Deaf, masks can create barriers to communication in emergency care.

When health care depends on communication, masks and VRIs can prevent Deaf individuals from accessing treatment

June 14, 2020
Robin DiAngelo, author of “White Fragility.” DiAngelo said white people should acknowledge their implicit racism at a Friday Family Action Network Q&A.

“White Fragility” author talks systemic racism, white humility at Family Action Network Q&A

June 14, 2020
Youth participants in “Talking Whiteness on Central Street” discuss systemic racism with North Evanston residents. Evanston’s northernmost census tracts range from 85 to 93 percent white, according to data from the 2018 American Community Survey.

ETHS students and grads talk whiteness and anti-racism on Central Street

June 7, 2020
With less than a week left until the census response deadline, several census tracts in Evanston risk undercount.

Hard to Count: Evanston Census enumerator recruitment intensifies during COVID-19

May 20, 2020
Ald. Robin Rue Simmons (5th). Simmons discussed plans to boost black homeownership during Friday’s reparations subcommittee meeting.

Reparations subcommittee evaluates program for black homebuyers

May 17, 2020
La Cocinita, 1625 Chicago Ave. The restaurant is one of over 30 businesses that has received a loan during COVID-19 from LEND, a student-run microfinancing organization.

La Cocinita fights COVID-19 one empanada at a time

May 14, 2020
Ald. Robin Rue Simmons (5th). City Council expanded access to an entrepreneurship grant program Monday to support small businesses through the pandemic.

City Council expands access to Entrepreneurship Support Program Grant

May 11, 2020

Blotter: Disorderly conduct arrest, construction equipment burglary

May 11, 2020
Larry and Jean Murphy at YoFresh Yogurt Cafe. Their business will continue to support the community on Election Day.

“We’re grieving”: Neighborhood favorite YoFresh Yogurt Cafe misses local community as social distancing continues

May 7, 2020
“The show must go on”: Evanston’s new and expecting mothers confront anxiety, isolation

“The show must go on”: Evanston’s new and expecting mothers confront anxiety, isolation

April 30, 2020
EPD handles social distancing violations with “education” not “enforcement,” but $150 fine possible

EPD handles social distancing violations with “education” not “enforcement,” but $150 fine possible

April 28, 2020
Everything Evanston: Food Pantries in a Pandemic

Everything Evanston: Food Pantries in a Pandemic

April 28, 2020

Blotter: Attempted burglary, graffiti in Evanston Hospital waiting area

April 27, 2020
Of the 1,214 Evanston residents served at the James Park food pantry last week, the city served 526 children and 180 seniors, Ald. Cicely Fleming (9th) said.

As food insecurity rates balloon, city officials open emergency pantry at James Park

April 27, 2020

Blotter: Motor vehicle theft, graffiti on CTA property

April 26, 2020
Gov. J.B. Pritzker. Pritzker extended Illinois’ stay-at-home order until May 30, with some modifications slated to go into effect on May 1.

Illinois stay-at-home order extended, lawsuit filed against Pritzker

April 23, 2020

Blotter: Two iPhones taken from Xfinity Store, mountain bike stolen

April 22, 2020
Amid COVID-19, local organizations are working to prevent an undercount, especially within ‘hard-to-reach’ communities.

Hard to Count: The fight to prevent a 2020 undercount amid COVID-19

April 16, 2020

Blotter: Chicago man arrested for cannabis possession, resisting police officer

April 15, 2020
Alone, together: Substance abuse recovery organizations take community online

Alone, together: Substance abuse recovery organizations take community online

April 14, 2020
Monique Jones. The Evanston Community Foundation president and CEO announced her resignation Wednesday.

Donors will match up to $1 million for Evanston Community Rapid Response Fund

April 10, 2020
Daily graphic by Roxanne Panas

Cannabis sales rise as dispensaries move to protect at-risk patients

April 7, 2020
A yard sign from Connections for the Homeless that shows a person holding a baby and reads “LOVE DON’T PAY THE RENT.” There is a large pale building in the background.

“This virus isn’t going to go away” — Evanston organizations rush to assist the city’s vulnerable homeless population

March 30, 2020
Rabbi Andrea London. London said Evanston residents should build meditation into their new routines to accept what they cannot control.

Coping with “the new normal”: local wellness leaders weigh in

March 24, 2020
The Unicorn Cafe storefront. The store closed recently after almost 30 years in Evanston.

Social distancing protocol forces small businesses to make tough calls

March 19, 2020
The old Robert Crown Community Center. The newly renovated center’s gymnasium will be named after the Logan Family.

Robert Crown demolition work set to begin

March 5, 2020
Photos from Rogers Park. The area boasts a wide variety of restaurants, shops and art displays.

Armadillos, marshmallows and artists: an afternoon in Rogers Park

March 4, 2020
From left to right: Liz Crampton, Rick Bayless and Rodger Cooley. Crampton, a Politico agriculture reporter, moderated the panel “On the Menu — The Food System of the Future.”

Panelists examine adapting food systems to mitigate climate change

March 3, 2020

Blotter: Man arrested in connection with television theft, car door spray-painted

March 1, 2020
The capitol building at Springfield. A bill calling for more robust black history education in public schools gained traction at the Black Caucus Annual Soiree last Wednesday.

Initiative for pre-enslavement black history education gains traction

February 25, 2020

Blotter: Driver failed to secure child, Ohio man sped on Ridge Avenue

February 20, 2020
Bookends and Beginnings. Nina Barrett, owner of Bookends and Beginnings, said she encourages her employees to take entrepreneurship roles within the store.

Women business owners reflect on leadership

February 19, 2020
Mayoral candidate Daniel Biss. Biss rejected Ald. Ann Rainey's endorsement after her comments against Clerk Reid.

Illinois for Warren mobilizes support at office opening

February 18, 2020
Pia Justesen. The human rights lawyer and accessibility advocate published her oral history collection “From the Periphery” in 2019.

Q&A: A conversation with Pia Justesen, human rights lawyer and accessibility advocate

February 17, 2020
Jennifer and William Eason stand behind the counter at Jennifer’s Edibles. William Eason said the restaurant is experiencing its most successful year yet.

“A home away from home”: Jennifer’s Edibles celebrates hard work

February 13, 2020
Kilwins, 1724 Sherman Ave. This Valentine’s Day, Kilwins’ sales will include limited-time-only chocolate-dipped strawberries and buy-one-get-one-free ice cream scoops.

Evanston businesses offer Valentine’s Day deals

February 12, 2020
Ice skaters at the Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon. Despite an unusually warm winter, a foundation of ice early in the season and refrigeration systems below the Ribbon have kept the ice solid.

Warm days don’t faze Maggie Daley Skating Ribbon

February 9, 2020
The Mather in Evanston. The Mather was one of the participating Life Plan Communities in the Age Well study.

Mather Institute study finds link between resident personality and health

February 5, 2020
Vincent Romero reads poetry in “A Winter Night of Indigenous Tellings” at the Mitchell Museum of the American Indian. The storytelling event followed a series of Indigenous poetry workshops affiliated with the American Indian Center of Chicago.

Poets examine dual cultures in Mitchell Museum storytelling event

January 31, 2020
The Illinois State Capitol on March 9, 2017, in Springfield, Illinois. In January, a new law went into effect that increased required workplace harassment education across the state.

State law seeks to improve harassment protection in the workplace

January 30, 2020

Blotter: Frozen meat stolen from front porch, renter fails to return U-Haul truck

January 29, 2020
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Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881
Maia Spoto