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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

Samantha Handler

Samantha Handler, In Focus Editor

Samantha is a Medill junior studying journalism and political science. The Los Angeles native is currently a print managing editor, and previously worked as city editor, copy chief and assistant city editor. You can reach Samantha via Twitter or email.

All content by Samantha Handler
Daily file photo by Patrick Svitek

D65 cerrará todas sus escuelas, enseñará en línea hasta el 12 de abril

March 15, 2020
The Evanston/Skokie District 65 Education Center, at 1500 McDaniel Avenue. District 65 will close all schools and switch to online learning until April 12.

D65 to close all buildings, implements online learning through April 12

March 13, 2020

Man killed at Howard Street ‘L’ Station

December 3, 2019

City seeks public comment on 5-year community development plan

November 26, 2019

Blotter: Woman shot on Sherman Ave., Items taken from Jewel

November 21, 2019
Ald. Ann Rainey (8th) at a council meeting. Rainey

Council approves new restaurant on Howard Street

November 21, 2019
Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge Ave. ETHS board members discussed a student achievement report at a meeting Nov. 12.

ETHS report on student achievement shows continued racial disparities

November 18, 2019

Cannabis dispensary company eyes Old Orchard for new location

November 17, 2019
Ald. Cicely Fleming (9th) at a City Council meeting. Fleming said aldermen should wait until after the budget to consider a referendum on nonpartisan elections.

City delays drafting referendum to codify nonpartisan elections practice

November 15, 2019
One of several rats scurry around the scene as Los Angeles Bureau of Sanitation crews clean up a homeless encampment in Los Angeles on May 23, 2019. The number of rat complaints in Evanston has decreased over the past four years.

Number of rat complaints down from 2015

November 13, 2019

Blotter: Vodka taken from Walgreens, graffiti found at Shell Station

November 13, 2019
District 65 board president Suni Kartha. Kartha announced the district has narrowed its search for a new superintendent.

District 65 narrows search for superintendent

November 12, 2019

Police investigate racial slur sent to D65 schools

November 12, 2019
Ald. Robin Rue Simmons (5th) at a City Council meeting. Rue Simmons had questions about the city legalizing recreational cannabis.

Aldermen introduce a rule making recreational cannabis legal

November 12, 2019

Evanston man arrested for loaded gun found in car

November 8, 2019

EFD announces new smoke detector law

November 6, 2019

Blotter: Van never returned to U-Haul, Axe body spray taken from CVS

November 5, 2019
Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan is Evanston’s water source.

Though group identifies contaminants in Evanston’s drinking water, city says water is safe

November 5, 2019
The Evanston Salvation Army, 1403 Sherman Ave. Some residents oppose the group’s plan to buy a church on Hurd Avenue.

Residents petition to block Salvation Army purchase of Hurd Ave location

November 5, 2019

Schakowsky votes to pass impeachment resolution

October 31, 2019
Evanston Township High School, 1600 Dodge Ave. Evanston Township High School District 202 released its school discipline report for 2018-2019.

ETHS Discipline report shows increase in drug offenses, continued racial disparities

October 30, 2019
Evanston police are investigating a claim that a Haven Middle School staff member acted in an inappropriate way. The investigation is ongoing.

Parents of Haven Middle School student frustrated with lack of progress on assault investigation

October 29, 2019

Blotter: Wallet taken from nursing home, vodka taken from Jewel-Osco

October 24, 2019
The Harley Clarke Mansion, 2603 Sheridan Rd.

Nonprofit plans to submit another bid for Harley Clarke Mansion despite previous denial

October 23, 2019

Evanston to host another ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event

October 20, 2019

Blotter: Coats stolen from Uncle Dan’s, $700 of food taken from Whole Foods

October 17, 2019
Evanston police are investigating a claim that a Haven Middle School staff member acted in an appropriate way. The investigation is ongoing.

EPD, CFS investigate Haven Middle School staff member for inappropriate behavior

October 15, 2019

Blotter: Man arrested for striking police officer, items taken from car on Elmwood

October 15, 2019
The Evanston Police Department started its Hispanic Liaison Officer Program again after the program’s head retired last year. Two officers will now lead the program.

EPD restarts Latinx outreach program

October 14, 2019
Ald. Peter Braithwaite (2nd) at a City Council meeting. Two residents accused Braithwaite of abuse of power, intimidation and lack of impartiality in a complaint to the ethics board.

Ethics board to examine complaint against Braithwaite

October 14, 2019

Evanston to hold sixth annual Zombie Scramble

October 10, 2019
City Council members engage in discussion. At a Monday Rules Committee meeting, aldermen discovered the city never formally switched to nonpartisan elections.

City to draft referendum for nonpartisan elections to codify years-long practice

October 9, 2019

Blotter: Chicago resident issued ticket after Target theft, bike taken from Davis CTA station

October 8, 2019

Blotter: Hygiene products taken from CVS, Car never returned to U-Haul

October 3, 2019

Chicago resident hit in head with brick in attempted murder

October 1, 2019
Evanston began construction to supply water to Lincolnwood.

Federal court dismisses Skokie’s lawsuit over Evanston water rates

September 27, 2019

$100 of Dandruff shampoo taken from CVS, home on Seward Street burglarized

September 26, 2019
Daniel Epstein at Evanston Township High School. Epstein is running for the Illinois Supreme Court.

ETHS grad makes bid for state Supreme Court

September 26, 2019
Illinois politicians favor impeachment proceedings

Illinois politicians favor impeachment proceedings

September 24, 2019

Blotter: Cash stolen from wallet at Whole Foods, license plate taken at Steak n Shake

September 23, 2019

Blotter: Liquor stolen from Jewel-Osco, car damaged

September 22, 2019
City Council members engage in discussion. Council is slated to vote on a potential sales tax increase.

Council to vote on sales tax, discuss the hiring of a city manager search firm

September 22, 2019
Mayor Steve Hagerty speaks at a city meeting. This summer, Hagerty called for a criminal investigation into the full City Council. Also, Northwestern is seeking zoning for professional sporting events in Welsh-Ryan Arena.

Summer in Evanston: Mayor asks for criminal probe of City Council, NU looks to host pro-events at arena

September 22, 2019
Evanston moves forward with recreational marijuana legalization

Evanston moves forward with recreational marijuana legalization

September 17, 2019
In Focus: How the Harley Clarke Mansion became Evanston’s most hotly contested issue

In Focus: How the Harley Clarke Mansion became Evanston’s most hotly contested issue

May 19, 2019
Students at the town hall. Northwestern students spoke out about mental health resources

‘Fund Our Care’ hosts town hall on mental health resources, students share stories

April 26, 2019
The Harley Clarke Mansion in north Evanston.

Harley Clarke mansion spared from demolition

December 11, 2018
Ald. Melissa Wynne (3rd) at a City Council meeting. Aldermen discussed on Monday how to reduce cuts, provide Vital Record services and keep from burdening residents with tax and fee increases.

Aldermen workshop a new version of 2019 budget proposal

November 13, 2018
Mayor Steve Hagerty at a City Council meeting. Aldermen narrowly approved Hagerty’s appointments to a new affordable housing committee.

Council approves appointments to new affordable housing committee

November 12, 2018
Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave. The library staff members plan to expand the book collections and introduce a mobile library.

EPL workshopping new services, gathering feedback to improve inclusivity

October 31, 2018
Ald. Donald Wilson (4th) at Monday’s City Council meeting. Aldermen approved changes to the city’s Inclusionary Housing Ordinance at the meeting.

Aldermen revise, strengthen Inclusionary Housing Ordinance

October 29, 2018
Ald. Ann Rainey (8th) at a city meeting. Rainey is being accused of violating parts of the city’s Code of Ethics.

Ethics Board to hear complaints against Rainey regarding Harley Clarke fundraising

October 16, 2018
Health and Human Services Director Evonda Thomas-Smith speaks at a city meeting. As part of Fiscal Year 2019 budget cuts, the city is proposing reductions to her departments.

Proposed budget puts Health and Human Services Department classification at risk

October 15, 2018
Housing and grants division administrator Sarah Flax speaks at a city meeting. On Monday, Flax presented proposed changes to the city’s Inclusionary Housing Ordinance.

Committee proposes changes to Inclusionary Housing Ordinance

October 9, 2018
Spoonfoolery Creative Cooking & Baking, located at 2113 Greenleaf St. The demonstration and teaching kitchen opened Sept. 7 and offers cooking lessons for children, includes after-school care and hosts events.

Evanston resident opens teaching kitchen for children’s cooking lessons, events

October 1, 2018
Divvy bikes in Evanston. City Council recently barely passed a measure approving the purchase of three new Divvy bike stations.

Council narrowly votes to purchase new Divvy stations

October 1, 2018
Police response at Custer and Howard

Three shot in Evanston at Custer Avenue and Howard Street

September 20, 2018

Evanston Fire Department rescues swimmer from Lake Michigan

September 20, 2018
The Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, 2100 Ridge Ave. Residents signed a petition to support full funding for the city’s Youth and Young Adult division, which faces potential budget cuts.

Residents petition to protect Youth and Young Adult division from budget cuts

June 1, 2018
Harley Clarke mansion, 2603 Sheridan Rd. Members of the Evanston Lighthouse Dunes group announced Monday that they had secured funds to deconstruct the mansion and restore the parkland.

Evanston residents propose demolition plan for Harley Clarke mansion

May 31, 2018
Ald. Cicely Fleming (9th) speaks at a council meeting. Fleming voted to approve a program that expands Divvy use to low-income residents.

Committee expands Divvy use to income-eligible residents

May 29, 2018
Ald. Ann Rainey (8th) speaks at a City Council meeting. Rainey voted in favor of deferring four programs from the city’s 2018 Capital Improvement program.

Council delays several capital improvement programs for 2018

May 28, 2018
Ald. Melissa Wynne (3rd) speaks at a council meeting. The Transportation and Parking Committee, which Wynne chairs, recommended Wednesday that council approve an agreement with the Chicago Transit Authority to modernize the Purple Line.

Committee recommends council approval of Purple Line modernization

May 23, 2018
A firefighter participates in first responder training. Evanston Fire Department promoted three individuals Tuesday.

EFD promotes three to various positions

May 22, 2018
U.S. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) speaks at an event. Duckworth tweeted on Tuesday that the number of children lost to gun violence is “sickening.”

Illinois politicians call for more gun safety measures following Santa Fe High School shooting

May 22, 2018
Ald. Melissa Wynne (3rd) speaks at a council meeting. Wynne said she wants the city to create a clearer list of public benefits for developers.

Aldermen consider changes to city’s public benefits ordinance

May 22, 2018
Jewish Voice for Peace Chicago demonstrators hold a sign Friday calling for U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.) to condemn killings in Gaza. The group gathered in front of Schakowsky’s district office.

Jewish Voice for Peace, Evanston residents call on Schakowsky to condemn killings in Gaza

May 20, 2018
Ald. Judy Fiske (1st) speaks at a council meeting. Fiske voted against the development of a 17-story active living facility due to concerns about the impact on traffic.

Council advances 17-story age-restricted residential building

May 16, 2018
Ald. Peter Braithwaite (2nd) speaks at Monday’s City Council meeting. The council unanimously approved an ordinance that allows for the automatic expungement of juvenile criminal records.

Council approves ordinance to expunge juvenile criminal records

May 15, 2018
Mental Health Board chair Karin Ruetzel speaks at a Human Services Committee meeting. At Thursday’s Mental Health Board meeting, a panel of middle and elementary school social workers discussed the inequality of mental health services in Evanston.

District 65 social workers discuss inequity in mental health at board meeting

May 10, 2018
Harley Clarke mansion, 2603 Sheridan Rd. After aldermen denied a lease agreement in April, the future of the mansion is uncertain.

Evanston Lakehouse and Gardens supporters fear future of Harley Clarke property

May 8, 2018
The Noyes Cultural Arts Center, 927 Noyes St. The nonprofit Art Encounter will honor one of its founders, Joanna Pinsky, at a gala Sunday.

Nonprofit Art Encounter to honor one of its founders at 40-year anniversary gala

May 3, 2018
Evanston housing and grants administrator Sarah Flax speaks at a Monday council meeting. Aldermen approved an agreement with Evanston Township High School to formalize a housing education partnership.

Council approves partnership with ETHS housing education program

May 1, 2018
Ald. Cicely Fleming (9th) speaks at a council meeting Monday. Fleming voted in favor of placing a discussion about the three-unrelated rule on the Planning and Development Committee’s agenda.

Aldermen place ‘brothel law’ discussion on committee’s agenda

April 30, 2018
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) speaks at an event. Durbin praised new measures that aim to limit youth Juul and other e-cigarette use.

Durbin praises FDA’s new measures cracking down on youth use of Juul, other e-cigarettes

April 24, 2018
Ald. Cicely Fleming (9th) speaks at a council meeting on Monday. Fleming encouraged city staff to be more “aggressive” with union contracts going into 2018.

Council approves union contracts with police, firefighters

April 24, 2018
Ald. Ann Rainey (8th) speaks at a council meeting on Monday. Aldermen approved a lease agreement for the nonprofit dance and fitness studio Hip Circle Empowerment Center.

Aldermen approve lease for Howard Street nonprofit dance, fitness studio

April 23, 2018
Evanston Public Works Department staff plants a tree Saturday as part of the city’s annual Earth Day celebration. The Evanston Ecology Center also hosted family-friendly activities for the day.

City hosts annual Earth Day celebration, cleanups

April 22, 2018

Evanston holds cleanup events across city in celebration of Earth Day

April 22, 2018
David Brown, president of Harrington Brown, LLC, speaks at a Plan Commission meeting Wednesday. The commission voted 5-1 to recommend City Council’s approval for a building at 128-132 Chicago Ave.

Plan Commission recommends council approval for mixed-use building

April 19, 2018
Democratic gubernatorial candidate J.B. Pritzker speaks at a meet and greet. Pritzker spent a total of $76.3 million on the primary campaign.

Pritzker, Rauner spend a combined $100 per vote cast in primaries

April 17, 2018
Ald. Robin Rue Simmons (5th) looks on at a council meeting. Rue Simmons said she has received complaints from residents who had not gotten callbacks from Open Communities.

City to consider altered agreement with Open Communities after resident complaints

April 17, 2018
Nichols Middle School principal Adrian Harries speaks with two students. Following claims that his faculty training practices were discriminatory, the Organization for Positive Action and Leadership and the school board expressed support for Harries, calling the criticisms “mischaracterizations.”

OPAL, District 65 express support for Nichols principal after claims of discriminatory practices

April 16, 2018
Ald. Cicely Fleming (9th) speaks at a City Council meeting Monday. Fleming raised concerns about a grant given to Mudlark Theater to diversify its staff.

Aldermen approve grant to Mudlark Theater to diversify staff

April 12, 2018
A woman with short white hair wearing a black sweater speaks into a microphone.

City to further research fence for Sherman Plaza garage roof after incident

April 11, 2018
Ald. Melissa Wynne (3rd) speaks at a council meeting. Wynne voted to deny the lease agreement with Evanston Lakehouse and Gardens.

Council denies Harley Clarke lease agreement due to fundraising concerns, liability issues

April 9, 2018
Michelle Masoncup.

Deputy city attorney to serve as interim corporation counsel

April 8, 2018
A crash at the intersection of Ridge Avenue and Lake Street in January. The city added left-turn arrows to traffic signals at the intersection on Wednesday to reduce the number of accidents.

City adds left-turn signals at Ridge Avenue, Lake Street intersection

April 5, 2018
Church Street in downtown Evanston.

Evanston ranks second in Illinois for livable, environmentally friendly streets

April 3, 2018
J.B. Pritzker speaks at an event. The Democratic candidate for governor donated $7 million to his campaign on March 27.

Pritzker donates another $7 million to gubernatorial campaign

April 3, 2018
Amanecer Tacos, 512 Main St. Amanecer co-founder Ana Vela said it was challenging for her to open the restaurant, but the Evanston community has been “very supportive” since the opening in November.

Evanston sees increase in new businesses in 2017

April 2, 2018
An Evanston Police Department squad car. Evanston police Cmdr. Ryan Glew said a man who was suspected of vehicular burglary was arrested Wednesday morning.

Man arrested at Metra stop after fleeing police

March 28, 2018
Larry Suffredin speaks at an event. The Cook County Commissioner cruised to victory in the Democratic primary on Tuesday.

Suffredin wins primary in reelection bid for Cook County commissioner

March 20, 2018
Students at Haven Middle School participate in a walkout on Wednesday. Eight eighth-graders planned the walkout after hearing about the school shooting in Parkland, Florida.

Middle school students hold walkout in response to Parkland shooting

March 15, 2018
Harley Clarke mansion, 2603 Sheridan Rd. Aldermen will consider a contract for a 40-year lease of the mansion with Evanston Lakehouse and Gardens.

Aldermen to consider Harley Clarke lease, youth coding program at council

March 8, 2018
U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) speaks. Durbin introduced an amendment that would provide consumer protections for student loans.

Durbin introduces amendment providing student loan protections

March 8, 2018
City clerk Devon Reid at a City Council meeting. Reid appeared in court on Tuesday after his arrest for driving on a suspended license in February.

City clerk appears in court on driver’s license suspension charge

March 7, 2018

Suffredin takes on challengers in race for Cook County commissioner

March 7, 2018
Ald. Cicely Fleming (9th) discusses the removal of arrest records from the city’s website at a Human Services Committee meeting on Monday. The records are available on the Evanston Police Department’s page on the website.

Aldermen discuss possibly removing arrest records from city website

March 5, 2018
The National Vegetarian Museum’s exhibit at the Evanston Public Library. The exhibit will run through April 2.

National Vegetarian Museum opens exhibit at library

March 1, 2018
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Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881
Samantha Handler