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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
Olivia Alexander

Olivia Alexander, In Focus Editor

Olivia is a Medill sophomore from Little Rock, Arkansas with majors in Journalism and American Studies. Currently, she serves as one of the In Focus editors and also reports on K-12 education and activism in Evanston and Skokie. At The Daily, she has served as Assistant Arts & Entertainment Editor and Assistant City Editor. On campus, she is a Peer Adviser, a member of Canterbury Northwestern and works as a Communications Aide in the University's Office of Global Marketing and Communications. You can reach her via email or Twitter.

Last updated spring 2022. 

All content by Olivia Alexander
A performer in blue sunglasses and a white button down shirt plays an acoustic guitar and sings into a microphone on stage.

Steve Lacy’s ‘Give You The World’ Tour brings ‘number-one energy’ to Chicago

October 9, 2022
An illustration of houses on a bridge over water.

Moving to Evanston for the first time? Here’s what you need to know

August 12, 2022
An illustration of The Arch above a map.

Beyond NU: Some must-do things in nearby suburbs

August 12, 2022
A reader holds up an edition of The Daily that reads “Clocked Out” on its cover.

From The Newsroom: The Daily’s In Focus desk explained

May 4, 2022
A crowd of people stand along Ridge Avenue during the annual YWCA Stand Against Racism holding signs.

Evanston residents take a Stand Against Racism with YWCA

April 29, 2022
Marcus Campbell smiles facing the camera. He is wearing a blue blazer and an orange tie.

Who is the next D202 superintendent? Inside Marcus Campbell’s 21 years at ETHS

April 27, 2022
Eric Witherspoon smiles in front of ETHS. He is wearing a blue blazer and an orange tie.

ETHS faculty and staff reflect on Superintendent Eric Witherspoon’s retirement

April 22, 2022
The front of the Evanston/Skokie District 65 building.

The Illinois State Board of Education might change its standardized testing system. Here’s what Evanston educators think

April 22, 2022
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.

Haven Middle School teachers and parents advocate for de-escalation training

April 19, 2022
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.

District 65 board elects Sergio Hernandez and Marquise Weatherspoon as next president, vice president

April 19, 2022
An illustration of a school with two faces in side profile as the background. The colors are green and blue.

Community members pack historic District 65 school board meeting to establish 5th Ward school

March 15, 2022
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.

District 65 board approves plan to establish 5th Ward school

March 15, 2022
Ald. Juan Geracaris (9th) and his two children practice skateboarding. There are green trees in the background.

Ald. Juan Geracaris (9th) kickflips into City Council

March 3, 2022
Clothing racks at Crossroads Trading Company.

Best Clothing Store: Crossroads Trading Company

February 27, 2022
An aerial view of Evanston. A wide street runs down the middle with many cars passing through. The street is paved black, the surrounding buildings are brown.

Five things you should know about Juan Geracaris, the mayor’s pick for 9th Ward councilmember

February 24, 2022
Juan Geracaris smiles at the camera. He wears glasses and a blue collared shirt.

Juan Geracaris appointed to fill vacant 9th Ward council seat pending council approval

February 23, 2022
A picture of Evanston Township High School’s exterior.

District 65, District 202 discuss expanding 2014 literacy goal at joint meeting

February 23, 2022
The front of the Lorraine H. Morton Civic Center, a red brick building with a concrete entryway.

9th Ward aldermanic candidates address the community in forum

February 18, 2022
Ald. Cicely Fleming speaks during a City Council meeting.

Cicely Fleming departs from City Council after five years of service

February 18, 2022
Green grid with the words SRO STANDOFF and a hand holding a gun to the right

In Focus: As community members remain split on SROs in Niles Township high schools, the district fails to act

February 11, 2022
The exterior of Good to Go restaurant.

Good To Go Jamaican Cuisine’s Lenice Levy named Evanston businessperson of the year

February 8, 2022
A man in a navy blazer and a blue tie faces the camera

Roycemore School names Christopher English as next head of school

February 2, 2022
A white and red calendar on a teal background. The calendar has the number “30” and the letters “SUN” written in Black.

The Week Ahead: What’s coming up in Evanston the week of Jan. 30

January 30, 2022
A teacher sits at a desk grading a paper. Half of the room is shadowed.

ETHS teachers call for increased hiring and retention of Black, Latinx teachers

January 27, 2022
An illustration of a large monarch butterfly with a white outline. In the background, many more monarch butterflies swarm.

The monarch butterfly population might be declining. Here’s what you can do

January 25, 2022
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.

District 65 Personnel, Building and Grounds and Finance Committee hears facilities updates

January 25, 2022
An illustration of “Sing 2” playing in a movie theater.

Reel Thoughts: Although a fun watch, ‘Sing 2’ lacks depth

January 23, 2022
A large brick building with red flowers in front. A large sign reads Evanston Township High School Established 1883.

D65 and D202 joint committee calls for stronger literacy goals

January 20, 2022
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.

District 65 Curriculum and Policy Committee discusses COVID, provides accelerated learning updates

January 19, 2022
A white and red calendar on a teal background. The calendar has the number “16” and the letters “SUN” written in Black.

The Week Ahead: What’s coming up in Evanston the week of Jan. 16

January 17, 2022
Cicely Fleming sits at a brown wooden desk in a black chair at City Hall. The black plaque in front of her reads “Alderman Fleming.”

Ald. Fleming leads state initiative to elevate family voice in early childcare programs

January 14, 2022
A drawing of a teacher wearing a green shirt and a mask. The teacher sits behind a desk with an apple on it. The background is a turquoise blue with wavy lines.

Local school districts look to reopen during COVID-19 surge

January 11, 2022
An aerial view of Evanston. A wide street runs down the middle with many cars passing through. The street is paved black, the surrounding buildings are brown.

Three things to know about Evanston’s city manager candidates

January 6, 2022
A circle of District 65 parents sit in lawn chairs outdoors.

D65 parent climate action team advocates for institutional climate change strategies

January 5, 2022
An aerial view of Evanston. A wide street runs down the middle with many cars passing through. The street is paved black, the surrounding buildings are brown.

Michael Jasso and Daniel Ramos announced as city manager finalists

January 5, 2022
A picture of Evanston Township High School’s exterior.

Survey results reveal most ETHS students have little interaction with SROs

December 17, 2021
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.

D65 board talks emergency preparedness procedures

December 15, 2021
A picture of Evanston Township High School’s exterior.

D202 board discusses school community mental well-being supports and strategies

December 15, 2021
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.

District 65 announces no school on Monday or Tuesday

November 22, 2021
A red and white name tag appears on an orange background. The name tag reads “Hello my pronouns are.”

Two ETHS seniors lead the push to make school a safer place for trans, gender non-conforming students

November 22, 2021
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.

D65 administration introduces Aspiring Leaders program to board

November 16, 2021
A red-brick building with large, plated glass windows. Beneath one set of windows is a set of raised steel letters with the building name. A short green hedge borders the building in front of a sidewalk.

District 65 appoints students to 2021-2022 Superintendent Student Advisory Committee

November 12, 2021
An illustration of a red-brick building with three grey question marks above it. The sky is cloudy and grey.

After months of negotiations, District 65 community members say the vote against including an IGA in the 5/5 TIF came as a surprise

November 10, 2021
A photo of Evanston Township High School’s exterior.

District 202 student board member raises concerns about former ETHS coach charged with child seduction

November 10, 2021
A picture of Evanston Township High School’s exterior.

District 202 board discusses proposed tax levy, student enrollment data

November 9, 2021
A student with a mask on faces a classroom of desks. The Blackboard behind them reads “Welcome Students.”

District 65, District 202 joint meeting emphasizes new collaboration initiatives

October 26, 2021
Someone stands above a crowd, outside, holding a blue megaphone.

“Climate justice now”: ETown Sunrise and ETHS students walk out for CARP implementation

October 25, 2021
A woman with short blond hair and glasses faces the camera.

Evanston poet releases chapbook of poems inspired by Marie Curie, Radium Girls

October 20, 2021
The front of a large tan house with assorted patio furniture on the front, pride flags hanging on the porch and shrubs planted on the front lawn.

MOSAIC co-op closes one house amid pandemic and rising rent

October 18, 2021
A picture of Evanston Township High School’s exterior.

D202 board unveils portraits honoring longtime member, discusses COVID-19 measures

October 12, 2021
Exterior of the Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Education Center, a brick building with large windows.

District 65 students continue to adopt technology use for in-person learning

October 6, 2021
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.

District 65 SEPAC guest speakers discuss accessibility in education

October 6, 2021
Olvia Ohlson smiles while holding a sign that says “Olivia Ohlson, Future of Evanston Award Winner.”

ETHS student honored with “Future of Evanston Award” for years of service to the community

October 4, 2021
Two masked people stand side-by-side, outside at night, holding signs. One sign reads, Leadership requires empathy. The other sign reads, Teachers want their careers valued + respected.

Amid teacher-led protest, District 65 board receives back-to-school updates

September 28, 2021
A pair of praying hands with various religious iconographies surrounding them.

A guide to religious spaces at NU

August 15, 2021
Four dancers on a pink and orange ombre background.

Almost 20 dance groups take center stage on campus

August 15, 2021
An illustration of a red-brick building with three grey question marks above it. The sky is cloudy and grey.

Over 50 years since Foster School: Community members continue push to reintroduce a 5th Ward public neighborhood school

July 9, 2021
The exterior of Lake Street Church, a marble building with foliage and steps outside.

Lake Street Church of Evanston, Second Baptist Church hold interfaith panel on reparations

June 20, 2021
“No SROs” written in orange chalk on pavement outside a medium one-story building. Many people are walking around toward the back of the building, facing away from the camera and stepping over more chalk messages.

Skokie Schools Equity Collaborative, Abolition Coalition host anti-racist celebration and protest of SROs in D219

June 15, 2021
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.

District 65 board receives updates on CREATE Teacher Residency during Monday’s meeting

June 15, 2021
Marquise Weatherspoon pictured facing the camera. Behind her is a solid gray background.

Marquise Weatherspoon joins District 65 school board

June 8, 2021
An illustration shows a mother and a child looking at a laptop screen.

Evanston parents discuss the importance of summer childcare

May 27, 2021
On a dark starry background, the words “The 90th Annual Waa-Mu Show” appear above a wooden sign that reads “The Secret of Camp Elliott.” The moon appears behind the letters and resembles a UFO.

The Waa-Mu Show to present “The Secret of Camp Elliott” virtually June 9 through 20

May 26, 2021
13 people singing in individual boxes appear on a screen.

Northwestern Community Ensemble celebrates 50 years on campus

May 24, 2021
An illustration features the outlines of two figures’ faces looking away from one another. A school building and a dividing line appear between them.

Evanston Public Library hosts second virtual discussion about history of school segregation, potential 5th Ward school

May 21, 2021
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.

District 65 school board receives update on culture and climate, social emotional learning

May 19, 2021
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.

D65 names three principals, an assistant principal

May 19, 2021
Evanston/Skokie School District 65 Joseph E. Hill Education Center, a red-brick building with large and plated glass windows are pictured. 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.

District 65 administrators present return to school plans, discuss technology and COVID-19 mitigation measures

May 18, 2021
A row of six performers on stage face forward, off camera. Behind them, a man looks out as well.

After year-long reorganization, the Dolphin Show to virtually premiere “Pippin”

May 17, 2021
An illustration features the outlines of two figures’ faces looking away from one another. A school building and a dividing line appear between them.

Local organizers reflect on city’s history of school segregation

May 14, 2021
Two topless winged figures face forward. They are surrounded by flowers.

Community members reflect on sexual freedom in Northwestern Sex Week art gallery

May 12, 2021
A woman sits on a table while acting. She holds a hoof-pick in her right hand and looks straight ahead, off camera.

Wirtz Student Theatre Project “Desdemona” breaks down sexual stigma

May 10, 2021
Two figures facing away from the camera walk toward the glass windows and doors of The Block Museum of Art.

The Block Museum expands student docents’ role

May 6, 2021
Graphic for CREATE Teacher Residency. The Evanston/Skokie School District 65 logo appears above the words “CREATE Network of North Cook” and a logo with two graduating students.

D65 teacher residency partners with NU, National Louis University

May 6, 2021
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.

Evanston/Skokie School District 65 board welcomes Donna Wang Su during reorganization meeting

May 3, 2021
An illustration of hand writing. “New Curriculum” is written at the top of a piece of notebook paper.

District 65 anticipates completion of updated social studies curriculum by July

April 29, 2021
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.

District 65 outlines early plans for 2021-22 school year

April 27, 2021
A woman faces the camera. Behind her are glass windows with two large pieces of art showing through.

The Block Museum exhibition explores self-care and community

April 26, 2021
A crowd gathers in a grassy park. People look toward a speaker not pictured.

Abolition Coalition of Skokie, Evanston/Northshore NAACP lead rally against police brutality

April 25, 2021
The headshots of nine actors appear in a 3x3 grid.

Two NU alumni perform in “New Faces Sing Broadway 1961” with Porchlight Music Theatre

April 19, 2021
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.

District 65 Policy Committee meeting presents new achievement data

April 13, 2021
A promotional photo for the Dolphin Show’s Freshman Cabaret. On a dark blue background, the artwork includes the Dolphin Show logo and reads “The 78th Dolphin Show Presents: Songs of Schwartz A Freshman Cabaret.” Below are the date and time of the performance, “April 15th at 7PM CDT,” and the words “Join us for free on Youtube.”

Dolphin Show Freshman Cabaret “Songs of Schwartz” to premiere April 15

April 12, 2021
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.

District 65 to celebrate second LGBTQ+ Equity Week

April 12, 2021
A promotional poster for the documentary “76 Days.” A side profile of a person wearing a face mask is on the left, with “76 Days” written in large red letters on the right.

Hao Wu, director of “76 Days” documentary, talks creative process, inspiration

April 9, 2021
A small white cube with several pieces of visual art within.

Evanston Made brings first Little Free Art Gallery to Evanston

April 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.

District 65 school board candidates discuss LGBTQ+ inclusive curriculum

March 31, 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.

Central Street Neighbors Association hosts D65 school board candidates in forum

March 25, 2021
Evanston Township High School/District 202 will begin hybrid learning in April.

D202 teachers discuss concerns about hybrid learning announcement

March 11, 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.

D65 working board meeting gives updates on new social studies curriculum

March 9, 2021
A map of Evanston showing the 5th ward shared on a Zoom screen with Dino Robinson speaking in the right hand corner.

ETHS Closet Committee hosts workshop on potential STEM school in 5th Ward

February 25, 2021
A student wearing a mask standing in front of a chalkboard

D65 parents discuss this week’s hybrid learning launch

February 22, 2021
Promotional photo for “Grief Night Club.” Communication senior Nolan Robinson was the writer, director, choreographer and producer of the jazz musical.

Communication senior’s film “Grief Night Club” addresses mental health through music, song and dance

February 18, 2021
Saturday evening, ETown Sunrise and Evanston Fight for Black lives hosted mayoral candidates in a virtual town hall. Afterward, EFBL officially endorsed Sebastian Nalls for Evanston mayor.

ETown Sunrise, EFBL host mayoral candidates in town hall

February 15, 2021
“Change My Mind” announcement. The musical will premiere Saturday evening at 7:30 p.m.

The Dolphin Show to produce new original musical “Change My Mind”

February 10, 2021
Mural by Cheri Lee Charlton at Ridgeville Park District. The mural was one of two created as part of the Evanston Mural Arts Program since March 2020

Muralists bring beauty to Evanston during pandemic

February 2, 2021
A brown building with a silver sign that reads “Evanston/Skokie District 65 Joseph E. Hill Education Center”

District 65 hosts virtual forum to discuss hybrid learning model launch

January 29, 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.

D65, city leaders see escalation in hate crimes, prepare security for Inauguration Day

January 20, 2021
A still from “Finding Yingying. In 2020, director Jenny Shi won numerous awards for her first-ever feature film.

NU alumna Jenny Shi reflects on the year of her award-winning documentary “Finding Yingying”

January 13, 2021
Willard Residential College. This Winter Quarter, undergraduate students will return to campus housing.

Underclassmen make plans for winter following University announcement

November 18, 2020
Lighting design idea for “Wine in the Wilderness.” The play takes place in Bill Jameson’s Harlem studio.

Wirtz Center’s present ‘Wine in the Wilderness’ to celebrate Black womanhood

November 4, 2020
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Northwestern University and Evanston's Only Daily News Source Since 1881
Olivia Alexander