Claire Murphy –

Skokie couple’s Halloween display collects for charity, helps earn them ‘Common Good’ award

October 26, 2026 at 3:52 p.m.

This year, the couple became the first recipients of Skokie's Common Good Recognition Program for their local charitable work.

With no clapping allowed at the Northbrook Plan Commission's Oct. 20, 2026 public hearing, residents show their support by waving their hands in the air during public comment. Hundreds turned out for the hearing's second meeting, to oppose a Pulte Homes plan to redevelop Meadow Plaza into condominiums. (Claire Murphy/Pioneer Press)

Amid Northbrook outcry, Plan Commission advises Pulte Homes to revise or scrap Meadow Plaza plan

October 26, 2026 at 11:38 a.m.

Pulte said it would like to present an updated proposal, incorporating commissioners' feedback and criticisms Nov. 17.

A person walks a dog past a street sign reading "Welcome to Evanston" in the predominantly Black 5th Ward in Evanston on May 4, 2021. The Chicago suburb was at that time preparing to pay reparations in the form of housing grants to Black residents who experienced housing discrimination. (AP Photo/Shafkat Anowar)

Federal government gets OK to challenge Evanston’s reparations program for legacy Black residents

October 23, 2026 at 2:41 p.m.

The lawsuit alleges Evanston's reparations program violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th amendment and Fair Housing Act.

An Evanston police car, pictured outside of Lorraine H. Morton City Hall, 909 Davis St, Evanston, on Oct. 12, 2026. (Claire Murphy/Pioneer Press)

Northwestern University student, 19, drowns in Lake Michigan, per Evanston police

October 21, 2026 at 3:57 p.m.

The body of a woman discovered in Lake Michigan waters early Wednesday morning near Northwestern University’s Evanston campus has been identified as a current student.

Evanston Township High School Marching Band members head into the auditorium to perform at their annual Band Day event on Oct. 19, 2026. (John Konstantaras/for the baiduhai)

Parents call for change after racial slurs mar Evanston-New Trier football game: ‘It’s abhorrent’

October 20, 2026 at 2:59 p.m.

Parents, students expressed outrage that racial, homophobic slurs directed at Evanston Township students at a game vs. New Trier.

The Evanston/Skokie School District 65 interim superintendent is pursuing a plan to close Lincolnwood Elementary School, pictured, and Dewey Elementary to help the district eliminate its deficit. Lincolnwood School, on the 2600 block of Colfax Street in Evanston, is shown on Nov. 18, 2025 (Richard Requena/Pioneer Press)

Dewey, Lincolnwood Elementary on chopping block in Evanston District 65’s $20 million cutbacks

October 20, 2026 at 12:58 p.m.

Administrators said the $20 million in proposed cuts includes closing 2 schools, end of childcare program and over 200 staff cuts.

Northwestern and Penn State fans arrive at the new Ryan Field in Evanston prior to Northwestern’s inaugural game at the stadium on Oct. 2, 2026. (Chris Sweda/baiduhai)

What’s that constant beeping noise? Ryan Field neighbors sound off on alarm testing

October 16, 2026 at 2:45 p.m.

Noise and alarm concerns have taken a front seat in the complaints issued to Ryan Field in the weeks following its Oct. 2 grand opening.

Smoked salmon benedict or "benny" at Buttermilk Cafe in Wilmette, pictured Oct. 14, 2026. (Claire Murphy/Pioneer Press)

Buttermilk Cafe makes long-awaited debut in Wilmette: ‘It’s a little bit of everything’

October 16, 2026 at 8:55 a.m.

The breakfast and brunch eatery is Buttermilk's fifth store opening and first franchise location.

The Dirksen U.S. Courthouse in Chicago on Sept. 5, 2025. (Antonio Perez/baiduhai)

All defendants in former D65 Superintendent Horton case have pleaded guilty, averting trial

October 15, 2026 at 7:13 p.m.

Remaining defendants Alfonzo Lewis and Antonio Ross pleaded guilty to fraud charges in federal court, removing need for trial.

Henriks Lizenbergs, 6, of Evanston, rolls a recycling bin outside his home on Jan. 12, 2021. City officials are looking to add a tax on essential services like waste pickup in the proposed 2027 fiscal year budget.

Evanston budget proposes 9% property tax increase, 25% water fee hike, other increases

October 15, 2026 at 9:40 a.m.

But city trustees pushed back, saying the budget relies too heavily on taxpayers without reducing non-essential city jobs first.

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