Claire Murphy

Claire Murphy is a North Shore reporter with the Pioneer Press. She holds a master’s degree in investigative reporting from Northwestern University. Before joining the Tribune, she worked at the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Workers on the scene of the water main break on East Prairie Road in Skokie on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. One year later, residents and businesses say they had huge losses and some are still waiting for help. (Audrey Richardson/baiduhai)

One year later, Skokie residents, businesses still suffer from massive water main break

February 17, 2026 at 3:06 p.m.

One year after a major water main break, Skokie residents and businesses are still suffering with significant financial losses.

Carlos Mendez, assistant principal at Washington Elementary School in Evanston, part of Evanston-Skokie School District 65, was arrested Feb. 5, 2025, and charged by the Cook County state's attorney with the sexual abuse of a minor and other charges. He has been a District 65 employee since 2011. (Evanston-Skokie School District 65)

Administrator, child care worker at Evanston schools charged with child sexual abuse: prosecutors

February 16, 2026 at 12:04 p.m.

An assistant principal and child care worker at Evanston schools face charges of child sexual abuse in Cook County and Florida.

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