Evanston’s Biggest Stories Of 2024: Here Are 10 Of The Year's Top Headlines

EVANSTON, IL — Campus controversies dominated local news during 2024 in Evanston. The town's biggest private employer has faced a congressional investigation for its handling of pro-Palestinian protests, and the city's largest public school system is preparing to confront major budget cuts after the district's former top administrator left behind a massive deficit and defaulted on money he owed taxpayers himself.

Beyond headlines emanating from Northwestern University and Evanston/Skokie School District 65, Evanston Patch covered the closures of beloved restaurants, the opening of new businesses and the opening of one new city building and the lease of another.

Presented below in no particular order, here’s a look back at the top 10 stories of 2024 on Evanston Patch:

'Misleading At Best': Northwestern Admin Faulted By House Report For Antisemitism Response

New congressional report slams Northwestern administrators for "shocking concessions" with protestors, failing to protect Jewish students.

More Patch Coverage:

• Facing Pressure From Congress, Northwestern University Quietly Cuts Ties With Al Jazeera
• Cook County Prosecutors Drop Charges Northwestern Filed Against Own Staff, Student
• Northwestern Presses Charges Against Professors, Librarian, Student For April Gaza Protest
• Northwestern Threatened With Subpoena Over 'Obstruction' Of Congressional Committee
  
• Schill On The Hill: Northwestern President Faces Questioning From Congress
• Northwestern President Faces Resignation Calls, Class Action Lawsuit From Jewish Students
• Northwestern Pro-Palestinian Protestors Claim 'Historic' Victory In Deal To End Encampment
• Protesters Reach Deal With Northwestern Administration Over Pro-Palestinian Tent Encampment
• Tent Tension: Northwestern's Private Security Force Fails To Clear Gaza Solidary Camp

Why Did Ex-Cheerleader Hayden Richardson Drop Sex Trafficking Suit Against Northwestern?

Court filings reveal the circumstances behind a recent attorney swap, discovery disputes and the destruction of a key piece of evidence.

Without Cuts, District 65 Faces 'Financial Or Academic Bankruptcy,' Risks State Takeover

Slashing staff and shuttering schools are on the table as the District 65 board must make major cuts to stabilize its structural shortfall.

Related:

• 'Not About Avoiding Responsibility': D-65 Wants Consultant To Help With Layoffs, Closures
• District 65's Rate Of Administrators To Students 50% Above Average: Illinois Report Card
• 'Extreme Labor Challenges' Blamed As District 65 Ends Fiscal Year With $10 Million Deficit
• With Looming Deficits, District 65 To Close Only Bilingual School
• Groundbreaking Held For New Foster School In Evanston's 5th Ward
• Ex-Superintendent Devon Horton Defaults On District 65 Debt Payment Plan

White Drama Teacher's Racial Discrimination Lawsuit Dismissed By Judge

A federal judge found District 65 drama teacher Stacy Deemar failed to plausibly allege harm from race-conscious curriculum and training.

Allegations Of Sexualized Hazing At Northwestern Detailed In New Suits

Three more former Northwestern football players recount disturbing, violent rituals and negligence by Pat Fitzgerald and university staff.

Evanston Mom Held Hostage By Hamas Shares Harrowing Story In Television Interview

"I will not have peace until they're all out," said Judith Raanan, who spent two weeks as a captive of Hamas after Oct. 7, 2023.

$7.2 Million State-Of-The-Art, Zero-Emission Evanston Animal Shelter Opens For Adoptions

The new Evanston Animal Shelter is triple the size of the old building, with a new veterinary suite and modernized spaces for cats and dogs.

Related:

• Evanston City Council Votes To Lease New Civic Center Space Downtown
• Secret Deal Ruled Illegal: Evanston Violated Open Meetings Act With Real Estate Broker

'Jerrell, Stop, Bro!': Shooting Victim Recorded Gunman On Snapchat, Prosecutors Say

A barbershop brawl last week in Evanston led to a brazen attempted murder Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.

Thai Restaurant Cozy Noodles & Rice To Permanently Close In Downtown Evanston

After 23 years, the beloved local restaurant and its collection of vintage memorabilia are departing Davis Street.
Related: 'No Regrets': Edzo’s Burger Shop Ends Its 15-Year Run In Downtown Evanston

Tattoo Shop Opens In Evanston, First Since Its 2021 Legalization

Evanston's first tattoo parlor of the 21st century, Sweetheart Ink Tattoo, is now open on Kedzie Avenue.
Related: Lox, Bagels, Matzo Balls, Challah Back In Town As Popular Jewish Deli Opens