These Are The Top 10 Stories That Made Headlines On Highland Park Patch In 2024

HIGHLAND PARK, IL — From high-profile legal rulings to heated local debates over liquor laws to the long-awaited sale of one of the area's most iconic estates, 2024 provided no shortage of news in Highland Park.

Community members continue to process the ongoing impact of the 2022 Fourth of July parade tragedy after nearly 18 months, as residents now grapple with new challenges in governance, education and public safety.

The year's most-read Highland Park news ranged from courtroom developments involving an accused mass shooter to the bitter trademark battle that forced local business to rebrand or face crippling legal fees.

As for local public schools, one district settled a whistleblower lawsuit and introduced plans for gun-sniffing dogs, while another celebrated the unveiling of a newly renovated school funded by a recent referendum.

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

Crimo Confession Admissible In Court, Judge Finds Accused Shooter Waived Right To Lawyer

Bobby Crimo knowingly waived his right to an attorney during his questioning, the judge found, denying a motion to suppress the interview.

Earlier:

• Staffer With Highland Park Parade Shooting PTSD Fired By Park District
• Highland Park Woman Drops Suit Challenging Local Assault Weapons Ban
• Highland Park Parade Shooting Defendant's Trial Date Set For Feb. 2025
• Highland Park Parade Shooting Defendant Bobby Crimo Rejects Plea Deal
• Keely Roberts Reflects On 2 Years Since Highland Park Shooting
• Judge To Rule On Whether Cops Violated Accused Mass Shooter's Rights

Highland Park Double Homicide Followed Financial Dispute Over Property, Prosecutors Say

Jeff Austwick, accused of killing his brothers and trying to burn their bodies, appeared in court Wednesday for a preliminary hearing.

Earlier:

• Man Wanted For Killing Brothers In Highland Park Had Gun Near Gateway Arch
• Man Shot His 2 Brothers, Set Highland Park House On Fire, Police Say
• Brothers Found Dead Outside Burning Highland Park Home Were Shot To Death, Coroner Reports

82% Of Voters Not Enough To Sway A Majority Of The Highland Park City Council

Despite lopsided results of a non-binding referendum, Mayor Nancy Rotering declined to take any immediate action on liquor license reform.

Earlier:

• Ravinia Brewing Co. Owner Could Be Forced To Choose Between City Council Or Liquor License
• Councilmember Jeff Hoobler To Resign If Post-Prohibition Liquor Law Remains On Books
• Highland Park City Council Remains Split On Liquor License Ban
• Former Blagojevich Staffer Appointed To Replace Hoobler On City Council

Forced To Change Name By Ravinia Festival's Litigation, Ravinia Brewing Rebrands, Closes Chicago Taproom

The recently renamed Steep Ravine Brewing Company will close its Logan Square taproom later this month but remain open in Highland Park.

Earlier:

• Ravinia Brewing To Drop Name Of Neighborhood To Settle Ravinia Festival Trademark Lawsuit
• Ravinia Brewing Company Fights To Keep Name, Looks To Dismiss Ravinia Festival Lawsuit
• Ravinia Festival Files Fresh Complaint Against Ravinia Brewing Company
• Festival Faces Counterclaims From Brewing Company In Ravinia Name Dispute

$500,000 Settlement In Sex Offender, Record Destruction Whistleblower Suit Against Township High School District 113

District 113 officials have agreed to resolve the explosive whistleblower lawsuit filed by Highland Park High School teacher Amy Burnetti.

'Traumatizing' Pro-Palestinian Protesters Target Brad Schneider's Highland Park House

Police dispersed dozens of anti-Israel protesters who awoke the neighborhood around 3 a.m. on Saturday morning, city officials said.
Later: Highland Park Bans Protests In Residential Districts After Congressman's House Picketed

Michael Jordan’s Mansion Sold For $9.5 Million After More Than A Dozen Years On Market

Originally listed at $29 million, His Airness's estate sold for a fraction of its original price — but its sale still broke records.
Earlier: Michael Jordan’s Iconic Highland Park Mansion Under Contract After 12 Years On Market

Amid Backlash, DHS Drama Teacher Who Posted About Israel Disciplined Over Social Media Use

Supporters of on-leave Deerfield High School Theatre Director Britnee Kenyon say they were called antisemites and "Jewish Hamas supporters."
Then: District 113 Officials Pledge Not To Discipline Staff For Constitutional Speech

Indian Trail Elementary Reopens After Renovation, First Funded By $114 Million Referendum

North Shore School District 112 officials held a ribbon-cutting for new "state-of-the-art facilities and welcoming spaces" on Dec. 6.

Dogs To Patrol Highland Park, Deerfield High Schools To Sniff Out Guns, Explosives

Two canine detection teams are expected to be on District 113 campuses by the start of the second semester in January, officials said.
Earlier: Special Education Student Brings Gun To School In Highland Park, Police Say