Skokie’s Most-Read Stories Of 2024: What Made Headlines In The Village This Year

SKOKIE, IL — From an ongoing mall makeover to fresh electoral reforms and fatal collisions on local roadways, Skokie provided no shortage of stories among the year's most read stories on Patch.

High-profile legal cases, traffic tragedies and big-budget projects dominated news in the village this year, with development debates, calls for accountability and revelations from ongoing investigations also making headlines.

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

Westfield Old Orchard Mall Redevelopment Plan Gets Final Approval From Skokie Trustees

Developers included some affordable units, but fewer than required by an ordinance that passed after the $100 million project was proposed.

Earlier:

• Despite Debate Over Affordable Housing Mandates, Village Board Approves Old Orchard Revamp
• Skokie Trustees To Review Plans For Hundreds of Apartments, Hotel at Westfield Old Orchard
• $100 Million Transformation Of Old Orchard Mall Heads To Skokie Plan Commission

CTA Yellow Line Operator In Crash That Injured 38 Had More Than Twice Legal Alcohol Limit

The 47-year-old train operator hasn't been charged or cited, but he's been barred from operating trains ever since the November 2023 crash.

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Former Skokie State Rep. Lou Lang Testifies In Mike Madigan Federal Corruption Trial

The lawmaker-turned-lobbyist was pressured out of the legislature at Madigan's insistence after facing allegations of sexual harassment.

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The Hijab Vault Now Open In Skokie, 2nd Location For Unique Boutique

After expanding its original location, the hijab-only store now offers distinctive styles and personalized advice to shoppers in Skokie.

Gross Point Road Gets New Bike Lanes As Part Of $8 Million In Upgrades

Federal and state grants funded more than 97 percent of the project's cost, with IDOT now set to transfer ownership of the road to village.
Related: 'Past The Time To Act': Recent Crashes Reveal Danger Of Cycling In Skokie, Advocates Say

Hit-And-Run Driver Sought After Cyclist Killed On Oakton In Skokie

After a 37-year-old bicyclist was struck by two vehicles Tuesday night, one driver stayed, but the other fled the scene.
Earlier: Cyclist Killed In Skokie Hit-And-Run Crash Identified By Medical Examiner

Improperly Secret Board Meeting Concerned Loan To Stalled Skokie Hotel

After the Illinois Attorney General's Office found the village violated the Open Meetings Act, Patch obtained audio of the discussion.

Skokie Term Limits Referendum Wins By Large Margin

Residents of a town that has had just 3 mayors in the past 60 years decided it's time to impose term limits.
Earlier: 3 Terms And You're Out? Term Limits For Skokie Elected Officials Are On The Ballot

Teen 'Upset Because His Mother Took His Phone' Indicted Over Armed Robbery Of Jogger

Two 18-year-old men are accused of stealing a woman's phone at gunpoint. Both have been ordered to remain in jail while awaiting trial.
Earlier: 'Volatile And Violent' 18-Year-Old Crime Spree Suspect To Stay Behind Bars Ahead Of Trial

Public Defender Sues To Be Able To Display Photo Holding Rifle In Front Of Israeli Flag

Debra Gassman says preventing her from displaying the photograph is a violation of her First Amendment rights.