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Good Tuesday morning, Evanston.
ETHS grad Blake Peters became a national sensation when he helped send the Princeton men’s basketball team to the Sweet 16 over the weekend, but his story began right here with a 2018 game-winning shot that you may not believe even after seeing the video.
After sharing profiles of District 65 board candidates yesterday, we’re back today with profiles of all five Evanstonians running for ETHS board seats. Three spots on the District 202 board are up for election, though Mirah Anti is the only declared write-in candidate for a two-year post and is essentially guaranteed to win. Early voting is underway, with Election Day on April 4.
Meanwhile, the ETHS teachers union has announced its endorsement of three candidates, backing two incumbents and one challenger.
Second Ward Council Member Krissie Harris said she has returned two $6,000 campaign contributions from donors with ties to the Ryan family, which is funding much of Northwestern’s planned $800 million new football stadium. Harris told the RoundTable she was never contacted by anyone connected to the Ryans. The donations drew criticism from the Community Alliance for Better Government, which has endorsed challenger Darlene Cannon.
The Evanston Police Department on Monday said its search continues for a male suspect allegedly involved in a battery, a case that prompted soft lockdowns at schools across the city on Friday. “We don’t have information that indicates he is a threat to the community at this time,” said Commander Ryan Glew, EPD spokesperson. Glew wrote in an email that the citywide lockdowns “were the easiest and most efficient way to ensure school safety.”
COVID-19 by the numbers: Nine new cases were reported on Sunday, March 19, the last day the city updated totals. The seven-day average is 11.6 cases per day. One death was recorded Sunday, March 12, bringing the city’s total deaths to 164.
More RoundTable reads
Council Member Juan Geracaris and challenger Kathy Hayes squared off in a vibrant discussion at a Ninth Ward candidate forum Saturday, March 18. Both candidates identified the budget, affordability and equity as key issues.
The Equity and Empowerment Commission backs three proposals to protect affordable housing: limiting real estate developer pitches, hiking the demolition tax and banning any reduction in the number of units in two- to four-flat buildings.
Letter to the editor: “Have we … really devolved to the point where those running for any elected office feel the need to intimidate rather than debate?” writes Steve Lemieux-Jordan as he urges public civility and the exercise of the vote.
Letter to the editor: “The title sounds an alarm but does little to invite readers to have thoughtful dialogue on what was shared by Black community survey respondents,” Henry Wilkins writes, responding to a RoundTable headline last week.
Tournament triumph: Earlier this month, teams from Chute and Nichols middle schools finished in third and fourth place in the Junior High division for Grades 6-8 at the Illinois K-8 Chess Championship.
Evanston’s Public Works Agency is offering bulk trash pickup for residents on specific Fridays throughout the month of April. Crews will take up to six cubic yards of bulk garbage.
Picture perfect: Send your photos of people, places and events around town to news@evanstonroundtable.com for a chance to be included in this newsletter.
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Around the web
3 years, 4 million cases, more than 36,000 deaths: Numbers shape Illinois’ dismal COVID-19 story. For a week in December 2020, before vaccines became available, the state hit 150 deaths a day. WBEZ takes a look at the scale of the loss.
Kennedy Expressway construction begins Monday, expect major delays. The three-year project began overnight, and it will likely cause a headache on your commute. Parts of the two inbound left lanes will be closed until July.
Popping tags and rising prices: NU students raise thrifting ethical concerns. The trendiness of secondhand shopping has presented a challenge for those who cannot afford to shop elsewhere.
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