Evanston 2020 Year In Review: Community Rises To The Challenge

EVANSTON, IL — While New Year's Eve 2020 will be unlike year's past The end of an unforgettable year offers a opportunity to look back on some of the top local news stories from Evanston published during 2020.

The year's coverage was dominated by the coronavirus pandemic, which touched the life of every member of the community in some way — from schools to work, from the political to the personal.

Since the start of year, there have been 3,098 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 94 deaths among Evanston residents, according to data from the city's health department. But COVID-19 was not the only thing in the news in Evanston this year.

Find some of the most-read articles published by Evanston Patch during 2020 below, in roughly chronological order.

Evanston Man Sues Police Chief, City Over 'HIV' Social Media Post

The man says Chief Demitrous Cook violated his civil rights by posting his image on Snapchat with a note falsely suggesting he had HIV.
AFTER: Evanston Police Chief Apologizes For Personal Snapchat Posts

Judge Keeps Evanston Voter Initiative Referendum Off Ballot

Supporters of the effort to establish a new process for citizen-initiated referendums in Evanston pledged to appeal the ruling.
AFTER: Evanston Voter Initiative Sues To Overturn Electoral Board Ruling

Robert Crown Recreation Manager Accused Of Retaliation

A former employee alleges Evanston violated the Family Medical Leave Act before and after the birth of her son.
BEFORE: New Robert Crown Center Library Branch Opens To Public

Evanston Settles With Northwestern Grad Who Sued Firefighters

It will cost $25,000 to resolve a lawsuit accusing first responders of dragging, dropping and punching a man having a mental health crisis.

Hotels Shelter Homeless During Coronavirus Stay-At-Home Order

Connections for the Homeless has stepped up its operations to provide 24/7 emergency housing to more than 200 people during the pandemic.
AFTER: Community Groups Collaborate To House Homeless Amid Coronavirus

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Caterer Crowdfunds To Feed Those In Need Amid Coronavirus Crisis

Soul & Smoke by Feast & Imbibe has kept its staff on the job by providing free meals to families in need and workers at local hospitals.

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Hecky Powell, Restaurateur And Civic Leader, Dies Of Coronavirus

The longtime owner of Hecky's Barbecue in Evanston died in May from complications of the coronavirus.

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ETHS's Corey Winchester Is 'Illinois History Teacher Of The Year'

The Evanston Township High School educator is now eligible for the National History Teacher of the Year award.

'Black Lives Matter Way' Is New Name Of Dodge Avenue Next To ETHS

Aldermen voted unanimously Tuesday to honorarily rename the road in front of Evanston Township High School.

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New York Times Names ETHS Student Runner-Up In Editorial Contest

An Evanston Township High School junior wrote about gun violence in the newspaper's seventh annual contest for student essayists.

Jacob Blake, Breonna Taylor Families Unite For Evanston March

More than a hundred demonstrators rallied in Evanston in October, calling for unity, respect and justice for victims of police violence.
AFTER: Over 1,000 Gather At Fountain Square In Support Of Black Lives and Demonstrators Gather In Evanston In Support Of Jacob Blake

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Beer Pong Ban On Private Property Proposed By Evanston Alderman

Ald. Judy Fiske wants to forbid outdoor games involving alcohol following complaints about Evanston residents.

Groundbreaking Evanston Reparations Program Takes Shape

Black residents who suffered housing discrimination in Evanston from 1919 to 1969, and their descendants, could be eligible for $25,000.

Divided Evanston City Council Approves City Manager Contract

After more than a year as interim city manager, aldermen voted in October to hire Erika Storlie on a permanent basis.

No Second-Term Steve: Hagerty Says He Will Not Seek Re-Election

Evanston Mayor Steve Hagerty announced in October he plans to be Evanston's first one-term mayor since World War II.

'Piggy Morty' Chants By Anti-Police Protesters Prompt Controversy

Northwestern President Morton Schapiro said the university has "absolutely no intention to abolish" its private police force.
BEFORE: Northwestern University Police Fail To Provide Required Reports and Northwestern Students, Police Clash In Downtown Evanston

The King Is Dead: Evanston's 24-Hour Burger King Closes For Good

After decades as downtown Evanston's only all-night destination, the Orrington Avenue Burger King has closed permanently.

North Shore Hospitals Receive First Doses Of Coronavirus Vaccine

NorthShore University HealthSystem operates the regional hospital coordinating center for the north suburbs.

READ MORE: How COVID-19 Changed Illinois And What To Expect In 2021

Thank you for being part of the Patch community during 2020, and we hope you will join us in 2021. As always, to contact Evanston Patch with news tips, comments, questions, suggestions or requests email evanston@patch.com.