Protests, Progress, Hardship and Heroics: Evanston 2018 In Review

EVANSTON, IL — As we approach the end of an eventful year, it's time to take a look back at some of the most memorable stories of 2018 on Chicago's North Shore. The most-read stories of the year have included coverage of politics, business, government, education, real estate, law and crime.

Take a look back at some of people and events that made news in the biggest local stories of the year from the Evanston Patch:

Theater, Developers Withdraw Plan For Evanston's Tallest Tower

Northlight Theatre and a team of developers announced Thursday they have withdrawn a proposal to build a tower in downtown Evanston. The theater had hoped to relocate from Skokie to a proposed 39-story mixed-use development... Read more

Evanston Asks Federal Judge To Dismiss Skokie Water Lawsuit

Skokie aims to "generate headlines" with a suit in order to get an "undeserved discount" on water rates, according to Evanston's attorneys... Read more

Evanston Aldermen Decide To Drop Harley Clarke Demolition Appeal

The City Council voted unanimously Monday against appealing a preservation commission decision to deny permission to demolish the landmark... Read more

Evanston Man Proposes With Word Puzzle In Newspaper

His 6-month quest for the ultimate proposal for his puzzle-loving girlfriend came to fruition in Sunday's "Jumble."... Read more

Watch ETHS Freshman Hit 80-Foot Game-Winning Buzzer-Beater

When Blake Peters moved into town from Highland Park, the members of the Evanston basket ball coaching staff knew they were getting a player who could spread defenses out with his 3-point shooting ability.... Read more

Evanston Walkouts Protest Gun Violence

Thousands of students walked out of class across Evanston on the morning of March 14 as part of nationwide demonstrations... Read more

District 65 Principal Tells Parents Of Recent Racist Abuse At School

In a letter to parents, the principal of Lincolnwood Elementary said he had heard "hate-filled language spoken by children in our school"... Read more

Northwestern Professor Named In 'Medill's #MeToo Moment' Resigns

The former director of the Medill Justice Project will not be allowed back on campus or at Northwestern University events... Read more

Evanston Approves 2019 Budget With Increased Property Taxes, Fees

Rejecting many of the spending cuts staff suggested, aldermen voted to close a $7.4 million deficit with $5 million in revenue increases... Read more

Northwestern University 'Suddenly' Lays Off Dozens Of Staffers

80 layoffs are needed to cut a projected budget deficit ahead of the end of the fiscal year next month, university officials announced... Read more

Aldermen Let Brewery Out Of $1.5 Million Lease For $60,000

The City Council voted Monday to end a 10-year lease with Smylie Brothers in exchange for 3 months rent, plus tax and utilities payments... Read more

Ethics Board Rules Alderman Abused Power, Violated Code

Ald. Ann Rainey should be recused from Harley Clarke votes due to her "unethical" advocacy on behalf of its demolition, the board found... Read more

Evanston Sets Turnout Record While Approving Referendums

Evanston voters narrowly approved a tax increase and supported the preservation of the Harley Clarke mansion by a margin of more than 4-1... Read more

Settlement Shrouds NU Wrongful Conviction Suit In Secrecy

A suit alleging a conspiracy to frame an innocent man for murder has been settled by Northwestern and a former journalism professor... Read more

'Sixteen Candles' Filming Location In Evanston Sold For Loss

The home of Molly Ringwald's character from John Hughes' 1983 directorial debut sold for 20 percent below asking last month... Read more

Woman Living In Evanston Church Hopes For Reunion With Daughter

Currently detained in Texas, the 21-year-old daughter fears rape and murder by the gang MS-13 if she is deported back to El Salvador... Read more

Northwestern Offers Incarcerated Students Full College Credit

"All they need is to be given the chance," said the founder of the Northwestern Prison Education Program... Read more

Statute Of Limitations Expired For ETHS Teacher Accused Of Abuse

Prosecutors said no criminal charges will be filed against former Evanston Township High School drama teacher Bruce Siewerth... Read more

Cubs Pitcher Yu Darvish Swings For 6-Foot Fence, Misses

The $21-million-a-year major leaguer would only be allowed to build a fence under 4 feet tall, Evanston zoning officials decided Tuesday... Read more

Business Openings, Closings:

• North Face Closes Abruptly
• New Prairie Moon Rises
• Burger Shop Named Among Top In Nation
• Self-Serve Beer Taproom Opens
• 'Tax-Zapping' Restaurant Owner Hid Sales For Years: Feds
• Cheesie's Closes Downtown Location Over Rent Increases
• New Target Opens On Sherman
• Colectivo Coffee Opens Downtown

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Major Crime:

2 Teens Charged With Murder In Evanston Homicide
Police said a botched drug robbery led to the murder of the 20-year-old ETHS grad in February.

Man Sentenced To 12 Years For Evanston Knifepoint Robberies
The 37-year-old man was convicted in April of robbing drugstores in Chicago and Evanston, including the same CVS twice in a week.

Incoming Northwestern Doctoral Student Murdered On Howard Street
Shane Colombo, 25, was waiting for a bus on Sept. 2 when two men began shooting.

More: Grad Student Fatally Shot In Rogers Park Crossfire, Images Of Suspects Released In Shooting Of Northwestern Student

Northwestern PhD Gets 3 Years For Shoving Stranger Onto Tracks
A motive for the seemingly random subway attack by the recently graduated doctor of neuroscience was not established before he pleaded guilty in September.

49-Year-Old Homeless Woman Identified As Evanston Homicide Victim
Tanuel Major was found beaten to death in the alcove of First United Methodist Church in downtown Evanston in November.