2023's Most-Read Stories On Skokie Patch

SKOKIE, IL — Another year is nearly in the books. As we round out the final week of 2023 and prepare to ring in the start of 2024, which promises to bring an extra day in February and a total solar eclipse across North America in March.

Among the year's top stories on Skokie Patch concerned village governance issues, a losing candidates lawsuit, an officer's acquittal, a train crash, a hotel development, renovations to a mall and local synagogue and contentious confrontations with protestors.

Below find more than a dozen of the most-read stories that appeared over the course of the past 12 months on the Skokie Patch, in chronological order:

Carvana No Longer Has Permission To Build Skokie Tower, Officials Say

The Skokie ordinance approving Carvana's planned 134-foot tower "has become invalid and will be repealed," village staff told the company.

'White Supremacist' School Board Allegations Should Be Dismissed: D-72

Parents accusing Fairview School District 72 of racism are using courts to attack political opponents over policy disputes, its lawyer said.

Skokie-Based Business Becomes First Public Carbon Capture Company

Shares of LanzaTech, which uses synthetic biology to transform carbon waste into sustainable fuels and other products, began trading Friday.

Skokie To Loan Developer $4.5 Million To Build Hilton Hotel Downtown

Trustees authorized the loan on top of $13.5 million in pledged TIF money. Staff said the loan was unprecedented but "critically important."
Note: Village staff announced in July the project was "paused" with no timeline for resumption

Skokie Violates Open Meetings Act Again, This Time In Closed Session

The Illinois attorney general's office asked the Skokie village board to vote to release audio from parts of a pair of executive sessions.

Earlier: Skokie Ethics Commission Promises To Start Following Open Meetings Act

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Skokie Synagogue Renovation Reflects Congregation's Recent Renaissance

Skokie Valley Agudath Jacob made a major pivot a decade ago. With new renovations, the synagogue's architecture has turned along with it.

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Ex-State Rep Sues State Rep, Gun Control Group Over Primary Campaign

Former State Rep. Denyse Wang Stoneback alleges current State Rep. Kevin Olickal and Gun Violence Prevention PAC conspired to defame her.

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Skokie To Redesign Village Seal, Remove Image Of Native American Man

Skokie's village seal, which features an arrowhead and a man in a headdress, was adopted more than 70 years ago.

New Bike Lanes, Path Extensions Planned For North Shore Suburbs

These maps show cycling infrastructure improvements coming to Skokie, Evanston and Wilmette.

Judge Acquits Off-Duty Chicago Cop For Pinning Teen Over Stolen Bike

Judge Paul Pavlus found Sgt. Michael Vitellaro not guilty of official misconduct and aggravated battery over last summer's confrontation.

3 New Stores Coming To Long-Vacant Lord & Taylor At Old Orchard Mall

A new Puttshack mini golf spot, Arhaus home furnishings store and relocated and expanded Zara are set to open at Old Orchard in 2024.

Earlier: Westfield Old Orchard Redevelopment Plans To Include Medical Offices

Hate Crime Charges For Skokie Man Over Attack On Pro-Palestinians

The 33-year-old is accused of discharging pepper spray into a crowd of demonstrators outside a pro-Israel event on Sunday, injuring a cop.

Earlier: Gunfire, Pepper Spray, Hit-And-Run Outside Pro-Israel Rally: Police

New Electoral Map, Schedule Implemented By Skokie Village Board

Electoral reforms approved last November will be in effect for local elections in 2025.

Moments Before CTA Yellow Line Crash Detailed In Federal Report

The operator knew there would be snow removal equipment on the tracks for training but did not know precisely where it was, the NTSB found.

Earlier: Nearly 40 Injured In Train Crash, Derailment At Howard Street Station and CTA Yellow Line Crash Probed By NTSB Investigators

Read More Of Patch's Most-Read 2023 Stories From Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka