Claire Murphy

Claire Murphy is a North Shore reporter with the Pioneer Press. She holds a master’s degree in investigative reporting from Northwestern University. Before joining the Tribune, she worked at the Chronicle of Higher Education.

On your mark, get set, paczki: Bennison’s Bakery in Evanston hosts eating contest

February 17, 2026 at 3:27 p.m.

Bennison's Bakery in Evanston hosted its annual paczki eating contest on Feb. 14, 2026. Proceeds go to the Alzheimer's Association.

Skokie Public Library was closed Feb. 15, 2026, after a bomb threat. Police said no bomb was found. In this file photo from July 12, 2018, Skokie Public Library patrons work and read in the small library cafe tucked away on the first floor.

Skokie police respond to bomb threat at public library

February 16, 2026 at 4:06 p.m.

Skokie police officers responded to a reported bomb threat at the Skokie Public Library, located at 5215 Oakton Street, on Sunday at 3:46 p.m. Officers contacted library security and administration...

The village of Skokie has announced Patrick Hastings as its new Public Works director (Village of Skokie).

Skokie appoints Patrick Hastings as public works director

February 16, 2026 at 4:51 p.m.

The village of Skokie announced on Tuesday that Patrick Hastings has been appointed as the next Public Works director. Hastings is set to begin the position on Feb. 23. Hastings,...

Workers on the scene of the water main break on East Prairie Road in Skokie on Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025. One year later, residents and businesses say they had huge losses and some are still waiting for help. (Audrey Richardson/baiduhai)

One year later, Skokie residents, businesses still suffer from massive water main break

February 17, 2026 at 3:06 p.m.

One year after a major water main break, Skokie residents and businesses are still suffering with significant financial losses.

Carlos Mendez, assistant principal at Washington Elementary School in Evanston, part of Evanston-Skokie School District 65, was arrested Feb. 5, 2025, and charged by the Cook County state's attorney with the sexual abuse of a minor and other charges. He has been a District 65 employee since 2011. (Evanston-Skokie School District 65)

Administrator, child care worker at Evanston schools charged with child sexual abuse: prosecutors

February 16, 2026 at 12:04 p.m.

An assistant principal and child care worker at Evanston schools face charges of child sexual abuse in Cook County and Florida.

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