Bill Smith, Author at Evanston Now

Bill Smith

Publisher

Evanston Now publisher Bill Smith was born and raised in Evanston and received bachelor's and master's degrees in journalism from Northwestern University. He also holds a juris doctor degree from Wayne State University in Detroit.

He was a broadcast news reporter, producer and anchor in Detroit and other cities. He taught journalism at Michigan State and Penn State and at Northeastern University in Boston.

He started working in online media in 1994, beginning with Ziff-Davis Publishing's pioneering project called Interchange and continuing with the Boston-based search engine company Lycos.

He returned to Evanston in 2005 and launched Evanston Now in 2006. He and his wife Jan share their home with a cat named Max.

City may drop fund match for sidewalk replacement

Only certain areas would qualify for new fully city-funded repair program.

By Bill Smith posted About an hour ago

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NU suspends fraternity social events after drugging reports

Victims say the incidents happened at two separate parties this weekend.

By Bill Smith posted 15 hours ago

One dead, one hospitalized after violence on Wesley

Shooting victim -- from Naperville -- has died. Stabbing victim -- from Chicago -- is hospitalized.

By Bill Smith posted 16 hours ago

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City staff stumped about new dog park

Dogs and their owners want one -- but neighbors near every proposed site are opposed.

By Bill Smith on September 26, 2021 - 10:56 am

Fire strikes home on Foster, residents displaced

Evanston fire crews responded to a general alarm fire shortly before 8:30 Saturday morning in a home at 2301 Foster St.

By Bill Smith on September 25, 2021 - 8:57 am

HACC unveils plans for family housing at Walchirk site

New project would become the second major recent development in Evanston by the housing authority.

By Bill Smith on September 24, 2021 - 10:55 am

Jobless rate falls again, but so does size of workforce

More people stopped looking for work.

By Bill Smith on September 23, 2021 - 2:48 pm

EDC discusses post-pandemic parking strategies

Raise rates? Lower them? Dynamic pricing? A range of ideas were up for discussion.

By Bill Smith on September 23, 2021 - 10:57 am

Wind subsides, but it’s another day to avoid the lakefront

Much better weather expected Friday.

By Bill Smith on September 23, 2021 - 9:45 am

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Reparations program gets 17 applications in first day

If all qualify, that could tap out the program's first year budget.

By Bill Smith on September 22, 2021 - 3:39 pm

NU gets new $480M gift from Ryan family

The gift is the largest in the school's history. It will fund biomedical, economics and business research and help redevelop the football stadium.

By Bill Smith on September 22, 2021 - 2:15 pm

Hotline sees only slight increase in eviction calls

But the group operating the hotline expects to see a surge in calls soon with the expiration of the state's eviction moratorium on Oct. 3.

By Bill Smith on September 22, 2021 - 10:54 am

High winds, lakeshore flooding in forecast

Weather service says to stay out of the water and avoid piers and other shoreline structures.

By Bill Smith on September 22, 2021 - 9:47 am

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Council: Need special meeting to divvy up $43M from feds

With differing priorities emerging among council members, it appears ARPA spending decisions will take a while.

By Bill Smith on September 21, 2021 - 4:01 pm

Council names Gandurski interim city manager

Ald. Kelly casts only vote against the appointment.

By Bill Smith on September 20, 2021 - 9:43 pm

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Council gets more ARPA funding recommendations

New recommendations would increase from 11% to 39% the portion of the total American Rescue Plan Act funding allocated to specific projects.

By Bill Smith on September 20, 2021 - 11:52 am