Reportsabout new shops opening, or planned, and about possible new housing developments were among the stories most read by Evanston Now readers in January.

Here’s a rundown of the top 10:

  1. ‘Zero waste’ store opens in Evanston — Jan. 21 — Sherman Avenue shop specializes in organic and recyclable products.
  2. Ex-ETHS start athlete battling Lou Gehrigs disease — Jan .12 — Friends launch fund-raising drive for Ed Martin, Class of 1980.
  3. Plans detailed for affordable housing on Church Street — Dec. 31 — Plans to redevelop about a half-block stretch on the north side of Church Street west of Darrow Avenue call for building a new home for the Mt. Pisgah Ministry and 44 affordable apartments.
  4. Varsity developers meet the neighbors — Jan. 14 — They plan enhanced retail and 35 apartments in the nearly century-old building.
  5. Mental health ‘living room’ proposed — Jan. 9 — City Council members are scheduled Monday evening to discuss a proposal to develop a “living room” facility in Evanston to treat persons in mental health crisis.
  6. Two cars stolen, many burglarized — Jan. 3 — A 2011 Subaru and a 2007 Volkswagen were stolen and five unlocked cars were burglarized recently.
  7. Salvation Army store plans on hold for now — Jan. 25 — The Salvation Army’s plan to buy the Gordon Foods Service Store at 2424 Oakton St. was placed on hold temporarily Tuesday by Evanston’s Design and Project Review Committee.
  8. 593 new student COVID cases this week — Jan. 14 — The first week of public school in Evanston has seen the highest number of new COVID-19 cases among students since school began in August.
  9. Magnet schools under microscope — Jan. 29 — Enrollment is down. Some parents have doubts about the programs. And a consultant says “we really need to think differently about the roles and outcomes of magnet schools.”
  10. District 65: No questions allowed — Jan. 23 — Redrawing school attendance boundaries was the topic of a community meeting Saturday in which residents were not allowed to ask any questions.

Bill Smith is the editor and publisher of Evanston Now.

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