We like reading about how great we are

A web site that ranks the desirability of communities across America gave Evanston some praise last month — and readers here lapped it up. It even edged out a story about claims of drug dealing and prostitution along the lakefront. Here are the 10 most-read stories on Evanston Now for May.

1. Evanston named one of best 20 towns in America — May 23 — Evanston has been named one of the best 20 towns in America by the ratings website Niche.com. It was the only Illinois town to make the list.
2. Sex, drugs and parking on Sheridan Square — May 28 — City officials say they hope to cut down on drug dealing and prostitution by changing parking rules on Sheridan Square in Evanston — but the changes may mean fewer parking spots available for people visiting South Boulevard Beach.
3. Shuttered bakery may become Greet restaurant — May 12 — The shuttered Central Street shop once known as Rose’s Wheat-free Bakery may be turned into a Greek restaurant.
4. Aldermen reject ‘wrongheaded’ Rauner plan — May 5 — Evanston aldermen Monday night rejected out of hand a request from Gov. Bruce Rauner that they endorse his “Illinois Turnaround Agenda.”
5. One hospitalized after shooting near Wesley and Foster — May 28 — One person has been transported to Evanston Hospital after a reported shooting incident near Wesley Avenue and Foster Street about 6 p.m. this evening.
6. Construction starts at new restaurant site on Davis — May 1 — A groundbreaking ceremony was held this afternoon at 1026 Davis St. — which by next January is scheduled to become home to two familiar Evanston restaurants and a new one.
7. Embankment collapse halts Yellow Line service — May 18 — The collapse of a CTA rail embankment along McCormick Boulevard in Skokie has brought a halt to Yellow Line service today.
8. NU student found dead in dorm — May 20 — An autopsy is scheduled for today for a Northwestern University student who was found dead in his campus dorm room Tuesday afternoon.
9. Man charged with approaching child — May 8 — Evanston police say a 37-year-old Evanston man was charged today with disorderly conduct in connection with an incident in which a young girl reported being harassed by a man on a bicycle as she walked to school.
10. Evanston cop saves man from suicide attempt — May 26 — An off-duty Evanston police detective saved a 22-year-old Evanston man this weekend from jumping off the top of the Maple Avenue parking garage.