Good morning, Evanston.

On Friday, Oct. 16, more than 200 gathered at the historic Lula B.

Sherman United Methodist Church for the 18th HBCU Experience benefit featuring the Fisk University Choir while retired newscaster Derrick Blakley introduced Isibani awardees recognized for their community leadership.

Jack Nadler and Geoffrey Schmelzer began their opera careers in the Evanston Children's Choir, where founder Gary Geiger fostered early talent.

The free winter concert marking the choir’s 25th season is at 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at Alice Millar Chapel (1870 Sheridan Road).

Art Encounter will host three Saturday events in Evanston: a downtown mural tour on Oct.

24, a chat with Michael Horvich on Nov. 14, and a guided gallery walk on Dec. 5, all at 11 a.m. The programs mark its 10th anniversary & offer residents art insights.

During Friday's football game at Ryan Field, ETHS students reported racist & homophobic slurs from New Trier students, prompting school officials to launch an investigation into the incident.

Alma Advisory Group and District 65 held their first community feedback session for a new superintendent (Tuesday at Chute Middle School) as about 15 community members voiced frustration with the meeting’s format, while future sessions will take place Wednesday at Foster Elementary and Thursday at Nichols Middle School.

School District 65 is gathering input to choose its next superintendent.

A session at Chute Middle School Tuesday had about 20 attendees and online surveys reached 400; today at Foster Elementary, more input is welcomed, with candidates reviewed in December and selection slated for January-March as the new leader starts July 1.

Dawes Elementary and St. Athanasius School were named 2026 Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools Tuesday by Gov. JB Pritzker and the Illinois State Board of Education for academic excellence and progress in closing achievement gaps.

St. A’s will celebrate the honor at its Wednesday Mass service.

Home prices in Evanston rose 8.6% to $491,476, with 30-year mortgage rates reaching 7.4%.

Local realtors said non-distressed homes edged up from $450,000 to $455,000—sales moved quickly in a tight market.

The Evanston boys soccer team advanced in the state tournament with a 2-0 win over Maine East Tuesday at Evanston Regional and will face New Trier for the championship game Saturday at Lazier Field.

Coach Franz Calixte (proud of his team's effort) expects a challenging rematch in the storied rivalry.