(WTTW News)

The initial program issued payments of $25,000 for housing benefits like mortgage assistance or renovations. Black residents who lived in Evanston during a 50-year period of discriminatory zoning laws and their direct descendants receive priority for eligibility.

Evanston's city council approved a cash option to its Housing Restorative Program. (Kamil Krzaczynski / AFP/Getty Images / File via CNN)

On Monday night, the Evanston City Council approved a cash option to its Housing Restorative Program. Now, the program includes direct cash benefits for those who qualify.

(WTTW News)
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According to a statement from the Evanston Police Department, three of the four people struck were hospitalized with “serious injuries,” while a fourth was treated at the scene. Northwestern confirmed all four people are university employees.

A rendering of a planned new Ryan Field in Evanston. (Credit: Northwestern University)
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“This is more than just a football stadium. This is going to become, we believe, an amazing community asset,” Coach Pat Fitzgerald said.

A rendering of a planned new Ryan Field in Evanston. (Credit: Northwestern University)
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Northwestern University on Wednesday unveiled plans for a state-of-the-art $800 million stadium, which would replace the almost 100-year-old Ryan Field. 

Peggy Lipschutz is passionate about painting. She is perhaps best known as a painter of social and political causes. This past fall an exhibit at the Noyes Cultural Center showcased her decades-long career. We revisit Jay Shefsky's tour of the exhibit and talk with this prolific painter.

Peggy Lipschutz is passionate about painting. She is perhaps best known as a painter of social and political causes. A new exhibit at the Noyes Cultural Center showcases her decades-long career. Jay Shefsky takes a tour of the exhibit and talks with this prolific painter.

Evanston was once the center of the temperance movement and a dry community until 1972. But now it has its very first distillery called FEW. The name just happens to be the initials of the one-time president of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union, Frances Elizabeth Willard. Whatever Ms. Willard might think of that, the distillery is one of a growing number of spirits producers popping up all around Chicago. We get a taste of what’s being bottled.

We learn about a New Year's Eve celebration that's bringing a community together.

Evanston celebrates New Year's Eve with several free family-friendly "First Night" performances, including Grammy-winning harmonica player Howard Levy. We get a preview of the event, and a performance from Levy and guitarist Bobby Broom. Watch a web extra video performance.

Northwestern University's construction of a $32 million parking garage and visitor center on the lakefront is sparking controversy in Evanston. We talk with a resident who is suing the city for approving the project.

Lovers of used and rare books are mourning the impending loss of a celebrated and unusual neighborhood bookstore. Jay Shefsky has the story.

Lovers of used and rare books are mourning the impending loss of a celebrated and unusual neighborhood bookstore. Jay Shefsky has the story.

Josh Simpson, Image Credit: ACE

From curious machines to handmade objects of beauty, the American Craft Expo takes place in Evanston this weekend. An expert from the fair joins us with a collection of artfully made items.