The Daily Northwestern — February 26th, 2024

Serving the Northwestern and Evanston communities since 1881

The Daily Northwestern

Grad workers reach tentative deal

NUGW to vote on ratifying contract with University in March

By COLE REYNOLDS and SAMANTHA POWERS daily senior staffer @charcole27 / @sqpowers04

Negotiators for the Northwestern University Graduate Workers union reached a

tentative contract agreement with the University Wednesday night after a 14-hour bargaining session.

The agreement comes after about nine months of negotiations, which reached a climax in January when more than

Police respond to shooting reports

NUPD issued a shelter in place on Evanston campus

By SAMANTHA POWERS daily senior staffer @sqpow2ers04

Northwestern issued an “all clear” message at 11:44 p.m. after Evanston and Northwestern police dispatched to the Henry and Leigh Bienen School of Music at 70 Arts Circle Drive following reports of shots fired, University Police told The Daily Sunday night.

Police said no injured person was located but instructed community members to continue to avoid the area while police remained on the scene.

Community members received an initial alert at 10:53 p.m. on Sunday announcing an “active threat” on the Evanston campus. The alert instructed students to run, hide or fight and take proper shelter. It told students to lock down

and barricade doors. A following message sent at 11:07 informed members of the community that Northwestern Police were on the scene and instructed students to shelter in place until further notice.

The incident on the Evanston campus came after students criticized NU’s Alert System for releasing a faulty message after shots were fired on Clark Street Beach in April. After the incident, Chief of Police and Senior Associate Vice President Bruce Lewis and Vice President for Operations and Chief Operating Officer Luke Figora announced updates to the system.

“We have updated our emergency messaging to allow us to send faster and clearer updates regarding campus security matters, weather-related alerts or other emergencies,” the pair wrote in a Sept. 21 email to the community.

samanthapowers2026@u. northwestern.edu

2,000 union members threatened to strike. Members of the union will vote to ratify the contract from March 11-13. After the votes are counted and verified, NUGW will release results on March 18.

Bargaining committee member Jakob Reinke, a thirdyear Ph.D. candidate in materials science and engineering, told The Daily that NUGW is pushing for a “clear majority”

City debates small homes

Evanston residents oppose new pocket neighborhood plan

By SHUN GRAVES the daily northwestern @realshungraves

Just north of bustling McCormick Boulevard, residents walked their dogs and sauntered around a quiet Evanston neighborhood lined with townhomes, two-flats and single-family homes Sunday.

But, a narrow, empty lot on Grant Street and the adjoining site of an older house have sparked hubbub in the community. The plot could soon become Evanston’s first pocket neighborhood — a cluster of small homes designed to be as energy-efficient as possible. City Council is set to vote Monday on whether to grant the project a special use permit.

Yet, over the past few months, the lot’s neighbors have intensely campaigned against the proposal for 12 efficiency homes at the site. More than a hundred residents have signed a petition urging the city to reject the “woefully inadequate” plan.

“To have this many people densely packed into this

corner, to add to it, just seems a little bit foolhardy,” resident Garin Ferri said.

Many residents said they would welcome a different sort of residential development, or affordable housing, at the lot — though they do not support what the developer proposed.

David Wallach, CEO of Wisconsin-based BluePaint Development, initially submitted the proposal. He said the plan will offer options for younger, middle-market buyers who want to buy their first homes.

According to Wallach’s plans, each of the development’s 600-square-foot, allelectric homes will include two bedrooms, a bathroom, kitchen and living areas. The plot will also include 15 parking spaces and a common barbecue area.

Wallach said the single-family homes will sell for under $350,000 apiece. He commissioned a market study to show demand exists for small homes in Evanston — even if the steep price of up to $600 per square foot stands nearly double the average cost for detached homes.

“It doesn’t change the fact that people who want to live

Local Democrats hold GOTV rally

Ahead of March primaries, Evanston politicians begin outreach

By MISHA OBEROI the daily northwestern

The Democratic Party of Evanston held a “get out the vote” rally at the Unitarian Church of Evanston Sunday. Mayor Daniel Biss, U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Evanston), Cook County State’s Attorney candidate Clayton Harris III, Clerk of the Circuit Court candidate Mariyana Spyropoulos and several other Democratic leaders were in attendance.

With the March 19 primaries around the corner, the rally intended to inform Evanston voters about the Democratic candidates endorsed by the party.

At the beginning of the rally, several dozen demonstrators wearing keffiyehs and holding signs entered the church to call for a ceasefire in Gaza. They began shouting “Ceasefire now” and “Our money is going to kill people,” while the Democratic Party’s speakers attempted to continue with the event.

“If the Democrats want to continue to get progressive

votes…they cannot continue to take us for granted, they cannot continue to be complicit in the dispossession of Palestinians,” said Lesley Williams, former president of the Community Alliance for Better Government and one of the organizers of the protest.

The protestors departed after several minutes, after which the rally resumed.

Biss moderated the event, introducing each candidate, emphasizing the importance of the primaries and encouraging attendees to vote.

“We have just under four weeks from now a critical primary election where our progressive values are at stake in several key elections,” Biss said.

Schakowsky, who is running unopposed in the primary, also took to the podium to introduce Harris, who is running for Cook County State Attorney against Eileen O’Neill Burke. In his remarks, Harris spoke about safety and justice, emphasizing that they are mutually inclusive missions in his campaign.

“Safety and justice are not an ‘either-or’ proposition,”

Harris said. “Safety and justice are an ‘and’ proposition. We do not have to sacrifice one for the other.”

He also discussed his experience working in the State’s Attorney’s office, as well as his current job as a public policy

professor at the University of Chicago.

Harris said he wants to tackle the people at the “top of the pyramid” who organize others to commit crimes like

» See RALLY, page 9

Illustration by Shveta Shah

Bargaining committee member Jakob Reinke said the final decision about the tentative contract is in the hands of the members.

Henry Frieman/The Daily Northwestern Peaceful demonstrators interrupted the Democratic Party of Evanston’s “get out the vote” rally at the Unitarian Church Sunday.

At its next meeting Monday, City Council will decide whether to create a committee to explore the potential implementation of Payment in Lieu of Tax — or PILOT — programs in Evanston.

PILOT programs allow nonpro t institutions that are exempt from property taxes to pay agreedupon sums to the municipalities they operate in. Contributed funds are o en meant to o set revenue the municipality loses due to institutions’ tax-exempt status. Programs intend to ease the tax burdens on residents.

e proposed commi ee, which Ald. Clare Kelly (1st) submi ed for consideration in 2022, would aim to create a payment program for the city’s largest tax-exempt institutions, including Northwestern and Evanston’s two major hospitals.

Smaller nonpro ts like charities would not be “negatively impacted” by any PILOT or payment program put forth by the commi ee, Kelly said this year.

Members of the commi ee would include representatives from large and small tax-exempt establishments in Evanston, in addition to members of city government.

According to Kelly, the commi ee will explore the impact of major tax-exempt institutions on local revenue and the cost of living for Evanston’s residents, although participation in a PILOT program would be optional for these establishments.

“ is will be a venue to have those discussions and come up with some sort of program,” Kelly said of the proposed commi ee. “We need to acknowledge some way to o er some sort of relief.”

She said residents o en have to “make up the di erence” of lost property taxes that NU and other large nonpro t institutions in Evanston are exempt from paying.

According to a 2017 analysis from Evanston’s Assistant City Manager and Chief Financial O cer Martin Lyons, if subject to property taxes, NU would pay the city around $6 million per year

— based on its land assets then. At that time, the University made up about 10% of Evanston’s total property.

A payment program, Kelly said, could help the University showcase the bene ts it already provides to the community. Additionally, the proposed commi ee itself could help ease tensions between residents and NU, she added.

“It’s just about si ing down at the table together and looking at how we address it,” she said. “ is is a win-win.”

If NU opted into a PILOT program with Evanston, it would not be the rst private university to do so.

Since 2012, the city of Boston has operated a PILOT program that receives payments from 21 academic institutions, including Harvard University and Boston University. Both universities directly paid Boston a sum total of around $10.3 million for Fiscal Year 2023.

Additionally, Yale University and Brown University are each part of PILOT programs with the communities in which they operate — New Haven, Connecticut and Providence, Rhode Island, respectively.

However, Dave Davis — NU’s executive director of neighborhood and community relations — said during a 2022 Ryan Field community meeting that the University will not participate in a PILOT program.

Instead, Davis cited other payment mechanisms, such as the 2015 Good Neighbor Fund. rough the fund, NU has provided $1 million each year through 2023. Starting in 2024, that amount will increase to $3 million as part of a community bene ts agreement.

Davis did not respond to e Daily’s request for comment prior to City Council’s vote on the commi ee, set to take place early next week.

NU has also pledged to pay $150 million over the next 15 years through a community bene ts agreement with Evanston. e University proposed the agreement amid wide backlash from Evanston residents toward NU’s e orts to rebuild Ryan Field in the 7th Ward.

According to Sebastian Nalls, president of Evanston’s Community Alliance for Be er Government,

NU can show its commitment to the city by agreeing to a PILOT program, rather than providing funds contingent on City Council’s approval of the Ryan Field rebuild e ort.

“ ese nonpro t entities are here in Evanston, and they are a valuable member of the community,” he said. “ ey have a place to assist and help out the community. I think this is a real unique opportunity to build out those relationships.”

Nalls, a former Evanston mayoral candidate, said e orts to create PILOT programs don’t aim to “spite” the city’s large nonpro t institutions. Instead, these e orts aim to support those who have been priced out of Evanston, he said — including Black residents who have been disproportionately a ected by tax hikes.

But, a potential PILOT program would not just involve NU. Evanston Hospital, operated by Endeavor Health, and Saint Francis Hospital, would also have the chance to participate in the

commi ee.

In a statement to The Daily, Endeavor Health Endeavor Health’s System Director of Corporate Reputation Spencer Walrath said they “strongly oppose any consideration of PILOT” programs.

Walrath added that Endeavor Health has provided more than $3.5 million to Evanston through the company’s Community Investment Fund.

“PILOTs, in addition to what we already contribute as a non-profit, would put substantial financial pressure on our system at an already challenging time for hospitals and health systems,” he wrote.

Ascension, which operates Saint Francis Hospital, did not respond to a request for comment.

pavanacharya2025@u.northwestern.edu

Fellowship Undergraduate

The

Daily file photo by Colin Boyle PILOT programs allow nonprofit institutions that are exempt from paying property taxes to pay agreed-upon sums to the municipalities they operate in.

NU gathers for Ukraine two years later

By GABRIEL BERNICK the daily northwestern @gabrielbernick

Students gathered at Alice Millar Chapel Friday for a vigil organized by student group Northwestern for Ukraine. The vigil observed two years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, and 10 years since the start of the Russo-Ukrainian War.

The night included heartfelt speeches, songs, candle lighting and a moment of silence for those killed during the war.

Weinberg freshman Vira Vitiv gave the opening remarks, which were followed by the playing of the Ukrainian national anthem.

Vitiv said the event’s purpose was to invite people to understand the conflict better and to highlight its impact on Ukrainian students.

“It’s not just a statistic, it’s a story of a person, of every person in Ukraine,” she said. “Your biggest worries are midterms when your family back home is thinking whether they’re going to live tomorrow. Having to live in that bubble filled with guilt is the daily life of a Ukrainian abroad.”

Over 10,000 civilians in Ukraine have died during the two-year invasion, according to the

University settles for $43.5 million in lawsuit over nancial aid policy

Northwestern agreed Friday to settle for $43.5 million in a class-action lawsuit against universities accused of considering financial need in admissions that were reportedly “need-blind.”

The suit alleges that 17 universities engaged in a price-fixing scheme, taking

United Nations. 3.6 million Ukrainians have been displaced within the country, and 6.3 million Ukranians are seeking refuge abroad.

Northwestern for Ukraine members, including Weinberg freshman Yuliia Chernova, shared their own personal stories at the demonstration.

Chernova is from Kharkiv, a city only about 20 miles from the Russian border. She recounted her experience of one night in Kharkiv during the conflict.

“There were at least a thousand people in the subway station where my parents and I spent the night listening to explosions outside and frantically reading the news,” she said in her speech. “We figured that anything’s better than staying and decided to attempt to leave the city. I didn’t know if we would make it.”

Like Vitiv, Chernova said she is concerned for her loved ones in Ukraine. She said her parents live in Ukraine, and she fears for their safety every time she reads about a missile attack.

In her speech, titled “Irreversible,” Communication freshman Anna Selina said she remembers reading ab out the occupation of Shchaslyvtseve, the city where she has spent every summer vacation since she was 8 years old.

When she thinks about the 20,000 citizens

advantage of an antitrust exemption for “need-blind” colleges and universities and driving up the cost of attendance for students on financial aid. University spokesperson Jon Yates told e Daily in a statement that NU prioritizes funding nancial aid for the more than 60% of undergraduate students who receive it.

“We maintain the University did not commit any wrongdoing and that the plainti s’ claims are baseless,” Yates said in the statement. “However, the University has agreed to se le this case — without admi ing liability — so that we can put this ma er behind us and focus on Northwestern’s

killed in Mariupol over the past two years, she said she is reminded of her father’s greatest friends.

In her speech, Selina also described the long-lasting effects of the war on her personal life. Selina said she still feels a “metallic tightness” in her chest every time she sees fireworks. She said she was reminded of the time her thirteen-year-old sister suggested they hide in a wardrobe to escape nearby explosions.

“I was looking at her and thinking, ‘what wouldn’t I give for her to never learn what the explosions sound like?’ But she knows, and it is irreversible,” Selina said.

Many Ukrainians have traveled to other European countries or the U.S. to escape the crisis.

Selina said she believes there is a misconception that people who have fled Ukraine should feel relieved and grateful for leaving the war behind. She emphasized that it’s important to acknowledge how many people have been affected by the war, even if they have fled Ukraine.

“The fact they moved abroad does not mean they immediately healed,” Selina said. “It’s a nightmare that cannot stop no matter where you physically are.”

gabrielbernick2027@u.northwestern.edu

global eminence, excellent teaching, innovative research, and the personal and intellectual growth of our students.”

NU joined Dartmouth College, Rice University and Vanderbilt University in the Friday settlement that amounted to $166 million.

The University of Chicago, Brown University, Columbia University, Duke University, Emory University, and Yale University have also settled, with payments totaling $118 million.

Samantha Powers

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The Daily Northwestern

Le er from the editors: Celebrating what makes Evanston a special place

Best of Evanston is e Daily Northwestern’s annual special issue recognizing the businesses, locations and restaurants that make Evanston unique. A er residents and students alike submi ed nominations and voted on their favorite local businesses, we are proud to announce this year’s Bests.

During the past few weeks, we have collaborated with our fellow

editors to plan and release an issue dedicated to Evanston and the hard work our business owners put in to serve the city. is year’s Best of Evanston features 24 of the businesses that Evanston residents have recognized as having an impact on their community, including four businesses that have closed.

As students, we frequent these locations, sometimes even as part

of our daily and weekly routines. From taking a walk to Evanston landmarks to keeping a mental bucket list of restaurants to eat at before graduating, the Bests are an essential part of our college experience.

We hope this year’s Best of Evanston serves to show our appreciation for the community we call a home away from home during our

time at Northwestern. We aim to recognize a variety of locations in Evanston that hold a special place in our hearts. We encourage readers to not only check out this year’s Bests, but to also use it to cultivate their personal lists of places that make Evanston special to them.

— Emily Lichty and Micah Sandy, Best of Evanston Editors

BEST ALL-AROUND RESTAURANT

not only has high quality, fresh sushi, but also sells udon noodles and doubles as a Japanese grocery store. at’s not to mention … With most rolls costing anywhere from ve to 15 dollars, it’s a ordable too.

Located on Dempster Street, Sea Ranch sells classic sushi rolls as well as a variety of specialty rolls, such as their Chicago Fire Roll — a shrimp tempura roll with avocado, cream cheese, wasabi mayonnaise, tuna chunks and eel sauce — and their Rocky Mountain Roll — an eel and avocado roll with portabella mushrooms. They also offer a variety of vegetarian options and Udon noodle bowls. With their box combinations of sushi for one

and their large party trays, Sea Ranch offers sushi options for any event size and occasion. Their online ordering system for delivery and takeout options makes for convenient pick-up and group ordering. For those looking for a more unique sushi experience, Sea Ranch sushi also delivers to Evanston Pour, a coffee shop and bar also located on Dempster.

Sea Ranch is open from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through ursday and until 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, with limited hours on Sundays and holidays.

Sea Ranch checks all of the boxes for high quality food, experience and price, making it 2024’s All Around Best Restaurant.

BEST TAKEOUT

Whether it’s ve degrees or 50, there always seems to be a line of takeout bags on Tomate Fresh Kitchen’s windowsill.

at’s no surprise, considering the loyalty and trust that the Noyes Street location has cultivated from its customers. Since 2013, the takeout-only kitchen has o ered a wide array of Latin street food, from gorditas to 18 di erent types of tacos. Service is fast, friendly and perhaps most importantly, cheap –– or at least as cheap as Evanston gets.

e kitchen is also extremely easy to get to, just a ten-minute walk from the Technological Institute and mere steps away from the Noyes CTA Station.

Tomate is also optimally located. A er grabbing a burrito, stop by the always-busy Co ee Lab for an Ube La e, or go across the street to the Noyes Cultural Arts Center for a performance.

Whether you’re taking a dozen di erent empanadas back to your dorm or devouring the order as soon as you receive it, Tomate is sure to satisfy.

— Jack Ververis

— Emily Lichty

Whether you’re craving something lemony or milky, a slushy or a smoothie, or even just a crisp wa e, Happy Lemon is sure to satisfy.

With its yellow decor and quintessential smiling lemon logo, stepping into Happy Lemon always gives me a burst of instant serotonin. e bright atmosphere makes it the perfect spot for a study break or to hang out with friends.

I o en nd myself walking to the intersection of Chicago Avenue and Davis Street for a refreshing boba from Happy Lemon when I’m in the mood for something sweet. You

BEST SPLURGE

Between the dim, amber lighting, the walls covered in eclectic posters and the artistically plated food, when I rst walked into Tapas Barcelona, all I could think was “sophisticated.” Well, that and “bacon-wrapped dates” — my friend had been raving about how excited she was to eat them again.

e Spanish restaurant, located just a short walk from the Whole Foods on Chicago Avenue, serves tapas ranging from $7 to $16 a plate. ese small dishes are meant to be shared amongst a group — you’ll want to order a couple. ere are so many eclectic options to choose from, ranging from Berenjenas Rellenas con Queso (eggplants stu ed with goat cheese) to Pulpito a la Plancha (grilled octopus). ey also serve pizza, paella and drinks.

Whether you want to have a fancy night out, to catch up with friends or just to eat as many baconwrapped dates as possible, Tapas Barcelona is the spot for you.

can never go wrong with the Boba Milk Tea, a classic order at any boba shop. Or go for the aptly named Fresh Lemon Series –– a avor no business in town knows be er than Happy Lemon.

Boba from Happy Lemon makes the perfect pick-me-up or thank-you o ering for your friends and family. Just ask my roommate, who is a frequent bene ciary of my Happy Lemon trips.

As the name implies, any order at Happy Lemon will put a smile on your face.

— Madeline King

On the corner of Dempster Street and Chicago Avenue, Blind Faith Cafe ful lls every vegetarian’s dream: a picturesque restaurant with an entirely plantbased menu.

Blind Faith Cafe makes vegetarian and vegan dishes come to life in a way that few restaurants do. You can’t go wrong with the Pesto Goat Cheese Omele e for breakfast, the Enchiladas Verdes for lunch or the Kung Pao for dinner. e avors will truly awaken your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

As a vegetarian myself, I o en worry that I’m imposing on my non-vegetarian friends when I make them try vegetarian

BEST VEGETARIAN

restaurants. Luckily for me, I never have to worry about that at Blind Faith Cafe. I guarantee there will be a dish that each of your guests will love, regardless of their diet.

I’ve always had le overs a er eating at Blind Faith Cafe, for which I am extremely grateful. Give the best vegetarian restaurant in town a try and you’ll be hoping for le overs too.

— Madeline King

BEST SWEET TREAT

ere’s always room for a sweet treat from Bennison’s Bakery, where sugary delights line display cases.

— Arthi Venkatesh

BEST BUDGET MENU

10Q Chicken doesn’t just o er a delectable fusion of fried chicken and East Asian cuisines — it also provides upscale fast food options at an a ordable price.

Located in a modest yet cozy space on Church Street, just steps away from the Davis Street CTA station, 10Q Chicken boasts “American fried chicken classics in ected with the diverse avors” of East Asia. is infusion goes beyond the popularity of Korean barbecue, presenting innovative combinations that still hark to age-old fried chicken done right.

e restaurant’s agship sandwich, e 10Q, features fried chicken coated in panko bread crumbs, mayonnaise seasoned with Japanese chili pepper togarashi and pickled radish — all on a brioche bun. ese toppings push a premium and tasty spin on the

classic chicken sandwich and, remarkably, sandwiches on the menu sell for less than $10.

As our Best Budget Menu restaurant for 2024, 10Q Chicken also o ers Korean-style wings — one version combines trendy Nashville hot wings with Korean barbecue — and tenders for less than $9. In a district where low-cost fast food options are scarce, 10Q delivers quality and upscale fare at reasonable prices downtown.

e menu’s sides, ranging from white rice to bu alo nacho fries, further re ect the restaurant’s commitment to fusion. Even the condiment table follows suit: 10Q o ers ketchup packets right next to a stack of wooden chopsticks. At 10Q, customers can indulge in fast food that meets fried fusion — without breaking the bank.

— Shun Graves

Colectivo Co ee is constantly abuzz with the live cha er of caffeinated conversationalists. From 6:30 a.m. onwards, the cafe is packed with Evanston locals engaged in conversation and students hunched over their laptops. For me, it’s the best place to kickstart my morning with a x of co ee and chit-chat.

BEST COFFEE SHOP

Established in 2018 in the heart of downtown Evanston, Colectivo adds an eclectic charm to the area’s co ee scene. Part of a minor co ee shop chain boasting 20 cafes across the Midwest, Colectivo o ers a seemingly endless array of options, catering to enthusiasts and non-co ee drinkers alike. Menu highlights include a refreshing matcha frappe and, my favorite: the mango peach ginger smoothie.

e cafe’s assortment of food is equally enticing. e baked goods are beautifully

Nestled on the corner of Davis Street and Maple Avenue, Bennison’s has been an Evanston staple since 1938, renowned for its artisan bread and glistening European pastries. Above the bakery, a maroon sign reading “Bennison’s Bakery” lights up the street, welcoming customers to explore the array of desserts waiting inside.

In 1967, Guy Downer purchased the bakery from the Bennison family, steadfast in his commitment to uphold their traditions and legacy. From there, generations of the Downer family joined the bakery, including Guy Downer’s son Jory, who won the grand prize at the Coupe du Monde de la Boulangerie in Paris — a

One of Bennison’s star desserts is the paczki, a Polish doughnut-like delicacy with a special lling that is traditionally eaten on Fat Tuesday. Each February, the bakery hosts its annual paczki eating contest, where this year’s winners devoured a total of 25 paczkis.

But if you’re not looking to participate in an eating contest, fret not. e bakery also sells items, like macarons, birthday cakes, cupcakes and Bavarian pretzels. One could never “dessert” Evanston’s local favorite. Whether it’s cause for celebration or lamentation, a sweet treat from Bennison’s Bakery is always the solution.

BEST GROCERY STORE

— Jessica Ma

BEST PIZZA

If Trader Joe’s was a human being, they’d be the “mom friend.” e one you can always rely on, the one you know will pick up any time of the day (or at least between 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.), the one who never judges you for whatever diabolical food combination you come up with.

Whenever a family member or friend visits Evanston for the rst time, the rst thing I do is take them for a meal at Union Squared, the tiny, somewhat hidden pizzeria on Chicago Avenue. ough some have been skeptical at rst, many of them walk away saying it is the best pizza they’ve ever had. I don’t disagree.

displayed, tempt- ing customers with visual appeal and a wide array of options. And their breakfast items and sandwiches present an exciting dilemma of choice. My favorite study snack is their egg and cheese croissant, which always powers me through midterm studying or endless textbook reading. When Evanston weather stays above the negatives, customers can enjoy an outdoor seating area, adorned with a vibrant assortment of chairs, tables and greenery. ere’s perhaps no be er way to spend a warm Evanston a ernoon than at Colectivo Co ee, basking in the sunshine with an iced la e in hand.

— Sarah Serota

From the bright display of tulips greeting you right at the entrance to the corner stand of free samples, Trader Joe’s knows exactly what you need and is more than willing to provide it for you at a reasonable price any day of the week.

While it’s not as close to campus as Target, it is, like all good things in life, worth the extra 15 minute walk. Plus, the extra time is a chance to mentally plan which snacks to snatch when you get there ( avoid swiping the entire row of chocolate-covered nger foods).

If you’re too desperate for their PB&C (yes, peanut bu er & chocolate) Snack Duos, time it right and take the intercampus to the Chicago/Greenleaf, and stop to ful ll your dreams of mini ice cream cones and shockingly good frozen soup dumplings. Your mom friend says you deserve it.

I rst visited the pizza joint my freshman year a er one of my closest friends said she heard it was good. I didn’t know what to expect, but I certainly didn’t expect to walk away with a new favorite restaurant in Evanston.

ere’s o en a debate amongst Chicagoans whether tavern style or deep dish is the best type of pizza, but I think there’s a happy medium to be found in Union Squared’s Detroit style. e u y bread and crispy edges are something to be celebrated. You can’t go wrong with an order at Union Squared, but I personally love the Burrata Margherita. e fresh cheese and avorful sauce, paired with aky crust, makes for one of the best bites of pizza money can buy. Plus, during the warmer months, Union Squared o ers an outdoor beer garden ––which makes it a perfect spot to indulge in a drink and some food with a friend.

— Cassie Sun

— Nicole Markus

BEST FAMILY WEEKEND SPOT

From picnics at Centennial Park to swims at one of Evanston’s six beaches to walks along the shoreline with your four-legged friends, there are plenty of family activities to be had on the picturesque shores of Lake Michigan.

e lakefront is adored by Northwestern students and Evanston residents alike for its calming e ect. Many nd it more enjoyable to study at the Lake ll than in the library on a sunny day.

Similarly, families can take advantage of easy access to the lakefront in Evanston by going for a run with a view of the water, enjoying a sunrise, going to the beach to swim, playing in the sand or hosting a gettogether with friends and family.

Arguably the best natural beauty in Evanston, the lakefront is the perfect place to enjoy the weekend with family.

— Isaiah Steinberg

BEST HOTEL

BEST FUN ACTIVITY

Evanston residents and NU students who say you need to go all the way to Chicago for great live music have likely never heard of Evanston SPACE.

Located at 1245 Chicago Ave. and sharing an entrance with Union Pizzeria, Evanston SPACE is a one-of-a-kind performance venue that can t up to 330 people standing.

Over the years, SPACE has brought in national touring acts including e Lumineers and Brandi Carlile in addition to local bands. With a rustic feel on the inside and a full bar, SPACE is the perfect place to spend a Friday or Saturday night in Evanston. ey are also fully reservable and can host private events.

SPACE partners with the City of Evanston for Out of Space, a summer concert series. An annual event since 2018, Out of Space brings musicians and music fans together for a summer of live music at Canal Shores Golf Course and other classic Evanston places.

So, next time you are looking for a fun activity or concert, look no further than down the street. Evanston has a SPACE for you.

— Lydia Plahn

jacket? A bolo tie? A reason to get in-store credit and buy something new? Crossroads Trading, a resale fashion store located in Downtown Evanston, can assist.

With 38 locations across the United States, Crossroads sells both new and used clothes. e Evanston store is one of just three stores in the Midwest area.

For those looking to shop, Crossroads o ers trendy, in-style looks. At the store, you can nd amazing deals on name-brand shirts, jackets, accessories and shoes.

In addition to being a secondhand retailer, Crossroads prioritizes sustainability. By buying and selling at Crossroads, customers help prevent clothing from going to land lls.

For those looking to sell, there are four ways to

sell at Crossroads: in-store, consignment, drop-o and sell by mail.

Crossroads is currently in search of trends that ts into one of four categories: “Moody Vibes,” “Sporty Classic,” “Understated Luxe” and “Modern Vintage.” e store is speci cally looking for good condition baby graphic tees, casual suiting and denim from brands such as Chrome Hearts, Diesel and Carhar .

At Crossroads, clothing is evaluated and priced instantly by store employees, and sellers can decide to receive either store credit or cash.

e business pays 50% in-store credit and 30% in cash for the items it sells in the store.

Crossroads provides a ordable, stylish and trendy clothing for all. e Evanston location is at 1730 Sherman Ave. and is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

BEST BAR

As someone who always dreamt of a roo op dinner, Five & Dime made it come true in a way that went above and beyond.

Although Evanston winters and spring gnats can make indoor events ideal for some, especially if you also su er from severe allergies, Five & Dime is worth more than a million dimes. Although I didn’t try their bar, being able to see a view of Evanston while spending time with fellow members of a student group for our formal was an experience that fostered some strong bonding with a pleasant atmosphere.

Aside from a great meal, Five & Dime ensures you don’t get bored once conversations die or when all the food has been snarfed up. From a selection of places for group pictures to shu eboard and a giant Jenga set, you can choose between moving around or staying at your table to talk. Regardless of what you choose to do, Five & Dime is the spot that caters to everyone.

— Micah Sandy

— Alexander Hernandez Gonzalez

Situated on tree-lined Hinman Avenue, the Graduate Evanston invites guests to bask in dark academia aesthetics while enjoying a cozy hotel stay.

eager to please, even holding the kitchen open for latecomers who need a hearty meal to end their day of travels.

Walking in, guests are greeted with warm lighting and an inviting, pinescented smell. Vintage wallpaper, Persian rugs and comfy velvet chairs make the reception area feel like an elevated living room.

e hotel aims to emulate a collegiate environment, with locations in college towns across the country. To localize the experience, room decorations are inspired by Northwestern’s long history and many legends. Key cards are modeled a er student IDs, with celebrity pro le pictures adding humor to the bit.

e Homestead Room, the Graduate’s dining area, brings delicious ambience to go with the food. Servers are

Greeting guests on their way in and out, the sta is friendly and knowledgeable, making the space feel even more like a home. Doormen at the front make luggage transportation easy.

One of the Graduate’s main a ractions is its 1940s-era Otis elevator. While its vintage gold paneling brings charm, the small passenger capacity and its snail-like pace makes the elevator more inconvenient than it is worth.

I would recommend taking the stairs.

Overall, a stay at the Graduate Evanston is simultaneously elevated and welcoming — but rooms go fast, so make sure to book it in advance.

— Samantha Powers

BEST HAIRCUT

A failed organic chemistry midterm, a nasty break-up and a growing re in the belly to “do something crazy” — what’s the historical x for all?

For me, personally, a haircut always works.

And, there’s no be er place than the Art + Science Salon located on Orrington Avenue for a much-needed trim.

Since 1989, Art + Science Salon has been cra ing and serving good hair. Open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays and till 5 p.m. on Saturdays, the Evanston salon o ers cu ing, coloring, formal styling, waxing, tanning and bridal services.

Every cut comes with a complimentary shampoo, conditioner and blowdry by the

stylist. ey also o er one complimentary neck or bang trim between every appointment. However, any extra styling, like curling and updos, comes with additional costs.

Some of the coloring options o ered include full highlight, dual process, full balayage, bleach and tone and more.

For Northwestern students, the salon provides a special Wildcard discount as well.

So if you’re looking to get the curtain bangs you’ve wanted since high school, color your hair purple because #GoCats, or maybe donate it all for a good cause Art + Science Salon should be next on your bucket list!

— Misha Oberoi

It used to be possible to count Evanston’s latenight food options with just one hand. Chicken Shack, an eclectic barbeque joint on Ridge Avenue, became a place of refuge in those early morning hours especially for NU students. Even as more late-night options trickle into Evanston’s restaurant scene, Chicken Shack maintains its ironclad grip on the past-midnight market.

e restaurant boasts a selection of soul food classics like rib tips and fried cat sh. But it’s the chicken that’s bagged Chicken Shack multiple Best of Evanston awards, including the top late-night spot the past two years. Traditional ba ered thighs, breasts, wings and drumsticks usually sit atop heaps of crinkle-cut french fries. Get sweet barbecue sauce either neatly on the side or directly on top of your meal for a messy yet delicious jumble. Prices are also a ordable at Chicken Shack, with many meal options just scraping above $10. e combination of these prices and the option of delivery makes it an ideal spot for hungry night owls.

— Cole Reynolds

BEST WORKOUT SPOT

e Henry Crown Sports Pavilion, commonly known as SPAC, is the go-to place for Northwestern students to focus on their physical and mental health.

SPAC has many spaces that allow students and residents alike to foster physical wellness, including basketball courts and weight rooms with cardiovascular and strength equipment. In addition, SPAC o ers personal training packages and a variety of group classes in activities such as cycling, boxing, yoga and dance.

SPAC is also home to the Combe Tennis Center and Norris Aquatics Center, which all Northwestern students can use. Members of the Evanston community can also enjoy what SPAC has to o er by purchasing a membership.

Beyond working out, SPAC is a hub for creativity, relaxation and socializing. e Garage, located within SPAC, o ers a space for entrepreneurial-minded individuals to explore ideas and collaborate. e Wellness Suite is also located within SPAC and o ers complimentary white light therapy for Northwestern students helpful in Chicago’s dark winters.

Personally, my favorite part of SPAC is the Protein Bar & Kitchen, which o ers delicious protein shakes and acai bowls, such as the PB&J shake. Protein Bar & Kitchen is also a hidden study spot on campus and the perfect place to catch up with friends, making SPAC more than just a place to get a quick sweat in.

— Sejal Mehta

Grosse Point Lighthouse, a relatively short walk from North Campus, provides students a tranquility not usually found in the midst of bustling campus life. It’s one of the more secluded sites near campus, although it’s hard to miss the beige spire once you trek

far enough up Sheridan Road. Constructed in 1873, it stands today as a national historic landmark with a past dating back to the Civil War era. Standing at 113 feet tall, it is one of the tallest lights on the Great Lakes.

According to the Grosse Point Lighthouse website, the lighthouse’s interpretive center is open for tours June through September on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Although there are no tours October

through May, you can still walk around the grounds and enjoy nearby Lighthouse Beach. While chilly winter weather may not be the best time for a trip to the lighthouse, spring is just around the corner.

Evanston residents and Northwestern students alike will surely be found exploring Grosse Point Lighthouse and the surrounding natural beauty soon enough.

— Carlo a Angiolillo

BEST BURGER

Edzo’s Burger Shop is the ideal destination for foodies looking to spice up their typical fast-food routines. With expansive menu offerings including 5-onion fries and the blue cheese burger, Edzo’s is anything but your average burger spot.

The restaurant offers a burger for everyone, from a popular BBQ bacon cheddar burger, a Beyond Burger and a vegan, plantbased option.

French fry lovers should look no further than Edzo’s to fulfill their cravings. The restaurant goes above and beyond with its creative fry topping combinations, including the Loaded Fries, which are topped with cheddar, sour cream, chopped bacon and

scallions. The Crazy Fries, smothered in allbeef chili, cheddar and onions, are another crowd favorite.

Edzo’s customers love the wide variety of milkshake flavors the establishment offers, and employees are known for giving customers extra milkshake for free when they make too much.

The interior is eclectic and lively, with bright orange chairs and a fun wall mural that features Northwestern’s Weber Arch.

Edzo’s Burger Shop shares an entrance with Trattoria Demi and is located at 1571 Sherman Avenue.

— Caroline Killilea

BEST BREAKFAST/BRUNCH

Whether you’re looking for breakfast, an early lunch or a combination of the two, Frida’s Breakfast and Lunch is the best place to go.

Frida’s offers a problematic menu — and that’s because everything sounds delicious. From your traditional grilled cheese to pambazos, Frida’s offers typical morning choices in addition to Mexican-inspired dishes at an assortment of prices. If you have a sweet tooth, you can choose from crepes, waffles, french toast and pancakes.

If you’re having trouble deciding between sweet and savory, Frida’s offers add-on options that let you explore everything. If

you choose an item off the “eggletics” section, my father’s go-to, you can substitute the default potatoes and toast sides with pancakes or fruit. I turned my breakfast into both brunch and dinner two family weekends ago when I added pancakes to my two eggs with dry rubbed skirt steak. I was a big fan of the combination of juicy steak and sweet breakfast food.

With a convenient location close to campus and aglow with a Frida Kahlo theme, it’s the perfect spot to come with your friends, family or by yourself to enjoy a unique breakfast.

BEST DATE SPOT

Covered with folk art of “diablo” masks and “lucha libre” wrestlers and shrouded in curated candlelight lighting, Taco Diablo, located at 1026b Davis St. is the perfect Friday night eatery for anyone’s date.

Connected to e Blue House Tavern and Five and Dime, Taco Diablo o ers casual appetizers, tortas, enchiladas and, of course, tacos with classic Mexican meats like carne asada, chicken tinga and pork carnitas.

For your vegetarian boo, Taco Diablo has meatless options for most dishes as well as market salads. You can order from any of the other restaurants

in the building to your seat at Taco- Diablo, as well.

If your date plans just include a small dinner and drinks, the restaurant’s lengthy bar presents an extensive selection of spirits and cocktails, including Mezcal, Tequila and Bourbon.

Try the classic chicken tinga tacos, which come with a side of rice and beans to complement a full meal.

For a sweet ending to the night, split a an or cheesecake with your date. Or, just take it to-go…

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

Welcome to Mensch’s, the newest downtown bagel spot that has taken Evanston by storm.

No ma er what you order from the Jewish delistyle pop-up, blissful bursts of avor await. Close your eyes and point anywhere on the menu; you can’t go wrong at Mensch’s.

Perhaps you’ll enjoy a scrumptious pastry or freshly squeezed orange juice. Or maybe you’ll opt for an open-faced bagel sandwich, like countless customers before you. It’s these delicacies that Mensch’s is known for — and for excellent reason.

Each bagel sandwich is cra ed to perfection, two savory halves of one mouth-watering whole.

Give the Avocado Bagel or “White sh” a try, and your satisfaction is all but guaranteed. With rich layers of fresh toppings atop a crisp bagel of your choice, you’ll be yearning for more long a er your nal bite.

Micah Sandy

And it’s not just the food. Walking into Mensch’s, the same smiling faces always greet you behind the counter. Owned by

Back in high school, I spent many summers playing travel baseball tournaments across the dewy plains of the Chicago land area.

A er boiling on turf for multiple hours in the 90-plus-degree heat during each game, I was reasonably famished. My parents and I o en needed something to eat, and Farmhouse Evanston — a ached to the Hilton Orrington/Evanston — t the bill one time.

I was dehydrated and low on electrolytes, and Farmhouse Evanston’s salty and light Wisconsin Cheese Curds became my own li le dairy oasis. e cheese stretched like silly pu y — an absolute feast for the eyes.

But, the star of the meal was the Crispy Bu ermilk Fried Chicken Sandwich, which managed to be well-packed without falling apart. Coupled with bu alo sauce, creamy ranch and ke le chips, the dish represented the Midwest on a plate.

A er arriving at Northwestern, I recall venturing to Farmhouse Evanston just one other time as a freshman with some friends. I didn’t know it then, but the restaurant would close just a few months later.

Since Farmhouse Evanston shuttered its doors, two restaurants have called its former spot home. omas & Dutch — which had the same ownership as Farmhouse Evanston — lasted just a few months. And today, Evanston Corner Bistro has claimed the throne.

Who knows what restaurants will occupy the Church Street location over the next decade? Regardless, the spirit of Farmhouse Evanston will continue to live on there.

Alas, Farmhouse Evanston. Alas, cheese curds.

Pavan Acharya

Formerly located at 809 Church St., Boba Heaven’s time in downtown Evanston was short-lived.

The store, originally called Teabar Boba, opened its location in February 2023, but was taken over by Boba Heaven in April. Boba Heaven is a restaurant chain with several stores around the Chicago area.

The Evanston location offered customers a wide selection of fruit drinks, milk tea and other customizable flavors. Different from other Boba shops in town, they also served Turkish coffee, mini pancakes and waffle sticks.

Unfortunately, competition on every street eventually took its toll on Boba Heaven, forcing them to close their doors within six months of opening. Shops like Happy Lemon and Kung Fu Tea have hundreds of stores around the U.S. and are very popular with the Northwestern student population.

Still, Boba Heaven brought joy and good memories to the Evanston community while it was here, and we’re sorry to see it go.

— David Samson

friends-turned-business-partners Kiki Eliopoulos, Jack DeMar and Eric Kogan, Mensch’s creates a ‘hole-some’ atmosphere that perfectly complements its delightful bagels.

Shreya Srinivasan

It’s no wonder why lines have spilled out the door every Saturday and Sunday the pop-up has popped up. During its seasonal openings last spring and fall, Mensch’s o ered a delicious brunch to tons of bagellovers (and soon-to-be bagel-lovers) every weekend.

But, all good things must come to an end. e pop-up is currently closed, and the Mensch’s withdrawals are hi ing hard. Come springtime, though, this issue will be no more. Our favorite bagels are returning to Evanston in just a few months — this time at a brickand-mortar location on Chicago Avenue.

Soon, Evanston residents will be basking in bagel heaven every day of the week. Spring can’t come soon enough.

Melissa Dai

Clarke’s Off Campus, a go-to Sunday brunch spot, closed its doors in February 2023 — after serving in Evanston for over three decades.

Since the 1980s, the longtime downtown diner proudly welcomed the Northwestern and broader Evanston community with staple breakfast and lunch foods, such as omelets and sandwiches.

Clarke’s even moved to a more modern storefront location on Davis Street to accommodate for larger parties in 2019. Yolanda Ewing-Tsatas, Clarke’s owner, decorated the new interior with pictures of NU football players and newspaper cutouts of the restaurant.

Clarke’s diversified their menu to include items like the “Avocado Abby,” wheat toast topped with avocado spread and melted cheese, the “Tommy Burger” served with special sauce, melted American cheese, pickles and lettuce, and the Impossible Burger. Customers also enjoyed the Mediterranean skillet, cinnamon roll pancakes and classic breakfast burritos.

Despite securing a liquor license, Clarke’s failed to survive multiple closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eventually closing, Clarke’s and its rich breakfast foods and Ewing-Tsatas’s kind energy and aura will always be missed.

With their move to a new location,

Grace Wu

I will never forget the first time I took a bite of a cold buttercream cookie from Al’s Deli. Not only because the cold, chewy cookie was unforgettable, but also because it was my first-ever taste of Evanston food, a treat I enjoyed with my parents as I unpacked my freshman year dorm.

Al’s cold-cut sandwiches and frosted cookies were not only a staple for my family, but have been a classic in the Evanston community for 74 years. The shop was established in 1949 by Al Pottinger and passed down to his sons John and Bob Pottinger following his death. The spot closed its doors in January, following the COVID-19 pandemic and Bob

Pottinger’s death. The Noyes Street deli served almost every sandwich imaginable, from lobster salad on brioche to smoked turkey on rosemary olive bread. Although I considered this location to be underrated by many Northwestern students, Al’s Deli was an Evanston classic that will be sorely missed due to its longevity and impact on the entire community.

I am saddened that my last bite of Evanston food won’t be a cold bu ercream cookie from Al’s, but I am thankful I had the chance to experience this staple spot while it was around.

— Emily Lichty

From page 1

of members to vote in the ratification election in order to make it representative.

If members vote not to ratify the contract, NUGW representatives say they will engage in more bargaining — but the possibility of a strike looms.

The three-year contract would raise the minimum stipend for graduate workers from $36,960 per academic year to $45,000 starting in September, with 3% increases in 2025 and 2026.

The stipend is one of 33 tentative agreements reached. Notably, the University will provide full dental and vision benefits for graduate workers.

“Our wins represent significant and unprecedented improvements in our working conditions and our organizational foundation to secure additional wins in future contracts,” NUGW’s bargaining committee wrote in a Thursday afternoon message to members, encouraging them to approve the contract.

The tentative stipend increase still puts NU graduate students below the salaries of workers at some other top universities, many of whom recently won pay raises through their respective unions. Brown University and Yale University graduate workers, for example, are set to receive over $52,000 in 2026.

This disparity is a key point of criticism for NUGW members who oppose the agreement, which the bargaining committee voted to accept in a 16-6 vote.

“Northwestern values the contributions that graduate students make to the University’s research and teaching missions,” University spokesperson Jon Yates told The Daily.

In a Thursday letter urging membership to reject the contract, dissenting bargainers Teke Wiggin, a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in sociology, and Lawrence Chillrud, a second-year Ph.D. candidate in electrical engineering, wrote that the stipend increases secured by NUGW are “paling in comparison to wins secured by other grad unions across the country.”

NUGW bargainers said the committee aimed

RALLY

From page 1

retail theft.

“I ask you, what does an 11-year-old know what to do with a catalytic converter? They are being sent out with these carjackings, so we are going to attack the problem,” he said.

Spyropoulos, who is running against incumbent Clerk of the Circuit Court Iris Martinez, also spoke at the event.

Currently the Commissioner for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Sypyropoulos cited her 25 years of attorney experience. She also highlighted examples of previous failings at the Clerk’s office, including

for $45,000 because an internal survey found it to be the median amount that NUGW members felt was necessary to live. Chillrud said the study, conducted in fall 2023 and before NUGW launched its strike pledge, may no longer reflect current attitudes.

Representatives for the bargaining committee said they follow the wishes of union members and added that the fall survey was the assessment of union feelings they had access to during negotiations.

“We always look to our membership to guide us at the table, and we follow it because we are a democratic rank-and-file union,” said Mounica Sreesai, a second-year Ph.D. candidate in anthropology and a bargaining representative for NUGW.

The agreement adds vision and dental care, key protections against abuses of power and unlimited paid sick days. But in order to get those agreements accepted, NUGW had to accept compromises in other areas.

In their letter, Chillrud and Wiggin pointed out key concessions in the negotiations, including dropping demands for subsidized dependent healthcare, graduate worker back pay and an $1,800 lump sum for international workers, as reasons to reject the agreement.

“While reflecting encouraging wage movement, (the contract) falls far short of providing competitive compensation and protection for everyone, especially international workers, caregivers, those with accessibility needs and grads close to graduation,” the letter reads.

Leading up to the vote, NUGW is hosting town halls and general membership meetings where members can voice their concerns and discuss the terms of the contract.

“We think we bargained the best contract we’re going to get, but members get to say whether that best contract is good enough,” Reinke said. “And if it’s not, then we go back to the table and fight for more.”

colereynolds2026@u.northwestern.edu

samanthapowers2026@u.northwestern.edu

when criminal records were accidentally exposed online and the identities of at least 5000 juveniles were made public last month.

“That’s mismanagement and that’s dysfunction. We cannot afford to have a system that works that way,” Spyropoulos said.

She added that she plans to bring “ethics and transparency” to the office.

In closing, Schakowsky said the general election in November is an opportunity to welcome “the most progressive era” the United States has seen in decades.

“So let’s get this done. Let’s get our candidates elected right here,” Schakowsky said.

mishaoberoi2027@u.northwestern.edu

NEIGHBORHOOD

From page 1

in a single-family environment will be able to do so for $350,000, instead of where they’re currently paying $1,120,000,” Wallach said.

The Land Use Commission voted 4-1 in December to recommend against City Council approval. The commission said the proposal should face evaluation as a planned development instead of receiving a special use permit — which usually allows construction that would otherwise run afoul of a plot’s zoning.

However, both City Council and the Planning and Development Committee voted to advance the special use permit to a final City Council vote.

Ald. Clare Kelly (1st) opposed the measure at the Feb. 12 council meeting. While she called the idea of a pocket neighborhood a “wonderful concept,” she said the Grant Street project should face higher scrutiny of the planned development process.

The neighbors’ petition, released in December, outlined several concerns. Aside from calling for the planned development process, the petition said the price for such a small home would turn off buyers, encourage short-term rentals and could ultimately doom the homes to “financial failure.”

A group of residents met Saturday with Ald.

Eleanor Revelle (7th), who voted to advance the proposal earlier this month.

“We have a dual responsibility on the City Council, not just to think narrowly about our particular part of the community, but also what’s in the best interest for the community as a whole,” Revelle told The Daily before the meeting.

Residents who attended the meeting had mixed conclusions. Resident Cara Rudolph said Revelle seemed “fragile” and lacked power over the city’s final decision against a “smarmy” developer. However, resident GionMatthias Schelbert said he hopes Revelle will direct the homes toward planned development consideration.

Schelbert said advocates for the development have misrepresented residents’ concerns. Meanwhile, Wallach said residents described his project inaccurately.

On the heels of a similar uproar over rebuilding Ryan Field last year, City Council now finds itself embroiled in a dispute over spending millions to move city offices downtown.

“Evanston’s all about money now,” Rudolph said. “Just money, money, money, money. Everything’s about money. There’s nothing about neighborhoods anymore.”

shungraves2027@u.northwestern.edu

Shun Graves/The Daily Northwestern

A developer’s proposal to build 12 efficiency homes on a narrow lot has faced blowback from residents before a City Council vote on Monday, Feb. 26.

A&E

arts & entertainment

Mee-Ow brings comedy, music to Shanley Pavilion

By EDWARD SIMON CRUZ the daily northwestern @edwardsimoncruz

Student-run comedy group Mee-Ow had audiences howling with laughter in “Brokeback Mee-Owntain,” a show full of cowboy hats, music and audience participation.

The group, which combines sketch comedy, improv and music, performed “Brokeback Mee-Owntain” at Shanley Pavilion from Thursday to Saturday. The theme was inspired by the 2005 film “Brokeback Mountain,” which is based on a short story about two American cowboys who fall in love with each other.

This was the group’s second show of the quarter, following “Mee-Owd Life Crisis: Mee-Ow Turns 50!”, referencing the celebration of the group’s 50th anniversary this year.

The group’s eight cast members performed various sketches they wrote and workshopped throughout the

four weeks preceding the show. In addition to standalone sketches and shorter bits known as “blackouts,” the performers incorporated several jokes that recurred throughout the show.

During one particularly well-liked sketch, a pig cried in a bar bathroom while overhearing others unknowingly use offensive idioms about pigs, including “lipstick on a pig.” The sketch ended with the actor playing the pig running out of the venue in glee after overhearing someone say, “when pigs fly.”

A live band set the interactive mood by performing during transitions and a dance break that substituted a typical intermission.

Communication seniors Alondra Rios and Orly Lewittes have been Mee-Ow cast members since their sophomore years and co-directed both shows this year.

Rios said Mee-Ow has been one of the most valuable parts of her Northwestern experience.

“I think I learned the most in the writers room with Mee-Ow and making work with my peers,” Rios said. “I learned how to collaborate with others and how and

how to let my voice come through in the work that I make.”

Performers also showcased their individual comedic styles and quick wit by participating in various improv games based on audience suggestions. One game began with audience members providing various pieces of dialogue that participants were required to spontaneously incorporate into their bits.

Mee-Ow modifies the order of its sketches for each performance depending on audience reactions, requiring crew members to adjust accordingly, according to Communication junior Henry Patton.

“Comedy is really something that lives in the immediate moment, and so we have to design our technical process to be as responsive to that as possible,” Patton said.

Former Mee-Ow cast member and co-director Sam Buttress (Communication ’23) said he enjoyed watching “Brokeback Mee-Owntain” on Friday knowing the amount of work required to stage the show.

Buttress said his time in Mee-Ow prepared him

for professional comedy experiences with groups like Chicago’s Second City.

“Once you put together a show in three weeks with very little guidance and a group of people who you trust … you’re ready for anything,” Buttress said.

Mee-Ow will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a series of panels and an evening party April 6. Various alumni will be present at the events.

Paul Warshauer (Communication ‘76), who attended Northwestern from 1972 to 1976, cocreated Mee-Ow and co-produced its first show with Josh Lazar (Weinberg ‘75) in 1974. When he attended a performance of “Brokeback MeeOwntain,” he said he was proud to see the group grow over the last 50 years and that he is excited to see what the next 50 years will bring.

“I’d like to stay alive long enough so that I can go into space and see Mee-Ow on the moon,” Warshauer said.

edwardcruz2027@u.northwestern.edu

College radio DJs put new spin on community building

By SYDNEY FENER the daily northwestern @challahslices

Behind the world’s heaviest metal door, tucked in a corner of John J. Louis Hall, students gather to broadcast music to the Evanston area over student-run radio station WNUR. Groups of two-to-five people sit in front of PC monitors and a board of various dials and knobs, cranking tunes while they chatter away to one another.

But, when they leave the studio after their slot, many of these student co-DJ groups don’t interact with one another.

For college radio DJs, broadcasting music picks and commentary is a way of expressing individuality and sharing musical tastes with the campus and local community. However, perfecting their craft in windowless booths can sometimes be a lonely endeavor.

University of Chicago sophomore and WHPK DJ Gemma Lippman explained the isolating effect that the organization of college radio stations can have.

“People don’t really socialize with each other unless they are already friends with each other,” Lippman said. “I would say the ethos is somewhat solitary, to be honest, at least for me.”

Lippman said she primarily plays folk music on her radio show and enjoys the freedom it affords her. She added that sharing music with her co-DJ is one particularly rewarding aspect of her experience, as the two introduce each other to music they might not otherwise hear.

While the UChicago student radio station emphasizes a genre-based focus for each of their DJs, Rock Show –– WNUR’s radio show dedicated to underrepresented music — encourages DJs to play smaller artists across genres. Communications sophomore Veronica Silvosa said that Rock Show has provided a unique creative outlet for her at Northwestern.

“The ethos is basically to play underrepresented music, music that not a lot of people would listen to,” Silvosa said. “Generally, the rule is under 300,000 listeners on Spotify, but you try to go even lower, if possible, like truly unknown artists, artists that you want people to listen to that are not being played pretty much anywhere else.”

These guidelines result in a show that can be unexpected and distinctive for listeners. This search for new artists can be an inspiring process for DJs, sparking collaboration and bonding between co-DJs, Silvosa said.

“It has allowed me to discover so many new things, listening to what my other co-DJs have selected,” Silvosa said.

This musical exploration is also a highlight of University of St. Andrews in Scotland sophomore DJ Avery Konwiser’s student radio experience. Konwiser said he designed a themed program with his co-DJ that explores different aspects of the human experience through music.

The radio station’s environment, which he described as “chill” and student-driven, allows room for him to craft unique soundscapes for his listeners.

“Our radio program is kind of low-commitment,” Konwiser said. “So we had kind of free rein over our,

like, creative direction. There’s no one telling us, ‘No, you can’t use that song.’”

However, Konwiser said that while he enjoys being a part of STAR (St. Andrews Radio), this freedom can result in a lack of structure and community for participating students.

“My criticism of STAR is that they’re not really very good at cultivating a community around radio,” Konwiser said. “(STAR is) literally hundreds of people, but there’s no real interaction between them,” Konwiser said.

Silvosa echoed many of Konwiser’s concerns, and said she craves more interaction with the wider Rock Show community.

“I honestly wish it was more social,” Silvosa said.

“I feel like I basically just go in my little booth, play my music. There’s not really a lot of social events.”

Tufts University sophomore Alec Rosenthal, who is a Studio B Assistant on WMFO, elaborated on some of the ways that Tufts radio encourages connections through live music events.

He said bringing the entire WMFO community together through concerts centered around their common interest in music can bridge the divisions that sometimes make DJing lonely.

“Music and pop culture, that is such a thing that can easily bring people together,” Konwiser said. “That’s such an untapped well of community building.”

sydneyfener2026@u.northwestern.edu

Edward Simon Cruz/The Daily Northwestern “Brokeback Mee-Owntain” was one of the two shows Mee-Ow staged this winter for its 50th anniversary.

Photo Courtesy of Veronica Silvosa

Veronica Silvosa looks through records in the Stacks, Louis Hall’s music library.

A look inside Evanston’s storied musical history

By BETSY LECY the daily northwestern @betsy_lecy

Through all the years that Pearl Jam’s lead singer Eddie Vedder has stood as a pillar of the rock music realm, he’s never faltered from his Evanston roots.

Vedder has made Lollapalooza appearances, headlined Wrigley Field, and joked with audiences at the Chicago Auditorium Theatre about the Skokie Swift CTA line.

But Vedder isn’t the only Evanston-reared musical artist who’s now a household name. The city continually proves to be a source of musical creativity, a result of its proximity to Chicago and its community’s willingness to support aspiring artists.

Steve Kay, owner of local record store Vintage Vinyl Records, came to Chicago in the 1970s to complete his master’s degree at the Art Institute of Chicago. An avid music lover, he quickly noticed the city’s strong creative spirit.

“I would imagine it has to do with the placement of Northwestern being here. So the community in general, I think, tended to be a more artistic and intellectual community from my understanding of the history of the town,” Kay said.

Kay said one of his early experiences with the musicality of Evanston came from a group called Amazingrace Coffeehouse, which formed during Vietnam War protests in 1970.

After the University stopped serving hot lunches in the wake of the protests, Amazingrace Coffeehouse provided a space for students to cook meals for themselves and others in the Scott Hall kitchen. The space quickly transformed into a venue for student performers.

“Music was and continues to be important to all

of us, but at the time particularly, it was a major part of our culture. It was not surprising that food led to music,” member Jeff Beamsley said.

The venue began to attract artists touring in the Chicago area, who were drawn by the “vibe” of the coffeehouse, and went on to book nationally known artists, including the Grateful Dead.

The coffeehouse had a kitchen with a serving counter, but did not have a bar, which is common for music spaces. Yet member Darcie Sanders said the absence of the bar allowed all ages to patron the venue.

“The main thing we did for the Evanston musicians was that we let them in,” Sanders said. “We had a lot of really young musicians come in here — top quality stuff in an intimate environment.”

Despite the burgeoning musical scene taking place in the kitchen of Scott Hall, Evanston music venues struggled with the emergence of MTV, said Sanders.

Yet in 2008, a live music hall dedicated to preserving Amazingrace’s legacy and Evanston’s musical culture opened: SPACE. “(SPACE) told us unequivocally that this is why they started — to try and carry on the tradition,” member William Graessle said.

Davis Inman, the talent buyer for SPACE, said there’s a large influx of music and a lot of interest for artists to play at SPACE. The popular concert venues are constantly full.

Evanston native and professional musician Jason Narducy noted that this isn’t abnormal for Chicago. He said the sheer amount of musical artists in and around the city can be attributed to pockets of affordability in the area, giving musical artists the means to live.

“I remember seeing that there were eight concerts in one night in Chicago that were all indie rock, and they all sold out. It says a lot about this community,” Narducy said.

Narducy is a SPACE veteran. When performing for his hometown with his bands Bob Mould, Superchunk and Split Single, he said he often found peace in the aesthetic of the venue’s green room before his sets.

SPACE has even added features like a record player to their green room to make it more inviting for artists.

“That’s the part of a conducive setting that makes you feel comfortable. You can get into a good headspace and that’s so important to putting on a good show,” Inman said. “I think that’s very important to the creative process.”

Every few months, SPACE partners with a community non-profit organization that works to support local music. They co-brand and market with the organization, offering them opportunities for

financial contribution.

Inman said the initiative provides a way to do something for the community beyond selling tickets to shows.

Their most recent partnership is with Girls Rock! Chicago, which provides music education programs for female, transgender and gender-expansive youth. The venue is hosting a benefit show for the organization Wednesday.

“You have a lot of creative-minded people here in different arts, in different disciplines,” Inman said. “For whatever reason, Evanston is a creative town.”

elizabethlecy2027.1@u.northwestern.edu

Chealen Berry explores nostalgia through songwriting

By JESSICA MA daily senior staffer @jessicagracema

McCormick senior and singer-songwriter Chealen Berry challenged herself to release an original song on the first day of each month in 2023.

When the new year rolled around, Berry’s “fun, little independent project” came to a close while radio stations across the world played her songs, she said.

Last Saturday, Berry released her newest EP “You Have Been the Dream”, featuring six original songs.

This week Berry sat down with The Daily about her songwriting process and journey as a performer.

This interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

The Daily : Tell us about your relationship with music. How did it start?

Berry: It goes crazy way back. I started piano lessons when I was four years old, and I kind of fell in love with it right away. I also picked up the guitar when I was 10 years old, so from there, I started branching out and got into more of the creative realm with (music).

The Daily: Who are your musical inspirations?

Berry: Ed Sheeran is probably one of them, because of his acoustic style and commitment to songwriting. I love James Bay as well. The lyrics mean something. Tori Kelly, too. I got really into her in eighth grade. She served as the inspiration for writing and recording music by myself.

The Daily: What themes do you explore in your music?

Berry: My music has always focused a little bit on nostalgia, romance, heartbreak. I have a very acoustic style, because I play piano and guitar. It does have that raw, stripped-back feel. I tend to songwrite when I have strong emotions I need to get out.

The Daily: What do you want listeners to take away from your music?

Berry: Honestly, just make them feel something, reflect on their own life. Even though these are personal experiences, they’re probably experiences that in some manner or another, a lot of people can relate to. This music is real — it wasn’t just a fake story.

The Daily: As a part of the Songwriters Association at Northwestern, how has the organization affected your approach to the music process?

Berry: It’s opened up my eyes to a lot of new techniques and tactics you can use. Doing those different workshop activities that they offered has been fun and changed the way I approach songwriting, where it’s not just that emotional outlet, but also a fun, little activity.

The Daily: How do you balance music and schoolwork?

Berry: (Music) provides a good balance (to) the hard sciences and allows me to find creative relief. I did a little campaign last year, where I released a new song the first day of each month. It’s been a fun independent project that I’ve kept in my life. This time, I tried to market my songs

too. It’s been hours every month, sending cold call emails to different radio stations, music blogs.

The Daily: What’s it like performing the songs you write?

Berry: I am very much an introverted person. So it took a lot to get me to start performing in front of people. You’re sharing a piece of yourself that you otherwise don’t get to share. The more I practice, the easier it gets. But I think that’s kind of half the fun — it’s proving to yourself that you can do it, even though it is scary.

The Daily: How are you feeling about Notes from the Newsroom?

Berry : I’m super excited. It feels like if you’re not a music major, it’s hard to find those opportunities to share your music. This is a chance for me to share my music, perform and have fun with that.

To catch Berry’s concert on Sunday, watch the recording on YouTube.

jessicama2025@u.northwestern.edu

Dittmar Gallery melds art, poetry in ‘Well Versed’ exhibit

By CARLOTTA ANGIOLILLO the daily northwestern @carlottaang76

Students and community members joined artists Tuesday night in Norris University Center to celebrate the opening of the Dittmar Gallery’s latest exhibit, “Well Versed.”

The exhibit features paintings, sculptures and collages from Evanston artists. Each visual piece is based on a poem chosen by the artist.

Anupriya Nagarathnam, a second-year Kellogg MBA student, showcased her artwork in the gallery. Titled “Essence Unveiled,” her piece is an acrylic on canvas based on the poem “Essence” by Kai Coggin, depicting an abstract swirl of green leaves and flowers.

“One of my best friends had gifted me a book of poetry for Christmas, and the timing just worked out really well that it was a book of poems, inspired by nature and finding small joys in life,” Nagarathnam said. “There was a poem in there that I really enjoyed, and it spoke to me when I was trying to create something new.”

Nagarathnam said she had an arm injury while creating her piece, making the process significantly more difficult.

To finish the piece, she painted for two to three hours per day for about two weeks, she said.

“I was very determined to finish this piece,” Nagarathnam said. “Because it’s very small detail work, it took a little bit of extra time because I’d have to rest and put it down in between to wait for layers to dry.”

Local artist Richard Gessert said the idea for his

artwork was sparked by a poem about “thương” that he found during his time in Vietnam on a Fulbright grant researching Vietnamese calligraphy.

“That word in Vietnamese can be used for platonic or romantic love,” Gessert said. “I was searching the definitions and then found what I thought were really rich meanings of the word, and I compiled them and then highlighted what I thought was particularly evocative.”

Gessert’s art is a poster with different uses of “thương,” including vernacular Vietnamese uses, Sino-Vietnamese definitions and derived phrases and terms.

As they examined the art, attendees ate from a selection of cheese and crackers, listened to light tunes from Northwestern’s Jazz Club, and conversed with the artists and other community members.

Communications sophomore and Dittmar Gallery Exhibitions Assistant Maggie Munday Odom said the gallery decided which of the many submissions to display based on two factors: how well the art related to its corresponding poem and the cohesiveness of the piece overall.

“I really feel like each of the pieces did a unique job of having conversation with poetry and in different ways,” Odom said. “I enjoy how there’s

contemporary poetry (and) poetry from long ago and how they all work together to create this conversation.”

The exhibit will be available for viewing in the Dittmar Gallery until March 15.

Odom said she is excited for people to explore and interact with the literature in the gallery.

“I think that often at Northwestern and in the world, we get put into bubbles in which we don’t think cross-disciplinarily, and we get caught up in our bubbles,” Odom said. “I think this is a really cool opportunity for folks to hop out of those bubbles and think about art in many different ways.”

carlottaangiolillo2027@u.northwestern.edu

arts & entertainment

Editor Lexi Goldstein

Assistant Editors

Madeline King Jackson Weier

Design Editors

Paloma Leone-Getten Bettina Sánchez Córdova

Carlotta Angiolillo/The Daily Northwestern

Students, community members and artists survey the different paintings, sculptures and collages in “Well Versed.”

Illustration by Shveta Shah

For decades, Evanston has been a city full of musical creation and aspiring artists.

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Northwestern battles in 74-60 loss versus Michigan

By HENRY FRIEMAN the daily northwestern @henryfrieman

Despite heading into halftime down just two points — the closest deficit in a while for Northwestern this season — coach Joe McKeown’s squad collapsed shortly into the third quarter, extending its losing streak to five games after falling 74-60 to Michigan on Saturday.

Junior forward Caileigh Walsh led the Wildcats (8-19, 3-13 Big Ten) in scoring with 14 points, and junior guard Melannie Daley added 12. Four players, however, scored in double figures for the Wolverines (1711, 8-8 Big Ten), ultimately solidifying a Michigan victory.

“I think with the frustration of our not winning, we’re still playing really hard,” McKeown said. “There’s a silver lining.”

The Wolverines leapt to a 7-0 lead to begin the game before a pair of Walsh triples cut the lead to 9-6. Daley hit a foul shot and a floater to tie the game before dishing a pass to junior guard Hailey Weaver, who drilled from deep to give the hosts their first lead.

The first frame ended with

the Wolverines up 14-12. Each team shot less than 30% from the field — Michigan made just 4-of-18 attempts and NU converted only 4-of-15.

Although the Wolverines managed to build a 24-16 lead, a Walsh trey — her third made on three attempts — truncated the deficit.

The Michigan lead hovered around five points until the final minutes of the second quarter, when Walsh converted an acrobatic and-one, and graduate transfer guard Maggie Pina sank a triple to cut the lead to just two points.

The two teams went to the half with the Maize and Blue leading 30-28.

“At halftime, it felt like we were up and we had the momentum, we had the crowd behind us,” McKeown said. Unfortunately for the ‘Cats, Michigan’s shooting struggles stopped shortly into the second half. Wolverine forward Chyra Evans made a layup coming out of the break and Elissa Brett added a three-pointer. A bad pass led to a fast-break layup, and another NU turnover set up a Michigan three-pointer, forcing McKeown to burn a timeout with 8:24 remaining.

SOFTBALL

Out of the timeout, Michigan capitalized on another turnover with a 3-pointer before Wolverine guard Jordan Hobbs made 1-of-2 at the stripe. After a missed shot by the ‘Cats, Michigan’s Laila Phelia converted on an and-one to extend the lead to 47-28 with 7:14 remaining in the third quarter.

On the ensuing possession, NU sophomore guard Caroline Lau mercifully banked in a layup, putting a tourniquet on the 17-0 Michigan run — but the damage done to the ‘Cats’ chances of winning was fatal.

“When they went on their run, it was like, ‘what are we doing?’” Daley said. “It should never get to the point where it’s 17-0 coming out of halftime.”

NU answered with a run of its own toward the end of the third quarter, scoring 15 unanswered points and cutting the deficit to eight points. They held the Wolverines without a basket for over six minutes, forcing Michigan coach Kim Barnes Arico to call a timeout with seven minutes left in the game.

“We need to play defense like that the entire game instead of on stretches,” McKeown said. “That’s been a challenge for us all year.”

‘Cats split results at Mary Nutter Classic

By AUDREY PACHUTA the daily northwestern @audreypachuta

While explosive offense has dominated Northwestern softball’s earlyseason narrative thus far, resilient pitching performances in low-scoring matchups led the team to a split result at the Mary Nutter Collegiate Classic this weekend.

The Wildcats (7-4, 0-0 Big Ten) battled tough competition in their near-annual trip to southern California, winning two games and narrowly losing two close contests in shutout fashion.

Coach Kate Drohan’s squad opened the tournament Friday with a 1-0 loss to No. 19 UCLA, the group’s sole ranked opponent of the weekend.

The contest remained scoreless for five and half innings as NU boasted the potential of its young defensive core, ending the first two frames on squeaky clean double plays.

Graduate student pitcher Ashley Miller struck out six Bruins in her first outing of the weekend and conceded only four hits to a potent UCLA lineup.

The ‘Cats surrendered the game’s deciding run on a sixth-inning defensive miscommunication that allowed UCLA’s Maya Brady to score from second.

Following the loss, NU looked to bounce back in a Saturday morning showdown with Loyola Marymount.

In another low-scoring affair featuring flawless defense, the ‘Cats fell 2-0, conceding the game’s only runs on consecutive fourth inning solo shots.

Offensively, Drohan’s squad struggled to produce, tallying just one hit in the team’s 24 plate appearances.

Leaving the trip’s opening two games in the rearview mirror, NU notched its first win of the weekend

with a 9-8 victory over San Diego. In an all-hands-on-deck effort that saw three pitching changes and eight different players reaching base, NU managed to clinch the win even despite a seventh inning Torero rally.

Sophomore outfielder Kelsey Nader and sophomore infielder Kansas Robinson each recorded two hits Sunday, with Robinson extending her streak of reaching base in every game this season.

Building upon the momentum from a win over San Diego, the ‘Cats secured a shutout victory against Oregon State in the weekend’s final matchup.

Miller took the mound for her second start of the weekend and retired 18 consecutive Beavers to carry a nohit bid into the seventh. She appeared in all four games during the team’s Golden State excursion, giving up just one run in 16 innings pitched.

In a game where the team’s reliable offensive standouts failed to produce, the team leaned heavily on young bats in the lineup.

Freshman infielder Ainsley Muno was the only player to achieve a multi-hit game, securing both her first-career hits and her first RBI in the team’s win over Oregon State.

Sophomore infielder Bridget Donahey accounted for two of the team’s runs, homering in the second inning and scoring on a double-steal play in the fourth to extend the lead to three.

NU collected six hits in the victory, but the team’s inability to capitalize on scoring opportunities left 11 runners stranded on base.

The ‘Cats will travel to Alabama next weekend for the Jane B. Moore Memorial Tournament where they’ll face a challenging five-game schedule — including two matchups against No. 24 Auburn.

audreypachuta2027@u.northwestern.edu

Hobbs hit a triple for Michigan with 5:38 left in the contest to extend the Wolverine chokehold back to double digits. The ‘Cats couldn’t claw back, and resorted to fouls down nine points in hopes of a miracle that never came. Michigan converted its free throws and NU dropped its fifth straight game, their 10th loss in the past 11 contests.

Seven ‘Cats recorded two or more fouls Saturday, and three recorded three fouls, forcing McKeown to rotate through his bench early and often. Eleven NU players took the court against Michigan. The ‘Cats have trotted out several different starting lineups this year, and their veteran coach has been unafraid to experiment with lineups.

FENCING

“We saw it today, people really stepping up… I think that’s really encouraging,” McKeown said. “The future is really bright.”

NU plays its last home game of the season against No. 14 Indiana on Tuesday before concluding the regular season with a trip to Rutgers.

henryfrieman2027@u.northwestern.edu

No. 8 NU clinches CCFC crown

By JAKE EPSTEIN daily senior staffer @jakeepste1n

During the past four seasons, coach Zach Moss’ squad has continuously ascended to new heights, knocking off formidable foes and climbing the regional ranks to become a midwestern and national juggernaut. Seasons of sustained success have put the program on a lofty pedestal, as accolades and statement victories pile up for No. 8 Northwestern.

However, the Wildcats entered Ohio State’s French Fieldhouse Saturday looking to slay a proverbial beast they hadn’t conquered in years past — an outright conference title at the CCFC Championships. NU came close as co-champions in 2021, but the ’Cats finished runners up behind No. 13 Ohio State the past two seasons.

Behind a dominant display from young talents and veterans alike, NU nabbed an elusive conference crown in emphatic fashion Sunday, cementing its postseason prowess among the regional pool.

The ’Cats made quick work of their first two competitors, sweeping all weapon categories for a pair of 27-0 victories against Detroit Mercy and Cleveland State. Less than two hours later, Moss’ squad’s swords stayed strikingly sharp, slicing past Lawrence for a 24-3 defeat.

After blowing past Wayne State by a 23-4 margin, NU faced its toughest test of the day, as the ’Cats stared down the Buckeyes. On its home turf, Ohio State looked to nab a third consecutive conference title.

NU took a 7-2 advantage in saber, but the Buckeyes battled back with a 6-3 victory in foil. Securing a 6-3 upperhand in epee, the ‘Cats came out on top with a pivotal 16-11 result.

Now, all that stood between NU’s quest for conference superiority was a late afternoon duel with Denison.

Not to be denied, the ‘Cats cruised to three consecutive 8-1 wins in each category to earn their place atop the tournament’s podium.

After clinching team hardware Saturday, NU returned Sunday for the tournament’s individual round.

During the opening senior women’s foil event, juniors Yejine Lee and Rowan Park tied for third place. Rounding off the top-six, sophomores Allison Lee and Samantha Serban finished fifth and sixth, respectively.

The squad’s Saturday standards extended to the epee event, where sophomore Karen Wang topped the leaderboard, finishing in first place. Freshman Emma Ning acquired a share of bronze bragging rights,

tying for third place.

The ’Cats’ sabres shone Sunday, as freshman Adele Bois bested a stacked field to secure an individual crown. Senior Sky Miller followed up her first-year counterpart, landing runner up honors. One spot down the podium, senior Levi Hoogendorn tied for third place.

NU will return to competition in Detroit March 9, as the ‘Cats look to maintain their recent scintillating stretch at the NCAA Midwest Regionals. Just 12 days later, Moss’ group will attempt to ink its name in immortality at the NCAA Championships March 21 and 22.

jacobepstein2026@u.northwestern.edu

Daily file photo by Anna Watson Northwestern fencers celebrate with coach Zach Moss during early February’s NU Duals.

Sammy Krimstein/The Daily Northwestern Sophomore guard Caroline Lau rolls in a layup.