Developments, Controversies, Lawsuits: 2019 Skokie Year In Review

SKOKIE, IL — With the arrival of the end of the year and the beginning of the 2020s, it's time to take a look back at 2019 in local Skokie news. Some of the most read stories of the year include businesses and development, local schools, lawsuits and more.

Find below, in no particular order, a 13 of the top articles from Skokie Patch that may have slipped under the radar over the past 12 months.

Construction On Tallest Building In Downtown Skokie Delayed Over Permits

Illinois environmental regulators have signed off on Skokie's 8000 North project, but state transportation officials have yet to approve.

Amazon Leases 237,000-Square-Foot Warehouse Facility In Skokie

The e-commerce company plans its seventh Illinois delivery station at a 15.4-acre site on Howard Street.

1st Recreational Marijuana Shop In Skokie Planned For Old Orchard

Grassroots Cannabis aims to transform a former bank at Route 41 and Old Orchard Road into the village's first recreational weed retailer.

Habeeb Quadri Honored Among Nation's Top Principals

The Muslim Community Center Academy leader is the first from an Islamic school to receive the National Distinguished Principal award.

Rep. Kalish Addresses His 'Present' Vote On Illinois Abortion Law

At a town hall Monday, the lobbyist appointed to replace Rep. Lou Lang made his first public statements about his controversial vote.
Earlier: Rabbi, CEO Of Lobbying Firm Appointed To Replace Lou Lang and Longtime Rep. Lou Lang Resigns To Become Partner In Lobbying Firm

Federal Judge Tosses Skokie's Lawsuit Against Evanston Over Water

Skokie's "alleged injury is neither actual nor imminent," a judge ruled Friday, dismissing the village's suit for a lack of standing.
More: Skokie Appeals Judge's Dismissal Of Water Price Lawsuit

Uber Sues Skokie Over 'Arbitrary Tax' On Rides Using Its App

The ride-hailing giant filed a lawsuit against the village the same day a new tax was due to take effect.

Chinese Supreme Leader Answers Letter From Niles North Students

A first-year Mandarin Chinese class got a personal response from Xi Jinping and a visit from a diplomat from the People's Republic of China.

Ex-NorthShore Gynecologist Faces Second Sexual Assault Charge

Prosecutors say the 73-year-old sexually assaulted patients in his Lincolnwood and Skokie offices.
Earlier: NorthShore Put Patients At Risk Of Indicted Gynecologist: Suits and Four More Women Sue NorthShore And Its Disgraced Gynecologist

Ousted State Senator Ira Silverstein Seeks Cook County Judge Job

Defeated in a primary after being found to have behaved "in a manner unbecoming of a legislator," he's now filed to run for a judgeship.

Robert Serritella Found Guilty Of 1992 Murder Of Skokie Teen David Chereck

The convicted murderer turned down a plea deal that could have seen him released after five years in prison.

College Cheating Scandal Mastermind Graduated Niles West

Rick Singer, the man at the center of the admissions scandal, graduated from Niles West High School in 1978, the school paper discovered.

Sweety Pies In Downtown Skokie Closes At End Of Summer

The family-owned bakery announced plans to permanently shutter after a dozen years in Skokie.