The Daily Northwestern — February 28, 2022 by The Daily Northwestern

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The Daily Northwestern Monday, February 28, 2022

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4 OPINION/Quick Takes

12 SPORTS/WBBALL

Find out which of your favorite Evanston businesses made the cut

Students react to NU’s mask-optional policy

Northwestern struggles to regain momentum

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Maple Avenue movie theater to reopen AMC Theatres buys location one year after closure By AVIVA BECHKY

the daily northwestern @avivabechky

Moviegoing will return to downtown Evanston this year. AMC Theatres will acquire the movie theater on Maple Avenue and reopen it later this year after reaching a lease agreement with real estate development company GW Properties, according to a Feb. 15 AMC Theatres company release. Formerly Century 12 Evanston, AMC said it will call the theater AMC Evanston 12. The Century 12/Cinemark theater shut its doors in 2020 and closed permanently under that leadership in 2021. The old location had 18

screens, but GW Properties closed six of the old location’s screens for separate use. The real estate firm plans to contract with Sky Zone to bring a trampoline and active entertainment park where those six screens used to be, GW Properties Co-founder and President Mitch Goltz told the Evanston RoundTable earlier this month. “ We are excited to welcome AMC Theatres into this important project in the heart of Evanston and bring patrons back to the theatres who have eagerly been awaiting its return to the community,” Goltz said in the AMC company release. AMC Theatres’ deal follows other recent AMC acquisitions, including another theater in the Chicago metropolitan area. avivabechky2025@u.northwestern.edu

Illustration by Olivia Abeyta

Task forces have been used in recent years to look into specific issues at Northwestern, and then determine what needs to be changed because of them.

Task forces target campus issues

Committee members recommend changes that admin accept or reject By DAVIS GIANGIULIO

the daily northwestern @giangiuliodavis

When reviewing Northwestern’s biennial senior survey with

the Division of Student Affairs, Assistant Vice President for Inclusion Lesley-Ann Brown-Henderson noticed Black Students were less satisfied with their undergraduate education than their peers. However, the data did not

specify why. “If we were going to try to improve something, then how would we know what to improve?” Brown-Henderson said. The search for those answers resulted in the creation of the Black

Student Experience Report Task Force, which Brown-Henderson would later chair. The Black Student Experience Task Force is just one of many task

» See TASK FORCES, page 10

CARP struggles to gain traction University funds Evanston not on track to meet climate goals, environmental advocates say By RUSSELL LEUNG

daily senior staffer @rjleung7

When City Council first approved the Climate Action and Resilience Plan in 2018, it was poised to advance progressive environmental policy in Evanston. CARP outlines several climate goals for the city, including 100% renewable electricity for all properties by 2030 and carbon neutrality by 2050. More than three years after it was passed, the city has struggled to take action on the proposal. Several environmental advocates in the community said that a lack of funding and resources is at the heart of the issue. “Evanston wants to be progressive on environmental issues, and certainly wants to appear progressive on environmental issues, but is not interested in funding being progressive on environmental issues,” said Cherie LeBlanc Fisher,

Recycle Me

co-chair of Evanston’s Environment Board. Sustainability and Resilience Coordinator Cara Pratt said it is difficult to begin new projects without stable financial support. Some climate activists and policymakers encouraged city leadership to provide more specific guidelines for achieving CARP’s goals. Ald. Jonathan Nieuwsma (4th) said CARP does not include a timeline and procedure for its goals. “The CARP doc in and of itself is fairly comprehensive in terms of what it intends to do. It’s not a detailed roadmap on how to get there,” Nieuwsma said. For several years, personnel turnover has prohibited the city from conducting an annual greenhouse gas inventory and other actions, making it difficult to track CARP progress, Nieuwsma said. Former Chief Sustainability and Resilience Officer Kumar Jensen, a key participant in CARP’s formulation, left the position in August

2021. Former Mayor Steve Hagerty also disbanded the CARP Working Group after the plan’s adoption. LeBlanc Fisher said the current city manager vacancy has also delayed climate action. Other advocates said the government needs to hold itself more accountable for completing CARP goals. They suggest the city create a public dashboard and keep residents informed about the process. Lily Aaron, an Evanston Township High School student serving on the Citizens’ Greener Evanston board, said she’s upset that the city has not informed residents about CARP progress. She said the city should implement a dashboard or better utilize the Environment Board’s CARP Implementation Task Force. “The majority of Evanston residents don’t even know what CARP is,” said Aaron, who is also a hub coordinator for youth climate advocacy group Etown Sunrise. Jerri Garl, chair of the CARP

Implementation Task Force and former member of the CARP Working Group, said civilians might not notice many potential future measures like LED light installations and building electrification. She said the city needs to inform and solicit feedback about the plan from Evanston residents. “We have not done a great job with public awareness, education, just communication (on climate action and resilience),” Garl said. Although Evanston has not yet launched any major CARP initiatives, proponents of the plan said the city has made some progress. Evanston launched a Community Solar energy program and hired a solid waste coordinator in 2021. Last month, Tesla also installed 12 new Supercharger stations in the Maple Avenue parking garage. Ald. Eleanor Revelle (7th) said the city is working on smaller projects like promoting sustainable

» See CARP, page 10

summer research Student endeavors bolstered by various grants By CHARLOTTE CHE

the daily northwestern @charlotteche03

As Winter Quarter comes to a close, Northwestern is opening its summer research opportunities for undergraduate students. According to Associate Director Megan Novak Wood, the Office of Undergraduate Research provides two main research programs over the summer: summer undergraduate research grants and the undergraduate research assistant program. SURG funds independent projects with a $4,000 stipend to cover living expenses for eight weeks of

full-time research, and URAP allows students to work as an apprentice to faculty and support faculty on a faculty driven project. Wood said OUR offers resources to help students looking to get started in research. The office runs two variations of a weekly workshop, “Finding a Faculty” and “Finding a Lab,” which are recorded conversations that answer frequently asked questions for students getting started. “These short five to seven minute videos are meant to help students understand how normal confusion is and that it’s really scary to get started in research, but there’s lots of support to do so,” Wood said. The office of undergraduate research is not the only

» See RESEARCH, page 10

THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022

AROUND TOWN

Reza’s Restaurant opens student-favorite Tap Room By AVANI KALRA

the daily northwestern @avanidkalra

It’s a Friday night, and belly dancers perform among a crowd of Northwestern students standing shoulder to shoulder at Reza’s Tap Room. The lounge opened in September 2021, after owner Ryan Toulabi decided he wanted to establish a go-to spot for Northwestern students. He said he wanted to use the space to create a nightclub environment in Evanston and give NU students an experience similar to the one he had in his college town. “There’s not a lot of bars in Evanston that cater to the Northwestern crowd,” he said. “There are a lot of people from Northwestern going downtown … they don’t really get treated the way they want to be treated.” Reza’s Restaurant serves Mediterranean and Persian-inspired dishes, including larger combinations and “feasts” to serve groups. It also offers a separate vegetarian menu. Though the restaurant closes at 9 p.m., the lounge is open until 2 a.m. Weinberg freshman Olivia Sotos said the uniqueness of the tap room in a city with a largely quiet nightlife struck her. “I was really excited there was a new option to go to,” Sotos said. “I made a lot of friends there and Evanston finally felt like a real college town.” There are three locations of Reza’s Restaurant in the Chicago area, but the Evanston storefront is the only one featuring a tap room. Toulabi said he was inspired to open the room because 1557 Sherman Ave., where the restaurant is located, housed the city’s first restaurant with a liquor license. Reza’s Tap Room opened in September, but Toulabi said students started frequenting the location in December. Since its opening, he said he has installed a new speaker system and lighting system and hired belly dancers to perform at the tap room.

Jonah Elkowitz/The Daily Northwestern

Reza’s Lounge and Tap Room. Owner Ryan Toulabi said he wanted to create a late-night experience for Northwestern students.

SESP freshman Chelsea Lu said she has found Reza’s Tap Room welcoming so far. Lu said she first went to Reza’s on a Saturday night about three weeks ago. She was excited to see a new weekend option for NU students, she said, and enjoyed entertainment featured at the lounge. “They had horse racing on,” Lu said. “It was great to watch and cheer for the horses. The environment was different from anywhere else I’ve been in Evanston. They have a disco ball and a wall of self-service drinks.” Toulabi said he wants to expand entertainment options at Reza’s Tap Room. He expects

to bring in ’80s Night, Casino Night and other themed events, but said he is mostly looking to hear from NU students about what they would enjoy. Toulabi said he wants Reza’s to be NU students’ go-to spot for the weekend. “Evanston is a very, very beautiful town. It has a great population, great student body and I’ve been looking to open a restaurant in Evanston for years,” Toulabi said. “When you really put your heart into something, you can bring something good to life.”

Setting the record straight Correction: An article published in Friday’s paper, “Local bakery named among best bakeries in U.S.,” misstated Hewn’s current and former addresses. The bakery was formerly located on Dempster Street and moved to a larger location on 1733 Central St. in 2020. The Daily regrets the error.

avanikalra2025@u.northwestern.edu

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THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022

ON CAMPUS

SESP Dean to depart NU after 14 years By JOANNE HANER

the daily northwestern @joanne_n_h

After a fourteen-year Northwestern career, SESP Dean David Figlio will conclude his time at NU in May to take on a new position as the University of Rochester’s next provost. Figlio began working as dean of the School of Education and Social Policy in 2017 after previously working with the Institute of Policy Research and as a SESP professor. He said his time at NU has been one of growth, allowing him to become more interdisciplinary in his work. “Northwestern is really very special,” Figlio said. “I would say in the parts of Northwestern I’ve been engaged with, interdisciplinarity is baked into the culture.” SESP Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Susan Olson has worked with Figlio throughout his time at NU and witnessed his growth. As assistant dean, she works closely with Figlio regarding undergraduate courses and course programming. Olson said part of Figlio’s initiatives at NU were geared towards helping individuals shine and find a place for themselves in SESP. According to Olson, the SESP undergraduate school underwent a curriculum redesign in 2019 that allowed more choice and windows of opportunity for faculty and students alike. “He has always been a very generous person,”

Olson said. “From all the years I’ve worked with him, he’s always thinking about ways to create opportunities.” Throughout his time as SESP dean, Figlio said he has emphasized community outreach and partnerships. In this process, he said he wanted to focus on doing this “with” the community, rather than “to” or “for” them. Faculty Fellow at the Institute of Policy Research and SESP Prof. Emma Adam worked with Figlio throughout his time at NU. She described him as having “boundless energy” that carried into his work as dean. “He really cared about connections with the community around Northwestern and particularly the educational community,” Adam said. “He also created incredibles initiatives that would pair researchers at Northwestern with the local school districts to solve educational problems that were of importance in the local community.” Olson and Adam emphasized Figlio’s attempts to connect with students on campus and amplify student and faculty voices. Figlio opened his doors — physically and remotely — to students during mealtimes to get to know the student population and listen to their thoughts. “His warm personality and having fun has been a really nice way to connect with students,” Olson said. Although he was not looking to leave NU, Figlio said the opportunity presented at Rochester was one he “couldn’t refuse.” He said he looks forward

Daily file photo by Evan Robinson-Johnson

SESP Dean David Figlio said Evanston and NU will always hold a special place in his heart.

to taking what he learned at NU and applying it to a universitywide scale in Rochester. His departure is effective May 15. “I still have a tremendous amount to learn, but I’ve made a lot of progress on my journey towards being capable of running a more equitable, inclusive and just organization as a result of being here,” Figlio said. joannehaner2024@u.northwestern.edu

Nicholas D. Chabraja Center for Historical Studies http://www.historicalstudies.northwestern.edu/events.htm

and the Center for African American History at Northwestern University invite you to the annual Joint CAAH/CCHS Distinguished lecture on African American History 2022 HYBRID event FREE and open to the PUBLIC

Martha JONES (Johns Hopkins University)

author of Vanguard: How Black Women Broke Barriers, Won the Vote, and Insisted on Equality for All (2020) and Birthright Citizens: A History of Race and Rights in Antebellum America (2018)

Monday, February 28 at 5 p.m. HARRIS HALL 108 (the Leopold Room), 1881 Sheridan Rd., Evanston campus

NU goes mask-optional amid fluctuating COVID positivity rate Northwestern’s COVID-19 positivity rate decreased slightly last week after an overall upward trend during the past four weeks. After three weeks of mandated testing requirements for all undergraduate students at the start of the quarter, the positivity rate stayed around 2% for three weeks, averaging 2.48% with a declining number of tests taken each week. However, during Week Seven, the positivity rate rose to 4.35%. while the number of tests taken increased slightly to about 4,700 after the previous two week’s 4,000 each. With 300 fewer tests taken this week compared to last, the number of new positive cases decreased to 152 from last week’s 206. The positivity rate this week was 3.42%. Of the 152 new positive cases observed, undergraduate students accounted for 83% of positive cases with 126 this week — a proportion that increases week-toweek. Non-undergraduate students constitute 17 of the positive tests, while faculty and staff account for a total of nine cases. The University is also suspending use of its Campus Activity Levels framework Friday because the metric fails to represent the “complexities of responding to COVID19 developments,” according to an email sent Thursday. At the time of the announcement, NU reported campus activity levels as “yellow” signifying the need for modifications to normal, in-person operations as well as testing protocols for targeted populations. The University also wrote in the Thursday email that it had “effectively managed” COVID-19 spread on campus, allowing NU to proceed with a mask-optional policy in certain indoor shared spaces in accordance with the state and city timelines. Starting Monday, masking will be optional in most indoor spaces like research labs, athletic facilities, libraries and Norris University Center. Masking will still be required in classrooms and on campus shuttles. While at-home test kit distribution is still suspended on campus, NU students, faculty and staff can receive free, in-person asymptomatic testing at the Donald P. Jacobs Center 9 a.m. to 4 p.m on weekdays. Those with symptoms should use the northwest side testing entrance at the Jacobs Center to receive in-person testing 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays. Students, faculty and staff are able to receive free surgical masks at most building entrances as well as free KN95 respirator masks at the front desk of Norris during open hours. — Angeli Mittal

The Daily Northwestern www.dailynorthwestern.com Editor in Chief Isabelle Sarraf

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“Thick Women and the Thin Nineteenth Amendment” For Fannie Lou Hamer, the Nineteenth Amendment was only a thin commitment to women’s equality before the Constitution. The Amendment was so thin that it excluded Black women from Mississippi, like Mrs. Hamer, from its protections. Today, legal scholars debate Fannie Lou Hamer’s interpretation of the Nineteenth Amendment, though they don’t always cite her. Some take the view of the Amendment as thin, as in merely barring states from enforcing laws that prohibited women’s votes based upon their sex. Another view of the Nineteenth Amendment is that it is thick in that it undergirds women’s entitlement to a broad panoply of universal human rights. Neither of these accounts, however, directly engages at all with Hamer’s claim that for Black women the Nineteenth Amendment had turned out to be irrelevant. In her lifetime, Mrs. Hamer’s objectives—to be both politically empowered and politically powerful—far exceeded what proponents of the Nineteenth Amendment intended in 1920 and went beyond what legal scholars imagine for Black women even today. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The lecture will take place in Harris Hall for masked in-person attendance. For those who cannot participate in person, the lecture will be livestreamed—for livestream Zoom link ONLY, please register at https://northwestern.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIsdu-srDItG90Iwyx5FS72EJK32m0VpW-O ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------COVID-19 Safety Acknowledgement: Northwestern is closely monitoring developments related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and will follow local, state, and University guidelines for this event. All attendees will be required to have been fully vaccinated or have received a negative COVID test within 48 hours of the event start, as well as comply with all other University safety protocols that are in place at the time of the event. Participants unwilling or unable to abide by these requirements should not attend.

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4 THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022

OPINION

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Williams: I spent six months in a cult. It’s still on campus. CAMILLE WILLIAMS

OP-ED CONTRIBUTOR

When I underwent the Christian rite of baptism in 2017, I did not consider I would need another. But on Feb. 26, 2020, I was baptized again. It was basically the same ceremony: being submerged underwater in a pool in the name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. But this time, I joined a cult that hijacked my spiritual, social and academic life for six months. The good news is I got out safely with my spirituality intact. The bad news is the same group is at Northwestern luring in other students — and its members are more persistent than ever. Many students have complained about people from a group called “Meta” harassing them to join their Bible study. They are everywhere: Norris, the Lakefill, the library, Sheridan Road and even Downtown Evanston. They often won’t back down unless you run away or thoroughly convince them of your disinterest. However, approaching students is one of their least concerning behaviors. Beware of “Meta Campus Ministry.” It is not a student organization, though that doesn’t justify their aggressive solicitation. Its leaders aren’t even NU students. It’s gone by many names, but Meta is really the International Christian Church, a fundamentalist cult that recruits and controls members through emotionally and spiritually manipulative practices. No one ever willingly joins a cult. People are drawn, deceived and trapped into them, often by other people who are victims of the same exploitative system. At first, I liked how the ICC ardently set itself apart from the other Christian groups on campus by taking the model of the first-century church so literally. In reality, their doctrine claims that they’re the only true church in the world. Of course, I didn’t know anything about that when I first

encountered them. I met the girl who would eventually recruit me for the first time on Jan. 6, 2020 as a sophomore at the Winter Student Organization Fair. I was the representative for one of the organizations at the fair, and she said she was a prospective transfer student from University of California, Los Angeles who wanted to learn more about the Christian groups on campus. We met up for Starbucks the following Monday, where she and her friend bamboozled me with their life journeys from spiritual darkness to lightness with exceptional vulnerability. I didn’t know they were both full-time ministry students and campus missionaries at this point. When they offered to do a Bible study with me all about seeking God, I said yes, yearning for the certainty with which they talked about their faith. For the next month, I spent lots of time with the different ICC ministry students to study the Bible using their specific plan. Their teachings led me to a terrifying, life-upending and, in hindsight, deeply theologically unsound conclusion: I was outside the Kingdom of God (e.g. the body of bonafide Christians on earth and in heaven). The only way in was on their terms. I eagerly accepted their rules, which I then also saw as God’s. I was love-bombed for six straight weeks by this fervent community of believers with the promise of genuine community and eternal salvation. When my own campus ministry pastor tried to get me to see why the ICC’s beliefs were heretical and dangerous a couple of weeks after my baptism, I rejected it. In fact, I argued with him for over an hour, regurgitating their points about salvation. By this point, Pastor Todd shepherded me for a year and a half. But my ICC disciples had persuaded me to trust them within just two and a half months. It is not that I was naive or that getting entangled with ICC was any fault of my own, but that cults are effective in exploiting people’s vulnerabilities.

But taken within the context of their extreme doctrine, this amounted to harmful practices like monopolizing my time at the cost of my academic performance and other social relationships, or forcing me to confess all the sexual immoralities I’ve committed (which they defined broadly) in a group setting in order to be saved. It was the overwhelming pressure to submit to group norms that determined my actions, not God or my own introspection.

”

I joined a cult that hijacked my spiritual, social and academic life for six months. The good news is I got out safely with my spirituality intact. The bad news is the same group is at Northwestern luring in other students — and its members are more persistent than ever.

- Camille Williams, Op-Ed Contributor Once, the lead pastor of the Chicago branch personally called to remind me to give my weekly financial commitment, which I had forgotten the past week, and also to raise hundreds of dollars for missions. His tone was: “We expect you to do this, and we will hold you accountable every step of the way.” In fact, every

one-on-one meeting with my discipler, the person charged with shepherding me, included a reminder to do my weekly tithe. I am all for sacrificial giving, but that power dynamic is unacceptable. And any church that is zealous about collecting financial contributions, particularly from its part-time employed, 19-year-old student members, borders on cult territory. But truthfully, I never questioned it until I decided to research the ICC and what made a cult a cult. Even when the evidence mounted against them, I still stayed involved for months because I couldn’t reconcile this fact with all of my positive experiences. So, you are probably wondering: how did I get out? Ultimately, it was the expectation for me to forego my living arrangements with my friends a month before the quarter started, to join their “sisters’ household” north of Ryan Field. Some may call it a gut instinct; I call it the Holy Spirit within me squirming in revolt. Church hurt is the worst hurt, whether it is related to an international cult targeting college students or not. And though none of the many registered Christian student organizations are dangerous, it’s still important to acknowledge how institutions can cause harm, even if the people in them have good intentions. My Christian and non-Christian friends, my family and religious mentors all helped me heal and rediscover a firm foundation in my faith. But I know not everyone may have these resources. If you or someone you know has been involved with Meta or a similar organization, especially on this campus, I recommend reaching out to a university chaplain or staff ministry with your shared identity, as that was what helped me. Camille Williams is a Medill senior. If you would like to respond publicly to this op-ed, send a Letter to the Editor to opinion@dailynorthwestern.com. The views expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the views of all staff members of The Daily Northwestern.

Quick Takes: Students react to NU’s mask-optional policy Last week, Northwestern announced that beginning Monday, masks will no longer be required in many indoor spaces. In these Quick Takes, students react to this policy change. Looking at the Facts It is about time Northwestern aligned itself with COVID-19 guidelines adopted across the country and the rest of the world. In the same way the introduction of restrictions was contingent upon worsening state and local trends, the decision to lift them must also depend on those same trends. The facts speak for themselves. Throughout the U.S., Illinois, Evanston and now NU, COVID-19 cases have trended downward since early January and are close to reaching the preomicron levels. So have hospitalizations, the new metric that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention focuses on for its guidance. If one considers that many of our peers in colleges in other countries — like the United Kingdom — lifted mask mandates many weeks prior to today’s announcement and did not suffer because of it, it is clear that the direction we are heading in is the right one. And this is without mentioning that NU’s vaccination rate (98%) is one shared by very few places outside of U.S. universities. It is important to remember Thursday’s announcement is not one which bans the use

of masks. Instead, they are made optional. Those who feel strongly about needing a mask will continue to be able to wear one and perhaps also enjoy greater availability since they won’t be in such high demand. If one wants to protect themselves more, they are able to do so. Let’s also not forget that the classroom, a space where people are most crowded, still requires masking. But it would not make much sense for spaces where people are more spread out — like Norris University Center, libraries and residence halls — to be treated the same.

”

It is important to remember Thursday’s announcement is not one which bans the use of masks. Instead, they are made optional.

- Nick Papandreou

COVID-19 is not going to be eradicated. Therefore, we need to learn to live with it. NU did its duty by requiring three doses of

the vaccine, and the community heeded that call. A safe world from COVID-19 is a world in which everyone is vaccinated, and NU has more than met that goal. If one wants to go that extra mile and wear a mask, one should be able to do so. However, for as long as public health trends continue on their current path, they don’t allow for a solid case to be made about why this should b a requirement for everyone. — Nick Papandreou, class of 2022

”

This pandemic is bigger than so many people realize, and the disregard some hold for others is blatantly clear.

- Abbie Farley

COVID-19 doesn’t end at the mask Since I woke up today, I’ve likely seen well over 100 people across classes, my job and in the hallways. Even though the mask order is still in place, a number of people didn’t have their masks on. On Feb. 28, the masking order at NU will be partially lifted. COVID19, however, isn’t going to magically disappear. The virus doesn’t handpick who gets COVID-19 and who doesn’t. It’s not going to disappear — far from it, actually. It’s going to spread more because, without masks, people are more easily infected. Sure, the bulk of the infected are vaccinated and boosted. But what about those who are immunocompromised? What about those who know someone who is at high risk? This pandemic is bigger than so many people realize, and the clear disregard some hold for

others is blatantly clear. On one hand, this issue is incredibly nuanced. Each person has their own reasons for the way they feel and they, to an extent, are entitled to that. However, for many people, the pandemic is also life and death. Nationally, there are still more than 1,500 people losing their lives daily. This pandemic isn’t over and, at this rate, it won’t be for a long time. — Abbie Farley, class of 2025 If you would like to submit a Quick Take, fill out this form. If you would like to submit an op-ed to The Daily, email opinion@dailynorthwestern. com. The views expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the views of all staff members of The Daily Northwestern.

The Daily Northwestern Editor in Chief Isabelle Sarraf Opinion Editor Lily Nevo

Volume 144, Issue 12 Assistant Opinion Editor Divya Bhardwaj Sterling Ortiz

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR may be sent to 1999 Campus Drive, Evanston, IL 60208, via fax at 847-491-9905, via e-mail to opinion@dailynorthwestern.com or by dropping a letter in the box outside The Daily office. Letters have the following requirements: • Should be typed • Should be double-spaced • Should include the author’s name, signature, school, class and phone number. • Should be fewer than 300 words They will be checked for authenticity and may be edited for length, clarity, style and grammar.

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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022

THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

The Daily Northwestern

After dozens of nominations and hundreds of votes, The Daily Northwestern’s 10th annual Best of Evanston Edition is here. We’ve compiled a list of your 22 favorite restaurants, businesses and hidden gems, and paid our respects to two businesses who closed their doors this year. — Audrey Hettleman, Best of Evanston Editor

THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022

BEST TAKEOUT

BEST RESTAURANT

& BEST MEAL FOR A TIGHT BUDGET

TOMATE

For the fourth year running, Tomate Fresh Kitchen was voted Evanston’s best restaurant. It’s a remarkable feat for the small establishment, located at 914 ½ Noyes Street, especially when you consider that the business is carry out and delivery with no dine-in option. With what its website describes as “gourmet street food” based in Latin American cuisine, Tomate has an ironclad grip on the Northwestern student body that is truly unmatched. Never was this more apparent than in the early months of 2021, when the restaurant temporarily closed and left a burrito-shaped hole in many of our hearts. Since its reopening, Tomate regulars and curious newcomers alike have enjoyed the wide variety of delectable fillings in their tacos, gorditas and burritos. For me, the burritos are where Tomate stands apart. They’re each around $8, an absolute steal for

Amy Chen/The Daily Northwestern

the quality and quantity of food you receive. Each filling I’ve tried, from the chicken tinga to the carnitas to the sweet potato, has been top notch. While I’m not vegetarian, their vegetarian options are so good I often opt for those. The guacamole is also some of the best around, so spending the extra $1 for that is totally worth it. My only complaint? It closes early, shutting its pickup window at 6 p.m. Still, that doesn’t stop Tomate from deserving the top spot among Evanston restaurants. — Emily Sakai

BEST BRUNCH

BEST PIZZA

OVO FRITO CAFE

LOU MALNATI’S If you take just one step into Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, the aroma of hot cheese, sauce and crust fresh out of the oven becomes overwhelming. Welcome to Lou’s — arguably the best deep dish in the Chicago area. The first Lou Malnati’s location opened on March 17, 1971 in Lincolnwood. With a total of 58 locations in the Chicago area alone, Lou’s is the place to enjoy the ultimate Chicago delicacy: deep dish pizza. Its Sherman Avenue location is a smaller version of the eatery, with the same welcoming atmosphere as the original location. The pizzeria offers build-your-own pizzas, either deep dish or thin crust, and provides gluten free options. In addition to their famous pies, they also make pasta dishes, Italian beef sandwiches and delicious appetizers. To top off your dining experience, you can try their cannoli dip served with housemade cinnamon sugar tortilla chips or their rich tiramisu for dessert. All cheesiness aside, for me, Lou Malnati’s was a staple growing up in Chicago. — Selena Kuznikov

Walking into Ovo Frito Café is like stepping into an egg yolk. You are immediately greeted by chamomile yellow and sunkissed orange walls. Colorful paintings of eggs adorn the space. In one landscape painting, sunny-side up eggs dangle from tree branches, mirroring Christmas ornaments. Husband Roberto Flores and wife Zinnia Iglesias opened the cafe, located at 1936 Maple Ave., back in 2017. Ovo Frito, which means “fried egg” in Portuguese, has quickly become a local favorite, taking the brunch slot in 2020’s Best of Evanston as well. The decor isn’t the only thing that stands out. The brunch options are also (egg)cellent, whether you’re craving something savory or sweet. Ovo Frito offers an assortment of items on their menu: fluffy omelets, spicy chilaquiles and veggie bowls. For my brunch, I ordered a hot coffee and the Viva La France, a French toast stack layered with fresh bananas, tangy strawberries and glistening vanilla cream. In the cafe, a soft chatter of conversation hums in the air as customers share food and laughter. At Ovo Frito, you don’t just order specials — you feel special. Sunny side up, scrambled, or poached. No matter how you like your eggs, Ovo Frito is a paradise for brunch fanatics.

Some could say I’m a Pad Thai enthusiast, while others might call me obsessed — either way, Cozy’s containers of noodles, veggies and tofu stir-fried in a special sauce have gotten me through mid-quarter slumps on more than one occasion. Located just steps beyond Bennison’s Bakery, the near-thirty minute trek to Davis Street can be daunting for North Campus residents and out of the question amid busy schedules. Add snow and below freezing temperatures, and the extra blocks begin to add up. Thanks to an easy online ordering platform for delivery or pick up (and the promise of a free appetizer for orders over $25), foul weather is not a reason to keep you from a flavorful bowl of spicy Red Curry

— Nixie Strazza

BEST LATE-NIGHT BITE

CHICKEN SHACK

It’s midnight on a Saturday, and you and your friends have worked up an appetite. Just a six-minute walk from the Foster CTA station, Chicken Shack will satisfy all of your late-night cravings. While most other Evanston businesses are closed at this time, Chicken Shack remains open until 12:30 a.m. from Wednesday through Saturday, 12 a.m. on Monday and Tuesday and 8 p.m. on Sunday. It also offers $4 delivery, so on-campus residents don’t have to trek all the way to Ridge Avenue to experience its mouthwatering menu. One busy weeknight, I ordered delivery to my dorm. Within 30 minutes, I was enjoying Chicken Shack’s crispy and juicy

You’re a vegetarian at a restaurant with your omnivorous friends and the only real vegetarian item on the menu is a salad or a downgraded alternative version of a meatfilled dish. I get it — I’ve been there, as a fellow vegetarian myself. Head to Blind Faith Cafe to see that vegetarian food can be more than rabbit food. Located at the heart of the Main-Dempster Mile, the restaurant is well worth the trek. You’re surrounded by warm, welcoming employees and your favorite cuisines made vegetarian. Craving something spicy? Go for the vegan Mexican breakfast or the breakfast burrito. How about Asian cuisine? Say hello to the Mongolian stir-fry or the Thai peanut noodles. Want to travel to Europe from the comfort of your wooden restaurant chair? Get the Mediterranean omelette or the pesto pasta primavera. Of course, if salads are your thing, you’re in for a treat. Blind Faith Cafe offers a wide variety that deviates from

— Jessica Ma

Joanne Haner/The Daily Northwestern

chicken tenders and fluffy buttermilk biscuits. There is truly something for every meat lover on Chicken Shack’s menu, from fried fish to rib tips, with coleslaw or onion rings on the side. Students can also take advantage of the budget-friendly “bargain buckets” that feed a crowd for a reasonable price. Northwestern students aren’t the only fans of Chicken Shack, as the Evanston favorite has been featured in the Huffington Post and ranked best fried chicken spot in the state by Mashed. Chicken Shack has already celebrated 32 years in Evanston, and voters have been happy to have it during all their late nights. — Caitlin Smith

the conventional lettuce and tomatoes — from the Thai noodle salad to the Jerusalem lentil salad or Mediterranean rice salad, your salads don’t have to be green and unoriginal if you don’t want them to be. The options are endless and animalfriendly. No longer do you need to spend 15 minutes interrogating the server about their non-existent vegetarian options — you’re in control of what you eat at Blind Faith Cafe. — Angeli Mittal

BEST VEGETARIAN

BLIND FAITH CAFE

BEST DESSERT

BEST HAIR SALON

BENNISON’S BAKERY

ERGO SALON & SPA

I’ll admit it — I let my mom cut my hair in quarantine. It was June 2020, I was getting desperate and a trip to the salon didn’t seem possible any time soon. She watched a YouTube video, chopped off a couple of inches and I didn’t think anything of it. But when I returned to Evanston that September, I walked straight into Ergo Salon & Spa to save my curls. Ergo offers haircuts for those of all ages, as well as a range of color and styling services. You can also treat yourself to a deep conAngeli Mittal/Daily Senior Staffer ditioning or keratin treatment, and shop for an array of shampoos, conditioners, gels and creams. The staff offers advice when you need it, as well as an extra boost of encouragement if you’re contemplating a big change — I’ve watched customers enter the salon When my mom came to visit me at school for the first time, she tentative about dying their hair shades of blue and teal, but walk out as confident took one look at my sloppy, self-done manicure and demanded that as ever we get mani-pedis together. With its convenient location on Church Street, Dazzle Nails was — Zoe Malin the perfect option for mother-daughter bonding over manicures. Not only is the staff friendly, but the interior is also gorgeous, with bursts of color and sparkles that greet customers as soon as they walk through the doors. The salon is certainly designed with the student body in mind, offering a 10% discount for any Wildcard holder. When Evanston residents are in need of anything from a simple manicure to elaborate nail designs, Dazzle Nails is a consistent favorite. The salon offers classic manicures, powder dip nails, gel nails, pedicures and even foot massages. As I was walking past Dazzle Nails, I saw two of my close friends walk out the door and they showed me their freshly painted nails. From my own mother to my best friends, everyone loves Dazzle.

BEST NAIL SALON

DAZZLE NAILS

Gabe Bider/The Daily Northwestern

COZY NOODLES AND RICE

or Pad Woon Sen. Ordering takeout from Cozy Noodles and Rice combines the three pillars of good food: comfort, speed and cost. With both a regular and gluten-free menu and plenty of vegetarian dishes, there are options to accommodate all eaters. Once a week my freshman year, I treated myself to my favorite noodle entree. Never did I wait more than 30 minutes for arrival and the price fit neatly into my college budget. I still associate my Pad Thai deliveries with making friends in the Lincoln study room and learning to live away from home. Whether in my dorm or their dining room decked out with plaques of kitschy quotes and PEZ dispensers, the taste of Cozy’s crispy tofu will always be synonymous with finding my place at NU.

— Jocelyn Mintz

From the outside, Bennison’s Bakery looks timeless. The burgundy awning and ‘BAKERY’ sign, edged with lightbulbs like a movie theater billboard, makes the storefront feel like a fixture of the community. Inside, it gives off the same air of reassuring permanence with a side of sugar and butter. Founded in 1938, Bennison’s was passed from Larry Bennison to Guy Downer in 1967. Three generations of Downers have worked in the store. I’ll admit, I’m much newer to the bakery. I’ve only been twice, but the store’s dizzying array of treats all but ensures I’ll return. I made plans to meet with a friend there once and then spent a solid half hour salivating

BEST COFFEE SHOP

COFFEE LAB

Whether you’re looking for a caffeinated pickme-up to sustain you through long study sessions or a sweet snack to brighten your day, Coffee Lab & Roasters is there to help. Located on Noyes Street, Coffee Lab is the perfect stop for when you’re on North Campus and don’t want to make the trek downtown. Its top-tier quality and convenience has kept caffeine addicts coming back year after year — this is its fourth Best of Evanston win. Since 2010, this Asian- and LGBTQ-owned independent coffee shop has been serving up quality beverages and food. Coffee Lab prides itself on its fresh roasted specialty pour-over coffee, and their beans are roasted every week by a local small

over their website at about 1 a.m. that night. When you walk in, miniature cookies line shelves near the door. Lusciously decorated cakes sit one case over. The croissants are crisp, buttery and often sold out. Paczki, Polish donuts traditionally eaten on Fat Tuesday, contain fillings in flavors ranging from apricot to chocolate praline. Once you’re inside, you can browse the pastries, forget about the week you’ve had and devote yourself to choosing between a plum- or cheese-flavored paczki for a brief moment of bliss. — Aviva Bechky

batch roaster. Known for its purple ube latte, butter mochi cakes and homemade scones, Coffee Lab has something for everybody. The shop sells Filipino-, Korean- and Japanese-inspired artisan pastries, so you always know you’re in for a treat. With its simplistic wooden style, Coffee Lab has a homey environment that is perfect whether you want a place to work, catch up with friends or simply sit alone with your thoughts. Don’t wait too late in the day — snacks sell out and seats fill up early because Coffee Lab is truly Evanston’s best. — Kara Peeler

THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022

BEST PLACE TO SEE A GOOD VIEW

BEST SPOT TO BUY NU GEAR

CAMPUS GEAR

BEST BURGER

BAT 17

Main Library is a popular study spot for Northwestern students due to its central location on campus. If it’s sunny but not quite warm enough to sit outside, find a seat by a window and enjoy the blue skies from the comfort of the Periodicals Room. There’s no better way to brighten up a study day than by surrounding yourself with plants and sunlight. The Periodicals are quiet, perfect for reading and concentrating. If you’re not looking for a quiet section, the 1South space is a great place to collaborate on group projects or to pretend you’re studying while you catch up with friends. Grab a coffee at Brewbike, the student-run cafe on the second floor. Stop by The Writing Place to have a peer consultant look over your paper. You can even reserve a private study room to take an exam or collaborate with other students. Main Library has a place for everyone, whether you’re planning to cram for a midterm or meet with a study group.

Bat 17 is the prime example of getting what you pay for. The prices are high enough to make you faint, but the food’s high quality and taste satisfies enough to forget your empty pocket. As a lonely Fall Quarter freshman without friends or support, I used to go to Bat 17 every Saturday to watch college football games. I loved trying the various kinds of sandwiches and appetizers they had, especially when cheering on our then-shockingly good Northwestern football team. I would save up my money during the week and only eat in dining halls on weekdays so I could afford to go to Bat 17 on Saturdays. If you’re in the mood for beef, I recommend any burger, as they’re all great. The Ricky-Bobby Burger, whose hot sauce and pepper jack cheese gives it a flavorful kick, is usually my go-to. If I’m ever incredibly hungry, I spring for The Terminator, which is the equivalent of two full burgers stacked atop each other. One of my most cherished memories of my first year was downing a Terminator while watching NU beat Michigan State en route to the Big Ten title game. If you’re in the mood for chicken, I recommend Blue Lightning, a spicy chicken sandwich similar to the Ricky-Bobby Burger. Even though my freshman fall is far behind me, I still relish the chances I get to eat at Bat 17 — it’s a place you have to try.

— Ilana Hutzler

— Sterling Ortiz

There is one phrase that encompasses how I feel about Campus Gear, and I quote from the words of Noah Coffman at Inside NU: “HAT: Hat, hat hat hat.” Do you want a Northwestern and Illinois house divided hat? Campus Gear has that. Do you want an NU and Nebraska house divided hat, so you can slander your Nebraska friends by saying that NU is the real NU, and Nebraska is just UNL? Campus Gear has that. Are you an aspiring engineer and want to show your commitment to the field with an NU and MIT house divided hat? Campus Gear also has that. If you don’t like hats, don’t worry, because Campus Gear can hook you up with many other items. NU lanyards give a nice contrast with a button-down or sensible blouse for future white-collar workers. For sports fanatics like myself, I highly recommend one of their football jerseys, since they’re so easy to wear. However you want to show purple pride, you are sure to find something to your liking on Campus Gear’s mile-high shelves. — Sterling Ortiz

BEST STUDY SPOT

MAIN LIBRARY

BEST NEW BUSINESS

HAPPY LEMON

It’s no secret that college students love their bubble tea. Whether looking for some afternoon caffeine or an after-dinner treat, Northwestern students have frequented Evanston boba spots for years. In July 2021, Happy Lemon –– creator of the salted cheese topping –– opened on Chicago Avenue to offer students a new (and saltier) option to satisfy their cravings. In 1991, the Yummy Town Group brought bubble tea from Taiwan to Mainland China and Hong Kong. Seven years later, the company founded Happy Lemon, and invented Rock Salt Cheese Tea –– a cream cheese, heavy cream, or milk topping with rock salt. Happy Lemon offers a fully customizable experience with five ice and sugar level options, and over 20 topping selections. I will warn you –– don’t go to Happy Lemon if you’re feeling overwhelmed. There’s milk tea, brewed tea, smoothies, fruit tea and various

BEST GROCERY STORE

TRADER JOE’S Loaded snack aisles, fun pasta varieties and rotating seasonal options define Evanston’s Trader Joe’s, a hotspot for fresh produce and unique ingredients. Its farmers-market-esque charm and welcoming staff combine to give the grocery store a third Best of Evanston win. Trader Joe’s assortment of cheeses, nuts and smoked meats provide an excellent starting point for those looking to piece together a picnic on the Lakefill. It’s a destination for students and residents on the hunt for quality options on a budget. From heavenly Garlic Naan Crackers to delectable cookie butter, Trader Joe’s provides something new at every turn. In the dead of winter, blooming roses, tulips and hydrangeas are some perfect additions to sprucing up any indoor space. Trader Joe’s provides these for a steal

versions of lemon, but choosing a tea is just the tip of the iceberg. My favorites are the classic Honey Jasmine Green Tea and the Passionfruit Green Tea (without jelly). Next time you’re in the mood to violently stab a cup with an oversized straw, make your way down Chicago Avenue to Happy Lemon: Evanston’s best new business.

NU LAKEFILL

As compensation for the dumpster fire that is the quarter system’s unending barrage of exams, Northwestern gave us the Lakefill. Composed of 74 acres of reclaimed underwater land, the Lakefill was built to expand NU’s physical footprint. Today, it serves as a respite and community nexus for frazzled, burnt-out students. It is a foundational element of NU student culture: NorthwesternCore simply wouldn’t be complete without hammocks decorating each Lakefill tree the second the weather passes 60 degrees. The Lakefill was voted best place to see a good view this year, and for good reason. From the southernmost point of the Lakefill peninsula, you can see an expansive view of the Chicago lakeshore. Catch ethereal sunsets, beautiful sunrises and everything in between. Walk a few steps north, and you’ll get an unbeatable angle of Lake Michigan. From anxiety-soothing scenic strolls to first dates made less awkward by picturesque scenery, the Lakefill suits all occasions — probably why it absolutely dunked on all other nominations in its category this year. My top Lakefill recommendations: midnight picnics, sunrise walks and crying in public — not in a depressing way, but in a tragically scenic comingof-age movie way. — Kalina Pierga

BEST FIRST DATE SPOT

TAPAS BARCELONA

Picture this: it’s your first date, and you’re really nervous. You’re not sure where to go, but you want a fun atmosphere where the conversation flows naturally. With its plentiful plates and colorful atmosphere, Tapas Barcelona is the place for you. Tapas Barcelona’s variety of tasty small plates and delicious drinks is the main event. Eating at Tapas is a fantastic way to intimately get to know your partner’s palate, because you’re encouraged to order a multitude of things and share. You can’t get just one thing. If you’re looking for somewhere to start, I recommend the crispy patatas bravas with spicy tomato sauce and traditional paellas. Tapas’s cozy atmosphere and decorations provide for some great conversation starters, and the Spanish flair sets the experience apart from other restaurants in the Evanston area. Another plus? The restaurant’s Chicago Avenue location means you can easily walk there from anywhere around Northwestern’s Evanston Campus, a fantastic opportunity to offer your date your jacket when they’re cold. — Nicole Markus

BEST CLOTHING STORE

CROSSROADS TRADING

Looking for a fresh new fit? Affordable accessories? A last minute formal dress? Look no further than Crossroads Trading, a clothing resale store located in the heart of Downtown Evanston. With more than 30 locations across the United States, Crossroads sells new and used clothes. One of three stores in the Chicago area, the Evanston location is at 1730 Sherman Ave. and open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. For those looking to shop, Crossroads offers trendy looks. At the store, you can find matching rings for you and your best friend or perfectly worn Levis. As a second-hand retailer, the store commits to sustainability in fashion. By selling and shopping at Crossroads, customers help keep clothes out of the landfill. When trading at Crossroads, you’ll either receive store credit or cash. The business pays 50% in credit of the price the items are sold in the store and 30% in cash. Crossroads looks for clothes that are clean, current and in good condition. Look to the selling guide for more information. Customers should only bring laundered items to sell at the store. Store employees evaluate and price clothing on the spot, and sellers will receive payment right away. You must be 18 years old, or accompanied by an adult with a valid photo ID to sell. Follow the Chicago area stores on Instagram at @crossroads_midwest, and don’t be afraid to stop in. You’re more than likely to find something spectacular.

— Avani Kalra

Angeli Mittal/Daily Senior Staffer

— Olivia Alexander

BEST LIQUOR STORE — sometimes as low as $3.99 a bunch. The classic paper bag also doubles as a nice bouquet wrap. For late night munchies, look no further. The wide array of options from the frozen aisle includes pizza, mini vegetable samosas, cheese enchiladas and more, satisfying any possible craving. We can’t forget the seasonal standouts. Candy Cane Joe-Joe’s define the store’s holiday season, and Valentine’s Day brings the iconic Iced Raspberry and Cream Cheese Danish Strip. The store stocks fun goodies for any and every occasion. No doubt about it —Trader Joe’s will provide something to brighten your life. It’s just a matter of making the trek, and it’ll be worth it. — Avani Kalra

D&D FINER FOODS

Just two weeks ago, I turned 21. For college students across the nation, that marks a major milestone: buying your first legal drink. And I knew exactly where I was headed: D&D Finer Foods, nestled in the heart of Noyes Street. Aside from its proximity to my apartment — a mere five-minute walk — D&D’s homey atmosphere, options for fresh-cooked meals and array of groceries all make it a perfect onestop shop. As one of my favorite Evanston institutions, it only made sense that I paid them a visit on my 21st birthday. That chilly afternoon, I was excited to peruse my options. Between the large range of craft beers, the wine variety and the well-stocked liquor shelves, I knew I had a difficult decision ahead of me. I ended up leaving with a bottle of white wine that rang up under $10. I’m living on a college budget, so I wasn’t looking to drop too much. But D&D’s accommodates all sorts of tastes and budgets and is home to brands and brews I’ve never seen before. The store’s proximity to other perennial Best of Evanston winners such as Tomate Fresh Kitchen and Coffee Lab means a trip down Noyes Street hits three of the central food groups of collegiate life: coffee, burritos and alcoholic beverages. But out of the three, the versatility of D&D’s and overall atmosphere will always make it stand out to me. D&D’s will hold a fond place in my memories as I look back on my time at Northwestern. Take a trip to Noyes and, more than likely, it’ll find a place in your heart too. — Jacob Fulton

THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022

BEST FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

BEST SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS

FARMHOUSE

PLANT SHOP EVANSTON

From delectable mussels to some genuinely out-of-this-world mac and cheese, Farmhouse has everything you need to please little ones and adults alike. The dark wooden decor and mix of high-top and low booth seating create an atmosphere perfect for out-of-town families looking for a memorable meal or for locals on a regular Tuesday night when no one in the family has the energy to cook. The staff are friendly and accommodating, and prices are reasonable for the quality and service. At Farmhouse, families have the choice to dine as casual or as nice as they’d prefer, with entrees from tuna melts to burgers to salads to farro risotto. Farmhouse offers brunch, lunch, dinner and a gluten-free menu. The restaurant’s convenient location across from Evanston Public Library makes it the perfect spot to walk to after a day of roaming the shops. Settle in with your loved ones for a comforting meal that tastes like home.

Amid the Chicago winter, it’s fair to say that sunlight is lacking, which raises quite an issue if you want to grow your own garden. For all of the nature lovers who aspire to bring the outdoors inside, Plant Shop Evanston is the place to go. Plant Shop Evanston has a variety of options in its store, ranging from succulents, cacti and flowers to all-purpose liquid, maxi foliar and African violet fertilizers. While it has prepackaged bowls and pots available for purchase, customers are also welcome to bring their own vessels. What could be a more sustainable way to upcycle a finished candle jar or unused mug? Sustainability is an essential part of Plant Shop Evanston’s business. With a wide selection of reusable pots and jars, as well as a plethora of plant options, the store sheds light on ways to converge environmental responsibility and natural beauty. Plant Shop Evanston is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

— Wendy Klunk

— Cleo Kanter

IN MEMORIAM TERRA & VINE

URBAN OUTFITTERS

Farewell to the best farfalle I’ve had in Evanston. After a prolonged pandemic shutdown, Italian restaurant Terra & Vine will officially close its doors at the end of the month. Known for its creamy pesto pasta and Sicilian-style pizza, the Maple Avenue location exemplified college elegance. A seat at its long leather booth was always a signifier of a special occasion — and an opportunity for a side of crispy brussels sprouts. Its vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free menus meant those with allergens could enjoy a delicious meal alongside unrestricted eaters with no compromise of quality. When friends and family visited, Terra & Vine was my go-to restaurant. It was over a plate of their Pasta Verdura that I enjoyed time with my parents and roommate during Family Weekend. I’ll look back on those memories — tinted by the warm glow of the pizza oven — with fondness and miss the veggie pasta in which I indulged.

As one of the few branded clothing stores in Evanston, it’s hard not to recognize the loss of Urban Outfitters — especially its sale section. Even though I rarely visited, it was comforting to know I had at least one clothing store in Evanston to fall back on, whether it was for a funky Dillo Day outfit or one of their seamless basics. Despite my initial shock at the news, I’ll freely admit I honestly do not care about Urban’s closure. It could be the fact I probably went in twice in my three years here. Maybe it’s my distaste towards the fast fashion industry as a whole, or the fact I maybe fit into a third of their clothes. What about the ludicrous prices? Probably all of the above. Still, I get the hype. The hipster decor, kitschy home accessories and allure of buying into the latest trends have drawn me into the store time and time again. I’d be a liar if I didn’t acknowledge I do occasionally peruse their website. I also recognize clothing store choices are slim in Evanston, especially for a college student looking for something on a time crunch. If you’re still looking for your Urban fix, might I suggest the (much cheaper) Urban Outfitters surplus store, located not too far from the Fullerton CTA station.

— Nixie Strazza

— Meher Yeda

RIP

BEST BAR

CELTIC KNOT PUBLIC HOUSE Walk past Celtic Knot Public House any night of the week and you’re more than likely to hear music pouring out the front door. The sound of folk, blues and Irish tunes fill the air inside the establishment and make their way out onto the street. For some, the songs act as background noise as they engage in a conversation at the bar. Others get lost in the rhythm, swaying to the beat while sipping on a Guinness with foam dripping down the sides of the frosty glass. Celtic Knot is more than a bar. It’s a gathering place for friends and family, a spot for coworkers to catch up and a lively date night venue. The drink menu

lists over a dozen beer and cider options, as well as wine and cocktails. You can also bring Celtic Knot home with you — the bar offers a jug of its Knotty Cocktail to go. And as for the food? You can munch on everything from deep-fried pickle chips to bacon-wrapped dates, or chow down on Shepherd’s Pie and Boston Corned Beef and Cabbage. But before you get lost in the pools of gravy and crunchy French fries, don’t overlook the soups — nothing cures a bad day like a bucket of Celtic Knot’s Pea Wack. — Zoe Malin

HOT FROM THE OVEN

William Clark/Daily Senior Staffer

BLIND FAITH CAFE

FARMHOUSE

Welcome to Hot from the Oven, a series profiling local Evanston eateries to get a glimpse behind-thescenes of their staff, clientele and history. Behind every storefront is a story. Some may claim that sauce is the key to their success while others rely on sugar and syrup. From tales about Frida Kahlo to those of the Midwest, they all have their own origin stories but strive towards a common purpose: to serve Scan this QR code with the Evanston community. The Daily’s photo-audio series explores the unique tastes and flares to each of Snapchat or your smartphone camera to access our Hot From these businesses. the Oven photo-audio series and explore more about your — Angeli Mittal and William Clark local Evanston eateries.

Kara Peeler/The Daily Northwestern

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022

OM ARTS SHOWCASE

For the first time since the pandemic, Northwestern community members took to the stage Saturday for OM at Northwestern’s Classical Arts Showcase. In a celebration of Hindustani classical

THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

art, the performance featured four dancers and two singers. — Jordan Mangi and Delaney Nelson

Ava Mandoli/The Daily Northwestern

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THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022

TASK FORCES From page 1

forces started in recent years to target specific issues on campus. Members come together to review the topic and eventually deliver recommendations to administration on what they conclude needs to be changed. The task forces try to make impacts with their suggestions, and years later, some reforms have already come from their reports. Medill Dean Charles Whitaker chaired the Black House Facility Review Committee. The group first came together in 2015 after outcry surrounding proposed changes to the Black House. “There were people who were part of the Northwestern Black Alumni association, as well as colleagues who thought that I would bring the proper perspective,” Whitaker said. Whitaker and his fellow committee members conducted listening sessions and public forums to determine which characteristics of the Black House people valued. Brown-Henderson said they also used surveys to discover key themes that could transform into recommendations. Sociology and Gender and Sexuality Studies Prof. Héctor Carrillo, the former co-chair of the GenderQueer, Non-Binary and Trans Task Force, said they went into their job with big ideas already in mind. “Housing, bathrooms, facilities, culture, to health insurance,” Carrillo said. “It was quite a bit of work in terms of managing the process that involved so many people. In the end everybody came together with a good understanding.” However, not every task force works exactly how these are structured. Program reviews, such as that for Multicultural Student Affairs in 2014, involve two external expert reviewers and two internal reviewers. They look into a program’s strengths and weaknesses and make recommendations. Megan Blackwelder, associate vice president of program review, said external reviewers use multiple means to do this. “The self-assessment provided by the unit under

CARP

From page 1

transportation, considering new bike paths and sidewalk improvement programs. Joel Freeman, board member of Citizens’ Greener Evanston and former co-chair of the CARP working group, said several proposals submitted to the city government, like the renovation of the heating and ventilation systems at Noyes Cultural Arts Center, include the plan and will advance Evanston climate policy. “It’s no longer an afterthought that has to be imposed from the outside,” Freeman said. “It’s now being incorporated as a way of doing things.” Environment Board members have also discussed rewriting Evanston’s building code to align with CARP, which aims to reduce building energy consumption by 35% by 2035. Pratt said buildings

RESEARCH

review, quantitative and qualitative data on key operational and performance metrics, expertise of the field under review,” Blackwelder said. But typical strategies, like gathering feedback from stakeholders, are still used, Blackwelder said. Some recommendations from task forces have been implemented. MSA’s recommendations of increasing faculty and staff relationships in the ethnic studies department and communication to the University community have been accomplished, according to a University database. The University has implemented Carrillo’s group’s request for Wildcards to print first-year transgender and nonbinary students’ chosen names and to create an all gender bathroom intiative. Brown-Henderson said the recommendation of an academic support hub helped create the Academic Support and Learning Advancement center and increased support for Multicultural Greek Council organizations. However, not all recommendations get implemented. While the Black House’s renovation can partly be attributed to Whitaker and his colleagues’ suggestions, he said programmatic recommendations were left untouched. He even said they were told explicitly when they submitted their report that programming recommendations wouldn’t be implemented. “I would say the focus has exclusively been on the renovation,” Whitaker said. “If the Black House is really to fulfill its mission, it really has to have strong programmatic function as well. I don’t think that part of our report was necessarily taken to heart.” Some ideas, like reinstating a dean for African American student affairs, have yet to be discussed, according to a University database. Whitaker said he expects to never see a dean for African American student affairs again, as he thinks administration believes MSA is an umbrella that covers that role too. There’s also been no consideration of creating a Black House advisory board, another suggestion of theirs, he said. “Our thought was that if it was really supposed to be a functioning facility at Northwestern, it needed to be more than just a show piece,” Whitaker said.

“Rightfully so, people are very proud of the renovation, but I think in the minds of many people the work here is done.” But Whitaker was clear he was comfortable with the position the task force was in. They made their efforts to highlight what they believe are needed changes, and it’s now out of their hands. The process for implementing these ideas isn’t universal. Blackwelder said for program reviews, implementation agreements are made after reports are delivered, but other task forces vary on a caseby-case basis. “There is no formal governing process or unit,” University spokesperson Jon Yates said in an email to The Daily. “The details of task force assembly, review, timeline and implementation of recommendations is determined with appropriate institutional oversight.” After reports are delivered, most task forces stop meeting, according to former members. Some are involved as outside activists, but they do not reconvene as a collective force after their reports are delivered. Carrillo said that the job primarily lies in the hands of people who benefit from these recommendations. “The current challenge would be to make sure progress continues,” Carrillo said. “It’s also incumbent to the groups of students, staff and faculty themselves to make sure the recommendations continue to be put in place.” He hopes that activism will force the University to proceed. Brown-Henderson said she finds both frustration and pleasure in the relevancy of the Black Student Experience Report. She said she is discontent because it shows these changes have still not been implemented, but hopeful because it shows their work didn’t go unheard. “Change doesn’t happen overnight, particularly not within the academy,” Brown-Henderson said. “I’m really grateful to have been here long enough to see some of the currents shift, even if it’s really slow.”

are responsible for 80% of the city’s carbon footprint. Mayor Daniel Biss announced in January that Evanston would join other cities in President Joe Biden’s National Building Performance Standards Coalition, which aims to “inclusively design and implement equitable building performance standards.” City Council is also thinking about allocating funds from the American Rescue Plan Act toward retrofitting old buildings in low-income neighborhoods, improving their energy efficiency, Revelle said. “We’ve got all these great buildings that were built a long time ago and aren’t very energy-efficient,” Revelle said. “It’s going to be a very long process.” Revelle said City Council should require commercial buildings to host recycling and composting receptacles and further incorporate CARP goals into the city’s Strategic Plan. This initiative would help Evanston catch up in an

area in which it is “way behind,” Revelle said. “Our (waste) diversion rate,” she said, “is pathetic.” Some advocates noted that the city may need to revise CARP’s goals to reflect more recent research. Pratt said it would be logical for the city to re-evaluate CARP’s benchmarks in 2023 — five years after it was passed. Aaron, who attended the U.N. Climate Change Conference in November 2021, said the CARP goals are no longer sufficient since the city did not act quickly enough from the start. Still, she said the plan is a basis for action and that Evanston cannot continue to act like a leader in climate policy without enacting change. “We can’t continue to front like we are a step ahead of other suburbs,” Aaron said. “We are simply all talk. We have this plan, and (we’ve) done nothing with it.”

resource students can use. Wood said she suggests students utilize advising to cater toward their specific research interests. Both the Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences and the McCormick School of Engineering have their own school-centric grants, including the Baker Program in Undergraduate Research and Continuing Umbrella of Research Experience, respectively. “We talk with students about other grants that could be a better fit with them and direct them to other campus resources, if that ultimately makes sense for the student,” Wood said. The Leopold Fellowship program provides all undergraduate students the opportunity to work with current faculty on historical research projects. “There are various programs where undergraduates need to get summer grants to do their own research, but this is doing research for a professor,” Assistant Director Elzbieta Foeller-Pituch said. “So it’s guided, and I think it would be an ideal step towards doing your own research.” The Leopold Fellowship pays students $13 per hour for an average of eight to 10 hours per week. Weinberg junior and Leopold Fellow Griffin Harris worked with history Prof. Joanna Grisinger on “Public Interest or Public Corruption? Airline Regulation and Administrative Politics” during summer and fall 2021. Harris said the Leopold Fellowship was time-manageable, even in the summer when he also worked a full-time internship. He looked through administrative records from the Civil Aeronautics Board, a government agency that controlled airlines before deregulation. “It’s been enormously helpful. I’m planning to do a senior thesis, and the Leopold Fellowship is going to be the biggest tool I have going into that,” Harris said. Harris continued his research in the fall, which he said stayed reasonable to manage with classes. But even with the benefits of research in the summer, like extra time, Harris said his peers should get started as soon as possible. There are various ways in which students can get involved in summer research at NU, from emailing professors directly or meeting with advisors. “I’m a huge fan of research across all disciplines because I feel like it gives students real world tangible experiences and practical experiences,” Wood said. “Research is an exercise in project management, where you have to think through different stages of what the project will look like. And that’s true regardless of field, whether you’re in science or whether you’re in theatre.”

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DAILY CROSSWORD Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Lewis

ACROSS 1 Taiwanese bubble tea 5 Yawn-inducing 10 Dull pain 14 Racetrack shape 15 Fruit whose oil is used in cooking 16 Onetime Ralston cereal now owned by General Mills 17 Wine lover’s prefix 18 Nine-piece combo 19 U. of Maryland athlete 20 Like civilizations that antedate written records 23 Pigeon sound 24 “SNL” alum Gasteyer 25 Armored vehicle 27 Tres menos uno 30 Pop singer’s list of recordings, e.g. 36 Traditional piano key wood 38 Root for a luau 39 Pâté de __ gras 40 Covert ops outfit 41 “Chopsticks __ fork?” 42 Fey with nine Emmys 43 Part of BSA: Abbr. 44 Ponder (over) 45 Hunger signs that hurt 46 Sourced locally, as a menu 49 Vietnamese New Year 50 Articulated 51 Tiny colonist 53 Reggae relative 55 Subtle element in a success story ... and what’s revealed by each set of circles 62 Unseating plan? 64 Avoid, as duty 65 Broadway event 66 Adept 67 One of the senses 68 Joint above the ankle 69 Greek B 70 “Oof!”

Edited by Rich Norris and Joyce Nichols Lewis

By John Michael Currie

71 Abel and Cain, to Adam and Eve DOWN 1 Cutesy nosepoke word 2 Mind-matter link 3 Scourge 4 Hawaiian greeting 5 Dwarf planting 6 Very much 7 Barcelona boy 8 Declare 9 “Time to stop obsessing on this” 10 Play a part (in) 11 Official inspection spot 12 One who comes to the rescue 13 Montreal MLBer before 2005 21 “500” race, familiarly 22 Automobile 26 Tripartite commerce pact acronym 27 Pre-bedtime coffee, often 28 President with degrees from Columbia and Harvard

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29 Diver’s rotation 31 Dark beer 32 Diane’s “Cheers” co-server 33 Colgate rival 34 Depend (on) 35 Brewery need 37 __ Rae, Sally Field role 44 “Aw shucks” quality 45 Writers’ tools 47 Apt “it’s” anagram

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48 Hanukkah pancakes 52 Duties 53 Wound cover 54 Asian beef city 56 Indian spiced tea 57 Take a chance on 58 Art Deco artist 59 “Hmm ... doubt it” 60 Ethan or Joel of film 61 Fleecy females 63 Podded plant

THE DAILY NORTHWESTERN

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2022

What’s up with economic development in Evanston? By LILY CAREY

the daily northwestern @lilylcarey

Once a city that relied on office buildings to attract workers and stimulate business, Evanston’s economy suffered when many offices went remote. Now, the city government is working with business districts to rejuvenate the economy and has approved over a dozen largescale building developments over the past 18 months. The Daily took a look at what’s going on with economic development projects around the city and at the equity and development issues these projects present. What is the focus of development in downtown Evanston? Evanston’s current emphasis on office building development is part of the city’s larger plan to bring the local economy back to pre-pandemic levels. Paul Zalmezak, the city’s economic development manager, said Evanston has historically benefitted from its dense concentration of office space. According to a May 2021 report by the city’s COVID-19 Business Task Force, Evanston’s pre-pandemic daytime population was close to 30,000 workers. Yet as office buildings have switched to remote work over the past two years, Zalmezak said most daytime office employees are no longer physically working in Evanston. Now, Zalmezak said the city is working with Evanston’s three main business district groups, the MainDempster Mile, Central Street and Downtown Evanston organizations, to bring office workers back. “It is extremely important for us to have a strong daytime population,” said Annie Coakley, the executive director of Downtown Evanston’s business district. “They’re the folks that go to lunch, they run their errands, they get their haircuts, they go to the gym — all of the things that we provide.” Coakley said Downtown Evanston is focused on a campaign called Downtown Evanston Works to attract office building tenants. The campaign worked to bring new tenants to 1732 through 1740 Orrington Ave., the site of the former Burger King that will be turned into a 10-story office building. Is this initiative serving all residents? Evanston’s main business districts are classified as

Daily file photo by Evan Robinson-Johnson

An aerial view of Evanston. The Downtown Evanston business district is planning to work on attracting more office tenants and investing in apartment building developments in order to stimulate economic growth post-pandemic.

Special Service Areas, meaning they receive funding from government tax levies to support businesses within the areas. The city has a total of four SSAs, because the east and west sections of Central Street each comprise their own SSA. Linda Del Bosque, the founder of Evanston Woman Magazine and president of the Latinx Business Alliance, said these SSAs are drawn to exclude Black and brown communities. She said that although areas like the West End and Howard Street — which have larger Black populations — have their own business organizations, they receive far less government funding since they are not SSAs. “If you look at the business districts, they’re designed to exploit the Black and brown community,” Del Bosque said. In October 2021, Del Bosque started a petition to make all of Evanston into one larger SSA.She said this would allow funding to reach all businesses equitably, ultimately stimulating economic growth and wants to bring the proposal to City Council later this year.

What’s happening outside of downtown Evanston? The Main-Dempster Mile SSA and the two on Central Street have not historically relied on office building development. Instead, they are focused on supporting small businesses and providing living spaces for commuters to Chicago or downtown Evanston. Katherine Gotsick, the executive director of the Main-Dempster Mile SSA, said her area focuses on residential development and workforce housing for workers commuting to Chicago and downtown Evanston. Though the construction may disrupt the area and create temporary parking issues, Gotsick said new development will ultimately direct more shoppers to the small businesses that the Main-Dempster Mile is known for. “That’s the kind of atmosphere we would like to have: where people are constantly on the street, out shopping, enjoying themselves and serving the livelihood of small business owners,” Gotsick said.

Angela Shaffer, the executive director of the Central Street SSAs, said the area is also prioritizing small business development through rebranding campaigns and greater collaboration with business owners. “It’s all about creating opportunity,” Shaffer said. “We’re just trying to get the word out through social media and make sure we highlight every business that needs help.” Shaffer and Gotsick both said representatives from the SSAs meet regularly with the city to discuss how projects in all three areas can stimulate growth in the city as a whole. With many large-scale developments on the horizon, Gotsick said adaptability is key to survival and growth. “A business owner whose business has been around for over 100 years once told me that when you own a business that long, you realize that things have to change,” Gotsick said. “They’re not going to stay the same. And you have to adapt.”

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SPORTS

Monday, February 28, 2022

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SOFTBALL

No. 18 NU endures five close games at Nutter Classic By NATHAN ANSELL

the daily northwestern @nathanjansell

For much of last weekend, No. 18 Northwestern looked like it could beat anyone in the nation. However, at times, the Wildcats were simply outclassed by teams that didn’t come close to last year’s NCAA Tournament. NU (10-4, 0-0 Big Ten) took its nearly annual trip to Southern California for the Mary Nutter Classic, a tournament that the Cats have participated in for more than 15 years. Coach Kate Drohan mentioned the experience of playing in front of thousands of West Coast fans as a welcome-to-college-softball moment for the first-year players. “It’s a great atmosphere, and the matchups are incredible,” Drohan said. “This is an event that we look forward to every year.” The weekend began with a defensive battle against No. 9 Oregon (113, 0-0 Pac-12). Senior catcher Jordyn Rudd provided the game’s only score with a fourth-inning blast to center, as senior pitcher Danielle Williams allowed just two hits across all seven innings. Rudd also provided the game-winning tag at the plate after receiving a throw from senior outfielder Angela Zedak as the Ducks’ tying run headed home. “Our outfielders are so good at throwing home,” Rudd said. “Catching the ball and (tagging) is easy when they make a good throw like that.”

Friday’s second game, a showdown with San Diego State (11-5, 0-0 Mountain West), was much more offense-heavy. Senior infielder Nikki Cuchran opened the scoring with a second-inning solo home run, her first of three extra-base hits against the Aztecs. Graduate outfielder Rachel Lewis added a homer herself, and both Zedak and sophomore infielder Hannah Cady brought in runs, but it was Rudd once again with the clutch play. She drove a single through the gap to give NU a 7-6 victory in nine innings. Even after pitching a complete game earlier, Williams contributed two shutout innings in relief — particularly impressive given the extrainnings rule where a runner starts on second base. She credited her defensive assistance for a second strong performance that day. “(It’s) just being there for my team, knowing that they have my back, and I have theirs,” Williams said. Williams produced another gem against No. 5 Washington, allowing just three hits in another completegame shutout. Lewis sent a pitch over the left field fence in the fourth inning, enough to give the Cats a 1-0 win, their third against a top ten opponent this season. Cal State Fullerton (10-5, 0-0 Big West) gave NU a rude awakening in the afternoon, however, piling on seven runs in the first inning. The Cats bravely fought back, answering with five runs in the fifth inning. They even had the winning run on base in the seventh, but it wasn’t to be, as the Titans claimed a 9-8 win. “We just lost our focus in that first

Daily file photo by Joshua Hoffman

inning,” Drohan said. “We need to keep our composure a little better than we did.” NU finished their tournament schedule with a rematch against Texas Tech (5-10, 0-0 Big 12), a squad the Cats had beaten nine days before. The Red Raiders proved a tougher foe this time, pitching six shutout innings until freshman

infielder Grace Nieto hit her first career homer to cut the deficit to 4-2. The contest ended shortly afterward, however, as NU couldn’t generate any further offense. “That game really showed us what we need to work on,” Rudd said. “Being ready from the get-go.” Drohan’s squad returns from California to face a five-game schedule in

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Carbondale next weekend. For the veteran coach, it’s a chance to get back on track. “It’s definitely shifting gears, playing regionally,” Drohan said. “A new system, some potential weather changes, but I think our team is excited not to get on an airplane.” nathanansell2022@u.northwestern.edu

MEN’S BASKETBALL

Cats fall to No. 21 Nebraska Northwestern suffers

67-60 Penn State loss

By KYLE LEVERONE

the daily northwestern @klever0ne15

Sixty-eight teams make it to the NCAA Tournament each year, including the “First Four” games. 32 teams automatically qualify through conference championships, and the other 36 teams are left up to “at-large” bids. Northwestern is ranked 64th in the country, leaving their future hanging in the balance. Heading into today’s matchup against Nebraska, ESPN had the Wildcats as the “Last Team In.” Now, with only the Big Ten Tournament left on the schedule, NU’s 73-59 loss to Nebraska could reduce them to the “First Team Out.” This Nebraska team is a borderline top25 team, receiving votes in the Coaches Poll and ranked No. 21 on the NCAA’s website. It was an important game, and it could have been a bid-clinching game for the Cats. If not, a win against the No. 10 seed in the Big Ten Tournament would have sealed it for them. But enough with the “ifs,” because NU didn’t get the job done in Lincoln, Nebraska today. Now, the Cats might need two wins in the Big Ten Tournament to get that assurance. A single victory against the No. 10 seed might not cut it, so they’ll have beat No. 21 Iowa in the quarterfinals. NU’s road to the NCAA Tournament has become a bit more arduous. Sunday’s matchup was a good game before it wasn’t. The Cats trailed by two after the first quarter and trailed by three at halftime. First-year guard Laya Hartman led the way, going 4-for-4 from the field with two 3-pointers, totaling 12 points. Senior point guard Veronica Burton found herself on the bench for several minutes in the second quarter due to foul trouble.

By PATRICK ANDRES

daily senior staffer @pandres2001

Angeli Mittal/Daily Senior Staffer

Veronica Burton shoots a free throw. Upon concluding the regular season, Joe McKeown said, “Nobody in college basketball, in my opinion, has done more for her team than Veronica Burton for this team this year. It’s amazing.”

With a spread-out scoring attack, however, buckets came from five other players, and NU hung around. And then Nebraska went on a run — a run so detrimental that it possibly ruined the Cats’ postseason chances. “They hit back-to-back threes to open a quarter, and it just caught us off guard,” coach Joe McKeown said. “They were able to get the ball inside a little bit. We missed some shots we normally make. It was just a hard-fought game. I thought we battled.” If the game consisted of only the first, second and fourth quarters, the game would have ended in a tie. Nevertheless, the rules state that the third quarter must count towards the final score, so the 14-point differential in that time frame won Nebraska the game. Sophomore guard Jaz Shelley went 4-for-4 from the

field, including three 3-pointers for the Cornhuskers, scoring 13 in the third. Finishing as the No. 7 seed in the Big Ten, NU will face Minnesota, who beat the Cats two weeks ago in Minneapolis, in the first round of the Big Ten Tournament. “They shot the ball really well against us,” said McKeown about their previous matchup. “We’ve got to do a better job matching up with their shooters.” NU is on the bubble. There’s a lot of ifs and buts right now. They could just win the Big Ten Tournament and make everybody’s lives so much easier. But that’s easier typed than done. What the Cats need is to move forward, beat Minnesota on Thursday and keep that bubble from bursting. kyleleverone2023@u.northwestern.edu

The following two sentences are true: Penn State turned the ball over 14 times against Northwestern in State College on Friday, and the Wildcats turned it over four times. The Nittany Lions defeated NU 67-60. With the win, Penn State (12-13, 7-10 Big Ten) swept the Cats (13-14, 6-12 Big Ten) in the regular season for the first time since 2011. NU fell to 11th in the conference, a precarious position as it seeks to avoid playing in the Big Ten Tournament’s dreaded first round. The Cats led the Nittany Lions by six at the half despite an awful offensive start by both teams. The teams took 59 field goals in the first half between them and made just 18. The box score was riddled with unsightly shooting lines at the break, including a 2-for-9 (by redshirt junior guard Chase Audige), a 3-for-8 (by senior forward Pete Nance) and a 2-for-6 (by Penn State guard Jalen Pickett). NU took its largest lead 40 seconds into the second half, as junior guard Boo Buie hit a jumper to stake the Cats to a 30-23 advantage. Nittany Lions forward John Harrar responded with a dunk, and Penn State set about whittling away at the NU lead. The Nittany Lions took the lead for the first time in the second half with 14:14 to go when guard Dallion Johnson knocked down his second

three of the period. The Cats spent the next few minutes playing catchup, finally wrestling the lead back behind a three-pointer from freshman guard Julian Roper II with 8:03 to play. From then on, NU’s late-game ghosts began to rear their ugly heads. It took Penn State less than two minutes to reclaim the lead after the Cats went up by five, as Johnson hit two more three-pointers to pull the Nittany Lions ahead 49-48. A Pickett layup made it 51-50 Penn State with 4:30 on the clock, and NU never led again after that. Nance scored 12 points for the Cats in the win, while Audige and sophomore guard Ty Berry added 11 apiece. Buie led both teams with seven assists. Meanwhile, Harrar pulled down 20 rebounds for the Nittany Lions. The loss dropped NU back below .500 and marked its fourth loss in five games after a three-game winning streak. Each of the last two defeats have come against unranked teams, following a surprise blowout loss at Minnesota Saturday afternoon. Despite NU’s persistent struggles, ESPN’s Jeff Borzello wrote this week that it was “hard to find anyone who doesn’t think” coach Chris Collins will return for the 2023 season. The Cats will have two final cracks at boosting their stock before the conference tournament. They’ll visit No. 25 Iowa on Monday before wrapping up the regular season at home against Minnesota on Sunday. patrickandres2023@u.northwestern.edu