Phil Rockrohr

Phil Rockrohr is a freelance writer for the Pioneer Press.

Evanston songwriter Margaret Nelson, who later led the crowd in an a capella rendition of “Get the Money Out of Congress," carried a sign affirming the right to protest. (Phil Rockrohr/for Pioneer Press)

Evanston ‘will not be silenced,’ holds No Kings rally to protest Trump policies

June 16, 2025 at 3:12 p.m.

Evanston joined cities across the nation in holding a "No Kings" rally June 14, 2025, to protest Trump Administration actions.

Swimmers wade into the water at the start of a Wilmette Open Water Swim held during a previous year. (Matthew Gilson)

Wilmette’s one-mile Open Water Swim June 14 welcomes Olympians, novices

June 6, 2025 at 11:13 a.m.

Accomplished athletes and novices are welcome at Wilmette's one-mile Open Water Swim June 14.

Fans watch the first quarter between the Northwestern Wildcats and Miami Ohio Redhawks at Martin Stadium on the Northwestern University campus on Aug. 31, 2024, in Evanston. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

Chicago Stars soccer team to ‘test run’ Evanston stadium at Northwestern as they consider move there

May 23, 2025 at 7:31 a.m.

The Chicago Stars pro women's soccer team will "test run" at Northwestern in Evanston, exploring a move there in 2026 from Bridgeview.

Evanston beaches, including Lighthouse Beach, are free to all city of Evanston residents. (Phil Rockrohr/for Pioneer Press)

Ready for sun and sand? Changes coming to North Shore beaches this summer

May 15, 2025 at 8:00 a.m.

Beaches along the North Shore are scheduled to open for swimming on May 24, and there will be changes at most of them this year, from price increases to free...

Northbrook increases budget 11% to fund improvements

May 3, 2025 at 7:49 a.m.

Northbrook increased its village budget by 11% for the 2025-26 fiscal year to fund infrastructure needs.

Northbrook Village Hall. (Pioneer Press)

Northbrook OKs cannabis infuser facility that makes THC gummies

April 25, 2025 at 9:00 a.m.

The Village of Northbrook gave approval to Cheetah Illinois to manufacture THC gummies and vape pens in an industrial zone.

The Wilmette Park District is making some changes to Gillson Park Beach this year after receiving feedback that visitors did not like the fact it was charging a fee to enter the south portion of the beach, which had traditionally been free. This shows the main beach. (Phil Rockrohr/for the Pioneer Press)

Wilmette’s Gillson Beach to get updates, per park district

April 23, 2025 at 7:00 a.m.

As families start thinking about going to the beach this summer, Wilmette Park District officials said their 2025 Lakefront Operations Plan will both address recent resident concerns and preserve the...

Mazmez Middle Eastern Grill has opened its second location in Wilmette; the first is in Elk Grove Village. Brothers Ray and Rubair say they got the recipes from their mother. (Phil Rockrohr/for the Pioneer Press)

Mazmez Grill brings Middle Eastern food to Wilmette

April 16, 2025 at 10:03 a.m.

Rubair and Ray Abuhamameh wanted to open a second Mazmez Middle Eastern Grill after a successful run in Elk Grove Village over the last 10 years. “We wanted something closer...

Northbrook District 27 referendum sees success, per unofficial results

April 8, 2025 at 10:49 a.m.

Northbrook School District 27 voters passed a referendum to allow the district to borrow for future infrastructure needs.

Northbrook Village President Kathryn L. Ciesla listens at the Northbrook Village Board of Trustees on May 23, 2023. Ciesla was reelected on April 1, 2025. (Karie Angell Luc/Pioneer Press)

Northbrook mayor, three allied trustees won election, per unofficial results

April 8, 2025 at 3:32 p.m.

Northbrook's village president, Kathryn Ciesla and three trustees on her slate won the April 1 election, per unofficial results.

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