Events in Chicago on August 7

Significant Incidents on August 7 in Chicago

Explore the notable events that occurred in the Chicago area on August 7, gathered from the archives of the Chicago Tribune.

2021: Tragic Incident Involving Chicago Police

Chicago police faced a devastating event when Officer Ella French, aged 29, was shot and killed during a traffic stop in the West Englewood neighborhood. Her partner, Carlos Yanez Jr., was also critically injured. Two brothers, Emonte and Eric Morgan, were in the vehicle with a woman. Emonte, 21, was charged with first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder of a peace officer. Eric, 22, faced charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, unlawful use of a weapon by a felon, and obstructing justice. In 2023, Eric pleaded guilty and received a seven-year prison sentence. Emonte was convicted the subsequent year and sentenced to life imprisonment.

A nonprofit organization established by Ella French’s mother offers support to officers on duty, providing essential items like food and water.

Weather Records

According to the National Weather Service in Chicago, the weather records for August 7 reveal:

• High temperature: 99 degrees (1918)
• Low temperature: 50 degrees (1994)
• Precipitation: 2.36 inches (2018)
• Snowfall: None

1966: Opening of Astronomical Research Center

The Benjamin F. Lindheimer Astronomical Research Center, featuring a unique spiderweb design, opened on Northwestern University’s Evanston campus. The facility, named after the owner of the Washington Park Race Track, was demolished in 1995. Its telescopes were transferred to the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona.

2004: Greg Maddux’s Milestone

Chicago Cubs pitcher Greg Maddux secured his 300th career victory in a game against the San Francisco Giants, becoming the 22nd pitcher in history to reach this significant milestone.

2007: Democratic Presidential Forum

A forum was held at Soldier Field where Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton were among the seven Democratic presidential candidates. Obama later secured the party’s nomination and became the first Black American president.

2016: Manny Machado’s Record Performance

In a game at Chicago’s Guaranteed Rate Field, Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado made history by hitting home runs in the first, second, and third innings. He achieved a personal best of driving in seven runs in the victory over the Chicago White Sox.