Notable Events in Chicago on August 7
Explore significant events that unfolded in the Chicago area on August 7, as documented by the Chicago Tribune archives. If you know of any noteworthy events missing from this date, please email us.
2021: Tragic Incident Involving Chicago Police Officers
On August 7, 2021, Chicago police Officer Ella French, aged 29, was fatally shot during a traffic stop in the West Englewood neighborhood. Her partner, Officer Carlos Yañez, was critically injured. The incident occurred when Officer French and her partners stopped a vehicle near 63rd Street and Bell Avenue. Emonte Morgan, 21, was charged with first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder of a peace officer. Eric Morgan, 22, faced charges of aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, among others. Eric Morgan pleaded guilty in 2023, receiving a seven-year prison sentence. Emonte Morgan was later convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. In memory of Officer French, her mother founded a nonprofit to support on-duty officers with essential supplies.
Weather Records
The National Weather Service in Chicago reported weather extremes on August 7:
- High temperature: 99 degrees in 1918.
- Low temperature: 50 degrees in 1994.
- Precipitation: 2.36 inches in 2018.
- Snowfall: None recorded.
1966: Northwestern University Astronomical Center
In 1966, Northwestern University completed the Benjamin F. Lindheimer Astronomical Research Center, featuring a unique spiderweb design. The center was later demolished in 1995, and its telescopes were donated to the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona.
2004: Greg Maddux’s Milestone Victory
On August 7, 2004, Chicago Cubs pitcher Greg Maddux achieved his 300th career win against the San Francisco Giants, marking him as the 22nd pitcher to reach this milestone.
2007: Democratic Presidential Candidates Forum
During a 2007 AFL-CIO forum at Soldier Field, Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton, along with other potential Democratic presidential candidates, participated in a debate. Obama later secured the party’s nomination and became the first Black American president.
2016: Manny Machado’s Record-Setting Performance
At Chicago’s Guaranteed Rate Field on August 7, 2016, Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado hit home runs in the first three innings against the Chicago White Sox, becoming only the second player in history to do so. Machado achieved a career-high of seven RBIs in this game.
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