Notable Events in Chicago History on August 7

Remembering Chicago Officer Ella French

On August 7, 2021, Chicago police Officer Ella French was tragically shot and killed during a traffic stop in the West Englewood neighborhood. Her partner, Officer Carlos Yañez, was seriously injured in the incident. The encounter occurred around 63rd Street and Bell Avenue involving Emonte Morgan, his brother Eric Morgan, and another passenger. 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. Eric pled guilty in 2023, receiving a seven-year prison sentence. Emonte was convicted the following year and sentenced to life imprisonment. In honor of Officer French, her mother initiated a nonprofit providing on-duty officers with food and water.

Chicago Weather Records

Chicago’s National Weather Service recorded a high temperature of 99 degrees in 1918. The lowest recorded temperature was 50 degrees in 1994. On this date in 2018, the city received 2.36 inches of precipitation, with no snowfall recorded.

Opening of Lindheimer Astronomical Center

In 1966, Northwestern University opened the Benjamin F. Lindheimer Astronomical Research Center in Evanston. The observatory featured a unique “spiderweb-design.” Although demolished in 1995, the telescopes found a new home at the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Greg Maddux’s 300th Win

On August 7, 2004, Chicago Cubs pitcher Greg Maddux achieved his 300th career victory during a game against the Giants in San Francisco. This win made him the 22nd pitcher to reach this milestone.

Presidential Debate at Soldier Field

On August 7, 2007, a notable political event took place in Chicago. Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton, alongside four other Democratic presidential hopefuls, participated in a debate at Soldier Field during an AFL-CIO forum. Obama later won the party nomination and became the first Black American president.

Manny Machado’s Historic Home Runs

In 2016 at Guaranteed Rate Field, Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado hit home runs in the first, second, and third innings against the Chicago White Sox. This feat made him just the second player in major league history to achieve this in a single game, leading to a career-high seven RBIs.