Tragedy Strikes Chicago Police in 2021
On August 7, 2021, Chicago police Officer Ella French, aged 29, was tragically shot and killed during a traffic stop in the West Englewood neighborhood. French, along with her partner, Officer Carlos Yanez, had pulled over a vehicle occupied by Emonte Morgan, his brother Eric Morgan, and a woman Eric was dating. The incident occurred around 63rd Street and Bell Avenue.
Officer Yanez was critically wounded in the altercation. Emonte Morgan, 21, was charged with first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder of a peace officer. Eric Morgan, 22, faced charges including aggravated unlawful use of a weapon and obstructing justice. He pleaded guilty in 2023 and received a seven-year prison sentence. Emonte Morgan was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment the following year.
In memory of Officer French, her mother started a nonprofit to support on-duty officers with essential supplies like food and water.
Weather Records on August 7
Chicago’s weather history on August 7 notes a high temperature of 99 degrees in 1918 and a low of 50 degrees in 1994. In 2018, the city experienced 2.36 inches of precipitation. There was no recorded snowfall for this date.
1966: New Astronomical Facility
The Benjamin F. Lindheimer Astronomical Research Center opened at Northwestern University’s Evanston campus in 1966. The center, known for its unique ‘spiderweb-design’, was later demolished in 1995. Its telescopes were donated to the Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff, Arizona.
Greg Maddux Makes Baseball History
On August 7, 2004, Chicago Cubs pitcher Greg Maddux achieved a milestone by securing his 300th career victory against the San Francisco Giants. This feat made him the 22nd pitcher in Major League Baseball history to reach 300 wins.
2007 Democratic Presidential Forum
Seven Democratic presidential hopefuls, including Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton, participated in a debate at Soldier Field on August 7, 2007. Barack Obama eventually won the Democratic nomination and became the first Black American president of the United States.
Manny Machado’s Historic Performance in 2016
At Guaranteed Rate Field on August 7, 2016, Manny Machado of the Baltimore Orioles made history against the Chicago White Sox. Machado hit home runs in the first, second, and third innings, driving in seven runs, and became only the second player in Major League history to achieve this.
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