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Tacos Y Tamales Fest returns to the streets of Pilsen this weekend
The annual Tacos Y Tamales Festival gates will open along the streets in Pilsen on Friday, July 19. The street fest closes the road along the 16th Street murals until Sunday, July 21.This year there will be tons of traditional Mexican food, music, and dancing. Enrique Calderon, a music headliner and Bernice Vargas Luna with El Hongo Magico joined ABC 7 Eyewitness to showcase and talk about all the food, fun, art and musical performances. To learn more about the festival, click here.Enrique Calderon performs ahead of this weekend's Tacos y Tamales festival.
Soap Chat: General Hospital's 'Jason Morgan' dishes on drama
General Hospital actor Steve Burton, who plays Jason Morgan on the daytime drama joined ABC 7 Eyewitness News to talk about the latest on the soap opera. Burton is also making a stop in Chicago on Saturday, July 20 at Zanies in Rosemount. For more information about tickets, click here.To watch and learn more about General Hospital, click here.
Illinois Lottery celebrating 50th anniversary with Mag Mile disco party
The Illinois Lottery is celebrating its 50th anniversary Thursday with a disco party on the Mag Mile!The event will feature a live DJ, interactive photo booth, and the illinois lottery draw ball machine giving participants a chance to draw a number and win cash prizes of $500, $150 or $50 as well as instant tickets and other fun prizes. More than $10,000 in cash and prizes will be up for grabs.The party will also have a giant 35-foot disco ball.The Illinois Lottery event is at Pioneer Court starting at 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Man robbed, injured while riding CTA bus in Austin, Chicago police say
A man was victim to a robbery while riding a CTA bus in Austin, Chicago police said.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchThe incident happened in the 300-block of Cicero Avenue on Wednesday around 10:23 p.m.A 27-year-old man was arguing with a man while riding a CTA bus.During the argument, the man pulled out a sharp object, cut the 27-year-old and ran away with his stuff.The victim was cut in the shoulder and was taken to the hospital. Chicago police said he was expected to be okay.There is no one in custody. CPD Area Four detectives are investigating.INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood
Milwaukee mayor hoping RNC can 'elevate' city; some say security cut down on visitors
The Republican National Convention has brought together tens-of-thousands of Republicans in Milwaukee this week as they formally nominate Donald Trump as their 2024 presidential candidate.But one of the key figures of the convention is not a Republican at all. Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson is a Democrat.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchHe's no fan of former President Trump, but he pushed hard to host the GOP convention.Johnson is setting aside his political differences to thrust his city into the national spotlight."I am a Democrat, like I said. I am going to the DNC next month, and I...
Man killed in Lower Wacker hit-and-run, Chicago police searching for driver of semi-truck
A man was killed while walking in Downtown on Wednesday night, Chicago police said.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchThe victim was walking near the 90-block of East Lower Wacker Drive around 10:05 p.m. when he was struck by a semi-truck, police said.After striking the man, the driver of the semi fled the scene.The man was taken to the hospital where he later died.No one is in custody. CPD Area Three detectives are leading the investigation.It's unknown how police know that a semi-truck driver hit the man. Its also unknown if police were able to find security cameras of the incident.INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood
Millennium Park kicks off 20th anniversary celebrations Thursday; Common to perform Saturday
Millennium Park is a can't miss attraction in Chicago and it turned 20 years old this week.Thursday, the city is kicking off a four-day celebration.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchMillennium Park opened July 16, 2004. It was built on top of parking garages and commuter rail lines and it's considered the world's largest rooftop garden.Millennium Park is part of the iconic imagery that sells Chicago to the world. 20 million visitors come to the park every year, whether it is to enjoy a free concert, relax by Crown Fountain or just to take a picture at...
Woman recounts being stuck on I-55 for 5 hours after storm hit; Expressway reopens in Channahon
A seven-mile stretch of I-55 has reopened in Will County Thursday morning after being closed since Monday night.It took ComEd crews several days to safely clear power lines that fell, during Monday's tornado in Channahon.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchA driver who's car was stuck in that mess talked about those terrifying moments during the storm.Channahon's Jennifer Sternal says she's feeling lucky to be alive days after driving into that dangerous storm on I-55 and becoming trapped near downed power lines for hours.She describes the surreal ordeal as something out of a movie."You hear this...
4 cited with misdemeanors after Northwestern University pro-Palestinian encampment on Deering Meadow
Four people have been cited with Class A misdemeanors after the pro-Palestinian protest on Northwestern University's campus earlier this year.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchThe citations were for obstructing a police officer during the protests in April on Deering Meadow, and they were issued by the Northwestern Police Department, a spokesperson for the university confirmed Wednesday to ABC7.A statement from the spokesperson read in part, "While the University permits peaceful demonstrations, it does not permit activity that disrupts University operations, violates the law, or includes the intimidation or harassment of members of the community."READ MORE | Pro-Palestinian protesters agree stop camping at NU, school says
Former Speaker Mike Madigan lawyers ask judge to dismiss 14 counts, citing recent SCOTUS ruling
Former Illinois House Speaker Mike Madigan was in court Tuesday, ahead of his corruption trial.Lawyers for Madigan have asked a judge to dismiss 14 counts against the former House speaker, citing a recent Supreme Court ruling.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchThat issue was not taken up Tuesday .The trial is scheduled to begin in October.The Supreme Court overturned the bribery conviction of a former Indiana mayor last month, narrowing the scope of federal public corruption law.The high court's 6-3 opinion along ideological lines found the law criminalizes bribes given before an official act, not rewards handed out after.Defense attorneys for the ComEd Four said the ruling should result in a new trial for Michael McClain, Anne Pramaggiore, John Hooker and Jay Doherty.Pramaggiore's attorney said the Supreme Court decision makes clear what she was charged with is not a crime.The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Metra board's review finds 'no ethical concerns' so far with Harvey warehouse purchase
The Metra board on Wednesday concluded there was "no indication of ethical concerns" surrounding the purchase and development of a storage warehouse that has ballooned in costs for taxpayers.It was supposed to be a simple storage warehouse for the Metra transit agency, but as the ABC7 I-Team first reported last month, the project has since turned into a sinking money pit for the cash-strapped public transit agency.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchThe Harvey warehouse, located at 17010 Halsted St., was purchased by Metra in 2020 to meet its storage needs, but nearly four years later, the...
Secret Service timing, funding and staffing examined after Donald Trump assassination attempt
There are several new scenarios and pieces of information coming together that may have contributed to the assassination attempt on former President and Republican nominee Donald Trump.The shooting is raising new questions about the U.S. Secret Service's timing that day, and overall resources equipping the agency to perform its duties.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchThe Secret Service has only been protecting presidents since 1901, after Republican President William McKinley was shot dead by an angry anarchist.While the investigation into the assassination attempt continues, some are questioning whether the Secret Service is equipped and funded to meet...
Voting begins to choose new Peoples Gas safe digging 'ambassadog' mascot
Voting is underway to decide which Chicago dog will become the new safe digging "ambassadog" for Peoples Gas.Now through July 25, voters can submit their pick through a web page set up by Peoples Gas.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchThe five finalists are Apple, Ivy, Jolene, Mushroom and Oblio.The winning pup will have an important job: to remind Chicagoans to call 811 at least two days before starting any outdoor digging project.When property owners call 811, expert technicians will come out at no charge to mark spots where underground utility lines are buried so none of them gets hit, and everyone stays safe.
Mayor Johnson proposing loan to avoid CTU cuts, close Chicago Public Schools budget gap: memo
Chicago Public Schools is in a financial fight.A proposal to fix a $500 million budget gap is up for a crucial vote next week.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchBut, some say Mayor Brandon Johnson's solution is a bad strategy to save money.To operate one of largest school systems in the country, Chicago Public Schools officials say it will cost close to $10 billion, and that does not include a teachers contract currently under negotiation."Everybody is expecting that it will add to operating costs, but nobody knows how much more will be added," said Joe Ferguson, with...
'Care For Real' helps people around Chicago overcome food insecurity with dignity
The mission of "Care For Real" is to help people around Chicago overcome food insecurity with dignity.The organization has locations in Edgewater and Rogers Park, and it is about to expand in a big way.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchABC7 was joined Wednesday by executive director Gregory Gross and a former client of "Care For Real," Michael Shawn Sanders, to talk more about their mission.The full interview can be viewed in the player above.More information can be found on the Care for Real website.
Trump rally shooter searched on phone for dates of Democratic National Convention in Chicago
Thomas Matthew Crooks, the suspected gunman in the assassination attempt on Donald Trump last Saturday, searched on his phone for the dates of the former president's rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and for dates of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, sources familiar with the investigation told ABC News.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchCrooks also searched on his phone for images of both the former president and current president, sources said.The suspect's phone search history revealed no indication of his political views.READ MORE | Secret Service spotted shooter on roof 20 minutes before gunfire erupted at Trump...
Council passes ordinance that would impose fines after antisemitic flyers found in Lincoln Park
Chicago City Council took up the topic of "hate littering" Wednesday, and whether those who leave antisemitic flyers can be fined.An ordinance was agreed upon.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchThe ordinance was originally introduced by 43rd Ward Alderman Timmy Knudsen back in April, after a series of incidents in Lincoln Park, in which residents were waking up to find flyers with antisemitic messaging placed on their vehicles and doorsteps.In one specific instance, it was not just flyers. Pellets that appeared to be rat poison were placed inside dozens of baggies along with the flyers.RELATED: Lincoln Park...
1st human case of West Nile Virus in Illinois in 2024 reported in suburban Cook County, IDPH says
A person in suburban Cook County possibly has the first human case of West Nile Virus in Illinois this year.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchThe Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting the case in a preliminary manner.The department said it's waiting for the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to confirm the case.There were 119 human cases of West Nile Virus reported in Illinois last year.READ MORE | Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus in Hoffman Estates, downstate Morgan County
Advanced Photon Source reopens at Argonne National Laboratory in Lemont after being upgraded
One of the most complex high-tech machines on Earth is back up and running Wednesday in Lemont at the Argonne National Laboratory.Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, U.S. Department of Energy officials and Argonne representatives gathered to celebrate the upgrade of the "Advanced Photon Source."ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchThe machine is responsible for some of the most innovative research in the world.Argonne National Laboratory's newly-upgraded Advanced Photon Source, or APS, is open again for research. The machine is used in nearly every scientific field from drugs and medical treatments to advanced battery technology and clean energy."You are...
Chicago native says being part of 'Twisters' cast 'a miracle'
"Twisters" is a movie that's roaring onto the big screen Wednesday and promising to be one of the summer's biggest hits.Actor Brandon Perea was recently back in his hometown, Chicago, and said it was a thrill to star in the epic "popcorn" movie.ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watchPerea plays a fearless, fiery tornado wrangler."Boone is a crazy guy from Arkansas, a storm chaser out of Arkansas, he's someone who's a thrill seeker, who loves to be inside a tornado, not just to chase them and see them, but to be a part of them," Perea said.Because...
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