2+ week, 3+ day ago (194+ words) ABC7 is taking a look back at some of the most heartwarming and uplifting stories from across our area, along with the positive work so many Chicagoans are doing that truly make us proud of our hometown. ABC7's 'Chicago Proud' streaming series showcases heartwarming, uplifting local stories CHICAGO (WLS) -- ABC7 Chicago is excited to announce the launch of our "Chicago Proud" streaming series. Karen Jordan anchors the new 30-minute show. ABC7 is taking a look back at some of the most heartwarming and uplifting stories from across our area, along with the positive work so many Chicagoans are doing that truly make us proud of our hometown. You can watch the first episode of "Chicago Proud" right now on our website, news app or wherever you stream. Groceries, free pet food distributed in Chicago to SNAP recipients Tinley Park boy hosts Chicago food…...

2+ week, 1+ day ago (413+ words) CHICAGO (WLS) -- Richard Roeper and Chaz Ebert joined Val and Ryan to celebrate the 50th anniversary of "Siskel and Ebert." The 50th anniversary of Siskel & Ebert has also coincided with Chaz's launch of The FECK Awards, which are awards to honor acts that align with the meaning of "FECK" (Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness). You can submit nominations for the awards online at giveafeck.com/awards until Dec 31. We were also joined by Chicago Film Office Deputy Commissioner Natasha Olguin, who shared information about a few events to check out this month that are honoring "Siskel & Ebert." For the entire month of November, a screening series and live performance is celebrating the 50th anniversary of "Siskel & Ebert," revisiting their favorite "hidden gems" and celebrating the critics who put Chicago on the film map. Each Wednesday in November, audiences will experience films that were…...

1+ week, 4+ day ago (455+ words) Garth Brooks' daughter and a former cop among Nashville's up-and-comers NASHVILLE -- Walk down Broadway in downtown Nashville at any time of the day or night and you'll hear music blasting from practically every establishment. Singers, songwriters and musicians, all doing what they love and hoping their music will reach a wide audience. Allie Colleen is one of those artists. Music has been her lifeblood, her passion since she was a child. And she's been listening and learning from the best ever since. "I think it was Jo Dee Messina. It was Christina Aguilera, it was Kelly Clarkson, it was Amy Lee from Evanescence, I just want to be the Amy Lee of country so bad! That's what I want to do," Colleen told On The Red Carpet. "I hope to take over the world in my life but I am…...

2+ week, 2+ day ago (441+ words) CHICAGO -- Jim Avila, a former longtime ABC News senior correspondent, whose investigative journalism earned him several of the most prestigious awards in broadcast news, has died. He was 69. His death after a long illness was announced internally by ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic. "Jim was a gifted journalist and a generous colleague," Karamehmedovic said in an email to staff. Avila had also a been "20/20" correspondent based in Los Angeles before departing from the network in 2021. He specialized in politics, justice, law and consumer investigations. He had previously covered the White House from 2012 to 2016, during President Barack Obama's second term. "He won the prestigious Merriman Award from the White House Correspondents Association for breaking the news that the United States and Cuba had reopened diplomatic relations," according to his ABC News official biography. "As the Senior Law and Justice Correspondent, he…...

2+ week, 1+ day ago (391+ words) Beam was shot in the Laney Field House, school officials said. OAKLAND, Calif. -- A suspect is in custody after Coach John Beam, who was featured in the Netflix college football series "Last Chance U," was shot on campus at Laney College in Oakland, California, on Thursday, according to police. The suspect was taken into custody early Friday morning, and was in possession of a gun, a source told our sister station KGO. Authorities had been searching for the suspect since he fled the scene after the shooting at noon on Thursday. The shooting occurred shortly before noon Thursday at Laney College, which is part of the Peralta Community College District. Responding officers located one person on the Oakland campus suffering from gunshot wounds, police said. Sources say Beam was shot in the head. Beam was shot in the Laney Field…...

2+ week, 2+ day ago (405+ words) CHICAGO (WLS) -- ABC7 (WLS-TV) Chicago is the Midwest flagship of the ABC television network. ABC7 leads the market in local news coverage with daily newscasts and has been in a number one position in local news since March 1986! The station's offices and studios are in The Loop in downtown Chicago! This internship is a part-time, six-month commitment in the Chicago, Illinois area from January 2026 - June 2026. The role of an intern will include: -Follow up on story pitch emails -Brainstorm content for social media platform -Assist in planning and executing monthly content calendars aligned with Race and culture themes (community, legacy, empowerment, storytelling). -Represent ABC7 at community events and activations. -Knowledge of how to log interviews, screen calls, and emails -Some editorial experience to determine the focus of the story -Experience with video editing tools (Adobe Premiere, CapCut, or Final Cut Pro) -Creative eye…...

3+ day, 5+ hour ago (1489+ words) Holiday events held in city and suburbs, Navy recruits honored; ABC7 volunteers at La Rabida CHICAGO (WLS) -- The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade marched through the Loop on Thursday. Thousands of spectators were dazzled by all the performances to get them in the holiday spirit. Meanwhile, other holiday events were also held across the city and suburbs. "It's a cold one, but I'm here and I'm having a good time," attendee Danielle Hill said. It was one magnificent performance after the other as different musical and cultural acts danced down State Street for the annual Chicago Thanksgiving Day Parade. "I was born and raised in Chicago, never been to a Thanksgiving Day Parade. Watched on TV for many years, but I'm here now," attendee Janet Hill said. Groups from all across the country and world performed this year. Festive floating balloons, like Teddy…...

3+ week, 6+ day ago (167+ words) When did GMA start? Chicago is all lit up on Sunday night, celebrating the 50th birthday of "Good Morning America." Willis Tower among Chicago buildings lit up for 50th birthday of 'Good Morning America' CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago is all lit up on Sunday night, celebrating the 50th birthday of "Good Morning America." The Willis Tower is among the buildings in GMA colors. Buildings across the country are lighting up to say thanks for 50 years. On Monday morning, starting on Eyewitness News at 4:30 a.m., we will have special coverage, including behind-the-scenes footage and interviews from when ABC7's Terrell Brown visited GMA last week. The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of this ABC station. Look back at 50 years of 'Good Morning America' Michelle Obama opens up about fashion in new book America the Beautiful: 'GMA' travels to 50 states in 50 weeks Lara Spencer to host…...

2+ week, 6+ day ago (258+ words) CHICAGO (WLS) -- "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest," America's most-watched New Year's celebration and one of the country's most enduring annual traditions, will add a Central Time zone midnight countdown live from Chicago for the first time in its more than 50-year history. Chicago will bring the city's energy and New Year's festivities directly into homes across the nation. The festivities will be led by a new host, live performance and on-the-ground updates, and reporting throughout the evening. "WLS-TV is 'Chicago Proud' to have the opportunity to showcase the amazing city of Chicago on 'Dick Clark Rockin' New Years Eve,'" said John Idler, general manager and president of WLS-TV Chicago. "We look forward to bringing viewers a spectacular fireworks display centered on the iconic bridges that cross the Chicago River and cascade over the city's world-class architecture....

3+ week, 5+ day ago (222+ words) Six Flags America in Bowie, Maryland has shut its doors for good. The site opened in 1974 as a wildlife center. It was sold, bought, and rebranded several times before Six Flags took over in 1999. Although it may just be an amusement park, for so many, it was the one in their backyard. The next closest one is in New Jersey. Some regulars wish the park would stay open, and not just because it's a good time. READ ALSO | Activist investor group that includes Travis Kelce aims to revive struggling Six Flags "I think they should keep it," park attendee Brian Fox said. "It definitely gives a lot of kids jobs, things to do during the summer. Next year, what are they gonna do?" Prince George's County leaders said the park generates about $3 million in tax revenue a year but believes…...