Maher Kawash
Kawash joined ABC 7 Chicago from KXLY-TV in Spokane, Washington, where he had served as a reporter, producer, and anchor since 2019. During his tenure, he reported on the impact of the pandemic and also contributed to the station's political coverage.
Kawash is particularly proud of having the opportunity to make a difference in his community. In 2022, Kawash represented ABC 7 alongside Chicago celebrities in raising money for breast cancer awareness and research. His charitable efforts helped to raise over $270,000.
Kawash takes pride in highlighting inspiring Chicagoans and telling their stories. Some of his favorite stories include the Mount Prospect community rallying behind Al's Shoe Repair to keep it open through the pandemic and the resilience of a 3-year-old girl from Moline overcoming several heart surgeries.
Kawash is a graduate of Eastern Illinois University. While there, he reported, anchored and produced at WEIU-TV, the Charleston PBS affiliate.
Kawash hails from the Chicago suburbs and is an enthusiastic Chicago sports fan. He grew up in Bolingbrook and graduated from Plainfield East High School.
Maher's Stories
K-pop fans take over Chicago for BTS World Tour 'Arirang' concert night 1 at Soldier Field
K-pop fans lined up early ahead of the sold-out BTS World Tour night one concert at Chicago's Soldier Field on Thursday.
Man accused of ordering teen to kill USPS letter carrier in Chicago, prosecutors say
A man is now also facing charges after a teen pleaded guilty to shooting and killing a U.S. Postal Service worker in Chicago, officials said. Prosecutors say the suspect orchestrated the murder and threatened the teen to do it.
Cicero launches free sewer valve program for homeowners to help prevent basement flooding
Homeowners in suburban Cicero are beginning to receive free sewer system upgrades through a federally funded flood prevention program aimed at reducing basement flooding.
World Central Kitchen provides free meals to NW Indiana residents, NIPSCO continues restoring power
World Central Kitchen provided free meals Sunday in Gary, Indiana amid storm recovery efforts by other community groups across the region. NIPSCO continues to restore power for thousands of residents nearly two weeks after severe storms.
Woman found guilty in murder trial for role in shooting that killed Bradley officer, wounded another
Xandria Harris was found guilty in a murder trial for her role in a shooting that killed Bradley Sgt. Marlene Rittmanic and wounded Tyler Bailey. Her boyfriend, Darius Sullivan, was also convicted for carrying out the shooting.
Northwest Indiana residents grow frustrated as power outages stretch beyond a week after storms
Frustration is mounting across northwest Indiana for residents who remain without electricity more than a week after severe storms. Power lines were down in Schererville on Thursday, causing even power outages in the region.
Woman takes stand in own defense for murder trial in shooting of Bradley police officers
Xandria Harris took the stand in her own trial, offering emotional testimony as defense attorneys sought to establish years of alleged abuse by boyfriend Darius Sullivan affected her actions during the 2021 shooting that killed a Bradley police officer and seriously wounded another.
Chicago-area storm recovery: South suburbs ask for federal aid; NW Indiana power outages continue
At least seven storm-related deaths have now been reported across Indiana as power outages repairs continue following strong storms and flooding this week. Many people in the Chicago area are still recovering from the damage.
More storms possible this weekend amid power outages, cleanup after 6 tornadoes hit Chicago area
South suburban and northwest Indiana residents are cleaning up from storm damage and waiting for power to come back on Friday as more storms may be on the way.
Power outages, gas shortages lead to long lines at gas stations in Illinois, Indiana
Thousands of people remained without power Wednesday, and many gas stations from Chicago Heights to Indiana were also out of service, leading to long lines at the limited number of stations that remained open.