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
Person dies after boat hits breakwall, sinks near Hammond Marina, officials say
A person died after boat hit a breakwall and sank on Lake Michigan in northwest Indiana, officials said.
St. Sabina's Father Pfleger accused of sexual abuse of minor over 30 years ago: Chicago Archdiocese
The Archdiocese of Chicago has asked Father Michael Pfleger to step away from St. Sabina as he faces an allegation of sexual abuse of a minor. Pfleger is denying the accusation, saying "this is an absolute lie."
Indiana State Police sergeant shot, injured near Michigan City; suspect found dead ID'd: officials
An Indiana State Police sergeant who is recovering after a shooting Friday morning at a northwest Indiana gas station has been identified as a Marine veteran. A suspect who was later found dead has also been identified, police said.
Family remembers anti-violence volunteer killed in Old Town shooting: 'so much more he could do'
Family and friends of Javanti Smith are mourning the loss of the 40-year-old Chicago man, whom they say was beginning a new chapter in his life before he was fatally shot this week.
Woman, 66, shot in crossfire, critically injured while waiting for ride on South Side | Video
A 66-year-old woman was shot and critically wounded while waiting for a ride in Englewood Tuesday night, Chicago police said.
NASCAR returns to Chicagoland Speedway in Joliet with fan festival ahead of race weekend
Excitement is building in Joliet as NASCAR prepares to return to the Chicagoland Speedway for the first time in seven years, with fans getting an early taste of the weekend festivities during a downtown fan festival.
Chicago Venezuelan community gathers donations for earthquake relief efforts as death toll rises
Venezuelans across Chicago are organizing relief efforts to send urgently needed supplies to those affected after a pair of powerful earthquakes struck their home country.
2 people riding motorcycle killed in crash in Schaumburg, police say
Two people riding a motorcycle were killed in a crash with an SUV Saturday afternoon in the northwest suburbs, police said.
Man dies after being pulled from water at Montrose Harbor, Chicago police say
A man died Friday after being pulled from Lake Michigan on the city's North Side, Chicago police said.
Suspect charged with hate crime, burning cross in Grant Park released from custody pending trial
A 21-year-old man from Naperville facing hate crime charges after a burning cross was found in Grant Park has been released from custody pending his trial. Prosecutors say he claimed he wanted to send a message to the Trump administration.