Top Stories of 2017 on ABC7Chicago.com

CHICAGO (WLS) -- The sad, the silly, the inspirational - 2017 was a memorable year in news. Check out our lists of the most-read stories on ABC7Chicago.com

TOP 7 LOCAL NEWS STORIES

Four people are facing hate crime, kidnapping and other charges in connection with the brutal torture of an 18-year-old man with special needs that was streamed live on Facebook.

TOP 7 STORIES ON SOCIAL MEDIA:

It's a boy! April the Giraffe gave birth to her baby at Animal Adventure Park Saturday morning around 10 a.m., and now, the new mom is introducing her son to the world.

TOP 7 VIDEOS:

Four people are facing hate crime, kidnapping and other charges in connection with the torture of an 18-year-old man with special needs that was streamed live on Facebook.

TOP 7 PHOTO GALLERIES:

Charges are pending against a man accused of running a puppy mill out of his northwest Indiana home.

WATCH: Notable deaths in 2017

A look back at the year's biggest moments including the first year of Donald Trump's presidency, a historic solar eclipse and some major weather moments.

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From a huge flub at the Oscars to sexual harassment and assault allegations against several stars, it was a big year in show biz.

From record flooding to disastrous wildfires, 2017 was one of the most catastrophic years ever for extreme weather across the U.S.