Chicago Auto Show 2026 at McCormick Place, Feb. 7-16: Hours, ticket prices and more

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Man Charged in Murder of Popular Boater ‘Captain Bill,’ Chicago Police Say

Chicago — A man has been formally charged with murder in connection with the death of a beloved Chicago-area boater whose body was recovered from DuSable Harbor last year, authorities announced Thursday.

Chicago police said Alexis Trader, 34, was taken into custody Wednesday and charged with one count of murder in the August 30, 2025, death of Nabil “Captain Bill” Abzal, 63, of Plainfield. Trader was already in the Cook County Jail on unrelated charges when the new murder charge was filed, police reported. He is scheduled to appear in bond court for a detention hearing.

Police allege that Trader shoved Abzal into a gate near the harbor, causing Abzal to strike his head and fall into Lake Michigan, where he drowned. Abzal’s body was later pulled from the water at DuSable Harbor, and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a homicide.

Abzal was well-known and widely liked in Chicago’s boating community, where he was affectionately called “Captain Bill.” Friends and fellow boaters remember him as a friendly and helpful presence at the harbor. After his body was recovered last year, members of the community held vigils and memorials to honor his life and legacy. At the time, police said the circumstances of his death were suspicious and launched a homicide investigation that spanned months.

In the immediate wake of Abzal’s death, investigators sought several people who might have been connected to the incident, but no arrests were announced then. The charge against Trader marks the first criminal filing directly tied to the fatal drowning.

Abzal’s wife, Laura Abzal, has said his loss was devastating and surreal, describing him as someone who was always ready to help others. Friends echoed that sentiment, remembering him not just as a boat captain but as a kind figure in their lives.

Authorities have not released details on whether there may be additional charges or suspects as the investigation continues.

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Man Charged in Murder of Popular Boater ‘Captain Bill,’ Chicago Police Say

Chicago — A man has been charged with murder in connection with the death of a well-known Chicago boater affectionately known as “Captain Bill,” whose body was found in DuSable Harbor last year, according to police.

Authorities said Alexis Trader, 34, is charged with one count of murder in the death of Nabil “Captain Bill” Abzal, 63, of Plainfield. Trader was taken into custody while already being held in the Cook County Jail on unrelated charges. He is expected to appear in bond court for a detention hearing.

Police allege that during an encounter near the harbor, Trader shoved Abzal into a gate, causing him to hit his head and fall into Lake Michigan. Abzal later drowned, and his death was ruled a homicide by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Abzal’s body was recovered from DuSable Harbor, prompting an extensive investigation after authorities described the circumstances as suspicious. At the time, no arrests were immediately made, though police said they were actively pursuing leads.

Known throughout the local boating community as “Captain Bill,” Abzal was widely regarded as friendly, generous, and always willing to help others. Fellow boaters and friends described him as a fixture at the harbor, and his death sparked vigils and memorials as the community mourned his loss.

Abzal’s family has said his death was devastating, remembering him as a kind and selfless person who treated everyone as a friend.

Police have not said whether additional charges or suspects may be involved. The investigation remains ongoing.

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Son of Ex-NFL Player Kevin Johnson Speaks Out After Father’s Murder at Homeless Encampment

Los Angeles — The son of former National Football League player Kevin Johnson has spoken publicly for the first time following his father’s killing at a homeless encampment in the Willowbrook area of South Los Angeles. The tragedy has shaken family members and drawn attention to a series of violent deaths in the same community.

Kevin Johnson, 55, was found dead on January 21 at a makeshift camp near Compton Creek. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a homicide, determining he died from blunt head trauma and stab wounds. At the time of his death, Johnson had been living at the encampment intermittently for about six months.

In an emotional statement, Johnson’s son, Branden Johnson, described his father as “a loving, gentle person” and said the loss has left “an indescribable silence” in their lives. Branden said the two spoke nearly every day and that Kevin’s daily calls asking about his family and sharing encouragement were a constant presence.

Branden also emphasized that his father was more than the circumstances of his death. “He wasn’t just some homeless man standing at an encampment,” Branden said. “He was a father, a friend, family member, an ex-husband who loved everyone around him.”

Although Johnson had faced hardships later in life, his son hopes the world will remember him for his life and character. Family members noted that Johnson was easygoing and non-confrontational, someone who would “never hurt a fly,” and urged anyone with information about the killing to come forward to authorities.

Investigators say Johnson’s death could be connected to at least three other homicides of unhoused people in the same area over the past several months, and detectives are continuing to examine leads as they try to identify suspects.

Kevin Johnson was a native of Los Angeles who played three seasons in the NFL in the mid-1990s and later in the Arena Football League. Family and friends remember him as someone who cared deeply about his loved ones and worked hard to remain positive even in the face of life’s challenges.

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Son of Ex-NFL Player Kevin Johnson Speaks Out After Father’s Murder at Homeless Encampment

Los Angeles — The son of former NFL player Kevin Johnson is speaking publicly after his father was killed at a homeless encampment in South Los Angeles, calling the loss devastating and urging people to remember who his father was beyond the circumstances of his death.

Kevin Johnson, 55, was found dead at a homeless encampment near Compton Creek in the Willowbrook area. Authorities later ruled his death a homicide, determining he suffered blunt force trauma and stab wounds. Investigators said Johnson had been living at the encampment intermittently for several months.

In an emotional statement, Johnson’s son, Branden Johnson, described his father as a loving and gentle man who remained deeply connected to his family. He said they spoke nearly every day and that his father consistently checked in to offer encouragement and support.

Branden emphasized that his father should not be defined by homelessness, saying Kevin Johnson was a father, friend, and family man who cared deeply about the people in his life. He described him as non-violent and kind, adding that the way his father died does not reflect who he was.

Authorities believe Johnson’s killing may be connected to other recent homicides involving unhoused individuals in the same area. Detectives are continuing to investigate and have asked anyone with information to come forward.

Kevin Johnson was a Los Angeles native who played several seasons in the NFL during the 1990s and later competed in the Arena Football League. Family members said he faced challenges later in life but remained hopeful and close to his loved ones.

His son said the family is focused on honoring Kevin Johnson’s memory and seeking justice, while also drawing attention to the violence affecting vulnerable communities.

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Here’s a clean, up-to-date article about the Chicago Auto Show 2026 — without any links:

Chicago Auto Show 2026 at McCormick Place, Feb. 7–16: Hours, Ticket Prices and More

Chicago — The annual Chicago Auto Show returns to McCormick Place from Saturday, February 7 through Monday, February 16, 2026, bringing car enthusiasts and families together for one of North America’s largest auto expos.

Dates and Hours

The show opens daily at 10 a.m. throughout its run. Most days, the show stays open until 9 p.m. — including on February 7 and February 9–15. On Sunday, February 8, it closes earlier at 6 p.m., and on the final day, February 16, it closes at 8 p.m.

Location

The event is hosted at McCormick Place — a major convention center on Chicago’s South Side — showcasing the latest cars, trucks, electric vehicles, and interactive exhibits under one roof.

Ticket Prices

Admission for the 2026 show is as follows:

• Adults: about $20

• Seniors (62 and older): about $15

• Children (ages 4–12): about $15

• Children 3 and younger: free when accompanied by a paying adult

Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the McCormick Place box office on show days. McCormick Place operates as a cashless facility, so all purchases require a credit or debit card.

What to Expect

Beyond displays from major automakers, the Chicago Auto Show often features interactive experiences including indoor and outdoor test tracks, exhibits dedicated to electric and hybrid technology, family-friendly zones, and other attractions that appeal to both car fans and general visitors.

Special events and themed days are also part of the schedule — from first responder and military appreciation offers to food drive discounts and gala preview nights before the public opening.

Whether you’re into the latest automotive innovations or looking for a fun winter outing in Chicago, the Auto Show offers something for all ages.

If you’d like parking tips, best times to visit, or a quick guide to kid-friendly activities at the show, just ask!