Good morning, Chicago.
The decorative downtown welcome banners are up, street closures are starting and thousands of delegates will soon touch down at O’Hare and Midway. T-minus five days until the Democratic National Convention officially takes over Chicago.
It’s been more than a year since Chicago was announced as the host city, and even just the past month has been a whirlwind for the party. The convention, which will take place at the United Center and McCormick Place from Monday to Thursday next week, will be a major moment for national Democrats as well as its local, de facto hosts, Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson.
All will be under pressure to make sure the massive made-for-TV event is pulled off without a hitch, as large groups of protesters are expected to march and the party performs a ceremonial but historic nomination of Vice President Kamala Harris.
We’ve gathered everything you need to know about the convention, from whether streets in your neighborhoods will be closed (answer: probably yes, if you live near the United Center or McCormick) to how many conventions Chicago has hosted in the past (answer: probably more than you’d think).
Here’s what to know about the DNC.
And here are the top stories you need to know to start your day.
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The DNC will bring increased police to the CTA, Metra — but no plans for previous stringent measures, for now
Public transit riders will see a stepped-up police presence as Chicago prepares for the Democratic National Convention — but not some of the more stringent security measures that have characterized past political events in the city.
The DNC will flood downtown Chicago with visitors. But will employees go to their offices?
Chicago is poised for a rush of visitors from the Democratic National Convention, but many typical downtown office workers will likely be staying home.
Concerned about the ease of travel to and from downtown or the potential for protests to impede transportation routes, some businesses are planning to close their offices or make mandatory in-office days optional during the four-day convention.
Some business owners and residents near United Center, home to upcoming DNC, want nearby migrant shelter moved
A group of business owners and residents near the United Center say that they’re being negatively impacted by the hundreds of migrants who are living at a nearby shelter and are demanding that the mayor move them.
Roger Romanelli, executive director of the Fulton Market Association, told reporters at a news conference Tuesday that he believed everyone should be treated with respect and dignity under the law, but claimed that it’s “chaos and anarchy” at the shelter at 1640 W. Walnut St. He cited increased emergency calls to the shelter, fights in the street, garbage, drug usage and other concerns.
How and when to watch the DNC, including all the streaming options
For those looking to watch the Democratic National Convention next week, the public is unable to attend events at the United Center. But the Democratic National Convention Committee has announced details about programming, daily schedules and streaming options.
Boy, 13, remembered as ‘highly intelligent’ leader at memorial after fatal Edgewater shooting
Teba Stewart stood at the center of a group of friends and family in the beating sun late Tuesday afternoon on the former Cabrini-Green apartments site and addressed a cardboard cutout of her son, Ashawn Davis.
Ashawn, 13, was shot and killed late Sunday night in the Edgewater neighborhood. Stewart, standing amid bunches of light blue balloons and family wearing blue and white, said she just wanted her son back.
Attorney for indicted Dolton police official questions move to put him on leave with no pay
An attorney for indicted Dolton police official Lewis Lacey said that village trustees lacked the authority to place Lacey on leave and that his client should be paid.
Chicago Bears Q&A: What’s the endpoint for Caleb Williams’ development? Could Ryan Poles make a play for Haason Reddick?
Will Caleb Williams, who impressed in his preseason debut last week at Buffalo, get another chance for game reps, or will coach Matt Eberflus sit his starters? Brad Biggs reaches into the weekly Bears mailbag for questions about Williams, bolstering the pass rush and much more.
New concessions in O’Hare’s Terminal 5 include more local favorites such as Metropolis Coffee and Publican Quality Bread
Joining the roster of food brands in Terminal 5 is Publican Quality Bread and a combined concept between Six Points Market and Metropolis Coffee Co. Electronics retailer InMotion and local brand retailer BLVD & Branch are also new.
6 picnic foods and park pairings to make the most of summer in Chicagoland
Luxury picnics are picking up steam on social media, and you can embrace the trend with a specialty picnic spread from Delightful Pastries. Or picnic the old-fashioned way, with a simple wrapped sandwich or bucket of fried chicken.
Once you’ve settled where to order from, picking the right park in which to picnic is a challenge in and of itself. We considered walking distance, transportable foods and park comfortability in our listings. Here are the food desk’s favorite places to picnic.
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