Stories by Associated Press
Trump Picks Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, a Once-Fierce Critic Turned Loyal Ally, as His GOP Running Mate
| Associated Press
The 39-year-old Vance rose to national fame with the 2016 publication of his memoir, “Hillbilly Elegy.” He was elected to the Senate in 2022 and has become one of the staunchest champions of the former president’s “Make America Great Again” agenda, particularly on trade, foreign policy and immigration.
Photos: Protesters Take to the Streets of Milwaukee for Day 1 of the RNC
| Michael Izquierdo
Thousands of anti-Donald Trump protesters gathered in downtown Milwaukee on Monday to protest the first day of the Republican National Convention. WTTW News social media producer Michael Izquierdo documented the march in photos.
Storms Packing ‘Destructive Winds’ Racing Toward Chicago Monday Night, 2 Tornadoes Confirmed on South Side Sunday
| Patty Wetli
These are not your “ordinary run-of-the-mill winds,” the weather service said.
‘We’re Not Going Back to That’: Chicagoans Join First Major RNC Protest in Milwaukee
| Matt Masterson
Thousands of protesters — including many from Chicago — took part in the first major protest of the Republican National Convention through the heart of Milwaukee on Monday in a peaceful march that briefly shut down streets around the convention hall.
3rd Plover Chick Dies at Montrose, Many Asking If Lone Survivor Should Be Removed From Beach for Safety
| Patty Wetli
The chicks have seemed healthy, but then become lethargic. Necropsies have been performed to help determine the cause.
Illinois Elected Officials React to Judge Dismissing Trump’s Classified Documents Case
| Amanda Vinicky
Applause broke out Monday morning as Illinois delegates got word during their meeting at the Republican National Convention that a judge dismissed the federal classified documents case against former President Donald Trump.
Floor Fights, Boos and a Too-Long Kiss. How the Dramatic and the Bizarre Define Convention History
| Associated Press
Even with conventions choreographed down to tiny details, the unexpected can still happen. Here’s a look at the floor fights, street battles and other memorable convention scenes that were uplifting, outlandish or just plain awkward.
First-Time Illinois Delegates Look Ahead to Week at Republican National Convention
| Nick Blumberg
Illinoisans in Wisconsin for their first Republican National Convention say they’re excited about the week ahead and motivated by their passion to see former President Donald Trump reclaim the White House.
Illinois Delegates Kick Off RNC by Celebrating Trump’s Survival, Pledging Unity
| Heather Cherone
“God spared our great leader Donald J. Trump,” said U.S. Rep. Mary Miller (R-Springfield), kicking off the breakfast. “The darker it gets the brighter we can shine.”
Federal Judge Dismisses Donald Trump Classified Documents Case Over Concerns With Prosecutor’s Appointment
| Associated Press
The decision, which can be appealed and may be overruled by a higher court, brings at least for now a stunning and abrupt conclusion to a criminal case that at the time it was filed was widely regarded as the most perilous of all the legal threats the Republican former president confronted.
3.4 Magnitude Earthquake Shakes Illinois, 60 Miles West of Chicago
| Patty Wetli
The 3.4 magnitude tremor struck just before 3 a.m., according to the U.S. Geological Survey.
The RNC’s First Day Will Still Focus on the Economy. Here’s What to Know About Trump’s Plans
| Associated Press
The convention’s first day is still expected to focus on the economy even after Saturday’s shooting at a Trump rally in Pennsylvania in which the former president was injured.
From the Uihleins to Prominent Business Owners, Who Are Illinois’ Biggest Republican Donors?
| Nick Blumberg
Illinois might be a solidly blue state when it comes to presidential elections, but the Land of Lincoln still has plenty of big-money donors backing conservative candidates and causes. With the Republican National Convention upon us, here’s a look at the Illinoisans who have been spending big so far in this political cycle.
In Prime-Time Address, Biden Warns of Election-Year Rhetoric, Saying ‘It’s Time to Cool It Down’
| Associated Press
“There is no place in America for this kind of violence — for any violence. Ever. Period. No exception. We can’t allow this violence to be normalized,” President Joe Biden said.
Attack at Donald Trump Rally Being Investigated by FBI as Potential Act of Domestic Terrorism
| Associated Press
The FBI early Sunday identified the shooter as Thomas Matthew Crooks, 20, of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, as it pressed its investigation. An FBI official said investigators had not yet determined a motive.
What’s Known About the 20-Year-Old Suspect in the Apparent Assassination Attempt of Donald Trump
| Associated Press
Investigators were working Sunday to gather more information about Thomas Matthew Crooks of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, who they say opened fire from a rooftop outside the rally venue in Butler before he was killed by Secret Service.
Secret Service Faces Questions About Security Footprint and Rooftop Access at Trump Event
| CNN
President Joe Biden said Sunday he has directed US Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle “to review all security measures — all security measures — for the Republican National Convention.”
Shooting at Trump Rally is Being Investigated as Assassination Attempt, Shooter and 1 Attendee Dead
| Associated Press
At least one attendee was dead and two spectators were critically injured, authorities said. The Secret Service said it killed the suspected shooter — who it said attacked from an elevated position outside the rally venue, a farm show in Butler, Pennsylvania — and that Trump was safe.
A History of US Presidential Assassinations and Attempts
| Associated Press
Before Saturday’s apparent attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump, there have been multiple instances of political violence targeting U.S. presidents, former presidents and major party presidential candidates.
Chicago and Illinois Officials React to the Shooting at Donald Trump’s Rally
| Dan Lambert
Donald Trump’s campaign says he is “fine” after what law enforcement officials are treating as an apparent assassination attempt during a rally. Illinois officials reacted to the news.
President Joe Biden Says He’s Grateful Donald Trump is Safe After Shooting: ‘It’s Sick’
| CNN
President Joe Biden said he is grateful former President Donald Trump is safe after a shooting at his rally in Pennsylvania.
Speaking from Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, about two hours after the shooting, Biden said, “There’s no place in America for this kind of violence.”
A Minute by Minute Account of the Shooting at Donald Trump’s Rally
| Associated Press
At 6:02 pm Saturday, to the strains of “God Bless the U.S.A.,” former President Donald Trump took the stage at fairgrounds in Butler, Pennsylvania, waving at the cheering crowd and settling into his regular rally speech under a scorching midsummer sun. A few short minutes later, the shots rang out.
From the Disco Demolition to The Big Hurt, New Book Turns Back Clock to Final Years of Comiskey Park
| Marc Vitali
“Last Comiskey” is a book-length valentine for a place once called the “Baseball Palace of the World.” An affectionate account of the last season at Comiskey Park, the book also recalls monumental moments from the 1970s and ‘80s.
Dr. Ruth Westheimer, America’s Pioneering Sex Therapist, Dies at 96
| Associated Press
Dr. Ruth Westheimer, the diminutive sex therapist who became a pop icon, media star and best-selling author through her frank talk about once-taboo bedroom topics, has died. She was 96.
Republicans Are Gathering in Milwaukee to Nominate Donald Trump Again. Here’s What to Expect
| Associated Press
For all the usual stagecraft, the Republican National Convention that opens Monday is different from Donald Trump’s previous nominating affairs.
Second Piping Plover Chick Dies at Montrose: ‘Rough Few Days, To Say the Least’
| Patty Wetli
Less than two weeks after celebrating the hatching of four endangered piping plover chicks at Montrose Beach, Chicago is mourning the loss of two of the little ones.
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