Stories by Josh Terry
The Complete DNC State Roll Call Song List
| Josh Terry
On Tuesday, the Democratic National Convention held a ceremonial roll call to nominate Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz. As part of the ceremonies, each state and territory was given a special “walk-up song” We have the list.
From Coconut Drinks to Cheezborgers, Chicago Businesses Hoping to Capitalize on DNC Crowds
| Joanna Hernandez
Businesses around the United Center are used to serving throngs of customers during game days and concerts, but they’re hoping to score even higher sales with the Democratic National Convention in town.
From Immigration to Infrastructure, What a Harris Victory Could Mean for Chicago
| Heather Cherone
The first mayor of a major American city to back her surprise bid for the presidency, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called Vice President Kamala Harris a “visionary leader” capable of defeating “the threat of another Trump presidency.”
Illinois Democrats Tout Efforts to Protect Abortion Rights, as Push to Amend Constitution Remains in Limbo
| Heather Cherone
“As the mother of four daughters that I thought would have more rights than me, not fewer,” Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton said, “I’m devastated to this day that Trump’s Supreme Court found a way to relegate us to second-class citizens.”
Kroger, Parent Company of Mariano’s, Fights Federal Agency in a Battle That Could Upend Antitrust
| CNN
The lawsuit alleges the Federal Trade Commission is violating the U.S. Constitution by using an in-house tribunal to challenge Kroger’s $25 billion mega-merger with Albertsons — the biggest proposed supermarket deal in American history.
A Guide to Historic Political Conventions in Chicago — With a Little Help From the Chicago History Museum
| Marc Vitali
Since the 19th century, Chicago has hosted 14 Republican National Conventions, the most recent in 1960. This week Vice President Kamala Harris will accept her nomination at the 12th Democratic National Convention to be held in Chicago.
Illinois Bans Corporal Punishment in Schools: ‘Hitting Kids Should Never Be Allowed’
| Associated Press
Legislation that Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed into law this month bans physical punishment in private schools while reiterating a prohibition on the practice in public schools implemented 30 years ago.
RFK Jr. Campaign Considering Donald Trump Endorsement, Running Mate Says
| CNN
In a podcast interview, Shanahan acknowledged the Kennedy campaign’s recent conversations with the Trump campaign, which have centered on the possibility of Kennedy endorsing Trump in exchange for a role in Trump’s administration should he win.
DNC Tuesday Night Speaker Schedule Features Barack and Michelle Obama, Plus J.B. Pritzker, Doug Emhoff and More
| Patty Wetli
If Night 1 of the Democratic Nation Convention was largely about honoring Pres. Joe Biden for his lifetime of service, Night 2 is about shifting the conversation toward "A Bold Vision for America’s Future.”
Illinois Anti-Abortion Group Calls Out Cardinal Cupich for DNC Prayer
| Amanda Vinicky
“It is incredibly disheartening to see a local church leader who once aligned himself with our cause participate in such a deeply anti-life, anti-family event as the DNC,” Illinois Right to Life president Mary Kate Zander said in a statement.
Cultural Agency Looks to Amplify Art and Chicago’s ‘Third Spaces’ With Events Timed to DNC
| Angel Idowu
“Next Stop: Chicago” is offering a series of public art activations by community-based organizations that address the city’s post-pandemic infrastructure inequity.
13 People Arrested After DNC Perimeter Breach, Chicago Police Say They Were Unconnected to Approved March
| Nick Blumberg
Chicago police officers made 13 arrests Tuesday, the majority of which were related to the fence breach. That incident coincided with the Coalition to March on the DNC, an approved demonstration that saw an extensive police presence along the route.
This New Lake County Conservation Preserve is for the Birds, and Only the Birds
| Patty Wetli
Lake County Forest Preserves has acquired a 41-acre property in order to protect its “rare ecological attributes,” which include the largest heron and egret rookery in the county.
It’s Been 20 Years Since Barack Obama Made His DNC Debut. He’s Back to Make the Case for Kamala Harris
| Associated Press
A state lawmaker from Illinois, he had an unusual profile to be a headline speaker at a presidential convention. But the self-declared “skinny kid with a funny name” captivated Democrats that night.
Aug. 19, 2024 - Full Show, 10 p.m.
| WTTW News
It was a passing of the baton as President Joe Biden headlined Day 1 of the Democratic National Convention. We’re live with reaction and analysis to today’s events.
What to Watch as the Democratic National Convention Enters Its 2nd Day in Chicago
| WTTW News
With President Joe Biden having addressed delegates, the week’s full focus now turns to Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, as the party and its leaders aim to argue why their new nominee is best suited to be in the White House over the Republican nominee, former President Donald Trump.
DNC Live Blog, Day 1: Joe Biden Takes the Stage to Endorse Harris; Protesters March in Chicago
| WTTW News
WTTW News reporters are spread out across Chicago covering the 2024 Democratic National Convention and Illinois’ delegation. Check back throughout the day for continuous updates.
Biden Gets a Rousing Ovation From Democrats as He Gives Harris an Enthusiastic Endorsement
| Associated Press
President Joe Biden delivered his valedictory address to the Democratic National Convention on Monday night, as his decision to end his reelection bid released newfound energy within his party with Vice President Kamala Harris′ elevation to the top of the ticket.
‘The Daily Show’ Opens Its Run in Chicago at Athenaeum Center
| Marc Vitali
Night 1 of “The Daily Show” in Chicago is in the books. Taping wrapped Monday evening at the Athenaeum Center in Lakeview. The show was hosted by Michael Kosta with appearances by Jordan Klepper and Grace Kuhlenschmidt. Jon Stewart will host live on Thursday night.
At DNC, Democrats Celebrate Jesse Jackson and the ‘Seeds’ He Planted
| Heather Cherone
The Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., 82, a delegate to the Democratic National Convention from Illinois, was celebrated during Monday’s session of the convention, earning a loud ovation from the crowd.
Aug. 19, 2024 - Full Show, 5:30 p.m.
| WTTW News
The Democratic National Convention kicks off in Chicago. We’ll have live coverage inside the United Center and outside with protesters, as well as reaction and analysis to tonight’s speeches.
Thousands of Demonstrators Rally and March to Protest US Aid to Israel; Small Group Breaks Through Fencing
| Nick Blumberg
Thousands of protesters stretching for several blocks took to the streets on Monday, saying Democrats have no cause to celebrate when tens of thousands of Palestinians are being killed during Israel’s war in Gaza.
On Near West Side, Locals Say DNC Brings Restrictions But Chance to Witness History
| Joanna Hernandez
It’s been a bumpy ride for residents living near the United Center. Ald. Walter Burnett (27th Ward) shared that the neighborhood is no stranger to parking restrictions, especially during game days and events, but said the city’s planning for the DNC has had a lot of moving parts.
Pritzker-Led Illinois Delegation Celebrates Spotlight as Democrats Unite Around Harris
| Amanda Vinicky
Gov. J.B. Pritzker and close confidants began plotting to bring the Democratic National Convention to Chicago all the way back in 2021. Now that it is here, the governor is in the spotlight.
Brandon Johnson Uses DNC to Play a Favorite Role: Chicago’s Biggest Fan
| Heather Cherone
Mayor Brandon Johnson, the father of three children, said Vice President Kamala Harris’ status as the first Black woman to be nominated by a major party for president was deeply personal for him and his 10-year-old daughter, Braedyn.
Gov. JB Pritzker Hints at the Possibility of a Third Term in Office
| Amanda Vinicky
In the middle of his second term, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker hinted during a speech to party faithful Monday morning that he’s game to run again.
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