Stories by Nick Blumberg

Labor Leaders Slam Trump, Tout Democratic Priorities in 2024 Election: ‘It’s All on the Line’

Labor leaders tried to draw a sharp contrast Wednesday between Democrats and Republicans at the Illinois delegation’s breakfast on the third day of the Democratic National Convention — saying the GOP and Donald Trump aren’t on the side of working people.

DNC Live Blog, Day 3: Walz, Clinton Take the Stage; Local Labor Leaders Push for New Chicago Stadium

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.

Nearly 60 Arrested After CPD Clashes With Group Officials Say Was Determined to ‘Wreak Havoc’

“We will not allow people to come to this city, disrespect it and destroy it,” Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling said at a news conference at the office of Office of Emergency Management and Communications. “Enough is enough.”

Harris’ Running Mate Tim Walz Introduces Himself to the Nation After Bill Clinton Tears Into Trump

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz accepted his party’s nomination for vice president Wednesday night, using his Democratic National Convention address to thank the packed arena for “bringing the joy” to an election transformed by the elevation of his running mate, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Hundreds of Protesters Rally at Park and Train Station on DNC’s 3rd Night

More than 1,000 pro-Palestinian protesters rallied Wednesday evening just a half mile from a Chicago park where pro-Israel demonstrators gathered on the third night of the Democratic National Convention.

Aug. 21, 2024 - Full Show, 5:30 p.m.

We’re at the United Center as VP candidate Tim Walz is set to take the stage on Day 3 of the DNC. Plus, a live report from Union Park as protesters are rallying.

Buttigieg Says Democrats Need to Keep DNC Momentum Going: ‘American People Agree With Us’

U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Sen. Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia) on Wednesday stopped by the Illinois delegation breakfast.

DNC Wednesday Night Speaker Schedule Features Tim Walz and Bill Clinton, Performances From Stevie Wonder and Amanda Gorman

Tim Walz will take centerstage on Wednesday, the third night of the DNC, introducing himself to the American people as the Democratic party's vice-presidential candidate. 

Chicago Police, FBI Investigating Reports of Bugs in DNC Delegation Breakfast

One source told WTTW News the bugs were maggots, while another said crickets were used to spoil the Indiana delegation’s breakfast. 

Nancy Pelosi Will Address the DNC After Playing Role in Biden-to-Harris Switch

Speaking in the cathedral-like University Club of Chicago, she initially filibustered when asked about what she told Biden before he exited the 2024 race and backed Vice President Kamala Harris.

DNC Musical Performance Schedule: Pink to Close Out DNC on Thursday. John Legend and Maren Morris Sing on Wednesday

The award-winning singer-songwriter and global pop icon will perform on Thursday evening, the source said, ahead of Vice President Kamala Harris taking the stage for the most significant speech of her political career.

Kamala Harris Erases Donald Trump’s Campaign Cash Advantage While RFK Jr. Faces Dwindling Resources

Kamala Harris’ principal campaign committee reported about $220 million in cash on hand at the end of July, besting the $151 million the Trump campaign reported in its principal account on July 31. 

After Standoff at Chicago Restaurant, Man Who Escaped From Mississippi and is Wanted for Murder is Apprehended

A man who escaped from a Mississippi courthouse and is wanted on murder and armed robbery charges was taken into custody Wednesday following a standoff with police at a restaurant in Chicago, blocks from the Democratic National Convention, authorities said.

Aug. 20, 2024 - Full Show, 10 p.m.

Day 2 of the DNC got off to an energetic start with a raucous roll call. Illinois Democrats took center stage with primetime spots. We’re live with reaction and analysis.

DNC Live Blog, Day 2: Obamas Close the Night; Illinois Democrats Take Center Stage

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.

Obamas Close DNC’s Second Night With a Rousing Harris Endorsement and Pointed Warnings About Trump

Warning of a difficult fight ahead, former President Barack Obama and Michelle Obama on Tuesday called on the nation to embrace Kamala Harris in urgent messages to the Democratic National Convention that were at times both hopeful and combative.

Pritzker Praises Harris, Slams ‘Con Artist’ Trump in DNC Speech

Gov. J.B. Pritzker worked hard to bring the Democratic National Convention to Chicago, and Tuesday he got a reward: a primetime speech during the DNC, putting him in the national spotlight for the biggest address of his political career.

More Than a Dozen Protesters Arrested After Clash With Police Outside Chicago’s Israeli Consulate

The atmosphere with rows of police in riot gear was a stark contrast to a day earlier when thousands of pro-Palestinian activists, including families pushing babies in strollers, marched near the convention site calling for a ceasefire.

Aug. 20, 2024 - Full Show, 5:30 p.m.

Former President Obama takes the stage on Night 2 of the Democratic National Convention — 20 years after his debut. Plus, what a Harris victory could mean for Chicago.

The Complete DNC State Roll Call Song List

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

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

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

“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

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

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.
 

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