Good morning, Chicago.
The deepest blue city in Wisconsin is hosting Republicans from across the nation this week for the 2024 Republican National Convention.
Wisconsin is one of a handful of battleground states likely to determine this year’s presidential race. It was one of the so-called “blue wall” states that Democrats once relied on, but Donald Trump narrowly won in 2016, paving the way for his surprise victory.
Trump confirmed last night that he will be at the convention, which begins less than 48 hours after he was shot in the ear at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania.
The attack, by a shooter who law enforcement officials say was then killed by the Secret Service, was the most serious attempt to assassinate a president or presidential candidate since Ronald Reagan was shot in 1981. It comes amid a deeply polarized political atmosphere, just four months from the presidential elections and days before Trump is to be officially named the Republican nominee at his party’s convention.
We’ll have coverage throughout the week when Republican delegates formally designate the presidential ticket, when Trump announces his pick for vice president and of protests around the convention arena.
Here’s a look at what to expect if you’re heading up to Milwaukee or tuning in from home.
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Republican National Convention will be held as scheduled after Trump rally shooting
Just hours after the shooting at a Trump campaign rally in Pennsylvania, the former president’s aides said that the Republican National Convention will be held as planned.
Trump “looks forward to joining you all in Milwaukee,” the campaign said yesterday.
This year’s RNC speakers include VP hopefuls, GOP lawmakers and UFC’s CEO — but not Melania Trump
Convention organizers released a full list of speakers Saturday that did not include the former first lady. A person familiar with the schedule confirmed that she would attend but not speak at the event.
The list has the three top contenders for the vice presidential nomination — Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, Ohio Sen. JD Vance and North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum — as well as a mix of Trump allies from inside and outside government.
Melania Trump has spoken at the last two Republican conventions. Spouses of presumptive nominees generally give speeches that describe their partners’ backgrounds and personal qualities.
President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump and their son, Barron Trump, walk off of Marine One and head toward Air Force One at Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, N.J., on Aug. 16, 2020.
Barron Trump to make political debut as Florida delegate to Republican National Convention
Former President Donald Trump’s youngest son, Barron Trump, will serve as a Florida delegate to the Republican National Convention, the state party chairman said.
Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and Trump’s youngest daughter, Tiffany, are also part of the Florida delegation to the convention.
Nikki Haley releases her delegates so they can back Donald Trump
Nikki Haley on Tuesday opted to release her 97 delegates won across a dozen primaries and caucuses earlier this year, according to her former campaign.
How to watch the 2024 Republican National Convention
Whether you’re looking to watch a livestream on your phone or watch via cable or network TV, here’s how to tune in.
The Fiserv Forum stands, June 27, 2024, in Milwaukee. The Wisconsin city is scheduled to host the 2024 Republican National Convention. A federal judge ruled Monday, July 9, 2024 that protesters can’t march through a security zone at the Republican National Convention, handing a defeat to liberals who had pushed to have closer access to where delegates will be gathering.
Federal judge rules protesters can’t march through Republican National Convention security zone
A federal judge ruled last week that protesters can’t march through a security zone at the Republican National Convention, handing a defeat to liberals who had pushed to have closer access.
The American Civil Liberties Union and the Coalition to March on the RNC 2024 filed a lawsuit last month against the city of Milwaukee, alleging that the city’s plans for protesters violated their free speech rights. They had asked the judge to order that the city design a protest parade route that is within sight and hearing of the Fiserv Forum.
U.S. District Judge Brett Ludwig said in his order that protesters have a right to march in protest of the RNC, “but the First Amendment does not allow them to protest or parade in any way they choose.”
New chairman tries to unite fractured Illinois GOP heading into Milwaukee convention
Illinois Republicans head to Milwaukee for the party’s national convention on Monday amid the political upheaval of electing a new state chairman whose chief task will be be trying to quell growing ideological and geographic divisions fueled by the hard-line partisanship of presumptive presidential nominee Donald Trump.
Kathy Salvi of Mundelein, who has made unsuccessful runs for the U.S. House and Senate, was selected Friday at a virtual meeting of the 17-member Illinois Republican State Central Committee. Salvi on July 19 will replace Don Tracy of Springfield, who in his resignation letter last month bemoaned spending “far too much time dealing with intraparty power struggles, and local intraparty animosities” involving “Republicans who would rather fight other Republicans than engage in the harder work of defeating incumbent Democrats.”
Deeply Democratic Milwaukee wrestles with hosting Trump and the Republican National Convention
It can be hard for some to swallow that Milwaukee is playing host to former President Donald Trump and the Republican National Convention this coming week while Chicago welcomes President Joe Biden and Democrats in August.
It didn’t help smooth things over with wary Democrats after Trump used the word “horrible” when talking about Milwaukee a month ago.
And as Trump’s “horrible” comment showed, Milwaukee has also long been a target for conservative Republicans who have pointed to its crime, low-ranking schools and financial struggles as an example of poor Democratic leadership.
All eyes are on Milwaukee this summer. Here’s what to do beyond the Republican National Convention.
Yes, this city on the shores of Lake Michigan is getting a lot of attention. Here are some ideas of where to visit beyond the convention.
