Capitol Briefs: Live updates from the Democratic National Convention in Chicago
State Rep. Bob Morgan celebrates with members of the Illinois delegation on Monday night, the first night of the Democratic National Convention. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)
The CNI news team is on the scene at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago
CNI NEWS TEAM
Capitol News Illinois
news@capitolnewsillinois.com
The CNI news team is on the scene at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Check back frequently for live updates.
8 a.m. - Day 1 begins following Sunday protests
While the DNC begins today, protests began last night with a march down Chicago’s famous Michigan Avenue. Sunday’s march was organized by several organizations representing reproductive rights advocates, the LGBTQ community and – like many large-scale demonstrations planned for this week – pro-Palestinian advocates.
The crowd of thousands remained peaceful as it marched from the Chicago River to the south end of Grant Park.
Marchers demanded politicians protect abortion access and reduce racial and ethnic disparities in maternal and child health among other things. The group’s online manifesto also argues that “Palestinian liberation is reproductive justice.”
Pro-Palestinian protestors march in downtown Chicago on the eve of the Democratic National Convention. (Capitol News Illinois photo by Andrew Adams)
Counter protests were minimal, with three anti-abortion protestors marching alongside the main group for much of the evening.
At one point, tensions and voices rose among dozens of protestors and police a block away from the Hilton Chicago – the site of a violent brawl between Chicago police and anti-war protests during the 1968 DNC. Protestors chanted “the whole world is watching” as members of the media came over to record the interaction, echoing the phrase made famous at the site 56 years ago.
That situation resolved peacefully, but protests are planned throughout the week. A march later today near the United Center today is expected to draw the large crowds.
Click here for more live coverage of the DNC from Capitol News Illinois.
Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service covering state government. It is distributed to hundreds of newspapers, radio and TV stations statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, along with major contributions from the Illinois Broadcasters Foundation and Southern Illinois Editorial Association.