The Democratic National Convention has officially begun.

Over the upcoming four days, Democrats will present their message to voters nationwide from Chicago. This event is significant following a challenging few months for the party, marked by President Joe Biden’s poor debate performance against former President Donald Trump, his announcement not to seek reelection, the ascension of Vice President Kamala Harris to the top of the ticket, and her selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate.

This week, the focus will be on the future, with Democrats discussing how a potential Harris-Walz administration would tackle issues like inflation, border security, abortion rights, and other pressing matters facing the country.

Stay connected with the YSL News Network for live updates from Chicago and across the nation.

What’s Happening on the First Day of the Democratic Convention?

The opening night of the convention will honor the 81-year-old Democratic president, with notable speakers such as Barack Obama and Bill and Hillary Clinton also slated to address the attendees.

The schedule for speakers may change, and a comprehensive list will be available later. Here’s a glimpse at the agenda for the first day of the Democratic National Convention:

Note: All times are in Central Daylight Time.

• 7 a.m.-9:30 a.m.: Delegation breakfasts
• 9 a.m.-10 a.m.: Morning press briefing
• 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Black Caucus meeting
• 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Hispanic Caucus meeting
• 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: AAPI Caucus meeting
• 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Native American Caucus meeting
• 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Ethnic Council meeting
• 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: LGBTQ+ Caucus meeting
• 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Small Business Council meeting
• 12 p.m.-1:30 p.m.: Labor Council meeting
• 1:45 p.m.-3:15 p.m.: Environmental & Climate Crisis Council meeting
• 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m.: Main programming

— Gabe Hauari

Chicago Prepares for Planned Protests During Democratic Convention as Kamala Harris Takes the Lead

The city’s 12,000 police officers are on alert, while the Secret Service has mobilized. Local leaders are prepared, but residents may feel differently.

Approximately 50,000 delegates, politicians, and activists are anticipated to attend this week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago, along with potentially tens of thousands of protestors making their voices heard in the streets.

Fences, barricades, and even parked snow plows have been used to restrict movement in important downtown areas, and helicopters are monitoring from above.

Discover more about how Chicago is getting ready for the convention.

— Trevor Hughes, Terry Collins, and Michael Loria

Biden’s Political Journey Has Shifted, But His 2024 Choice Is Unlike Any Other

Joe Biden was determined to remain in the race.

He had long desired the presidency, and now that it was his, he was not backing down. Biden began raising funds for his campaign, organized a team, and hit the trail, feeling confident about his chances for re-election.

However, a poor showing during a debate in Atlanta altered everything. Now, just seven weeks later, he will take the stage on the Democratic National Convention’s opening night, not as the nominee, but as an outgoing president passing the mantle to a potential successor and a new generation.

Learn more about Biden’s choice to step back from the race.

— Michael Collins

Some Trump Supporters Downplay Harris’ Progress, While Others Express Concern

Many attendees of a recent rally for former President Donald Trump in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania were doubtful about the rise of Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the polls, feeling confident that Trump is leading the race.

Nevertheless, others exhibited worry.

The atmosphere of the MAGA movement on that day reflected a blend of confidence and anxiety, as Harris gained momentum nationally and in pivotal swing states.

Read more about the sentiments from Saturday’s Trump rally.

— Zac Anderson and David Jackson

Wait, Is Kamala Harris Already the Nominee?

Typically, delegates from all states and U.S. territories gather at a convention to nominate their preferred candidate for president. It’s a time to celebrate achievements, critique opposing policies, and rally support for leaders to energize voters ahead of Election Day.

While Democrats will still present their vision for the country at the convention, the nomination process has changed this year. The DNC confirmed Harris and Walz as nominees during a virtual roll call on August 5, thanks to ballot deadlines in some states, with a remarkable 99% of participating delegates supporting Harris.

Biden and Walz accepted their nominations the following day, and they will formally endorse this at the convention. Although a ceremonial vote is anticipated at the convention, their nominations are already confirmed.

— Marina Pitofsky and C. A. Bridges

How to View the Democratic Convention

The convention will be livestreamed on their official website from the United Center in Chicago. It will run from 6:15 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern Time (5:15 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) on Monday, and from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern (6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Central) on subsequent days.

The YSL News Network and various news organizations will also stream the convention live, with most airing key speeches in real-time.

— Joey Garrison

Democratic National Convention Nightly Themes Announced

The Democratic National Committee has unveiled the themes for each night of the convention in Chicago, culminating in Kamala Harris accepting the presidential nomination.

The four-day event is titled “For the People, For Our Future,” as Democrats aim to introduce Harris and Tim Walz to the American public.

The convention begins on Monday with the theme “For the People.” The theme for Tuesday is “A Bold Vision for America’s Future,” and Wednesday will focus on “A Fight for our Freedoms.”

The event wraps up on Thursday with the theme “For our Future.”

— Joey Garrison

Notable Speakers Include Biden, Obama, and Clintons

President Joe Biden, along with former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, will be key speakers at next week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Former nominee Hillary Clinton is also expected to give a speech.

Biden will take the stage on Monday night, celebrating his contributions as the 81-year-old president, who recently suspended his reelection campaign. Hillary Clinton will also speak on Monday.

Obama is anticipated to address the convention on Tuesday evening, while Bill Clinton will follow with remarks on Wednesday night, before Tim Walz delivers his speech as the Democratic vice-presidential nominee.

— Joey Garrison and Rachel Barber

Michelle Obama to Speak at the Democratic Convention

Former First Lady Michelle Obama will speak at the Democratic National Convention in her hometown of Chicago on Tuesday, as confirmed by several sources affiliated with YSL News.

Michelle Obama, a beloved figure among Democrats, will join an impressive lineup that includes her husband, former President Barack Obama, to rally support for Vice President Kamala Harris, who is currently leading in the polls as the 2024 election approaches.

The theme for Tuesday night is set to be “A Bold Vision for America’s Future.”

— Joey Garrison and Phillip M. Bailey

When Will the DNC Take Place in 2024?

The Democratic National Convention (DNC) is scheduled for August 19 through August 22, 2024.

— Maya Homan

Where Is the 2024 DNC Being Held?

The convention will take place in Chicago, located just 90 miles south of Milwaukee, the recent site of the Republican National Convention.

The Democratic Party has held its national convention every four years since 1832 to nominate its preferred candidates, and Chicago has a rich history of hosting various political conventions since 1860, including the nomination of Abraham Lincoln.

This marks the 26th political convention for the Windy City, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.

— Maya Homan

What Happens During the DNC?

In contrast to the Republican National Committee, the Democratic National Committee opted for a virtual roll call on August 5 to ensure compliance with ballot deadlines in various states. A press release indicated that 99% of delegates participating supported Kamala Harris during this roll call, and both Harris and Walz accepted the nomination the following day.

Still, Harris has not formally accepted her nomination, an act she will complete at the convention in Chicago.

Meanwhile, there are many responsibilities left for the Democratic delegates. The DNC provides an opportunity for these delegates to finalize and rally behind a comprehensive party platform, addressing key topics such as reproductive rights, immigration, and economic policy. Additionally, there will be a ceremonial vote for Harris, although her nomination is already securely in place.

Updates about the Democratic Convention can be found on their website, available at demconvention.com.

— Maya Homan

Donald Trump Plans to Counter Program During the DNC

DNC Developments

As Trump readied to address supporters in Wilkes-Barre this past weekend, he and his team finalized their strategy to respond to the Democratic convention events taking place this week, particularly as Harris enjoys her formal presidential nomination.

Trump’s team believes that Harris will likely see a boost in the polls following the convention starting on Monday, a common trend for most major party nominees. They are strategizing to mitigate that as the election enters its last two months.

Trump along with vice presidential candidate JD Vance and other campaign representatives plan to influence key battlegrounds through a series of anti-Harris events in states like Pennsylvania, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Michigan, Wisconsin, and North Carolina. The former president is expected to campaign daily from Monday to Friday.

— Zac Anderson and David Jackson

When did Joe Biden Withdraw?

On Sunday, July 21, Joe Biden announced he would not seek reelection following significant pressure from party leaders who were concerned about his chances against Donald Trump in the upcoming November election.

“Serving as your President has been the greatest honor of my life,” Biden stated in a letter to the nation. “Although I intended to run for re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and my country for me to step down and concentrate on fulfilling my presidential duties for the remainder of my term.”

— YSL News Network