🍸 Will these drinks make DNC better?

DNC Day 1 ☑️

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris herself took the stage at the United Center along with other high-profile Democrats last night hours after a small group of protesters breached a security perimeter near the venue. [Tribune 🔒]

Inside the DNC Hype

Live from McCormick Place, the City Cast Chicago podcast team talked about DNC week, the Onion’s return, and more weekend festivals. [City Cast Chicago 🎧]

UI Health Nurses Strike

A mile from the DNC, more than 1,000 nurses at one of Chicago’s busiest hospitals are striking for better pay, staffing, and security. UI Health, staffed with temporary nurses right now, is likely a spot where convention attendees or protesters would go for medical care. [WBEZ]

NAACP Convention Also Coming

‘Tis the season for conventions: The NAACP announced plans to have its convention in Chicago in 2026. The civil rights organization last had a major gathering in the city 30 years ago. [WGN]

The Democratic National Convention is stirring up all the feelings for Hey Chicago readers. Here’s what some of you had to say.

Some of You Are Thrilled

Karie H.: “I’m a ride-share driver, and I fully intend on working this week. I usually avoid driving during big events like Lollapalooza, but this is one I want to work! I’m excited to see who I get in my car — aides, political leaders, politicos, and delegates. I look forward to sharing ideas with them.”

Barbara K.: “All the world will be watching us, and Chicago is looking really beautiful. My commute is not affected unless I decide to attend a protest or rally, which I plan to do by bike.”

Cassidy W.: “I love when Chicago gets the global stage. Traffic and stuff is annoying, but there's definitely a pride I feel when I see all of these people around the world descend upon the city.”

Others Aren’t Happy

Izzy R.: “I hate how the city has displaced unhoused people, made the city extra clean, and sped up finishing the new Green Line stop just because of the convention.”

Gail G.: “I’m concerned about the potential for chaos and violence.”

Maya J.: “It’s just annoying to feel trapped in my own city. I don’t want to be anywhere near the chaos and don’t know how traffic will be affected.”

And A Few Don’t Care

Erin V.: “My boss is letting me work from home. I plan to stay in my neighborhood in Lakeview and not venture close to any of the DNC stuff.”

Brandon P.: “Like most things the media made a big deal about this summer — cicadas, Lolla, NASCAR, and now the DNC — it has nothing to do with me, and I’ve got no influence over it.”