Good afternoon, Chicago.
On the first day of the Democratic National Convention, Mayor Brandon Johnson today skirted a question about recent remarks in which he described the war in Gaza as “genocidal,” while reiterating his call for an end to the conflict.
Speaking at a news conference on the city’s safety preparations, Johnson did not directly address an article published Saturday in the progressive magazine Mother Jones, where he was quoted saying: “What’s happening right now is not only egregious, it is genocidal,” in reference to the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.
Nor did he respond to a suggestion that such a stance could be at odds with his role as host mayor of the blockbuster event, where Chicago will celebrate Vice President Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee for president. Instead, the mayor stressed that he had also condemned Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel.
Here’s what else is happening today. And remember, for the latest breaking news in Chicago, visit chicagotribune.com/latest-headlines and sign up to get our alerts on all your devices.
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Largest planned protest of DNC week begins in Union Park as Chicago officials promise readiness
Demonstrators bearing Palestinian flags and signs had gathered by noon for what is expected to be the largest planned protest of the convention week, ending with a march early this afternoon. Read more here.
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As DNC begins, nurses at nearby University of Illinois Hospital go on strike
Hundreds of nurses at University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics walked off the job this morning, beginning a strike at one of the closest hospitals to this week’s Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Read more here.
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Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton or Barack Obama? Which political star from the DNC should sing at Wrigley Field?
The arrival of the Democratic National Convention at the United Center this week provides the Chicago Cubs with an opportunity for some very special guest performers during the seventh-inning stretch. Read more here.
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Talking to Jordan Klepper of ‘The Daily Show’ about prepping for a DNC week in Chicago
“The Daily Show” is broadcasting all week from the Athenaeum Center for Thought and Culture in Lakeview during the DNC at United Center. Read more here.
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Blinken says Israel agrees to a U.S.-backed proposal for a cease-fire and calls on Hamas to do same
The United States, Egypt and Qatar have spent months trying to broker an agreement, with the talks repeatedly stalling. Read more here.
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