The Latest Breaking News from JB Pritzker

On the heels of a divisive mayoral election, news that Chicago has been chosen to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention reawakens something that feels like hope.

Before hearing arguments on the constitutionality of Illinois’ assault weapons ban on Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Stephen McGlynn said he’d be “foolhardy” to think that the guns covered by the ban aren’t used for “bad things,” while also noting the rights of law-abiding citizens to bear arms.

The city’s $80 million bid package beat out rival proposals from Atlanta and New York City, capping more than a year of campaigning to bring the convention back to Chicago for the first time since 1996.

DNC Chairman Jaime Harrison will be joined by Gov. J.B. Pritzker, Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a co-chair of the DNC, Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson.

CHICAGO — Chicago was selected Tuesday to host the 2024 Democratic National Convention, a huge economic and prestigious postpandemic boon, and an acknowledgment the city’s progressive, pro-union values align with a Democratic Party that is seeking to boost its strength in a politically competitive Midwest.

State law and sweeping moves by Gov. J.B. Pritzker and State’s Attorney Kim Foxx cleared cannabis convictions off the books, but many cases have not been expunged.

After Mayor Lori Lightfoot was told by DNC Chair Jaime Harrison Chicago won the convention, the mayor, defeated for reelection, said ‘I told him he made my day, week, and year.’

Today’s update is about an eight-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.

CHICAGO — Chicago has been selected the host of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, a huge economic and prestigious boon to the city, national Democratic Party officials announced Tuesday.

The convention, to run Aug. 19-22, 2024, is expected to draw up to 50,000 visitors to Chicago, which last hosted Democrats in 1996.

Chicago-area students at Harvard University peppered Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker with questions — on policy and politics — at a Monday forum.