Thread by @JakeSheridan_

Thread: How will Chicago handle the DNC? There are big questions about:

- Protests
- Migrants sent from Texas
- Infrastructure prep
- Transit
- Policing

And more. I've tried to answer a lot of these with my @chicagotribune colleagues. Here are some of our big findings (1/9):

First, I made what I think is the most complete list of planned protests.

I've reported on these plans for months & checked with the city + permitted/unsanctioned organizers. Most of the protests have pro-Palestinian messages, but there's a big mix (2/9):
chicagotribune.com/2024/08/16/chi…

So, will a wave of migrants come to Chicago?

City officials prepped for a troubling worst-case scenario sparked by Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts. But now they say they don't expect a big wave, largely because Biden's border crackdown. With @nellbsalzman (3/9):
chicagotribune.com/2024/08/15/chi…

Next, how has the city tried to make sure it looks good?

A whole bunch of ways! It seems like everyone is seeing the cleaned trains & cut grass. The biggest piece was the new Damen Green Line CTA station. I lay out all the pretty-up efforts here (4/9):
chicagotribune.com/2024/08/11/dnc…

And how will transit work?

The CTA plans to add L runs, but hasn't provided a ton of specifics. Some trains got artsy wraps, stations have gotten cleanings, but some riders are concerned the DNC crowd will make things run poorly, @srfreish reports (5/9):
chicagotribune.com/2024/08/13/cta…

OK, what about security?

There's going to be a big security perimeter around the United Center and McCormick Place. But details about the out-of-town cops who are coming to help remain murky. With a team (6/9):
chicagotribune.com/2024/07/25/pla…

And how is that affecting the neighborhoods?

It may have led to some nearby homeless camps getting cleared — though the city denies that. Some West Side residents say they didn't get much of a heads up on plans affecting them and are upset (7/9):
chicagotribune.com/2024/07/27/no-…

But won't there be a bump in business?

Eh, maybe, but maybe not. Reservations are down at some downtown restaurants. Some people who typically work downtown plan to not go in. It's hard to predict how the touted economic impact will play out (8/9):
chicagotribune.com/2024/08/07/chi…

So, there's a lot in the air. But one thing is for sure.

We at the @chicagotribune are going to cover every part of this convention, inside and out, all over the city. Follow me and my colleagues and subscribe to learn what you need to know this week.
chicagotribune.com

@chicagotribune Oops! One more thing. More on police prep.

Chicago's top cop promises "constitutional policing" as the memory of the 1968 DNC sorta hangs over things. Here's a look at the training and reflection that has gone into preparing police:
chicagotribune.com/2024/06/09/thi…

@chicagotribune Credit to the folks who reported these @nellbsalzman, @srfreish, @crepeau, @samjcharles, @oliviaolanderr, @sylvanlebrun, @talia_soglin, @chasejohn, @_johnbyrne & many more.

Here's a Chicago DNC overview story, gift link:
chicagotribune.com/2024/08/14/the…