Democratic National Convention underway in Chicago

The Democratic National Convention drew to a close Thursday in Chicago, with Kamala Harris accepting the Democratic Presidential Nominee.

The DNC drew thousands of delegates, volunteers, and political activists to the United Center and McCormick Place over the course of the four-day event.

According to the Associated Press (AP), more than 50,000 thousand people arrived for the DNC in Chicago, to support presidential hopeful Kamala Harris and Vice Presidential running mate Tim Walz.

On the first day of the convention, President Biden gave a rousing speech in support of Harris. Biden announced his decision to drop out of the Presidential race last month following concerns from top Democrats regarding his ability to prevail over Republican nominee Donald Trump in November.

On Tuesday evening, former President Barack Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama gave speeches in support of Harris’s nomination. The Obama’s reportedly spoke on Harris’s qualifications and the Democratic party’s strategy for securing a win in November.

On day three of the convention, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz accepted the Vice Presidential nomination, according to multiple reports.

Kamala Harris closed out the convention on Thursday evening, delivering a heartfelt speech outlining her vision for the United States. Harris outlined her intentions to prioritize healthcare, inflation, women's rights, and US foreign policy. 

The DNC drew vast crowds of activists to parts of downtown Chicago and areas surrounding United Center. Protestors organized to call attention to conflict in the Middle East and other hot button issues impacting the election season.

Cleanup around United Center and McCormick Place is underway, with officials working to remove security infrastructure and reopen streets. All streets and previously secured areas are set reopened by Monday, according to a report by ABC7.