City Cast Chicago logo

Biden Drops Out, RNC Concludes. Here's What Chicagoans Needs to Know.

Posted on July 22, 2024   |   Updated on September 30, 2025
City Cast Chicago staff

City Cast Chicago staff

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris watch Independence Day fireworks from the White House

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris watch Independence Day fireworks from the White House. (Mandel NGAN / AFP / Getty)

President Joe Biden has dropped out of the election. The announcement came Sunday, just days after the conclusion of the Republican National Convention and a week after an assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

City Cast

Loretto Fraud Scheme, Summer Storm Fallout, and RNC Begins

00:00:00

That’s a lot of national news to digest. Here’s what Chicagoans need to know.

What’s Next for DNC in Chicago?

Biden endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris to be the Democratic nominee. It’s unclear how that will play out leading up to and during the Democratic National Convention Aug. 19–22. The convention is now technically open, but Biden’s endorsement is expected to carry a lot of weight, the Associated Press reported.

Following Sunday’s announcement, several Illinois politicians released their own statements, including Mayor Brandon Johnson who is endorsing Harris.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee July 15

Former President Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee July 15. (Andrew Harnik / Getty)

Meanwhile, here’s what Illinoisans need to catch up on from last week’s RNC.

TX Governor: More Migrants Will Be Sent to Chicago

During a primetime speech, Gov. Greg Abbott criticized Biden’s immigration policies and committed to sending more migrants in buses to Chicago and other sanctuary cities. Abbott said he’ll continue to do so until “we finally secure our border.” Most of Chicago’s almost 45,000 migrants have arrived to the city via bus, according to city data.

State GOP Gets a New Leader

Kathy Salvi, an attorney from Mundelein, took the reins Friday of the Illinois Republican Party. A former U.S. Senate candidate, Salvi vowed to “make Illinois red again” at her first public appearance at the convention last week. Salvi is taking over the post from Don Tracy who was tired of intra-party fighting.

On a Lighter, Cheesier Note …

Illinois Republicans had a cheese sculpture of Trump on display. If there’s one thing Illinoisans know how to do, it’s dairy art. Just a few weeks until this year’s Illinois State Fair butter cow is unveiled.

Share article

Hey Chicago

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.

Can't subscribe? Turn off your ad blocker and try again.

The latest in Chicago

Neighborhood GuidesSeptember 16

7 New Spots to Dine and Drink

Seven recently opened bars and Restaurants in Chicago

Two people at a table holding up their drinks. On the table there's a martini with olives.
Chicago, ExplainedSeptember 15

The Latest Candidates Running For Mayor

Mayor Brandon Johnson officially launched his reelection campaign, joining a race that includes roughly a dozen other challengers.

A composite photo of three people. On the left is a man in glasses and a dark suit. In the middle is a man in a blue suit, on the right is a woman wearing blue feathers and with white hair
Chicago, ExplainedSeptember 11

Take This Week's Chicago News Trivia Quiz

How closely were you paying attention to this week's current events in Chicago? Test yourself in our weekly trivia quiz.

A large brick building with glass roof and intricate metal on the corners
Keep It LocalSeptember 10

Sheep Cult Comics Celebrates Local Chicago Comic Artists

Stepping into Sheep Cult Comics, you’re surrounded by whimsical, winding caverns of cloud-like shelves, presided over by sculpted sheep h...

A large entrance in a store in the shape of a sheep. There are books along both sides of it
Keep It LocalSeptember 10

Your Guide To Chicago’s Comic Book Stores

I’ve compiled a list of stores where you can find the newest graphic novels, affordable used comics, or even your next favorite board gam...

Comics on display in what looks to be a multicolored customized bookshelf
Chicago, ExplainedSeptember 8

Mayor Brandon Johnson Answers YOUR Tough Questions

Mayor Brandon Johnson told City Cast Chicago he’ll announce whether he’s running again Sept. 13. And that’s not all he said. We sat down...

Two men sitting across from each other at a table looking at the camera. The man on the left has his arms crossed and is holding a piece of paper. The man on the right has a suit on and is showing a peace sign
Keep It LocalSeptember 3

Your Guide To Karaoke Bars in Chicago

Whether your perfect karaoke night involves performing to an entire bar or renting a room for a more intimate experience, you’ve got opti...

A woman singing into a mic. A man is holding up what looks to be a tv screen
Keep It LocalSeptember 3

The Art of Karaoke

Karaoke is pretty serious business, and I want to make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.

A woman singing into a mic with her finger pointed up. There's a man behind her holding a screen