Chicago will host the 2024 Democratic National Convention next summer.

Why it matters: The decision, announced yesterday, gives big political clout to Illinois Democrats, including Gov. JB Pritzker.

• Plus, 50,000 attendees are expected to come through Chicago, bringing economic benefits for hotels, restaurants and shops.

Context: It will be the 26th time the city has hosted a major party political convention, the most in the country.

• The first ever U.S. political convention was held in Chicago in 1860. The last one we held was in 1996 — when the party renominated Bill Clinton for president and Al Gore for VP.
• Notably, Chicago hosted one of the tumultuous 1968 convention that had "the whole world watching."

The big picture: Chicago beat out New York and Atlanta. Atlanta's recent violent protests over a new police training facility and ongoing labor issues didn't sit well with the party's union supporters.

Zoom in: The 2024 convention will formally be held at the United Center and at McCormick Place. Informally, state delegations will throw parties at Chicago restaurants and bars.

What they're saying: Illinois Democrats, led by Pritzker, pitched President Joe Biden and the party to bring the convention here, pointing to our proximity to battleground states and the so-called "blue wall."

• In a letter to Biden this year, Pritzker wrote, "When the future of the country hangs in the balance, we cannot afford to overlook the Midwest.”

Between the lines: Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson said he met with Pritzker on this issue and pitched it to Biden in a recent post-election phone call.

• Yes, but: The victory goes to Mayor Lori Lightfoot. The outgoing mayor was front and center with the delegation during the yearslong pitch process.
• The convention will join the NASCAR street race and the city casino as projects shepherded by Lightfoot but not completed until after her term.
• "I'm proud that we got it done for the people of Chicago," Lightfoot said in a statement.

What's next: The convention is planned for Aug. 19-22, 2024. The Republican National Convention will take place in Milwaukee.

💭 Monica's thought bubble: In 1996, I had such a fun time doing "The Macarena" on the floor of the United Center with Al Gore leading the way. I wonder what the hot dance will be in 2024. Maybe Pritzker will lead us in a little "Cha-Cha Slide."

💭 Justin's thought bubble: I'll never forget covering the 1996 convention. Mostly for when the late Dick Kay pushed me out of his live shot, but also for broadcasting live with such a handsome public radio crew!

Here are a few photos throughout Chicago's political convention history.

Fun fact: Did you know that Ald. Ed Burke is a convention historian? He wrote a book on Chicago's political conventions, before he was indicted on federal corruption charges.

Quote of the day:

"Our Chicago stores have not been profitable since we opened the first one nearly 17 years ago — these stores lose tens of millions of dollars a year, and their annual losses nearly doubled in just the last five years."

🔫 ShotSpotter, which created the controversial gunshot detection software used by Chicago police, is changing its company name to SoundThinking. They'll continue to use the ShotSpotter name for the product. (Sun-Times)

💨 A plan to build a wind farm in Lake Michigan has moved forward in Springfield. (Block Club)

👋 Hey, it's Justin.

It's not the 1995/96 Bulls, nor even the 2010/11 Bulls, but tonight we'll cheer on a sub-.500 basketball team that barely made the playoffs.

What's happening: The Bulls face off against the Toronto Raptors in the NBA Play-In Tournament starting at 6pm.

Why it matters: If the Bulls lose, they go home. If they win, they get to travel to Miami for yet another do-or-die game to advance in the playoffs.

State of play: You may find yourself at a party watching this pivotal matchup but uncertain about what to say.

• So let me arm you with some quips and fun facts if the conversation flows your way.

The basics: The last time a Bulls team with a losing record made the postseason was 1985/1986.

• Throw out some factoids like, "Didn't Jordan score 63 points against the Celtics in those playoffs?"
• The party now respects you.

Star talk: The biggest storyline for this game is DeMar DeRozan. The Bulls forward used to be a star for the Raptors.

• "Anyone can be loved in Toronto. They're so nice in Canada." Could get you a quick chuckle.

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💼 Check out the fresh open positions in the city.

1. Customer Service and Trade Administration Manager at Vienna Beef.
2. Executive Director at Polk County Housing Trust Fund.
3. Director of Product - Assets & Renewals at CDW.

Want more opportunities? Check out our Job Board.

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👋 Hey, it's Monica. I recently stopped by the Portillo's in the South Loop to preview festivities for the chain's 60th anniversary tour this spring.

What's happening: Portillo's will be wheeling its famous "Dog House" trailer, that originally launched the business in Villa Park, to locations all over the Chicago area on Thursday nights from 4-7pm.

• Tomorrow, you can head to 4020 W. 95th St. in Oak Lawn to check it out.

Yes, but: The touring trailer is actually just a replica of the original, and those prices posted outside are only for show, reports the Chicago Tribune's Louisa Chu. Womp, womp.

• Regular-priced food will be available inside the restaurant; the trailer will sell special Portillo's anniversary merch.

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