Chicago DNC 2024 security fences coming down, streets reopening as officials celebrate success

A 15-foot buffer zone around the entire security perimeter of the United Center and McCormick Place goes into effect at midnight.

The buffer zone prohibits people from possessing laptops, tripods, selfie sticks, large bags and suitcases, sealed packages, drones and unmanned aircraft systems, bicycles, scooters, folding chairs, balloons, coolers, glass thermal or metal containers, umbrellas, pointed objects including knives, animals other than service/guide animals, aerosols, tobacco products (including e-cigarettes), firearms, ammunition, fireworks, laser pointers, pepper spray, toy weapons, tents and structures and more within that buffer zone or any other secured area.

The buffer zone will remain in place until 12:01 a.m. Monday, August 26.

Meet three of the Black-owned businesses behind the elaborate DNC production inside the United Center.

From furniture to banners to hospitality and more, these local businesses are making their mark at a historic Democratic Convention.

At least three Black-owned Chicago production and event companies are behind the history-making 2024 Democratic National Convention starting Monday.

An emergency court hearing for an ongoing legal battle between the City of Chicago and protest organizers was put to rest Friday afternoon as protesters finalized their plans for rallies during the Democratic National Convention.

The hearing was canceled as organizers told ABC7 most of their demands have been met by the city and they're ready to march on the DNC. ABC7 was told negotiations took place over the last 24 hours between the protest organizers and the city.

The city previously denied them the ability to set up stages, a speaker system and portable toilets at Union park near the United Center during the convention, until Friday's agreement.

The Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression has been going back and forth with city leaders about what would be allowed at those scheduled protests.

Organizers said they're still pursuing other legal avenues to reach an agreement on other demands, such as extending the length of the protest march route, while also asking for tents in union park for medics and media. To this point, the city has denied those requests, but is also accommodating protesters by setting up a stage and sound system at Park 578, which will be within sight and sound of the United Center.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will speak at the Democratic National Convention on Monday, officials told ABC7.

Officials did not immediately say when Johnson would speak on Monday.