WORT Local News

WORT Local News


Pacifica's We Decide: Day One of the RNC in MKE

July 15, 2024

From the home of Harley-Davidson and the sewer Socialists, broadcasting from the studios of Riverwest Radio in Milwaukee, join Bob Hennelly and Chali Pittman for Day One coverage of the Republican National Convention.


We hear from activists marching with the Coalition to March on the RNC. Then, we hear from a coalition of faith leaders holding a long rally against white Christian nationalism.


Then, we talk about the thousands of law enforcement officers along with private security in the city, where just two weeks earlier, a Milwaukee man died at the hands of private security at the Milwaukee Hyatt Regency hotel. We're joined by Will Sulton, Executive Director of ACLU of Wisconsin representing the family of D'Vontaye Mitchell.


Then, Wisconsin Examiner reporter Isiah Holmes on the long lead-up and millions of federal dollars that have poured into developing Milwaukee's policing capabilities for this convention — and the 2020 DNC.


Transport Workers Union International President John Samuelsen joins us to talk about the decision from Teamsters president Sean O'Brien to speak at the RNC — and how that decision has caused backlash within the union.


Michael Rosen, retired economics professor at Milwaukee Area Technical College and former president of their faculty union AFT Local 212 joins us to talk about Milwaukee's labor history.


And after the announcement that JD Vance is the Vice Presidential pick, we dig into the history and complexities of the junior senator from Ohio and his 2016 memoir, Hillbilly Elegy.


This broadcast is produced by the Pacifica Radio Network, and supported by sustaining sponsorships from unions representing close to two million rank and file members.


Credits to: Moe Thomas, Kelly Meyer, Xav LePlae, Keziah Glow, Reggie Johnson, Keith Gaustad, Peter Donalds, Faye Parks, Sara Gabler, Liam Beran, Chali Pittman, and Bob Hennelly.


Join us tomorrow for our Day 2 broadcast, and stay up-to-date on WORT's live blog in between broadcasts.