2016 DNC, Day 3: We’re Halfway Through!

Photo | Jeff Fusco

Congrats, Philly! We’re halfway through the 2016 Democratic National Convention.

Here’s what happened yesterday: 

In the biggest news of the night, Hillary Clinton officially became the first woman nominated for president by a major party, much to the frustration of a group of delegates who held a protest in the media tent outside the Wells Fargo Center shortly after. Bill Clinton called his wife “the best darn change-maker I have ever known” and bashed the Republican National Convention in his speech.

Mothers of the Movement, who called for an end to police brutality, made gripping speeches that led to cries of “Black Lives Matter.” Several speakers touched on the tragedies of 9/11.

Mayor Jim Kenney and District Attorney Seth Williams hosted a discussion on how to reduce the city’s prison population, the highest among the 10 largest cities in the country.

In protest news, a Great Wall of Love demonstration blocked some Westboro Baptist Church protesters in front of the Mazzoni Center, prompting a pride block party and some of the best, most creative signs of the convention. A Black Lives Matter demonstration took over Broad Street midway through the day. A self-titled “politically neutral” protest called for the end of the DNC.

There was another Bernie or Bust rally for the Vermont Senator’s faithful supporters. To beat the heat and keep demonstrators safe, the city has handed out 110,000 water bottles.

Cab and Lyft drivers are frustrated that Uber drivers have their own exclusive entrance and exit lounge outside the Wells Fargo Center, the Inquirer reports. But if you’re not taking the subway, you’re probably doing it wrong anyway.

Many celebs have been making appearances, including Penn graduate Elizabeth Banks, who walked on stage to “We are the Champions.” But whether John Kasich was here on Monday is still up for debate.

Out-of-town reporters aren’t so sure about Philly. And if you’re looking to stay out late in a bar, good luck finding a good one.

Here’s what to look out for today:

President Barack Obama will address the convention. He’ll likely touch on his impending departure as well as make a case for why Clinton is worthy of his spot. Vice President Joe Biden will speak before him.

Other speeches today will center on gun violence prevention measures and fallen veterans.

We’ll hear from the daughter of the principal of Sandy Hook Elementary School and two survivors from the Mother Emanuel Church shooting in Charleston, S.C.

Of course, protests will continue: A Black Men for Bernie protest at the Thomas Paine Plaza and an Occupy DNC march down Broad Street are scheduled. And expect a mass bike ride down Broad Street at some point today for Ride DNC.

Two days down, two to go. May the odds be ever in your favor, Philly.

Follow @ClaireSasko on Twitter.