In mid-July, journalists will descend on Milwaukee, Wisconsin to cover the Republican National Convention, where former U.S. president Donald Trump is expected to be nominated as the Republican candidate for the 2024 presidential election.
For those traveling to Milwaukee, below are resources to help reporters cover the event responsibly, navigate the city, stay safe, and more.
Preparing to Cover Elections
Journalists should be prepared on the ins and outs of election reporting before the convention. These two guides can help:
Elections Reporting | International Journalists' Network (ijnet.org)
IJNet offers a host of resources for journalists covering elections. Topics include disinformation, misinformation, incorporating a gender perspective, how to avoid “horse race” coverage, digital security, covering civil unrest, how to engage audiences, and more.
U.S. Presidential Election 2024: Journalist safety kit (from Committee to Protect Journalists)
“The contested 2020 election and the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol have contributed to a rise in domestic extremism and an increased presence of politically motivated militia groups….As a result, journalists may face forceful reprisals, including physical harassment, obstruction, and verbal abuse. Media workers covering elections should be aware of the increased risk of online abuse, including doxxing, and targeted disinformation campaigns designed to undermine the press. This underscores an increasingly hostile environment for journalists in the U.S., with at least 40 assaults against journalists in 2023….
The guide…is designed to help newsrooms and journalists think about and manage physical and digital risk when it comes to covering the U.S. election.”
About Milwaukee
The following are resources to navigate Milwaukee safely and efficiently.
Republican National Convention in Milwaukee: Frequently Asked Questions
The City of Milwaukee is posting answers to FAQs, including parking and transportation, to address topics that may be of interest to residents, businesses, and visitors. Questions unanswered can be submitted at the bottom of the page. This site will be periodically updated as new information is available.
Milwaukee Weather by Season & Crime in Milwaukee
Downtown Resources
Shopping and food options
- Pharmacy: Walgreens
- Department Store: Kohl’s Department Store
- Grocery Store: Metro Market Grocery Store
- Casual Food and dining with options: Milwaukee Public Market and 3rd Street Market Hall
- Gas Station: BP
- Milwaukee Coffee Shops (Wifi): Your Guide to Milwaukee Coffee Shops (milwaukeemag.com)
During the RNC
See Detailed RNC Street Closures, Demonstration Zones » Urban Milwaukee
Tips for riding the Milwaukee County Transit System during the RNC
Download the Umo App to plan your trip, track your bus, and pay your fare
- Board quickly with WisGo in the Umo app. Download the Umo app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
- Sign up for detour alerts in the Umo app. Click “Favorite” on your most-used routes to get the latest detour updates via phone.
Subscribe to Rider Insider
- Join Rider Insider to get daily updates during the RNC.
Use Real-Time Information
- Changes to the RNC’s security perimeter may happen on short notice. Check your bus arrival in real time so you have a better idea of when your ride is coming.
- How to access Real-Time Bus Arrival Information
- Arrivals by Umo app: Download here.
- Arrivals by web: Visit RideMCTS.com. You can also see real-time info on our schedule page.
- Arrivals by text: Text MCTS and the three or four bus stop ID number to 41411. Make sure to leave a space between MCTS and the bus stop ID. Standard text messaging and data rates apply.
- Please note: Routes that typically run within the security perimeter will be on detour during the RNC. Please expect delays to these routes, along with any connecting routes or routes downtown, during the convention.
Visit or call MCTS offices!
We will remain open during normal business hours during the RNC:
MCTS Administrative Office contact information
(414) 937-3218
1942 N. 17th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53205
Mon – Fri: 8 am – 4:30 pm
Customer Service Call Center
(414) 937-3218
Mon – Fri: 8 am – 4:30 pm
Additional Resources
Marquette University: What to know about campus operations during the RNC, July 15-19 | Marquette Today
A Mental Health Guide for Journalists Facing Online Violence - IWMF
“Online violence is often only considered a digital safety issue, but the impact of online abuse on journalists’ mental health is significant and has serious consequences for them, their work, and for press freedom. This is particularly true for women and diverse journalists who are disproportionately targeted by online attacks.”
Tom Durkin is the education program director at the James Foley Foundation. Kevin Conway is the associate director of university communication at Marquette University.
Photo by Coasted Media on Unsplash.