The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest has concluded with Switzerland emerging as the winner despite a series of controversies. Nemo’s ‘The Code’ emerged victorious, giving Switzerland its third Eurovision title after wins in 1956 and 1988. The contest was marred by protests over the disqualification of the Dutch entry and audience booing during the vote announcement by Israel. Despite the controversies, the event featured a memorable ABBA cover performed by past Eurovision winners.
Chicago has a long history of hosting major political conventions, but these events have often been accompanied by protests and controversy. The 1968 Democratic National Convention was marred by a police riot, while the 1996 convention saw health care activists denied a permit to protest. In 2024, protesters against the Israeli bombing of Gaza have been denied a permit to protest near the Democratic National Convention. This has raised concerns about the city’s handling of protests and the potential for violence. Meanwhile, the city’s efforts to address climate change have also faced criticism, with some residents arguing that the proposed measures will harm the economy and restrict personal freedoms.
