Republican Convention in Cleveland officially opens

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus has just opened the convention in Cleveland, the first major national party convention in Ohio since the 1930s.

“Before we begin the official business of this convention, I would like to take a moment to recognize the fallen police officers in Baton Rouge, Dallas, and elsewhere,” Priebus said.

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Presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is expected to appear at the convention tonight to introduce his wife, Melania, who is speaking during primetime.

Security is tight around the Quicken Loans Arena where the convention is taking place.

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Recent attacks on police and civilians in Baton Rouge, La. and Nice, France have security front and center in Cleveland.

The theme of the Monday convention speeches is “Make America Safe Again.

Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, a Democrat, may not be voting for Trump this fall but he welcomed the Republicans to town.

“Thank you for coming here,” he said. “And come back soon.”

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