Illinois quick hits: Businesses boarding up before DNC; 1908 Race Riot a national monument

Businesses boarding up before DNC

Some Chicago businesses want no part of the Democratic National Convention.

A number of businesses in the city’s downtown district have covered windows and doors with plywood to better protect the buildings in case demonstrations during this week’s convention turn unruly.

As of Friday, crews with a business called Chicago Board Up Services reported they boarded up at least a dozen businesses around the downtown area and expected more over the weekend.

1908 Race Riot a national monument

President Joe Biden has designated part of Springfield as a national monument to memorialize the 1908 Race Riot.

Rioters lynched two Black men, burned down several homes and businesses, and looted stores owned by Black and Jewish residents, all within blocks of the former home of President Abraham Lincoln.

In the aftermath of the riots, the NAACP was formed.

Rivian suspends production of work van

Rivian has temporarily suspended production of its commercial delivery vans used by retail giant Amazon.com due to a shortage of parts.

The production halt is the latest in a series of supply chain challenges for Rivian. Officials said the parts shortage would not affect the production of other Rivian vehicles.

The company produces all its vehicles at its factory in Normal, with a second assembly plant planned in Georgia.