Illinois quick hits: Pro-Palestinian protesters vandalize home of state treasurer; State lawmakers set aside $4 million for park next to governor’s mansion
Pro-Palestinian protesters vandalize home of state treasurer
A group of protesters gathered outside the home of Illinois Treasurer Michael Frerichs this week, with vandals throwing red paint onto the house and shouting through a bullhorn in the early morning hours. According to the treasurer, the group of pro-Palestinian protesters were demonstrating against his office’s decision to invest in companies with ties to Israel. Frerichs said that the paint splattered over the front of his home and also damaged toys belonging to his 1-year-old twins, who were asleep inside at the time.
State lawmakers set aside $4 million for park next to governor’s mansion
The vacant block in downtown Springfield across from the Governor’s Mansion could be transformed into a city park. The Illinois General Assembly has allocated $4 million in the exisiting state budget for improvements of the block. But first, the city must have an environmental study conducted to determine whether contaminants in soil make the area unsafe for recreational use. The empty lot just north of the Governor’s Mansion was once the site of the YWCA building, which was razed in 2017.
Amtrak to offer new line from Chicago to Miami
Amtrak will soon offer a direct line between Chicago and Miami, Florida. The “Floridian” line will make stops in Cleveland, Washington D.C., Orlando and Tampa before ending its run to Miami. The trip will be available beginning Nov. 10 and will be offered daily. Coach seats start at just over $100 for the trip, with private rooms available starting at $700.
