Illinois

A former state senator from southern Illinois is running for governor. Monday Paul Schimpf from Waterloo announced his candidacy for the Republican nomination next year.

After graduating from the Naval Academy, he served in the Marine Corps for 20 years, retiring in 2013. He ran unsuccessfully for Illinois Attorney General in 2014, and then won a seat in the state senate two years later, but did not run for re-election.

In his announcement, Schimpf says he spent his career in the military not in politics.

Illinois's strict rules to try and stop the spread of the coronavirus have been relaxed for some parts of the state, including the Quad Cities. Friday Governor J.B. Pritzker announced three regions have met his goal to move out of the strictest level of his mitigation plan, Tier 3, to Tier 2.

That means some businesses, organizations, and activities can re-open, including youth and recreational sports. One example is Jumers Hotel and Casino that's announced plans to re-open Saturday morning - at 25 per cent capacity. But indoor dining is still not allowed in Tier 2.

Just when you were hoping you wouldn't have to think about elections for a long time, it's time to get ready for the next one. Filing begins Monday in Illinois for next year's municipal elections.

Illinois wants to help non-profits and small businesses in areas hard hit by poverty and violence. Grants are available using proceeds from the tax on the sale of adult-use marijuana.

Illinois Governor J-B Pritzker visited a farm near the Quad Cities Wednesday to announce 50-million dollars in statewide grants to improve Broadband connections in mostly rural areas and in Chicago’s Southland.