Illinois

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.  

The latest casualty of the pandemic is the annual karting street races in Rock Island during the Labor Day weekend.  Wednesday organizers of the Xtream Rock Island Grand Prix announced the cancelation, blaming uncertainty over when Illinois would re-open for large events like this.

As Illinois begins to re-open, and people go back to work, they'll need safe and reliable child care. That was the message Wednesday from Governor J.B. Pritzker when he announced a sizeable portion of federal CARES Act funds will go to child care providers.

Hoping to help bars and restaurants re-open after being closed for more than two months, Rock Island may relax the rules for outdoor dining and drinking. Monday night the city council will consider allowing the mayor and city manager approve applications.