News

A new poll shows Governor Pat Quinn could have trouble holding onto his seat come the general election.  

"The Walking Dread."

That's the headline "We Ask America" used on its website to announce the results of its latest Illinois poll which included a brief survey of just over 1,100 likely Democratic voters.

As in, probable members of Gov. Pat Quinn's own party.

Warmer temperatures may cause malaria to spread to higher altitudes. Researchers warn increases in temperature could result in millions of additional cases of the disease.

BBC: Malaria 'Spreading To New Altitudes'

The findings appear in the journal Science.

An insurance broker is getting more than $20 million in state incentives to stay in Illinois.

Crain's: Gallagher Wins $21 million To Keep HQ In Illinois

Crain's reports the incentives for Arthur J. Gallagher depend on the company keeping 800 jobs and adding 500 within the next five years.

A children's advocacy group is calling for increased state funding of programs that benefit kids in poverty. A report from Voices for Illinois Children says the expansion of Medicaid was the biggest single source of assistance for this population.

Between 2005 and 2012, children’s enrollment in Medicaid and related programs in Winnebago County increased by 61 percent, compared to 47 percent statewide.

Illinois Kids Count 2014 Full Report

The unemployment rate fell in January, down from 9.2 percent a year ago. That's according to preliminary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Illinois Department of Employment Security. Employers reported 21,600 more jobs than one year ago, but cold weather limited construction growth.

There were 27,600 fewer jobs than one month ago.

In January, lower consumer spending following the holidays was felt in the retail sectors.

Six months ago, Illinois Gov. Pat Quinn's re-election campaign was in trouble. Attorney General Lisa Madigan was weighing a primary challenge and declared challenger Bill Daley blasted Quinn for failing to solve the state's pension problem.

Tornado season starts in March. On average, 35 tornados touch down in Illinois each year.  

Jeffrey Frame is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Illinois.

He says that makes Illinois one of the better places for chasing storms.

Frame has been chasing them since 2004.

Illinois could soon see new laws aimed at addressing the heroin problem in many parts of the state. Two special panels are in the process of gathering feedback on possible solutions.

Rock Valley College  announced four finalists in the search for its next president. On campus interviews, including forums open to the public, will be conducted during the last two weeks in March.

The finalists:

 (information from Rock Valley College)

Governor Pat Quinn is offering $45 million in state funding to help Illinois communities recover from November's deadly tornadoes. That’s after FEMA’s second denial for public disaster assistance. An estimated two dozen tornadoes hit Illinois Nov. 17, claiming seven lives and damaging or destroying thousands of homes, businesses and other structures. Quinn visited the hardest-hit town of Washington with his cabinet. He says the money will come from the state’s capital and emergency accounts. State Emergency Management Agency Director Jonathon Monken: