News

Whoever wins the Republican primary for U.S. Senate will have an uphill battle this fall, according to Matt Streb. The political scientist at Northern Illinois University says incumbent Democrat Dick Durbin has $5 million in the bank and is "very popular" in the state.

Durbin is unopposed in the March 18 primary. The men who would replace him are Jim Oberweis, a state Senator, and West Point graduate Doug Truax.

The Republicans hoping to be Illinois’ next lieutenant governor got their debate time Thursday night.

On WTTW’s Chicago Tonight program - the candidates were asked "What’s one thing any lieutenant governor has done that’s made an impression on you?"

WATCH THE DEBATE

The four candidates didn’t answer - and instead agreed Illinois’ new system for picking lieutenant governors is better.

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.