News

Scientists have developed a new test to speed up the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis. It uses lasers to identify more than one bacterium at a time.

BBC: Lasers Used In Meningitis Tests By Strathclyde University Scientists

Details of the new test appear in the journal Chemical Science.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn released a five-year plan to restructure the state's Medicaid program. If approved by the federal government, it would allow the state to receive funds to update the state's health care infrastructure. According to the state's Health Care Reform website, the purpose is to demonstrate and evaluate policy approaches such as:

Treasurer Dan Rutherford appears willing to support his party no matter what. That's as he maintains another candidate for governor is trying to take him down.

During a debate in Chicago last month, Rutherford -- along with the other Republican candidates for governor in attendance -- made a pledge.

To support whomever ends up being the nominee.

Though venture capitalist Bruce Rauner wasn't there, his spokesman says he'll do the same.

But since that debate, the dynamic of the race has changed.

Voter registration for the gubernatorial primary election ends next Tuesday. The primary is scheduled for March 18.

State Board of Elections: Voter Registration Information

State Treasurer Dan Rutherford, businessman Bruce Rauner, and state Senators Bill Brady and Kirk Dillard are running for the GOP nomination. On the Democratic side, anti-violence activist Tio Hardiman is taking on incumbent Pat Quinn.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie is trying to pump up Republicans who want to win the Illinois governor’s race this year.

Christie has been crossing the country as head of the Republican Governors Association.

His message for Illinois Republicans, running in a state ruled by Democrats?

"Have faith, baby! I won twice in New Jersey! I mean that’s what I’d say to ‘em - it can happen!" -New Jersey Governor Chris Christie

The House of Representatives has voted to extend the federal debt limit, after the Republican majority abandoned its hopes to tie other provisions to the measure. By a 221-201 vote, the House voted to extend the debt limit to March 15, 2015.

Update at 5:35 p.m. ET: Ryan Reportedly Voted 'No'

In the end, 28 Republicans joined with 193 Democrats to approve the move.

On Twitter, several congressional reporters quickly noted that House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan, R-Wis., was one of many Republicans who voted against the legislation.

Bloomington Republican Senator and gubernatorial candidate Bill Brady says a recent newspaper story alleging a possible ethics violation doesn’t tell the whole story.

Illinois school districts might be forced to use a state exemption to help deal with all the snow days that are piling up.

A handful of companies may lose nearly 550 jobs in Illinois in the near future.

CRAIN'S: Illinois Employers Warn State Of Nearly 550 Job Cuts

The state report does not include job cuts expected by the merger of OfficeMax and Office Depot. The company did not provide a job estimate.

STATE OF ILLINOIS MONTHLY WARN ACTIVITY LISTING - JANUARY 2014

Illinois Treasurer Dan Rutherford says allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct against him are false. A former employee of Rutherford -- Ed Michalowski -- filed a federal lawsuit alleging the Republican made inappropriate, sexual advances and groped him. The suit also says Rutherford forced staff to do campaign work on state time. At a news conference Monday, Rutherford provided reporters with text messages and travel vouchers to dispute the claims made against him. Rutherford says the lawsuit’s timing is suspect, since it was filed five weeks before the March 18 primary: