Variable annuity sales showed some improvement in the first quarter, a positive sign for an industry that has been slumping.

Insurance company Genworth Financial Inc. is eliminating about 400 positions as part of a plan to improve the performance of its businesses.

An encouraging drop in claims for unemployment benefits helped the stock market edge higher in late morning trading Thursday.

Gov. Pat Quinn dangled the possibility this week that he'll call lawmakers back for a special session on Illinois' nearly $100 billion pension crisis.