SPRINGFIELD — A tough economy meant more Illinoisans looked to the state last year for help getting basic needs such as food, numbers show. More: continued here

Wayport deal one of Q4’s biggest venture-backed transactionsBizjournals.com, NC –5 hours agoThe $945 million acquisition of Maryland-based Bill Me Later Inc. by eBay Inc. (Nasdaq: EBAY) was the largest VC-backed M&A deal of the quarter. … More: continued here

In tough times, food stamps use has risen in IllinoisBloomington Pantagraph,  USA –1 hour agoElectronic Link cards are used to administer food stamps. For example, in November 2008, 1.37 million people were enrolled. That's nearly 100000 more people … More: continued here

Say wha’?! An iPhone in a hue other than black, white, or silver? While a red model has been rumored since before the 3G even launched, we’ve never thought about a pink one — let alone one hitting eBay. The text on the back of the device convinces us that …

Asbestos threat closes US Post Office near Westport in St. Louis …St. Louis Post-Dispatch,  United States –1 hour agoA US Post Office near Westport was closed today after a St. Louis County health inspector determined that renovation of an adjoining office may have … More: continued here

Bid for Welwyn Hatfield post office'Watchdog'Times 24, UK –3 hours agoCAMPAIGNERS who fought in vain to keep a post office open are preparing to keep a watchful eye on branches that were saved from the axe. … More: continued here

Food Stamp ProgramPoliticker VT, VT –24 minutes ago1 expansion of food stamp eligibility, Gov. Jim Douglas also today announced the new name. “3Squares VT is more than just a renamed Food Stamp Program. … More: continued here

We look at news and happenings at some eBay alternative auction sites and marketplaces in today’s eBay Alternatives roundup column. AtomicMall has integrated with Google Base. The GB Transmitter allows sellers to send product feeds to Google Shopping and Product Search through Google’s Base tool in order to increase traffic. …

Peter Mandelson warned over backing sell-off as rebel MPs devise postal rescue plan More: continued here

Onion writer John Harris (pictured) is trying to sell an unspecified joke on eBay because he “can’t find a contextual home” for it. The punchline is that bids have already soared to $365, despite his self-effacing sales pitch: “To be fair, it’s less of a joke and more of a …