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Story category: politics
Interview with Abner Mikva, Appointed to Head Up Governor's Commission on U of I Admissions
Story air date: Thursday, June 11, 2009
Retired federal judge Abner Mikva says he wants to bring some transparency to the admissions process at the University of Illinois, and ensure that students are admitted on merit and not “political clout”. Mikva has been named by Governor Pat Quinn to chair a seven member commission to investigate U of I admission practices and issue a report in 60 days. The commission was formed after news reports revealed that some less-qualified students had been admitted because of political connections. Mikva talked with AM 580's Jim Meadows about the new commission and its goals.
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education • government • Illinois • politics • University of IllinoisVoters Mull Over a 1% Sales Tax for Schools
Story air date: Thursday, April 02, 2009
Voters in Champaign County will have the future of education funding in their hands when they hit the polls next Tuesday. At issue is a referendum to raise the county sales tax by a penny per dollar. The money would fund school building projects, pare down debt and potentially lower property taxes. As AM 580’s Tom Rogers reports, after one failed attempt, the referendum’s supporters are taking nothing for granted.
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- Champaign County CLASS Website
- Champaign Co. Chamber of Commerce position paper on sales tax (from November 2008)
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business • education • politics • taxationUrbana's Mayoral Candidates Lay Out Economic Plans
Story air date: Friday, March 27, 2009
Economic development was a key plank in Laurel Prussing’s platform when she first ran for mayor of Urbana. Prussing narrowly defeated Tod Sattherthwaite with the argument that the incumbent hadn’t done enough to attract business to the city. Now Prussing faces three challengers who each say they could do a better job, in spite of a recession. AM 580’s Jim Meadows reports.
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- Campaign website for Rex Bradfield
- Campaign website for Durl Kruse
- Campaign website for Rob McColley
- Campaign website for Laurel Prussing
Story categories:
business • economy • government • Urbana • politicsIllinois Governor Pat Quinn's Budget Address
Story air date: Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Governor Quinn addressed the Illinois General Assembly at noon today.
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economy • government • Illinois • politics • taxation • University of IllinoisELECTION 2008: East Central Illinois' Day at the Polls
Story air date: Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Most polling places in Champaign County already had voters lined up at 6 am, eager to be among the first voters in what would become a watershed election. That zeal continued through the day, and when all the votes were counted, the county and region posted near record turnout. AM 580’s Tom Rogers recaps a hectic day that ended in history being made.
