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Gov. Bruce Rauner and Illinois Senator Andy Manar
NPR Illinois

News Local/State

Education Desk: School Funding Inequity Needs $3.5 Billion Cure

A group of lawmakers has agreed on a framework for making the way Illinois funds its schools more equitable. But whether it will lead to a long-elusive legislative fix remains to be seen. That bipartisan commission produced a “framework” Wednesday, but no actual legislation. It would create funding targets for each district based on student population needs. It's estimated to cost an additional $3.5 billion to $6 billion.

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Pianist Joseph Houston and violinist Aisha Orazbeyeva.
Krannert Center

News Local/State

Pianist Cancels Krannert & Chicago Concerts Due To Trump Travel Ban

Upcoming concerts have been cancelled -- including one at the University of Illinois Krannert Center for the Performing Arts -- because of one artist’s protest of the president’s order barring refugees and citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S.

Violinist Aisha Orazbeyeva is refusing to perform in the U-S, to show solidarity with those affected by the travel ban.  

Judge Neil Gorsuch speaks in the East Room of the White House in Washington, after President Donald Trump announced Gorsuch as his nominee for the Supreme Court.
Carolyn Kaster/Assocated Press

News Local/State

President Trump Nominates Neil Gorsuch To The Supreme Court

President Trump has nominated conservative favorite Judge Neil Gorsuch to succeed the late Justice Antonin Scalia on the Supreme Court.

"Judge Gorsuch has a superb intellect, an unparalleled legal education, and a commitment to interpreting the Constitution according to its text. He will make an incredible Justice as soon as the Senate confirms him," Trump said in announcing his pick.

Rev. Evelyn Burnett Underwood, Alderwoman Diane Marlin, and Urbana Mayor Laurel Prussing in Monday's debate at the Urbana City Building.
Jeff Bossert/Illinois Public Media

News Local/State

Urbana Mayoral Candidates Debate Crime, Economy

In the first debate for Urbana mayor, the three Democrats - all women - focused on two main themes - crime and policing, as well as business development and taxes. About 60 people filled the Urbana City Building to watch Monday's event organized by the League of Women Voters of Champaign County. The three-way Democratic primary pits incumbent Mayor Laurel Prussing against Alderwoman Diane Marlin and Rev. Evelyn Burnett Underwood.

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