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Rev. Evelyn Burnett Underwood, Alderwoman Diane Marlin, and Urbana Mayor Laurel Prussing in a debate at the Urbana City Building, January 31st.
Jeff Bossert/Illinois Public Media

Early Voting Up As Urbana Votes In Democratic Mayoral Primary

The polls are open from 6 AM until 7 PM in Urbana Tuesday, as voters choose a Democratic nominee for mayor in a primary election.

Urbana voters are choosing from incumbent Urbana Mayor Laurel Prussing, who seeking a fourth term, and two challengers: Alderwoman Diane Marlin and the Reverend Evelyn Burnett Underwood. The winner faces Republican Rex Bradfield in the April 4th election.

A chasm.
Flickr

Illinois Issues: The Great Pension Chasm

Now Illinois is $130 billion away from having its pension systems fully funded. The debt is the standing legacy of the 100-plus years of missed opportunity. Those contributions that Illinois never made could’ve sat in investments and banks, accruing interest and returns — namely the world’s postwar boom that has only lately started to subside. Public employees are in the political crosshairs through no fault of their own.

Chicago Public Schools logo
Wikipedia

Chicago Schools Continues Effort In Court To Get More Funds

Chicago Public Schools officials are seeking a preliminary injunction barring the state of Illinois from disbursing education funds until it adequately funds the state's largest school district. Faced with a huge deficit and an upcoming teacher pension payment, CEO Forrest Claypool says the Chicago school year could end three weeks early if the state doesn't come through with funds.

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