UPDATE: Democrats locked in dead heat

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders says the “virtual tie” he has secured in Iowa in the Iowa caucuses with rival Hillary Clinton sends a profound message that it’s “too late for establishment politics and establishment economics.” Sanders says he’ll wind up with about “half of the Iowa delegates.” Hillary Clinton says…

UPDATE: Cruz says Iowans have sent a message

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) – Texas Sen. Ted Cruz says Iowans have sent notice that the Republican nominee and next president won’t be chosen by the media or “the Washington establishment.” Cruz thanked conservatives and an army of volunteers for the win. Donald Trump said he was honored by his finish in second place and…

Illinois officials agree pension crisis is a priority

CHICAGO (AP) – Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner wants lawmakers to address Illinois’ worst-in-the-nation pension crisis “right away.” But despite a rare agreement between Rauner and Democratic Senate President John Cullerton, it’s unlikely a bill will advance anytime soon. Cullerton says it’s tougher than usual to pass a pension bill this year. That’s because of upcoming…

Last black University of Missouri curator steps down

COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) – A second black member of the University of Missouri system’s governing board has resigned in a week, leaving no minority representation on the panel as the Columbia campus tries to mend from racial unrest. Gov. Jay Nixon on Monday confirmed the David Steward’s departure, which leaves three vacancies on the nine-member…