“University of Illinois backs off $100,000 sculpture for Ikenberry,” Chicago Tribune, June 17
The University of Illinois has nixed plans for a nearly $100,000 sculpture of President Stanley Ikenberry after the Tribune asked questions about the work.
The sculpture, which was to hang in the dining hall in the new Ikenberry Commons opening this fall, was to be paid for with student housing fees.
“Refugee Center faces potential closure over lack of state funds,” News-Gazette, June
17.
Every day, people from around the world find their way to the crowded offices of the refugee center, inside the Unitarian Universalist Church at 302 S. Birch Ave., U. Last year, the organization, which is funded by private donations and local, state and federal funds, assisted 2,400 people. . .
But funding shortfalls from the state could force the center to close at the end of
June.
“University to receive research grant of nearly $800,000,” Daily Illini, June 15
“The University will receive $799,200 in the form of a research grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce, according to a press release from the office of senator Dick Durbin.
The grant is specifically being granted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, a part of the Department of Commerce, in an effort to continue the University’s development of a high-resolution digital elevation model of the Earth’s surface. The research, conducted by The Illinois Height Modernization Program, or the ILHMP, has been funded for its first two years of existence. According to the press release, the new grant will fund the Program’s project for the next four years.”
“Bush, Simon praise gubernatorial candidates,” Pantagraph, June 16
“Two politicians with nationally famous family names presented differing visions for fixing the state’s economy as they campaigned Wednesday in Bloomington for their gubernatorial candidates.
Former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush came to town to headline a private fundraiser for state Sen. Bill Brady, R-Bloomington. Across town, Gov. Pat Quinn’s running mate, Sheila Simon, daughter of late Sen. Paul Simon, hosted a rally titled “Keep Bushonomics Out of Illinois” at Bloomington’s Laborers’ Local 362 Hall.”
“Blagojevich’s lips zipped as trial resumes,” State-Journal Register, June 17
“Rod Blagojevich’s corruption trial is back under way with politically connected Chicago attorney Joseph Cari back on the witness stand for a second day.
The former Illinois governor refused to comment Thursday morning when he arrived in court, grinning at reporters but drawing his index finger across his mouth in the zipped-lip sign.”