“University rehires Howell for spring semester,” Daily Illini, October 27
A religion professor at the University who was asked to leave and then reinstated after a summer controversy isn’t just back on campus for the fall – on Tuesday, he was asked to return to teach during the spring semester as well.
Professor Kenneth Howell said the decision to approve his position for the Spring semester is one he is very happy about
. . .
Howell was an adjunct professor of Catholic studies at the University, a position that was financed and coordinated by the Newman Foundation. Howell’s dismissal came about after he sent an e-mail in May discussing the Catholic Church’s opposing view to homosexuality, about which a student complained.
“Spending cuts proposed in Champaign,” News-Gazette, October 22
How deep the slashes to the city’s budget will cut has yet to be determined, but officials have released detailed proposals to reduce spending by up to $2 million to offset a projected shortfall in Champaign’s $68.4 million operating budget.
Some employees inside the police department could go, firefighter training and prevention education could be reduced, and economic development incentives could take a hit if the cuts are made to their most extreme.
“Despite ‘B’ on Green Report Card, UI sustainability is still improving,” Daily Illini, October 27
Although the University has encouraged green practices through events such as Sustainability Week, the University received a B average on its Green Report Card released Wednesday by the Sustainable Endowments Institute.
The institute is a nonprofit organization which works to promote the progress of sustainable measures on university campuses and endowment practices.
“MTD tax levy increase to help fund 2 percent raises,” News-Gazette, October 27
The property tax levy for the Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District will increase by $95,000, or 1.5 percent, the MTD board voted 5-0 Wednesday.
The property tax increase, which is believed to be the smallest percentage increase in the MTD’s history, will go entirely to salaries, helping pay for a 2 percent across-the-board wage increase. The total tax levy will increase from $6.32 million this year to $6.41 million next year.
“UI among schools getting $1.5 million for green guidelines,” News-Gazette, October 27
A $1.5 million grant awarded to the University of Illinois and several other universities will help researchers evaluate garden pots and new environmentally friendly options.
Researchers from the universities ultimately will establish guidelines for the green industry, which includes growers, greenhouses, garden centers and similar businesses.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture announced the grant Monday.
“Social issues divide Brady, Quinn,” Springfield Journal-Register, October 26
One of Bill Brady’s colleagues in the Illinois Senate called him homophobic and sexist. He’s the target of a scathing ad from abortion-rights supporters. His opponent in the governor’s race said he’s heartless.
So just how conservative is the GOP’s nominee on social issues? And how liberal is Democratic Gov. Pat Quinn?