UI's case of the vanishing degree for chief justice

URBANA – John G. Roberts Jr. might have won U.S. Senate approval two years ago to become chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, but his nomination to receive an honorary degree from the University of Illinois has stalled.

A year ago the UI Senate, a legislative body of faculty and students, approved awarding Roberts an honorary doctorate of laws degree, and the university's chancellor and president forwarded the recommendation to the board of trustees, which has final say over honorary degrees. But one day before the board was to consider a degree for Roberts, the recommendation was pulled.

Also on this date

• Illini return to Rose Bowl after 24 years
• UI autism facility expands; new center planned in Charleston
• First winter storm makes traveling a bit icy
• Dropoff in Champaign-Urbana home sales only slight
• Villa Grove doing its best to attract and keep top educators
• Ex-Danville woman's toys bring comfort to military children
• UI researchers look at sense of smell with flies and humans
• Property tax levy likely to receive city council approval
• Auto dealer robbed at gunpoint
• Restaurant in southwest Champaign put focus on family
• Two more buildings going up at Village at Crossing
• It's your business: Family restaurant opens in Mahomet
• Obituaries