Munis

CHICAGO - Akron, Ohio, could raise up to $250 million to fund a university scholarship program for the city's public school students by leasing its sewer system under a first-of-its-kind proposal floated by Mayor Donald Plusquellic.

CHICAGO — Strong growth in Evanston, Ill.-based Northwestern University's endowment prompted Standard & Poor's to move the credit up into the elite ranks of higher education institutions as it prepares to sell $125 million of new money tomorrow.

CHICAGO The Illinois Finance Authority this week advanced borrowing plans for a handful of nonprofits including $125 million for Northwestern University, which is undertaking nearly $1 billion in campus improvements, and $180 million for Advocate Health Care Network to finance its acquisition of Condell Health Network.

SAN FRANCISCO -Fitch Ratings upgraded Oregon's general obligation rating to AA from AA-minus yesterday as the state prepares to bring $200 million of bonds to market for a new basketball arena at the University of Oregon.

DALLAS -Rice University in Houston is coming to market today with a two-tranche issue worth $200 million to fund continued construction of a new research center and two student residences and take out some commercial paper.