Three class days were cancelled to cut costs during the budget impasse, and union leaders are planning a rally to protest the school’s financial straits —but Northeastern Illinois University was planning to pay former White House adviser Valerie Jarrett $30,000 to speak at its commencement ceremony. Those plans changed after a few university trustees objected —and the Sun-Times began asking questions. Northeastern said late Monday that a donor came forward to pay the five-figure speaking fee. But at an April 6 board meeting, trustees approved an honorary degree for Jarrett —while learning that a contract had already been negotiated and...