An Indiana University delegation to Korea and China, led by President Michael McRobbie, has returned home after establishing new partnerships with several of the region's premier research universities. During the week-long trip IU reached agreements with Sungkyunkwan, Seoul National and Peking universities. IU says the agreements have great potential to expand research and educational partnerships in a wide range of academic disciplines including business, informatics and environmental affairs.

Contest underway to name nanotechnology park

Residents of South Bend are invited to submit names for the city's future nanotechnology park. Construction is underway on the Sample Street site, along the former Studebaker Corridor, for future research and technology businesses. The winning names will be added to a large list of names submitted by city officials and other community leaders. All entries must be received by next Monday, November 17.

National report finds student engagement strong at Indiana school

A national reports shows DePauw University freshmen and seniors are in the top 10 percent of all colleges and universities for their level of academic challenge. The 2008 National Survey of Student Engagement also ranks DePauw seniors in the top 10 percent of all participating institutions nationwide for having enriching educational experiences. Overall, the study finds the school provides more academically challenging, interactive and stimulating learning experiences.

DHL cuts domestic service

A worker at a DHL facility in Indianapolis says employees have been told it is business as usual until the end of January. What happens after that is not clear. Further questions were directed to the company's corporate headquarters in Florida. Calls to those officials by Inside INdiana Business have not been returned. DHL announced today it is ending U.S. domestic shipping service, translating into the reduction of 9,500 jobs. The company says it will close its U.S. ground hubs and reduce its number of stations from 412 to 103.

Southern Indiana Casino Announces Layoffs

Horseshoe Southern Indiana is eliminating four percent of its workforce in Harrison County. The casino says it is cutting 60 positions by the end of the week, which would reduce its workforce to about 1,500. Officials cite a decline in revenue and attendance for the reductions.