Blagojevich Shifts On Tax Promise In Transit Plan
Governor Blagojevich endorses a plan to raise sales taxes in Chicago area counties to fund mass transit while offering free rides to all seniors, a departure from his pledges against tax increases. Analysts split on political fallout, with SIU’s Mike Lawrence calling it not a major issue. See Blagojevich on Page 7A.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Springfield
Illinois
Rod Blagojevich
Blagojevich
Chicago
Mike Lawrence
Paul Simon Public Policy Institute
Southern Illinois University
Lawrence
Fever Dont Sweat It Full Spring Events List Inside
A compact spring events roundup lists activities and happenings for the season. It highlights concerts, fairs, parades, and workshops across local venues, naming organizers and key dates while inviting readers to plan ahead.
Meth Treatment House at SW Illinois Correctional Center
East St. Louis SW Illinois Correctional Center operates a unique minimum security facility with a dedicated methamphetamine treatment program. About 200 of its nearly 700 inmates participate, including several from Southern Illinois, as Warden James Davidson calls the effort cutting edge and proactive to curb recidivism.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
East ST. Louis
Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center
United States
James Davidson
Illinois
Illinois prison treatment program combats meth epidemic at Turning Point
At Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center inmates face addiction and criminal behavior as part of a new re entry program funded by the state. Officials cite reduced recidivism and tax dollar savings, noting it costs about $28,315 per inmate yearly to house them while the provider CiviGenics delivers treatment at a seven to one return.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Turning Point
Southwestern Illinois Correctional Center
Southern
Illinois
Davidson
Illinois Department of Corrections
CiviGenics
New Meth Treatment Program Shifts Inmate Mindset
Ron Vitale, director of the prison meth treatment program, says the initiative is a learning process for inmates and staff. He notes early data cannot yet record recidivism, and stresses collective effort as the program introduces a new lifestyle for participants.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
CiviGenic
Ron Vitale
Vitale
Marion Leaders Split On One Cent Tax Referendum
Marion Mayor Bob Butler opposes the proposed one cent sales tax while School Superintendent Wade Hudgens backs it to fund new schools. If approved in the Feb 5 primary, the tax would raise about 7.5 million dollars annually for Williamson County schools, allocated by enrollment with Marion receiving the largest share.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Marion
Bob Butler
Wade Hudgens
Butler
Hudgens
Williamson County
Recent rain raises hopes for area farmers in drought region
Southern Illinois, after a drought marked year, received rain that NOAA notes has ended drought status since November. Local experts caution that drought risk remains ever-present in the region as water levels recover and the upcoming growing season approaches.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Carbondale
Illinois
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Anna native Hatfield heads to Miss America pageant in Las Vegas
Anna native Ashley Hatfield flies to Las Vegas for Miss America rehearsals at Planet Hollywood. Preliminary rounds begin Tuesday with the televised finale set for 7 p.m. Saturday January 26. Hatfield aims to stay composed through five days of practice amid criticism, confident in her preparation.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Anna
Las Vegas
Ashley Hatfield
Hatfield
Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino
Vegas
Also Mentioned on This Page
BY Mike Riopell
Hesouthey
Rico Riggio
Murphysboro
Shawn Flatt
Mount Vernon
Pamela Kay Schmalenberger
David Dillard
West Frankfort
Lacey Hutchins
Carterville
RLC
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