Education funding remains budget talks sticking point
The Southern Illinoisan reports education funding as a persistent hurdle in ongoing budget negotiations across state government. In other sections, defense funding for Iraq, disaster aid, a local shooting range move, financial tips, and weather outlooks are noted, with page references and department headlines. Weather calls for sun, a warm Friday, and round-the-clock service details accompany a broad spectrum of briefs.
Ditka declines run for U S Senate in Illinois
Former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka said he will not seek the U S Senate, dimming Republican hopes four months before the election. He weighed the move after earlier excitement and amid GOP setbacks including Jack Ryan's withdrawal and an indicted former governor George Ryan.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Chicago
Chicago Bears
Mike Ditka
U.S. Senate
Illinois
George Ryan
Senate
Angelo
Skip” Saviano
R. Elmwood Park
Republican State Central Committee
Senate votes down Federal Marriage Amendment amid partisan clash
The Senate failed 48 to 50 to advance the Federal Marriage Amendment to ban same sex marriage, denting Bush era efforts ahead of the November elections. Democrats charged political motivation, while GOP leaders defended the issue as vital. Durbin and Hatch weighed in on constitutional stakes as the vote prompted a page 3A continuation.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Illinois
U.S. Senate
Senate
Capital Hill
Orrin Hatch
Utah
Dick Durbin
Springfield
Legislation to change RLCD board fails
The measure to reshape the Rend Lake Conservancy District board failed to move from the Illinois House Rules Committee after an amendment by Rep. Kurt Granberg was not released. HB 7307 to reconstitute the Health Facilities Planning Board advances to the Senate, with Gov. Blagojevich expected to sign if leaders consent.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Southern Illinois
Rend Lake Conservancy District Board
Illinois House
Senate
Frank Watson
Greenville
RLCD
Gary Forby
Dbenton
Forby
Stephanie's Cabaret Opens In Williamson County
In Carterville the new Stephanie's Cabaret, Williamson County's only gentleman's club, opened with little fanfare on Wednesday evening. Owner Stephanie Capps said the venue offers topless dancing without full nudity, features a dark spacious interior with strobe lighting and purple mirrors, and charges a $5 cover with soft drinks available. She noted past resistance in some towns but optimism for Crest area reception.
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Carterville
Stephanie
Williamson County
Stephanie’s
Midwest
Stephanie Capps
Capps
Kentucky
Southern Illinois
Dumaroc’s
de Soto
Cape Girardeau
Fort Smith
Ark
Paducah
Lexington
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Saluki Rainbow Network
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