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MetroSource News 08/31/2010 Illinois Summary (1st)

>>The Latest

(Undated) -- Here's the latest on stories making news at this hour. Illinois' Senate frontrunner each picked up some support Monday. Governor Candidate Bill Brady says he has a plan to help Illinois businesses. A former St. Louis cop has pleaded guilty to his role in a 2008 Metro-East shooting. And, Manny will now "be Manny" on the south side of Chicago.

>>Giannoulias Picks Up Gen. Clark's Endorsement; Cat CEO Backs Kirk

(Chicago, IL)  --  Illinois' top two Senate candidates each picked up a notable endorsement Monday in their quest to fill Barack Obama's former seat.  Retired Army General and one-time presidential candidate Wesley Clark campaigned on behalf of Democrat Alexi Giannoulias [[ Jeh-new-lee-us ]] in Chicago.  Meanwhile, Republican Congressman Mark Kirk gained the support of Peoria-based Caterpillar Inc.'s CEO, Jim Owens.  Kirk's camp refuted Clark's support of Giannoulias' business prowess, again tying him to his family's failed Chicago bank.  Meanwhile, Clark and Giannoulias both continued to criticize Kirk's military embellishments from earlier this year, and condemn his support of the start of the Iraq war.

>>Brady Proposes Two Year Business Tax Credit

(Chicago, IL) -- Republican candidate for governor Bill Brady is floating a proposal to cut taxes for Illinois businesses. The plan calls for a two-year tax credit for companies that create new jobs. They'd get a 25-hundred dollar tax credit the first year, and a twelve-hundred-fifty dollar credit the next for each job they create. The credit is similar to one Democrat Pat Quinn proposed earlier this year. But, this one would apply to businesses of all sizes, not just small businesses.

>>Former St. Louis Cop Pleads Guilty In Metro-East Shooting

(Edwardsville, IL)  --  A former St. Louis police officer has pleaded guilty in Madison County court Monday to an aggravated discharge of a firearm charge in connection with a 2008 shooting in the parking lot of a Pontoon Beach sports bar.  Sentencing for Bryan Pour ranges anywhere from probation to 15 years in prison.  Defense attorney Albert Watkins says he thinks both sides are happy with the outcome of the case.  Pour admitted to shooting Granite City resident Jeffrey Bladdick in the chest with his service weapon while off duty during a fight in the bar's parking lot.  Watkins said his client was trying to defend himself, even though he admits Bladdick was actually trying to help him.  Pour and two other St. Louis policemen were fired following the incident. Madison County State's Attorney Bill Mudge said he plans to recommend jail time for Pour, but didn't say how much

>>Counselors Available At High Schools Following Fatal Weekend Tragedy

(Fairmount, IL)  --  At least two eastern Illinois high schools will have counselors on hand this week to help students deal with the tragic weekend accident that left a high school cheerleading coach dead. Authorities say Tammy Walsh of St. Joseph was killed by a utility pole that toppled over when a driver hit a connecting guy-wire following a football game at Jamaica High School Saturday.  Jamaica Schools superintendent Mark Janesky says many students witnessed the accident. Counselors are also on hand at St. Joseph-Ogden high school, where Walsh coached.  All SJO athletic events have been canceled through Friday.  Saturday's varsity football game will be played.

>>Illinois' Poor Bond Rating Has Boosted Borrowing Costs Significantly

(Springfield, IL)  --  A non-partisan watchdog group in a report coming out today says Illinois' poor bond rating has raised borrowing costs for state government by over 500-million dollars since last year.  Civic Federation reviewed Illinois' almost record-breaking borrowing since last September, compared to similar borrowing in other states with higher bond ratings than Illinois.  The Chicago-based organization showed since September of 2009, Illinois has borrowed nine-point-six-billion dollars, the second-largest borrowing stretch in the state's history.  One bond-rating agency in the last 18 months has dropped the state's credit rating four times due to the state's record budget shortfalls, debt hikes and other factors.

>>Edwardsville Man Charged With Beating Infant Daughter

(Edwardsville, IL) -- An Edwardsville man is accused of breaking his three-month old daughter's ribs and fracturing her skull. Prosecutors charged 35-year-old Josh Trockler with aggravated battery of a child Monday. If convicted, he could face up to 30-years in prison. The girl was treated at a local hospital last week and later released. Troeckler is jailed in St. Louis awaiting extradition to Illinois.

>>Ramirez Awarded To White Sox

(Los Angeles, CA)  --  Flamboyant outfielder Manny Ramirez is headed to the Chicago White Sox.  The team claimed the sluggers contract off waivers. Ramirez has been limited to 66 games this season with the Dodgers, and hit .311 for L.A. with eight homers and 40 RBIs.  He's spent three separate stints on the disabled list, two for a strained calf and one for a bad hamstring.   The White Sox moved pitcher Jake Peavy from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day DL to make room on their 40-man roster.

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Steve Butera/Colleen Sparks/Dave Bunzel/jm IL) STL) MO) SCC)

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08-31-2010 02:18:51