Tim Lloyd

Ill. strip club tax will fund rape crisis centers

Strip clubs in Illinois will soon have to pay an additional tax to help fund efforts to prevent sexualassault and counsel victims.

Gov. Pat Quinn on Saturday signed into a law a measure establishing the tax.

Supporters say strip clubs contribute to crime and violence and should help pay for fighting the problems.

The new tax will help reverse funding cuts in sexual assault services.

Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon had pushed for the tax and says it is projected to raise up to $1 million a year.

Updated at 8:26 pm on Saturday, Aug. 18 with number of participants

What a sight it was from the top of Art Hill in Forest Park today. 

Feet flew, grass stains were made, but more than 700 people fell short of setting a new world record for simultaneous summersaults.

Nevertheless, a fun time was had by all. 

Joe Baker brought out his son to take a shot at making a little piece of history.

Candidates debate in Illinois' 12 Congressional District

After nearly twenty years representing Illinois’s 12th Congressional District, Jerry Costello is retiring at the end of his term.  The three candidates looking to fill the open seat debated in Carbondale last night. 

Missouri exports are growing at a record-setting pace this year and trade with markets in Asia is up more than 24 percent this year alone.

Tim Nowak, executive director of World Trade Center St. Louis, said low paying manufacturing jobs in Asia have created a consumer market for Missouri products.

Nowak said that, in turn, translates to jobs in St. Louis.  

The St. Louis County Council moved forward tonight with a bill that would require lenders to offer mediation for homeowners on the edge of foreclosure.

During a public meeting on the plan, many community members told the council that mediation may have saved them from foreclosure.

For Councilwoman Kathleen Kelly Burkett, it was personal.   She was on the edge of tears when she told the story of foreclosing on her mother’s house.  

Councilwoman Hazel Erby, who originally introduced the bill, said they have to take action now.