Region/state digest 06/01/05

First test of Cape siren to be at noon today

The city of Cape Girardeau will perform the first test of the tornado warning system at noon today. This test will be repeated at noon the first Wednesday of each month in conjunction with the warning system owned by Southeast Missouri State University. When activated, the siren produces a tone alert that will sound a steady tone for three minutes.

Judge considers Rush Limbaugh records

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- The attorney for Cape Girardeau native and conservative radio commentator Rush Limbaugh urged a judge Tuesday to limit the medical records that prosecutors can review for their investigation into whether he illegally purchased painkillers. Attorney Roy Black said the records, which were seized in 2003, should be reviewed by a judge before they are opened to prosecutors. Prosecutors contend that Limbaugh engaged in "doctor shopping," or illegally deceived multiple doctors to receive overlapping prescriptions. Limbaugh has not been charged with a crime and has maintained his innocence.

Bush to headline Talent fund-raiser in St. Louis

WASHINGTON -- President Bush will headline a St. Louis dinner that is expected to raise more than $1 million for Sen. Jim Talent's re-election bid next year. Thursday's visit marks Bush's 23rd trip to Missouri since he became president and the first since his appearance at Washington University last October for the second debate of the presidential race. Talent, R-Mo., has already raised more than $1.3 million this year, with slightly more than that in the bank, according to campaign finance reports.

Panel admits tough odds in saving Missouri bases

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- A new commission created to protect the state's military facilities decided to seek some expert advice for what it acknowledged Tuesday was a late-starting, long-shot effort to keep 15 fighter planes and thousands of jobs in Missouri. The state commission was created under a law enacted the same week the Pentagon released recommendations that would eliminate nearly 3,700 jobs in Missouri. Meeting for the first time Tuesday, the state Military Preparedness and Enhancement Commission decided to search for a consultant to help make the case to reverse some of the recommendations. "History would tell us that the odds are pretty slim right now," acknowledged commission member Kent Thomas. It was unclear Tuesday how much money the sought-after consultant would be paid, or from where that money would come.

-- From staff, wire reports