Senators seek flood funds

Illinois' two U.S. Senators, Democrats Dick Durbin and Barack Obama, are seeking federal help for victims of last month's flooding in 15 southern Illinois counties. Durbin and Obama want President Bush to declare the counties federal disaster areas, enabling those affected by the flooding to apply for grants and loans. Counties covered in the request are Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Jackson, Jefferson, Johnson, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, White and Williamson. Governor Rod Blagojevich says 39 homes were destroyed, 150 homes sustained major damage and 374 homes had lesser damage. Some 145 businesses also were damaged by flood waters.