Rams trade down, draft Brockers
The St. Louis Rams drafted LSU defensive tackle Michael Brockers in last night's first round of the NFL Draft.
The Rams traded back from the sixth pick to the number 14 pick with the Dallas Cowboys after the Jacksonville Jaguars traded up to the fifth pick to draft wide receiver Justin Blackmon. The Rams also got a second round pick from the Cowboys in the trade.
The NFL Draft continues tonight with the second and third rounds and will conclude with the final four rounds on Saturday. The Rams have three of the first 13 picks in the second round, including the first one tonight.
Congressman Johnson doesn't think Clarke should replace him on ballot
U.S. Representative Tim Johnson, of Illinois, says a former chief of staff shouldn't replace him on the November ballot after some questioned whether Johnson's planned retirement was engineered to benefit him.
Jerry Clarke is among a number of Republicans who say they would like to replace Johnson. The longtime congressman announced last month he will end his re-election campaign and retire.
Johnson said in a statement Thursday that none of his former staff members should be considered.
Spokesman Phil Bloomer said that includes Clarke. Bloomer said Johnson issued the statement because of suggestions made by some Republicans that Johnson withdrew after winning the primary to benefit Clarke. His decision means GOP county chairmen rather than voters are choosing who will run in November.
Clarke did not return a telephone call seeking comment. The 13th congressional district covers 14 counties from Champaign-Urbana to Madison County.
Schools to hold fair for students of closing charter school
A special fair is planned for tomorrow in St. Louis to help displaced students from a shutdown charter school network determine where they will go next.
Earlier this month, the Missouri State Board of Education agreed to close six Imagine schools in St. Louis at the end of the academic year. The board cited poor academic performance and fiscal management.
Officials for private and public schools have been invited to attend the fair and give Imagine student a chance to apply.
The fair for Imagine charter school students will take place from 10:00 in the morning until 2:00 in the afternoon at Gateway Math and Science Elementary and Preparatory Schools.
