St. Petersburg Times Online: News of Florida

Iraq: Graham stands by antiwar position
WASHINGTON -- Despite the celebrations on the streets of Baghdad, Sen. Bob Graham on Wednesday repeated his opposition to the Iraq war and said it was undermining the battle against more dangerous terrorist groups.

Legislature: Basic telephone rates may increase sharply
A report says a House bill would drive up basic service costs by as much as 20 percent per year.

Legislature: Capitol threatens area's water peace
A House bill would kill no-veto provisions on water boards, an agreement vital to Tampa Bay Water, officials say.

Four cops convicted in Miami
The 11 officers on trial called the federal conspiracy case a witch hunt after state prosecutors declined to bring charges.

Childers convicted of bribery
CRESTVIEW -- Former Florida Senate President W.D. Childers was convicted Wednesday night of charges he bribed a fellow Escambia County commissioner in return for a favorable vote.

Legislature: Deliberations on judges will remain closed
Today is the 38th day of the 60-day session.

Bush: Keep crime lab funding up
A House proposal to charge counties for the state lab's services may frustrate crime fighting efforts, he says.

Around the state: Early head count gives Foley lead over McCollum
In the 2004 Republican race for the U.S. Senate, U.S. Rep. Mark Foley Wednesday trumped former U.S. Rep. Bill McCollum in the push for support from state lawmakers.

Budget veto brewing over school funds
Gov. Jeb Bush is threatening to reject any plan that doesn't include $120-million for his A-plus grading program.

Lawmakers move to delay cleanup deadline
A political battle is likely over phosphorus pollution fouling the Florida Everglades.

Legislature: Malpractice reforms head to the Senate
TALLAHASSEE -- Protection from lawsuit damages for emergency room workers, a rollback of insurance rates and an effort to cut medical errors are part of a broad measure aiming to lower doctors' insurance costs that is headed to the Senate floor.

Legislature: A most special session
TALLAHASSEE -- As the final hectic weeks of the legislative session unfold, state Rep. Loranne Ausley is juggling committee meetings at the Capitol with visits to the hospital to see her newborn.