High-stakes bingo sparks debate - 2004-01-05
High-stakes bingo starts today at Greenetrack, the greyhound racing track in West Alabama, while critics say it's actually casino gambling.

A state constitutional amendment passed by Greene County voters in November limits payouts to $10,000 per session, but the duration of a session is not defined in the language of the amendment.

Sheriff Johnny Isaac said there's no limit to the sessions.
Read the full story at The Decatur Daily

People from Near & Far - 2004-01-05
Pop star Britney Spears married a childhood friend from Louisiana in an early morning ceremony, but swiftly made arrangements to have it annulled, a source close to the singer told The Associated Press on Sunday.

George Maloof Jr., owner and operator of the Palms Casino Hotel, confirmed that the 22-year-old Spears married Jason Allen Alexander of Kentwood,
La., at around 5:30 a.m. Saturday at a Las Vegas wedding chapel.

''Nobody knew it was coming,'' said Maloof, Spears' good friend.
Read the full story at Hampshire Gazette