Local/Regional News

By Tony McVeigh

Frankfort, KY – House and Senate conferees have reached agreement on a budget reduction plan and a financing mechanism for major bridge projects. Senate President David Williams says they're also very close to agreement on the governor's economic incentives plan. "Yes, I anticipate that we will reach accord on everything that we can agree on and we will be ready to vote on measures that will be enacted shortly after we convene."

By Tony McVeigh

Frankfort, KY – Gov. Beshear says he just dropped by to thank House Democrats for their hard work during the special session. But he says the session's not over yet. Three issues are still pending. "Number one, we need to balance this budget. Secondly, we need to pass the economic incentives legislation and thirdly, we need to pass the bridges legislation."

By Lisa Autry

Bowling Green, KY – Now that slots legislation is dead in the General Assembly, so is Ellis Park. The Western Kentucky Horse Track will close its doors for good on Labor Day. Lisa Autry has the story.

By Tony McVeigh

By Tony McVeigh

Frankfort, KY – After nearly three hours of debate, the House voted 52-45 for the slots bill despite protests from opponents, who said it was unconstitutional. Watching from the gallery was former Gov. Brereton Jones, who says it be would wrong for the Senate to not consider the measure, now that the House has spoken. "I would say that would not qualify for any profile in courage award. I think the people elect their representatives for them to come up here and express their opinion."

By Bryan Bartlett

Lexington, Ky – Kentucky League of Cities officials were in damage control mode when they invited journalists and other guests to attend what would otherwise have been the League's regular closed budget meeting Friday morning. Bryan Bartlett was there, and filed this report.

By Tony McVeigh

Frankfort, KY – History will be made this morning when the Kentucky House of Representatives takes up legislation allowing video slot machines at horse tracks. Kentucky Public Radio's Tony McVeigh explains.

By Tony McVeigh

Frankfort, KY – The video slots bill easily cleared the budget committee of the Kentucky House of Representatives and is expected to receive a floor vote Friday. Kentucky Public Radio's Tony McVeigh watched the committee vote.

By Stu Johnson

Frankfort, KY – Williams called efforts to round up support in the house for the gaming legislation brazen.' He says funding for local school projects is being promised in exchange for votes in favor of expanded gambling

"they think buying votes is not illegal on the thing because they say individual legislators are not profiting and therefore is not a violation of the hobbs act that's what they are telling their members when the members are negotiating."

By Tony McVeigh