Local/Regional News

By Tanya Snyder

Washington, DC – Moutaintop removal operations often fill streams and rivers in the valleys below with the rubble from the broken-up mountains they blast. Environmentalists like Maria Gunnoe worry about the health effects from the chemicals in the sediment that fills the rivers. She testified at a hearing on Capitol Hill.

"The blasting is one nightmare. But the water pollution is horrible. "

By Tony McVeigh

Frankfort, KY – In February, Family Court Judge Tamra Gormley was presiding over a divorce case, that included a request for modification of a domestic violence order against the husband.

Gormley had the man brought before the court, and with no lawyers present, found him in contempt of court for speaking to his wife in the hallway outside the courtroom and for going to her house the night before.

By Tony McVeigh

Frankfort, KY – Despite the failure of the slots bill, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear says the special session produced many significant accomplishments. Kentucky Public Radio's Tony McVeigh reports.

By Tony McVeigh

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.