Local/Regional News

By Tony McVeigh

Frankfort, KY – After caucusing for two hours, House Democrats gave their leaders the green light to talk taxes with Senate leaders. All options remain on the table, says Speaker Greg Stumbo. "We believe that further budget cuts to the level that would be required with no new sources of revenue, that it would be devastating to Kentucky's families."

Senate President David Williams agrees. "It appears to me at this juncture that there will be a need for some revenue."

By Tony McVeigh

Frankfort, KY – House Speaker Greg Stumbo says lawmakers are definitely concerned about how school districts will make up days lost to the ice storm. And he predicts help is on the way. "We obviously don't know how bad it is yet, because we don't know when they will be able to go back to school, but yes I think school districts can expect there'll be some attention given to that, and some relief."

By Tony McVeigh

Lexington, KY – Today lawmakers return to Frankfort To Tackle The Budget And Other Pressing Problems, And Governor Beshear Gives His State Of The Commonwealth Address Later This Week. Political Analyst / Commentator Ken Kurtz Talks With Alan Lytle About What We Can Expect. Ken Kurtz Is A Former News Director For WKYT and WLEX TV, And A Member Of The Kentucky Journalism Hall of Fame.

By Tony Mcveigh

Frankfort, KY – Governor Beshear says the state is making substantial progress in the massive recovery effort, but one week after the storm first hit, 255-thousand utility customers remain without power. Seventy-three hundred Kentuckians remain in shelters and there are now 24 confirmed fatalities. "We have approximately 10 related to carbon monoxide poisoning. The rest are accidents in hypothermia situations."

Lexington, KY – Contributing commentator Kiley Lane says Congress needs To get it right this time. Kiley is a video journalist, producer and humanitarian. She has recently returned to Lexington after a half a year abroad and plans to make Lexington her full time home.

By Sylvia Lovely

Lexington, KY – Commentator Sylvia Lovely says there may be one unintendend, but beneficial consequence to the current economic crisis. Sylvia Lovely is the Executive Director and CEO of the Kentucky League Of Cities, and the founder and president of the New Cities Institute. She currently serves as Chair of the Morehead State University Board of Regents.

By Tony McVeigh

By Tony McVeigh

By Tony McVeigh

Frankfort, KY – "We're all going to get through this and help is on the way." Governor Beshear says the federal government has jumped in with both feet to help the state recover. He says 50 large generators needed to restore power to water supply systems have already been offloaded at Fort Campbell. The state is also getting five communications vans. "I think most of them are heading toward western Kentucky because of the almost total lack of communication down in the far west."