Local/Regional News

By Kentucky Public Radio

By Kentucky Public Radio-Capitol News Connection

Washington, DC – Louisville Democrat John Yarmuth voted against the House's version of the rescue plan Monday. This time around, his vote helped pass the bailout. But not without reservations.

Along with other freshman Democrats, Yarmuth received a phone call Thursday....a private conference call with Senator Barack Obama. The Democratic Presidential Nominee assured Yarmuth this would only be a temporary measure, to shore up financial markets.

By Kentucky Public Radio-Capitol News Connection

Washington, DC – Republican leader Mitch McConnell secured the bill's passage early in the day. He brokered deals, and though he's happy the bill bipartisan support...

This doesn't entirely solve the problem but it begins to move us in the direction of getting the American economy back to where it needs to be very soon.

Kentucky Republican Jim Bunning doesn't give the measure that much credit. He voted against the bailout package

By Alan Lytle

Lexington, KY – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear joined UK President Lee Todd and Officials from the Kentucky Lottery to announce a significant milestone. The Kentucky Lottery has now awarded more than 1 billion dollars in scholarships and grants for Kentucky College Students.

Beshear says the scholarships are an investment in the commonwealth.

UK President Lee Todd says the Lottery has helped a lot of deserving students pursue their education, who otherwise wouldn't be able to.

By Alan Lytle

Lexington, KY – The Lexington Fraternal Order of Firefighters has launched a campaign to remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty. The Capital Campaign titled Monument to the Fallen hopes to raise 250-thousand dollars to establish a public memorial in Phoenix Park.

The F-O-F has set an ambitious goal to collect the money and dedicate the monument a year from now. Lexington Fire Captain Jeff Garris says he hopes the community will see the value of honoring fallen heroes.

By Kentucky Public Radio

Frankfort, KY – The Corrections Department argues it's pure speculation to claim the early release program presents a clear and present danger to the general public. But Assistant Deputy Attorney General Tad Thomas disagrees, and is asking Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd to block further releases until evidence in the case can be heard. I think it's pretty clear to any of the victims of someone who is released early, that there is no speculation about this harm.

By Kentucky Public Radio

By Alan Lytle

Lexington, Ky – After a summer of cracking down on meter-feeders, LexPark is ready to begin its booting program. LexPark Executive Director Gary Means says the wheel locking device is used only for repeat parking offenders, but if that's you, he says your wallet is about to get a lot lighter. Try 150 dollars just to get the boot removed! The Parking Authority says you can pay your tickets online at lexpark.org.

By Alan Lytle

Lexington, KY – Student groups and the Secretary of State's office are hosting a series of mock elections on Kentucky college campuses. and Today/Wednesday UK students got a chance to pull the lever for their favorite candidates. Students cast ballots for U-S Senate as well as President. Derek Hall with the Secretary of State's office says the mock elections provide a very tangible civics lesson especially for first-time voters.

By Alan Lytle

Lexington, KY – The city of Lexington says it plans to participate in the state-wide Second Sunday initiative, a day long event designed to improve the health of citizens while promoting family fun. On Sunday, October 12th, Limestone Street will be closed to traffic from 2 to 6 p-m
between the Avenue of Champions and Third Street. Lexington Mayor
Jim Newberry says families are encouraged take part in a variety of physical fitness activities.