The Associated Press

TN To Review Proof Of Citizenship Ruling

John Walker and The Associated Press — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:53:04 +0000

Tennessee election officials plan to review a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that says states can't demand proof of citizenship from people registering to vote in federal elections unless they get federal or court approval to do so. The justices' 7-2 ruling on Monday complicates efforts in Arizona and other states to bar voting by people who are in the country illegally.

KY Middle School Sports May Fall Under Regulations

John Walker and The Associated Press — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:38:12 +0000

Kentucky lawmakers are reviewing a proposal that would place middle school athletics under the purview of the Kentucky High School Athletic Association. If approved, the measure would mark the first time middle schools fell under statewide oversight.

IL Court Fight On Pension Reform Termed 'Inevitable'

John Walker and The Associated Press — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:35:24 +0000

A spokeswoman for Lisa Madigan says the Illinois attorney general is "doing her job" to advise state lawmakers and make sure the Legislature's final plan on pension reform "survives an inevitable court challenge." Spokeswoman Natalie Bauer says the attorney general "for more than a year" has been providing lawmakers with legal advice and analysis of the constitutional issues involved in solving the state's nearly $100 billion pension shortfall.

KY Water Report Shows Drop In Health-Based Violations

John Walker and The Associated Press — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:33:19 +0000

A review of public water systems in Kentucky shows a drop in health-based violations. The annual report was prepared by the Kentucky Division of Water. It shows health-based violations dropped from 96 in 2011 to 48 in 2012. Julie Roney, coordinator of the division's Drinking Water Program, says the majority of violations last year involved administrative infractions rather than problems with water treatment.

IL Colleges Plan Training For Gas Drilling Jobs

John Walker and The Associated Press — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:31:16 +0000

Two colleges in southern Illinois have announced a cooperative agreement to provide training in the emerging field of high volume oil and gas drilling. Officials from Southeastern Illinois College in Harrisburg and Rend Lake College in Ina announced the plan Monday after Gov. Pat Quinn signed a new law establishing rules companies must follow during hydraulic fracturing, or fracking.

Longtime Western KY Sports Writer Dead At 46

John Walker and The Associated Press — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:29:48 +0000

Longtime western Kentucky sports writer Joey Fosko has died after suffering an apparent heart attack. The Paducah Sun , where Fosko had worked 27 years, reported his passing at age 46 on its website yesterday. Fosko joined the Sun in 1986, covering high school sports. As of yesterday, arrangements were incomplete.

Beshear: KY Congressional Redistricting May Be Redone

John Walker and The Associated Press — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 12:27:34 +0000

Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear says congressional redistricting completed last year may have to be redone in an upcoming special legislative session. That's because lawmakers who’ve been battling over legislative boundaries are looking to exclude federal prisoners from Kentucky's population count.

Madigan Seeks to Delay Ill. Gun Plan a Second Time

John Null and The Associated Press — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 17:36:53 +0000

Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan is asking the U.S. Supreme Court for more time to decide whether to appeal a lower court's order saying citizens should be allowed to publicly carry concealed guns.

Madigan already got one extension — until June 24 — to challenge the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that said a ban on concealed firearms is unconstitutional. Now she wants until July 24.

Madigan filed the request late Friday.

Inspector General Confirms Wildlife Agency Probe

John Walker and The Associated Press — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:43:53 +0000

Kentucky’s Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources has come under scrutiny in the past few weeks. Last week a legislative committee has ordered a review of the agency while another committee delayed a vote on a contract for the new wildlife commissioner, Jon Gasset. This weekend the Kentucky Cabinet for Public Protection said it is investigating the agency.

Union Miners And Supporters To Rally Again In St. Louis

John Walker and The Associated Press — Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:34:14 +0000

Retired coal miners and their supporters are planning another rally in downtown St. Louis this morning in an ongoing dispute with Patriot Coal. The rally will be held in Kiener Plaza, with United Mine Workers of America President Cecil Roberts expected to take part. St. Louis-based Patriot Coal wants to make significant changes to health benefits for retired miners and reduce pay and benefits for current workers. The company says the moves are necessary for survival. A U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge has given Patriot the go-ahead for its changes.