The Associated Press

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn says inaction on his state’s worst-in-the-nation pension problem has produced Illinois' worst-ever budget.

Legislation intended to increase oversight of Kentucky’s special taxing districts has cleared a Senate committee, but with a change that State Auditor Adam Edelen called unacceptable.

Michigan-based silicon products company Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation says its layoff of 300 workers at Clarksville is now permanent.

The Illinois House has approved a series of measures that would ban semi-automatic assault weapons in Illinois.

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn is expected to call today for additional cuts and scrutiny of money that's automatically sent to local governments, public transportation and other programs as he presents his proposed budget.

The House Agriculture and Small Business Committee is expected to vote today on a proposal that could open the door to industrial hemp farming in Kentucky.

National Geographic has designated the Kentucky Bourbon Trail as one of its top 10 "Best Spring Trips." The Kentucky tourism attraction is showcased along with excursions and festivals in New Zealand, India, the Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, South Africa and Argentina.

Fort Campbell will welcome a new general to the post this morning.  Brigadier General Mark Stammer will serve as the base’s acting senior commander while the 101st Airborne Division’s headquarters unit is deployed to Afghanistan.

Tennessee's new 2013-14 hunting and fishing licenses are now on sale.  Licenses can be purchased at any Tennessee Wildlife Resources office or agent as well as online.

The Kentucky House passed a perennial proposal yesterday to create a system of public financing for Supreme Court races. Democratic state Representative Jim Wayne says the legislation would ensure that the Commonwealth's top court isn't influenced by private campaign donors. The measure now goes to the Senate where it faces dim prospects.