Chad Lampe

Kentuckians have been talking about state tax reform for decades.  Now, Governor Steve Beshear has appointed a blue ribbon commission to help him do something about it. We’ll speak with a western Kentucky member of the commission about the challenges ahead, today on Front Page P.M. from WKMS News.

State and federal budget cuts are inevitable in almost every sector. Land Between the Lakes is staring down a nearly 50 percent cut in operating and maintenance appropriations we hear what leaders there are doing to brace for impact on Front Page A.M. from WKMS News.

The TN House has voted to give the governor the power to appoint (or fire) the head of the TN Higher Education Commission. The chamber voted today to cede more control over THEC and other commissions to the executive branch.

Kentucky House and Senate negotiators have reached a tentative agreement on a massive road construction plan. Senate Democratic Floor Leader R.J. Palmer says lawmakers reached the agreement around 2AM today which is the final day of this year's legislative session. Legislators were scheduled to vote on the plan this afternoon. The plan includes $3.5 billion worth of construction projects over the next two years and more than $10 million worth over the next 6 years.

Mammoth Cave National Park is offering two free cave tours later this month in recognition of National Park Week.

 Visitors must pick up tickets for the free tours of the Discovery and Mammoth Passage caves, which are being given April 21-29.     Park Superintendent Patrick Reed says outdoor activities benefitnot only physical and mental health, but "it's just plain fun."

In the wake of a deadly nighttime tornado that stuck Harrisburg, Illinois last February, officials are working to make the public more aware of the increased dangers of these nocturnal storms. We’ll speak with National Weather Service Meteorologist Rick Shanklin about these dangers, and how to prepare for them, today on Front Page Sunday from WKMS News. 

(1.) STAND YOUR GROUND LAW: The so called “stand your ground” law cited in the media recently as justification for the killing of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin is under scrutiny now.  Kentucky has a similar law. The law indicates a person can use deadly force against someone  threatening their life. Commonwealth Attorney Mark Blankenship's help shed more light on this law in Kentucky.

The so called “stand your ground” law cited in the media recently as justification for the killing of Florida teenager Trayvon Martin is under scrutiny now. Kentucky has a similar law. Where essentially someone could use deadly force against a person who is threatening their life. To help shed more light on this law in Kentucky Chad Lampe spoke with Commonwealth Attorney Mark Blankenship. He serves Calloway and Marshall Counties.

A Coast Guard hearing on the collapse of the Eggner's Ferry Bridge over Kentucky Lake begins April 16 in Paducah. The hearing will set the stage for a comprehensive Coast Guard report.

The fact finding hearing will last up to seven days and include testimony from parties in interest, which will likely include the  Commonwealth and Foss Maritime, which owns and operates the ship that collided with the bridge. The ship’s pilot is another likely witness.  The pilots name hasn’t been released since the January collision, which collapsed a 322 foot span of the bridge.

On NPR this afternoon: The Cutting Edge of Table Saws

From WKMS:

The Bridge:

Kentucky Transportation Cabinet crews are working on the remaining spans of the Eggner’s Ferry Bridge ahead of the arrival contractors to replace a collapsed portion of the bridge. 

Alcohol: