From NPR: The Senate minority leader is up for re-election next year, and polling in his state shows his popularity is suffering. Some voters complain that Mitch McConnell is out of touch with the people of the Bluegrass State, and others say it's time for some new blood. Still, he will be hard to beat.
Kentucky: After conflicting reports from test vendor ACT about the ability of its technology system to handle online testing, the Kentucky Department of Education is moving to paper and pencil tests for the remainder of the school year. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration collected more than 7,100 pounds of unwanted, unused and expired prescription medications in Kentucky during a National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. Kentucky education experts will soon be examining applications from public schools districts across the Commonwealth that want to become "Districts of Innovation."
Tennessee: The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency wants to hear from people with concerns about the state's hunting regulations.
Illinois: Illinois Governor Pat Quinn has rejected a plan to increase electric rates by roughly $70 million, a proposal ComEd says would have helped get so-called Smart Grid technology back on track. Southern Illinois residents are bracing for change as the Legislature considers a regulatory bill that could set off a rush to drill for oil and gas.