From NPR: The budget bill awaiting President Obama's signature would trim a lot of programs including the pensions of military officers. The pension cuts would save the government more than $6 million over a decade. Steve Inskeep talks to Politico reporter Juana Summers about how much the country spends on military personnel.
Kentucky: The special prosecutor handling allegations of zoning misconduct in McCracken County confirms that a grand jury will convene Friday for a third day of testimony. The Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence has presented its recommendations to lawmakers. A panel of nonpartisan economists reports that Kentucky’s General Fund is expected to grow. Attorney General Jack Conway and two Kentucky lawmakers are introducing a bill aimed at curbing the state’s heroin epidemic. McCracken County Superintendent Nancy Waldrop says she will not accept another contract with the district. The Kentucky Supreme Court unanimously backed a ruling in favor of the Hopkinsville Police Department yesterday. Kentucky's tax on the sales of gasoline, diesel and ethanol fuels will drop by 1.5 cents per gallon on New Year's Day. Kentucky's auditor has released a report outlining the threats of cybersecurity breaches to state and local governments. Forecasts of 3 to 5 inches of rainfall in the region, beginning today, has prompted officials at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area to temporarily close Turkey Bay Off-Highway Vehicle Area.