Government

Commonwealth Attorney Mark Blankenship hopes to work out a plea deal with Murray State University basketball player Zaveral “Zay” Jackson. Jackson faces felony assault charges for allegedly hitting two people with his car during an argument in the Murray Walmart parking lot earlier this month. Blankenship says Jackson has waived his right to preliminary hearing and grand jury consideration.

Critics of Kentucky's proposed new death penalty method have asked officials to make multiple changes to how executions are carried out now that the state is switching to a one- or two-drug lethal injection. During a hearing Tuesday in Frankfort, public defenders, private attorneys and anti-death penalty activists said the rules Kentucky wants to put in place have multiple problems, including that condemned inmates aren't allowed access to their attorneys on the day of execution.

Fort Campbell Army leaders are learning how to take a backseat role when they return to Afghanistan this fall to serve as military advisers. About 1,900 troops from the 1st Brigade Combat Team in the 101st Airborne Division, will serve as a Security Force Assistance Brigade with a mission to prepare the Afghan security forces for the coming withdrawal of NATO troops.

An annual report that describes the state’s financial outlook shows that Kentucky has once again gone deeper into debt.

The report, when compared with past years, shows the state added more than $110 million in debt during the last fiscal year.

The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to reduce operating hours at the Barkley Navigation Lock to save money. The Corps announced Monday it will go from a 24 hour to a 20 hour a day operation, starting Jan. 7, 2013.