News Archive

From Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

The Coast Guard has approved the transit of the Delta Mariner to a safe harbor on the Tennessee River today.

Salvage workers successfully cut the Delta Mariner free from subsurface bridge debris at 10:15 a.m., and will continue removing remaining portions of the bridge from the bow of the ship once it is safely secured a mile from its current location.

Tomorrow is the 200th anniversary of the last of the big New Madrid earthquakes that occurred from 1811 through 1812.  To mark the date, emergency management officials are holding their second annual large-scale earthquake drill.  Kentucky and Indiana are among 9 states that are directly taking part in the Great Central U.S. Shakeout.   Kentucky's Earthquake Program Manager, David Davis, says there are two reasons for the exercise. He says,

By Kenny Colston

Frankfort, KY – More cuts to Kentucky's education budget will slow down the implementation of a landmark reform law.

Senate Bill 1 is a wide-ranging education law that replaced Kentucky's school testing system with stronger tests and content standards. Currently only English and math standards have been developed. And with a 4.5 percent cut planned for the Department of Education in Governor Steve Beshear's latest budget proposal, new standards in other subjects are going to be delayed.

By Drew Adams

Murray, KY – Amnesty could again be granted to Kentucky's delinquent taxpayers. State Budget Director Mary Lassiter says it's been ten years since Kentucky last offered such a reprieve. Once the amnesty period expires, Lassiter says delinquent taxpayers will feel the full force of the law.

By Kenny Colston

Frankfort, ky – Kentucky s Commissioner of Education is confident the commonwealth will receive a waiver from No Child Left Behind standards.

Terry Holliday has been in direct talks with federal officials, and he says a big announcement confirming the waiver is coming next week.

We re in great shape. We ve been talking with the Department of Education," Holliday tells KPR. "We re about 100 percent confident we ll be granted a waiver. It ll be announced next week.

By Todd Hatton

By Drew Adams

By Drew Adams

Murray, KY – Metropolis Elementary and Massac Junior High are among the more than 700 Illinois schools recognized by the state for excellent academic performance. The Illinois Honor Roll uses standardized tests and demographic information to identify schools that have significantly improved, maintained high performance over several years or performed well despite high poverty levels. Metropolis Elementary and Massac Junior High were honored as Spotlight Schools, where high academic performance is closing the "achievement gap."

By Seth Helton

Murray, KY – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear is accusing State Senate President David Williams of intimidations and threats against pro-gambling lawmakers. Beshear says Williams is attempting to slow efforts to put a constitutional amendment on the November ballot which could legalize casinos in Kentucky. Williams says the governor's remarks were "untruthful." The longtime political rivals faced each other in last year's gubernatorial election.

By Drew Adams

Murray, KY – The man charged with killing Hickman's mayor will go before a grand jury next month. 30-year-old Thomas Lattus is accused of entering Mayor Charles Murphy's home and killing him with a shotgun. The arresting officer says Lattus stated God told him to commit the act. The Paducah Sun reports Lattus' attorney requested and was granted a mental competency evaluation, however county officials wish to consult Commonwealth Attorney Mike Stacy before moving forward with the evaluation. The grand jury is scheduled to meet March 8th.