By Dan Modlin

Frankfort, KY – Some non-violent felons would be able to ask the
state to erase their conviction from their record, under
legislation approved by the House. The bill would only
apply to Class D felons who haven't committed a
crime for ten years. The measure would also require
the court to schedule a hearing and notify the
Commonwealth's Attorney and any victims of the
felon's expungement request.

By Dan Modlin/AP

Bowling Green, KY – A Judge in Bowling Green has set tentative court dates
for the trials of the two men charged in connection with
the murder of a Western Kentucky University student.
Daviess County Circuit Judge Thomas Castlen
scheduled jury selection for July 30th in the trial of
20 year old Stephen Soules.

By Dan Modlin

Frankfort, KY – Kentucky's seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate
dropped to 5.2 percent for the month of January.
That was a decline from the six percent level recorded
in the previous month. The January 2004 figure was
seven-tenths of a percent lower than January of 2003.

By Dan Modlin

Frankfort, KY – Governor Fletcher says his tax modernization plan is
designed to stimulate the state's economy and create
jobs. At a Frankfort news conference, Fletcher said
the plan will eliminate or reduce some income taxes,
will raise cigarette taxes, and will overhaul the state's
business tax structure.

The Fletcher Administration predicts the new plan
will create about seven thousand jobs in the next two
years. The Governor stresses that the proposal has
bi-partisan support.

By AP/Dan Modlin

Frankfort, KY – The Kentucky House has passed a state budget
bill that was opposed by every Republican member
of the House. The measure passed by a 64 to 36
margin.