By AP

Louisville, KY – The University of Louisville has released findings
of a study that shows Louisville's air contains an
unsafe chemical. The study shows the concentration
of butadiene has been increasing at a rate of about
35 percent per year since June of 2000.

The chemical was identified last year as the top
toxic air health threat for the Louisville area. The
chemical can cause cancer in humans. It is found
in motor vehicle emissions and its used in the
manufacture of synthetic rubber.

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.

By AP

AP – Separate Federal Death Penalty trials will be held
for two Kentucky jail escapees charged with the
kidnapping and murder of a woman from Galvants
Ferry, South Carolina. U-S District Judge Joe Anderson
says he would like to try Branden Basham and Chadrick
Fulks at the same time before different juries. However,
Judge Anderson says he doesn't have enough room in
his courtroom.

By AP

Frankfort, KY – House Speaker Pro Tem Larry Clark says he
doesn't think his legislation to expand gambling
in Kentucky will pass. Clark met with members of the
horse racing industry at his office, but he says they were
unable to agree on final details on a plan for expanded
gambling.

Clark has proposed legislation that would ask voters
whether they want a constitutional amendment to allow
for casino gambling. Clark's plan calls for nine casinos
across the state.

By Dan Modlin

Fort Knox, KY – The American soldier accused of carrying out a
grenade attack against other Americans in Kuwait
last March will be arraigned tomorrow. Sergeant
Hasan Akbar is facing two counts of premeditated
murder and three counts of attempted murder in
the March 23rd attack at Camp Pennsylvania in
Kuwait.

By AP

Frankfort, KY – About sixteen thousand Kentucky college students
could lose scholarship money next year, under a
bill lawmakers are considering in Frankfort. The
measure was approved by the Senate Education
Committee yesterday.