Local/Regional News

By Tony McVeigh

Frankfort, KY – The epicenter of Kentucky politics each August, the annual Fancy Farm picnic, is now just one week away. Kentucky Public Radio's Tony McVeigh talks to this year's master of ceremonies for this year's 129th picnic.

By Tony McVeigh

Frankfort, KY – Kentucky State Police reported 56 incidents of hate crime in 2007, down 13-percent from 2006. But Jennifer Brislin of the Justice Cabinet says the number of hate groups in Kentucky rose from 11 to 13. "Groups that associate themselves for some purpose, some bias, against a person or property that's motivated by their bias against race, religion, a disability, their sexual orientation, maybe their ethnicity, or their nationality."

By Ken Kurtz

Lexington, KY – Hall of Fame Journalist Ken Kurtz discusses the pros and cons of the newly announced tandem, and speculates on what race Trey Grayson may enter next.

By Tony McVeigh

Frankfort, KY – Earlier this year, Kentucky lawmakers approved budget cuts, a raid on the rainy day fund and tax hikes on alcohol and cigarettes to balance the state budget. But when the books on FY 2009 closed on June 30, the commonwealth still faced a $56 million deficit.

By Tony McVeigh

Frankfort, KY – Mayor Abramson says he never gave any thought to running for lieutenant governor, but when Gov. Beshear called, he had to give the job some serious thought. "This was a real special opportunity to work with a man of great integrity, with outstanding leadership and vision, and I wanted to be part of that."

By Dan Modlin

Bowling Green, KY – In an effort to cut down on traffic fatalities, Kentucky State Police begin a new campaign called "Blue Lights Across The Bluegrass". Dan Modlin of Kentucky Public Radio has the story.

By Tony McVeigh

Frankfort, KY – At one time, Frankfort had several downtown theatres, including the Capitol and the Grand. The more opulent Capitol fell to the wrecking ball in the 1970's, but the Grand, built in the early 1900's, somehow survived. Originally a vaudeville house, it later featured silent movies and was wired for "talkies" in the 1920's. Local attorney Marvin Coles remembers going to the Grand to see cowboy stars of his youth.

By Tony McVeigh

Frankfort, KY – ("Motion carries unanimously") State School Board Chairman Joe Brothers announcing the board vote in favor of hiring Terry Holliday as the state's next education commissioner. Holliday, entering from an adjoining room, joked he had never been so thoroughly vetted in his entire life. "I believe that they called my babysitter when I was three years old, to check on me. But this board has certainly been committed to their job."

By Bryan Bartlett

Lexington, KY – The long-awaited rebirth of a once-vibrant East End Lexington landmark officially began Thursday. Bryan Bartlett has more.

By Georgia Green Stamper

Lexington, KY – A Central Kentucky summertime tradition gets under way again with the opening of the Lexington Lions Club Bluegrass Fair. Commentator Georgia Green Stamper says besides the sights, sounds, and smells, there's also one other distinct quality of a county fair.