Local/Regional News

Lexington, KY – Jim Tinker says bad weather, and the hectic holiday season has resulted in fewer donations .this at a time when demand for blood is traditionally high.

The Blood Center is offering free 10 dollar gift cards to anyone who donates blood or platelets this week. Complete information on their "Holiday Heroes" program is available at kybloodcenter.org.

By Kentucky Public Radio

Frankfort, KY – Education Secretary Helen Mountjoy says Kentucky Educational Television is a member of the 18-percent club. That means they've already experienced an 18-percent reduction in their budget in the current calendar year. Now, they're facing another four-percent cut. "An additional four-percent cut in KET amounts to over a half-million dollars. And it's going to mean that they're probably going to have to reduce eight more positions."

By Bryan Bartlett

Lexington, KY – Central and eastern Kentucky residents who have fallen victim to the economic downturn will receive additional help thanks to a new emergency needs fund. Bryan Bartlett has more.

By Kentucky Public Radio

Frankfort, KY – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear touts the fiscal, as well as the physical benefits of raising the state's cigarette tax some 70 cents in his weekly radio address.

By Kentucky Public Radio

By Alan Lytle

Lexington, KY – Terry A. Anderson, the former chief Middle East correspondent for the Associated Press, who spent nearly 7 years as a hostage in Lebanon, will teach an international mass-media diversity class beginning next semester. J-A- T Director Beth Barnes says Anderson will help the university broaden its global reach. Anderson will also lend his expertise to two other UK departments; the Center for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, as well as the Scripps Howard First Amendment Center.

By Alan Lytle

Lexington, KY – Lexington has a new defense in the fight against the winter's icy roads. Alan Lytle has the story.

By Kentucky Public Radio

By Alan Lytle

Lexington, KY – Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear and Lexington City leaders presided over a rally of sorts in support of the governor's proposed budget. To address an estimated 456 million dollar deficit, Beshear's spending plan calls for 4 percent cuts for various state agencies, while protecting others. Beshear says primary and secondary education, local college and university funding, and mental health care represent his three highest funding priorities.