News

By Casey Northcutt

Murray, KY – Despite a 39 percent increase from last year, Calloway County's joblessness rate remains below the state average. Bureau of Labor Statistics economist Brian Hanon says Calloway's non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 8.6 percent in February. The state's unemployment rate during that time was 10.2 percent.

By Carrie Pond

By Kate Lochte

Murray, KY – We regularly present Bela Fleck's bluegrass banjo virtuosity during Saturday's Music from the Front Porch. Fleck is touring the country with musicians of Africa, including a concert at Nashville's Ryman auditorium next Wednesday. He's produced a documentary movie about African music with a companion CD, both titled "Throw Down Your Heart." Kate Lochte asks him about Malian Kora master Toumani Diabate who is one of the musicians with whom he's on tour.

By Tony McVeigh

Frankfort, KY – Kentucky House and Senate leaders say the 2009 legislative session was one of the most bipartisan and successful sessions on record. But what about rank and file lawmakers? Do they agree? Kentucky Public Radio's Tony McVeigh went looking for answers.

By Carrie Pond

By Jacque Day

Western Kentucky – What is the population per square mile of the country of Monaco? If you don't know, you're not alone. But the ability to call up this kind of information from memory got Calloway County Middle School eighth grader Nate Maxwell to the state-level National Geographic Bee. The competition takes place Friday, April 3 in Bowling Green.

Maxwell came to the studio earlier this week to talk with Jacque Day.

By Cash/Garner

Murray, KY – The Afternoon Stock Report on April 2, 2009. From WKMS.

By Carrie Pond

Hopkinsville, KY – The Executive Director of the Hopkinsville-Christian County Economic Development Council has stepped down to pursue other professional opportunities. Kim Schippers submitted her letter of resignation during Monday's board meeting. Lee Conrad will serve as acting director until a search is completed. Conrad, who was formerly the associate director of the EDC, says he's considering applying for the permanent position. The search committee met for the first time Tuesday.

By Kate Lochte

Murray, KY – A datebook of regional events for April 2, 2009. From WKMS.

By Angela Hatton

Paducah, KY – Paducah city officials are outlining possible cuts to their 2009-2010 budget. City manager Jim Zumwalt says they should anticipate cutting 2.5 - 3.5 million dollars over last year's totals. The first area officials would consider reducing resources is community add-ons, followed by quality of life services. Zumwalt says because 71-percent of the city's budget is personnel, workforce cuts should be expected. Paducah faces a 1.1 million dollar budget shortfall the fiscal year that ends June 30.