Drew Adams

Illinois Governor Pat Quinn may use an executive order to establish a health insurance exchange in his state. Quinn adviser Michael Gelder looming federal deadlines leave Quinn two choices: calling a special session or issuing an executive order. Illinois Republicans say an executive order would be inappropriate, especially before the U.S. Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. Only New York and Rhode Island have previously established exchanges by executive order.

Some of Calloway County’s 12 deputy court clerks are entering data at their desks and filing paperwork in massive filing cabinets while others assist county residents at walk-up windows. The clerks, like many are leery of state budget which cut most state agencies 8.4%.

A state-wide report on ways to battle obesity uses two western Kentucky programs as examples for other communities.

Cuts to Kentucky's judicial system will impact a program designed to reduce recidivism among those convicted of drug related crimes. Chief Justice John D. Minton made the decision to implement three furlough days for judicial employees over the coming calendar year in addition to cuts in other judicial programs. 

The Calloway County Humane Society is warning local residents of a voluntary recall of a number of dog food brands. The voluntary recall was announced due to possible salmonella contamination.

An Illinois Senate education committee has approved a measure to end the controversial legislative scholarship program. The measure creates a task force to study all state university tuition waivers. The existing program allows lawmakers to award two students in their district a four-year tuition waiver to a state university. The measure came under fire after reports that lawmakers have given awards to relatives, children of political allies or students outside their district.

Today on NPR: The Supreme Court heard initial arguments on Arizona's immigration law and it seems like the Copper state is safe.

Jackson Purchase:

Elderly and Disabled Hopkins County residents can now opt out of firefighter dues permanently instead of notifying the county each year.

Elderly and Disabled Hopkins County residents can now opt out of firefighter dues permanently instead of notifying the county each year.  Officials say anyone who is 65 or older or who has a disability exemption may choose to opt out indefinitely. The ordinance allows anyone in the county to refuse to pay yearly dues to their volunteer firefighter departments. However, should a fire break out, the property or homeowner would be responsible for the entire cost of the firefighters response. Residents have until June 1st to opt out.

A special postmark is being issued as part of the re-enactment of the Civil War Battle of Sacramento in western Kentucky. The U.S. Postal Service will offer the postmark starting Tuesday as part of a series of commemorations marking the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, which took place from 1861 to 1865. The postmark will be available at a log cabin near the battlegrounds in Sacramento. The Battle of Sacramento took place on December 28, 1861 between Union Major Eli H. Murray and Confederate Col. Nathan Bedford Forrest.

The Kentucky Senate Appropriations and Revenue Committee approved a $4.5 billion transportation budget but not before inserting language that would restore nearly $50 million for road construction projects previously vetoed by Governor Steve Beshear. The spending measure now advances to the Senate floor for a planned vote today. Appropriations and Revenue Committee Chairman Bob Leeper cited a "fit of conscience" for his push to put the $50 million in road projects back into the transportation budget.