Kentucky News Now

HEROIN

Senate approves anti-heroin bill on 3rd day of session

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — The state Senate unanimously approved an anti-heroin bill on Thursday designed to set the tone for the short legislative session while arming Republicans with strong arguments to capture the governor's mansion in November.

The bill cleared the Republican-dominated Senate from start to finish in just three days. And while lawmakers said it was not a partisan issue, politicians on both sides were positioning themselves to benefit from the bill's passage

The bill redirects about $7.5 million of state money to local jails for substance abuse treatment programs. And it shields heroin users from minor drug charges if they dial 911 during an overdose.

Democratic Gov. Steve Beshear called for similar legislation in his State of the Commonwealth address Wednesday night.

FLU OUTBREAK

26 flu-related deaths reported in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky health official says 26 people have died in the state as a result of the flu this season.

Public Health Deputy Commissioner Kraig Humbaugh said Thursday that the flu outbreak is at a widespread level statewide for the fifth straight week.

He says the 26 flu-related deaths in Kentucky included two children, five people between the ages of 18 and 64 and 19 who were 65 or older.

Last season, he says there were about 50 flu-related deaths in Kentucky.

Humbaugh says the flu vaccine isn't as well-matched to covering circulating flu strains as health officials would like to see. But he says the flu shot is still the best way to prevent the illness.

He says the flu season typically runs from October to May.

GOP 2016-KELLEY PAUL

Book tour puts Rand Paul's 'secret' weapon on national stage

RUSSELLVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Once described as her husband's secret weapon, Kelley Paul won't be a secret much longer.

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul's wife of 24 years is heading out for a national book tour this spring, roughly the same time her husband is expected to enter the race for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination. It's a big step for the mother of three, who is used to playing a significant behind-the-scenes role in her husband's political operation.

Kelley Paul says she's "as prepared as you can be" for the pressures of a national campaign and its effect on her family.

She's finishing a speaking tour across Kentucky this week to promote her new book about inspirational women. In April, she has media events and speeches planned for Washington, New York and Memphis, Tennessee.

CLEAN WATER-COAL

Groups challenge Ky., W.Va's environmental authority

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Environmental groups are going to court to argue that Kentucky and West Virginia are doing a poor job of enforcing federal clean water rules.

They are suing to compel the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to respond to a request to strip the two states of their authority to enforce the rules. The groups say the states have done a poor job enforcing controls on pollution draining from surface mines.

The Lexington Herald-Leader reports the groups attempted years ago to rescind Kentucky and West Virginia's authority over water discharges at mines. They say EPA did not respond to those requests.

An environmental cabinet spokesman in Kentucky says the state is "implementing the delegated programs appropriately and in accordance with state and federal requirements."

GENOMICS RESEARCH

Western Kentucky students to conduct genomics research

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (AP) — A couple of Western Kentucky University professors have received an award to help students conducting genomics research.

The university says the students will isolate and characterize unique viruses from the environment and annotate the DNA sequence of their genomes. The work is designed to get new undergraduates involved in scientific research.

The professors, Rodney King and Claire Rinehart of the university's Biology Department, received $10,000 from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to support the work.

In the yearlong research experience, students will contribute new information to the scientific community with newly annotated viral genomes that are published in Genbank, the national DNA sequence database.

FATAL HIGHWAY PILEUP

2 dead in 18-vehicle pileup on Pennsylvania highway

CLARION, Pa. (AP) — Authorities have identified a western Pennsylvania motorist and a Kentucky trucker as those who died in an 18-vehicle pileup on Interstate 80 in western Pennsylvania.

The Clarion County coroner and state police say 35-year-old Timothy Floravit, of Beaver Falls, died Wednesday from striking the steering column of his car while driving with his wife and children. The other victim is 67-year-old Leonard Mink, of Nancy, Kentucky, who was struck by another vehicle when he got out of his rig to help other motorists.

State police spokesman Trooper Jamie Levier also tells The Associated Press the number of injured taken to hospitals was less than 10. He says a bus seen leaving the scene with several passengers was warming them, not taking them to a hospital, which may have inflated earlier injury estimates.

COMMONWEALTH GARDENS

Applications for Commonwealth Garden Initiative being taken

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — The Governor's Office of Agricultural Policy is looking for schools, parks and others to take part in a gardening program.

The office and first lady Jane Beshear on Thursday announced the second round of the Commonwealth Garden Initiative.

Those selected will receive seeds, transplants and one year of gardening consultation.

The Governor's Garden Initiative is designed to encourage schools and other community organizations to cultivate and maintain their own gardens to educate people about the benefits of gardening.

The deadline to apply is Feb. 15. For more information, visit http://www.governorsgarden.ky.gov .