Articles by Roger Alford

Kentucky Lawmakers Swayed by Amish Man’s Letters on Buggy Issue

The simple, heart-felt letters of an old-fashioned Amish man are being credited for the Senate’s quick passage of a bill that would allow Kentucky’s Amish residents to use reflective tape on their horse-drawn buggies instead of the bright orange triangular …

Workers Raise Safety Concerns About Kentucky Mine Where 2 Killed

The United Mine Workers of America are raising new concerns about the safety of a western Kentucky coal mine where two men were killed by a rock fall in April. Steve Earle, a regional vice president for UMWA, said miners …

Kentucky Gov. Beshear to Sign Bill Banning Texting While Driving

Motorists in Kentucky would face fines if caught texting while driving under legislation that lawmakers are heralding as a lifesaving measure. The legislation cleared its final hurdle last week when the House passed it by a vote of 86-10. It …

U.S. Mine Deaths At Record Low

The number of miners killed on the job in the United States fell for a second straight year to 34, the fewest since officials began keeping records nearly a century ago. That was down from the previous low of 52 …

Kentucky Pol Suspect in Insurance Examiner Murder Denied Release

Steve Nunn said nothing in court. His glum, unshaven face spoke volumes. The politician who had lived a life of privilege hobnobbing with Kentucky’s political elite wasn’t at all pleased with the Fayette County jail where he is being held …

Kentucky Politician Charged with Ex-Girlfriend’s Murder Sought Revenge, Police Say

A one-time Kentucky political star whose reputation was tarnished by an ex-girlfriend’s domestic violence allegations told police of wanting revenge when he was arrested in a cemetery hours after she was shot to death. Republican Steve Nunn, who had aspirations …

Kentucky Among States Considering Ban on Texting While Driving

Motorists would be forbidden to send text messages while behind the wheel under proposals awaiting legislative action in Kentucky early next year. Two lawmakers have filed bills that would add Kentucky to a growing list of states — 18 so …

Workers Charge Kentucky Mine Safety Law ‘Under Attack’

Critics are complaining that three measures pending in the Kentucky legislature could undo key provisions of the state’s mine safety law. One would sharply reduce inspections performed by the Kentucky Office of Mine Safety and Licensing. Another would would cut …

FEMA Under Scrutiny for Ice Storm Response in Kentucky

In the first real test of the Obama administration’s ability to respond to a disaster, Kentucky officials are giving the federal government good marks for its response to a deadly ice storm. Yet more than 300,000 residents remained without power …

Federal Inspectors Complete Safety Reviews of Nation’s Mines

For the first time, federal inspectors have completed mandatory safety reviews of all the nation’s mines within a single year, the head of the U.S. Mine Safety and Health Administration said. Mine safety chief Richard E. Stickler said the federal …