Government

State lawmakers, who met with local officials during a public meeting Monday morning, have been asked to help pass legislation that would allow former second-class cities like Hopkinsville to levy restaurant and alcohol taxes.

Protestors outside Boling's office and the Christian County Justice Center have called for him to resign.

Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Crofton, said he proposed the law in reaction to states that allow abortions to take place later during pregnancy. Abortions resulting in a live birth are extremely rare, according to the CDC.

Voters with a "reasonable impediment" to obtaining a photo ID would still be able to use ID without a photo.

City officials estimate that required pension payments will result in a deficit of more than $5 million to the city's budget by 2024-25 if the council doesn't implement tax increases and/or spending cuts.

The mayor and his executive secretary are both leaving for new jobs at the end of January.

The council has a month from Hendricks' vacancy to name an interim mayor, who will serve through the end of 2020.

Steven Rudy will serve temporarily in the post while Rep. John Carney recovers from pancreatitis.

The measure will save about $10.5 million per election cycle and should increase voter participation, supporters say.

One of the bill's sponsors said it won't solve all of the state's fiscal problems, but he called it a "good first step."

Council members serve a two-year term. Voters will cast ballots within the wards in the May primary and citywide in the November general election.