EDDYVILLE, Ky. — A man who spent 29 years on death row for a brutal Perry County murder has died before his date with the executioner. Donald Herb Johnson, 59, pleaded guilty in 1994 to murder, burglary and sexual abuse related to the death of 61-year-old Helen Madden. Following a protracted legal battle over his sentencing, during which he tried to withdraw his guilty plea, he was given the death penalty in September of 1997. On the evening of Nov. 29, 1989, Johnson went to the Bright N Clean Laundry in Hazard, where he asked to use the phone. Madden […]

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KINGSPORT, Tenn. — The CSX Santa Train will make its 84th run through Appalachia on Saturday, Nov. 21, continuing a holiday tradition that dates to 1943. The train will follow its traditional route through Kentucky, Virginia and Tennessee, traveling 110 miles from Shelbiana to Kingsport, Tenn. According to CSX and the North Pole Transportation Authority, the train will deliver more than 15,000 toys, gifts and winter accessories to thousands of families along the route. “As we look ahead to a new year, we’re reminded that the CSX Santa Train is about so much more than a journey along the tracks,” […]

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FRANKFORT, Ky. — Rep. Michael Meredith, R-Edmonson, presented a proposal Tuesday aimed at addressing the financial challenges facing Kentucky’s county jails. Meredith brought the legislation, which he sponsored as House Bill 557 during the 2026 regular session, before the Interim Joint Committee on Judiciary. The bill had more than 50 co-sponsors but did not receive a committee hearing during the budget session. Meredith said the interim provides lawmakers an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing county jails, hear from local officials and consider potential changes before the 2027 regular session. “We are at a crisis point amongst the county governments […]

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LOGAN, W.Va. — Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College has received a $50,000 award from West Virginia GEAR UP to expand college and career readiness opportunities for students in four counties. The funding will support students in Boone, Lincoln, Logan and Mingo counties who attend nine participating high schools. West Virginia GEAR UP, administered by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, provides resources and experiences designed to help students prepare for education and training after high school. Services can include college visits, career exploration, ACT and SAT preparation, tutoring, mentoring, financial aid and college-planning workshops, summer academies and […]

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WASHINGTON, D.C. — PepsiCo is recalling more than 122,000 cases of several Gatorade products because they may contain undeclared Yellow No. 5 and/or Yellow No. 6, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The voluntary recall involves 28-ounce bottles of Gatorade Lemon Lime, Gatorade Lemon Lime Zero, Gatorade Orange and Gatorade Orange Zero. The FDA lists the recall as Class II, meaning exposure to the affected products could cause temporary or medically reversible adverse health consequences, although the likelihood of serious health problems is considered remote. The recall covers 122,021 cases. The affected products were distributed to retailers and […]

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