morning cram [bye bye edition]

“President Obama has drawn an official end to U.S. combat operations in Iraq, but challenges lie ahead in a country that faces persistent insurgent violence and political turmoil.”

~NPR analyzes the President’s prime-time address.

KENTUCKY~ Murray Police investigate a reported sexual assault. Public tips lead to an (alleged) McCracken County burglar’s arrest and 3 Paducah men get slapped with cocaine trafficking charges. Paducah commissioners will vote later this month on throwing Greyhound Bus Lines a few bones ($12k) to relocate and accepting a police taser grant. Bowling Green Technical College gets accredited. Beshear and Whitfield will be among officials breaking ground @ Smithland’s hydro-electric plant today. Officials: 2 more Fort Campbell soldiers died (last weekend). Kentucky Transportation workers will be on call during Friday’s state-mandated furlough day. Senate Prez Williams and Ag Commish Farmer will run on a ticket together for Governor.

ILLINOIS~ Massac County may borrow its way out of payroll debt.