Counties expand sex-offender warnings

COLUMBUS - A pilot program that would allow sheriffs to expand their reach in notifying neighbors about the residence of registered sex offenders has begun in Lucas, Mercer, Stark and Washington counties.

The Sex Offender and Notification law requires sheriffs to notify people living within a 1,000-foot radius of a sexual offender. New software will extend the distance to 1,200 feet.

Soft-drink lobbyists protest health bill

INDIANAPOLIS - Legislation that would require vending machines in public schools to carry more nutritional items is facing opposition from lobbyists for soft drink companies, an effort that the bill's sponsor said placed profits before student health.

The bill requires that at least half the food offered in school vending machines be healthy.

Some soft drink companies do not make as much money on juices and water. .

Ky. agrees to settle with nursing homes

FRANKFORT - The state has agreed to a settlement on an investigation into patients' care at four Kentucky nursing homes, Attorney General Greg Stumbo announced Tuesday.

Stumbo scheduled a news conference about the settlement for today. .

The agreement would cap a four-year investigation of four Kindred Nursing Centers Limited Partnership-owned nursing homes in Lexington, Danville, Rosewood and Winchester.