Governor Andy Beshear - Official Photo
Governor Beshear Administration Working To Upgrade Unemployment System
(Frankfort, KY) — Governor Andy Beshear and his administration are working to upgrade Kentucky’s unemployment system. Beshear announced yesterday that the system will be totally overhauled, including the implementation of a new ID process to eliminate fraudulent claims. The governor is seeking additional funding to support a sufficient staff for the agency. Kentuckians have faced lengthy delays and difficulties processing their claims for more than a year and a half.
FBI Working With Nelson Co. Prosecutor’s Office On Crystal Rogers’ Case
(Bardstown, KY) — The FBI says it’s working with the Nelson County Prosecutor’s Office on the Crystal Rogers’ case. Louisville’s FBI Special Agent in Charge says they’re working towards a “conclusion” in the 2015 disappearance of Rogers. In August, the FBI spent several days searching outside a home built by the only person ever suspected in the case. Rogers’ boyfriend Brooks Houck has never been charged in the case.
Tennessee Death Row Inmate Won’t Be Executed
(Undated) — A Tennessee death row inmate won’t be executed for a double murder. The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office announced yesterday it’s dropping its request for a new hearing on the intellectual disability of Pervis Payne. Payne had previously been determined to be intellectually disabled and can’t be executed under state law. His penalty will be converted to two consecutive life sentences for the 1987 killings of a West Tennessee mom and her young daughter.
Ag Poster Contest
Commissioner of Agriculture Dr. Ryan Quarles invites Kentucky students to enter the Kentucky Department of Agriculture’s (KDA) annual Poster and Essay Contest.
The theme of the 2022 contest is “Kentucky Agriculture Sustains Me,” encouraging contestants to reflect on the importance of Kentucky agriculture in their everyday lives.Students in grades K-12 may submit a poster, an essay of 500 words or less, or a digital entry, which may be photos or original digital artwork. Each entry must include the actual written theme and be postmarked by Monday, March 7, 2022.
Winners will be notified by Friday, April 15, 2022. Winners in the poster and essay competitions will be selected in each grade. One statewide winner will be selected for digital artwork. Each winner will receive a $100 award from Kentucky Agriculture and Environment in the Classroom and will be recognized at the 2022 Poster and Essay Contest Awards Ceremony next year.
Murray High School Band-National Class A Champions Will provide Finale Performance
The Murray High School Tiger Band–Bands Of America (BOA) Class A National Champions, KMEA Class 3A State Champions, will perform a grand finale performance for the Murray Independent School District, Tuesday, November 23 at 1:20 p.m. at Ty Holland Stadium.
On Tuesday afternoon, the entire MISD will be transported by bus to the historic Ty Holland Stadium to watch the MHS National Championship Band perform their 2021 “Ecstasy of Gold” show.
Kentucky State News Brief
Officer-Involved Shooting Investigated In Louisville
(Louisville, KY) — The Louisville Metro Police Department is investigating an officer-involved shooting. The department says the shooting happened early this morning in the Louisville suburb of Shively.
.
GRDHD Expected To Update COVID Numbers
(Owensboro, KY) — The Green River District Health Department is expected to update its COVID-19 numbers today. On Tuesday, the GRDHD reported 238 new confirmed cases with 149 in Daviess County, 28 in Henderson County, 16 in Ohio County, 13 each in McLean and Webster counties, 12 in Hancock County and seven in Union County. There have been nearly 37-thousand-800 cases in the seven-county districts since the outbreak began. There have been over 600 COVID-related deaths since the start of the outbreak.
Former Kentucky Coal Company Officials Cleared After Federal Fraud Trial
(Louisville, KY) — A federal jury has returned not guilty verdicts in the fraud trial of four Kentucky coal company officials. The jury deliberated for about two hours Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Louisville before issuing the verdicts. Prosecutors alleged that the men ordered workers to tamper with dust collection equipment at two Armstrong Coal mines in order to meet federal guidelines. Nine people had been charged in the case, but five have reached plea agreements with prosecutors to avoid felony charges.
Kentucky Lawmakers Updated On Expansion Of Rupp Arena, Central Bank Center
(Frankfort, KY) — Kentucky lawmakers are up-to-date on expansion work happening at Rupp Arena and Central Bank Center. Lawmakers were told yesterday that the project should be finished by next year. The Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center is hoping to bring in new business through conventions and events. Additions will include new entrances and a climatized pedway.
Richmond Police, Firefighters Receiving Narcan For Overdose Response
(Richmond, KY) — Richmond city commissioners are moving forward with a plan to provide more first responders with Narcan kits. Police officers and firefighters will have Narcan kits in their cruisers and trucks starting next year. Fire Chief Sam Kirby say the kits are another tool to help save lives. The Narcan nasal spray will be used to assist people in overdose situations. Police and fire officials hope to be equipped with the kits by January 1st.
Pedestrian Hit By Garbage Truck In Lexington
(Lexington, KY) — A woman in Lexington is recovering after being hit by a garbage truck. The crash happened yesterday morning at the intersection of Winchester Road and Loudon Avenue. Police say the woman was crossing Winchester Road outside the crosswalk when she was hit by the garbage truck while it was making a left turn. She was taken to the hospital with what were reported to be non-life-threatening injuries. The crash remains under investigation.
Suspect In Custody After Owensboro Man Shot
(Owensboro, KY) — Police say a suspect is in custody after an Owensboro man was shot. The shooting happened yesterday morning in the 21-hundred block of Clinton Place West. Police say the victim was taken to the hospital with what was believed to be a non-life-threatening gunshot wound. Authorities arrested 42-year-old Charles Jean later in the day and charged him with assault and wanton endangerment.
Tennessee State News Brief.
TDH Updates State Coronavirus Cases
(Nashville, TN) — There are over 17-hundred new coronavirus cases in Tennessee. The Tennessee Department of Health reported the new cases yesterday, bringing the total since the outbreak began to over one-million-302-thousand. An additional seven COVID-19-related deaths were also reported, with the total number standing at nearly 17-thousand. There are close to 700 COVID-19 hospitalizations in Tennessee.
East Tennessee Soldier Killed In Afghanistan Could Get Congressional Gold Medal
(Corryton, TN) — The 13 U.S. service members killed in the August bombing outside the Kabul Airport could soon be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. That includes Tennessee-native Ryan Knauss [[ Kuh-nows ]], the Army Staff Sergeant who died while trying to help Americans and Afghans evacuate the area. Knauss was a 2016 graduate of Gibbs High School in Corryton, near Knoxville. The U.S. Senate passed a bill about the Congressional Gold Medal this week.
Tennessee Death Row Inmate Won’t Be Executed
(Undated) — A Tennessee death row inmate won’t be executed for a double murder. The Shelby County District Attorney’s Office announced yesterday it’s dropping its request for a new hearing on the intellectual disability of Pervis Payne. Payne had previously been determined to be intellectually disabled and can’t be executed under state law. His penalty will be converted to two consecutive life sentences for the 1987 killings of a West Tennessee mom and her young daughter.
TSSAA Investigating Alleged Slur During Girls Basketball Game
(Smyrna, TN) — The TSSAA is launching an investigation over an alleged racial slur used by an official during a Mid State basketball game. Nashville STEM Preparatory Academy said yesterday the white male referee clearly called a 14-year-old Black girl a racial slur during a game against Smyrna High School on Wednesday. Nashville STEM officials say it can be “clearly seen on the game tape,” and it was witnessed by students and parents. Nashville STEM forfeited the game after the alleged slur.
Man Charged With Two Armed Carjackings On Wednesday In Antioch
(Nashville, TN) — Police say they have charged a suspect accused of two armed carjackings in Antioch on Wednesday. According to reports, 19-year-old Devonte Jones is charged with aggravated kidnapping and robbery for taking a car from a woman on Bell Road. Jones then crashed the stolen vehicle on the I-24 exit ramp to Shelby Avenue and forced his way into the vehicle of a motorist who stopped to help. Police say Jones may be connected to other incidents in the area and is being held on a 104-thousand-dollar bond.
Titans Wide Receiver Advocates Again For Mental Health Awareness
(Nashville, TN) — Tennessee Titans wide receiver AJ brown is continuing his mission to raise awareness for mental health issues. On Thursday, Brown spoke at the Titans training facility about his struggles with mental health that he revealed for the first time last week. Brown said he posted the video last Friday about his battles with depression and suicidal thoughts after getting help and support from New York Jets rookie Elijah Moore. Brown said he wants to be a positive example and urged families to reach out to loved ones who may not be able to come forward about their depression.
Herbal Supplement Product Sold In Tennessee Recalled Due To Exploding Bottle Risk
(Nashville, TN) — Montana-based Mountain Meadow Herbs is issuing a recall for one of its herbal supplements over a risk of exploding bottles. The FDA announced yesterday that some bottles of the company’s Candida Flush intestinal cleanse product have become pressurized and may forcefully expel air or portions of capsules and powder, causing injuries to the hands and eyes. The affected Candida Flush is from a lot with an expiration date of December 22nd and were sold in retailers across Tennessee. If you have any of these products, please dispose of them immediately and email info-at-MM-Herbs-dot-com for a replacement.
Bonnaroo Organizers Announce Plans To Return To A Live Event In 2022
(Manchester, TN) — The organizers of the Bonnaroo Music Festival say they plan to return next year after two years of cancellations. On Thursday, festival officials said Bonnaroo would return to The Farm in Manchester next June. Bonnaroo was canceled in 2020 because of COVID-19 and again in 2021 after rains from Hurricane Ida flooded the campgrounds and roads. Bonnaroo 2022 will run from June 16th to the 17th, with presale tickets available starting November 26th.
MPD Releases Photos Of Young Dolph’s Killers
(Memphis, TN) — Memphis police are releasing photos of rapper Young Dolph’s killers. One photo shows what appears to be two men in dark hoodies and gray pants carrying guns. Another shows a white two-door car that may be linked to the shooting at Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies. Young Dolph was inside the bakery when he was shot through a window on Wednesday.
Soulja Boy Pulled From Tour To Perform In Memphis On Sunday
(St. Louis, MO) — Rapper Soulja Boy is being pulled from The Millennium Tour performances following the shooting death of Young Dolph. Touring company G-Squared Events made the announcement yesterday, saying it’s in response to Young Dolph’s murder in Memphis on Wednesday. The tour is making a stop in St. Louis tonight and will play FedExForum on Sunday. G-Squared Events says the decision to temporarily pull Soulja Boy from the tour was made to preserve the safety of the artists and fans.
SCHD Updates COVID-19 Numbers
(Memphis, TN) — The Shelby County Health Department is updating its COVID-19 numbers. SCHD reported nearly 140 new cases yesterday, bringing the total to close to 148-thousand since the outbreak began. Health department officials say there have been nearly 23-hundred COVID-19-related deaths since the start of the outbreak. There are over eleven-hundred active cases in Shelby County
Christmas Lights On At Graceland
(Memphis, TN) — The Christmas lights are on at Graceland. Students from the Stax Music Academy flipped the switch to light Elvis’ iconic Graceland mansion for the holiday season last night. Graceland’s Holiday Lighting Weekend continues with special Christmas tours today and tomorrow. It will wrap up tomorrow night with a Christmas show featuring Dean Z and the Dynamite Singers.
Report: Nashville‘s Median Home Sale Price Tops $405-Thousand
(Nashville, TN) — The median sale price for homes in Nashville is at a record high. The RE/MAX National Housing Report published yesterday shows the median home sale price in Nashville is 405-thousand dollars. It’s the first time the city’s median home price has been at or above 400-thousand since 2009, when the company first began tracking Nashville’s housing market. RE/MAX officials say the median price in Nashville was 155-thousand a decade ago and 250-thousand in 2016.
TSSAA Investigating Alleged Slur During Girls Basketball Game
(Smyrna, TN) — The TSSAA is launching an investigation over an alleged racial slur used by an official during a basketball game. Nashville STEM Preparatory Academy said yesterday the white male referee clearly called a 14-year-old Black girl a racial slur during a game against Smyrna High School on Wednesday. Nashville STEM officials say it can be “clearly seen on the game tape,” and it was witnessed by students and parents. Nashville STEM forfeited the game after the alleged slur.
Nashville Set For St. Jude Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon Events
(Nashville, TN) — Final preparations are being made for the annual St. Jude Rock ‘N’ Roll Marathon events. MNPD officers will be working late tonight into tomorrow morning to ensure the security of the course, which runs through multiple parts of Nashville. The route along the over 26-mile course will close to traffic by 5:45 tomorrow morning with the area along lower Broadway, where the race will start closing at 3 o’clock. More than 13-thousand people are expected to participate in the full marathon, half marathon, wheelchair or 5K races.
National/World Headlines
House Passes Social Spending Bill
(Washington, DC) — A sweeping social spending bill is headed to the Senate after passage by the House. The roughly two-trillion-dollar measure expands the social safety net while combating climate change. It’s one of President Biden’s top legislative priorities and faces an uncertain fate in the tightly-divided Senate.
Moderna, Pfizer COVID Boosters Authorized For All Adults By FDA
(Washington, DC) — The FDA is giving the go-ahead for Pfizer and Moderna coronavirus booster shots for all adults. The move by regulators is just one step in the process needed to get shots into arms. The CDC still must have its say. Originally, folks were eligible for a Moderna or Pfizer booster if they met certain categories, such as those who were 65 and older or adults with underlying medical conditions. The booster can be given at least six months after somebody gets their second shot.
Biden Having Annual Physical, Including Colonoscopy
(Bethesda, MD) — President Biden is undergoing an annual physical at the National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland. The physical includes a colonoscopy, requiring sedation. The White House says Biden is transferring power to Vice President Harris for a brief period of time while he’s under anesthesia. Harris is working in her West Wing office this morning.
Gas Prices Slip As Demand, Supply Drop
(Heathrow, FL) — Gas prices are down slightly. Today’s Triple-A national station survey finds the average price of regular off a tenth of a cent, but still above three-dollars and 40 cents a gallon. The Energy Information Administration reports gas stocks in the U.S. fell by 700-thousand barrels last week and demand fell slightly as well. Oklahoma‘s lowest-in-the-nation statewide average is down to an even two-99 a gallon. In California, the statewide average is up to more than four-70 a gallon.
Jury To Begin Deliberations In Unite The Right Civil Trial
(Charlottesville, VA) — Jury deliberations are expected to start today in the civil trial over the Unite the Right rally in Virginia. It deals with white nationalists who organized the three-day rally in Charlottesville in August 2017. They were protesting removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee from a city park. Ten white supremacists and nationalist organizations, along with over a dozen other individuals, are being sued by townspeople and counterprotesters.
Crypto Group Loses Bid To Buy Rare Constitution Copy
(London) — Despite their efforts, a cryptocurrency group wasn’t able to buy a rare copy of the U.S. Constitution. The group called “ConstitutionDAO” said on their crowd-funding page last night, “We did not win the bid,” and promised a refund to over 17-thousand contributors. The extremely rare copy of the Constitution is one of only eleven known existing copies from the official first printing of the original document. It was estimated by Sotheby’s to be worth up to 20-million dollars. It was sold to an anonymous bidder last night for over 43-million.
