Kentucky SOS Has Plan To Increase Number Of Poll Workers(Frankfort, KY) — Secretary of State Michael Adams says his office will work with the YMCA Youth Association to boost voter registration and the number of poll workers. Adams today said the base of volunteer poll workers is aging out and the partnership with the YMCA will help find new workers as they prepare for the 2022 elections. Any registered voter in Kentucky is eligible to serve as a poll worker.
Kentuckians Get Access To Temporary Water Assistance(Frankfort, KY) — Temporary water assistance is now available to eligible Kentuckians. Governor Andy Beshear announced the funding yesterday. Those who have fallen behind on their water bills, are facing disconnection, or who have already been disconnected can apply. A list of local Community Action agencies where applications can be submitted can be found on the commonwealth’s Kynect website.
KBOE Limiting Corporal Punishment In Schools(Lexington, KY) — The Kentucky Board of Education is moving to limit corporal punishment in schools, with the aim of ending the practice all together. The KBE passed a new regulation this week requiring schools to get written consent from a student’s parent or legal guardian to use corporal punishment on them within the first five days of the school year. Verbal permission is also required each time it is used. After the punishment is given, the child must get at least 30 minutes of counseling. Nearly 42-Thousand Young Children Receive COVID-19 Vaccine Within First Month(Lexington, KY) — Nearly 42-thousand young children in Kentucky have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine during the first month it has been available. Pfizer’s child dose was approved by U.S. health officials In early November, making the vaccinations available to children as young as five. The children’s dose is indicated by an orange cap on the syringe, which uses a smaller needle.
Harlem Globetrotters Coming To CFSB Center – Feb. 2The worldwide sensation Harlem Globetrotters have announced they will return to Murray State University for an eighth time on February 2, 2022 beginning at 7 p.m. The Globetrotters give fans a chance to get close to the action and see the team’s stars with their Fan Powered World Tour. At each Globetrotters game, there will be over 20 opportunities before, during and after each event where fans will get a chance to directly interact with the players. Prior to the performance, fans can secure a ticket to Magic Pass, the Globetrotters’ exclusive pregame event. Magic Pass gives fans unprecedented access to the stars of the team, an opportunity to learn basketball tricks, shoot hoops and take pictures on the court. After each game, fans can participate in a free autograph session.
Tickets for the Harlem Globetrotters performance can be purchased starting December 1, 2021 online at ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Guests may also visit the CFSB Center ticket office.
Kentucky State News Brief
Louisville Records At Least 10 Homicides For 22nd Consecutive Month
(Louisville, KY) — The Commonwealth’s largest city is on a somber streak. Data from the Game Changers organizations shows Louisville has recorded 22 consecutive months of double-digit homicides. Louisville also passed 2020’s record of 173 homicides last month. More than 20 of this year’s victims have been under the age of 18.
Fort Campbell Investigating Flyover At Tennessee Titans Game
(Fort Campbell, KY) — The actions of helicopter pilots from Fort Campbell are under investigation. Some fans sitting in the upper deck of Nissan Stadium in Nashville during a flyover of military helicopters say they were eye-to-eye with the pilots from the 101st Airborne Division. The flyover happened during pregame on November 14th. The Army Times reported yesterday Fort Campbell officials are joining the Federal Aviation Administration in investigating the flyover.
KWC Surpasses Giving Tuesday Goal
(Owensboro, KY) — Kentucky Wesleyan College is surpassing a goal. KWC officials say the school hoped to bring in 200-thousand dollars on Giving Tuesday. Instead KWC received over 461-thousand dollars. The money was the result of 370 gifts.
Fort Knox Soldier A Beauty Contest Winner
(Fort Knox, KY) — A Fort Knox soldier is a beauty contest winner. Diana Layne is a master sergeant with the First Theater Sustainment Command. She recently added another title to her rank after being crowned United States of America Ms. Kentucky 2022. The United States of America Ms. Pageant is for women 29 and older whether they’re single, divorced, widowed and with or without children. The 40-year-old single mother says she was inspired to participate in this pageant circuit because it’s inclusive.
UK Menorah Lighting Happens One Year After Anti-Semitic Attack
(Lexington, KY) — The University of Kentucky’s Jewish community is continuing its Chanukah menorah lighting tradition a year after an anti-Semitic attack. Rabbi Shlomo Litvin and Former Ambassador Kelly Craft announced a new initiative last night to fight at the celebration at Chabad of the Bluegrass to fight anti-Semitism. The two will be speaking about the topic at over 100 schools and community centers across the state. The ceremony fell close to the one-year anniversary of an attack at the UK Jewish Center, and included a survivor whose leg was injured when he was dragged by a car during the attack.
DCPS Enrolls Afghan Refugee Children In School
(Owensboro, KY) — Daviess County Public Schools is enrolling its first Afghan refugee students. Officials from the district worked with parents yesterday to enroll their children in classes. Dozens of new students will have their first day of school in America today. The families have been staying in a hotel until more permanent housing can be found.
OPD Investigating Deadly Collision Between Semi And Bicyclist
(Owensboro, KY) — Owensboro Police are investigating a collision between a semi and a bicyclist. Police say the collision happened yesterday afternoon in the area of Fourth Street and Wing Avenue. Officials say the bicyclist died at the scene.
Louisville Records At Least 10 Homicides For 22nd Consecutive Month
(Louisville, KY) — Louisville is on a somber streak. Data from the Game Changers organizations shows the city has recorded 22 consecutive months of double-digit homicides. Louisville also passed 2020’s record of 173 homicides last month. More than 20 of this year’s victims have been under the age of 18.
JCPS Holds School Choice Night
(Louisville, KY) — Some families are getting help preparing for next school year. Jefferson County Public Schools and the Louisville Urban League hosted School Choice Night at the district’s Shawnee Satellite Office last night. The event was meant to help JCPS families with registering for kindergarten, magnet schools and other services. The School Choice period ends December 15th.
Louisville Zoo California Sea Lion Passes
(Louisville, KY) — The Louisville Zoo says one of its most popular animals has passed away. The Zoo says a 28-year-old sea lion named Bart recently died. Bart was only the second California sea lion to be born at the Louisville Zoo in its over five-decade history. Zoo officials say Bart lived past the average age for a California sea lion in a managed system.
Annual Zoneton Fire Protection District Santa Experience Starts Tonight
(Zoneton, KY) — Santa Claus is set to hit the streets of some Louisville-area neighborhoods throughout this month. A fire truck decorated in Christmas lights was unveiled in Zoneton last night. It’s part of the annual Zoneton Fire District Santa Experience. Santa’s visits to neighborhoods aboard the truck start tonight.
Tennessee State News Brief
TDH Updates State Coronavirus Cases
(Nashville, TN) — There are nearly 22-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-318-thousand. More than 20 additional COVID-19-related deaths were also reported, with the total number standing at over 17-thousand. There are nearly 850 COVID-19 hospitalizations in Tennessee.
Mask, Vaccine Requirements Lifted At UT
(Knoxville, TN) — COVID-19 mask and vaccine requirements are being lifted at UT. A letter informing students, faculty and staff about the change was sent out by Chancellor Donde Plowman yesterday. It was sent a day after a court in Kentucky issued a preliminary order preventing the federal government from enforcing an executive order on federal contractors in Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. Lifting the requirements puts the school in line with state law.
Public Memorial Planned For Young Dolph
(Memphis, TN) — A public memorial will be held in Memphis for murdered rapper Young Dolph. It will be held at FedExForum on Thursday, December 16th. Family and friends attended a private funeral for the man they knew as Adolph Robert Thornton, Jr., on Tuesday. The 36-year-old was shot inside his favorite bakery in Memphis on November 17th.
Keith Urban Drops In On Nashville HS
(Nashville, TN) — A Nashville high school is buzzing after getting an unannounced visit from a country music superstar. Keith Urban visited Hillwood High School yesterday to talk with teachers and students within its Rock Band, Orchestra, Choir and Band programs. The 12-time CMA Award winner answered questions about songwriting, performing and the music industry. He also encouraged students to continue with their music education.
MNPD: Man Sought For Questioning In Honky Tonk Homicide Identified
(Nashville, TN) — MNPD says it has identified the man wanted for questioning in a homicide at Whiskey Row bar on Broadway. Dallas Barrett died during a fight with security staff on the bar’s roof-top area on August 16th. The man police have identified was among people seen holding Barrett down during the fight. Police say the man isn’t a Whiskey Row employee.
MNPD Looking For Elderly Woman With Alzheimer’s
(Nashville, TN) — MNPD is asking for help finding a missing elderly woman with Alzheimer’s. Lucy Buchanan’s family tells police they haven’t talked to the 85-year-old since Monday morning. They say Lucy is known to walk the Buena Vista and Clarksville Pike area. Lucy is described as Black, five-feet tall and 122 pounds with brown eyes and grey hair.
LDS Church Hosting Live, Drive-Thru Nativity Scene
(Brentwood, TN) — Anyone can visit a live drive-through nativity scene ahead of Christmas. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is putting on the event, which includes over 100-thousand lights and live animals while retelling the nativity story in both English and Spanish. The free event at the church on Sunset Road in Brentwood will be held the nights of December 10th and 11th. Nashville LDS officials say they hope the unifying story will be a meaningful and spiritual experience of peace and joy for everyone.
Former Federal Prosecutor Announces Run For Davidson County District Attorney
(Nashville, TN) — Former federal prosecutor Sara Beth Myers is running to become the next Davidson County District Attorney. Myers announced her candidacy yesterday against current DA Glenn Funk, who has held the post since 2014. Myers graduated from Vanderbilt University and has previously worked as Tennessee’s Assistant Attorney General and as a Davidson County Assistant DA. Myers said one of her top priorities if elected would be to reduce the county’s homicide rate.
Multiple Apartments Damaged During Overnight Fire In Bellevue
(Bellevue, TN) — Several families are without a place to stay after a fire spread to multiple units at an apartment complex in Bellevue. According to reports, the fire started at the Lakes Apartments on Erin Road around 12:15 a.m. on a balcony. Fire officials said at least four units were damaged by either fire, smoke, or water, and multiple residents are now displaced. The Red Cross responded to the scene to help the victims find places to stay while investigators searched for the cause of the fire.
Multiple Groups Call For Removal Of High School Basketball Official Accused Of Making Racial Slurs
(Nashville, TN) — Four organizations are calling for the removal of a high school basketball official over allegations of using racial slurs. On Wednesday, the Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association confirmed it had investigated the incident and found no corroborative evidence a slur was used during a girl’s game between STEM Prep and Smyrna. The Nashville Branch of the NAACP, Nashville Propel, the Urban League of Mid-Tennessee, and Interdenominational Ministries have accused TSSAA Director Bernard Childress of ignoring players, coaches, and parents who claim they heard the slur.
Police In Clarksville Searching For Suspect Who Robbed Credit Union
(Clarksville, TN) — Police in Clarksville are looking for a man who robbed the Gateway Credit union on Wednesday. According to reports, the man entered the bank on Otis Smith Drive around 3 p.m. armed with a handgun and was able to leave on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect is described as Black, with a dark-colored beanie, black neck gaiter, and a red flannel shirt. Anyone with information about the suspect or the robbery is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.
National/World Headlines
Biden To Reveal COVID Winter Plan Today
(Washington, DC) — President Biden is revealing his plan today for how to battle COVID during the winter. That includes tightening travel restrictions amid the new omicron variant, now in the U.S. He’s expected to say all international passengers flying in will need to get tested within 24 hours instead of three days. He’ll also extend the transportation mask mandate to March. The President assures his plan doesn’t include any shutdowns or lockdowns.
WI Parade Crash Suspect Talks From Jail
(Waukesha, WI) — Another child hurt in the Wisconsin parade tragedy is back home. A 16-year-old boy was marching with his school band when a driver slammed into them, hitting dozens of people. The suspect held his first jailhouse interview yesterday, telling Fox News he’s being treated like a monster. Darrell Brooks didn’t offer a motive. He’s charged with killing five adults and an eight-year old boy. Six kids remain in the hospital.
Poll: 24% Want Roe V. Wade Overturned
(Washington, DC) — A new poll shows fewer than one in four people want the Supreme Court to overturn the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision. The justices heard arguments yesterday on a Mississippi law banning abortion after 15 weeks of pregnancy. A Yahoo News/YouGov poll out the same day also found 55-percent of people want to see the court reaffirm the decision and uphold legal abortion in all 50 states.
Witness At Maxwell Trial Mentions Trump
(New York, NY) — A woman who claims she was groomed for sex by Ghislaine [[ GHEE-lane ]] Maxwell says Jeffrey Epstein introduced her to Donald Trump when she was 14 years old. She made the claim during Maxwell’s sex trafficking trial yesterday. She didn’t allege any wrongdoing by Trump, but says she met him in the 1990s. Maxwell is accused of helping Epstein abuse young girls. The convicted sex offender took his life in a jail cell two years ago.
Warren Wants Banks To End Overdraft Fees
(Boston, MA) — The sixth largest bank in American is ditching overdraft fees and a Massachusetts senator wants others to do the same. Elizabeth Warren took to Twitter after Capital One revealed it will end the fees early next year. She’s urging Chase and other big banks to stop what she calls an abusive practice. A new report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau shows banks made more than 15-billion dollars from such fees in 2019.
Carlos Santana Cancels Vegas Shows
(Las Vegas,NV) — Legendary guitarist Carlos Santana is canceling shows because of a heart procedure. He revealed in a video he went to the hospital over the weekend with chest pain and is now taking time off to replenish and rest. Santana was scheduled to play last night at the House of Blues in Las Vegas, where he has a residency. The 74-year-old won’t play this month but says he’s looking forward to returning next month.
