Author: Associated Press

Judge pauses loan forgiveness program for farmers of color

MILWAUKEE, Wisc.  (AP) — A federal judge has halted a loan forgiveness program for farmers of color in response to a lawsuit alleging the program discriminates against white farmers. The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports U.S. District Judge William Griesbach in Milwaukee issued a temporary restraining order Thursday suspending the program from President Joe Biden’ administration for socially disadvantaged farmers and…

Kentucky revenue collections continue surging in May

FileFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky officials say the state’s revenue collections in May continued to far outpace last year’s pandemic-battered performance. State Budget Director John Hicks said Thursday that General Fund receipts last month rose nearly 57% — or nearly $443 million — above the amount collected in May 2020. He says receipts have grown by 14% for the first…

Federal funding will help western Ky. town’s water system

EARLINGTON, Ky. (AP) — A western Kentucky city is receiving a $610,000 in federal funding to improve its water infrastructure. The city of Earlington in Hopkins County will use the money for water system improvements. The governor’s office says the project will also get $390,000 in local matching funds. The improvements are expected to create 20 jobs. The funding comes…

Ex-Ole Miss linebacker Jacquez Jones transfers to Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Former Mississippi veteran linebacker Jacquez Jones has transferred to Kentucky and will be immediately eligible to play for the Wildcats. The 6-foot, 235-pound Jones made 182 tackles while starting 19 of 33 games in three seasons with the Rebels. He started nine of 10 contests last year and led Ole Miss with a career-best 75 stops,…

Feds charge Kentucky officer accused of hitting protester

File PicLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Federal charges have been filed against a Kentucky police officer accused of hitting a kneeling protester in the back of the head with a riot stick last year during demonstrations for racial justice. News outlets cited court documents in reporting that Louisville Metro Police officer Cory P. Evans was charged Wednesday with deprivation of rights…

Kentucky’s high court reviews case testing executive powers

(Credit: Pixabay)FRANKFORT, Ky (AP) — Kentucky’s highest court has heard clashing views on the extent of a governor’s executive powers. The Supreme Court heard arguments Thursday in a case challenging new laws aimed at limiting Gov. Andy Beshear’s authority to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Supreme Court hearing came a day before all coronavirus-related capacity limits on Kentucky businesses…

Military medical service mission coming to eastern Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky (AP) — A military medical service operation that will provide free health services is coming to eastern Kentucky in July. Gov. Andy Beshear has announced that military health care workers will operate health clinics roughly between July 10 and July 21. They will provide free general medical, dental and optometry services to approximately 1,800 uninsured or underinsured Kentuckians….

Judge: Home incarceration for pardoned man facing new charge

(Credit: Pixabay)LONDON, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky man charged with murder in federal court after his state homicide conviction was pardoned by a former governor will be released on bond pending trial. News outlets report that Patrick Baker will be placed in home incarceration with electronic monitoring of his whereabouts. Prosecutors objected, arguing that Baker would pose a potential threat…

Anti-abortion groups challenge Louisville buffer zone law

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Anti-abortion groups are challenging a new Louisville law that creates a buffer zone around medical centers. It bars protesters from an area in front of a downtown abortion clinic. The new law passed by the Louisville Metro Council last month creates a 10-foot-wide zone outside healthcare facilities, including the EMW Women’s clinic. The downtown facility routinely…