Author: Associated Press

FEMA staff to help Kentuckians in seeking storm-related aid

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Gov. Andy Beshear says federal emergency officials will be in three Kentucky counties in coming days to meet with people who suffered damage from severe storms and flooding. He says the officials will be available at Individual Assistance Registration Support Centers in Breathitt, Johnson and Powell counties. Staff will be available Saturday as well as Monday…

Former education commissioner honored for excellence

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A former Kentucky education commissioner has been named as the recipient of the 2021 Karem Award for Excellence in Education Policy. The Kentucky Department of Education said Board of Education members announced during a board meeting Wednesday that the award goes to Terry Holliday, who served as state education commissioner from 2009-2015. The award recognizes a…

Commission recommends funding for school district projects

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Gov. Andy Beshear says a state commission has recommended funding for projects in several Kentucky school districts as part of a $127 million school construction plan. The Kentucky School Facilities Construction Commission voted Wednesday to recommended the funding. The projects are in the following districts: Hart, Martin, Floyd, Boyd, Bellevue, Mayfield, Jackson, Grant, Breckinridge, Bath, Cumberland,…

McConnell: Extra jobless benefit hurts back-to-work efforts

SHELBYVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Sen. Mitch McConnell says Kentucky’s acceptance of extra jobless benefits is hurting back-to-work efforts as employers struggle to find help. The Senate GOP leader’s comments Wednesday were a dig at the Democratic governor. Gov. Andy Beshear says the weekly $300 federal unemployment payments have contributed to surging consumer spending that benefits Kentucky businesses. McConnell says the…

Flags to fly half-staff to honor Kentucky sailor

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Officials say flags at state buildings are being flown at half-staff to honor a Kentucky sailor who was killed at Pearl Harbor and recently identified. Navy Gunner’s Mate 3rd Class Shelby Treadway of Manchester died in the attack on Dec. 7, 1941. His remains are being interred at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific on…

Beshear announces milestone in transportation contracts

FileFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Gov. Andy Beshear says Kentucky’s Transportation Cabinet has awarded more than $1 billion in construction project contracts since January 2020. He said Tuesday it’s another sign the state’s economy is rebounding from the COVID-19 pandemic. The governor says transportation is playing a big part in the economic recovery. Last week, Kentucky officials announced a contract for…

Essential Quality is 2-1 morning line favorite for Belmont

NEW YORK (AP) — Essential Quality has been set as a 2-1 favorite for the Belmont Stakes on Saturday. Essential Quality and Preakness winner Rombauer headline a field of eight horses running in the third jewel of the Triple Crown. Medina Spirit wasn’t eligible to enter the race after the New York Racing Association suspended trainer Bob Baffert pending an…

Despite vaccines, nursing homes struggle with outbreaks

(AP) — Nursing homes across the country are still reporting scattered COVID-19 outbreaks and COVID-associated deaths, albeit at much smaller rates than during the height of the pandemic. Those facilities are subsequently following federal and state recommendations to pause visitations, causing disappointment and frustration among family members who hoped to get back to normal once the residents were fully vaccinated….

Police: Officers fatally shot man who pulled gun amid chase

File PicLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Authorities say police in Kentucky fatally shot a man who pulled a gun during a chase. A Jefferson County Coroner’s Office statement says 32-year-old Ryan Bernal died of a gunshot wound Monday at University of Louisville Hospital. News outlets report Louisville Metro Police said officers saw two men flee from a reportedly stolen vehicle on…

Kentucky man who received controversial pardon rearrested

LONDON, Ky. (AP) — A Kentucky man who was convicted of homicide and then received a controversial pardon from then-Gov. Matt Bevin has been rearrested. The Courier-Journal reports the sister of the man Patrick Baker was convicted of killing told the paper a federal agent had alerted her to the arrest. A spokesman with the Federal Bureau of Investigation didn’t…