Author: Associated Press

Critics slam country artists for playing for unmasked crowds

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Musicians and fans alike are criticizing country artists who performed at outdoor concerts this weekend where social media pictures showed large crowds without masks. Country star Kelsea Ballerini called fellow country singer Chase Rice “selfish” for risking people’s health by playing in front of a large crowd in Tennessee. Country singer Chris Janson was singled out…

Ag commissioner sues governor over virus-related orders

Image Credit: ryanquarles.comFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky’s top agriculture official is taking the governor to court. Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles says Gov. Andy Beshear circumvented state law by failing to gather public input for several executive orders issued amid the coronavirus pandemic. Quarles filed the suit Monday in Scott Circuit Court. It asks a judge to invalidate orders putting a…

Couple draw guns at crowd heading to St. Louis mayor’s home

ST. LOUIS (AP) — A white couple pointed guns at protesters in St. Louis, Missouri, as the group marched toward the mayor’s home, demanding her resignation after she publicly read the names and addresses of several residents who supported defunding the police department. A social media video showed the armed couple standing outside their home Sunday evening, shouting at protesters,…

Prosecutor: Golden State Killer said inner voice drove him

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A prosecutor says the man dubbed the Golden State Killer made incriminating statements after his arrest and indicated he was driven by an internal force he couldn’t control. Sacramento County prosecutor Thien Ho said Monday that Joseph James DeAngelo Jr. was alone in a police interrogation room in April 2018 when he began speaking to himself….

Louisville protest shooting victim remembered for kindness

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A man gunned down during a Louisville protest over the police killing of Breonna Taylor was remembered at a vigil for amplifying calls for peace and helping victims of racial injustice. Flowers and candles lined a makeshift memorial for 27-year-old Tyler Gerth, who was fatally shot Saturday. A suspect was charged with murder and wanton endangerment….

Supreme Court strikes down Louisiana abortion clinic law

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court has struck down a Louisiana law regulating abortion clinics, reasserting a commitment to abortion rights over fierce opposition from dissenting conservative justices in the first big abortion case of the Trump era. Chief Justice John Roberts joined with his four more liberal colleagues in ruling that the law requiring doctors who perform abortions to…

Diageo goes green with carbon neutral distillery in Kentucky

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — Spirits giant Diageo is going green with its newest whiskey-making venture in the Bluegrass State. Diageo said Monday that its distillery being built at Lebanon, Kentucky, will be carbon neutral — a first for the London-based company. The $130 million distillery will produce Bulleit bourbon. It’s aiming to be powered by 100% renewable electricity and fully…

Beyoncé’s message, epic performances stand out at BET Awards

LOS ANGELES (AP) — Beyoncé said voting in the upcoming election could help end a “racist and unequal system” in America while accepting the humanitarian award at the BET Awards. The superstar singer urged viewers to vote Sunday after Michelle Obama presented her with the honor during the virtual ceremony. The singer’s call was one of several moments that stood…

Construction begins on new Air National Guard facility

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The Kentucky Air National Guard has broken ground on a new $8.9 million facility. A statement from the guard says the 28,000-square-foot Response Forces Facility will house the guard’s contingency response group, security forces squadron, base honor guard and a medical detachment. Construction began Friday and is expected to last 15 months. It is the largest…