Author: Associated Press

Thoroughbred retirement farm offering virtual tours

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (AP) — A popular thoroughbred retirement farm in Kentucky is reaching out to its supporters through virtual farm tours that showcase its equine retirees. Old Friends offered its first virtual tour on Monday. The series is called “Monday Mornings with Michael” and is hosted by Old Friends founder Michael Blowen. Each week, he’ll offer short visits with a…

McConnell: Impeachment ‘diverted attention’ from coronavirus

WASHINGTON (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell says President Donald Trump’s impeachment trial distracted the federal government from the novel coronavirus as it reached the United States in January. The Kentucky Republican told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt on Tuesday that the deadly virus “came up while we were tied down on the impeachment trial.” There were warnings at…

Kentucky lawmakers to take up 1-year budget due to pandemic

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Key Kentucky lawmakers say the legislature will be presented a one-year state spending plan. Lawmakers traditionally pass two-year budgets. Sen. Chris McDaniel on Tuesday said the rare move was caused by disruptions from the coronavirus pandemic. Rep. Steven Rudy says passing a one-year plan will enable lawmakers to meet their constitutional duty of passing a budget…

McConnell releasing ad tied to his role in virus rescue bill

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is launching a campaign ad in his home state that touts his role in passing the $2.2 trillion economic rescue package. It’s an effort by the Kentucky Republican to capitalize on his leadership post during the coronavirus crisis. The TV ad is debuting across Kentucky on Wednesday. It boasts the benefits…

Beshear announces surge in coronavirus cases, deaths

File PhotoFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky’s impact from the coronavirus pandemic has worsened. Gov. Andy Beshear on Tuesday announced 114 new cases and seven more deaths linked to the illness. It was the highest-number of cases and deaths reported in a single day in the Bluegrass State. The governor braced the state for the potential for even worse days from…

Kentucky governor signs coronavirus-relief bill

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has signed legislation offering relief to workers and employers suffering economic damage from the coronavirus pandemic. The bill was put on the fast track by lawmakers. It comes as the state deals with rising numbers of coronavirus cases and deaths linked to the illness. The governor thanked the legislature for its quick…

Closure continues for ferry linking Kentucky and Illinois

MARION, Ky. (AP) — The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says the Cave-in-Rock Ferry that links Kentucky and Illinois is expected to remain closed until sometime Wednesday. The ferry closed Thursday, when floodwaters covered Kentucky 91 at the Kentucky Landing. It had been expected to reopen Monday. The Cave-In-Rock Ferry connects Kentucky 91 with Illinois Route 1 across the Ohio River between…