Author: Associated Press

A Kentucky judge dismisses lawsuit but protects historic mural that has sparked protests

Provided by: UKPhoto/ Mark Cornelison.LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — A judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed by award-winning writer Wendell Berry and his wife to stop the University of Kentucky from removing a mural that has been the object of protests for its depictions of Black people and Native Americans. But the ruling also protects the artwork. The lawsuit was filed…

Biden and congressional leaders announce a deal on government funding as a partial shutdown looms

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Joe Biden and congressional leaders have reached an agreement on this fiscal year’s final set of spending bills. Now, the question is how fast lawmakers can get the bills passed to avoid a partial government shutdown. The Democratic president said Tuesday he’ll sign the bill package as soon as he gets it, but time is running…

Mega Millions jackpot soars to $875 million. Powerball reaches $600 million

By FREIDA FRISARO Associated Press

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — If you’re feeling some St. Patrick’s Day magic, you might want to buy a lottery ticket. Mega Millions and Powerball have racked up some massive jackpots after weeks of rollovers. The Mega Millions jackpot is already estimated at a whopping $875 million for Tuesday night’s drawing after no tickets matched all six numbers drawn on…

After dangerous tornadoes in Ohio and Indiana, survivors salvage, reflect and prepare for recovery

By JOSHUA A. BICKEL and ISABELLA VOLMERT Associated Press

A storm’s trail of destruction affected people in parts of Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana and Arkansas on Thursday night. At least three people in Ohio were killed, dozens hurt and even more reported damaged homes or businesses by Friday. Residents sorted through rubble, reflecting on the fear the storms caused and their relief at coming through physically unscathed. They briefly rejoiced…

Wide receiver Calvin Ridley eager to prove his work ethic with the Titans

Photo: CBS SportsNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Calvin Ridley had a message Friday for anyone worried the Tennessee Titans overpaid for him or that the wide receiver who missed essentially two NFL seasons won’t live up to his new four-year, $92 million deal. “I’m a good player. I’m the type of player who deserves this contract,” Ridley said. “I’m going to…

College swimmers, volleyball players sue NCAA over transgender policies

ATLANTA (AP) — Former Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines was among more than a dozen college athletes who filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, accusing it of violating their Title IX rights by allowing transgender woman Lia Thomas to compete at the national championships in 2022. The lawsuit details the shock Gaines and other swimmers felt when they learned they would…

Oklahoma’s push to weaken penalties for cockfighting is frustrating opponents of the bloodsport

By SEAN MURPHY Associated Press

WILSON, Okla. (AP) — Before Oklahoma became one of the last places in the U.S. to outlaw cockfighting in 2002, it wasn’t uncommon to see hundreds of spectators packed into small arenas in rural parts of the state to watch roosters, often outfitted with razor-sharp steel blades, fight until a bloody death. More than 20 years after the ban took…