Here to help you sift through the important facts in a way that’s digestible.

Wednesday, June 24, 2020

• Nationally:
  • The tension between Trump and those who are attempting to vandalize monuments is growing, with U.S. Marshals being told to prepare to protect the monuments
  • New COVID-19 cases reached record highs today in the U.S.
  • Democrats in the Senate blocked a GOP-lead police reform bill, citing the bill’s leniency toward force as one of the main reasons they held it up
  • Ahmaud Arbery’s three killers were indicted today on murder charges
  • New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey are going to require fourteen-day quarantines from travellers from states with high coronavirus cases
  • Joe Biden has a massive lead over President Trump, according to a New York Times poll
  • The EU is highly considering barring American travelers once it reopens
• Locally:
  • Partial results from in-person voting show a lead for Charles Booker over Amy McGrath, but higher numbers of mail-in votes could swing the vote either way
  • Kentucky’s unemployment office is still under fire due to unemployment claims that have yet to be fulfilled
• Andy Hour:
  • The governor called out two groups of people who came back from Myrtle Beach and tested positive for the coronavirus
  • The “Healthy At School” plan was released:
    • Mandatory temperature checks at the beginning of each day
    • Students are going to be required to wear masks when moving, on buses, and whenever a social distance of six feet can’t be maintained
  • Today’s numbers:
    • 229 new cases
    • 79 people in the ICU
    • 1 death

Tuesday, June 23, 2020

• Nationally:
  • Trump supports a second round of stimulus checks
  • Georgia legislature approves hate crime bill
  • Primary Election Day in Kentucky, Virginia, and New York
• Locally: 
  • Andy Beshear restores voting rights to more than 170,000 nonviolent felons making this Primary the first time for them to vote.
  • Charles Booker filed an injunction to extend the voting time in Jefferson County until 9 p.m. and was denied by Judge Annie O’Connell. However, she did order that anyone inside the Exposition Center no later than 6:30 p.m. would be permitted to vote. Check the handwritten order here.
  • Officer Brent Hankison has been terminated from LMPD, but he has 10 days to appeal that decision.
  • Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell wins GOP nomination for Kentucky’s Senate Primary.

Monday, June 22, 2020

• Nationally:
  • The Trump campaign suggested that there over a million people signed up to attend his first rally since March. Officials say there were under 6,200 in the arena.
  • Trump will sign an executive order suspending work visas for those coming from foreign countries amid the economic downturn.

• Locally:

• • TARC will provide free shuttle rides to the Expo Center for tomorrow’s primary election.
  • Restaurants that reopened last month at 33% capacity are now allowed to increase capacity to 50%.
  • Members of the Kentucky House Democratic Women’s Caucus have asked Gov. Beshear to replace the recently removed Jefferson Davis statue with a statue of a woman in the Capitol rotunda.
• Andy Hour:
  • Today’s update comes from the old state Capitol building in downtown Frankfort.
  • “We’re gonna get through this. We’re gonna get through this together.”
  • Although the numbers have been looking up recently, Gov. Beshear stresses the need to continue wearing masks and social distancing.
  • In order to continue decreasing COVID-19 cases, Gov. Beshear says cut the events you attend in half of what they were before the pandemic.
  • You can fill out the census here.
  • Today’s numbers:
    • 90 new cases
    • 13,839 total cases
    • 352,215 total tests
    • 2,532 ever hospitalized; 349 currently
    • 987 ever in the ICU; 67 currently
    • 3,534 total recovered
    • 0 new deaths; 526 total 

Saturday, June 20, 2020

• Nationally:
  • U.S. judge decided that John Bolton, former national security adviser, could proceed with publishing his tell-all book concerning his time at the White House
  • U.S. attorney stepped down after Trump ordered him fired
  • Trump held his first rally since the pandemic ravaged the country, despite warnings from the CDC
• Locally:
  • Protests in Louisville continued for the 24th day
  • Charles Booker held several campaign events, including one in Paristown Pointe

Friday, June 19, 2020

• Nationally:
  • Today is Juneteenth celebrating the end of slavery in the United States
  • Oklahoma Supreme Court allows Trump’s Tulsa Rally to proceed 
  • South Carolina and Florida set record numbers for daily COVID-19 cases
• Locally:
  • Officer Brett Hankison, one of the three officers involved in the shooting of Breonna Taylor, has been fired from LMPD.
  • Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer makes “Juneteenth” an official city holiday
  • Youth activists march to the home of Senator Mitch McConnell
  • Jefferson County Public Schools adds Juneteenth to its curriculum
• Andy Hour: 
  • Kentucky Agricultural Development Board Approve Agriculture Grants
    • Approved three million dollars for 50 projects and programs that will provide opportunities for agriculturalists to diversify and advance their operations.
    • “Investing in the youth of Kentucky Agriculture is vital to ensuring a better future for all Kentuckians.”
    • Board approved more than 55,000 fundings to support the next generation of agriculturalists. 
    • This month, 20 farmers were granted more than $155,000 to implement on farm energy efficiency in their facilities.
    • “I’m excited to see our farmers put this funding into action.”

Thursday, June 18, 2020

• Nationally:
  • The Supreme Court rejected President Trump’s attempt to dismantle DACA, a system protecting young undocumented immigrants.
  • According to a new study, climate change is tied to pregnancy complications, with black mothers facing the largest risk.
  • Facebook removed controversial ads for the Trump campaign which featured a symbol used by the Nazis to classify political prisoners.
  • According to Dr. Fauci, America is still in the first wave of COVID-19.

• Locally:

• • New polls show Charles Booker surging past Amy McGrath in Kentucky’s Senate primary.
  • During Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s address, he said he will not put a timetable on the investigation into the police shooting of Breonna Taylor.
• Andy Hour:
  • “We’re gonna get through this. We’re gonna get through this together.”
  • You can fill out the census here.
  • Gov. Beshear urges Kentuckians to wear face masks. “It’s not a test of your manhood, whether you wear a mask or not. It’s a test of your compassion, maybe even your faith,” Beshear said.
  • Today’s numbers:
    • 234 new cases
    • 13,197 total cases
    • 336,267 total tests
    • 2,482 ever hospitalized; 400 currently
    • 975 ever in the ICU; 68 currently
    • 3,506 total recovered
    • 3 new deaths; 520 total 

Wednesday, June 17, 2020

• Andy Hour: 
  • Beshear announced a declaration for a state-based healthcare exchange beginning January 1, 2022
  • Secretary Eric Freelander: announced Marta Miranda-Straub as Commissioner of the Department for Community Based Services 
  • Fill out your 2020 census!
  • The primary election will take place June 23 
    • Providing PPE for in-person voting
  • New testing locations at Kroger in Fayette, Oldham, Jefferson, and Warren County
  • Today’s Numbers:
    • 170 new cases, 37 of them in Jefferson County
    • 329,710 total tests, a 5,277 increase from yesterday
    • 2,455 total people hospitalized, currently 416
    • 971 people ever in the ICU, currently 61
    • 3,444 people have recovered
    • 6 new deaths, 518 total deaths
    • 12,995 total cases
  • Beshear says to reduce contacts you had before COVID-19 by at least 50%

Tuesday, June 16, 2020

• Nationally:
  • Virginia governor proposes to recognize Juneteenth – the end of slavery – as a holiday in the state.
  • Many companies nationwide are giving employees the opportunity for paid off leave on Juneteenth  
  • Atlanta police officer, Garrett Rolfe was fired after the shooting of Rayshard Brooks in a Wendy’s parking lot.
  • President Trump signs an executive order on police reforms.
  • The Supreme Court ruled 7-2 that the Atlantic Coast natural gas pipeline will be permitted to cross the Appalachian Trail.
  • Several large fires are burning across Arizona.
• Locally:
  • 889,679 registered voters requested an absentee ballot for the June 23 primary
  • A federally-backed grant will enable Wellspring – behavioral health nonprofit – and the University of Louisville Kent School of Social Work to help homeless and vulnerable people in the city get into housing and recovery.
  • Attorneys for Breonna Taylor allege that Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer and the city have been unlawfully withholding records on Taylor’s death.

Monday, June 15, 2020

• Nationally:
  • The Supreme Court ruled that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects people from workplace discrimination on the basis of sex, includes LGBTQ+ employees.
  • The FDA is revoking the authorization of two malaria drugs for the treatment of COVID-19, saying they are unlikely to be effective. 
  • In a letter to the Kentucky Attorney General, Beyoncé demanded the officers who fatally shot Breonna Taylor to be charged.
• Locally:
  • Today is the last day to request an absentee ballot for this month’s elections. You can request a ballot here. 
  • In-person absentee voting begins today at the Kentucky Expo Center. Information can be found here.
  • The Railbird Festival in Lexington has been canceled for 2020.
• Andy Hour:
  • Today’s briefing took place in the Kentucky Historical Society in downtown Frankfort.
  • “We’re gonna get through this. We’re gonna get through this together.”
  • Gov. Beshear encourages everyone to request an absentee ballot and vote in the upcoming election.
  • Gov. Beshear also stresses the need to complete the 2020 Census, which can be found here.
  • Today’s numbers:
    • 120 new cases
    • 12,647 total cases
    • 325,065 total tests
    • 2,433 ever hospitalized; 383 currently
    • 969 ever in the ICU; 63 currently
    • 3,416 total recovered
    • 6 new deaths, including one from Sunday; 505 total

Saturday, June 13, 2020

• Nationally: 
  • 24 hours after the death of a black man shot by police in Atlanta, the city’s police chief will resign.
  • The Republican National Convention is moving to Jacksonville, Florida from North Carolina due to restrictions related to the coronavirus
  • More Americans than ever support the “Black Lives Matter” movement
• Locally:
  • The Jefferson Davis statue was officially removed from the state capitol’s rotunda today.
  • The primaries are heating up, with Charles Booker gaining more support in Louisville.
  • The streets leading up to Mayor Fischer’s house are blocked off with the signs claiming that the mayor is throwing a barbecue. He is not.

Friday, June 12, 2020

• Nationally:
  • Starbucks will now allow employees to wear T-shirts/accessories in support of BLM after facing much backlash 
  • Texas, Florida, and California reported their highest daily numbers of new COVID-19 cases
• Locally:
  • Louisville Slugger ends Nightstick program that would’ve supported Louisville Police
  • Two explosions went off at protests taking place late Thursday night near Waterfront Park
  • The Historic Properties Advisory Commission held a meeting to vote on the removal of the Jefferson Davis statue; 11-1 in favor of its removal from the capital rotunda
  • Mayor Greg Fischer signs ‘Breonna’s Law’ banning no-knock search warrants.
• Gov. Beshear did not give an update today.

Thursday, June 11, 2020

• Nationally: 
  • America’s top military general, Mark Milley, apologized for being present at Trump’s photo op in front of St. John’s Church last week. 
  • 2 million cases of COVID-19 have been confirmed in the US.
  • 44 million Americans have filed for unemployment aid in the last 12 weeks.
  • President Trump continues to receive backlash after planning a rally in Tulsa on June 19, the anniversary of the emancipation of the last remaining enslaved African Americans in the Confederacy.
  • One of the officers charged in the death of George Floyd was released from jail after posting bail of $750,000.
  • A new policy from the Trump campaign states that rally attendees who contract COVID-19 at a rally cannot sue the campaign.
• Locally: 
  • 927,000 Kentuckians have filed for unemployment aid in the last 12 weeks.
  • Kentucky Senator Rand Paul is filing legislation to ban no-knock warrants across the US in response to the shooting of Breonna Taylor.
  • Mayor Fischer announced that he is asking for a more in-depth review of the sexual assault accusations against one of the officers involved in the fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor.
  • The Kentucky Derby Festival has canceled Thunder Over Louisville and the Pegasus Parade due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The Louisville Metro Council has unanimously voted to ban no-knock warrants.
• Andy Hour:
  • “We’re gonna get through this. We’re gonna get through this together.”
  • Due to a backlog in the federal system, today’s COVID-19 update from Gov. Beshear was limited. “A significant number of results that would’ve come today are going to come tomorrow,” Beshear said. “Our number today is really low – you shouldn’t read anything into that.”
  • Today’s numbers:
    • 69 new cases
    • 11,945 total cases
    • 308,786 total tests
    • 2,406 ever hospitalized; 514 currently
    • 967 ever in the ICU; 81 currently
    • 3,379 total recovered
    • 9 new deaths; 493 total 
  • Gov. Beshear encourages Kentuckians not to feel fatigued due to COVID-19, encouraging everyone to continue supporting those impacted by it.
  • Gov. Beshear has asked the state Historic Properties Advisory Commission to meet tomorrow to vote to remove the statue of Jefferson Davis in the Capitol rotunda. 

Wednesday, June 10, 2020 

• Nationally:
  • NASCAR banned the use of the Confederate flag during their events
  • Women outnumbered men in the U.S. workforce for the first time ever at the end of 2019
  • Nearly half of U.S. states have seen a spike in COVID-19 cases
• Local:
  • LMPD released the incident report from the night of Breonna Taylor’s murder. Pecularly, it notes Taylor’s injuries as “none” despite the 26-year-old being shot eight times by the police. The document also reported that there was “no forced entry” even though police knocked Taylor’s apartment door down. Around eight, LMPD made a statement saying that the inaccuracies in the document were due to problems with the reporting program.
  • JCPS announced a new student assignment plan that offers students who live in the West End the option to attend schools closer to home, among other things. Read more about it here.
  • Charles Booker is outpacing Amy McGrath in per-day fundraising.
• Andy Hour:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • Beshear again preaches unity within the state.
  • 10 rules. Remember to be healthy at work.
  • Register for your absentee ballot here. Fill out your census, too!
  • Today’s numbers:
    • 191 new cases; 49 in Jefferson County
      • “191 is within a range where we believe it is controlled,” says Gov. Beshear.
    • 11,883 total cases, 3,375 recovered
    • 302,347 — up significantly from yesterday.
    • 2,396 ever hospitalized; 518 currently hospitalized. Right now, the state has enough beds to take care of a surge.
    • 966 ever in the ICU; 68 currently
    • 7 new deaths
  • Beshear reiterates how critical it is for everyone to get tested. Tests are no longer scarce. Find a place to get tested here.
    • “Get one. If you haven’t ever had one, get one. If you haven’t had one in a month, get one. If you’ve started doing more things out there, get one. If you’re somebody that’s going back to work soon, get one,” says the governor. 

Tuesday, June 9, 2020

• Nationally:
  • George Floyd’s funeral service held in Houston, Texas 
  • Minneapolis police officers are banned from using chokeholds & neck restraints 
• Locally:
  • Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will endorse Charles Booker in the Democratic Senate primary.
  • Lexington Herald-Leader Editorial Board will also endorse Charles Booker
  • Louisville Police Officer Brett Hankison that was involved in the shooting of Breonna Taylor has been accused of sexual assault
  • Kentucky voters have filed a class-action lawsuit wanting more than one in-person voting location for the June 23 primary elections.

• Andy Hour: 
  • Wants everybody to vote
    • Click here if eligible
  • Committed to removing the Jefferson Davis statue from the state Capitol rotunda.
  • David McAtee Investigation – J. Michael Brown
    • KY State Police will do a frame by frame review
    • Fatal wound resulting in McAtee’s death was fired by a National Guard; unclear which one
  • Points Made on Comments from Yesterday
    • Want to address bias in our education system and work on programs to ensure there are more black teachers in the classroom
    • More cultural awareness training for Law Enforcement
    • “I believe healthcare is a basic human right”
    • Want to make sure everybody can see a doctor

• • After retail, restaurants, and other businesses operate under 33% for a month, they can increase capacity to 50% 
  • Approved the State Fair proposal
    • State Fair will not use the portion of the Kentucky Exposition Center with field hospitals as a precaution in case of surges in cases
    • Fewer vendors
    • Most of the State Fair will occur outside, some inside
    • Fewer activities will be available
  • Today’s number:
    • 245 new cases; 91 in Jefferson County
    • 287,597 total tests
    • 2,386 total hospitalized; currently 525 
    • 966 total in ICU; currently 75
    • 3,365 total recoveries
    • Five new deaths; 477 total
    • Total cases 11,708

Monday, June 8, 2020

• Nationally:
  • On Sunday, Minneapolis city council members announced their support to disband the city’s police department. 
  • Derek Chauvin, the ex-officer charged in George Floyd’s death, appeared via videoconference at his first court hearing. His bail was set at $1.25 million and will reappear in court on June 29.
  • New York City mayor Bill de Blasio also announced a plan to reform the NYPD and lifted the city’s curfew starting Sunday night. 
  • Congress Democrats proposed a police reform bill in response to the nation’s mass protests against police brutality. Before introducing the bill, several Congress members knelt in the Capitol in silence for 8 minutes and 46 seconds to honor George Floyd. 
  • According to the WHO, new coronavirus cases hit an all-time high, globally, on Sunday.
• Locally: 
  • The controversial John B. Castleman statue was removed from the Cherokee Triangle this morning.
  • Steve Pitt, Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s top advisor, has resigned. 
  • The Louisville Zoo will open on June 12 for zoo members and June 26 for general admission. 100 people will be able to visit each hour and temperature checks will be administered at the gate.
• Andy Hour: 
  • Because the previous night’s protests were peaceful, neither the Kentucky State Police nor the National Guard will be stationed in Louisville any longer.
  • Gov. Beshear commits to providing healthcare coverage for everyone in the black and African American community. 
  • Michael Brown: As the economy opens back up, Kentucky will resume officer training, with a new proposed online training course.
  • Lt. Gov. Coleman: New reforms were proposed to Kentucky schools, including a student Board of Education member, implicit bias training for all staff, and recruiting more people of color to teaching positions.
  • Gov. Beshear praises those who have been tested and continues to encourage everyone to get tested.
  • Today’s numbers:
    • 120 new cases
    • 11,476 total cases
    • 285,358 total tests
    • 2,368 total hospitalizations; currently 486
    • 958 ever in the ICU; currently 76
    • 3,359 total recoveries
    • One new death; 472 total

Saturday, June 6, 2020

• Nationally:
  • A video released on Thursday showing Buffalo police officers pushing down a man has sparked national attention. Two officers involved in the incident have been charged with assault.
  • Protests continue around the country. Click here to read about an 80-year-old woman who was the only one in her town to show up to a police brutality protest.
• Locally:
  • Beyoncé got involved in the fight for Breonna Taylor. The singer wished her happy birthday yesterday and demanded the slain 26-year-old receive justice.
  • Last night, the protests lasted until at least 2 a.m.
  • Today, at 5:45 p.m., balloons were released in honor of Taylor.
  • More than 170 people have been arrested in connection with the protests in Louisville.
  • The Fairness Campaign, which supported Mayor Fischer in two previous general elections, has pulled its endorsement from the mayor.
• Gov. Beshear did not give an update today.

Friday, June 5, 2020

• Nationally:

• • In Washington DC, “Black Lives Matter,” is painted on road leading to the White House
  • The N.F.L. commissioner has praised peaceful protests from its players and apologizes for the way it handled protests last year when Colin Kaepernick took a knee during the National Anthem in order to protest police brutality.

• Locally: 

• • University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto announced that the school will remove the Memorial Hall mural from campus. Students have criticized the mural as being racist.
  • Today marks what would have been Breonna Taylor’s 27th birthday, sparking memorials across the city.
  • JCPS teachers and students marched today in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
  • The University of Louisville announced a nursing scholarship in memory of Breonna Taylor’s name.
  • Kanye West has chipped in to pay Breonna Taylor’s legal fees

• Andy Hour:
  • Gov. Beshear reminds citizens to continue to social distance; wear masks, as Covid-19 can still spread easily; and protect one another

• • Today’s numbers:

• • • 289 new cases
    • 10,977 total cases
    • 274,919 total tests
    • 3,316 recovered
    • Eight new deaths; 466 total
    • “Our third health care worker we’ve lost one working in a long-term care facility, a 52-year-old woman from Jefferson County.”

Thursday, June 4, 2020

• Nationally:
  • One of the men charged in Ahmaud Arbery’s death was heard using a racial slur after killing Arbery, according to an investigator involved with the case
• Locally:
  • Mayor Greg Fischer held a press conference today with LMPD, where they showed a video of looters and asked the city to help end it. This move was widely criticized by activists across the city.
  • The curfew, which previously lasted from 9 p.m. until 6:30 a.m., has been lifted.
• Andy Hour:
  • Today’s numbers:
    • 295 cases; 149 in Jefferson
    • 10,705 total cases; 226 probable
    • 262,714 total tests
    • 2,332 total hospitalized; currently 518
    • 954 total in the ICU; currently 67
    • 8 new deaths; 458 total
  • Car races will be permitted beginning in July

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

• Nationally:
  • Derek Chauvin — the officer who was responsible for George Floyd’s death — has now been charged with second-degree murder, as opposed to the previous third degree.
  • The other three officers involved in Floyd’s murder have now been prosecuted by the city of Minneapolis. 
  • President Trump threatened military action if states don’t do enough to quell protesters. Defense Secretary Mark Esper split with Trump, saying active-duty troops were likely not needed.
• Locally:
  • After the looting of a Kroger in the West End, many more stores and businesses are closing in anticipation of future lootings. For example, Mall St. Matthews had closed. Kroger has now reopened with limited hours.
  • Mayor Greg Fischer is now calling for an independent review of the entire Louisville Metro Police Department. Fischer also joined protesters yesterday evening at Jefferson Square Park for the first time since the protests began last Thursday.
  • More businesses, including gyms, movie theaters, and exercise pools were permitted to open Monday.
• Andy Hour:
  • “We will get through this. We will get through this together.”
  • Governor Beshear begins with praising the unity in Kentucky. “If that (unity) can help us to defeat a one in every hundred-year worldwide health pandemic, then I hope that can help us defeat racism and inequality as well.”
  • There is no update on the Kentucky State Police department’s investigation into the shooting that killed David McAtee.
  • A ninth-month-old was killed by the virus today, says Beshear.
  • Dr. Stack thanks those who wear a mask in public.
  • Numbers for today:
    • 265 new cases; 55 in Jefferson
      • Beshear offers multiple explanations for the rise in numbers today: day-to-day fluxations, a significant increase in testing, or the amount of testing that the state has done in long-term care facilities.
    • 10,410 total cases; 218 probable cases
    • 258,767 total tests have been given. More than 50,000 tests have been given in the past week. Beshear reminds us that at the beginning of the pandemic, in mid-March, there were no tests.
    • 2,317 total people hospitalized; currently 488
      • Beshear reminds us that our hospital numbers are nowhere near their limit.
    • 950 ever in the ICU; Currently, 68
      • One of the lowest numbers we’ve had in a while, says Beshear.
    • 3,283 total recovered
    • 8 new deaths; 450 total
  • Beshear promises that he will use the state’s resources to improve healthcare. 
  • Dr. Stack says that there hasn’t been a spike too concerning, but warns Kentuckians to remain diligent.
  • Beshear warns that if you’ve been in a crowd recently, you should consider getting tested for COVID-19. He also points out the importance of wearing a mask, especially if you’re planning on attending a BLM protest.