Connect with us

News from the South - Kentucky News Feed

Kentuckian has confirmed case of measles

Published

on

kentuckylantern.com – Sarah Ladd – 2025-02-26 20:46:00

Kentuckian has confirmed case of measles

by Sarah Ladd, Kentucky Lantern
February 26, 2025

An adult Kentuckian has measles after traveling internationally “to an area with ongoing measles transmission,” the Kentucky Department for Public Health announced Wednesday night. 

People who were at the Planet Fitness at 101 Allen Way in Frankfort, on Feb. 17 between 9 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. may have been exposed, the department said. The patient attended this location “while infectious,” the department said. 

This is the first confirmed case of measles in a Kentuckian since February 2023. Officials are working to locate any people who may have been exposed through this person. 

Anyone who’s been exposed to the highly contagious measles should call their health care provider before going to ensure others are not exposed, Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky’s public health commissioner, said in a statement.

Those who were exposed while unvaccinated need to quarantine for 21 days from the date of exposure, Stack said, and contact their health care provider if they develop symptoms, which can include rash, high fever, cough, runny nose and red or watery eyes. 

“Measles is one of the most contagious viruses in the world,” Stack said. “Fortunately, measles can be prevented with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which is safe and effective. Vaccines are an essential tool to keep children and adults safe and healthy.”

Measles is spread through the air from coughs or sneezes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One infected person can infect nine in 10 unprotected people around them, the CDC says. 

Measles symptoms include fever, cough,runny nose, red eyes and a rash. The CDC recommends the measles vaccination series at 12-15 months and then at 4-6 years old. 

GET THE MORNING HEADLINES.

SUBSCRIBE

Kentucky Lantern is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kentucky Lantern maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jamie Lucke for questions: info@kentuckylantern.com.

The post Kentuckian has confirmed case of measles appeared first on kentuckylantern.com

News from the South - Kentucky News Feed

Drug Task Force investigates “vape shops,” uncovers over 100lbs of marijuana

Published

on

www.wnky.com – WNKY Staff – 2025-04-02 15:52:00

SUMMARY: Three Bowling Green, Kentucky businesses—Smoke & Vape, Smoke & Vape Superstore, and Smoke Department—were investigated by the Bowling Green-Warren County Drug Task Force and other law enforcement agencies following complaints about illegal sales to minors. Undercover purchases revealed plant material with THC levels between 18.1% and 29.8%, far above the legal limit of 0.3%. Search warrants led to the seizure of over 116 pounds of marijuana, more than 21,000 pre-rolled marijuana blunts, and a handgun. The investigation’s findings have been submitted to the Commonwealth Attorney for potential grand jury action. The case remains ongoing, with further THC testing underway.

Read the full article

The post Drug Task Force investigates “vape shops,” uncovers over 100lbs of marijuana appeared first on www.wnky.com

Continue Reading

News from the South - Kentucky News Feed

Surprise guest shows up as U.S. House Dems slam education cuts: the Education secretary

Published

on

kentuckylantern.com – Shauneen Miranda – 2025-04-02 15:11:00

by Shauneen Miranda, Kentucky Lantern
April 2, 2025

WASHINGTON — A press conference by a dozen U.S. House Democrats outside the U.S. Department of Education took an unusual turn on Wednesday when the subject of their criticism — Education Secretary Linda McMahon —  unexpectedly joined them.

The Democrats had met with the Trump administration appointee a few minutes earlier to press her about the sweeping shifts at the U.S. Department of Education, where she and President Donald Trump are seeking to dismantle the agency. 

The lawmakers told reporters that at the scheduled meeting, they questioned McMahon on how the department could carry out its primary responsibilities when the agency continues to see dramatic changes. That includes mass layoffs that hit core units and an executive order from Trump calling on the secretary to “take all necessary steps to facilitate the closure” of the department to the maximum extent she legally can.

Only Congress, which established the 45-year-old department, has the power to abolish it.

The Democrats said they were grateful that McMahon met with them but dissatisfied with and even alarmed by the secretary’s responses, especially on a timeline for closing the agency.

“It’s very apparent that the secretary is treating this as a corporate restructuring, and we want to be clear that the education of our children is not a corporate enterprise — it is how we move this country forward,” Rep. Melanie Stansbury of New Mexico said.

“It’s very clear that the (reduction in force), the firing of probationary staff, the so-called restructuring that’s happening — when we asked for a plan multiple times in this meeting, we were told there is not a plan yet,” she added.

The secretary arrives, and leaves

As the Democrats spoke, McMahon emerged from the building, accompanied by aides, and joined them at their lectern emblazoned with a U.S. House of Representatives logo.

She reiterated that “funding from the United States government will continue through the programs that have already been established” and said she looked forward to continuing to work with members of Congress on both sides of the aisle. 

After her remarks, Rep. Mark Takano pressed McMahon on when she would close the department.

“Well, we’ve had our discussions already, so thank you all very, very much for coming,” McMahon replied, proceeding to walk back into the building.

“You see, she’s not answering the question when she’s going to shut down the department,” Takano, of California, said as the secretary walked away.

Barred from building

Wednesday’s meeting came after Takano and other Democratic lawmakers were blocked from entering the building in February while trying to meet with Denise Carter, acting Education secretary at the time, over Trump’s plans to dismantle the agency.

The California Democrat had led dozens of others in writing a letter to Carter and requesting a meeting over those efforts.

A day after Trump signed the executive order surrounding the department, he announced that special education services would be transferred to the Department of Health and Human Services and that the Small Business Administration would be handling the student loan portfolio.

The department has not taken any steps to move either — both of which would require acts of Congress and raise a slew of logistical questions.

U.S. Rep. Mark Takano, a California Democrat, speaks at a press conference outside the U.S. Department of Education headquarters on Wednesday, April 2, 2025, in Washington, D.C. (Photo by Shauneen Miranda/States Newsroom)

Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland said “the idea of dismembering the department and then parceling it out to other agencies and departments does not give us a lot of confidence or hope in what’s happening.”

The lawmakers said McMahon repeatedly stressed during the meeting that she plans to abide by federal law and would look carefully at what she’s legally allowed to do before moving any functions of the department.

Yet Rep. Greg Casar of Texas said he and the group “became more and more alarmed as the meeting went on,” noting that “current law won by so many Americans in this democracy, is that all kids deserve a decent education, that the money goes to your kid if they’re in need, the money goes to your kid no matter their race or their background or their neighborhood, and they want to change that.”

The lawmakers who met with McMahon included: U.S. Reps. Terri Sewell of Alabama; Takano; Frederica Wilson of Florida; Raskin and Sarah Elfreth of Maryland; Maggie Goodlander of New Hampshire; Stansbury; Casar, Julie Johnson and Veronica Escobar of Texas; Don Beyer of Virginia; and Gwen Moore of Wisconsin.

Last updated 4:02 p.m., Apr. 2, 2025

Kentucky Lantern is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Kentucky Lantern maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jamie Lucke for questions: info@kentuckylantern.com.

The post Surprise guest shows up as U.S. House Dems slam education cuts: the Education secretary appeared first on kentuckylantern.com

Continue Reading

News from the South - Kentucky News Feed

Kentucky braces for severe weather, how emergency management officials are urging you to prepare

Published

on

www.youtube.com – FOX 56 News – 2025-04-01 21:24:41

SUMMARY: Kentucky is preparing for severe weather this week, including heavy rain and potential flooding. Emergency officials are taking proactive steps, especially in flood-prone areas like Woodford County. Local responders, including the Versailles fire department, are equipped with new tools, such as a rescue boat, to assist in emergencies. State officials are coordinating with the National Guard and swiftwater rescue teams to ensure readiness. With the forecasted rainfall, flooding could close roads, and officials urge residents to heed the “turn around, don’t drown” warning. They emphasize having evacuation plans and staying updated on weather alerts.

YouTube video

Kentucky is bracing for several rounds of heavy rain and severe weather this week. Emergency management officials across the state are preparing now to protect residents from the worst of what’s to come.

Subscribe to FOX 56 News on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FOX56News/?sub_confirmation=1

Stay informed about central Kentucky news, weather, and sports! Follow FOX 56 on our website and social channels:

https://www.FOX56News.com
https://www.youtube.com/c/FOX56News
https://www.facebook.com/FOX56News
https://twitter.com/FOX56News
https://www.instagram.com/FOX56News
https://www.linkedin.com/company/FOX56News

Source

Continue Reading

Trending