Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to the reading of the Lexington Herald Leader for
September twelfth, twenty twenty five.
Speaker 2 (00:09):
Your reader today, I'm owurd climbing.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
As a reminder, Radio I is a reading service intended
for people who are blind or have other disabilities that
make it difficult to read printed material. And we start
with the five day forecast brought to you by ACI Weather.
Today it will be beautiful, plenty of sun, high of
eighty six. It'll feel like eighty nine. Tonight it'll be clear,
(00:36):
low will be down to fifty eight. Saturday another nice day.
It'll be warm, mostly sunny, with a high of eighty
nine and a low of sixty one. On Sunday, clearing
and hot. Eighty eight will be our high, low of
sixty four. Monday even a little hotter and sunny. Ninety
(00:58):
one will be our high and sixty one five are low.
Tuesday mostly cloudy, continuing hot, a high of ninety and
a low of sixty six. Wednesday a high of eighty
seven a low of sixty three with plenty of sunshine.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
And Thursday very warm.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
Again with plenty of sun, a high of eighty nine
and a low of sixty five. Looking at the Almanac.
For this past Wednesday, the high was eighty four, the
low was fifty two. Normal for that day is a
high of eighty two, low of sixty. Last year the
high was eighty six, low forty seven, the record high
(01:37):
and back in twenty nineteen it was one hundred and
the record low forty two and nineteen forty three. Precipitation
on Wednesday there wasn't any month to date is point
ninety seven inches. Normal is one point zero nine inches.
Year to date we've had forty four point eleven inches,
(01:58):
the normal thirty six point twenty eight. Last year to
date it was thirty five point eleven and a record
for that date of precipitation one point sixty five in
nineteen sixty.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
Sun and moon well.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
The sunrise this morning was at seven eighteen am, The
sunset will be at seven fifty one pm, the moonrise
at ten forty pm, and the moon set at one
o seven pm.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
Moon phases the last will be.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
On September fourteenth, the new on September twenty first, the
first moon on September twenty ninth, the full moon on
October sixth, and the pollen is moderate, with the main
offender weeds now we read the front page headlines from
today's Herald Leader. The first story is headline six key
(02:51):
takeaways from fcps's budget director's lawsuit against superintendent. Next is
Bisher warns against anger over political violence after Kirk shooting.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
Basher orders flags.
Speaker 1 (03:09):
At state offices to half staff for Kirk and Patriot Day,
and UK employee's viral comments about Kirk's death leads to investigation.
And now we'll read those front page stories, starting with
again six key takeaways from fcps's budget director's lawsuit against
(03:31):
superintendent and school board, and is written by Valerie Honeycutt.
Spears suspended Fayette County Public Schools budget director and Simpson
Grimes on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against the district superintendent
and the school board and claimed that she was placed
(03:51):
on leave because she repeatedly alerted her bosses last year
that the district's financial state was flailing and would worsen
in twenty twenty five. The lawsuit, filed in Fayed Circuit Court,
said Superintended Demetrius Ligands thwarted Samson Grimes from reporting potential
(04:11):
waste and mismanagement of district money. FCPS officials wouldn't comment
on the lawsuit, District spokesperson Miranda Scully said that on
Wednesday night, Samson Grimes's lawsuit accused Ligands of quote gross
intentional conduct meant to punish her and preventing her from
(04:33):
lawfully reporting potential mismanagement and or waste of FCPS funds.
So here are six key takeaways from the lawsuit. First,
retaliation allegation. Sampson Grimes claims she was placed on paid
administrative leave in August twenty twenty five as retaliation for
(04:56):
repeatedly warning district leadership that fc EVPs finances were deteriorating
and wouldward worsen in twenty twenty five twenty six. She
argues her superiors tried to silence her rather than act
on her warnings accusations against leadership. The lawsuit alleges Ligands
(05:18):
and deputies Superintendent Houston Barber prevented her from lawfully reporting
potential financial waste and mismanagement. She claims Barber even instructed
her not to publicly mention cash flow issues on budget shortfalls.
Third a budget crisis context, the district faces a sixteen
(05:42):
million dollar deficit and growing calls for a forensic audit.
Samson Grimes contend she repeatedly pushed for budget cuts to
prevent FCPS from falling below the board's six percent reserve
policy and the state's two percent minimum contingency risking state takeover.
Speaker 2 (06:04):
Fourth pattern of ignored warnings.
Speaker 1 (06:07):
From February twenty twenty four through spring of twenty twenty five,
Samson Grimes alleges her recommendations for budget reductions were ignored, dismissed,
or blocked. She says this left the district unable to
balance its general fund without relying on new, unapproved revenue sources,
(06:29):
such as a proposed occupational license tax increase. Fifth Retaliatory
restructuring and harassment. The lawsuit claims her role was gradually
stripped of authority through internal restructuring, setting her up to fail.
She also alleges discrimination, harassment, and retaliation culminating in a
(06:52):
removal despite strong performance reviews and no prior complaints and
sixth leaf sought In lawsuit, Samson Grime seeks reinstatement, compensatory
and punitive damages, and protection from further discrimination or retaliation.
Her attorney argues that her administrative leave was wrongful. He
(07:16):
says Liggins is inaccurate when he says he did not
know about her warnings. Our next story from The Herald
Leader is written by Austin Horn. Its headline Basher warns
against anger over political violence After Kirk's shooting. Governor Andy
Basher had harsh words for the rise and political violence
(07:40):
the country is seen over the past year, but said
he personally continues.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
To feel safe.
Speaker 1 (07:47):
Basher made the comments at a September eleventh press conference,
one day after Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and influencer,
was assassinated on camera at a college event for his
organization Turning Point USA. The shooting has prompted calls from
across a political spectrum against political violence and a toned
(08:10):
down political rhetoric. Basheer was no exception in his comments
on Thursday. My faith teaches me that all children are
children of God, and one was just ripped away from
us way too early. Whether or not I agree or
disagree with anything, he said. He's got two little kids
at home that loved their dad like my kids love me.
(08:34):
It's an incredibly violent moment that should never happen anywhere.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
Bashers said. The shooting comes as political violence is on
the rise in the.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
United States President Donald Trump was raised by a bullet
and a shooting that killed one bystander at a campaign
rally last year. In June, two Democratic state lawmakers in
Minnesota were shot at their homes. A lawmaker and her
husband were killed. A fire was set at the house
(09:04):
of Democratic Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who is Jewish. In
April over the state of the Israel Palestinine conflict, with
some on the political right blaming rhetoric from the left
as many on the left blamed rhetoric on the right
after the Minnesota shootings, as Trump did. During a speech
(09:24):
Wednesday night, Basher said that quote anger doesn't help us heal.
He used the example of his own response to the
shooting death of Tommy Elliott, a close friend and political ally,
at Old National Bank in Louisville two years ago. We've seen,
rightfully everybody speaking out against it, but it can't be
(09:45):
used to further divide this country.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
It shouldn't be.
Speaker 1 (09:49):
Let's just stand up against violence each and every time, period,
Basher said, And he added, I know that there are
some folks out there that are probably hurting. I know
how angry it can make you, but anger doesn't help
us heal, anger doesn't help us make sure that this
doesn't happen in the future, and lashing out at groups
(10:10):
of people can't be the answer to creating a better
commonwealth and a better country. He said that leaders on
every side. She condemned speech that just goes too far,
including suggestions that one group of people aren't American, or
don't deserve to be here, or incites violence. From a
(10:31):
policy standpoint, Basher added one suggestion so called red flag
gun law. While such a law which would allow temporary
removal of guns from people who have shown signs that
they could be risk to themselves or others, well, that's
been proposed with bipartisan support in Kentucky, it's never made
(10:52):
it far in the GOP controlled legislature. The government lamented
that fact around the shooter's origin and his home state
are still unclear. Utah doesn't have such a law in place.
We don't have a lot of tools that other states
have to prevent whether it's an act like this or
(11:14):
certainly some of the school shootings that we've seen. And
that's pretty simple. It's a red flag law, Beshers said.
And I think that law allows law enforcement to go
to the courts when they know somebody's about to commit
murder and hopefully stop it before it starts. I know
some might be worried about Second Amendment rights, but that's
(11:34):
what a court is for.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
I'llphold the Constitution.
Speaker 1 (11:38):
The governor added that he personally feels safe despite the
rising number of violent acts against political figures. I've got
one of the best security details anybody could ever ask for.
There are more people around me trying to protect me
than a lot of Americans or a lot of people
who are in these positions. So I worry less about
(12:00):
me and my family because of my trust in the
people that show up every day to protect us. But
I do worry about others that are out there, and
in the end, we've just got to make sure that
we never accept what happened yesterday during Masers. Nearly six
years in offense, the governor has taken measures in attempt
(12:21):
to protect both himself, his family, and the.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
State capitol building.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
In twenty twenty, security fencing was installed along the perimeter
of the governor's mansion after a group hung basher and
effigy in a tree on the capitol grounds. Following a
second Amendment Rights rally. The Administration all also shut to
traffic a road between the Capitol and the Capital Annex
(12:48):
due to security concerns, an effort that has frustrated some Republicans.
Our next story from the Herald Leader. It's written by
Emachai Birabin and it's entitled Bashir orders flans and state
offices to have staff for Kirk and Patriot Day. Governor
(13:09):
Andy Basher ordered state office buildings to lower their flags
to half staff until Sunday evening in accordance with a
White House proclamation honoring the member memory of conservative activists
Charlie Kirk.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
Basher's order, issued.
Speaker 1 (13:26):
Wednesday evening, also pays tribute to the twenty fourth anniversary
of the September eleventh, two thousand and one terrorist attacks
and the people who died that day. Bisher also encouraged individuals, businesses,
and organizations to lower their flags. Charlie Kirk was shot
and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon,
(13:52):
prompting widespread outrage across the political spectrum. The thirty one
year old founded the right wing political organisation Turning Point USA,
which was dedicated to promoting conservatism among young people. He
was a strong supporter of President Donald Trump and helped
to promote him among younger voters. We've got to make
(14:15):
sure that we never ever accept what happened yesterday or
the time before that, Bashir said of Wednesday's killing. As
of late Thursday afternoon, the gunman had not been apprehended.
The fatal shooting follows increasing acts of political violence, from
a twenty twenty two attack against Paul Pelosi, a husband
(14:37):
of then Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi,
to a twenty twenty four assassination against Trump himself while
on the campaign trail. In Minnesota's state representative Melissa Hortman
and her husband were killed at their home in June,
but their desk in prompt White House orders to lower
(14:59):
flags to have staff. This year, Bashir has also ordered
flags to have staff in order of Overdose Awareness Day
the victims of the August twenty seventh school shooting at Minneapolis,
the late Pope Francis and former President Jimmy Carter As
according to previous announcements from his office, He's also done
(15:22):
the same for fallen military service members and first responders.
If we're going to let politics invade something so wrong
as murder. We have a lot more work to do,
Rasher told The Herald Leader at a press conference on Thursday,
and Trump plans to further honor Kirk with a posthumous
Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
Speaker 2 (15:47):
Our.
Speaker 1 (15:47):
Next story from The Herald Leader. It's written by Christopher Leech.
Its headlined UK employees viral comment about Kirk's death leads
to investigation. The University of Kentucky he is investigating one
of its employees after he made an offensive comment about
the death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. Brad van Hook,
(16:11):
a university employee, commented on a wukyt social media post
about Kirk's death. Van Hook paraphrased a quote from American
lawyer and civil rights advocate Clarence Darrow and wrote, I
never have wished a man dead, but I have read
some obituaries with great satisfaction. UK spokesperson j Blanton confirmed
(16:35):
Van Hook as the key shop manager at UK and
has been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.
The university said it referred van Hook's comment to appropriate
officials after it became aware of it. The statement attributed
to him, no matter who made it and what their
(16:56):
affiliation is doesn't reflect who we are as a commun unity.
Blatton said that in a statement on behalf of the University,
it's cruel, it's.
Speaker 2 (17:06):
Insensitive, and it's wrong.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
The comment when viral after an account on x called
libs of TikTok highlighted the remark in a post. Libs
of TikTok has four point four million followers and the
post has been shared thousands of times. Libs of TikTok
incorrectly suggested van Hook was employed by Eastern Kentucky University,
(17:32):
but the school later confirmed van Hook isn't affiliated with EKU.
The social media account spent much of Thursday sharing posts
targeting people who had made negative comments about Kirk, often
tagging their employees and employers. Kirk was shot and killed
by an unknown gunman while speaking at an event on
(17:55):
the Utah Valley University campus on Wednesday. The FBI has
released photos of a person of interests connected to the
shooting and is offering a reward of up to one
hundred thousand dollars for information about the shooter. In July,
UK also suspended law professor Ramsay Woodcock for circulating an
(18:18):
online petition calling for the destruction of Israel. President Eli
Cappeluto previously said he condemns Woodcock's comments and an outside
legal counsel is reviewing the matter. Other universities and organizations
have launched investigations into or fired employee or employees for
(18:41):
comments made in the wake of Kirk's death. Middle Tennessee
State University and the University of Mississippi have both fired
an employee for the remarks, according to media reports. Our
next story from The Herald Leader is headline excell London
Mayor Weddell files appeal to have impeachment vote reversed and
(19:03):
is written by a Christopher Leech. Former London Mayor Randall
Weddell has filed an appeal seeking to reverse the London
City Council's impeachment vote against them. The council filed eleven
charges of misconduct or wilful neglect against the former mayor,
including misusing City Police Department funds for a personal protection detail,
(19:29):
leaving vacant and ethics commissioned seat, and illegally signing a
five million dollar mortgage on behalf of the city without
council approval. After a recent nine hour meeting, the council
unanimously agreed that three of Weddell's eleven charges warranted removal
from office. Weddell was not and has not been convicted
(19:53):
of any criminal activity. Conrad Cessna, an attorney representing the council,
did immediately respond to a request for comment and has
yet to comment on the council's impeachment vote. The council
appointed Tracy Hanley, a London resident and retired trial science consultant,
(20:14):
as acting mayor. She was sworn in shortly after the hearing,
and after the hearing, Weddell vowed to appeal the vote.
Speaker 2 (20:23):
Today.
Speaker 1 (20:23):
I appeal the City's Council's unlawful attempt to remove me
from office, Weddell said on a statement on Thursday. I
look forward to this going forward before an impartial judge
who will examine the evidence in facts, without prejudice or
personal bias. Weddell's attorney, Carmine and Carino, described the London
(20:46):
City Council's decision to remove Weddell from office as quote,
an unprecedented and unlawful power grab. In the appeal, I
in Carino added the council conspired for months to remove
Wehttel from office and conducted a sham hearing to achieve
its goal. In a separate court filing, I Corrino said
(21:09):
the council's reasoning for the impeachment vote were quote petty politics,
personal vendettas, and policy disputes. The Council ignored statutory limits
state law and manufactured charges that at worst reflect ordinary
policy disagreements, ian Carino wrote in the appeal, and added
(21:32):
the Council's unlawful vote must be set aside Ea. Carino
also asked for a temporary injunction on the Council's vote
and an expedited briefing and hearing date at the earliest
possible opportunity.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
A special judge has also.
Speaker 1 (21:49):
Been requested for the proceedings, as a regular judge for
the twenty seventh Circuit is disqualified to preside over the case.
That's according to court documents, this matter is now in
the hands of the courts, where the Council should have
turned to address their disagreements instead of seeking to remove
me in a highly political process. Weel said that in
(22:12):
a statement. The appeal also claimed the Council violated Kentucky's
Open Meeting Act, by having the impeachment hearing in the
Laurel County Judicial Center. I Karino wrote that the council
purposely chose the Judicial Center, knowing it had a smaller
capacity than the amount of citizens interested in the hearing.
(22:34):
Several of Whattell's supporters attended the hearing, so many so
that an overflow location had to be arranged at the
Laurel County Courthouse two blocks away, where residents watched the
hearing online. Eucarino added, the use of an overflow location
also violates the Open Meetings Act.
Speaker 2 (22:54):
Even if an overflow oh.
Speaker 1 (22:56):
Location were acceptable under the Open Meetings Act is and
those locations were plagued with technical difficulties throughout the day,
Iacarino said in the appeal, the video and audio feed
lagged and were repeatedly interrupted, and the public repeatedly complained
during the hearing. Weddell thanked his supporters in his statement.
(23:20):
I want to sincerely thank all the individuals have poured
out their support to me and my family during this time,
as well as everyone who attended the hearing and stayed
for all those long hours. Weddell said, your support means
more than I can never put into words. Our next
story from The Herald Leader is written by Austin Hornet's headline,
(23:42):
Chad Meredith Trump pick for Kentucky federal judge get Senate
a committee okay. Chad Meredith is one step closer to
becoming Kentucky's newest federal judge. The litigator, nominated in June
by President Donald Trump to phillispot on the bench of
the U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky,
(24:06):
was given a thumbs up by the Senate Judiciary Committee
Thursday morning. After Democrats voice brief opposition to his nomination.
The committee approved meredith nomination twelve to ten, with all
Republicans voting yes and all Democrats voting no. Meredith had
already received a hearing in the committee this July, facing
(24:29):
several tough questions from Democrats. The last step now for
Meredith to join the federal bench as a vote of
the full Senate. Republicans, who control of fifty three member
majority in the body, can have vote cloture to pass
his and other judicial nominations with a simple majority. Meredith
(24:50):
is set to fill the seat of Judge Danny Reeves,
who took senior status earlier this year. Meredith is currently
employed at the sce Nattie based law firm Squire Patent Boggs,
where he was recently promoted a partner. Three years ago,
Meredith was slated to be nominated by former Democratic President
(25:13):
Joe Biden in a rare deal between Biden and Kentucky
GOP Senator Mitch McConnell. The plan was dropped, however, due
to the opposition of Kentucky Senator Ran Paul. This time around,
Paul is supporting Meredith's nomination. Meredith's nomination moved through the
GOP controlled Senate judiciary quickly. Only Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois,
(25:38):
the committee's ranking Democratic member, voiced concern over Meredith's nomination.
Mister Meredith has insulted women everywhere when he argued in
court that doctors should be required to provide certain information
to female patients because these women don't understand their own medical.
Speaker 2 (25:59):
Needs, said Durbin.
Speaker 1 (26:01):
That was a reference to Meredith's defense of a Kentucky
law requiring doctors to show and describe images of a
fetal ultrasound, among other things, to a patient before performing
an abortion. Meredith was Deputy General Counsel to former Governor
Matt Bevin at the time, and past criticisms of Meredith
(26:23):
have centered around his views on abortion and his time
in Bevin's office. He faced several questions during his committee
hearing about a series of controversial pardons issued by Bevin
near the end of his term, including the pardon of
Patrick Baker, a man who invaded a couple's home, killing
a man impointing a gun at a pregnant woman and children.
(26:47):
Meredith has denied involvement in the most controversial of the pardons.
Meredith has deep ties to the Republican Party in Kentucky
through his father, State Senator Stephen Meredith, or Republican from
Leechville Field, his former employment in the Governor's office, and
via McConnell, who championed his nomination both times. Meredith also
(27:12):
interned for the longtime senator back in two thousand and three.
I've been impressed to watch a former meccinturn through the decade,
succeed in the legal field, public service, and now to
be nominated to the federal bench. McConnell said that during
Meredith committee hearings, and that concludes readings from the first
(27:34):
section of the Lexington Herald Leader for September twelfth, twenty
twenty five. Stay tuned for more news to follow immediately.
Your reader has been Howard Climan. And now to continue
reading from the Lexington Herald Leader for September twelfth, twenty
twenty five. And your reader today is Howard Climan. We
(27:58):
start with the obituaries, read only the name, age and location.
If you would like further information on any of the obituaries,
please call us during the weekdays at eight five nine
four two two six' three nine, zero and we'll be
glad to read the entire obituary for. You i'll repeat
that name at the end of the. Listings and there's
(28:21):
just one. Today It's Janice Elaine LaRue eighty seven Of.
Speaker 2 (28:26):
Lexington and, again if you'd.
Speaker 1 (28:28):
Like more information about that, obituary call us at our
office at eight five nine four two two six three nine.
Zero and now we continue reading articles from Today's Lexington Herald.
Leader and the next one is Entitled Central Kentucky's first
Wah wah opens In. Nicholasville it's written By Piper. Hanson
(28:52):
Central Kentucky's First.
Speaker 2 (28:54):
Wowa is ready to open its.
Speaker 1 (28:55):
Doors the convenience store and twenty pump gas, station known
across The northeast for it's, coffee, breakfast, sandwiches and, hogies
will open today In nicholasville at three Thousand Lexington. Road
The Jessamine county city is about thirty minutes south Of.
Lexington The pennsylvania based chain has built A colt like
(29:19):
following on the back of high quality branded, products made,
order fresh, food and. Consistency according to its, Customers The
Nicholasville birds.
Speaker 2 (29:31):
Open In kentucky this.
Speaker 1 (29:32):
Year doors opened at eight am, today followed by a
ribbon cutting ceremony at eight. THIRTY vip customers got an
inside look at the store On september. Tenth Wah wah
employees walked through the crowd gathered in the, store handing
out samples of, sandwiches, cookies mac and, cheese, meatballs, brownies,
(29:55):
smoothies and other items from the. Menu those same customers
help themselves the coffee and soda while music played through
speakers before remarks from the store's. Leadership Marie, sloan A
Jessamine county resident who works in retail close To, wahwah
said she's heard a lot of great things about the
(30:15):
brand from friends and. Family she loved trying to meatballs
and is excited to stop in the store to grab
a breakfast burrito before. Work the novelty of it makes
this a unique, experience she. Said, plus it's just a
little bit above a regular gas, station better, quality and
one stop you can get. Everything Jessamine County Judge Executive David,
(30:39):
west wearing a black Wa wai, Uniform, wednesday completed the
ceremonial building Of Central kentucky's First Hogi turkey and Pepper
Jack cheese with, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and spicy ranch On Friday,
today when the store, opens the first two hundred and
fifty customers will get at free limited edition tea shirts
(31:02):
listing the chains existing in Forthcoming kentucky. Locations on the,
back agin do a shirt you might get from your
favorite band's concert. Tour following the ribbon, Cutting Nicholasville police
And fire departments will compete in A hogi building, competition
And wahwa's donating one thousand dollars to each department's charity of.
(31:25):
Choice if you can't make it for today's in store.
Festivities From september twelfth to the, Fourteenth, Wow we'll offer
free hot andy sized, coffee And friday also makes the
start of the stores lending A Helping hogy, campaign during
which a percentage of the first week Of hogi sales
(31:46):
will go To kentucky Based God's Pantry Food bank In Fayette.
County Resident Michael labogate drove down To nicholasville On wednesday
to get into the store first with OTHER vip. Customers
his father's side of the family is from a town
just Outside philadelphia where Wah wah is dominant in the,
(32:06):
market and his grandmother lived In florida where there was
a Wah wah just down the. Street anytime we wanted a,
snack that's where we'd go to get, chicken fingers and, fries, sandwiches, milkshakes, candy,
coffee whatever he, wanted he. Said and WHEN i heard
that there was one coming, NEARBY i was, Like, yeah that's.
Awesome shelves inside the store are stoked a stock brother
(32:30):
with Wa wah branded. Items everything from ice cream to
bottled peach t is adorned With Wally, goose the brand's.
Mascot at pays homage to the store's roots In pennsylvania
and as a dairy, farm but Woh wah also sells
convenience stores sat staples like sour candy and chocolate, chips snack, cakes, lunchables, beef,
(32:54):
jerky and.
Speaker 2 (32:55):
More The nicholasville location is the first in The lexington air.
Speaker 1 (33:00):
Area the First kentucky Wa wah opened On july twenty,
fourth Near okohama And louisville off The Jeen Snyder. Freeway
the second Wah wah Opened september, fifth also In louisville
On Bardstown road Near Feginham Bush. Lane But wowah isn't
stopping at just Central kentucky And. Louisville by the end
(33:23):
of twenty twenty, Five wawah plans to have eight stores
opening In. Kentucky it plans to build between five and
eight stores annually until it reaches forty locations across the.
Commonwealth wawa has twenty sites under contract In, Boone, Bullet, Campbell, Fayette, Hardin, Jefferson, Jessamine, Oldham, Scott, Shelby,
(33:45):
simpson And Warren. Counties on, Average wawah spends more than
seven and a half million dollars to build each store
and typically utilizes more than one hundred and forty local
contractors And once stores, open an average of thirty five
people are employed at each, location and by the time
the chain's forty locations, Open wahwah expects to have created one,
(34:10):
thousand four hundred jobs Across. Kentucky our Next Herald leader's
story is written By Christopher. Leech its Headline kentucky teacher
charged and sex crime first reported over seven years. Ago
Kentucky State police have made an arrest in a years
long sex crime investigation that involved a Former Murray High school.
(34:34):
Teacher Jason, shelby who turns forty seven, today was Arrested
wednesday in charge with third degree rape and first degree sexual.
Abuse that's according to state. Police he's accused of having
inappropriate sexual relations with former. Students state police began Investigating
(34:55):
shelby back In august twenty of, eighteen after The Kentucky
Education Professional Standards board sent detectives a report of allegations
at dated back as far as two thousand and. Five
shelby was a teacher at the time the report was,
made but resigned about two months. Later according to state
(35:15):
police And State beliefs said it wasn't until just recently
that they had enough evidence to obtain an arrest warrant
after a victim came forward and provided more. Information the,
victim a former, student told investigator she had a sexual
relationship With shelby in two thousand and eight in two
(35:36):
thousand and, nine when she was fifteen and sixteen.
Speaker 2 (35:39):
Years, old.
Speaker 1 (35:40):
Respectively the arrest warrant says victim And shelby would use
codewords and emails to schedule. Meetings the sexual encounters happened
In shelby's cars house And Chestnut. Park after detectives spoke
with a, victim they Visited shelby at his Residence. Tuesday
(36:00):
court documents say he was cordial and open to speaking
with the detectives till they brought up the victim's. Name
shelby then changed his demeanor and declined to speak without an.
Attorney shelby's being held in The Callaway County jail as
bond as twenty thousand, dollars according to court. Records the
(36:21):
investigation remains open and anyone with information about the case
is encouraged to Call State Police post one at two
seven zero eight five six three seven two, one and
that number is two seven zero eight five six three
seven two. ONE a new law went into effect this
(36:41):
summer that requires All kentucky public school districts to implement
a traceable communications platform that will serve as the only
method for a teacher to contact a student. Electronically that
law came after several incidents of inappropriate sexual communication involving
(37:01):
school staff and students In kentucky have led to criminal
charges in recent.
Speaker 2 (37:07):
Years our next story From.
Speaker 1 (37:11):
The Herald leader is written By alexequisto And taylor. Six
it's Headlined Addiction Recovery care closes five more, locations including
flagship In, Luisa kentucky's leading for profit residential addiction care treatment,
company is closing fond for residential, centers including its flagship.
(37:32):
Location administrators confirm that On, Wednesday Addiction Recovery care told
staff this week it was closing five locations effective, immediately
which has resulted in the layoffs of dozens of, employees
THOUGH arc declined to provide a specific number in an
email To The Herald. Leader this week's layoffs and facility
(37:56):
closures are the latest in a tumultuous year for the
addiction treatment, giant which at its peak was one of
the largest addiction treatment providers In. Kentucky in twenty twenty,
three when elected leaders boasted That kentucky had the most
residential addiction treatment beds per capita of any. State it
(38:17):
was in large part thanks to ARC's expansive. Footprint but
as THE fbi continues its investigation INTO arc for potential
criminal fraud that was announced In august twenty twenty, four
hundreds of employees have been. TERMINATED arc won't say exactly how,
many and more federal cuts to medicaid loom on the.
(38:41):
HORIZON arc announced more layoffs In. August the most recent
facilities to close Are Karen's, place ARC's flagship women's facility
In louisa that opened in twenty, Ten, lackey a men's
facility In, Louisa Mayhill means facility In, Louisia Hazel, hills
(39:03):
a women's facility In, owingsville And Lydia's, house a women's
facility In. VENHAM arc and its nonprofit Arm Odyssey, incorporated
have operated roughly forty addiction treatment and behavioral health facilities
across the, state as well as several public facing, businesses
(39:24):
including a, college an auto shop and events, space a
cafe and a, bakery and a. Theater after this week's.
CLOSURES arc has fourteen operational, facilities a mix of residential
and outpatient, centers as well as a psychiatric, Hospital Bellefontaine
hospital And Recovery center In. Ashland ARC's vice president Of,
(39:49):
Marketing Vanessa, keaton said that in the, email administrators siding
sided and pending and significant reimbursement cuts for addiction and
mental health health service providers LIKE erc that came in
two email layoff letters to staff that.
Speaker 2 (40:07):
Were shared with The Herald.
Speaker 1 (40:09):
Leader those letters start by touting ARC's accomplishment before quickly. Pivoting,
unfortunately and due to circumstances that are outside of our,
control we sometimes have to make difficult decisions that impact
members of our, team such as the unfortunate reduction in
(40:29):
force that has taken place. Today the letter, continues we
regret to inform you that your employment will be eliminated
due to the reduction in. Force your last day of
employment will be at the close of business On september,
tenth twenty twenty. Five administrators over the last year have
(40:50):
said the closure of facilities and cleaving of staff are
not related to THE fbi. Probe these decisions weren't made
lightly and we are dedicated to supporting our team members
and communities affected by these. Changes keaton said that in
a statement On thursday, morning the safety and care of
our clients remains our top, priority and we're ensuring all
(41:13):
curring clients receive uninterrupted care by transitioning them to OTHER
arc centers or alternative providers of their. Choosing keaton added and,
concluded given the substantial reimbursement cuts for indiction and mental health,
services we can't determine if these closures are. Permanent many
(41:36):
of the clients and interns who were currently receiving addiction
treatment services at those locations were transferred to other facilities
within THE arcs, system but others LEFT arc or addiction treatment.
Altogether that's according to two former employees At Hazel hills
who both receive termination Letters. Wednesday agreed to be interviewed
(42:01):
on the condition that their names not be used for
fear that they or those.
Speaker 2 (42:06):
They still know living AT arc will face.
Speaker 1 (42:09):
Retaliation they know of TWO arc staff members who were
laid off with nowhere to, go who had begun calling
homeless shelters and sober living homes for. HELP i went
to bed last night crying because we can't help, them
one of the informer employees. Said in dozens of interviews
over the last, year current and FORMER arc employees have
(42:32):
described an exploitative workplace culture where staff and client well
being often takes a back seat to building the insurance
for services rendered of clients On. Medicaid that continued yesterday
At Hazel. Hills according to the two women who had
been AT, arc either as a client or staff since
(42:53):
twenty twenty, two they were both Told, wednesday just before eleven,
am they were being laid, off according to the time
staff of their. Emails instead of comforting the clients that
are having to move further away from their, families from their.
Kids instead of consoling those, clients we were told that
we had to get clients in the clinical groups so
(43:16):
they could have their billing done for the, day the first.
Said and that was the number one worry that we
had to get groups in before they. Left groups are
peer supported sessions and lessons required as part of treatment.
Programming it was, chaos the former employee. Added we were
trying to comfort the girls and we couldn't even do.
(43:38):
That neither employee were allowed to clock in or out
yesterday because they'd already been kicked out of the, system
leading them to believe they won't be compensated for their
final day of. Employment our Next Herald leader's story is
written By Christopher leech's Headline Kentucky's shriff's deputies shoots kills
(44:00):
during welfare. Check according to the State, police A Kentucky
sheriff's deputy shot and killed a Man tuesday while conducting
a welfare. Check that's according to The Kentucky State. Police
the incident happened just before six pm at a home
On East Augusta Chatham road In Bracken. County state police
(44:22):
said a deputy with The Bracken County Sheriff's office was
at the home conducting a welfare check On Justin, gillespie
who was thirty. Four the deputy was talking To gillespie
on the front porch When gillespie ran inside the. House
State police said the deputy went to the back, door
and When gillespie, exited an altercation. Occurred during the, altercation
(44:46):
the deputy Shot. Gillespie according to State. Police Bracken county
ems attempted life saving measures On, gillespie but he was
pronounced dead at the.
Speaker 2 (44:56):
Home no other information was. Released about the.
Speaker 1 (45:00):
Shooting State police are investigating, it as they do whenever
a state enforcement officer is involved in a. Shooting State
police said they will not release additional information until more
facts are gathered to protect the integrity of an ongoing.
Investigation it is ksp's standard operating procedure not to release
(45:23):
specific details until vital witnesses have been interviewed and pertinent facts.
Gathered State police said that in a news, release it
added timelines to complete investigations vary.
Speaker 2 (45:36):
Based on the complexity of the.
Speaker 1 (45:38):
Case our next story From The Herald leader is written
By Monica. Cast its HEADLINED uk revokes tenure of former
head of equine testing. Laboratory The university Of kentucky has
revoked tenure from the former director of the equine Testing,
lab who is fired last year for falsifying test.
Speaker 2 (46:00):
Results at a special.
Speaker 1 (46:02):
Meeting of The board Of trustees On, thursday the board
voted to Remove Scott stanley's tenure status that's a rare
move in higher, education and fired him from his role
as a professor in the Mart Gatton college Of, Agriculture
food And. Environment stanley was also the director of The
Equine Analytical Chemistry lab before being removed from that role
(46:26):
In march twenty twenty four after an. Investigation receiving tenure
is a lengthy off in years long process for university,
faculty and it's designed to help protect faculty's academic. Freedom
tenured employees can only be terminated for cause or under specific,
circumstances including misconduct and ethical. Violations that's according to The
(46:51):
American association Of University. Professors at a special court Called
board Of trustees meeting On, Thursday sanley's, Lawyer Christina keith
and UK's Assistant General Counsel whitney Step gay answered questions
from the board about the investigation Into, stanley his role
(47:11):
AT uk and his removal from his. LAB uk, said
in addition to falsifying and misrepresenting test, Results stanley also
demonstrated a lack of internal controls in the lab and
had conflicts of interest and improper hiring. Practices all board
members voted in favor of Removing stanley's tenure and role AT,
(47:35):
uk with faculty Trustee Karen patron abstaining from the. Vote
keith Told The Kentucky lantern she was quote disappointed in
the results Of thursday's. Hearing stanley waived his right to
a hearing in front of the Board's according to his
statement FROM, uk we must uphold the highest ethical standards
(47:58):
and comply fully with universe and industry. Regulations board Of
trustees chair Brit brockmann said in a statement and added
any violations of these policies are taken seriously in address
to maintain the integrity of this, work the work of
thousands of people across this. Institution Frank, shup a long
(48:20):
time board, member emphasized the importance of the testing, laboratory
which tests blood samples of race horses for drugs and doping.
Agents the credibility of the industry and thoroughbred racing in
this state and other states relies on the testing, facility sup.
SAID uk announced Last september it had Removed stanley from
(48:43):
his position in the lab and was moving for his
removal from his role at the university after an investigation
showed he'd falsified test results for a banned blood doping
agent called a rethrein, protein and at least four other
results from his lab were called into. Question that's according
to an audit released BY uk last. Year While stanley
(49:07):
was removed from the lab in twenty twenty. Four earlier this,
year the university said the process of terminating him as
a tenured faculty member was still. Ongoing revoking tenure rarely
happens in higher. Education THE uk board previously revoked tenure
from a. Professor last time was in nineteen eighty, four
(49:30):
when The Kentucky community And Technical college system was still
part of the university and A Jefferson Community college associate
professor was in prison for sexual abuse of minor. Children
according to university, Archives stanley has denied the allegations against,
him calling them quote baseless in a statement made through
(49:52):
his lawyer last year and last Year Lisa, lazarus THE
ceo of The Horse Racing integrity AND sa the, authority
said federal.
Speaker 2 (50:02):
Law enforcement officials.
Speaker 1 (50:03):
Were Investigating stanley UNDER hisa OR, heisa the private anti
doping regulatory agency created in twenty twenty By. Congress racing
has moved towards uniform standards and drug testing across the.
Country UK's lab was one of six in THE us
accredited BY heisa to drug test samples for. HORSES uk
(50:28):
tested samples FOR isisa for eight months From may of
twenty twenty three To february of twenty twenty, four in,
ALL isa sent the university between eight thousand and nine
thousand samples From kentucky And, florida but In march twenty twenty,
four the same Month stanley was removed from its administrative
(50:50):
role at the, university The National Racing authority dropped UK's
testing lab from its accredited, list meaning drug text tests
could no longer be performed there for state. Regulators stanley
was head of the, lab which also performed drug tests
for THE Us Equestrian, federation beginning with the lab's formation
(51:13):
in twenty, nineteen and in twenty twenty, two the lab
began performing racing drug testing for the state Of. Kentucky
the audit FROM uk found that in at least one,
Case stanley had TOLD haisa that his lab had found
no rethrow protein in a lab sample received in Early
(51:34):
november of twenty twenty, three but the lab had actually
not tested for the. Substance THE uk lab wasn't even
equipped to do that kind of, work according to the.
Audit it's unclear what state or horse was. Involved according TO,
uk in four, cases all of which were used in racing,
investigations the samples quote lacked results, documentation meaning no re
(52:00):
results were recorded in the university, system even though in
two of the Cases stanlee emailed results to racing. Officials
the audit could not substantiate any additional, falsifications but found
that the lab's internal systems were inadequately controlled and that
quote there were numerous opportunities in the lab's standard workflow
(52:24):
that could potentially allow for sample tampering or records to be,
changed including unfettered access By stanley the samples and to.
Records earlier this, YEAR uk announced it had sold The
Equine Analytical Chemistry lab To Eagle diagnostics and renamed It
Equine integrity And Anti Doping Science. Labs travis May Who Mays,
(52:50):
rather who worked in a similar lab At TEXAS a
AND M, university.
Speaker 2 (52:54):
Was appointed the new.
Speaker 1 (52:55):
Director our Next heraldleage story is written By Piper. Hansen
it's Entitled Third Lexington publics Under construction in Chevy Chase
The Forthcoming publics In lexington Chevy chase neighborhood is under.
Construction demolition began at the side in three thirty three
(53:16):
forty Four Romini Road september, Two according to a notice
sent to, neighbors from the development, Company North carolina Based
Harris Development. Partners at the end Of, august fencing went
up around the entire, property with some parking and sidewalk access.
Blocked Pub books doesn't share a store opening dates until
(53:37):
about a month, before but it may take up to
two years for construction to, conclude according to. Developers in
An august twentieth email to residents From Whimcog, corporation the
construction partners on the, build development Manager Fuller, ramsey said,
quote we understand a project of this. Side we'll have
(53:58):
a significant impact on your, data day lives throughout.
Speaker 2 (54:01):
The course of.
Speaker 1 (54:01):
Construction our mission is to work with the community to
make the construction process as seamless as possible while we
work to bring you a sorely missed community grocery. Store
the construction work is making way for two levels of underground,
parking then the public store will be built, above where
about one hundred and forty people will be. Employed The
(54:25):
Romany Road public's location is different From lexington's two other.
Stores it'll be, smaller just about forty thousand square, feet
and the exterior will look different compared to the chain's
other big box, stores but offer shoppers the same, departments
products and. Services at A june thirtieth meeting with residents
(54:46):
At cathedral Of christ The, king neighbors were shown early
renderings of the store by the construction and development. Teams
ramps and some stairs led to the entrance of the
store that had an exposed brick exterior look in an
attempt to match the neighborhood's. Character the construction and development teams.
Said plans for The Chevy chase location were initially announced
(55:11):
In december twenty twenty. Three it'll Be lexington's third. Public'slocation
The Romany road spot was formerly A kroger that closed
in twenty. Fifteen and this concludes stories from Today's Lexington
Herald leader For september, twelfth twenty twenty. Five your reader,
(55:32):
Today I'm Howard. Kleiman please stay tuned for continued programming
ON radioi
Welcome to the reading of the Lexington Herald Leader for
September twelfth, twenty twenty five.
Speaker 2 (00:09):
Your reader today, I'm owurd climbing.
Speaker 1 (00:11):
As a reminder, Radio I is a reading service intended
for people who are blind or have other disabilities that
make it difficult to read printed material. And we start
with the five day forecast brought to you by ACI Weather.
Today it will be beautiful, plenty of sun, high of
eighty six. It'll feel like eighty nine. Tonight it'll be clear,
(00:36):
low will be down to fifty eight. Saturday another nice day.
It'll be warm, mostly sunny, with a high of eighty
nine and a low of sixty one. On Sunday, clearing
and hot. Eighty eight will be our high, low of
sixty four. Monday even a little hotter and sunny. Ninety
(00:58):
one will be our high and sixty one five are low.
Tuesday mostly cloudy, continuing hot, a high of ninety and
a low of sixty six. Wednesday a high of eighty
seven a low of sixty three with plenty of sunshine.
Speaker 2 (01:15):
And Thursday very warm.
Speaker 1 (01:17):
Again with plenty of sun, a high of eighty nine
and a low of sixty five. Looking at the Almanac.
For this past Wednesday, the high was eighty four, the
low was fifty two. Normal for that day is a
high of eighty two, low of sixty. Last year the
high was eighty six, low forty seven, the record high
(01:37):
and back in twenty nineteen it was one hundred and
the record low forty two and nineteen forty three. Precipitation
on Wednesday there wasn't any month to date is point
ninety seven inches. Normal is one point zero nine inches.
Year to date we've had forty four point eleven inches,
(01:58):
the normal thirty six point twenty eight. Last year to
date it was thirty five point eleven and a record
for that date of precipitation one point sixty five in
nineteen sixty.
Speaker 2 (02:12):
Sun and moon well.
Speaker 1 (02:13):
The sunrise this morning was at seven eighteen am, The
sunset will be at seven fifty one pm, the moonrise
at ten forty pm, and the moon set at one
o seven pm.
Speaker 2 (02:27):
Moon phases the last will be.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
On September fourteenth, the new on September twenty first, the
first moon on September twenty ninth, the full moon on
October sixth, and the pollen is moderate, with the main
offender weeds now we read the front page headlines from
today's Herald Leader. The first story is headline six key
(02:51):
takeaways from fcps's budget director's lawsuit against superintendent. Next is
Bisher warns against anger over political violence after Kirk shooting.
Speaker 2 (03:08):
Basher orders flags.
Speaker 1 (03:09):
At state offices to half staff for Kirk and Patriot Day,
and UK employee's viral comments about Kirk's death leads to investigation.
And now we'll read those front page stories, starting with
again six key takeaways from fcps's budget director's lawsuit against
(03:31):
superintendent and school board, and is written by Valerie Honeycutt.
Spears suspended Fayette County Public Schools budget director and Simpson
Grimes on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against the district superintendent
and the school board and claimed that she was placed
(03:51):
on leave because she repeatedly alerted her bosses last year
that the district's financial state was flailing and would worsen
in twenty twenty five. The lawsuit, filed in Fayed Circuit Court,
said Superintended Demetrius Ligands thwarted Samson Grimes from reporting potential
(04:11):
waste and mismanagement of district money. FCPS officials wouldn't comment
on the lawsuit, District spokesperson Miranda Scully said that on
Wednesday night, Samson Grimes's lawsuit accused Ligands of quote gross
intentional conduct meant to punish her and preventing her from
(04:33):
lawfully reporting potential mismanagement and or waste of FCPS funds.
So here are six key takeaways from the lawsuit. First,
retaliation allegation. Sampson Grimes claims she was placed on paid
administrative leave in August twenty twenty five as retaliation for
(04:56):
repeatedly warning district leadership that fc EVPs finances were deteriorating
and wouldward worsen in twenty twenty five twenty six. She
argues her superiors tried to silence her rather than act
on her warnings accusations against leadership. The lawsuit alleges Ligands
(05:18):
and deputies Superintendent Houston Barber prevented her from lawfully reporting
potential financial waste and mismanagement. She claims Barber even instructed
her not to publicly mention cash flow issues on budget shortfalls.
Third a budget crisis context, the district faces a sixteen
(05:42):
million dollar deficit and growing calls for a forensic audit.
Samson Grimes contend she repeatedly pushed for budget cuts to
prevent FCPS from falling below the board's six percent reserve
policy and the state's two percent minimum contingency risking state takeover.
Speaker 2 (06:04):
Fourth pattern of ignored warnings.
Speaker 1 (06:07):
From February twenty twenty four through spring of twenty twenty five,
Samson Grimes alleges her recommendations for budget reductions were ignored, dismissed,
or blocked. She says this left the district unable to
balance its general fund without relying on new, unapproved revenue sources,
(06:29):
such as a proposed occupational license tax increase. Fifth Retaliatory
restructuring and harassment. The lawsuit claims her role was gradually
stripped of authority through internal restructuring, setting her up to fail.
She also alleges discrimination, harassment, and retaliation culminating in a
(06:52):
removal despite strong performance reviews and no prior complaints and
sixth leaf sought In lawsuit, Samson Grime seeks reinstatement, compensatory
and punitive damages, and protection from further discrimination or retaliation.
Her attorney argues that her administrative leave was wrongful. He
(07:16):
says Liggins is inaccurate when he says he did not
know about her warnings. Our next story from The Herald
Leader is written by Austin Horn. Its headline Basher warns
against anger over political violence After Kirk's shooting. Governor Andy
Basher had harsh words for the rise and political violence
(07:40):
the country is seen over the past year, but said
he personally continues.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
To feel safe.
Speaker 1 (07:47):
Basher made the comments at a September eleventh press conference,
one day after Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist and influencer,
was assassinated on camera at a college event for his
organization Turning Point USA. The shooting has prompted calls from
across a political spectrum against political violence and a toned
(08:10):
down political rhetoric. Basheer was no exception in his comments
on Thursday. My faith teaches me that all children are
children of God, and one was just ripped away from
us way too early. Whether or not I agree or
disagree with anything, he said. He's got two little kids
at home that loved their dad like my kids love me.
(08:34):
It's an incredibly violent moment that should never happen anywhere.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
Bashers said. The shooting comes as political violence is on
the rise in the.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
United States President Donald Trump was raised by a bullet
and a shooting that killed one bystander at a campaign
rally last year. In June, two Democratic state lawmakers in
Minnesota were shot at their homes. A lawmaker and her
husband were killed. A fire was set at the house
(09:04):
of Democratic Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, who is Jewish. In
April over the state of the Israel Palestinine conflict, with
some on the political right blaming rhetoric from the left
as many on the left blamed rhetoric on the right
after the Minnesota shootings, as Trump did. During a speech
(09:24):
Wednesday night, Basher said that quote anger doesn't help us heal.
He used the example of his own response to the
shooting death of Tommy Elliott, a close friend and political ally,
at Old National Bank in Louisville two years ago. We've seen,
rightfully everybody speaking out against it, but it can't be
(09:45):
used to further divide this country.
Speaker 2 (09:48):
It shouldn't be.
Speaker 1 (09:49):
Let's just stand up against violence each and every time, period,
Basher said, And he added, I know that there are
some folks out there that are probably hurting. I know
how angry it can make you, but anger doesn't help
us heal, anger doesn't help us make sure that this
doesn't happen in the future, and lashing out at groups
(10:10):
of people can't be the answer to creating a better
commonwealth and a better country. He said that leaders on
every side. She condemned speech that just goes too far,
including suggestions that one group of people aren't American, or
don't deserve to be here, or incites violence. From a
(10:31):
policy standpoint, Basher added one suggestion so called red flag
gun law. While such a law which would allow temporary
removal of guns from people who have shown signs that
they could be risk to themselves or others, well, that's
been proposed with bipartisan support in Kentucky, it's never made
(10:52):
it far in the GOP controlled legislature. The government lamented
that fact around the shooter's origin and his home state
are still unclear. Utah doesn't have such a law in place.
We don't have a lot of tools that other states
have to prevent whether it's an act like this or
(11:14):
certainly some of the school shootings that we've seen. And
that's pretty simple. It's a red flag law, Beshers said.
And I think that law allows law enforcement to go
to the courts when they know somebody's about to commit
murder and hopefully stop it before it starts. I know
some might be worried about Second Amendment rights, but that's
(11:34):
what a court is for.
Speaker 2 (11:35):
I'llphold the Constitution.
Speaker 1 (11:38):
The governor added that he personally feels safe despite the
rising number of violent acts against political figures. I've got
one of the best security details anybody could ever ask for.
There are more people around me trying to protect me
than a lot of Americans or a lot of people
who are in these positions. So I worry less about
(12:00):
me and my family because of my trust in the
people that show up every day to protect us. But
I do worry about others that are out there, and
in the end, we've just got to make sure that
we never accept what happened yesterday during Masers. Nearly six
years in offense, the governor has taken measures in attempt
(12:21):
to protect both himself, his family, and the.
Speaker 2 (12:24):
State capitol building.
Speaker 1 (12:26):
In twenty twenty, security fencing was installed along the perimeter
of the governor's mansion after a group hung basher and
effigy in a tree on the capitol grounds. Following a
second Amendment Rights rally. The Administration all also shut to
traffic a road between the Capitol and the Capital Annex
(12:48):
due to security concerns, an effort that has frustrated some Republicans.
Our next story from the Herald Leader. It's written by
Emachai Birabin and it's entitled Bashir orders flans and state
offices to have staff for Kirk and Patriot Day. Governor
(13:09):
Andy Basher ordered state office buildings to lower their flags
to half staff until Sunday evening in accordance with a
White House proclamation honoring the member memory of conservative activists
Charlie Kirk.
Speaker 2 (13:24):
Basher's order, issued.
Speaker 1 (13:26):
Wednesday evening, also pays tribute to the twenty fourth anniversary
of the September eleventh, two thousand and one terrorist attacks
and the people who died that day. Bisher also encouraged individuals, businesses,
and organizations to lower their flags. Charlie Kirk was shot
and killed while speaking at Utah Valley University on Wednesday afternoon,
(13:52):
prompting widespread outrage across the political spectrum. The thirty one
year old founded the right wing political organisation Turning Point USA,
which was dedicated to promoting conservatism among young people. He
was a strong supporter of President Donald Trump and helped
to promote him among younger voters. We've got to make
(14:15):
sure that we never ever accept what happened yesterday or
the time before that, Bashir said of Wednesday's killing. As
of late Thursday afternoon, the gunman had not been apprehended.
The fatal shooting follows increasing acts of political violence, from
a twenty twenty two attack against Paul Pelosi, a husband
(14:37):
of then Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi,
to a twenty twenty four assassination against Trump himself while
on the campaign trail. In Minnesota's state representative Melissa Hortman
and her husband were killed at their home in June,
but their desk in prompt White House orders to lower
(14:59):
flags to have staff. This year, Bashir has also ordered
flags to have staff in order of Overdose Awareness Day
the victims of the August twenty seventh school shooting at Minneapolis,
the late Pope Francis and former President Jimmy Carter As
according to previous announcements from his office, He's also done
(15:22):
the same for fallen military service members and first responders.
If we're going to let politics invade something so wrong
as murder. We have a lot more work to do,
Rasher told The Herald Leader at a press conference on Thursday,
and Trump plans to further honor Kirk with a posthumous
Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest civilian honor.
Speaker 2 (15:47):
Our.
Speaker 1 (15:47):
Next story from The Herald Leader. It's written by Christopher Leech.
Its headlined UK employees viral comment about Kirk's death leads
to investigation. The University of Kentucky he is investigating one
of its employees after he made an offensive comment about
the death of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk. Brad van Hook,
(16:11):
a university employee, commented on a wukyt social media post
about Kirk's death. Van Hook paraphrased a quote from American
lawyer and civil rights advocate Clarence Darrow and wrote, I
never have wished a man dead, but I have read
some obituaries with great satisfaction. UK spokesperson j Blanton confirmed
(16:35):
Van Hook as the key shop manager at UK and
has been placed on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.
The university said it referred van Hook's comment to appropriate
officials after it became aware of it. The statement attributed
to him, no matter who made it and what their
(16:56):
affiliation is doesn't reflect who we are as a commun unity.
Blatton said that in a statement on behalf of the University,
it's cruel, it's.
Speaker 2 (17:06):
Insensitive, and it's wrong.
Speaker 1 (17:09):
The comment when viral after an account on x called
libs of TikTok highlighted the remark in a post. Libs
of TikTok has four point four million followers and the
post has been shared thousands of times. Libs of TikTok
incorrectly suggested van Hook was employed by Eastern Kentucky University,
(17:32):
but the school later confirmed van Hook isn't affiliated with EKU.
The social media account spent much of Thursday sharing posts
targeting people who had made negative comments about Kirk, often
tagging their employees and employers. Kirk was shot and killed
by an unknown gunman while speaking at an event on
(17:55):
the Utah Valley University campus on Wednesday. The FBI has
released photos of a person of interests connected to the
shooting and is offering a reward of up to one
hundred thousand dollars for information about the shooter. In July,
UK also suspended law professor Ramsay Woodcock for circulating an
(18:18):
online petition calling for the destruction of Israel. President Eli
Cappeluto previously said he condemns Woodcock's comments and an outside
legal counsel is reviewing the matter. Other universities and organizations
have launched investigations into or fired employee or employees for
(18:41):
comments made in the wake of Kirk's death. Middle Tennessee
State University and the University of Mississippi have both fired
an employee for the remarks, according to media reports. Our
next story from The Herald Leader is headline excell London
Mayor Weddell files appeal to have impeachment vote reversed and
(19:03):
is written by a Christopher Leech. Former London Mayor Randall
Weddell has filed an appeal seeking to reverse the London
City Council's impeachment vote against them. The council filed eleven
charges of misconduct or wilful neglect against the former mayor,
including misusing City Police Department funds for a personal protection detail,
(19:29):
leaving vacant and ethics commissioned seat, and illegally signing a
five million dollar mortgage on behalf of the city without
council approval. After a recent nine hour meeting, the council
unanimously agreed that three of Weddell's eleven charges warranted removal
from office. Weddell was not and has not been convicted
(19:53):
of any criminal activity. Conrad Cessna, an attorney representing the council,
did immediately respond to a request for comment and has
yet to comment on the council's impeachment vote. The council
appointed Tracy Hanley, a London resident and retired trial science consultant,
(20:14):
as acting mayor. She was sworn in shortly after the hearing,
and after the hearing, Weddell vowed to appeal the vote.
Speaker 2 (20:23):
Today.
Speaker 1 (20:23):
I appeal the City's Council's unlawful attempt to remove me
from office, Weddell said on a statement on Thursday. I
look forward to this going forward before an impartial judge
who will examine the evidence in facts, without prejudice or
personal bias. Weddell's attorney, Carmine and Carino, described the London
(20:46):
City Council's decision to remove Weddell from office as quote,
an unprecedented and unlawful power grab. In the appeal, I
in Carino added the council conspired for months to remove
Wehttel from office and conducted a sham hearing to achieve
its goal. In a separate court filing, I Corrino said
(21:09):
the council's reasoning for the impeachment vote were quote petty politics,
personal vendettas, and policy disputes. The Council ignored statutory limits
state law and manufactured charges that at worst reflect ordinary
policy disagreements, ian Carino wrote in the appeal, and added
(21:32):
the Council's unlawful vote must be set aside Ea. Carino
also asked for a temporary injunction on the Council's vote
and an expedited briefing and hearing date at the earliest
possible opportunity.
Speaker 2 (21:47):
A special judge has also.
Speaker 1 (21:49):
Been requested for the proceedings, as a regular judge for
the twenty seventh Circuit is disqualified to preside over the case.
That's according to court documents, this matter is now in
the hands of the courts, where the Council should have
turned to address their disagreements instead of seeking to remove
me in a highly political process. Weel said that in
(22:12):
a statement. The appeal also claimed the Council violated Kentucky's
Open Meeting Act, by having the impeachment hearing in the
Laurel County Judicial Center. I Karino wrote that the council
purposely chose the Judicial Center, knowing it had a smaller
capacity than the amount of citizens interested in the hearing.
(22:34):
Several of Whattell's supporters attended the hearing, so many so
that an overflow location had to be arranged at the
Laurel County Courthouse two blocks away, where residents watched the
hearing online. Eucarino added, the use of an overflow location
also violates the Open Meetings Act.
Speaker 2 (22:54):
Even if an overflow oh.
Speaker 1 (22:56):
Location were acceptable under the Open Meetings Act is and
those locations were plagued with technical difficulties throughout the day,
Iacarino said in the appeal, the video and audio feed
lagged and were repeatedly interrupted, and the public repeatedly complained
during the hearing. Weddell thanked his supporters in his statement.
(23:20):
I want to sincerely thank all the individuals have poured
out their support to me and my family during this time,
as well as everyone who attended the hearing and stayed
for all those long hours. Weddell said, your support means
more than I can never put into words. Our next
story from The Herald Leader is written by Austin Hornet's headline,
(23:42):
Chad Meredith Trump pick for Kentucky federal judge get Senate
a committee okay. Chad Meredith is one step closer to
becoming Kentucky's newest federal judge. The litigator, nominated in June
by President Donald Trump to phillispot on the bench of
the U. S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky,
(24:06):
was given a thumbs up by the Senate Judiciary Committee
Thursday morning. After Democrats voice brief opposition to his nomination.
The committee approved meredith nomination twelve to ten, with all
Republicans voting yes and all Democrats voting no. Meredith had
already received a hearing in the committee this July, facing
(24:29):
several tough questions from Democrats. The last step now for
Meredith to join the federal bench as a vote of
the full Senate. Republicans, who control of fifty three member
majority in the body, can have vote cloture to pass
his and other judicial nominations with a simple majority. Meredith
(24:50):
is set to fill the seat of Judge Danny Reeves,
who took senior status earlier this year. Meredith is currently
employed at the sce Nattie based law firm Squire Patent Boggs,
where he was recently promoted a partner. Three years ago,
Meredith was slated to be nominated by former Democratic President
(25:13):
Joe Biden in a rare deal between Biden and Kentucky
GOP Senator Mitch McConnell. The plan was dropped, however, due
to the opposition of Kentucky Senator Ran Paul. This time around,
Paul is supporting Meredith's nomination. Meredith's nomination moved through the
GOP controlled Senate judiciary quickly. Only Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois,
(25:38):
the committee's ranking Democratic member, voiced concern over Meredith's nomination.
Mister Meredith has insulted women everywhere when he argued in
court that doctors should be required to provide certain information
to female patients because these women don't understand their own medical.
Speaker 2 (25:59):
Needs, said Durbin.
Speaker 1 (26:01):
That was a reference to Meredith's defense of a Kentucky
law requiring doctors to show and describe images of a
fetal ultrasound, among other things, to a patient before performing
an abortion. Meredith was Deputy General Counsel to former Governor
Matt Bevin at the time, and past criticisms of Meredith
(26:23):
have centered around his views on abortion and his time
in Bevin's office. He faced several questions during his committee
hearing about a series of controversial pardons issued by Bevin
near the end of his term, including the pardon of
Patrick Baker, a man who invaded a couple's home, killing
a man impointing a gun at a pregnant woman and children.
(26:47):
Meredith has denied involvement in the most controversial of the pardons.
Meredith has deep ties to the Republican Party in Kentucky
through his father, State Senator Stephen Meredith, or Republican from
Leechville Field, his former employment in the Governor's office, and
via McConnell, who championed his nomination both times. Meredith also
(27:12):
interned for the longtime senator back in two thousand and three.
I've been impressed to watch a former meccinturn through the decade,
succeed in the legal field, public service, and now to
be nominated to the federal bench. McConnell said that during
Meredith committee hearings, and that concludes readings from the first
(27:34):
section of the Lexington Herald Leader for September twelfth, twenty
twenty five. Stay tuned for more news to follow immediately.
Your reader has been Howard Climan. And now to continue
reading from the Lexington Herald Leader for September twelfth, twenty
twenty five. And your reader today is Howard Climan. We
(27:58):
start with the obituaries, read only the name, age and location.
If you would like further information on any of the obituaries,
please call us during the weekdays at eight five nine
four two two six' three nine, zero and we'll be
glad to read the entire obituary for. You i'll repeat
that name at the end of the. Listings and there's
(28:21):
just one. Today It's Janice Elaine LaRue eighty seven Of.
Speaker 2 (28:26):
Lexington and, again if you'd.
Speaker 1 (28:28):
Like more information about that, obituary call us at our
office at eight five nine four two two six three nine.
Zero and now we continue reading articles from Today's Lexington Herald.
Leader and the next one is Entitled Central Kentucky's first
Wah wah opens In. Nicholasville it's written By Piper. Hanson
(28:52):
Central Kentucky's First.
Speaker 2 (28:54):
Wowa is ready to open its.
Speaker 1 (28:55):
Doors the convenience store and twenty pump gas, station known
across The northeast for it's, coffee, breakfast, sandwiches and, hogies
will open today In nicholasville at three Thousand Lexington. Road
The Jessamine county city is about thirty minutes south Of.
Lexington The pennsylvania based chain has built A colt like
(29:19):
following on the back of high quality branded, products made,
order fresh, food and. Consistency according to its, Customers The
Nicholasville birds.
Speaker 2 (29:31):
Open In kentucky this.
Speaker 1 (29:32):
Year doors opened at eight am, today followed by a
ribbon cutting ceremony at eight. THIRTY vip customers got an
inside look at the store On september. Tenth Wah wah
employees walked through the crowd gathered in the, store handing
out samples of, sandwiches, cookies mac and, cheese, meatballs, brownies,
(29:55):
smoothies and other items from the. Menu those same customers
help themselves the coffee and soda while music played through
speakers before remarks from the store's. Leadership Marie, sloan A
Jessamine county resident who works in retail close To, wahwah
said she's heard a lot of great things about the
(30:15):
brand from friends and. Family she loved trying to meatballs
and is excited to stop in the store to grab
a breakfast burrito before. Work the novelty of it makes
this a unique, experience she. Said, plus it's just a
little bit above a regular gas, station better, quality and
one stop you can get. Everything Jessamine County Judge Executive David,
(30:39):
west wearing a black Wa wai, Uniform, wednesday completed the
ceremonial building Of Central kentucky's First Hogi turkey and Pepper
Jack cheese with, tomatoes, onions, jalapenos and spicy ranch On Friday,
today when the store, opens the first two hundred and
fifty customers will get at free limited edition tea shirts
(31:02):
listing the chains existing in Forthcoming kentucky. Locations on the,
back agin do a shirt you might get from your
favorite band's concert. Tour following the ribbon, Cutting Nicholasville police
And fire departments will compete in A hogi building, competition
And wahwa's donating one thousand dollars to each department's charity of.
(31:25):
Choice if you can't make it for today's in store.
Festivities From september twelfth to the, Fourteenth, Wow we'll offer
free hot andy sized, coffee And friday also makes the
start of the stores lending A Helping hogy, campaign during
which a percentage of the first week Of hogi sales
(31:46):
will go To kentucky Based God's Pantry Food bank In Fayette.
County Resident Michael labogate drove down To nicholasville On wednesday
to get into the store first with OTHER vip. Customers
his father's side of the family is from a town
just Outside philadelphia where Wah wah is dominant in the,
(32:06):
market and his grandmother lived In florida where there was
a Wah wah just down the. Street anytime we wanted a,
snack that's where we'd go to get, chicken fingers and, fries, sandwiches, milkshakes, candy,
coffee whatever he, wanted he. Said and WHEN i heard
that there was one coming, NEARBY i was, Like, yeah that's.
Awesome shelves inside the store are stoked a stock brother
(32:30):
with Wa wah branded. Items everything from ice cream to
bottled peach t is adorned With Wally, goose the brand's.
Mascot at pays homage to the store's roots In pennsylvania
and as a dairy, farm but Woh wah also sells
convenience stores sat staples like sour candy and chocolate, chips snack, cakes, lunchables, beef,
(32:54):
jerky and.
Speaker 2 (32:55):
More The nicholasville location is the first in The lexington air.
Speaker 1 (33:00):
Area the First kentucky Wa wah opened On july twenty,
fourth Near okohama And louisville off The Jeen Snyder. Freeway
the second Wah wah Opened september, fifth also In louisville
On Bardstown road Near Feginham Bush. Lane But wowah isn't
stopping at just Central kentucky And. Louisville by the end
(33:23):
of twenty twenty, Five wawah plans to have eight stores
opening In. Kentucky it plans to build between five and
eight stores annually until it reaches forty locations across the.
Commonwealth wawa has twenty sites under contract In, Boone, Bullet, Campbell, Fayette, Hardin, Jefferson, Jessamine, Oldham, Scott, Shelby,
(33:45):
simpson And Warren. Counties on, Average wawah spends more than
seven and a half million dollars to build each store
and typically utilizes more than one hundred and forty local
contractors And once stores, open an average of thirty five
people are employed at each, location and by the time
the chain's forty locations, Open wahwah expects to have created one,
(34:10):
thousand four hundred jobs Across. Kentucky our Next Herald leader's
story is written By Christopher. Leech its Headline kentucky teacher
charged and sex crime first reported over seven years. Ago
Kentucky State police have made an arrest in a years
long sex crime investigation that involved a Former Murray High school.
(34:34):
Teacher Jason, shelby who turns forty seven, today was Arrested
wednesday in charge with third degree rape and first degree sexual.
Abuse that's according to state. Police he's accused of having
inappropriate sexual relations with former. Students state police began Investigating
(34:55):
shelby back In august twenty of, eighteen after The Kentucky
Education Professional Standards board sent detectives a report of allegations
at dated back as far as two thousand and. Five
shelby was a teacher at the time the report was,
made but resigned about two months. Later according to state
(35:15):
police And State beliefs said it wasn't until just recently
that they had enough evidence to obtain an arrest warrant
after a victim came forward and provided more. Information the,
victim a former, student told investigator she had a sexual
relationship With shelby in two thousand and eight in two
(35:36):
thousand and, nine when she was fifteen and sixteen.
Speaker 2 (35:39):
Years, old.
Speaker 1 (35:40):
Respectively the arrest warrant says victim And shelby would use
codewords and emails to schedule. Meetings the sexual encounters happened
In shelby's cars house And Chestnut. Park after detectives spoke
with a, victim they Visited shelby at his Residence. Tuesday
(36:00):
court documents say he was cordial and open to speaking
with the detectives till they brought up the victim's. Name
shelby then changed his demeanor and declined to speak without an.
Attorney shelby's being held in The Callaway County jail as
bond as twenty thousand, dollars according to court. Records the
(36:21):
investigation remains open and anyone with information about the case
is encouraged to Call State Police post one at two
seven zero eight five six three seven two, one and
that number is two seven zero eight five six three
seven two. ONE a new law went into effect this
(36:41):
summer that requires All kentucky public school districts to implement
a traceable communications platform that will serve as the only
method for a teacher to contact a student. Electronically that
law came after several incidents of inappropriate sexual communication involving
(37:01):
school staff and students In kentucky have led to criminal
charges in recent.
Speaker 2 (37:07):
Years our next story From.
Speaker 1 (37:11):
The Herald leader is written By alexequisto And taylor. Six
it's Headlined Addiction Recovery care closes five more, locations including
flagship In, Luisa kentucky's leading for profit residential addiction care treatment,
company is closing fond for residential, centers including its flagship.
(37:32):
Location administrators confirm that On, Wednesday Addiction Recovery care told
staff this week it was closing five locations effective, immediately
which has resulted in the layoffs of dozens of, employees
THOUGH arc declined to provide a specific number in an
email To The Herald. Leader this week's layoffs and facility
(37:56):
closures are the latest in a tumultuous year for the
addiction treatment, giant which at its peak was one of
the largest addiction treatment providers In. Kentucky in twenty twenty,
three when elected leaders boasted That kentucky had the most
residential addiction treatment beds per capita of any. State it
(38:17):
was in large part thanks to ARC's expansive. Footprint but
as THE fbi continues its investigation INTO arc for potential
criminal fraud that was announced In august twenty twenty, four
hundreds of employees have been. TERMINATED arc won't say exactly how,
many and more federal cuts to medicaid loom on the.
(38:41):
HORIZON arc announced more layoffs In. August the most recent
facilities to close Are Karen's, place ARC's flagship women's facility
In louisa that opened in twenty, Ten, lackey a men's
facility In, Louisa Mayhill means facility In, Louisia Hazel, hills
(39:03):
a women's facility In, owingsville And Lydia's, house a women's
facility In. VENHAM arc and its nonprofit Arm Odyssey, incorporated
have operated roughly forty addiction treatment and behavioral health facilities
across the, state as well as several public facing, businesses
(39:24):
including a, college an auto shop and events, space a
cafe and a, bakery and a. Theater after this week's.
CLOSURES arc has fourteen operational, facilities a mix of residential
and outpatient, centers as well as a psychiatric, Hospital Bellefontaine
hospital And Recovery center In. Ashland ARC's vice president Of,
(39:49):
Marketing Vanessa, keaton said that in the, email administrators siding
sided and pending and significant reimbursement cuts for addiction and
mental health health service providers LIKE erc that came in
two email layoff letters to staff that.
Speaker 2 (40:07):
Were shared with The Herald.
Speaker 1 (40:09):
Leader those letters start by touting ARC's accomplishment before quickly. Pivoting,
unfortunately and due to circumstances that are outside of our,
control we sometimes have to make difficult decisions that impact
members of our, team such as the unfortunate reduction in
(40:29):
force that has taken place. Today the letter, continues we
regret to inform you that your employment will be eliminated
due to the reduction in. Force your last day of
employment will be at the close of business On september,
tenth twenty twenty. Five administrators over the last year have
(40:50):
said the closure of facilities and cleaving of staff are
not related to THE fbi. Probe these decisions weren't made
lightly and we are dedicated to supporting our team members
and communities affected by these. Changes keaton said that in
a statement On thursday, morning the safety and care of
our clients remains our top, priority and we're ensuring all
(41:13):
curring clients receive uninterrupted care by transitioning them to OTHER
arc centers or alternative providers of their. Choosing keaton added and,
concluded given the substantial reimbursement cuts for indiction and mental health,
services we can't determine if these closures are. Permanent many
(41:36):
of the clients and interns who were currently receiving addiction
treatment services at those locations were transferred to other facilities
within THE arcs, system but others LEFT arc or addiction treatment.
Altogether that's according to two former employees At Hazel hills
who both receive termination Letters. Wednesday agreed to be interviewed
(42:01):
on the condition that their names not be used for
fear that they or those.
Speaker 2 (42:06):
They still know living AT arc will face.
Speaker 1 (42:09):
Retaliation they know of TWO arc staff members who were
laid off with nowhere to, go who had begun calling
homeless shelters and sober living homes for. HELP i went
to bed last night crying because we can't help, them
one of the informer employees. Said in dozens of interviews
over the last, year current and FORMER arc employees have
(42:32):
described an exploitative workplace culture where staff and client well
being often takes a back seat to building the insurance
for services rendered of clients On. Medicaid that continued yesterday
At Hazel. Hills according to the two women who had
been AT, arc either as a client or staff since
(42:53):
twenty twenty, two they were both Told, wednesday just before eleven,
am they were being laid, off according to the time
staff of their. Emails instead of comforting the clients that
are having to move further away from their, families from their.
Kids instead of consoling those, clients we were told that
we had to get clients in the clinical groups so
(43:16):
they could have their billing done for the, day the first.
Said and that was the number one worry that we
had to get groups in before they. Left groups are
peer supported sessions and lessons required as part of treatment.
Programming it was, chaos the former employee. Added we were
trying to comfort the girls and we couldn't even do.
(43:38):
That neither employee were allowed to clock in or out
yesterday because they'd already been kicked out of the, system
leading them to believe they won't be compensated for their
final day of. Employment our Next Herald leader's story is
written By Christopher leech's Headline Kentucky's shriff's deputies shoots kills
(44:00):
during welfare. Check according to the State, police A Kentucky
sheriff's deputy shot and killed a Man tuesday while conducting
a welfare. Check that's according to The Kentucky State. Police
the incident happened just before six pm at a home
On East Augusta Chatham road In Bracken. County state police
(44:22):
said a deputy with The Bracken County Sheriff's office was
at the home conducting a welfare check On Justin, gillespie
who was thirty. Four the deputy was talking To gillespie
on the front porch When gillespie ran inside the. House
State police said the deputy went to the back, door
and When gillespie, exited an altercation. Occurred during the, altercation
(44:46):
the deputy Shot. Gillespie according to State. Police Bracken county
ems attempted life saving measures On, gillespie but he was
pronounced dead at the.
Speaker 2 (44:56):
Home no other information was. Released about the.
Speaker 1 (45:00):
Shooting State police are investigating, it as they do whenever
a state enforcement officer is involved in a. Shooting State
police said they will not release additional information until more
facts are gathered to protect the integrity of an ongoing.
Investigation it is ksp's standard operating procedure not to release
(45:23):
specific details until vital witnesses have been interviewed and pertinent facts.
Gathered State police said that in a news, release it
added timelines to complete investigations vary.
Speaker 2 (45:36):
Based on the complexity of the.
Speaker 1 (45:38):
Case our next story From The Herald leader is written
By Monica. Cast its HEADLINED uk revokes tenure of former
head of equine testing. Laboratory The university Of kentucky has
revoked tenure from the former director of the equine Testing,
lab who is fired last year for falsifying test.
Speaker 2 (46:00):
Results at a special.
Speaker 1 (46:02):
Meeting of The board Of trustees On, thursday the board
voted to Remove Scott stanley's tenure status that's a rare
move in higher, education and fired him from his role
as a professor in the Mart Gatton college Of, Agriculture
food And. Environment stanley was also the director of The
Equine Analytical Chemistry lab before being removed from that role
(46:26):
In march twenty twenty four after an. Investigation receiving tenure
is a lengthy off in years long process for university,
faculty and it's designed to help protect faculty's academic. Freedom
tenured employees can only be terminated for cause or under specific,
circumstances including misconduct and ethical. Violations that's according to The
(46:51):
American association Of University. Professors at a special court Called
board Of trustees meeting On, Thursday sanley's, Lawyer Christina keith
and UK's Assistant General Counsel whitney Step gay answered questions
from the board about the investigation Into, stanley his role
(47:11):
AT uk and his removal from his. LAB uk, said
in addition to falsifying and misrepresenting test, Results stanley also
demonstrated a lack of internal controls in the lab and
had conflicts of interest and improper hiring. Practices all board
members voted in favor of Removing stanley's tenure and role AT,
(47:35):
uk with faculty Trustee Karen patron abstaining from the. Vote
keith Told The Kentucky lantern she was quote disappointed in
the results Of thursday's. Hearing stanley waived his right to
a hearing in front of the Board's according to his
statement FROM, uk we must uphold the highest ethical standards
(47:58):
and comply fully with universe and industry. Regulations board Of
trustees chair Brit brockmann said in a statement and added
any violations of these policies are taken seriously in address
to maintain the integrity of this, work the work of
thousands of people across this. Institution Frank, shup a long
(48:20):
time board, member emphasized the importance of the testing, laboratory
which tests blood samples of race horses for drugs and doping.
Agents the credibility of the industry and thoroughbred racing in
this state and other states relies on the testing, facility sup.
SAID uk announced Last september it had Removed stanley from
(48:43):
his position in the lab and was moving for his
removal from his role at the university after an investigation
showed he'd falsified test results for a banned blood doping
agent called a rethrein, protein and at least four other
results from his lab were called into. Question that's according
to an audit released BY uk last. Year While stanley
(49:07):
was removed from the lab in twenty twenty. Four earlier this,
year the university said the process of terminating him as
a tenured faculty member was still. Ongoing revoking tenure rarely
happens in higher. Education THE uk board previously revoked tenure
from a. Professor last time was in nineteen eighty, four
(49:30):
when The Kentucky community And Technical college system was still
part of the university and A Jefferson Community college associate
professor was in prison for sexual abuse of minor. Children
according to university, Archives stanley has denied the allegations against,
him calling them quote baseless in a statement made through
(49:52):
his lawyer last year and last Year Lisa, lazarus THE
ceo of The Horse Racing integrity AND sa the, authority
said federal.
Speaker 2 (50:02):
Law enforcement officials.
Speaker 1 (50:03):
Were Investigating stanley UNDER hisa OR, heisa the private anti
doping regulatory agency created in twenty twenty By. Congress racing
has moved towards uniform standards and drug testing across the.
Country UK's lab was one of six in THE us
accredited BY heisa to drug test samples for. HORSES uk
(50:28):
tested samples FOR isisa for eight months From may of
twenty twenty three To february of twenty twenty, four in,
ALL isa sent the university between eight thousand and nine
thousand samples From kentucky And, florida but In march twenty twenty,
four the same Month stanley was removed from its administrative
(50:50):
role at the, university The National Racing authority dropped UK's
testing lab from its accredited, list meaning drug text tests
could no longer be performed there for state. Regulators stanley
was head of the, lab which also performed drug tests
for THE Us Equestrian, federation beginning with the lab's formation
(51:13):
in twenty, nineteen and in twenty twenty, two the lab
began performing racing drug testing for the state Of. Kentucky
the audit FROM uk found that in at least one,
Case stanley had TOLD haisa that his lab had found
no rethrow protein in a lab sample received in Early
(51:34):
november of twenty twenty, three but the lab had actually
not tested for the. Substance THE uk lab wasn't even
equipped to do that kind of, work according to the.
Audit it's unclear what state or horse was. Involved according TO,
uk in four, cases all of which were used in racing,
investigations the samples quote lacked results, documentation meaning no re
(52:00):
results were recorded in the university, system even though in
two of the Cases stanlee emailed results to racing. Officials
the audit could not substantiate any additional, falsifications but found
that the lab's internal systems were inadequately controlled and that
quote there were numerous opportunities in the lab's standard workflow
(52:24):
that could potentially allow for sample tampering or records to be,
changed including unfettered access By stanley the samples and to.
Records earlier this, YEAR uk announced it had sold The
Equine Analytical Chemistry lab To Eagle diagnostics and renamed It
Equine integrity And Anti Doping Science. Labs travis May Who Mays,
(52:50):
rather who worked in a similar lab At TEXAS a
AND M, university.
Speaker 2 (52:54):
Was appointed the new.
Speaker 1 (52:55):
Director our Next heraldleage story is written By Piper. Hansen
it's Entitled Third Lexington publics Under construction in Chevy Chase
The Forthcoming publics In lexington Chevy chase neighborhood is under.
Construction demolition began at the side in three thirty three
(53:16):
forty Four Romini Road september, Two according to a notice
sent to, neighbors from the development, Company North carolina Based
Harris Development. Partners at the end Of, august fencing went
up around the entire, property with some parking and sidewalk access.
Blocked Pub books doesn't share a store opening dates until
(53:37):
about a month, before but it may take up to
two years for construction to, conclude according to. Developers in
An august twentieth email to residents From Whimcog, corporation the
construction partners on the, build development Manager Fuller, ramsey said,
quote we understand a project of this. Side we'll have
(53:58):
a significant impact on your, data day lives throughout.
Speaker 2 (54:01):
The course of.
Speaker 1 (54:01):
Construction our mission is to work with the community to
make the construction process as seamless as possible while we
work to bring you a sorely missed community grocery. Store
the construction work is making way for two levels of underground,
parking then the public store will be built, above where
about one hundred and forty people will be. Employed The
(54:25):
Romany Road public's location is different From lexington's two other.
Stores it'll be, smaller just about forty thousand square, feet
and the exterior will look different compared to the chain's
other big box, stores but offer shoppers the same, departments
products and. Services at A june thirtieth meeting with residents
(54:46):
At cathedral Of christ The, king neighbors were shown early
renderings of the store by the construction and development. Teams
ramps and some stairs led to the entrance of the
store that had an exposed brick exterior look in an
attempt to match the neighborhood's. Character the construction and development teams.
Said plans for The Chevy chase location were initially announced
(55:11):
In december twenty twenty. Three it'll Be lexington's third. Public'slocation
The Romany road spot was formerly A kroger that closed
in twenty. Fifteen and this concludes stories from Today's Lexington
Herald leader For september, twelfth twenty twenty. Five your reader,
(55:32):
Today I'm Howard. Kleiman please stay tuned for continued programming
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