THE RIVER CITY NEWS MORE COVINGTON NEWS THAN ANY OTHER SOURCE
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by Michael Monks
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COMMISSION APPROVES NONSPECIFIC BUDGET; LOSES ON 2 SETTLEMENTS
"I feel sorry for the people in a state of limbo because it's a time of uncertainty." The City Commission passes a budget for next year that is short on specifics, but there is a promise that more details are on the way after they hear from you. Plus, the City finds itself on the losing end of two settlements: $600,000 to be paid to retired & active firefighters and $150,000 to be paid to the operators of a methadone clinic. Also, why one Commissioner did not approve the exit agreement for the departing community development director. Your Commission recap is at the link.|
SPIKE JONES TO BE NAMED POLICE CHIEF FRIDAY MORNING
The Covington City Commission will convene for the third time this week at 11:00AM to name Spike Jones Chief of Police, removing the "interim" from his title.
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DRUG SWEEP NETS MORE THAN 30 SUSPECTED DRUG DEALERS
PHOTOS: Wondering why those helicopters were hovering over our city Thursday afternoon? A city-wide drug sweep was and is underway with many arrests expected -- and The River City News got to tag along for part of it. Click the link below for details and lots of photos -- including several arrests as they happened!DRUG SWEEP NETS MORE THAN 30 SUSPECTED DRUG DEALERS
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KENTUCKY POLITICIANS REACT TO HEALTH CARE REFORM RULING
The United States Supreme Court has upheld what is lovingly referred to as Obamacare as constitutional. Immediately afterwards, several of Kentucky's elected leaders caught a case of the vapors:
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Sen. Mitch McConnell
Sen. Mitch McConnell
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Sen. Rand Paul
"Just because a couple people on the Supreme Court declare something to be 'constitutional' does not make it so. The whole thing remains unconstitutional. While the court may have erroneously come to the conclusion that the law is allowable, it certainly does nothing to make this mandate or government takeover of our health care right," Sen. Paul said.|
"Obamacare is wrong for Americans. It will destroy our health care system. This now means we fight every hour, every day until November to elect a new President and a new Senate to repeal Obamacare," he continued.
Rep. Geoff Davis
“We cannot mistake the Court’s ruling for an evaluation of effective, commonsense policy. While the Supreme Court judged the health care law’s constitutionality, the American people and actuarial experts have already judged its quality — that it is a disaster for patients, small businesses and future generations of Americans.|
“Congress must redouble its efforts to repeal the health care law so we can start anew on reforms that will increase patient access and quality of care while reducing costs.”
Kentucky Democrats on the other hand see value in the Court's decision...
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Rep. John Yarmuth:
“The law lowers costs, strengthens care, and – once fully implemented – will guarantee all Americans access to quality, affordable coverage while creating nearly 6 million new jobs in the health care sector. It is already saving seniors hundreds of dollars in prescription drug costs while offering free preventive services such as cancer screenings and routine vaccinations."|
“Children can no longer be denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition – a protection that will be extended to all Americans in 2014. More than 3 million young people have been able to obtain insurance through their parents’ plan. And hundreds of thousands of small businesses have used tax credits provided under the law to offer coverage for 2 million workers."
“During my time in Congress, an overwhelming majority of Louisvillians have told me they want guaranteed access to health care, lower premium costs, and more choice in the insurance market. The Affordable Care Act accomplishes each of these goals. Casting my vote in favor of the law was my proudest moment in Congress, and today I join millions of Americans to celebrate again.”
Bill Adkins, Democratic candidate for NKY's seat in Congress
“The winners today are those without insurance because now they have a chance at affordable healthcare when all the reforms are in place in 2014,” says Bill Adkins. “The cost of health care in America continues to be double that of other industrialized nations. The Affordable Care Act will take steps to reduce those costs, but most likely more will have to be done.”|
“My opponent has repeatedly stated that the Affordable Care Act is unconstitutional,” says Bill Adkins. ”This decision today with the conservative Chief Justice Roberts writing the opinion ruled that the Affordable Care Act is constitutional and that Tom Massie is wrong,” says Adkins.
Covington's State Rep. Arnold Simpson
“One of my greatest regrets is that we have so many people without insurance, and if this act is going to create a pathway to afford Americans with insurance coverage, then I think it’s good.” Simpson said.It will also ensure everyone pays their fair share, Simpson said.Via Cincinnati Enquirer/Scott Wartman
“What we’ve had historically is cost shifting,” Simpson said. “We’ve been paying for the uninsured. When they go to the emergency rooms, they are provided care. The people with insurance are who are paying. They shift the cost. Finally, we have a system where we’re going to have a blanket of coverage.”
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Meanwhile, Governor Beshear is moving forward with creating Kentucky's health care exchange:
“This Supreme Court decision removes much of the uncertainty about the Affordable Care Act. Kentucky has been systematically preparing to meet the implementation deadlines set forth in the bill as a precautionary matter, and now we will move ahead to establish a state-operated Health Benefit Exchange. I will soon issue an Executive Order to create the state health insurance exchange so Kentucky will be prepared to operate it by the date the law requires. We continue to review the Supreme Court’s opinion, particularly on the Medicaid portion of the Affordable Care Act to determine what our options may be. “|
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L'OREAL POSSIBLY TO EXPAND OPERATIONS IN KENTON COUNTY
Some great economic news involving a $42 million expansion in Kenton County:
The finance authority board on Thursday gave preliminary approval for L’Oreal to get $5 million in payroll tax incentives and $800,000 in tax incentives to be recovered from construction costs.211 jobs could be created. Governor Beshear will be in Erlanger today for the announcement. More details at the link.
L’Oreal has proposed the expansion on property the company purchased in 2010 adjacent to its current facility on New Buffington Road in Kenton County along the border with Boone County, the finance authority report states.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Scott Wartman
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BE CAREFUL OUT THERE! ANOTHER SCORCHER IS BEAMING DOWN UPON US.
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Kentucky officials urge caution as temps rise press release
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NKU moves to conserve energy on these hot days:
Duke Energy has again requested that we curtail electrical consumption as much as we can to help them meet area demand. The curtailment event will start at noon and end at 8 p.m. today, June 28. This action is necessary because of extended high energy demand due to the current heat wave. It is anticipated that the electrical system in our area will be taxed which could result in localized outages, “brown outs” and high energy prices. To help us do our share we are asking that you turn off lighting that you do not absolutely need and shut down or unplug any electrical or electronic equipment that is not absolutely necessary or will not be in use for an hour or more. We appreciate your support in helping us reduce consumption during this critical period. If you have questions or concerns please contact Facilities Management at X-1927. If your concern involves IT or AV equipment please contact IT at X-6911.|
Officials urge caution when using fireworks this year press release
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QUICKIES
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US Rep. Steve Chabot attempts to thwart federal funding for Cincinnati streetcar Cincinnati Enquirer & WKRC
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Frankfort: Stumbo, Williams sign off on payments for redistricting lawsuits Bluegrass Politics
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Frankfort: Ethics commission urges disclosure on funds spent on legislative ads cn|2
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Fancy Farm organizers send out picnics (DO NOT MISS THIS UNIQUELY KENTUCKY EVENT!) Herald-Leader
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Multi-state drunk driving crackdown coming Cincinnati Enquirer
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Kentucky First Lady Jane Beshear offers summer reading list press release
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WHAT TO DO THIS WEEKEND IN COVINGTON?
In addition to all the usual hot spots around town, there are several fun events...
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FRIDAY
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90s Tribute Show at the Avenue Lounge
There will be thirty bands rocking two stages on Madison Avenue tonight starting at 8:00PM. Admission is FREE! For details, click here.
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SATURDAY
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Volunteer at the Licking River Greenway & Trails
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Take a paddleboat tour of the Licking River
From a release:
The tour, called "Rediscovering the Licking River," is a tour to help educate the public on the importance of two local initiatives. The Licking River Watershed is an organization that works to protect, improve and restore the waters for the Licking River basin by promoting water quality monitoring, public education and citizen action. The Licking River Greenway is an effort to create an urban greenway from the mouth of the Licking River to the I-275 loop.Tickets are $20. For details, click here.
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SUNDAY
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NKY's Gay Pride Festival
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SHOULD THE ASCENT BE DEMOLISHED?
A group of architects were asked by California Home & Design to identify 25 buildings that should be demolished right now, and one of them suggested Covington's own architectural masterpiece -- The Ascent!
The Ascent's curving crescent form was designed to maximize views while the blue and white blotchy grid pattern theoretically reflects the sky and river, but Architect Neal Schwartz is less than impressed. "Just when I thought Daniel Libeskind's crass recycling of his single and dubious architectural idea had reached its apotheosis, I come across this 'gem,'" he says. Likewise, the interior of the building with its laser-like stripes of lights and mirrors on the ceiling and floor is just as lovely.See the rest of the list at the link.
California Home & Design
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Hey, how about those Wildcats? Another superb class of UK basketball stars are headed to the NBA.
UK press release on the draft announcement Click here
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Column: John Calipari is in his element on draft night WDRB
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Presented without comment...
This photo was submitted by a reader from Covington who went down to Clay County this week.
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