360 Fireworks Party

Thursday, December 29, 2011

NEWS ROUND-UP -- THURSDAY MORNING 29 DEC

by Michael Monks 
NEW ADDRESS: Email Michael

Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
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'SIMPLE' GAMBLING BILL TO BE OFFERED NEXT WEEK
When the state legislature returns Tuesday, Governor Beshear expects someone to get gambling on the table, though he does not yet know who will sponsor the bill:
Beshear said earlier this month that a constitutional amendment is the best way to go."People don't want to look at a 14-page amendment to determine whether they are going to vote on it or not," Beshear said. "We need a fairly simple approach to this."If the legislature approves such an amendment, voters could decide the issue at the polls next November.
Herald-Leader/Jack Brammer  
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MEANWHILE...
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NKY Legislators make their priorities known:
Funding the replacement for the 50-year-old Brent Spence Bridge tops many local legislators’ list of projects. The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and many in the Northern Kentucky delegation will advocate for the state to set aside about $15 million a year for the project. (snip) 
Thayer will make funding for the middle section of Ky. 16 reconstruction in Taylor Mill and South Covington a priority. Many also hope at least a portion of the Northern Kentucky Convention Center expansion will get funded. Westwood said he hopes the General Assembly can fund at least $3 million for design work. The Northern Kentucky Convention Center turns a profit and is a good investment for the state, he said.
Check out the full, comprehensive article:
Cincinnati Enquirer/Scott Wartman  
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SEE ALSO: Beshear to use leftover campaign funds to help Democrats win legislative seats Herald-Leader
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KY SUPREME COURT TO HEAR FEN PHEN CASE
Remember the diet drug made in Cincinnati that ended with a lawsuit that then ended with three attorneys being disbarred and possibly costing Stan Chesley his career? It's the pill that won't quit:
A group of people sickened by the diet drug fen-phen will get a chance to argue that a $42 million judgment awarded to them from their one-time attorneys should be reinstated. The Kentucky Supreme Court has agreed to take up the case brought by former clients of three now-disbarred lawyers who once represented them in a $200 million settlement.
WKYT 
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NEWLY ELECTED AGRICULTURE COMMISH SUPPORTS INDUSTRIAL HEMP
Great news:
“Once the bill passes and becomes law in Kentucky, then I will go with Senator [Rand] Paul and a group of our federal delegation to Washington and try to get Kentucky to be able to have a pilot project to grow industrial hemp,” he says.
A bill that was passed and signed into law a decade ago allows the University of Kentucky to grow industrial hemp for research purposes. Comer says research is no longer necessary, and wide-scale farming will be an economic boon for tobacco growers who are looking to diversify their farms.
Finally, Kentucky may take advantage of one its resources.
WFPL  
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BENGALS FANS LOVE THE TEAM, THEY JUST HATE MIKE BROWN
National media finally take note of why Bengals fans are not going to the games in spite of the fact that the team is having an exciting season:
So this hurts, this special season. The Bengals got rid of most of the prima donnas, mainly because they were too expensive -- Brown doesn't make football decisions; he makes money decisions, and if the football part of it happens to work out, so be it -- and replaced them with cheap rookie talent. Who knew second-round pick Andy Dalton and even first-rounder A.J. Green would be this good, this fast? Or that a defense of mostly unrecognizable names would come together so quickly? Or that kicker Mike Nugent, after failing at four franchises, would become Pro Bowl-caliber in Cincinnati?
Mike Brown didn't know any of that, so stop right there. This is the guy who hired Dave Shula and drafted Akili Smith and signed injured receiver Antonio Bryant for $28 million -- and believe me, I could go on -- so don't look at the Bengals' 9-6 record this season and decide that Mike Brown became football-savvy overnight. He didn't. There's a saying: Even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in a while. That's Brown, and those are the 2011 Bengals.
Ouch. Read it all:
CBS Sports/Greg Doyel  
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For the record, Sunday's game is sold out, so if you're not at Paul Brown Stadium, you'll be able to watch it on TV.
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LOCAL AUTHOR WEIGHS IN ON 'GOVERNMENT FUNDED COMEDY'
Popular local writer Rick Robinson got a piece online in the conservative 'Daily Caller' where he takes aim at three Indian-American comedians headed to Mumbai for a comedy routine:
What is making this tour unique enough to get international attention is that — wait for it — it’s being paid for by the United States government. [laugh track](snip)
Funnily enough, the interesting thing about the “Make Chai Not War” tour is my lack of offense at the fact that tax dollars are being spent to make people laugh. We use tax dollars for a lot of things that make me laugh — a press secretary for Joe Biden, for instance. Still, the cost of the entire tour won’t even pay for the warhead on one surface-to-air missile.
It's a funny piece of analysis. Read it here:
The Daily Caller/Rick Robinson 
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Can't believe I just linked to The Daily Caller...
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Moving on...
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SPEAKING OF COMEDY - DON'T MISS THE BULLDOG IN COVINGTON TONIGHT
Local attorney, radio host, personality Eric Deters takes the stage at Tickets Sports Cafe on 6th Street for a comedy routine with special guests. And prizes!
Thursday, December 29 at 7 p.m. at Tickets Sports CafĂ© in Covington, I’ll do a Witty and Wise Comedy Show! First fifty people get a free t-shirt or hat. (I have a box I want to give out.) Sensible Don and TC will be there. Also, hear Greg Amburgy sing some original songs including: “Everyone Must Get Sued.” If you are wondering, yes, you will belly laugh and it’s a clean show and different material than the last show.
Bulldogs Post
|KY STATE POLICE OFFERS TIPS ON THROWING HOLIDAY PARTY
No, seriously:
Request identification from anyone who appears 30 years of age or younger. Guests who cannot present a valid form of ID should not be given any alcohol.
Hear that people? If you're hosting a New Year's Eve bash, you need to card your guests. I never read that in any Martha Stewart book! Thanks, KSP!
More tips, including why you should serve 'fruit juice', at the link!
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OLDEST CAKE GETS A PARTY OF ITS OWN
A cake that was baked in 1911 is aging quite well. So well, that the man who found it tucked away in a St. Louis closet, decided to throw a party for it:
He told ABC: 'Usually, you throw a birthday party and bring a cake, but this party was for the cake.'
Click the link and check out the guy's photo and you'll think, 'Yep, he looks like someone that would throw a party for a cake.' Oh, and a 70-year old fruitcake that was baked in a Kroger store is up for auction. Both stories at the link below.
The Daily Mail  
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WANT TO SEE WHERE THE GOP PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATES LIVE?
Of course you do.
NY Times 
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CLOONEY CRAZE IN CINCINNATI/NKY MAKES DERF'S WORST OF 2011 LIST
The local satire publication says:
2. Clooney Watch 2011: The twitterverse, which, by the way, loves referring to itself as the twitterverse pointed out every 1.3 seconds that George Clooney was in town. It also let us know which bar stool he was sitting in and which restroom stall he used. It kept us up on his whereabouts day after day after day after day after day. Way to make a small town look like a giggling school girl that has never seen a celebrity before.
Full list at the link.
Derf Magazine 




Wednesday, December 28, 2011

NEWS ROUND-UP -- WEDNESDAY LUNCH 28 DEC

by Michael Monks 
NEW ADDRESS: Email Michael

Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
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1,000 INMATES TO BE RELEASED IN KENTUCKY NEXT WEEK
And Commonwealth Attorneys do not seem happy with the decision, including Kenton County's own Rob Sanders:

 Rob Sanders 

KY to release dozens of Kenton Co. convicted felons early! Burglars, robbers, drug dealers, arsonist, & even a sex offender! HAPPY NEW YEAR!
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But, he's not alone:
But Anna Melvin isn’t sure the rehabilitation programs are in place to ensure an effective transition. Melvin is the Commonwealth’s Attorney for the 24th District, covering Lawrence, Johnson and Martin counties. She supports initiatives to curb drug addiction, but says there aren’t enough facilities to take in everyone who needs help. “I’m really frustrated that they don’t have enough beds for people,” she says. “They’re telling us to do this, but where are we going to send them? Are we going to send them back home because we can’t put them in jail. I’m anxious to see six months from now how things are and what the recidivism rate is on these people they just keep turning back to the public.”
WFPL/Gabe Bullard  
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The state program that will lead to the releases is projected to save the state $40 million a year:
"We are going to monitor it very closely, we stand ready to make any changes necessary to change this law." says State Representative Leslie Combs.
Combs admits the program was initially a concern for elected officials but as a group they decided this was the best move for the state as well as the inmates.
"We felt like it was a good move based on the knowledge we had and I think we just monitor it and pay close attention to it." she adds.
More, including a video report, at the link:
WKYT 
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GOV. BESHEAR TOUTS TOP 10 ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF 2011
The long press release includes:
10. SUPPORTING LOCAL BUSINESSES AND JOBS WITH ONE STOP BUSINESS PORTALIn an effort to better serve the business community across the Commonwealth, Gov. Beshear authorized the creation of a one-stop business website to help businesses start and operate in a more efficient way. The Kentucky Business One Stop – onestop.ky.gov – is an interactive web portal designed to provide faster, friendlier, more reliable and cost-effective state government services to businesses.
The website features a link to the Secretary of State’s office allowing citizens to register a new business online, while at the same time, providing a convenient way to communicate and interact with the Department of Revenue. A common sense guide helps walk businesses through all the steps needed at the state and local levels to start a business in Kentucky.
Gov. Beshear credits numerous individuals and agencies for working enthusiastically to create the website for the benefit of Kentucky’s business community. The Beshear administration worked with business leaders and Secretary of State Elaine Walker and her staff to develop the website.
Read the full list here:
Governor Beshear  
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LEGISLATURE SHOULD CRACK DOWN ON PILL MILLS
Says an editorial from the Lexington paper:
Law enforcement will never be the final answer to drug abuse of any kind. It's a problem that grows out of poverty, despair, illness and lack of opportunity. Addressing those problems, like so many others in Kentucky, means taking on the long-term commitment to improve access to education, health care and economic opportunity.Still, there are things that can, and should, be done legislatively in the short-term to make it harder for pill pushers to stay in business in Kentucky and, therefore, limit access to prescription pain pills for people who aren't in medical need of them.
Herald-Leader  
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KENTUCKY HIGHWAY DEATHS DOWN IN 2011 FROM 2010

Still too many people not wearing seatbelts though:
"Kentucky over the last several years has experienced fewer deaths on our highways than in previous years, and 2011 is no different," Kentucky State Police spokesman David Jude said. "There are several reasons for that, which include our educational efforts, our enforcement efforts and engineering efforts," Jude said. "However, the largest credit goes to the driving public, because when they make changes in their behaviors and attitudes toward driving their vehicles, we see great changes in safety, which leads to a reduction in collisions, injuries and fatalities."
Bowling Green Daily News  
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ONE YEAR CAR-FREE IN THE QUEEN CITY
One popular local blogger decided that when her car died a year ago, she was not going to replace it. Instead, she would rely on her feet and - gasp! - public transportation. In Cincinnati? Yep. Turns out, after one full year, she likes it:
More Cincinnatians could give this effort a try if we had even more transportation options. The streetcar isn’t a panacea for the Queen City, but it is a great start and would be complemented beautifully if it were someday joined by light rail, high-speed rail, etc. Hope springs eternal. My bank account is quite pleased with this new lifestyle - I am saving hundreds of dollars a month thanks to embracing this change. No car payment, insurance, gas, maintenance and repairs, parking tickets and the like – I have a lot more money to my name thanks to scrapping my wheels. I’m investing more of that money in my 401k and I’m able to enjoy a better quality of life – a life that includes more theatre tickets, more special meals out with friends and more opportunities to travel.
It's a great account of a growing new urban lifestyle here. Read the whole thing.
Kate's Random Musings  
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TOUCHING SCENE OF SPORTSMANSHIP WHEN LOCAL COACH DIES
The Cross Country coach at Walton-Verona High School died suddenly last week. He was only 38. On the way to the burial site, the team ran in front of the hearse carrying their fallen leader, guiding him to his final resting place. Video at the link.
WLWT 
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WEBB-EDGINGTON THROWS FIRST JAB AT PRESIDENT OBAMA
Though raising the debt ceiling under President Bush was not an issue for the tax (cut for the wealthy)-and-spend Republicans, it's an easy issue for  them now. GOP candidate to represent our fare city in Congress, Alecia Webb-Edgington, tries it on for size:


 Alecia Edgington 

President Obama wants to raise the debt ceiling by $1.2 trillion. This type of economic mismanagement cannot go on. 

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From the article linked to by the state representative:
One senior Treasury official explained that the boost was essential because the U.S. would be within $100 billion of the current limit "by the end of the day on Friday."

"Assuming the projection is correct we anticipate that pursuant to the Budget Control Act, the president would submit a certification to Congress confirming that we are within $100 billion of the statutory debt limit," the official said.
The increase would help boost the U.S. borrowing limit to $16.4 trillion, the official said.
The Hill  
And it begins...
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MEANWHILE, IN MITCH MCCONNELL'S BIZARRO WORLD...
Our senior Senator continues to blather on about czars and unelected bureaucrats but always seems to fail to mention that he has been in the US Senate since Henry Clay died:
Part of the problem is that Democrats have "created so many new agencies without Republican input," said Don Stewart, a spokesman for Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky. "There's a whole bunch of new nominees or confirmable spots to have a debate over." In blocking the president's nomination of Richard Cordray to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Dec. 8, McConnell said, "We are not going to let the president put another unelected czar in place."
Without Republican input? It's like a FOX News wormhole has become a reality for the longest serving Senator in the history of Kentucky. EVER. 

WHAT IF CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATES HAVE TO RUN STATEWIDE IN 2012?
It happened in 1932, and could happen again if the state legislature can't agree on redistricting maps:
Stumbo, a Democrat from Prestonsburg, said if the courts have to intervene over the new congressional maps, Kentucky could end up with all the congressional candidates running statewide and the top six vote-getters go to Congress. That happened in 1932 when lawmakers clashed over redrawing the lines.
“What the court would do likely is require what they did once before is that there be an election this cycle and the top vote-getters in the congressional races just become the winners,” Stumbo said (3:00 to 4:00 of the interview).
More, including the video, at the link.
cn|2/Ryan Alessi  
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DUMBEST REMARKS OF THE YEAR FROM REPUBLICANS & DEMOCRATS

Herman Cain on "Gotcha" questions. October 9, 2011
Jared Monti died in 2006 and was awarded the Medal of Honor in 2009, posthumously. June 23, 2011
Republican quotations here: Buzzfeed
Democratic quotations here: Buzzfeed
SEE ALSO: If both parties have you down, you have until December 31 to change parties for the next election in Kentucky. WFPL 
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DID YOU PLAY MEGAMILLIONS? SOMEONE IN KY WON $250,000
While somebody in New York hit the big $206,000,000 jackpot, someone else in Kentucky won't be too upset about winning $250,000. We don't yet know which part of the state from which the lucky winner hails, so check your tickets!
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NKY CONTINUES PUSH FOR SKILLED MANUFACTURING WORKERS
Hopefully a new $65,000 grant from the state will help:
Manufacturing companies in Northern Kentucky and throughout the country have, for some time, recognized the disparity between available jobs and qualified workers, but have not been able to adequately address the shortfall. Industry publications regularly estimate the number of unfilled manufacturing jobs at more than 500,000 nationwide. Working closely with Gateway Community and Technical College, the group has identified a curriculum of degree and certificate programs, but has had a difficult time attracting students.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Mark Hansel 
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in case you missed...
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THIS MORNING'S NEWS ROUND-UP
Teen murder victim to be laid to rest today; Mainstrasse restaurant rallies around server battling brain tumors; Attorney & radio host Eric Deters brings his stand-up comedy act to Covington; Plus, video of the lamb born in a nativity scene in Eden park. Who's up for religious allegory? Those stories and more at the link!
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KENTUCKY OPTS TO LOSE TO MISSOURI INSTEAD OF LSU NEXT SEASON
The SEC today released its 2012 football schedule that reflects the addition of Texas A&M and Missouri to the conference.
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25 WORDS YOU NEED PERMISSION TO USE
Because they're trademarked:
14. When Q-tips were originally released, they were called Baby Gays. The name was changed to Q-tips—the “Q” standing for quality—in 1926. Although they have changed hands several times since then, Unilever owns the brand today.
Baby Gays. LOL.
Mental Floss 


NEWS ROUND-UP -- WEDNESDAY MORNING 28 DEC

by Michael Monks 
NEW ADDRESS: Email Michael

Find us on Facebook: The River City News @ Facebook
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FUNERAL TODAY FOR TEEN MURDER VICTIM
The 18-year old who was shot and killed at 1010 Greenup Street last Tuesday evening will be laid to rest today. Brett Thornberry's visitation is set for this morning from 8:30AM to 11:20AM at Conley Brothers Funeral Home in Latonia. His funeral will follow at noon at St. Benedict Church and he will be buried at Mother of God Cemetery in Fort Wright. The family is asking for help in covering funeral expenses:
Memorial Suggestions can be made to the Brett Thornberry Memorial Fund c/o any Bank of Kentucky branch location.
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SEE ALSO: Thornberry online obituary: Click Here 
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MEANTIME...
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Covington Police confirmed that a 15-year old boy is in custody charged with Thornberry's murder, but The River City News learned Tuesday that while interviews of potential suspects and witnesses continue, no new arrests have been made. The 15-year old in custody also faces a complicity to robbery to charge, implying that at least one other suspect faces arrest. 
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WATCH OUT FOR BLACK ICE THIS MORNING
Could be a mildly treacherous commute:
A mix of rain and wet snow that fell late Tuedsay is still glistening on roads and creating some slick spots across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky, according to the National Weather Service in Wilmington.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Jennifer Edwards Baker  
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SEE ALSO: Lexington joins the record rainfall crowd (Cincinnati/NKY earned the distinction earlier this year and has since shattered the previous record by thirty inches).
Herald-Leader/Jim Warren 
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BENEFIT FOR CHEZ NORA WAITRESS SUFFERING FROM BRAIN TUMORS
If you are a regular at Chez Nora in Mainstrasse, or even if you've been just once, you've likely been waited on by Karen. One of the nicest ladies in Covington, Karen has been battling five brain tumors. Chez Nora will host a benefit on Tuesday, January 10 (Time TBD) and is currently reaching out to the community to find people or businesses that could donate door prizes. Call the restaurant at 859.491.8027 for more information.
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FIREFIGHTER RETIREMENTS HAVE BIG IMPACT
Just a few months after mass retirements of Covington firefighters, Lexington's department is faced with the same situation. 
In just a couple of days, the Lexington Fire Department will be losing nearly 40 firefighters due to retirements. "We are expecting more than our usual or typical number of retirees," says Rick Jordan, Asst. Chief for the Lexington Fire Department. The retirements plus resignations will bring the manpower on the department from 526 down to 484 firefighters for the city. This will make it the lowest staffing number since 2000. (snip) The impact will result in some equipment temporarily being taken out of service and could even lead to longer response times.
More (including a video report) at the link.
WKYT  
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WHAT CAN COVINGTON LEARN FROM LOUISVILLE?
For starters, Covington could develop an attitude like Louisville. Ever been to a city where the residents are more proud to be from there? When the City merged its government with Jefferson County, thus multiplying its population by nearly four, drivers on Interstate 71 were almost immediately greeted by a sign that reads: "Welcome to Louisville - America's 16th Largest City". Do you think the 15th or 17th largest cities in America boast of their size on the side of a highway? Silly? Maybe. But signs of a good, positive attitude? Definitely. 


The new branding for Louisville is "Possibility City". That is a great slogan. Check out the links to 2 videos by ABC News's online show "Travel Now" and see what I mean. Covington doesn't have to create what Louisville is, but an attitude adjustment in the vein of Derby City would be a nice start.
ABC News: Travel to the City of Possibility
ABC News: Louisville's Hip Emerging Scene 
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ATTORNEY & RADIO HOST ERIC DETERS BRINGS COMEDY SHOW TO COVINGTON
I'm not kidding. In addition to defending & suing and hosting a morning drive talk show on 1160 AM, The Bulldog does comedy too. His jokes will be told at Tickets Sports Cafe on 6th Street in Covington. Don't believe me? Check his tweets:


 Eric Deters 

Comedy Show in Three Days!! Thursday, December 29 at 7 p.m. at Tickets Sports CafĂ© in Covington, I’ll do a Witty and Wise Comedy Show!...
 Eric Deters 

Yours truly. Just as funny,.most fake it.. I deliver it. Nothing rehearsed or assisted. Just the truth you can handle.. 

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SOMETHING SHADY IS ALWAYS GOING ON WITH THESE RETAIL DEVELOPMENTS
And it usually involves developer Bear Creek. One of at least three local attempts to open a retail center that is either tarnished by lawsuits or threats of foreclosure, has been sold. Buttermilk Towne Center is now owned by a Cleveland-based firm.
Bank of America had filed a foreclosure action against it, claiming a $34 million default on its construction loan. Bank of America also filed a $36 million foreclosure action (still in court) against Newport Pavilion, the $90 million Target and Kroger Marketplace development in Newport. Meanwhile, some Kenwood Towne Place principals had accused Bear Creek partner Matt Daniels of using funds earmarked to pay Towne Place contractors to make payments on other projects and loans, like Buttermilk.
Cincinnati Enquirer/Laura Baverman  
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PIKEVILLE TO BECOME KENTUCKY'S NEXT STATE UNIVERSITY?
Governor Beshear is exploring the possibility:
Former Democratic Gov. Paul Patton, who now is president of the University of Pikeville, is trying to get state money for Pikeville in part to help lower the school's $16,000 annual tuition. Patton said in a phone interview that he supports an independent study."We're perfectly willing to have a knowledgeable and neutral party to review this," Patton said. "I think it should be done quickly, with the ultimate goal being what is best for Kentucky."
Herald-Leader 
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PLEASE DON'T DRINK AND SHOP
Online retailers love it when your drunk ass stumbles home to use your iPhone to buy a new iPhone that you won't remember ordering until it shows up:
Shopping under the influence has long benefited high-end specialty retailers — witness the wine-and-cheese parties that are a staple of galleries and boutiques. Now the popularity of Internet sales has opened alcohol-induced purchases to the masses...
(snip)
Chris Tansey, an accountant in Australia, went shopping online after drinking late one night (to be precise, it was well into the morning). By the end of the session, he had bought a $10,000 motorcycle tour of New Zealand. “The hang-ups of spending your hard-earned cash are so far removed from your life when you’ve had a bottle of wine,” Mr. Tansey said in an e-mail. The New Zealand trip was terrific, he said. But a pair of $3 sunglasses on eBay “turned out to be horrible fakes, with $17 of postage that I obviously didn’t see with beer goggles.”
But, by all means drink and read The River City News.
The New York Times  
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in case you missed...
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LAST NIGHT'S NEWS ROUND-UP
Big time police raid involving multiple agencies in - wait, what? Ludlow?; Legalizing hemp in KY would create 17,000 jobs, $500 million says state senator; Covington's "Marryin' Man" is appointed Magistrate; Rick Pitino to say 'arrivederci' in 2017. Those stories and more at the link!
You'll also find links to other stories from The RC News that you may have missed!
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|LOOKING FOR AN END-OF-YEAR TAX WRITE-OFF CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTION?
The Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission would not mind if you slipped a few bucks their way:
For more than 40 years, Northern Kentucky Community Action Commission has helped low income individuals and families develop the knowledge, opportunities, and resources they need to achieve self- reliance. The agency’s comprehensive range of services include early childhood education, energy assistance, job training, affordable housing, weatherization, child abuse prevention, and education services in eight (8) counties in Kentucky.
NKCAC 
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LAMB BORN IN NATIVITY SCENE ON CHRISTMAS DAY IN EDEN PARK
Miracle or coincidence? Who cares! Just look at the cute baby lamb: