Today on KSR: Election Day in the Commonwealth

by:Nick Roush•06/23/20•

@RoushKSR

I love the smell of democracy in the morning.

Today is the final day for Kentuckians across the Commonwealth to submit their votes in the primary election that features candidates for U.S. Senate and President. Coronavirus has dramatically decreased the number of polling locations, but thanks to early and absentee voting, public officials expect a record turnout. The unusual circumstances surrounding today’s election mean we will not know the results for at least a week.

Need a ride to the polls? Lyfts are free if you use the promo code “KYVOTES.”

It’s an odd time to have an election, but it’s always a good time to have your voice heard in our American democracy. Cast your vote and stay safe, Kentucky.

UK’s COVID-19 Update 

Monday morning UK announced the football team is in the last phase of its return as volleyball players begin arriving on campus. The basketball team will arrive on campus next Monday.

Of the 106 football players tested for coronavirus antibodies so far, only six tested positive for a past infection. All players have since been cleared to return to voluntary workouts. UK spokesman Guy Ramsey explained why UK is one of only three SEC schools, along with LSU and Arkansas, that is not testing for active cases of COVID-19 via nasal swab.

“There are limitations to diagnostic testing, including a relatively high rate of false negatives in asymptomatic patients,” Ramsey said. “Additionally, diagnostic testing only gives a result for that specific point in time. That is, an individual could test negative one day and positive a day or two later.”

Scuuuuuuuuuurt” — Devin Askew

The future UK point guard in making opponents look stupid. One might describe the latest example as stupendous.

A New Matt Jones Podcast 

Matt is back behind a microphone. This week he’s talking to the Courier-Journal’s Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, Joe Sonka. The two discuss Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer’s plummeting approval rating, Governor Andy Beshear’s COVID-19 response and break down the battle between Amy McGrath and Charles Booker. Click here to listen and subscribe to the podcast to get it on your phone as soon as it’s available.

An Incredible Finish at Talladega 

“Won by a nose” is a phrase that’s typically only used to describe a finish at the wire in a horse race. Monday’s Talladega 500 was the rare case where it can also be used in stock car racing as Ryan Blaney narrowly edged out Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Aric Almirola, who crossed the checkered line while spinning out of control.

The finish capped off an emotional day at the racetrack. Before the race began the entire NASCAR garage pushed Bubba Wallace’s No. 43 car to the front of the line to show support their colleague a day after a noose was found in Wallace’s garage. Wallace turned that into a late lead, until a fuel shortage forced him to pit, finishing in 14th. Even so, after the race he showed up to the press conference mask-less, smiling from ear to ear.

“Sorry I’m not wearing my mask, but I just wanted to show whoever it was, you’re not going to take away my smile,” he said.

Louisville City Here We Go!  

Governor Andy Beshear announced Monday evening that Louisville City FC soccer can host fans at Lynn Family Stadium when the team returns to action July 11. The new stadium can host more than 15,000 fans at full capacity, but for now they will operate at 50% capacity. A schedule and format for the restart to the USL season has not yet been released.

Governor Beshear is expected to make two more high-profile announcements this week. On Wednesday we will know more about how schools will return this fall and this week we should know the details for how fans will be able to attend the Kentucky Derby.

Is Baseball Back?

In the many, many, many morning posts I’ve compiled over the last two months, it feels like I’ve written “baseball is back” at least a dozen times. This time it feels like baseball finally will get a start date as commissioner Rob Manfred forces the players’ hands to play a 60-game season. The MLBPA denied the latest request, but Manfred will reportedly call for the season to start July 24-26 with spring training beginning in the dead of summer on July 1.

It sounds like more sports will be back in our lives by the end of July. But before you get too excited, just wait, I’m sure there will be at least two more flip-flops before an agreement is finalized.

Is Michael Keaton Back? 

The Hollywood Reporter says the original Batman is in talks to return as the Dark Knight for Warner Bros’ upcoming standalone movie for The Flash. It’s been almost 30 years since Keaton played Batman. Is the world ready for an elderly Bruce Wayne?

What a Wildcat 

Wildcats come in many different varieties. This may be the best of the best.

Fayette County Day on KSR

Ever heard of it? I’m sure you’re quite familiar with the county where Lexington resides. Nevertheless, today Matt Jones, Ryan Lemond and Drew Franklin will tell you a few things you may not know about Fayette County on the Blue Lights Across the Bluegrass tour of counties.

Discuss This Article

Comments have moved.

Join the conversation and talk about this article and all things Kentucky Sports in the new KSR Message Board.

KSBoard

2024-04-25