Good morning, Kentucky. Here's what you need to know today.
The Big Story
DeSantis and Haley spar in Iowa debate ahead of caucuses with Trump across town
With just days to go until Iowa’s first-in-the-nation caucuses, the first contest of the 2024 Republican primary, presidential hopefuls Ron DeSantis and Nikki Haley squared off in a CNN debate on Wednesday to convince voters why they, and not frontrunner Donald Trump, should be the next occupant of the Oval Office.
Quickly, the debate stage at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, became a battleground for the two contenders to bash each other as liars who are ill-suited for the presidency. They also both sought to walk the tightrope of criticizing Trump without antagonizing the voters that supported him over the last eight years.
Your Weather Planner
Grab the sunglasses, as it will be a pleasant day for January. Highs will top out in the upper 40s to low-50s. It will be breezy for the eastern half of the state as gusts top out around 20 to 30 mph.
Get your 7-day forecast: Louisville | Lexington | Bowling Green | Northern Kentucky
Watch the latest news and more local stories from across the country.
Around Kentucky
1. Democrats displeased with Republican-backed public safety proposal
State Rep. Keturah Herron, D-Louisville, said the Republican-backed Safer Kentucky Act isn't an effective way to address the state's crime and homelessness issues. She suggested looking to improve current laws as opposed to making new ones.
2. H-L: Voters guide: Meet the KY candidates running for US Congress in Kentucky
Kentucky's six Congressional representatives, five Republicans and one Democrat, are all seeking another term in Congress; however, they each face challengers. Our partner, the Herald-Leader, offers a rundown of each candidate.
3. Kentucky Blood Center helping hospitals during National Blood Donor Month
January is National Blood Donor Month, and the Kentucky Blood Center is working to help hospitals across the state. The center registered more than 85,000 donors in 2023.
Around the Nation
1. Christie announces end to presidential bid at New Hampshire town hall
2. Barrasso, No. 3 Senate Republican, becomes highest-ranking senator to endorse Trump
3. Alabama coach Nick Saban retiring after winning 7 national titles, according to multiple reports
Don't Miss This
Bluegrass Buzz
The new year is in full swing, and there are several events across the Commonwealth this weekend. Check out the latest Weekend Pass for some ideas.
