KENTUCKY — From new traffic patterns to another million dollar drawing, it’s shaping up to be another busy week in the Commonwealth. Here’s a look at some of the main stories we are following.


What You Need To Know

  • A new northbound traffic pattern is in place for I-71/I-75 as Brent Spence bridge repairs continue

  • School districts will be determining mask guidance for the upcoming school year

  • Louisville and Lexington leaders are both asking for input on spending American Rescue Plan Act funding

  • The second Shot at a Million drawing is this week

New I-71/I-75 traffic pattern

A new traffic pattern is now in place for Kentuckians heading into Cincinnati on the Brent Spence Bridge

The far right and far left northbound lanes will be open. However, there will be barriers blocking the middle two lanes. That means drivers need to know which lane to be in before approaching the bridge since they will not have the opportunity to switch lanes once on the bridge.

The far left lane will have to follow I-75. The far right lane will take you to I-71. This traffic pattern will be in place through the end of August.

It’s part of the overall Brent Spence Repair project. Spokesperson Betty Hull says the project is about 50% complete. The overall project should be finished by Nov. 15, 2021.

School mask guidance

As the new school year approaches, school districts across the Commonwealth are tasked with determining whether or not to require masks this year.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends any unvaccinated students and staff wear masks. The Kentucky Department of Education has maintained that decision is up to each individual school district.

Some such as Warren County Schools and Bowling Green Independent have already weighed in, saying masks will not be required this year.

Others will be making that determination this week. Fayette County Public Schools has a Board of Education meeting Monday. While masks are not on the agenda, they could still be a topic in the crowd. A post on the Let Them Learn in Fayette County Facebook page encourages parents to show up to the in-person board meeting in protest of mask requirements.

Oldham County Schools also has a board meeting Monday. Spectrum News 1 reached out to a district spokesperson who confirmed the board will not be voting on masks at this meeting. However, district officials are working on back-to-school guidance. Parents should expect a decision from the district by the end of the week.

Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) board members will be voting on mask guidance at Tuesday’s meeting. After the CDC’s updated mask recommendation, JCPS started requiring masks for unvaccinated students and staff during summer school programming. That was just for summer school, but it could be a sign of what is to come for the next school year. The Board of Education meeting is at 6 p.m. Tuesday at Central High School.

Shot at a Million

Another vaccinated Kentuckian is going to be a whole lot richer this week. The state will draw its second Shot at a Million winner.

You just need to have one COVID-19 vaccine shot to enter. The deadline to get your name into this drawing is Wednesday at 11:59 p.m. 

Gov. Andy Beshear said Shot at a Million is meant to encourage Kentuckians to get vaccinated, particularly as the state sees rising COVID-19 counts as the Delta variant gains steam.

Vaccination rates improved slightly in the weeks following the first drawing on July 1.

In each of the three drawings this summer, one person will win $1 million. Five others will win a full college scholarship.

American Rescue Plan fund meetings

Louisville Metro Council continues asking residents to weigh in on ideas for spending $340 million in American Rescue Plan funds. There will be a final public comment session Monday at 6 p.m. at the West Broadway Church of Christ (3921 West Broadway).

If you cannot attend the meeting, you can still weigh in online.

Lexington leaders will also be trying to decide how to spend the $120 million in federal funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.

City officials say they want to hear from people who live in Lexington for ideas. 

“It is money to help us heal from COVID-19 Is money that can have a significant and lasting impact on our city. It is money that can help our city soar into a brighter future,” said Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton.

The first meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday. People can also submit ideas online.