PITINO EXTORTION
Woman convicted of Pitino extortion in new prison
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - The Kentucky woman convicted of trying to extort millions in cash, cars and a house from University of Louisville men's basketball coach Rick Pitino has a new federal home.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons moved 53-year-old Karen Sypher to Federal Correctional Institute-Aliceville, about 55 miles southwest of Tuscaloosa, Ala. Sypher had been in a federal prison in Marianna, Fla., since being sentenced to more than seven years behind bars.
A jury convicted Sypher in 2010 of extortion, lying to the FBI and retaliation against a witness. Prosecutors said she sought the money from Pitino to stay quiet about a tryst in a Louisville restaurant. Since being convicted, Sypher has put forth a variety of conspiracy theories which have been rejected by a federal judge and law enforcement.
SUGARY DRINKS
18 mayors: Limit use of food stamps to buy soda
NEW YORK (AP) - The mayor of Louisville, Ky., is among those in 18 cities, including New York, Los Angeles and Chicago, who are reviving a push against letting government food vouchers be used to buy soda and other sugary drinks.
In a letter to congressional leaders Tuesday, the mayors say it's "time to test and evaluate approaches limiting" the use of the subsidies for sugar-laden beverages.
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg's office released the letter. Bloomberg is known for trying to bar eateries from selling sugary drinks in big sizes. He also has tried before to stop food stamps from going to buy soda.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture turned down a 2010 request to let New York City do that.
The USDA declined to comment on Tuesday's letter. The American Beverage Association didn't immediately respond.
NATIONAL GUARD
Kentucky Guard to celebrate 221 years of service
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) - The Kentucky National Guard is getting ready to celebrate more than two centuries of service to the commonwealth and the nation.
The celebration is set for Monday at the Boone National Guard Center in Frankfort.
The event will recognize the Kentucky Guard's contributions over the past 221 years.
The Kentucky Militia, the forerunner of the Kentucky National Guard, was formed on June 24, 1792, by Gov. Isaac Shelby.
OHIO RIVER BRIDGES
Groundbreaking held for new Ohio River bridge
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - The countdown is complete for the start of work on a new Ohio River bridge in downtown Louisville.
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear marked the official start of construction on Tuesday, proclaiming, "Let's build those bridges."
The downtown bridge will connect Louisville and Jeffersonville, Ind. At its peak, the downtown project will have a workforce of nearly 500.
It's 1 of 2 Ohio River bridges that will go up in the Louisville area in the coming three years. Officials say the bridges will ease congestion along 1 of the country's key transportation arteries.
The $2.6 billion project will be 1 of the country's largest public works endeavors. A crane was used to raise U.S., Kentucky and Indiana flags.
The other bridge, east of Louisville, will connect Prospect, Ky., and Utica, Ind.
FOOTBALL PLAYERS-RAPE
Ky. man says he's target of hacking investigation
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A central Kentucky man says he's the target of a federal hacking investigation tied to an ongoing inquiry into the rape of a teenage girl in Ohio.
Deric Lostutter of Winchester told The Associated Press on Tuesday he leaked documents related to the investigation. Two high school football players in Steubenville, Ohio, were sentenced to time in a juvenile detention facility after being convicted.
Last fall, bloggers and hacker activists filled cyberspace with allegations that not enough was being done to investigate the entire case. In January, a 12-minute video that first appeared on YouTube after the rape and mocked the attack was reposted.
Lostutter says he didn't hack into the computer where the video was stored, only made the information public.
The FBI raided Lostutter's home in April.
VETERANS TREATMENT COURT
Hardin officials explore veterans treatment court
ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. (AP) - Officials near the central Kentucky Army post of Fort Knox want to establish a treatment court for veterans.
District Judge Kim Shumate, who serves on the state's Veterans Task Force within the Kentucky Access to Justice Commission, told The News-Enterprise that Hardin County officials have applied for a grant to fund such a program. Shumate said it would be similar to one in Jefferson County, which launched last fall.
Shumate said the courts would partner with the criminal justice system to ensure that veterans get any treatment they need, such as counseling for domestic violence, anger management and substance abuse, in order to "lead a productive, healthy life."
Hardin County Attorney Jenny Oldham said the initiative is in the exploratory stage and would be voluntary if it is established.
SHELBYVILLE CREEK-BODY
Authorities ID girl found in Shelbyville creek
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - Officials in Shelby County have released the identity of a 15-year-old girl found floating in a creek there.
WHAS-TV reports police do not suspect foul play in the death of Jackleen Lane, whose body was found Monday in Clear Creek. The discovery was made shortly after 9 a.m. when a train conductor noticed the body and contacted police.
Police say there's no sign of trauma or being hit by a train.
Although there are "no trespassing" signs posted, area residents say the creek in known for fishing and swimming.
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