December 2, 2021
A one-minute long update with leading daily news stories from Kentucky, airing before and after PBS NewsHour.
Stay in the Know
Resources
KET Covers COVID-19
A robust collection of programs and articles produced by KET
Beginning in March 2020, KET began producing content focused on the coronavirus and its effect on Kentucky. The collection includes:
- KET undertook a new series, Coronavirus: A Kentucky Update, to inform Kentuckians about the disease and its implications.
- Coronavirus: A KET Forum shared the latest information and answered viewer questions.
- KET aired the Governor’s daily COVID-19 updates and provided the feed to other media outlets to help keep the public informed.
Programs and Articles
What early evidence tells us about omicron, and how it may affect need for booster shots
The first case of COVID-19 from the omicron variant in the U.S. was in a person who had been vaccinated, but hadn’t received a booster. Dr. Fauci said it was a mild infection, and none of the traveler’s close contacts have tested positive. While many have said this was just a matter of time, it begs many questions. William Brangham has more with Michael Osterholm of the University of Minnesota.
Dr. Fauci on vaccine efficiency against omicron variant, travel ban, testing and more
Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, and the president's chief medical advisor, joins Judy Woodruff to discuss the U.S. plan to respond to the new omicron variant of the coronavirus.
News of the Week: November 26, 2021
Bill Bryant and journalists discuss major news stories in Kentucky on this special Thanksgiving holiday weekend show (taped on Nov. 17). Guests: Alex Acquisto, Lexington Herald-Leader; Ryland Barton, Kentucky Public Radio; Lisa Benson, Louisville Business First; and Lawrence Smith, WDRB in Louisville.
The COVID-19 vaccine and kids. Your questions answered
Laura Santhanam of PBS NewsHour compiles common questions parents have about the COVID-19 vaccines now that children ages 5-11 are eligible to get them. In the first week of availability, an estimated 900,000 kids in the new age range will have already gotten shots, the White House announced Wednesday. But not everyone is rushing to book an appointment — many parents are waiting to see how things go with early adopters.
COVID boosters and what you need to know before holiday gatherings
Starting this weekend, COVID-19 boosters will now be available for any of the three federally approved vaccines. At least 10 states had already made this change as COVID cases rose — climbing by 33 percent in the last two weeks. For the moment, death rates are stable. But the country is still averaging more than 1,100 deaths a day. Stephanie Sy reports.
How the pandemic is contributing to alarming rise in opioid overdose deaths
The nation’s opioid epidemic has never been deadlier. The Centers for Disease Control Prevention says 100,000 people died of drug overdoses over the last year — a 30 percent increase from the year before and an all-time high. As William Brangham reports, these deaths are fueled by the rise of the extremely potent synthetic opioid, fentanyl.
News of the Week: November 19, 2021
Bill Bryant and journalists discuss the news of the week, including a rise in COVID-19 cases and an executive order from Gov. Andy Beshear permitting adults to receive a vaccine booster. Guests: Alex Acquisto, Lexington Herald-Leader; Ryland Barton, Kentucky Public Radio; and Lawrence Smith, WDRB in Louisville.
News of the Week: November 12, 2021
Bill Bryant and journalists discuss the news of the week, including the state passing the 10,000 mark in COVID-19 deaths and discussion of possible legislation in the 2022 General Assembly.. Guests: Marcus Green, WDRB in Louisville; Janet Patton, Lexington Herald-Leader; and Joe Sonka, Louisville Courier Journal.
The pandemic may not end anytime soon, but these tools can help stem its impact
The number of new COVID-19 infections in the United States is rising once again despite booster shot rollouts, a new vaccine for children and a promising pill that can reduce hospitalizations and deaths. Experts disagree on whether we can expect an end to the pandemic in the months to come. Amna Nawaz reports.