4 children have been killed in the flash floods that has ravished the state of Kentucky. US administration has issued disaster declaration for Kentucky.

Floods ravage U.S. state of Kentucky: 4 children among flood victims according to Governor

16 people have been killed in the flash floods that has ravished the state of Kentucky. US administration has issued disaster declaration for Kentucky.

WION Climate Tracker| At least 16 dead as floods ravage US state of Kentucky

Eight people have been killed in the flash floods that has ravished the state of Kentucky. The Governor has also predicted that the death toll could actually rise even further.

WION Climate Tracker| Floods hit US state of Kentucky; national guard deployed for rescue Ops

Flooding in eastern Kentucky has caused at least eight deaths, Governor Andy Beshear said on Thursday , and the death toll is expected to reach double digits as water continues to rise.

Devastating floods hit Kentucky in the US, death tolls expected to rise

Flooding in eastern Kentucky has caused at least eight deaths, Governor Andy Beshear said on Thursday, and the death toll is expected to reach double digits as water continues to rise.

At least 8 dead as floods ravage parts of Kentucky | WION Climate Tracker

A town in the United States has suddenly emerged as an epicenter for a number of paranormal rumours as a mysterious creature was spotted in a video footage. In Moorhead, Kentucky, the local people were taken aback by a video which showed an unknown creature walking on the streets. The security camera footage was posted on the social media by Paranormality Magazine along with the caption – “Here’s the video of the pale creature caught on a security cam near Moorhead, KY,”

Reports of alleged “alien sightings” or “mysterious creatures” are not uncommon in various parts of the world but the video has left a number of people feeling quite unsettled. The 33-second video shows a pale white creature moving through the streets of the town in an unusual manner.

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Here's the video of the Pale creature caught on a security cam near Moorhead, KY. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cryptid?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cryptid</a> <a href="https://t.co/jCexxlQTA0">pic.twitter.com/jCexxlQTA0</a>
— Paranormality Magazine (@ParanormalityM) <a href="https://twitter.com/ParanormalityM/status/1545825762825195522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The video went viral on social media few hours after the original post and soon, people started speculating on the creature. While a number of people dismissed it completely as a hoax, there were others who said that it can be some sort of a mythical creature or even an alien.

A number of users came up with different theories about the origin of the creature with some suggesting that it is an alien while others pointing out the lack of a shadow in the background.

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Earlier, a picture of a mysterious creature was captured by The City of Amarillo in Texas where security cameras near the zoo spotted a creature with what looked like a mane of hair.

The picture was not clear, but it had two legs and pointy ears which were hidden behind what looked like a mane of hair. It was roaming just outside the zoo premises.

A town in the United States has suddenly emerged as an epicenter for a number of paranormal rumours as a mysterious creature was spotted in a video footage. In Moorhead, Kentucky, the local people were taken aback by a video which showed an unknown creature walking on the streets.

A town in the United States has suddenly emerged as an epicenter for a number of paranormal rumours as a mysterious creature was spotted in a video footage. In Moorhead, Kentucky, the local people were taken aback by a video which showed an unknown creature walking on the streets. The security camera footage was posted on the social media by Paranormality Magazine along with the caption – “Here’s the video of the pale creature caught on a security cam near Moorhead, KY,” Reports of alleged “alien sightings” or “mysterious creatures” are not uncommon in various parts of the world but the video has left a number of people feeling quite unsettled. The 33-second video shows a pale white creature moving through the streets of the town in an unusual manner. Here's the video of the Pale creature caught on a security cam near Moorhead, KY. #cryptid pic.twitter.com/jCexxlQTA0 — Paranormality Magazine (@ParanormalityM) July 9, 2022 × The video went viral on social media few hours after the original post and soon, people started speculating on the creature. While a number of people dismissed it completely as a hoax, there were others who said that it can be some sort of a mythical creature or even an alien. A number of users came up with different theories about the origin of the creature with some suggesting that it is an alien while others pointing out the lack of a shadow in the background. Also read | China tries to prevent the UN rights chief from releasing Xinjiang report Earlier, a picture of a mysterious creature was captured by The City of Amarillo in Texas where security cameras near the zoo spotted a creature with what looked like a mane of hair. The picture was not clear, but it had two legs and pointy ears which were hidden behind what looked like a mane of hair. It was roaming just outside the zoo premises.

WATCH: Mysterious figure caught on camera in Kentucky, sparks alien rumours

Three police officers were killed and five injured after a man opened fire on police attempting to serve a warrant in eastern Kentucky.

Three injured officers remain in the hospital, state police&nbsp;said in a statement. One is in critical condition, and two are in stable condition. One officer was treated and released, state police said, reports CBS.

The incident took place on Thursday evening when four officers were attempting to serve a warrant to 49-year-old Lance Storz at his home on Main Street.

Police had received a complaint that Storz had assaulted and raped a woman. She then obtained an emergency protection order against Storz and called in officers in Allen, a small town a few miles from Prestonsburg, local officials said.

As soon as they knocked on his door, Storz, who was waiting for them with a loaded gun, opened fire on law enforcement officers without warning.

One local official described the scene as a “war zone.”

Immediately after that, more police personnel, along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' London and Ashland Offices, were deployed to the spot.

Officers and Storz were locked in a stand-off after the assaulter refused to surrender. Family members also got involved in an effort to get him to surrender.

Later, Storz was taken into custody. According to the police, he was charged&nbsp;with two counts of murdering a police officer, five counts of attempted murder of a police officer, one count of attempted murder and one count of first-degree assault of&nbsp;a service animal, court records show.

Storz was arraigned in Floyd County District Court on Friday morning, where District Judge Eric Hall entered a not guilty plea on his behalf and set his bond at $10 million.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Three police officers were killed and five injured after a man opened fire on police attempting to serve a warrant in eastern Kentucky. Three injured officers remain in the hospital, state police said in a statement.

Three police officers were killed and five injured after a man opened fire on police attempting to serve a warrant in eastern Kentucky. Three injured officers remain in the hospital, state police said in a statement. One is in critical condition, and two are in stable condition. One officer was treated and released, state police said, reports CBS. The incident took place on Thursday evening when four officers were attempting to serve a warrant to 49-year-old Lance Storz at his home on Main Street. Police had received a complaint that Storz had assaulted and raped a woman. She then obtained an emergency protection order against Storz and called in officers in Allen, a small town a few miles from Prestonsburg, local officials said. As soon as they knocked on his door, Storz, who was waiting for them with a loaded gun, opened fire on law enforcement officers without warning. One local official described the scene as a “war zone.” Immediately after that, more police personnel, along with agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' London and Ashland Offices, were deployed to the spot. Officers and Storz were locked in a stand-off after the assaulter refused to surrender. Family members also got involved in an effort to get him to surrender. Later, Storz was taken into custody. According to the police, he was charged with two counts of murdering a police officer, five counts of attempted murder of a police officer, one count of attempted murder and one count of first-degree assault of a service animal, court records show. Storz was arraigned in Floyd County District Court on Friday morning, where District Judge Eric Hall entered a not guilty plea on his behalf and set his bond at $10 million. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US: Kentucky man shoots 8 police officers, killing three

The overturning of Roe v Wade by the United States Supreme Court was followed by a number of states passing “trigger laws” which were aimed at many abortions more challenging. Kentucky came up with a law that meant a near-total ban on abortions, but it looks like the implementation of the law will not be happening right now. A judge temporarily blocked the law on Thursday and that can result into resumption of abortions in the aftermath of the judgement. Meanwhile, similar sentiments were expressed by a judge in Florida who said he will block a 15-week abortion ban.

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The abortion clinics in Kentucky were not carrying out the processes after Roe v Wade was overturned but the judgement by Jefferson County Circuit Judge Mitch Perry&nbsp;will be a massive boost for the women with scheduled appointments to go through with the procedure.

The judgement was instantly criticised by Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron who said that he will be challenging it. “We will do everything possible to continue defending this law and to ensure that unborn life is protected in the Commonwealth,” he said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scotus-strikes-again-limits-us-government-powers-to-curb-greenhouse-emissions-493343" hreflang="en">SCOTUS strikes again, limits US government powers to curb greenhouse emissions</a>

However, both the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Planned Parenthood welcomed the judgement and said that since the overturning of Roe v Wade by the Supreme Court last week, “numerous Kentuckians have been forced to carry pregnancies against their will or flee their home state in search of essential care. Despite this victory, we know this fight is far from over.”

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The overturning of Roe v Wade by the United States Supreme Court was followed by a number of states passing “trigger laws” which were aimed at many abortions more challenging.

The overturning of Roe v Wade by the United States Supreme Court was followed by a number of states passing “trigger laws” which were aimed at many abortions more challenging. Kentucky came up with a law that meant a near-total ban on abortions, but it looks like the implementation of the law will not be happening right now. A judge temporarily blocked the law on Thursday and that can result into resumption of abortions in the aftermath of the judgement. Meanwhile, similar sentiments were expressed by a judge in Florida who said he will block a 15-week abortion ban. Also read | Ketanji Brown Jackson sworn in, becomes first Black woman on US Supreme Court The abortion clinics in Kentucky were not carrying out the processes after Roe v Wade was overturned but the judgement by Jefferson County Circuit Judge Mitch Perry will be a massive boost for the women with scheduled appointments to go through with the procedure. The judgement was instantly criticised by Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron who said that he will be challenging it. “We will do everything possible to continue defending this law and to ensure that unborn life is protected in the Commonwealth,” he said in a statement. Also read | SCOTUS strikes again, limits US government powers to curb greenhouse emissions However, both the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Planned Parenthood welcomed the judgement and said that since the overturning of Roe v Wade by the Supreme Court last week, “numerous Kentuckians have been forced to carry pregnancies against their will or flee their home state in search of essential care. Despite this victory, we know this fight is far from over.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Louisville judge temporarily blocks Kentucky’s near-total abortion ban

Judges in US states of Florida and Kentucky have temporarily blocked these states from enforcing abortion ban, a week after the Supreme Court overruled the 1973 Wade decision that had given constitutional rights.

Florida Circuit Court Judge John Cooper in Tallahassee granted a petition from abortion rights groups on Thursday to temporarily freeze a state law that would bar abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy, reports Reuters.

In Kentucky, Jefferson County Circuit Judge Mitch Perry issued a temporary restraining order to prevent the state from enforcing a ban passed in 2019 and triggered by the Supreme Court's decision.

Kentucky is one of 13 states that enacted so-called "trigger" laws that will take effect if Roe v. Wade was overturned.

“I do find the state has failed to provide convincing and credible evidence that this law, HB 5, exhibits a compelling state interest to be protected," Cooper said, adding that the law violates people's right to privacy.

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State Attorney General Daniel Cameron, a Republican, said in a statement that Judge Perry had no basis under Kentucky's constitution to allow the clinics to resume performing abortions.

With trigger laws taking effect following the reversal of Roe, abortion rights groups have swiftly gone to court to contest efforts by Republicans to expand&nbsp;abortion restrictions&nbsp;across the country. These curbs are now taking effect or are expected to in 22 states.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/scotus-strikes-again-limits-us-government-powers-to-curb-greenhouse-emissions-493343" hreflang="en">SCOTUS strikes again, limits US government powers to curb greenhouse emissions</a>

Apart from that, state courts in Texas, Louisiana and Utah have also temporarily blocked bans since last week, with abortion providers seeking similar relief in states including Idaho, Ohio, Mississippi and West Virginia. None of these measures are permanent&nbsp;and are subject to further hearings.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Judges in US states of Florida and Kentucky have temporarily blocked these states from enforcing abortion ban, a week after the Supreme Court overruled the 1973 Wade decision that had given constitutional rights.

Judges in US states of Florida and Kentucky have temporarily blocked these states from enforcing abortion ban, a week after the Supreme Court overruled the 1973 Wade decision that had given constitutional rights. Florida Circuit Court Judge John Cooper in Tallahassee granted a petition from abortion rights groups on Thursday to temporarily freeze a state law that would bar abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy, reports Reuters. In Kentucky, Jefferson County Circuit Judge Mitch Perry issued a temporary restraining order to prevent the state from enforcing a ban passed in 2019 and triggered by the Supreme Court's decision. Kentucky is one of 13 states that enacted so-called "trigger" laws that will take effect if Roe v. Wade was overturned. “I do find the state has failed to provide convincing and credible evidence that this law, HB 5, exhibits a compelling state interest to be protected," Cooper said, adding that the law violates people's right to privacy. Also read | Fallout of Roe v Wade: Facebook, Insta removing posts offering abortion pills State Attorney General Daniel Cameron, a Republican, said in a statement that Judge Perry had no basis under Kentucky's constitution to allow the clinics to resume performing abortions. With trigger laws taking effect following the reversal of Roe, abortion rights groups have swiftly gone to court to contest efforts by Republicans to expand abortion restrictions across the country. These curbs are now taking effect or are expected to in 22 states. Also read | SCOTUS strikes again, limits US government powers to curb greenhouse emissions Apart from that, state courts in Texas, Louisiana and Utah have also temporarily blocked bans since last week, with abortion providers seeking similar relief in states including Idaho, Ohio, Mississippi and West Virginia. None of these measures are permanent and are subject to further hearings. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Kentucky, Florida judges join other US states in blocking enforcement of abortion ban

A federal judge ruled on Saturday that a former Kentucky clerk violated the constitutional right of same-sex couples by not issuing them marriage licenses – a refusal that landed the clerk in jail.<o:p></o:p>

US District judge David Bunning in Ashland issued the ruling on Friday in the two lawsuits which involved Kim Davis, the former clerk of Rowan County, and the two couples who were denied their licenses. A jury trial will follow to decide whether the couples will receive any damages or not.

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The judge made it clear that that Davis “cannot use her own constitutional rights as a shield to violate the constitutional rights of others while performing her duties as an elected official.”<o:p></o:p>

“It is readily apparent that Obergefell recognizes Plaintiffs’ Fourteenth Amendment right to marry,” the judge wrote, referencing the landmark same-sex marriage Obergefell decision. “It is also readily apparent that Davis made a conscious decision to violate Plaintiffs’ right.”<o:p></o:p>

Davis stopped issuing all marriage licenses after the 2015 Supreme Court allowed same-sex couples to marry. That led to the lawsuit against her and she spent five days in jail over her refusal.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;</o:p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antarctica-experiences-massive-heat-wave-hits-record-high-temperatures-463940" hreflang="en">Antarctica experiences massive heat wave, hits record high temperatures</a>

However, she did receive support from conservative groups in the state and around the country and it seems that her counsel will be filing for an appeal in the higher courts.<o:p></o:p>

“Kim Davis is entitled to protection to an accommodation based on her sincere religious belief," said Mat Staver, Liberty Counsel founder and chairman. "This case raises serious First Amendment free exercise of religion claims and has a high potential of reaching the Supreme Court.”

<o:p>(With inputs from agencies)</o:p>

A federal judge ruled on Saturday that a former Kentucky clerk violated the constitutional right of same-sex couples by not issuing them marriage licenses – a refusal that landed the clerk in jail.

A federal judge ruled on Saturday that a former Kentucky clerk violated the constitutional right of same-sex couples by not issuing them marriage licenses – a refusal that landed the clerk in jail. US District judge David Bunning in Ashland issued the ruling on Friday in the two lawsuits which involved Kim Davis, the former clerk of Rowan County, and the two couples who were denied their licenses. A jury trial will follow to decide whether the couples will receive any damages or not. Also read | North Korea fires multiple rocket launcher, says South Korean military The judge made it clear that that Davis “cannot use her own constitutional rights as a shield to violate the constitutional rights of others while performing her duties as an elected official.” “It is readily apparent that Obergefell recognizes Plaintiffs’ Fourteenth Amendment right to marry,” the judge wrote, referencing the landmark same-sex marriage Obergefell decision. “It is also readily apparent that Davis made a conscious decision to violate Plaintiffs’ right.” Davis stopped issuing all marriage licenses after the 2015 Supreme Court allowed same-sex couples to marry. That led to the lawsuit against her and she spent five days in jail over her refusal. Also read | Antarctica experiences massive heat wave, hits record high temperatures However, she did receive support from conservative groups in the state and around the country and it seems that her counsel will be filing for an appeal in the higher courts. “Kim Davis is entitled to protection to an accommodation based on her sincere religious belief," said Mat Staver, Liberty Counsel founder and chairman. "This case raises serious First Amendment free exercise of religion claims and has a high potential of reaching the Supreme Court.” (With inputs from agencies)

US judge rules against Kentucky clerk who denied same-sex marriage licenses

I’m a tornado climatologist, and it is not unusual for people to ask me after a spate of storms like the ones that ripped through the center of the country on Friday whether climate change has anything to do with it. The answer is: It’s complicated.

We have started to detect changes in collective tornado activity, including more powerful storms, and are beginning to understand how these changes might be related to global warming. But much more work needs to be done to gain a fuller understanding of how the changing climate is influencing these deadly storms.

Let’s start with what we know. A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air inside a thunderstorm. A thunderstorm that lasts more than 20 minutes and is energized by continuously rising air is called a supercell. The rising air is fueled by warm, moist conditions and changes in wind speed or direction associated with the approach of a frontal system where warm and cool air collide. The warm, moist air and that wind shear can generate a series of supercells, some of which produce tornadoes.

Connecting tornadoes to climate change is complicated because those twin conditions are necessary but not sufficient together for tornadoes to occur. A close-packed group of supercells, for instance, might produce straight-line winds rather than tornadoes. What’s needed to generate an outbreak of tornadoes — say, six to 10 of them — is ample heat, moisture and wind shear. But too much of any one or two of those conditions can disrupt the process of tornado formation.

Although tornadoes across the years do not appear to have become more common, an increasing percentage of them are occurring in outbreaks. The tornadoes that included Friday night’s so-called quad-state tornado — which crossed four states and devastated the town of Mayfield, Ky. — are an example of an outbreak. These are on the rise. On a day with at least one tornado, the chance that there are at least seven more increased to more than 15 percent on average by 2015 from 10 percent in 1990. These increases are even more substantial for larger outbreaks like the one that occurred on Friday night.

Here’s what we’ve also been seeing: A below average number of tornadoes this year; outbreaks becoming more common during cooler months in recent years; and tornadoes occurring more often across the Southeast compared with the Great Plains. Cities with the largest decreases in the number of strong tornadoes since 1984 include Dallas, Oklahoma City and Houston. Cities with the largest increases in the number of strong tornadoes since 1984 are Atlanta, Nashville and Augusta.

There is also evidence that tornadoes are getting stronger. Tornadoes are rated based on the severity of damage they inflict, using what’s known as the EF scale. The rating is made after the fact by forensic experts, and it depends on factors including the type of object struck and how the object was constructed.

The damage rating can be converted to a range of wind speeds. For example, a tornado rated as inflicting EF2 damage likely had wind speeds between 111 to 135 mph in a three-second gust. But the subjective nature of the rating process and the randomness of where a tornado tracks make it difficult to draw any definitive conclusions about tornado activity by counting the number of these storms in each rating category.

An increase in the number of large clusters does imply a larger threat of damaging tornadoes, however: The percentage of violent tornadoes (EF4, with winds of 166 to 200 miles per hour or more) increases with the size of the outbreak. Historically in an outbreak with between 16 and 32 tornadoes, fewer than 4 percent of them on average get rated EF3, with winds of 136 to 165 miles per hour or worse. In an outbreak with at least 60 tornadoes, more than 8 percent of them get rated EF3 or worse.

What is causing these changes in tornado behavior is still unclear, but global warming is probably playing a role through changes to the environments that support supercell clusters. Specifically, the extra heated moist air fueling the supercells on Friday was associated with an exceptionally warm Gulf of Mexico caused by climate change.

Also, the interaction between the extra heating and increased wind shear is associated with larger outbreaks, which produce the strongest and longest-track tornadoes, on average. We found that tornado power, estimated using damage path characteristics, increased at a rate of 5 percent per year from 1994 to 2016. At least some of the upward trend can be associated with changes to the outbreak environment.

Attributing causation is difficult. But it is a big and an important step beyond the associations and pattern matching work that we and others have done. Attribution studies are now routinely done on heat waves and floods, but it may take some time before such studies of tornadoes are reliable because these storms still are too small in size for weather forecast models to see.

The ability to determine whether particular tornadoes bear the signature of the changing climate will be important not only to understanding the shifting dynamics of our warming world but to our ability to predict these storms with greater precision.

I’m a tornado climatologist, and it is not unusual for people to ask me after a spate of storms like the ones that ripped through the center of the country on Friday whether climate change has anything to do with it.

I’m a tornado climatologist, and it is not unusual for people to ask me after a spate of storms like the ones that ripped through the center of the country on Friday whether climate change has anything to do with it. The answer is: It’s complicated. We have started to detect changes in collective tornado activity, including more powerful storms, and are beginning to understand how these changes might be related to global warming. But much more work needs to be done to gain a fuller understanding of how the changing climate is influencing these deadly storms. Let’s start with what we know. A tornado is a rapidly rotating column of air inside a thunderstorm. A thunderstorm that lasts more than 20 minutes and is energized by continuously rising air is called a supercell. The rising air is fueled by warm, moist conditions and changes in wind speed or direction associated with the approach of a frontal system where warm and cool air collide. The warm, moist air and that wind shear can generate a series of supercells, some of which produce tornadoes. Connecting tornadoes to climate change is complicated because those twin conditions are necessary but not sufficient together for tornadoes to occur. A close-packed group of supercells, for instance, might produce straight-line winds rather than tornadoes. What’s needed to generate an outbreak of tornadoes — say, six to 10 of them — is ample heat, moisture and wind shear. But too much of any one or two of those conditions can disrupt the process of tornado formation. Although tornadoes across the years do not appear to have become more common, an increasing percentage of them are occurring in outbreaks. The tornadoes that included Friday night’s so-called quad-state tornado — which crossed four states and devastated the town of Mayfield, Ky. — are an example of an outbreak. These are on the rise. On a day with at least one tornado, the chance that there are at least seven more increased to more than 15 percent on average by 2015 from 10 percent in 1990. These increases are even more substantial for larger outbreaks like the one that occurred on Friday night. Here’s what we’ve also been seeing: A below average number of tornadoes this year; outbreaks becoming more common during cooler months in recent years; and tornadoes occurring more often across the Southeast compared with the Great Plains. Cities with the largest decreases in the number of strong tornadoes since 1984 include Dallas, Oklahoma City and Houston. Cities with the largest increases in the number of strong tornadoes since 1984 are Atlanta, Nashville and Augusta. There is also evidence that tornadoes are getting stronger. Tornadoes are rated based on the severity of damage they inflict, using what’s known as the EF scale. The rating is made after the fact by forensic experts, and it depends on factors including the type of object struck and how the object was constructed. The damage rating can be converted to a range of wind speeds. For example, a tornado rated as inflicting EF2 damage likely had wind speeds between 111 to 135 mph in a three-second gust. But the subjective nature of the rating process and the randomness of where a tornado tracks make it difficult to draw any definitive conclusions about tornado activity by counting the number of these storms in each rating category. An increase in the number of large clusters does imply a larger threat of damaging tornadoes, however: The percentage of violent tornadoes (EF4, with winds of 166 to 200 miles per hour or more) increases with the size of the outbreak. Historically in an outbreak with between 16 and 32 tornadoes, fewer than 4 percent of them on average get rated EF3, with winds of 136 to 165 miles per hour or worse. In an outbreak with at least 60 tornadoes, more than 8 percent of them get rated EF3 or worse. What is causing these changes in tornado behavior is still unclear, but global warming is probably playing a role through changes to the environments that support supercell clusters. Specifically, the extra heated moist air fueling the supercells on Friday was associated with an exceptionally warm Gulf of Mexico caused by climate change. Also, the interaction between the extra heating and increased wind shear is associated with larger outbreaks, which produce the strongest and longest-track tornadoes, on average. We found that tornado power, estimated using damage path characteristics, increased at a rate of 5 percent per year from 1994 to 2016. At least some of the upward trend can be associated with changes to the outbreak environment. Attributing causation is difficult. But it is a big and an important step beyond the associations and pattern matching work that we and others have done. Attribution studies are now routinely done on heat waves and floods, but it may take some time before such studies of tornadoes are reliable because these storms still are too small in size for weather forecast models to see. The ability to determine whether particular tornadoes bear the signature of the changing climate will be important not only to understanding the shifting dynamics of our warming world but to our ability to predict these storms with greater precision.

Was Climate Change to blame for the tornadoes, or was it just really bad weather?

A natural calamity brings destruction to any community. People are always helpless when the elements decide to turn from their nurturing selves to destructing ones. It's recovery from troubles that defines human spirit and small things give a boost to the communities which are holding hands to stand up again after a calamity.

The state of Kentucky is US is gathering itself after it was hit by a tornado. The storm was deadliest in Kentucky's history. As people recover from damage to their property and things, some unbelievable stories are coming to light.

Michaela Copeland, a woman who had kept her wedding photos in her parents' house was devastated when they were lost as the tornado hit. Her parents stayed in Mayfield, a town one of the hardest hit. She got the photos eventually but not before a surprise.

Strong winds of the tornado had flown some of her photographs to Breckinridge County, a town 225 km (140 miles) away!

In the aftermath of the tornado, people in the region formed Facebook groups to better co-ordinate the rescue and salvage effort. These groups also shared information about lost items.

Three of Michaela Copeland's photos were uploaded on one such groups 'Quad State Tornado Found Items'. People started tagging her, much to her surprise over the fact the pics were carried by the winds for nore than 200 kms away.

"When I found out and was tagged in each photo that was found, I got chills down my spine and thought it was so bizarre. Finding one is one thing but three is crazy," she said. She was quoted by BBC.

US President Joe Biden on Wednesday visited hardest hit area in Kentucky.

In storm-ravaged Mayfield, Biden received a briefing from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and emergency response officials about the recovery effort. Biden said it was remarkable how the area's communities had come together to help each other out.

"There's no red tornadoes, there's no blue tornadoes," he said, referring to the colors associated with Democrats and Republicans.

The president's goal was to survey storm damage and make sure the U.S. government is doing everything it can to deliver assistance as quickly as possible to the hard-hit areas, White House deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on the flight from Washington.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has sent search-and-rescue and emergency response teams to Kentucky, along with teams to help survivors register for assistance.

(With inputs from agencies)

A natural calamity brings destruction to any community. People are always helpless when the elements decide to turn from their nurturing selves to destructing ones.

A natural calamity brings destruction to any community. People are always helpless when the elements decide to turn from their nurturing selves to destructing ones. It's recovery from troubles that defines human spirit and small things give a boost to the communities which are holding hands to stand up again after a calamity. The state of Kentucky is US is gathering itself after it was hit by a tornado. The storm was deadliest in Kentucky's history. As people recover from damage to their property and things, some unbelievable stories are coming to light. Michaela Copeland, a woman who had kept her wedding photos in her parents' house was devastated when they were lost as the tornado hit. Her parents stayed in Mayfield, a town one of the hardest hit. She got the photos eventually but not before a surprise. Strong winds of the tornado had flown some of her photographs to Breckinridge County, a town 225 km (140 miles) away! In the aftermath of the tornado, people in the region formed Facebook groups to better co-ordinate the rescue and salvage effort. These groups also shared information about lost items. Three of Michaela Copeland's photos were uploaded on one such groups 'Quad State Tornado Found Items'. People started tagging her, much to her surprise over the fact the pics were carried by the winds for nore than 200 kms away. "When I found out and was tagged in each photo that was found, I got chills down my spine and thought it was so bizarre. Finding one is one thing but three is crazy," she said. She was quoted by BBC. US President Joe Biden on Wednesday visited hardest hit area in Kentucky. In storm-ravaged Mayfield, Biden received a briefing from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and emergency response officials about the recovery effort. Biden said it was remarkable how the area's communities had come together to help each other out. "There's no red tornadoes, there's no blue tornadoes," he said, referring to the colors associated with Democrats and Republicans. The president's goal was to survey storm damage and make sure the U.S. government is doing everything it can to deliver assistance as quickly as possible to the hard-hit areas, White House deputy press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre told reporters on the flight from Washington. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has sent search-and-rescue and emergency response teams to Kentucky, along with teams to help survivors register for assistance. (With inputs from agencies)

Photos lost in Kentucky tornado found in town 225 kms away

US President Joe Biden arrived in Kentucky Wednesday to survey the damage caused by last week's tornadoes, which caused death and destruction in several communities.

US President Joe Biden visits Kentucky to survey tornado damage

US President Joe Biden walked through the battered remains of Kentucky cities to get a first-hand view of the destruction wrought by one of the deadliest tornado outbreaks which killed dozens and left thousands stranded.

Kentucky storm damage | President Joe Biden consoles tornado survivors

A 'monstrous' tornado struck Kentucky over the weekend, destroying everything that stood in its way. More than 80 people have died, thousands have been displaced. Palki Sharma has a report

Gravitas: 'Deadliest' tornado hits Kentucky

&nbsp;Darryl Johnson didn’t know what his sister did at the Mayfield Consumer Products factory or why she worked nights; he knew only that her husband dropped her off Friday evening and that they never heard from her again.

He stood in a gravel lot next to the giant ruin of metal and wood, which just days ago was the candle factory where his sister, Janine Johnson-Williams, had clocked in for her shift. The factory where he works, 45 miles up the road, shut down when the storms were approaching, Johnson said. He could not find anyone in Mayfield to tell him anything.

Late Sunday evening, Johnson finally got word. His sister was dead.

Sunday was a day of wrenching discoveries across the middle of the country, where an outbreak of tornadoes Friday night left a deep scar of devastation. But as work crews dug through ruins and small-town coroners counted the dead Sunday, there was at least a glimmer of hope that the death toll may not end up being as enormous as initially feared.

On Sunday evening, Troy Propes, CEO of Mayfield Consumer Products, which runs the candle factory that was demolished by the tornado and which many dread may account for the largest number of deaths in the storm, said in an interview that only eight people had been confirmed dead at the factory and another six remained missing.

Bob Ferguson, a company spokesperson, said that of the roughly 110 workers who were on the late shift at the factory Friday night, more than 90 employees had been accounted for.

Still, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear told reporters Sunday that the state had not confirmed those figures and said that search operations were still underway at the site.

“There have been, I think, multiple bodies,” Beshear said. “The wreckage is extensive.”

The death toll from the tornado swarm includes people who had been killed in Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri and Tennessee, but the greatest loss of life was unquestionably in Kentucky, where Beshear said that at least four counties had tolls in the double digits. A dozen people were killed in Warren County, several of them children; in Muhlenberg County, there were 11 victims, all in the tiny town of Bremen. One was 4 months old.

“I don’t think we’ll have seen damage at this scale, ever,” Beshear said.

Darryl Johnson didn’t know what his sister did at the Mayfield Consumer Products factory or why she worked nights; he knew only that her husband dropped her off Friday evening and that they never heard from her again.

Darryl Johnson didn’t know what his sister did at the Mayfield Consumer Products factory or why she worked nights; he knew only that her husband dropped her off Friday evening and that they never heard from her again. He stood in a gravel lot next to the giant ruin of metal and wood, which just days ago was the candle factory where his sister, Janine Johnson-Williams, had clocked in for her shift. The factory where he works, 45 miles up the road, shut down when the storms were approaching, Johnson said. He could not find anyone in Mayfield to tell him anything. Late Sunday evening, Johnson finally got word. His sister was dead. Sunday was a day of wrenching discoveries across the middle of the country, where an outbreak of tornadoes Friday night left a deep scar of devastation. But as work crews dug through ruins and small-town coroners counted the dead Sunday, there was at least a glimmer of hope that the death toll may not end up being as enormous as initially feared. On Sunday evening, Troy Propes, CEO of Mayfield Consumer Products, which runs the candle factory that was demolished by the tornado and which many dread may account for the largest number of deaths in the storm, said in an interview that only eight people had been confirmed dead at the factory and another six remained missing. Bob Ferguson, a company spokesperson, said that of the roughly 110 workers who were on the late shift at the factory Friday night, more than 90 employees had been accounted for. Still, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear told reporters Sunday that the state had not confirmed those figures and said that search operations were still underway at the site. “There have been, I think, multiple bodies,” Beshear said. “The wreckage is extensive.” The death toll from the tornado swarm includes people who had been killed in Arkansas, Illinois, Missouri and Tennessee, but the greatest loss of life was unquestionably in Kentucky, where Beshear said that at least four counties had tolls in the double digits. A dozen people were killed in Warren County, several of them children; in Muhlenberg County, there were 11 victims, all in the tiny town of Bremen. One was 4 months old. “I don’t think we’ll have seen damage at this scale, ever,” Beshear said.

In Kentucky, tallying the grim scale of destruction

Multiple tornadoes have ripped across six of the US states in a Stormfront that killed dozens and tore apart a candle factory, crushed a nursing home, derailed a train, and smashed an Amazon warehouse.

US: Tornadoes hit six state including Kentucky, Illinois

Tornadoes in US: Before and after satellite images show massive destruction

The death toll from record tornadoes that ripped over hundreds of miles of Kentucky this weekend was expected to top 100, with many still missing and contradictory reports on the number of survivors as rescuers scrambled to examine wreckage.

With at least 80 verified deaths, Governor Andy Beshear stated this was the most deadly tornado event in the state's history.&nbsp;

"I know we’ve lost more than 80 Kentuckians. That number is going to exceed 100. This is the deadliest tornado event we have ever had... I’ve got towns that are gone, that are just, I mean, gone, "Beshear said on Sunday.

Twisters destroyed a candle factory and fire and police stations in a small town in Kentucky, ripped through a nursing home in neighbouring Missouri, and killed at least six workers at an Amazon warehouse in Illinois, according to weather forecasters.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Over 100 feared dead as multiple tornadoes rip through 6 US states

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The previous record for the longest tornado in the United States was a 219-mile storm in Missouri in March 1925, which killed 695 people.

Outside of the spring and summer months, huge events like this are relatively rare.&nbsp;

Rescuers examined the wreckage for survivors in Kentucky, while crews gave water and generators to residents.

More than 300 National Guard members were going door to door clearing debris.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The death toll from record tornadoes that ripped over hundreds of miles of Kentucky this weekend was expected to top 100, with many still missing and contradictory reports on the number of survivors as rescuers scrambled to examine wreckage.

The death toll from record tornadoes that ripped over hundreds of miles of Kentucky this weekend was expected to top 100, with many still missing and contradictory reports on the number of survivors as rescuers scrambled to examine wreckage. With at least 80 verified deaths, Governor Andy Beshear stated this was the most deadly tornado event in the state's history. "I know we’ve lost more than 80 Kentuckians. That number is going to exceed 100. This is the deadliest tornado event we have ever had... I’ve got towns that are gone, that are just, I mean, gone, "Beshear said on Sunday. Twisters destroyed a candle factory and fire and police stations in a small town in Kentucky, ripped through a nursing home in neighbouring Missouri, and killed at least six workers at an Amazon warehouse in Illinois, according to weather forecasters. Watch | Over 100 feared dead as multiple tornadoes rip through 6 US states The previous record for the longest tornado in the United States was a 219-mile storm in Missouri in March 1925, which killed 695 people. Outside of the spring and summer months, huge events like this are relatively rare. Rescuers examined the wreckage for survivors in Kentucky, while crews gave water and generators to residents. More than 300 National Guard members were going door to door clearing debris. (With inputs from agencies)

Kentucky tornadoes likely killed more than 100, says Governor Andy Beshear

Rescue teams are working in a desperate search for survivors in the aftermath of devastating tornadoes in the United States that left at least 83 people dead and dozens still missing.

Rescue teams are working in a desperate search for survivors in the aftermath of devastating tornadoes in the United States that left at least 83 people dead and dozens still missing. At least 30 tornadoes ripped through at least six states late Friday and early Saturday, causing massive destruction of life and property and those who survived are stunned after losing their house and business. Commenting on the scale of destruction, US President Joe Biden declared a disaster in Kentucky, which is the worst-affected state. Other states that are impacted are Arkansas, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. IN PICS | Mass destruction caused as several tornadoes rip through the US Biden called the wave of tornadoes, including one that travelled more than 200 miles, "one of the largest" storm outbreaks in the history of the United States. "It's a tragedy. And we still don't know how many lives are lost and the full extent of the damage," Biden said in televised comments. Destruction in Kentucky During the press conference, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said the scale of devastation is unlike anything he has seen in his life and he has trouble putting it into words. More than 70 people are believed to have been killed in Kentucky alone. Many of the workers at a candle factory in the city of Mayfield as Beshear said there were about 110 people were there when the storm hit reducing to a pile of rubble. The state governor also fears that "more than 100 people" are dead. (Image: Emergency workers search through what is left of the Mayfield Consumer Products Candle Factory. Credit: AFP) Survivors tell horrifying experiences A heart-wrenching plea was played by CNN, which was a Facebook post by a factory employee. "We are trapped, please, y'all, get us some help. We are at the candle factory in Mayfield... Please, y'all. Pray for us," a woman was heard saying, who was rescued after being pinned under a water fountain. "It looks like a bomb has exploded," 31-year-old Mayfield resident Alex Goodman told AFP "We never had anything like that here," David Norseworthy, who is a 69-year-old builder in Mayfield told AFP. A 66-year-old Mayfield, Kentucky resident Janet Kimp told Reuters that she has lost everything. "I lost everything. You know seven, my house burnt completely to the ground. We rebuilt. Then my husband died in 09, and I had to file bankruptcy; I lost everything again. And now, I've lost it all again," Kimp said. (Image: A boat sits at rest after being sucked out of a marine dealership by a tornado in Mayfield, Kentucky. Credit: AFP) Mitchell Fowler, who runs a restaurant for nearly four decades, until the tornado destroyed it. He said that after a tornado warning from local authorities, he closed the restaurant around 8pm and asked his employees to go home and set off for his own home some 8 miles (13 kilometers) outside town. "Before I got home, it was gone This was my restaurant, a family business for 38 years, I raised my family here, all my kids work here. It's devastating," Fowler told AFP regarding the restaurant. × Russia offers condolences Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday offered "sincere condolences". Putin told Biden in a telegram, according to the Kremlin, "Russia shares in the grief of those who lost loved ones as a result of this disaster. We hope the victims will recover and that the consequences of this disaster will be overcome quickly." (Image: A US national flag waves among tornado damage after extreme weather hit the region in Bowling Green Kentucky. Credit: AFP) (With inputs from agencies)

'It looks like a bomb has exploded': Survivors tell horrifying experiences of 'deadliest' tornadoes in US

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to exempt religious schools in Kentucky from an order from Gov. Andy Beshear that temporarily shut down all elementary, middle and high schools, whether public or private, in an effort to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

The court’s brief, unsigned ruling stressed that the order from Beshear, a Democrat, would not be in place much longer. “The governor’s school-closing order effectively expires this week or shortly thereafter, and there is no indication that it will be renewed,” the court’s opinion said.

It added that the challengers had not squarely confronted an important distinction. “The order applies equally to secular schools and religious schools, but the applicants argue that the order treats schools (including religious schools) worse than restaurants, bars and gyms, for example, which remain open,” the opinion said.

“Under all of the circumstances, especially the timing and the impending expiration of the order,” the opinion said, “we deny the application without prejudice to the applicants or other parties seeking a new preliminary injunction if the governor issues a school-closing order that applies in the new year.”

Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch each filed a dissent that was joined by the other. Alito said the Supreme Court should have acted sooner to address the challengers’ application and said the courts could still address it.

“As things now stand,” Alito wrote, “this action remains on the docket of the district court. If the governor does not allow classes to begin after the turn of the year, the applicants can file a new request for a preliminary injunction, and if the lower courts do not provide relief, the applicants may of course return to this court.”

Gorsuch said the majority had invited political gamesmanship. The governor, he wrote, should not “be able to evade judicial review by issuing short-term edicts and then urging us to overlook their problems only because one edict is about to expire while the next has yet to arrive.”

The preferable approach, he said, would have been to require the appeals court to resolve the case now under the correct legal standards. That, he wrote, would “be better for everyone — from the parents who might have to miss work and stay home should decrees like these be upheld, to the state public health officials who might have to plan for school if they are not.”

The decision in the Kentucky case followed a series of rulings from the Supreme Court on state restrictions on religious services at churches and synagogues. The court had sustained such limits while Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was alive but changed course after she was succeeded by Justice Amy Coney Barrett.

The Kentucky case presented a related but distinct issue. In ordering the temporary closure of all K-12 schools, Beshear did not single out religious ones.

In a lawsuit challenging the order, Danville Christian Academy and Daniel Cameron, the state’s attorney general, a Republican, said that it did not matter that all schools were treated the same, as religious education was still subject to stricter restrictions than comparable secular activities. That violated constitutional protections for the free exercise of religion, they said.

Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove of the U.S. District Court in Frankfort, Kentucky, agreed. “In an effort to do the right thing to fight the virus,” Van Tatenhove wrote, “the governor cannot do the wrong thing by infringing protected values.”

“This court wonders why, under this executive order, one would be free to attend a lecture, go to work or attend a concert, but not attend socially distanced chapel in school or pray together in a classroom that is following strict safety procedures and social distancing,” the judge wrote. He issued an injunction overriding Beshear’s order and opening religious schools.

A unanimous three-judge panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati stayed Van Tatenhove’s ruling, lifting his injunction while an appeal moved forward. In an unsigned opinion, the panel said that a recent Supreme Court ruling striking down limits on attendance at religious services in New York “does not compel a contrary result.”

“The contours of the order at issue here,” the panel wrote, “in no way correlate to religion, and cannot be plausibly read to contain even a hint of hostility toward religion.”

In asking the Supreme Court to intervene, the challengers urged the justices to take account of how secular activities in the state have been treated.

“In Kentucky,” the brief said, “one can catch a matinee at the movie theater, tour a distillery, work out at the gym, bet at a gambling parlor, shop, go to work, cheer on the Wildcats or the Cardinals and attend a wedding. A parent can send his or her child to day care or preschool. And college students can attend classes. But all of Kentucky’s religious schools are shuttered.”

Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and 37 other senators filed a brief supporting the challengers. “COVID-19 is undoubtedly a serious health threat, but the Constitution applies even in difficult times,” the brief said. “This court should again remind governors across the country that shutdown orders cannot trample constitutional rights.

Lawyers for Beshear responded that in-person K-12 education “presents a perfect storm of factors that combine to generate a singular public health risk.”

Students spend long days indoors, the brief said; school-age children struggle to keep their masks on and must remove them to eat; and teachers, administrators, janitorial workers, cafeteria staff and parents are often present.

Kentucky has an unusually high percentage of children cared for by their grandparents and other older people, the brief said, and the Thanksgiving and year-end holidays are an especially dangerous time, particularly as a significant percentage of pediatric COVID-19 infections are asymptomatic.

Day care and preschool do not give rise to “anything approaching the high-volume mixing that unavoidably results from in-person K-12 schooling,” the brief said. And colleges and universities in the state, the brief said, will overwhelmingly be closed in the coming weeks and had mostly moved to remote learning in any event.

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to exempt religious schools in Kentucky from an order from Gov. Andy Beshear that temporarily shut down all elementary, middle and high schools, whether public or private, in an effort to combat the coronavirus pandemic.

The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to exempt religious schools in Kentucky from an order from Gov. Andy Beshear that temporarily shut down all elementary, middle and high schools, whether public or private, in an effort to combat the coronavirus pandemic. The court’s brief, unsigned ruling stressed that the order from Beshear, a Democrat, would not be in place much longer. “The governor’s school-closing order effectively expires this week or shortly thereafter, and there is no indication that it will be renewed,” the court’s opinion said. It added that the challengers had not squarely confronted an important distinction. “The order applies equally to secular schools and religious schools, but the applicants argue that the order treats schools (including religious schools) worse than restaurants, bars and gyms, for example, which remain open,” the opinion said. “Under all of the circumstances, especially the timing and the impending expiration of the order,” the opinion said, “we deny the application without prejudice to the applicants or other parties seeking a new preliminary injunction if the governor issues a school-closing order that applies in the new year.” Justices Samuel Alito and Neil Gorsuch each filed a dissent that was joined by the other. Alito said the Supreme Court should have acted sooner to address the challengers’ application and said the courts could still address it. “As things now stand,” Alito wrote, “this action remains on the docket of the district court. If the governor does not allow classes to begin after the turn of the year, the applicants can file a new request for a preliminary injunction, and if the lower courts do not provide relief, the applicants may of course return to this court.” Gorsuch said the majority had invited political gamesmanship. The governor, he wrote, should not “be able to evade judicial review by issuing short-term edicts and then urging us to overlook their problems only because one edict is about to expire while the next has yet to arrive.” The preferable approach, he said, would have been to require the appeals court to resolve the case now under the correct legal standards. That, he wrote, would “be better for everyone — from the parents who might have to miss work and stay home should decrees like these be upheld, to the state public health officials who might have to plan for school if they are not.” The decision in the Kentucky case followed a series of rulings from the Supreme Court on state restrictions on religious services at churches and synagogues. The court had sustained such limits while Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg was alive but changed course after she was succeeded by Justice Amy Coney Barrett. The Kentucky case presented a related but distinct issue. In ordering the temporary closure of all K-12 schools, Beshear did not single out religious ones. In a lawsuit challenging the order, Danville Christian Academy and Daniel Cameron, the state’s attorney general, a Republican, said that it did not matter that all schools were treated the same, as religious education was still subject to stricter restrictions than comparable secular activities. That violated constitutional protections for the free exercise of religion, they said. Judge Gregory Van Tatenhove of the U.S. District Court in Frankfort, Kentucky, agreed. “In an effort to do the right thing to fight the virus,” Van Tatenhove wrote, “the governor cannot do the wrong thing by infringing protected values.” “This court wonders why, under this executive order, one would be free to attend a lecture, go to work or attend a concert, but not attend socially distanced chapel in school or pray together in a classroom that is following strict safety procedures and social distancing,” the judge wrote. He issued an injunction overriding Beshear’s order and opening religious schools. A unanimous three-judge panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati stayed Van Tatenhove’s ruling, lifting his injunction while an appeal moved forward. In an unsigned opinion, the panel said that a recent Supreme Court ruling striking down limits on attendance at religious services in New York “does not compel a contrary result.” “The contours of the order at issue here,” the panel wrote, “in no way correlate to religion, and cannot be plausibly read to contain even a hint of hostility toward religion.” In asking the Supreme Court to intervene, the challengers urged the justices to take account of how secular activities in the state have been treated. “In Kentucky,” the brief said, “one can catch a matinee at the movie theater, tour a distillery, work out at the gym, bet at a gambling parlor, shop, go to work, cheer on the Wildcats or the Cardinals and attend a wedding. A parent can send his or her child to day care or preschool. And college students can attend classes. But all of Kentucky’s religious schools are shuttered.” Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and 37 other senators filed a brief supporting the challengers. “COVID-19 is undoubtedly a serious health threat, but the Constitution applies even in difficult times,” the brief said. “This court should again remind governors across the country that shutdown orders cannot trample constitutional rights. Lawyers for Beshear responded that in-person K-12 education “presents a perfect storm of factors that combine to generate a singular public health risk.” Students spend long days indoors, the brief said; school-age children struggle to keep their masks on and must remove them to eat; and teachers, administrators, janitorial workers, cafeteria staff and parents are often present. Kentucky has an unusually high percentage of children cared for by their grandparents and other older people, the brief said, and the Thanksgiving and year-end holidays are an especially dangerous time, particularly as a significant percentage of pediatric COVID-19 infections are asymptomatic. Day care and preschool do not give rise to “anything approaching the high-volume mixing that unavoidably results from in-person K-12 schooling,” the brief said. And colleges and universities in the state, the brief said, will overwhelmingly be closed in the coming weeks and had mostly moved to remote learning in any event.

US Supreme Court rejects religious school’s challenge to Kentucky virus order

Protesters clash with Police in Rochester, New York. Killing of Medical worker sparks fresh protest in Kentucky. Anti-racism protest escalate in Portland marks 100th night of Black Lives Matter protests.

Black Lives Matter protesters clash with Police during demonstrations

Anti-racism protest escalate in US Portland marks 100th night of Black Lives Matter protests. Protesters clash with Police in Rochester, New York. Killing of Medical worker sparks fresh protest in Kentucky.

Portland marks 100th night of anti-racism protests, fresh protest erupt in Kentucky

Five people, including a teenager, were hospitalised for gunshot wounds they suffered during a block party shooting on Sunday in Kentucky.

Two people had fired gunshots during the gathering where nearly 100 people were in attendance on early Sunday morning in Madisonville.

According to the Madisonville Police Department, two victims, a 43-year-old woman and a 14-year-old girl, were transported to a hospital by helicopter. The woman remains in serious condition, police said.&nbsp;

Three others were hospitalised with non-life threatening injuries.

Further investigation is underway.

Five people, including a teenager, were hospitalised for gunshot wounds they suffered during a block party shooting on Sunday in Kentucky. Two people had fired gunshots during the gathering where nearly 100 people were in attendance on early Sunday morning in Madisonville.

Five people, including a teenager, were hospitalised for gunshot wounds they suffered during a block party shooting on Sunday in Kentucky. Two people had fired gunshots during the gathering where nearly 100 people were in attendance on early Sunday morning in Madisonville. According to the Madisonville Police Department, two victims, a 43-year-old woman and a 14-year-old girl, were transported to a hospital by helicopter. The woman remains in serious condition, police said. Three others were hospitalised with non-life threatening injuries. Further investigation is underway.

Five hospitalised after Kentucky block party shooting

One person was killed and another wounded in a shooting at a Black Lives Matter rally in the US state of Kentucky, police said.

The incident Saturday took place at Jefferson Square Park in the center of Louisville where protestors have gathered for weeks over the killing of African American woman Breonna Taylor.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-walmart-shooting-kills-2-people-4-wounded-309110">Also read|&nbsp;US: Walmart shooting kills 2 people; 4 wounded</a>

Her death in March helped fuel a campaign against racism and police brutality in the United States that has since spread across the globe.&nbsp;

Louisville Metro Police Department said officers were called to the park at around 9:00 pm. &nbsp;

"Calls then came in that Sheriff's Department personnel were in the park performing life-saving measures on a male who eventually died at the scene," the department said on Twitter.&nbsp;

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Just about 9 p.m., there were reports of shots fired in Jefferson Square Park. Calls then came in that Sheriff’s Department personnel were in the park performing life-saving measures on a male who eventually died at the scene.
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Soon after another person was shot across the street at the city's Hall of Justice, police added.&nbsp;

It was unclear if there was more than one shooter and authorities have yet to release any details of the victims.&nbsp;

Louisville mayor Greg Fischer said he was "deeply saddened by the violence."

Before the shooting, Fischer had urged counter-protesters to stay away from the park, after local newspaper Louisville Courier Journal reported that "armed patriot groups" were planning on confronting the demonstrators.&nbsp;

Louisville has seen especially passionate Black Lives Matter protests due to the police killing Taylor in her own apartment.

The 26-year-old emergency room technician was shot dead after police barged into her home, alleging that drug dealers had used the apartment to receive packages.

The case helped trigger fresh waves of anger in the United States over racial injustice and police brutality.

Those protests expanded dramatically after the May 25 killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in Minneapolis after a white police officer pinned his knee to Floyd's neck for more than eight minutes.

One person was killed and another wounded in a shooting at a Black Lives Matter rally in the US state of Kentucky, police said. The incident Saturday took place at Jefferson Square Park in the center of Louisville where protestors have gathered for weeks over the killing of African American woman Breonna Taylor.

One person was killed and another wounded in a shooting at a Black Lives Matter rally in the US state of Kentucky, police said. The incident Saturday took place at Jefferson Square Park in the center of Louisville where protestors have gathered for weeks over the killing of African American woman Breonna Taylor. Also read| US: Walmart shooting kills 2 people; 4 wounded Her death in March helped fuel a campaign against racism and police brutality in the United States that has since spread across the globe. Louisville Metro Police Department said officers were called to the park at around 9:00 pm. "Calls then came in that Sheriff's Department personnel were in the park performing life-saving measures on a male who eventually died at the scene," the department said on Twitter. Just about 9 p.m., there were reports of shots fired in Jefferson Square Park. Calls then came in that Sheriff’s Department personnel were in the park performing life-saving measures on a male who eventually died at the scene. — LMPD (@LMPD) June 28, 2020 × Soon after another person was shot across the street at the city's Hall of Justice, police added. It was unclear if there was more than one shooter and authorities have yet to release any details of the victims. Louisville mayor Greg Fischer said he was "deeply saddened by the violence." Before the shooting, Fischer had urged counter-protesters to stay away from the park, after local newspaper Louisville Courier Journal reported that "armed patriot groups" were planning on confronting the demonstrators. Louisville has seen especially passionate Black Lives Matter protests due to the police killing Taylor in her own apartment. The 26-year-old emergency room technician was shot dead after police barged into her home, alleging that drug dealers had used the apartment to receive packages. The case helped trigger fresh waves of anger in the United States over racial injustice and police brutality. Those protests expanded dramatically after the May 25 killing of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in Minneapolis after a white police officer pinned his knee to Floyd's neck for more than eight minutes.

One dead in shooting at US Black Lives Matter rally

The US&nbsp;Supreme Court on Monday left in place a&nbsp;Kentucky&nbsp;restriction requiring doctors to show and describe ultrasound images to women seeking an abortion, turning away a challenge arguing that the measure violates the free speech rights of physicians.

The justices declined without comment to hear an appeal by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of a lower court ruling that upheld the law after a federal judge previously had struck it down as a violation of the US&nbsp;Constitution's First Amendment guarantee of free speech.

The Supreme Court has a 5-4 conservative majority and is closely divided on abortion rights.

On March 4, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arms-sales-worldwide-up-by-nearly-5-report-267299">the court</a> is scheduled to hear its first major abortion case in three years in a dispute over the legality of a Republican-backed Louisiana law that imposes restrictions on abortion doctors.

The ACLU said the&nbsp;Kentucky&nbsp;law has no medical basis and that its sole purpose is to coerce a woman into not getting an abortion.

The ACLU filed the lawsuit on behalf of EMW Women's Surgical Center,&nbsp;Kentucky's only licensed abortion clinic, as well as physicians who work there shortly after the law was passed in 2017.

Kentucky&nbsp;requires a physician or qualified technician to perform the ultrasound and position the screen so the woman can view the images of the fetus. The medical staff are required to describe what the images show, including the size of the fetus and any organs or appendages visible. They are also required to make audible the sound of the fetal heartbeat.

The law requires the physicians to continue with the process even if the patient objects and shows signs of distress. Doctors can be fined and referred to the state's medical licensing board if they fail to comply with the&nbsp;Kentucky&nbsp;law.

On the Louisiana law case next year, the high court's ruling could lead to new curbs on access to abortion. Numerous Republican-backed measures restricting abortion have been passed at the state level in recent years.&nbsp;

The Louisiana case will test the willingness of the court, which includes two conservative justices appointed by Republican President Donald Trump, to uphold laws that lower courts have ruled unconstitutional. The court has shifted to the right after Justice Anthony Kennedy, a decisive vote in favour of abortion rights, retired in 2018 and was replaced by Trump appointee Brett Kavanaugh, who has a thin judicial record on the issue.

In 2018, the Supreme Court blocked a California law requiring clinics that counsel women against abortion to notify clients of the availability of abortions paid for by the state, finding that it violated the free speech rights of the facilities. In that 5-4 ruling along ideological grounds, the court's conservative justices were in the majority.

A federal judge in 2017 struck down the law but in an April 2019 ruling the Cincinnati-based 6th US&nbsp;Circuit Court of Appeals declared it lawful. The 6th Circuit found that because the law "requires the disclosure of truthful, non-misleading and relevant information about an abortion, we hold that it does not violate a doctor's right to free speech under the First Amendment."

In 2015, the Supreme Court rejected a bid by North Carolina to revive a similar law that had been struck down. A similar law in Texas was upheld by a federal appeals court in 2012.

The US Supreme Court on Monday left in place a Kentucky restriction requiring doctors to show and describe ultrasound images to women seeking an abortion, turning away a challenge arguing that the measure violates the free speech rights of physicians.

The US Supreme Court on Monday left in place a Kentucky restriction requiring doctors to show and describe ultrasound images to women seeking an abortion, turning away a challenge arguing that the measure violates the free speech rights of physicians. The justices declined without comment to hear an appeal by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) of a lower court ruling that upheld the law after a federal judge previously had struck it down as a violation of the US Constitution's First Amendment guarantee of free speech. The Supreme Court has a 5-4 conservative majority and is closely divided on abortion rights. On March 4, the court is scheduled to hear its first major abortion case in three years in a dispute over the legality of a Republican-backed Louisiana law that imposes restrictions on abortion doctors. The ACLU said the Kentucky law has no medical basis and that its sole purpose is to coerce a woman into not getting an abortion. The ACLU filed the lawsuit on behalf of EMW Women's Surgical Center, Kentucky's only licensed abortion clinic, as well as physicians who work there shortly after the law was passed in 2017. Kentucky requires a physician or qualified technician to perform the ultrasound and position the screen so the woman can view the images of the fetus. The medical staff are required to describe what the images show, including the size of the fetus and any organs or appendages visible. They are also required to make audible the sound of the fetal heartbeat. The law requires the physicians to continue with the process even if the patient objects and shows signs of distress. Doctors can be fined and referred to the state's medical licensing board if they fail to comply with the Kentucky law. On the Louisiana law case next year, the high court's ruling could lead to new curbs on access to abortion. Numerous Republican-backed measures restricting abortion have been passed at the state level in recent years. The Louisiana case will test the willingness of the court, which includes two conservative justices appointed by Republican President Donald Trump, to uphold laws that lower courts have ruled unconstitutional. The court has shifted to the right after Justice Anthony Kennedy, a decisive vote in favour of abortion rights, retired in 2018 and was replaced by Trump appointee Brett Kavanaugh, who has a thin judicial record on the issue. In 2018, the Supreme Court blocked a California law requiring clinics that counsel women against abortion to notify clients of the availability of abortions paid for by the state, finding that it violated the free speech rights of the facilities. In that 5-4 ruling along ideological grounds, the court's conservative justices were in the majority. A federal judge in 2017 struck down the law but in an April 2019 ruling the Cincinnati-based 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals declared it lawful. The 6th Circuit found that because the law "requires the disclosure of truthful, non-misleading and relevant information about an abortion, we hold that it does not violate a doctor's right to free speech under the First Amendment." In 2015, the Supreme Court rejected a bid by North Carolina to revive a similar law that had been struck down. A similar law in Texas was upheld by a federal appeals court in 2012.

United States Supreme Court leaves Kentucky abortion restriction in place

Governor of the US State of Kentucky Matt Bevin will lead a high-power American business delegation, comprising representatives from top companies, for the next Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January.

The delegation of US Chambers of Commerce, which includes the US-India Business Council (USIBC) and co-leaders of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, will strengthen ties with national and state government leaders, industry groups and individual businesses in one of the world's largest and fastest growing economies, the governor's office said.

"Kentucky is excited to explore opportunities within the Indian market and to meet with key government and business leaders during next month's business summit," Bevin said in a statement on Monday.

"Our state is a leading exporter of food products as well as healthcare and engineering technologies. This trip is an incredible opportunity to showcase Kentucky's growth as an epicentre for global companies," Bevin said.

The delegation will help increase awareness about trade and investment opportunities between the US and India, he said.

After Gujarat, the delegation will also travel to Uttar Pradesh to participate in industry meetings surrounding Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.

Nisha Biswal, president of the USIBC, said the organisation will deliver a productive and impactful engagement for Kentucky and the USIBC members at Vibrant Gujarat and in Uttar Pradesh.

"It is an honour for USIBC and its members to welcome a close partnership with Governor Bevin and the State of Kentucky to lead a delegation of US companies critical to the growth of the US-India bilateral trade and commercial relationship," she said.

"Kentucky and India have enjoyed a longstanding partnership, which has resulted in job creation and expanded business opportunities for both Indian and Kentucky companies," Biswal said.

Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development leaders Terry Gill and Vivek Sarin will join Bevin, as will Cabinet's executive director for international affairs Erran Persley and business development, a media report said.

Indian companies own&nbsp;in whole or part&nbsp;five facilities in Kentucky, which currently employ approximately 1,625 people.

In addition to those five facilities, Novelis earlier this year broke ground in Guthrie for a 125-job aluminium rolling mill, which is scheduled to open by 2020.

And this summer Novelis announced it will purchase Aleris Corp, which operates an aluminium rolling mill in Lewisport employing nearly 1,000 people.

The deal is scheduled to close in 2019. Together, those will push Kentucky's Indian-owned facilities to seven, employing about 2,750 people, the Governor's office said.

Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is aimed at bringing together business leaders, investors, corporations, thought leaders, policy and opinion makers. It is advertised as a platform to understand and explore business opportunities in the State of Gujarat.&nbsp;

Governor of the US State of Kentucky Matt Bevin will lead a high-power American business delegation, comprising representatives from top companies, for the next Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January.

Governor of the US State of Kentucky Matt Bevin will lead a high-power American business delegation, comprising representatives from top companies, for the next Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit in January. The delegation of US Chambers of Commerce, which includes the US-India Business Council (USIBC) and co-leaders of the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, will strengthen ties with national and state government leaders, industry groups and individual businesses in one of the world's largest and fastest growing economies, the governor's office said. "Kentucky is excited to explore opportunities within the Indian market and to meet with key government and business leaders during next month's business summit," Bevin said in a statement on Monday. "Our state is a leading exporter of food products as well as healthcare and engineering technologies. This trip is an incredible opportunity to showcase Kentucky's growth as an epicentre for global companies," Bevin said. The delegation will help increase awareness about trade and investment opportunities between the US and India, he said. After Gujarat, the delegation will also travel to Uttar Pradesh to participate in industry meetings surrounding Pravasi Bharatiya Divas. Nisha Biswal, president of the USIBC, said the organisation will deliver a productive and impactful engagement for Kentucky and the USIBC members at Vibrant Gujarat and in Uttar Pradesh. "It is an honour for USIBC and its members to welcome a close partnership with Governor Bevin and the State of Kentucky to lead a delegation of US companies critical to the growth of the US-India bilateral trade and commercial relationship," she said. "Kentucky and India have enjoyed a longstanding partnership, which has resulted in job creation and expanded business opportunities for both Indian and Kentucky companies," Biswal said. Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development leaders Terry Gill and Vivek Sarin will join Bevin, as will Cabinet's executive director for international affairs Erran Persley and business development, a media report said. Indian companies own in whole or part five facilities in Kentucky, which currently employ approximately 1,625 people. In addition to those five facilities, Novelis earlier this year broke ground in Guthrie for a 125-job aluminium rolling mill, which is scheduled to open by 2020. And this summer Novelis announced it will purchase Aleris Corp, which operates an aluminium rolling mill in Lewisport employing nearly 1,000 people. The deal is scheduled to close in 2019. Together, those will push Kentucky's Indian-owned facilities to seven, employing about 2,750 people, the Governor's office said. Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit is aimed at bringing together business leaders, investors, corporations, thought leaders, policy and opinion makers. It is advertised as a platform to understand and explore business opportunities in the State of Gujarat.

Kentucky government to lead US business delegation for Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit

The shooting of a black man and woman at a Kentucky supermarket was being investigated as a possible hate crime, a federal prosecutor said on Friday.

Gregory Bush, 51, a white man, has been charged with shooting Maurice Stallard, 69, in front of his grandson as they shopped in a Kroger Inc&nbsp;grocery store in Jeffersontown, some 15 miles (24 km) from downtown Louisville. According to an arrest citation, he then went to the parking lot and shot Vickie Jones, 67.

Bush has been charged with murder and 10 counts of first-degree wanton endangerment.&nbsp;

"Federal investigators are supporting local law enforcement and examining this matter from the perspective of federal criminal law, which includes potential civil rights violations such as hate crimes," U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman said in a statement on Friday.

An armed bystander with a carry permit for a concealed weapon exchanged gunfire with Bush in the parking lot before the suspect fled in his car. He was apprehended shortly afterwards, police said.

Ed Harrell told the Louisville Courier Journal that he pulled out his pistol as Bush approached him in the parking lot and Bush told him not to shoot as "whites don`t kill whites."&nbsp;

It was not immediately clear if Bush had legal representation.

If investigators suspect the killings were racially motivated, Bush could also be charged for a hate crime.

Both Stallard and Jones were shot from behind multiple times, Jeffersontown Police Chief Sam Rogers told reporters on Thursday.&nbsp;

Rogers said Bush suffered from mental illness and court records showed he had a history of violence and at least one instance when he used a racial slur.

About 15 minutes before walking into the Kroger supermarket Bush tried to get into a predominantly black Baptist church, police said, citing surveillance video.

First Baptist Church administrator Billy Williams told local CBS affiliate WLKY there were eight to 10 people in the church at the time.&nbsp;

In 2015, self-described white supremacist Dylann Roof, then 21, shot and killed nine black people in a church in Charleston, South Carolina.

The shooting of a black man and woman at a Kentucky supermarket was being investigated as a possible hate crime, a federal prosecutor said on Friday. Gregory Bush, 51, a white man, has been charged with shooting Maurice Stallard, 69, in front of his grandson as they shopped in a Kroger Inc grocery store in Jeffersontown, some 15 miles (24 km) from downtown Louisville.

The shooting of a black man and woman at a Kentucky supermarket was being investigated as a possible hate crime, a federal prosecutor said on Friday. Gregory Bush, 51, a white man, has been charged with shooting Maurice Stallard, 69, in front of his grandson as they shopped in a Kroger Inc grocery store in Jeffersontown, some 15 miles (24 km) from downtown Louisville. According to an arrest citation, he then went to the parking lot and shot Vickie Jones, 67. Bush has been charged with murder and 10 counts of first-degree wanton endangerment. "Federal investigators are supporting local law enforcement and examining this matter from the perspective of federal criminal law, which includes potential civil rights violations such as hate crimes," U.S. Attorney Russell Coleman said in a statement on Friday. An armed bystander with a carry permit for a concealed weapon exchanged gunfire with Bush in the parking lot before the suspect fled in his car. He was apprehended shortly afterwards, police said. Ed Harrell told the Louisville Courier Journal that he pulled out his pistol as Bush approached him in the parking lot and Bush told him not to shoot as "whites don`t kill whites." It was not immediately clear if Bush had legal representation. If investigators suspect the killings were racially motivated, Bush could also be charged for a hate crime. Both Stallard and Jones were shot from behind multiple times, Jeffersontown Police Chief Sam Rogers told reporters on Thursday. Rogers said Bush suffered from mental illness and court records showed he had a history of violence and at least one instance when he used a racial slur. About 15 minutes before walking into the Kroger supermarket Bush tried to get into a predominantly black Baptist church, police said, citing surveillance video. First Baptist Church administrator Billy Williams told local CBS affiliate WLKY there were eight to 10 people in the church at the time. In 2015, self-described white supremacist Dylann Roof, then 21, shot and killed nine black people in a church in Charleston, South Carolina.

Kentucky supermarket shooting investigated as hate crime

A transgender woman and her husband sued <a href="http://www.wionews.com/science-tech/anytime-amazons-speculated-messaging-app-17998">Amazon.com</a>, accusing the company of subjecting them to severe harassment and physical threats when they both worked at the retailer&#39;s warehouse in Kentucky.

A group representing the couple said their case was striking given the Seattle-based company&#39;s vocal support of LGBT rights.

The lawsuit filed in federal court in Kentucky said Allegra Schawe-Lane was subjected to taunts such as &quot;shemale&quot; and &quot;crossdresser&quot; from coworkers. She and her husband Dane Lane also received crass comments about their sex life, it said.

The couple lodged a series of complaints with supervisors during the year they worked at the Hebron, Kentucky warehouse, but the company took no action, the lawsuit said.

Supervisors joined in the harassment and were instructed to &quot;watch them closely.&quot; The two feared for their lives after a coworker cut the brake lines on their car, according to the lawsuit. The couple quit their jobs in 2015 following the incidents.

Amazon did not respond to a request for comment.

The lawsuit comes after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/the-rise-rise-of-jeff-bezos-amazon-14019">Amazon</a>, one of the United States&#39; largest companies, was lauded by civil rights groups for their drama &quot;Transparent,&quot; one of the first series to feature a transgender lead character.

&quot;We call on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/science-tech/amazon-gets-doorway-to-indias-food-retail-17816">Amazon</a> to examine the disconnect between the message of its hit show Transparent and the discrimination perpetrated against Allegra and Dane,&quot; said Jillian Weiss, executive director of the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, which is representing the couple in the lawsuit, and which gave &quot;Transparent&quot; an award in 2015.

Lane and Schawe-Lane say Amazon violated federal and Kentucky laws banning sex discrimination in the workplace. Several federal courts have ruled that discrimination on the basis of gender identity is a form of unlawful sex bias.

Schawe-Lane also says Amazon violated the Americans with Disabilities Act because supervisors viewed her gender dysphoria as a disability.

The case is Lane v. Amazon.com KYDC LLC, US&nbsp;District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, No. 2:17-cv-00134.

The lawsuit comes after Amazon, one of the United States' largest companies, was lauded by civil rights groups for their drama "Transparent," one of the first series to feature a transgender lead character

A transgender woman and her husband sued Amazon.com, accusing the company of subjecting them to severe harassment and physical threats when they both worked at the retailer's warehouse in Kentucky. A group representing the couple said their case was striking given the Seattle-based company's vocal support of LGBT rights. The lawsuit filed in federal court in Kentucky said Allegra Schawe-Lane was subjected to taunts such as "shemale" and "crossdresser" from coworkers. She and her husband Dane Lane also received crass comments about their sex life, it said. The couple lodged a series of complaints with supervisors during the year they worked at the Hebron, Kentucky warehouse, but the company took no action, the lawsuit said. Supervisors joined in the harassment and were instructed to "watch them closely." The two feared for their lives after a coworker cut the brake lines on their car, according to the lawsuit. The couple quit their jobs in 2015 following the incidents. Amazon did not respond to a request for comment. The lawsuit comes after Amazon, one of the United States' largest companies, was lauded by civil rights groups for their drama "Transparent," one of the first series to feature a transgender lead character. "We call on Amazon to examine the disconnect between the message of its hit show Transparent and the discrimination perpetrated against Allegra and Dane," said Jillian Weiss, executive director of the Transgender Legal Defense and Education Fund, which is representing the couple in the lawsuit, and which gave "Transparent" an award in 2015. Lane and Schawe-Lane say Amazon violated federal and Kentucky laws banning sex discrimination in the workplace. Several federal courts have ruled that discrimination on the basis of gender identity is a form of unlawful sex bias. Schawe-Lane also says Amazon violated the Americans with Disabilities Act because supervisors viewed her gender dysphoria as a disability. The case is Lane v. Amazon.com KYDC LLC, US District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky, No. 2:17-cv-00134.

Transgender woman, husband sue Amazon for workplace harassment

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is leading in three states -- Indiana, Kentucky and New Hampshire -- while his rival Hillary Clinton is projected to win Vermont.

Donald Trump is projected to win traditional Republican strongholds Indiana, Kentucky and Georgia, while Hillary Clinton is projected to bag Vermont.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, polling has closed in crucial swing states --&nbsp;Florida and Virginia.

Early reports indicate that it is tight between the two presidential contenders in Florida and Virginia.

(WION)

Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump brace for election outcome after voting closes in some states

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is leading in three states -- Indiana, Kentucky and New Hampshire -- while his rival Hillary Clinton is projected to win Vermont. Donald Trump is projected to win traditional Republican strongholds Indiana, Kentucky and Georgia, while Hillary Clinton is projected to bag Vermont. Meanwhile, polling has closed in crucial swing states -- Florida and Virginia. Early reports indicate that it is tight between the two presidential contenders in Florida and Virginia. (WION)

Live US election 2016: Trump leads in Indiana, Kentucky; Clinton ahead in Vermont and Virginia

US Olympic sprinter&nbsp;Tyson Gay&rsquo;s 15-year-old daughter died on Sunday after being caught in an exchange of gunfire between two vehicles outside a restaurant is Kentucky.&nbsp;

After the shooting in Lexington at about 4 am EDT (0800 GMT), Trinity Gay was taken in a private vehicle to a local&nbsp;hospital where she was pronounced dead, the Lexington Police Department said in a statement, Reuters reported.

&quot;She didn&#39;t make it. I am so confused,&quot; Gay told the sports editor with NBC-affiliate Lex 18 television. &quot;She was just here last week for fall break. It&#39;s so crazy.&quot;

Police said they have detained two people for questioning in connection with the incident and a homicide investigation is underway, Reuters reported.

In 2007, Tyson&nbsp;Gay won three gold medals at the World Championships in Osaka, Japan. He set the US record in the 100-meter sprint two years later.

Gay, who made his Olympic debut in 2008, won a silver medal with the 4x100 meters relay team at the 2012 Games in London but lost the medal after testing positive for a banned substance in 2013.

Condolences from the track and field world poured in on social media.

&quot;Sending our thoughts and prayers to (Tyson Gay) and his loved ones as they mourn the tragic &amp; senseless loss of his daughter, Trinity,&quot; USA Track and&nbsp;Field, the sport&#39;s national governing body, wrote on Twitter.

Trinity was a rising star on the track team at Lafayette High School in Lexington, her father&#39;s alma mater, Sports Illustrated reported.&nbsp;

&quot;Our hearts are broken this morning over the loss of Trinity to this tragic and senseless act of violence,&quot; Fayette County Public Schools, which runs the high school, wrote on Twitter.

 
(WION with inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

15-year-old Trinity Gay was caught in an exchange of fire between two vehicles on Sunday and was pronounced dead in the hospital

US Olympic sprinter Tyson Gay’s 15-year-old daughter died on Sunday after being caught in an exchange of gunfire between two vehicles outside a restaurant is Kentucky. After the shooting in Lexington at about 4 am EDT (0800 GMT), Trinity Gay was taken in a private vehicle to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead, the Lexington Police Department said in a statement, Reuters reported. "She didn't make it. I am so confused," Gay told the sports editor with NBC-affiliate Lex 18 television. "She was just here last week for fall break. It's so crazy." Police said they have detained two people for questioning in connection with the incident and a homicide investigation is underway, Reuters reported. In 2007, Tyson Gay won three gold medals at the World Championships in Osaka, Japan. He set the US record in the 100-meter sprint two years later. Gay, who made his Olympic debut in 2008, won a silver medal with the 4x100 meters relay team at the 2012 Games in London but lost the medal after testing positive for a banned substance in 2013. Condolences from the track and field world poured in on social media. "Sending our thoughts and prayers to (Tyson Gay) and his loved ones as they mourn the tragic & senseless loss of his daughter, Trinity," USA Track and Field, the sport's national governing body, wrote on Twitter. Trinity was a rising star on the track team at Lafayette High School in Lexington, her father's alma mater, Sports Illustrated reported. "Our hearts are broken this morning over the loss of Trinity to this tragic and senseless act of violence," Fayette County Public Schools, which runs the high school, wrote on Twitter. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Olympic sprinter Tyson Gay's daughter killed in Kentucky crossfire

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