Covering news, events, and stories that you should know from local, nationwide and worldwide sources.
Louisville Zoo tiger gets health exam
Wednesday the 7-year-old male Amur tiger at the Louisville Zoo, Vikentii, had his bi-yearly health screening. He has blood drawn, gets vaccinated and has a dental check up. The screenings help the medical crews at the Louisville Zoo identify any problems before they get worse. The exams in recent years have uncovered issues like whether Vikentii is overweight or underweight, cataracts or eye problems, and orthopedic issues like arthritis or tumors. He was born at a Zoo in Salt Lake City, and came to the Louisville Zoo in 2015. There are fewer than 100 Amur tigers like him left in the Russian wild. (WDRB)
Bill aiding Louisville Arena Authority clears House budget panel
The House budget committee approved a bill Tuesday night that would give the Louisville Arena Authority more time to collect tax revenue to aid debt payments for the KFC Yum! Center – part of a plan to improve the board’s financial outlook. (WDRB)
Nationwide
Magic Johnson named Lakers president of basketball operations
Earvin “Magic” Johnson will get the chance to run the Los Angeles Lakers.
In a front-office restructuring move, the former Lakers great was named Tuesday as the team’s president of basketball operations. Jeanie Buss, the Lakers governor, made the announcement in a press release. Johnson returned to the Lakers on February 2 to advise ownership on basketball and business. He wasted no time on what his intentions were, telling USA Today after he was hired he wanted to be in charge. “It’s a dream come true to return to the Lakers as President of Basketball Operations working closely with Jeanie Buss and the Buss family,” Johnson said in Tuesday’s statement. “Since 1979, I’ve been a part of the Laker Nation and I’m passionate about this organization. I will do everything I can to build a winning culture on and off the court. We have a great coach in Luke Walton and good young players. We will work tirelessly to return our Los Angeles Lakers to NBA champions.”- Magic (CNN)
Residents evacuate after levee breach
About 500 residents of a Northern California community were under evacuation orders after a river levee became damaged during the rising water levels and storms. Crews were able to stop the breach on the river levee by 8:45 p.m. Monday, but the evacuation order remained in place, according to the San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services. The breach was found on the eastern side of the San Joaquin River, south of Manteca. The evacuation order was issued around 7:30 p.m., affecting areas mostly of farms and ranches. (CNN)
