Kentucky News Network

The former head of USA Harvest is expected in federal court Thursday to face felony charges.  Stan Curtis of Louisville is accused of embezzling some $183,000 from the charity.

He is also accused of filing false tax returns over a four year period, in which he failed to report over a half million dollars in income from USA Harvest.

Earlier court appearances were delayed, due to health issues. He is expected to enter into a plea agreement at court on Thursday.

Kentucky health officials say flu cases are being seen earlier this year.  State epidemiologist Dr. Kraig Humbaugh says it's hard to predict if that could mean a more severe flu season or if we'll reach peak season earlier. "We've already reached what we call a regional level of flu activity in the state and that's one level away from widespread and that's the highest category," explains Humbaugh.

Flu season in Kentucky typically peaks in January or February.  The earliest flu activity this season was reported in August in eastern Kentucky.  Dr. Humbaugh says the number of statewide cases has climbed over the past few weeks. 

The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone over the age of six months.

It should be a merry Christmas for Kentucky retailers.  Many are expecting sales to be up this year. "This is the first time in the six years that we've done this survey that we've seeing the kind of optimism among our membership," says Laura Leigh Goins with the Kentucky Retail Federation.

Jefferson County Public Schools are going tobacco free. The policy will keep cigarettes and tobacco off school property. Designated smoking areas outside of the schools will be gone. Employees will have to go off campus to smoke.

Lieutenant Governor and former Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson says he's wide open about maybe seeking a higher office. Abramson says he’s contemplating whether to challenge Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell's 2014 re-election bid.