Thursday Quickies: Lending a Helping Hand Edition

The federal government shutdown is affecting around 400 federal workers in Fayette County, and the Calipari Foundation is reaching out to help those who are out of work or working without pay.

The topic came up on John Calipari’s call-in show after one of the workers affected called in to thank Calipari and his wife, Ellen, for what they are doing. The Calipari Foundation is partnering with REACH, a nonprofit organization, to assist workers with groceries, medicine, gas, etc., as well as providing cash in some situations, according to Calipari.

Calipari said he and Ellen felt the urge to help out after watching news reports about people affected by the federal government shutdown. He said he and Ellen both know what it is like to grow up living paycheck to paycheck, and felt the need to find a way to reach out and offer assistance to those affected.

On his radio show, the only thing Calipari asked is that those workers affected pay it forward in some way when they are back on their feet.

Anyone eligible for the grant should have received an email from REACH yesterday with more details on how to get involved and an application to fill out. If you believe you’re eligible and did not receive the email, contact REACH at (859) 455-8057.

You can learn more about REACH here.

That is an awesome gesture by Coach Calipari and Ellen. Politics aside, the shutdown has a real effect on the federal workers who have little-to-no say in negotiations in D.C. but still have to buy their medicine, put food on the table, and pay basic living expenses. We’ve seen several organizations offer help to those workers and it is really cool to see the Calipari Foundation become involved as well.

Tweets of the Day

Behind the scenes with the Georgia game.

It’s amazing how much younger Cal looked.

Further proof.

Quickies

Next three games will be a measuring stick for Kentucky - Herald Leader

Kentucky will have their hands full with this upcoming three-game stretch.

E.J. Montgomery got a chance against Georgia and took advantage - KSR

Hopefully that game can be a good starting point for E.J. to become a more consistent contributor.

Wildcats beginning to have success on the defensive end - Cats Pause

Calipari said the team’s improved defense starts with Ashton Hagans.

Kevin Knox thriving under the bright lights of New York - Yahoo

Knox credits coming to Kentucky for helping him prepare for the pressure of the NBA.

C.J. Conrad suffers shoulder sprain in Shrine Game practice - KSR

Tough break for Conrad to miss out on practices and the Shrine Game, but it’s considered a minor injury.

Josh Allen to sit out Senior Bowl - Cats Pause

Hard to blame Allen, who has little to gain from playing.

Changes are coming to Kentucky High School Football - Herald Leader

The KHSAA just made some notable changes.

Marty Brennaman announces 2019 will be his last season - Cincinnati Enquirer

Brennaman has been the voice of the Cincinnati Reds since 1974.

Jalen Hurts headed to Oklahoma - ESPN

Lincoln Riley and the Sooners just reload at the QB position once again.

Alabama DC Tosh Lupoi to take job with Cleveland Browns - ESPN

At some point this much staff turnover has to have a negative affect, right?

Could Cam Newton set out next year? - Yahoo

Newton could follow Andrew Luck’s approach by taking a year off to recover from his shoulder injury.

Turkish prosecutors seeking arrest of Enes Kanter - New York Times

This story continues to get crazier as it unfolds.

Louisville airport being renamed in honor of Muhammad Ali - Courier Journal

A cool gesture for the Louisville native.