KENTON
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 34 — JULY 24, 2026
THE VOICE OF NKY
linknky.com
Newport to remove Flock cameras, end pilot program By Haley Parnell
T
he city of Newport is ending its Flock pilot program, will remove the cameras from the city and will not move forward in purchasing the technology. Newport announced the afternoon of July 14 that it is ending its Flock Safety pilot program and will not purchase the automated license plate reader cameras. The city said the cameras helped police with criminal investigations and showed promise as a public safety tool, but officials decided not to continue the program after reviewing the pilot results, public feedback and recent developments in Fourth Amendment law. “We didn’t think for a minute that our staff would misuse this,” Newport Assistant City Manager Brian Steffen said. “All the considerations and factors were outside of that concern, and there’s a lot of misinformation about this technology out there. It is a very effective tool for efficiency, and we Continues on page 3
Flock camera. Photo provided | Mother Flocker via Unsplash
From Highland Heights to world stage: Jesse Randall makes history as first NKU Norse in a World Cup By Marc Hardin
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ormer Northern Kentucky University men’s soccer star Jesse Randall made history on the global stage last month: He became the first Norse player to compete in a FIFA World Cup. Representing New Zealand, Randall took the field June 15 during its Group G opening match against Iran. The contest was in Los Angeles. “For it to have happened the way it has, it’s been quite the journey,” Randall told Stuff, a popular New Zealand news media website. “It’s been quite a different route I’ve taken to get here, but it’s all part of it, really.”
Jesse Randall played one stellar season at Northern Kentucky University and was named all-league. Photo provided | Northern Kentucky University Athletics
The 23-year-old Wellington native was a late substitute off the bench in his World Cup debut. He stepped into a high-pres-
sure environment as a replacement for Sarpreet Singh. Randall briefly showcased his signature speed, helping New Zealand battle to a 2-2 draw against Iran at SoFi Stadium.
How this taproom won over Northern Kentucky p5
The energetic appearance sent waves of pride back to the NKU campus in Highland Heights. It was also a proud moment for Randall. “Especially for my family who have been there the whole way,” he told Stuff.
Meet LINK nky’s new education reporter p6
They were also celebrating 90 miles south of NKU at Midway University. That’s where Randall’s former Norse soccer coach Stu Riddle coaches the men’s team. One of Riddle’s former Midway assistants is one-time Highlands High School girls soccer coach Chris Norris. He was coaching the Bluebirds while Randall was with the Norse.
A permanent farmers market in Covington? p7
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