Casey Parker-Bell.

#### In the second day of the Kentucky General Assembly's Special Session, it took two tries to advance a measure that ends the state's mask mandate in K-through-12 schools and daycares.

At a second hearing of the House Education Committee this afternoon, backers wrangled enough votes to move the bill onto the floor for consideration tomorrow.

It had fallen one vote shy during a meeting this morning.

The bill also provides up to 20 remote learning days to schools and requires creating a "test-to-stay" model for students exposed to COVID.

#### Another new high for Kentucky's COVID positivity rate, as it topped 14 percent for the first time.

It's also a record day for COVID hospitalizations.

#### Caldwell County will close schools tomorrow and Friday due to increased quarantines.

The Kentucky