The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced Friday that it will not allow a Russian act in this year's Eurovision Song Contest. 

The decision comes days after Russia invaded Ukraine.

"We remain dedicated to protecting the values of a cultural competition which promotes international exchange and understanding, brings audiences together, celebrates diversity through music and unites Europe on one stage," the EBU said in a statement.

According to NPR, Ukrainian public broadcast network UA:PBC sent a letter to the EBU asking to have Russia removed from the contest.

Initially, the EBU said the Eurovision Song Contest is a non-political event and it would continue to monitor the situation in Ukraine.

However, the EBU apparently had a change of heart after a recommendation by the Eurovision Song Contest's governing body.

The Eurovision Song Contest is extremely popular in the region. Billboard reports that 183 million viewers tuned in last year.

A former "American Idol" contestant reportedly used marijuana prior to running over a man in South Carolina.

Caleb Kennedy is charged with driving under the influence resulting in death.

According to an arrest warrant obtained by The Associated Press, marijuana is part of the prosecution’s felony charge against the 17-year-old.

According to WYFF in Greenville, Kennedy told law enforcement that he had taken a hit from a vape pen prior to crashing into the man who was standing in a driveway.

Kennedy's attorney claims his client was on medication and there may have been a bad reaction, according to the NBC affiliate.

Kennedy is being charged as an adult. He remains in jail, according to The Associated Press.

Kennedy made it to the top 5 on the ABC reality show last year but dropped out of the singing competition after a video circulated of him sitting next to someone wearing what appears to be a Ku Klux Klan hood.

He later apologized for the video.

CINCINNATI — For local music fans, Jess Lamb and the Factory are a staple of Cincinnati music. Others may remember Lamb from Season 14 of American Idol.

This Thanksgiving, the band will help celebrate with music.

The group teamed up with Arnold’s Bar and Grill, Neltner Small Batch, Otto Printing and Mus-i-col Records to offer hand-crafted limited edition 7-inch vinyl records. The records feature two songs from Jess Lamb and the Factory and the sleeves were hand dipped at Maker’s Mark. They’ll be giving away 150 on opaque red vinyl.

Jess Lamb and the Factory will take the Arnold’s stage Wednesday at 8 p.m. Records will also be available then.

FACEBOOK EVENT: Maker's Mark Presents: Thanksgiving Eve w/ Jess Lamb & the Factory

A limited number of copies pressed on clear, pink and black splatter vinyl will be available at local record stores Shake It Records, Everybody's Records, Plaid Room Records, Torn Light Records and Herzog Records on Black Friday.

The 7-inch record features music from the band’s 2020 album, You Are.

You can watch Jess Lamb and the Factory perform songs from You Are live for WCPO Lounge Acts in the video player above.

Recorded during the lockdown, You Are contains a collection of what Lamb calls “misplaced songs.”

Making music during a pandemic can be a challenge.

“I felt like I needed to be more calm and centered and still,” Lamb said.

Keyboardist and producer Warren Harrison found a silver lining. “Honestly, it’s been a great opportunity to not be distracted by gigs,” he said.

The album’s first single, “Beautiful” has been called a “celebration of personal empowerment.” The track features a collaboration with rapper and activist Siri Imani.

Lamb describes the track as “a bunch of sisters telling each other ‘you are beautiful, you are powerful, you can make it.” Adding, “it’s a mantra for us all.”

Upcoming Jess Lamb and the Factory performances:

Vinyl release:
November 24, 8-11 p.m.
Arnold's Bar and Grill
210 E 8th St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Cincinnati Alchemy Fest:
November 26, 8-8:30 p.m.
Arts' OTA
2141 Central Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45214

Holiday pop-up concert:
December 4, 5:00 p.m.
Findlay Market
1801 Race St, Cincinnati, OH 45202

Get more info about Jess Lamb and the Factory at https://www.jesslamb.com/