Archive of All Posts
1847 posts, organized by month.Note that some time-sensitive posts, such as event announcements, are not included; neither are newsletters. You can also view posts in individual categories.
Reactions to final passage of draconian anti-trans bill
Leaders and organizations spoke out about the bill and its effects.
Published in News on Mar 30, 2023
Leges override all Beshear vetoes, incl anti-trans bill
SB 150 was the worst, but not the only veto that was overridden
Published in News on Mar 30, 2023
Self-care during a challenging legislative session
Exhausted from the turmoil and drama coming out of Frankfort? Us too. Here’s an excellent article with tips on dealing with it.
Published in Explainer on Mar 29, 2023
Daily Headlines for 3/28/23
Publisher’s Note: I am sending this issue of the Daily Headlines to ALL paying members so you can see what it is like. If you WANT to get this going forward, just go turn it on in your profile on the site. (Click Account to log in, then Manage
Published in on Mar 28, 2023
Two new radio ads from Republicans opposing SB 150
Bob Heleringer and Trey Grayson speak out against the anti-trans bill.
KEA on the veto of SB 7
Governor Beshear standing up for teachers and for unions
Published in Press Release, KYGA 2023 on Mar 28, 2023
When did we wake up to ‘woke’?
Spoiler alert – It wasn’t this year. Or even this decade.
Published in Commentary on Mar 28, 2023
Gov. Beshear vetoes anti-union legislation
Governor stands up for rights of Kentucky’s hard-working public sector employees
Published in News, Press Release on Mar 28, 2023
Hey Chambers of Commerce – why the silence?
Their silence on the anti-trans bill is deafening.
Published in Commentary on Mar 27, 2023
Calls to Action and Bill Updates for Monday, 3/27
A good working list from Joanie Prentice, who has been tracking the important bills this session. Act and share!
KDP leaders unanimously elect Colleen Younger as new vice chair
Younger is the PVA for Jefferson County.
Published in News, Press Release on Mar 26, 2023
Legislative update from Rep. Rachel Roberts
Some of the important bills that are moving in this year’s legislature.
Published in Explainer on Mar 26, 2023
Anti-union, anti-LGBTQ, and pro-Jim Crow
Today’s MAGA Republicans are all three.
Published in Commentary on Mar 26, 2023
Beshear vetoes bill subjecting Kentucky’s top education official to Senate confirmation
Governor says legislation ‘politicizes’ the hiring of education commissioner
Published in on Mar 24, 2023
Kentucky legislature scraps new Medicaid benefits for dental, vision, hearing care
Governor Beshear says he will find another way to provide the care.
Published in on Mar 24, 2023
Heine Brothers contract proves workers ‘can raise standards when they come together’
A first for Kentucky: tipped service workers forming a union and getting a contract.
Published in News on Mar 24, 2023
Y'all means ALL w/Rep. Keturah Herron & Mason Chernosky
A legislative rundown, an interview with trans activist Mason Chernosky, and an interview with Rep. Keturah Herron – all in this one show!
Published in Media on Mar 24, 2023
Allison Wiseman of KY Young Democrats, and the leadup to the veto period
Listen in to learn all the good things the Young Dems are doing across the state! Plus, a few bright spots among the dark clouds of KYGA23.
Published in Media on Mar 24, 2023
Legislature overdoes it in trying to trip up Beshear
From actual legislating to partisan showboating, all in 24 hours.
Published in Commentary, Analysis on Mar 24, 2023
Beshear vetoes omnibus anti-trans bill
The veto is one of the first of Beshear’s time as governor.
What Repubs think is “woke nonsense”
Nick Anderson nails it in his latest cartoon.
Published in Cartoon on Mar 23, 2023
Everyone else is to blame
Sometimes, when you’re scared, you start looking for someone to blame. One group in America is desperately doing just that.
Published in Commentary on Mar 23, 2023
Sign on to letter urging Gov. Beshear to veto SB 150
Takes just a few minutes, and could make a big difference.
Published in Action on Mar 23, 2023
A Nation Bamboozled
A look back at March 22, 2003 — and the lies that accompanied it.
Published in Feature on Mar 22, 2023
Two letters to Senator Jimmy Higdon
A Kentuckian tries writing to her elected rep in Frankfort. Here’s the letters, and the result.
Published in Commentary, KYGA 2023 on Mar 22, 2023
Headlines for 3/22/23
Published in News on Mar 22, 2023
Kelly Craft, her coal exec spouse give maximum $10,000 each to Republican Party of Kentucky
FEC filings show Republicans with $1.6 million, Democrats with $1.1 million on hand as of Feb. 28.
Comer demands Bragg turn over all documents pertaining to possible Trump indictment
Comer, good ol’ Jim Jordan, and Bryan Steil are trying to interfere in a state-level investigation of Trump.
Published in News, Commentary on Mar 22, 2023
Hey Kentucky, write to your representatives!
It’s time to put fingers to keyboard and let our representatives hear from us.
Published in Commentary, Action on Mar 22, 2023
Harmon sending KSU findings to prosecutors
Many of the findings mirror ones found in a 2000 audit by then-state auditor Ed Hatchett.
Published in News on Mar 22, 2023
Hateful anti-trans bill goes against science, medicine, and human decency
It will do harm to the state as a whole, as businesses and medical professionals leave the state.
Published in Commentary on Mar 22, 2023
Leges, read this: The actual science of being trans
We’re leaving critical information out of the conversation – namely, the growing evidence that gender dysphoria has a basis in biology.
Published in Explainer on Mar 22, 2023
Which KY reps in DC support retired folks the most?
The numbers aren’t a surprise.
Published in News on Mar 22, 2023
Headlines for 3/20/23
Published in News on Mar 20, 2023
Kentucky poised to become 38th state to legalize medical cannabis; SB47 goes to House then governor
The final vote in the Senate was 26-11, with many former opponents voting for this year’s bill.
Published in News on Mar 20, 2023
Kentucky education commissioner says legislature put youth at risk with anti-LGBTQ bill
Dr. Jason Glass spoke out forcefully on the Lege’s attacks on our young people.
Published in News on Mar 20, 2023
World is on the brink of a climate calamity, U.N. panel says
If we don’t act, the effects will be irreversible and devastating.
Published in News on Mar 20, 2023
Comer coordinated with Trump lawyer to end Trump tax probe, Raskin says
The House Oversight Committee appears to no longer be interested in Trump.
Published in News on Mar 20, 2023
The SB 150 Wall of Shame
The faces and names of the purveyors of hate in the Kentucky Senate
Published in Commentary on Mar 17, 2023
A wrap-up of yesterday’s KYGA session
Many, many bills sped through the General Assembly on Thursday. Here are some of the more noteworthy ones.
Statement by Ed Commissioner on SB 150
Kentucky’s education commissioner, Jason Glass, has something to say about the anti-trans bill.
Published in Press Release on Mar 17, 2023
Fear, loathing, and bigotry rule 2023 Kentucky legislature
This bill will harm children. And not one of us in this Commonwealth sends our lawmakers to the Capitol to harm children.
Published in Commentary on Mar 17, 2023
The LMPD is under a consent decree and the Kentucky Legislature is almost over
Jazmin walks through the findings from the DOJ about LMPD. Then Robert goes over the bills remaining in The Lege.
Published in Media on Mar 17, 2023
A blitzkrieg of bad bills w/Chris Hartman
The bad bills keep coming, but Chris is there like always, doing his best to stop the madness and the badness.
Published in Media on Mar 16, 2023
The fear behind the MAGA movement
When you’re scared, you try to hide it by attacking someone weaker.
Published in Commentary on Mar 16, 2023
Breaking: House Repubs ram thru new anti-trans bill by bringing back SB 150 (w/ update)
After HB 470 stalled, they took all the horrific aspects of that bill and crammed them into HB 150, then rushed it through committee.
Published in on Mar 16, 2023
Quick Hit: Constitutional amendment proposed to fund charter schools
Could be voted on in 2024.
Quick Hit: SB 156 drama
Whoa – a last-minute committee sub that then fails? Doesn’t happen too often!
House passes bourbon industry tax break as local governments warn of fiscal ‘devastation’
The bill gradually eliminates the property tax on bourbon barrels, which generated $40 million in local and state revenue in 2021.
Published in News on Mar 15, 2023
Emma Curtis: State legislature’s cruel war on gender-affirming care only serves to hurt more Kyians
Hear the real-life experience of a trans Kentuckian.
Published in Commentary on Mar 15, 2023
Gambling in Kentucky: Yes, No, and Who Knows
The one thing we do know: horses and horsey people matter.
GOP pulls back (some) on anti-trans bill
They put all their anti-trans eggs in one basket. Now, they’re thinking that may just be too much.
The Chickenhawk from the 1st District
Sending missiles into Mexico? Really?
Published in Commentary on Mar 14, 2023
Changes are coming to ForwardKY
Three important things that you need to know about, including a new newsletter
Published in Meta on Mar 14, 2023
Jamie Comer: A talking point in human form
The Jamie Comer Rule: Close your eyes and shout your talking points as loud as you can.
Published in Commentary on Mar 14, 2023
Dear Rep. Maddox: If you really want to reduce gun violence, here’s what you should do
An intelligent response to Savannah Maddox’s gun bills.
Published in Commentary on Mar 12, 2023
Bensenhaver: I will not celebrate Sunshine Week this year.
“Sunshine Week has become a Hallmark holiday — a Valentines Day for those who lament the fact that they have none — a Bosses Day for those who lament the fact that they do.”
Published in Commentary on Mar 11, 2023
The most anti-trans legislative session ever
This week, Jazmin updated even more anti-trans legislation making its way through Frankfort. Robert updated us about the wind storms that swept through Kentucky at the end of last week (including his own experience) and there were several other political updates.
Published in Media on Mar 11, 2023
How is Frankfort Treating the Earth? w/Lane Boldman
Kimberly, Nate and Doug discuss the state of play on day 22 of the 30 day KYGA23 session, then they interview Lane Boldman with the KY Conservation Committee to learn what “woke investing” is, and why the GOP super majority is so against it.
Published in Media on Mar 11, 2023
Rep. Kim Banta: ‘Parental rights’ bills miss the mark
Two former teachers explain why these five bills will do harm across our state.
Published in Commentary on Mar 11, 2023
Here’s this week’s News Quiz!
Think you know this week’s news? Take the quiz and find out!
Published in Feature on Mar 10, 2023
Note to legislators: How to codify bigotry in 8 easy steps
Since GOP leges are working hard at writing bigotry into our laws, Kimberly Kennedy has a plan for them.
Published in Commentary on Mar 9, 2023
Trying to save coal, no matter the cost
A bill to keep Kentucky coal plants open defies logic, reality, and expert advice
Published in Analysis on Mar 9, 2023
Beau talks about the DOJ and Louisville
Congrats, Louisville – you became a topic for Beau and his 800,000 followers.
Published in Media on Mar 9, 2023
What’s so dangerous about books?
When was the last time a child died from reading a book?
Published in Commentary on Mar 9, 2023
The DOJ’s list of issues at Louisville Metro Police
A long list of findings, and 36 recommendations.
Published in News on Mar 9, 2023
McConnell slams Tucker Carlson’s 1/6 show
Says the Fox show was “completely at variance with what we witnessed firsthand on January 6th.”
Published in News on Mar 8, 2023
Jamie Comer thinks we should have bombed Mexico
Uhm ... isn’t Mexico an ally of ours?
Published in News on Mar 8, 2023
Eight important bills in KYGA23 that you haven’t heard about
These have gotten very little press, but they are still worth knowing about.
Republican lawmakers are taking Kentucky back to education’s bad old days
It’s perplexing until you remember that demagoguery has always thrived on parched, narrow minds
Published in Commentary on Mar 7, 2023
Jamie Comer is following in the footsteps of another 1st District representative
The parallels are interesting – and disturbing.
Published in Commentary on Mar 7, 2023
House health chair says anti-trans bill will worsen state’s health-workforce shortage, chill doctors’ dealings with young patients
The Republican chair of the House health committee testified against HB 470, and then voted against it.
Published in News on Mar 6, 2023
Bill Straub: Jamie Comer is on a misguided, multifaceted roll indeed — and he’s in over his head
The response to our own Jamie Comer across DC: “Where in the hell does Kentucky come up with these guys?”
Published in Commentary on Mar 6, 2023
Judges getting ‘judged’ across the state
Two Kentucky judges, in separate incidents, have received punishments for misconduct in recent days.
Published in News on Mar 5, 2023
Got ?? about ‘gray machines’ and what happened Friday? Answers here.
A bill appears ready to pass, then the GOP splits, and suddenly the bill gets tabled. What happened?
Published in Explainer on Mar 5, 2023
Housing issues with George Eklund and a session update
This week George Eklund of the Louisville Coalition of the Homeless joined us to talk about housing issues facing Louisville and Kentucky. And, we discuss several bills in the legislature.
Published in Media on Mar 5, 2023
Is it over yet? Or, what fresh hell?
Aaron, Martina and Willie weigh in on the horror show that is the Kentucky General Assembly, and then interview Keith Elston, Founder and Legal Director of the Kentucky Youth Law Project.
Published in Media on Mar 5, 2023
Aid to Ukraine: a Marshall Plan 2.0
It’s time to remind the Republicans of what they used to stand for.
Published in Commentary on Mar 3, 2023
Chad Aull on fighting, losing, and getting up to fight again
Aull is one of a small number of Dems who continue to stand for what’s right in the House.
Published in Feature on Mar 3, 2023
Bernie Sanders reintroduces PRO Act as labor activity is on the rise
The PRO Act is a sweeping piece of labor legislation that would massively increase workers’ ability to unionize.
Published in News on Mar 2, 2023
Ky House passes “let’s cause more teen suicides” bill
Three-fourths of the persons in the Kentucky House voted for this bill. Think about that.
Kentucky lawmakers advance worst anti-trans bill in the country
The KY GOP is determined to be #1 in the country – in attacks on trans kids.
Bill to ensure proper reporting of child abuse in Kentucky advances
SB 229 is another bill focused on children’s welfare sponsored by Sen. Julie Raque Adams.
Sports betting revived in the legislature
HB 551 sets up a framework for sports betting in the Commonwealth.
An overwhelming majority of voters support protecting access to abortion
This poll by Data for Progress shows widespread, bipartisan support for access to abortion.
Published in Analysis on Mar 2, 2023
Quarles and Cameron steal parts of Beshear’s platform.
Apparently, even the GOP realizes that both Governor Beshear AND his policies are popular across Kentucky. So popular, in fact, the two Republican candidates for governor have stolen part of Beshear’s platform.
Published in News on Mar 1, 2023
HB 3, juvenile justice bill, passes the House, heads to Senate
Bill provides funding to reopen Louisville detention center, but also increases incarceration of young people and makes their records public
Published in News on Mar 1, 2023
Repubs grabbing control of boards
Republicans in the legislature are quietly consolidating power behind the scenes.
Do we want Repubs in charge of government IT?
Will six leges actually be able to even understand everything in the state’s IT division, much less oversee it?
Republican shenanigans in Frankfort
They’ve been bending and flaunting the rules and good governance for years – but now it’s gotten worse.
Published in Commentary on Mar 1, 2023
Anti-trans Action Alert
HB 470, the worst anti-trans bill in this year’s legislative session, is going to be heard in committee soon. A number of organizations have signed a letter to members of the House asking them to vote the bill down and kill it. This Action Alert is to ask you
Published in Action on Mar 1, 2023
Who in Frankfort is taking care of our children?
Hint: It’s not the Republican majority.
General Assembly overrun with mule bills
Over 10% of the bills this session are mule bills, which is an astounding percentage.
DeSantis Jugend
Once again, the history of the 1930’s is paralleled in the GOP of 2023.
Published in Commentary on Feb 27, 2023
Two education bills: Froth versus Substance
Would we could just blow the froth away, and focus on the substance.
Published in Commentary on Feb 24, 2023
Let’s talk about a national divorce
The current face of the national Republican party, Marjorie Taylor Green, stated recently that the United States should just have a “national divorce.” Let the red states and the blue states go their own separate ways. Beau of the Fifth Column has some thoughts about that idea.
Published in Media on Feb 24, 2023
Interview with Rebecca Blankenship, plus legislative and Supreme Court updates
We interview Rebecca Blankenship, the first openly trans elected official in the state. Also, some discussion on SCOKY’s recent decision, and action in KYGA.
Published in Media on Feb 23, 2023
KYGOP = LGBTQ+ Bullies, w/ Rep. Lisa Willner & Dr. Jennifer Price
Doug & Nema bring you up to speed on the current state of play in KYGA; Nema spits fire about the lack of support for EKY flood victims; and then we bring on Rep. Lisa Willner & Dr. Jennifer Price to discuss efforts to protect KY’s LGBTQ+ community from the horrors of conversion “therapy.”
Published in Media on Feb 23, 2023
HB 470: Performative hatred in Frankfort
HB 470, the "let's cause more teen suicides" bill, is an example of performative hatred by the 36 Republican sponsors. It must be called out.
Published in Media on Feb 23, 2023
Repubs push bill to cause more teen suicides
A new level of performative hatred by the right wing
Published in Commentary on Feb 23, 2023
The REAL ‘anti-trans’ bill
(Via Marc Murphy) The @KyGOP is fast-tracking another sweeping “anti-trans” bill through the legislature. @ChrisHartmanKY @FairnessCamp confirms that it would surely result in the deaths of innocent young men and women. Here’s another way of looking at such a “bill”:
Published in Cartoon on Feb 23, 2023
We’re not the ‘Democrat’ Party
You may think the difference doesn’t matter. You might change your mind if you knew the backstory.
Published in Commentary on Feb 22, 2023
Repubs in Frankfort fast-track multiple bad bills
And one of the bills is the infamous HB 470, otherwise known as the “let’s cause more teen suicides” bill.
Students walk out to protest Wise’s anti-trans bill
Pretty much the entire student body at The Brown School left the building to stand with their trans classmates.
Here’s what financial statements reveal about Kentucky’s gubernatorial candidates
Data from the latest Ethics Commission reports
Published in Analysis, Election 2023 on Feb 21, 2023
2023 wave of bills is fueling a political ‘war against LGBTQ+ people,’ new report shows
From bills in legislatures to restrictions in schools and health care, growing rhetoric throughout the US is part of a “full-out attack” against LGBTQ+ people, advocates say.
Published in Analysis on Feb 21, 2023
Cassie Chambers Armstrong wins special election
She will fill the KY Senate seat once filled by Congressman Morgan McGarvey.
Published in News on Feb 21, 2023
LWV: It’s time for felons to get to vote again
Kentucky’s disenfranchisement rate is over twice the national average.
Published in News on Feb 21, 2023
Young people may move the C.R.O.W.N. act over the finish line
This may be the year Kentucky finally passes this bill – and some young people are leading the way.
Kelly Craft’s disingenuous ploy to gain a foothold in the governor’s race
Instead of talking about rebuilding homes and dealing with the teacher shortage, Kelly Craft is focused on empty seats and border walls.
Published in Commentary, Election 2023 on Feb 20, 2023
Long-time senator speaks out on anti-trans bill, HB 150
“ ... one of the meanest, most destructive pieces of legislation aimed at kids that I have ever witnessed.”
Published in Commentary, KYGA 2023, Press Release on Feb 18, 2023
Hey, Max and fellow MAGAs – What’s it to you?
An essential question to ask when dealing with persons putting their noses, and their laws, where they don’t belong.
Published in Commentary on Feb 17, 2023
What does ‘woke’ mean when the Right says it?
My latest “State of Kentucky” video and podcast, on the word “woke.”
Published in Media on Feb 17, 2023
Policing costs in Kentucky’s cities
Interesting variations across the state, with Covington and Paducah leading the way.
Published in Analysis on Feb 17, 2023
KFTC seeks investigation of surface mining’s role in deadly Kentucky floods
‘Gravely concerned,’ group wants to know if inadequate reclamation contributed to disaster
Published in News on Feb 16, 2023
Kentucky lawmakers ponder firearm legislation in 2023 session
KY lawmakers have filed a number of gun-related bills this session, with more on the way.
GOP lawmakers seeking oversight of disaster donations, while Beshear defends funds’ transparency
Sen. Whitney Westerfield, R-Fruit Hill, said he wants to ‘get to the bottom’ of how the donated disaster funds have been used so far.
Published in News on Feb 16, 2023
Abortion remains banned in Kentucky
Kentucky’s Supreme Court allows ban to remain in effect.
Published in News, Press Release on Feb 16, 2023
An interview with CivicLex
Robert and Jazmin interview CivicLex, a very unique civic education group in Lexington. Also - the anti-trans bills in KYGA23, and Jamie Comer’s very interesting 2023.
Published in Media on Feb 16, 2023
Descending upon the Dome, or a row under the Rotunda
With the legislative session going full-tilt, Kimberly, Aaron and Chris discuss the state of the legislature and check in on key bills before launching another installment of Doug Price Is Right to hear from the front lines of the General Assembly.
Published in Media on Feb 16, 2023
Trouble in town? Send in the Maroon People!
In Dayton, mediators are making a difference, and lowering the use of police to de-escalate conflict.
Published in Policy on Feb 16, 2023
HERE’S the school content that should make you upset.
Forget the three Rs. Now we’re having to teach our children the Three Words.
Published in Commentary on Feb 16, 2023
The Lost Cause 2.0, brought to you by Ron DeSantis and MAGAs everywhere
School books were used to push the lies about the Civil War known as the “Lost Cause.” Now school books are being removed because they contain truth.
Published in Commentary on Feb 14, 2023
Will these 56 GOOD bills actually move forward this session? (Part 3 of 3)
Believe it or not, some good bills have been filed in The Lege this year. Joanie Prentice lists them out for us.
Will these 56 GOOD bills actually move forward this session? (Part 2 of 3)
Believe it or not, some good bills have been filed in The Lege this year. Joanie Prentice lists them out for us.
Will these 56 GOOD bills actually move forward this session? (Part 1 of 3)
Believe it or not, some good bills have been filed in The Lege this year. Joanie Prentice lists them out for us.
Repubs attacking LGBTQ via four bills in KYGA23
Chris Hartman says these are “don’t-say-gay, don’t-say-trans bills on steroids.”
Published in Analysis, Commentary on Feb 13, 2023
Fool me twice ...
Fear-mongering about gas stoves is coming from the same people who brought you these all-star predictions.
Published in Commentary on Feb 13, 2023
Tornado relief in the news
Robert and Jazmin dig into funds for tornado relief and what happened to them.
Published in Media on Feb 11, 2023
They’re Baaaack! – with Rep. Lamin Swann
Aaron, Kimberly and Martina cover the return of the supermajority and hear what kind of policies we can anticipate being discussed and voted on in this session with Representative Lamin Swann (D-93).
Two similar counties, with one meaningful difference
Kentucky’s Grayson County and Indiana’s Posey County are strikingly similar. Mark Heinz points out one important difference.
Published in Feature on Feb 11, 2023
Partisan school boards: A really bad idea
Working together for the sake of our students is much harder when we stick D and R by our names.
Published in Commentary on Feb 10, 2023
A prescription from Dr. GOP
Steve Greenberg on Republicans in Congress
Published in Cartoon on Feb 10, 2023
State House impeaches Commonwealth’s Attorney
Senate expected to try case
Published in News, Press Release, KYGA 2023 on Feb 10, 2023
Max Wise’s bill to curb ‘woke agenda’ sparks plea for compassion from Senate colleague
Republican Kelly Craft’s running mate files bill aimed at undoing state Education Department’s guidance on support for LGBTQ students
Published in News on Feb 9, 2023
The secrecy in Frankfort continues to get worse
“We are morphing into a parliamentary system, where members vote the way the party tells them to vote.”
Published in Commentary on Feb 9, 2023
KEA statement on HB174 giving public funds to private schools
Another attemptfor to move money to charter schools
Published in Press Release, Commentary, KYGA 2023 on Feb 9, 2023
Large numbers of Americans want a strong, rough, anti-democratic leader
Many Americans, many of them Republicans, seek leaders who would violate basic principles of democracy.
Published in Analysis on Feb 8, 2023
KYGA quick hit: HB3, a juvenile justice bill
Quick analysis of a Republican priority bill by Rep. Kevin Bratcher
Gun violence: A conversation
Believe it or not, there is actually a gun law that is both sensible AND widely supported.
Published in Commentary, Guns on Feb 8, 2023
KY120 AFT statement on HB 173, an omnibus anti-trans bill
HB 173 was filed on Tuesday, 2/7, with Josh Calloway of Irvington as prime sponsor. This is KY120’s statement in response.
Published in Press Release, KYGA 2023 on Feb 8, 2023
SB 18: Our state government needs more transparency, not less
Senate Bill 18 is just their latest grasp at trying to keep you, the public, in the dark.
Published in Commentary, KYGA 2023 on Feb 8, 2023
The Patriotic Millionaires cheer Biden plan to tax billionaires and stock buybacks
“A tax code that takes less of the money I make from my wealth than the money that Americans work hard to earn is a tax code that is fundamentally broken.”
Published in Press Release on Feb 7, 2023
Kelly Craft vows to ‘dismantle’ Kentucky Department of Education and ‘start over’
Republican candidate issues statements after audio from recent campaign event drew attention
Published in News, Election 2023 on Feb 7, 2023
The Lege is back in town
Here we go: 26 days of hearing bills, passing bills, doing the work of the people – and possibly damaging things along the way.
On ‘taxing productivity’
It’s a phrase often used by conservatives. And it’s wrong.
Published in Policy on Feb 5, 2023
If these focus groups of independents are representative, House Republicans are digging a GOP grave
The number of Independents is growing across the country. And the Repubs in the U.S. House are losing them.
Published in Analysis, Commentary on Feb 4, 2023
Is Ryan Quarles running the wrong race?
It’s early days, but Quarles may be running a 1990 race in 2023.
Published in Analysis, Commentary on Feb 4, 2023
One activist’s journey from cynicism to appreciation
And it happened while watching a KYGA committee meeting!
Published in Commentary on Feb 4, 2023
The Problem that will not go away
Mass shootings continue to happen all across the United States. When are we going to stand up and demand a change?
Published in Commentary, Guns on Jan 31, 2023
Black police officers aren’t colorblind – they’re infected by the same anti-Black bias as American society and police in general
A scholar of African American studies looks at Black police violence against other Blacks.
Published in Analysis on Jan 31, 2023
Eight KY cities rated on equality; three get failing grades
Report shows progress across the state, but still work to be done.
Published in News on Jan 31, 2023
Comer’s House Oversight agenda: Hunter Biden, COVID origins, classified documents
Kentucky congressman speaks at National Press Club
Published in News on Jan 31, 2023
Daniel Cameron’s office claims they are perfect in their open records work.
According to a number of decision, others have violated the law – but his office is perfect.
Published in Analysis, Commentary on Jan 31, 2023
Racist fliers posted in Paducah
Racist poem in flier supports ex-councilman David Guess
Published in News on Jan 30, 2023
The Holocaust was then – but anti-Semitism is now
It’s not enough just to remember the events of 78 years ago; we also must be aware of what’s happening right now.
Published in Commentary, News on Jan 29, 2023
The fall of Rudy Giuliani
From prosecuting the Mafia and being the popular mayor of New York, to being Donald Trump’s “lawyer.”
Published in Commentary on Jan 29, 2023
How a local columnist nailed what ails our public discussions
Can we find hope when our partisanship seems hopeless?
Published in Commentary on Jan 27, 2023
A list of bad bills to watch in Frankfort
There are more good bills than bad – BUT, the bad bills can really do some damage to Kentucky and Kentuckians.
Published in Analysis on Jan 27, 2023
Distorting King’s words on MLK Day
The shameless appropriation of one line of a speech for political cover
Published in Commentary on Jan 26, 2023
Two contradictory gubernatorial polls released
And one of the candidates called the other poll “mush” – not a term you hear often in political circles.
Published in News, Analysis, Election 2023 on Jan 25, 2023
Republicans practicing ‘economic blackmail’
Biden and the Democrats should make it clear: no negotiating with economic terrorists
Published in Analysis, Explainer, Commentary on Jan 24, 2023
Union membership continues to grow in Louisville
More coffee shops join the union movement in Derby City.
Published in News on Jan 24, 2023
Charles Booker needs money. Here’s why.
Booker emails tell the tale.
Published in Feature on Jan 24, 2023
More voting locations secured for special election
Jefferson County Clerk agrees to 12 voting locations rather than 4
Published in News, Press Release on Jan 23, 2023
On the emptiness of Kelly Craft
No, Ms. Craft. Just no. No matter how you spin it, this is not what it means to have an empty chair at your table, and you know it.
Published in Commentary, Election 2023 on Jan 23, 2023
Paducah commission ousts member over racist texts
Four-term Paducah City Commissioner David Guess wasn’t just disciplined after he was caught sending a racist text message to a city employee. He got fired, effective immediately.
Published in News on Jan 23, 2023
Beau on the debt ceiling and the Republicans
Some more straight talk from the guy in his garage.
Published in Commentary on Jan 20, 2023
Beshear and Booker! w/Jamie Lucke of the Kentucky Lantern
Aaron, Kimberly, and new co-host Chris Preece dig in on the KY political news of the week, and then are joined by the editor of the Kentucky Lantern, Jamie Lucke, to discuss this new news initiative.
Published in Media on Jan 19, 2023
Nueva Fuerza interview – plus, what’s going on in the juvenile justice system
An interview with David Lopez and Diana Duran of Nueva Fuerza. Plus, a deep dive into the problems of our state’s juvenile justice system.
Published in Media on Jan 19, 2023
Quarles to reschedule political event after being billed alongside officer in Breonna Taylor raid
Multiple organizations called out Quarles for speaking at the event.
Published in News, Election 2023 on Jan 18, 2023
Director of human rights commission compares today to the ‘60s
“We are in dark but different times. Racism is on the rise. Bigotry is on the rise.”
Published in Commentary on Jan 18, 2023
The Republican Party has left Mitch McConnell. He just doesn’t know it yet.
The only people still on his side is his caucus; how long will that last?
Published in Commentary on Jan 18, 2023
State BOE rejects voting plan for special election
Too few polling locations is the reason.
Published in News, Election 2023, Voting & Elections on Jan 17, 2023
Which candidates grabbed their domain names?
And did they get ALL of them?
Published in Investigation on Jan 17, 2023
How are our gubernatorial candidates commemorating MLK Day?
What do our candidates for governor have to say about Dr. King on this day that honors him?
Published in Feature on Jan 16, 2023
News & Notes for Monday
Excerpts with links from news stories of today.
Published in News on Jan 16, 2023
Are you in Louisville? Here’s info on the upcoming special election.
Help choose the state senator to replace Morgan McGarvey.
Published in News, Election 2023 on Jan 16, 2023
Cannabis legislation in KYGA23 – where it stands
Will this be the year that medical marijuana is finally legalized in Kentucky?
Remembering Sally Hemings on Martin Luther King Day
A part of the Thomas Jefferson story that most people don’t know or have forgotten
Published in Commentary on Jan 16, 2023
KYGA bill would give you new charges for medical records
HB 51 would end the practice of hospitals having to give you one set of your records at no cost.
Published in Analysis, Commentary, KYGA 2023 on Jan 16, 2023
Once again, the dog that didn’t bark
When politicians get revved up about an issue, but leave out the most glaring examples of it, that tells you something.
Published in Commentary on Jan 15, 2023
Booker joins Beshear administration
Will lead the Office of Faith-Based Initiatives and Community Involvement
Published in News on Jan 15, 2023
Emerge KY announces newest class
This is the 14th class of Dem women to go through the Emerge program.
Published in Press Release, News on Jan 13, 2023
News & Notes for Thursday, 1/12
News and politics snippets from across the Commonwealth
Published in News on Jan 12, 2023
Beshear has 7th-highest approval rating in country
60% of all voters approve of his performance as governor – including 46% of Republicans
Published in News on Jan 12, 2023
Money and violence, in football and politics
We’ve now entered the era of “free-agent politicians,” more interested in power and money than in actually governing.
Published in Commentary on Jan 12, 2023
Kentuckians worry about impact of new income-tax cuts
Could the surpluses be used for something else, rather than tax cuts?
Filing Day 2023
Robert and Jazmin cover who’s in, who’s NOT in, and what the matchups look like.
Published in Media on Jan 12, 2023
The inside scoop on KYGA23 w/ Rep. Cherlynn Stevenson
Plus, the State of the Commonwealth speech, and an ironic contribution the RPK building fund.
Published in Media on Jan 12, 2023
KY AFL-CIO makes history in endorsement of Beshear
Earliest endorsement ever of a candidate by the union
Published in News on Jan 12, 2023
Poor Kevin McCarthy: He can’t win for losing
McCarthy won a title. The far-far-right Freedom Caucus won everything else. And the rest of us lost.
Published in Commentary on Jan 12, 2023
Want to be an effective advocate? Attend this free event!
This three-hour webinar will teach you the best way to get your voice heard in Frankfort.
Published in Event on Jan 11, 2023
School districts sue to stop charter school law
The districts were told by the General Assembly they had to authorize charter schools in their local district.
Published in News on Jan 11, 2023
Rural editor dreads writing her column
'The world has become an ugly place for us to exchange ideas and thoughts,' with 'baseless cynicism and unwillingness to think'
Published in Commentary on Jan 10, 2023
‘What did McCarthy promise?’
Concerns raised over backroom deals with GOP extremists (via Common Dreams)
Published in Analysis on Jan 9, 2023
News & Notes for Monday
Items about politics, politicians, policy, and government in genera.
Published in News on Jan 9, 2023
The puppet now running the House
In the end, Matt Gaetz and his buds told McCarthy to jump, and he asked “How high?”
Published in Commentary on Jan 9, 2023
Bill Straub: Jamie Comer, the fascinating Rubber Man, is turning into a MAGA hero before our very eyes
Comer: “When you talk about what the Biden family was doing, I’m not sure it was illegal.”
Published in Commentary on Jan 9, 2023
The State of the Race as of 1/8/23
Money doesn’t determine the winner, but it certainly affects a candidate’s chances. Here’s the latest on Election 2023.
Published in Analysis, Election 2023 on Jan 8, 2023
Comparing Kevin McCarthy to ‘Silent Cal’ Coolidge – really?
Maybe comparing McCarthy to Calvin Coolidge – whose policies led to the Great Depression – isn’t the best idea.
Published in Commentary on Jan 8, 2023
Hakeem Jeffries explains Dem principles – using the alphabet
The leader of the Democrats in the U.S. House laid out what they stood for, in a speech the video of which went viral almost immediately.
Published in Feature on Jan 7, 2023
The deadline has passed. Who’s in for 2023?
The moment you’ve all been waiting for: seeing who is ACTUALLY in for the 2023 election.
Published in News, Election 2023 on Jan 7, 2023
Regressive Kentucky laws are bringing back the Bad Old Days
At one time, we passed bills that actually HELPED our people. Why are we going backwards?
Published in Commentary, Analysis on Jan 6, 2023
Justice Lambert named deputy chief justice of Supreme Court
She succeeds Justice Lisabeth Hughes, who retired in December.
Published in News, Press Release on Jan 6, 2023
Think blue counties are worse to live in than red counties? Think again.
Many of my Republican friends believe gun deaths and other forms of violence are worse in Blue states than in Red ones. The facts, as revealed in data from the recent census, as well as from the CDC and the IRS, tell a very different story.
Published in Analysis on Jan 6, 2023
Repubs ignore pleas to invest in our people, give giant tax break to the rich
For most Kentuckians, additional sales taxes will wipe out the tax cut.
Published in News, KYGA 2023, Commentary on Jan 5, 2023
KCEP responds to passage of yet another income tax cut
The following is a statement from the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy on the passage today of HB 1.
Biden, McConnell, governors trumpet bipartisan funding for Ohio River bridge
‘ . . . no matter who gets elected, once it’s all over, we ought to look for things we can agree on and try to do those,’ says McConnell
Published in News on Jan 4, 2023
Be careful what you wish for
The wealthiest among us are about to get a tax cut of thousands of dollars. Guess who is going to pay for it?
Published in Commentary, KYGA 2023 on Jan 4, 2023
Will Congress use the 14th Amendment on Trump?
And what happens if they don’t? Jesse Wegman of the NYT and historian Brian Clardy weigh in.
Published in Analysis on Jan 4, 2023
Is the right to contraception about to end in America?
As of last week, Republican efforts to ban birth control in America have officially started, and teenagers in Texas are its first victims.
Published in Commentary on Jan 4, 2023
Kentucky library board starts down the road to censorship
“It’s just one book,” they said. But once you’ve started banning books, when do you stop?
Published in News, Commentary on Jan 3, 2023
The wealthy are the winners while the Commonwealth loses
A tax cut that mainly goes to the wealthy will cost the state more than we spend on preschool for the entire state.
Published in Analysis on Jan 2, 2023
Together Frankfort to hold annual meeting on Thursday
The meeting features writer and commentator Teri Carter as the keynote speaker.
Published in Press Release, Event on Jan 2, 2023
Ky. Supreme Court rejects Beshear’s claim that legislature wrongly curbed his emergency powers
The legislation in question was a response to Beshear’s COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
Published in News on Jan 2, 2023
Biden to make a pit stop in Covington Wednesday to talk Brent Spence, jobs
The president will be joined by Senators Mitch McConnell and Sherrod Brown, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, and Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine.
Published in News on Jan 2, 2023
A new year – and a ‘new’ Forward Kentucky!
Welcome to 2023 – and a redesigned Forward Kentucky with many new features and a new look!
Published in Meta on Jan 1, 2023
Cassie Chambers Armstrong earns Dem nomination for special election
The member of Louisville’s Metro Council will be trying for a seat in the KY Senate.
Published in News, KYGA 2023, Voting & Elections on Dec 31, 2022
Dem caucus in KY Senate elects leadership team
Senator Gerald Neal, longest-serving state senator, assumes leadership.
The best ever New Year’s resolution
Need a suggestion for your New Year’s resolution? Here’s a possible solution.
Published in Commentary on Dec 31, 2022
Don’t forget the would-be military coup
The January 6th committee carried out a massive investigation – but it looks like they missed this.
Published in Commentary on Dec 30, 2022
2022 – the ‘year of the union’ in Louisville
Unions are alive and well in Kentucky’s largest city – and not just at factories
Want to fix the teacher shortage? Listen to teachers.
The way education currently runs is unsustainable at best. We need to move quickly and decisively to correct course and save a public good that everyone, even people without children, benefit from.
Published in Commentary, Analysis, Education on Dec 27, 2022
Historian says Trump is not “toast,” will be the nominee
Retired professor John Hennen isn’t ready to jump on the Trump-is-toast bandwagon. The historian doubts MAGA base voters, nearly all of them white, are ready to forsake their Great White Hope.
Published in Commentary on Dec 22, 2022
Wheatley announces run for Secretary of State
Democratic state Rep. Buddy Wheatley announced on Tuesday that he is a candidate for Kentucky Secretary of State in the 2023 elections.
Published in News, Voting & Elections on Dec 21, 2022
Why we need Ranked Choice Voting
In this video and podcast, we interview Mathew Ruberg of Rank the Vote KY. He explains what RCV is, how it works, and the problems it solves. Best of all, RCV makes our elections better for everyone, no matter their party. Watch or listen to learn more!
Published in Media on Dec 21, 2022
KY Open Govt Coalition awards the 2022 Giblet Awards
It’s time once again for the Giblet Awards, given to those public agencies who brazenly ignore our open records laws. This year, it’s our universities leading the way.
Published in Commentary, Government Transparency on Dec 21, 2022
And then there were ... 15?
Rep. Savannah Maddox has dropped out of the race for governor. I’m disappointed.
Published in Commentary, Election 2023, Voting & Elections on Dec 21, 2022
On the passing of Henry Berg-Brousseau
Henry Berg-Brousseau, the son of state Senator Karen Berg, died last Friday by suicide. Here is a statement from Senator Berg, as well as a statement from the Human Rights Campaign, where Henry worked.
Published in News on Dec 21, 2022
Even if Jan. 6 referrals turn into criminal charges – or convictions – Trump will still be able to run in 2024 and serve as president if elected
It’s true – Donald Trump can still run for president, and serve, even if he is charged and convicted of crimes. With ONE exception.
KYGA 2023 Calendar
Here’s the calendar for the 2023 session of the Kentucky General Assembly.
With the filing deadline looming, few Democrats have filed to run
2023 is just around the corner and the filing deadline is coming up in a few weeks. But as of right now, only one Democrat has filed to run for state office.
Published in News, Analysis, Election 2023, Voting & Elections on Dec 19, 2022
Partisan ‘pink slime’ publications have outsize impact in rural areas due to shortage of reliable local news
Partisan propaganda masquerading as legitimate news is growing rapidly in the United States – especially where there are “news desserts.”
Published in Analysis on Dec 19, 2022
Twenty-eight orgs urge KYGA to use surpluses to invest in all of us, instead of just a few
Twenty-eight KY orgs have sent a letter to every member of the General Assembly, urging them to invest in human infrastructure, instead of giving more money to those who already are wealthy.
KY House Dems elect leadership team: Graham, Stevenson, and Roberts
The Kentucky House Democratic Caucus elected a new leadership team this past Friday, choosing Rep. Derrick Graham as Caucus Leader, Rep. Cherlynn Stevenson as Caucus Chair, and Rep. Rachel Roberts as Caucus Whip. All three were elected without opposition.
Published in News, Press Release, KYGA 2023 on Dec 19, 2022
Listening to the pre-election preaching in one small Kentucky town
Hateful rhetoric like this gets people killed.
Published in Commentary on Dec 15, 2022
Jamie Comer and House Repubs just defended a powerful man by retaliating against his victims
Republicans have offered a preview of what we can expect from the House Oversight and Reform Committee once they’re in charge, and attorneys for women affected by that preview are objecting strongly to the “objectification and sexual exploitation” involved.
Published in Commentary on Dec 14, 2022
More analysis of the 2022 midterms with Dr. Trent Garrison
Trent Garrison has done extensive analysis of Kentucky voters and voting over the years, and this time his question was: How much did the redistricting affect the outcome of the midterms? Join us for geeking out on data and graphs, and even some points of good news for Dems!
Published in Media on Dec 14, 2022
Yarmuth delivers final address on House floor
Congressman John Yarmuth of Louisville delivered his final floor speech in the United States House before retiring at the end of this year. Here is a transcript and video.
The KY GOP, the state budget, and a road trip – an allegory
Bruce Maples compares what is about to happen to our state budget to a road trip ... with an unhappy ending to both the trip and the budget.
Published in Commentary, KYGA 2023 on Dec 14, 2022
KY Smart on Crime announces policy agenda for 2023 session of KYGA
The group has its sights set on tackling the Commonwealth’s over-reliance on incarceration as well as addressing overdose crisis.
Published in Press Release, KYGA 2023 on Dec 13, 2022
The handshake that wasn’t
The handshake is such a common occurrence that it rarely makes the news when it happens. But a recent handshake that didn’t happen made headlines around the world.
Published in Commentary on Dec 13, 2022
The Democrats of the past and the Republicans of the present
Most insider-written institutional histories tend to be more hagiography than history. Kenny Fogle’s History of the Kentucky Democratic Party isn’t.
Published in Feature on Dec 13, 2022
When it comes to open records, Kentucky is ahead of Mississippi in the race to the bottom
The KY legislature is the most public institution in the state. Why, then, are they so immune to open records requests?
Published in Commentary, Government Transparency on Dec 13, 2022
‘Prosecute/Fauci’: Musk aligns himself with the far right, and Twitter is now dangerously unsafe
If there was ever any doubt, Musk has cleared it up: he is aligned with the far right, and is making Twitter a far more dangerous place.
Published in Commentary on Dec 12, 2022
Al Cross: Beshear became popular from pandemic work, but it won’t sustain him in bid for reelection
Gov. Andy Beshear won high marks for his handling of the pandemic – but will that be enough to get him reelected? Al Cross isn’t so sure.
Published in Commentary on Dec 9, 2022
Friday News & Notes
A somewhat slow day in the KY politics news space – but we’ve got you some snippets and blurbs.
Published in News on Dec 9, 2022
More statewide elections w/ Prof. Joshua Douglas
News in the Trump v McConnell power struggle; developments around the 2023 statewide elections; and a big win by Andy Barr; Then, UK law professor and democracy expert, Joshua Douglas, for a discussion about the state of Kentucky’s democracy. And, we wrap up with an important call to action.
Published in Media on Dec 8, 2022
Jonathan Shell is running for Ag Commissioner, and a difficult weekend in Bowling Green
Robert gives us the background on Repub candidate Jonathan Shell, running for Ag Commissioner. Then, Jazmin covers about last weekend in Bowling Green, where folks showed up asking that Emmitt Till's accuser be arrested, leading to threats against them.
Published in Media, Election 2023, Voting & Elections on Dec 8, 2022
‘Respect for Marriage’ Act passes, protects gay and interracial marriages
The “Respect for Marriage” Act passed the U.S. House today, sending the bill on to President Biden for his signature.
Published in News on Dec 8, 2022
Move over Mitch – here comes Jamie
Rep. James Comer is set to become the chair of the House Oversight Committee. Is he going to become as well-known at Mitch because of his work there?
Published in Analysis, Commentary on Dec 8, 2022
Wednesday News & Notes
Things you might have missed in the post-“Warnock-Won!!” excitement.
Published in News on Dec 7, 2022
RSV, Flu, Covid: KY faces ‘triple threat’ this winter
The flu, COVID, and RSV are rapidly spreading in Kentucky, and health experts say that’s a problem for hospitals, schools and the state’s vulnerable residents.
Published in News on Dec 7, 2022
Pearl Harbor and The Beast
“All the people not expecting it. Not knowing what to do. Not knowing where to go.”
Published in Feature on Dec 7, 2022
A good day for America
Just a quick and celebratory note about two things that need a happy dance.
Published in Commentary on Dec 6, 2022
Buddy Wheatley on what happened in his election
One of the most popular and respected representatives in the KY House nevertheless lost his reelection bid a few weeks ago. Why did this happen? We talk with Buddy Wheatley to get his take on his loss, what caused it, and what comes next for him.
Published in Media, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Dec 6, 2022
Beshear signs paperwork to run for second term
Gov. Andy Beshear officially filed his paperwork to seek the Democratic nomination for a second term in office on Monday at the Secretary of State’s office in the Capitol.
Published in News, Election 2023, Voting & Elections on Dec 6, 2022
Kentucky Senate Republicans don't plan on major tax reform in upcoming session
Kentucky Senate Republican leaders say they don’t expect to make significant tax policy changes during the 2023 session that’s just weeks away from starting.
Published in News on Dec 6, 2022
Bill named for Andy Barr's wife on way to president
Legislation sponsored by Rep. Andy Barr to support research on valvular heart disease, a condition that claimed the life of his wife, is now headed to President Joe Biden after winning final Congressional approval.
Published in News on Dec 6, 2022
Guess who canceled out the over-65 vote? The youth vote.
This election wasn’t a red wave or a blue wave. It was a youth wave.
Published in Analysis, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Dec 5, 2022
HEY THERE – we’re having a sale!
We’re having a sale! Learn more here!
Published in Meta on Dec 5, 2022
Republicans poised to cut Kentucky income tax again based on revenue boom that could be fleeting
Kentucky Repubs are using current budget surpluses to pay for tax cuts. Is it a pro-growth strategy, or a budget time bomb for schools and services?
Published in News on Dec 2, 2022
Mental health, gun prevalence are top concerns for Kentucky children
Kids across Kentucky are telling us what they need. Are we listening?
Published in News on Dec 1, 2022
Jewish women’s abortion case – plus introducing Pam Stevenson for AG and Alan Keck for Governor
This week Robert and Jazmin interviewed Lisa Sobel, one of three Jewish women suing the state over abortion laws using a case based on Kentucky's Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
Published in Media, Reproductive Rights on Dec 1, 2022
See ya later, Dr. Senator – plus, ally work, and writer Teri Carter
The Colonels weigh in on Sen. Alvarado leaving the Senate, what it means to be an LGBTQ ally – and then talk with writer Teri Carter.
Published in Media on Dec 1, 2022
Kentucky Democratic Party appeals redistricting opinion
The KDP is appealing the decision of a lower court that allowed the Republican gerrymandering.
Published in News, Press Release on Dec 1, 2022
Wednesday News & Notes
Don’t have time to keep up with politics? Read our News & Notes! Excerpts from stories, with links to the originals if you want to learn more.
Published in News on Nov 30, 2022
Senate passes bill protecting interracial and gay marriages. McConnell and Paul vote against it.
The United States Senate today passed the Respect for Marriage Act, a bill designed to put into Federal law certain protections for gay and interracial marriages.
Published in News on Nov 29, 2022
State Representative Colonel Pam Stevenson files intent to run for AG
State Rep. Pam Stevenson, a former colonel in the U.S. Air Force, has filed to run for Kentucky Attorney General.
Published in Press Release, News, Election 2023, Voting & Elections on Nov 29, 2022
Shell files for Ag Commissioner
Jonathan Shell announces for Ag Commissioner, issues press release.
Published in Press Release, Election 2023, Voting & Elections on Nov 29, 2022
Who’s running in 2023, and how much have they raised?
Guess what – just 5 weeks till the deadline to file for the 2023 election for statewide offices! Who’s in, and how much have they raised? Here’s the list as of today.
Published in News, Analysis, Election 2023, Voting & Elections on Nov 29, 2022
Trump 2024, Part 2
I’m predicting that Donald J. Trump — unless he’s dead or in the slammer — will be the 2024 Republican nominee for president.
Published in Commentary on Nov 29, 2022
Pompeo the pathetic pander bear
Who’s the most dangerous person in the world? According to Mike Pompeo, it’s not Xi or Kim or Putin; it is the leader of a teacher’s union.
Published in Commentary on Nov 28, 2022
Robert Kahne Redux! – on mayoral and judicial races
It’s a Robert Kahne Redux Show! We’ve got Robert on for a second episode to talk about the mayor’s races in Louisville and Lexington, as well as the various judicial elections across the state. Dig in for more insights from Robert!
Published in Media, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 28, 2022
What comes after Walmart?
Woolworth’s. K-Mart. TG&Y. All companies that once were household names; all now gone. Will Walmart go the same way?
Published in Commentary on Nov 28, 2022
The Griffin-Cawthorn effect on Trump’s run for president
The Griffin-Cawthorn Effect should disqualify Trump from running for president again. What is the Griffin-Cawthorn Effect? Read on to learn more.
Published in Commentary on Nov 28, 2022
Christian Nationalism is neither
The oxymoron that is “Christian Nationalism” is neither Christian nor patriotic. Ivonne Rovira explains why not.
Published in Commentary on Nov 28, 2022
Democratic election success: A conservative cautionary tale
What lessons do Democrats need to take from their successes in the midterms?
Published in Commentary, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 28, 2022
Alvarado to leave KY Senate to be TN Health Commissioner
Senator Ralph Alvarado announced last Wednesday that he would be resigning his seat in the Kentucky Senate to take on a new role as the Health Commissioner for the state of Tennessee.
Published in News on Nov 27, 2022
There are now twelve (12!) Repubs running for governor 😳
Alan Keck, mayor of Somerset, has entered the race for governor of Kentucky, making him the 12th Republican in the race.
Published in News, Election 2023, Voting & Elections on Nov 27, 2022
SNAP is vital tool for fighting hunger that should be strengthened, not attacked
SNAP is one of the most important and successful programs we have for fighting hunger. Yet, our legislature cut it earlier this year. It’s time to strengthen SNAP, not cut it.
Published in Policy on Nov 27, 2022
Why is the Right using ‘natural marriage’ as their new slogan?
Have you heard the term “natural marriage”? Guess what – it’s a new term for an old prejudice.
Published in Commentary on Nov 25, 2022
A historian describes the REAL first Thanksgiving
On this Thanksgiving Day 2022, Berry Craig lays out for us what that first Thanksgiving was REALLY like.
Published in Feature on Nov 24, 2022
Wieder was ‘quietly confident’ Amendment 2 would fail
Kentucky is among the reddest of Republican red states. But Tammara Wieder was quietly confident that Kentuckians would vote down GOP-backed constitutional amendments to ban abortion and to empower the legislature to call itself into special session.
Published in News, Election 2022, Reproductive Rights, Voting & Elections on Nov 22, 2022
A poli-sci professor weighs in on the midterms and Trump running again
Dr. James Clinger of Murray State University gives his analysis of the midterm results, and looks at Trump running again.
Published in Analysis, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 22, 2022
Elon Musk can’t do math
Elon Musk is apparently bad with numbers. How do we know? Ivonne Rovira explains.
Published in Commentary on Nov 22, 2022
Union voted in at C-J, welcomed by state AFL-CIO
Journalists at the Courier-Journal in Louisville voted on Friday to affiliate with the NewsGuild union, a member union of the Communications Workers of America.
Published in News on Nov 21, 2022
An election potpourri – including a serving of crow
I couldn’t be happier that I was wrong about the midterm elections. But we’re not out of the woods yet.
Published in Commentary, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 21, 2022
Did the KY House continue to trend red – or only appear to?
Is Kentucky really trending red, or did redistricting make it look worse than it really is? Dr. Trent Garrison does a deep analysis.
Published in Analysis, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 21, 2022
KY Takes BIG STEP on medical weed! w/KY Moms for Medical Cannabis
In what APPEARS to be fantastic breaking news coverage, Aaron, Nema and Kimberly cover Governor Beshear taking a BIG step in Kentucky’s efforts for medical marijuana legalization with our special guests, Kristin Wilcox and Julie Cantwell, the dynamic duo behind Kentucky Moms for Medical Cannabis
Published in Media on Nov 19, 2022
Cherlynn Stevenson on how she won, and what’s next
A great interview with Rep. Cherlynn Stevenson! I wanted to know how she won in the face of the redistricting, and what she sees coming in January. Also, I asked her the “what if you had a magic wand” question, and we talked about her priorities as a representative. Watch or listen, and then share!
Published in Media, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 19, 2022
How Democrats can win more elections
Meet people, even those who will not vote for you, where they live. Show respect for who they are and what they believe. Listen more and talk less.
Published in Commentary on Nov 16, 2022
Sitting on both sides of the aisle
What might happen if Dems and Repubs actually sat together in Congress? Mark Heinz explores.
Published in Commentary on Nov 16, 2022
Tuesday News & Notes
Political and governance news from across the Commonwealth
Published in News on Nov 15, 2022
SCOKY hears abortion arguments: a thread
The Supreme Court of Kentucky heard oral arguments this morning in the case to determine whether Kentucky’s abortion ban is constitutional. Alex Acquisto of the Herald-Leader, was in the courtroom and posted this Twitter thread as the hearing was going on.
Published in News, Reproductive Rights on Nov 15, 2022
Another university abuses the open records law
A new “horrible” has joined the “parade of horribles” associated with public university abuse of the open records law: invocation of the First Amendment to deny a public records request.
Published in Commentary, Government Transparency on Nov 14, 2022
The big terrible thing
Thoughts on Matthew Perry, addiction, and the industry of rehab.
Published in Feature on Nov 14, 2022
Cameron comes out against working on the climate crisis, because $$
Attorney General Daniel Cameron today announced investigations of two financial institutions, The Vanguard Group and State Street Bank, for daring to do something about the climate crisis.
Published in Commentary on Nov 14, 2022
Don’t be fooled – the tears aren’t real
In the debris that Republicans face from the historic 2022 midterms, a bit of truth is slipping out. But don’t be fooled. It won’t last.
Published in Commentary on Nov 14, 2022
Robert Kahne analyzes the election results
Elections analysis guru Robert Kahne lays out what he saw in Tuesday’s election in Kentucky.
Published in Media, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 13, 2022
Election 2022
It was a mixed bag in 2022! Two (bad) constitutional amendments went down, several good judges won, and local elections in Louisville and Lexington went pretty well! But the State House is going to become even more Republican. We talked about it all!
Published in Media, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 13, 2022
Election Results - One big sigh of relief w/Bruce Maples
Aaron, Doug and special guest Bruce Maples from Forward Kentucky dig in on Kentucky’s mid-term results - the failed constitutional amendments, the failed effort to take down Rand Paul, and the successes of the GOP to draw maps that help them build on their electoral domination in Frankfort.
Published in Media, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 13, 2022
The Booker campaign: a reflection from an historian
Berry Craig reflects on the Booker campaign, and compares it to political movements and moments from the past
Published in Commentary, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 12, 2022
Repubs’ gerrymandering did exactly what they wanted
The Repubs drew our state House districts to rig them for Republicans and to get rid of as many Dems as possible. And it worked.
Published in Commentary, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 11, 2022
After-the-election News and Notes
It’s the day after the election, and we’ve got your summary right here. (Plus a few other stories to know about.)
Published in News on Nov 9, 2022
Despite polarization, what can this election teach us?
Are there lessons for both parties from the surprising results of this election? Ken Wolf thinks there are.
Published in Commentary, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 9, 2022
A victory for open government
Judge Phillip Shepherd’s victory secures the future of open government in Franklin Circuit Court for the next eight years.
Published in Commentary, Government Transparency on Nov 9, 2022
The Red Wave that wasn’t
The Red Wave that was supposed to sweep the nation into Republican control didn’t happen. In fact, Dems outperformed normal midterm results significantly.
Published in Analysis, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 9, 2022
2022 Election Results: Kentucky
The wilderness years continue for KY Dems.
Published in News, Analysis, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 9, 2022
Roe, Roe, Roe your vote – abortion amendment defeated
The Repubs went for the grand prize – but instead of winning, they went too far, and Kentucky voters told them “NO.”
Published in Analysis, Election 2022, Reproductive Rights, Voting & Elections on Nov 9, 2022
Too much trivial horse-race coverage of the midterms
This is NOT just another election – even though the media, including MSNBC, want to cover it that way.
Published in Commentary, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 8, 2022
Three election stories you should read
Berry Craig is one of our most prolific, and most popular, contributors here at Forward Kentucky. And for this year’s midterms, he has put together a threesome of election stories that are definitely worth your time.
Published in Feature, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 7, 2022
Vote as if it’s your last chance to have your voice heard. Because it may well be.
We can’t pretend we don’t know what’s happening and where it will lead if it’s not stopped.
Published in Feature, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 7, 2022
A true tale of two ties and more
Think your vote doesn’t matter? Gather ’round, dear readers, and hear a true tale of three elections: Two ties and a single vote win – out of 12,637 ballots cast.
Published in Feature, Voting & Elections on Nov 7, 2022
The spitting and biting Lyons
It’s a pretty safe bet that between now and Tuesday, First District U.S. Rep. James Comer won’t bite one constituent’s thumb off, or duke it out with another. That’s ditto for Comer’s challenger, Jimmy Ausbrooks. Even so, there would be precedent.
Published in Feature, Voting & Elections on Nov 7, 2022
GOTV-TV on Colonels of Truth
Kimberly, Doug and special co-host Willie join forces to give you the information and inspiration we all need to put in the final efforts between now and Tuesday, Nov. 8th.
Published in Media, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 6, 2022
Interview with Mayor Linda Gorton and 2022 Election Preview
Lexington-Fayette County Mayor Linda Gorton joined us this week to talk about her run for re-election and the things she's most proud of during her previous term as mayor. And, Jazmin and Robert did a long election preview this week.
Published in Media, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 6, 2022
Election scorecard for Tuesday night
You can’t tell the players without a scorecard! And, you can’t keep track of the KY House and Senate races without a scorecard, either. So we made you one!
Published in Resource, Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 6, 2022
It’s critical to see what a Fascist America looks like, before it's too late
This election may well seal or determine the fate and future of democracy in the United States and, by extension, most of the rest of the world.
Published in Analysis, Commentary on Nov 5, 2022
WATCH THIS – “We need to stop pretending that we're not looking at what we're looking at."
A critically important message. Watch, then share broadly.
Published in Commentary on Nov 4, 2022
A GOTV report from the field
I received this email yesterday from a member of Forward Kentucky who is volunteering for a local campaign. I thought it was worth sharing with all of you, and asked if I could. The writer said “Sure.” So, here it is, just as it was sent. I canvassed again for
Published in Election 2022, Voting & Elections on Nov 4, 2022
‘What has happened to our country?’
Five years before the Civil War, politics had become so heated that violence entered the political arena. Are we there again?
Published in Commentary on Nov 4, 2022
Thomas Massie – intelligent, but not wise
Is Thomas Massie intelligent? Definitely. Is he wise? Definitely not.
Published in Commentary on Nov 4, 2022
I voted for Charles Booker ... and WITH him too!
Early voting started this morning, and I decided to go vote at the same place Charles Booker was voting. It was neat, and I’ve got pics to prove it!
Published in News on Nov 3, 2022
Biden: ‘Democracy is on the ballot’
President Biden is doing his best to call out the dangers facing our democracy, and the threat of a minority who want to do away with it. A strong and timely speech.
Published in Media on Nov 2, 2022
Ending the rule of law
The MAGA Republicans and their enablers aren’t talking too much about the rule of law – except when they talk about ending it.
Published in Commentary on Nov 2, 2022
An interview with Kate Turner, running against Jason Nemes
We're baaaaack!! Yes, “Moving Kentucky Forward” is back after a too-long hiatus. And for our first show back, we interview Kate Turner, who is running against Jason Nemes for KY House district 33. This was a great interview, and Kate is a great candidate!
Published in Media on Nov 2, 2022
Sending public money to private schools breaks Kentucky’s commitment to students
The best use of public resources to support improved outcomes for all students is to reinvest in our public schools. HB 563 instead unconstitutionally siphons more resources away from our already underfunded public schools to the detriment of all of Kentucky’s kids.
Together Frankfort releases video on constitutional amendments
Together Frankfort has released a video outlining the two constitutional amendments on the ballot next week, and encourages voters to watch it before voting.
Published in Press Release on Nov 1, 2022
Question: How many Kentucky churches are breaking the law?
Some churches across the Commonwealth are breaking the law, and doing so intentionally. What is this law, and why are they breaking it?
Published in Analysis on Nov 1, 2022
Churches are breaking the law by endorsing in elections, experts Say. The IRS looks the other way.
There is a law on the books that says churches cannot endorse candidates. A church that does so is in danger of losing its tax-exempt status. But the law is not being enforced.
Published in Investigation on Nov 1, 2022
Democracy is in trouble – but voters don’t care, and Repubs are red-baiting
Berry Craig interviewed two KY professors, Josh Douglass and John Hennen, about the state of democracy. What they said is not encouraging.
Published in Commentary on Nov 1, 2022
Madison Leach makes history in western Kentucky
No matter who wins the race for Calloway County attorney, Democrat Madison Leach has made history. She’s apparently the first openly trans candidate to seek elected office in western Kentucky, one of the state’s most conservative corners.
Published in Feature on Nov 1, 2022
Booker in Paducah: ‘We’re going to win.’
Charles Booker brought his campaign bus to Paducah, speaking to an enthusiastic crowd and declaring the upset is coming.
Published in News on Oct 31, 2022
Clardy to Walker and Cameron: ‘Brothers, you’re being used.’
Historian Brian Clardy has one message for Herschel Walker and Daniel Cameron.
Published in Commentary on Oct 30, 2022
Maria Sorolis interview, Emerge KY, and partisanship in judicial races
This week: Maria Sorolis, the once and (hopefully!) future rep from House District 48; Blair Haydon on Emerge Kentucky; partisanship in judicial races; and standardized testing.
Published in Media on Oct 27, 2022
GOTV Week & the Sad Saga of SD 12 w/ Bill O'Brien, Paula Setser-Kissick
First, the two constitutional amendments voters will be deciding on Nov 8. Then we hear from the former and current Dem candidates for SD 12, and look at the partisan gerrymandering that created chaos.
Published in Media on Oct 27, 2022
GOP holds press conference to lie about Amendment 2
Today in Frankfort, the anti-choice caucus held a press conference to accuse the pro-choice supporters of lying about Amendment 2 – then proceeded to lie about the pro-choice supporters.
Published in Commentary on Oct 27, 2022
Despite ample evidence that mail-in voting is secure, rhetoric against it increases as Election Day nears
Despite the rhetoric, developing evidence shows mail-in voting is not harmful to either party.
Published in Analysis on Oct 27, 2022
Gov. Beshear to lead GOTV Canvass Kickoff with Louisville candidates
Gov. Andy Beshear will join Louisville candidates for a Get Out the Vote canvass kickoff on Saturday.
Published in Action, Press Release on Oct 27, 2022
How mainstream Christians should respond to Christian Nationalism
Ken Wolf asks the question, then answers it with five steps for Christians to respond to Christian Nationalism.
Published in Commentary on Oct 27, 2022
Climate change comes to the Mississippi
The Mighty Mississippi isn’t looking so mighty these days. Why? Climate change.
News & Notes for Wednesday, 10/26
The election, abortion, protesters, people calling themselves Governor – it’s all here.
Published in News on Oct 26, 2022
Can people watch you vote? Yes and no.
Are you worried about people showing up to watch you vote? Here is a list of who can, and who can’t, watch you do the voting thing.
Published in Explainer on Oct 26, 2022
Less than two weeks before election, Kentucky prepares to support reproductive health
With just under two weeks to go until election day, the Protect Kentucky Access coalition says they see overwhelming support on the ground for the Vote No on 2 campaign designed to stop a state constitutional amendment that would result in a total ban on abortion.
Published in Press Release on Oct 26, 2022
Which party should you trust with the economy? The answer might surprise you.
Under which party’s leadership has the American economy done the best? We’ve got the numbers, the answer, and the reasons why.
Published in Analysis, Commentary on Oct 26, 2022
Louisville mayor candidates talk about dealing with climate change
The “REAL Good News” group held a forum on Louisville’s renewable energy resolution with the candidates for mayor. Here’s what they had to say.
Published in News on Oct 25, 2022
News & Notes for Monday, 10/24
Lots of lawsuits flying around, and we’ve got some multi-tweet stories from the Twitterverse.
Published in News on Oct 24, 2022
Don’t miss the REAL stakes in this election.
You think the most important issue in this election is inflation, or gas prices, or even abortion rights? You’re wrong. One issue out-weighs them all.
Published in Commentary on Oct 24, 2022
Whose side are these right-wing pundits on, anyway?
Beau of the Fifth Column nails it: they say they are “America First” -- but the push Putin talking points.
Published in Commentary, Analysis on Oct 24, 2022
News & Notes for Friday, 10/21
Political and governing news from all over, with excerpts and links back to the complete story. Now also available on TikTok!
Published in News on Oct 21, 2022
Breaking: Herald-Leader endorses Booker for Senate
Charles Booker, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate running against Rand Paul, has been endorsed by the Lexington Herald-Leader in an editorial that also slams Paul.
Published in News on Oct 21, 2022
The University of Kentucky – a slow learner when it comes to open records
Having lost one open records case already, UK now has lost another one. Perhaps they need a remedial course in open records law?
Published in Commentary on Oct 21, 2022
Daniel Grossberg interview, Racing Louisville scandals, UK football open records Requests, and more!
Jazmin covers the Racing Louisville scandal; Robert talks about UK football getting ORRed about comms w/ Kelly Craft; and an interview w/ Daniel Grossberg, the first Jewish person elected to Frankfort in half a century.
Published in Media on Oct 20, 2022
Weed, debt, and Democrats – w/ Colmon Elridge, Buddy Wheatley, and Kelly Jones
The Governor dangling weed pardons, the AG warning you about consumer scams, and Doug Price is Right on judge races. Plus, interviews with Colmon Elridge, Buddy Wheatley, and Kelly Jones.
Published in Media on Oct 20, 2022
East KY power co-op receives failing grade for climate pledges
Energy companies make public pledges to increase renewables, but then fail to follow through. So the Sierra Club is calling them out.
Published in News on Oct 20, 2022
Facts to know about the Nov. 8 election
Did you know there are multiple ways to vote in Kentucky? Here’s a rundown, including some important deadlines.
Published in Explainer on Oct 20, 2022
Claims made in ‘Yes for Life’ ad around KY abortion vote are misleading. Here’s the reality.
The latest ad from the “Yes for Life” group contains false and misleading claims. Read the details here, then share with others.
Published in Analysis on Oct 19, 2022
News & Notes for Wednesday, 10/19
Excerpts and links to political and governing news from across the state and beyond. Read the blurb, click the link to learn more.
Published in News on Oct 19, 2022
The biggest loser in the Paul-Booker race
Come November 8, it is likely that Rand Paul will defeat Charles Booker for Kentucky’s seat in the U.S. Senate. But will Booker be the biggest loser in that race? Not according to Berry Craig.
Published in Commentary, Analysis on Oct 19, 2022
“I’m not extremist!” Yes, you are.
Are those Republicans who want a total abortion ban “extremists”? Bruce Maples weighs in.
Published in Commentary on Oct 18, 2022
Stereotyped – again
Have you ever been stereotyped? Berry Craig has, by both liberals and conservatives. They both assume he is a loyal Trumper. Boy, are they wrong.
Published in Feature on Oct 18, 2022
Charles Booker bends the arc in Murray
The Calloway County Democratic Party had a fish fry on Friday that featured Charles Booker. And Booker did not disappoint.
Sign this petition for the Courier-Journal union, and let’s go six-for-six
Sign the petition to get Gannett management to recognize the new union at the C-J, and let’s go six-for-six in new unions getting organized.
Published in Action on Oct 17, 2022
Attn political junkies – we’ve got your campaign finance facts right here
I’ve spent the last two days getting all the latest number entered into our Election Finance page. I then did some work to come up with these interesting facts from the latest reports, both federal and state.
Published in Analysis on Oct 16, 2022
News & Notes for Friday, 10/14
Here’s today’s roundup of snippets and links from across the political and government landscape.
Published in News on Oct 14, 2022
False prophets? Here are 20 of them.
Faithful America has released a top-20 list of false prophets: “far-right leaders who abuse Jesus’s name in a corrupt effort to seize power at all costs.”
Published in Commentary, News on Oct 14, 2022
Who’s spending $$ to fight or support Amendment 2?
The latest fund-raising numbers are in, and the group opposing the abortion amendment is dramatically out-raising the supporters. How much is the difference, and where is the money coming from?
Published in Analysis on Oct 13, 2022
News & Notes for Wednesday
News & Notes is back! After a too-long hiatus, we are back to our M-W-F schedule. Let us know in the comments if you appreciate this summary format!
Published in News on Oct 12, 2022
A letter from a repulsed Kentuckian
After seeing Senator Rand Paul’s advertisement that he released instead of attending a moderated discussion with his political opponent, I could not stay silent.
Published in Commentary on Oct 12, 2022
Dictatorship? Raise your hands
Show of hands: Who wants the US to be a dictatorship?
Published in Commentary on Oct 12, 2022
New Booker ad has a veteran take on Rand Paul
The Booker campaign just released a new ad featuring a veteran, John Kasey, who now has leukemia from the water at Camp Lejeune. Take a look.
Published in Media on Oct 12, 2022
Are we going to re-elect our Kentucky election deniers?
More than half of all Republicans running for federal or state offices deny the validity of the 2020 presidential election. And two of those are from the Bluegrass State.
Published in Commentary on Oct 11, 2022
The far right and fascism – a long-time love story
The far-right’s infatuation with authoritarians and fascism isn’t new. Yesterday it was Hitler; today it’s Orban and the new Italian prime minister. And it’s still just as dangerous.
Published in Commentary on Oct 11, 2022
How Republicans conspire with churches for political & social control
For Republicans, the purpose of religion is political and social control. It’s not about spirituality: it’s all about raw, naked, taxpayer-subsidized power and the wealth associated with it.
Published in Commentary on Oct 11, 2022
Dear folks in Guthrie’s district: Is he working for you, or for himself?
Hey, all you folks in the 2nd Congressional District – who is your rep, Brett Guthrie, working for? For you, or for himself?
Published in Commentary on Oct 11, 2022
KY House Dems release abortion-rights ads against 10 Republicans
The House Democratic Caucus, led by Rep. Joni Jenkins, has released two ads targeting ten Republicans across the state. The ads feature pictures and names of all ten, calling them “extremists” and pointing out the dangers they pose to women.
Rep. Kulkarni, various organizations call on Beshear to pardon marijuana convictions
State Rep. Nima Kulkarni and a number of organizations have called on Governor Beshear to follow President Biden’s lead and pardon those convicted of cannabis possession.
Published in Press Release on Oct 10, 2022
Repro Rights PAC issues endorsements
The Reproductive Rights for Kentucky PAC today issued endorsements of 21 candidates for the upcoming election.
Published in News, Press Release on Oct 10, 2022
If you destroy the records, you don’t have to worry about those pesky open records laws
The Louisville Metro Police Department is back in the news. They’re being sued for illegally destroying records of complaints against police officers. Amye Bensenhaver explains.
Published in Analysis on Oct 10, 2022
More disasters are coming. Kentucky must be prepared.
We are going to see more natural and man-made disasters in Kentucky. Instead of sticking our heads in the sand, we need to be getting ready. Jason Bailey lays out how.
Published in Policy on Oct 10, 2022
Interviews with Kate Turner and Rachel Roarx
This week Robert interviewed two candidates for State House from Louisville: Kate Turner in East Louisville and Rachel Roarx, from South Louisville. They talked about why they are running, the issues they are passionate about, and how they plan to advocate for their communities.
Published in Media on Oct 7, 2022
ONE MONTH TO GO!
Willie, Kimberly and Aaron cover Trump's death threat to Mitch & Booker's solo debate on KET. Plus, interviews w/ Pam Dossett, Bianca Crockram, and Barbara Hadley Smith of Together Frankfort.
Published in Media on Oct 7, 2022
Rand Paul, the strategic coward
Rand Paul blew off the KET debate with Charles Booker. Does that make him a coward? Yes ... but a special kind: a strategic coward.
Published in Commentary on Oct 6, 2022
Rand Paul blows off debate with Charles Booker
Charles Booker called Rand Paul a coward for not showing up for the KET debate. ““They even had a cup of water ready for him.”
Published in News on Oct 5, 2022
How to get banned at the C-J: mention the union drive
Apparently, write one sentence about the union drive at the C-J in Louisville, and you won’t be writing for them any more.
Published in Commentary on Oct 4, 2022
KREF gives KDP grace – for now
The Kentucky Democratic Party was called before the state election finance board. Here’s what happened, and what’s next.
Published in News on Oct 4, 2022
Fifteen questions to ask candidates before you vote
An expansion of the “ten questions” article of a few weeks ago. Print these out and take them with you to ask candidates yourselves!
Published in Commentary, Analysis on Oct 1, 2022
Interview with Tommy Adams
This week Robert and Jazmin interviewed Tommy Adams, candidate for State House in District 73. Tommy is running in Winchester and southeast Lexington. He's an avid outdoorsman and educator. We were excited to bring him to our show!
Published in Media on Sep 30, 2022
Who’s got Andy’s back?
Aaron, Doug and Kimberly discuss another big week for Kentucky thanks to Governor Andy Beshear & what that means for November 8. Then, the Colonels meet up with two more great candidates for the KY legislature, Martina Jackson and Brittney Hernandez-Stevenson.
Published in Media on Sep 30, 2022
Protect Kentucky Access releases first television ad
The coalition opposing Amendment 2 began airing their first television ads of the campaign today.
Published in Press Release on Sep 30, 2022
When abortion at a clinic is not available, 1 in 3 pregnant people say they will do something on their own to end the pregnancy
Results of a study show that outlawing clinic-based abortion doesn’t stop the practice – it just pushes some people to alternatives, including dangerous ones.
Published in Analysis on Sep 27, 2022
KY one of only 19 states to recover jobs lost during Covid
Kentucky now has more jobs than it had at the start of the pandemic, which puts it in the top 20 states for job recovery.
Published in Analysis on Sep 27, 2022
Mitch McConnell can help save democracy
A recent NYT editorial identifies two threats to our democracy. One of the threats is hard to stop – but Mitch McConnell can stop the other by himself. Will he?
Published in Commentary on Sep 27, 2022
KY Open Govt Coalition continues to take on the Pension Authority
The KY Public Pensions Authority continues to refuse to release the rest of the Calcaterra report. And the Open Government Coalition continues to push.
Published in Commentary, Analysis on Sep 22, 2022
Donald Trump’s terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day
Ever have one of those days? TFG had one yesterday. And it was wonderful – for the rest of us.
Published in Commentary on Sep 22, 2022
Berry, Melinda, and the Beefeater
While watching Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, Berry Craig reflects on the Beefeater he and Melinda got to know on a trip to London. A really cool story!
Published in Feature on Sep 21, 2022
Chuck Eddy: “I was once a Republican. Now I’m running as a Democrat. Here’s why.”
State Senate candidate Chuck Eddy tells why he is running as a Dem this time, and what he thinks of his former party.
Published in Feature on Sep 18, 2022
Images from Izyum show why Russia must be defeated as quickly as possible
In the case of Izyum, Russian forces reached the city in the third week of March. Now that Ukrainian forces have pushed Russia away from the town, what’s being revealed is a whole new set of horrors.
Published in News on Sep 17, 2022
The days after Labor Day
On Labor Day we celebrate the American worker, even as we are being pressed to the breaking point by our “Survival of the Fittest” economy.
Published in Commentary on Sep 17, 2022
What you need to know about Kelly Craft, an LMPD court case update, and Katherine Leonard interview
Kelly Craft is running for Governor, and Robert told us who she is, what she's done, how she's running, and who is supporting her. Jazmin gave an update about the federal case against former LMPD officers. The interview is with Katherine Leonard, the Dem candidate for KY House in E-town.
Published in Media on Sep 16, 2022
Will KY protect abortion access? w/ Tamarra Weider
Doug and Aaron discuss KY’s big threats to democracy and reproductive freedom with Tamarra Weider, who talks about the danger of Amendment 2 and what Planned Parenthood is doing to stop it. And,we meet up with KY State Senate District 34 Candidate Susan Cintra in the Campaign Corner.
Published in Media on Sep 16, 2022
Rail union presidents praise worker solidarity and Team Biden for historic tentative agreement
Let’s be clear: Without Joe Biden and his team, we’d be looking at empty shelves for weeks. Biden got it done.
Published in News on Sep 16, 2022
Let’s be clear: Reaganism begat Trumpism
Some on the left are giving The Gipper a break, saying he wasn’t as bad as Trump. These two historians explain why Reagan laid the groundwork for Trump.
Published in Commentary on Sep 15, 2022
Wednesday News & Notes
Wed N&N: Abortion access group raises $$; Greenberg on guns; the possible railroad strike; Trump family’s lies in KY; study of diversity in KY; the #1 political party in the state
Published in News on Sep 14, 2022
Ausbrooks is a winner, no matter how the votes go
Jimmy Ausbrooks is running for Congress in CD 1, facing Jamie Comer. It’s a long-shot campaign, but Ausbrooks is already a winner.
Published in Feature on Sep 14, 2022
Protect Kentucky Access releases financial support, grassroots donations
Yesterday, Protect Kentucky Access, the campaign to defeat Amendment 2, filed its financial disclosure statement for calendar year 2022, reporting over $1.4 million in contributions.
Published in Press Release on Sep 14, 2022
Dem withdraws – shenanigans ensue
Matthew Pfaadt made an innocent but costly mistake, and has had to withdraw his candidacy. Should be a simple situation – but it has become anything but.
Published in News on Sep 14, 2022
Here’s some background on Kelly Craft from the KDP
Kelly Craft has just announced her candidacy for governor, and already the KDP has released some of their oppo research on her. Let’s take a look.
Published in Analysis on Sep 14, 2022
KDP and RPK audited, with audit findings for KDP
KREF recently released their audits of both the Republican and Democratic state central committees. What did they find?
Published in News on Sep 13, 2022
When it comes to open records, is Allison Ball another Bevin?
Matt Bevin disliked our open records laws, and tried to ignore them whenever he could. Is candidate Allison Ball following the same path?
Published in Analysis, Commentary on Sep 13, 2022
Alex Jones and the business of misinformation
Alex Jones ranks among the biggest liars and spreaders of misinformation, and has been called “America’s leading conspiracy theorist.” Guess how much he is worth?
Published in Commentary on Sep 11, 2022
More reasons to vote No in November
A strong dose of reality from Teri Carter about the anti-abortion amendment on the ballot this fall.
Published in Commentary on Sep 10, 2022
Louisville prosecutor refuses to drop charges against Breonna Taylor protesters
Jefferson County Attorney Mike O'Connell claims that the cases against the protesters have not met his “criteria for dismissal,” and his office will move forward with prosecutions.
Published in News on Sep 8, 2022
Abortion access panel Friday in Louisville
State Rep. Nima Kulkarni will host a panel of medical and legal experts to discuss the ramifications of the constitutional amendment that could permanently ban abortion access in Kentucky.
Published in Action on Sep 8, 2022
Kentuckians demand control over their bodies as doctors navigate abortion law gray areas
Now that Kentucky’s trigger law is in effect, what are women doing about it? Many are choosing to maintain control of their bodies by making serious healthcare decisions.
Published in Feature on Sep 8, 2022
We finally got the KRS report. Did we get our money’s worth?
After over a year of stonewalling, the KY Public Pension Authority finally released the outside report into KRS. Was it worth the $1.2 million we paid for it?
Published in Analysis, Commentary on Sep 8, 2022
Calling out the threat to our nation: MAGA Republicans and their helpers
Our state and our nation are threatened by a group outlined by President Biden: MAGA Republicans. Who are they, and how do they relate to the KY GOP?
Published in Commentary on Sep 8, 2022
What will you do when the GOP comes for your wife, daughter, or sister?
What would you do if that was your daughter, wife, mother, or sister who was forced to bleed out for ten long days so a Republican politician could crow about being “pro-life”?
Published in Commentary on Sep 6, 2022
Trump is “pro-union”? Do you also believe in unicorns?
Myths abound, from Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster to Unicorns and the Easter Bunny. But there’s one myth that’s in a class all by itself: the whopper that Donald Trump is pro-union.
Published in Commentary on Sep 5, 2022
Paducah Labor Day parade co-grand marshals always carry their union and NAACP cards
This year’s Labor Day Parade in Paducah had 38 entries, and went off without a hitch. Berry Craig was there to cover it.
Published in News on Sep 5, 2022
Turn off the TV
The division in our country continues to get worse. Teri Carter has a simple solution: turn off your TV.
Published in Commentary on Sep 4, 2022
Susan Cintra & Teresa Barton
This week Robert spoke with two women running for Kentucky Senate in Central and Northern Kentucky Susan Cintra and Teresa Barton. They both spoke about their reasons for running, their experiences before running for office, and lots other items.
Published in Media on Sep 3, 2022
Comer will impeach Biden, Guthrie's a debt hypocrite – w/guest Jimmy Ausbrooks
Aaron and Kimberly discuss the recent outrages from KY's Congressional Republicans, how Andy can show he's a true man of the people, and welcome Jimmy Ausbrooks, running against Jamie Comer for the expansive (and gerrymandered) 1st Congressional district.
Published in Media on Sep 3, 2022
On this Labor Day, unions are surging – again
Labor Day 2022 is a lot like Labor Day 1932, with unions growing and businesses pushing back. And like then, unions are growing anyway.
Published in Commentary, Analysis on Sep 3, 2022
‘Pain and hurt’ over LGBTQ issues pushed KY Teacher of the Year from small-town classroom
Less than a year after being named KY Teacher of the Year, Willie Carver walked away from the profession he loved.
Published in Feature on Sep 2, 2022
Booker endorsed by Beshear
Gov. Andy Beshear today endorsed Charles Booker for Senate, joining four other former governors and lieutenant governors who have already endorsed.
Published in News on Sep 1, 2022
Paul protested in deep-red Western Kentucky
Sen. Rand Paul probably didn’t expect protesters when he stopped in Republican Red Bardwell, almost as far west as Kentucky goes. But he got them.
Published in News on Sep 1, 2022
Could Democrats actually win in November?
Yes, it’s just one poll – but could it be right? Ken Wolf takes a look.
Published in Commentary on Sep 1, 2022
10 questions for Repub candidates this fall
Enough with pablum answers to innocuous questions! Here are 10 questions I want to hear Republicans answer this fall.
Published in Commentary on Sep 1, 2022
The dangers of student indoctrination
Nazis did it. Russians are doing it. Are we in the U.S. going to follow in their footsteps?
Published in Commentary on Aug 30, 2022
Craft-Wise to announce soon, report says
The worst-kept secret in Kentucky politics is about to be a secret no more.
Published in News on Aug 30, 2022
A 12-step program for more guns in our schools
There is a continual push by some to get more guns in our schools, including arming all teachers. Where might this lead?
Published in Commentary on Aug 29, 2022
Monday News & Notes
A few politics and government things to share today, plus some Twitter insight into last week’s special session.
Published in News on Aug 29, 2022
Thank you for your servitude
“Sometimes you’ve got to laugh to keep from crying,” my grandmother used to say. This book had Berry Craig laughing out loud in the bookstore – until it didn’t.
Published in Commentary on Aug 28, 2022
Grayson Vandegrift interview, abortion ruling at SCOKY, and a special session
This week we welcome Grayson Vandegrift, the Democratic candidate in House District 56 in Woodford, Franklin, and Jessamine Counties. He spoke to us about running in this area with deep Democratic roots but which has been trending towards Republicans.
Published in Media on Aug 26, 2022
Midterm Madness
The elections are just 75 days away - who's got the best take, Mitch McConnell or Andy Barr? Then it’s Grayson Vandegrift and his race to go from Midway’s mayor to the rep for the 56th district. Finally, we interview KY author Farrah Alexander about her book, “Resistance in the Bluegrass.”
Published in Media on Aug 26, 2022
The White House responds to GOP whining over student loan cancellation with reminders
The GOP is complaining all over Twitter about forgiving student debt. In response, the White House brings out the receipts.
Published in Feature on Aug 26, 2022
Wednesday News & Notes
Political and government snippets from across Kentucky and the nation.
Published in News on Aug 24, 2022
Gov. Beshear, lawmakers announce $212 million to help flood-damaged Eastern Kentucky rebuild over next 6 months
Gov. Andy Beshear today joined state lawmakers in the Capitol Rotunda to announce a plan to spend $212.7 million over the next six months to help rebuild communities devastated by the deadly flooding that began July 26.
Published in News, Press Release on Aug 24, 2022
Beshear calls special session to deal w/ EKY flooding
After working with KYGA leaders to agree on a bill, Gov. Beshear has called a special session to provide recovery help to Eastern Kentucky.
Published in News on Aug 24, 2022
Monday News & Notes
Updates big and small from across the state, including a few from the Twitter machine.
Published in News on Aug 22, 2022
The increase in funding for the IRS is not going create an army of agents that will come after you
No matter what your crazy uncle tells you, the extra funding for the IRS is not for a new “IRS Blackshirts.”
Published in Fact Check on Aug 22, 2022
Student debt and assault vehicles
Helping relieve the student debt burden would be one way of taking care of our young adults. Where can the money come from? How about bloated defense contracts?
Published in Commentary on Aug 22, 2022
Who can beat Beshear?
Forecasting is a dangerous business, whether in weather, the stock market ... or politics. Even with the risk, I decided to share some thoughts on the gov race. Do you agree?
Published in Commentary on Aug 22, 2022
As the Fourth Great Turning unwinds, technology is speeding up the process
We are entering American history’s Fourth Great Turning. The 80-year cycle is in play again. Thom Hartmann explains.
Published in Analysis on Aug 21, 2022
Meet the new dark money Republican hoax and troll group, ‘Citizens for Sanity’
Conservative dark money groups have taken to weaponizing the paranoia on the Right, and that brings us to the current moment.
Published in Commentary on Aug 21, 2022
Wondering what happened to Dems in western Kentucky? Read this book to find out.
If you’ve heard people refer to western Kentucky as “what used to be Democrats’ Rock” and wondered what happened, here’s a book just for you.
Published in Feature on Aug 21, 2022
Joe Fischer’s SCOKY campaign called out by campaign conduct committee
A non-partisan committee formed 16 years ago to monitor campaign conduct in judicial races has called out Joe Fischer for the blatant partisanship of his race for the state Supreme Court.
Published in Press Release on Aug 21, 2022
Join the Farm Bureau protest this Thursday morning
The KY Farm Bureau is still discriminating, so the protests are still happening. Sign up here to protest the KFB Ham Breakfast with other supporters of LGBTQ rights!
Published in Action on Aug 21, 2022
Fancy Farm is dead
“Not funny, just mean.” So wrote Garrison Keillor in the margins of homework – and so he would have written of the speeches at Fancy Farm. Teri Carter explains why.
Published in Commentary on Aug 21, 2022
Lawmakers express concerns, support for those in flooded areas
Lawmakers from Eastern Kentucky and other areas of the state expressed heartfelt concern Tuesday for those adversely affected by July’s torrential flooding.
Published in News, Press Release on Aug 20, 2022
Donald Trump as Uber Immortal
No one is above the law – except Donald Trump. He is an Uber Immortal. But what happens to uber immortals?
Published in Commentary on Aug 20, 2022
Debby Lucas Angel & Meagan Brannon Interviews
This week we have two interviews: Debby Lucas Angel, who is running in the 61st District against Savannah Maddox, and Meagan Brannon, who is running in central and northeast Kentucky. In addition, we had a few quick hits.
Published in Media on Aug 20, 2022
Willie helps us take Rand to school w/guest Hank Linderman
With guest host Teacher of the Year Willie Carver, we cover Rand Paul's week of "leadership," and learn how teachers are holding up during the war on public education. Then, we welcome KY-2 candidate Hank Linderman, and learn why he thinks could help unite rural and urban voters.
Published in Media on Aug 20, 2022
ICYMI – Bills that are now the law.
An easy-to-read list of some of last session’s bills that took effect on July 1.
Published in Explainer on Aug 19, 2022
Christian Nationalism? Been there, done that
Guess what – Christian Nationalism has been tried before. As Ivonne Rovira points out, it didn’t work out too well.
Published in Commentary on Aug 19, 2022
Setser-Kissick withdraws; KDP to field new candidate
Another candidate falls to the redistricting process.
Published in News on Aug 19, 2022
Abortion remains banned in Kentucky
A press release and statement from Planned Parenthood and the ACLU on today’s SCOKY ruling keeping the abortion bans in place.
Published in Press Release on Aug 18, 2022
The independent state legislature doctrine could reverse 200 years of progress and take power away from the people
There’s a movement to take election results away from voters and give state legislatures the ability to pick winners and losers.
Published in Analysis on Aug 18, 2022
Rand Paul is not a Libertarian; he’s a Corporate Libber
“Corporate Libertarianism, where we allow a libertarian system for the corporate elites while forcing a police state for the working class.”
Published in Commentary on Aug 18, 2022
Floods in eastern Kentucky were a man-made disaster, and we know exactly who is to blame
It wasn’t just the rain. It was the strip-mining, and the mountain-top removal, and the regulators looking the other way, that caused the floods in eastern Kentucky.
Published in Commentary, Analysis on Aug 17, 2022
Some questions for Republicans about Trump and the FBI
In light of Republicans’ faux “outrage” over the FBI searching Trump’s estate, columnist Ken Wolf has some questions for those same Republicans.
Published in Commentary on Aug 17, 2022
Rand Paul’s talk is not only reckless – it’s dangerous
Clardy said the false accusations Republicans like Paul are hurling “are dangerous and irresponsible. He knows better.
Published in on Aug 15, 2022
Al Cross: Cameron shows why he’s the one to beat, then could get beat
Al Cross covered Fancy Farm this year, as he does every year, and reports on the speakers and their political futures.
Published in Analysis on Aug 15, 2022
Monday News & Notes
Special session of KYGA; Cameron asks to have lawsuit dismissed; Paul calls for getting rid of Espionage Act; Booker calls on Paul to stop threatening our democracy; SBC under investigation.
Published in News on Aug 15, 2022
Was Trump looking for an ‘alternative source of income’?
The chief of the DOJ’s Counterintelligence unit visited Mar-a-Lago in June. What documents was he looking for? And was he worried about those documents going somewhere else?
Published in Commentary on Aug 14, 2022
Beshear displeased with response from FEMA
The governor says that FEMA is denying help to too many people, and it’s caused by something in the middle layer of the bureaucracy.
Published in News on Aug 12, 2022
Chris Brown interview, LMPD police arrested, and Fancy Farm wrap-up
We talked w/ Chris Brown, the Dem candidate in Boone and Kenton Counties. She told of her experience organizing for social and racial justice, and her desire to bring the 69th's concerns to Frankfort. And, Jazmin talked about the DOJ case against four LMPD officers, and Robert wrapped up Fancy Farm.
Published in Media on Aug 12, 2022
Friday News and Notes
N&N for Friday, 8/12 – Medical MJ; Paul and McConnell; mental health commission; barista union efforts; the Berg-Peden race
Published in News on Aug 12, 2022
Biden’s big week – plus a visit w/ H-73 candidate Tommy Adams
The Colonels discuss the big news from DC, including big Biden wins and horrible votes from Kentucky's Senators, then welcome KY House District 73 candidate Tommy Adams to our campaign corner, before talking youth voting with KY Young Democrats President, Stephon Moore.
Published in Media on Aug 12, 2022
Dem candidate gets endorsements from four governors – including Ernie Fletcher
Teresa Barton, the Democratic state senate candidate for district 20, has already garnered endorsements from four Kentucky governors.
Published in News on Aug 12, 2022
‘Basic physics’ of global warming makes rainfall more frequent and more intense; U.S. infrastructure isn’t prepared
Nearly three-quarters of locations the group examined around the country have experienced an increase in the amount of rain falling on their annual wettest day since 1950.
Published in Explainer on Aug 10, 2022
Rand Paul wants you to overpay for insulin. Can’t afford it? Tough.
Kentucky’s junior senator, who’s seeking a third term on Nov. 8, voted against a $35-per-month cap on out-of-pocket insulin costs for people not on Medicare.
Published in Commentary on Aug 10, 2022
‘They have no way to get out until the bridges are rebuilt’
An update on the trip to EKY by Jeff Wiggins and Jerald Adkins to see how unions can help.
Published in Feature on Aug 9, 2022
Jessica Neal pays $57,368 to get recount in Kentucky Senate District 24 primary race lost by 3 percent
Jessica Neal, a candidate in last spring’s Republican primary election for state Senate District 24, posted $57,368 Monday with the Campbell circuit court clerk to get a recount of the election.
Published in News on Aug 9, 2022
Continuous CHIP eligibility could keep more KY kids covered
The federal health insurance program for children helps keep more than 620,000 Kentucky kids insured. But the expanded coverage expires in October. Now what?
Published in Analysis on Aug 9, 2022
Bill Straub: There’s stupid and there’s mega-stupid, so credit legislators for hungry kids going hungrier
In their haste to override the gov’s emergency declaration, the KYGA inadvertently cost the state $350 million in SNAP benefits. Why? Just because they could.
Published in Commentary on Aug 6, 2022
Kelly Jones interview, terrible flooding in EKY, and abortion once again banned in Kentucky
This week we discuss the EKY floods, the response, and how you can help. Jazmin updates on the abortion lawsuit. And we talk w/ Kelly Jones, the Dem candidate in H-68 in Northern Kentucky.
Published in Media on Aug 6, 2022
EKY floods w/guest Matt Lehman (candidate for KY-4)
Aaron and Kimberly discuss the horrible flooding throughout Eastern KY w/ Rep. Cherlynn Stevenson and KY 120 member Christina Trosper. Then, we interview Matt Lehman, who is running for Congress in NKY, lining up against Libertarian/twitter troll Thomas Massie.
Published in Media on Aug 6, 2022
The legal landscape on abortion isn't complicated: The Supreme Court intends to eliminate it
What does the conservative wing of the Supreme Court want the outcome to be? A ban on abortions. What civil rights stand in the way of that ban? Doesn’t matter. They’re gone now.
Published in Commentary on Aug 5, 2022
Many rural Republicans rejected Kansas abortion measure
Kansas voted down the anti-abortion amendment, and not just in the cities: fourteen counties that went for Trump in 2020 voted against the amendment.
Published in Analysis on Aug 5, 2022
Booker releases new ad calling for a “Kentucky New Deal”
Senate candidate Charles Booker has released a new ad called “Shared Dreams.” In it, he talks about the challenges all of us are facing, and promises to fight for all — Democrats, Republicans, and Independents — when he gets to Washington.
Published in Media on Aug 4, 2022
Wiggins: Helping eastern Kentucky flood victims is more important than Fancy Farm
“It’s more important to help the people of eastern Kentucky who are hurting in the floods than to go to Fancy Farm and listen to anti-worker politicians bash other politicians who support working people,” Wiggins said.
Published in News on Aug 4, 2022
There’s no urban-rural divide when it comes to tackling substance use disorder
The rural-urban divide reflects numerous differences across our state. But one issue that affects everyone is the overdose epidemic. Two activists share what we need to do with our settlement money.
Published in Policy on Aug 4, 2022
They’re coming for you, too
Now that the Christian Nationalists can taste victory, they really don’t need their useful idiots any longer.
Published in Commentary on Aug 4, 2022
Breaking: Four officers charged in Breonna Taylor raid
The New York Times is reporting that four current and former police officers have been charged in connection with the raid on Breonna Taylor’s apartment.
Published in News on Aug 4, 2022
Wednesday News & Notes
News & Notes for Wednesday, 8/3/22 – healthcare bill passes, special session under discussion, and more
Published in News on Aug 3, 2022
Kansans say no to a “reproductive police state.” Will Kyians do the same?
The abortion amendment on this fall’s ballot is basically the same rejected last night in Kansas. Will the results be the same? And is the KY GOP worried?
Published in Commentary on Aug 3, 2022
Booker walks the walk, Rand just talks
Charles Booker was in eastern Kentucky of the weekend, delivering relief supplies. Where was Rand Paul? Uhm ... not there.
Published in News, Commentary on Aug 3, 2022
Abortion is banned (once again) in Kentucky
The Court of Appeals has granted AG Cameron’s motion overturning the temporary injunction of Kentucky’s trigger law. Thus, abortion is once again banned in Kentucky.
Published in News, Press Release on Aug 2, 2022
Cameron sues over school lunches for LGBTQ children
Twenty state attorneys general, including Kentucky’s Daniel Cameron, are suing the USDA over guidance forbidding discrimination against LGBTQ children in the school lunch program.
Published in News on Aug 2, 2022
ForwardKY is coming to Hopkinsville!
It’s a live, in-person discussion of the issues of the day between a progressive and a conservative. Come join us!
Published in Event on Aug 2, 2022
Want to help the victims of EKY flooding? Donate here.
How to donate to help the victims of the eastern Kentucky flooding.
Published in Action on Aug 1, 2022
An antidemocratic philosophy called ‘neoreaction’ is creeping into GOP politics
In recent months, a strand of conservative thought whose adherents are forthright in their disdain for democracy has started to creep into GOP politics. What is it, and what does it stand for?
Published in Analysis on Aug 1, 2022
On open records: Well yes, but ...
The Courier Journal provided a “non-journalist’s guide to the open records law” in Sunday’s digital edition. The KY Open Govt Coalition was glad to see it, but has a few extra things to know.
Published in Analysis on Jul 31, 2022
The last time Trump has to go to a voter again
From Steve Bannon: “After then, Trump never has to go to a voter again. He’ll just say ‘You lose. I’m the winner. I’m the king.’”
Published in Commentary on Jul 29, 2022
Matt Lehman interview, the abortion lawsuit, and the end (?) for Braidy Industries
Matt Lehman is running for KY-04 against Massie. Lehman lays out clearly why Massie is dangerous. Also, the injunction in the abortion lawsuit, and the end of the Braidy/Unity plant.
Published in Media on Jul 29, 2022
Dems da breaks w/guest Morgan McGarvey
A great episode this week: Nema updates on Frankfort shenanigans, Aaron digs in on the Democratic malaise, Doug covers some election scuttlebutt; and then, state senator and candidate Morgan McGarvey!
Published in Media on Jul 29, 2022
I’m not going to Fancy Farm. Here’s why.
For years and years, I’ve gone to the famous political picnic at Fancy Farm, Kentucky. But not this year. Here’s why.
Published in Commentary on Jul 29, 2022
Tragedies don’t move them
The tale of a woman who died in Ireland in 2012 led to that country repealing its draconian abortion law. Don’t expect that to happen here, though, because tragedies don’t move rightwing extremists.
Published in Commentary on Jul 28, 2022
League of Women Voters releases statement on Dobbs; urges defeat of Amendment 2 this fall
The KY LWV board issued this statement in response to the SCOTUS ruling overturning Roe. In addition, they urged voters to reject Amendment 2 this fall.
Published in Press Release on Jul 28, 2022
Of course women will be arrested for abortions. Did you think otherwise?
So, you think women won’t get arrested for abortions? Let’s take a look at where they already are.
Published in Commentary, Analysis on Jul 28, 2022
Why Louisville Metro Council is smarter than SCOTUS on global warming
A tale of two cities can be told about last month’s U.S. Supreme Court decision throwing out the Environmental Protection Agency’s plan to protect the environment from global warming.
Published in Analysis on Jul 28, 2022
Wednesday News and Notes
Ryan Quarles, Rand Paul, and a cast of thousands.
Published in News on Jul 27, 2022
The proposal
I expected ample flora and fauna photo ops on our road trip to Alaska – and lots of knock-your-socks-off mountain scenery, to boot. I didn’t figure on photographing a marriage proposal.
Published in Feature, Commentary on Jul 27, 2022
Task force hears testimony on child care issues, solutions
The Early Childhood Education Task Force heard testimony from multiple organizations on the need for more child care options across the state.
Published in Press Release on Jul 27, 2022
A Kentuckian is running for governor of South Carolina
We’ve got a Kentucky native running for governor of another state — Learn more here!
Published in News on Jul 27, 2022
Youth to speak on Capitol steps on abortion rights
A trio of young people are organizing a rally at the state Capitol to “demand bodily autonomy for ALL.”
Published in Event on Jul 27, 2022
Tonight: Morgan McGarvey on “Colonels of Truth”
Morgan McGarvey, candidate for Congress in Kentucky’s 3rd district, will be on the “Colonels of Truth” live show tonight at 7 pm Eastern.
Published in Event on Jul 27, 2022
The housing crisis: public problems, social solutions
We have a housing crisis in this country – and most answers people propose are either inadequate or don’t work at all. Neal Turpin lays out a Big Idea for a solution.
Published in Policy on Jul 27, 2022
Rupert Murdoch changes horses
On July 22, Australian media magnate Rupert Murdoch announced that he was changing horses.
Published in Commentary on Jul 26, 2022
Whose party has the Kentucky GOP _actually_ aligned with?
SOS Michael Adams was more than happy to proclaim “the birthplace of Lincoln has finally aligned with the party of Lincoln.” But an objective look at the facts puts the lie to Adams’s claim.
Published in Commentary, Analysis on Jul 26, 2022
Dems close gap on GOP in midterm poll following Supreme Court’s upending of Roe
The Supreme Court’s decision to end abortion rights protections appears to be helping Democrats’ numbers.
Published in Analysis on Jul 25, 2022
Saying they are probably unconstitutional, judge extends ruling blocking two Kentucky laws that would greatly limit abortion
Saying Kentucky laws limiting access to abortion likely violate the state constitution, a Louisville judge has blocked them from taking effect until lawsuits challenging them are over.
Published in News on Jul 25, 2022
Monday News and Notes
McConnell censured, Beshear on endorsing Booker, Ball announces run, Heine Bros workers charge unfair labor practices
Published in News on Jul 25, 2022
Sold-out women’s conference hears from Beshear, others
The Kentucky Democratic Women held their summer conference at Boone Tavern in Berea last Saturday, and the sold-out audience heard from a variety of Democratic leaders and activists from across the state, including Governor Andy Beshear.
Published in News on Jul 23, 2022
Secret Service goes really secret
The claim by the Secret Service that their January 6th text messages were lost due to a standard phone replacement process stinks like a rotten fish on a hot day.
Published in Commentary, Analysis on Jul 22, 2022
Amelia Martens on Western Kentucky identity
Amelia Martens, a writer based in Paducah, was Robert's guest this week. She spoke about Western Kentucky identity, including her perspective on the evolving political identity of the region, and what parts of the region inspire her writing. Plus the story of Chad Meredith, and a few Quick Hits.
Published in Media on Jul 21, 2022
New laws & Mitch's judicial loss w/guest Conor Halbleib
Aaron, Doug & Kimberly discuss the terrible laws going into effect across our commonwealth, a rare judicial loss by McConnell, and then welcome Conor Halbleib, who is running against Hal Rogers in KY-05.
Published in Media on Jul 21, 2022
47 Repubs voted with the Dems in support of marriage equality – but ours weren’t among them.
A bill protecting marriage equality passed the House, with the help of 47 Republicans who voted for it. Guess who voted against it?
Published in News on Jul 20, 2022
You don’t know whom you don’t know
Do you know someone who has had an abortion? Yes, you do – even if you don’t know it.
Published in Commentary on Jul 19, 2022
Political prisoner?
Nick Anderson lays out the case of Asim Ghafoor.
Published in Cartoon on Jul 19, 2022
Our UAW-made Buick just took us, trouble free, the equivalent of three round trips by air from New York to London, with nearly 1,200 miles to spare
Need more proof – as it were needed – that UAW members make rugged, dependable, smooth-riding vehicles?
Published in Feature on Jul 19, 2022
Monday News & Notes
Excerpts and snippets from across the political landscape.
Published in News on Jul 18, 2022
In abortion ruling's wake, Senate GOP caucus chair says Ky. must see to adoption and human services, protect jobs in pregnancy
Raque Adams said “It’s important for the legislature to make sure we have adequate resources for adoption care,” and to make sure that human services are funded “so we are helping families and helping women.”
Published in News on Jul 18, 2022
Think women should have freedom of travel? These KY Repub reps don’t
Women are traveling to other states to obtain abortions, and some states are considering making that illegal. Our Repub congressmen agree with them.
Published in Commentary on Jul 18, 2022
Friday News & Notes
Excerpts and snippets from across the state and national landscape.
Published in News on Jul 15, 2022
Kentucky Constable Association challenges constitutionality of new law
The KY Constable Association has filed suit seeking an injunction against enforcement of a new law that blocks recently elected Constables from discharging their duties.
Published in Press Release on Jul 15, 2022
Joe Manchin's refusal to support reconciliation tax hikes is predictable and pathetic
In response to Manchin’s torpedoing of the Biden reconciliation package, the Patriotic Millionaires released this statement.
Published in Commentary, Press Release on Jul 15, 2022
Our own Brave New World – courtesy of SCOTUS
Books like Brave New World, 1984, and The Handmaid’s Tale all describe dystopian societies. Now, courtesy of SCOTUS, we are seeing the outlines of our own dystopia.
Published in Commentary on Jul 14, 2022
Wednesday News & Notes
Political and government news from across the state and nation
Published in News on Jul 13, 2022
Judge rules in Beshear’s favor on ethics commission
A bill that removed Governor Beshear’s ability to appoint member of the Ethics Commission was overturned on Monday.
Published in News on Jul 13, 2022
Most new laws passed by General Assembly go into effect July 14; here is a rundown on some of them
Most of the 234 bills passed in this year’s KYGA will become effective on Thursday. Here’s a list of some of them.
Published in News on Jul 13, 2022
New Democrat survey shows Kentuckians oppose an ‘extreme’ ban on abortions; Beshear remains popular
The Democratic Governors Association announced this week that Kentuckians in a recent public opinion survey overwhelmingly oppose a complete ban on abortion access.
Published in News on Jul 13, 2022
Fickle Republican Jesus
Apparently Republican Jesus can’t make up his mind about Trump and Biden. And the signs related to each are confusing too. Ivonne Rovira lays it out for us.
Published in Commentary on Jul 13, 2022
McConnell says he has stood with abortion foes from the start
Mitch McConnell, who as Jefferson County judge-executive blocked some proposed restrictions on abortion, said ithat he had always stood with opponents of abortion.
Published in News on Jul 12, 2022
Elsmere City Council votes for LGBTQ Fairness Ordinance
Tonight the Elsmere City Council voted 4-1 to approve Kentucky's twenty-fourth Fairness Ordinance, protecting LGBTQ people from discrimination.
Published in on Jul 12, 2022
What Putin REALLY wants
Time and again I hear people who should know better say that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin wants to recreate the Soviet Union. Excuse me – his goal is much less modest.
Published in Commentary on Jul 12, 2022
Kentucky state govt struck by pro-choice hacktivists
An abortion rights hacktivist group says it launched cyberattacks against Arkansas and Kentucky state governments to protest their bans on abortion.
Published in News on Jul 11, 2022
The REAL head of the Republican Party
Every Repub out there will tell you that Trump is the head of the GOP. Ivonne Rovira has another take on it.
Published in Commentary on Jul 7, 2022
Abortion and the law of unintended consequences
When you pass laws, you risk unintended consequences. Here are three such consequences that are caused by the outlawing of abortion in Kentucky and nationwide.
Published in Analysis, Commentary on Jul 7, 2022
“My granddaughters will have fewer rights than I did”
The decision to end Roe feels like what I would liken to the proverbial nail in the coffin of American democracy and a semblance of civil society.
Published in Commentary on Jul 6, 2022
Supreme grudge match
The Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe reveals the whims of a runaway radical court drunk on its newfound power and looking to pay back slights.
Published in Commentary on Jul 6, 2022
Fact Check: Abortion, defined as the termination of pregnancy, can be necessary to save a woman’s life
A trending tweet says that there are certain medical conditions for which the only treatment is an abortion. Is this true?
Published in Fact Check on Jul 5, 2022
PSC taking comments on utilities’ long-term plans; hearing July 12
Next week, the Kentucky Public Service Commission takes public comments in person on a long-term plan by the state's major utilities.
Published in News on Jul 5, 2022
Abortion in KY: Allowed for now, but AG keeps appealing to higher courts
Kentucky’s trigger law is not in effect at the moment, due to a number of court rulings – but AG Cameron is continuing his appeals of those rulings.
Published in News on Jul 5, 2022
The GOP: Freedom for me, but not for thee
The Radical Right is always bloviating about freedom, but the battle cry couldn’t be more meaningless. On this 4th of July, let’s see what they really mean when they use the word “freedom.”
Published in Commentary on Jul 4, 2022
Abortion: The story of suffering and death behind Ireland’s ban and subsequent legalization
Now that the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Roe v. Wade, the nation may find itself on a path similar to that trodden by the Irish people from 1983 to 2018.
Published in Analysis on Jul 4, 2022
A perfect sign juxtaposition
Sometimes putting two signs next to each other points to the actual truth. Berry Craig shows why these two signs belong together.
Published in Commentary on Jul 4, 2022
Kentuckians seem convinced that Covid is over, but they're wrong
Almost all in Kentucky appear to believe the pandemic is over and that “herd immunity” has snuffed the virus out. But, right now your chance of dying of Covid-19 with the Omicron variant is greater than it was with the Delta variant.
Published in Analysis on Jul 4, 2022
Red flag laws saved 7,300 Americans from gun deaths in 2020 alone – and could have saved 11,400 more
Do red flag laws make a difference? This scholar looked at the numbers, and found that red flag laws definitely make a difference.
Roeing against the KY tide w/ guest Tina Ward-Pugh
Kimberly, Doug and special guest host Nema discuss the Kentucky political fallout from this week's Roe decision by SCOTUS, and then welcome Tina Ward-Pugh, a candidate for Jefferson County Clerk.
Published in Media on Jul 3, 2022
Bianca Crockam interview and Dobbs v. Jackson fallout
An interview w/ Bianca Crockam, the Dem candidate for the 9th District: running for office as a Black woman who is a teacher, bringing the Democratic message to Hopkinsville. Also, the Supreme Court ruling which overturned Roe v. Wade, and the fallout that resulted in Kentucky.
Published in Media on Jul 1, 2022
Making the First Amendment a bird-cage bottom liner
Most people of faith believe that women should have sovereignty over their bodies, and that abortion is for a woman and her doctor to decide — not six reactionary Supreme Court justices joined by politicians who see opposing abortion as a sure-fire way to score points with their base.
Published in Commentary on Jun 30, 2022
Your miscarriage may now be a crime in Kentucky
Do you think KY’s trigger law doesn’t apply to you, because you wouldn’t get an abortion? Think again -- if you are PREGNANT, it could apply to you.
Published in Commentary on Jun 28, 2022
Booker at Repro Rights Rally in Pikeville
Senate candidate Charles Booker was in Pikeville yesterday, speaking at a Reproductive Rights Rally. Over 250 persons crowded into the courthouse to rally and to hear Booker speak.
Published in Press Release on Jun 27, 2022
The Puritans in black robes
Nobody would be more joyful over the Supreme Court’s reversal of Roe v. Wade than the Puritans of old, the religious bigots who dreamed of making America a conservative Christian theocracy in their image.
Published in Commentary on Jun 26, 2022
KDP chair Colmon Elridge on overturning Roe
Kentucky Democratic Party Chair Colmon Elridge released the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade:
Published in News, Press Release on Jun 24, 2022
KY Dem reactions to SCOTUS ruling
Statements by seemingly every elected official in Kentucky are pouring into the ForwardKY inbox. Here are a few from KY Dems in office.
Published in News on Jun 24, 2022
SCOTUS: Moving us closer to Gilead
The Supreme Court is moving us closer to Gilead – led by a woman who believes all women should be subservient to men.
Published in Commentary on Jun 24, 2022
Is the KY GOP governor's race OVER?
Doug looks at KY’s school safety efforts (are they really a model?). Then, an ACTUAL Colonel, Pam Stevenson, joins the show for a Q&A. And, Megan Brannon is in the Campaign Corner.
Published in Media on Jun 24, 2022
Pam Dossett interview; Trump endorses Daniel Cameron
Robert and Jazmin welcome Pam Dossett, candidate for KY House, to the show. And, they discuss Trump’s endorsement of Daniel Cameron, incl who is the most upset about it, and whether it’s going to matter.
Published in Media on Jun 24, 2022
What could happen if Republicans win?
What kind of government might we have if the Republicans win control of both Houses of Congress this Fall, and then win the Presidency in 2024?
Published in Commentary on Jun 24, 2022
Yay! Even MORE guns, and more death! Three cheers for SCOTUS!
Another right-wing dream come to pass, courtesy of our right-wing Supreme Court.
Published in Commentary on Jun 23, 2022
Quarles gets 52 new endorsements; Cameron gets one – Trump’s
The simmering GOP feud over who gets to run against Andy Beshear next year took another step toward “Boil” over the past few days.
Published in News on Jun 22, 2022
The coming War Between the States ... but not what you think
If SCOTUS throws out Roe, get ready for a new War Between the States – the individual states, that is.
Published in Commentary on Jun 22, 2022
The Daily Take for Wednesday
The Daily Take for 6/22/22: the gun bill, the January 6 hearings, and testing the flexible paywall.
Published in on Jun 22, 2022
Time to indict Donald Trump
There are more hearings, there are more witnesses, there are more facts to put forward. But after watching and absorbing all of this so far, I have only one reaction: It’s time to indict Donald Trump.
Published in Commentary on Jun 21, 2022
Time to “Walk and Chew Gum at the Same Time”
The committee investigating the Trump coup attempt is laying out how it happened. David Brooks says they should instead explore WHY it happened. Ken Wolf says, why not both?
Published in Commentary on Jun 20, 2022
A coup looking for a legal theory
Trump followed a 7-point plan to try to overturn the 2020 election – in other words, to carry out a coup. And the coup attempt is still happening, and still a threat.
Published in Commentary, Analysis on Jun 20, 2022
Democracy is on the line on November 8
If Repubs take the House and Senate this fall, authoritarianism will follow. If they take the White House in 2024, the American experiment will be finished.
Published in Commentary on Jun 17, 2022
The Daily Take for Friday
The Daily Take for Friday, 6/17/22. Bruce looks at the Cameron lawsuit, and shares some highlights of the 1/6 hearing on Thursday.
Published in on Jun 17, 2022
Will Mitch allow a gun safety deal? w/ guest Savvy Shabazz
Aaron & Kimberly discuss KY politics as seen through a progressive lens, including the news of a bipartisan gun safety deal, and just HOW BAD Rand Paul is on Jan. 6th issues. Then we're joined by kick-ass civil rights organizer, Savvy Shabazz.
Published in Media on Jun 16, 2022
The Union Show
An interview w/ TWO guests from KY’s labor movement. Plus, a report that Rocky Adkins may be running for Ag Secretary, and some policing stories.
Published in Media on Jun 16, 2022
How to step back from an “irrepressible conflict”
A speaker before the Civil War said the nation was moving toward an “irrepressible conflict.” It seems to be happening again – but Ken Wolf calls for a different approach.
Published in Commentary on Jun 16, 2022
The Daily Take for Thursday
The Daily Take for Thursday, 6/16/22 — The union movement; births and abortions; the GOP race for governor.
Published in on Jun 16, 2022
Our national pandemic of 'sick individualism'
What the coronavirus has revealed is the power of America’s cult of selfishness.
Published in Commentary on Jun 15, 2022
Law enforcement groups voice support for gun safety measures
National law enforcement groups are joining the chorus of Kentuckians calling on the U.S. Senate to pass meaningful gun-safety measures.
Published in News on Jun 15, 2022
Mass shootings: From anger to action?
If Peggy Noonan and Dana Milbank can agree that we must act, can our elected leaders as well?
Published in Commentary on Jun 15, 2022
The Daily Take for Wednesday
The Daily Take newsletter for 6/15/22. Bruce digs into the current inflation, including its causes and what Biden (and the Repubs) have done about it.
Published in on Jun 15, 2022
This ex-Republican just tweeted the best thread to explain the GOP
This is a Twitter thread that deftly explains the underlying philosophy of today’s Republican party.
Published in Commentary on Jun 14, 2022
The GOP doesn’t understand 1776
The GOP likes to reference 1776. The problem is, they’re on the wrong side.
Published in Commentary on Jun 14, 2022
The January 6th Hearings: Day One
A summary by Kimberly Scott of day one of the January 6th committee public hearings.
Published in News on Jun 10, 2022
A Charles Booker brand of politics
Paul Wesslund takes us on a journey through Charles Booker’s new book, and gives us insight into the man, the campaigns, and the change he wants to make in Kentucky politics.
Published in Feature on Jun 10, 2022
How a public hearing is different from an investigation – and what that means for the Jan. 6 committee
A scholar of Congressional oversight discusses what the January 6 committee is aiming for in their public hearings that being tonight.
Published in Analysis on Jun 9, 2022
Do schools need their own police departments?
The Colonels bring you a quick Kentucky news rundown, then welcome a new installment of Doug Price is Right – tackling the issue of school district police departments, which are popping up in some Kentucky counties.
Published in Media on Jun 9, 2022
Lindsey Burke interview and large JCPS update
An interview w/ Lindsey Burke, Dem candidate in the 75th District (Lexington). And, a big JCPS update, incl info about the new student assignment plan, the new contract with teachers, and a lawsuit in Jefferson Circuit Court.
Published in Media on Jun 9, 2022
The Daily Take for Thursday
Bruce’s Daily Take for Thursday, 2022-06-09. Discussion of the Jan 6 hearings, and a question about F-bombs.
Published in on Jun 9, 2022
If buying a gun were like getting an abortion
Steve Greenberg makes the comparison, and nails it.
Published in Cartoon on Jun 8, 2022
“Republicans insist 18-year-olds must be able to buy killing machines.” WTAF?
Sometimes a headline perfectly captures a moment – including a jaw-dropping moment that reflects the insanity of the right’s love affair with guns.
Published in Commentary on Jun 8, 2022
Three laws PROVEN to lower gun violence – and five disproven myths
We don’t need to throw up our hands and say “nothing will stop our pandemic of gun violence.” There are three data-driven laws we can pass that are proven to lower the amount of gun violence in our society.
Published in Analysis on Jun 8, 2022
“March for Our Lives” this Saturday across Kentucky
“March for Our Lives” marches are schedule for this Saturday in Kentucky and around the nation. Here’s a list, with links to sign up.
Published in Action on Jun 8, 2022
Kentuckians under “crippling” financial stress from student loan debt
Kentuckians collectively owe more than $20 million in student loan debt, and a new informal survey sheds light on how hefty student-loan payments affect the lives of borrowers in the Commonwealth.
Published in Analysis on Jun 7, 2022
Maddox jumps in, and KDP responds
As expected, state Rep. Savannah Maddox announced she is running for Kentucky governor in 2023, saying she is the “authentic conservative” in the race.
Published in News on Jun 7, 2022
The most important article you will read today – “What would an American Fascist Government look like?”
We have an authoritarian movement growing across our country, and if it is not called out and stopped, the United States may still exist, but “America” will be gone.
Published in Commentary, Analysis on Jun 7, 2022
Nelson County Dems celebrate their candidates – then dash after dessert
Our publisher, Bruce Maples, attended a “meet the candidates” night put on by the Nelson County Democratic Women’s Club. Here’s his report on the evening – including the desserts!
Published in Feature on Jun 5, 2022
Gun violence in America is the definition of insanity
The abortion of an embryo or fetus gets more attention from pro-gun legislators than children being gunned down in a classroom at 10 years old.
Published in Commentary on Jun 3, 2022
Robert Kahne looks at the GOP governor field
Three well-known GOP electeds are running for governor in 2023. In this post, Robert goes in-depth on each of them.
Published in on Jun 3, 2022
Significant changes at Forward Kentucky
There have been some important changes at ForwardKY. Read here to learn more, and how they affect both our members and our readers.
Published in Meta on Jun 3, 2022
Legislative leaders looking ahead to plans for 2023
House Speaker David Osborne, R-Prospect, described some of the work that is already underway.
Published in News on Jun 3, 2022
Thursday News & Notes
Snippets and excerpts about politics and government from across the state
Published in News on Jun 2, 2022
Separation of church and state protects the Church
Why keep church and state separate? Not only because religion can try to take over the state – but also because the state will corrupt the church.
Published in Commentary on Jun 2, 2022
Willie’s back on Colonels of Truth
We kick off Pride Month with KY Teacher of the Year and LGBTQ advocate Willie Carver. Also, a check-in with gun violence survivor and Moms Demand Action member Deana Mullins, on what Moms are working on in the wake of Uvalde.
Published in Media on Jun 2, 2022
Chad Aull interview + Savannah Maddox and Friends
This week, Chad Aull visited Robert and Jazmin to talk about his run for Kentucky House in the 79th District in Lexington. Also, Robert talked about Savannah Maddox, who will begin a gubernatorial campaign any day now.
Published in Media on Jun 2, 2022
Rand Paul gets more gun money than anyone else in Congress
It can be enlightening to see which Congress-person gets paid by which lobby, and how that affects their actions. Here’s some info in that regard on Rand Paul.
Published in Analysis on Jun 1, 2022
Booker releases powerful new ad, that begins with a noose
The Booker campaign is out with a new ad, and it is both painful and powerful. Watch, and then share.
Published in Media on Jun 1, 2022
Wombsday
The draft has been leaked. The implications are plain. Today, we await Wombsday.
Published in Analysis, Commentary on May 31, 2022
“Thoughts and prayers” – to Moloch
We have now become a society that worships a new Moloch: the gun. And part of that worship is sacrificing our children to it – just as in the Old Testament.
Published in Commentary on May 30, 2022
Memorial Day: Remembering soldiers who gave all, came home in flag-draped coffins
Memorial Day is about more than barbecues and an extra day off. Berry Craig reminds us of the real meaning of the day.
Published in Commentary on May 30, 2022
Repubs believe you can legislate away evil – but only the evil they care about
Repubs: If we think it’s bad, we’ve got a bill for it. Gun massacres? All we’ve got is thoughts and prayers.”
Published in Commentary on May 30, 2022
Are guns now our American legacy?
Is this the legacy our country should be leaving for our future?
Published in Commentary on May 29, 2022
Anger – Danger – Anger
Once again we’re hearing the same, tired old reasons we can’t, or shouldn’t, do anything about gun violence. I have no choice but to write about this.
Published in Commentary on May 28, 2022
Statements on shootings by KY120 United AFT and by AFT president
Statements from both the Kentucky AFT chapter and the AFT national president
Published in News, Press Release on May 25, 2022
Our culture of violence leads to mass shootings
It is time to face the stubborn facts that show we live in a culture of violence largely created by the far-right wing, and supported by Republican Party leaders.
Published in Commentary on May 25, 2022
Open government and the Louisville mayoral candidates
As we look at the candidates for Louisville mayor, we need to find out: Where do they stand on open government? One has a questionable record, and one has no record at all.
Published in Commentary on May 24, 2022
2022 primary result reactions
Jazmin and Robert react to primary elections across the state including several incumbent legislators losing their seats on both sides of the aisle, major victories for candidates favored in races for mayor in Kentucky's largest cities, and a few other important races.
Published in Media on May 20, 2022
Election results & uterine insults
Aaron, Kimberly & special guest Nema break down the primary with some surprising and flat-out shocking results. They also discuss the response to the leaked SCOTUS Roe draft opinion, and other very real threats to reproductive justice in Kentucky.
Published in Media on May 19, 2022
Al Cross: As primary voters move GOP farther right, will others follow?
Al Cross notes: What works in Republican primaries will not necessarily work in general elections.
Published in Commentary on May 19, 2022
Thursday News & Notes
Headlines from across the political landscape, including one just now breaking via Twitter.
Published in News on May 19, 2022
Post-pandemic, KY returns to world-high incarceration rate
After a drop due to the COVID pandemic, new research [https://kypolicy.org/2022-kentucky-general-assembly-passed-more-bills-increasing-incarceration-and-failed-to-make-needed-justice-changes/] found Kentucky is once again crowding more people into jails and prisons. The Bluegrass State has one of the highest incarceration rates in the world, and some experts believe it is a direct result of state
Published in on May 19, 2022
KDP: Beshear makes landmark announcement, continues to lead historic economic boom
Governor Andy Beshear announced another landmark achievement on Thursday: the lowest ever unemployment rate in the history of the Commonwealth.
Published in Press Release on May 19, 2022
Legislature funds health insurance for Kentuckians who make too much to qualify for Medicaid but too little to buy private coverage
Kentucky is taking advantage of a little-used provision of the ACA to create a health-insurance plan for Kentuckians who make too much to qualify for free Medicaid coverage but not enough to pay for private insurance.
Published in News on May 19, 2022
If Roe goes, birth control is likely next
Think the possible overturn of Roe is the end? Think again – it’s just the beginning.
Published in Commentary on May 19, 2022
Single-Payer Meeting, News
Various action possibilities from the Kentuckians for Single Payer Health Care group. If single payer is an issue you care about, check out these ways to get involved.
Published in Action on May 18, 2022
There’s a feedback loop in rural America – and Democrats didn’t cause it
Are Dems guilty of abandoning rural America? Or is something else going on? A researcher shares some possible answers.
Published in Commentary, Analysis on May 18, 2022
Paul and the rest of the GOP field: 'too dangerous, too craven, and too extreme'
Berry Craig took President Biden’s statement on the PA primary and modified it just a wee bit to fit Kentucky.
Published in Commentary on May 18, 2022
2022 Primary: Winners, losers, drama, and all results
A wrap-up of Kentucky primaries, with tables show all race results.
Update on the Witch Hunt
Schadenfreude is terribly sweet, especially when it comes to the GOP, but I didn’t think we’d be able to savor it so soon.
Published in Commentary on May 16, 2022
‘Transgender law’ is bad for Kentucky youth
The act is really a pandering to a very small segment of a conservative electorate that is obsessed with sexuality.
Published in Commentary on May 16, 2022
Medical MJ, Delta-8, and what happened in Frankfort
The House passed a bill legalizing medial MJ, but it was never heard in the Senate. The Senate passed a bill outlawing Delta-8, but it was never heard in the House. As a result, we all lose.
Published in Analysis, Commentary on May 14, 2022
Mapped: The State of Global Democracy in 2022
How healthy is our democracy? How healthy are the WORLD’s democracies? Here are maps showing the state of global democracy. And the U.S. is not the healthiest.
Published in Analysis on May 14, 2022
Friday News & Notes
Yay, it’s Friday! But the news never stop, even for the weekend. Here’s the latest News & Notes from across the political landscape.
Published in News on May 13, 2022
If elected governor, Daniel Cameron will do even more damage to open government
Daniel Cameron is already the worst AG when it comes to open government. How bad will he be if elected governor?
Published in Commentary on May 13, 2022
KDP files ethics complaint against Cameron
The Ethics Commission has ruled multiple times that an AG can’t use his office to target a political opponent. The KDP alleges that Daniel Cameron has done exactly that.
Published in News, Press Release on May 13, 2022
VOTING STARTS TODAY – What you need to know
It’s that time! Time to get yourself to the polls and vote for your candidates. Here’s the info YOU need to get it done!
Published in Feature on May 12, 2022
How witch hunts always end
The factor that made the Salem witch trials end is at work again in Florida. Ivonne Rovira explains.
Published in Commentary on May 12, 2022
Primarily focused on primaries w/ the Colonels of Truth
The latest episode features updates on the primaries, a story about crypto-mining, and a forum of Lexington City Council candidates.
Published in Media on May 12, 2022
Interview with Emily Bingham, a primary preview, and Louisville’s budget
Author and historian Emily Bingham talks about her new book on the song “My Old Kentucky Home.” Plus, coverage of primary races, and a look at Louisville’s budget.
Published in Media on May 12, 2022
This year’s KYGA justice bills
Do you know about the justice bills passed this year in Frankfort? Jazmin Smith does, and we've got her on MKF to tell us all about them. Join us!
Published in Media on May 12, 2022
If personhood begins at conception, what about all those frozen humans?
According to Kentucky’s trigger law, human life begins at conception. If that is so, what do we do about all the frozen humans in Kentucky?
Published in Commentary, Analysis on May 11, 2022
Cameron files for gov; KDP responds
In a move that surprised absolutely no one, Attorney General Daniel Cameron has filed a “statement of spending intent” with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance to run for governor in 2023.
Published in News on May 11, 2022
Two new features on the site
We’ve just added two new features to our site, and we hope you’ll take advantage of them.
Published in Meta on May 11, 2022
Three actions to take now
Here are two actions you can take today that will only cost you a few minutes of your time, and a rally on Saturday that you can attend in person or online. Read and do!
Published in Action on May 11, 2022
This is what Republicans want for your daughter.
A look into the future, as envisioned by Republicans.
Published in Commentary, Media on May 10, 2022
Tuesday News & Notes
Some snippets and excerpts from across the political landscape, datelined May 10, 2222.
Published in News on May 10, 2022
At the Ark Encounter, the image of a ‘wrathful God’ appeals to millions
Two scholars examine the Ark Encounter and the God it represents.
Published in Feature on May 10, 2022
Cheers and Jeers: Tuesday
We’ve cross-posted the latest “Cheers and Jeers” from Bill in Portland Maine, including the (satirical) schedule of Justice Alito.
Published in Commentary on May 10, 2022
Tell Congress to require two-person freight train crews
Imagine an 18,000 ton train doing 50 MPH through your town – with no humans on board to control it. What could go wrong?
Published in Action on May 10, 2022
AARP shares KY voter resources ahead of May 17 primary
Ahead of Kentucky's May 17 primary election, voters need to learn about voting changes, deadlines, how to find their polling place, and the different options for casting their ballot.
Published in News on May 9, 2022
Post-Roe, rural women would face more obstacles; retired health director says the issue is about men, women, sex, and control
Rural women will be even more affected by Kentucky’s post-Roe trigger laws. A retired health director explains.
Published in Analysis on May 9, 2022
Child tax credit was the hand up many needed
Joe Manchin said people who got the child tax credit would use it to buy drugs. He was wrong. Here’s the facts.
Published in Commentary on May 9, 2022
A second report on the BlueGrassRoots conference
Editorial writer Mark Heinz gives his take on the rural conference and on Thomas Frank’s talk.
Published in Commentary on May 9, 2022
Democrats DON’T think rural folks are ignorant. So who does?
Do Democrats actually believe rural people are too ignorant to vote for their best interests? Berry Craig digs into that theory.
Published in Commentary on May 9, 2022
Kentucky Democrats look to revitalize party
A coalition of KY Democrats held a conference at Rough River Dam State Resort Park to discuss ways of rebuilding and revitalizing their party in rural areas of the state.
Published in News on May 9, 2022
Bruce’s list of primaries to watch on May 17
Are you ready for the big race? Not the Derby, silly — the primary election ten days after that! Here are my picks for some primary races to watch.
Published in Analysis on May 6, 2022
Elon Musk, you’re wrong – Repubs have moved much more to the right than Dems to the left
Elon Musk has said that Dems have moved left more than Repubs have moved right. He’s wrong – and here’s the actual data.
Published in Fact Check on May 4, 2022
New union rallies at Murray State
About 30 people rallied with the new United Campus Workers of Kentucky union at Murray State University Monday afternoon.
Published in News on May 4, 2022
Wednesday News & Notes
KY political news snippets from across the state
Published in News on May 4, 2022
“It’s the economy, stupid.”
In the midst of all the Democratic gloom-and-doom, could there be a glimmer of hope on the horizon?
Published in Commentary on May 4, 2022
Advice for Progressive Menfolk
Eight pieces of advice for progressive men on how to react, and not to react, to the leaked SCOTUS draft on abortion.
Published in Commentary on May 4, 2022
Forward Kentucky releases legislator scorecard
The news and commentary site Forward Kentucky has released its annual Legislator Scorecard, scoring each legislator on 51 bills that the site took a position on.
Published in Press Release on May 4, 2022
Mitch on the leaked SCOTUS doc
Senator Mitch McConnell had this response to the leak of the Supreme Court draft decision. Nick Anderson responds to Mitch’s response.
Published in Cartoon on May 3, 2022
Beshear most popular Dem governor, 12th overall
In a poll taken by Morning Consult, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is the most popular Democratic governor in the United States, with an approval rating of 59%. He is also the 12th governor in the list overall, just barely behind Mike DeWine of Ohio at 60%.
Published in News on May 3, 2022
Leaked SCOTUS doc on abortion: Reactions and updates
After Politico published the leaked draft of the Supreme Court decision on Roe v Wade, there were reactions all across the political world. In addition, there have been some new developments today, which we will list first.
Published in News on May 3, 2022
Quarles declares for gov; KDP responds
Ag Commissioner Ryan Quarles finally made it official: he is running for governor in 2023. And the KDP had something to say about it.
Published in News on May 3, 2022
Leaked draft of Supreme Court opinion shows justices have voted to overturn Roe v. Wade
A shocking leak of a draft opinion by Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito Monday night shows that, as widely expected, the court will overturn Roe v. Wade.
Published in News on May 3, 2022
Living the dream ... or living IN a dream
Both Democrats and Republicans are living in a dream world of their own making. It is time to wake up, before it is too late.
Published in Commentary on May 2, 2022
Beshear and the Dems are making a difference for rural Kyians
“Gov. Beshear and our party are doing even more for rural Kentucky than President Biden and the Dems in Washington are doing for rural America – and that’s a lot,” said Kenny Fogle, the deputy political director of the KDP.
Published in Feature on May 2, 2022
Talking accountability w/ guest-host Jeni – and a check-in w/ Bruce Maples
Aaron, Kimberly, and first-time guest-host Jeni (KY 120 United) cover our embarrassing Senators & how we can create some legislative accountability with guest, Bruce Maples, publisher of Forward Kentucky.
Published in Media on Apr 29, 2022
Rep. Pamela Stevenson interview, checking in w/ Bruce Maples, KREF update, and more
An interview w/ Col. Pam Stevenson, the state rep for H-43, about serving in the lege. Also, Bruce Maples on new stuff at ForwardKY, the recent KREF report, and more.
Published in Media on Apr 29, 2022
“Houston, we have a problem”
Just like the Apollo 13 mission, where Jim Lovell famously said “Houston, we have a problem,” the Democratic Party has finally realized they need to fix their standing with the working and middle classes.
Published in Commentary on Apr 28, 2022
Dear Repubs – Here’s the perfect book to go along with SB 1
Dear Repubs – We’ve got the PERFECT book to go along with your “how to teach history” guidance in SB 1. Take a look; you may want to order some reprints!
Published in Commentary on Apr 28, 2022
New poll reveals GOP voters are actually pretty cool with racist, homophobic, antisemitic candidates
Ever wonder why there are so many racist, homophobic, antisemitic, and transphobic GOP candidates?
Published in Commentary on Apr 28, 2022
Tuesday News & Notes
Political news from across the Commonwealth and beyond
Published in News on Apr 26, 2022
Madison County library director speaks on SB 167 and book banning
“Public libraries seek to represent everyone, are agenda free, and should remain apolitical.”
Published in Feature on Apr 26, 2022
Beshear to see if he can take executive action on medical marijuana in Kentucky
Saying he was frustrated with the General Assembly’s inaction on medical marijuana, Gov. Andy Beshear outlined a four-step strategy his administration will implement to determine what steps it can take on the subject.
Published in on Apr 26, 2022
The dystopian future is now
Welcome to 2022 Kentucky, where our Repub lege has made it so that abortions are illegal, guns are in the hands of anyone who wants one, publicly funded private schools will be allowed to suck the life out of rural public schools, and public school teachers are a dying breed.
Published in Feature on Apr 23, 2022
Democrats – Talk like this. Message like this.
A Michigan state senator gave a firm and clear floor speech that has gone viral. We Democrats need to learn to be this firm and clear in our own messaging. Watch and learn.
Published in Media on Apr 21, 2022
Federal court temporarily blocks implementation of new abortion law
Today, a federal judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the implementation of Kentucky’s newest anti-abortion law.
Published in News on Apr 21, 2022
Members wanted for KDP's Labor Council
The Kentucky Democratic Party and Bluegrass State unions are traveling the same rocky road, according to Kenny Fogle, KDP deputy political director. “We’ve got a long way to go,” he added. “But the only way we’re going to get there is to do it together.”
Published in News on Apr 21, 2022
General Assembly writes the script for the upcoming governor’s race
The end of this year’s KYGA session marks the start of next year’s race for governor. Beshear still has no strong Repub opponent, but he will, and the lege helped write the campaign plan for whomever that will be.
Published in Commentary on Apr 21, 2022
Thursday News & Notes
UK union marches across campus; Cameron petitions judge on abortion bill; the war on Louisville; DNC bans anti-union consultants; Starbucks wages
Published in News on Apr 21, 2022
Coalition calls on Gov. Beshear to honor Second Chance Month by vetoing SB 163
Several organizations and individuals with direct experience with the criminal legal system called on Governor Andy Beshear to veto Senate Bill (SB) 163, which limits educational opportunities for incarcerated individuals.
Published in News, Press Release on Apr 21, 2022
Beshear vetoes bill over parking spaces
We now have the first Beshear veto of the post-session period. And what is it about? Parking spaces.
Published in News on Apr 21, 2022
Beshear signs 14 more bills recently passed by KYGA
On Wednesday, Gov. Andy Beshear signed into law 14 pieces of legislation recently passed by the General Assembly. Here’s the list.
Published in on Apr 21, 2022
Laugh or cry, either way it’s Sine Die w/ Sen. Reggie Thomas
How the KY General Assembly is jeopardizing utility ratepayers; an effort to RANK the worst of the KYGA, and then long-time friend of the show, State Senator Reggie Thomas for his breakdown of the GA.
Published in Media on Apr 21, 2022
Robert LeVertis Bell interview + legislature Sine Die
An interview with Bell, a Democratic Socialist running in House 43. And, with the lege finally done, Robert and Jazmin spoke about the inevitable barrage of lawsuits challenging the constitutionality of the new laws.
Published in Media on Apr 21, 2022
Mitch McConnell’s mockery and hypocrisy
“If there were a ‘Hall of Fame for Hypocrisy,’ Mitch McConnell would be a first-ballot inductee.”
Published in Commentary on Apr 20, 2022
Nine good bills that came out of this year’s KYGA session
Yesterday I laid out 14 really bad bills passed by the General Assembly in this year’s session. In that article, I promised to also point out some good bills that passed this year. Here is that list.
Published in Commentary on Apr 19, 2022
Pam Stevenson, a “force of nature” in the KY House
Col. Pam Stevenson, running for her second term in the state House, talked about why she ran the first time, what she has learned, and why she is running again. Her passion for democracy and her commitment to serving all people are truly inspiring.
Published in Media on Apr 19, 2022
Saying the quiet part out loud — Sedition Edition
Sometimes they inadvertently give away the lie by saying the quiet part out loud.
Published in Commentary on Apr 19, 2022
The 14 worst bills to come out of this year’s KYGA session
In this year’s General Assembly, there were some good bills and some bad ones. And yet, there were some that stood out as being not only bad, but terrible, destructive, short-sighted, or downright mean. Here are the 14 bills that earn the dubious honor of Worst Bills of the 2022 Session.
Published in Commentary on Apr 18, 2022
Report: 67% of KY streams, rivers impaired 50 years After Clean Water Act
If you look at three streams in Kentucky, two of them will be unusable for any purpose, including fishing or swimming.
Published in News on Apr 18, 2022
Growing inequality is “ripping the country apart” – but the Patriotic Millionaires have a solution
A group of multi-millionaires has written a book, and are you ready for the title? “TAX THE RICH!” Yep, and we’ve got the interview to prove it.
Published in Media on Apr 18, 2022
Judge temporarily blocks new laws weakening governor's power
Two of the many bills passed by the legislature to limit the governor’s powers were halted by a ruling issued by Franklin Circuit Judge Wingate.
Published in News on Apr 18, 2022
FLASH SALE!
It’s a Flash Sale! Two weeks long, one-third off ... get it now before it’s gone!
Published in Meta on Apr 17, 2022
Repubs attack Taylor jurors, but let buddy off the hook
Sometimes, the actions of politicians are so partisan and so MEAN that you just shake your head. We interview attorney Anna Whites about just such a situation.
Published in Media on Apr 14, 2022
News & notes for 4/14
Various stories, snippets, and excerpts for Thursday, 4/14/22.
Published in News on Apr 14, 2022
Lege overrides ALL Beshear’s vetoes – except three
As expected, the lege overrode all of Beshear’s vetoes – except for three. We’ve got the list of overrides, and the three that stood.
Published in News on Apr 14, 2022
Another boot to the Commonwealth w/guest Angela Evans
Aaron, Kimberly and Doug anoint a new worst politico of the moment; we've got Jason Bailey from the KY Center for Economic Policy in the Campaign Corner; and then we close with an interview with Fayette County Attorney candidate, Angela Evans.
Published in Media on Apr 14, 2022
All the session’s vetoes
Robert flies solo today and explains all of the Governor's vetoes since last Wednesday. There were a lot! Plus, a quick hit about a big battery project in Warren County.
Published in Media on Apr 14, 2022
Senate candidate Charles Booker condemns passage of HB 3
Former state representative Charles Booker, running for U.S. Senate, today condemned the passage of HB 3, which completely outlaws abortion in Kentucky.
Published in Press Release on Apr 13, 2022
KYGA overrides HB 3 veto; Planned Parenthood and ACLU to sue
As soon as the governor’s veto of HB 3, the anti-abortion bill, was overridden by the legislature, Planned Parenthood announced they are suing.
Published in Press Release, News on Apr 13, 2022
Fix SB 1: Don’t Make Teaching A Crime
SB 1 has a number of issues – but did you know that a teacher that unknowingly violates it could be charged with a crime? The Prichard Committee tells why.
Published in Commentary on Apr 13, 2022
Report finds ‘alarming spike’ in book bans at U.S. schools
Over 1,500 book bans across schools in 26 states, a rapid expansion of the practice in U.S. schools.
Published in News on Apr 12, 2022
Impeachment plaintiffs suing Ky House over unfair costs
Impeachments cost money. But the KY House forgave the costs for the Repub, while still charging the other plaintiffs. Now they are suing.
Published in News on Apr 12, 2022
Judge Lape denies Sec. of State Adams’ petition to dismiss Dusing ballot lawsuit; order will be appealed
Adams wanted the court to dismiss a lawsuit against a candidate. The judge said no, the case can move forward.
Published in News on Apr 12, 2022
Veto Series 7: No guns in court, no expensive pension consultants
More vetoes: no concealed weapons in courts, and no expensive consultants for the pension systems.
Published in News on Apr 11, 2022
An interview with Tom Fitzgerald
There are iconic people in public service, and one such person is Tom Fitzgerald, the long-time leader of the Kentucky Resources Council. In this interview, we asked how KRC came to be, what were the best and worst bills he saw in his time ... and about the shoes!
Published in Media on Apr 11, 2022
Did you know this about trans athletes in Kentucky?
Lots of talk these days by Repubs about “protecting our female student athletes.” It’s a useful talking point for them – but it ignores the facts. Take a look.
Published in Commentary on Apr 11, 2022
April 9, 1865
Heather Cox Richardson draws a universal truth out of what happened on this day.
Published in Feature on Apr 10, 2022
Veto before you Go Go w/Amy McGrath
Aaron and Nate point out a couple of bills sitting on the Governor’s desk that we’re hoping to see him use his veto pen on; then, we’re very excited to share Aaron's interview with Amy McGrath.
Published in Media on Apr 9, 2022
Sarah Stalker interview, vetoes, public defenders win at SCOKY, and a session wrap-up
This week, Sarah Stalker joined us to talk about her run for the Democratic nomination in the 34th House District in East Central Louisville. She told us why she was running, about her experience with the foster care system, and how she hopes to advocate for her priorities in Frankfort.
Published in Media on Apr 9, 2022
In a ‘best of us’ moment, Tom Cotton shows the worst of us
On the anniversary of MKL’s assassination, and even at Justice Brown was being confirmed, Tom Cotton decided to instead take the slime road.
Published in Commentary on Apr 9, 2022
Veto Series 6: HB 3, the anti-abortion bill
HB 3, this session’s anti-abortion bill, was vetoed by the governor on Friday. Governor Beshear’s veto message goes to the heart of the issue right up front:
Published in News on Apr 9, 2022
The Veto Series – an index
A series of article listing all of Governor Beshear’s vetoes, with explanation and some of the veto language.
Published in News on Apr 8, 2022
Veto Series 4: HB 7, the attack on the safety net
Even though this bill was improved by incorporating feedback from some advocates, it is still a bad bill that harms thousands of Kentuckians, all in the name of “reducing fraud.” As more than one person has said, why harm everyone in the system for the acts of a few?
Published in News on Apr 8, 2022
Veto Series 3: HB 8, the “let’s blow a hole in the budget” bill
As expected, the governor vetoed the “let’s be like Kansas” bill. Not expected was the tack of tossing the new taxes back into the face of the legislators.
Published in News on Apr 8, 2022
Veto Series 2: HB 9, the charter school funding bill
Governor Beshear has vetoed HB 9, the charter school funding bill. However, due to the closeness of the original vote on this bill, this veto actually has a chance of standing.
Published in News on Apr 8, 2022
Veto Series 1: Here are all the vetoes so far
Can’t keep up with the vetoes coming out of the governor’s office? We’ve got you covered with list of the ones over the past week or so, along with why he vetoed them.
Published in News on Apr 7, 2022
A sailor finally comes home
Hal Jake Allison left Paducah for the Navy in 1939. He’s coming home Friday for burial in the city’s Maplelawn Park Cemetery.
Published in Feature on Apr 7, 2022
Wondering why I use “lege” and “leges”? Here’s the reason.
You may wonder why I use the words “lege” and “leges” in my writing. I’ll tell you.
Published in Meta on Apr 7, 2022
Why I stopped shopping at Starbucks
I am a BIG coffee drinker. And a long-time patron of Starbucks stores. But no more. Here’s why.
Published in Commentary on Apr 6, 2022
Massie votes _against_ supporting NATO
It’s a simple resolution stating the U.S.’s support of NATO. And yet, Thomas Massie votes against it. Whose side are you on, Mr. Massie?
Published in Commentary on Apr 6, 2022
Here’s how to keep that gender discussion out of your school
Are you a teacher that is worried about getting into trouble with the gender police? Here’s letter template you can send to your students’ parents about it. Problem solved!
Published in Commentary on Apr 5, 2022
Democrats can’t be sissies
Being a Democrat in Kentucky takes courage; it requires us to live our values; and it means calling out the crazy from some on the right. You can’t be a sissie and be a Dem in Kentucky.
Published in Commentary on Apr 5, 2022
What’s wrong with this picture?
Once again, the legislature has done redistricting in a way that does not pass the smell test. Why do they keep doing this?
Published in Commentary on Apr 5, 2022
Some bills that are still (barely) alive, and others that are dead
As we head into the veto period, there are some bills that are dead for this session, and some that at still hanging on. Here’s a list so you can follow along on April 13-14.
Published in News on Apr 5, 2022
Clouds and Silver Linings
We have had much ill wind and cloudy days recently, in both our weather and in our politics. Can we see some silver linings in our political clouds?
Published in Commentary on Apr 4, 2022
A Republican lexicon
Many people are confused by the Right’s vocabulary. They use the same words we do, but in ways that make no sense. How can that be? Because, like Humpty Dumpty in Alice in Wonderland, words mean whatever they want them to.
Published in Commentary on Apr 4, 2022
The ethnic entrepreneurs of today’s GOP
“Ethnic entrepreneur” might sound like a successful minority businessperson. But It’s not; it means “instigators of racial conflict.” And some of the GOP are taking up the practice.
Published in Commentary on Apr 3, 2022
Kentucky legislature does a lot of big things without a lot of scrutiny
Transparency – down. Secrecy – up. Reporters to ask questions and bring things to light – few. That’s how our legislature is working now.
Published in Commentary on Apr 3, 2022
History by legislative decree
Students in my classroom recognize that Social Studies is more about knowing the questions than knowing the answers. Yet some legislators think they have all the answers and want to impose them by legislative decree.
Published in Commentary on Apr 3, 2022
Gov. Beshear takes action on nine pieces of legislation
A press release outlining the six bills Governor Beshear signed into law and the three bills he vetoed.
Published in on Apr 3, 2022
What money can’t buy
We’re applying market values and principles to spheres of our lives where they don’t belong. Ken Wolf points out what happens when we put money first.
Published in Commentary on Mar 31, 2022
McGarvey posts first TV ad
State Sen. Morgan McGarvey, running to take John Yarmuth’s place in Congress, has released his first television & social media ad. You can see it here.
Published in Media on Mar 30, 2022
Budget agreement falls short of meeting Kentucky's present and future needs
An overview analysis of the budget by the KY Center for Economic Policy
Published in Analysis on Mar 30, 2022
Dystopian Tuesday
As we came to the end of the legislative session, we hoped that the really bad bills would die before being heard. Those hopes were dashed on Tuesday.
Published in Commentary on Mar 30, 2022
New version of HB 8 will have deeply harmful impact
HB 8, the “let’s cut income taxes” bill, will leave a massive hole in future budgets long after the current temporary surplus is gone. Then what? Budget cuts!
Published in Analysis on Mar 29, 2022
Given my experience of charter schools in Texas, they are not the answer for Kentucky
Charter schools are still a theory in Kentucky, but they are a reality in Texas. A superintendent who moved here from Texas tells what charters are REALLY like.
Published in Commentary, Analysis on Mar 29, 2022
The GOP's social Darwinist juggernaut keeps rolling with HB 4
The GOP in Frankfort: “If we cut benefits, and make it harder to get them, it will make those lazy people get back to work -- even at the low wages we pay.”
Published in on Mar 29, 2022
Anti-Confederate billboard urges removal of racist monument from the Owensboro-Daviess County courthouse lawn
The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has raised a billboard in support of the removal of the Confederate memorial in Owensboro.
Published in Press Release, News on Mar 29, 2022
Bill allows officials to avoid in-person meetings even after COVID is gone
It says it is an “act relating to open meetings” – but it’s actually more about avoiding open meetings.
Published in Commentary on Mar 29, 2022
Mary Lou Marzian, gerrymandered by Repubs, withdraws from running
A 28-year incumbent in the Kentucky House, who was targeted by the Republican redistricting committee, has withdrawn her candidacy for the 2022 election.
Published in News, Press Release on Mar 29, 2022
KY120 United-AFT files ethics complaint against Rep. Kim Banta
The group accuses Rep Banta of benefiting financially from a vote on the charter school bill.
Published in Press Release, News on Mar 28, 2022
KY Youth Advocates speaks out on “wrong-headed” SB 318
We call upon lawmakers to work with key stakeholders on meaningful efforts to prevent youth violence – and to reject HB 318 for its blatant political pandering rather than solution seeking.
Published in Commentary on Mar 28, 2022
More charter bill badness; time to make those calls!
Using last-minute tactics and vote swapping, the Repubs in Frankfort are about to fund charter schools. Here’s why that is bad, and why you should call your leges!
Published in Action, Commentary on Mar 24, 2022
Want to make a bad bill worse? Stuff another bad bill into it!
“Hey, I know! Let’s take Wise’s anti-CRT bill and stuff it into the anti-SBDM bill! A bad bill two-fer!”
Published in Commentary on Mar 24, 2022
Jenkins: HB 9 is a Republican donor pleaser
“The GOP majority had to change the House rules to ram through a charter school bill and appease their special interest donors from outside the Commonwealth.”
Published in Commentary on Mar 24, 2022
Rep. Berg blasts anti-abortion bill; video goes viral
Dr. Karen Berg delivers the truth about an anti-abortion bill in the legislature to the men on the committee. Powerful words that went viral.
‘Worst Politico of the Moment’ – plus guest Virginia Woodward, LDP Chair
On this week’s show: the “Worst Politico of the Moment.” Then, an interview with Virginia Woodward, chair of the Louisville Democratic Party.
Published in Media on Mar 20, 2022
Rep. Tina Bojanowski on HB9 & more
This week, Rep. Tina Bojanowski joined us to talk about HB 9, the bill which would fund charter schools. It's a bill with *a lot* of problems, and she laid them bare in this extensive conversation.
Published in Media on Mar 20, 2022
Kentucky senator wants to spend $50 million to welcome Ukrainian refugees
Through Senate Bill 1995, state Sen. Chris McDaniel wants that funding to go to the Kentucky Office of Refugees. The agency would then use that money to provide $10,000 grants to families leaving war-torn areas.
Published in News on Mar 19, 2022
Community Health Worker bill gains traction
Kentucky lawmakers are considering a bill (HB 525) to allow Medicaid to reimburse certified Community Health Workers (CHWs). Supporters said it would help reverse the trend of health care workers leaving the profession in the stress of the pandemic.
Published in News on Mar 19, 2022
Here’s the latest major stories out of the General Assembly
It’s Friday afternoon, and the leges have cleared out of Frankfort after their last convening of the week. But, the impact of their bills, good or bad, will be around for a while. Here’s a rundown of some of the more impactful bills of the week.
Published in News on Mar 18, 2022
House gives approval to sports and fantasy wagering, banning ‘gray machines’
Two bills dealing with gambling in Kentucky were passed by the House on Friday, one that would legalize sports and fantasy wagering, and another that would ban so-called “gray machines” in stores.
Published in News on Mar 18, 2022
Sending missionaries to MAGAs
Brian Clardy, devout Democrat, proposes that the Kentucky Democratic party dispatch missionaries to the land of the white folks in the red MAGA hats.
Published in Commentary on Mar 18, 2022
Will we “shift and shaft”—just like Kansas did?
We are about to see a financial disaster in Kentucky. Why can’t our Repub legislators learn from the failed “Kansas Tax Experiment”?
Published in Analysis, Commentary on Mar 18, 2022
Kenton County Dems call out Sen. McDaniel
When the Repubs voted to end the COVID emergency, they eliminated $50 million in food stamps. And yet, some of them have no problem taking benefits for themselves.
Published in Press Release on Mar 17, 2022
This legislative session threatens to lower the quality of life in the Commonwealth
If the lege pairs attacks on our safety net with bills that shovel money to rich corporate interests, it will lower our quality of life. Far from being “business friendly,” these bills would make Kentucky a worse place to live, raise a family, have a job.
Published in Analysis, Commentary on Mar 17, 2022
Sunshine Week 2022: A time to highlight the importance of open government work
It’s Sunshine Week! Time to celebrate transparency in government. Do you know where your open records are?
Published in Commentary on Mar 16, 2022
KY Senate passes yet another 15-week abortion ban
A press release from Planned Parenthood regarding the passage of SB 321, the bill limiting abortions to 15 weeks.
Published in Press Release on Mar 16, 2022
Beshear vetoes bill ending COVID emergency that also costs state $50 million in SNAP benefits
Leges were warned that SJR 150 would cost the state money, but they passed it anyway. Today, Governor Beshear vetoed the bill, and asked Repubs to let the veto stand.
Published in News on Mar 16, 2022
Gambling bills make it out of committee
In a process that took only 16 days, four bills dealing with legalized gambling went from filed to passed by a committee in the Kentucky House. Here are the bills.
Published in News on Mar 16, 2022
Twenty good bills that are on the move
Just as there are bad bills we want to see die, there are good bills we want to pass. Here are 20 good bills that are on the move and could actually be enacted.
Published in Analysis, Commentary on Mar 16, 2022
These 13 bad bills are still on the move
As close in on the end of this year’s General Assembly, there are a number of really bad bills that could still pass. Here are 13 of them that you should know about.
Published in Analysis, Commentary on Mar 15, 2022
Tuesday EVENT in Frankfort: Stop SB 138
Multiple groups are holding a Frankfort press conference on Tuesday morning to call on the House to stop SB 138. Here’s the details.
Published in Press Release, Event on Mar 14, 2022
Straub: It’s not the economy any more
“There are two issues in Kentucky: gun control and abortion,” said veteran journalist Bill Straub. “Economic issues aren’t going to get it done [for Democrats] in Kentucky.”
Published in Analysis on Mar 14, 2022
A brief history of ‘America First’ – then, and now
Trump and his minions keep using the phrase “America First.” Do they know where it came from? Do YOU? Ivonne Rovira shows that the movement hasn’t really changed.
Published in Commentary on Mar 13, 2022
Medical marijuana appears to have more traction than ever in KY
Kentucky looks closer than ever to joining the 37 states that allow prescriptions for marijuana, or cannabis.
Published in News on Mar 13, 2022
When it comes to masks, the claim that they do nothing is entirely false
Clay Travis says masks don’t work. Guess what: he’s wrong. Here’s a Fact Check on that claim.
Published in Fact Check on Mar 11, 2022
KY 120 updates us on HB 9, the charter-school bill
KY 120 United - AFT brings back their “120 Rundown” to cover House Bill 9, the charter school funding bill currently making its way through the General Assembly.
Published in Analysis, Explainer, Commentary on Mar 10, 2022
‘Where the rubber hits the road’ – KYA’s statement on the Senate budget
The director of KY Youth Advocates weighs in on what is good for kids in the Senate bill – and what is still missing.
Published in Analysis on Mar 10, 2022
Labor steps up to the plate to help communities
Think “solidarity,” that old union byword, is just an empty phrase these days? Think again.
Published in Feature on Mar 10, 2022
Statement: Senate budget cuts education funding even further
Jason Bailey of the KY Center for Economic Policy weighs in on the Senate version of the state’s budget.
Published in Analysis on Mar 10, 2022
The New Illiterates
In the US, we now have the New Illiterates: no familiarity with actual contents of the banned books, and no concern to examine them objectively. And THESE are the people who want to ban books.
Published in Commentary on Mar 10, 2022
Beware! Those “tax cuts” will wind up cutting YOU
Are you excited about the Repub tax cuts? Better watch out – the massive damage to our state’s budget is going to come back to haunt everyone ... including YOU.
Published in Analysis, Commentary on Mar 10, 2022
Quiz: Is it from Russia or the American Right?
Okay, class, today we have a current events quiz. Which of these quotes came from someone in Russia, and which ones came from someone on the American Right? Got your pencils? Ready, set, go!
Published in Cartoon on Mar 9, 2022
Bad Bill ➡ Cutting the safety net in HB 7 is sweeping, costly, takes away food and healthcare
House Bill 7 is another attack on Kentucky’s safety net. This one, though, is even worse. Learn why.
Published in Analysis on Mar 9, 2022
Senate approves bill to replace board at Kentucky State
On Tuesday, the Kentucky Senate approved a bill asking Governor Beshear to replace the Board of Regents at KSU.
Published in News on Mar 8, 2022
Twenty-two years later, antisemitism still lives in the legislature
Twenty-two years ago, a state rep was “seriously lacking in understanding any faith other than Christianity.” Apparently, things haven’t changed much.
Published in Commentary on Mar 8, 2022
SURJ endorses Attica Scott for Congress
Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) has endorsed state Rep. Attica Scott in the Democratic primary for Kentucky’s 3rd Congressional District.
Published in News on Mar 7, 2022
An interview with Hank Linderman
In this week's Moving Kentucky Forward, we talk with Hank Linderman, Congressional candidate in KY's 2nd district. It was a wide-ranging conversation, and one I think you will really enjoy.
Published in Media on Mar 6, 2022
GOP antisemitism in Frankfort
Anti-Semitism rears its ugly head again, this time in a debate about abortion. Berry Craig says its time for those GOPers to get their facts straight – including about Giftgaz.
Published in Commentary on Mar 5, 2022
State AFL-CIO backs Booker, McGarvey
The Kentucky State AFL-CIO unanimously endorsed former state representative Charles Booker for the U.S. Senate and state Senate Minority Leader Morgan McGarvey for Congress in the Third District.
Published in News on Mar 4, 2022
News & Notes for Friday, 3/4/22
Snippets of political and govt news from across the Bluegrass.
Published in News on Mar 4, 2022
KCEP: HB 8 would blow massive and growing hole in state budget
HB 8, the so-called “tax cut” bill, will force painful, permanent cuts to our schools, health care, infrastructure, and other investments in our people.
Published in Commentary on Mar 4, 2022
So now the KY GOP is going after ... libraries?!?
There are bills that you just expect to be filed each year: antiabortion bills; gun bills; tax breaks for the wealthy. I never thought I would see a bill attacking public libraries. But here we are.
Published in Commentary on Mar 3, 2022
A super majority war on abortion and the poor
A look at Kentucky political news of the day, including horrible bills the GOP are forcing through Frankfort: an omnibus anti-abortion bill and an effort to end the state income tax.
Published in Media on Mar 3, 2022
A new tax structure, charter school funding, and is sports betting coming to Kentucky?
This show is all about bills: a bill which would make significant changes to Kentucky's tax system, a bill to fund charter schools, several sports betting bills, bills about bail, and lots more.
Published in Media on Mar 3, 2022
Election bills advance out of committee
A bill dealing with the practice known as vote-hauling, as well as one addressing absentee balloting, were both approved by a House committee on Thursday.
Published in News on Mar 3, 2022
ACLU statement on passage of anti-abortion bill HB 3
House Bill 3 is designed to push a safe and effective method of abortion care out of reach, shame and ostracize patients, and make the process of seeking and providing abortion care so difficult that patients will forgo care and providers will close their doors.
Published in Press Release on Mar 2, 2022
House passes omnibus anti-abortion bill
The Kentucky House today passed HB 3, an anti-abortion bill, on a party-line vote. The vote took place after two hours of debate, and after numerous floor amendments were defeated, including one that would have made exceptions for rape and incest.
Published in News on Mar 2, 2022
News & Notes for 3/2/22
Political news and notes from across the Commonwealth.
Published in News on Mar 2, 2022
House Speaker, Minority Floor Leader condemn anti-Semitic email received by lawmakers
Legislators received an anti-Semitic email on Friday. Today, the two leaders in the House spoke out about it.
Published in News, Press Release on Feb 28, 2022
An update from Plaintiff Rovira
These anti-CRT bills violate my religious freedom. So, I’m suing.
Published in Commentary on Feb 28, 2022
HB4 will cost the state $13 million to take unemployment assistance away from jobless Kentuckians
House Bill 4, a plan to severely cut the number of available weeks of unemployment insurance and make it harder to keep benefits, would cost the state $13 million to implement.
Published in Analysis on Feb 28, 2022
News & Notes for 2/28/22
Political news & notes from across the state and the nation.
Published in News on Feb 28, 2022
Proposed bill would increase contraceptive access among rural women
House Bill 300 would require insurance coverage of all FDA-approved contraceptive methods, with no cost-sharing and without the requirement for a prescription.
Published in News on Feb 28, 2022
102 KY counties should still wear masks indoors
The CDC has relaxed its guidance for wearing masks to thwart the pandemic, but says risks in KY are so high that people in all but 18 counties should continue to wear masks in indoor public spaces.
Published in News on Feb 28, 2022
Vlad the Invader and Trump the Chump
If you’re Putin, why attack Ukraine during Trump’s term, when Trump is doing all he can to pave the way for a future invasiion?
Published in Commentary on Feb 26, 2022
Reactions to passage of “Teaching American Principles Act”
Numerous individuals and organizations spoke out against SB 138, the “Teaching American Principles Act,” after it was passed on Thursday by the Kentucky Senate. Here are some of those reactions.
Published in News, Press Release on Feb 25, 2022
Senate passes “curriculum guidance” bill
The Kentucky Senate has approved one of four controversial Republican-sponsored bills that are aimed at limiting discussion of systemic racism in schools.
Published in News on Feb 25, 2022
Want to know about tax breaks? Check out this new resource from KCEP.
For years, KCEP has been calling out the massive amount of money lost from Kentucky’s budget through tax breaks. Now they’ve put this year’s giveaways into one easy to use list.
Published in on Feb 25, 2022
Halfway to Sine Die
Aaron, Kimberly and Doug discuss the Kentucky political news of the week as the General Assembly passes the 1/2 way point. We then welcome John Shaw Woo of the Noir Black Chamber of Commerce.
Published in Media on Feb 24, 2022
ACLU-KY Statement on Senate passage of classroom censorship bill
Statement from the ACLU about SB 138, the “Teaching American Principles Act”
Published in Press Release on Feb 24, 2022
Charles Booker statement on Ukraine
The Booker campaign shared the following statement from Charles Booker, candidate for U.S. Senate.
Published in Press Release on Feb 24, 2022
For once, McConnell on right side of history
It is often said that “partisanship dies at water’s edge.” Today, Senator Mitch McConnell chose to honor that saying, and to stand on the right side of history.
Published in News, Commentary on Feb 24, 2022
Bill providing tax rebate clears committee; will not benefit all
Addressing the high inflation rate, a proposed bill would provide a tax rebate to all working Kentucky taxpayers. However, KY Center for Economic Policy said it leaves out low-income and older Kentuckians.
Published in News on Feb 24, 2022
Quintez Brown’s bail is paid, a redistricting ruling, and a new marijuana proposal
Robert is by himself this week, and covered three stories: the bail being paid for Quintez Brown; the court ruling on the redistricting maps; and a marijuana legalization framework.
Published in Media on Feb 24, 2022
COVID restrictions lawsuit overturned by Kentucky Supreme Court
The Kentucky Supreme Court overturned a lower court ruling involving COVID-19 restrictions, saying the business had no standing to pursue their case.
Published in News on Feb 24, 2022
Is there a Democratic “Silent Majority”?
Yes, the MAGA folks do make much noise, and get consistent press attention – but Jennifer Rubin thinks there is a new “silent majority” that Democrats can reach.
Published in Commentary on Feb 24, 2022
News & Notes for 2/23/22
Political updates from across the Bluegrass.
Published in News on Feb 23, 2022
A policy analyst debunks “slow recovery” claims being used to cut the safety net
Some are saying KY’s recovery is slow, so we need to cut the safety net to drive people back into the workforce. Dustin Pugel explains why that is the exact wrong thing to do.
Published in Analysis, Fact Check, Policy on Feb 23, 2022
Democrat Keturah Herron makes history in landslide special election victory
Policy strategist and activist Keturah Herron made history on Tuesday by becoming the first openly LGBTQ person elected to the Kentucky House.
Published in News, Press Release on Feb 22, 2022
These 5 crappy bills are on the move
Like any KYGA session, there are lots of bad bills, and a few good ones. Here, though, are five that are on the move, and need to be killed.
Published in Commentary on Feb 22, 2022
KY 120 United AFT releases statement opposing anti-mask bill
House Bill 51 would outlaw mask mandates in any school, college, or university. KY 120 United AFT is strongly opposed to this bill, and explains why.
Published in Press Release on Feb 22, 2022
Public schools – the new political battleground
The schools are rapidly becoming the most important battlefield on which our “original sin” of racism is being displayed. What some have forgotten, though, is that indoctrination is not education.
Published in Commentary on Feb 22, 2022
Sorry, Repubs – the bills are still a load of whitewash
Sen. Wise made some changes to his SB 138 bill, hoping to make it more palatable. Berry Craig says it is still trying to whitewash our shared history.
Published in Commentary on Feb 22, 2022
Dear Vlad – better read your history books
Before he goes all-out against Ukraine, wannabe Czar Vladimir I might crack a Russian history book about Nicholas II, the last czar.
Published in Commentary on Feb 21, 2022
Debby Lucas Angel, taking on Savannah Maddox
Debby Angel ran a write-in campaign in 2020, and got beat pretty thoroughly. So why come back and run again? “Because the people of this district are not being served by Maddox – and because I can do the job a lot better than her.”
Published in Media on Feb 21, 2022
The Whitewash Caucuses are at it again
Republicans have trotted out yet another bill supposedly aimed at Critical Race Theory. But what the Whitewash Caucus is really concerned about is votes, plain and simple.
Published in Commentary on Feb 19, 2022
For once, the system worked. Sorta.
A really bad bill in Frankfort was actually changed because of public feedback. Yes, really.
Published in Commentary on Feb 18, 2022
Keturah Herron on Colonels of Truth
Rand Paul loves anti-vax truckers, the KY GOP loves anti-tax private aircraft owners. Aaron and Kimberly cover all sorts of KY political news and welcome special election candidate and civil rights expert Keturah Herron to the show!
Published in Media on Feb 18, 2022
Rep. Buddy Wheatley; Craig Greenberg survives a shooting; and a legislative update
Rep. Buddy Wheatley joins us to talk about his Northern Kentucky district, the bills he’s sponsoring, and his campaign. Also – the Greenberg shooting, various KYGA bills, and Beshear’s tax plan.
Published in Media on Feb 18, 2022
An interview with Morgan McGarvey
We talked with Sen. Morgan McGarvey about his campaign for KY’s 3rd District, about reaching voters across the city, about his work in Frankfort, and what he wants to be known for if elected to Congress. It was an insightful and wide-ranging interview; give it a listen to learn more.
Published in Media on Feb 17, 2022
Inch by inch, Repubs are eroding democracy in Frankfort
We see Repubs elsewhere attacking democracy in big ways. Frankfort? Not so much. But inch by inch, the KY GOP is still eroding democracy. Death by a thousand cuts is still death.
Published in Commentary on Feb 17, 2022
Bill to prohibit schools from requiring masks passes first hurdle
Rep. Lynn Bechler thinks masks don’t work. So he is sponsoring a bill prohibiting schools from requiring masks, even though the science says masks do, in fact, work.
Published in News on Feb 16, 2022
Open Govt Coalition is still opposed to HB 453
Yesterday the House was told that the Open Govt Coalition supports HB 453, which removes incentives for government meetings to be in-person. The coalition wants to make it plain: they are still a No on the bill.
Published in Press Release on Feb 16, 2022
Do you live here? Then you’ve got an election next Tuesday.
Did you know there is an election in a week? That’s right – and if you live in the old 42, you need to go vote starting this Thursday!
Published in Action on Feb 15, 2022
Mayfield update – after the tornado, and now
Here are some pictures showing how far the town has come in its cleanup efforts – and how far it still has to go in rebuilding.
Published in Feature on Feb 15, 2022
Open meetings: virtual or in-person? Why not both?
We’ve been Zooming for a while, but the Open Meetings law prefers in-person meetings. So – why not both at the same time?
Published in Analysis on Feb 14, 2022
Today in a COVID world
700 days of COVID. Hospitals are full. ER’s are overrun. Staff are burned out and raw. What now? After losing a dear friend to the virus, Debby Lucas Angel shares her thoughts.
Published in Commentary on Feb 13, 2022
Chris Preece, candidate for KY-06
Running for office is pretty much a full-time job. Being a teacher is definitely a full-time job. And yet Chris Preece is doing both as he takes on Andy Barr for Kentucky's 6th Congressional District. Why is Preece doing this? And how is it going?
Published in Media on Feb 11, 2022
The U.S. and pre-Nazi Germany: the similarities are growing, and dangerous
Mark Twain said, “History doesn’t repeat ... but it does rhyme.” Are we in the midst of one of those times?
Published in Analysis, Commentary on Feb 11, 2022
Wait – now we need to teach the “good side” of the Holocaust?!?
To all the people trying to cover up the past, here’s a tip: 1984 was a warning, not an instruction manual. And SB 138 is a train-wreck of a bill.
Published in Commentary on Feb 10, 2022
Libertarian lunch counters w/ Lane Boldman
A discussion the liber-hair-i-twins latest defense of freedumb in DC; recent moves by the legislature; Lane Boldman, the Executive Director of the Kentucky Conservation Committee, Frankfort's environmental watch dog.
Published in Media on Feb 10, 2022
Interview with Cherlynn Stevenson, CRT bill, and Louisville’s jail crisis
Rep. Cherlynn Stevenson on running in a new district; the new CRT bill and the “parent’s rights” bill; the jail crisis in Louisville; and Election 2022.
Published in Media on Feb 10, 2022
Today’s censorship – darker, and headed for our schools
Censorship is not new. But a new censorship movement is hitting our schools – including right here in Kentucky.
Published in Commentary on Feb 9, 2022
Experts: KY should ‘clean up’ tax code, not slash income tax
Shocking fact: Our state gives away more in tax breaks than it takes in through taxes. Our first order of business ought to be dealing with THAT.
Published in Analysis on Feb 9, 2022
Yes, Democrats manage the economy better than Republicans.
You would think that the so-called “party of big business” would know how to make our economy hum. Turns out it’s the Dems who are better at it.
Published in Analysis on Feb 8, 2022
More Republicans trying to whitewash history
Another bill has been introduced in Frankfort aimed at restricting teaching about racism. One professor calls it “more Orwellian double-talk.”
Published in Commentary on Feb 7, 2022
We’re losing teachers – and a teacher speaks out on why
We are seeing a mass exodus of teachers. In testimony before the legislature, a current teacher explains why.
Published in Commentary on Feb 7, 2022
Yarmuth endorses McGarvey
Congressman John Yarmuth, who is retiring from his 3rd District seat at the end of his term, today endorsed state Sen. Morgan McGarvey to take his place.
Published in News, Press Release on Feb 7, 2022
Why are Republicans attacking your schools?
Our public schools have been under increasing attack in recent years, with the attacks mainly led by Republicans. Here are three reasons they are coming after public education.
Published in Commentary, Analysis, Policy on Feb 7, 2022
A sampling of bad bills on the move
There are now about 700 bills filed in Frankfort, and guess what? Some of them are real stinkers. Here’s a few bad bills that are nevertheless moving.
Published in Analysis, Commentary on Feb 4, 2022
Banning wasn’t enough; now they’re BURNING books
The Nazis began burning books they didn’t like in 1933. And now, it is happening again – in the United States. In 2022. At a church.
Published in News on Feb 4, 2022
An interview with Rep. Joni Jenkins
We interviewed state Rep. Joni Jenkins and looked back over her time in Frankfort, including her best and worst memories, how things have changed, and what KY Dems need to do going forward.
Published in Media on Feb 3, 2022
Campaign funds: a quick update
Money isn’t everything in a campaign – but it sure is important. Here’s a rundown of fundraising totals for KY campaigns at the federal level.
Published in News on Feb 3, 2022
News and Notes for Thursday 2/3
Items from across the Commonwealth on this icy Thursday.
Published in News on Feb 3, 2022
Andy’s popular ... but not in Frankfort
A look at the lege’s latest efforts to take Andy’s power; some horrible moments from our DC delgation, and a Lafayette HS senior who is leading the opposition to the teacher gag bills.
Published in Media on Feb 3, 2022
Keturah Herron interview, ”Porch Pirate” bill, & the future of special sessions
An interview with Keturah Herron, who is running for two offices at the same time. (!) Also, the “porch pirate” bill, and the lege calling itself into special session.
Published in Media on Feb 3, 2022
“Shift and Shaft” tax policy is no way to prosper
The lege seems on the verge of implementing a “shift and shaft” tax change: shift the wealth to the already wealthy, and shaft everyone else.
Published in Analysis on Feb 3, 2022
Mitch's America & the GOP's map of Kentucky
A look at KYGA22 , w/ bills to keep track of, and the latest on the GOP redistricting maps saga. Then, Mitch’s view of American voters, and Rep. Cherlynn Stevenson. We close with a critical call to action.
Published in Media on Feb 2, 2022
Johnnie Turner knows education; just read what he had to say
A Twitter thread by a teacher from Knott County, recalling his visit with his state senator and their discussion about education.
Published in Commentary on Feb 2, 2022
A push for expanded voting rights ahead of KY midterm elections
Advocacy groups in Kentucky say they’re focused on expanding voting rights for former felons and fighting gerrymandering ahead of the May primary election.
Published in News on Feb 1, 2022
Many “parent” groups opposing masks and CRT are actually driven by dark money
Those “parent groups” asking for “ choice” and speaking at your school board meeting? They are being funded by dark money, and are actually out to destroy public educatiion.
Published in Analysis, Investigation on Feb 1, 2022
Matt Lehman files to run against Thomas Massie
Matt Lehman, an entrepreneur in the health care field, has filed to run against Thomas Massie in Kentucky’s 4th Congressional District.
Published in Press Release on Feb 1, 2022
Jim Crow in Kentucky, then and now
I don’t remember the white kid’s name. But I remember what he said to me after my community college Kentucky history class one day: “My parents or grandparents never told me about any of this. We needed to know the truth. Thank you.”
Published in Commentary on Feb 1, 2022
Massie tweets Voltaire ... no wait, it’s actually a neo-Nazi
Rep. Thomas Massie shared a quote by Voltaire in reference to Dr. Fauci – but the quote was actually by a neo-Nazi. Oops!
Published in News on Jan 31, 2022
Critics: Utility-rate bill would hurt KY residential & business customers
HB 341 makes it easier for utility companies to raise rates, and harder for the rest of us to stop them. Learn more, and take action.
Published in Analysis on Jan 31, 2022
Dem candidate recruitment: Tough, Targeted ... or just Terrible
The Dems left lots of races unchallenged this year. What caused this? Even more important – what can we do about it?
Published in Commentary on Jan 31, 2022
SB 63: “A remarkably ill-conceived, unworkable, and fundamentally unnecessary bill”
SB 63 is another bill attacking our open records law. Amye Bensenhaver calls it out for what it is: unnecessary.
Published in Commentary on Jan 29, 2022
The choice facing the Republican Party
Lawyer and political analyst Teri Kanefield says that Republicans have a choice: democracy or anti-democracy. Listen as she lays out the history of the Republican party that got us here, and if they choose against democracy, what we can do.
Good bills, bad bills, funky bills – all introduced on Tuesday
Lots and lots of bills are introduced in the General Assembly each session. Some are good, some are bad, and some are sorta funky. Here are 12 bills from Tuesday that fall into one of those categories.
Published in News on Jan 26, 2022
Willner files bill requiring General Assembly committees hold a public-comment period
In response to a bill requiring all school boards to include a public comment period in their meetings, State Rep. Lisa Willner today filed a bill requiring legislative committees to do the same.
Published in Press Release on Jan 26, 2022
Is “Save the Children” now a political issue?
As the General Assembly considers the budget, we need to ask the question: Will we make “saving the children” a political issue in the budget?
Published in Analysis, Commentary on Jan 26, 2022
Jenkins will not run this fall (updated)
Kentucky House Democratic Caucus Leader Joni Jenkins, first elected to the Kentucky House of Representatives in 1994, announced today she is withdrawing as a candidate for the 44th House District.
Published in News, Press Release on Jan 26, 2022
Krugman on the Thought Police
If we ban teaching anything that makes people “uncomfortable,” where does that leave actual education?
Published in Commentary on Jan 26, 2022
Repubs file bill allowing them to call themselves into session
According to the KY Constitution, the General Assembly cannot call its own special session. Republicans want to change that.
Published in News on Jan 26, 2022
“These are bad bills.” – KEA on voucher bills
Yet another attempt to cut public school funding by diverting it through “scholarship tax credits” that allow wealthy individuals and corporations to “donate” money in return for favorable tax refunds.
Published in Press Release on Jan 24, 2022
Clardy: Mitch needs a swig from ‘a big, tall glass of shut-the-hell-up.’
“Mitch McConnell may claim to be a civil rights ally,” Clardy said. “But he’s an ally we don’t need.”
Published in Commentary on Jan 23, 2022
House sends Senate a budget bill with many provisions dealing with health issues – several with less than Beshear proposed
The state House passed a budget Thursday that includes a number of provisions for health, including many that were in Gov. Beshear’s budget proposal, but with some variations in amounts and sources of money.
Published in Analysis on Jan 23, 2022
Colonels of Truth w/ Bruce Maples
Bruce Maples, publisher of Forward Kentucky, appeared on the “Colonels of Truth” live stream sponsored by Progress Kentucky.
Published in Media on Jan 22, 2022
Senate floor leader says he has little respect for Beshear, who ‘does not know how to govern’ and ‘hates the legislature’
Gov. Andy Beshear “does not know how to govern,” the majority floor leader of the state Senate said at Kentucky newspapers' annual convention Friday.
Published in News on Jan 22, 2022
On anniversary of Roe v. Wade, access to abortion is at tremendous risk in Kentucky
Kentucky legislators have shown their disregard for Kentuckians’ wellbeing and that they will stop at nothing until abortion is banned completely across the commonwealth.
Published in Commentary, Press Release on Jan 22, 2022
“This craven man” – Booker goes after McConnell
Charles Booker lost no time in rebuking Kentucky’s senior senator for implying in a Thursday press conference that African Americans aren’t Americans.
Published in Commentary on Jan 22, 2022
Repubs easily override Beshear vetoes of new maps; KDP sues
Republicans in Frankfort easily overrode Gov. Beshear’s vetoes of their redistricting maps, thus putting the new maps into law. As soon as they did that, KDP and voters from Franklin County filed suit.
Published in News on Jan 21, 2022
Think “just math” drove the Repub maps? Check out what they did in Louisville.
Repubs keep saying there was no partisan intent in heir maps, “just math.” But look at this list of the results of the new maps, and it is clear that Republicans in Frankfort used the redistricting process to hurt Democrats and help Republicans.
Published in Commentary, Analysis on Jan 21, 2022
Low Covid-19 vaccination rates are associated with high death rates
If you live in a county with a low percentage of people vaccinated for Covid-19, more of your neighbors are likely to have died from the disease. And if you live in a county with a high full-vaccination rate, it is likely to have a low death rate.
Published in Analysis on Jan 20, 2022
Derek Penwell, the Lexington mayor’s race, and KYGA22
This week, Jazmin and Robert interviewed Derek Penwell, who announced a run for KY House last year. Also, they discuss the candidacy of Adrian Wallace, who is running for Lexington Mayor, and updated the news about the session so far. And, a COVID update.
Published in Media on Jan 20, 2022
Vote suppression is bad. This is MUCH worse.
Voter suppression is bad. Absolutely. BUT, there is another thread that is much worse – and it’s not getting enough attention.
Published in Commentary on Jan 20, 2022
Miller files bill delaying election dates even further
Rep. Jerry Miller has filed “just in case” bill pushing out all election dates, in anticipation of delays caused by court challenges to the Republican redistricting maps.
Published in News on Jan 20, 2022
Beshear vetoes two redistricting bills
Governor Beshear has vetoed the state House and Congressional redistricting bills. Here are his statements on those bills as to why he vetoed them.
Published in News on Jan 20, 2022
IBEW journeymen helping restore power in Mayfield because 'the union is all about brotherhood and sisterhood'
Two IBEW members are volunteering to get electrical service back on in Mayfield. Berry Craig has the story.
Published in Feature on Jan 18, 2022
KY 120 takes on SB 1
We talk with Christina Trosper of KY 120 United AFT, to see what the group is up to now, AND to discuss Senate Bill 1 and what is wrong with it. If you care about education, this is an important podcast.
Published in Media on Jan 18, 2022
Kentucky officeholders use their power, official and unofficial
In the last week or so, we’ve seen examples of Kentucky politicians using power from various sources, official and unofficial. Here’s a summary.
Published in Commentary on Jan 17, 2022
Undeterred by previous setbacks, Kentucky lawmakers again file school choice bill
Despite protests, previous legislative fails, and an ongoing legal challenge, Kentucky lawmakers are again trying to offer tax credits to help families afford private school.
Published in News on Jan 17, 2022
Short-sighted tax cuts for the rich will not grow state economies
Kentucky’s lawmakers are already talking about cutting taxes, especially on the rich. This article lays out why that is a BAD idea.
Published in Analysis on Jan 17, 2022
Some facts about Kentucky’s budget
Here is a video excerpt from the AMA session that Jason Bailey did this week with some Members of Forward Kentucky. Some of these facts may surprise you! Please view, and then share widely.
Kentucky to receive $438 million in bridge funding: Yarmuth
Cong. John Yarmuth announced today that Kentucky will receive an estimated $438 million over the next five years to fix its bridges, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law supported by Yarmuth.
Published in Press Release, News on Jan 15, 2022
KY Youth Advocates speaks out on budget bills
Dr. Terry Brooks lays out both what is good in the budget bills, and what needs to be added, such as a state-level EITC.
Published in Press Release on Jan 15, 2022
The filibuster – a racist relic
Try explaining to a Black grandmother raised under Jim Crow why it takes only 50 votes to stack the Supreme Court with justices who are undermining her voting rights, but 60 votes to pass a bill protecting them.
Published in Commentary on Jan 15, 2022
Comparing the Beshear budget to the House budget
A good comparison of parts of the Beshear budget to the House budget, provided by Sen. Denise Harper Angel.
Published in Analysis on Jan 15, 2022
Are the maps legal? An interview with Josh Douglas
The Repubs in the General Assembly have released and passed their redistricting maps, all in one week. There is already talk of suing over the maps – but, is there actually anything to sue over? Professor Josh Douglas walks us through the legal issues surrounding the new maps.
Published in Media on Jan 14, 2022
‘Our future is now’: Beshear says budget can propel state forward
Gov. Beshear delivered his budget address Thursday evening, calling on state lawmakers to make record investments to build a world-class education system, grow the jobs of the future, and turn two years of progress into 20 years of prosperity.
Published in News on Jan 14, 2022
What your poop 💩 is saying about COVID
Did you know your poop can talk? Well, it can – at least when it comes to detecting COVID. We talk with Dr. Ted Smith, the director of the Wastewater-Based Epidemiology study at UofL. What is it, how does it work – and most importantly, what are they seeing? Listen in to learn more!
Published in Media on Jan 12, 2022
Hey Repubs – ever hear of the Streisand Effect? You’re about to experience it.
The Repubs in Frankfort have filed multiple bills to limit the discussion of race in our schools. Apparently, they forgot about the Streisand Effect. Guess what happens next?
Published in Commentary on Jan 10, 2022
KY hospital numbers rated as “unsustainable”
A database tracking hospital capacity across the United States rates Kentucky’s situation as “unsustainable,” meaning that the daily case count is on a trend to exceed hospital capacity within the next ten days.
Published in Analysis on Jan 10, 2022
Controversial claims made at town hall hosted by Southworth
Sen. Adrienne Southworth claimed at a town hall that doctors were being prevented by hospitals from prescribing certain medications for COVID.
Published in News on Jan 10, 2022
Redistricting legislation approved, moves on to governor
The General Assembly met Saturday to finish passing the redistricting maps and send them to the governor.
Published in News on Jan 10, 2022
The two CRT bills: Only White history allowed
Republicans are manufacturing a phony crisis with bills designed to score points in November. The bills seek to limit a public elementary or secondary teacher's freedom to teach about systemic racism
Published in Analysis on Jan 9, 2022
Redistricting Podcast Blast
I interview three people to learn more about this year’s redistricting and the problems with it. Listen, get the facts, and share.
Published in Media on Jan 7, 2022
“Contempt for the governor and the people”
Repubs throw dirt on Gov. Beshear by releasing their own budget before he has a chance to lay out his. Dem leaders capture the moment accurately.
Published in News on Jan 7, 2022
Gerrymander Jamie Comer
A new nickname for our 1st District representative.
Published in Cartoon, Commentary on Jan 7, 2022
League of Women Voters issues statement on Repub maps
The KY League of Women Voters released a statement about the new Senate and Congressional maps created by the GOP. In short: Do better.
Published in Press Release on Jan 6, 2022
An important note to readers, subscribers, and members
As we begin covering both the 2022 General Assembly and the 2022 midterms, I think it is important to point out some different levels of coverage you will see on Forward Kentucky.
Published in Meta on Jan 6, 2022
State employees would get 5% raise under new Dem bill
With the state revenues seeing unprecedented growth, Kentucky House Democratic Caucus Chair Derrick Graham said it is “past time to give our state workers what they deserve: A raise.”
Published in Press Release, News on Jan 6, 2022
Five questions answered about “dark money”
But what exactly is “dark money,” and why is it considered a problem? A law professor who studies campaign finance answers those questions and explains how improved disclosure laws could shed some light on dark money.
Published in Analysis on Jan 6, 2022
A closer look at the Senate redistricting map
Nick Storm of Kentucky Fried Politics has done a good job of digging into the newly-dropped Senate redistricting map.
Published in Analysis on Jan 6, 2022
Is our democracy in danger? Mitch McConnell doesn’t seem to think so
Al Cross compares McConnell’s statements after the Jan. 6 coup attempt with McConnell’s statements now, in the face of real danger to our democracy.
Published in Commentary on Jan 6, 2022
‘Kentucky’s time is now,’ Beshear says in state address
Gov. Andy Beshear delivered his third State of the Commonwealth address Wednesday night before a joint session of the Kentucky House and Senate, addressing such topics as economic development, natural disasters, and, of course, COVID-19.
Published in News on Jan 6, 2022
‘Don’t Look Up’: Hollywood’s primer on climate denial illustrates 5 myths that fuel rejection of science
“Don’t Look Up” is satire, certainly – but it’s also a commentary on humans rejecting science. Why do we do that? Here are five myths that help explain.
Published in Analysis on Jan 5, 2022
Willner files law to establish training and safe hiring standards for bouncers
On the second anniversary of a constituent’s death after an altercation with a bouncer at Nowhere Bar in Louisville, state Rep. Lisa Willner filed legislation today designed to increase training and other safe-hiring standards for those hired to provide security at bars and nightclubs.
Published in Press Release on Jan 5, 2022
A Federal ban on abortion is wildly unpopular in all 50 states
As reproductive rights again face significant challenges, new analysis finds there is not a single state where support for a federal ban on abortion has more than 30% support among the public.
Published in Analysis on Jan 5, 2022
Senate Repubs release still-ridiculous map to take care of Comer
KY Senate Repubs take gerrymandering to a new level.
Published in News, Commentary on Jan 5, 2022
We have left Facebook.
For some months, I said we were going to leave Facebook. As of yesterday, we have done so.
Published in Meta on Jan 4, 2022
League of Women Voters responds to Republicans’ House Map
According to LWVKY, there are some good things in the map. However, there are also some significant problems. And, they responded directly to Rep. Jerry Miller.
Published in Press Release on Jan 4, 2022
House Repubs close the blinds and put their foot on the accelerator
The Republican leadership in the House today released new rules changes for the operation of the chamber. The changes limit debate and discussion, as well as making it easier for committees (led by the Repubs) to operate in secret.
Published in News on Jan 4, 2022
KYGA Preview with Joni Jenkins and Morgan McGarvey
As the KY General Assembly prepares to open tomorrow, we spoke with Sen. Morgan McGarvey and Rep. Joni Jenkins. We talked about redistricting, including both the process and the result. We also got into what to expect in this year's session, and what the Democratic leaders hope to accomplish.
Published in Media on Jan 3, 2022
Auditor should ‘follow the data,’ scrutinize ‘tacit collusion’ between contractors, cabinet
Why doesn’t the KY Department of Transportation award so many one-bid contracts? Perhaps state auditor Harmon should find out.
Published in Commentary, Policy on Jan 3, 2022
At term's midpoint, Beshear reflects on pandemic work, saying he wishes he had prepared Kentuckians for a longer fight
As Gov. Andy Beshear passed the mid-point of his four-year term, he spent time with KHN to discuss Kentucky’s health issues, how he‘s handled the pandemic, and what he would do over if he had the chance.
The new House maps: Reactions and strategies
After the House Republicans unveiled their new redistricting maps, I reached out to various Democratic activists, consultants, and insiders for their take on the maps. Here is a collection of their comments.
Published in Analysis on Jan 2, 2022
Fair play isn’t James Comer’s idea of a good idea; shouldn’t we hold everyone accountable?
If Repubs take the House in 2022, our own Jamie Comer will be the chair of the oversight committee. Think he’ll be fair-handed with that? Think again, says Bill Straub.
Published in Commentary on Jan 2, 2022
Masks for Mayfield
What’s one thing that the tornado survivors need, that hasn’t been talked about? Masks! And Four Rivers Indivisible is stepping up to provide them.
A recap you didn't need: Build Back Better was popular all year
Data for Progress spent most of 2021 tracking the popularity of Build Back Better’s various iterations and provisions, and have found that bill continues to be a wildly popular piece of legislation.
Published in Analysis on Jan 1, 2022
Republicans use mask disputes and 'critical race theory' to push for partisan elections of local boards of education
Republicans are pressing local and state officials to make historically nonpolitical school-board races partisan in advance of the 2022 elections.
Published in Analysis on Jan 1, 2022
“Hard times will come a-knocking at my door”
Natural disasters have struck the Bluegrass State before. Will we respond now as we have in the past? An historian considers that question.
Published in Commentary on Jan 1, 2022
Repubs drop newly-drawn House districts, before even showing them to Dems
On a day when most of the state was making New Year’s plans, the House Repubs held a hastily-called press conference to share their redistricting maps. Dems later responded.
Published in News on Dec 30, 2021
Sen. Rand Paul eviscerated after accusing Democrats of ‘stealing’ elections by mobilizing voters
It’s difficult to determine why Rand Paul believed that legal voting by Democrats somehow equated to stealing elections, but according to a recent tweet by the senator, that’s exactly what he thought.
Published in Commentary on Dec 30, 2021
Dear Biden and the Dems: Please keep the main thing the main thing
Stephen Covey said it was important to “keep the main thing, the main thing.” It’s time for Biden and the Dems to focus on the REAL main thing.
Published in Commentary on Dec 28, 2021
As federal rule allows mail-order abortion pill without telehealth, Kentucky may ban the practice entirely
Even as the FDA allows ordering abortion pills by mail without a telehealth visit, Kentucky lawmakers are considering banning the practice.
Published in News on Dec 28, 2021
Vaccines have not killed “twice as many kids” as those that were killed by COVID
This claim is rated completely False by NewsWise.
Published in Fact Check on Dec 28, 2021
“Right to be a jerk” states
Jen Sorenson captures what it’s like to live in a so-called “right to work” state, like Kentucky.
Published in Cartoon on Dec 28, 2021
Large and detailed update from Gov. Beshear
Today the governor shared a large amount of info and resources on the response to the tornadoes, as well as COVID and other topics.
Published in News, Press Release on Dec 27, 2021
My 2021 Anti-Predictions: How did I do?
A year ago, Ivonne Rovira made a series of anti-predictions about 2021. How did she do? Read on to find out.
Published in Commentary on Dec 27, 2021
Adams reminds voters of deadline to switch parties
If you want to vote in one particular party’s primary, you have to be registered for that party by this Friday.
Published in Press Release on Dec 27, 2021
A handful of companies dominate road work in kentucky. The state looks the other way.
The transportation cabinet is exempt by law from following the state’s procurement code, instead following a bidding system experts say allows a handful of large companies to avoid serious competition for jobs.
A true story of Q-maniacs driving a physician out of medicine
My career of treating patients has ended. After more than three decades as a physician, the Q maniacs have succeeded in driving me out of providing care to patients.
Published in Feature on Dec 21, 2021
Henderson: 'The outpouring of help is nothing shy of amazing'
“It's coming from UA International and from Pipe Trades locals all over the country,” said Kyle Henderson. It took him a full minute-and-a-half to run the list.
Col Owens: Our nation is becoming two distinct countries
We are well on our way to becoming two countries, with very different living conditions in each country.
Published in Commentary on Dec 21, 2021
Special election set for February 22 to fill Meeks' vacancy
Gov. Andy Beshear has called a special election to fill a vacancy in the Kentucky House of Representatives created when Reggie Meeks resigned.
Published in News on Dec 21, 2021
Manchin killed Build Back Better over inflation concerns – an economist explains why the $2 trillion bill would be unlikely to drive up prices
Manchin and Republicans have argued the risk that more spending could push inflation even higher is too great. As an economist, I believe Manchin’s concerns are misguided. Here’s why.
Published in Analysis on Dec 21, 2021
Church mural survived the tornado, but its fate is uncertain
Thomas Bright still marvels at Helen LaFrance’s old mural in Mayfield’s St. James AME Church, where he’s a lifelong member. But the retiree and Army veteran fears the artwork is doomed for demolition like his red brick, 1900s-vintage house of worship.
Published in Feature on Dec 20, 2021
KY communities continue push for local tobacco control
State lawmakers are expected to file a tobacco-control bill next year. Healthcare advocacy groups and local elected officials say communities must have the right to implement their own, stronger smoke-free protections.
Published in Analysis on Dec 20, 2021
Omicron variant, one of most contagious ever, seen in 4 counties; Beshear urges vaccines, boosters, masking, caution for holidays
The highly contagious Omicron Covid-19 variant has been identified four counties, prompting Gov. Beshear to plead that Kentuckians get vaccinated and a booster, and to urge schools and businesses to require rigorous masking.
Published in News on Dec 20, 2021
Far too little vote fraud to tip election to Trump, AP finds
A review by The Associated Press in the six battleground states disputed by former President Trump has found fewer than 475 cases of potential voter fraud, a minuscule number that would have made no difference in the 2020 presidential election.
Published in News on Dec 19, 2021
Rep. Reggie Meeks announces retirement from KY House
Rep. Reginald Meeks has announced his retirement, effective immediately. Here is his retirement letter, as well as some photos of Meeks through the years.
Published in News on Dec 18, 2021
In the face of the tornado, the Rock of Labor stood strong
The powerful tornado that ravaged Mayfield left the Graves County courthouse in shambles. But the “Rock of Labor,” a memorial to old United Steelworkers Local 665, still stands on the courthouse lawn.
Published in Feature on Dec 18, 2021
Increasing School Funding: A KYGA task force weighs in
In this episode, we interview Reps. James Tipton and Tina Bojanowski about recommendations to increase school funding that came out of a GOP-led task force.
Published in Media on Dec 17, 2021
Want to appeal that LRC open records request? Good luck.
If the LRC refuses your records request, you appeal to ... the LRC. What chance do you have with your appeal? Slim to none.
Published in Commentary on Dec 17, 2021
MOKP – Tornados, policing issues, COVID update
The 12/17 newsletter from My Old Kentucky Podcast, covering the news of the past week.
Adams waiving red tape for out-of-state businesses helping with disaster relief
Secretary of State Michael Adams announced his Office is waiving the certification requirement for any out-of-state businesses assisting Western KY with disaster relief and cleanup efforts.
Published in Press Release, News on Dec 16, 2021
Thursday 12/16 News and Notes
Political and government news from across the state.
Published in News on Dec 16, 2021
Some pics from POTUS visit
Berry Craig was at the Mayfield stop of President Biden, and sent us these photos.
Are donors losing control of their GOP?
You know things are getting interesting when Trump can overrule the uber-wealthy donors of the GOP. Are the donors losing control of their puppets?
Published in Commentary on Dec 15, 2021
SCOTUS – Is it “déjà vu all over again”?
The Supreme Court is facing a crisis of confidence, just as it did in 1937. In both crises, Kentucky senators play a key role. Let’s take a look.
Published in Commentary on Dec 15, 2021
All tornado resource pages updated
We have updated our tornado resource pages, with info on how to donate, where to get help, where to volunteer, where to stay, and what to do about your pets.
Published in Action on Dec 15, 2021
Mayfield candle factory’s labor practices under scrutiny in wake of deadly tornado
The candle factory has a higher-than-average injury rate, and recruited incarcerated people and people from Puerto Rico for $10-12/hour jobs.
Biden in Kentucky to survey tornado damage; FEMA info
Update on Biden visit; how to apply for FEMA assistance.
Published in News on Dec 15, 2021
'I thought I was going to die': Kentucky candle factory worker describes tornado that leveled site
Andrea Miranda, a 21-year-old candle factory worker who survived the massive tornado that tore through Kentucky on Friday, joined MSNBC’s José Díaz-Balart to describe the terrifying moment when the building shifted from under her.
More Mayfield photos
More photos shot by Mayfield native Berry Craig.
Published in News on Dec 14, 2021
Gov. Beshear provides update on storm response
Today, December 13, Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on his administration’s response to the Dec. 11 quad-state tornado. First Lady Britainy Beshear joined him to announce the Western Kentucky Christmas Toy Drive for impacted families.
Published in News, Press Release on Dec 13, 2021
Seize the moment!
December 11 was both a bad and good day for all of us in Western Kentucky. The bad part was the tornados that sowed destruction. The good part was the widespread and very genuine response from both sides of our emotionally divided nation. Can we seize this moment?
Published in Commentary on Dec 13, 2021
The best of us lies in our humanity for one another
The tornadoes that ravaged Kentucky have ripped away homes and businesses, demolished family heirlooms, and stolen lives, but the foundation of our Commonwealth is stronger than ever.
Published in Commentary on Dec 13, 2021
Monday 12/13 News and Notes
Political and government news from across the state
Published in News on Dec 13, 2021
A native reports on Mayfield
Berry Craig, a native of Mayfield, tells of visiting his home town on Sunday.
Published in Feature on Dec 13, 2021
A photo gallery from Mayfield
Berry Craig went to Mayfield for an ecumenical church service outside the destroyed Presbyterian church. While there, he took these pictures to share with us.
Tornado: Safe spaces for humans and animals
Information for people and animals who need a safe space to stay in, including foreign-born residents
Published in Action on Dec 11, 2021
Tornado: How & where to donate
Information on donations to help with the tornado emergency in Kentucky
Published in Action on Dec 11, 2021
Tornado: Places to give or get help
Information related to the Kentucky tornado emergency
Published in Action on Dec 11, 2021
Losing our rights, one state at a time
The abortion case before SCOTUS poses a real threat to a woman's right to an abortion. But, there is an even greater threat that is not being discussed – and it should be.
Published in Commentary on Dec 9, 2021
Neal Turpin is running for KY House against Tom Burch. Here's our interview.
Dr. Neal Turpin is challenging Tom Burch for the Democratic nomination for House District 30. (Disclaimer: He is a contributor to ForwardKY.) We interviewed Dr. Turpin to ask him why he decided to run for this seat at this time, what his goals are, and what he is passionate about.
Published in on Dec 8, 2021
9-11 Event: "How the Grinch stole Medicare"
Rally on Saturday in front of Humana building to protest the new Medicare Direct Contracting program, which could fully privatize traditional Medicare.
Published in Event on Dec 8, 2021
12-9 Event: Louisville Jail Crisis
After the deaths of three incarcerated people in the Louisville jail in the past week, a number of groups are holding an event at noon Thursday on the steps of the Hall of Justice.
Published in Event on Dec 8, 2021
Hey Repubs – you're killing your voters. Are you okay with that?
GOP-led legislatures prevented mask mandates, blocked social-distancing requirements, and tied the hands of public-health experts as they grappled with keeping their people safe. And now the chickens are coming home to roost – or more accurately, to die.
Published in Commentary, Analysis on Dec 8, 2021
Pearl Harbor, fascism, and democracy – then and now
Heather Cox Richardson reminds us: we fought fascism in 1941 in WWII. Will we fight it now? Or will the democracy that Dorie Miller died for be destroyed on our watch?
Published in Commentary on Dec 8, 2021
League of Women Voters calls on General Assembly to act responsibly with new maps
The KY League of Women Voters is calling on the General Assembly to stop hiding the new redistricting maps, and share them with the public.
Published in Commentary on Dec 7, 2021
Remembering Pearl Harbor 80 years later: the story of Paducah man, James Vessels
One of our contributors, Berry Craig, also writes for numerous other publications, including the Courier-Journal. In honor of Pearl Harbor Day, he wrote a remembrance of a local person who survived the attack on Pearl Harbor.
Published in Feature on Dec 7, 2021
Thomas Massie versus the spirit of Christmas
Nazis were notorious for perverting Christmas. Thomas Massie is giving the Hitler worshippers a run for their money by posting on Twitter a photo of him and gun-toting family members all grinning and posing for a photo in front of a Christmas tree.
Published in Commentary on Dec 6, 2021
Redistricting, vaccine mandates, and the West End TIF
This week in the newsletter, Jazmin explained a court case where the AG won an initial ruling against the federal vaccine mandates, and looked at two stories about Louisville's West End. Robert wrote about redistricting and the implications, as well as a COVID update.
Published in Analysis on Dec 6, 2021
Kenton County Dems denounce Massie’s family Christmas photo as a mockery of victims of gun violence
In response to Cong. Massie's "send more ammo" tweet, the Kenton County Dems have issued a statement condemning the tweet as "morally reprehensible."
Published in Commentary, Press Release on Dec 5, 2021
As positive-test rate zooms above 9% and hospital cases surge, Beshear urges more vaccinations, boosters, and caution
The share of Kentuckians testing positive for the coronavirus in the last seven days zoomed above 9 percent Thursday, and most other measures of the pandemic in Kentucky kept rising.
Published in News on Dec 3, 2021
Vaccine mandates blocked, redistricting unfairness, and more
In this week's MOKP, Jazmin and Robert discuss several topics in state government.
Published in Media on Dec 2, 2021
A new series of articles from publisher Bruce Maples
In light of the firehose of political news that causes us to give each story or issue about ten minutes before we move on to the next, I've decided that certain topics deserve more than that. So, I'm starting a series I'm calling “The Hair-on-Fire Series.”
Published in Analysis, Commentary on Dec 2, 2021
GOP will win through gerrymandering – even with no change in votes
A recent analysis of legislative redistricting maps from across the United States showcases the vast influence of political gerrymandering, which will likely benefit the Republican Party in next year’s 2022 midterm races — even if voters’ preferences haven’t changed since Democrats won in 2020.
Published in Analysis on Dec 2, 2021
Cameron wins preliminary court order over vaccination requirements
Two federal court cases in which Attorney General Daniel Cameron played a major role have led to judges issuing a halt in COVID-19 vaccination requirements, both for federal contractors and for healthcare workers.
Published in News on Dec 2, 2021
Five misconceptions about gun violence in the U.S.
From the author: "My students have many misconceptions about the scope and nature of the problem of gun violence, and I believe they are not alone."
Published in Analysis on Dec 2, 2021
Want to know what's REALLY driving up prices? Let's go to The Classroom.
Republicans and right-wing pundits like to blame inflation on higher wages for workers and increased spending to invest in our people. But could there be another set of factors that are the REAL reasons for what's happening? Let's go to The Classroom to learn more.
Published in Media, Analysis, Commentary on Dec 2, 2021
League of Women Voters announces “Voters’ Choice” TikTok competition
The League of Women Voters of Kentucky is announcing a TikTok contest on redistricting, open to college students across Kentucky.
Published in Action, Press Release on Dec 1, 2021
McGarvey officially files for KY-03 seat
This morning Morgan McGarvey was joined by his wife Chris and their children Clara, Wilson and Greta to officially file to run for the U.S. Congress in KY-03.
Published in News on Dec 1, 2021
Jenkins: Dems are ’READY TO FIGHT for what Kentuckians believe in. Period.‘
Rep. Joni Jenkins sent out a fund-raising letter that sounds more like a call to battle. "It's past time to take the fight TO Republicans and their lies and misinformation. It stops now!"
Published in News on Dec 1, 2021
Open Govt Coalition presents first annual Giblet Awards to KY lawmakers
In an unapologetic nod to columnist Joe Gerth, the KY Open Government Coalition presents its first annual Giblet Awards to lawmakers who brought us 2021’s “offal” legislative packages and side dishes of secrecy.
Published in on Dec 1, 2021
When it comes to our politics, can we be thankful now?
We have just celebrated Thanksgiving, and now, full of fowl, fellowship, and family, might we consider softening our political partisanship just long enough to see if there might be anything to be thankful for in our political future?
Published in Commentary on Nov 30, 2021
With support of numerous organizations, Rep. Kulkarni pre-files bills de-criminalizing personal use of cannabis
Looking to add Kentucky to the growing list of states that has authorized adult use of cannabis, state Rep. Nima Kulkarni pre-filed legislation today that would remove criminal penalties for possessing small amounts and give voters a chance to protect those provisions constitutionally.
Published in Press Release, News on Nov 30, 2021
Dear KYGA: We need new policies to make us healthier
Health advocates are calling on the KY legislature for new policies to address systemic inequities linked to poor health outcomes.
Published in on Nov 30, 2021
Do want to work in politics? This training is for you.
Do you want to work in politics, but NOT as a candidate? Then check out this training by Arena Academy.
Published in Action on Nov 30, 2021
A must-read: Where Trump and the GOP are taking the country
It’s past time for the Democrats to start reminding voters — loudly, clearly and unceasingly — precisely where Donald Trump and the Trumpian Republicans are steering the country: Straight toward white supremacy and authoritarianism.
Published in Analysis, Commentary on Nov 30, 2021