Politics
Beshear calls for an amendment on redistricting though passing it would be ‘challenging’
After the Kentucky Supreme Court affirmed redrawn congressional and legislative districts Thursday morning, Gov. Andy Beshear said a constitutional amendment should be pursued but noted it would be “challenging” to pass through the General Assembly.? Beshear, a Democrat, said in his weekly press conference Thursday afternoon that he had not read the entire 78-page opinion […]
Cameron never came close to matching Beshear campaign’s fundraising
FRANKFORT — Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s reelection campaign raised and spent more than four times the dollars raised and spent by his Republican challenger Attorney General Daniel Cameron in this fall’s general election — a difference that figured in Beshear’s victory. Reports filed this week by the two campaigns covering fundraising and spending through the […]
Sen. Damon Thayer, Republican floor leader, will not run for reelection
Sen. Damon Thayer, a Georgetown Republican and the Kentucky Senate’s majority floor leader for a decade, announced Wednesday he will not seek reelection. “I have decided not to seek reelection to the state Senate in 2024,” Thayer said. “The end of my current term next year will mark 22 years in the Senate and 12 […]
Georgetown’s Phillip Pratt will not seek reelection to Kentucky House in 2024
A four-term member of the Kentucky House will not seek reelection in 2024. Rep. Phillip Pratt, R-Georgetown, said in a press release that he appreciated the “opportunity to serve Scott County in the Kentucky House of Representatives.” Pratt will serve in the upcoming 2024 regular session beginning in January. His term ends at the end […]
‘Today, everybody’s just a Kentuckian’
FRANKFORT — Jason Johnson was pleasantly surprised a couple of weeks ago when he got a call from his high school principal. The governor’s office wanted Johnson, 41, the band director at Pike Central High School in Eastern Kentucky, and his dozens of band students to march in the inauguration parade down Capital Avenue and […]
Beshear speaks of unity and hope over hate in second inaugural speech
FRANKFORT — Standing in front of Kentucky’s Capitol, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear on Tuesday spoke of hope and unity for the next four years.? Beshear and Lt.? Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, who? were inaugurated for the second time, highlighted in their addresses the accomplishments of their first term, stressing economic development, and honored Kentuckians who overcame […]
Dr. Steven Stack, MC for private swearing-in, praises Beshear, recalls their pandemic work
State Public Health Commissioner Steven Stack was master of ceremonies for Gov. Andy Beshear’s private swearing-in ceremony as Tuesday began, providing a platform for him to reflect on his and Beshear’s work during the pandemic, work that won public approval and set Beshear up for reelection. Taking the lectern in the Capitol Rotunda after Land […]
Beshear’s inauguration is next week. Here’s the schedule.
Last month, voters gave Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman a second term. Next week, they’ll be inaugurated again at the State Capitol in Frankfort.? The 62nd inauguration on Tuesday, Dec. 12, will feature Kentuckians to celebrate a theme of “Forward, Together.” The festivities include an inaugural ball, a parade, performances and […]
State senator wants Frankfort utility to sell its internet service; utility questions why
FRANKFORT — Walking to his office in the state capitol annex last month, state Sen. Gex Williams pulled out his phone to show a photo of a billboard that appeared in Frankfort weeks earlier. The billboard along a well-traveled street displays in bold, white font the words, “OUR COMMUNITY IS NOT FOR SALE,” along with […]
Harvey to retire as Justice and Public Safety Cabinet secretary
Kerry Harvey, the secretary of the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet, will retire at the end of January.? Gov. Andy Beshear, who was recently reelected, made the announcement during his weekly press conference Thursday. The governor thanked Harvey for his service and added that Harvey’s decision was “his choice and his choice alone.”? “He has […]
Kentucky Board of Education names firm for education commissioner search
The Kentucky Board of Education has selected McPherson & Jacobson, LLC, as the firm to conduct the search for the Commonwealth’s next commissioner of education.? The board met with representatives of the search firm during its Thursday meeting. However, the selection was made during a Nov. 28 meeting, though the vendor’s name was not public […]