Politics
Kentucky’s new ‘random’ change of venue law challenged by game-machines industry
FRANKFORT — Plaintiffs challenging a new Kentucky law banning video game machines that pay cash prizes are asking a judge to halt another new Kentucky law that could send their lawsuit to a random circuit court across the state. Pace-O-Matic — a large manufacturer of what the company and other proponents call “skill-based” game machines […]
Keck calls for sports gambling revenue to be used to improve school safety in Kentucky
Days after it was legalized in Kentucky, Republican governor candidate Alan Keck called for future revenue from sports gambling to be used for improving safety in Kentucky’s schools.? In a campaign press release, the Somerset mayor said he recognized that some Kentuckians oppose sports betting. “That’s why it’s essential to me that we use the […]
Kentucky Black Legislative Caucus joins call condemning potential expulsion of Tennessee lawmakers?
Kentucky’s Black Legislative Caucus joined the National Black Caucus of State Legislators in? condemning the potential expulsion of? three Tennessee state lawmakers after days of turmoil at the Capitol in Nashville.? Last week, three Tennessee Democrats?—?Rep. Gloria Johnson, Justin J. Pearson and Justin Jones — led an impromptu protest on the House floor against gun […]
Sex, gender, parents’ rights: A roundup of Kentucky education legislation
FRANKFORT — The recently-ended legislative session brought education to the forefront of Kentucky politics in an election year for statewide offices.? Lawmakers approved legislation aimed at tackling a shortage of teachers, though the Republican-controlled General Assembly never considered Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s proposal to provide school employees with 5% pay raises. The education debates that […]
Cameron joins attorneys general in opposing federal regulations on gas stoves
Kentucky’s Daniel Cameron joined a coalition of 22 state attorneys general in opposing a proposed federal regulation on the sale of gas stoves currently on the market.? The move from the group of state officials is in response to a Department of Energy proposal to require efficiency standards for cooktop appliances. Growing evidence shows gas […]
Craft’s GOP rivals have little to say about her absenteeism as U.S. ambassador to Canada
Kelly Craft’s four major rivals for governor in the May 16 Republican primary were mostly mum when asked about reports that she had a high absenteeism rate as U.S. ambassador to Canada. In 2019, the Democratic staff of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee issued a critical minority report on Craft’s nomination by then-President Donald […]
Students in Lexington lead protest of new anti-trans law
LEXINGTON?— Hundreds of Kentuckians on Friday gathered for a LGBTQ+ youth visibility march in downtown Lexington. The event, led by local high school students, was organized in response to Senate Bill 150, a sweeping anti-trans measure that the Republican-controlled Kentucky legislature enacted into law this week over Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto.? On Wednesday, protests against […]
Republicans say they lost committee seats for bucking House leadership
FRANKFORT — Shortly after House members finished their business for this year’s regular session, six Republicans were removed from committee assignments, an action that some in the GOP are calling punishment for bucking leadership.? Some of those who lost committee assignments say they were not given a reason. The changes were announced Thursday night before […]
Bipartisanship abounds as Beshear signs bills legalizing medical marijuana and sports betting
FRANKFORT — Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear called Friday an “amazing” day as he signed two pieces of legislation — legalizing medical marijuana and sports betting — that were passed by the Republican-controlled General Assembly.? With legislative sponsors and advocates gathered around him in the Capitol Rotunda, Beshear signed Senate Bill 47 and House Bill 551. […]
GOP lawmakers file resolutions urging education commissioner’s dismissal for LGBTQ+ guidance
FRANKFORT — After Kentucky Education Commissioner Jason Glass was criticized by lawmakers for inclusive guidance for the state’s LGBTQ+ students, two lawmakers filed resolutions urging the Kentucky Board of Education to dismiss him from his role.? Calloway was speaking in support of overriding Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto of Senate Bill 150, a sweeping anti-trans […]
Legislature overrides all Beshear vetoes, could still pass medical marijuana and sports betting
FRANKFORT — Republicans on Wednesday flexed their supermajorities to override all 15 vetoes by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, while other notable legislation still awaits final passage. The GOP-controlled legislature could give final passage to bills legalizing medical marijuana and sports gambling after failed attempts to do so in past years. The legislature also could repeal […]
Kentucky legislature overrides veto of anti-trans bill
This story discusses suicide and anti-LGBTQ attacks in Kentucky. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.? The Trevor Project, which aims to end suicide among LGBTQ+ youth, also has trained counselors available around the clock. Reach them at 1-866-488-7386, via chat at […]