News
Kentucky legislature passes anti-trans bill?
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 https://www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help/, or by texting START to 678678.? FRANKFORT — […]
Kentucky House tries to revive anti-trans legislation stalled in Senate
FRANKFORT — With time running out in this session, House Republicans tried on Thursday to revive anti-trans legislation that has stalled in the Senate. In a hastily called committee meeting, provisions restricting health care for trans youth were grafted onto Senate Bill 150, described by sponsor Sen. Max Wise, R-Campbellsville, as a “parents rights” measure, […]
Beshear appoints former state Rep. Angela Hatton to Public Service Commission
Former state Rep. Angela C. Hatton of Whitesburg is the newest member of the Kentucky Public Service Commission. Gov. Andy Beshear signed the appointment March 10. Hatton, who will serve as the PSC’s vice chair, replaces Marianne Butler of Louisville whose appointment was not confirmed by the Senate. Hatton’s term ends July 1, 2025, according […]
U.S. Senate moves toward repealing authority for military force against Iraq
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Senate took a broadly bipartisan vote Thursday to advance legislation that would end the 32-year-old and the 20-year-old Authorizations for Use of Military Force against Iraq. The 68-27 vote moves the measure past the chamber’s 60-vote legislative filibuster and towards a final passage vote as soon as next week. House Republican […]
Northern Kentucky University sets up search for new president amidst gloomy financial picture
The Northern Kentucky University Board of Regents took several big steps Wednesday to select a new president after its budget officials outlined financial woes that may lead to higher tuition and student services fees. The board hired at an undisclosed amount a firm to conduct a national search for a new president and appointed a […]
Kentucky House approves book challenge bill after multiple attempts to alter it fail
FRANKFORT — The Kentucky House rejected pleas of some Republicans to add a ban on? public drag shows and some parental rights provisions to a bill mandating a complaint process for parents to challenge school materials they consider “harmful to minors.” Senate Bill 5, primarily sponsored by Sen. Jason Howell, R-Murray, came onto the House […]
Anti-trans bill paused in Senate as Republicans split
FRANKFORT — The Kentucky Senate narrowly voted to postpone consideration of House Bill 470 — after ?adopting a floor amendment that loosened the controversial bill’s health-care restrictions on trans youth. The 19-17 vote came at 9:34 p.m. Wednesday after two breaks for closed-door Republican caucuses.?? Sen. Danny Carroll, R-Benton, proposed cutting about 30 pages of […]
Lofton’s Law, criminalizing hazing, clears both chambers of Kentucky legislature
FRANKFORT —?The Kentucky House on Wednesday voted to make hazing that causes a death or serious injury a felony. Lofton’s Law – named after 18-year-old Thomas “Lofton” Hazelwood, a University of Kentucky freshman who died from alcohol poisoning at his fraternity house – was approved in the House by a vote of 97-3. The Senate […]
Legislation banning state help for federal firearms ban receives final passage
FRANKFORT — Legislation that would prohibit law enforcement and public funds in Kentucky from going? toward enforcing any “federal ban” on firearms, ammunition and firearm accessories is headed to the governor’s desk after receiving final approval in the GOP-controlled state Senate.? House Bill 153, primarily sponsored by Rep. Josh Bray, R-Mount Vernon, has faced criticism […]
Kentucky Education Association cries foul as legislature blocks payroll deductions for its dues
FRANKFORT – A bill that would stop automatic payroll deductions for dues of certain public employees who are part of a union or association has been passed by both the House and Senate Representatives voted 66-33 on Senate Bill 7 Wednesday evening. The bill seeks to stop government resources going to political funds. The Kentucky […]
House joins Senate in putting TikTok ban for Kentucky employees into law
FRANKFORT — With time running out for the 2023 General Assembly to pass bills, House members approved a measure to codify an executive and legislative branch ban on using TikTok. The House voted 96-3 on Senate Bill 20 Wednesday. Those who voted no were Democratic Reps. Cherlynn Stevenson, Lisa Willner and Sarah Stalker.? The bill’s […]
U.S. Senate leader calls for safety audit into all major railroads after Ohio derailment
U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called Wednesday for the federal authority responsible for determining the causes of transportation casualties to investigate the safety culture at all major North American freight railroads. Following the Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern derailment that caused a toxic chemical spill in East Palestine, Ohio, Schumer, a New York Democrat, said […]