Kentucky Lantern

11/08/2024

After Kentucky voters thwarted a Republican-backed “school choice” amendment, the legislature’s supermajority will likely focus on holding “poorly performing school systems” accountable, said Republican Senate President Robert Stivers.
Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear said the amendment’s landslide defeat is a message from Kentuckians to pump more resources into public schools.

After "school choice" amendment fails, Democratic leaders say Kentuckians want more resources for public schools. GOP leader calls for accountability.

11/07/2024

"There is no excuse for not going to work."
"Never stop dreaming."
Judge Pamela Goodwine shared some of her words to live by with Lantern reporter Sarah Ladd in an election night interview.
Once a court reporter, Goodwine is the first Black woman ever elected to the Kentucky Supreme Court.

After a historic win made her the first Black woman ever elected to the Kentucky Supreme Court, Pamela Goodwine sat down for a chat with the Lantern.

11/06/2024

"We've got a lot of work to do," says Democrat.

Kentucky voters seemingly maintained the Republican supermajority, but Democrats managed to hold on to their caucus numbers.

11/06/2024

Former President Donald Trump has captured enough votes in the Electoral College to win the presidency, The Associated Press projects.

11/06/2024

Starting as a court stenographer and legal secretary, Pamela Goodwine has been a district, circuit and state court of appeals judge. And will now serve on the Kentucky Supreme Court.

Judge Pamela Goodwine is no stranger to firsts. Now she will be the first Black woman to serve on the Kentucky Supreme Court.

11/05/2024

Disabled by hip damage and other health conditions, JD Charles of Eastern Kentucky said the $23 a month he received in SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) helped him get by.
Charles is among 11,800 Kentuckians who lost SNAP benefits after Oct. 1.

JD Charles is among 11,800 Kentuckians who lost SNAP benefits Oct. 1. The $23 a month helped him get by on his Social Security disability income.

11/05/2024

People in Louisville can literally breathe easier because of Art Williams’ work.
Williams, who died Oct. 20, helped steer a politically-charged and technically-complex process that led to Louisville industries deeply reducing releases of toxic chemicals into the air.
He also made a mean horseradish sauce.

Art Williams, who died Oct. 20, steered a politically-charged process that led to deep reductions of toxic chemicals in Louisville's air.

11/05/2024

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. local time. Voters who are in line to vote at 6 p.m. are entitled to vote.

The state has already seen record early turnout.. Republican Secretary of State Michael Adams said 792,476 voters cast ballots during three days of early voting and six days of in-person excused absentee voting.

In addition to casting votes for U.S. president, Kentuckians will decide numerous races Tuesday — including two constitutional amendments.

11/01/2024

Each side has reported raising roughly $8 million, with those totals sure to go up after post-election reports are filed in late November.
The money race pits teachers unions opposed to the amendment against a billionaire from Pennsylvania who champions charter schools and private school vouchers.

More than $16 million will be spent wooing Kentuckians to vote for or against the so-called "school choice" Amendment 2, the most ever over an amendment.

11/01/2024

Republicans Rand Paul and Daniel Cameron are campaigning for Amendment 2. Democrats Andy Beshear and Jacqueline Coleman are rallying opponents.
The amendment would suspend or “notwithstand” seven sections of the state Constitution to allow public money to flow to nonpublic schools.

With days left in Kentucky’s general election, supporters and opponents of Amendment 2 are traveling the state to make their last-minute pitches to voters.

11/01/2024

In her old house — built more than 100 years ago by a coal company — Lois Thompson says she couldn’t afford to run the heat pump.
So she heated a single room with a propane heater.
Thanks to a housing nonprofit, Thompson moved into a new "net zero" house in August on the site where her old home, damaged by flooding in 2022, had stood.
Her most recent power bill: $21.61

In a region built on coal, the pressure of soaring utility bills and the need for housing are driving a new vision of what its energy future could be.

11/01/2024

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell quickly responded, defending the system and saying the Electoral College “compels presidents to govern nationally rather than pandering to the interests of New York and California.”

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear says president should be elected by popular vote so "seven states don't decide the presidency.”

10/31/2024

With days left in Kentucky’s general election, supporters and opponents of Amendment 2 are traveling the state to make their last-minute pitches to voters.

With days left in Kentucky’s general election, supporters and opponents of Amendment 2 are traveling the state to make their last-minute pitches to voters. Republicans U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, his wife Kelley Paul and former Attorney General Daniel Cameron spoke to a Bowling Green rally for the amendm...

10/30/2024

Commentary by Fenton Johnson

Why Sundance should come to Kentucky and other places where the rights of women and LGBTQ people are under attack.

Art has the power to change hearts, which is why Sundance should be in states that have "don't say gay" laws like Kentucky, Tennessee and Florida.

10/28/2024

Dispensaries will be chosen later.

The first round of medical cannabis licenses, drawn by state lottery staff, went to 16 cultivators and 10 processors around Kentucky.

10/28/2024

FBI agents from surrounding areas will work in the 10 counties that are in the Pikeville office's territory until new agents are in place.

FBI agents from nearby areas handle federal law enforcement in 10 Eastern Kentucky counties while the FBI tries to fill vacancies in its Pikeville office.

10/28/2024

Military families at Fort Campbell say the mold in their privatized housing is making them sick.
They're not alone.
via Project On Government Oversight

Military families, including Aubrey Metzler and her children at Fort Campbell, report that mold in their privatized housing is making them sick.

10/28/2024

An ode to the concession speech.
By Kentucky political scientist Sherelle Roberts.

A politician losing an election should admit defeat, wish their opponent well, and gracefully step aside. The concession speech is the best way to do this.