by ALLISON CRAWFORD – Eight western Kentucky elementary schools are among 63 schools across the state receiving funding for kindergarten readiness programs. United Way Born Learning Academies will be available at schools in McCracken, McLean, Christian, Daviess, Graves, Union, and Webster counties this fall. The program began in 2012 with a $1 million grant from Toyota and…
by RYLAND BARTON – Liberal state lawmakers have for 16 years pushed for a bill that would amend Kentucky’s civil rights code to protect people from discrimination in the workplace, housing and other areas based on their sexual orientation. Dubbed the fairness bill, the measure has gotten considerable attention from the press and advocates each year it’s…
by The Associated Press – FRANKFORT, KY. — Gov. Matt Bevin has appointed a new judge-executive for Webster County in western Kentucky. Bevin selected Stephen Henry of Providence to replace the county’s longtime judge-executive, James Townsend, who resigned. Bevin’s office says Henry is a lifelong Webster County resident who became the county’s first 911 coordinator while…
by Joseph Gerth, @Joe_Gerth – Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer called for state legislation that would allow local governments to pass gun control measures in an effort to deal with rising murder rates in places like Louisville and other urban areas. “Here in Kentucky, we need to give cities and counties … the right to protect their…
by JOSH JAMES – The sponsor of a 2016 Kentucky bill that shares some provisions with a recently gutted Texas abortion law says he intends to reintroduce some form of the bill again during next year’s legislative session. In a landmark decision Monday, the U.S. Supreme Court dealt a blow to anti-abortion advocates by voiding parts of a 2013…
by Kevin Wheatley, @KWheatley_cn2 – FRANKFORT — An overflow crowd gathered in the Capitol Annex Wednesday afternoon to voice either their support or concerns with Gov. Matt Bevin’s administration’s proposed Medicaid waiver program, Kentucky HEALTH, that will go before the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services on Aug. 1. The meeting also included the Advisory Council for Medical Assistance, which…
The Associated Press – DANVILLE, KY. — The Danville City Commission has passed a resolution opposing the conversion of a natural gas pipeline to carry potentially hazardous natural gas solids through Boyle County. The Advocate-Messenger reports (http://bit.ly/297GU7s) the resolution, passed Monday, cites concerns over the volatility of Natural Gas Solids and the potential harm a leak…
by Andrew Wolfson, @adwolfson – Gov. Matt Bevin on Wednesday announced his 10 appointments to the University of Louisville Board of Trustees. Below is the list: J. David Grissom, of Louisville, Ky., for a term expiring June 29, 2022. John H. Schnatter, of Louisville, Ky., for a term expiring June 29, 2021. Sandra Frazier, of Louisville,…
by Ryland Barton – If Gov. Matt Bevin’s proposal to change the state’s Medicaid system is approved, about 86,000 fewer people will be enrolled in the program by July 2021, according to his administration. That will save the state money, as he’s said, but it’s also raising concerns about lost coverage. The plan would require most beneficiaries to…
by Tom Loftus, @TomLoftus_CJ – FRANKFORT, Ky. – Gov. Matt Bevin on Tuesday issued an executive order stripping the state attorney general and auditor of their abilities to nominate candidates to the governor to appoint to the Executive Branch Ethics Commission. Bevin’s order declares “null and void” part of a 2008 executive order by then-Gov. Steve Beshear…