By KENTUCKY NEWS CONNECTION In less than a week, voters will decide whether to add victims’ rights legislation known as Marsy’s Law to the state’s Constitution. The amendment is one of two measures appearing on this year’s ballot. But critics say the well-intentioned law has serious flaws and is an empty promise for victims. Heather Gatnareck, staff attorney…
By JOSH JAMES Kentucky’s top health official is outlining how the state plans to launch its first rounds of COVID-19 vaccinations, once one or more are available. State Public Health Commissioner Dr. Steven Stack told lawmakers Wednesday that any vaccine will be phased in, with the first doses potentially available in early or mid-December for first…
By Ryan Van Velzer Kentucky restaurants say they can expect to see an immediate loss in customers following the latest round of coronavirus recommendations from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, according to the Kentucky Restaurant Association. Restaurant Association President Stacy Roof she’s disheartened the governor’s office has singled out the restaurant industry, which endured more than $550…
By ASSOCIATED PRESS Kentucky’s governor says political candidates should lean toward virtual campaigning amid a surge of coronavirus cases. And he says they should follow strict guidelines if opting for in-person events. With Election Day a week away, Gov. Andy Beshear was asked Tuesday about people campaigning in counties categorized as having the highest COVID-19 incidence…
By KARYN CZAR The Kentucky National Guard is preparing to assist local officials at polling locations in 38 counties on Election Day. Guard officials say about 280 guardsmen will provide logistical and administrative support next Tuesday. They’re stepping in because many poll workers and volunteers are typically in a high-risk category for contracting COVID-19. Guardsmen will…
By Ryland Barton While Mitch McConnell oversaw the confirmation of Amy Coney Barrett to the U.S. Supreme Court, candidates trying to unseat him in the Senate participated in a televised debate on KET. Democratic candidate Amy McGrath and Libertarian Brad Barron criticized McConnell for rushing the confirmation through eight days before the General Election and not…
By Jared Bennett Kentucky Senate Republicans intend to file a bill that would prevent the unemployment office from “clawing back” money mistakenly paid to people who self-quarantined. Republican leadership announced the plan at a press conference last week, where they discussed concerns with Gov. Andy Beshear’s response to the coronavirus pandemic. Among those concerns were missteps…
By Corinne Boyer, Ohio Valley ReSource As Kentucky continues to post record high numbers of coronavirus cases, University of Kentucky HealthCare hospitals revealed plans to accommodate an expected spike of hospitalized COVID-19 patients. UK’s Albert B. Chandler Hospital in Lexington treats COVID-19 patients from the city and some coronavirus patients have been transferred from other Kentucky…
By STU JOHNSON Fayette County Clerk Don Blevins labels the in-person voting response at eight locations around Lexington as, quote, “ok so far.” The early voting sites in three libraries, two schools, a community college campus site, plus the Senior and Dunbar Centers have been open since mid-October. Blevins hopes for a bigger response this week.…
By STU JOHNSON Over the last decade, Kentucky tomato production has shifted from the field to the house. That’s in line with two events last week offered by the Agritech company AppHarvest. University of Kentucky Extension Vegetable Specialist Rachel Rudolph says the state’s ag census shows open field tomato production went from just over 900 acres…