Wednesday, December 31, 2014

Today's Political Headlines


Facing a trio of challengers, Rep. "Bam" Carney won't seek re-election as minority whip

12/30/2014 04:08 PM
House Minority Whip John “Bam” Carney announced Tuesday he will not run for a second term in Republican leadership, citing a need to focus on his family after remarrying recently. Carney’s decision sets up the second shuffle in the three-member GOP leadership team with House Minority Caucus Chairman Bob DeWeese’s similar announcement last month. Rep. David Osborne is the only Republican who’s made his interest in the caucus chairmanship public. Three of Carney’s colleagues — GOP Reps. Ken Upchurch of Monticello,... Read more 

Regions feeling economic recovery differently, Ky. Chamber of Commerce study finds

12/29/2014 07:30 PM
Some regions of the state have flourished more than others during Kentucky’s five-year climb from the recession, with the state’s urban areas leading in employment and payroll growth while Appalachia lost more than 10 percent of its jobs and wages, according to a report by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce released Monday. Kentucky’s 11 percent growth in manufacturing jobs between June 2009, the “bottom” of the recession, and June this year was more than twice the national average of 4.2 percent,... Read more 

The Chatter: Potential GOP candidate Will T. Scott leaves bench, Gov. Beshear releases top 10 accomplishments

12/29/2014 04:57 PM
Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Will T. Scott, a rumored entrant in next year’s Republican gubernatorial primary, has resigned his seat on the state’s highest court effective midnight Friday, The Lexington Herald-Leader reports. The 67-year-old, of Pikeville, declined to say why he’s resigning, but he previously told the Herald-Leader’s Sam Youngman that he would decide whether to enter the 2015 governor’s race by the time he chopped down his Christmas tree. Scott, first elected to the 7th Supreme Court District... Read more 
Waiting For A Break: Obama on ‘Strategic Patience’ In Foreign Policy
from NPR
NPR President Obama has two more years in office to match his grand ambitions to the grim realities in foreign policy. He spoke of his plans in a year-end interview with NPR, shortly before leaving Washington for the holidays. Obama defended his strategy and vision, despite continued chaos in the Middle East and Russia’s defiance of the West regarding Ukraine. The president’s challenge is to make good on goals he has pursued for years. When we spoke, he had just restored diplomatic relations with Cuba, bypassing critics who said he was rewarding a despotic regime. This made me curious about a still more provocative [...]
Wed, Dec 31, 2014 12:24:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Transcript: President Obama’s Full NPR Interview
from NPR
NPR’s wide-ranging interview with President Obama covers recent executive actions on Cuba and immigration, race relations in the U.S., health care, the midterm elections and extending democracy in the Middle East. STEVE INSKEEP: Since your party’s defeat in the election, you have made two major executive actions — one on immigration, one on Cuba. One of those might have been difficult to do before the election; the other surely would’ve been difficult to do before the election, which makes me wonder: Is there some way in which that election just passed has liberated you? PRESIDENT OBAMA: I don’t think it’s been liberating. [...]
Wed, Dec 31, 2014 12:22:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
How Would Body Cameras Work for Louisville Metro Police? That’s Still Being Figured Out.
from Jacob Ryan
Even before police practices came under national scrutiny, Louisville Metro Police leaders were exploring a new technology that police critics and advocates alike say would improve relations between officers and the public. Body cameras have been under consideration in LMPD for nearly two years, police officials said. A pilot program will launch this summer with about 100 officers in Division 5, said Sgt. Phil Russell, a police spokesman.  Division 5  includes the Highlands and Clifton neighborhoods. “It’s a division that has a lot of opportunities to interact with people, but they’re not so busy that it’s a distraction,” Russell said. A full roll out to [...]
Wed, Dec 31, 2014 12:01:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Today's Political Headlines


Regions feeling economic recovery differently, Ky. Chamber of Commerce study finds

12/29/2014 07:30 PM
Some regions of the state have flourished more than others during Kentucky’s five-year climb from the recession, with the state’s urban areas leading in employment and payroll growth while Appalachia lost more than 10 percent of its jobs and wages, according to a report by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce released Monday. Kentucky’s 11 percent growth in manufacturing jobs between June 2009, the “bottom” of the recession, and June this year was more than twice the national average of 4.2 percent,... Read more 

The Chatter: Potential GOP candidate Will T. Scott leaves bench, Gov. Beshear releases top 10 accomplishments

12/29/2014 04:57 PM
Kentucky Supreme Court Justice Will T. Scott, a rumored entrant in next year’s Republican gubernatorial primary, has resigned his seat on the state’s highest court effective midnight Friday, The Lexington Herald-Leader reports. The 67-year-old, of Pikeville, declined to say why he’s resigning, but he previously told the Herald-Leader’s Sam Youngman that he would decide whether to enter the 2015 governor’s race by the time he chopped down his Christmas tree. Scott, first elected to the 7th Supreme Court District... Read more 

Helping domestic violence victims at heart of strangulation bill, sponsor says

12/28/2014 01:00 PM
State Sen. Morgan McGarvey hopes a bill he’s sponsoring in next year’s legislative session that identifies strangulation as a criminal offense will help victims of domestic violence. The bill would define strangulation as a class A misdemeanor with aggravating circumstances, such as strangling a child, threatening to use a deadly weapon or strangling a victim unconscious, upping the crime to a class D felony. Currently, strangulation is loosely defined in the state’s assault laws, said McGarvey, D-Louisville. His bill, pre-filed Nov.... Read more 
As Bourbon Booms, Demand For Barrels Is Overflowing
from NPR
If you could make a lot of bourbon whiskey these days, you could be distilling real profits. Bourbon sales in this country are up 36 percent in the past five years. But you’d need new wooden barrels for aging your new pristine product. Simple white oak barrels, charred on the inside to increase flavor and add color, are becoming more precious than the bourbon. Making these barrels is a very old craft, almost an art, called cooperage. The Scots-Irish who settled in Appalachia could do this: Cut the white oak boards into staves, steam them to bend, make metal hoops to hold [...]
Tue, Dec 30, 2014 12:50:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Here’s Why Obama Said The U.S. Is ‘Less Racially Divided’
from NPR
President Obama says Americans feel worse about race relations not because relations are worse, but because we’re talking about them more. Obama offered that analysis during a year-ending NPR interview. In a 40-minute talk just before he left Washington for the holidays, he gave clues to his thinking about his final two years in office. The president says he wanted 2014 to be a “breakthrough year,” when the economy would decisively improve and the nation’s toxic politics might improve too. Though the economy did grow, 2014 became another year of unexpected disasters and unplanned events. That surely contributed to the drop in [...]
Tue, Dec 30, 2014 12:43:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Most Kentuckians Are Aware of Kynect, Poll Says
from Ja'Nel Johnson
A poll released today found that most Kentuckians have heard about Kynect, the state’s online health insurance marketplace. The Kentucky Health Issues Poll found that 77 percent of adults in Kentucky have heard something about Kynect; 27 percent of adults in the state had heard a lot about the insurance marketplace. The poll was funded by the Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky and Interact for Health, formerly the Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati. (The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky is part of the partnership for WFPL’s Next Louisville: Community Health project.) The poll cites Democrats, college graduates, Lexington or Louisville residents, and registered voters as being [...]
Tue, Dec 30, 2014 12:01:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Monday, December 29, 2014

Today's Political Headlines

Helping domestic violence victims at heart of strangulation bill, sponsor says

12/28/2014 01:00 PM Pure Politics
State Sen. Morgan McGarvey hopes a bill he’s sponsoring in next year’s legislative session that identifies strangulation as a criminal offense will help victims of domestic violence. The bill would define strangulation as a class A misdemeanor with aggravating circumstances, such as strangling a child, threatening to use a deadly weapon or strangling a victim unconscious, upping the crime to a class D felony. Currently, strangulation is loosely defined in the state’s assault laws, said McGarvey, D-Louisville. His bill, pre-filed Nov.... Read more 

Rogers ready for McConnell-led Senate, return to "old fashioned way" of appropriating

12/28/2014 09:15 AM Kevin Wheatley
Count U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers among those eager for a new Republican-controlled Congress to convene Jan. 6, especially since a fellow Kentuckian will be leading the Senate. U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell made his 15-point re-election victory this fall a referendum on President Barack Obama, particularly his administration’s policies to cut carbon-dioxide emissions at power plants. McConnell, the incoming Senate majority leader, has repeatedly stressed his plans to slash funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in the next round of budget... Read more 

Patriot Coal will idle two large coal mines in Western Kentucky, beginning today. As many as 650 workers could be affected. Patriot warned layoffs could be coming earlier this month, when it issued WARN notices to employees at its Highland and Dodge Hill mines. Coal mine closures are becoming predictable in Eastern Kentucky; the region has shed more than 6,000 coal jobs in the past three years. But production and employment have been steadier in Western Kentucky, with fewer large-scale layoffs. In a WFPL interview earlier this month, IHS Global Insight analyst James Stevenson said the potential closures of Highland and Dodge [...]
Mon, Dec 29, 2014 4:00:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

President Obama has begun his administration’s final phase the way he began several other chapters of his presidency: seeking to recover from disaster. Obama has moved vigorously since his party lost the Senate in November. Without consulting Congress, he’s offering legal status to millions of immigrants. He’s restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba. Above all, he’s striving to show he will not be a lame duck. The president took our questions the day before he left Washington for the holidays. The 40-minute, year-ending interview offered clues to his final two years in the Oval Office, which is where we met. NPR is publishing [...]
Mon, Dec 29, 2014 2:19:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

A painful anniversary in the history of integration in Louisville, the celebration surrounding same-sex marriage in Indiana, the controversy surrounding a wildlife refuge. These are some of the biggest stories WFPL and the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting produced in 2014. In the next few days, we’ll spotlight some of our biggest and best stories during our broadcasts. Here’s where you can find the first batch of stories online. We’ll share more later in the week. Same-Sex Couples Get Marriage Licenses in Jeffersonville Gabe Bullard’s piece from June following a federal court’s ruling that Indiana must allow and recognize same-sex marriages. The office had [...]
Mon, Dec 29, 2014 2:17:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

The faces of the Republican Party's most ambitious members are changing.Click to Continue » [...]
Sun, Dec 28, 2014 1:00:00 PM, Continue reading at the source

The public library in Owsley County, one of the poorest in the nation, ranked first in Kentucky for book circulation in 2013 and second for per-capita library attendance, book collection…Click to Continue » [...]
Sun, Dec 28, 2014 1:20:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
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Friday, December 26, 2014

Today's Political Headlines


Jack Conway's not singing lonely holiday blues in sparse Democratic gubernatorial field

12/24/2014 04:14 PM
The holidays are a time of togetherness, but Attorney General Jack Conway is content to spend this season as the lone big-name Democrat in the 2015 gubernatorial field. Conway hopes that will continue until 4:01 p.m. Jan. 27. But past election cycles have shown that January can bring campaign surprises as the filing deadline approaches. Democrats have historically crowded Kentucky gubernatorial races, but as the only prominent contender, Conway has had the primary field to himself since he launched his bid ... Read more 

Public-private partnership will create 3,000-mile fiber network throughout Kentucky, improve broadband access in mountains

12/23/2014 09:57 PM
FRANKFORT — Congressman Hal Rogers’ vision of a “silicon holler” in eastern Kentucky came closer to reality Tuesday after officials announced a wide-ranging effort to provide high-speed Internet access throughout the state, with Appalachia getting some early attention. Rogers, Gov. Steve Beshear and others touted the public-private partnership between Kentucky and Australia-based Macquarie Capital to develop a fiber infrastructure as a godsend for the impoverished mountain region. “Eastern Kentucky will be equal to the world in limitless technology — no more... Read more 

Snodgrass ending term as longest serving clerk in Campbell County history

12/23/2014 05:57 PM
NEWPORT — It’s the end of an era in Campbell County as Jack Snodgrass ends his reign as Campbell County clerk at the end of the year after serving six terms in office. The 70-year-old Snodgrass, who was first elected in November of 1989 after successfully running his family’s beer business for 17 years, is the longest serving clerk in county history. The Democrat continued to get elected, even at a time when most of the county tilted conservative. During his tenure, Snodgrass... Read more 
Will Rupp Arena Renovations Be on Kentucky Legislators’ Agenda?
from Stu Johnson
Despite the current success of the University of Kentucky’s men’s basketball team, state lawmakers appear unlikely in 2015 to consider funding for renovations at Lexington’s Rupp Arena. That’s according to state Rep. Ruth Ann Palumbo, a Lexington Democrat. An effort during the last legislative session to win approval for $80 million in state funds for the project was unsuccessful. Palumbo said since the 2015 meeting is not a budget session, she doesn’t expect the Rupp project to make it onto the agenda. “Well, this is not a budget session coming up and so, I really don’t think there will be discussion about Rupp,” she said. But [...]
Fri, Dec 26, 2014 2:01:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Beshear Hopeful Kentucky General Assembly Can Address Heroin Epidemic in 2015 Session
from Kevin Willis
Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear said he feels positive about getting a bill passed next year that will strengthen the state’s heroin laws. The number of Kentucky deaths caused by heroin last year increased by more than 12 percent, with the northern part of the state especially hard hit. A bill that would have toughened sentences for heroin dealers while also providing increased services for addicts failed to pass this year’s General Assembly. Related StoryTwo Louisvillians Share Stories of Heroin AddictionBeshear recently told Kentucky Public Radio there appears to be growing bipartisan belief that lawmakers can get something done in 2015. “I’m going to be [...]
Fri, Dec 26, 2014 12:01:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Kentucky Lawmakers Urged to Consider Innovative Approaches to Energy Policy
from Erica Peterson
The policy arm of a statewide Democratic group has issued its recommendations for Kentucky’s energy future. The Commonwealth Institute for Policy Issues and Civic Engagement—CPI for short—is part of the Women’s Network. CPI has existed for five years, and occasionally publishes papers about issues pertinent to Kentucky. Earlier this month, the organization released a white paper laying out an energy plan for the state. CPI Energy Committee Chairwoman Lane Adams said the group is adding its voice to others who are urging more diversification in a state that’s traditionally relied on coal. “We would hope that adding our voices to the other groups [...]
Fri, Dec 26, 2014 12:01:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Today's Political Headlines


Making no excuses: Covington elementary school excels regardless of economics

12/23/2014 10:12 AM
COVINGTON — Rarely does a school which has 90 percent free and reduced lunch rate achieve a distinguished rating in Kentucky’s Unbridled Learning for All Assessment and Accountability System, but Glenn O. Swing Elementary in Covington did just that for the 2013-2014 school year as its students finished in the 99th percentile on state tests. The 451-student school saw its scores jump 21.7 points from the previous year, the highest jump among northern Kentucky schools and the 11th highest in... Read more 

Gov. Beshear says costs for new Brent Spence Bridge will escalate the longer the project is delayed

12/22/2014 06:32 PM
COVINGTON — Gov. Steve Beshear warned northern Kentucky business leaders that delaying the start of the new Brent Spence Bridge project will cost taxpayers $7 million more a month. Beshear, who spoke Monday at the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Covington, told chamber members that the costs rise sharply due to inflation each month the project is delayed. “At $84 million a year, waiting five years to address congestion and safety adds over $400 million to the cost of that... Read more 

Hal Heiner's campaign manager resigned earlier this month but still '100 percent' behind candidate

12/22/2014 03:49 PM
The same day Holly Harris VonLuehrte announced her departure from the gubernatorial campaign of Agriculture Commission James Comer, the campaign of Louisville Republican Hal Heiner revealed it had also lost a top operative this month. Joe Burgan, who had managed Heiner’s campaign since its launch in March, said he decided to resign his post Dec. 9 to explore other options, preferably a more flexible schedule so he can spend more time raising his newborn son. He said he “had a... Read more 
U.S. Economy Grew At A 5 Percent Rate In Third Quarter
from NPR
The U.S. economy grew at a surprisingly fast 5 percent annual rate in the third quarter of 2014, up sharply from the 3.9 percent of the last revision. The figure blew past the consensus estimate of 4.3 percent put forth by economists surveyed by Bloomberg News. It’s the fastest the U.S. economy has grown in one quarter in more than a decade: The GDP grew at a 6.9 percent pace in the third quarter of 2003. The growth was supported by both personal and government spending, as well as a drop in imports. “Consumer spending is poised to charge into 2015 as more [...]
Tue, Dec 23, 2014 3:09:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Feeling Sad This Season? You May Have the Holiday Blues.
from Ja'Nel Johnson
Sixty-four percent of people report having anxiety and depression during the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Michael Gray, executive director of NAMI  in Louisville, said feelings of loneliness, anxiety, tension, depression and fatigue during the holiday season can be related to a number of things, but most frequently it is attributed to an over-extension of one’s time, energy and resources. “People tend to be unrealistic in terms of how much they can get done with cooking, cleaning, entertaining people and shopping,” he said. They call it the “holiday blues.” He said shopping is of particular [...]
Tue, Dec 23, 2014 12:01:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Sam Youngman: What would a Republican presidential caucus mean for Kentucky?
When considering the possibility of a Kentucky presidential caucus in 2016, there are at least a million unanswered questions.Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, Dec 23, 2014 5:28:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
New 'In God We Trust' signs appear in Capitol in time for 2015 legislative session
from jbrammer@herald-leader.com (Jack Brammer)
FRANKFORT — Just in time for Christmas — and the 2015 Kentucky General Assembly — "In God We Trust" signs have been placed in the 11 legislative committee rooms in…Click to Continue » [...]
Mon, Dec 22, 2014 10:19:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Monday, December 22, 2014

Today's Political Headlines


Koenig lays out his challenge to Hoover for top GOP spot in the House

12/20/2014 10:42 AM
Rep. Adam Koenig, R-Erlanger, has only been internally mounting a challenge to House Minority Floor Leader Jeff Hoover, R-Jamestown, for a little over a week, but he’s “having fun” campaigning — something he says he looks forward to doing against Democrats if given the opportunity by his caucus. Koenig said he’s not worried about possible retribution for challenging Hoover because he “plans to win” and it’s Hoover who perhaps should have something to fear. The 8-year incumbent is... Read more 

Comer hires new campaign manger to replace Holly Harris-Von Luehrte 

12/19/2014 08:45 PM
The campaign for GOP Gubernatorial primary contender James Comer announced late Friday that senior strategist Holly Harris-Von Luehrte was leaving the campaign and she would be replaced by U.S. Sen. Rand Paul’s former field representative, Edwin King. King will take over day-to-day operations of the campaign including Campaign Director and spokesman, something Harris-Von Luehrte had been doing. Harris said the decision to step aside came with family considerations. “[I] Just need to spend time with my 3 yr old and enjoy... Read more 

Local-option sales tax top priority for House in 2015 

12/19/2014 06:48 PM
House leadership says giving voters in local communities the power to vote on temporary tax increases to fund local projects will be their priority piece of legislation for the upcoming 2015 session. House Speaker Greg Stumbo, D-Prestonsburg, House Majority Whip Tommy Thompson, D-Philpot, House Minority Leader Jeff Hoover, R-Jamestown, along with Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, Lexington Mayor Jim Gray and Daviess County Judge-Executive Al Mattingly were on hand on Friday for the announcement. The local-option sales-tax, known as LIFT, which stands for... Read more 

Warren County goes 'right to work'; Louisville passes minimum wage increase

12/19/2014 06:38 PM
Local governments in Kentucky took major steps by enacting legislation at the county and metro level which has divided state lawmakers for years. In Bowling Green Friday the Warren County Fiscal Court became the first county in the nation to enact a right to work law with a 6-1 vote, and on Thursday night Louisville Metro government became the first city in the south to increase the minimum wage. Both actions from local government officials will likely land the governments in court... Read more 
St. Vincent de Paul Prepares For Holiday Services for Homeless
from Jacob Ryan
St. Vincent de Paul staff are gearing up for the “organized chaos” of the holiday season. Hundreds of people will be served by volunteers and staff at the St. Vincent de Paul Open Hand Kitchen located in downtown Louisville this week, said Ed Wnorowski, executive director of St. Vincent de Paul in Louisville. Wnorowski said the Christmas dinner alone will attract nearly 500 people.  That’s about 150 more than what the kitchen usually serves, he said. Anyone is welcome to attend the Christmas dinner, “no questions asked,” Wnorowski said. “Anyone that is hungry is welcome to dine with us,” he said.  “And I’ve got to [...]
Mon, Dec 22, 2014 12:50:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
GOP Sens. Rubio, Paul Square Off Over Cuba Policy Shift
from NPR
Associated Press | wfpl.org Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla., the son of Cuban immigrants, expresses his disappointment in President Obama’s initiative to normalize relations between the U.S. and Cuba, on Wednesday. In what could prove a sneak peek at the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio, a strong critic of President Obama’s decision to open relations with Cuba, appears to be stepping up an attack on fellow Republican Sen. Rand Paul over his support of the policy shift. Speaking to ABC’s This Week today, Rubio, who is of Cuban descent, took the Kentucky senator to task for supporting the new U.S. policy. [...]
Mon, Dec 22, 2014 12:39:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Muhammad Ali Hospitalized With Pneumonia
from Associated Press
A spokesman for Muhammad Ali says the former heavyweight boxing champion has been hospitalized with a mild case of pneumonia. Spokesman Bob Gunnell said Saturday night that the 72-year-old boxing great is being treated by his team of doctors and is in stable condition. Gunnell says Ali was admitted to an undisclosed hospital on Saturday. He says Ali’s prognosis is good because the pneumonia was caught early and that a short hospital stay is expected. He says no other details are being released due to the Ali family’s request for privacy. Ali has battled Parkinson’s disease. He appeared in public in September to attend [...]
Sun, Dec 21, 2014 1:56:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Paul, Rubio clash over Obama's Cuba policy
Flipping the script on a Republican rival, Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul on Friday criticized Florida Sen. Marco Rubio as "an isolationist" as the GOP's intra-party feud over President Barack Obama's…Click to Continue » [...]
Fri, Dec 19, 2014 7:20:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Warren County passes local right-to-work law
Warren County has become the only local government in the country to approve a measure making it illegal for companies to require employees to join a labor union.Click to Continue » [...]
Fri, Dec 19, 2014 5:16:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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