Monday, April 6, 2015

Today's Political Headlines


Beshear declares statewide emergency after heavy rains and flooding 

04/04/2015 04:54 PM
After two days of heavy rains and flash flooding in many counties across the state, Gov. Steve Beshear declared a statewide emergency effective Friday, making state resources available for public safety and recovery efforts. “We have reports of heavy damage in some areas of the state already, but the threat of thunderstorms and further flooding has not cleared Kentucky yet,” Beshear said in a statement. “By declaring a state of emergency for the entire state, we can deploy any needed state... Read more 

Grossberg makes transparency key pitch in Democratic primary for state treasurer

04/04/2015 03:17 PM
Daniel Grossberg is staking much of his race for state Treasurer on Democratic primary voters concerns with accountability and transparency in government finances. Grossberg, the president of the Louisville Young Democrats, says if elected he would seek to combine the Department of Revenue and the Department of Treasury into one entity, so there would be “only one tax collecting entity at the state level.” Another tenant to the Grossberg accountability and transparency platform, he said is to purchase fraud detection software... Read more 

Six-alarm fire at General Electric's Appliance Park contained but storage building lost to flames

04/03/2015 05:06 PM
A massive, six-alarm fire at General Electric’s Appliance Park has been contained, but not before causing “extensive damage” to the warehouse and office building Friday, according to company and emergency officials. The blaze erupted around 7 a.m. Friday, and Kevin Tyler, president of the Jefferson County Fire Chiefs Association, said crews will continue to battle the fire into Saturday. Some employees were inside the facility that largely warehoused plastic material when the fire started, but Tyler said no one was injured. About... Read more 

Gov. Beshear wagers Kentucky bourbons, Attorney General Conway bets ham on NCAA Final Four game

04/03/2015 01:18 PM
As the Kentucky Wildcats prepare to face the Wisconsin Badgers in a Final Four match-up on Saturday night, Kentucky Gov. Steve Beshear and Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker are showing support for their teams. Beshear bet a basket of Kentucky bourbons that the Wildcats will advance to the NCAA Championship Game on Monday. Walker is wagering a basket of Wisconsin cheese, sausage and root beer. “For the second year in a row, the Cats will be facing the Badgers in what is sure... Read more 

Pro-Comer PAC urging voters to get behind its candidate in new TV spot

04/03/2015 10:51 AM
Kentuckians for Growth, Opportunity and Prosperity is urging voters to back Agriculture Commissioner James Comer in his bid for the Republican gubernatorial nomination, according to a copy of a television ad obtained by Pure Politics Friday. “We need a bold leader like James Comer, a conservative Republican with experience trimming government fat and increasing economic growth,” a male narrator says in the 30-second spot, which is set to air Monday for the start of a three-week ad buy costing up to... Read more 

VIDEO: The April 2, 2015 edition of Pure Politics

04/03/2015 10:31 AM
On Thursday, the commander-in-chief flew into Louisville to discuss the economy and Auditor Adam Edelen shared the next steps for the state with KTRS. In the event our programming is preempted due to severe weather moving across the Commonwealth, watch our FULL episode here:  Read more 
Cause of GE Appliance Park Fire Could Take Weeks To Determine
from Associated Press
It could take weeks to discover what caused the fire that destroyed a warehouse at General Electric’s Appliance Park. The Courier-Journal reports the Friday blaze was first spotted around 6 a.m. As it grew, plumes of black smoke could be seen for miles away, and a shelter-in-place order, now expired, was issued for more than 17,000 homes and businesses. Despite the enormity of the blaze, no one was injured. Only a skeletal staff was at the property because of the Good Friday holiday. It’s uncertain how quickly production of dishwashers, refrigerators, washers, dryers and water heaters will return to normal. About 3,000 GE production [...]
Mon, Apr 06, 2015 11:26:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Kentucky Woman Claims She Got Black Lung Disease From Living Near a Coal Plant
from Erica Peterson
Emma Burchett lives in Floyd County, in Eastern Kentucky. She’s not a coal miner; she has never worked in or around a coal mine. But late last year, the 45-year-old Burchett was diagnosed with anthracosis, which is a mild form of black lung disease. Burchett has black lung disease because she lives in close proximity to a coal processing plant, alleges a lawsuit filed last week in circuit court against the plant. “I’ve been practicing law in the mountains for 34 years, and as best I can tell, this is the first human being who has the right to go in front of [...]
Mon, Apr 06, 2015 11:18:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
White House Brief: Things to know about GOP Sen. Rand Paul
Sen. Rand Paul is set to join the 2016 presidential campaign on Tuesday. A snapshot of important things to know about the Kentucky Republican:Click to Continue » [...]
Mon, Apr 06, 2015 7:46:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Rand Paul and 2016: A message of change, delivered deadpan
Republican Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky is preparing for a 2016 presidential campaign and talking a lot about change in America.Click to Continue » [...]
Mon, Apr 06, 2015 7:16:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Police: 31 Arrested Following Kentucky’s Final Four Loss
from Associated Press
LEXINGTON — Lexington Police say 31 people have been arrested near the University of Kentucky campus following the Wildcats’ 71-64 Final Four loss to the Wisconsin Badgers. Police spokeswoman Sherelle Roberts said following the game Saturday night about 1,500 fans spilled into a State Street neighborhood adjacent to the university’s Lexington campus. She said police dressed in tactical gear allowed fans to mingle but removed anyone who became disobedient. Roberts said pepper balls were used to break up one fight. Roberts said those arrested will face charges including public intoxication and disorderly conduct, and will be arraigned as early as Monday. Street sweepers were used [...]
Mon, Apr 06, 2015 1:41:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
The improbable rise of Rand Paul
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman, syoungman@herald-leader.com)
U.S. Sen. Rand Paul's journey from little-known anti-tax activist to presidential contender…Click to Continue » [...]
Sat, Apr 04, 2015 8:30:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Friday, April 3, 2015

Today's Political Headlines

Delayed by potential Iran deal, President Barack Obama heralds Louisville tech company in pitch for TechHire initiative

04/02/2015 10:28 PM
After touring downtown Louisville’s communications and software development company Indatus about three hours behind schedule Thursday, President Barack Obama stepped to the podium and apologized. “First of all, sorry I’m late,” he said. “I had a couple things I had to do.” Despite a lengthy delay in the wake of a breakthrough in negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, Obama held Indatus as an example of “what’s possible in developing the kind of innovation and job creation here in the 21st century knowing... Read more 

Bevin seeks to redefine himself using his kids in first campaign TV ad 

04/02/2015 01:15 PM
On the heels of introductory radio ads GOP gubernatorial candidate Matt Bevin is seeking to redefine himself to voters on television using his wife and kids. Bevin, a Louisville investment manager, was defined early in his 2014 primary campaign against U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Kentucky. McConnell and pro-McConnell PACs sought to define Bevin as an untrustworthy and a tax delinquent out of state business owner in the campaign. In the 2014 U.S. Senate primary race, McConnell defeated Bevin who still garnered... Read more 

Pro-Comer PAC set to hit TV airwaves in three-week buy starting next week

04/02/2015 11:28 AM
UPDATED WITH REACTION: The pro-James Comer group Kentuckians for Growth, Opportunity and Prosperity is poised to become the first outside spender to air television advertisements in this year’s Republican gubernatorial primary, the political action committee’s executive director said Thursday. Kathryn Breiwa, executive director of KGOP, said the group plans to spend between $450,000 and $475,000 on the ad buy, which will air in the Louisville, Lexington and Bowling Green markets. The ads are set to begin airing Monday and last through... Read more 
Flash Flooding Causing Issues Throughout Louisville; JCPS Closed
from Staff
Updated: JCPS Closed Jefferson County Public Schools are now closed Friday, the school district announced. Earlier: Authorities are warning Louisville area motorists to avoid water-covered roadways Friday morning following early morning downpours. Several Louisville area roadways are blocked Friday morning because of flooding. Authorities have responded to 116 water rescues Friday, and 56 motorists have been reported stranded, according to MetroSafe. The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning until 8 a.m. for Jefferson County, northern Bullitt County and Floyd County in Indiana. Jefferson County Public Schools are on a two-hour delay Friday, and Bullitt County Public Schools are closed. The University of Louisville is [...]
Fri, Apr 03, 2015 10:54:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
President Obama Wants More Programs Like Code Louisville
from Ashley Lopez
In his first visit to Louisville while in office, President Obama on Thursday evening announced a new federal initiative called TechHire. Related StoryWhy Louisville's Tech Initiatives Are on a National Stage TodayThe initiative provides federal grants to cities that want to create programs like Code Louisville—an online coding course that’s open to anyone with a library card. Obama said he wants other cities to replicate Louisville’s efforts to make technology jobs more accessible to its residents. “The network that has been developed here in Louisville are helping to prepare people for the higher paying, in-demand jobs of the future,” he said. Obama said about half [...]
Fri, Apr 03, 2015 1:44:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
University of Louisville Expected to Hike Tuition by 3 Percent
from Kristina Goetz
The University of Louisville is expected to increase both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate tuition by 3 percent for the next academic year. U of L’s Board of Trustees will vote on the recommendation at its June meeting as part of the school’s budget. “The last budget increase from the state was 2006,” University President Jim Ramsey said Thursday following a board meeting. “We’ve not been able to do what we need to do for faculty and staff salaries. And we’re going to try to increase faculty and staff salaries.” Ramsey said both the demand for education at U of L and the quality [...]
Thu, Apr 02, 2015 11:36:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
3 of 4 GOP candidates for Kentucky governor have TV ads
Three of Kentucky's four Republican candidates for governor now have TV ads airing in the state.Click to Continue » [...]
Thu, Apr 02, 2015 10:41:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Hal Heiner: Current health care law 'cannot continue,' promises his own plan
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman)
Hal Heiner quoted an unlikely source when addressing the Lexington Rotary Club on Thursday, summing up some of the fiscal troubles facing Kentucky by using the words of ...Click to Continue » [...]
Thu, Apr 02, 2015 9:54:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Bevin releases first TV ad; Super PAC spending as much as $475,000 on pro-Comer ad
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman)
Louisville businessman Matt Bevin released his first television ad Thursday and a group called Kentuckians for Growth, Opportunity and Prosperity is preparing to buy between $450,000 and $475,000 of television…Click to Continue » [...]
Thu, Apr 02, 2015 3:05:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Thursday, April 2, 2015

Today's Political Headlines

Rural hospitals audit important to set benchmark for healthy Ky., Edelen says; work on backlog of untested rape kits begins in coming weeks

04/02/2015 07:52 AM
The nine-month audit of 52 percent of the state’s 66 rural hospitals offers a “benchmark” for health care in outlying facilities after the implementation of managed care, but before the implementation of the Affordable Care Act. “I think the net result is getting people together — even folks that disagree, that there are certain facts that inform this discussion,” Edelen said. Edelen said the biggest challenges for the hospitals have been the disappearance of private insurance as coal mining jobs... Read more 

Congressman Guthrie endorses Ryan Quarles in primary for ag commissioner

04/01/2015 03:53 PM
U.S. Rep. Brett Guthrie, R-Bowling Green, is adding his name to the list of prominent Republicans backing Rep. Ryan Quarles, R-Georgetown, in his bid for state agriculture commissioner. With Quarles facing fellow Republican Rep. Richard Heath, R-Mayfield, in the May 19 primary, Kentucky’s GOP congressmen are slowly moving behind Quarles’ campaign. Just one week ago Quarles’ campaign announced the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, R-Lexington. Now Guthrie is giving Quarles his nod, saying the family farming roots give Quarles the... Read more 

Attorney General Jack Conway shuts down political action committee as outside spenders eye governor's race

04/01/2015 03:15 PM
As outside spending groups prepare to ramp up their efforts in this year’s gubernatorial election, Democratic Attorney General Jack Conway quietly shuttered his Justice and Action for the Commonwealth of Kentucky political action committee, or JACK PAC, last month. Termination paperwork for JACK PAC was filed with the Federal Election Commission March 11. Records show the group sold its email list to Conway’s gubernatorial campaign for $1,959 in its final receipt March 6 and, after covering expenses like website hosting and... Read more 

Seminar helps law enforcement and prosecutors focus on 'drug driving'

04/01/2015 02:39 PM
COVINGTON – The Kentucky Office of the Attorney General is hosting a regional seminar this week in Covington to train police officers and prosecutors about the effective prosecution of a growing problem in the Commonwealth of Kentucky – DUI cases involving drugs. Results of a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 2013/2014 survey showed an increase in drug-positive drivers using medications (from 3.9% in 2007 to 4.9% in 2013–2014), and a larger increase in the prevalence of illegal drugs (from 12.4%... Read more 

Obama commutes sentences of 22 drug offenders including Kentucky member of the 'Cornbread Mafia'

04/01/2015 12:01 PM
Francis Darrell Hayden of Loretto joined a small group of Americans Tuesday when President Barack Obama commuted his and 22 other individuals’ prison sentences. Hayden had been sentenced to life behind bars in 2002 following a third arrest for marijuana offenses in Michigan. With two prior marijuana convictions in 1980 and 1990, Hayden received a life sentence in 2002 after being caught growing nearly 19,000 marijuana plants in Michigan. With a stroke from Obama’s pen, Hayden’s days behind bars are... Read more 

Dept. of Education Commissioner Terry Holliday announces retirement

04/01/2015 10:03 AM
UPDATED WITH REACTION FROM GOV. BESHEAR — After nearly six years on the job Department of Education, Commissioner Terry Holliday has announced he will be retiring effective Aug. 31. Holliday announced his retirement on Wednesday at the Kentucky Board of Education’s meeting in Frankfort in a letter read by Board of Education Chair Roger Marcum. “I am humbled and very proud to end my 43 years in public education by serving the Commonwealth of Kentucky,” Holliday wrote. “For the last six... Read more 
Kentucky Health Officials Monitoring HIV Outbreak in Indiana
from Ja'Nel Johnson
Indiana is launching a needle exchange program in Scott County to combat an outbreak of HIV related to intravenous drug use. Disease intervention specialists from nearby counties and states, including Kentucky, have been called upon to assist. Louisville is about 40 miles south of Scott County, and Kentucky officials are battling this state’s own issues with intravenous drug use—specifically, with a spike in heroin use. But Kentucky health officials have not seen a surge in new HIV cases despite the Indiana outbreak, said Dr. Kraig Humbaugh, director of the division of epidemiology and health planning for Kentucky. He said he expects Louisville physicians to see an [...]
Thu, Apr 02, 2015 11:00:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
What the 2-Year Closing of Louisville’s Convention Center Could Mean for Downtown
from Jacob Ryan
Each year, farmers in Louisville for the annual Farm Machinery Show spend a lot of money at Sully’s Saloon and Restaurant on Fourth Street, manager Benjamin Yates said. The same thing happens throughout the year during events at the Kentucky International Convention Center in downtown Louisville. Businesses in the vicinity “thrive” off the foot-traffic from the conventions—they’re “things we map our year around,” Yates said. But that’ll change when the convention center shuts down for two years beginning in August 2016 for nearly $180 million in renovations, Yates said. “The two years that they’re going to shut the convention center down is going to hurt downtown Louisville, as a [...]
Wed, Apr 01, 2015 9:40:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
National Republicans use Obama visit to bash Jack Conway
from syoungman@herald-leader.com (Sam Youngman)
Republicans last year had undeniable success in tying Kentucky's Democratic U.S. Senate candidate to an unpopular Democratic president. With President Barack Obama coming to Kentucky Thursday, it seems clear that…Click to Continue » [...]
Wed, Apr 01, 2015 9:09:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Another Gatewood Galbraith files to run for governor of Kentucky
from jbrammer@herald-leader.com (Jack Brammer)
Saying he hopes to "warm" the grave of Gatewood Galbraith, a 68-year-old Pulaski County man has filed to run as an independent for governor this year after legally changing his…Click to Continue » [...]
Wed, Apr 01, 2015 8:35:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
The Only Physician In a Small Indiana Town Opens an HIV Clinic
from Ja'Nel Johnson
Dr. William Cooke knew he wanted to practice medicine in a rural town. He’s been a physician in Austin, Indiana, for 10 years—and he’s the only physician in town. “I went there specifically to bring access to care,” he said. Austin is in  Scott County, which is at the center of national focus because of an HIV outbreak attributed to intravenous drug use. To meet the crisis, Cooke is providing a much-needed free HIV clinic for the small city of about 4,300 people. So far, more than 80 people Scott County have tested positive for HIV since the end of the year. On Tuesday, [...]
Wed, Apr 01, 2015 8:13:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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Wednesday, April 1, 2015

Today's Political Headlines

Beshear dismisses political backlash of Obama visit; Edelen, Conway not planning to attend

03/31/2015 09:33 PM
With President Barack Obama making his first presidential visit to Kentucky since 2011, Democrats on the ballot in 2015 are seeking geographical distance when Air Force One touches down. As Obama wraps up his second term in office, politicians seeking to make their own mark on the Kentucky political landscape find themselves with busy schedules this week. Democratic Auditor Adam Edelen, who is running for a second term in office, said Tuesday that he has plans to be in eastern... Read more 

Nearly $794K raised for domestic violence shelters in first lady's final Shop and Share Day

03/31/2015 05:49 PM
FRANKFORT – First lady Jane Beshear’s final Shop and Share Day netted more than $793,000, a sum that will help the bottom lines of Kentucky’s 15 domestic violence shelters, Beshear announced Tuesday. Gov. Steve Beshear had been set to sign House Bill 8, legislation granting domestic violence protections for dating partners, and dovetail the two matters, but a scheduling error pushed Shop and Share solely into the limelight. Jane Beshear, who launched the initiative after her husband took office in December... Read more 
Louisville is Attracting Young Residents at Among the Highest Rates in the U.S.
from Jacob Ryan
In the years when the economy started recovering from the Great Recession, Louisville had the third-greatest influx of people ages 30 to 34 among large metro areas in the U.S., according to a recently released study by the Census Bureau. To determine this, researchers examined “inmovers” into metro areas across the country. An inmover is considered to be someone whose previous residence was in a different metro, micro, or nonmetropolitan area than their current residence, according to the report. Researchers then looked at how many of the total amount of inmovers were younger than 34. In Louisville 11.4 percent of inmovers were aged [...]
Wed, Apr 01, 2015 11:00:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Beshear's support of LGBTs inconsistent
Beshear on both sides of gay-rights debate…Click to Continue » [...]
Wed, Apr 01, 2015 10:53:00 AM, Continue reading at the source
Berea mayor leading petition drive to allow alcohol sales by the drink in large restaurants
from gkocher1@herald-leader.com (Greg Kocher)
Historic Boone Tavern started selling alcohol by the drink in October, but Mayor Steve Connelly wants other restaurants to be allowed to sell alcohol.Click to Continue » [...]
Tue, Mar 31, 2015 9:50:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Mitch McConnell to Rest of World: ‘Proceed With Caution’ on Climate Deal
from Erica Peterson
The U.S. has submitted its carbon emissions reduction plan to the United Nations, and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is already warning the rest of the world that America may not follow through on it. Today is the informal deadline for nations to submit their plans to the U.N., prior to global climate talks scheduled for December in Paris. The U.S. plan includes carbon dioxide reductions of 26 to 28 percent over 2005 levels by 2025, which is the same promise President Obama made last year in an address in China. But Senate Majority leader Mitch McConnell is advising the rest of the [...]
Tue, Mar 31, 2015 7:21:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
Asthma Study Will Focus on Aging Population in Louisville
from Ja'Nel Johnson
People age 60 or older living with asthma will be the focus of a new study by the University of Louisville. Researchers will examine the personal and environmental influences of asthma in older adults. A $2.3 million grant from the National Institute on Aging will help fund the project. Dr. Barbara Polvika, chair and professor for UofL’s School of Nursing, said this study is a unique opportunity to look at a population of people who are usually not thought of when examining asthma. “It’s an increasing problem with the increasing age of the population and also the environmental triggers and potential issues in [...]
Tue, Mar 31, 2015 7:16:00 PM, Continue reading at the source
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