Five Things to Know Today
Good morning! I have written, on and off, for most of my life. Some years ago, I decided to get more serious about my writing, and found that it was something I both enjoyed and was good at.
Since starting Forward Kentucky, however, I’ve actually done less writing myself, as the tasks of editing, publishing, bookkeeping, marketing, and so on have taken up most of my time.
So, it’s been both stressful and enjoyable to create the “Dear Kentuckians” series that I’m posting now. Stressful, because it takes time even while the other work doesn’t stop. And enjoyable, because writing scratches an itch for me that nothing else does.
The third article, “Dear Kentuckians – Don’t get played,” is up on the site now. The two earlier ones have gotten some traction, so if you are one of the persons who has read and shared those, thank you. The final two posts, about our coming “new normal,” will go up this weekend.
Thanks for being a subscriber to our emails and for being a reader of the site. Keep reading, and keep taking care of yourself. Remember – We’re going to get through this, together. #TeamKentucky
Bruce Maples, publisher
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‘Your business cannot look the same,’ officials tell health-care providers – 4/23 update
Gov. Beshear and Dr. Stack give an overview of the guidance for opening some parts of healthcare services, noting this is a “proof of concept” for opening other areas of the economy. (Forward Kentucky)
Kentucky workers among the hardest-hit in the nation by COVID-19 layoffs
New data from the U.S. Department of Labor show that roughly a quarter of Kentucky’s civilian workforce has filed for unemployment insurance since the beginning of the state’s COVID-19 outbreak, making Kentucky workers some of the most impacted in the nation.
Figures released Thursday show that another 103,548 Kentuckians filed for unemployment last week, bringing the total number of initial claims since the beginning of the novel coronavirus outbreak in mid-March to nearly 500,000, or 24 percent of the state’s total civilian workforce. (Herald-Leader)
Mitch McConnell takes a risk igniting firestorm with governors over COVID-19 aid
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is drawing the wrath of governors around the country and officials at home for suggesting that states file for bankruptcy rather than seek more federal funds to combat the coronavirus pandemic.
The Kentucky Republican, speaking on a conservative radio program, referred to the calls for more money as “blue state bailouts” while criticizing generous public pensions. (Courier-Journal)
‘We don’t have it, we don’t crawl out.’ Beshear says federal aid a necessity
Gov. Andy Beshear says a lack of federal stimulus dollars would “cripple” Kentucky’s coronavirus recovery efforts. The comments came in response to Sen. Mitch McConnell’s statement that hard-hit states should be able to declare bankruptcy. (WUKY)
Here are the endorsements in the Dem Senate primary
The race for the Senate on the Dem side is still in play, and each campaign is working to get endorsements. So, we thought it was important to share a list of those endorsements with you. (Forward Kentucky)
Today’s show
How has COVID-19 affected Native Americans?
On today’s The State of Kentucky, we’re joined by Tiffany Pyette to discuss the impact of the coronavirus on indigenous peoples across the country. What unique challenges have they faced? Then, we’ll be joined by candidate Ryan Olexia, who is running for KY Senate. Watch the live stream at noon on Facebook and YouTube, or the recorded version on our web site later that day. Join us!
Did you miss any of these?
Featured Content on Forward Kentucky
([new] indicates new since last Forward Five; 🔥 indicates lots of reads)
— News —
[new] 🔥 Medical reopening begins Monday; testing expanded – 4/22 update – Slow and steady goes Gov. Andy Beshear’s plan for opening the state’s economy, with only a few health-care services being allowed to open Monday. But he also announced Wednesday that testing for the coronavirus, a key step needed for more opening, would expand significantly next week. (read)
[new] 🔥 Wins for open-records advocates in Kentucky and Tennessee – Two recent wins in open-records cases make plain that the size of the request does not make it invalid – a key principal that will affect many future such cases. (read)
Voter registration deadline extended to May 26 – Voter registration has ground to a trickle with the coronavirus crisis, so voter registration is extended. Go to GoVoteKY.com to register! (read)
—Commentary—
[new] It’s up to us now – Donald Trump’s tweet suspending immigration in order to “protect” the United States falls in line with a long line of xenophobic acts by our leaders. It is now up to us to decide what sort of country we choose to be. (read)
🔥 Dear Kentuckians – Don’t be stupid – After we get our facts straight, we can recognize statements that are, truthfully, stupid – and call them out. This article does just that. (read)
🔥 Pandemic transformations – if we choose – In the Greek, the word “crisis” also means “opportunity.” The coronavirus crisis is forcing us to take a hard look at our country, and to consider what needs to change. This crisis could also be a time of opportunity – if we choose to make it so. (read)
🔥 Dear Kentuckians – Get these facts straight – Before we can talk about “reopening,” we need to get some basic facts straight. Here they are. (read)
— Media —
[new podcast] COVID protests and end-of-session shenanigans – This week, Jazmin goes through all the new COVID-19 news, including updates about cases, testing, and the emerging protests that are appearing in Frankfort. Robert talked about the end of the legislative session, which saw a surprise abortion bill passed and the confirmation of all but one of Governor Beshear’s nominees to the Board of Education. Plus, Quick Hits! (listen)
[new video] 🔥 Broihier calls out McGrath in new ad – Mike Broihier has come out with an ad directly challenging Amy McGrath on her stance on the Brett Kavanaugh nomination. Watch it below. (view)
[new] New Orleans artist creates perfect print for our times – New Orleans artist Terrance Osborne has created a print that both honors our health care workers and captures their spirit. Take a look. (view)
Posts with Most Social Media Shares in Past Fourteen Days
(🔥 indicates post with surge of recent shares)
- 🔥 C’mon Kentucky – our census rates stink, especially in rural areas. Let’s do better! (22,000+ shares)
- Koch Brothers try to use COVID-19 to reawaken Tea Party movement (4,000+ shares)
- Confederate flags: Changing flags doesn’t change the facts (2,000+ shares)
- Churches, COVID-19, and the First Amendment: An analysis (2,000+ shares)
- Lawmakers, state officials condemn threats to Beshear (2,000+ shares)
The Forward 5 is published Monday to Friday by Forward Kentucky, an independent media organization focused on progressive news and issues in Kentucky, and is re-posted with permission. You can sign up for the email version of the newsletter on their website.
