Five Things to Know Today
Good morning! We sent out our general newsletter yesterday, so it should be sitting in your inbox. Please take a few minutes to read it – it contains some important changes and updates to the web site, and I don’t want you to be surprised by them. If for some reason you don’t see it in your inbox, ping me at the links below and I’ll send it to you directly.
Today is Sorta-Reopening Day across the Commonwealth, as a number of sectors of our economy and society get to reopen (but with guidelines!). Unfortunately, while pets can get groomed, human grooming at hair places is coming later.
Another important part of our “new normal” is the expanding availability of COVID-19 testing. I’ll have more on this in a few days, but now that it’s available, you should go get tested. The more testing, the more we know where the virus is and who it might have infected, and the more we can do to stop it.
So – wash your hands, wear your mask, and get tested. We’re going to get through this, together. #TeamKentucky
Bruce Maples, publisher
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What’s allowed to reopen in Kentucky on May 11? Manufacturing, construction, pet care and more
The following industries can reopen if they follow the state’s “Healthy at Work” guidelines, according to an executive order from Gov. Andy Beshear’s office:
- Manufacturing, distribution and supply chain businesses
- Construction
- Pet care, grooming and boarding
- Car and other vehicle dealerships
- Photography
- Office-based businesses (at 50% capacity)
- Horse racing tracks (no fans)
Beshear on April 27 asked Kentuckians to wear masks or face coverings in public starting May 11. The governor has repeatedly stressed that cloth face coverings, which can be made from shirts and other common materials, would suffice as part of a “new normal” for Kentuckians until a COVID-19 vaccine is developed. (Note: Story at WDRB has links to the guidance documents for each segment.) (WDRB)
Reporter locked out of church service
With a federal court order on its side, Faith Victory Church World Distribution Center opened its doors for a worship service Sunday morning. But the House of the Lord wasn’t open to everyone. Especially not to a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
On Sunday, a Frankfort State Journal reporter was denied entry to Faith Victory Church World Distribution Center. The reporter wanted to attend the service to write a news piece on churches reopening in the time of coronavirus. (State Journal)
Beshear urges churches not to resume in-person services unless ready – 5/9 update
Don’t get complacent as we reopen: wear masks, maintain social distancing, keep being Healthy at Home. Also points out not just senior adults affected. (Forward Kentucky)
Two stories on court decisions
Updates and summaries of recent anti-Beshear court cases
We have updates on two of the lawsuits we’ve been following. They are both Maryville Baptist Church related, one where the church and its pastor are the plaintiffs and one where three attendees are the plaintiffs and sued to block the mass gathering order AND the travel ban. (Forward Kentucky)
Federal judge issues order exempting all religious services from Beshear’s order against gatherings of 10 people or more
A judge has ruled that churches can resume in-person worship, ten days before the reopening guidelines were going to allow it anyway. (Forward Kentucky)
Dear “open it up” folks – take a look at Sweden
Many conservatives are in love with the idea of Sweden’s approach – no lockdown. Well, if nothing else, Sweden’s alternative response to the virus was … a good control group. And what we’re learning now is that failing to shut down hasn’t just led to more deaths, but—surprise surprise!—it also didn’t prevent its economy from tanking. In fact, Sweden is poised for more economic pain than its neighbors. (Forward Kentucky)
Did you miss any of these?
Featured Content on Forward Kentucky
([new] indicates new since last Forward Five; 🔥 indicates lots of reads)
— News —
[new] BGAA hosting Barr opponent Josh Hicks on Monday night – The Bluegrass Activist Alliance is hosting Josh Hicks in a virtual candidate forum on Monday night, May 11, at 7 PM Eastern via their Facebook page. (read)
[new] Kentucky cities facing $85 million collective shortfall – It’s not just state government that faces a massive budget shortfall because of the pandemic – Kentucky’s cities are in similar shape. (read)
[new] 🔥 Restaurants reopen at 1/3 capacity May 22, child care June 15 – 5/7 update – Gov. Andy Beshear moved up the date for Kentucky to begin the second phase of its reopening, announcing Thursday that Kentucky’s restaurants can reopen May 22 at one-third capacity, and a goal of limited child care on June 15. (read)
🔥 Is COVID-19 actually worse in Kentucky’s rural counties? – The numbers of cases and deaths are biggest in our cities. But when it comes to rates, how are our rural counties doing? Actually, worse than the cities. (read)
—Commentary—
Dear Kentuckians – Here are eight scenarios for life after COVID – In the fifth installment in the series, I lay out four bad and four good scenarios for life after the coronavirus pandemic. See which ones you agree with. (read)
The LGBTQ+ community behind bars during COVID-19 – Prisons and jails are threatening and traumatic to anyone. They pose an even greater risk to the health and safety of LGBTQ+ people. (read)
🔥 A guide to vaccine wing-nuttery – The wing-nuts on the right have seized on the pandemic as a breeding ground for their, uhm, UNIQUE conspiracy theories. Here’s a guide to the latest. (read or listen)
— Media —
[new video show] 🔥 What are Trump and the GOP really up to? – On this week’s The State of Kentucky we are joined by lawyer, author, and political analyst Teri Kanefield, who regularly publishes analysis of Trump and the GOP that is insightful, timely, and revealing. Is it all random, or is there a method to the madness? Join us to learn more! (watch)
[new podcast] COVID-19 protests & lawsuits, budget shortfall, interview with Ryan Olexia – This week – the ongoing COVID-19 response, a major protest, two lawsuits, and the budget shortfall. Plus Ryan Olexia, the Dem candidate for Senate in Northern Kentucky. (listen)
Posts with Most Social Media Shares in Past Fourteen Days
(🔥 indicates post with surge of recent shares)
- Reopen churches to in-person services or face legal action, AG says (2,000+ shares)
- Confederate flag, meet Unity Water Tower (638 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.
