Five Things to Know Today
Good morning! There’s a LOT going on – so much so that I had to revert to bulleted headlines just to get most of the important stuff in this morning’s Forward Five. And even so, much was left out.
However, I want to point out some things to be sure you don’t miss them:
- Watch the words and actions coming out of the White House right now. I’ll post an article about it later today, but last night Trump threatened to use the military against protesters. If he carries through on that threat, that’s a large step toward authoritarianism. As you pay attention to everything else, don’t let that slip past you.
- Another troubling trend has been the increased attacks against journalists covering protests, including here in Kentucky. Share Aaron Smith’s new cartoon on your social media channels, to call attention to this.
- If you haven’t done so, take about 15 minutes to listen to my interview with Dr. Steven Stack. It’s informative, and just more proof that we are very fortunate to have him and Governor Beshear in the fight against COVID-19.
And finally, on top of everything else – get tested, check your voter registration, request your absentee ballot. All of that is still going on, and it’s still important.
We will get through this, together. #TeamKentucky
Bruce Maples, publisher
(Send feedback ● Send tips)
Killing of David McAtee
Investigation launched into LMPD, National Guard fatal shooting of West End business owner
A city reeling from four straight nights of violent protests woke Monday to learn that the owner of a beloved West End eatery had been shot by police and National Guards troops responding to gunfire. David McAtee, known in the Russell neighborhood for his popular barbeque stand outside of Dino’s Food Mart, was killed early Monday morning as Louisville Metro Police and National Guard were trying to break up a “large crowd” in the parking lot of the mart at West Broadway and 26th Street. He was 53.
Gov. Andy Beshear ordered Kentucky State Police to investigate the shooting, which will be a joint effort between the FBI Louisville Field Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District, federal officials said. He promised body cam and other video footage would be released “as soon as possible.” (But, see next story.) (Courier-Journal)
Beshear: ‘Unacceptable’ officers had body cameras turned off
Gov. Andy Beshear didn’t mince words on Monday night after a long day for him that started with an early-morning phone call. “It is unacceptable that the officers that responded did not have body cameras on and recording,” he said during a Monday evening press conference at the Capitol. (Forward Kentucky)
Other headlines
- Louisville Metro Police Chief Steve Conrad fired after David McAtee shooting, city unrest (Courier-Journal)
- Louisville police officer who fired pepper balls at WAVE 3 News crew has been reassigned (Courier-Journal)
- Kentucky High School Teacher of the Year (and Forward Kentucky contributor) arrested at a Louisville Breonna Taylor protest (Courier-Journal)
- ‘Walk with us!’ On fourth night, Lexington police officers walk with protesters (Herald-Leader)
Hundreds in Mayfield say “Black lives matter”
As many as 400 people — young and old, black, Hispanic, and white — gathered Monday afternoon in the Graves County seat to protest systemic police brutality against African Americans, notably George Floyd. (Forward Kentucky)
Mayfield Protest – a photo gallery
Berry Craig covered the protest in his hometown of Mayfield, and took these pictures as well as writing a story about it. (Forward Kentucky)
McGrath takes on Booker and Broihier in only scheduled Democratic U.S. Senate debate
Front-runner Amy McGrath debated her two most prominent challengers Monday night on KET in the only scheduled debate among Democrats who want to take on Mitch McConnell this fall. (Forward Kentucky)
214 new covid-19 cases reported Monday; protests spread virus; experts say key is 80% wearing masks
Coronavirus cases showed a big drop on Sunday, but jumped again on Monday to a number similar to the elevated numbers seen near the end of last week. Prior to the elevation in numbers late last week, the state had seen a downward trend for almost two weeks. (Forward Kentucky)
A small reminder — We spend about 375 hours a year just doing the Forward Five. So, if you find it valuable, and you’re not a paying member, please consider becoming one, so we can keep doing the work. Thanks!
Did you miss any of these?
Featured Content on Forward Kentucky
([new] indicates new since last Forward Five; 🔥 indicates lots of reads)
— News —
[new] Dems – If you want to vote for Kentucky’s delegates, you need to register now! – Headline says it all – if you want to help select delegates to the DNC, you’ve got to sign up with the KDP this week. We’ve got the deets and the link. (read)
[new] Statement from Rep. Charles Booker on killing in Louisville – U.S. Senate Candidate and State Representative Charles Booker released the following statement in response to the killing of a man in the West End of Louisville at the hands of law enforcement last night. (read)
🔥 Beshear offers statistics to show that his ‘drastic and significant steps’ saved thousands of lives, says to ‘remember the lessons’ – The governor shared graphs showing the decline, and noted KY was one of only three states that Vox says are ready to reopen. He also announced new openings, as well as a re-org of the unemployment division. (read)
—Commentary—
[new] A few thoughts on the demonstrations, offered in humility – After watching and pondering recent events, publisher Bruce Maples wants to share a few thoughts … knowing his is a white voice. (read)
— Cartoon —
[new] She’s got a weapon! – Aaron Smith’s latest, on one of the disturbing events of the weekend. (view)
— Media —
[new show] Dr. Steven Stack on COVID, Harry Neack on Indivisible endorsements – We talk with Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky’s “top doc,” about the pandemic and our state’s response to it. Then, we get the backstory on how the Indivisible endorsements happened from Harry Neack. View it here! (watch)
[podcast] Effigy fallout, road budget special session, and interview with Roberto Henriquez – This was a dark week for Kentucky politics. We talk through the protest that led to the effigy hanging and the fallout stemming from it. Also, a special session to deal with the road budget. And finally, an interview with Roberto Henriquez, an organizer with Indivisible Kentucky District 4. (listen)
Posts with Most Social Media Shares in Past Fourteen Days
(🔥
indicates post with surge of recent shares)
- On Savannah Maddox, photos, and terrorism (3,000+ shares)
- Paul makes coronavirus claims not backed by science, fact-checked by WFPL reporter (2,000+ shares)
- IG investigating McConnell’s wife fired by Trump (2,000+ shares)
- Congrats, KY, you got your R nought below 1. So don’t blow it. (1,000+ shares)
- America isn’t being reopened – it’s being ripped apart by propaganda using the 2016 Russian playbook (432 shares)
- Dying of whiteness (393 shares)
