Brought to you by
Order your absentee ballot NOW! This coming weekend is the deadline to order it. Go to GoVoteKY.com and click the first link “Absentee Ballot Request.” Takes about a minute. Do it now while you are thinking about it. And share that address with everyone so we have a BIG turnout. Again, that’s GoVoteKY.com.
— Publisher’s Note —
Good morning! It was gratifying to get the feedback I received after yesterday’s note about objectivity versus emotion.
More than one person said they counted on Forward Kentucky to be a reliable source of information, and that constant ranting was not helpful and turned them off. It also seems the people get the distinction between News items and Commentary items, which I had hoped was the case.
So, thanks for the feedback, and the kudos. After four years of building, it’s good to know that for the most part, we have that reputation.
Watch for the general newsletter coming out later today. One of the main stories will be that we are looking for writers and reporters. If you know someone who might be interested, please forward the newsletter to them.
Keep doing all the things (masks, hands, tests, etc.). We’re going to get through this, together. #TeamKentucky
Bruce Maples, publisher
(Send feedback ● Send tips)
Today’s Five Things to Know
Coronavirus case numbers plummet; Beshear aims to get every black Kentuckian insured – 6/8 update
Gov. Andy Beshear reported Monday a marked drop in new coronavirus cases, reversing a nine-day trend of elevated case numbers. He also announced what he said would be the first step to eliminate the health inequality among African Americans that has been “laid bare” by the pandemic, an effort to get every black Kentuckian covered by health insurance. (Forward Kentucky)
Protests aren’t adding to Lexington’s ‘rapid’ COVID-19 spread, health department says
Lexington’s COVID-19 case total rose by 56 Monday, an increase that was not driven by new infections from the local federal prison or protests, the Fayette County health department said. COVID-19 is spreading “rapidly” through the city, according to Kevin Hall, spokesman for the health department. He said the increased infections without new cases at the federal prison are evidence that coronavirus is “spreading throughout the entire city.”
“Based on our case investigations, the protests are not contributing to the rise in cases we’ve seen this week and the couple weeks prior,” Hall said. Lexington had its 10th night of protests Sunday. Many have gathered to push for police reforms or accountability following the deaths of blacks in police custody or as a result of police shootings. (Herald-Leader)
Kentucky Republicans hold first-ever online state convention
The Republican Party of Kentucky held its first-ever online state convention Saturday, with grassroots GOP leaders from across the state electing delegates and alternates to the 2020 Republican National Convention, as well as a slate of electors for the electoral college following this year’s presidential election. (Richmond Register)
Thousands were freed from Kentucky jails to avoid COVID-19. Few have re-offended.
COVID-19 forced Kentucky into a sudden experiment with bail reform as local courts officials released thousands of jail inmates to await trial at home rather than make them risk infection behind bars. So far, the experiment has proven a success, Chief Justice John Minton Jr. told state lawmakers last week.
“I’m pleased to report that the re-arrest rate for defendants released by pretrial services between April 15 and May 31 of 2020 was 4.6 percent, which was the same re-arrest rate for defendants released by pretrial services during the same period in 2019,” Minton told the legislature’s Interim Joint Committee on the Judiciary. (Herald-Leader)
Steve Pitt, top adviser to Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron, resigns
A top adviser to Kentucky’s attorney general resigned from his position on May 26, five days after The Courier Journal revealed his recommendation of a controversial clemency order while serving as general counsel to former Gov. Matt Bevin. (Courier-Journal)
Did you miss any of these?
Featured Content on Forward Kentucky
([new] indicates new since last Forward Five; 🔥 indicates lots of reads)
— News —
🔥 [new] Charles Booker endorsed by Matt Jones – Matt Jones of Kentucky Sports Radio endorses Rep. Charles Booker via Twitter video. (read)
[new] U.S. police have attacked journalists at least 140 times since May 28 – It’s becoming clear that attacks by police on journalists are becoming a widespread pattern, not one-off incidents. (read)
[new] Webinar on how to vote absentee planned for Thursday night – Together Frankfort is planning an online briefing on voting with Secretary of State Michael Adams and Franklin County Clerk Jeff Hancock this Thursday, June 11, at 6:30 PM Eastern. (read)
🔥 Black Legislative Caucus issues statement on Paul’s blockage of lynching bill – The Kentucky Black Legislative Caucus issued the following statement regarding U.S. Senator Rand Paul’s blocking of the Emmett Till Antilynching Act in the Senate. (read)
DEMS – your voting starts NOW – Voting for delegates to the national convention, that is! Here’s how YOU can take part is choosing who represents you this year. (read)
— Commentary —
[new] Which Kentuckian said these things? And why does it matter now? – Think you know your Kentucky history? OK then – who made the following statements? And, even though they were made long ago, why do they matter now? (read)
[new] “I didn’t know where I was going” – When confronted by the press to explain, Secretary Esper sheepishly said, “I didn’t know where I was going.” He personifies how lost the Trump Republicans are. (read)
[new] Why aren’t teachers at the table when it comes to COVID-19 planning? – Dear school and union leadership: NOW is the time to start talking with TEACHERS about how the fall is going to work, in the classroom and elsewhere. (read)
🔥 LMPD, just admit it — you were wrong. – As much as I might normally try to support my local law enforcement, at this moment I need to say: LMPD, please just admit it — you were wrong. (read)
— Policy —
[new] Making sense of hydroxychloroqine: a case study – Misconceptions about the scientific process often lead to significant misunderstandings. This disconnect is illustrated in the controversy concerning the use of hydroxychloroquine to treat COVID-19 patients. (read)
Militarization has fostered a policing culture that sets up protesters as ‘the enemy’ – The militarization of police departments has been a feature of U.S. domestic law enforcement since the 9/11 attacks. What is clear from the latest round of protest and response is that despite efforts to promote de-escalation as a policy, police culture appears to be stuck in an “us vs. them” mentality. (read)
— Cartoon —
She’s got a weapon! – Aaron Smith’s latest, on one of the disturbing events of the weekend. (view)
🔥 DOJ Threat Assessment Guide – Aaron Smith obtained a copy of the classified 2020 Threat Assessment Guide from the DOJ. It’s pretty simple, and they’ve obviously been following it. (view)
— Media —
[photo galleries]Protest art, Bardstown Rd, Danville, Jesse Jackson – more photo galleries – Photographers Del Ramey and Nick Lacy have been busy, busy, busy, covering a number of the recent protests and events. From Protest Art in the Square, to another demonstration in Danville, to lining Bardstown Road, to listening to Rev. Jesse Jackson and friends, it’s been a full calendar. Here are some photos from all these events. (view)
🔥 Black voices in Kentucky – On today’s The State of Kentucky, we interview Denise Gray and Corbin Snardon. We’ll talk about the black experience in Kentucky, both urban and rural, and the recent events across the state. We’ll also hear what actions are needed, and how allies can help. (watch)
[podcast]Kentucky’s week of protest + Amy McGrath Interview – Jazmin and Robert break down in detail the civic unrest and police response in Louisville, and touch upon the protests in other cities across Kentucky. Then, the interview is with Amy McGrath. Listen in! (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)
- Beshear: ‘Unacceptable’ officers had body cameras turned off (805 shares)
- Corbin Snardon on how to make a real difference after the protests stop (606 shares)
- 🔥 Uptick accelerates as Beshear announces 319 new coronavirus cases, most in more than a month, with 65% in Jefferson County (480 shares)
