Five Things to Know Today
(Friday, 6/19/20)
— Publisher’s Note —
Good morning! It’s Friday, the end of another week in Trump’s America.
Why did I start that way? Because one of my ongoing struggles is to know how much national news, analysis, and commentary to include in Forward Kentucky’s work.
Since the beginning, my guiding principle has been not to include national items unless it affects Kentucky. That sounds good, but it still leaves a lot of room for judgment calls.
For example, the SCOTUS decision on DACA. That’s a national story, but it certainly affects Kentucky – and many Kentuckians.
Or what about Trump and rising authoritarianism? That’s a global story, actually, but definitely a Kentucky story too.
There’s a lot out there that we could include, but we don’t. So, if you do see something that is more national in focus, just know that it came after some / much thought about including it in our work.
And if you ever think we are losing focus, feel free to reach out and say so. Reader and member feedback is valued and important.
Wear those masks, wash those hands, get a test. We’re going to get through this, together. #TeamKentucky
Bruce Maples, publisher
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Today, June 19, is Juneteenth. Governor Beshear signed a proclamation yesterday recognizing it in the state of Kentucky. Learn more about Juneteenth here.
Kentucky ‘very fragile.’ And no mask? ‘We need you to reconsider.’ – 6/18 update
Also: unemployment, groups larger than 50, schools reopening, blood types and COVID-19, hotspots. And, Beshear signs proclamation about Juneteenth. (Forward Kentucky)
(related) Gov. Beshear signs proclamation recognizing Juneteenth in Kentucky
During his Thursday press conference, Gov. Andy Beshear signed a proclamation recognizing June 19, also known as Juneteenth, in the state of Kentucky. “I think it is important that we remind everybody of this dark chapter in our history and that its impact continues to linger, and that we celebrate the dates, at least portions of it, that it ended,” Gov. Beshear said. The proclamation will have to pass in the next general assembly before becoming an official state holiday. (Lex18)
Poll: Booker beats McGrath, McConnell beats them both
A new poll from Civiqs has Charles Booker leading Amy McGrath in the Democratic Senate primary – but has Mitch McConnell beating them both in the general election. (Forward Kentucky)
Jefferson, Fayette counties will not have to add additional polling locations, judge rules
Kentucky’s most populous counties will not have to offer more than one polling location on the day of the June 23 primary elections, a federal judge ruled on Thursday.
In a lawsuit filed June 8 in the U.S. District Court in the Western District of Kentucky, state Rep. Jason Nemes, a Louisville Republican, and voters from Jefferson, Fayette, Boone, Kenton and Campbell counties alleged that “significant voter suppression” would as a result of each county having a singular polling location.
The plaintiffs asked senior U.S. District Judge Charles R. Simpson III to declare the use of single polling locations in counties that exceed 35,000 registered voters unconstitutional and to “enter permanent and preliminary injunctive relief to prohibit the use of a single polling location” in those counties.
On Thursday, Simpson denied the request, saying that the use of singular polling locations in this instance is not unconstitutional. “While it may seem intuitive that, when it comes to polling places, more is better, that is not a call for this Court to make, unless we first find a constitutional or statutory violation,” Simpson wrote. (Courier-Journal)
Judge Justin Walker, McConnell protege, confirmed to nation’s second-most powerful court
Over the objections of Democrats, who portrayed him as a conservative ideologue, Justin Walker of Louisville was affirmed for the DC Court of Appeals. The confirmation vote went along party lies. Sen. Susan Collins of Maine was the only Republican to vote against Walker. Forty Democrats and one Independent voted against, while seven senators were absent. (Courier-Journal)
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron won’t put timetable on Breonna Taylor investigation
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron declined on Thursday to say when his office will conclude its investigation into the conduct of officers involved in the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor. “An investigation of this magnitude, when done correctly, requires time and patience,” Cameron said. “We will do what is right. We will find the truth.”
Cameron, speaking at an afternoon news conference, also reiterated that the investigation is “ongoing” and did not announce any decision relating to charges. He also declined to speak about many specifics of the investigation, including whether the scope of the case has expanded beyond the three officers who fired their weapons.
“I’d also like to say to all those involved in this case, you have my commitment that our office is undertaking a thorough and fair investigation,” he said. “This is also a commitment I’m making to the Louisville community, which has suffered tremendously in the days since March 13.” (Courier-Journal)
Today’s show
Let’s talk about #DefundThePolice
On today’s The State of Kentucky, we’re joined by Rep. Attica Scott to share her experiences with the protests, and her thoughts on defunding the police. Then, Emily Galvin-Almanza, founder of Partners for Justice, brings us a national perspective on the issue. You can watch it live at noon on YouTube or Facebook, or watch it later on our site, or listen to the TSOK podcast.
Did you miss any of these?
Featured Content on Forward Kentucky
([new] indicates new since last Forward Five; 🔥 indicates lots of reads)
— News —
Beshear says he will restart health-insurance exchange Kynect – Gov. Andy Beshear said Wednesday that he will restart the state health-insurance exchange that his father, then-Gov. Steve Beshear, began in 2013. (read)
6/17 update – Beshear says virus is manageable, as long as Kentuckians follow the rules for preventing its spread – “Kentuckians are doing a good job, but we’ve got to remember that what we see around us says it can come back very, very quickly,” Beshear said. (read)
🔥 National Indivisible endorses Booker. Turmoil ensues. – The national Indivisible organization endorsed Charles Booker in the Democratic primary for Senate on Wednesday, setting off a string of charges and counter-explanations between local Indivisible chapters and the umbrella national group. (read)
🔥 Lee still rides in Murray, Kentucky – Many in Murray — city council, coach, NBA player — think it’s time for the Robert E. Lee statue to go. But it’s still there. Here’s the story. (read)
🔥 Kentucky cousins both running for House seats this year – Second cousins Corbin and David Snardon look forward to annual family fishing trips to Land Between The Lakes. But they hope to meet in the Capitol come January. (read)
— Commentary —
[new] Police reform? It didn’t work in Miami. Ask Arthur McDuffie. – I am an old lady, so my memory isn’t what it was. But even 40 years later, I still remember the name of Arthur McDuffie. (read)
[new] Dear Gov: Fix unemployment. Now. – Governor Beshear, in the midst of your good work, one thing is abundantly, embarrassingly clear: You have to fix the unemployment debacle. Now. (read)
Even when Trump is gone, we’ll still have Trumpism – I don’t mean in the event that — God forbid! — he wins reelection. No, I mean even if Donald Trump loses in November. No matter what, we’ll still have Trumpism. (read)
🔥 No mask? You’re a bad neighbor. #WearTheDamnMask – I see you when I go to the store. Here you come, down the aisle, no mask in sight, shopping as if it’s January, acting as if you are somehow more special and immune than the rest of us. (read)
Are you a Progressive Puritopian? – Here’s a new word for you: “puritopian.” Have you known one? Are YOU one? Read on to find out! (read)
— Policy —
[new] Your doorbell could be surveilling your neighbors for the police – As reported by the Pew Trusts, the ties between police departments and home surveillance gadgets, especially doorbell cameras, are coming under scrutiny. (read)
Let’s talk about #DefundThePolice – There is a lot of discussion across the United States about police work, and included in that is the phrase “defund the police.” Because there is so much misinformation out there about it, we thought it would be worthwhile to do an explainer about it. (read)
— Cartoon —
🔥 Junk set-out day in Louisville’s Highlands neighborhood – Aaron Smith notes: “I’m not sure what the Louisville Metro guidelines are for junk set out in Cherokee Triangle, but hopefully they’ll make an exception.” (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 —
[new podcast] Can Mayor Fischer fire Breonna Taylor’s killers? – This week on My Old Kentucky Podcast – COVID-19, protests, and the primary election. In addition, the show dives into the reasons why Mayor Fischer says he cannot fire the officers who executed the no-knock warrant on Breonna Taylor’s home. (listen)
[show] Our COVID Economy & Universal Basic Income – Our economy is in a nosedive, millions are out of work, and the Fed says the future is bad. What should be done? And is UBI part of the answer? Join us for a discussion with Scott Santens, UBI expert, and Hale Stewart, economic analyst, as we look at how to deal with all of this. (watch)
Posts with Most Social Media Shares in Past Fourteen Days
(🔥 indicates post with surge of recent shares)
- Kentucky cousins both running for House seats this year (1,000+ shares)
- Why aren’t teachers at the table when it comes to COVID-19 planning? (720 shares)
- Black Lives Matter in Crab Orchard, Kentucky (718 shares)
- Booker receives endorsements from Sanders, AOC, and the Herald-Leader (680 shares)
- Uptick accelerates as Beshear announces 319 new coronavirus cases, most in more than a month, with 65% in Jefferson County (531 shares)
