Five Things to Know Today
— Publisher’s Note —
Good morning! Today is the Big Day – the day we find out who gets to take on Mitch McConnell in the fall.
I’ve had numerous people reach out to me, asking me what I think is going to happen. And of course, my standard answer is “Who knows?” It was a pretty unique election, so most of the old calculations fall by the wayside.
One thing is certain, though: Charles Booker has to beat Amy McGrath by large margins in Louisville and Lexington to win the primary – large enough to overcome whatever margins she had in the rest of the state. And we should know if that happened before lunch.
Does that mean we’ll know who won? Maybe, if the differences are big enough. But, it may also be too close to call, even then.
And no matter who wins, there is the question of what happens after the votes are counted. Do people unite behind the eventual candidate? Do the three candidates come together as well? And if it’s not McGrath, what does she do with all that money?
Get your popcorn ready. Just remember to take off your mask first. 😊
#TeamKentucky … and … #DitchMitch
Bruce Maples, publisher
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Seven-day average of cases is stable; Beshear sued; blood donations needed – 6/29 update
Kentucky reported 117 new cases of the coronavirus Monday, pushing its seven-day rolling average slightly higher as it emerged from a light-reporting weekend. Also, infection rate in those tested is also stable. In other news, Ag Commissioner Ryan Quarles sued Governor Beshear over certain executive orders, and blood donations are desperately needed in central Kentucky. (Forward Kentucky)
Booker or McGrath? The wait is nearly over. KY election results will be released today
The wait for Kentucky’s primary election results will be over at 6 p.m. Tuesday, but key races might be called by lunchtime. As of noon Monday, about 87 percent of the absentee ballots mailed to voters (738,318) had been returned, according to the Secretary of State’s Office. When added with in-person and early voting, Kentucky is on track for a potential record turnout.
While the deadline for announcing results across the state is 6 PM, both Louisville and Lexington are planning on announcing their results before noon. (Herald-Leader)
Government Oversight Committee takes first steps in investigation of Louisville mayor
The Louisville Metro Council is initiating a formal investigation of the “decisions made by Mayor Fischer and members of his administration in the events leading up to and following the death of Ms. Breonna Taylor.” (Forward Kentucky)
Paducah mayor loses reelection bid
Paducah Mayor Brandi Harless, who championed a fairness ordinance and supported banning Confederate flags from the city’s annual Veteran’s Day parade, has lost her bid for a second four-term by finishing last in the three-way June 23 primary election. (Forward Kentucky)
Candlelight vigil for Tyler Gerth
Tyler Gerth, a young photojournalist who had become a strong supporter of the protests and rallies, was shot and killed Saturday night at Jefferson Square in Louisville. On Sunday, a candlelight vigil was held in Tyler’s memory. Photographer Del Ramey was there and captured these photos. (Forward Kentucky)
Friday on The State of Kentucky
Al Cross and Robert Kahne discuss the election results, focusing on the Senate primary. Noon on YouTube and Facebook.
Did you miss any of these?
Featured Content on Forward Kentucky
([new] indicates new since last Forward Five; 🔥 indicates lots of reads)
— News —
Sunday cases low, as usual, but 7-day average still high – 6/28 update – The report lowered the state’s rolling seven-day average to 222 from 229, where it had jumped after a near-record number of cases on Saturday. Also: 30-year-old dies; those in 20s are plurality of KY cases; media influence seen. (read)
🔥 3 locations opening Monday to deal with unemployment issues – The KY Labor Cabinet released more details on Saturday about three locations where those who have had issues resolving their unemployment claims can go. (read)
🔥 How fake accounts constantly manipulate what you see on social media – and what you can do about it – Misinformation, disinformation, confusion, and ultimately division – the goals of trolls, bots, and sock puppets. What can you do? (read)
— Commentary —
🔥 The primary was well-run and fair — now let’s pull together to win in the fall. – We have to stop sowing doubt in our institutions, even as Trump continues to do so. We have too much work to do in four very short months, and we’re wasting precious time. (read)
🔥 All eyes still need to be on Kentucky – The laser focus on the changes made to adapt to COVID-19 looks at the wrong things, and misses the real voter suppression issues. (read)
General Assembly ignores its own open meetings law – The General Assembly laid out how meetings could be held legally during the pandemic – but didn’t follow its own law. Why? (read)
CFA encourages investment in food security through redirecting police budgets – Community Farm Alliance is advocating for local communities to redirect funds from police department budgets toward food security efforts and other preventive programs that make our communities more safe. (read)
— Policy —
A new program, Pandemic EBT, puts food on the table for Kentucky’s children – Tens of thousands of Kentucky children are food-insecure, and school closings have made things worse. Enter P-EBT! Read on to learn more. (read)
— Media —
[videocast] What is AgriTech, and why should you care? Plus, some scary stats. – We talk with Jonathan Webb, CEO of AppHarvest, about their vision and about working with both Kentucky and the Dutch. (The Dutch?!?) Plus, we share some scary stats that you’ll want to see. (watch or listen)
[podcast] The primary election got weird – This week, Robert and Jazmin discuss the primary election (which went viral for weird reasons), the ongoing protests (a police officer was fired this week in conjunction will the killing of Breonna Taylor), and COVID-19 (it’s still happening, folks). (listen)
Posts with Most Social Media Shares in Past Fourteen Days
(🔥 indicates post with surge of recent shares)
- Would everyone please get the Louisville voting story straight? (26,000+ shares )
- Kentucky cousins both running for House seats this year (3,000+ shares)
- ‘I rise because I was Breonna Taylor’s congressman …’ (2,000+ shares)
- The Louisville voting story – an update (2,000+ shares)
- The Breonna Taylor rally in Frankfort – a photo gallery (568 shares)
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