Five Things to Know Today
— Publisher’s Note —
Good morning! Before I worked on this morning’s Forward Five, I did my normal once-over of the newsletter from My Old Kentucky Podcast. And, as always, I was impressed with how much good information Robert Kahne and Jazmin Smith are able to get into their weekly newsletter.
If you listen to podcasts, you should definitely add MOKP to your subscriptions. But even if you don’t, you should still subscribe to their newsletter. They address the topics that were in the podcast, sans the interview, and include multiple resources for each story.
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As always – Wear your mask, wash your hands, and take care of yourself. We’re going to get through this, together. #TeamKentucky
Bruce Maples, publisher
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Today’s Five Things to Know
8/6 update – State fair won’t be public; bars to reopen with stricter rules; hospitalizations set record
Gov. Andy Beshear said he will require masks “until we have significant control over the virus” and will also continue his more recent ban on social gatherings of more than 10 people. (Forward Kentucky)
KY Republican general counsel linked to Ohio political scandal
The general counsel for the Republican Party of Kentucky and the Kentucky House Republican Leadership has been linked to the political scandal engulfing the Ohio House of Representatives. (Forward Kentucky)
Polls show McGrath way behind … or close
Two polling firms released polls of the KY Senate race between Amy McGrath and Senator Mitch McConnell, and one had to wonder if they were both polling the same race. (Also polled: Beshear and Trump approval ratings.) (Forward Kentucky)
Postal Service’s cost cutting is frustrating Kentuckians — and raising election concerns
Residents from across the commonwealth are feeling the trickle-down effects of recent cost-saving measures at the Postal Service, an agency that has a deeply uncertain future as it awaits funding from an intransigent Congress. And with a Nov. 3 general election that could heavily rely on mail-in ballots, the concerns of mail inefficiency may just be getting started — in Kentucky and around the nation. (Courier-Journal)
More than 20,000 Kentuckians file for unemployment for 20th-straight week amid pandemic
New unemployment insurance filings in Kentucky have dropped considerably since early June, when they were above 40,00, and mid-April, when they surpassed 100,000. But, last week’s initial jobless claim total is nowhere near as low as before the pandemic: For the week ended March 14, there were only 2,785 new claims in the Bluegrass State. (Courier-Journal)
Recent Content on Forward Kentucky
[new] indicates item not in a Forward Five before
[new] McConnell worries about improving immunity – In the midst of a pandemic, you may be pleased to learn that our own Senator Mitch McConnell is extremely concerned with improving immunity across the nation. Immunity to the deadly virus? Uhm, no – ANOTHER kind of immunity. (Cartoon)
8/5 update – Positive-test rate goes above 5.5%, making Beshear consider recommending another delay of in-person schooling – More Kentuckians are testing positive for the novel coronavirus, and that could prompt Gov. Andy Beshear to recommend another delay in the start of in-person schooling this month. (News)
Josh Hicks endorsed by Vote Vets in KY-06 – Josh Hicks, Democratic candidate for U.S. Congress in the 6th District, has been endorsed by VoteVets, one of the largest veterans advocacy organizations in the country. (News)
Legislating evil – “He has repeatedly given money to corporations while undermining real help for poor Americans and low-wage workers. He blocks living wages, health care, and voting rights. Now he even wants to reduce unemployment assistance during a pandemic.” (Commentary)
Medicaid is made for times of crisis like this – Medicaid is critically important right now! But without additional funding, it will be dramatically cut just when we need it most. The Senate must act to fund Medicaid to the level that is needed. (Commentary)
Courier-Journal wins — and loses — in open records cases – The Courier Journal experienced both victory and defeat in two unrelated open government challenges last week. Neither result was unexpected. (Commentary)
Why we should use vote-by-mail in November – Adams may want elections to return to normal, but like so many other features of our society, the pandemic has shown that “normal” may not be the best option. (Policy)
NKY unions to McConnell: ‘Remember who you represent’ – A Thursday rain shower failed to stay about 50 union men, women, and family members from their appointed rounds outside Sen. Mitch McConnell’s Fort Wright field office. (News)
Marie Antoinette McConnell – Marie Antoinette showed her disdain for everyday people and their sufferings when she said her famous “Let them eat cake” line. Now Mitch McConnell is following in her footsteps, even as his state suffers under a pandemic and an economic collapse. (Commentary)
