Five Things to Know Today
— Publisher’s Note —
Good morning! I started to write a deep dive into a topic, but I realized it was going to get too long for this space. So instead, I’m going to take a few grafs to say this:
I am thrilled that Joe Biden chose Kamala Harris as his VP running mate.
Besides the historical nature of the choice, I think Harris brings a lot to the ticket in her own right. She is very smart, a strong person, an experienced campaigner, and an inspiring public servant. I could definitely see her stepping into the presidency if that were called for.
Is she as progressive as some of the other names mentioned? No. But I think her strengths outweigh that consideration … AND, I think she will be open to progressive concerns, and able to pull Biden in that direction.
All in all, it was a solid choice.
#TeamKentucky – but also #TeamBidenHarris.
Bruce Maples, publisher
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Today’s Five Things to Know
8/12 update — State reports record number of new coronavirus cases in one day
Gov. Beshear reported 1,163 new coronavirus cases on Wednesday, the highest number yet in a single day – another reason, he said, to support his recommendation to delay in-person instruction until Sept. 28. (Forward Kentucky)
Governor, secretary of state ‘close to agreement’ on election
No agreement yet between Democratic Gov. Beshear and Republican Secretary of State Adams on how to conduct the November general election, but both sides say they are not that far apart. (Forward Kentucky)
Related: A checklist for “the election Kentucky deserves,” as outlined by KFTC – Kentuckians for the Commonwealth has released a checklist for the upcoming election, laying out ways to “give Kentuckians the election we deserve – one that makes voting safe, convenient, secure and robust.” (Forward Kentucky)
Billboard: “KY Farm Bureau – Big on Discrimination”
Four advocacy groups have co-sponsored a billboard in Louisville calling out the Kentucky Farm Bureau for discriminatory policy positions in its policy handbook. The Fairness Campaign, ACLU of Kentucky, Jefferson County Teachers Association, and Louisville Showing Up for Racial Justice have protested KFB’s policies as “anti-LGBTQ, anti-Teacher, anti-Union, anti-Choice, anti-POC, pro-Death Penalty, and more.” (Forward Kentucky)
Fish and Wildlife board votes to sue Beshear to keep commissioner. Cameron helping.
The governing board of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources voted 7-0 Wednesday to sue Gov. Andy Beshear’s administration with the help of Attorney General Daniel Cameron to keep Rich Storm as the department’s commissioner. The action drew the governor’s ire in his afternoon news conference about COVID-19, when he called the move “silly.” The vote to sue the Beshear administration was taken in a special online meeting of the board after weeks of contention between the board and the administration. (Herald-Leader)
McConnell remarks on state aid land with thud with governor
Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell referred to additional federal aid to cash-strapped states as a “slush fund” — comments that landed with a thud with his home-state governor.
In a Senate speech Wednesday, McConnell accused top congressional Democrats of blocking action on a new coronavirus relief package unless their demands are met. Those conditions, he said, include states getting “a trillion-dollar slush fund to cover budget problems from long before the pandemic.”
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear later referred to the remarks as “unfortunate,” saying the additional assistance is vital for states, regardless of their political leanings. “If we don’t get these funds, Kentuckians will suffer,” the Democratic governor told reporters at a coronavirus briefing. “I don’t know if it will be like bankrupting the commonwealth, but it won’t be helpful. I hope that this is a negotiating tactic.” (Herald-Leader)
Recent Content on Forward Kentucky
[new] indicates item not in a Forward Five before
[new] Pari-mutuel wagering issue in front of Ky. Supreme Court Friday – The issue of whether instant racing or historical horse racing is legal in Kentucky, a dispute that’s been making its way up and down the court system for a decade, will be addressed again on Friday. (News)
[new] DNC Delegates from Kentucky – Here is the list of delegates to the Democratic National Convention, as provided by the Kentucky Democratic Party. The list is sorted by last name. (News)
8/11 update – Beshear had COVID-19 symptoms, but tested negative; felt empathy as he waited for results – Gov. Andy Beshear reported 562 new coronavirus cases in Kentucky on Tuesday, but most of his remarks dealt with cases that didn’t happen, in his own household. (News)
McConnell doesn’t care to hear message from Kentucky: ‘I’m scared to death of losing everything’ – Mitch McConnell is glad to hear from his donors – but is deaf when it comes to the cries of Kentuckians. The Washington Post interviewed people all across the state, and they all said “Where is Mitch when we need him?” (Commentary)
Adams: Less absentee voting, more early voting, more polling locations – Universal mail-in absentee balloting is not part of the plan Republican Secretary of State Adams is presenting to Democratic Gov. Beshear for the fall election. Expanded early voting is, however. (News)
Running the Trump Gauntlet – The president of the United States is an authoritarian-minded demagogue who is systematically dismantling our norms, our rule of law, and our very democracy. The United States is running the Trump Gauntlet. (Commentary)
Back to school with Grandma – When the president says children can’t get sick from the coronavirus, what could that lead to? Nick Anderson lays out a scenario that could happen all across Kentucky. (Cartoon)
Atlanta visits Breonna Square – a photo gallery – On Saturday, August 7, visitors from Atlanta came to Louisville to rally with our citizens at Breonna Square in downtown Louisville. Del Ramey was there and captured these photos, then later captioned them for us. Enjoy! (Media)
