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— Publisher’s Note —
Good morning! Do you feel like you’re living in the movie “Groundhog Day”? Where every day seems to be a repeat of the day before, and the day before that, and so on? Yeah, me too.
Doing the Forward Five also feels like that sometimes. We almost always lead with the COVID update from the day before. There’s usually a story about some person or group upset about the Gov’s orders. And, there’s the impact of the pandemic on businesses, on families, on individuals, from job losses to evictions to hunger. Just glance down the list of stories below, and you will see what I mean.
BUT – in the midst of all this, some news — good news! — is actually happening. Michigan certified its election results yesterday. Another judge threw out another Guiliani lawsuit. Biden named six cabinet nominees. And, the GSA person who had to approve the transition starting up did so. (Finally.)
So, even in these dark times, things are moving forward. We may seem to be stuck in Groundhog Day, but there are signs and signals that better times are coming.
Do what it takes to stay safe. Keep hope alive, as they say. And on Thursday, let’s all give thanks for good news.
Bruce Maples, publisher
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Today’s Five Things to Know
11/23 update — Beshear warns hospitals at ‘tipping point’
A new study shows that compliance with Kentucky’s new emergency orders to thwart the coronavirus could save up to 1,000 lives in the Louisville region, and presumably have similar results across Kentucky. (Forward Kentucky)
Presidential election news
Michigan certifies election
After much discussion and uncertainty, the Michigan Board of Canvassers certified the election results, with Joe Biden as the obvious winner of the state. The vote was 3-0, with one Republican member abstaining.
GSA administrator finally relents, “ascertains” that Biden won
Emily Murphy, the person at the General Services Administration who has to green-light the transition beginning, yesterday finally agreed that Joe Biden had won the election and the transition process could begin. Her approval means that the funding and office space for the transition are now available to the Biden transition team, and members of the Trump administration should be able to meet with Biden people to do handoffs of departments, projects, and information.
Biden announces first cabinet nominees
President-elect Joe Biden has announced his first six cabinet nominees, including a new position: Special Presidential Envoy for Climate. (Forward Kentucky)
Ohio Valley economic outlook grim as COVID aid programs endWith hundreds of thousands across the Ohio Valley struggling to make ends meet, a suite of coronavirus aid packages — including rent and utility relief funding, eviction moratoriums, and expanded unemployment benefits — is set to expire at the end of December. (Forward Kentucky)
Local judge-executive issues emergency order to assist local restaurants
At an emergency meeting on Monday, the Marshall County Fiscal Court discussed an emergency executive order aimed at assisting restaurants. The order, which is being supported by all county commissioners, allows the fiscal court to provide certain items to restaurants within Marshall County to assist them in their conversion to outdoor dining. Tents will be available for restaurants in the next few days through the Emergency Management office. (West Kentucky Star)
Recent Content on Forward Kentucky
[new] indicates item not in a Forward Five before
*indicates high # of reads, social media shares, or both
[new] Why Trump’s election fraud claims aren’t showing up in his lawsuits challenging the results – There seems to be a real disconnect between the claims of widespread fraud, a stolen election, and illegal voting made by President Trump and his allies, and the actual claims formally made by his lawyers in court. (News Analysis)
[new] Adams’ changes gain strong support from county clerks in survey – Secretary of State Michael Adams has more support in his effort to have some of the changes made to the way elections were conducted this year made permanent by the Kentucky General Assembly next year. (News)
[new] Cameron joins lawsuit against Beshear’s school order – Attorney General Daniel Cameron joined a Kentucky Christian school’s federal lawsuit against Gov. Andy Beshear that says the governor’s ban on in-person classes at religious schools unconstitutional. (News)
[new] Trump 2024 – We’re all exhausted from four years of racism, bigotry, misogyny, incoherence, incompetence, and proto-fascism. But Donald Trump ain’t going away; he’ll be campaigning from now until 2024 simply because he literally can’t afford not to. (Commentary)
[new] Preemption laws block KY communities from tobacco control measures – Since 1996, Kentucky has barred cities and counties from enacting tobacco control measures to govern the marketing and sale of tobacco products. Advocates say such preemptive legislation is outdated and should be repealed. (Policy)
As CDC warns against Thanksgiving travel, here are a dozen more things you can do to help stop COVID-19 – As Americans prepare for the first Thanksgiving in the time of the coronavirus, here are 12+ things you can do to make the holiday safer. Spoiler alert: they don’t include having the traditional everyone-included meal. (Backgrounder)
*Selfish churches, selfish Christians – I told a friend of mine about the churches that were ignoring the governor and having in-person services. She said with a snort, “Way to hang together and take care of your fellow human beings. Really showing the love of Jesus to others, aren’t they?” I’d say she nailed it – except for needing stronger language. (Commentary)
This week’s TSOK — Let’s talk with the new KDP chair – The KY Democratic Party has a new chair! On this week’s The State of Kentucky, we got to interview Colmon Elridge, and learn more about his goals and plans for the KDP. (Video and Podcast)
Besieged in his bunker – Holed up in his quarters and protected by armed guards, the leader refuses to admit inevitable defeat. He inhabits a bizarre fantasy world, his mood swinging wildly between cold fury and deep despondency. Lickspittles rush to soothe the leader. The toadies coo their undying loyalty. They assure him that despite the seemingly insurmountable odds against him, he will persevere. (Commentary)
*The “Political Correctness” con – NO ONE is more politically correct than the folks who complain about political correctness. (Commentary)
New COVID-19 restrictions and SCOKY case, new KDP chair, and Rep. Buddy Wheatley interview – This week, we discuss new COVID restrictions by Gov. Beshear, and the SCOKY case. Also, we discussed Colmon Elridge becoming KDP chair – the first Black person to hold that title. The interview is with Rep. Buddy Wheatley. (Podcast)
*Quit whining about Kentucky’s newest COVID-19 restrictions. Get on board. – On Wednesday, we had 359 Kentuckians in the intensive care unit and 176 people on ventilators. And now, you’re going to whine about these new measures Gov. Beshear announced because whining is what you do best? (Commentary)
Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash
