Kentucky Politics Distilled

This week in Kentucky politics… The Supreme Court heard a challenge to Kentucky’s abortion ban. Gov. Andy Beshear announced an executive order legalizing medical cannabis. And Mitch McConnell fended off a challenge to his leadership position. Kentucky Public Radio’s Divya Karthikeyan and Ryland Barton have this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics… A win for abortion rights advocates as Kentucky voters defeat Amendment 2, the closely watched anti-abortion amendment on the ballot. U.S Senator Rand Paul scores a third term, defeating his Democratic opponent Charles Booker.. And Republicans rack up state house and senate seats, increasing their supermajorities in both branches. Kentucky Public Radio’s Divya Karthikeyan and Ryland Barton take one last pre-election look during this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

We’re in the home stretch ahead of this year’s General Election. Candidates are making their pitches across the state and voters are starting to cast their ballots. Kentucky Public Radio’s Divya Karthikeyan and Ryland Barton take one last pre-election look during this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics… Lawmakers from the pro-life caucus hold a presser to dispel ‘misinformation’ around the abortion amendment… Governor Beshear announces an ambitious education plan… And a look at early voting options ahead of Election day.. Kentucky Public Radio’s Divya Karthikeyan and WFPL’s Bec Feldhaus Adams have this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics… US Senate candidates Rand Paul and Charles Booker hit the road in the final leg of their campaigns. And there was a last-minute disqualification for a state legislative seat. Kentucky Public Radio’s Divya Karthikeyan (CAR-thih-CAY-un) and Ryland Barton have this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…Abortion rights supporters continue to outraise opponents in the fight over Kentucky’s anti-abortion consitutional amendment. A conservative super PAC is pouring money into Kentucky judicial races. And the state Supreme Court heard arguments over a school choice law. Kentucky Public Radio’s Divya Karthikeyan and Ryland Barton have this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…Senator Rand Paul released a controversial ad accusing his Democratic opponent Charles Booker of endorsing violent behavior… Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear continues to outraise his Republican opponents…. And a Republican state Supreme Court candidate sued a state ethics commission. Kentucky Public Radio’s Divya Karthikeyan and Ryland Barton have this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics...Republican Senator Rand Paul declined to debate Democratic challenger Charles Booker. Voters will have to make a choice on an amendment to give the legislature more power. And the state recouped a 15 million dollar investment from a failed aluminum plant. Kentucky Public Radio’s Divya Karthikeyan and Ryland Barton have this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…election officials are trying to get younger people to sign up to be poll workers. A Republican candidate for governor announced their running mate. And Attorney General Daniel Cameron is defending the former president in his legal battle with the Justice Department. Kentucky Public Radio’s Divya Karthikeyan and Ryland Barton have this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky Politics Distilled…..Former U.N. Ambassador Kelly Craft held a rally for her gubernatorial bid. Campaigns on both sides ahead of the constitutional amendment on abortion are heating up. And a candidate for a Louisville-area legislative seat withdrew from the race. Kentucky Public Radio’s Divya Karthikeyan and Ryland Barton have this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics….another high profile candidate has joined the Republican race for Kentucky governor. But Democratic incumbent Andy Beshear says he’s not worried. Plus, Independent voter registrations are growing more than traditional political parties in the state. Kentucky Public Radio’s Divya Karthikeyan and Ryland Barton have this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics, US Senate Democratic candidate Charles Booker clinches a campaign endorsement from Governor Andy Beshear.  And for many GOP gubernatorial candidates, it’s time to ramp up fundraising close to the campaign finance finish line. Plus, temporary housing in the form of travel trailers will soon arrive in flood-hit Eastern Kentucky amid calls for permanent housing assistance solutions. WFPL’s Bec Feldhaus Adams and Kentucky Public Radio’s Divya Karthikeyan talk about it on this week’s episode of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky Politics…a massive relief package for eastern Kentucky passed during a three-day special legislative session.  While both parties are in agreement over the measure, some lawmakers question if it does enough for housing assistance. And representatives continue to voice frustrations over FEMA assistance. Kentucky Public Radio's Ryland Barton and Divya Karthikeyan talk about it on this week’s episode of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…locals and officials urge FEMA to speed up aid for eastern Kentucky flood victims. And abortion is still illegal in Kentucky. The state Supreme Court says it’ll consider the matter later this year. WFPL's Bec Feldhaus Adams and Kentucky Public Radio’s Ryland Barton have this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky Politics…the 2022 Fancy Farm political picnic was dominated by Republican politicians and voters. But Attorney General and GOP gubernatorial candidate Daniel Cameron took the heat during his speech for his role in the investigation into Breonna Taylor's death.  U.S. President Joe Biden visited Eastern Kentucky in the aftermath of the floods to tour the region and pledge federal help and support for victims. But Governor Andy Beshear’s plan isn’t entirely going to rely on aid and assistance from FEMA. A special legislative session is on the cards and Beshear aims to pass a relief package similar to the Western Kentucky tornado relief fund. Also, the Kentucky Judicial Campaign Ethics Committee, a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, has issued a statement on the Northern Kentucky Supreme Court race where an anti-abortion Republican legislator Joe Fischer is running against incumbent Justice Michelle Keller. The committee's concerns have been around the partisan nature of campaigning in the election. WFPL’s Bec Feldhaus Adams and Kentucky Public Radio’s Divya Karthikeyan talk about it on this week’s episode of Kentucky Politics Distilled. Kentucky Politics Distilled is our weekly rundown of the big news — and sometimes the odd news — happening in the state Capitol.

This week in Kentucky politics, a massive flood continues to devastate the eastern part of the state. The Department of Justice brought charges against officers involved in the Breonna Taylor raid. Meanwhile politicians are gathering on the other side of the state for the annual Fancy Farm event. Kentucky Public Radio’s Divya Karthikeyan and Ryland Barton have this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics, a Supreme Court judicial race may have far-reaching implications for abortion rights and robust judiciary. Governor Andy Beshear plans to endorse Democratic candidate Charles Booker for U.S. Senate. And Kentucky’s five Republican members of the U.S. House of Representatives voted no on a bill that codifies federal protections for same-sex marriage, and just one Democratic representative voted yes.

This week in Kentucky politics…the number of Republicans finally surpassed Democrats for the first time in state history. Hundreds of new laws took effect. And it looks like Kentucky is going to have a huge budget surplus. Kentucky Public Radio’s Divya Karthikeyan and Ryland Barton have this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…abortions are still legal in the state, but access all depends on a lawsuit working its way through the courts system. And we got a glimpse into who’s raising the most money for next year’s race for governor. WFPL’s Bec Feldhaus Adams joins Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics distilled.

LEDE: This week in Kentucky politics…fights over abortion rights continued to play out in the court system. Abortions in the state were halted and then allowed to resume amid a high-profile lawsuit. And President Biden is apparently nominating a Republican to a federal judgeship in the state. Kentucky Public Radio’s Divya Karthikeyan and Ryland Barton have this wee’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…another twist in the Republican race for governor. And Governor Andy Beshear starts testing the waters on legalizing cannabis. Kentucky Public Radio’s Divya Karthikeyan and Ryland Barton have this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

LEDE: This week in Kentucky politics…another Republican has gotten into Kentucky’s race for governor. And state officials are worried about high gas prices and a potential teacher shortage. Kentucky Public Radio’s Divya Karthikeyan and Ryland Barton have this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…lawmakers are still hesitant on weighing in on the gun debate after the school shooting in Texas. And campaign season is heating up as candidates look ahead to this year’s midterm elections and the governor’s race next year. Bec Feldhaus (FELD house) Adams joins Kentucky Public Radio’s Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…political leaders provided condolences but few solutions after the tragic shooting in Texas. Kentucky Public Radio’s Ryland Barton and Divya Karthikeyan (CAR-thih-CAY-un) have this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…the primary elections brought a few surprises and we now know who will be on the ballot in the fall. Kentucky Public Radio’s Ryland Barton and Divya Karthikeyan join us for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…the sale of a big power company in Kentucky has gotten a little more complicated. A new poll tells us about Gov. Beshear’s popularity two and a half years into the job. And primary season is here. Bec Feldhaus (FELD-house) Adams joins Kentucky Public Radio’s Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

The General Assembly wrapped up this year’s legislative session this week with a flurry of activity…overriding vetoes, passing last-minute bills and saying goodbye to retiring lawmakers. WFPL's Bec Feldhaus Adams joins Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics, Governor Andy Beshear vetoed more bills, but the legislature is poised to override him. There’s only two more days left in this year’s lawmaking session, and advocates are pushing for a variety of efforts ahead of the deadline. Jonese Franklin from member station WFPL joins Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…lawmakers passed a flurry of conservative bills ahead of the veto deadline. Democratic Governor Andy Beshear now has the chance to sign or reject what’s passed out of the legislature, but Republicans can easily override him. WFPL's Bec Feldhaus Adams joins Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

With less than a week before a critical deadline during Kentucky’s legislative session, lawmakers have been rushing bills through the process. And while Democratic Governor Andy Beshear can veto anything that passes, Republicans can easily override him. WFPL's Bec Feldhaus Adams joins Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…it’s crunch time for this year’s legislative session. Republican lawmakers continued the push for “business friendly” bills, which critics say will hurt the poor and disconnected. Jonese Franklin from member station WFPL joins Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…lawmakers advanced bills banning mask and vaccine requirements and ending the coronavirus state of emergency. Another anti-abortion bill popped up, this one mirrors the law currently before the U.S. Supreme Court. And the medical marijuana bill is back. WFPL's Clare Roth joins Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…House Republicans quickly advanced a bill to restrict abortion even further in the state. And lawmakers continued a string of antisemitic statements at the legislature. Jonese Franklin from WFPL joins Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…Republicans want to get rid of the income tax and lean more on sales taxes. Critics say that’ll help the rich and hurt the poor. Mitch McConnell blamed President Biden for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. And a Louisville woman will become the first openly-LGBTQ member of the state House. Clare Roth from member station WFPL joins Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…Republicans advanced a bill to set new requirements for how teachers talk about race and history in the classroom. And some lawmakers want to tighten up bail restrictions after a man tried to shoot a candidate for mayor in Louisville. WFPL's Jonese Franklin joined Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…Republicans quickly advanced a bill to cut benefits for unemployed people. A bill banning trans girls from girls sports passed out of a legislative committee. And the lawsuit challenging Kentucky’s redistricting maps got its first hearing. Jonese Franklin from member station WFPL joined Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics: A new poll shows Gov. Andy Beshear with a high approval rating. The stage is set for who’s running in this year’s elections. And lawmakers want the power to call themselves in for a special legislative session. Jonese Franklin from member station WFPL joined Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics, Democrats sued to try and block Republican-drawn redistricting maps. Mitch McConnell insinuated that African Americans aren’t Americans. And lawmakers pushed the state budget a little farther through the process. Jonese Franklin from partner station WFPL joined Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…Governor Andy Beshear unveiled his budget plan. The legislature passed a redistricting plan during a rare-Saturday session. And in a bipartisan moment, lawmakers passed a $200 million relief bill to help communities affected by last month’s tornadoes. Jonese Franklin from member station WFPL joined Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics, legislators unveiled redistricting maps and began rushing them through the lawmaking process. The plans bolster Republican seats in the legislature and Congress and make it harder for Democrats to get elected. And, while everyone was focused on redistricting, House Republicans released their budget proposal.

This week in Kentucky politics…communities came together after a tornado ripped through western Kentucky, killing dozens and destroying hundreds of homes and businesses across a wide swath of the state. President Joe Biden came to survey damage. And state leaders put partisanship aside for the moment to help the state rebuild. Derek Operle from WKMS joined Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…Gov. Andy Beshear gave raises to social workers after they sounded the alarm on low pay and high caseloads. Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s search warrant task force wrapped up, recommending a training video for police officers. And Congressman Thomas Massie posted a gun-filled Christmas photo days after the fatal school shooting in Michigan. WFPL's Clare Roth joined Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics, an anti-abortion legislator is running for the state Supreme Court as Roe v. Wade hangs in the balance of the U.S. Supreme Court. Attorney General Daniel Cameron notched two legal victories as federal vaccine mandates were struck down in the courts. And a Democratic legislator has filed a bill to decriminalize cannabis possession. WFPL's Jonese Franklin joins Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…Gov. Andy Beshear announced he’s merging two major cabinets in state government. Republican legislators expressed skepticism about Louisville’s new police review board. And the state’s ethics commission alleged that former Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes misused her office for political purposes. Jonese Franklin from member station WFPL joined Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…Mitch McConnell celebrated the passage of the infrastructure bill, even though Kentucky’s other Republicans in Congress voted against it. Legislators are drawing new political maps for the state behind closed doors. And Charles Booker got a big endorsement ahead of his run for Senate next year. WFPL's Jonese Franklin joined Capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics…Republicans snubbed Gov. Andy Beshear’s request to work together on bonuses for essential workers. A big race is brewing in Frankfort—a judge who reviews many lawsuits against the state government--has drawn a challenger. And federal election officials have dropped the Republican Party of Kentucky’s complaint against a Democratic radio host. WFPL's Jonese Franklin joins capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics, Congressman John Yarmuth announced he won’t run for reelection. Legislators still haven’t weighed in on how they’ll draw new political maps during the upcoming redistricting process. And the U.S. Supreme Court heard Attorney General Daniel Cameron’s request to defend a defunct abortion law.

This week in Kentucky politics, a former chair of the Kentucky Democratic Party was ordered to prison for making illegal campaign contributions. A judge struck down the state’s new tax-credit scholarship program. And lawmakers once again heard pitches for the state to legalize medical marijuana.

This week in Kentucky politics, almost all Kentucky school districts have announced they’ll require masks after the legislature scrapped the statewide mandate. The Senate president says the governor might call another special legislative session to attract and retain healthcare workers. And a court heard arguments over the new tax break for donating to private school scholarships.

This week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Andy Beshear called a special legislative session to deal with the coronavirus pandemic. Lawmakers got rid of the school mask mandate and gave schools slightly more flexibility to go to remote learning during the pandemic. And the virus continues to surge across the state and strain hospital capacity. WFPL Education Reporter Jess Clark joins Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics, the coronavirus continued to slam hospitals across the state, but Gov. Andy Beshear isn’t imposing any new restrictions. A Republican lawmaker filed a bill to ban businesses from requiring employees to get the vaccine. And Mitch McConnell said he’s perplexed by people who don’t want to get the vaccine.

This week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Andy Beshear and the state Board of Education issued mask mandates for public schools as the coronavirus delta variant continues to spread. U.S. Senator Rand Paul disclosed (long after he should have) that his wife invested in a coronavirus treatment drug. And new census data shows rural populations declining in Kentucky.

This week in Kentucky politics…politicians have been gearing up for Fancy Farm, which is still happening this weekend despite the spread of the COVID-19 delta variant. Mitch McConnell started airing radio ads urging people to get the vaccine. And Gov. Andy Beshear hasn’t issued a new mask mandate, but says he’s not taking it off the table.

This week in Kentucky politics, former state Representative Charles Booker launched his campaign for the U.S. Senate seat held by Rand Paul. Paul says he’s confident he’ll win reelection. And two lawmakers say they’ll pass a bill allowing student athletes to make money off their name, image and likeness.

This week in Kentucky politics, Mitch McConnell blocked the commission investigating the January 6th Capitol riot. Several labor unions and nonprofits called on Gov. Andy Beshear to keep the $300 supplement to unemployment benefits. And Attorney General Daniel Cameron argued that courts can’t waive the $300 fee to expunge felony records. We talk about it all on this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics, Mitch McConnell came out AGAINST creating a commission to investigate the January 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol. A Baptist adoption agency refused to renew its contract with the state because of a nondiscrimination clause. And a state legislator got his DUI dismissed due to a recent state Supreme Court ruling. Amina Elahi and Ryland Barton recap it all on this week's episode.

The Department of Justice launched an investigation into Louisville’s police department. Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron said he doesn’t think the country is systemically racist. And the state found out it won’t lose or gain any congressional seats during the reapportionment process. We cover it all on this episode.

This week in Kentucky politics, Mitch McConnell said the state doesn’t need the most recent round of federal coronavirus aid. That’s even though the Republican-led legislature already spent more than $1 billion of the relief funds. He also criticized companies boycotting Georgia after passing new election restrictions.

This week in Kentucky politics, lawmakers overrode all of Gov. Andy Beshear’s vetoes and passed dozens of bills during the final days of the legislative session. They also set aside more than a billion for infrastructure projects funded by the federal coronavirus package.

This week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Andy Beshear signed dozens of bills passed by the legislature, but vetoed several as well. Next week lawmakers will return to consider overriding vetoes on the last two days of this year’s legislative session.

This week in Kentucky politics, lawmakers rushed more than 100 bills through the legislature ahead of Gov. Andy Beshear’s veto period. The last-minute flurry included massive tax breaks, and more attempts to curtail Beshear’s powers during the pandemic. But several high-profile bills didn’t make it across the finish line.

This week in Kentucky politics, the state Senate passed a bill making it a crime to insult a police officer and boosting penalties for protest-related charges. And on the eve of the anniversary of Breonna Taylor’s death, lawmakers passed a watered-down version of a bill limiting no-knock search warrants.

This week in Kentucky politics, a bill limiting — but not banning — no-knock warrants across the state gained momentum in the legislature. Lawmakers finally unveiled a long-promised election reform bill. And the committee reviewing petitions to impeach the governor and attorney general recommended dismissing the requests.

This week in Kentucky politics, Rand Paul urged state lawmakers to pass a mysterious bill that would change the election system. The debate over historical horse racing machines divided Republicans in the legislature. And criminal justice reform bills have been gaining momentum in the statehouse.

This week in Kentucky politics, impeachment claims against Governor Andy Beshear continued to drag through the legislature, Rand Paul got the entire senate to go on record about Trump’s impeachment ahead of his trial, and Louisville released a scathing audit of its police department, showing over-policing of Black communities.

This week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed several bills that passed out of the legislature. Three grand jurors from the Breonna Taylor case filed an impeachment petition against Attorney General Daniel Cameron, saying he misled the public. And Mitch McConnell returned to his role as senate minority leader.

This week in Kentucky politics, lawmakers created a committee to review a citizen impeachment petition against Gov. Andy Beshear. The move may have opened the door for more petitions to be filed against state politicians. Plus, officials are worried about a potential attack on the Kentucky capitol. And Mitch McConnell has once again found himself at the center of a presidential impeachment fight.

This week in Kentucky politics, the legislature returned and quickly advanced bills stripping the governor of his powers. All Kentucky members of Congress voted to accept the presidential election results, except for Hal Rogers, who cited unfounded claims of voter fraud. And after Democratic Senate victories in Georgia, Mitch McConnell will return to his role as minority leader.

This week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Beshear issued new coronavirus restrictions, banning indoor services at bars and restaurants and limiting gatherings. Republicans in the legislature quickly criticized the measures. And Kentucky’s GOP elected officials continued to question the outcome of the presidential election.

This week in Kentucky politics, the state Supreme Court ruled that Gov. Andy Beshear’s coronavirus-related restrictions are legal. Leaders of the Republican-led legislature said they still want to strip Beshear of those emergency powers. And Attorney General Daniel Cameron joined a lawsuit challenging mail-in ballots in Pennsylvania.

This week in Kentucky politics, Republicans picked up several seats in the state legislature. GOP leaders say they want to clip Gov. Andy Beshear’s emergency powers during the coronavirus pandemic. And Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell easily won reelection, and later refused to condemn president’s claims of voter fraud.

This week in Kentucky politics, early voting continues as the state enters into a new surge of the coronavirus pandemic. The state treasurer released a report accusing Gov. Beshear of improperly spending money to enforce coronavirus orders. And a new batch of polls came out showing Mitch McConnell ahead of Amy McGrath everywhere in Kentucky except Louisville.

This week in Kentucky politics, Mitch McConnell and Amy McGrath squared off in the only debate of the senate race this year. With less than three weeks until Election Day, both candidates have been crisscrossing the state in an effort to turn out voters. And early voting started this week. Election officials want voters to cast their ballots early.

This week in Kentucky politics, Attorney General Daniel Cameron announced an indictment against one of the officers in the Breonna Taylor case, but many questions remain. Gov. Andy Beshear and Taylor’s family are calling for Cameron to release the full investigation into her death. Meanwhile protests have erupted in Louisville and police response has gotten more intense.

This week in Kentucky politics, as the state surpassed 1,000 coronavirus-related deaths, Republican lawmakers cast doubt on the severity of the virus. Republicans and Democrats have called for a special legislative session on police reform. And Attorney General Daniel Cameron was on a list of potential Supreme Court justices unveiled by President Trump.

This week in Kentucky politics, Republican legislators criticized Gov. Andy Beshear for not condemning racial justice protests in Louisville. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell doubled down on his “law and order” strategy, publicizing his endorsement by the Fraternal Order of Police. And it’s Derby week, but crowds will be at Churchill Downs -- at least not on the inside.

This week in Kentucky politics, state elected officials rallied around Donald Trump at the Republican National Convention. Democratic senate candidate Amy McGrath released a cartoon campaign ad that had Mitch McConnell’s team crying foul. And state Rep. Charles Booker spoke at the March on Washington.

This week in Kentucky politics, officials finalized the plan for expanding mail-in and early voting during the upcoming election. Gov. Andy Beshear applied for President Trump’s supplement to unemployment benefits. And Mitch McConnell and Amy McGrath argued over what debates should look like in the final months of their race for U.S. Senate.

This week in Kentucky politics, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell sent lawmakers home for the month after a compromise couldn’t be reached on a new coronavirus bill. Gov. Andy Beshear said that the state won’t be able to afford President Trump’s executive order extending unemployment benefits. And Attorney General Daniel Cameron met with Breonna Taylor’s family, though he still doesn’t have a timeline on when the investigation into her death will be complete.

This week in Kentucky politics, Mitch McConnell’s latest coronavirus relief bill stalled in Congress right after the $600 per week supplement to unemployment benefits expired. Kentuckians got some fresh polling in the race between McConnell and Democratic challenger Amy McGrath, and McConnell accused McGrath of putting out a racist commercial.

This week in Kentucky politics, Mitch McConnell unveiled a new coronavirus relief bill, but it still has a long way to go before becoming law. Gov. Andy Beshear rolled back Kentucky’s reopening during the pandemic, closing all bars and reducing restaurant capacity. And the debate continues over whether all Kentuckians will be able to cast ballots by mail this fall.

This week in Kentucky politics, the state avoided a budget shortfall despite initial predictions that tax revenue would plummet in the first months of the coronavirus pandemic. But Gov. Andy Beshear says the next financial year could be bleak. The state Supreme Court refused Beshear’s request to disqualify a judge from a lawsuit challenging his coronavirus executive orders. And a group is suing once again to try and keep the Marsy’s Law constitutional amendment off the ballot.

This week in Kentucky politics, Amy McGrath won Kentucky’s Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. She’ll now try to unify the party with the help of her former opponent, state Rep. Charles Booker. And Mitch McConnell gave us a taste this week of how he’ll be campaigning, releasing a new ad that drums up images of a culture war.

This week in Kentucky politics, big endorsements came in for underdog candidates in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. But Mitch McConnell and Democratic frontrunner Amy McGrath are already looking toward the general election. And the deadline to register to vote in the primary is Tuesday.

This week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Andy Beshear asked state agencies to come up with plans to significantly cut their budgets over the coming months. Mitch McConnell said he still doesn’t support sending more money to states unless business are shielded from lawsuits during the pandemic. And calls are mounting for an independent investigation into a Louisville police raid that killed 26-year-old Breonna Taylor.--

This week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Andy Beshear announced a new schedule of business reopenings during the coronavirus pandemic. Beshear has moved on from his initial statement that the state wouldn’t open up until it sees a two-week decline in confirmed cases. And the governor revised his restrictions on traveling to the state during the pandemic after a judge struck them down.

Donate to support this and future seasons of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics, Attorney General Daniel Cameron threatened to sue Gov. Andy Beshear for not allowing in-person church services during the coronavirus pandemic. The state got its first glimpse at how much tax revenue has dropped off amid business closures. And Kentucky’s senior Senator Mitch McConnell has new conditions for helping states out with their budget problems.

Donate to support this and future seasons of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics, Mitch McConnell said that states shouldn’t expect help shoring up their budgets during the coronavirus pandemic and that they should be allowed to file for bankruptcy. And Gov. Andy Beshear issued an executive order allowing every Kentuckian to vote by mail during this year’s primary elections.

Donate to support this and future seasons of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics, the legislature wrapped up its 2020 session with a flurry of veto overrides, abortion bills and constitutional amendments. Gov. Andy Beshear said he’s working with a group of neighboring states to coordinate when and how to ease coronavirus restrictions. And protestors gathered at the capitol to protest business closures. Erica Peterson talked to capitol reporter Ryland Barton for this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Andy Beshear urged churches to not hold Easter services during the coronavirus pandemic. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said that banning drive-in church services violates first amendment rights. And the legislature returns next week to consider overriding Gov. Beshear’s vetoes.

This week in Kentucky politics, the legislature finally passed a budget, but they have little idea of how much money the state will make during the coronavirus epidemic. A legislative staffer has contracted the disease. And Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell continued his quest to fill judicial vacancies with conservative judges.

This week in Kentucky politics, the state legislature still met during the coronavirus pandemic. They passed an emergency bill to help provide some relief to workers and businesses dealing with the virus, and they advanced a slew of other measures. And Kentucky’s 4th district Congressman Thomas Massie received America's ire for threatening to block a federal coronavirus bill.

Donate to support this and future seasons of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics, the legislature met amid the growing coronavirus pandemic. Lawmakers rushed to pass a budget and other bills before eventually adjourning for a week. And all of it took place during a lock down of the capitol, with only legislators, essential staff and reporters allowed inside. 

Donate to support this and future episodes of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics, Gov. Andy Beshear headed up the state’s response to the coronavirus outbreak, recommending that schools, churches and employers cease in-person activities. And Leaders of the legislature say they’re evaluating how to proceed with this year’s budget writing session.Kentucky Politics Distilled

Donate to support this and future episodes of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics, the House of Representatives passed a budget that cuts some of Gov. Andy Beshear’s proposals. Democratic candidates for U.S. Senate participated in a forum in Newport. And the legislature is considering more anti-abortion measures.

Donate to support this and future episodes of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics, a Republican won a historically Democratic seat in the state House of Representatives during a special election. And the Kentucky Democratic Party called for a Republican state senator to resign after he made homophobic remarks during a campaign event.

Donate to support this and future episodes of Kentucky Politics Distilled.

This week in Kentucky politics, a medical marijuana bill passed out of a legislative committee, raising hopes for advocates that this will be the year the measure passes. Executives for the controversial Braidy Industries aluminum mill testified in the state capitol after the removal of its CEO. And advocates rallied to try and build support of gun safety measures.

This week in Kentucky politics, the legislature passed a bill requiring every school in the state to have an armed law enforcement officer. Gov. Andy Beshear tried to rally support for a measure to legalize sports betting in Kentucky, but initial momentum behind the bill is fading.

This week in Kentucky politics, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear unveiled what he wants the state budget to look like for the next two years. But Republican leaders of the legislature have their own ideas of how to put together the spending plan, and they’ll be in charge of the process. Plus, a bill banning so-called sanctuary immigration policies passed the first step of the legislative process.