We can’t be the only ones who are tired of storms — even if it’s been a few months. Friday sees clearing daytime conditions and temperatures in the low to mid-50s. But it might rain again Saturday and get down into the 20s and 30s at night. High 30s or low 40s on Sunday. [WXorNot & YouTube]
What in the world is going on with local government these days? There’s so much secrecy surrounding resignations – with library jobs, no less – that you’d think some kind of scandal was brewing. At best, this type of cagey secrecy is not a good look. At worst, it’s going to allow conspiracy theorists to start drama that none of us need. [BG Daily News]
Republican legislators in Frankfort are trying to take control of site-based decision-making councils from parents and teachers. Is that what you want for your community and the future of your children? Regardless of your politics, really think about it and let your legislators know how you feel. But once you give up control, they’re not going to give it back without a fight. [WBKO & SB152]
Kentucky’s General Fund receipts have fallen 3.7% with a year-to-date drop of 1.1%. Road Fund receipts have slipped 0.5% and have dropped 0.1% for the year. The sales taxes you pay are up 3.5% and have grown a whopping 5% for the first seven months of the fiscal year. Personal income tax collections fell 2.3% for the month but you know that doesn’t make up for what you’re paying in added taxes and fees. [Press Release]
Might be time to stop buying the hype about job creation claims. Suddenly, the future of Kentucky’s aluminum industry looks far dimmer than it once did. Advocates say the state has lessons to learn. [Courier-Journal]
Who knew that trying to funnel public funds to private, religious institutions wasn’t gonna fly? The conservative Kentucky Supreme Court has ruled that a law allowing charter schools to receive public education funding violates the state constitution, according to a newly released opinion from the court. [WTVQ & KY Supreme Court PDF]
Stories like this give us all hope for the future. Local farmers aren’t the only ones growing food for Barren County cafeterias — students have been rolling up their sleeves and getting their hands in the dirt. [Glasgow News 1]
Just a reminder that extremists in Kentucky have effectively ended programs and organizations that not only support vulnerable minority groups but those same groups that do good things for everyone else. The Society of African American Alumni disaffiliated from WKU, and WKU Topper Pride dissolved, University Spokesperson Jace Lux confirmed with the Herald in an email. [WKU Herald]
Have you heard what Kentucky’s Secretary of State has to say about the Commonwealth’s elections? With so much misinformation and disinformation floating around your social media feeds, it might be wise to read this recent interview. It’s a little weak but more than we get from most elected officials. [Herald-Leader]
Glasgow has been “certified” as a “City of Ethics” and as people who appreciate irony, well, this is delicious for a local government body in Kentucky to promote. The city has alleged adopted principles and procedures that offer guidance on ethical issues. No word on actually doing any of these things or taking them seriously. Oh, sorry, we accidentally got a bit too cynical there. It will happen again. [WCLU Radio]
Want to provide input for a proposal to allow more bicycle and horse traffic at Mammoth Cave? Now’s your chance. You have until April 10 to chime in. [WNKY & Federal Register]
If ever there were an example of a statewide elected official not understanding their job, this would be it. Complaining that a mere $200K was spent across multiple years for a statewide vaccination program? Or that the Department for Community Based Services only spent $45K on promotional material that winds up in the hands of vulnerable children, women and elderly people? Beyond cruel. There’s a ton of waste in state government and some of it comes from the guy (Beshear) she’s targeting. But Allison Ball is off her rocker for 99% of the rest. [WKYT]
Republican legislators in Kentucky aren’t just trying to starve veterans, the elderly and foster care kids who rely on SNAP to survive. They’re also letting the billionaire donor class mine your data and trying to remove local control of your private information. What happened to states’ rights? [WDRB & More WDRB]
Ever wondered what goes on with the Court of Appeals in the Commonwealth of Kentucky? Or wanted to read opinions about major cases impacting all of our daily lives? You can do that without any special skills or access. Here’s a look at the latest opinions. There are some local cases that may be of interest to some of you. [KY Courts – External PDF Link]
Tax and spend Republicans sure love making your life more expensive in Frankfort these days. Their latest move? Increasing the cost of your next alcoholic beverage by a whopping 4%. Weren’t they the ones who used to scream about fiscal responsibility not too long ago? Now they’re trying to make your life more expensive and businesses more difficult to operate. [WAVE3]