Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that five people have died due to Sunday’s storms, including a 54-year-old man who suffered a heart attack while clearing fallen trees. The governor declared a state of emergency and will be touring the storm damage in Hopkins County. The National Weather Service has not yet confirmed if a tornado touched down in Bowling Green, but significant damage has been reported.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear visited Prospect to assess EF-1 tornado damage with wind speeds of 105 mph. The area suffered significant damage, including uprooted trees, ripped-off roofs, and power outages. Beshear urged residents to report damage to county emergency management officials for potential FEMA assistance and warned about scammers. Cleanup efforts are underway, and power is expected to be restored by 10 p.m. The state of emergency remains in place, and officials will assess damage in other counties.
Kentucky lawmakers have passed a bill that would remove the Democratic governor's role in selecting a replacement for a U.S. Senate seat vacancy, instead calling for a special election to fill the seat for the remainder of the unexpired term. The bill, which could take effect immediately if enacted into law, has been denounced by Governor Andy Beshear as driven by partisanship. The move comes amid speculation about the future of Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell's seat, with McConnell leaving open the possibility of seeking another term in 2026.
The Kentucky House has passed a bill calling for a special election to fill any U.S. Senate vacancy in the state, effectively removing the Democratic governor's role in the decision. The move comes amid speculation about the future of Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell's seat, following his announcement to step down from his leadership position. The governor has criticized the bill as driven by partisanship, and could potentially veto it, although Republicans hold a supermajority in the legislature. This legislation follows a previous measure that limited the governor's power to temporarily fill a Senate seat, and has sparked debate over the appropriate process for filling such vacancies.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear urges residents to take precautions as five people, including a 58-year-old woman in Daviess County, have died due to freezing temperatures. He declared a state of emergency and activated price gouging laws to protect families. Residents are encouraged to check on loved ones and utilize resources such as the Disaster Distress Helpline for support.
Governor Andy Beshear placed the first legal sports wagers in Kentucky as sports gambling became live in the state. Kentucky is now the 34th state to allow sports gambling. In-person wagering can be done at nine brick and mortar facilities, including the Churchill Downs Race and Sports Book. The facility offers cash-only kiosks, in-person windows, sports gambling kiosks, and the option to build a bet in line. There may be some initial hiccups, but the Churchill Downs staff is ready to assist users.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear's efforts to help storm-ravaged towns, such as Mayfield, rebuild after tornadoes and floods could potentially dilute the Republican advantage in rural areas and aid his reelection bid. Beshear has been praised for his response to the disasters and has been seen as a consoler-in-chief by some Kentuckians. However, there are criticisms about the slow pace of recovery. Republican candidate Daniel Cameron is relying on rural voters to secure victory in a state that has become a GOP stronghold in recent years. Beshear is expected to perform well in cities and suburbs, while hoping to narrow the rural margins favoring the GOP.
Democratic Governor Andy Beshear and Republican Attorney General Daniel Cameron traded barbs at the Fancy Farm picnic in Kentucky, with Beshear touting his economic achievements and Cameron criticizing him on social issues. Both candidates stuck to their campaign scripts, enduring boos and taunts from partisans. The Kentucky governor's race is closely watched and could provide insights for future White House and Congress campaigns. Beshear highlighted job creation and low unemployment rates, while Cameron linked Beshear to President Joe Biden and focused on social issues to energize conservative voters.
Kentucky has passed two historic bills legalizing medical marijuana and sports betting. Medical marijuana patients will have safe access to cannabis products, but the law won't take effect until 2025. Sports betting will be overseen by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and is expected to bring in $23 million per year. The bills had been fought for years, but Governor Andy Beshear signed them into law on Friday.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear's veto of a bill banning gender-affirming care for minors has put the state in the middle of a national fight over transgender rights. The legislation is part of a widespread movement by Republican state lawmakers in other states approving extensive measures that restrict the rights of LGBTQ+ people this year. The veto has set off competing messages likely to be repeated until the November election, when Bluegrass State voters will decide whether to reward the Democratic governor with a second term or hand over the governor's office to a Republican.
