Kentucky Politics Distilled
172 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★ - 16 ratingsKentucky Politics Distilled is our weekly rundown of the big news — and sometimes the odd news — happening in the state Capitol. With Kentucky’s elected leaders all in one place for a limited time, the developments can break in a rapid-fire fashion. Kentucky Politics Distilled helps ensure you don’t miss all the highs and lows coming out of Frankfort. We’ll discuss the important issues facing Kentucky and add context to the headlines that flew by over the week. New episodes post on Fridays. From Louisville Public Media
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Episodes
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Democrats appeal redistricting ruling
December 02, 2022 19:44 - 6 minutes - 5.99 MBThis week in Kentucky Politics…Democrats are hoping the state Supreme Court will strike down Republican-drawn redistricting maps. And next year’s political races continue to take shape as candidates file to run for governor, attorney general, and more. Kentucky Public Radio’s Divya Karthikeyan and Ryland Barton have this week’s edition of Kentucky Politics Distilled.
Abortion bans head to the Supreme Court
November 18, 2022 21:39 - 4 minutes - 4.3 MBThis 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.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Abortion amendment fails, Rand Paul sails to reelection
November 11, 2022 20:04 - 4 minutes - 4.39 MBThis 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 ...
It's Almost Election Day (Finally)
November 04, 2022 18:03 - 4 minutes - 4.5 MBWe’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.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Lawmakers spar over abortion "misinformation"
October 28, 2022 20:55 - 5 minutes - 5.51 MBThis 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.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Rand Paul and Charles Booker hit final campaign trail
October 21, 2022 19:34 - 4 minutes - 4.41 MBThis 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.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Abortion rights group outraises opponents, big PAC money in KY judicial races
October 14, 2022 18:19 - 4 minutes - 4.46 MBThis 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.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Rand Paul releases ad on Charles Booker, Gov. Beshear leads in fundraising fight
October 07, 2022 19:06 - 4 minutes - 4 MBThis 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.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Rand Paul declines to debate Charles Booker, Amendment 1 on the ballot
September 30, 2022 20:23 - 6 minutes - 6.24 MBThis 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.
Officials try to recruit younger poll workers
September 23, 2022 20:03 - 6 minutes - 5.63 MBThis 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.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Kelly Craft holds her first gubernatorial rally, campaigns ahead of abortion amendment heat up
September 16, 2022 20:32 - 5 minutes - 4.83 MBThis 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.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Kelly Craft shakes up governor's race
September 09, 2022 19:37 - 4 minutes - 4.04 MBThis 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.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: US Senate Candidate Charles Booker gets Beshear endorsement, gubernatorial candidates ramp up fundraising efforts
September 02, 2022 21:29 - 5 minutes - 5.15 MBThis 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 ab...
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Eastern KY flood relief package passes in special legislative session
August 26, 2022 21:09 - 5 minutes - 4.64 MBThis 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.
Abortion ban heads to Ky. Supreme Court
August 19, 2022 19:17 - 4 minutes - 4.58 MBThis 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.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Fancy Farm recap, Biden visits Eastern Kentucky, and a special session on the horizon
August 12, 2022 21:13 - 6 minutes - 5.62 MBThis 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...
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Flooding devastates eastern Kentucky
August 05, 2022 18:48 - 5 minutes - 4.71 MBThis 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.
A Supreme Court justice race to watch, Beshear to endorse Booker
July 24, 2022 16:44 - 6 minutes - 6.29 MBThis 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.
Kentucky Republicans outnumber Democrats for the first time
July 15, 2022 20:25 - 4 minutes - 4.53 MBThis 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.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Abortions still legal
July 08, 2022 19:14 - 4 minutes - 4.16 MBThis 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.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Abortion ban triggered, paused
July 01, 2022 19:33 - 5 minutes - 5.2 MBLEDE: 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.
Trump backs Cameron in governor's race
June 17, 2022 20:40 - 7 minutes - 6.77 MBThis 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.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: GOP race for governor gets a little more crowded
June 10, 2022 20:32 - 5 minutes - 5.44 MBLEDE: 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.
Lawmakers still cold on gun safety
June 03, 2022 20:28 - 6 minutes - 6.3 MBThis 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.
Thoughts, prayers and few solutions after another school shooting
May 27, 2022 19:24 - 5 minutes - 5.2 MBThis 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.
Primaries bring "liberty" surprises
May 20, 2022 20:50 - 5 minutes - 5.25 MBThis 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.
Power company politics
April 29, 2022 20:52 - 5 minutes - 4.78 MBThis 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 end of a very busy legislative session
April 15, 2022 20:35 - 4 minutes - 4.35 MBThe 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.
Beshear vetoes charter schools, anti-trans bills
April 08, 2022 18:25 - 4 minutes - 3.84 MBThis 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.
Veto period begins
April 01, 2022 20:23 - 4 minutes - 4.35 MBThis 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.
The legislative session home stretch
March 25, 2022 21:58 - 5 minutes - 5.11 MBWith 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.
Republicans move to tighten public benefits
March 18, 2022 20:01 - 4 minutes - 4.45 MBThis 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.
Ky. Lawmakers move to limit mask, vaccine mandates
March 11, 2022 21:18 - 4 minutes - 4.3 MBThis 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.
'Omnibus' anti-abortion bill passes Ky. House
March 04, 2022 19:49 - 5 minutes - 4.96 MBThis 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.
Republicans introduce long-awaited 'tax reform'
February 25, 2022 19:27 - 5 minutes - 4.84 MBThis 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.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: GOP bill sets how race, U.S. history are taught
February 18, 2022 22:42 - 5 minutes - 5.12 MBThis 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.
Lawmakers advance cuts to unemployment
February 11, 2022 22:20 - 4 minutes - 4.15 MBThis 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.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Dems whiff at filing deadline
January 28, 2022 21:33 - 4 minutes - 4.22 MBThis 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.
Ky. Democrats Sue To Block GOP Redistricting Maps
January 21, 2022 21:10 - 5 minutes - 4.92 MBThis 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.
Kentucky Politics Distilled: Beshear makes case for sweeping budget
January 14, 2022 19:59 - 4 minutes - 4.18 MBThis 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.
Kentucky Republicans Tackle Redistricting
January 07, 2022 23:09 - 6 minutes - 5.62 MBThis 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.
Kentuckians come together after devastating tornado
December 17, 2021 21:29 - 5 minutes - 5.16 MBThis 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.
Beshear Gives Social Workers A Raise
December 10, 2021 20:27 - 5 minutes - 5.39 MBThis 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.
Anti-abortion lawmaker running for Ky. Supreme Court
December 03, 2021 21:20 - 5 minutes - 4.85 MBThis 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.
Beshear Merges Cabinets That Handled Unemployment
November 19, 2021 21:20 - 4 minutes - 4.44 MBThis 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.
McConnell Joins Democrats On Infrastructure
November 12, 2021 21:29 - 4 minutes - 4.17 MBThis 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.
GOP Snubs Beshear 'Hero Pay' Work Group
October 29, 2021 20:33 - 4 minutes - 4.17 MBThis 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.
Yarmuth Announces Retirement
October 15, 2021 23:10 - 5 minutes - 4.66 MBThis 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.
Former Ky. Democrats Chair Ordered To Prison
October 11, 2021 19:52 - 4 minutes - 4.62 MBThis 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.
Nearly All Schools To Require Masks
September 17, 2021 21:29 - 5 minutes - 5.33 MBThis 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.