Bruce Schreiner, The Associated Press

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Kentucky auditor announces investigation of the state's medical cannabis program

Kentucky auditor announces investigation of the state's medical cannabis program

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky's auditor said Thursday that her office will investigate the state's medical cannabis program after receiving complaints about the lottery system used to award highly sought-after licenses to grow, process and sell the medicinal products to eligible patients.

Pamela Stevenson, the top Democrat in the Kentucky House, launches campaign for the US Senate

Pamela Stevenson, the top Democrat in the Kentucky House, launches campaign for the US Senate

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky lawmaker Pamela Stevenson, the top-ranking Democrat in the GOP-led state House, launched her U.S. Senate campaign on Monday, vowing to help "stop the recklessness" in Washington if elected. The seat has long been held by Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell, who is not seeking reelection in 2026.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear displays his colors in veto fights with Republican lawmakers

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear displays his colors in veto fights with Republican lawmakers

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Knowing the odds of winning were stacked against him, Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear nevertheless vetoed bills sent his way by the Republican-dominated Kentucky legislature with by-now familiar themes: abortion, Medicaid and diversity initiatives.

Kentucky governor vetoes GOP abortion bill, says it undermines doctors and endangers pregnant women

Kentucky governor vetoes GOP abortion bill, says it undermines doctors and endangers pregnant women

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- A Republican-backed bill touted as an attempt to bring clarity to Kentucky's near-total abortion ban was vetoed Tuesday by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, who said it would do the opposite by undermining the judgment of doctors while further imperiling the lives of pregnant women in emergency situations.

Democratic Gov. Beshear vetoes GOP bill to dismantle DEI efforts at Kentucky's public universities

Democratic Gov. Beshear vetoes GOP bill to dismantle DEI efforts at Kentucky's public universities

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed a GOP-backed bill Thursday to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at public universities, declaring that diversity should be embraced as a strength while branding the legislation as being "about hate."

Democratic Gov. Beshear vetoes GOP bill aimed at dismantling DEI efforts in public universities

Democratic Gov. Beshear vetoes GOP bill aimed at dismantling DEI efforts in public universities

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear vetoed a GOP-backed bill Thursday to dismantle diversity, equity and inclusion efforts at public universities, declaring that diversity should be embraced as a strength while branding the legislation as being "about hate."

Kentucky GOP lawmakers vote to protect conversion therapy

Kentucky GOP lawmakers vote to protect conversion therapy

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky's Republican lawmakers have passed a measure to protect conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youths as part of a bill that also would outlaw the use of Medicaid funds to pay for gender-affirming health care for transgender Kentucky residents.

Kentucky Senate hopeful Daniel Cameron praises Trump, criticizes his mentor, Mitch McConnell

Kentucky Senate hopeful Daniel Cameron praises Trump, criticizes his mentor, Mitch McConnell

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Republican Senate candidate Daniel Cameron lavished praise Monday on Donald Trump and criticized his mentor Sen. Mitch McConnell, reflecting the president's dominance within the GOP and setting an early tone for what looks to be a competitive primary for a Kentucky Senate seat in 2026.

Scramble for McConnell's Senate seat underway with signs of a bruising GOP primary ahead

Scramble for McConnell's Senate seat underway with signs of a bruising GOP primary ahead

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- The scramble to fill Mitch McConnell's Senate seat in Kentucky began as soon as the long-serving Republican lawmaker revealed he won't seek reelection in 2026.

Sen. Mitch McConnell won't seek reelection in 2026, ending long tenure as Republican power broker

Sen. Mitch McConnell won't seek reelection in 2026, ending long tenure as Republican power broker

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell is announcing on Thursday that he won't seek reelection next year, ending a decadeslong tenure as a power broker who championed conservative causes but ultimately ceded ground to the fierce GOP populism of President Donald Trump.

Kentucky lawmaker points to Biden pardons as reason to limit governor powers

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- A Kentucky lawmaker is hoping his quest to limit the pardon powers of governors in his state has received a jolt of momentum from public attention over the flurry of pardons and commuted sentences granted by former President Joe Biden before leaving office.

Kentucky lawmakers send bill to cut the state's income tax to the governor. He supports it.

Kentucky lawmakers send bill to cut the state's income tax to the governor. He supports it.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky lawmakers completed their work Tuesday to reduce the state's individual income tax rate, delivering on a top Republican priority on just the fifth day of this year's session.

Gov. Andy Beshear rails against acrimony of national politics in calling for commonsense governing

Gov. Andy Beshear rails against acrimony of national politics in calling for commonsense governing

Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear railed against the acrimony of national politics Wednesday night as he called for a commonsense approach to governing that meets the everyday needs of families worried about access to affordable health care and the availability of good-paying jobs.

Gov. Andy Beshear rails against acrimony of national politics in calling for common sense governing

Gov. Andy Beshear rails against acrimony of national politics in calling for common sense governing

Kentucky Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear railed against the acrimony of national politics Wednesday night as he called for a common-sense approach to governing that meets the everyday needs of families worried about access to affordable health care and the availability of good-paying jobs.

Income tax cut expected to be a top priority as Kentucky lawmakers convene for a 30-day session

Income tax cut expected to be a top priority as Kentucky lawmakers convene for a 30-day session

Kentucky's Republican-dominated legislature convened Tuesday to start a 30-day session expected to include action to reduce the state's individual income tax rate. GOP lawmakers also will resume efforts to curb diversity, equity and inclusion practices on college campuses.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear laughs off unflattering social media comments in a video with his wife

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear laughs off unflattering social media comments in a video with his wife

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear laughed off some unflattering comments aimed at him on social media in the past year, and had his teenage son translate what one barb meant, in a light-hearted video that shows his willingness to occasionally poke fun at himself.

Kentucky attorney general finds no requirement to use tax dollars to pay for inmate gender surgeries

Kentucky attorney general finds no requirement to use tax dollars to pay for inmate gender surgeries

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky is under no legal requirement to use taxpayer money to cover the costs of gender-affirming surgeries for people incarcerated in state prisons, Attorney General Russell Coleman said Thursday.

Gov. Andy Beshear says Democrats should set partisanship aside, work to meet people's needs

Gov. Andy Beshear says Democrats should set partisanship aside, work to meet people's needs

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Wednesday that Democrats should be thinking less about partisan politics and more about meeting people's everyday needs as they chart a comeback strategy after last month's crushing election losses.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear picked to lead Democratic efforts to win governorships in 2026 midterms

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear picked to lead Democratic efforts to win governorships in 2026 midterms

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Looking to strengthen his foothold in national politics, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is taking on a lead role for Democratic efforts to win governorships in the 2026 midterm election -- when a majority of states will be electing governors, including a crucial set of presidential swing states.

Renewed push for DEI legislation expected next year in Kentucky, new Senate majority leader says

Renewed push for DEI legislation expected next year in Kentucky, new Senate majority leader says

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky lawmakers seem ready to resume work on a bill dealing with diversity, equity and inclusion practices at public universities. But the outcome could be different next year because they have had months to try to work out their differences, the state Senate's new majority floor leader said Tuesday.

McConnell to head subcommittee overseeing defense spending as he prepares to step down as GOP leader

McConnell to head subcommittee overseeing defense spending as he prepares to step down as GOP leader

Sen. Mitch McConnell said Thursday he will lead a subcommittee overseeing defense spending as he carves out new roles once he relinquishes his long-running post as Senate Republican leader.

Mayor wins 2-week write-in campaign to succeed Kentucky lawmaker who died

Mayor wins 2-week write-in campaign to succeed Kentucky lawmaker who died

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- An Appalachian mayor was declared the winner Thursday of an 11-candidate scramble for a Kentucky Senate seat left vacant by the death of the Republican incumbent just two weeks before Election Day.

Kentucky voters defeat a measure intended to allow tax dollar support for private school education

Kentucky voters defeat a measure intended to allow tax dollar support for private school education

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky voters on Tuesday rejected a ballot measure that was intended to allow state lawmakers to allocate public tax dollars to support students attending private or charter schools.

Barr and Guthrie win reelection to Congress and now seek possible committee chairmanships

Barr and Guthrie win reelection to Congress and now seek possible committee chairmanships

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Republican U.S. Reps. Andy Barr and Brett Guthrie easily passed their first election tests, winning new terms Tuesday to represent their Kentucky districts. Next up will be their campaigns to win House committee chairmanships, if the GOP maintains control of the chamber.

Barr wins reelection to Congress and now has his eye on possible committee chairmanship

Barr wins reelection to Congress and now has his eye on possible committee chairmanship

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Barr easily passed his election test, winning a new term Tuesday to represent his Kentucky district. Next up is his campaign to win a House committee chairmanship, if the GOP maintains control of the chamber.

GOP Reps. Barr and Guthrie seek House chairs with their Kentucky reelection bids

GOP Reps. Barr and Guthrie seek House chairs with their Kentucky reelection bids

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Republican U.S. Reps. Andy Barr and Brett Guthrie are in the running for two committee chair positions that would boost their clout in Congress. First up, though, are their reelection bids to the House Tuesday in Kentucky.

Kentucky voters to decide fate of school choice ballot measure

Kentucky voters to decide fate of school choice ballot measure

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky voters will give their verdict Tuesday on a key education issue, deciding whether state lawmakers should be allowed to allocate tax dollars to support students attending private or charter schools.

School choice ballot measure framed as a pivotal decision for Kentucky education

School choice ballot measure framed as a pivotal decision for Kentucky education

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Prominent Kentucky leaders on both sides of a school choice ballot measure are framing the issue as a pivotal moment for education, making their final pitches before the start of early voting Thursday.

School choice measure framed by supporters and foes alike as pivotal moment for Kentucky education

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Prominent Kentucky leaders on both sides of a school choice ballot measure are framing the issue as a pivotal moment for education, making their final pitches before the start of early voting Thursday.

Kentucky school choice ballot measure pits competing messages from Gov. Andy Beshear, Sen. Rand Paul

Kentucky school choice ballot measure pits competing messages from Gov. Andy Beshear, Sen. Rand Paul

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- As Kentucky voters ponder whether to allow some of their tax dollars to support students attending private schools, the high-stakes debate has turned into a test of influence between popular political heavyweights -- Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear and Republican U.S. Sen. Rand Paul.

Kentucky's lieutenant governor leans on her teaching roots in fighting a school choice measure

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Democratic Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman was in campaign mode Monday, railing against a ballot measure that would allow Kentucky tax money to go toward students attending private and charter schools.

Kentucky awards the first business license for its startup medical cannabis program

Kentucky awards the first business license for its startup medical cannabis program

Kentucky awarded the first business license for its startup medical cannabis program on Thursday, selecting a laboratory that will be assigned to test the products before being offered to patients.

Governor bans use of 'conversion therapy' on LGBTQ+ minors in Kentucky

Governor bans use of 'conversion therapy' on LGBTQ+ minors in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear banned the use of "conversion therapy" on minors in Kentucky on Wednesday, calling his executive order a necessary step to protect children from a widely discredited practice that tries to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity through counseling.

Kentucky governor bans use of 'conversion therapy' with executive order

Kentucky governor bans use of 'conversion therapy' with executive order

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear banned the use of "conversion therapy" on minors in Kentucky on Wednesday, calling his executive order a necessary step to protect children from a widely discredited practice that tries to change a person's sexual orientation or gender identity through counseling.

McConnell says deterring America's adversaries should be 'front and center' for the next president

McConnell says deterring America's adversaries should be 'front and center' for the next president

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) -- Pushing back against isolationism in his own ranks, Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell said Thursday the challenge of deterring America's adversaries should be "front and center" for the next president, as he advocated maintaining a strong military and support for allies, especially in war-torn Ukraine.

University of Kentucky to disband diversity office after GOP lawmakers pushed anti-DEI legislation

University of Kentucky to disband diversity office after GOP lawmakers pushed anti-DEI legislation

The University of Kentucky will disband its Office for Institutional Diversity in response to questions from policymakers on whether the school has stifled political discussions, its president said Tuesday.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear ready to campaign for Harris-Walz after losing out for spot on the ticket

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear ready to campaign for Harris-Walz after losing out for spot on the ticket

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signaled Wednesday he's ready to campaign for the Democratic ticket, and said Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz are motivated to improve lives in contrast to "personal grievances" driving the other side in a dig at Republican Donald Trump.

Kentucky Republicans ridicule Beshear's efforts to land spot on national Democratic ticket

Kentucky Republicans ridicule Beshear's efforts to land spot on national Democratic ticket

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear's efforts to land the No. 2 spot on the national Democratic presidential ticket drew ridicule from prominent Republicans during the Bluegrass State's premiere political event on Saturday.

Beshear gets a warm embrace in flood-stricken parts of Kentucky where he and Trump are both popular

Beshear gets a warm embrace in flood-stricken parts of Kentucky where he and Trump are both popular

WAYLAND, Ky. (AP) -- Kitty Holbrook gave Gov. Andy Beshear a hug before celebrating another milestone Friday in eastern Kentucky's recovery from historic flooding. The retired teacher thought it might be the last time she sees the rising Democratic star for some time if he's asked to join Vice President Kamala Harris' ticket.

Soda Pop Wars: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear apologizes for barb, but not to Sen. JD Vance

Soda Pop Wars: Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear apologizes for barb, but not to Sen. JD Vance

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, one of the leading contenders to be Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate on the Democratic presidential ticket, apologized this week for something he said in lambasting Ohio Sen. JD Vance as inauthentically Appalachian -- but the apology wasn't to Vance.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear endorses Harris amid speculation if he's in running to join the ticket

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear endorses Harris amid speculation if he's in running to join the ticket

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Monday he spoke with Vice President Kamala Harris soon after she became the prohibitive favorite to lead the Democratic ticket, and said his state's progress "should be a model for the country" as speculation swirled around whether he's in the running to join the slate.

Gov. Andy Beshear endorses Harris amid speculation on whether he's in the running to join the ticket

Gov. Andy Beshear endorses Harris amid speculation on whether he's in the running to join the ticket

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Monday he spoke with Vice President Kamala Harris soon after she became the prohibitive favorite to lead the Democratic ticket, and said his state's progress "should be a model for the country" as speculation swirled around whether he's in the running to join the slate.

Appeals court refuses to lift order blocking rule meant to expand protections for LGBTQ+ students

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- A federal appeals court on Wednesday refused to lift a judge's order temporarily blocking the Biden administration's new Title IX rule meant to expand protections for LGBTQ+ students.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear taking Asia trip amid turmoil over Biden's candidacy

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear on Friday left behind the turmoil gripping his party over the fate of President Joe Bide n's candidacy, taking a business trip to Asia to promote his state.

Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie announces the death of his wife, Rhonda Massie

Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie announces the death of his wife, Rhonda Massie

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Rhonda Massie, the wife of U.S. Rep. Thomas Massie, has died, the Kentucky congressman announced Friday in a moving social media tribute to his high school sweetheart and the "love of my life."

Kentucky Democratic governor pushes back against Trump-led attacks on electric vehicles

Kentucky Democratic governor pushes back against Trump-led attacks on electric vehicles

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) -- Electric vehicles have built up enough momentum from job growth and investments to steer past any roadblocks from Donald Trump and other critics, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday.