The Kentucky General Assembly is about two-thirds of the way through its legislative session. Kentucky Public Radio Capitol Reporter Sylvia Goodman sat down with Statehouse Enterprise Reporter Joe Sonka with a legislative update.
Feb 28, 2025•6 min
This 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.
Dec 02, 2022•6 min
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.
Nov 18, 2022•5 min
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 Poli...
Nov 11, 2022•5 min
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.
Nov 04, 2022•5 min
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.
Oct 28, 2022•6 min
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.
Oct 21, 2022•5 min
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.
Oct 14, 2022•5 min
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.
Oct 07, 2022•4 min
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.
Sep 30, 2022•7 min
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.
Sep 23, 2022•6 min
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.
Sep 16, 2022•5 min
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.
Sep 09, 2022•4 min
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 ...
Sep 02, 2022•6 min
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....
Aug 26, 2022•5 min
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.
Aug 19, 2022•5 min
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...
Aug 12, 2022•6 min
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.
Aug 05, 2022•5 min
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....
Jul 24, 2022•7 min
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.
Jul 15, 2022•5 min
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.
Jul 08, 2022•4 min
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.
Jul 01, 2022•6 min
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.
Jun 17, 2022•7 min
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.
Jun 10, 2022•6 min
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.
Jun 03, 2022•7 min
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.
May 27, 2022•6 min
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.
May 20, 2022•6 min
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.
Apr 29, 2022•5 min
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.
Apr 15, 2022•5 min
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.
Apr 08, 2022•4 min