Opinion

(Op-Ed by U.S. Rep. Hal Rogers) When 2020 began just three months ago, many of us hoped it would be a year of clarity - a year of new vision. The Big Blue Nation, of course, was counting on another year when the Cats would but cutting down the nets after winning a ninth national title. Yet here we are, less than 100 days into 2020, and the world we now face could not be further from what we expected - but be encouraged; hope is on the way. The novel coronavirus has changed our focus in Kentucky and across America. Our priorities have shifted—not because we want to, but because...

(Editor's note; This legislative update was submitted by 82nd Rep. Regina Huff on March 30) Frankfort, like most of the world, is not the same place it was two weeks ago when the governor announced the state’s first confirmed case of the novel coronavirus.  However, we have a duty to this Commonwealth to take care of the business that we are constitutionally mandated to do, and have met to ensure we achieve that required objective. Along with the the constitutional mandate of crafting a budget, the pandemic has brought many needs to the table to be addressed by the General Assembly. Most, if not all, schools in the state are now...

The News Journal, in both digital and print, is here to keep you informed on everything affecting our local communities about COVID-19. First of all we want you to know that the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed that the receipt of newspapers carries no real risk of catching the COVID-19 virus. The WHO has stated that the likelihood of an infected person contaminating commercial goods is low, and therefore the risk of contracting the COVID-19 virus through receipt of a newspaper is infinitely small. While precautions at a personal level, such as washing hands with soap and water, remain essential to preventing the spread of the disease in any...

(OP-ED by Dr. Emily Bonistall Postel – Director of Outreach, Marsy’s Law for Kentucky) In this time of significant uncertainty, we commend the Kentucky General Assembly for moving forward on an effort to once again allow voters to decide what rights should be afforded to victims of crime. Following successful bipartisan Senate adoption and House committee approval, SB 15 (Marsy’s Law) is poised for passage by the full House of Representatives in the coming days. House members should do the right thing and give Kentuckians an opportunity to have their say once again — let the people vote. More than 800,000 Kentucky voters (an overwhelming 63 percent) approved Marsy’s Law in 2018,...

While I want to share information about what we are doing in Frankfort to address the COVID-19 spread, I would like to start this week’s update by sharing a little bit about my thoughts on what we are facing. Our state, nation, and world are facing an unprecedented challenge in dealing with this new strain of the Coronavirus. Drastic but necessary steps have been taken to control the spread in order to prevent our medical providers and health care system from being overwhelmed. The only way we will be able to combat this virus is by standing united and working together, just like we have overcome every other challenge...

(Commentary by Mt. Ash Baptist Church Pastor Billy Carpenter) I suppose many of you like myself is a little anxious or worried about this Coronavirus. The fact we are seeing all sports stopped, colleges and schools have shutdown. Businesses are closing their doors; people are out of work. What’s next? Even churches are closing their doors, like our own. I have preached in the pulpit at Mtn. Ash for the 43 years. What is going to happen next? I don’t know. But I would like to tell you I know the one who knows. I have discovered a passage in the scripture that has been a real help for me...

The following guest editorial was written by Dr. John Garen, BB&T Professor of Economics at the University of Kentucky and chairman of the Bluegrass Institute Board of Scholars. One of the worst feelings for parents is to see their children struggling in school, especially when they’re powerless to help. Such is the plight of all too many Kentucky families. Oftentimes, parents have no realistic alternatives for children floundering in dysfunctional or poorly-fitting schools. This is particularly true of disadvantaged families who cannot afford to enroll their children in a private school. Moreover, many public school teachers who could otherwise reach kids not fitting the usual mold are impeded from doing so...

OP-ED by U.S. Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) As a physician, I understand the need for an “all hands on deck” response from our medical community to the Novel Coronavirus pandemic. That means speedy access to diagnostic testing and medical supplies, and, most importantly, it means preparedness to care for every Kentuckian in need. As your senator, I am committed to doing whatever I can to ensure big government doesn’t stand in the way of that care. When we face a health emergency, government should trust community, academic, and public health labs to do what they are already trained and certified to do. With all of the debates about how government should respond,...

In 1933 the United States faced perilous times. A professor from Columbia University had written the inaugural speech for president Franklin D. Roosevelt. A newspaperman read over the speech and insisted that the phrase,”There is nothing to fear but fear itself,” be included. How true that is today as we face uncertain times. But we should add to that saying “and use common sense.” Although we are inundated with information about the Coronavirus there are some people who have gone to extremes. For example, there is no reason for grocery shelves to be empty. We have been told by people we can trust that our food supply has not been affected and...

NBC has a theme on Saturdays intended for children which says, “The More You Know.” Some of our legislators in Frankfort apparently also have a theme too. It is,“The Less You Know.” I’m referring to legislation over the past several years by the Kentucky General Assembly that has eliminated much of the cities’ and counties’ legal advertising in newspapers. It is a disguise when some argue that it is an attempt to save money. In reality, it is a move to become less transparent with your tax dollars. The House passed a bill last week that most of us could live with, but an under the table move by a representative in...