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U.S. Rep. Andy Barr Expects Senator McConnell to Return for Critical Farm Bill Vote

U.S. Rep. Andy Barr Expects Senator McConnell to Return for Critical Farm Bill Vote

U.S. Rep. Andy Barr, a Republican from Kentucky, has publicly stated his expectation that Senator Mitch McConnell will return to the Senate in September to cast a crucial vote on the farm bill. Barr, who is running against Democratic candidate Charles Booker in the race to replace McConnell, conveyed this sentiment to WHAS-TV, noting that Senate Majority Leader John Thune shares this expectation. Senator McConnell's prolonged absence, due to hospitalization and recovery from a fall and pneumonia, has created a roadblock for the farm bill's passage. The bill, a comprehensive package dictating agricultural, nutrition, and rural development policy, failed to pass out of the Senate Agriculture Committee before the August recess. Republicans hold a narrow majority in the Senate, and McConnell's vote or backing is considered essential for the bill's advancement. The current farm bill is set to expire at the end of September, making its passage a pressing issue for agricultural stakeholders and lawmakers.

Bucks County Courier Times

Trump's $5,000 offer for GOP midterm win angers some MAGA faithful

Trump's $5,000 offer for GOP midterm win angers some MAGA faithful

While many Republicans have cheered Trump's extraordinary $5,000 election offer to Americans, some loyal supporters are pushing back.

Governor Beshear Criticizes President Trump's Economic Policies and Announces 'Expand the Map' Fund for Midterm Elections

Governor Beshear Criticizes President Trump's Economic Policies and Announces 'Expand the Map' Fund for Midterm Elections

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, who chairs the Democratic Governors Association, recently spoke in Louisville alongside other Democratic governors from Minnesota, Kansas, Washington, and Delaware. The group focused on economic issues, specifically criticizing President Trump's tariffs, trade policies, and his approach to the war in Iran. Governor Beshear stated that Democrats are comfortable making the upcoming midterm elections a referendum on President Trump's second term, particularly concerning the rising costs of groceries, gas, and other everyday expenses. He directly linked these issues to President Trump's policies, urging voters to consider them when casting their ballots. Governor Beshear also announced the creation of a new 'Expand the Map' fund through the Democratic Governors Association, designed to help Democratic candidates compete in states where Republicans have traditionally held an advantage. He cited Kentucky's 6th Congressional District as an example of a potential flip for Democrats ...

Governor Beshear Appoints Experienced Professionals to Kentucky State Boards

Governor Beshear Appoints Experienced Professionals to Kentucky State Boards

Governor Andy Beshear has announced a series of new appointments to Kentucky's state boards and commissions. These appointments aim to fill crucial positions across various state agencies, bringing in professionals with significant expertise in fields such as law enforcement, healthcare, and business. Among the key appointments are three experienced members to the Parole Board: Shawn Helbig of Bowling Green, with 24 years in law enforcement, serving until August 2028; Cyndi Heddleston of Louisville, with over 20 years in the Kentucky Department of Corrections, serving until 2030; and Gregory Leist of Shepherdsville, a former probation and parole officer, also serving until 2030. Additionally, several Lexington residents received appointments or reappointments, including Dr. Jacqueline Sugarman to the Kentucky Multidisciplinary Commission, Tim Short IV to the Motor Vehicle Commission, and Tom Eblen to the Kentucky Heritage Council. Audria Denker and Alisha Clemons were reappointed to the Kentucky Board of N...

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear Announces Key Appointments to State Boards and Commissions

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear Announces Key Appointments to State Boards and Commissions

Governor Andy Beshear has announced a series of new appointments and reappointments to various Kentucky boards, commissions, and government positions. These appointments span several sectors, including bourbon, tourism, healthcare, education, and local government. Notable appointments include William Craig Miller of Augusta as Bracken County judge/executive, replacing Tina Teegarden. Andrew Carter of Louisville, general manager of 21C Louisville, has been appointed to the Louisville/Jefferson County Tourism and Convention Commission. Ken Lewis, founder and former CEO of New Riff Distilling in Newport, will join the Northern Kentucky Convention Center Corp. Board of Directors. Additionally, Kathleen Sheppard-Jones, Christian Motley, and Kerry Harvey have been appointed to the Public Advocacy Commission, with Allison Wiseman reappointed. Dr. John Garrity of Crestwood was appointed to the Equine Drug Research Council. The State Board of Medical Licensure saw the reappointments of Dr. Aneeta Bhatia, Dr. Tamell...

Senator Cruz Breaks with President Trump on $5,000 Dividend Plan, Advocates for Tax Refund

Senator Cruz Breaks with President Trump on $5,000 Dividend Plan, Advocates for Tax Refund

Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) has publicly diverged from President Trump's proposed $5,000 dividend payment to American adults, stating he would only support the plan if it were restructured as a tax refund for working taxpayers. Speaking on Fox News, Senator Cruz emphasized that his support is contingent on the payment incentivizing work, explicitly opposing the idea of providing funds to individuals who are 'physically able to work, but choosing not to.' This stance places him among a growing number of Republicans who are wary of President Trump's blanket payment proposal. Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) has also voiced concerns, calling the idea 'extraordinarily costly' and noting its lack of an income cap, which could lead to a trillion-dollar expenditure. Republican donor Joe Lonsdale criticized the plan as 'bread and circus bribes,' while Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) remained non-committal.

President Trump to Hold Campaign Rally in Gastonia, North Carolina, for Senate Candidate Michael Whatley

President Trump to Hold Campaign Rally in Gastonia, North Carolina, for Senate Candidate Michael Whatley

President Trump is scheduled to visit Gastonia, North Carolina, on Wednesday, September 16, to host a campaign rally. The event is being held in support of Michael Whatley, who is President Trump's endorsed candidate for the U.S. Senate. Whatley is seeking to replace the retiring Republican Senator Thom Tillis. The rally will take place at the Gaston Municipal Airport at 7 p.m., and interested attendees can register for tickets online. Congressman Tim Moore, who is running for re-election, also announced President Trump's visit on his Facebook page, welcoming him to the 14th Congressional District. This marks President Trump's return to Gaston County, having previously held a rally there in November 2024, which drew thousands of supporters.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear Announces Confiscated Bourbon Auction to Fund Alcohol Responsibility Programs

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear Announces Confiscated Bourbon Auction to Fund Alcohol Responsibility Programs

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has announced the second-annual Team Kentucky’s Online Confiscated Bourbon Auction, which commenced on September 15. This auction features 70 bottles of rare and sought-after bourbons that were confiscated by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) from closed criminal investigations. The proceeds from this auction are dedicated to funding alcohol responsibility programs for youth across the Commonwealth. Governor Beshear stated that the auction has already raised nearly $10,000, which will support initiatives like Project Graduation, providing alcohol-free environments for high school graduates, and the Responsible Alcohol and Substance Misuse Education (RASME) program on eleven Kentucky college campuses. The inventory includes highly desirable bottles such as Old Rip Van Winkle 10-year, Blanton’s Single Barrel, E.H. Taylor, Weller sets, Rock Hill Farms Single Barrel, Michter’s 10-Year Single Barrel, and Four Roses. The auction will run through September 30, closi...

Mike Johnson doesn't commit to Donald Trump's $5,000 dividend checks

Mike Johnson doesn't commit to Donald Trump's $5,000 dividend checks

Speaker Mike Johnson was pressed on President Donald Trump's $5,000 dividend checks during a tense "Meet the Press" interview.

Mail in ballot rules spark voter confusion. Where do things stand?

Mail in ballot rules spark voter confusion. Where do things stand?

Legal battles over USPS rules are causing confusion for voters. Learn how to ensure your ballot is counted.

Kentucky's Pre-K for All Pilot Program Expands, Requires State Funding for Full Implementation

Kentucky's Pre-K for All Pilot Program Expands, Requires State Funding for Full Implementation

Kentucky's Pre-K for All pilot program has successfully enrolled approximately 3,000 children, according to the governor's office. Governor Andy Beshear provided an update on the program, expressing his desire to extend pre-kindergarten access to all four-year-olds across the state. However, the current pilot program, which operates with federal funding and serves five districts, cannot expand statewide without additional financial support. Governor Beshear emphasized that state dollars are essential to achieve full implementation of pre-K for every four-year-old in Kentucky. He noted that the state is currently generating more revenue than initially budgeted, suggesting that these funds could be directed towards expanding the program.

'Not as dire': Trump downplays a Republican loss in the midterms

'Not as dire': Trump downplays a Republican loss in the midterms

Trump said a GOP midterm win isn't as important as his own win in 2024, even as he headlined the party's first-ever midterm convention to bolster votes.