Governor Andy Beshear

During Thursday’s coronavirus update, Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear announced the commonwealth and its Department of Emergency Management will coordinate with partners including Kroger to establish regional vaccination hubs.

Republican leaders of the Kentucky legislature want to change which judges hear lawsuits against state officials and agencies.

The Kentucky House of Representatives quickly advanced budget bills on Monday that continue state spending at current levels.  The bills do not include Gov. Andy Beshear’s initiatives like state employee raises and relief during the coronavirus pandemic.

Gov. Andy Beshear has vowed to protect the state Capitol against threats from within Kentucky and across the country.   

Beshear on Monday said Kentucky law enforcement is prepared to do what is necessary to protect government buildings and everyone inside following vandalism, armed protests and last week’s assault on the U.S. Capitol. 

He however, declined to give details citing the threat of “domestic terror.”  

The president of the governing organization for Kentucky’s public universities says Governor Beshear’s budget recognizes the far reaching impact of a higher education.  Kentucky lawmakers will have the final say on how much state money goes to support the eight state institutions and the community and technical college system.

The Republican-led Kentucky legislature is moving quickly with bills to alter the governor’s emergency powers, restrict abortions and allow businesses to stay open during the coronavirus pandemic.

Republican leaders of the Kentucky General Assembly say they will require lawmakers to wear masks during this year’s legislative session amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced new guidelines Monday for COVID-19 vaccine administration in the commonwealth. Kentuckians will be inoculated in four phases. 

The current phase largely includes healthcare workers and seniors, meaning the vaccine is not widely available to the general public.

The planned vaccination phases are:

• Phase 1a: Long-term care facilities, assisted living facilities, health care personnel

Kentucky lawmakers will return to Frankfort on Tuesday for an unusual legislative session in the middle of the coronavirus pandemic.

Louisville will open its first drive-through COVID-19 vaccination site at Broadbent Arena at the Kentucky Expo Center next week. The mass vaccination site will initially be for healthcare workers, EMTs and medical first responders, not the general public.