Kentucky
Kentucky House Democrats change leadership ahead of 2026. Here’s who was elected
Facts About the Kentucky General Assembly
Discover key facts about the Kentucky General Assembly, including its history, structure, and state government functions.
The Kentucky House Democratic Caucus has shaken up its leadership team heading into 2026, with a freshman from Louisville joining the ranks.
State House Minority Leader Pamela Stevenson will remain in the role, party officials announced Nov. 14. Rep. Lindsey Burke, a Lexington legislator in her second term, will serve as caucus chair, while Rep. Josh Watkins, in his first term representing a district in central and western Louisville, was chosen as minority whip.
The elections took place at the caucus’ annual retreat in Berea, according to a release.
Burke served as minority whip in the most recent legislative session. As caucus chair, she replaces Rep. Al Gentry of Louisville — he announced last week he would step down from the post in order to put more time toward a national team he joined working on an initiative involving adaptive golf. Gentry will remain in the House and intends to seek reelection to his seat in 2026.
Stevenson served as minority leader during the 2025 session. The west Louisville Democrat is running in 2026 for the U.S. Senate seat currently held by retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell.
She said Burke will provide “experience, expertise, and a fierce commitment to helping families trying to build a good life” while Watkins “can always be counted on for bringing energy, optimism, and a joy to serving others that lifts everyone around him.”
Democrats are significantly outnumbered in Frankfort, where the GOP holds an 80-20 advantage in the House. The party’s leadership team will help determine legislative priorities during the upcoming 60-day session, with a two-year state budget on the agenda.
Burke listed key concerns as “affordable homes, quality education, accessible health care, and the ability (for families) to put food on the table without constant worry.”
While he’s relatively new to the Capitol, Watkins has been open in his push for state lawmakers to take more action on affordable housing and housing in general. He was first elected in 2024 to replace current state Sen. Keturah Herron, who endorsed him in his run.
“We’re at a crucial moment, and we’re meeting it with determination to make our government and our economy work for every Kentuckian,” Watkins said.
Kentucky’s 2026 legislative session is set to begin on Jan 6.
Reach Lucas Aulbach at laulbach@courier-journal.com.
COVINGTON, Ky. (WKRC) – The Licking River Bridge was demolished Monday morning in a controlled blast, clearing the way for a replacement structure.
Authorities established a 1,000-foot safety perimeter, closed nearby roads and asked residents to shelter in place before the demolition. The bridge collapsed within seconds of the blast.
“Today we say goodbye to a bridge that has served Kentuckians for nearly a century and we make room for something new. A signature bridge that is safer, stronger and we make room for something new,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “This region, like the rest of the commonwealth, is evolving, it is booming, it’s economy growing every day. What we’re doing together is building our new Kentucky home.”
The Licking River Bridge is now history after crews brought it down with a controlled demolition Monday morning. (WKRC)
BE THE FIRST TO COMMENT
Crews will begin construction on the new bridge after debris removal is complete. The replacement bridge is expected to open in the summer of 2028.
13 things more likely to happen than winning the Powerball jackpot
Hoping to win the Powerball jackpot? Here are 13 things more likely to happen than becoming an instant millionaire.
The Kentucky Lottery offers multiple draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at Sunday, March 1, 2026 winning numbers for each game.
Cash Ball
03-07-16-32, Cash Ball: 25
Check Cash Ball payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 3
Evening: 4-5-5
Midday: 3-1-4
Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Pick 4
Evening: 3-8-0-2
Midday: 6-2-3-9
Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Millionaire for Life
10-11-12-35-56, Bonus: 04
Check Millionaire for Life payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Courier Journal digital producer. You can send feedback using this form.
Kentucky State Police is investigating after a Shepherdsville woman died Feb. 28 in a two-vehicle crash in Bullitt County.
A preliminary investigation shows the crash, which occurred at 7:34 p.m. at the intersection of KY 44 East and Watergate Drive, began when the passenger-side tires of a Toyota Tacoma heading westbound on KY 44 East dropped off the right side of the roadway and onto a steep shoulder, Master Trooper Bryan Washer said in a statement March 1.
The teenage driver “overcorrected, causing the vehicle to cross the centerline into the eastbound lane and into the path of a Ford Escape.”
Due to a head-on collision, the Ford Escape went down a small embankment and overturned on its roof before coming to rest, Washer said. The driver of the Ford Escape, Sarah Weisman, 27, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Bullitt County Coroner’s Office. The driver of the Toyota Tacoma was not injured from the crash.
Trooper Scott Wheatley and Detective Brad Holloman of the State Police conducted the initial investigation into the crash, Washer said. Holloman continues to investigate.
Reach reporter Leo Bertucci at lbertucci@usatodayco.com or @leober2chee on X, formerly known as Twitter
Newark-bound United flight returns to LA airport for evacuation after reported fire
New Mexico Livestock Board accused of abuse of power in rancher, inspector feud
North Carolina primary could mean Roy Cooper vs Michael Whatley in pivotal fall Senate race
Gas prices rise slightly in North Dakota amid Iran conflict
Woman dies after saving grandchild playing in driveway from out-of-control car, Ohio officials say
Florida High School Football Rankings: Top 25 teams – Oct. 21
Cleary's 21 help Le Moyne down Central Connecticut State 69-64 in OT
How old is Bo Nix? What to know about Oregon quarterback ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
99th annual Pony Swim held in Virginia
Indiana Members Credit Union announced as new anchor tenant at Bottleworks District
Trump sends official notification to Congress on strikes against Iran
Unexpected birth brings hope to near-extinct Amazon tribe
Supreme Court blocks redrawing of New York congressional map, dealing a win for GOP
Map: Earthquake Shakes Central California
Gas prices could jump as Middle East tensions threaten global oil supply
-
World5 days agoExclusive: DeepSeek withholds latest AI model from US chipmakers including Nvidia, sources say
-
Massachusetts6 days agoMother and daughter injured in Taunton house explosion
-
Denver, CO5 days ago10 acres charred, 5 injured in Thornton grass fire, evacuation orders lifted
-
Louisiana1 week agoWildfire near Gum Swamp Road in Livingston Parish now under control; more than 200 acres burned
-
Technology1 week agoYouTube TV billing scam emails are hitting inboxes
-
Politics1 week agoOpenAI didn’t contact police despite employees flagging mass shooter’s concerning chatbot interactions: REPORT
-
Technology1 week agoStellantis is in a crisis of its own making
-
Oregon4 days ago2026 OSAA Oregon Wrestling State Championship Results And Brackets – FloWrestling