Kentucky
Kentucky judge dismisses lawsuit challenging a new law to restrict the sale of vaping products
FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A measure passed by Kentucky lawmakers to restrict the sale of vaping products has been upheld by a judge who dismissed a lawsuit that claimed the new law was constitutionally flawed.
The action by lawmakers amounted to a “legitimate state interest” and was “well within the scope of the General Assembly’s police power over the health and safety” of Kentucky citizens, Franklin County Circuit Judge Thomas Wingate said in his ruling Monday.
Under the measure, vaping products not granted authorization by the Food and Drug Administration would be kept out of Kentucky stores in what supporters have promoted as an effort to reduce youth vaping. It would have no impact on FDA-authorized products or those that come under the FDA’s safe harbor rules, supporters have said.
The measure won passage this year in the state’s Republican supermajority legislature and was signed by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear. The law takes effect at the start of 2025.
Opponents including vape retailers immediately filed the lawsuit challenging the legislation. During the legislative session, lawmakers opposing the measure called it an example of government overreach. Vape retailers warned the restrictions would jeopardize their businesses.
The suit claimed the measure was unconstitutionally arbitrary, an argument rejected by the judge. Wingate sided with arguments from the law’s defenders, who said the regulation of vaping products is a proper subject for legislative action since it deals with the health and safety of Kentuckians.
“The sale of nicotine and vapor products are highly regulated in every state, and the Court will not question the specific reasons for the General Assembly’s decision to regulate and limit the sale of nicotine and vapor products,” the judge said.
“The regulation of these products directly relates to the health and safety of the Commonwealth’s citizens, the power of which is vested by the Kentucky Constitution in the General Assembly,” he added.
Plaintiffs also claimed the measure violated a state constitutional provision limiting legislation to only the subject expressed in its title. They said the title dealt with nicotine-only products while the legislation contained references to products of “other substances.” In rejecting that argument, the judge said the title “more than furnishes a clue to its contents and provides a general idea of the bill’s contents.”
Republican state Rep. Rebecca Raymer has said she filed the measure in response to the state’s “vaping epidemic” and, in particular, complaints about how rampant vaping has become in schools. In a release Tuesday, Raymer said she was pleased with the ruling.
“If a product can’t get authorized or doesn’t fall under the FDA’s safe harbor rules, we don’t know if the ingredients are safe, where they’re from or what impact they will have on a user’s health,” she said.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman’s office defended the measure. The ruling reaffirmed that the legislature is empowered to make laws protecting Kentuckians’ health, Coleman said Tuesday.
A group representing Kentucky vape retailers did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
CAMPBELL COUNTY, Ky. — Kentucky residents ages 18 to 20 will now be able to obtain a provisional concealed carry license under House Bill 312, which requires proper firearm safety training and background checks.
Gun safety advocates are stressing the importance of knowing the law and handling firearms responsibly.
Jeff Poynter has been teaching concealed carry safety for nearly a decade. He said training is critical for anyone looking to carry.
WATCH: Gun safety advocates stress responsible handling with concealed carry changes
Gun safety advocates discuss new Kentucky firearm law
“If you don’t have the training and know what to do, then you shouldn’t be using it,” Poynter said. “They will go over the laws, they will go over safe handling in the house, safety around children, their responsibilities when it comes to that, safety in their vehicle, safety while they’re carrying.”
Poynter also said gun owners should continuously revisit their safety training.
“It’s a perishable skill. It needs to be maintained,” Poynter added.
Kevin Michalowski, a former law enforcement officer with over 30 years of firearm safety training experience and a member of the United States Concealed Carry Association, said it is also important to know the laws beyond Kentucky’s borders. In Ohio, for example, there is no legally permitted concealed carry under the age of 21.
“It is your responsibility when you’re carrying your gun to make sure that you are carrying it legally and only carrying it where you are allowed to carry it, where that permit allows,” Michalowski said.
Kentucky State Police said applications for the new provisional concealed carry permit are expected to open in mid-September.
Michalowski said getting proper training is what separates responsible gun owners from the rest.
“If you’re going to carry a firearm, you need to get training. You need to understand where you can legally carry that firearm and what you can and can’t do with it,” Michalowski said. “The people who get that training are far more responsible than the people who don’t.”
You can find more information on the legislation by clicking the link here, with information on the Kentucky State Police website here.
Have a story idea or tip for WCPO 9 Northern Kentucky reporter Logan MacDonald? Email him at Logan@WCPO.com.
WCPO
KENTUCKY – The Kentucky Department for Public Health is investigating 100 reported cases of cyclosporiasis statewide, 61 of which have been confirmed.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by ingesting food or water contaminated with the microscopic parasite Cyclospora; the highest risk of infection is for people living in or traveling to subtropical regions.
Foodborne outbreaks are associated with various types of produce, such as raspberries, basil, cilantro, snow peas, and mixed greens.
Symptoms typically begin two to 14 days after exposure.
The most common symptoms include diarrhea, fatigue, and abdominal cramping. It is commonly treated with a combination of antibiotics.
Public health experts are urging people to follow food-safety guidelines to reduce the risk, such as washing hands with soap and warm water after handling produce, cleaning food preparation areas and tools with soap, and water and washing all fruits and vegetables before eating or cooking.
Copyright 2026 WKYT. All rights reserved.
Kentucky State Police seeks public vote for national cruiser contest
Published 3:12 pm Monday, July 13, 2026
FRANKFORT – Gov. Andy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police are calling on Kentuckians to help power a statewide push in a national competition that celebrates the most eye-catching police cruisers in the country.
KSP has entered the 2026 Best Looking Cruiser Contest, held annually by the American Association of State Troopers (AAST). The contest consists of the public voting on their favorite cruiser photo, with the winning image earning the cover of the association’s 2027 calendar.
“The men and women of the Kentucky State Police represent the very best of public service,” Beshear said. “I encourage every Kentuckian to show their support by voting in this national contest.”
This year, KSP is highlighting the dedication and training required to be a trooper by featuring a 2024 Mustang GT cruiser outside of the KSP Academy in Frankfort, Ky. Beyond its striking design, the image also serves as a tribute to fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
The Kentucky State Police have 39 troopers, officers and patrolmen who lost their lives in the line of duty. Among them was Trooper James W. McNeely who drowned during a rescue mission on the Kentucky River in 1972 and his body was never recovered.
In 2015, the KSP unveiled a nearly 10-foot-tall bronze statue, titled ‘The Trooper’, which is in front of the Academy Building. This statue was created in Trooper McNeely’s likeness and depicts a trooper walking towards the future to serve the citizens of Kentucky.
“This year’s contest photo symbolizes what it means to be a Kentucky State Police trooper, by showcasing the devotion, hard work, commitment and sacrifice that our troopers give to their local communities daily,” stated KSP Commissioner Phillip Burnett, Jr. “We would be humbled and honored to have your vote and support on social media.”
KSP has placed in the top five in the past eight years, taking home back-to-back wins in 2021 and 2022. While the Florida Highway Patrol won the competition last year, Kentucky is ready to take the top spot and needs your help to win it all.
Kentuckians are encouraged to vote for KSP’s entry now through Friday, July 10, at 12:00 p.m.
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