Rob Fenton
@refenton.bsky.social
Co-founder, Kestrel Consulting | Policy Advocacy and Analysis | Fmr Conway for KY, Gregg for IN, etc. | Butler U & UK Martin School of Public Policy and Administration alum
www.kestrelconsultingky.com/
www.kestrelconsultingky.com/
Pinned
Rob Fenton
@refenton.bsky.social
· Jan 23
Feel like I need a short introduction:
- I work in policy analysis, translating & explaining policy research for everyday audiences and lawmakers alike.
- Born in Louisville, now living & working in Lexington.
- Own and operate Kestrel Consulting with my wife, Molly Gene Crain.
Happy to be here!
- I work in policy analysis, translating & explaining policy research for everyday audiences and lawmakers alike.
- Born in Louisville, now living & working in Lexington.
- Own and operate Kestrel Consulting with my wife, Molly Gene Crain.
Happy to be here!
*sigh* everyone check your voter registration. Again.
According to the state Board of Elections, their latest purge of voter rolls has removed more than 225-thousand ineligible registrations. Taylor Brown is the agency’s lead counsel. He said the process begins with data from the U.S. Postal Service.
Kentucky Board of Elections official discusses latest, 225K purge of voter rolls
According to the state Board of Elections, their latest purge of voter rolls has removed more than 225-thousand ineligible registrations.
www.weku.org
March 4, 2025 at 9:13 PM
*sigh* everyone check your voter registration. Again.
Reposted by Rob Fenton
#kyga25 Kentucky lawmakers may vote to allow unrestricted pollution of the sources of many drinking water supplies. @morganwatkins.lpm.org has the breakdown/map showing where, and how, people could be especially affected.
Rural drinking water at risk under controversial Kentucky bill
Kentucky lawmakers may vote to allow unrestricted pollution of the sources of many drinking water supplies. Here’s where, and how, people could be especially affected.
www.lpm.org
March 4, 2025 at 4:52 PM
#kyga25 Kentucky lawmakers may vote to allow unrestricted pollution of the sources of many drinking water supplies. @morganwatkins.lpm.org has the breakdown/map showing where, and how, people could be especially affected.
Reposted by Rob Fenton
A person comes up after the committee vote to talk to lawmakers after opposition was cut short. Committee chair Tipton requests that KSP officer remove her
(Prev deleted bc I didn’t attach video on accident)
(Prev deleted bc I didn’t attach video on accident)
March 4, 2025 at 5:28 PM
A person comes up after the committee vote to talk to lawmakers after opposition was cut short. Committee chair Tipton requests that KSP officer remove her
(Prev deleted bc I didn’t attach video on accident)
(Prev deleted bc I didn’t attach video on accident)
This includes multiple active federal courthouses, post offices, local congressional offices, and prosecutors offices. This is insanity.
*TRUMP SEEKS TO PUT 443 FEDERAL PROPERTIES UP FOR SALE
*PROPERTIES INCLUDE HHS AND HUD HEADQUARTERS IN DC
Listed properties here: www.gsa.gov/real-estate/...
*PROPERTIES INCLUDE HHS AND HUD HEADQUARTERS IN DC
Listed properties here: www.gsa.gov/real-estate/...
Non-core property list
Learn about our lease cost avoidance plan and its successes.
www.gsa.gov
March 4, 2025 at 9:08 PM
This includes multiple active federal courthouses, post offices, local congressional offices, and prosecutors offices. This is insanity.
Reposted by Rob Fenton
Looks like Elon is planning to sell off the federal courthouse in Bowling Green. @wkuchuckclark.bsky.social @wkuherald.bsky.social
I count at least eight federal courthouses in this list.
*TRUMP SEEKS TO PUT 443 FEDERAL PROPERTIES UP FOR SALE
*PROPERTIES INCLUDE HHS AND HUD HEADQUARTERS IN DC
Listed properties here: www.gsa.gov/real-estate/...
*PROPERTIES INCLUDE HHS AND HUD HEADQUARTERS IN DC
Listed properties here: www.gsa.gov/real-estate/...
March 4, 2025 at 8:35 PM
Looks like Elon is planning to sell off the federal courthouse in Bowling Green. @wkuchuckclark.bsky.social @wkuherald.bsky.social
Reposted by Rob Fenton
Also for sale on GSA site:
- Carl Perkins Federal Building, Ashland KY
- William Natcher Federal Building, Bowling Green, KY
- Unidentified federal buildings in London and Pikeville
- Carl Perkins Federal Building, Ashland KY
- William Natcher Federal Building, Bowling Green, KY
- Unidentified federal buildings in London and Pikeville
March 4, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Also for sale on GSA site:
- Carl Perkins Federal Building, Ashland KY
- William Natcher Federal Building, Bowling Green, KY
- Unidentified federal buildings in London and Pikeville
- Carl Perkins Federal Building, Ashland KY
- William Natcher Federal Building, Bowling Green, KY
- Unidentified federal buildings in London and Pikeville
Reposted by Rob Fenton
According to GSA site, the Romano Mazzoli Federal Building in downtown Louisville is now listed for sale? 419,084 square feet of space...
March 4, 2025 at 7:54 PM
According to GSA site, the Romano Mazzoli Federal Building in downtown Louisville is now listed for sale? 419,084 square feet of space...
Reposted by Rob Fenton
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announces that the White House Correspondents' Association will no longer choose the pool reporter.
"Moving forward, the White House press pool will be determined by the White House press team."
"Moving forward, the White House press pool will be determined by the White House press team."
February 25, 2025 at 6:28 PM
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announces that the White House Correspondents' Association will no longer choose the pool reporter.
"Moving forward, the White House press pool will be determined by the White House press team."
"Moving forward, the White House press pool will be determined by the White House press team."
Reposted by Rob Fenton
Chair Comer just threaten to have the House Sergeant of Arms forcibly remove me from the Oversight Committee for calling out Grifter-in-Chief Trump for corruption and making money off of the American people.
February 25, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Chair Comer just threaten to have the House Sergeant of Arms forcibly remove me from the Oversight Committee for calling out Grifter-in-Chief Trump for corruption and making money off of the American people.
Reposted by Rob Fenton
The Kentucky legislature is moving to incorporate the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” principles in the commonwealth.
More:
kentuckylantern.com/2025/02/25/k...
More:
kentuckylantern.com/2025/02/25/k...
Kentucky legislature moves to implement Make America Healthy Again • Kentucky Lantern
The Kentucky legislature is moving to incorporate the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” principles in the commonwealth.
kentuckylantern.com
February 25, 2025 at 6:18 PM
The Kentucky legislature is moving to incorporate the Trump administration’s “Make America Healthy Again” principles in the commonwealth.
More:
kentuckylantern.com/2025/02/25/k...
More:
kentuckylantern.com/2025/02/25/k...
Reposted by Rob Fenton
Here's a way-too-early great big list of everyone running, considering a run, not running for or maybe kinda flirting with the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Kentucky. www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Here’s who we know is running for KY’s US Senate seat in 2026, and who may be running
With the announcement that Mitch McConnell won’t seek reelection in 2026, Kentucky will have its first wide-open Senate race since 2010.
www.kentucky.com
February 21, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Here's a way-too-early great big list of everyone running, considering a run, not running for or maybe kinda flirting with the 2026 U.S. Senate race in Kentucky. www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Rob Fenton
When federal, state or local governments cut access to public records, that isn't just a problem for reporters. It should offend any citizen who wants to know what's being done in their name with their money. ^JC
Poynter: As DOGE fires entire Freedom of Information Act offices around the federal government, access to public records is disappearing. www.poynter.org/reporting-ed... ^JC
Firing of FOIA officers leaves experts worried about public records access under Trump - Poynter
‘Anytime that whole FOIA offices are getting fired, it portends terrible things’
www.poynter.org
February 21, 2025 at 4:07 PM
When federal, state or local governments cut access to public records, that isn't just a problem for reporters. It should offend any citizen who wants to know what's being done in their name with their money. ^JC
So now Barr runs for Senate. That opens up CD6. We know Dotson (HD73) will likely run. Which other current electeds run from either party, and what legislative seats will then open up? Then who runs to fill those now open seats?
Sen. Mitch McConnell announcing today that he will not seek reelection next year.
Sen. Mitch McConnell won't seek reelection in 2026, ending long tenure as Republican power broker
Sen. Mitch McConnell is announcing he won’t seek reelection next year, ending a decadeslong tenure as a power broker who championed conservative causes but ultimately ceded ground to the fierce populi...
apnews.com
February 20, 2025 at 4:50 PM
So now Barr runs for Senate. That opens up CD6. We know Dotson (HD73) will likely run. Which other current electeds run from either party, and what legislative seats will then open up? Then who runs to fill those now open seats?
Reposted by Rob Fenton
Republicans in the House and Senate have filed efforts to establish a state version of the Department of Government Efficiency and create a Make America Healthy Again Kentucky Task Force.
From @aacquisto.bsky.social & @austin-horn.bsky.social: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
From @aacquisto.bsky.social & @austin-horn.bsky.social: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
GOP lawmakers want to bring DOGE, MAHA movement to Kentucky. What does that look like?
Actions taken by Elon Musk and RFK Jr. are inspiring legislation in Kentucky with the “KY DOGE” project and a Make America Healthy Again project.
www.kentucky.com
February 19, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Republicans in the House and Senate have filed efforts to establish a state version of the Department of Government Efficiency and create a Make America Healthy Again Kentucky Task Force.
From @aacquisto.bsky.social & @austin-horn.bsky.social: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
From @aacquisto.bsky.social & @austin-horn.bsky.social: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Rob Fenton
If the nine employees at the Cumberland District who received notice of probationary status are laid off, it may leave only two remaining employees to cover 182,694 acres from north of Morehead to Beattyville.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Impending cuts to Forest Service workforce may gut staff at Red River Gorge, Cave Run in KY
Nine of 11 employees of the U.S. Forest Service Cumberland District are on a type of probationary status and could be laid off without cause.
www.kentucky.com
February 14, 2025 at 4:26 PM
If the nine employees at the Cumberland District who received notice of probationary status are laid off, it may leave only two remaining employees to cover 182,694 acres from north of Morehead to Beattyville.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Rob Fenton
HB 397 from Rep. Nancy Tate, Brandenburg: Called the "the Baby Olivia Act." apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25rs/...
25RS HB 397
apps.legislature.ky.gov
February 7, 2025 at 3:16 PM
HB 397 from Rep. Nancy Tate, Brandenburg: Called the "the Baby Olivia Act." apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25rs/...
Reposted by Rob Fenton
HB 399 from Rep. John Blanton, R-Salyersville: Create the crime of interference with a legislative proceeding in the first degree and second degree apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25rs/...
25RS HB 399
apps.legislature.ky.gov
February 7, 2025 at 3:16 PM
HB 399 from Rep. John Blanton, R-Salyersville: Create the crime of interference with a legislative proceeding in the first degree and second degree apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25rs/...
Reposted by Rob Fenton
HB 520 from Rep. Chris Fugate, R-Chavies: exempt law enforcement records from public inspection if the disclosure could risk of harm to the law enforcement agency or its investigation by revealing the identity of informants or witnesses not otherwise known. apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25rs/...
25RS HB 520
apps.legislature.ky.gov
February 14, 2025 at 3:34 PM
HB 520 from Rep. Chris Fugate, R-Chavies: exempt law enforcement records from public inspection if the disclosure could risk of harm to the law enforcement agency or its investigation by revealing the identity of informants or witnesses not otherwise known. apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/25rs/...
And let the games begin!
Barr running for Senate has a LOT of downballot repercussions. Who files for that Congressional seat? Are they currently in office and up for re-election in 2026? So then who runs for THOSE seats?
A lot is going to happen in the next few months.
Barr running for Senate has a LOT of downballot repercussions. Who files for that Congressional seat? Are they currently in office and up for re-election in 2026? So then who runs for THOSE seats?
A lot is going to happen in the next few months.
Sixth Congressional District Rep. Andy Barr, R-KY, has told people that he will run for U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell’s seat in 2026 should the 82-year-old decide to not seek reelection, according to a new report.
Breaking news from @austin-horn.bsky.social: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Breaking news from @austin-horn.bsky.social: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Andy Barr for Senate? Report says KY Congressman telling donors he’s in if McConnell isn’t
CBS News reported that Rep. Barr told people over the weekend that he will run for the U.S. Senate if McConnell doesn’t run again in 2026.
www.kentucky.com
February 10, 2025 at 11:30 PM
And let the games begin!
Barr running for Senate has a LOT of downballot repercussions. Who files for that Congressional seat? Are they currently in office and up for re-election in 2026? So then who runs for THOSE seats?
A lot is going to happen in the next few months.
Barr running for Senate has a LOT of downballot repercussions. Who files for that Congressional seat? Are they currently in office and up for re-election in 2026? So then who runs for THOSE seats?
A lot is going to happen in the next few months.
Reposted by Rob Fenton
Yes to raw milk, no to fluoride: Several GOP bills filed in Kentucky this legislative session #kyga25 have one thing in common: a shared skepticism of guidance from top U.S. health organizations and leading medical groups. From @sylviaruthg.lpm.org
Yes to raw milk, no to fluoride: Some Ky Republicans skeptical of public health initiatives
Several Kentucky bills filed this legislative session have one thing in common: a shared skepticism of guidance from top U.S. health organizations and leading medical groups.
www.lpm.org
February 4, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Yes to raw milk, no to fluoride: Several GOP bills filed in Kentucky this legislative session #kyga25 have one thing in common: a shared skepticism of guidance from top U.S. health organizations and leading medical groups. From @sylviaruthg.lpm.org
Reposted by Rob Fenton
KPR and LPM are launching a new tool to help readers learn more about their state lawmakers, including links to ethics documents and bills sponsored. www.lpm.org/news/2025-02...
Louisville Public Media adds digital tools to help you learn about Kentucky lawmakers
Louisville Public Media wants to make it even easier for you to find background information about your state lawmakers with digital tools you’ll find embedded in future stories.
www.lpm.org
February 3, 2025 at 2:02 PM
KPR and LPM are launching a new tool to help readers learn more about their state lawmakers, including links to ethics documents and bills sponsored. www.lpm.org/news/2025-02...
Reposted by Rob Fenton
FCC chair orders investigation into NPR and PBS stations, says in letter to that "Congress is actively considering whether to stop requiring taxpayers to subsidize NPR and PBS programming"
F.C.C. Chair Orders Investigation Into NPR and PBS Stations
Brendan Carr, the chairman of the Federal Communications Commission, recently expressed concern about NPR and PBS’s sponsorships.
www.nytimes.com
January 30, 2025 at 6:48 PM
FCC chair orders investigation into NPR and PBS stations, says in letter to that "Congress is actively considering whether to stop requiring taxpayers to subsidize NPR and PBS programming"
Researchers from across all public health disciplines to gun violence prevention to housing to nutrition to pick a discipline, often rely on CDC data for their work in order to create sound policy.
Access to data is essential for good governance.
Access to data is essential for good governance.
CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) has provided real-time data and analysis about disease outbreaks and emerging health threats without a break every week since 1960.
Until today.
Until today.
January 24, 2025 at 6:18 PM
Researchers from across all public health disciplines to gun violence prevention to housing to nutrition to pick a discipline, often rely on CDC data for their work in order to create sound policy.
Access to data is essential for good governance.
Access to data is essential for good governance.