Tessa Duvall
@tessaduvall.bsky.social
Politics & Public Affairs Editor for the Lexington @kentucky.com & @bluegrasspolitics.bsky.social.
Kentuckian. Hilltopper. Parks & Rec aficionado. Pen snob. Aspiring adult.
Kentuckian. Hilltopper. Parks & Rec aficionado. Pen snob. Aspiring adult.
Pinned
Tessa Duvall
@tessaduvall.bsky.social
· Nov 14
There are a lot of new faces On Here, so it seems like a good time to reintroduce myself.
I'm Tessa Duvall, the politics and public affairs editor for The Lexington Herald-Leader.
You should follow me if you like/tolerate posts about:
- Kentucky politics
- Pilot G2 pens
- Parks & Rec
I'm Tessa Duvall, the politics and public affairs editor for The Lexington Herald-Leader.
You should follow me if you like/tolerate posts about:
- Kentucky politics
- Pilot G2 pens
- Parks & Rec
Everyone welcome (currently Bluesky-less) Hannah Pinski to the Herald-Leader, who just published her first byline with us. Many more to come!
Former state House Republican to run again in Central Kentucky race
Former state Rep. Killian Timoney shared he is running in the state House District 45 race, which he previously represented for two terms.
www.kentucky.com
January 2, 2026 at 5:53 PM
Everyone welcome (currently Bluesky-less) Hannah Pinski to the Herald-Leader, who just published her first byline with us. Many more to come!
Delighted to no end to realize we can now link to Bluesky in our Herald-Leader bios. It's the little things, really.
January 2, 2026 at 5:33 PM
Delighted to no end to realize we can now link to Bluesky in our Herald-Leader bios. It's the little things, really.
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
Big KY political news: the last Eastern KY Democrat left standing in Frankfort is not running for reelection.
Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty, D-Martin, says she's running for district judge. An old name in EKY Dem politics filed to replace her.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty, D-Martin, says she's running for district judge. An old name in EKY Dem politics filed to replace her.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Eastern Kentucky’s lone Democrat in Frankfort is leaving. Who will replace her?
After Sen. Robin Webb became a Republican, Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty stood alone as the only Democrat from the once deep blue region.
www.kentucky.com
January 2, 2026 at 2:17 PM
Big KY political news: the last Eastern KY Democrat left standing in Frankfort is not running for reelection.
Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty, D-Martin, says she's running for district judge. An old name in EKY Dem politics filed to replace her.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty, D-Martin, says she's running for district judge. An old name in EKY Dem politics filed to replace her.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
A Kentucky woman is facing criminal charges after she used mail-order abortion medication to end her pregnancy, according to state police.
It's not clear how far along her pregnancy was, but KSP described the remains as a "developed male infant."
Kentucky bans abortion in nearly all cases.
It's not clear how far along her pregnancy was, but KSP described the remains as a "developed male infant."
Kentucky bans abortion in nearly all cases.
Kentucky woman charged with fetal homicide after taking abortion medication
Kentucky State Police said the woman ordered abortion medication online and buried the “developed male infant” on her property.
www.kentucky.com
January 1, 2026 at 6:18 PM
A Kentucky woman is facing criminal charges after she used mail-order abortion medication to end her pregnancy, according to state police.
It's not clear how far along her pregnancy was, but KSP described the remains as a "developed male infant."
Kentucky bans abortion in nearly all cases.
It's not clear how far along her pregnancy was, but KSP described the remains as a "developed male infant."
Kentucky bans abortion in nearly all cases.
In 2025, there were about 200 instances of Trump Administration attempts at censorship, according to a new report.
Opinion | I Counted Trump’s Censorship Attempts. Here’s What I Found.
www.nytimes.com
January 1, 2026 at 9:19 PM
In 2025, there were about 200 instances of Trump Administration attempts at censorship, according to a new report.
“They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart,” Trump said. “I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?”
Exclusive | As Signs of Aging Emerge, Trump Responds With Defiance
In an interview, President Trump—the oldest man to assume the office—said he has eschewed some advice from his doctors and regrets getting advanced imaging.
www.wsj.com
January 1, 2026 at 9:12 PM
“They say aspirin is good for thinning out the blood, and I don’t want thick blood pouring through my heart,” Trump said. “I want nice, thin blood pouring through my heart. Does that make sense?”
Austin's greatest hits from 2025. A lot of good reads about Kentucky politics in this thread (and I'm only a little biased since I edited the majority of them).
Here's the work I'm most proud of from a busy 2025. Ain't been perfect! Has been fun tho!
First: this investigation into how NKY politicians pushed hard & in secret - upsetting local stakeholders - to get $125M in the budget for a school relocation.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
First: this investigation into how NKY politicians pushed hard & in secret - upsetting local stakeholders - to get $125M in the budget for a school relocation.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Anatomy of a $125 million deal: How speed and secrecy helped make a Northern KY project happen
Supporters say it will benefit the campuses in Highland Heights, Kentucky, and downtown Covington. A critic angry about how it happened disagrees: ‘Taxpayers didn’t really have an opportunity to weigh...
www.kentucky.com
January 1, 2026 at 8:31 PM
Austin's greatest hits from 2025. A lot of good reads about Kentucky politics in this thread (and I'm only a little biased since I edited the majority of them).
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HORSES! IT IS HORSE BIRTHDAY! HORSE!!!!!
January 1, 2026 at 1:30 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO HORSES! IT IS HORSE BIRTHDAY! HORSE!!!!!
A Kentucky woman is facing criminal charges after she used mail-order abortion medication to end her pregnancy, according to state police.
It's not clear how far along her pregnancy was, but KSP described the remains as a "developed male infant."
Kentucky bans abortion in nearly all cases.
It's not clear how far along her pregnancy was, but KSP described the remains as a "developed male infant."
Kentucky bans abortion in nearly all cases.
Kentucky woman charged with fetal homicide after taking abortion medication
Kentucky State Police said the woman ordered abortion medication online and buried the “developed male infant” on her property.
www.kentucky.com
January 1, 2026 at 6:18 PM
A Kentucky woman is facing criminal charges after she used mail-order abortion medication to end her pregnancy, according to state police.
It's not clear how far along her pregnancy was, but KSP described the remains as a "developed male infant."
Kentucky bans abortion in nearly all cases.
It's not clear how far along her pregnancy was, but KSP described the remains as a "developed male infant."
Kentucky bans abortion in nearly all cases.
An unvaccinated traveler exposed others to the measles at Kentucky's Ark Encounter.
The patient, who was traveling from out of state, also stayed at a hotel in Dry Ridge from Dec. 28 to 30.
Unvaccinated measles patient visited Ark Encounter in KY, health officials say
The patient, who was traveling from out of state, also stayed at a hotel in Dry Ridge from Dec. 28 to 30.
bit.ly
January 1, 2026 at 4:52 PM
An unvaccinated traveler exposed others to the measles at Kentucky's Ark Encounter.
Hundreds of Kentucky tobacco, nicotine and vape retailers seem likely to miss the Jan. 1 deadline to apply for a license that’s now required by a new state law.
KY tobacco, vape retailers face penalties if they’re not licensed in 2026
As of Dec. 30, hundreds of Kentucky stores that sell smoking products seemed likely to miss the New Year’s Day deadline set in a new law.
www.kentucky.com
January 1, 2026 at 2:27 PM
Hundreds of Kentucky tobacco, nicotine and vape retailers seem likely to miss the Jan. 1 deadline to apply for a license that’s now required by a new state law.
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
The Eastern Kentucky Commissioner says he will fight for “thousands” of hunters and fishers who rely on the same exemption he uses.
KY Fish & Wildlife chair defies AG’s resignation demand, says he will fight it in court
The Eastern Kentucky Commissioner says he will fight for “thousands” of hunters and fishers who rely on the same exemption he uses.
bit.ly
December 31, 2025 at 8:10 PM
The Eastern Kentucky Commissioner says he will fight for “thousands” of hunters and fishers who rely on the same exemption he uses.
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
New: A poll from Charles Booker's team shows that Democrats are within striking distance of the US Senate race - Booker polled within single digits of Daniel Cameron & almost tied Nate Morris.
However, recent history would suggest it's not that close.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
However, recent history would suggest it's not that close.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
KY Politics Insider: Booker poll claims US Senate race within striking distance
The poll puts Booker and McGrath in a similar spot, and shows the candidate within striking distance of Daniel Cameron and Nate Morris.
www.kentucky.com
December 31, 2025 at 2:17 PM
New: A poll from Charles Booker's team shows that Democrats are within striking distance of the US Senate race - Booker polled within single digits of Daniel Cameron & almost tied Nate Morris.
However, recent history would suggest it's not that close.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
However, recent history would suggest it's not that close.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
New: The Trump DOJ is continuing its push to collect social security & driver license info on Kentucky's 3.3M voters.
We have the emails, the confidential agreement offered by the DOJ and more here. KY officials haven't said yes.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
We have the emails, the confidential agreement offered by the DOJ and more here. KY officials haven't said yes.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Trump DOJ is seeking personal info about KY voters. State officials are wary
Kentucky election officials have yet to comply with a Trump DOJ request for the last four digits of voters’ Social Security numbers, more.
www.kentucky.com
December 30, 2025 at 1:50 PM
New: The Trump DOJ is continuing its push to collect social security & driver license info on Kentucky's 3.3M voters.
We have the emails, the confidential agreement offered by the DOJ and more here. KY officials haven't said yes.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
We have the emails, the confidential agreement offered by the DOJ and more here. KY officials haven't said yes.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
After Marjorie Taylor Greene held a news conference at which she threatened to name abusers in the Epstein files, Trump called her.
Greene was in her Capitol Hill office. Everyone in the suite of rooms could hear him yelling at her.
According to Greene, Trump replied, "My friends will get hurt."
Greene was in her Capitol Hill office. Everyone in the suite of rooms could hear him yelling at her.
According to Greene, Trump replied, "My friends will get hurt."
‘I Was Just So Naïve’: Inside Marjorie Taylor Greene’s Break With Trump
www.nytimes.com
December 29, 2025 at 6:25 PM
After Marjorie Taylor Greene held a news conference at which she threatened to name abusers in the Epstein files, Trump called her.
Greene was in her Capitol Hill office. Everyone in the suite of rooms could hear him yelling at her.
According to Greene, Trump replied, "My friends will get hurt."
Greene was in her Capitol Hill office. Everyone in the suite of rooms could hear him yelling at her.
According to Greene, Trump replied, "My friends will get hurt."
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
If you can donate blood, now is a good time to do it. Kentucky's supply is really low.
kentuckylantern.com/briefs/kentu...
kentuckylantern.com/briefs/kentu...
Kentucky blood supply at critically low post-holiday levels • Kentucky Lantern
Kentucky Blood Center has “less than a half day’s supply” of both O- and O+ blood, putting that supply in “critical shape.”
kentuckylantern.com
December 29, 2025 at 6:52 PM
If you can donate blood, now is a good time to do it. Kentucky's supply is really low.
kentuckylantern.com/briefs/kentu...
kentuckylantern.com/briefs/kentu...
To be clear, a journalist reaching out to a source via multiple channels is not stalking, harassment or intimidation, nor is it in any way inappropriate or unethical behavior.
“You are not entitled to a response from us, or anyone, ever." - Dept. of Education to ProPublica's @megomatz.bsky.social
"Our journalists reach out to people they’re writing about to ensure fairness. But ... their efforts to do so are more likely to be vilified than appreciated."
"Our journalists reach out to people they’re writing about to ensure fairness. But ... their efforts to do so are more likely to be vilified than appreciated."
Our Reporters Reached Out for Comment. They Were Accused of Stalking and Intimidation.
Our journalists reach out to people they’re writing about to ensure fairness. But in this environment, they’ve found their efforts to do so are more likely to be vilified than appreciated.
www.propublica.org
December 29, 2025 at 5:06 PM
To be clear, a journalist reaching out to a source via multiple channels is not stalking, harassment or intimidation, nor is it in any way inappropriate or unethical behavior.
I'm reluctantly back at work, and I can honestly say the only news I've read in the last two weeks is about the ongoing neighborhood mini-horse drama, which has now escalated from Facebook group shenanigans into actual local news coverage.
December 29, 2025 at 2:58 PM
I'm reluctantly back at work, and I can honestly say the only news I've read in the last two weeks is about the ongoing neighborhood mini-horse drama, which has now escalated from Facebook group shenanigans into actual local news coverage.
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
“Kentucky’s primary pension fund for state workers continued its slow, steady recovery in 2025, although it’s still in worse shape than nearly any public pension fund other than the city of Chicago’s.“ From Cheves:
Whatever happened to KY’s state pension crisis? It’s slowly improving, at great cost
Kentucky is shoveling billions of dollars into its state pension fund and gradually, year by year, reducing its unfunded pension liability.
www.kentucky.com
December 29, 2025 at 11:49 AM
“Kentucky’s primary pension fund for state workers continued its slow, steady recovery in 2025, although it’s still in worse shape than nearly any public pension fund other than the city of Chicago’s.“ From Cheves:
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
NEW: Sat down in DC with KY congressman & Dean of the US House, Hal Rogers.
We talked Eastern KY & his approps record. We also discussed why he's seeking a 24th term to office (he'd start at age 89), increased scrutiny on age in DC & why he's confident he'll win.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
We talked Eastern KY & his approps record. We also discussed why he's seeking a 24th term to office (he'd start at age 89), increased scrutiny on age in DC & why he's confident he'll win.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Q&A: KY Rep. Hal Rogers on work in DC, why he’s seeking reelection at 87
Rogers: “I welcome people inspecting my record... my capability, my sanity. But in the end, I’m able to bring things home to East Kentucky.”
www.kentucky.com
December 16, 2025 at 12:56 PM
NEW: Sat down in DC with KY congressman & Dean of the US House, Hal Rogers.
We talked Eastern KY & his approps record. We also discussed why he's seeking a 24th term to office (he'd start at age 89), increased scrutiny on age in DC & why he's confident he'll win.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
We talked Eastern KY & his approps record. We also discussed why he's seeking a 24th term to office (he'd start at age 89), increased scrutiny on age in DC & why he's confident he'll win.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Absolutely unmatched feeling to set an OOO message for two whole weeks. Bottle this feeling and sell it.
December 13, 2025 at 1:14 AM
Absolutely unmatched feeling to set an OOO message for two whole weeks. Bottle this feeling and sell it.
Yeah. We can tell.
In American high schools, many teenagers are assigned few full books to read from beginning to end — often just one or two per year, according to researchers and thousands of responses to an informal reader survey by The New York Times. trib.al/gNp7kWK
December 12, 2025 at 10:28 PM
Yeah. We can tell.
John Cheves wrote about abuse and neglect in Kentucky's child care centers earlier this year.
This lawsuit about another such incident is... bad. So bad that a police detective investigating the case advised a parent against watching video of it.
This lawsuit about another such incident is... bad. So bad that a police detective investigating the case advised a parent against watching video of it.
Delayed reporting by an Ashland child care center meant state regulators didn’t learn of abuse for many months
KY day care forced kids to spit on 3-year-old as punishment, lawsuit says
Delayed reporting by an Ashland child care center meant state regulators didn’t learn of abuse for many months
bit.ly
December 12, 2025 at 4:52 PM
John Cheves wrote about abuse and neglect in Kentucky's child care centers earlier this year.
This lawsuit about another such incident is... bad. So bad that a police detective investigating the case advised a parent against watching video of it.
This lawsuit about another such incident is... bad. So bad that a police detective investigating the case advised a parent against watching video of it.
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
BREAKING: Indiana Senate Republicans reject new congressional maps in defiance of President Trump’s redistricting push.
Indiana Republicans block Trump’s redistricting push in a rare break with the president
In a resounding rejection of a pressure campaign from the White House itself, Indiana Republican Senators voted down a new congressional map created to give the GOP an advantage in the upcoming 2026 election.
bit.ly
December 11, 2025 at 9:48 PM
BREAKING: Indiana Senate Republicans reject new congressional maps in defiance of President Trump’s redistricting push.
The South Korean battery maker SK On that had partnered with Ford Motor Co. for U.S. production of parts for electric vehicles, including in Kentucky, is ending the joint venture.
New from @piperjhansen.bsky.social:
New from @piperjhansen.bsky.social:
Companies behind BlueOval SK end joint venture to make EV batteries in KY
South Korean battery maker SK On said it will end its joint venture with Ford Motor Co. for United States-based battery production.
www.kentucky.com
December 11, 2025 at 5:28 PM
The South Korean battery maker SK On that had partnered with Ford Motor Co. for U.S. production of parts for electric vehicles, including in Kentucky, is ending the joint venture.
New from @piperjhansen.bsky.social:
New from @piperjhansen.bsky.social: