Alex Acquisto
@aacquisto.bsky.social
Politics & health reporter for the Lexington Herald-Leader & Kentucky.com. Past: Bangor Daily News | she/her
Reposted by Alex Acquisto
Reporter Alex Acquisto will spend the next year on a statewide investigative project that will have wide ramifications for Kentuckians.
Herald-Leader chosen by ProPublica for Local Reporting Network partnership
Reporter Alex Acquisto will spend the next year on a statewide investigative project that will have wide ramifications for Kentuckians.
bit.ly
October 1, 2025 at 2:10 PM
Reporter Alex Acquisto will spend the next year on a statewide investigative project that will have wide ramifications for Kentuckians.
Reposted by Alex Acquisto
The one person who can single-handedly initiate removal proceedings is Gov. Andy Beshear.
Yet, despite pleas from residents in several counties, he has not done so.
In Part 2, we look at Beshear’s inaction and other options for sheriff accountability.
www.courier-journal.com/story/news/i...
Yet, despite pleas from residents in several counties, he has not done so.
In Part 2, we look at Beshear’s inaction and other options for sheriff accountability.
www.courier-journal.com/story/news/i...
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear has the power to remove convicted sheriffs. Why hasn't he?
As Beshear potentially sets his sights on the White House, some Kentuckians have been left "shocked," disappointed," and "afraid."
www.courier-journal.com
September 17, 2025 at 2:36 PM
The one person who can single-handedly initiate removal proceedings is Gov. Andy Beshear.
Yet, despite pleas from residents in several counties, he has not done so.
In Part 2, we look at Beshear’s inaction and other options for sheriff accountability.
www.courier-journal.com/story/news/i...
Yet, despite pleas from residents in several counties, he has not done so.
In Part 2, we look at Beshear’s inaction and other options for sheriff accountability.
www.courier-journal.com/story/news/i...
Reposted by Alex Acquisto
My good friend and journalistic partner in crime Andy Wolfson died suddenly last night. I'm going to miss him.
Andy Wolfson, longtime Courier Journal legal affairs reporter, dies at 70
Wolfson played key roles in The Courier Journal winning two Pulitzer Prizes.
www.courier-journal.com
September 18, 2025 at 6:04 PM
My good friend and journalistic partner in crime Andy Wolfson died suddenly last night. I'm going to miss him.
Reposted by Alex Acquisto
ARC had more than 30 facilities around Kentucky last summer, when the FBI announced it was investigating the company over potential Medicaid fraud.
An ARC spokesperson just told me they now have just 14 locations, a mix of residential, outpatient, and a psychiatric hospital.
An ARC spokesperson just told me they now have just 14 locations, a mix of residential, outpatient, and a psychiatric hospital.
Addiction Recovery Care (ARC) closes five more locations in Kentucky, including flagship in Louisa. From @aacquisto.bsky.social
Addiction Recovery Care closes five more locations, including flagship in Louisa
The flagship location, Karen’s Place, opened in 2010 in Louisa. As of Wednesday, it is closed.
www.kentucky.com
September 11, 2025 at 6:03 PM
ARC had more than 30 facilities around Kentucky last summer, when the FBI announced it was investigating the company over potential Medicaid fraud.
An ARC spokesperson just told me they now have just 14 locations, a mix of residential, outpatient, and a psychiatric hospital.
An ARC spokesperson just told me they now have just 14 locations, a mix of residential, outpatient, and a psychiatric hospital.
Remember Bryan Hubbard, who in 2023 proposed studying ibogaine to treat addiction in Kentucky? After Ky said no, he went to Texas. Now, some in the Ky GOP are on board.
KY nixed his idea to treat addiction with a psychedelic drug. Texas said yes
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
KY nixed his idea to treat addiction with a psychedelic drug. Texas said yes
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
KY nixed his idea to treat addiction with a psychedelic drug. Texas said yes
Bryan Hubbard in 2023 wanted Kentucky to be the first state to study the psychedelic ibogaine to treat opioid addiction, but he was rejected. Texas just agreed, earmarking $50M for the study.
www.kentucky.com
August 26, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Remember Bryan Hubbard, who in 2023 proposed studying ibogaine to treat addiction in Kentucky? After Ky said no, he went to Texas. Now, some in the Ky GOP are on board.
KY nixed his idea to treat addiction with a psychedelic drug. Texas said yes
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
KY nixed his idea to treat addiction with a psychedelic drug. Texas said yes
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Alex Acquisto
From the in box just now: "Due to the expected passage of the Rescissions Act that eliminates federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), KET has made the difficult decision to eliminate this year’s coverage of the annual Fancy Farm political event."
If KET has to begin huge budget cuts thanks to Congress, maybe the first step could be no longer schlepping to Fancy Farm in August to air the bloviating of Kentucky politicians who don't support KET. ^JC
www.kentucky.com/news/nation-world/national/article310845895.html
www.kentucky.com/news/nation-world/national/article310845895.html
Senate Approves Trump’s Bid to Cancel Foreign Aid and Public Broadcast Funds
The Senate early Thursday approved a White House request to claw back $9 billion for foreign aid and...
www.kentucky.com
July 17, 2025 at 8:31 PM
From the in box just now: "Due to the expected passage of the Rescissions Act that eliminates federal funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), KET has made the difficult decision to eliminate this year’s coverage of the annual Fancy Farm political event."
This Southern Baptist leader in KY is leading the church’s charge to overturn gay marriage
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
This Southern Baptist leader in KY is leading the church’s charge to overturn gay marriage
Andrew Walker, who teaches at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, wrote the proposal Southern Baptists approved calling on the Supreme Court to overturn the right to gay marriage.
www.kentucky.com
July 10, 2025 at 1:52 PM
This Southern Baptist leader in KY is leading the church’s charge to overturn gay marriage
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
NEW: A judge has denied a request from Former Ky Gov. Matt Bevin & First Lady Glenna Bevin to keep their divorce settlement confidential.
The Friday ruling also allows Jonah Bevin to be an intervenor in their divorce case, giving him the chance to seek financial support.
bit.ly/44GIitu
The Friday ruling also allows Jonah Bevin to be an intervenor in their divorce case, giving him the chance to seek financial support.
bit.ly/44GIitu
Judge denies Matt Bevin’s motion to seal divorce, allows adoptive son to intervene
A Louisville judge granted Jonah Bevin’s request Friday to intervene in his parents’ divorce case, opening the door for him to receive financial support he says his adoptive parents denied him.
bit.ly
May 16, 2025 at 6:17 PM
NEW: A judge has denied a request from Former Ky Gov. Matt Bevin & First Lady Glenna Bevin to keep their divorce settlement confidential.
The Friday ruling also allows Jonah Bevin to be an intervenor in their divorce case, giving him the chance to seek financial support.
bit.ly/44GIitu
The Friday ruling also allows Jonah Bevin to be an intervenor in their divorce case, giving him the chance to seek financial support.
bit.ly/44GIitu
Reposted by Alex Acquisto
Kentucky’s Auditor of Public Accounts is suing Gov. Andy Beshear for allegedly refusing to enact a kinship caregiver law, escalating the ongoing tensions in Frankfort over which branch of government should fund the implementation of a 2024 bill.
Via @aacquisto.bsky.social:
Via @aacquisto.bsky.social:
Kentucky Auditor sues Gov. Beshear for not implementing kinship caregiver law
Auditor Allison Ball on Thursday sued Gov. Andy Beshear for stalling the implementation of a 2024 kinship caregiver law. “This issue goes beyond funding and bureaucratic delays,” Ball said.
www.kentucky.com
May 15, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Kentucky’s Auditor of Public Accounts is suing Gov. Andy Beshear for allegedly refusing to enact a kinship caregiver law, escalating the ongoing tensions in Frankfort over which branch of government should fund the implementation of a 2024 bill.
Via @aacquisto.bsky.social:
Via @aacquisto.bsky.social:
Reposted by Alex Acquisto
Death of the GOP aisle crossers, continued transparency concerns, GOP unity, legal battles & more.
What #kyga25, with a little hindsight, looked like. With @aacquisto.bsky.social: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
What #kyga25, with a little hindsight, looked like. With @aacquisto.bsky.social: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Analysis: Our reporters say Kentucky GOP lowered the temperature (slightly) in Frankfort this session
Analysis: The Herald-Leader’s Frankfort reporters recount the highs, lows, tension and outright anger that unfolded in this year’s Republican-controlled legislative session.
www.kentucky.com
April 2, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Death of the GOP aisle crossers, continued transparency concerns, GOP unity, legal battles & more.
What #kyga25, with a little hindsight, looked like. With @aacquisto.bsky.social: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
What #kyga25, with a little hindsight, looked like. With @aacquisto.bsky.social: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Alex Acquisto
Gov. Andy Beshear has vetoed House Bill 4, a GOP-backed bill aimed at restricting, and in some cases dismantling, Kentucky public universities’ efforts on diversity, equity and inclusion. Story w/ @austin-horn.bsky.social & @aacquisto.bsky.social www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
‘HB 4 is about hate.’ Gov. Beshear vetoes anti-diversity, equity, inclusion bill
“We love and we accept everyone. This bill isn’t about love. House Bill 4 is about hate,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in a video highlighting his action.
www.kentucky.com
March 20, 2025 at 5:56 PM
Gov. Andy Beshear has vetoed House Bill 4, a GOP-backed bill aimed at restricting, and in some cases dismantling, Kentucky public universities’ efforts on diversity, equity and inclusion. Story w/ @austin-horn.bsky.social & @aacquisto.bsky.social www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Alex Acquisto
The clock was running out. Dems were stalling hard.
But with about an hour left, leadership called for HB 495. With unanimous GOP support, KY is now on track to block Medicaid from funding gender-affirming care & roll back conversion therapy restrictions.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
But with about an hour left, leadership called for HB 495. With unanimous GOP support, KY is now on track to block Medicaid from funding gender-affirming care & roll back conversion therapy restrictions.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
KY Republicans pass eleventh-hour bills blocking some adults access to trans health care
KY House passed two bills just before midnight Friday to ban transgender adults in prison, on Medicaid from accessing gender-affirming care, and also to protect conversion therapy.
www.kentucky.com
March 15, 2025 at 10:59 AM
The clock was running out. Dems were stalling hard.
But with about an hour left, leadership called for HB 495. With unanimous GOP support, KY is now on track to block Medicaid from funding gender-affirming care & roll back conversion therapy restrictions.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
But with about an hour left, leadership called for HB 495. With unanimous GOP support, KY is now on track to block Medicaid from funding gender-affirming care & roll back conversion therapy restrictions.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Most important news of the day in the #KyLeg : Bill Bryant getting recognized for 40 years of working @ WKYT. Bill is also the longtime host of KET's Comment on Kentucky. A titan!
Sen. Reggie Thomas called him Ky's Walter Conkrite. Sen. Gary Boswell: "You are an honor to your profession."
Sen. Reggie Thomas called him Ky's Walter Conkrite. Sen. Gary Boswell: "You are an honor to your profession."
March 13, 2025 at 6:35 PM
Most important news of the day in the #KyLeg : Bill Bryant getting recognized for 40 years of working @ WKYT. Bill is also the longtime host of KET's Comment on Kentucky. A titan!
Sen. Reggie Thomas called him Ky's Walter Conkrite. Sen. Gary Boswell: "You are an honor to your profession."
Sen. Reggie Thomas called him Ky's Walter Conkrite. Sen. Gary Boswell: "You are an honor to your profession."
After years of refusals, Republicans move to add medical exceptions to KY abortion ban
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
After years of refusals, Republicans move to add medical exceptions to KY abortion ban
Republicans advanced bills to relax & clarify medical exceptions in Kentucky’s near-total ban Wednesday, in the first hearings on such bills since Kentucky banned abortion in 2022.
www.kentucky.com
March 13, 2025 at 2:07 PM
After years of refusals, Republicans move to add medical exceptions to KY abortion ban
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Alex Acquisto
Some Kentucky lawmakers are now targeting gender-affirming care for transgender adults on Medicaid.
New from @aacquisto.bsky.social & @austin-horn.bsky.social: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
New from @aacquisto.bsky.social & @austin-horn.bsky.social: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Bill to protect ‘conversion therapy’ now also bans Medicaid funds for gender-affirming care
A bill amended Wednesday would block the use of Medicaid dollars to pay for gender-affirming health care for trans adults, as well as widely reinstate the practice of conversion therapy across Kentuck...
www.kentucky.com
March 12, 2025 at 3:16 PM
Some Kentucky lawmakers are now targeting gender-affirming care for transgender adults on Medicaid.
New from @aacquisto.bsky.social & @austin-horn.bsky.social: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
New from @aacquisto.bsky.social & @austin-horn.bsky.social: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Alex Acquisto
Four months after Missouri voted to legalize abortion, Republican lawmakers are proposing to let residents donate to anti-abortion centers instead of paying any taxes (up to $50k).
A New Missouri Bill Would Let Residents Donate to Anti-Abortion Centers Instead of Paying Any Taxes
Four months after Missouri voted to legalize abortion, Republican lawmakers are proposing a 100% tax credit — capped at $50,000 per year — for taxpayers who donate to crisis pregnancy centers.
www.propublica.org
March 5, 2025 at 12:24 PM
Four months after Missouri voted to legalize abortion, Republican lawmakers are proposing to let residents donate to anti-abortion centers instead of paying any taxes (up to $50k).
A teen held in a Kentucky foster care office caused $27K in damage last month.
As public officials are increasingly scrutinizing Ky social services for temporarily housing kids in gov't office buildings, Ky's auditor says latest incident signals 'systemic failures' w/in system bit.ly/41Grf8T
As public officials are increasingly scrutinizing Ky social services for temporarily housing kids in gov't office buildings, Ky's auditor says latest incident signals 'systemic failures' w/in system bit.ly/41Grf8T
Teen in KY foster care office causes $27K in damage. Auditor says it’s a ‘systemic failure’
A 17-year-old in the KY foster system being kept in a KY social services office caused more than $27,500 in damage. KY Auditor: it signals “systemic failures within the foster care system.”
www.kentucky.com
March 5, 2025 at 1:10 PM
A teen held in a Kentucky foster care office caused $27K in damage last month.
As public officials are increasingly scrutinizing Ky social services for temporarily housing kids in gov't office buildings, Ky's auditor says latest incident signals 'systemic failures' w/in system bit.ly/41Grf8T
As public officials are increasingly scrutinizing Ky social services for temporarily housing kids in gov't office buildings, Ky's auditor says latest incident signals 'systemic failures' w/in system bit.ly/41Grf8T
Championing it as a measure promoting “equal opportunity” on Ky’s higher ed campuses rather than the “subjective equity” contrived by DEI initiatives, a GOP-backed bill to dismantle DEI advanced in a party-line committee vote today. W/@monicakast.bsky.social
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Bill to ban DEI efforts at Kentucky public colleges advances after tense committee meeting
“Historically, America has strived for equal opportunity, not subjective equity, which DEI now pursues through discriminatory admissions, hiring and scholarships,” Rep. Jennifer Decker said Tuesday.
www.kentucky.com
March 4, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Championing it as a measure promoting “equal opportunity” on Ky’s higher ed campuses rather than the “subjective equity” contrived by DEI initiatives, a GOP-backed bill to dismantle DEI advanced in a party-line committee vote today. W/@monicakast.bsky.social
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Kentucky version of DOGE advanced through a legislative committee this morning. GOP sponsor said it promotes ‘fiscal responsibility’
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Kentucky version of DOGE advances. GOP sponsor said it promotes ‘fiscal responsibility’
The department would be under the purview of the state Auditor of Public Accounts.
www.kentucky.com
March 3, 2025 at 7:18 PM
Kentucky version of DOGE advanced through a legislative committee this morning. GOP sponsor said it promotes ‘fiscal responsibility’
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Ky Senate just passed a bill to give more library control to politicians.
From Owensboro GOP Rep. Gary Boswell, it stems from a right-wing group in Owensboro— Citizens for Decency—who've tried to remove "controversial" books from library shelves. Boswell has supported their cause. bit.ly/3DfdxAv
From Owensboro GOP Rep. Gary Boswell, it stems from a right-wing group in Owensboro— Citizens for Decency—who've tried to remove "controversial" books from library shelves. Boswell has supported their cause. bit.ly/3DfdxAv
Amid censorship, spending fights, bill would give more library control to KY politicians
Senate Bill 71 follows on changes the legislature made in 2022 to how library governing boards are appointed.
bit.ly
February 28, 2025 at 3:05 PM
Ky Senate just passed a bill to give more library control to politicians.
From Owensboro GOP Rep. Gary Boswell, it stems from a right-wing group in Owensboro— Citizens for Decency—who've tried to remove "controversial" books from library shelves. Boswell has supported their cause. bit.ly/3DfdxAv
From Owensboro GOP Rep. Gary Boswell, it stems from a right-wing group in Owensboro— Citizens for Decency—who've tried to remove "controversial" books from library shelves. Boswell has supported their cause. bit.ly/3DfdxAv
Reposted by Alex Acquisto
Tonight at 8/7 on KET's "Comment on Kentucky," it's Alex Acquisto of the Lexington Herald-Leader, Isaiah Kim-Martinez of WHAS11 Louisville and Melissa Patrick of Kentucky Health News. ^JC
February 28, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Tonight at 8/7 on KET's "Comment on Kentucky," it's Alex Acquisto of the Lexington Herald-Leader, Isaiah Kim-Martinez of WHAS11 Louisville and Melissa Patrick of Kentucky Health News. ^JC
At March For Life rally this wk, members of the Ky GOP told a crowd there are ppl who want "to destroy all the work that we’ve done" & "God is behind what we're doing."
As some KY Republicans see the need for abortion ban exceptions, others hold the line
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
As some KY Republicans see the need for abortion ban exceptions, others hold the line
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
As some KY Republicans see the need for abortion ban exceptions, others hold the line
Republicans at a Right to Life rally in Frankfort emphasized a need to maintain the state’s strict abortion ban without exceptions. Meanwhile, GOP bills to add exceptions haven’t moved.
www.kentucky.com
February 28, 2025 at 1:36 PM
At March For Life rally this wk, members of the Ky GOP told a crowd there are ppl who want "to destroy all the work that we’ve done" & "God is behind what we're doing."
As some KY Republicans see the need for abortion ban exceptions, others hold the line
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
As some KY Republicans see the need for abortion ban exceptions, others hold the line
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Heck of a story this morning from @dyetter.bsky.social about Jonah Bevin, adopted son of former Gov. Matt Bevin.
‘I don’t have anybody’: Adoptive teen son of a KY governor talks about life on his own
kentuckylantern.com/2025/02/28/i...
‘I don’t have anybody’: Adoptive teen son of a KY governor talks about life on his own
kentuckylantern.com/2025/02/28/i...
'I don't have anybody': Adoptive teen son of a KY governor talks about life on his own • Kentucky Lantern
Jonah Bevin, adoptive son of former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin, is speaking out to expose the abuse he and other boys suffered in a facility in Jamaica.
kentuckylantern.com
February 28, 2025 at 1:20 PM
Heck of a story this morning from @dyetter.bsky.social about Jonah Bevin, adopted son of former Gov. Matt Bevin.
‘I don’t have anybody’: Adoptive teen son of a KY governor talks about life on his own
kentuckylantern.com/2025/02/28/i...
‘I don’t have anybody’: Adoptive teen son of a KY governor talks about life on his own
kentuckylantern.com/2025/02/28/i...
House OKs ending KY’s drinking water fluoride mandate. Experts say kids’ teeth will suffer
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
House OKs ending KY’s drinking water fluoride mandate. Experts say kids’ teeth will suffer
A perennial bill from a Republican lawmaker to make drinking water fluoridation optional has momentum in the Kentucky General Assembly. Dental providers warn against it.
www.kentucky.com
February 27, 2025 at 2:59 PM
House OKs ending KY’s drinking water fluoride mandate. Experts say kids’ teeth will suffer
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
234 people have died in Kentucky jails since 2020. Critics call it a ‘systemic failure’
Crucial reporting from
@taylorsixhl.bsky.social
www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...
Crucial reporting from
@taylorsixhl.bsky.social
www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...
234 people have died in Kentucky jails since 2020. Critics call it a ‘systemic failure’
The Herald-Leader analyzed 5 years of KY Department of Corrections death logs, lawsuits, autopsy reports and death certificates. Here’s what we found.
www.kentucky.com
February 27, 2025 at 2:37 PM
234 people have died in Kentucky jails since 2020. Critics call it a ‘systemic failure’
Crucial reporting from
@taylorsixhl.bsky.social
www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...
Crucial reporting from
@taylorsixhl.bsky.social
www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...