Austin Horn
@austin-horn.bsky.social
Kentucky politics reporter. Email me at ahorn@herald-leader.com
New: JD Vance is scheduled to make an appearance in Kentucky tomorrow, and the circumstances of a “VIP arrival” at Blue Grass Airport make it seem like he flew into Lexington this evening.
amp.kentucky.com/news/politic...
amp.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Vice President JD Vance pays Thanksgiving week visit to Kentucky
Vance and his family, along with Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and his family, are visiting Fort Campbell Wednesday.
amp.kentucky.com
November 26, 2025 at 3:23 AM
New: JD Vance is scheduled to make an appearance in Kentucky tomorrow, and the circumstances of a “VIP arrival” at Blue Grass Airport make it seem like he flew into Lexington this evening.
amp.kentucky.com/news/politic...
amp.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Was fully prepared to become a hater of The Latest Thing, but I can confirm reports that the Geese album absolutely rips www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGaf...
Cobra
YouTube video by GEESE - Topic
www.youtube.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:10 PM
Was fully prepared to become a hater of The Latest Thing, but I can confirm reports that the Geese album absolutely rips www.youtube.com/watch?v=iGaf...
Looks like famed Democratic strategist James Carville is backing KY horse trainer Dale Romans in his "Independent Democrat" bid for US Senate in 2026.
"Kentucky's about to surprise the hell out of our country now that we've got a Democrat who can actually win."
"Kentucky's about to surprise the hell out of our country now that we've got a Democrat who can actually win."
November 25, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Looks like famed Democratic strategist James Carville is backing KY horse trainer Dale Romans in his "Independent Democrat" bid for US Senate in 2026.
"Kentucky's about to surprise the hell out of our country now that we've got a Democrat who can actually win."
"Kentucky's about to surprise the hell out of our country now that we've got a Democrat who can actually win."
Trouble in Paradise: Fazoli's parent company is $1.3 billion in debt.
From @piperjhansen
www.kentucky.com/news/busines...
From @piperjhansen
www.kentucky.com/news/busines...
Lenders for parent of Lexington-based Fazoli’s demand payment on $1B in debt
FAT Brands Inc., parent company of Lexington-based Fazoli’s, warns of potential bankruptcy following acceleration of debt repayment plan.
www.kentucky.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Trouble in Paradise: Fazoli's parent company is $1.3 billion in debt.
From @piperjhansen
www.kentucky.com/news/busines...
From @piperjhansen
www.kentucky.com/news/busines...
New: Rep. Daniel Grossberg sought for a 4th time to dismiss an ethics inquiry & to quash attempts to get his medical records.
Here's why the investigator says they need records, Grossberg's response & why he plans to bring a shot glass to the hearing.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Here's why the investigator says they need records, Grossberg's response & why he plans to bring a shot glass to the hearing.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Grossberg tries again to dismiss ethics case, block access to medical records
Rep. Daniel Grossberg is trying to block attempts to see his medical records. Investigator writes Grossberg’s team isn’t being truthful.
www.kentucky.com
November 25, 2025 at 1:39 PM
New: Rep. Daniel Grossberg sought for a 4th time to dismiss an ethics inquiry & to quash attempts to get his medical records.
Here's why the investigator says they need records, Grossberg's response & why he plans to bring a shot glass to the hearing.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Here's why the investigator says they need records, Grossberg's response & why he plans to bring a shot glass to the hearing.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Very correct list.
Would personally bump EP1 up like four spots and EP6 down a couple, but other than that no notes.
Would personally bump EP1 up like four spots and EP6 down a couple, but other than that no notes.
haven’t seen ROS or Solo but this seems like a pretty ball-knowing list from Pritzker, particularly if he volunteered the name “Star Wars” rather than “A New Hope”
November 24, 2025 at 9:41 PM
Very correct list.
Would personally bump EP1 up like four spots and EP6 down a couple, but other than that no notes.
Would personally bump EP1 up like four spots and EP6 down a couple, but other than that no notes.
I love local journalism so much
November 24, 2025 at 9:15 PM
I love local journalism so much
Reposted by Austin Horn
The top opinion headline in The Washington Post right now, as written by one Kentucky governor.
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
November 24, 2025 at 4:53 PM
The top opinion headline in The Washington Post right now, as written by one Kentucky governor.
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/202...
New: a congressional campaign fundraiser for GOP Rep. Ryan Dotson was held on the campus of a church he leads.
Here's what the law & experts say: it's legal as long as no special benefits were conferred.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Here's what the law & experts say: it's legal as long as no special benefits were conferred.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
KY candidate had a fundraiser on his own church campus. He says there’s no issue
Allies hosted a fundraiser for the congressional campaign of Rep. Ryan Dotson on the grounds of the church where Dotson is lead pastor.
www.kentucky.com
November 24, 2025 at 3:26 PM
New: a congressional campaign fundraiser for GOP Rep. Ryan Dotson was held on the campus of a church he leads.
Here's what the law & experts say: it's legal as long as no special benefits were conferred.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Here's what the law & experts say: it's legal as long as no special benefits were conferred.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
November 23, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Here's a breakdown of the proposal from a KY GOP lawmaker to force all local LEAs & KSP to partnet with ICE. It would allow those officers to act similar to ICE agents in certain circumstances.
(& the email exchange that's garnered some attention)
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
(& the email exchange that's garnered some attention)
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
GOP lawmaker proposes all KY cops should be able to enforce immigration laws
The lawmaker told a woman opposed to his bill “quiet, piggy,” drawing from a recent comment by President Donald Trump to a female reporter.
www.kentucky.com
November 21, 2025 at 4:50 PM
Here's a breakdown of the proposal from a KY GOP lawmaker to force all local LEAs & KSP to partnet with ICE. It would allow those officers to act similar to ICE agents in certain circumstances.
(& the email exchange that's garnered some attention)
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
(& the email exchange that's garnered some attention)
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
A really big vote in Lexington city council yesterday, especially w/housing affordability as the top local issue.
They rejected an 8-story development in a fast-changing area sandwiched between UK's campus and downtown Lexington. Vote was 7-8.
www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...
They rejected an 8-story development in a fast-changing area sandwiched between UK's campus and downtown Lexington. Vote was 7-8.
www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...
Lexington council rejects 8-story apartment building near UK neighbors call ‘disaster’
Several privately developed student housing projects are already underway in the area.
www.kentucky.com
November 20, 2025 at 9:30 PM
A really big vote in Lexington city council yesterday, especially w/housing affordability as the top local issue.
They rejected an 8-story development in a fast-changing area sandwiched between UK's campus and downtown Lexington. Vote was 7-8.
www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...
They rejected an 8-story development in a fast-changing area sandwiched between UK's campus and downtown Lexington. Vote was 7-8.
www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...
Reposted by Austin Horn
For the first time, Kentucky State University football will play for an NCAA title.
Kentucky State is in the NCAA Division II playoffs, and head coach Felton Huggins Jr.'s team intends to make some noise in the postseason.
“All we needed was a foot in the door": ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/nfl/a...
Kentucky State is in the NCAA Division II playoffs, and head coach Felton Huggins Jr.'s team intends to make some noise in the postseason.
“All we needed was a foot in the door": ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/nfl/a...
For the first time, Kentucky State football is competing for an NCAA championship
Kentucky State University is making its first appearance in the NCAA Division II football playoffs.
www.kentucky.com
November 20, 2025 at 12:36 PM
For the first time, Kentucky State University football will play for an NCAA title.
Kentucky State is in the NCAA Division II playoffs, and head coach Felton Huggins Jr.'s team intends to make some noise in the postseason.
“All we needed was a foot in the door": ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/nfl/a...
Kentucky State is in the NCAA Division II playoffs, and head coach Felton Huggins Jr.'s team intends to make some noise in the postseason.
“All we needed was a foot in the door": ⬇️
www.kentucky.com/sports/nfl/a...
ICYMI: a story that ties together the many arrests of KY's biggest conservative influencer, "Papa" John Schnatter, Infowars, the state of social media, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, KY probation law & a whole lot more.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
He went from KY political unknown to MAGA fame. He faces jail if he returns home
Nick Sortor has built a following for pro-Trump posts and on-site disaster coverage. He’s also been absconding on probation in Kentucky.
www.kentucky.com
November 19, 2025 at 6:58 PM
ICYMI: a story that ties together the many arrests of KY's biggest conservative influencer, "Papa" John Schnatter, Infowars, the state of social media, Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, KY probation law & a whole lot more.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Horse trainer Dale Romans posts $750k raised in the early days of his Democratic bid for US Senate, according to his campaign.
November 19, 2025 at 6:48 PM
Horse trainer Dale Romans posts $750k raised in the early days of his Democratic bid for US Senate, according to his campaign.
Reposted by Austin Horn
Great story from @austin-horn.bsky.social about Kentucky's own Nick Sortor
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
He went from KY political unknown to MAGA fame. He faces jail if he returns home
Nick Sortor has built a following for pro-Trump posts and on-site disaster coverage. He’s also been absconding on probation in Kentucky.
www.kentucky.com
November 19, 2025 at 2:28 PM
Great story from @austin-horn.bsky.social about Kentucky's own Nick Sortor
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Austin Horn
From last night in New York:
This Kentucky basketball team has no identity. The Wildcats are no closer to finding it than they were when the season started. And Mark Pope knows that as well as anyone.
This was the scene in MSG after an embarrassing loss: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
This Kentucky basketball team has no identity. The Wildcats are no closer to finding it than they were when the season started. And Mark Pope knows that as well as anyone.
This was the scene in MSG after an embarrassing loss: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
This Kentucky team has no identity. And the Cats are no closer to finding one
After a 17-point loss to Michigan State, Mark Pope made it clear that this UK basketball team has a lot of growing to do.
www.kentucky.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:46 PM
From last night in New York:
This Kentucky basketball team has no identity. The Wildcats are no closer to finding it than they were when the season started. And Mark Pope knows that as well as anyone.
This was the scene in MSG after an embarrassing loss: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
This Kentucky basketball team has no identity. The Wildcats are no closer to finding it than they were when the season started. And Mark Pope knows that as well as anyone.
This was the scene in MSG after an embarrassing loss: www.kentucky.com/sports/colle...
NEW: Kentucky native Nick Sortor, 27, quickly climbed from little-known political operative to major MAGA figure on X.
I went long on his path to the spotlight, what he & others make of it... as well as his arrest history & why he could be jailed if he returns home.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
I went long on his path to the spotlight, what he & others make of it... as well as his arrest history & why he could be jailed if he returns home.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
He went from KY political unknown to MAGA fame. He faces jail if he returns home
Nick Sortor has built a following for pro-Trump posts and on-site disaster coverage. He’s also been absconding on probation in Kentucky.
www.kentucky.com
November 19, 2025 at 12:53 PM
NEW: Kentucky native Nick Sortor, 27, quickly climbed from little-known political operative to major MAGA figure on X.
I went long on his path to the spotlight, what he & others make of it... as well as his arrest history & why he could be jailed if he returns home.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
I went long on his path to the spotlight, what he & others make of it... as well as his arrest history & why he could be jailed if he returns home.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
"Partners in the venture include Peters; Turner; Joe Craft, CEO, Alliance Resource Partners... David Helmers of Railbird Festival; and Emily Cox, creative director of Pinnacle Nashville, Railbird Festival, Orion Amphitheater, Bonnaroo and more."
www.kentucky.com/entertainmen...
www.kentucky.com/entertainmen...
New music, entertainment venue is coming to Lexington development
See details on the space, the partners and what kind of bands will be coming.
www.kentucky.com
November 17, 2025 at 10:33 PM
"Partners in the venture include Peters; Turner; Joe Craft, CEO, Alliance Resource Partners... David Helmers of Railbird Festival; and Emily Cox, creative director of Pinnacle Nashville, Railbird Festival, Orion Amphitheater, Bonnaroo and more."
www.kentucky.com/entertainmen...
www.kentucky.com/entertainmen...
Adrian is incredibly sharp, a great guy & the most knowledgeable Lexingtonian on city gov short of, like, maybe a handful of city officials/employees.
He is gonna kill it at the H-L. Tell him all your secrets, gripes & observations, people & powerbrokers of Lexington.
He is gonna kill it at the H-L. Tell him all your secrets, gripes & observations, people & powerbrokers of Lexington.
I'm happy to share that I've joined @kentucky.com as their new Lexington Government Reporter! It's a big change, but familiar territory - I am way too committed to this beat to go too far.
If you have any news tips, story ideas, or just want to chat, please reach out at abryant@herald-leader.com.
If you have any news tips, story ideas, or just want to chat, please reach out at abryant@herald-leader.com.
November 17, 2025 at 9:42 PM
Adrian is incredibly sharp, a great guy & the most knowledgeable Lexingtonian on city gov short of, like, maybe a handful of city officials/employees.
He is gonna kill it at the H-L. Tell him all your secrets, gripes & observations, people & powerbrokers of Lexington.
He is gonna kill it at the H-L. Tell him all your secrets, gripes & observations, people & powerbrokers of Lexington.
Highly recommend the Lenderman demo/non-album corner of YouTube if you happen to need more of the Indie Man of the Hour youtu.be/_0VQTcmb2A0?...
MJ Lenderman - You Don’t Know The Shape I’m In (Demo)
YouTube video by fantasy trash
youtu.be
November 17, 2025 at 3:15 AM
Highly recommend the Lenderman demo/non-album corner of YouTube if you happen to need more of the Indie Man of the Hour youtu.be/_0VQTcmb2A0?...
President Trump disparaged Rep. Thomas Massie's recent marriage in a social media post, days before expected House vote on Epstein files release.
“Anyway, have a great life Thomas and (?). His wife will soon find out that she’s stuck with a LOSER!”
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
“Anyway, have a great life Thomas and (?). His wife will soon find out that she’s stuck with a LOSER!”
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
With Epstein vote looming, Trump lashes out at Rep. Massie’s new marriage
“Anyway, have a great life Thomas and (?). His wife will soon find out that she’s stuck with a LOSER,” Trump wrote.
www.kentucky.com
November 15, 2025 at 4:09 AM
President Trump disparaged Rep. Thomas Massie's recent marriage in a social media post, days before expected House vote on Epstein files release.
“Anyway, have a great life Thomas and (?). His wife will soon find out that she’s stuck with a LOSER!”
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
“Anyway, have a great life Thomas and (?). His wife will soon find out that she’s stuck with a LOSER!”
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
New: KY House Democrats have selected their #3 leader.
It's Joshua Watkins, a freshman rep from Louisville. He'll round out the new leadership slate alongside Pam Stevenson & Lindsey Burke.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
It's Joshua Watkins, a freshman rep from Louisville. He'll round out the new leadership slate alongside Pam Stevenson & Lindsey Burke.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Kentucky House Democrats tap Louisville legislator as new third-ranking leader
Rep. Joshua Watkins, D-Louisville, was first elected to his district last year. He will be the fourth caucus whip in the last five years.
www.kentucky.com
November 14, 2025 at 6:04 PM
New: KY House Democrats have selected their #3 leader.
It's Joshua Watkins, a freshman rep from Louisville. He'll round out the new leadership slate alongside Pam Stevenson & Lindsey Burke.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
It's Joshua Watkins, a freshman rep from Louisville. He'll round out the new leadership slate alongside Pam Stevenson & Lindsey Burke.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
A shakeup in House Dems leadership, with Rep. Al Gentry stepping down to focus on an adaptive golf role.
Lexington's Lindsey Burke, only on her second term, is now the number 2 House Dem in Frankfort (w/number 1 running for Senate).
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Lexington's Lindsey Burke, only on her second term, is now the number 2 House Dem in Frankfort (w/number 1 running for Senate).
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
KY House Dems leadership change: Gentry out, Lexington lawmaker moves up
Lexington Rep. Lindsey Burke is now the No. 2 ranked Democrat in the Kentucky House, as one of her colleagues departed leadership ranks.
www.kentucky.com
November 13, 2025 at 9:20 PM
A shakeup in House Dems leadership, with Rep. Al Gentry stepping down to focus on an adaptive golf role.
Lexington's Lindsey Burke, only on her second term, is now the number 2 House Dem in Frankfort (w/number 1 running for Senate).
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Lexington's Lindsey Burke, only on her second term, is now the number 2 House Dem in Frankfort (w/number 1 running for Senate).
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Kentucky Hemp/CBD advocates defending products with some amount of THC were dealt "a body blow" with the passage of the government funding bill.
What's next for them? They hope the new ban (takes effect in 1 year) will die another day.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
What's next for them? They hope the new ban (takes effect in 1 year) will die another day.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
With KY delegation split, hemp ban passes. Some hope it can die another day
Language banning many hemp and CBD products was included in deal to end weekslong government shutdown. What’s next?
www.kentucky.com
November 13, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Kentucky Hemp/CBD advocates defending products with some amount of THC were dealt "a body blow" with the passage of the government funding bill.
What's next for them? They hope the new ban (takes effect in 1 year) will die another day.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
What's next for them? They hope the new ban (takes effect in 1 year) will die another day.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...