Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting (https://kycir.org/author/jbennett/)
Jared Bennett is an investigative reporter for the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting. Before KyCIR, he was a reporter the Center for Public Integrity and a digital producer for WBUR in Boston.
His survey found “verbal” contracts, expired contracts or contracts signed without a formal bid process. The terms often included “technology grants” that were left open to interpretation, a one-time “signing bonus,” lines of credit for capital improvements and other incentive payments.
The Department of Corrections made at least $3.2 million last year off incarcerated people’s phone calls.
The report looked at the David McAtee shooting and the deployment as a whole. It made 66 recommendations — and released only 3.
The Kentucky National Guard promised to examine its protest response and draft recommendations for the future.
Although the state has oversight of local jails, state officials have been reluctant to wield it during the pandemic.
Incarceration today means frequent lockdowns and isolation, costly fees to stay in touch and fewer people in programs that would reduce time behind bars.
McNamara took over the unemployment office when it had been depleted and left unprepared for the crush of claims to come.
The state auditor said his findings “should be deeply concerning to taxpayers and those who have filed for UI benefits.”
The most recent federal coronavirus relief package finally grants states that option, but it will have no effect in Kentucky. That’s because debt forgiveness still isn’t allowed under state law.
People in rural areas are typically sicker, older and have less access to regular healthcare than other communities.