Joe Sonka
The Courier-Journal
Louisville, KY, United States
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Past articles by Joe:
Kentucky Senate committee advances bill to legalize medical marijuana, as clock ticks
This marks the first time a bill to legalize medical marijuana has cleared a Senate committee, but SB 47 must now pass out of the chamber by Thursday. → Read More
What to know about the 7 Department of Justice findings in Louisville police investigation
The DOJ report found Louisville and LMPD "engage in a pattern or practice of conduct that deprives people of their rights under the Constitution." → Read More
The first GOP governor's debate in Kentucky is Tuesday. Here's how to watch
Four GOP candidates for governor accepted the invitation of the Jefferson County Republican Party to participate, while Kelly Craft declined to join. → Read More
Kentucky gas tax rises as legislature fails to extend Beshear's freeze
Gov. Beshear urged legislative leaders in two recent letters to extend his freeze on the gas tax rate from the previous order, which expired March 1. → Read More
Bill to ban 'gray machines' in Kentucky stalls, tabled in House vote splitting GOP
In a rare and stunning vote, a motion by a GOP opponent to table the bill banning the games was passed by a narrow vote that split the GOP caucus. → Read More
Bill to ban 'gray machines' in Kentucky clears House committee
Opponents of the legislation say a ban on what they call "skill games" would hurt small businesses that rely on the income they've provided. → Read More
Sports betting, gray games and bourbon: Here are the key tax bills filed late in Frankfort
Dueling legislation from opponents and supporters of gray games was filed, as well as a bill to legalize, regulate and tax sports betting in Kentucky. → Read More
Senate advances bill to shield nonprofit donors, over Kentucky Press Association concerns
Intended to shield donors of nonprofits from being disclosed, the Kentucky Press Association says SB 62 could jeopardize First Amendment rights. → Read More
Cassie Chambers Armstrong wins special election for Kentucky Senate
Armstrong, a Democrat, defeated Republican candidate Misty Glin and will take over the state Senate seat vacated by Congressman Morgan McGarvey. → Read More
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear signs tax cut bill into law
Beshear said he had concerns about the "long-term repercussions" of the tax cut on the budget, but said it was needed to give inflation relief. → Read More
Juvenile justice bill to reopen Louisville detention center clears House committee
House Bill 3 would fund a new state detention facility in Louisville and implement stricter rules for kids charged with violent crimes. → Read More
Despite resignation, Kentucky House votes to impeach state prosecutor Ronnie Goldy
The impeachment comes despite the Goldy's apparent attempt to avoid that fate by announcing his pending resignation the previous day. → Read More
House committee advances articles of impeachment against Kentucky prosecutor Ronnie Goldy
Goldy has been embroiled in scandal since July, when The Courier Journal first reported his messages promising a defendant favors for nude images. → Read More
LIST: Here's the latest on key bills from the 2023 Kentucky legislature
Lawmakers filed hundreds of bills each session. Here are the ones you should keep an eye on. → Read More
Accused in nude photos scandal, Kentucky prosecutor Ronnie Goldy will fight impeachment
Ronnie Goldy Jr. attempted "to somehow explain his conduct," according to a commonwealth's attorney who testified before an impeachment committee → Read More
Kentucky is moving to lower its income tax rate. What is the rate in other states?
Kentucky's individual income tax rate fell from 5% to 4.5% this year and could decrease again to 4% in 2024 under the GOP's top-priority bill. → Read More
Matt Bevin pulls prank, doesn't file for governor after rambling talk at Kentucky Capitol
Bevin, who lost to Andy Beshear when he sought a second term as governor of Kentucky, said his old opponent is "not the boogeyman." → Read More
GOP's top priority, a bill to cut income tax rate to 4%, passes through Kentucky House
Gov. Andy Beshear said he was keeping an open mind about HB 1, which would lower the state's individual income tax rate to 4% beginning in 2024. → Read More
'Every day, we are winning': Beshear touts success despite crises in State of Commonwealth
In his potentially final State of the Commonwealth address, Andy Beshear said Kentucky's economy has bounced back from the pandemic despite crises → Read More
Marijuana and lower taxes: Kentucky legislature kicks off 2023 session
Perennial topics – like marijuana – and GOP priorities – like reducing the income tax – are expected to dominate Kentucky’s 2023 legislative session → Read More