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
Between 200 and 250 students at Lexington’s Paul Laurence Dunbar High School participated in a walkout Tuesday to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a Fayette County Public Schools official confirmed.
Hundreds of Lexington students walk out of class to protest ICE in a ‘peaceful effort’
A school official said staff supported the effort and worked to ensure safety.
www.kentucky.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:59 AM
Between 200 and 250 students at Lexington’s Paul Laurence Dunbar High School participated in a walkout Tuesday to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a Fayette County Public Schools official confirmed.
"It had been exceedingly rare for grand jurors to rebuff requests by prosecutors seeking indictments, although it has happened with increased frequency to the Justice Department under Mr. Trump, as his appointees push ahead with questionable cases."
Something, something, ham sandwiches.
Something, something, ham sandwiches.
Grand Jury Rebuffs Justice Dept. Attempt to Indict 6 Democrats in Congress
www.nytimes.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:38 AM
"It had been exceedingly rare for grand jurors to rebuff requests by prosecutors seeking indictments, although it has happened with increased frequency to the Justice Department under Mr. Trump, as his appointees push ahead with questionable cases."
Something, something, ham sandwiches.
Something, something, ham sandwiches.
A Kentucky couple was arrested Monday after reporting a miscarriage at a hospital more than a year ago.
State police did not identify the gestational age of the remains or identify the cause or manner of death.
State police did not identify the gestational age of the remains or identify the cause or manner of death.
KY couple arrested, charged with reckless homicide after reporting miscarriage
State police said they found an infant unresponsive and over an embankment when they arrived at the couple’s home.
www.kentucky.com
February 11, 2026 at 1:27 AM
A Kentucky couple was arrested Monday after reporting a miscarriage at a hospital more than a year ago.
State police did not identify the gestational age of the remains or identify the cause or manner of death.
State police did not identify the gestational age of the remains or identify the cause or manner of death.
The Daily Show host Jon Stewart asked if the governors had a pick for who would be the best president.
“We’ll put it a different way: Who’s the worst one? Who’s the one where you guys are at the governor’s conference and the elevator opens, and he’s about to walk in, and you just go, ‘f--k.’”
“We’ll put it a different way: Who’s the worst one? Who’s the one where you guys are at the governor’s conference and the elevator opens, and he’s about to walk in, and you just go, ‘f--k.’”
Andy Beshear joins The View, The Daily Show, weighs in on ICE & elections
The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart got Beshear to share which of his fellow governors he’d least want to share an elevator with.
www.kentucky.com
February 10, 2026 at 7:35 PM
The Daily Show host Jon Stewart asked if the governors had a pick for who would be the best president.
“We’ll put it a different way: Who’s the worst one? Who’s the one where you guys are at the governor’s conference and the elevator opens, and he’s about to walk in, and you just go, ‘f--k.’”
“We’ll put it a different way: Who’s the worst one? Who’s the one where you guys are at the governor’s conference and the elevator opens, and he’s about to walk in, and you just go, ‘f--k.’”
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
House Oversight hearing on ICE opens with the rules:
"It is also a clear violation of the rules of the House to make statements that might personally be offensive to the President or the Vice President of the United States."
"It is also a clear violation of the rules of the House to make statements that might personally be offensive to the President or the Vice President of the United States."
February 10, 2026 at 3:15 PM
House Oversight hearing on ICE opens with the rules:
"It is also a clear violation of the rules of the House to make statements that might personally be offensive to the President or the Vice President of the United States."
"It is also a clear violation of the rules of the House to make statements that might personally be offensive to the President or the Vice President of the United States."
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
Kentucky is in the Epstein Files.
We found that:
- Epstein's pilot was an EKU grad
- A man with the same name as a popular crypto/wealth influencer gave Epstein associates a "database of 18-24 y/o friends"
- Epstein didn't like McConnell
- much more
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
We found that:
- Epstein's pilot was an EKU grad
- A man with the same name as a popular crypto/wealth influencer gave Epstein associates a "database of 18-24 y/o friends"
- Epstein didn't like McConnell
- much more
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
DOJ files show Epstein was invited to McConnell fundraiser, hired EKU grad as pilot
Files show Epstein had been invited to donate to Sen. Mitch McConnell and had a pilot who graduated from EKU.
www.kentucky.com
February 10, 2026 at 3:43 PM
Kentucky is in the Epstein Files.
We found that:
- Epstein's pilot was an EKU grad
- A man with the same name as a popular crypto/wealth influencer gave Epstein associates a "database of 18-24 y/o friends"
- Epstein didn't like McConnell
- much more
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
We found that:
- Epstein's pilot was an EKU grad
- A man with the same name as a popular crypto/wealth influencer gave Epstein associates a "database of 18-24 y/o friends"
- Epstein didn't like McConnell
- much more
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
If you don't get the Bluegrass Politics newsletter, I regret to inform you that you missed this gem today.
Don't make that mistake again: www.kentucky.com/newsletters?...
Don't make that mistake again: www.kentucky.com/newsletters?...
February 9, 2026 at 11:10 PM
If you don't get the Bluegrass Politics newsletter, I regret to inform you that you missed this gem today.
Don't make that mistake again: www.kentucky.com/newsletters?...
Don't make that mistake again: www.kentucky.com/newsletters?...
If you want to see how many bird jokes one woman can fit in a political newsletter, sign up before the next Bluegrass Politics goes out Monday morning.
You're welcome, and I'm sorry in advance.
You're welcome, and I'm sorry in advance.
Newsletter Preference Center | Lexington Herald-Leader
Sign up to receive headlines and Edition alerts straight in your inbox or manage current newsletter settings and options.
www.kentucky.com
February 7, 2026 at 12:59 AM
If you want to see how many bird jokes one woman can fit in a political newsletter, sign up before the next Bluegrass Politics goes out Monday morning.
You're welcome, and I'm sorry in advance.
You're welcome, and I'm sorry in advance.
A tale of two reactions to an AI-generated clip of the Obamas as apes, as told by the KY GOP.
RPK before: The post is vile and reprehensible, and is directly adverse to all that we stand for as a party and a nation.
RPK now: It doesn’t seem like it was the President’s intention to post that video.
RPK before: The post is vile and reprehensible, and is directly adverse to all that we stand for as a party and a nation.
RPK now: It doesn’t seem like it was the President’s intention to post that video.
3 months ago, KY GOP rejected a racist meme. When Trump does it, silence | Opinion
Linda Blackford: Donald Trump, who appears to be Making American Racist Again, gets away with what landed a Kentucky GOP chair under investigation.
www.kentucky.com
February 6, 2026 at 6:05 PM
A tale of two reactions to an AI-generated clip of the Obamas as apes, as told by the KY GOP.
RPK before: The post is vile and reprehensible, and is directly adverse to all that we stand for as a party and a nation.
RPK now: It doesn’t seem like it was the President’s intention to post that video.
RPK before: The post is vile and reprehensible, and is directly adverse to all that we stand for as a party and a nation.
RPK now: It doesn’t seem like it was the President’s intention to post that video.
Linda Blackford (@lblackford.bsky.social) column:
"It’s curious, in fact, that the viral video is timestamped on Sept. 5, 2025, but it didn’t get released until the day before Capilouto was scheduled to appear in front of legislators.
"Total coincidence, I’m sure."
"It’s curious, in fact, that the viral video is timestamped on Sept. 5, 2025, but it didn’t get released until the day before Capilouto was scheduled to appear in front of legislators.
"Total coincidence, I’m sure."
February 6, 2026 at 3:27 PM
Linda Blackford (@lblackford.bsky.social) column:
"It’s curious, in fact, that the viral video is timestamped on Sept. 5, 2025, but it didn’t get released until the day before Capilouto was scheduled to appear in front of legislators.
"Total coincidence, I’m sure."
"It’s curious, in fact, that the viral video is timestamped on Sept. 5, 2025, but it didn’t get released until the day before Capilouto was scheduled to appear in front of legislators.
"Total coincidence, I’m sure."
Et tu, Brute?
Paging Donald Trump:
Rep. Andy Barr endorsed Trump-backed Ed Gallrein over NKY Rep. Thomas Massie today. 30 minutes later, Nate Morris followed suit.
"I think it has more to do with Trump (than the electorate)."
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Rep. Andy Barr endorsed Trump-backed Ed Gallrein over NKY Rep. Thomas Massie today. 30 minutes later, Nate Morris followed suit.
"I think it has more to do with Trump (than the electorate)."
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Barr spurns fellow KY GOP congressman Massie to endorse Trump-backed challenger
“I think it has more to do with Trump (than the electorate),” said one Kentucky Republican consultant.
www.kentucky.com
February 5, 2026 at 8:13 PM
Et tu, Brute?
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
A Republican state lawmaker filed a bill that would make it illegal to disrupt a religious service.
After MN church protest, KY lawmaker wants to criminalize disrupting services
A Republican state lawmaker filed a bill that would make it illegal to disrupt a religious service.
bit.ly
February 5, 2026 at 4:20 PM
A Republican state lawmaker filed a bill that would make it illegal to disrupt a religious service.
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
New KY Senate GOP poll from Emerson/Fox56:
Barr - 24
Cameron - 21
Morris - 14
undecideds - 38
Details & background here.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Barr - 24
Cameron - 21
Morris - 14
undecideds - 38
Details & background here.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
KY Senate poll: Andy Barr edges ahead of Daniel Cameron, Booker leads Dems
The first independent poll of the year shows Republican US Senate candidates Rep. Andy Barr and Daniel Cameron very close in front.
www.kentucky.com
February 5, 2026 at 1:07 PM
New KY Senate GOP poll from Emerson/Fox56:
Barr - 24
Cameron - 21
Morris - 14
undecideds - 38
Details & background here.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Barr - 24
Cameron - 21
Morris - 14
undecideds - 38
Details & background here.
www.kentucky.com/news/politic...
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
Here's who the Washington Post just laid off.
February 4, 2026 at 9:10 PM
Here's who the Washington Post just laid off.
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
If you are able, The Post's union has started a layoff fund for those fired by the world's fourth-richest man today. gofund.me/a310d0286
Donate to Washington Post 2026 layoff fund, organized by Rachel Siegel
On Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2026, The Washington Post laid off hundreds of journalists. We ar… Rachel Siegel needs your support for Washington Post 2026 layoff fund
gofund.me
February 4, 2026 at 4:35 PM
If you are able, The Post's union has started a layoff fund for those fired by the world's fourth-richest man today. gofund.me/a310d0286
Man... I just found out one of my good friends since college was let go from the WaPo today — along with the rest of the staff photojournalists.
Just absolutely sick over what's happened to what was once one of America's best newspapers.
Just absolutely sick over what's happened to what was once one of America's best newspapers.
February 4, 2026 at 5:02 PM
Man... I just found out one of my good friends since college was let go from the WaPo today — along with the rest of the staff photojournalists.
Just absolutely sick over what's happened to what was once one of America's best newspapers.
Just absolutely sick over what's happened to what was once one of America's best newspapers.
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
Anyway, congrats to Will Lewis bumping the UK tabloid scandal to the second sentence of his obit.
February 4, 2026 at 2:48 PM
Anyway, congrats to Will Lewis bumping the UK tabloid scandal to the second sentence of his obit.
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
LPD says 3 officers attempted to pull over a man, spotted by Flock cameras, wanted for violent felony charges. The officers shot the man, who now has life-threatening injuries.
They did *not* say the man shot first, or even shot at all. All they said was "a gun was located near the suspect."
They did *not* say the man shot first, or even shot at all. All they said was "a gun was located near the suspect."
Here’s what we know so far.
ATF, police at the scene of a Lexington investigation on Alumni Drive
Here’s what we know so far.
bit.ly
February 4, 2026 at 1:26 AM
LPD says 3 officers attempted to pull over a man, spotted by Flock cameras, wanted for violent felony charges. The officers shot the man, who now has life-threatening injuries.
They did *not* say the man shot first, or even shot at all. All they said was "a gun was located near the suspect."
They did *not* say the man shot first, or even shot at all. All they said was "a gun was located near the suspect."
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
A brief, recent history of the Washington Post:
1- Trump wins in 2024.
2- Bezos and minions make series of Trump-friendly changes to paper.
3-Readership tanks.
4- Bezos and minions fire tons of employees while telling them the audience just doesn't like what they're doing.
1- Trump wins in 2024.
2- Bezos and minions make series of Trump-friendly changes to paper.
3-Readership tanks.
4- Bezos and minions fire tons of employees while telling them the audience just doesn't like what they're doing.
Suspect Guilty GIF
Alt: Suspect Guilty GIF w hot dog suit trying to find the guy
media.tenor.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:50 PM
A brief, recent history of the Washington Post:
1- Trump wins in 2024.
2- Bezos and minions make series of Trump-friendly changes to paper.
3-Readership tanks.
4- Bezos and minions fire tons of employees while telling them the audience just doesn't like what they're doing.
1- Trump wins in 2024.
2- Bezos and minions make series of Trump-friendly changes to paper.
3-Readership tanks.
4- Bezos and minions fire tons of employees while telling them the audience just doesn't like what they're doing.
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
In case you're wondering what having Lockdown Mode enabled is like, @lhn.bsky.social has you covered www.wired.com/story/apple-...
February 4, 2026 at 3:06 PM
In case you're wondering what having Lockdown Mode enabled is like, @lhn.bsky.social has you covered www.wired.com/story/apple-...
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
always bears repeating that this is NOT a financial decision. jeff bezos is worth over 250 billion dollars. he can afford to lose many millions and never even notice it. this is, at its core, a political and personal decision by bezos to destroy the post
WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington Post says one-third of its staff across all departments, not just the newsroom, is being laid off.
February 4, 2026 at 3:04 PM
always bears repeating that this is NOT a financial decision. jeff bezos is worth over 250 billion dollars. he can afford to lose many millions and never even notice it. this is, at its core, a political and personal decision by bezos to destroy the post
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
A staggering statement from former Washington Post editor Marty Baron: "This ranks among the darkest days in the history of one of the world's greatest news organizations."
February 4, 2026 at 2:34 PM
A staggering statement from former Washington Post editor Marty Baron: "This ranks among the darkest days in the history of one of the world's greatest news organizations."
Sen. Mitch McConnell, who turns 84 this month, has been hospitalized with “flu-like symptoms,” according to a spokesperson from the senator’s office.
After McConnell hospitalized with ‘flu-like symptoms,’ prognosis is ‘positive’
“His prognosis is positive and he is grateful for the excellent care he is receiving,” a McConnell spokesperson said.
www.kentucky.com
February 4, 2026 at 2:01 AM
Sen. Mitch McConnell, who turns 84 this month, has been hospitalized with “flu-like symptoms,” according to a spokesperson from the senator’s office.