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
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.
Me watching the Louisville coffee shop drama today
a woman in a pink sweatshirt is laying on a couch looking at her phone .
ALT: a woman in a pink sweatshirt is laying on a couch looking at her phone .
media.tenor.com
February 3, 2026 at 10:48 PM
Me watching the Louisville coffee shop drama today
I'm amused by Mitch McConnell's press team is sending news releases written like Ke$ha circa 2010.
February 3, 2026 at 9:10 PM
I'm amused by Mitch McConnell's press team is sending news releases written like Ke$ha circa 2010.
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
Several viral posts were made online accusing Mayor Gorton of getting preferential treatment in the city's snow response.
When reporter Aaron Mudd gave the city the chance to respond to - again, the very viral - accusations, he was told it was "low, gutter-level journalism.”
When reporter Aaron Mudd gave the city the chance to respond to - again, the very viral - accusations, he was told it was "low, gutter-level journalism.”
Lexington Reddit questions why mayor’s street was plowed. City says it’s not favoritism
The scrutiny comes as many Lexington neighborhood streets remain covered in snow and ice in the wake of Winter Storm Fern.
Read more in the full story: bit.ly/4c7464Y
The scrutiny comes as many Lexington neighborhood streets remain covered in snow and ice in the wake of Winter Storm Fern.
Read more in the full story: bit.ly/4c7464Y
February 3, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Several viral posts were made online accusing Mayor Gorton of getting preferential treatment in the city's snow response.
When reporter Aaron Mudd gave the city the chance to respond to - again, the very viral - accusations, he was told it was "low, gutter-level journalism.”
When reporter Aaron Mudd gave the city the chance to respond to - again, the very viral - accusations, he was told it was "low, gutter-level journalism.”
Roads in much of Lexington are still icy.
Yet, Mayor Gorton's street is cleared.
Her spokesperson doesn't like that we asked about it!
“I think this is the worst kind of journalism. You all are responding to rumors that are on social media, and I think this is low, gutter-level journalism.”
Yet, Mayor Gorton's street is cleared.
Her spokesperson doesn't like that we asked about it!
“I think this is the worst kind of journalism. You all are responding to rumors that are on social media, and I think this is low, gutter-level journalism.”
Lexington Reddit questions why mayor’s street was plowed. City says it’s not favoritism
The scrutiny comes as many Lexington neighborhood streets remain covered in snow and ice in the wake of Winter Storm Fern.
www.kentucky.com
February 3, 2026 at 3:59 PM
Roads in much of Lexington are still icy.
Yet, Mayor Gorton's street is cleared.
Her spokesperson doesn't like that we asked about it!
“I think this is the worst kind of journalism. You all are responding to rumors that are on social media, and I think this is low, gutter-level journalism.”
Yet, Mayor Gorton's street is cleared.
Her spokesperson doesn't like that we asked about it!
“I think this is the worst kind of journalism. You all are responding to rumors that are on social media, and I think this is low, gutter-level journalism.”
Linda Blackford: A finding of probable cause, followed by a settlement with two fines and a reprimand is not “fully cleared,” and the fact that Grossberg showed no remorse or apparently any understanding of what just happened shows why he should not be in office.
@lblackford.bsky.social
@lblackford.bsky.social
After slap on the wrist settlement, Rep. Grossberg should resign | Opinion
Linda Blackford: Grossberg should resign and the General Assembly should make sexual harassment an actual violation of ethics code.
www.kentucky.com
February 3, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Linda Blackford: A finding of probable cause, followed by a settlement with two fines and a reprimand is not “fully cleared,” and the fact that Grossberg showed no remorse or apparently any understanding of what just happened shows why he should not be in office.
@lblackford.bsky.social
@lblackford.bsky.social
Kentucky Democrats are not welcoming Rep. Daniel Grossberg back into the fold — and still say he should resign from office immediately.
KY Democrats renew calls for Rep. Grossberg resignation after ethics settlement
“Representative Grossberg is unfit to serve and he should resign immediately,” Kentucky Democratic Party Chair Colmon Elridge wrote.
www.kentucky.com
February 2, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Kentucky Democrats are not welcoming Rep. Daniel Grossberg back into the fold — and still say he should resign from office immediately.
Rep. Daniel Grossberg says he's "been fully cleared of these frivolous allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct."
That's not what happened today.
The ethics commission is limited in investigating sexual harassment; it's not explicitly considered misconduct in the code.
That's not what happened today.
The ethics commission is limited in investigating sexual harassment; it's not explicitly considered misconduct in the code.
With Grossberg case in mind, lawmaker seeks to add sex harassment to ethics code
“The fact that (sexual harassment) is not something that the ethics commission has jurisdiction over is just wrong,” the sponsor said.
www.kentucky.com
February 2, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Rep. Daniel Grossberg says he's "been fully cleared of these frivolous allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct."
That's not what happened today.
The ethics commission is limited in investigating sexual harassment; it's not explicitly considered misconduct in the code.
That's not what happened today.
The ethics commission is limited in investigating sexual harassment; it's not explicitly considered misconduct in the code.
Reposted by Tessa Duvall
Troublemaker is my middle name.
February 1, 2026 at 8:34 PM
Troublemaker is my middle name.