By Linda Blackford | Editor
Well, Mitch McConnell, who has been hospitalized for more than a month, released another proof of life photo on Monday, but because it looks so much like the first one, it hasn’t really quieted down the seething and extremely online conspiracy theorists out there. Nevertheless, he released a statement that said while improving, he’s not well enough to go to Fancy Farm. Frankly, I believe him when he says the political picnic is one of his favorite events, and you really do have to be at full strength to eat mutton in any form.
Still, Fancy Farm will have plenty of silly speeches and fun story lines. We found out today one person who’s NOT running for governor; now we’ll have to wait and see if Secretary of State Michael Adams announces he’s in. Although he’ll have to scream it over the hecklers. Reporter McKenna Horsley will be bringing you all the details from the Purchase.
We also have some news on the health front: a very interesting new study out of the University of Kentucky, and some commentary about some issues at the Kentucky Nurses Association.
Hope your week got off to a good start, and Happy Tuesday of Fancy Farm week!
U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell, left, with his wife, former Secretary of Labor and Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, on Sunday. (Provided by McConnell’s office)
By McKenna Horsley
Amid his prolonged absence from the U.S. Senate after he was hospitalized last month, Kentucky Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell said he will not attend the Fancy Farm Picnic this weekend.
Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, looks over the Senate chamber. March 18, 2026. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer)
By McKenna Horsley
Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers said he will not launch a 2027 bid for governor.
In a Monday morning statement, the Manchester Republican said he was “deeply grateful for the encouragement and confidence so many Kentuckians have shown by asking me to consider running for governor in 2027.”
Alzheimer’s disease. Illustration of amyloid plaques amongst neurons and neurofibrillary tangles inside neurons. Amyloid plaques are characteristic features of Alzheimer’s disease. They lead to degeneration of the affected neurons, which are destroyed through the activity of microglia cells. (Getty Images)
By Sarah Ladd
University of Kentucky scientists have discovered the cause of sleep loss in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and how to help restore hours of rest.
The Kentucky Nurses Association needs to answer members questions, two advocates say. (Getty Images)
COMMENTARY
By Janie Heath and Dolores White
Six months after the departure of Delanor Manson — a nationally acclaimed nurse executive who served as the organization’s CEO — the Kentucky Nurses Association (KNA) Board of Directors have failed to provide a transparent, public accounting of the departure decision. This prolonged silence fuels uncertainty and erodes confidence in leadership.
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