By Liam Niemeyer | Reporter
A lot happened in the Kentucky Lantern newsroom this past week. We created a map tracking where large data center developers are looking to build in the state, reported on speculation swirling around U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell’s health status and detailed allegations of an “asphalt monopoly” in Fayette County.
More below, and thanks again for reading the Kentucky Lantern.
London Mayor Randall Weddle exits the courtroom at the Laurel County Judicial Center in London, Kentucky on April 15, 2026. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Morgan Hornsby)
By McKenna Horsley
In case you missed it last Friday, the Lantern’s McKenna Horsley reported that embattled London Mayor Randall Weddle is resigning from office. An appeals court reaffirmed the London City Council’s 2025 decision to remove him from his post.
The Kentucky State Capitol on April 14, 2026. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd)
By Sarah Ladd
Take another look at reporting about why a Kentucky bill to enact social media protections for kids failed to become law this year: “I think it’s unfortunate that a company like Meta wants to protect their bottom dollar so much that they’re willing to do it on the backs of kids,” said one GOP state lawmaker.
NEWS OF THE WEEK
States will shape America’s future as nation confronts a pivotal choice | Jonathan Shorman and Kevin Hardy
COMMENTARY OF THE WEEK
When politics becomes identity, Americans have a problem | John Yarmuth
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
The Kentucky State Fair is coming up next month, but not without controversy. The Lantern’s McKenna Horsley — who took this photo of the state fair last year — reported last week that Republican state lawmakers are deferring review of a contract with a president and CEO of the Kentucky State Fair after an interim was installed by Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear’s latest appointees to the fair board.
People wait in line for rides at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville in August 2025. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley)
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