
By Linda Blackford| Editor
Happy Friday and happy start to Labor Day weekend, the last relaxation before fall really gets underway. Today we have one of those issues that unites people at either end of the political spectrum: Flock cameras. Yes, they may help solve crime, but they bring up pesky surveillance state problems, not to mention those law enforcement folks who use them for a spot of stalking. It sounds like Kentucky’s laws may get tougher.
Speaking of government issues, we have a hotly contested election to report on: the “I Voted” sticker competition, which came to a close on Thursday. While my personal favorite lost, I can hardly argue with the winner.
Also, the Grim Reaper has done enough work the past two weeks among beloved public figures. First Dolly Parton, Tim Curry, Wendell Berry, the great jazz singer Cassandra Wilson and now Gloria Steinem, who changed the world we live in. You can read this obituary from Jennifer Gerson at the 19th.
And Teri Carter is back with some thoughts about why we’re courting data centers when people can’t afford a tank of gas.
Have a great weekend!

Kevin Kane, the director of governmental affairs for Flock Safety, speaks at a microphone during a Judiciary Committee meeting on Sept. 3, 2026. (Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley)
By McKenna Horsley
FRANKFORT — Kentucky lawmakers may consider legislation to require law enforcement officers to get a warrant before searching Flock cameras in the future.

A poster at the Kentucky State Fair shows the eight designs on the ballot in the 2026 “I Voted” sticker contest. The winning design, middle left, was by Bush Elementary student Ryker Asher.(Kentucky Lantern photo by McKenna Horsley)
By Sarah Ladd
Kentucky voters have spoken in one of the most anticipated elections of 2026, choosing a design from Bush Elementary school as the next “I Voted” sticker design.

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 15: Gloria Steinem attends Equality Now 30th Anniversary Gala at Guastavino’s on November 15, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)
By Jennifer Gerson, The 19th
Gloria Steinem, one of the leaders of second-wave feminism and a feminist thought leader for generations, has died at the age of 92.

Tesla owner Elon Musk, right, was hardly alone in the tech sector in supporting the reelection efforts by Donald Trump, left. Many Silicon Valley investors and innovators were hoping for a lighter regulatory hand than they have seen under President Joe Biden. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
COMMENTARY
By Teri Carter
One of my most vivid memories of moving to Silicon Valley in 2007 is walking my dogs through town one Saturday morning and stopping to watch a young couple, early 30s maybe, take delivery of a brand new Lamborghini.
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