Aaron, Chris & Kim discuss the breaking political news out of Kentucky (MITCH), then check in with More Perfect Union's award-winning Appalachian correspondent John Russell to hear his take on all this socialism we're hearing about these days. We've got a GREAT #ColonelsOfTruth for you this week!

BITIN' LIST

Aaron: Graham Platner

Kimberly: Medicare Fraudsters

Chris: Also had suggestions

GET INVOLVED!

Join the next POSTCARD PARTY! We'll be at West Sixth Brewing Monday, July 13th at 6pm - show up!!! Deets & RSVP here: https://progressky.org/postcard

NEWS OF THE WEAK (& INFIRM)

AG Coleman investigating a deadly nursing home (trigger warning on this article - HORRIBLE pic)

https://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article316398621.html?giftCode=6583480d52d88da3febb719b99e5aa922d5f3b3d8ce495088b2e26aa8624a4b3

Current Carpetbagger, Former KY State Senator, MAHA Doc Ralph "Eldercare Abuse" Alvarado has something to say about deadly nursing homes https://www.kentucky.com/news/local/watchdog/article217593015.html?giftCode=6235d863891e763ad0ed870b64a121f2aac8711b7e9e5f80b1318d6ca3881cd9

Is Bevin (Ralph Alvarado's former running mate) in jail yet???

No, damnit

THE BIG STORY:

Is Mitch still alive?!?! Who benefits from keeping him alive longer???

https://hellbendernewsroom.com/news/politics/ky-gov-andy-beshear-demands--update-from-mitch-mcconnell/

https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/07/08/mcconnells-hospitalization-continues-as-kentucky-officials-constituents-demand-transparency/

INTERVIEW: More Perfect Union's John Russell

Elliot County story: https://youtu.be/yfxvHqTCy2w?si=dtbOocCUd7M7DwRb

Bernie Goes to WV: https://youtu.be/RP8Oxe6OxJc?si=vcUvUoEsxwOMA02k

What Happened in Springfield? https://youtu.be/MI66d8e74nM?si=zFUNDG8gaQw-G5u5

Episode 266 was produced by Zola!

Theme music from the amazing Nato

https://www.youtube.com/@NateOrshan

#ProgressKentucky - #ColonelsOfTruth

Join us! http://progressky.org/

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Aaron and Dr. Clardy deep-dive into data centers across our commonwealth with two informative guests, Hellbender Newsroom's Olivia Krauth, and Demanding Data Center Accountability's Erin Petrey... after Aaron gets something off his chest.

#ColonelsOfTruth

BITIN' LIST:

Dr. Clardy: Justices Brett Kavanaugh and Samuel Alito

Aaron: David Yates!! Jefferson County Clerk - on behalf of 8 voters

TAKE ACTION: Join our Flip the 6th Campaign!

Tuesday, July 7th, 6-8pm at Kentucky Coffeetree Cafe!

Monday, July 13th, 6-8pm at West Sixth Brewing's Barrel Room! https://progressky.org/postcards

Tuesday, July 21st, 6-8pm at Wise Bird Cider! https://progressky.org/postcards

NEWS OF THE WEAK:

Hunger in Kentucky - new report from Feeding Kentucky shows huge needs to help address hunger across our commonwealth: Kentucky Hunger Study - Feeding KentuckyNew rules mean 40,000 people in KY have lost SNAP benefits | Lexington Herald Leader

https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/06/25/kentucky-iowa-among-nine-states-that-wont-have-to-match-portion-of-federal-snap-benefits/

Is Matt Bevin in jail yet?

Is Senator Mitch McConnell still around?

INTERVIEW 1: Olivia Krauth, Hellbender NewsroomHellbender Newsroom - Hellbender NewsroomINTERVIEW 2: Erin Petrey, Demanding Data Center Accountability

Episode 265 was produced by Parker!

#ProgressKentucky - #ColonelsOfTruth

Join us! http://progressky.org/

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Listen as a podcast right here, or wherever you get your pods: https://tr.ee/PsdiXaFylK

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Theme music by Nato!

Progress Kentucky is an Indivisible group in CKY and a proud member of the Forward Kentucky Network

Aaron and Kimberly connect with Dustin Reinstedler (AFL-CIO), Amy Beasley (President of the Bluegrass Central Labor Council) and check in with the folks who brought you the weekend, the minimum wage, and paid time off.
#ColonelsOfTruth

BITIN' LIST:
Kimberly: Gen X and President Donald J. Trump
Aaron: The Commodity Futures Trading Commission Chairman Michael S. Selig

GET INVOLVED:
We've got 131 days to #FlipThe6th - make plans to join us to write postcards to key voters on Monday, July 13th at West Sixth Brewing in Lexington! 6-8pm!

https://progressky.org/postcard

NEWS OF THE WEAK:
Polymarket/Kalshi legal wrangling update https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/06/24/trump-administration-sues-kentucky-to-block-challenges-to-prediction-market-regulations/

Governor Andy Beshear is fighting against cuts to critical services https://www.kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=GovernorBeshear&prId=2776

Quick updates:
Is Bevin in Jail? Sadly, nohttps://fox56news.com/news/kentucky/former-gov-matt-bevin-required-to-attend-upcoming-court-hearing-in-person/

Is Mitch still with us? Apparently so https://kentuckylantern.com/briefs/mcconnell-to-not-vote-in-senate-this-week-after-hospitalization/

INTERVIEW:
Dustin Reinstedler (Kentucky State AFL-CIO),
Amy Beasley (President of the Bluegrass Central Labor Council)

Bluegrass Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO: Owen, Franklin, Scott, Harrison, Nicholas, Bourbon, Bath, Montgomery, Powell, Clark, Madison, Garrard, Lincoln, Boyle, Mercer, Jessamine, Woodford, and Fayette

#ProgressKentucky - #ColonelsOfTruth

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Episode 264 was produced by Parker

Theme music from the amazing Nato - hear more at http://www.NatoSongs.com

Nate and Aaron touch on Gov. Beshear's Juneteenth actions, how the GOP are using race to divide their voters, and then welcome Alisha D. Chaffin to the show to discuss the crazy twists and turns in her campaign for the most flipable state house seat in the Bluegrass! Join us on this week's #ColonelsOfTruth
JOIN THE FIGHT TO FLIP THE 6TH!
Tuesday, June 23rd at Wise Bird Cider
https://progressky.org/postcard
NEWS OF THE WEAK:
https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/06/17/coalition-sues-over-kentuckys-14-25-prediction-market-tax/
https://www.kentucky.gov/Pages/Activity-stream.aspx?n=GovernorBeshear&prId=2774
https://www.facebook.com/reel/958093793899133
https://www.forwardky.com/the-gop-race-baiters-in-this-years-election/
QUICK HITS:
https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/06/15/email-from-bevins-account-accuses-estranged-son-of-trying-to-shake-parents-down-for-money/
https://kentuckylantern.com/briefs/mcconnell-is-fully-engaged-on-senate-ky-matters-amid-hospitalization-spokesperson-says/
INTERVIEW: Alisha Chaffin, KY HD 88 Candidate
https://www.chaffin4ky.com/
CALL TO ACTION:
Join us at Gatton Park on Saturday - RCO Benjamin Historical Marker: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1413927424097643&set=a.356386063185123
#ProgressKentucky - #ColonelsOfTruth
Join us! http://progressky.org/
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and on YouTube http://bit.ly/progress_ky
Listen as a podcast right here, or wherever you get your pods: https://tr.ee/PsdiXaFylK
Facebook - ⁠⁠@progressky⁠ ⁠
Instagram - ⁠⁠@progress_ky⁠⁠
Bluesky - ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/progressky.org ⁠
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Episode 263 was produced by Nate
Theme music from the amazing Nato - hear more at http://www.NatoSongs.com

Aaron, Chris and Kim cover Lexington's data center deliberations, what's up with medical weed, and WHEN WILL BEVIN GET LOCKED UP, then check in on the civics crisis facing Kentucky with online educator and good troublemaker, Attica Scott. Great week on #ColonelsOfTruth!
BITIN' LIST
Aaron: Jason Nemes
Chris: Demetrius Liggins
Kimberly: Baron Trump
GET INVOLVED:
NO KINGS, NO CAGE MATCHES - Just singing, and a livestream and community at the The Historic Lyric on Sunday evening: https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/965165/
We’ve got 145 Days to FLIP THE 6th!!! Join the campaign to turn out more unlikely voters!!! Wise Bird on the 23rd and W6 on the 6th -
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/870258/
NEWS OF THE WEAK:
https://www.weku.org/the-commonwealth/2026-06-05/kentucky-ohio-valley-coal-plants-receive-more-than-100-million-in-trump-funds
https://www.kentucky.com/news/business/article316064052.html
https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/06/09/gop-leader-says-ky-agencies-that-go-along-with-medical-cannabis-order-should-be-prosecuted/
https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/06/05/judge-orders-jail-time-for-former-gov-matt-bevin-over-failure-to-produce-financial-information/
INTERVIEW: Attica Scott - Ask Attica and Civics in 60!
she's on FB:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@atticascottky
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@atticascottky
IG: https://www.instagram.com/atticascottky/
CALL TO ACTION - Kentucky Conservation Committee & Kentuckians For The Commonwealth are coming together to demand more from our General Assembly on the issue of data centers:
https://secure.ngpvan.com/MtM-HGBKykG8KsVyCaNWIA2
#ProgressKentucky - #ColonelsOfTruth
Join us! http://progressky.org/
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and on YouTube http://bit.ly/progress_ky
Listen as a podcast right here, or wherever you get your pods: https://tr.ee/PsdiXaFylK
Facebook - ⁠⁠@progressky⁠ ⁠
Instagram - ⁠⁠@progress_ky⁠⁠
Bluesky - ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/progressky.org ⁠
https://linktr.ee/progressky
Episode 262 was produced by Aaron & supported by Parker
Theme music from the amazing Nato - hear more at http://www.NatoSongs.com

Aaron welcomes Denise Gray back to Colonels of Truth to spill some Alvarado Tea!
#ColonelsOfTruth #ProgressKentucky
BITIN' LIST:
Aaron: Matt Bevin
Denise: Ralph Alvarado

GET INVOLVED:
In Mad County Saturday: https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/888815/
In Lex on Monday, June 8:
https://www.mobilize.us/mobilize/event/870258/
NEWS OF THE WEAK:
https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/05/29/former-gov-bevin-again-faces-jail-or-fines-for-failure-to-show-up-in-court/
https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/06/01/with-legislature-on-board-at-last-kentuckians-will-vote-on-pardon-limits-amid-elections/
https://kentuckylantern.com/briefs/trump-appoints-former-kentucky-gop-senate-candidate-to-become-ambassador-to-columbia/
CALL TO ACTION:
Support Appalachian Voices campaign to stop the EPA from rolling back coal ash pollution protections: https://actionnetwork.org/forms/dont-let-toxic-coal-ash-pollute-our-communities
#ProgressKentucky - #ColonelsOfTruth
Join us! http://progressky.org/
Support us! https://secure.actblue.com/donate/progressky
Live Wednesdays at 7pm on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/progressky/live/
and on YouTube http://bit.ly/progress_ky
Listen as a podcast right here, or wherever you get your pods: https://tr.ee/PsdiXaFylK
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Instagram - ⁠⁠@progress_ky⁠⁠
Bluesky - ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/progressky.org ⁠
https://linktr.ee/progressky
Episode 261 was produced by Parker (training Zoe)
Theme music from the amazing Nato - hear more at http://www.NatoSongs.com

Aaron, Kim and Chris cover the KY news of the weak, including TWO mostly positive stories about MITCH, then talk with TN State Rep. Aftyn Behn about her fight for democracy across our southern border. #ColonelsOfTruth

BITIN' LIST:
Aaron: Lee Zeldin, US EPA Administrator https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/05/22/kentucky-has-numerous-coal-ash-sites-the-u-s-epa-is-weakening-pollution-protections-for-them/
Kimberly: Ken Paxton https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/26/politics/ken-paxton-controversies-james-talarico-texas-senate
Chris: Union Busters!
https://www.wkyt.com/2026/05/22/third-street-stuff-lays-off-employees-demonstration-be-held-barista-says/
TAKE ACTION:
Help us Grow our Voter Base! In Madison County on Saturday, June 6:
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/888815/
Help us Grow our Voter Base! In Fayette County on Monday, June 8:
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/870258/
NEWS OF THE WEAK!
https://www.kentucky.com/lexgoeat/restaurants/article315893295.html
https://www.wlky.com/article/government-spending-congress-state-projects/71360804
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5890532-senate-republicans-trump-fund-blanche/
INTERVIEW: TN State Rep. Aftyn Behn
https://www.instagram.com/aftynbehn4tn
#ProgressKentucky - #ColonelsOfTruth
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and on YouTube http://bit.ly/progress_ky
Listen as a podcast right here, or wherever you get your pods: https://tr.ee/PsdiXaFylK
Facebook - ⁠⁠@progressky⁠ ⁠
Instagram - ⁠⁠@progress_ky⁠⁠
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Episode 260 was kinda produced by Aaron
Theme music from the amazing Nato - hear more at http://www.NatoSongs.com

Kimberly & Nate dig in on what happened electorally this week, then connect with badass community organizer and new aurhor, Beth Howard, to discuss her work and memoir, "Song for a Hard-Hit People" about growing up and growing into her Appalachian heritage. watch/listen/like/share/download/buildpower
#ColonelsOfTruth
BITIN' LIST:
KCJ - KY Voters!
ND - Boooo Barr
NEWS OF THE WEAK:
https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/05/19/u-s-rep-andy-barr-wins-republican-primary-for-mitch-mcconnells-senate-seat/
https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/05/19/alvarado-dembo-to-square-off-in-congressional-6th-district-race-in-november/
https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/05/19/trump-endorsed-gallrein-wins-heated-northern-kentucky-republican-primary-against-incumbent-massie/
https://www.lpm.org/news/2026-05-19/kentucky-rep-daniel-grossberg-among-three-state-lawmakers-to-lose-primary
GET ACTIVE - LET'S FLIP THE 6TH:
Join us in Madison County! https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/888815/
Join us in Lexington!
https://www.mobilize.us/indivisible/event/870258/
#ProgressKentucky - #ColonelsOfTruth
Join us! http://progressky.org/
Support us! https://secure.actblue.com/donate/progressky
Live Wednesdays at 7pm on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/progressky/live/
and on YouTube http://bit.ly/progress_ky
Listen as a podcast right here, or wherever you get your pods: https://tr.ee/PsdiXaFylK
Facebook - ⁠⁠@progressky⁠ ⁠
Instagram - ⁠⁠@progress_ky⁠⁠
Bluesky - ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/progressky.org ⁠
https://linktr.ee/progressky
Episode 259 was produced by Nate & supported by Parker
Theme music from the amazing Nato - hear more at http://www.NatoSongs.com

Aaron & Dr. Clardy cover Trump's picks for Kentucky, the 6th district decision and more GROSSberg behavior as they break down the GOP's assault on democracy and black political power in our LAST SHOW (before next week's primary), then welcome Sen. Reggie Thomas back on the program.
#ColonelsOfTruth
BITIN’ LIST:
Aaron - MAHA (Elder Abuse?) Dr. Ralph Alvarado
Dr. Clardy - TN Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton
TAKE ACTION:
VOTE - Primaries are on Tuesday (with early voting Thursday, Friday and Saturday!!) deets here: https://vrsws.sos.ky.gov/ovrweb/govoteky/
Catch up on your Senate choices: https://www.progressky.org/senate
And your KY-6 choices: https://www.progressky.org/candidates
Election Night Results Watching (& postcards) Party! 5/19 - 6pm Wise Bird Cider - deets and RSVP: http://progressky.org/monday
NEWS OF THE WEAK:
https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/05/13/trump-allies-back-barr-as-cameron-makes-a-play-for-liberty-gop-in-kentucky-senate-primary/
https://www.wkyt.com/2026/05/13/6th-congressional-district-candidate-drops-out-endorses-alvarado/
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/contributors/2026/05/13/kentucky-trump-primary-election-thomas-massie-ed-gallrein-republicans-democrats/90034697007/
https://www.politico.com/news/2026/04/28/trump-and-kentucky-republicans-are-uniting-against-massie-he-could-still-win-00894312
https://www.wuky.org/wuky-news/2026-05-13/the-last-democrat-to-win-the-sixth-district-favors-zach-dembo-heres-a-snapshot-of-the-endorsement-leaderboard
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10236162832465873&set=a.4112800973189
https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/05/12/embattled-louisville-democrat-faces-new-calls-to-resign-amid-primary-challenges/
https://www.kentucky.com/news/politics-government/article315728887.html
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122167182272650199&set=a.122109659294650199
INTERVIEW: Sen. Reggie Thomas
#ProgressKentucky - #ColonelsOfTruth
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https://linktr.ee/progressky
Episode 258 was produced by Parker Williams - great job, Parker!!!
Theme music from the amazing Nato - hear more at http://www.NatoSongs.com

Aaron, Kimberly and Nate finish our Kentucky Senate Superfecta and interview Dale Romans about his dark horse race for the Senate and who he's betting on in this weekend's Run for the Roses! (oh, and we cover a few stories, share our bitin' lists, and give you some fantastic opportunities for action!) Join us on this week's #ColonelsOfTruth
BITIN' LISTS:
Aaron - Samuel Alito
https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/04/29/repub/us-supreme-court-limits-use-of-race-in-congressional-district-remaps-diluting-voting-rights-act/
Kimberly - Erika Kirk
https://www.tmz.com/2026/04/29/erika-kirk-calls-out-druski-doing-whiteface-impersonation-of-her/
NATO - The other 5 SCOTUS jerks
GET INVOLVED!
Come out to FLIP THE 6TH with Progress Kentucky & Peaceful Bluegrass Resistance! PLUS Willie Edward Taylor Carver on reaching rural voters and lessons from his powerful book, "Tore All to Pieces" Monday, May 4th - Deets and RSVP here: http://progressky.org/monday
Donate to the campaign here: http://www.progressky.org/donate-flip-6th
MAY DAY STRONG! This Friday! Join us in Lexington: https://www.mobilize.us/aft/event/944342/?f
Or Louisville: https://www.mobilize.us/mayday/event/934217/
Or one of the other thousand events: https://maydaystrong.org/
NEWS OF THE WEAK:
Louisville's Most Wanted (House Seat)
https://www.courier-journal.com/story/News/politics/elections/2026/04/27/kentucky-house-district-44-candidates-primary-election-2026/88958530007/
Governor Andy Beshear signs Ethan's BILL FOR RESCUE PETS!
https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/04/29/a-victory-for-the-voiceless-as-beshears-pen-makes-shelter-dogs-cats-official-ky-pets/
INTERVIEW: Dale Romans, Horse Trainer, Senate Candidate
https://daleromans.com/
#ProgressKentucky - #ColonelsOfTruth
Join us! http://progressky.org/
Support us! https://secure.actblue.com/donate/progressky
Live Wednesdays at 7pm on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/progressky/live/
and on YouTube http://bit.ly/progress_ky
Listen as a podcast right here, or wherever you get your pods: https://tr.ee/PsdiXaFylK
Facebook - ⁠⁠@progressky⁠ ⁠
Instagram - ⁠⁠@progress_ky⁠⁠
Bluesky - https://bsky.app/profile/progressky.org
https://linktr.ee/progressky
Episode 257 was produced by Nate
Theme music from the amazing Nato - hear more at http://www.NatoSongs.com