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Jack Brammer

Jack Brammer is a part-time state reporter covering the Northern Kentucky Tribune state legislative caucus and state politics. Prior to joining the NKyTribune, he was the Frankfort Bureau Chief for the Lexington Herald-Leader, a role he retired from in December 2021 after covering nine Kentucky governors and 58 sessions of the Kentucky General Assembly.

Martha Layne Collins, Kentucky’s only woman governor, dies at 88  

Collins served as governor from 1983 to 1987, when Kentucky governors were limited to one term.  She was only the third woman in U.S. history to be elected governor of a state in her own right.
By Jack Brammer
Then-Lt. Gov. Martha Layne Collins (left) presents an award to astronaut Sally Ride with U.S. Sen. Walter “Dee” Huddleston, on Aug. 25, 1983. (University of Kentucky Libraries, Special Collections Research Center)

World War II ended 80 years ago. A Kentucky vet reflects on serving in the deadliest conflict.

World War II, the deadliest conflict in history, officially came to an end on Sept. 2, 1945. A Kentucky survivor of the war, Sanford L. Jones Sr., will turn 100 on Sept. 22.
By Jack Brammer
The crew of the B-24 Liberator on which Sanford L. Jones Jr. served as a turret gunner. Jones is second from the left on the front row. (Photo courtesy of Sanford L. Jones Jr.)

Donations replace books church leaders targeted for LGBTQ+ themes in Kentucky county library

Leaders of the Reformation Church of Shelbyville urged members to remove books from the Shelby County Public Library by checking them out and never returning them.
By Jack Brammer
The Shelby County Library, pictured on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025, in Shelbyville, Ky. The Reformation Church of Shelbyville is encouraging members to check out LBGTQ-related books from the public library and not return them as a method of removing them from access to the community. Photo by David Stephenson

Kentucky Capitol is getting a $300 million makeover that will take years to complete

For the next three years, perhaps longer, the Capitol will remain a most lonely place.
By Jack Brammer
Lucas Deaton, who works for the Kentucky Bar Association, takes photos with his daughter, Audrey, in the House chambers after the desks and furniture were moved out of the room at the Capitol on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, in Frankfort, Ky. Deaton said it was daddy-daughter day at his office and he wanted to bring his daughter to see the Capitol. The state Capitol building will be undergoing major renovations for the next few years and employees will be moving into other areas to work, including new temporary Senate and House chambers in an adjacent building. Photo by David Stephenson

Former Kentucky secretary of state wins ethics case

The Executive Branch Ethics Commission will not appeal last month’s unanimous decision by the Kentucky Court of Appeals to uphold a lower court order that cleared Alison Lundergan Grimes of any wrongdoing.
By Jack Brammer
Alison Lundergan Grimes

Kentuckians will need vision screening to renew driver’s license. Advocates, critics weigh in.

The change in driver’s licensing stems from a state law that was enacted in 2021 but does not take effect until 2025. 
By Jack Brammer
Matt Cole, commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Vehicle Regulation, explains the new vision screening requirement earlier this year. (Kentucky Transportation Cabinet photo)

Alison Grimes must contend with effort to reinstate alleged ethics violations

The former Kentucky secretary of state attended Democratic National Convention, raising speculation about another U.S. Senate run.
By Jack Brammer
Alison Lundergan Grimes

Judge dismisses ethics violations against former Secretary of State Grimes

She called the judge’s order “a victory for my staff, my administration and our work.” The commission had been investigating Grimes for several years.
By Jack Brammer
Alison Lundergan Grimes

Unafraid of death, former Kentucky Gov. Julian Carroll reflects on his long political life

Julian Carroll was Kentucky’s governor, House speaker and a state senator. At 92, he is in hospice care.
By Jack Brammer
Julian Carroll

Kentucky treasurer candidates agree on one thing: Don’t abolish the office

Kentucky treasurer candidates, Democrat Michael Bowman and Republican Mark Metcalf, make the case for how they would serve the public.
By Jack Brammer
Candidates (from left): Michael Bowman and Mark Metcalf (Photos provided)

Kentucky auditor is taxpayers’ watchdog: Meet the candidates

Two women, Democrat Kim Reeder and Republican Allison Ball, are vying to replace Mike Harmon as state auditor in the Nov. 7 general election.
By Jack Brammer
Kentucky State Auditor candidates Democrat Kim Reeder, left, and Republican Treasurer Allison Ball, right. (Photos provided)

Kentucky Secretary of State candidates Wheatley, Adams trade heavy blows in KET forum

Their sources of discontent ranged from a drunken driving incident by Democrat Charles “Buddy” Wheatley of Covington and a news report that Republican incumbent Michael Adams of Louisville has used state funds to pay for his bar association membership to practice law.
By Jack Brammer
Michael Adams and Buddy Wheatley headshots
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