Liam Niemeyer

Liam Niemeyer covers government and policy in Kentucky and its impacts throughout the Commonwealth for the Kentucky Lantern. He most recently spent four years reporting award-winning stories for WKMS Public Radio in Murray.

The Southeastern Kentucky cities of London and Somerset appear to be especially hard hit by tornadic damage.
By Liam Niemeyer
South Kentucky RECC posted on Facebook that its Somerset facilities “took a major hit and we are asking the public to avoid the area at this time as we work to assess the damage. The area is not safe.” (South Kentucky RECC Facebook page)
As temperatures rise so will likelihood of extreme rainfall, a recent report predicts.
By Liam Niemeyer
house submerged by floodwaters
Kentuckians and people in other states have until May 7 before a REAL ID is needed to enter federal facilities, such as military bases or to get through airport security checkpoints to board domestic flights. 
By Liam Niemeyer
Real ID sample
Gov. Andy Beshear joined Democratic lawmakers in calling for more transparency in the legislative process.
By Liam Niemeyer
Senate Republican Floor Leader Max Wise of Campbellsville and Senate President Robert Stivers of Manchester confer on the next to last day of the 2025 legislative session. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Liam Niemeyer)
In a week of head spinning alterations to legislation, surprises continued Thursday, the 27th day of the 30-day session.
By Liam Niemeyer
Jason Nemes
The late-breaking change in the bill would subvert a Supreme Court ruling in the Shively police case.
By Liam Niemeyer
Rep. Chris Fugate
As the superminority calls for more transparency, the House Republican leader warns the "clock is ticking."
By Liam Niemeyer
Rep. Lindsey Burke
Kentucky poet laureate Silas House rejected proponents' argument that the bill would allow industry to pollute only ephemeral streams, or waterways that don’t have running water year round. 
By Liam Niemeyer
Silas House speaking at podium near lake
Federal disaster assistance is available in all 120 Kentucky counties.
By Liam Niemeyer
kentucky flooding
The minority of Democrats in the GOP-controlled chamber who opposed Senate Bill 89 echoed strong concerns from environmental groups that the legislation could open the door to more pollution of groundwater, wetlands and small headwater streams across the state. 
By Liam Niemeyer
Sen. Madon
Rep. Maddox says her proposed fiscal note requirement is still needed
By Liam Niemeyer
kentucky capitol
The bill is sponsored by House Appropriations and Revenue Committee chair Jason Petrie, R-Elkton.
By Liam Niemeyer
state logo Kentucky Senate chamber