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.

Last year, a nonprofit environmental advocacy group ranked the Ohio River as the second most endangered river in the country.
By Liam Niemeyer
Ohio River
A driving force behind many state parks, the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund’s financial resources dwindled recent years.
By Liam Niemeyer
Natural Bridge State Park
The EPA says Kentucky will use the $62 million to “expand access to low-income solar through financial assistance models and workforce development programming.”
By Liam Niemeyer
solar panels
Sportsmen previously decried politics surrounding board confirmations.
By Liam Niemeyer
FRANKFORT, March 27 – Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, comments on the conference committee report to House Bill 6, the biennial state budget, during Wednesday’s proceedings in the Senate.
Republican supermajorities in both legislative chambers overrode two dozen vetoes of bills and a resolution, including overriding nearly all line-item vetoes of budgetary bills funding state government.
By Liam Niemeyer
kentucky capitol
HB 5, the anti-crime bill, was opposed by a broad political spectrum with conservative and progressive groups saying the legislation needs more fiscal analysis. 
By Liam Niemeyer
Gov. Andy Beshear outlined a budget proposal for law enforcement advances if he wins re-election in November. (Kentucky Today by Tom Latek)
What else could come up as General Assembly wraps up this year’s regular session?
By Liam Niemeyer
The Senate in Frankfort, Kentucky, on February 27, 2024. Photo by Arden Barnes
Even if Republicans revive SB 6 in April, they won’t have time to override a Beshear veto.
By Liam Niemeyer
House Speaker Pro Tem David Meade presides over the House on Thursday, March 28, 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd.)
Some sportsmen say the confirmation process has been "weaponized" against them.
By Liam Niemeyer
After his appointment to the Fish and Wildlife Commission was derailed, Tom Ballinger decided to challenge Sen. Stephen Meredith for his Senate seat. They are both Republicans. Ballinger, framed by deer antlers, was photographed on his farm in Butler County , March 24, 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony)
The list includes finalizing the budget and legislation related to child care, abortion, IVF, education, the environment and more.
By Liam Niemeyer
The Kentucky Capitol in Frankfort, Kentucky, on February 27, 2024. Photo by Arden Barnes
The full Senate voted on the bills Wednesday afternoon before the public had access to the committee substitutes that were being approved. 
By Liam Niemeyer
The Kentucky Capitol Dome in Frankfort. (Kentucky Legislative Research Commission photo)
Last year, a nonprofit environmental advocacy group ranked the Ohio River as the second most endangered river in the country.
By Liam Niemeyer
Ohio River
A driving force behind many state parks, the Kentucky Heritage Land Conservation Fund’s financial resources dwindled recent years.
By Liam Niemeyer
Natural Bridge State Park
The EPA says Kentucky will use the $62 million to “expand access to low-income solar through financial assistance models and workforce development programming.”
By Liam Niemeyer
solar panels
Sportsmen previously decried politics surrounding board confirmations.
By Liam Niemeyer
FRANKFORT, March 27 – Senate President Robert Stivers, R-Manchester, comments on the conference committee report to House Bill 6, the biennial state budget, during Wednesday’s proceedings in the Senate.
Republican supermajorities in both legislative chambers overrode two dozen vetoes of bills and a resolution, including overriding nearly all line-item vetoes of budgetary bills funding state government.
By Liam Niemeyer
kentucky capitol
HB 5, the anti-crime bill, was opposed by a broad political spectrum with conservative and progressive groups saying the legislation needs more fiscal analysis. 
By Liam Niemeyer
Gov. Andy Beshear outlined a budget proposal for law enforcement advances if he wins re-election in November. (Kentucky Today by Tom Latek)
What else could come up as General Assembly wraps up this year’s regular session?
By Liam Niemeyer
The Senate in Frankfort, Kentucky, on February 27, 2024. Photo by Arden Barnes
Even if Republicans revive SB 6 in April, they won’t have time to override a Beshear veto.
By Liam Niemeyer
House Speaker Pro Tem David Meade presides over the House on Thursday, March 28, 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd.)
Some sportsmen say the confirmation process has been "weaponized" against them.
By Liam Niemeyer
After his appointment to the Fish and Wildlife Commission was derailed, Tom Ballinger decided to challenge Sen. Stephen Meredith for his Senate seat. They are both Republicans. Ballinger, framed by deer antlers, was photographed on his farm in Butler County , March 24, 2024. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Austin Anthony)
The list includes finalizing the budget and legislation related to child care, abortion, IVF, education, the environment and more.
By Liam Niemeyer
The Kentucky Capitol in Frankfort, Kentucky, on February 27, 2024. Photo by Arden Barnes
The full Senate voted on the bills Wednesday afternoon before the public had access to the committee substitutes that were being approved. 
By Liam Niemeyer
The Kentucky Capitol Dome in Frankfort. (Kentucky Legislative Research Commission photo)