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Tessa Duvall

@tessaduvall.bsky.social
3K followers 574 following 2K posts

Journalist. Kentuckian. Hilltopper. Parks & Rec aficionado. Pen snob. Aspiring adult.

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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Today is my last day at the Lexington Herald-Leader. After more than seven years as a journalist in my home state of Kentucky and more than four on this wonderful team, I'm embarking on a new (and unknown) chapter. But first, I'd like to recap some of my favorite work for @kentucky.com.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Currently torn between wanting to do a thread of my favorite work at the H-L and not wanting to sob hysterically before lunchtime.
static.klipy.com
Parks And Rec: Craig Middlebrooks' Incurable Caring
ALT: Parks And Rec: Craig Middlebrooks' Incurable Caring
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Cameron Drummond @camdrummond.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Some personal news — I'm leaving my role as a sports reporter at the Lexington Herald-Leader newspaper, and today is my final day. The decision to move on was 100% my call, and I'm fortunate for that. I'm so appreciative of everyone and everything from the past 5 years. (1/3)
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Bluegrass Politics @bluegrasspolitics.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Pope Leo expresses support for embattled American journalists, says "you are all welcome." Great, is he hiring? ^JC www.nytimes.com/2026/09/25/world/europe/pope-leo-media-trump.html
nytimes.com
Pope Leo Signals Support for Journalists Targeted by Trump
Asked about the Trump administration’s restrictions on journalists, Leo told reporters accompanying him on a flight to France that they were “all welcome.”
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Bluegrass Politics @bluegrasspolitics.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Tomorrow the Lexington Herald-Leader will lose a lot of great journalists, including most of the people who have been covering Kentucky politics and state government for us. Here's a too-quick summary of our losses, and yours. ^JC
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Lexington Herald-Leader @kentucky.com · 24/09/2026
It’s unclear whether the Supreme Court’s new order will impact the interim investigation in the legislature.
bit.ly
KY Supreme Court says it will not change opinion after voiding Lexington judge impeachment
It’s unclear whether the Supreme Court’s new order will impact the interim investigation in the legislature.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
"I want to tell you something, rich people, as a whole, suck." -Eric Deters
courier-journal.com
Eric Deters cancels Freedom Fest amid low VIP ticket sales
Organizer Eric Deters canceled the upcoming Freedom Fest and said he'll never do the event again.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
An editor’s farewell to Bluegrass Politics:
When I joined the Herald-Leader more than four years ago, this newsletter didn’t exist. Now, there are thousands of you who turn open this email each week for the latest government and politics headlines. It has been a privilege to bring these updates to you every Wednesday.

Friday is my last day at the Herald-Leader. I leave the newsroom with nothing but deep admiration for my incredible colleagues and fond memories of the work we did together.

One of my favorite days with this team was in January 2023 when the entire Frankfort press corps staked out the Capitol to find out if Matt Bevin was running for a second term after years out of office. Secretary of State Michael Adams put out popcorn. Someone else dropped off pizza. I brought doughnuts. And then ... we waited for Bevin to make his decision known.

Of course, Bevin didn’t run — which he only made clear after giving a very campaign-like speech — but that’s not the reason the day sticks in my mind so clearly.What I remember is how many journalists were packed into the Capitol, either outside of the Secretary of State’s office or waiting in the rotunda. One reporter even brought a folding camp chair. I was there with my colleagues and competition alike and felt such a sense of camaraderie. 

Statehouse press corps across America are not as robust as they were in years past. That’s true in Kentucky, too.

But on that Friday afternoon, local journalism felt so alive. I wish more days in Frankfort had that kind of buzz because the halls of power need a vibrant Fourth Estate to provide a watchful eye — every day, not just when there’s the potential for drama.

I will always believe in the importance of local news.

You still need to read John Cheves, who is tireless in his work holding elected leaders and government officials accountable. You still need to read Taylor Six, an incredibly talented criminal justice reporter who is always finding an interesting cases to cover. You still need to read Beth Musgrave, who can do it all, whether that’s grilling UK leaders over secretive travel or monitoring ICE’s impact in the commonwealth. And of course, there is nowhere better to get your Wildcats coverage than the Herald-Leader.

Thank you for sharing your stories with me. Thank you for giving me your trust. 

Thank you for following along, and please, don’t let this be the last Bluegrass Politics you read.

Tessa Duvall
Politics and Public Affairs Editor
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Lexington Herald-Leader @kentucky.com · 22/09/2026
A judge ruled in favor of Kentucky Education Association and Fayette School Board Chair Tyler Murphy in their challenge to Senate Bill 4.
bit.ly
KY judge strikes law keeping Fayette school board chair, a teacher, from serving
A judge ruled in favor of Kentucky Education Association and Fayette School Board Chair Tyler Murphy in their challenge to Senate Bill 4.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
"The dismantling of local journalism is corroding our ability to help preserve a true democracy, one lost job at a time." From @aacquisto.bsky.social:
poynter.org
McClatchy laid me off. The need for local journalism didn’t go with me. - Poynter
I was hired to fill a gap in local news coverage. Seven years later, that gap is widening again.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Always read John Cheves.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Upon zooming in, this bears little resemblance to Andy Beshear. You also will never seen that man without his wedding ring on.
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NY Times Pitchbot @nytpitchbot.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
It is profoundly un-American for President Trump to ban my colleagues from the White House grounds. In protest, I plan to give him a good ribbing about that when we break bread at next year’s White House Correspondents Dinner.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
I have found the cure to Sunday Scaries and it is knowing you don’t have a job past Friday.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Adrian is the exact kind of person you want to call a colleague. He's bright, hard-working, a skilled reporter, files clean copy and best of all, he's a real joy to be around. He's kind, funny and genuine. We didn't get to work together nearly long enough, but I admire him so much.
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Joe Sonka 😐 @joesonka.lpm.org · 18/09/2026
My latest 👇
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Bill Estep is one of the best reporters I've ever known or worked with, and I am thrilled Kentucky gets to read his work again.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Before I knew how badly I'd need it, I booked a stained glass workshop at Pine Mountain Settlement School. Three days of the most beautiful place, the kindest people, the sweetest dog, the best home-cookin', perfect weather, no cell service — just creating something from scratch with my hands.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
I’ve tried to be mostly offline today, but I just took a peek at this and am FLOORED to see nearly 100 people have donated and surpassed the original goal. 😭😭😭
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
I would like for everyone who told me he is dead to apologize for how rude you were in the process. Form an orderly queue. Don’t crowd. I’ll wait.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
Several of my laid off Herald-Leader colleagues only joined our team in the last year or two and are facing limited severance as they begin the job hunt. Please consider helping them out if you can.
gofundme.com
Donate to Support laid off Lexington Herald-Leader journalists, organized by Ryan Hermens
On Thursday, Sept. 10, 13 journalists were laid off from the Lexin… Ryan Hermens needs your support for Support laid off Lexington Herald-Leader journalists
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
As per usual, John Cheves is absolutely correct.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
There is a whole assortment of things pertaining to being laid off that I will find hilarious in a bit more time, though I’m not *quite* there yet with any of them.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
A really classy column in The Post & Courier about the layoffs at The State, a rival newspaper, in South Carolina. These "cuts made the light a little dimmer, shrinking the number of journalists holding governments and institutions to account in spots across the nation."
postandcourier.com
Editor’s Column: Our rival, The State, took a hit this week. I’m rooting for them to bounce back.
On Sept. 10, McClatchy laid off more than 90 staff members, slashing newsrooms at some papers by upwards of 40 percent. The State lost five journalists.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
Bear-involved lunging.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
I have not cried about losing my job, but I've had a few good sobs about how kind everyone has been the last few days. I've been genuinely moved by the sheer volume of people reaching out to check on me, share leads on jobs or offer to review my resume — some I haven't talked to in a decade or so.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Mark Vanderhoff, a longtime Kentucky journalist and arguably the nicest guy in the Frankfort press corps, has died from brain cancer. Absolutely gutted for his family and his WLKY colleagues.
everloved.com
Read Mark Allen Vanderhoff's Obituary & Leave Condolences
<p>In Loving Memory of Mark Vanderhoff</p><p>Mark Allen Vanderhoff, age 50, of Louisville, KY, passed away at home on September 11, 2026 after navigating a com…
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Obviously I have a lot of thoughts about the layoffs, but one thing that's driving me insane is how many people are ready to blame this on, 'well if they didn't have so many typos' or 'their Facebook feed is just a bunch of junk from outside KY.' Folks, that's missing the forest for the trees.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
There are always trolls gloating when journalists lose their jobs. Whatever. It is what it is. But when they’re also local business owners, it is *very* affirming of my decision to never set foot in their establishments. Anyhow, two weeks ‘til funemployment!
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Turns out getting laid off has actually been a massive ego boost?? I really appreciate the support, y’all. No idea what’s next but I know I’ll be OK. Trying to be excited about the doors that could open instead of the one that has shut. (Or, like, slammed with my fingers trapped.)
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
All good things must come to an end, and that includes my time at the Lexington Herald-Leader. I don’t have anything profound to say now, but I want to put out there what an honor and privilege it has been to cover my home state with this incredible crew.
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Lexington Herald-Leader @kentucky.com · 10/09/2026
Documents obtained under the KY Open Records Act show Demetrus Liggins is ineligible for state retirement and did not seek a payout for unused sick days
bit.ly
Former Fayette superintendent ineligible for state retirement, documents say
Documents obtained under the KY Open Records Act show Demetrus Liggins is ineligible for state retirement and did not seek a payout for unused sick days
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Beshear declined to speculate about claims Bevin got preferential treatment in jail, which he called the “great Texas Roadhouse conspiracy.”
kentucky.com
Andy Beshear says Matt Bevin’s arrest shows no one is above the law in Kentucky
Beshear declined to speculate about claims Bevin got preferential treatment in jail, which he called the “great Texas Roadhouse conspiracy.”
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
"The Great Texas Roadhouse Conspiracy" has a better ring to it than Texas Roadhousegate.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
John Cheves' latest raises questions about GOP candidate Ralph Alvarado's workload — and potential conflicts of interest that come with it. Tennessee health commissioner. His own medical practice. And medical director at nursing homes, senior living facilities and an addiction treatment center.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
"I’ve been trying to verify as much firsthand information as possible and haven’t found a credible source yet." Big yikes!
wdrbwave.com
Louisville jail officials investigating alleged ‘special treatment’ of former Gov. Matt Bevin
FOP President Daniel Johnson said members reported Bevin was provided with Texas Roadhouse, a cellphone and a vape while in jail.
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Phil Lewis @phillewis.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
The Toledo Blade, one of the oldest newspapers in the country, will publish its final edition on Dec. 31. if it can’t find a buyer “Founded in 1835, the newspaper is Toledo’s oldest continually operating business”
toledoblade.com
Possible final edition of Blade announced; company explores sale
Block Communications has announced its intention to explore a sale of The Blade’s assets, which, if unsuccessful, will result in the final edition of the ...
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Joe Sonka 😐 @joesonka.lpm.org · 08/09/2026
I spoke to Daniel Johnson, the same union president quoted by the CJ. He tells me "just to be clear, and I've told the Courier Journal this also, these are third-hand accounts that people are reporting to me. I've not been able to verify this information to be true."
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Unclear what it says about me that everyone I'm friends with voted for No. 7, but proud to be in this small group of oddballs.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Incredible detail: "...last Thanksgiving, two longtime officers ordered pizza as a thank-you to work aides, or incarcerated people who perform work around the jail, such as laundry or cooking. Jail administration suspended each officer for 10 days, saying they had done favors for inmates."
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Lexington Herald-Leader @kentucky.com · 08/09/2026
The number of Kentucky law enforcement agencies with ICE agreements has increased five-fold since July 2025.
bit.ly
Report: Kentucky immigration arrests soar as more police ink agreements with ICE
The number of Kentucky law enforcement agencies with ICE agreements has increased five-fold since July 2025.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 05/09/2026
I bet we see a lot of this at Fancy Farm next year.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Updated with some quotes, including this one from Bevin's attorney: “And I can tell you, getting arrested and sitting over in the Jefferson County jail — which is a nightmare for someone like him because he’s a target of abuse."
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin must serve 60 days in jail.
kentucky.com
Former Gov. Matt Bevin must serve full 60 days in jail, judge rules
Judge Angela Johnson said she may revisit the case in 30 days, and the sentence is appealable.
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Incredible editor's note here.
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McKenna Horsley @mckennahorsley.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Former Gov. Matt Bevin appears in court after being arrested yesterday. @kentuckylantern.com
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Hear the call to Bourbon County officials that led to ex-Gov. Matt Bevin's arrest (Video)
kentucky.com
Hear the call to Bourbon County officials that led to ex-Gov. Matt Bevin's arrest
Former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin was arrested in Bourbon County on Sept. 3. A warrant for his arrest had been issued earlier this year after he failed to comply with court orders in an ongoing divorce ...
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
"The sheriff’s deputies were asking if anyone had seen former Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin. 'No one really knew who he was,' Mohr said. 'There wasn’t any hype about some former governor being here.'" (Can you imagine not knowing who Matt Bevin is?)
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
OK, fine, I did it and it completely got me. mydialect.us/quiz-standar...
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Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 04/09/2026
Bevin was “very cooperative” during the arrest, the sheriff said.
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