Kentucky guest columnist John Schaaf argues Elon Musk has become a leading Republican campaign financier as Mitch McConnell leaves the national stage. Schaaf says Musk gave about $300 million to support Donald Trump and Republicans in 2024 and nearly $450 million to GOP causes in the current election cycle, including $158 million to the Senate Leadership Fund. He contends Musk’s donations and federal contracts for SpaceX give him growing influence over U.S. policy, including decisions affecting Ukraine.
The South Frankfort Neighborhood Association is hosting a community Thanksgiving potluck Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at First Corinthian Baptist Church, 214 Murray St., in Frankfort. Neighbors, including new residents, are invited to bring a dish to share. RSVP and sign up to bring a dish through the association’s SignupGenius page.
Frankfort columnist John Arnett begins with the Kentucky football team’s win over Vanderbilt and a discussion of sportswriting terms such as “clobbered.” He uses the word to frame his view of the upcoming election, saying Democrats are expected to gain ground and arguing that opposition-party control of Congress could limit the president’s actions. Arnett urges readers to check information, vote, bring someone to the polls and treat poll workers kindly.
Public safety1 outlet · The State Journal (Politics)
Frankfort-area police, sheriff’s deputies, firefighters and EMS crews responded to calls Wednesday. A missing juvenile on Quachita Trail returned home, and officers investigated crashes on U.S. 127 South and several city streets, including three hit-and-runs; a woman reported head pain after a two-vehicle crash on Schenkel Lane. Officers also took theft reports involving a porch rug and meat at Walmart. Firefighters responded to a ground fire and investigated a fire on Evergreen Road.
Fred VanVleet and the Houston Rockets are set to face the Dallas Mavericks. The matchup pits Houston’s depth against a Mavericks team described as improving.
Lexington’s Hope Village Winter Shelter opened at 4 p.m. Thursday at 1306 Versailles Road, a day after city officials announced a delay due to unforeseen circumstances. The shelter will remain open until April 1, 2027, with daily check-in from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Residents should use the fenced pedestrian walkway and park vehicles on shelter property to avoid possible towing.
James Mattson, 79, of Wichita, died at a hospital after his Honda CR-V collided with Wichita Fire Department Engine 20 at an intersection, police said. The fire truck was responding with its lights and siren on when Mattson entered the intersection it was crossing. The crash also involved a black Dodge Ram; its driver and the four firefighters were not hurt. Wichita police’s Critical Accident Team will investigate.
Kentucky beat Xavier 15-11 in a 14-inning fall exhibition at Kentucky Proud Park on Oct. 11, highlighting several players to watch for 2027. Houston transfer Riley Jackson homered and drove in two runs, while freshman catcher Carson May also homered. Newcomer JP Peltier had an RBI, and infielder Ethan Hindle homered and contributed on defense. Hudson Brown drove in two with a double, and San Jacinto College transfer Dylan McIntyre struck out three in relief.
Kentucky beat Xavier 13-8 at Kentucky Proud Park in the Wildcats’ first home exhibition of 2026, rallying from a 5-1 deficit in the third inning. Ethan Hindle homered and freshman catcher Carson May hit a two-run homer in the eighth to help secure the win; both teams recorded nine hits, while Kentucky made one error. The Wildcats’ next exhibition is Oct. 16 at Indiana.
Floyd and Letcher counties in eastern Kentucky enacted bans on outdoor burning Thursday as dry weather continues across Kentucky. The counties announced the restrictions in separate social media posts. Floyd officials urged residents to comply for community safety, while Letcher officials cited high wildfire risk.
The Atlanta Braves picked up club options on outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and second baseman Ozzie Albies. The move retains both players for the terms of their options.
The University of Kentucky and the Bill Gatton Foundation announced a major donation to support Lexington’s 100-acre Arboretum, which is expected to remain a public garden through at least 2126. The gift will fund upgrades including a renovated visitor center, improved paths and the Walk Across Kentucky, a reconfigured entrance, new lighting and off-site operational facilities. Design work is underway, with projects set for completion in 2028.