Former state Democratic Party chairman and pal of Jim Ramsey, Jerry Johnson, was given (by Ramsey) a $200,000 no-bid contract to “advise” the University of Louisville on the hospital merger. [H-L]

At least one kinda mainstream news organization took note of the 100th day in the Come Clean [Jack] Conway campaign. [WFPL]

But maybe Jack’s “campaign manager” should get to know what’s actually happened in Kentucky and maybe watch the video footage of what Jack has said himself about the drug scandal before she opens her mouth, sounding like an out-of-touch hack? [More WFPL]

Isn’t it a shame Huffington Post would publish a pro-Steve Beshear piece like this – presented as fact – without any disclosure that Jonathan Miller worked directly for Beshear? [HuffPo]

The messenger may be flawed, but the United States should take heed of the message from Standard & Poor’s. [The Economist]

Is this an actual bright spot? Is this good news about the nation’s economy? [NPR]

With retail sails rising a whopping 0.5% in July (heh), maybe things really are turning around. [BBC]

Julian Carroll’s son, Bradley, died in a car crash on Sunday in Franklin County. [H-L]

Remember that debt “supercommittee” rigged up in Warshington to fix this country’s woes? Turns out it, you know, lacks the same diversity Warshington lacks. [WaPo]

After 75 years, the nation’s last public hanging still haunts Owensboro. [C-J/AKN]

We don’t know many people who think a health care mandate is a good idea. But health care reform? The only folks against that are wealthy Republicans who already receive free government health benefits. [Slate]

Democrats are wasting absolutely no time calling Ron Paul and Michele Bachmann batshiz crazy. Though, it’s probably unfair to say Paul is as crazy-eyed as the psycho lady from the north. [The Hill]

Marcus Bachmann can’t tell Michele Bachmann which blouse to wear to work (HAHAHA) but he can tell her not to touch Medicare because that would be bad for the family business. [Wonkette]

Coal Miner Appreciation Week is apparently a thing and it is kicking off this week? [WKYT]

Why don’t these two Kentucky sisters have Social Security numbers? Totally bizarre and embarrassing for Commonwealth. [HuffPo]