KENTON
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 36 — AUGUST 7, 2026
THE VOICE OF NKY
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Democratic lawmakers tour Campbell County jail, challenge treatment of ICE detainees By Kenton Hornbeck
T
hree Democratic members of the United States Congress toured the Campbell County Detention Center in Newport the afternoon of July 27 as part of what they described as congressional oversight of the facility’s cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE. Wisconsin Rep. Gwen Moore, Illinois Rep. Delia Ramirez and Kentucky Rep. Morgan McGarvey participated in a guided tour of the detention center led by two members of ICE’s regional field office and jail staff. Campbell County Jailer Jim Daley said he observed part of the tour. After the tour, the delegation told members of the press they were concerned for inmates’ wellbeing, specifically regarding daily living standards and access to medical care. Reps. Moore and Ramirez said they planned Continues on page 3
The exterior of the Campbell County Detention Center. Photo provided | WCPO
Here’s what’s next for Brass Ass, Brass Bull properties By Haley Parnell
N
ewport now owns the Brass Ass, Brass Bull and seven other vacant parcels on Monmouth Street.
Now what? The Newport Commission voted on July 23 to approve a $3.8 million purchase of nine properties on and adjacent to the 600 block of Monmouth Street. The approval comes after the city announced on July 22 that it was purchasing the Brass Bull, Brass Ass and Huddle’s Cafe as part of a downtown redevelopment effort.
Brass Ass Lounge in 1980. Photo provided | Kenton County Public Library Faces and Places
“This is a significant amount of money for the city, but what matters most is not simply what is leaving,” said Newport Mayor Tom Guidugli, Jr. “What matters is what can be created in its place. That is significant.
This is about opening the door to new possibilities, opportunities that are more consistent with the future that we are building in Newport together.” With the purchase, the establishments will officially close. Newport Assistant City Manager Brian Steffen outlined its plan to fill the vacant properties at its special meeting on July 23. The city first needs to secure the properties, make sure they’re clean and have insurance, utilities, etc. Then they will work on stabilization, which includes things like ensuring there aren’t roof leaks, the mechanical systems work and there is no immediate hazard or danger. Once those routine items are complete, the city will move into a request for proposal phase asking developers for their ideas,
NKY has a new Irish pub p5 $1B development enters next phase p6 Goebel Park master plan takes shape p7
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