Former Kentucky lawmaker Brent Yonts has died after battling a COVID-19 infection. He was 72. Yonts sponsored mine-safety legislation and led a key House committee. The Muhlenberg County Democrat was first elected to the Kentucky House in 1996. He served in the House until his defeat during a statewide Republican wave in 2016. Former colleagues say he was vaccinated against COVID-19. He still contracted the virus, was hospitalized for weeks and eventually was placed on a ventilator. Gov. Andy Beshear says Yonts worked to improve the lives of Kentuckians. Yonts’ legacy drew praise from both sides of the political aisle.