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Kentucky Medical Cannabis program expedites access
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT FRANKFORT — The Kentucky Medical Cannabis Program is fast-tracking access to medical cannabis for Kentuckians with qualifying conditions. The application process opened Monday for prospective medical cannabis businesses, six months ahead of schedule, announced Gov. Andy Beshear on Thursday. The program has provided resources, including YouTube webinars and a Business Licensing Application…
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Kentucky first in the nation to complete statewide oblique aerial photography
State provides open access to high-resolution geo images FRANKFORT — Kentucky is now the first state in the nation to capture oblique (side/angle view) photography of its entire geography from the sky. The KYFromAbove Program and its contractor, NV5, achieved this milestone after pilots flew 2,600 flight lines over Kentucky’s landscape, traveling 117,000 miles and…
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Fletcher confirmed as next commissioner of education by Kentucky Senate
JENNIFER GINN KY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FRANKFORT — The Kentucky Senate approved Robbie Fletcher, Ed.D., to be the Commonwealth’s next commissioner of education. Following a meeting with the Senate Education Committee on April 12, the Kentucky Senate approved Fletcher’s nomination April 15. “I am honored and humbled to serve as Kentucky’s new education commissioner on…
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HB1 calls for $2.68 million for Martin County water projects
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT FRANKFORT — Kentucky legislators sent a spending bill to Governor Andy Beshear on Thursday that includes $2.68 million for the Martin County Water District (MCWD) for the fiscal year 2024-2025. HB1 allocates $681,000 to the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA) for a water tank project and $2 million for water meters in Martin…
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Dr. Robbie Fletcher selected Kentucky commissioner of education
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT FRANKFORT — Dr. Robbie Fletcher has been selected as the next commissioner of education, the Kentucky Board of Education announced Thursday. Fletcher, superintendent of Lawrence County Schools and a Martin County native, is set to take on the role of chief state school officer and CEO of the Kentucky Department of Education,…
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Kentucky wants colleges to redesign admissions with focus on low-income, first-generation students
BY NADIA RAMLAGAN KY NEWS CONNECTION Kentucky is one of a handful of states that’s been awarded a $150,000 grant from Lumina Foundation to test changes to the college admissions process. Colleges nationwide are struggling with enrollment post-pandemic, and over the next decade fewer traditional-age students are expected to enroll. Lilly Massa-McKinley, Ph.D – executive…
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Homelessness is not a crime and does not belong in KY HB 5
BY GINNY RAMSEY The Lexington Street Voice Council hosted a luncheon at the Capitol Annex for the Kentucky legislators on Feb. 7 to give the lawmakers the opportunity to see them as the people they are, to hear their stories and understand the reasons they are experiencing homelessness. Over 65 Kentucky legislators shared a meal…
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Kentucky lawmakers consider bill that would expand felony offenses
BY NADIA RAMLAGAN KENTUCKY NEWS CONNECTION Under proposed legislation being considered by Republican lawmakers, Kentucky renters would face harsher criminal penalties for property damage. Penalties would increase for sleeping in a tent in public areas, and for violent offenses, among other measures. Ben Carter, senior litigation and advocacy counsel with the Kentucky Equal Justice Center,…