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Coalition: ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ will result in ‘deep’ safety net cuts; proposed cuts to provider taxes are harmful
BY MELISSA PATRICK KENTUCKY HEALTH NEWS A coalition that works to meet the basic needs of Kentuckians provided an update June 17 on state and federal policies that impact the state’s safety net programs, with much of the discussion focusing on how the U.S. House-passed budget reconciliation bill would harm such programs. Emily Beauregard, executive
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How SB 181 impacts teacher-student communications
During the 2025 Regular Session, the General Assembly passed several pieces of legislation focused on protecting and supporting Kentucky’s most vulnerable. Without a doubt, at the top of that list are our children. One of the most significant measures passed to protect our youth was Senate Bill 181. This legislation addresses electronic communications like texts
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Opinion: Secrecy, eminent domain and the erosion of public trust in Kentucky
BY JONATHAN SCHAAFSMA What do a runway, a data center and pickleball courts have in common? In Kentucky, the answer is secrecy and a troubling disregard for taxpayer voices. In Bourbon County, we recently witnessed the unraveling of the controversial Bluegrass Station Airport proposal—a $300 million-plus project that would have used eminent domain to seize
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AmeriCorps and national service: Common ground for the Commonwealth
BY JOE BRINGARDNER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SERVE KENTUCKY In a time when division dominates the headlines, national service offers rare common ground. Across Kentucky, AmeriCorps members are showing up – not for headlines, but for neighbors. They tutor students, support families, and help communities rebuild after disasters. They reflect the values that define the Commonwealth: compassion,
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Kentucky Infrastructure Authority Board to convene June 5
FRANKFORT — The Kentucky Infrastructure Authority (KIA) Board of Directors will hold its regularly scheduled meeting Thursday, June 5, at its office located at 100 Airport Road, Third Floor, in Frankfort. Board chair Matt Sawyers will convene the meeting at 1 p.m. ET. For those who would like to watch remotely there is a YouTube
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Climate change intensified April flooding in Kentucky, according to scientific modeling
by Liam Niemeyer, Kentucky Lantern May 8, 2025 An increasingly warming climate intensified the deluge of rain that fell on Kentucky and other states in early April, according to a new report from a multinational academic group that studies climate change’s connections to extreme weather events. Torrential downpours inundated communities across Kentucky in early April,
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Experts: Loss of federal mining program could harm workers, researchers
BY NADIA RAMLAGAN PUBLIC NEWS SERVICE Loss of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Mining Program will reverse decades of progress in preventing disease, injury and death among miners, experts said. Around 150 researchers are expected to be laid off next month, effectively shuttering the program. Steve Schafrik, associate professor of mine engineering
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Martin County Pool to reopen June 1 after eight-year closure
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — The Martin County Pool will reopen June 1 after an eight-year closure. Assuming a contractor discovers no underground damage this week and finishes repairs on schedule. Officials are already taking applications for lifeguard positions in anticipation of the reopening. Martin County Deputy Judge/Executive Carolea Mills said Aquatics Construction
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At least 19 dead as tornadoes, severe storms tear through Kentucky
by Liam Niemeyer and Jamie Lucke, Kentucky LanternMay 17, 2025 The death toll from recent severe weather in Kentucky has reached 19, Gov. Andy Beshear said Sunday. Saying “we’ve got more tough news, Kentucky,” Beshear in a social media post confirmed the death of a woman in Russell County. Already confirmed were the deaths of
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Warfield officials discuss maintenance, Horizon lease
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN WARFIELD — The Warfield City Commission addressed maintenance issues and lease negotiations for the former Warfield Community Center during its April meeting. Commissioners are in the process of drafting a new lease agreement with Horizon Recovery, which currently occupies the city-owned building beside Warfield City Hall. Clerk Rhonda Price said
