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UK research uncovers hidden health effects of disrupted sleep, circadian rhythms
BY ERIN WICKEY UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY The University of Kentucky’s Julie Pendergast and a team of researchers are exploring how disruptions to the body’s natural circadian rhythms and sleep impact health. “Overwhelming evidence suggests that irregular circadian and sleep patterns, such as inconsistent bedtimes, wake times and eating schedules, are linked to increased risks of…
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Bill to provide free feminine hygiene products in schools fails again, despite need
BY ELLA DENTON KENTUCKY HEALTH NEWS For more than 30 years, Kentucky lawmakers have filed bills to provide free access to feminine hygiene products for elementary and secondary students. And every year, including this one, those efforts have failed. Samantha Sams, head principal of Second Street School in Frankfort, told Kentucky Health News that she…
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Commissioner of Education honors legendary academic coach Frank Baldridge
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN LOUISVILLE — Kentucky’s Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher paid tribute Monday to the late Frank Baldridge, beloved legendary academic coach from Martin County. Baldridge was posthumously honored with the 2025 Kentucky Association for Academic Competition (KAAC) Legacy Award. The award was presented following the KAAC state tournament finals in a ceremony…
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Celebrating agriculture in the classroom
BY DR. ROBBIE FLETCHER KENTUCKY COMMISSIONER OF EDUCATION Getting the chance to speak with students involved in agriculture programs earlier this year, I saw just how eager students can be for education when it involves vibrant learning experiences that are relevant to the community and the world around them. One of the key pillars of…
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Federal assistance for damaged private roads, bridges in Kentucky and West Virginia
CITIZEN STAFF REPORT Residents of Kentucky and West Virginia whose private roads, bridges, or driveways were damaged by the severe storms and flooding in February may qualify for federal assistance to help with repairs or replacement from FEMA and the U.S. Small Business Administration. According to information on FEMA’s website, to qualify for FEMA assistance the…
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Navigating disaster assistance: How to appeal FEMA decisions
BY ROGER SMITH MOUNTAIN CITIZEN In the aftermath of disasters, survivors seeking assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may find that their initial decision is not what they expected. But a denial or lower-than-expected award is not necessarily the final word. Individuals affected by disasters have the right to appeal any decision or…
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Martin County ‘cheated’ out of water and wastewater funding
BY LISA STAYTON MOUNTAIN CITIZEN INEZ — When House Joint Resolution 30 came up for a vote in the state Legislature on Feb. 27, Representative Bobby McCool voted “no,” citing the bill’s failure to allocate funding to Martin County despite its long-standing water and wastewater issues. McCool congratulated the water and wastewater recipients listed in…
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‘We will not be erased:’ LGBTQ+ Kentuckians rally for fairness in Capitol
by Sarah Ladd, Kentucky LanternMarch 11, 2025 FRANKFORT — Gov. Andy Beshear plans to veto a bill that would undo his executive order restricting conversion therapy in Kentucky, should it pass the legislature and reach his desk. He made the promise at the 2025 Fairness Rally, held in the Capitol rotunda Tuesday. Beshear, who made…
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House rejects Senate changes to bill granting school districts calamity days
by McKenna Horsley, Kentucky LanternMarch 11, 2025 FRANKFORT — The Kentucky House on Tuesday rejected Senate changes to a bill originally meant to give relief to Kentucky schools from weather-related closings. In a voice vote, the House refused to concur in the Senate version of House Bill 241. Last week, the Senate tacked on changes that…
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McCool takes aim at charges driving up electric utility bills
FRANKFORT — State Representative Bobby McCool of Van Lear has introduced House Bill 616, a measure designed to bring fairness and transparency to electric utility billing. The measure would remove taxes, fees and other charges on electric bills that are not directly related to electricity service and connection requirements. “Electricity bills across the state have…