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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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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,
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Rural Kentucky schools tackle childhood trauma
BY NADIA RAMLAGANKENTUCKY NEWS CONNECTION Russell County teachers, staff, counselors, and bus drivers have received intensive training on the effects of childhood trauma on kids’ mental and physical health since 2019. Today, elementary school suspensions have decreased by 50%, and more kids report feeling safe, cared for, and feel they “belong” at school. Amalia Mendoza,
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COVID boosters, seasonal flu shots can prevent illness this winter
BY NADIA RAMLAGAN KENTUCKY NEWS CONNECTION State health experts are warning the flu and COVID season could be severe, and are urging Kentuckians to stay on guard. With COVID restrictions loosened or no longer in effect in many places, researchers said they are seeing evidence the flu will make a strong comeback. Eric Friedlander, secretary
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Innovation Lab aims to spur creative solutions to end child hunger
BY NADIA RAMLAGAN KENTUCKY NEWS CONNECTION A new initiative is providing funding to individuals and grassroots groups across the Commonwealth with creative solutions to reduce hunger among rural children. The Rural Child Hunger Research and Innovation Lab launched Sept. 19 by Save the Children said it aims to help communities design and test out their
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Kentucky college boards focus on role of equity in student success
BY NADIA RAMLAGAN KENTUCKY NEWS CONNECTION Colleges and universities in Kentucky are looking at new ways to address the equity gap among their students, through specialized training for their governing boards. President of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education Aaron Thompson explained that college governing boards are in a position to help increase student success,
