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Working is no guarantee you’ll have health insurance. Just ask Kentucky legislators.
by Jamie Lucke Kentucky Lantern July 23, 2025 FRANKFORT — Kentucky elects 138 people to serve in the state legislature, and 98 of them get their health insurance through the state-sponsored plan for public employees. Kentucky lawmakers also enroll 138 dependents in the state employees’ health plan. I bring this up not because I begrudge…
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Opinion: All lawmakers and the governor agreed: SB 181 is necessary. We will make sure it’s clear and effective
BY SEN. LINDSEY TICHENOR Now that Senate Bill 181 is in effect, having passed 137-0 and been signed into law by the Governor in April, lawmakers have received questions about its implementation and overall necessity. The law requires school staff and volunteers to use traceable, district-approved platforms for direct communication with students—tools that parents can…
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Opinion: How will the serpent reappear?
If Iran had successfully dropped a nuclear bomb on Israel or New York City, the world would have blamed President Donald Trump. People everywhere would have said, “President Trump could have done something about their nuclear building site but he didn’t.” This is something that will never be said. He and our military leadership certainly…
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A conversation with Dr. Steven Stack, Kentucky’s new health cabinet secretary
by Sarah Ladd Kentucky Lantern June 23, 2025 FRANKFORT — Dr. Steven Stack says Kentucky, which already struggles with poor health, is “on the cusp of having a significant backslide” if the federal government cuts programs like Medicaid and SNAP. Stack, who on July 1 will shift roles from the state’s public health commissioner to…
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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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Musk’s tantrum: What is he capable of doing?
Elon Musk’s wealth mainly comes from his ownership stakes in two companies: 1. Tesla – around 37% of his wealth is from Tesla stock, although it was as high as 75% in 2020. 2. SpaceX – valued contracts include a $20 billion deal with the United States federal government. Musk also earned money from selling…
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Opinion: Who was running our country?
There is no doubt that former President Joe Biden was suffering from cognitive decline and health issues when he was supposed to be running the United States. The videos do not lie when he was confused and did not know which way to walk off the stage or where to stand at an event. The…
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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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Can you live without China’s junk?
What does China export to the United States? Items include electronics, machinery, furniture, bedding, clothing, footwear, toys, cars, motorcycles, medical equipment, needles and catheters. There is of course more. These and other products are a big part of the over $48.83 billion in exports China sent to the U.S. in December 2024 alone. For the…
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Study in contrasts: Racing, breeding shine in Kentucky as sport dims across America
BY TIM SULLIVAN Kentucky Lantern Beyond Kentucky’s borders, horse racing is a sport in steep decline. Within the commonwealth, however, wealth is common. Though no fewer than 48 American racetracks have closed since 2000, Kentucky operators continue to invest hundreds of millions in their facilities and are reaping an outsized return, and not only on…
