Kentucky News & Current Events | Public News Service

According to the CDC, around 181 million Americans have received COVID-19 vaccinations. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 20, 2021

Poll: 1 in 5 Unvaccinated Kentuckians Open to Getting COVID-19 Vaccine

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- One in five unvaccinated Kentuckians say they are open to getting the COVID-19 vaccine, according to a new poll from the …

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it will stop the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos on all food, citing specific risks to children and farmworkers. (Adobe Stock)

EPA’s Chlorpyrifos Ban Spotlights Future of Agricultural Pesticide Use

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Experts say most agriculture producers in Kentucky won't be affected by the Environmental Protection Agency's recent decision to ban …

COVID-19 infection during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of severe maternal illness, ICU admission, mechanical ventilation and death, says the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. (Adobe Stock)

Pregnant? Medical Experts Urge Getting COVID-19 Vaccine

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. -- Health professionals are concerned misinformation may be leading some people who are pregnant to choose not to get the COVID-…

In April 2020, SNAP enrollment in Kentucky increased by 16% due to coronavirus pandemic-related layoffs. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Pandemic EBT Grocery Money for Families Will Boost KY Economy

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- September is Hunger Action Month, and advocates say the latest round of federal Pandemic EBT and Summer EBT will give Kentucky's …

According to the U.S. Defense Department, more than 17,000 people have been evacuated from Afghanistan by American troops. (Adobe Stock)

KY Legislators Ask State to Help Relocate Afghan Refugees

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- State Democratic leaders are urging Gov. Andy Beshear to offer a permanent home to Afghan refugees in Kentucky. At least a dozen …

Driving on deteriorating roads costs Louisville drivers more than $1,700 a year, according to a 2020 report from TRIP, a transportation research nonprofit. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Driving on deteriorating roads costs Louisville drivers more than $1,700 a year, according to a 2020 report from TRIP, a transportation research nonprofit. (Adobe Stock)

KY Groups Rally for Infrastructure, Climate, Jobs Investments

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - When U.S. House lawmakers return to Washington this week, they're expected to vote on advancing President Joe Biden's $1.2 trillion …

Experts say a historic state surplus combined with federal relief monies provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvest in a better economy and improved quality of life for Kentuckians. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Experts say a historic state surplus combined with federal relief monies provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvest in a better economy and improved quality of life for Kentuckians. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: KY Budget Surplus Should Be Invested in Communities

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Experts say the state should use a portion of its almost $2 billion rainy-day fund surplus to invest in resources that will help …

Save the Children worker Alissa Taylor packs school supplies for needy families in rural Kentucky. (Shawn Millsaps/Save The Children)

Study: Children Returning to School 4-5 Months Behind

FRANKFORT, Ky. - A new study from the consulting firm McKinsey finds that American kids are returning to school on average 4 to 5 months behind in …

Kentuckians have less than a week to purchase health insurance during the ACA's COVID-related special enrollment window. (Adobe Stock)

ACA Open Enrollment Deadline is Sunday

LEXINGTON, Ky. - Kentuckians have until Sunday to sign up for health insurance through the Affordable Care Act Marketplace. The Biden administration …

Early life trauma can undermine learning and is linked to a range of school-related problems. (Adobe Stock)

Groups Launch New Statewide Effort to Reduce KY Childhood Adversity

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- A new initiative called Bloom Kentucky is focused on statewide policy change to prevent and mitigate the impact of childhood …

For Kentuckians on Medicaid, between March and June 2020, immunization rates declined 46% for children ages 4-6 and 57% for adolescents compared to the same period in 2019, according to the Kentucky Dept. for Medicaid Services. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — For Kentuckians on Medicaid, between March and June 2020, immunization rates declined 46% for children ages 4-6 and 57% for adolescents compared to the same period in 2019, according to the Kentucky Dept. for Medicaid Services. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Wellness Visits More Urgent as Kids Head Back to School

PRESTONSBURG, Ky. -- A new report by the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Georgetown University Health Policy Institute, urged parents to get …

It's estimated that more than 241,000 DACA-eligible students are enrolled in college, according to the Migration Policy Institute. (Adobe Stock)

After DACA Court Ruling, Advocates Call on Congress for Immigration Overhaul

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- In a recent ruling, a federal judge in Texas blocked new applications for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program…

Private companies that supply goods to prison commissaries or provide communication services rake in $2.9 billion a year, almost as much money as governments pay private companies to operate private prisons, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. (Adobe Stock)

KY County Jails' Profits from Phone Calls Soar During Pandemic

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- A new report finds county jails made more than $9 million from payments made for phone calls by incarcerated people, the year …

LG&E and Kentucky Utilities serve more than 1.3 million customers across more than 90 counties. (Adobe Stock)

KY Regulators Rein In Utilities' Proposed Rate Hikes

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The Kentucky Public Service Commission has rejected proposed rate hikes by Louisville Gas and Electric Company and Kentucky …

With more than 630,000 employees nationwide, the U.S. Postal Service is one of the largest civilian employers in the United States. (Adobe Stock)

Lawmakers May Ask USPS to Delay Rate Hike Until Next Year

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Some lawmakers say they want the Postal Service to delay until next year a mail price hike slated for the end of this summer…

The expanded child tax credit is expected to send $1.8 billion to Kentucky families. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — The expanded child tax credit is expected to send $1.8 billion to Kentucky families. (Adobe Stock)

Experts Call Child Tax Credit a Game Changer for KY Families

FRANKFORT, KY. - Starting July 15, nearly a million Kentucky kids and their families could get extra income support through the federal child tax …

The newest edition of the Annie E. Casey Foundation's Kids Count Data Book explores how America's child population fared during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Report: KY Kids' Well-Being has Stalled, But Tax Credits Could Help

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - New survey data taken during the pandemic offers a clear picture of how Kentucky kids and families are faring. The Commonwealth …

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know "a little bit" or "nothing at all" about Juneteenth, the date that celebrates the end of slavery in the United States. (DoDEA.edu)

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by both …

As COVID-19 spread last year, prison facilities across the country suspended visits, not only from family members, but from attorneys. (Adobe Stock)

KY Families Can Soon Visit Relatives in Prison

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Kentucky families soon will be able to visit loved ones in some prison facilities. Gov. Andy Beshear said prison visitations and …

Some state leaders are pushing for Kentucky to follow and Tennessee and Ohio's lead and opt out of the extra $300 a week from the federal government. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Some state leaders are pushing for Kentucky to follow and Tennessee and Ohio's lead and opt out of the extra $300 a week from the federal government. (Adobe Stock)

Experts Say Prematurely Ending Federal UI Could Harm KY Economy

FRANKFORT, Ky. - More than twenty states are voluntarily ending their participation in a federal unemployment program, but Gov. Andy Beshear says …

According to the FCC, at least 18 million Americans lack fast and reliable internet. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — According to the FCC, at least 18 million Americans lack fast and reliable internet. (Adobe Stock)

COVID Relief Program Offers $50 a Month Toward Internet Bills

WHITESBURG, Ky. - The Federal Communications Commission says it's providing $50 a month direct payments toward internet bills to those who sign up …

Data from the Pew Research Center showed about one third of veterans had trouble paying the bills after leaving the military, yet only 12% indicated they received food assistance from the government. (Adobe Stock)

Hunger Crisis Continues to Take Toll on Military Families, Vets

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- As the nation observes Memorial Day, advocates for military families and veterans said many are going hungry. A report by the …

A 2015 Clean Air Act rule requires refineries to clean up benzene emissions when annual concentrations of this cancer-causing pollutant exceed the EPA's action level of 9 micrograms per year. (Adobe Stock) <br /> — A 2015 Clean Air Act rule requires refineries to clean up benzene emissions when annual concentrations of this cancer-causing pollutant exceed the EPA's action level of 9 micrograms per year. (Adobe Stock)

Oil Refineries' Benzene Pollution a Concern in Eastern KY

CATLETTSBURG, Ky. - A Marathon oil refinery in eastern Kentucky is emitting benzene into the air at levels higher than what the federal …

Studies have shown that children's media use of more than two hours a day can lead to increases in obesity. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Studies have shown that children's media use of more than two hours a day can lead to increases in obesity. (Adobe Stock)

Kentucky AG Wants Facebook to Scrap Kids’ Instagram

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Kentucky's attorney general is part of a group that wants Facebook to stop its plans to create a kids' version of Instagram…

Franklin County resident Cheryl Caskey was able to save more than $120 on her marketplace plan premium by reapplying for coverage. The deadline to make enrollment changes in ACA plans is August 15. (Adobe Stock)

Health-Care Subsidy Savings Help Female Heads of Households

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Changes outlined in President Joe Biden's American Rescue Plan are lowering health-insurance costs for many Kentuckians enrolled in …

People with complications of diabetes and COVID-19 are at higher risk of pneumonia, respiratory failure, hospitalization, and being placed on a ventilator. (Adobe Stock)

Community Health Workers Urge People with Diabetes to Consider Vaccine

WHITESBURG, Ky. -- People with Type 2 diabetes face an increased risk of severe illness if they become sick with the coronavirus, and in eastern …

The federal government plans to step up support for families facing hard times during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — The federal government plans to step up support for families facing hard times during the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Families Plan, Pandemic EBT Could Bring Relief for More KY Families

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Expanding child care, creating paid family and medical leave, and boosting health-care coverage affordability are just some of the …

Lexington resident Chet White was able to save a few hundred dollars on his marketplace plan premium by reapplying for coverage. The deadline to make enrollment changes in ACA plans is Aug. 15. (Adobe Stock)

Kentuckians with ACA Marketplace Plans Now Can Save on Coverage

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- More than 122,000 Kentuckians may be able to find marketplace health coverage for $10 or less per month after premium tax credits…

Mass protests erupted last summer over the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Mass protests erupted last summer over the killings of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor. (Adobe Stock)

Chauvin Verdict “Disappointing Reminder” of Louisville's Breonna Taylor Case

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - In what's being described as a landmark verdict this week, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of second- …

One of six new historical markers in Shelbyville, Ky., commemorating victims of lynching incidents that occurred from 1878 to 1911. (Janice Harris)<br /> — One of six new historical markers in Shelbyville, Ky., commemorating victims of lynching incidents that occurred from 1878 to 1911. (Janice Harris)

Shelby County Historical Lynching Markers Aim to Educate, Foster Healing

SHELBYVILLE, Ky. -- Six historical markers have been erected in downtown Shelbyville, the first in the state to recognize the victims of racial-…

Black, American Indian, and Alaska Native women are two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than are white women, according to the CDC. (Adobe stock)

Pregnancy-Related Deaths Higher Among Black KY Women

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Racial gaps persist in pregnancy- and childbirth-related deaths across the state, and advocates say solutions to the problem lie …

So far, around 24% of Kentucky residents have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, according to the CDC. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: Half of Vaccine-Hesitant KY Adults Open to Changing Minds

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Half of Kentucky adults who are reluctant to get a COVID-19 vaccination say they'd be open to changing their minds if they had more …

The drinking-water supply for an estimated 200 million Americans is likely contaminated with forever chemicals known as PFAS, according to the Environmental Working Group. (Adobe Stock)

KY Advocates Say ‘Forever Chemicals' Pose Health Risk

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is slated to receive $75 million to jumpstart toxicity studies of industrial chemicals …

The group Feeding America estimates this year, one in six children could experience food insecurity, meaning they're in families that don't always have enough food. (Adobe Stock)

SNAP Benefits Hike Will Help Feed More KY Kids

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Kentucky will soon receive an extra $12.8 million per month for its Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits program…

Recent federal child abuse and neglect data show an increase in the number of children who suffered maltreatment for the first time since 2015. (Adobe Stock)

Dentists Have Key Community Role in Spotting Child Abuse

FRANKFORT, Ky. - April is Child Abuse Prevention Month, and dentists can play a key role in spotting signs that something may be wrong in a child's …

More than 108,000 Kentuckians were vaccinated during the week of March 23, according to state data. (Adobe Stock)

“Take It From Me”: KY Health Groups Encourage Residents to Roll up Sleeves

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Kentuckians 40 and older are now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccines. As the state continues to ramp up vaccination efforts in …

Women between the ages of 75 and 79 are three times more likely than men to be living in poverty, according to the National Institute on Retirement Security. (Adobe Stock)

Retired Women More Likely to Face Financial Hardship

FRANKFORT, Ky. - The persistent pay gap often leads to less retirement income for women, and advocates say pensions offer a solution. According to …

AARP volunteers pose in front of the downtown Danville Community Challenge mural in 2018. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — AARP volunteers pose in front of the downtown Danville Community Challenge mural in 2018. (Adobe Stock)

Community Grants Aim to Support Local KY Recovery

LEXINGTON, Ky. - The effects of the pandemic have depressed local government budgets at the same time communities need help bouncing back from a year …

It's estimated the United States is saddled with around $11.4 billion in costs to clean up abandoned coal mine sites nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

Pandemic Spurs Renewed Abandoned-Mine Cleanup Efforts

WHITESBURG, Ky. -- This week, state officials announced the start of several new grant-funded, abandoned-mine land projects in Eastern Kentucky…

Bobbie Lester, a Jefferson County, Ky., resident and Louisville school nurse, explains why she chose to get the COVID-19 vaccine in a new public-service campaign. (Adobe Stock)

Black Kentuckians Explain Why They "Got the Shot" in New Campaign

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- "I Got The Shot to Protect the Ones I Love" is a new campaign featuring Black Kentuckians talking about why they chose to get the …

Before the Kentucky General Assembly adjourns this month, lawmakers in Frankfort are pushing tax-break legislation that could cost the state hundreds of millions of dollars. (Adobe Stock)

Critics Say Austerity Budget Boosts Big Businesses, Sidelines KY Families

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- As state lawmakers consider a slew of major last-minute tax breaks, their critics say the moves may benefit large industries and …

Data from the U.S. Department of Justice suggests that 86% of child sexual abuse goes unreported. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Data from the U.S. Department of Justice suggests that 86% of child sexual abuse goes unreported. (Adobe Stock)

KY Senate Panel Advances Bill Supporting Child Sex-Abuse Victims

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- A bill that would extend the statute of limitations for misdemeanor sex offenses involving minors from five to ten years after …

Nationwide, more kids tell researchers they are struggling with loneliness and isolation one year into the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Nationwide, more kids tell researchers they are struggling with loneliness and isolation one year into the pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Report Highlights Deepening Crises for Many KY Kids

PIKEVILLE, Ky. -- Kentucky families are facing greater levels of food insecurity and economic instability one year into the coronavirus pandemic…

Local workforce development boards, like KentuckianaWorks in Louisville, run career centers that focus helping unemployed residents and young people start on new career paths. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Local workforce development boards, like KentuckianaWorks in Louisville, run career centers that focus helping unemployed residents and young people start on new career paths. (Adobe Stock)

Louisville Leads in Preparing Adults, Students for 21st-Century Workforce

By Laura Aka Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan Reporting for the WorkingNation.com-Kenctucky News Connection LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Mayor Greg …

Last fall, Kentucky Power proposed higher electric rates for more than 165,000 customers across 20 counties. (Adobe Stock)

KY Community Groups Push Back on Energy Rate Hikes

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Community groups are banding together to push back against increasingly frequent rate hikes proposed by Kentucky utility companies…

Pike County, Ky. resident "Vickie" says being on Medicaid saved her life. (Confirm Credit)

Spotlighting Medicaid's Role in Keeping KY Communities Healthy

CORBIN, Ky. -- Insulin medication, cystic-fibrosis treatment and wisdom-tooth removal are just a few of the healthcare needs of Appalachian residents …

Despite a national decline in youth complaints (or arrests) over the last several years, in 2019 more than 36,000 children between the ages of 10 and 12 were arrested, according to the National Juvenile Justice Network. (Adobe Stock)

Should Kids 12 and Under Be Brought Before a Judge?

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentucky kids as young as five or six can legally end up in juvenile court because the state currently lacks a minimum age …

Currently, family child-care operators are eligible to apply for up to $2,500 in start-up funds from the Kentucky Division of Child Care. (Adobe Stock)

COVID Crisis Puts Spotlight on Home-Based Child Care

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Community advocates say home-based family child care could play a major role in closing gaps in access across Kentucky during the …

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