Kentucky

Beyond the books: Teens check out mental health resources at libraries

In Hartford, Kentucky, the public library invites teens to weekly sessions to foster positive thinking amid a growing youth mental health crisis.

  • By Kaitlyn Levinson

What to watch for in Tuesday’s high-stakes elections

Abortion rights are playing a pivotal role in elections in Ohio, Kentucky and Virginia. Plus, more news to use from around the country in this week's State and Local Roundup.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

As Kentucky’s Largest Coal Producer Mines Bitcoin, Its Power Discounts Draw Scrutiny

State utility regulator launches investigations into cryptocurrency industry’s impacts.

  • By Liam Niemeyer, Kentucky Lantern

Five Takeaways from Tuesday’s Elections

Women make history, Republicans lose ground and crime concerns take center stage. Here's what you might've missed in the dozens of city and statewide races Tuesday night.

  • By Daniel C. Vock

Kentucky Becomes Second Conservative State to Reject Anti-abortion Amendment This Year

Following this summer’s vote in Kansas, the race could strengthen an argument that abortion restrictions are a losing issue, even in conservative states.

  • By Shefali Luthra, The 19th

Ford to Invest Billions in Electric Vehicle Production in Two States

One governor is describing a planned facility as the largest economic development project his state has ever seen.

  • By Bill Lucia

Four-State Economic Renewal Plan Gets Fresh Attention

Local officials and others launched discussions this week about a broad revitalization proposal for Appalachia. Talks come as federal legislation could unlock money to help make it feasible.

  • By Bill Lucia

Supply of Antibody Drugs Could Drop in Some States as Feds Take Over Distribution

The Biden administration announced the new policy after a handful of states, most of them with low vaccination rates, accounted for nearly three-fourths of orders for the Covid-19 monoclonal antibody treatment.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Cities, States Providing Legal Aid to Stave off Post-Covid Evictions

Louisville, Kentucky became the latest city to pass a right to counsel law that will guarantee legal representation for low-income renters. At least 11 states are considering similar measures.

  • By Andrea Noble

Cash for Jabs? Officials Look to Cash Perks to Boost Vaccine Uptake

West Virginia's governor announced a $100 incentive program this week. In Detroit, people can get a $50 debit card for driving someone to a vaccination site.

  • By Bill Lucia

The States that Make it Most Difficult to Vote

A report by the Center for Election Innovation and Research compares which states allow voters to cast absentee ballots by mail without an excuse and offer early in-person voting.

  • By Andrea Noble

This Time, Lawmakers Want Control Over Covid-19 Aid

In Kentucky and at least three other states, lawmakers are trying to gain control over funds allocated under the latest federal Covid-19 relief package.

  • By Sophie Quinton, Stateline
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States Consider 'Do-Over Years' for Students Affected by the Pandemic

Some policies allow students an extra year to participate in both academics and athletics, other measures focus entirely on sports.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

How the Pandemic Economy Could Wipe Out a Generation of Black-Owned Businesses

Danette Wilder spent years building up her company. Now it has to survive an existential threat to Black entrepreneurs.

  • By Lydia DePillis, ProPublica

‘Vaccine Tourism’ Leads to Tighter Eligibility Checks

States’ rollout of the coronavirus vaccine has been uneven, and left some people searching for appointments across state lines. Health officials say it’s a problem given scarce resources.

  • By Andrea Noble

Kentucky Lawmakers Who Catch Covid Can Vote From Their Cars

Parking lot participation for those stricken by the virus, or quarantining because of exposure, is just one way that legislatures are adapting to the pandemic era.

  • By Bill Lucia

The New Plans to Remake Appalachia’s Economy

Mayors from the region and others want the Biden administration to embrace their proposals for billions of dollars of spending, with a heavy emphasis on clean energy projects, as a way to reinvent the region as coal declines.

  • By Bill Lucia

'Good, Honest, Capable, and Willing People:' A Take on Election Administrators Goes Viral

James Young, Louisville's former director of elections, took to Twitter to defend the integrity of election workers. Twelve thousand retweets later, he explains why.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

In One Kentucky Community, Dogs Rule—Literally

Wilbur, a 6-month-old French bulldog, is the latest canine mayor of Rabbit Hash, an unincorporated community in Kentucky that's been led by dogs since the late 1990s.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Few in Number, Black Residents in Appalachia Push for Justice

Populations of color grew in eastern Kentucky despite overall population declines.

  • By April Simpson, Stateline

A Blueprint for How State Leaders Can Achieve Better Results

COMMENTARY | Data and evidence can help state policymakers make thoughtful decisions on public health, economics, equity and other issues.

  • By Timothy Blute and Jed Herrmann