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Lantern staff
More than 11,000 Kentuckians eligible for student debt relief
More than 11,000 student loan borrowers in Kentucky are eligible for automatic relief from almost a half-billion in debt under a plan announced last week by the Biden administration.? A news release from the U.S. Department of Education says the debt discharges are part of a “commitment to address historical failures in the administration” of […]
Kentucky awards more than $1 million in matching grants to nine tech companies
Kentucky has awarded almost $1.1 million in grants to nine tech businesses. The state funding will match, in part, $7.45 million in federal grants the businesses will collectively receive, according to a release from Gov. Andy Beshear’s office. The funding comes through Kentucky’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Matching […]
Beshear, McConnell, Biden hail $42 billion to connect all Americans to high-speed broadband
Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear and Republican U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell hailed a White House announcement Monday that Kentucky will receive almost $1.1 billion to expand broadband internet access. The funding is part of $42.45 billion unveiled by the Biden administration to connect all Americans to high-speed broadband internet by the end of the decade. The […]
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife gives safety tips about black bear sightings
As the summer season begins, wildlife officials are advising Kentuckians about possible black bear sightings.? The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife says that sightings of black bears are common across the state. Encounters with the animals are possible, too, especially in early summer.? Recent sightings have been reported in eastern, southeastern and southcentral Kentucky, […]
After winning special election, Elkins sworn in as state Senator
Sen. Greg Elkins, a Republican from Winchester who recently won a special election, was sworn into the Kentucky Senate on Thursday.? Elkins, will fill a vacancy left by former Sen. Ralph Alvarado, who became the Tennessee Department of Public Health commissioner in January. The term ends in 2026. The seat represents the 28th state Senate […]
Mammoth Cave National Park expansion proposed by McConnell, Guthrie
A 980-acre expansion of Mammoth Cave National Park is in the works. U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell and Rep. Brett Guthrie on Tuesday unveiled legislation that would allow the park? to acquire “critical habitat” within the Green River watershed from The Nature Conservancy. “The property includes numerous cave passages, including Coach Cave and James Cave that […]
Appalshop releases schedule for free Seedtime on the Cumberland Festival June 16-17
Appalshop, a community media and arts organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich cultural heritage of Central Appalachia, will host its 37th annual Seedtime on the Cumberland Festival on June 16–17, the first since the devastating 2022 summer flood. This free festival featuring music, art, dance, film, local crafters, and food will be held […]
Kentucky State University names Koffi Akakpo president
Koffi C. Akakpo, president of Bluegrass Community and Technical College in Lexington, has been named to lead Kentucky State University in Frankfort. Akakpo will become KSU’s 19th president on July 1, according to a news release. Tammi Dukes, the chair of KSU’s Board of Regents, said Akakpo was chosen after a national search. “Today is […]
Beshear names two new state school board members after Republican criticism
Gov. Andy Beshear has named two new members to the Kentucky Board of Education after Republicans criticized the Democrat for not making the appointments and blamed his inaction on partisan motives. Beshear appointed Julia “Julie” Pile of Florence and Diana Woods of Lexington to the 15-member board which develops regulations for Kentucky’s 171 school districts, […]
Grant provides scholarship funding for special education master’s degree
The University of Kentucky College of Education has funding available for individuals interested in earning a?Master of Science (M.S.) in special education (moderate and severe disabilities), according to a news release from UK.? Funds for the program are from the Training InterdisciPLinary Educators to Support High-Needs Populations (TRIPLETS) grant, awarded to UK by the U.S. […]
The late Bill Gatton’s latest gift to his alma mater is the largest in University of Kentucky history
LEXINGTON — The University of Kentucky on Thursday announced a $100 million gift, the largest in UK’s history, to the College of Agriculture, Food and Environment. The gift is from the Bill Gatton Foundation, endowed by the late Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton, a businessman, investor and UK alum who gave generously to his alma mater. […]
Task forces named to make recommendations for Kentucky’s next legislative session
Before lawmakers return to Frankfort for the next legislative session, special committees and task forces will meet during the interim.? Starting next month, the groups will explore specific policy issues. Each task force will be composed of 10 legislators. The task forces will submit findings and recommendations to the Legislative Research Commission by Dec. 4. […]