Briefs
Kentuckians urged to get vaccinated against flu which has already killed six children
Facing the worst flu outbreak in a decade, Kentucky has already recorded the deaths of six children from influenza, equaling the record for pediatric influenza flu deaths in a single season, according to a release from Gov. Andy Beshear’s office Monday afternoon. Beshear encouraged Kentuckians to get vaccinated against the flu and said that three […]
Lexington physicians offer advice on protecting against respiratory illnesses during the holidays
As respiratory viruses surge, Lexington physicians on Monday urged Kentuckians to protect themselves and others this holiday season by getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19, staying home if you feel sick and masking and social distancing when possible. During a briefing for media, ?Dr. Gena Cooper, medical director for pediatric emergency medicine at Kentucky Children’s […]
Auditor Mike Harmon makes run for Kentucky governor official
The first of Kentucky’s Republican constitutional officers seeking election to governor has officially filed to run.? According to the secretary of state’s office, Auditor of Public Accounts Mike Harmon submitted his candidacy papers Friday. He had previously filed a statement of spending intent with the Kentucky Registry of Election Finance. According to quarterly reports, Harmon […]
Kentucky groups urge lawmakers to reject another income tax cut
A coalition of 28 Kentucky organizations is urging lawmakers to reject additional cuts in the state income tax when the legislature convenes Jan. 3. “Record surpluses used to justify the cut are largely a mirage,” says a letter sent Friday to members of the General Assembly and released by the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy.? […]
White House again offering free at-home COVID-19 rapid test kits
WASHINGTON — The Biden administration is once again offering Americans the opportunity to order free at-home COVID-19 rapid tests from the federal government, a program that it had shuttered amid an ongoing stalemate with Congress over additional funding to address the virus. The program will allow each household to order four free COVID-19 tests as […]
Kentucky Supreme Court strikes down tax credits to pay private school tuition
The Kentucky Supreme Court on Thursday unanimously struck down a Kentucky law creating a generous tax credit to help families pay for tuition at private schools. The opinion cites a long line of precedent reinforcing the Kentucky Constitution’s ban on the state financially supporting private schools in declaring the Education Opportunity Account Act unconstitutional. The […]
Kentucky near top of increases in college completion rate this year
Kentucky was one of just five states to achieve more than a 1% increase in its college completion rate in 2022, according to a national report. The National Student Clearinghouse Research Center tracks the rate at which students entering colleges and universities have earned a degree or certificate six years later. Nationally, progress stalled in […]
Here’s why food prices remain stubbornly high even as inflation cools
Shoppers hoping for a little relief at the grocery store for their holiday meals will be disappointed by the Consumer Price Index released Tuesday. The CPI shows inflation cooling but food prices — particularly for some holiday staples — remain high. The CPI increased 0.1% in November, which was lower than some economists expected. Over […]
NKU board takes no action on becoming authorizer of pilot charter school
Northern Kentucky University’s Board of Regents took no action Tuesday to become an authorizer of a pilot charter school in Kenton or Campbell counties. The board has until Jan. 1, 2023, to confirm participation, but Tuesday’s meeting was its last of the year. Earlier this year, the Kentucky legislature passed House Bill 9, which created […]
Virginia Marsh Bell, Nikky Finney to receive honorary doctorates from UK
Two women will soon be recognized by the University of Kentucky for their influence on the institution and contributions in their fields. The UK Board of Trustees approved the honorary degrees for Virginia Marsh Bell, known for her approach to dementia care, and celebrated poet and professor Nikky Finney, a university press release said. They […]
Prichard Committee sounds alarm as Kentucky drops in some key education rankings
Reading proficiency among Kentucky’s fourth-graders ranks its lowest since Kentucky began participating in the 50-state National Assessment of Educational Progress, according to a new report by the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence. The report also shows Kentucky slipping in eighth-grade math proficiency and pre-school and postsecondary participation in recent years when compared? to other states.? […]
VA holding town hall in Louisville Tuesday for veterans who may have suffered toxic exposure
Veterans who may have been exposed to a toxic substance while serving in the military and their survivors can learn about new benefits at a town hall in Louisville on Tuesday. The town hall will be held from 5:30 to 7 p.m. ET Dec. 13 at the Louisville VA Medical Center, 800 Zorn Avenue. A […]