Economy
Q&A: From coal to prisons in Eastern Kentucky and the struggle for a ‘just transition’
This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News, a nonprofit, independent news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. It is republished with permission. Sign up for their newsletter here.? Every week, the expressions of love and support pour into Whitesburg, Kentucky’s Mountain Community Radio, WMMT, like messages in a bottle from friends and […]
Job growth exceeds economists’ expectations as unemployment inches up
The labor market is stable and healthy, economists and policy experts say, although the unemployment rate ticked up in the month of August. The Bureau of Labor Statistics’ report released Friday showed that unemployment rose to 3.8% in August from 3.5% in July. Meanwhile the economy added 187,000 jobs, above expectations of 170,000 jobs from […]
Union leaders hear from young workers organizing in Louisville
LOUISVILLE — It wasn’t until two weeks ago that Troy Plumer joined a union, a local chapter of the United Campus Workers, after working for about a decade as an IT professional at the University of Louisville.? The union, which represents staff and faculty, recently held a rally on campus to protest a new compensation […]
Kentucky regulator denies electricity discounts for crypto mining proposal
Kentucky’s utility regulator has denied millions of dollars in electricity discounts offered by utility Kentucky Power to support a massive cryptocurrency mining operation in Eastern Kentucky.? The Kentucky Public Service Commission in a Monday order stated Chinese-owned Ebon International, the proposed Lawrence County cryptocurrency-mining facility, would “unquestionably” create jobs along with tax revenue for local […]
Federal call center workers call attention to workplace inequities during march
Call center workers that help Americans navigate the ACA marketplace and Medicare used this year’s March on Washington to spotlight their demands for more paths to advancement, higher pay, and more breaks between calls. They’re looking to bring government attention to their cause after previous efforts to get the attention of officials with the Department […]
Pregnant workers have new protections. Here’s what to expect from your boss.
Almost two months after workplace accommodations for pregnant workers became law, the rules surrounding what employers can and cannot do have yet to be finalized — but that doesn’t mean the protections are not in place. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s proposed regulations are expected to offer more clarity once finalized, but workers can still […]
Employers, KCTCS team up to help Kentucky workers pursue education
Kentucky companies who offer tuition assistance to employees as well as flexibility at work can now earn the designation “Education First Employer” through a new statewide initiative announced this week.? At least 45 companies have already signed up to be Education First Employers. The program also requires them to partner with colleges in the Kentucky […]
Few in Eastern Kentucky could afford flood insurance. Now it costs even more.
Few in Eastern Kentucky have flood insurance or have ever been able to afford it. A federal agency’s new pricing system is putting it even further out of reach, jeopardizing eligibility for federal aid after future floods.? The cost of flood insurance is a major reason that Terry Thies is trying to sell her family […]
SBA administrator steps into Eisenhower’s back yard on 70th anniversary of agency’s launch
ABILENE — Isabella Casillas Guzman stepped back in time Tuesday to mark the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 70th year by visiting Dwight Eisenhower’s hometown, library and museum in honor of a president with the foresight to dedicate an agency to advancing interests of small businesses. Guzman, the SBA administrator, said the man from an impoverished […]
Kentucky the final state to enter into federal agreement collaborating on land management
Kentucky and U.S. Department of Agriculture officials are touting a new agreement they say will strengthen collaboration between agencies over the management of natural resources throughout the state.? A Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet release Thursday states Kentucky is the final state in the country to sign onto such a “shared stewardship” agreement with the […]
Consumers seeing relief in some food prices as inflation continues to slow
Consumers are getting some relief from higher prices as core inflation, which excludes food and energy, continues to show signs of cooling — an encouraging sign for the U.S. economy, according to economists. The Department of Labor’s report on Thursday showed the consumer price index rose 0.2% in July, in line with expectations, and 3.2% […]
Churchill Downs among first tracks seeking Kentucky gambling licenses?
Seven Kentucky race tracks have filed to seek sports gambling licenses, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday, and more are expected.?? Kentuckians can place legal sports bets starting Sept. 7 at racetracks and virtually on Sept. 28 under emergency regulations.? The seven race tracks that have applied are:? Churchill Downs in Louisville Cumberland Run in Corbin […]