News
- Republican lawmakers in Kentucky approve putting a school choice measure on the November ballotby Erin SchmittFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky Republican lawmakers on Friday put the political fight over whether taxpayer money should be able to flow to private or charter schools in the hands of voters to decide. The proposed school choice constitutional amendment won final passage in the Senate by a vote of 27-8, capping a rapid series… Read more: Republican lawmakers in Kentucky approve putting a school choice measure on the November ballot
- KDE seeking recommendations for Kentucky Exemplary Educators Programby Erin Schmitt(FRANKFORT, KY) – The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) is seeking recommendations of exemplary educators and leaders in the Commonwealth’s public schools to join the 2024 Kentucky Exemplary Educators Program (KEEP). Qualified individuals selected for KEEP will receive a certificate of excellence from KDE and may be considered for other recognitions and opportunities, including invitations… Read more: KDE seeking recommendations for Kentucky Exemplary Educators Program
- Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Updateby Erin SchmittFRANKFORT, Ky. (March 14, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear provided an update on economic development; funding to improve parks and recreation spaces; medical cannabis; recent bill signings; new homes at a high-ground community; an award to support families in need; the 988 crisis hotline; funds from the Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhood grant program; Kentucky State… Read more: Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
- Republican senators reveal their version of Kentucky’s next two-year budgetby Erin SchmittFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky Senate Republicans revealed their version of the state’s next two-year budget Wednesday, proposing more funding for the main K-12 school funding formula and doubling the amount of performance-based funding that goes to public universities. The spending blueprint could be voted on in the full Senate later Wednesday, hours after it… Read more: Republican senators reveal their version of Kentucky’s next two-year budget
- Hopkinsville Residents Arrested for Drugs After Search Warrantby Erin SchmittHopkinsville, Ky. – Kentucky State Police have arrested three people in connection with trafficking fentanyl.KSP and the Hopkinsville Police Department executed a search warrant at the Woodland Heights Complex in Hopkinsville on Friday. The search yielded more than 1,100 Fentanyl pills, approximately one ounce of cocaine, money, and other drug paraphernalia.Chermes White, age 22, of… Read more: Hopkinsville Residents Arrested for Drugs After Search Warrant
- Gov. Beshear To Host 56th Annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfastby Erin SchmittFRANKFORT, Ky. (March 11, 2024) – Gov. Andy Beshear will host the 56th annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast Tuesday, March 12, at the Exum Center at Kentucky State University in Frankfort. The theme for this year’s Prayer Breakfast is “Forward Together in Faith, Empathy and Compassion.” The event begins at 7:30 a.m. EST (doors open at 7… Read more: Gov. Beshear To Host 56th Annual Governor’s Prayer Breakfast
- Clay man arrested on assault charges in connection with stabbingby Erin SchmittA Webster County man is accused of stabbing another person. Henderson Police Department said officers responded to the 1000 block of First Street in Henderson on Tuesday in reference to an assault. The alleged victim told police that a white man walked up to his vehicle and asked for a ride. The driver said that… Read more: Clay man arrested on assault charges in connection with stabbing
- Kentuckians Reminded to Designate a Sober Driver this St. Patrick’s Dayby Erin SchmittFRANKFORT, Ky. – St. Patrick’s Day is one of our nation’s most popular holidays, celebrated with festivals, parades and parties. The amount of alcohol consumed is higher than average, which is why Kentuckians are reminded to designate a sober driver before the festivities begin. “If your St. Patrick’s Day celebration involves alcohol, make the responsible choice… Read more: Kentuckians Reminded to Designate a Sober Driver this St. Patrick’s Day
- Gov. Beshear Vetoes Bill That Would Make It Harder for Families To Access Affordable Housingby Erin SchmittLOUISVILLE, Ky. (March 5, 2024) – On Tuesday, Gov. Andy Beshear was joined by Louisville Councilman Phillip Baker, who represents Metro Council District 6, as he vetoed House Bill 18, which would make it harder for many Kentuckians – including those with disabilities, senior citizens, low-income families and homeless veterans – to access affordable housing. The bill… Read more: Gov. Beshear Vetoes Bill That Would Make It Harder for Families To Access Affordable Housing
- Kentucky’s 2023 annual unemployment rate increased to 4.2% from 4% in 2022by Erin SchmittFRANKFORT, Ky. (March 4, 2024) — Kentucky’s annual unemployment rate for 2023 was 4.2% according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet. This is an increase from 4% in 2022. The U.S. annual unemployment rate was 3.6% in 2023, unchanged from 2022. The U.S. Bureau of Labor… Read more: Kentucky’s 2023 annual unemployment rate increased to 4.2% from 4% in 2022
- Henderson Community College to Host Solar Eclipse Activitiesby Erin SchmittHENDERSON, Ky. – Henderson Community College has two special events scheduled in conjunction with the upcoming solar eclipse. The first event is on March 12 at 9:30 a.m. at the Preston Arts Center on campus. HCC Professor Dr. Scott Taylor will present Earth, The Moon, and Solar Eclipses, an educational overview of eclipses. Local schools have been invited… Read more: Henderson Community College to Host Solar Eclipse Activities
- Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Updateby Erin SchmittFRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 29, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear, Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman and Dr. Steven Stack provided an update on federal funds to create jobs through the cleanup of historic mine sites; economic development; thriving Kentucky Main Street communities; Women’s History Month; measles prevention; Severe Weather Week; an event to celebrate the 60th anniversary… Read more: Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
- McConnell will step down as the Senate Republican leader in November after a record run in the jobby Erin SchmittWASHINGTON (AP) — Mitch McConnell, the longest-serving Senate leader in history who maintained his power in the face of dramatic convulsions in the Republican Party for almost two decades, will step down from that position in November. McConnell, who turned 82 last week, announced his decision Wednesday in the well of the Senate, a place where he looked… Read more: McConnell will step down as the Senate Republican leader in November after a record run in the job
- A teammate is charged with killing an athlete at a Christian universityby Erin SchmittCAMPBELLSVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A college wrestler in Kentucky was killed by a teammate at a private Christian university over the weekend, authorities said. Josiah Kilman, 18, was pronounced dead at a hospital after police officers were called early Saturday to Campbellsville University in central Kentucky, police said in a news release. The freshman theology… Read more: A teammate is charged with killing an athlete at a Christian university
- Kentucky State Police to Participate in Operation SafeDRIVEby Erin SchmittFRANKFORT, Ky. (February 27, 2024) — Kentucky State Police (KSP) Commercial Vehicle Enforcement will participate in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Operation SafeDRIVE (Distracted Reckless Impaired Visibility Enforcement) from February 27-29. This enforcement campaign targets unsafe driving behavior that often leads to crashes involving passenger cars and commercial vehicles. It complements national efforts to educate all drivers on safely sharing roads with large… Read more: Kentucky State Police to Participate in Operation SafeDRIVE
- GOP-led Kentucky House votes to relax child labor rules and toughen food stamp eligibility standardsby Erin SchmittFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Republican-backed measures to relax child labor rules and tighten food stamp eligibility standards won passage Thursday in the Kentucky House over impassioned objections from Democrats. In back-to-back votes, both bills advanced to the GOP-dominated Senate after long debates in the House, where Republicans also have a supermajority. Democratic lawmakers branded the… Read more: GOP-led Kentucky House votes to relax child labor rules and toughen food stamp eligibility standards
- Americans reporting nationwide cellular outages from AT&T, Cricket Wireless and other providersby Erin SchmittA number of Americans are dealing with cellular outages on AT&T, Cricket Wireless, Verizon, T-Mobile and other service providers, according to data from Downdetector. AT&T had more than 73,000 outages around 9:30 a.m. ET, in locations including Houston, Atlanta and Chicago. The outages began at approximately 3:30 a.m. ET. The carrier has more than 240… Read more: Americans reporting nationwide cellular outages from AT&T, Cricket Wireless and other providers
- Ford and UAW reach local contract agreement at Kentucky Truck plant, averting threat of a strikeby Erin SchmittDETROIT (AP) — Ford Motor Co. and the United Auto Workers union have reached a tentative agreement on a local contract at the company’s largest and most profitable factory, averting the threat of a strike. The union said last week said that nearly 9,000 workers at the Kentucky Truck Plant in Louisville would walk picket… Read more: Ford and UAW reach local contract agreement at Kentucky Truck plant, averting threat of a strike
- Cintas Corporation has acquired SITEXby Erin SchmittCINCINNATI–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Cintas Corporation has acquired SITEX, a Henderson-based, family-owned supplier of uniform and facility service programs. “They’ve built a successful company with a well-earned reputation for delivering outstanding customer and employee experiences. We look forward to welcoming SITEX’s customers and employees to Cintas in the coming months.” SITEX was founded by the Sights family in… Read more: Cintas Corporation has acquired SITEX
- Gov. Beshear, Officials Break Ground on First EV Charging Station in Southeastern US Supported by Federal Programby Erin SchmittRICHMOND, Ky. (Feb. 19, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear joined Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Administrator Shailen Bhatt and several state and local officials at Circle K in Richmond to break ground on the first electric vehicle (EV) fast charging station in the southeastern United States built with federal funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure… Read more: Gov. Beshear, Officials Break Ground on First EV Charging Station in Southeastern US Supported by Federal Program
- Kentucky House passes bills allowing new academic roles for Murray State and Eastern Kentuckyby Erin SchmittFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Two universities wanting to carve out ambitious new roles to help overcome shortages of doctors and veterinarians won overwhelming support from the Kentucky House on Thursday. The House passed separate bills that would allow Murray State University to create a school of veterinary medicine and Eastern Kentucky University to offer medical… Read more: Kentucky House passes bills allowing new academic roles for Murray State and Eastern Kentucky
- Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Updateby Erin SchmittFRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 15, 2024) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear and Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman provided an update on economic development; the Kentucky National Guard; grants to support veterans; free GED testing; and a record year for the Kentucky Lottery. Economic DevelopmentGov. Beshear announced exciting momentum within the state’s agritech sector as Bosch Berries, an international grower and… Read more: Gov. Beshear Provides Team Kentucky Update
- Kentucky State Police Charges Green River Correctional Complex Officerby Erin SchmittCENTRAL CITY, KY – (February 14, 2024) – On Tuesday, February 13, 2024, Kentucky State Police Post 2 Detectives interviewed and arrested Amanda Kulka, 42, a correctional officer at the Green River Correctional Complex. The preliminary investigation revealed the Green River Correctional Complex requested KSP assistance during an internal investigation into one of their correctional officers.… Read more: Kentucky State Police Charges Green River Correctional Complex Officer
- Woman killed in Corydon fire; man badly burnedby Erin SchmittCORYDON – A woman was killed, and a man badly burned following a fatal house fire in Corydon. Corydon Civil Defense Fire & Rescue Fire Chief Bryan Coghill said that first responders received a dispatch at 11:16 a.m. Monday for a house on fire at 415 Main Street in Corydon. There were reports that a… Read more: Woman killed in Corydon fire; man badly burned
- Governor and First Lady Host ‘Team Kentucky Saves Lives’ Blood Driveby Erin SchmittFRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 12, 2024) – On Monday, Gov. Andy Beshear and First Lady Britainy Beshear donated blood in the State Capitol Rotunda to help address the national emergency blood shortage. They encouraged all Kentuckians to sign up for a blood drive near them by visiting Governor.ky.gov/GiveBlood. “Donating blood is one of the most important ways… Read more: Governor and First Lady Host ‘Team Kentucky Saves Lives’ Blood Drive
- As some call for his ouster, McConnell pushes back on GOP critics: ‘They’ve had their shot’by Erin SchmittWASHINGTON (AP) — After months of negotiations and delays, the Senate on Thursday voted to move forward on legislation that would provide wartime aid to Ukraine and Israel. While far from a final vote, it was a momentary victory for Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, a strong supporter of the aid for Ukraine, in particular, despite a growing number… Read more: As some call for his ouster, McConnell pushes back on GOP critics: ‘They’ve had their shot’
- First Lady Britainy Beshear Invites Kentuckians To Shop & Shareby Erin SchmittWhile stocking up for Super Bowl parties at select Kroger, Food City and Starbucks locations, Kentuckians can purchase items to support domestic violence survivors FRANKFORT, Ky. – As part of her longstanding commitment to support survivors of intimate partner violence, First Lady Britainy Beshear has invited Kentuckians to participate in the annual Shop & Share… Read more: First Lady Britainy Beshear Invites Kentuckians To Shop & Share
- Super Bowl LVIII Viewers Reminded ‘Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk’ by Erin SchmittKentuckians encouraged to plan for a safe ride home FRANKFORT, Ky. – Regardless of who Kentuckians choose to root for during Super Bowl LVIII, state officials are cheering on fans to make responsible choices behind the wheel. For those hosting a Super Bowl viewing party or attending one on Sunday, Feb. 11, fans have an… Read more: Super Bowl LVIII Viewers Reminded ‘Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk’
- KSP arrested Warren County man on charges related to child sexual exploitationby Erin SchmittBOWLING GREEN, Ky. — The Kentucky State Police Electronic Crime Branch arrested Corey James Jarboe, 29, on charges related to child sexual exploitation offenses. Jarboe was arrested as the result of an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children investigation. The KSP Electronic Crime Branch began the investigation after discovering the suspect using electronic means to procure… Read more: KSP arrested Warren County man on charges related to child sexual exploitation
- Kentucky House boosts school spending but leaves out guaranteed teacher raises and universal pre-Kby Erin SchmittFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — The Republican-led Kentucky House endorsed higher spending for education in its two-year state spending plan on Thursday but left out two of the Democratic governor’s top priorities — guaranteed pay raises for teachers and access to preschool for every 4-year-old. The budget measure, which won 77-19 House passage after hours of… Read more: Kentucky House boosts school spending but leaves out guaranteed teacher raises and universal pre-K
- Spread Love this Valentine’s Day with a Kentucky State Police Trooper Teddy Bearby Erin SchmittFRANKFORT, Ky. (Feb. 1, 2024) – The Kentucky State Police is announcing the Trooper Teddy Bear Valentine’s Day sale, offering the public an exclusive opportunity to spread love while supporting the agency’s outreach program. Starting today through Feb. 14, customers can purchase the heartwarming bears at a special price of $20, down from the regular price… Read more: Spread Love this Valentine’s Day with a Kentucky State Police Trooper Teddy Bear
- Republican lawmakers in Kentucky offer legislation to regulate adult-oriented businessesby Erin SchmittFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Republican lawmakers proposed making adult-oriented businesses off-limits within a block of places frequented by children as they offered legislation on Tuesday that includes a renewed effort to regulate drag shows in Kentucky. Identical Senate and House bills unveiled by Sen. Lindsey Tichenor and Rep. Nancy Tate would create statewide regulations for… Read more: Republican lawmakers in Kentucky offer legislation to regulate adult-oriented businesses
- Democratic lawmaker promotes bill aimed at improving student transportation across Kentuckyby Erin SchmittFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Legislation allowing school districts to expand fleets transporting students to school and home was promoted Monday as a way to fix bus systems hampered by long routes and too few bus drivers. Democratic Sen. David Yates, the bill’s lead sponsor in the Republican-led Senate, said improving student transportation is a nonpartisan… Read more: Democratic lawmaker promotes bill aimed at improving student transportation across Kentucky
- UPDATE: Missing Princeton girl found; father in custodyby Erin Schmitt**UPDATE** Missing child, Lela Black, has been located safely. Byron Black has been taken into custody. PRINCETON, KY – (January 29, 2024) – On Sunday, January 28, 2024, at approximately 2 p.m. Kentucky State Police (KSP) Post 2 received a call from the Princeton Police Department requesting assistance with a death investigation on Center Street in… Read more: UPDATE: Missing Princeton girl found; father in custody
- Police looking for Henderson County Detention Center inmate who escaped over the weekendby Erin SchmittHENDERSON, Ky. – Kentucky State Police are searching for an inmate who escaped from the Henderson County Detention Center his weekend. KSP Post 16 received a call from the Henderson County Detention Center in Henderson at approximately 9:10 p.m. Friday regarding an escaped inmate. Preliminary investigation reveals Tylee Thompson, 33, of Cincinnati, escaped on foot… Read more: Police looking for Henderson County Detention Center inmate who escaped over the weekend
- Prominent Kentucky lawmaker files bill to put school choice on the statewide ballot in Novemberby Erin SchmittFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — A prominent Kentucky lawmaker filed a school choice bill Friday seeking to remove constitutional barriers blocking the state from assisting parents who want to enroll their children in private or charter schools. The proposed constitutional amendment was introduced by Rep. Suzanne Miles, a member of House Republican leadership. It was designated… Read more: Prominent Kentucky lawmaker files bill to put school choice on the statewide ballot in November
- Henderson native purchases Hercules Manufacturing Companyby Erin SchmittHenderson, KY (Jan. 25, 2024) – Hercules Manufacturing Company was purchased by Justin Wilson on January 1, 2024. Wilson, Henderson native and former Hercules employee of 10 years, is now President and CEO following the retirement of the previous owner, Jeffery A. Caddick. “It’s time to rebuild a foundation that this company can rest on… Read more: Henderson native purchases Hercules Manufacturing Company
- Attorney General Coleman Calls on U.S. Supreme Court to Stop Big Tech Censorshipby Erin SchmittFRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 24, 2024) – Attorney General Russell Coleman joined a multistate coalition calling on the U.S. Supreme Court to stop online censorship from Big Tech companies. The attorneys general from 18 states submitted an amicus brief supporting a pair of Texas and Florida laws that protect their citizens from censorship on social media platforms such… Read more: Attorney General Coleman Calls on U.S. Supreme Court to Stop Big Tech Censorship
- Families sue Kentucky gun shop that sold AR-15 used in 2023 bank shooting that killed 5by Erin SchmittLOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — The Kentucky gun shop that sold an assault weapon to a man who used it to kill five co-workers and wrote in his journal the gun was “so easy” to buy is facing a lawsuit filed Monday from survivors and families of the victims. The civil suit filed in Louisville alleges… Read more: Families sue Kentucky gun shop that sold AR-15 used in 2023 bank shooting that killed 5
- KSP investigating fatal crash that killed juvenile in Caldwell Countyby Erin SchmittPRINCETON – Kentucky State Police Post 2 Madisonville are investigating a fatal collision that occurred over the weekend in Caldwell County. The Caldwell County Sheriff’s Department requested state police to investigate a fatal collision that occurred on Cannon Road in Princeton at approximately 8:58 p.m. Friday. A preliminary investigation revelated that a 17-year-old was operating… Read more: KSP investigating fatal crash that killed juvenile in Caldwell County
- Henderson Community College to Host Legislators and Elected Officials Appreciation Breakfastby Erin SchmittHENDERSON, Ky. – Henderson Community College will host its second annual Legislators and Elected Officials Appreciation Breakfast on Monday, Feb. 12, 2024, beginning at 8 a.m. in the Stagg Room of the Preston Arts Center on HCC’s campus. HCC President and CEO Dr. Jason Warren will update attendees on important current and future initiatives at… Read more: Henderson Community College to Host Legislators and Elected Officials Appreciation Breakfast
- Henderson Community College Names New Chief Academic Officerby Erin SchmittHENDERSON, Ky. – Henderson Community College recently announced the promotion of Mike Knecht to Chief Academic Officer effective Dec. 16, 2023. Knecht is a tenured professor who has worked at HCC for 29 years, most recently as HCC’s Interim Dean of Academic Affairs. During his tenure, Knecht has held several leadership positions including the Director… Read more: Henderson Community College Names New Chief Academic Officer
- Kentucky House GOP budget differs with Democratic governor over how to award teacher pay raisesby Erin SchmittFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky House Republicans on Tuesday unveiled spending bills aimed at boosting education funding and tapping into budget reserves to pump more money into public pensions and infrastructure projects. The two-year budget plan introduced in the House doesn’t offer a guaranteed pay raise for teachers and other public school employees. Nor does… Read more: Kentucky House GOP budget differs with Democratic governor over how to award teacher pay raises
- KSP arrested Madisonville man on charges related to child sexual abuse materialby Erin SchmittMADISONVILLE, Ky. (January 16, 2024) — Kentucky State Police have arrested a Madisonville man on charges related to child sexual abuse material. Henry Winston Strader, 46, of Madisonville, was charged with one count of first-degree official misconduct and one count of distribution of obscene matters to minors. Both charges are Class-A misdemeanors and punishable by… Read more: KSP arrested Madisonville man on charges related to child sexual abuse material
- Three-strikes proposal part of sweeping anti-crime bill unveiled by House Republicans in Kentuckyby Erin SchmittFRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Republican lawmakers in the Kentucky House unveiled a three-strikes measure on Tuesday that would keep people locked up after being convicted of a third violent felony. The proposal is part of a much broader anti-crime bill designated as a priority for Republicans in the 60-day session. The measure surfaced during the… Read more: Three-strikes proposal part of sweeping anti-crime bill unveiled by House Republicans in Kentucky