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Lantern staff
After winning special election, Elkins sworn in as state Senator
By: Lantern staff - June 9, 2023
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
By: Lantern staff - June 6, 2023
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
By: Lantern staff - June 5, 2023
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
By: Lantern staff - May 31, 2023
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. Tami 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
By: Lantern staff - May 31, 2023
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
By: Lantern staff - May 30, 2023
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
By: Lantern staff - May 25, 2023
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
By: Lantern staff - May 23, 2023
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. […]
Scenes from Kentucky’s primary election
By: Lantern staff - May 17, 2023
Kentucky voters narrowed a crowded Republican primary on Tuesday, choosing Attorney General Daniel Cameron as the GOP nominee. Cameron, who would be the first Black governor of Kentucky if elected, will face off with Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat seeking his second term. Check out these photos of Kentucky Election Night parties and a rainy […]
Early voting starts Thursday as Kentuckians choose statewide nominees, fill state Senate seat
By: Lantern staff - May 10, 2023
FRANKFORT — Early voting in Kentucky’s primary election starts Thursday and runs through Saturday. The General Assembly last year established “in-person no excuse absentee” voting for at least eight hours a day on the Thursday, Friday and Saturday before an election. Check with your county clerk to find out where and what hours an early […]
Small Business Administration seeks applicants for free executive training program
By: Lantern staff - May 9, 2023
Small-business owners have until May 17 to apply for free executive training offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The six-month training includes coaching to “accelerate the growth of high-potential small businesses” as well as financial management, marketing and strategic planning, according to a news release. Participants will develop a three-year strategic growth plan and […]
UK HealthCare announces major expansion
By: Lantern staff - April 28, 2023
LEXINGTON — UK HealthCare is launching an expansion that is expected to add 4,800 employees to its “skilled workforce” over the next several years, according to University of Kentucky news releases. The plan includes construction of another tower near the 12-story hospital that opened in 2011. The projects in UK’s “refreshed” strategic plan could ultimately […]