A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Donate Life KY celebrates release of ‘Ordinary Angels’ about extraordinary effort to save child’s life

On January 17, 1994, a historic and deadly snowstorm hit Kentucky at the same time a liver transplant became available in Nebraska for a dying three-year-old Louisvillian named Michelle Schmitt. With the family unable to travel to Nebraska while Kentucky was at a standstill, community members stepped up and created one of the state’s most heartwarming and iconic moments. Now, this story is being...

It’s ‘Big Game’ day — be a responsible party-goer and responsible host — and don’t drive alcohol-impaired

Festivities are well underway for Sunday’s big game with scores of people making plans as to where to watch and what they will eat and drink. AAA advises party planners and football fans to designate a sober driver or arrange for alternate transportation options before the party starts. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), alcohol-impaired traffic fatalities often...

Two of NKU’s online business programs named among top in the country by U.S. News and World Report

Two online programs in Northern Kentucky University’s Haile College of Business have been ranked as top online programs in the country by U.S. News and World Report. Haile College’s Master of Accountancy (MAcc) program is ranked No. 71 in the country and the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program is ranked No. 102. This is the first time the Master of Accountancy program has made the list....

Center for Great Neighborhoods marks official transfer of 302 W MLK Blvd to Olla Taqueria

The Center for Great Neighborhoods has made official the sale of the property located at 302 W MLK Blvd to tenant and Olla Taqueria Gutierrez restaurant owner Sergio Gutierrez, successfully concluding a project years in the making. Olla owner Sergio Gutierrez, front, with members of his staff (Photo from CGN) The Center purchased 302 W MLK Blvd as a vacant, blighted building, in 2015, viewing the...

Be prepared for the total solar eclipse coming April 8, know how to view it; expect heavier traffic

Kentucky state and local agencies are preparing for an influx of travelers during the total solar eclipse that will sweep across 13 states on the afternoon of Monday, April 8. The celestial event is expected to bring at least 150,000 visitors to several Western Kentucky counties, with more than 1 million travelers expected to drive through Kentucky to viewing spots along the main path in Ohio, Indiana...

Covington commission considering resolution on Port Authority, says negotiations continue

By Ryan Clark NKyTribune reporter When it comes to the Northern Kentucky Port Authority, the city is not mincing words. Tuesday, at the city commission’s regularly scheduled caucus meeting, Mayor Joseph U. Meyer proposed a resolution that requested, in part, that “the Northern Kentucky Riverport Authority commit in writing that it will abide by the requirements of Covington’s neighborhood development...

Maysville Rep. William Lawrence files House Joint Resolution calling for congressional term limits

By Tom Latek Kentucky Today Legislation has been introduced in the Kentucky House for the state to join other states calling for a convention for proposing a congressional term limits amendment to the U.S. Constitution. Rep. William Lawrence, R-Maysville, has filed House Joint Resolution 66 as part of an effort being spearheaded by the nonpartisan, nonprofit organization known as U.S. Term Limits (USTL). Rep....

First Church volunteers and staff headed to Nairobi, Kenya, for mission trip and work with school

By Andy Furman NKyTribune reporter For Brian Heckber it’s his seventh trip. It’s number three for Joan Shope. And Sarah Sleet – well she’s a newbie. But what they all have in common – workers and volunteers at First Church, Burlington is they’ll make the 12-hour excursion to Nairobi, the capital and largest city of Kenya. First Church volunteers headed to Kenya. (Photo by Jake Furman/NKyTribune) If...

Two out-of-state billionaires bankrolled super PACs that spent $10m trying to defeat Beshear

By Tom Loftus Kentucky Lantern Two billionaire mega-donors bankrolled a quartet of super PACs that spent nearly $10 million over five months last year in an effort to elect a Republican governor in Kentucky. Reports filed this week with the Federal Election Commission show that Jeff Yass, a billionaire options trader and “school choice” crusader from the Philadelphia suburbs, and Richard Uihlein,...

Great Backyard Bird Count back next week — you can participate and here’s how

The Great Backyard Bird Count is back next week; more than 7,500 species were identified in 2023. Thousands of Baikal Teal were seen in South Korea. (Photo by Sarah Van Ingelgom, Macaulay Library) The Great Backyard Bird Count is just a week away from starting, and spotters are expected to identify more than 7,000 species of birds as part of the annual count. You can join the fun. The count runs...

Registration now open for NKY Chamber’s 2024 Encounter NKY program for young professionals

The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce (NKY Chamber) is now accepting registrations for Encounter NKY, its talent retention program designed for young professionals and/or those who are newer to the region. Over the course of several days, Encounter NKY focuses on helping participants expand their networks and develop a greater sense of belonging to the community. Participants in the program will...

Auditor Allison Ball reports on state Dept. of Juvenile Justice — notes staff shortages, lack of direction

By Tom Latek Kentucky Today Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts Allison Ball released the results Wednesday of a full performance review of the pre-adjudication detention centers operated by the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ). Following a request made by the General Assembly, then-Auditor Mike Harmon contracted with CGL Management Group, LLC (“CGL”) in August 2023 to conduct an...

Mark Stanley, a true selfless hero, whose donated organs are making life possible for four others

By Patricia A. Scheyer NKyTribune reporter Heroes come in all shapes and sizes. No one knows when they will be called upon to show what they’re made of; to show that they are selfless enough to be a hero. Mark Stanley was called upon to be a hero. Mark and his family, (Photo provided) As an adult, Mark signed the donor card on the back of his driver’s license. Sadly the day came when that...

Parole board says no to parole of killer and no to more chances; Bevin commuted death sentence

By Jack Brammer NKyTribune reporter   Gregory Wilson, who was sentenced to death after being convicted in 1988 of kidnapping raping and killing Deborah Pooley of Covington but had his sentence reduced by former Gov. Matt Bevin to make him eligible for parole, has to spend the rest of his life in prison. The Kentucky Parole Board decided Monday that Wilson, now 67, must serve out the remainder of his...

Review of KY death row system shows delays, disparities, costs many say must be addressed

By R.G. Dunlop Louisville Public Media Across the country, few people have been on death row longer than Karu Gene White. White was 20 years old when he was convicted of taking part in the brutal murders of three elderly Breathitt County shopkeepers in February 1979. The following year, he was sentenced to death by execution. Today, nearly 44 years later, White is still languishing on death row at...