A nonprofit publication of the Kentucky Center for Public Service Journalism

Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky to establish first U.S.-assembled BEV plant in Georgetown

Kentucky has further solidified its place as a national leader in the rapidly growing electric vehicle industry as leaders at Toyota committed to retain 700 full-time Kentucky jobs and establish the company’s first U.S.-assembled battery electric vehicle (BEV) at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Kentucky (TMMK) in Georgetown. The project is part of a $591 million commitment for future projects at the...

New research shows Kentucky foster youth transitioning into adulthood face resources gap

By Nadia Ramlagan Public News Service Kentucky’s former foster youth have a steeper climb into adulthood than their peers, according to new research. Among 21-year-olds with foster-care histories, the data show 63% reported having stable housing, 64% said they have secure employment, and 16% reported being enrolled in college or tech school. Former foster youth and a current member of the True...

Governor orders flags at half staff on June 1 in honor of slain Scott County Deputy Sheriff Caleb Conley

Gov. Andy Beshear has ordered flags at all state buildings to be lowered to half-staff from sunrise to sunset Thursday, June 1, in honor of a Scott County Deputy Sheriff who died in the line of duty. Caleb Conley had been with the Scott County Sheriff’s Office for four years Scott County Deputy Sheriff Caleb Conley was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Interstate 75 on Monday, May 22. He...

Governor appoints NKY’s Julie Pile and Diana Woods of Lexington to Kentucky Board of Education

Gov. Andy Beshear appointed Julie Pile and Diana Woods to the Kentucky Board of Education (KBE) on May 30. Pile, of Florence, will serve as an at-large member. She replaces Alvis Johnson, whose term has expired. Pile’s term will expire April 14, 2026. Julie Pile Pile’s dedication to K-12 education began more than 13 years ago when her daughter’s parent-teacher association (PTA) needed help with...

NBA’s Stephen Curry enters spirits industry with Gentleman’s Cut bourbon, made in Boone County

Four-time NBA Champion and two-time MVP Stephen Curry is entering the spirits industry with the launch of Gentleman’s Cut Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey. Years in the making, this highly anticipated, fine-aged bourbon will be released worldwide at The Boone County Distilling Co. following the inaugural bottling. “Celebrations take on many different forms, from intimate gatherings to...

Bluegrass region sees new high — but slowing — in home prices; taking longer to sell homes

Home prices in the region increased to $250,000, tying the second highest median price mark all-time and a new monthly high for April. Last year, the median price stood at $245,000, resulting in a 2% increase year-over-year and the slowest rate of increase since November 2022. April marked the 50th consecutive month of year-over-year price appreciation. For seven months in a row, starting in the last...

Finalists named for 2023 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award to be presented July 11

Three finalists have been selected for the 2023 Kentucky Leopold Conservation Award. Given in honor of renowned conservationist Aldo Leopold, the prestigious award recognizes farmers, ranchers, and forestland owners who inspire others with their dedication to land, water, and wildlife habitat management on private, working lands. In Kentucky, the $10,000 award is presented annually by Sand County Foundation,...

Attorney General’s office announces 12 randomly selected counties for post-primary election inquiries

The Office of the Kentucky Attorney General has announced 12 randomly selected counties that will undergo a 2023 post-primary election inquiry. The 12 counties are: Boyd, Boyle, Bracken, Clay, Clinton, Cumberland, Harrison, Hopkins, Madison, Nelson, Owsley, and Trigg Counties. “This process helps ensure election integrity and transparency in the Commonwealth,” said Assistant Deputy Attorney General...

Art Lander’s Outdoors: As spring warms and summer begins, fishing for bluegill, redear sunfish heats up

The best fishing of the year for sunfish occurs as spring warms into summer as fish are spawning, raising their young and actively feeding. The two most popular, and widely-distributed, sunfish in Kentucky are the bluegill and redear sunfish. Search the 2023 Fishing Forecast for the best bluegill and redear sunfish waters near you. Bluegill (Photo from Wikipedia Commons) • The Bluegill (Lepomis...

National Safe Boating Council offers tips for water safety over the Memorial Day holiday weekend

By Tom Latek Kentucky Today Whether you’re a boater, angler, or water sports enthusiast in Kentucky, remember to be responsible around the water, especially during Memorial Day weekend, when things may be more crowded than usual. The Safe Boating Campaign, led by the National Safe Boating Council, offers these tips for practicing social distancing and safety while boating: • Wear a life jacket....

U.S. Customs and Border Protection in Louisville intercept giant African Snails at Port of Louisville

By Tom Latek Kentucky Today U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agriculture specialists intercepted two live giant African snails at the Louisville Port of Entry on May 18, after they were found at an express consignment facility during the inspection of a parcel arriving from Germany. Giant African snails were seized by border patrol last week in Louisville. (CBP photo) While intended for direct...

Scott County deputy sheriff killed during traffic stop on Interstate; suspect in custody

By Mark Maynard Kentucky Today Scott County sheriff’s deputy Caleb Conley was shot and killed Monday during a traffic stop on the interstate near Georgetown, officials said. Conley was shot just before 5 p.m. near the 127-mile marker on southbound I-75, according to Scott County Sheriff Tony Hampton. Conley had been with the department for four years. He was in the U.S. Army eight years prior...

Latest Kentucky tragedy is stark reminder of continued wrong-way crashes; know risk factors

It’s a problem that continues to put all road users at risk: motorists driving the wrong way down a divided highway. The latest tragedy Sunday night on Interstate Highway 75 in Lexington resulting in yet another fatality from wrong-way driving will likely mark the 81st wrong-way crash in Kentucky in 2023. Based on Kentucky State Police crash data leading up to the incident, the crash would be the...

Beshear, Cameron face-off seen as referendum on culture wars in Kentucky, as rivalry heats up

By McKenna Horsley The Kentucky Lantern Former President Donald Trump helped deliver the Republican nomination for governor to Attorney General Daniel Cameron, but it’s unclear if the Trump effect will help in his efforts to unseat incumbent Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear. Cameron, whose campaign has been built on his record as attorney general and his conservative values, defeated 11 opponents in...

Motorists reminded to buckle up as annual Memorial Day ‘Click it or Ticket’ campaign begins tomorrow

Kentuckians are reminded to buckle up and properly secure children in car seats or boosters during the annual Click It or Ticket campaign, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, running May 22 – June 4. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) Office of Highway Safety (KOHS) is joining law enforcement around the commonwealth and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)...