Kentucky

The States that Make it Most Difficult to Vote

A report by the Center for Election Innovation and Research compares which states allow voters to cast absentee ballots by mail without an excuse and offer early in-person voting.

  • By Andrea Noble

This Time, Lawmakers Want Control Over Covid-19 Aid

In Kentucky and at least three other states, lawmakers are trying to gain control over funds allocated under the latest federal Covid-19 relief package.

  • By Sophie Quinton, Stateline

States Consider 'Do-Over Years' for Students Affected by the Pandemic

Some policies allow students an extra year to participate in both academics and athletics, other measures focus entirely on sports.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

How the Pandemic Economy Could Wipe Out a Generation of Black-Owned Businesses

Danette Wilder spent years building up her company. Now it has to survive an existential threat to Black entrepreneurs.

  • By Lydia DePillis, ProPublica

‘Vaccine Tourism’ Leads to Tighter Eligibility Checks

States’ rollout of the coronavirus vaccine has been uneven, and left some people searching for appointments across state lines. Health officials say it’s a problem given scarce resources.

  • By Andrea Noble

Kentucky Lawmakers Who Catch Covid Can Vote From Their Cars

Parking lot participation for those stricken by the virus, or quarantining because of exposure, is just one way that legislatures are adapting to the pandemic era.

  • By Bill Lucia

The New Plans to Remake Appalachia’s Economy

Mayors from the region and others want the Biden administration to embrace their proposals for billions of dollars of spending, with a heavy emphasis on clean energy projects, as a way to reinvent the region as coal declines.

  • By Bill Lucia

'Good, Honest, Capable, and Willing People:' A Take on Election Administrators Goes Viral

James Young, Louisville's former director of elections, took to Twitter to defend the integrity of election workers. Twelve thousand retweets later, he explains why.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

In One Kentucky Community, Dogs Rule—Literally

Wilbur, a 6-month-old French bulldog, is the latest canine mayor of Rabbit Hash, an unincorporated community in Kentucky that's been led by dogs since the late 1990s.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Few in Number, Black Residents in Appalachia Push for Justice

Populations of color grew in eastern Kentucky despite overall population declines.

  • By April Simpson, Stateline

A Blueprint for How State Leaders Can Achieve Better Results

COMMENTARY | Data and evidence can help state policymakers make thoughtful decisions on public health, economics, equity and other issues.

  • By Jed Herrmann and Timothy Blute

Goodbye, Confederate Statues. Hello, Dolly Parton and Chef Boyardee?

There's little consensus on what to put up in place of Confederate monuments and other controversial political statues.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram
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Experts Say Investment Needed in Both Absentee, In-Person Voting Before November

Difficulties that emerged during Kentucky and New York’s primary elections Tuesday underscore the need for more resources to accommodate voters who cast ballots by mail and in person.

  • By Andrea Noble

Kentucky Governor Wants State to Help All Black Residents Get Health Insurance

STATE AND LOCAL NEWS ROUNDUP | Long lines to vote in Atlanta ... Louisville could ban most no-knock warrants ... A climbing number of Covid-19 cases in Arizona.

  • By Laura Maggi and Emma Coleman

New Hampshire Latest State to Try to Limit Out-of-State Tourists

New Hampshire is reopening certain recreational sites, but trying to limit them to residents. Other states have attempted similar measures, with mixed results.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Unemployment From the Coronavirus Varies Dramatically Between States, Analysis Finds

The percentage of each state's workforce filing for unemployment as a result of the pandemic ranges between 8% to 33%, largely depending on the industries that drive local economies.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Looking for Extra Cash? Check Your State’s Unclaimed Property Database

COMMENTARY | State treasurers are returning millions in unclaimed property to residents.

  • By Allison Ball, David McRae and John Perdue

City Song Aims to 'Lift Up' Residents During Pandemic

"Lift Up Louisville," a song collaboration among 29 artists with ties to the Kentucky city, debuted Monday. Proceeds will benefit the city's relief fund for residents and nonprofits.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Governor Reiterates Importance of Social Distancing after 'Coronavirus Party' Attendee Tests Positive for Virus

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear had a hard time containing his frustration this week.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

Federal Appeals Court Blocks Medicaid Work Requirements

An Arkansas program that required most Medicaid recipients to work, volunteer or attend school to receive health coverage was "arbitrary and capricious," a three-judge panel ruled unanimously.

  • By Kate Elizabeth Queram

They Were Promised Broadband and High-Tech Jobs. They’re Still Waiting.

Kentucky’s plan to bring broadband to remote parts of the state has sputtered and its future looks increasingly bleak. State leaders told rural residents it would create better business opportunities. But instead, they keep getting left behind.

  • By Alfred Miller, ProPublica