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Solarize Frankfort helped 27 Frankfort homeowners install solar in 2023, spurring the investment of over $600,000 in our local economy, according to the Kentucky Solar Energy Society. (Andy McDonald)<br />

Solarize campaign vets KY solar companies for consumers

As out-of-state, and sometimes disreputable companies offering solar installations crowd the market, a local effort called Solarize aims to connect …

In 2023, operators plan to retire 15.6 gigawatts (GW) of electric-generating capacity in the United States, mostly gas-fired (6.2 GW) and coal-fired (8.9 GW) power plants, according to federal data. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY bill would limit renewables, keep aging power plants longer

Kentucky House lawmakers are considering a bill that could make it harder to close aging coal-fired power plants. At the Kentucky Resources Council…

A study by Wallethub ranked Kentucky 43rd in the nation for residents' dental health. (Adobe Stock)

Kentucky dentists expect more child tooth decay if "opt out" fluoride bill passes

A bill moving through the Kentucky Legislature would make fluoride treatment in drinking water optional for local municipalities. House Bill 141 …

Un estudio realizado por Wallethub clasific� a Kentucky en el puesto 43 del pa�s en cuanto a salud dental de los residentes. (Adobe Stock)

Dentistas de KY esperan más caries en niños si se aprueba proyecto de ley

Un proyecto de ley que se está debatiendo en la Legislatura de Kentucky haría que el tratamiento con fluoruro en el agua potable sea opciona…

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, in Nov. 2023, nationwide utility companies saw a 2% average revenue increase per kilowatt-hour compared to the previous year. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Kentucky Power rate hike: What eastern KY residents, businesses should know

Many eastern Kenuckians will see their monthly energy bills increase by around $8 per month, after a ruling last month by the state's utility …

Older adults make up a growing share of Kentucky's population, according to census data. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY seniors push for family caregiving, equitable housing reforms

Kentuckians age 50 and older say increased support for family caregivers, affordable housing and lower prescription drug costs would help improve …

According to the health-care advocacy group KFF, health centers served more than 30 million patients in 2021. (Adobe Stock)

Despite funding limbo, more Kentuckians rely on Community Health Centers

The bulk of federal funding for Community Health Centers expires next month, and health advocates say they're worried about the impact on Kentucky …

Electric cooperatives distribute profits back to the individual consumers who paid the money on their monthly service bills, or are put back into operational costs. (Adobe Stock)

Rural electric co-ops in Kentucky poised to receive federal funds

Rural electric co-ops in Kentucky have submitted more than 60 proposed projects to a federal grant program called Empowering Rural America, which is …

Research shows that among deaf adults, rates of diagnosed depression or anxiety disorder are significantly higher, and occur at an earlier age, compared to hearing adults. (Adobe Stock) <br />

Peer support specialists help deaf Kentuckians access mental health care

Kentuckians who are deaf or hard-of-hearing face many challenges in accessing mental healthcare, and a new program aims to address the problem…

By 2022, 32% of bills that passed the Kentucky House and 24% that passed the Senate were fast-tracked in ways that cut out the public, according to a new League of Women Voters of Kentucky report. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Report: KY lawmakers increasingly fast-track bills, reducing transparency

Kentucky lawmakers convene this week for the 2024 legislative session, and a new report finds state representatives are increasingly fast-tracking …

Para 2022, el 32% de los proyectos de ley aprobados en la C�mara de Representantes de Kentucky y el 24% de los aprobados en el Senado fueron acelerados de manera que excluyeron al p�blico, seg�n un nuevo informe de la Liga de Mujeres Votantes de Kentucky. (Adobe Stock)

Legisladores de KY aceleran proyectos de ley, reduciendo la transparencia

Los legisladores de Kentucky se reúnen esta semana para la sesión legislativa de 2024, y un nuevo informe encuentra que los representantes …

An analysis of government data by the health policy group KFF estimates that nearly one in 10 adults, or roughly 23 million people nationwide, owe significant medical debt. (Adobe Stock)

KY advocates: It's time to bury medical debt

It's estimated that one in three Kentuckians struggles to pay medical bills, and the issue continues to be a driving factor in personal bankruptcy …

Un an�lisis de datos gubernamentales realizado por el grupo de pol�ticas de salud KFF estima que casi uno de cada 10 adultos, o aproximadamente 23 millones de personas en todo el pa�s, tiene una deuda m�dica significativa. (Adobe)

Defensores de KY: Es hora de enterrar la deuda médica

Se estima que uno de cada tres habitantes de Kentucky tiene dificultades para pagar las facturas médicas, y el problema sigue siendo un factor …

More than two dozen over-the-counter eyedrop products could be contaminated and should not be used by consumers, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Eye experts urge caution after FDA recalls dozens of eyedrop brands

As the Food and Drug Administration warned more than two dozen over-the-counter eyedrops could potentially cause infection, partial vision loss and …

Timeliness of care is critical for veterans, and delays in health-care access contribute to poorer physical and mental health and can exacerbate these conditions, according to research from the U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs. (Adobe Stock)

Kentuckians recognized for work to improve community health

In communities across the state, Kentucky residents are coming up with innovative ways to improve community health. Jeremy Harrell is the founder …

La atenci�n oportuna es fundamental para los veteranos, y los retrasos en el acceso a la atenci�n m�dica contribuyen a una peor salud f�sica y mental y pueden exacerbar estas condiciones, seg�n una investigaci�n del Departamento de Asuntos de Veteranos de EE. UU. (Adobe Stock)

Residentes de KY reconocidos por trabajo para mejorar salud de la comunidad

En comunidades de todo el estado, los residentes de Kentucky están ideando formas innovadoras de mejorar la salud comunitaria. Jeremy Harrell es …

In the first quarter of 2022, more than half of households nationwide earning less than $25,000 a year reported cutting back on basic necessities such as food or medicine in order to pay an energy bill, according to Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Eastern KY residents could see hefty energy-bill increase

Eastern Kentucky's largest utility, Kentucky Power, wants to raise its residential and commercial rates. The state's Public Service Commission is …

Seg�n un informe de 2022 de la Asociaci�n de Hospitales de Kentucky, los hospitales de todo el estado est�n luchando con m�s de 13,000 vacantes. (Adobe)

Kentucky sigue enfrentando escasez de mano de obra de salud

Más del 20% de los puestos de enfermería en el Commonwealth siguen vacantes, según la Kentucky Hospital Association (Asociación …

According to a 2022 report by the Kentucky Hospital Association, hospitals statewide are struggling with more than 13,000 vacancies. (Adobe Stock)

Kentucky continues to face health care workforce shortages

More than 20% of nursing positions in the Commonwealth remain vacant, according to the Kentucky Hospital Association - and combined with workforce …

Medicaid coverage during early life stages- even before birth - is linked to improved health outcomes for the next generation, according to a study published in American Economic Review. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Experts: Kids Often Eligible for Medicaid, Even if Their Parents Aren’t

Kentucky begins its eligibility review of kids' Medicaid coverage this month - and experts say it's vital the process goes seamlessly, so kids aren't …

La cobertura de Medicaid durante las primeras etapas de la vida -incluso antes del nacimiento- est� vinculada a mejores resultados de salud para la siguiente generaci�n, seg�n un estudio publicado en American Economic Review. (Adobe Stock)

Expertos: Niños suelen ser elegibles para Medicaid, incluso si sus padres no lo son

Kentucky comienza su revisión de elegibilidad de la cobertura de Medicaid para niños este mes, y los expertos dicen que es vital que el …

Natural-gas emissions from stationary sources led to more deaths than coal in at least 19 states, according to research from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. (Adobe Stock)

Utility Proposes Building Two New $1.4B Natural-Gas Plants in Kentucky

Kentucky's major utilities, Louisville Gas & Electric and Kentucky Utilities, are asking the state's Public Service Commission to approve a plan to …

According to the latest data, around 4,000 Kentuckians experience homelessness on a given night in January each year. (Adobe Stock)

Medicaid Renewal Process a Barrier for Kentuckians Struggling with Housing

Medicaid benefits can help people stay housed or get connected to resources that can help them find housing. And experts say the state's Medicaid …

In a 6-3 decision, U.S. Supreme Court justices said the Biden administration does not have the authority to forgive student loans. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Student Loan Decision Will Impact Hundreds of Thousands of Kentuckians

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision to block President Biden's one-time, $400 billion student debt relief plan will affect hundreds of thousands of …

According to researchers at George Mason University's Mercatus Center, legalizing accessory dwelling units is on the rise as states take action to expand access to lower-cost housing. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Louisville Works to Expand Accessory Dwelling Unit Resources

The City of Louisville wants to streamline the process for property owners seeking to build Accessory Dwelling Units, also known as carriage houses …

Aggressive door-to-door solar sales tactics are a telltale sign of a solar scam, according to Solar United Neighbors. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Groups Urge KY Residents to Beware of Solar Scams

After a company known as Solar Titan USA was recently banned from doing business in Kentucky, advocacy groups are working to raise awareness of the …

The rainfall totals observed between July 26-30, 2022, across eastern Kentucky were more than 600% above average, according to data from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration. (Adobe Stock)

Buyout Program Provides Millions for Flood-Prone Eastern KY Properties

Nearly a year after the historic flooding in eastern Kentucky, residents of Breathitt, Knott, Letcher, and Perry counties now have the option to …

Kentucky children attend one of the robotics camps organized by Save the Children. (Alissa Taylor)

Summer Break Brings Uncertainty for Many Rural Kentucky Kids

In eastern Kentucky, advocacy groups are expanding summer learning opportunities for families. Isolation and learning loss plague many rural …

Seg�n el Centro de Pol�tica Econ�mica de Kentucky, en febrero alrededor del 12% de los habitantes de Kentucky depend�an de las prestaciones del SNAP para recibir ayuda alimentaria. (Adobe Stock)

KY Road Show destaca programas para el bienestar de la comunidad

Una gira itinerante que destaca los cambios en Medicaid, KCHIP, SNAP y otros programas de asistencia pública llega a Owensboro el próximo …

According to the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy, as of February around 12% of Kentuckians rely on SNAP benefits for food assistance. (Adobe Stock)

KY Road Show Highlights Programs that Improve Community Well-Being

A traveling roadshow highlighting changes to Medicaid, Kentucky Children's Health Insurance Program (KCHIP), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance …

According to the CDC, 5% fewer Americans were screened for cancer in 2020 than in 2012, a difference that represents nearly 4 million people. (Adobe Stock)

In Kentucky, Cancer Deaths Among Highest in Nation

The latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data show Kentucky continues have among the worst cancer rates in the nation - with lung…

Seg�n los CDC, en 2020 se hicieron pruebas de detecci�n del cancer un 5% menos de estadounidenses que en 2012, una diferencia que representa casi 4 millones de personas. (Adobe Stock)

Muertes por cáncer en KY, entre las más altas del país

Los últimos datos del C-D-C muestran que Kentucky sigue teniendo uno de los peores índices de cáncer del país, con el cáncer …

Ninety-three percent of U.S. construction firms have reported experiencing material shortages and/or allocations, according to the 2022 Buy America Materials Survey. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Push for 'Buy American' Rules in Kentucky Continues

In Kentucky, unions and their advocates continue to push for changes to shift public contract money toward suppliers sourcing their materials from …

Overall, 86% of Americans say they have heard about cryptocurrencies, according to a 2021 Pew Research Center survey, but only 16% say they've used or traded any. (Adobe Stock)

Foreign Cryptomining Companies Eye Eastern KY for Cheap Power

Foreign-owned crytomining companies are staking out Eastern Kentucky for cheap electricity, and the state's major utilities want to give them …

One Environmental Working Group study found a majority of Americans' drinking-water supply contains PFAS or

EPA’s New PFAS Standards Could Overhaul Kentucky's Drinking Water

Kentucky cities and towns could soon start ramping up water monitoring for PFAS chemicals in response to the latest nationwide limits proposed by the …

Cancer care costs are expected to top more than $245 billion by 2030, according to the American Association for Cancer Research. (Adobe Stock)

New Kentucky Law Increases Access to Biomarker Cancer Testing

Beginning next year, more Kentuckians will have expanded access to biomarker testing - which helps doctors customize cancer treatment. Advocates of …

Seg�n la Asociaci�n Americana para la Investigaci�n del C�ncer, se espera que el costo de la atenci�n oncol�gica supere los 245 billones de d�lares en 2030. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Nueva ley de Kentucky aumenta acceso a pruebas de cáncer con biomarcadores

A partir del año que viene, más ciudadanos de Kentucky tendrán un mayor acceso a las pruebas de biomarcadores, que ayudan a …

More than 84 million Americans were enrolled in Medicaid in 2021, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Adobe Stock)

KY Communities Brace for Medicaid Renewals

Around 250,000 Kentuckians will soon need to submit new documentation to stay on Medicaid, and health advocates say they're working to prevent …

M�s de 84 millones de estadounidenses se inscribieron en Medicaid en 2021, seg�n los Centros de Servicios de Medicare y Medicaid. (Adobe Stock)

Comunidades de KY se preparan para renovaciones de Medicaid

Alrededor de 250 000 habitantes de Kentucky pronto deberán presentar nueva documentación para permanecer en Medicaid, y los defensores de …

Last year, one in five American households struggled to pay for an energy bill, but that rate was 50% higher for households of color, according to a report from the Energy and Policy Institute and Center for Biological Diversity (Adobe Stock)

KY Utility Bills Have Jumped, Along with Shutoffs

Residential utility shutoffs are up by 228%, and electric bills by 17%, a recent report by the Energy and Policy Institute and Center for Biological …

Nearly nine in 10 Americans (88%) between 50 and 80 years of age said it is important to remain in their homes as they grow older, according to the latest University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging. (Adobe Stock)

Older Kentuckians Want Aging-in-Place Support, Affordable Medication

Kentuckians age 50 and older across the state continue to struggle with high prescription drug costs, caregiver stress, and lack of long-term care …

In 2021, U.S. supermarket and grocery stores made more than $800 billion in profits, more than double the amount generated two decades ago, according to Statista. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Kroger-Albertson’s Merger Could Reduce KY Food Access

Kentucky food banks say the proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons, currently under review by the Federal Trade Commission, could trigger an …

In 2022, the average annual premium for employer-sponsored family health insurance is $22,463, while the average cost of self-only coverage is $7,911, according to KFF. (Adobe Stock)

Fix Opens Options for Households with Costly Employer Health Coverage

Many Kentuckians who have affordable employer health coverage for themselves but not for their dependents and spouses now qualify for financial assist…

En 2022, el costo promedio anual para un seguro de salud familiar patrocinado por el empleador es de $22,463, mientras que el costo promedio de la cobertura individual es de $7,911, seg�n KFF. (Adobe Stock)

Corrigen problema de hogares con costosa cobertura de salud

Muchos residentes de Kentucky que tienen acceso a cobertura de salud por parte de su empleador, pero que no está al alcance de sus dependientes …

More than 1 in 7 households nationwide paid over half of their income on housing in 2020, according to a report by Harvard University's Joint Center for Housing Studies. (Adobe Stock)

KY's Housing Shortage Worsened by Natural Disasters

Kentucky is facing a serious housing shortage, and the past few years of deadly floods and tornadoes have worsened the situation. Advocates want …

Nationwide, total household debt rose by $351 billion, or 2.2%, to reach more than $16 trillion in the third quarter of 2022, according to a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Appalachians: More Debt, Worse Credit than Other Rural Regions

Kentucky's rural Appalachian households are grappling with financial stress which is disproportionate compared to households in other rural parts of t…

Around 11 million people nationwide are eligible to receive benefits from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, which helps low-income families purchase infant formula (Adobe Stock).<br />

USDA Greenlights Online Infant Formula Shopping for WIC

Households receiving benefits from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children could be able to start shopping for …

More than 14 million people could lose Medicaid coverage when the public health emergency ends in July, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Experts say text messages could help notify more people about upcoming changes. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Texts Could Help Shrink Post-COVID Health-Coverage Gap

The COVID-19 public health emergency mandating continuous coverage for Medicaid enrollees is expected to expire later this year, and experts say …

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KY: Consumer