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President Joe Biden, joined by Gov. Andy Beshear, participated in a briefing with local leaders on the flood response in Eastern Kentucky on Aug. 8, 2022, at Marie Roberts-Caney Elementary School in Lost Creek, Ky. (Official White House Photo by Erin Scott/Wikimedia Commons)

Spotlight on Kentucky, Beshear, as Dems weigh VP pick

Gov. Andy Beshear is among a small group being considered by Vice President Kamala Harris's team as a potential running mate. There are reports …

AARP polling data show nationwide, most 50+ voters said candidates' stances on Social Security and Medicare are very important factors affecting their vote in November. (Adobe Stock)

Kentuckians 50+ expected to head to polls for early voting on May 16

Early voting begins on Thursday for Kentucky's Primary Election and runs through May 18. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Election Day…

More than two million Kentuckians showed up at the polls during the last presidential election in 2020, according to the Kentucky State Board of Elections. (Adobe Stock)

KY primary voter registration deadline approaches

Kentuckians have less than a week to register to vote in next month's primary election. If folks miss the April 22 deadline, residents can still …

M�s de 3 millones de habitantes de Kentucky acudieron a las urnas durante las �ltimas elecciones presidenciales de 2020, seg�n la Junta Electoral del Estado de Kentucky. (Adobe Stock)

Se acerca fecha límite para registro de votantes en primarias de KY

Los habitantes de Kentucky tienen menos de una semana para registrarse para votar en las elecciones primarias del próximo mes. Si las personas …

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 …

More than two million Kentuckians voted in 2020, an all-time high, according to state data. (Adobe Stock)

Nonpartisan election resources available for Kentucky voters

As Kentucky voters head to the polls to choose the state's next governor, attorney general, secretary of state and other state officials, VOTE411.org …

M�s de dos millones de habitantes de Kentucky votaron en 2020, un m�ximo hist�rico, seg�n datos estatales. (Adobe Stock)

Recursos electorales no partidistas disponibles para votantes de Kentucky

Mientras los votantes de Kentucky en todo el estado se dirigen a las urnas para elegir al próximo gobernador, fiscal general, secretario de …

Within the next decade, adults ages 65 and older are projected to outnumber children younger than 18, meaning the number of potential caregivers will not keep pace with the number of older adults at risk for needing long-term care, according to AARP. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Caregiving, rising cost of living top concerns for older Kentucky voters

Kentuckians will cast ballots for governor on Nov. 7, and many of the state's older voters said lack of support for caregiving, retirement savings…

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 …

Nearly 1.5 million people in Kentucky voted in the 2022 midterm election. (Adobe Stock)

Kentuckians Head to Polls for Primary Election

Kentucky's Republican voters head to the polls today to cast their ballots in the primary election, where they will decide who will run against …

Casi 1.5 millones de personas en Kentucky votaron en las elecciones de mitad de per�odo en 2022. (Adobe Stock)

Residentes de Kentucky se dirigen a las urnas para elecciones primarias

Los votantes republicanos de Kentucky se dirigen a las urnas hoy para emitir su voto en las elecciones primarias, donde decidirán quién se …

Thirty-five states have laws requiring voters to show some form of identification at the polls, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. (Adobe Stock)

KY Voter ID Law in Effect for Midterm Election

Kentuckians casting their ballots at the polls on Tuesday will now have to show a photo ID in order to vote. Kentucky is one of around a dozen …

Americans voted in record numbers in the 2020 presidential election, casting more than 158 million ballots, according to a report from the Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)

AARP Shares KY Voter Resources Ahead of May 17 Primary

Ahead of Kentucky's May 17 primary election, residents have several ways to educate themselves on voting changes, deadlines, how to find their …

According to state data, more than 2 million Kentuckians voted in the 2020 presidential election. (Adobe Stock)

A Push for Expanded Voting Rights Ahead of KY Midterm Elections

Advocacy groups in Kentucky say they're focused on expanding voting rights for former felons and fighting gerrymandering ahead of the May primary elec…

Rep. Jason Nemes, R-Louisville, presents House Bill 179, the Kentucky Supreme Court redistricting bill, in the House Elections, Constitutional Amendments & Intergovernmental Affairs Committee on Jan. 5. (LRC Public Information)<br />

Filing Deadline, Redistricting, Tornado Relief Dominate New Legislative Session

The legislative session has just begun, but lawmakers already have greenlighted redistricting maps and moved the filing deadline for candidates in …

Kentucky resident Ethan Koeler spent two weeks in the hospital after contracting the coronavirus. (ETHAN KOELER/FOUNDATION FOR A HEALTHY KENTUCKY)

Kentuckian, 29, Hospitalized with COVID-19 Speaks Out on Vaccine

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Marshall County resident Ethan Koeler said he was skeptical of the COVID-19 vaccine. Then the 29-year-old contracted the novel …

Ethan Koeler, residente de Kentucky, pas� dos semanas en el hospital despu�s de contraer el coronavirus. (Adobe Stock)

Paciente de 29 años hospitalizado con COVID-19 en KY, habla sobre la vacuna

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Ethan Koeler, residente del condado de Marshall, dice que se mostró escéptico con respecto a la vacuna de COVID-19…

A new Gallup survey shows more than 60% of Americans say they know

Juneteenth Declared National Holiday, Amidst Progress, Upheaval

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Juneteenth National Independence Day is now an official holiday, after President Joe Biden signed a bill Thursday, approved by both …

According to the FCC, at least 18 million Americans lack fast and reliable internet. (Adobe Stock)<br />

COVID Relief Program Offers $50 a Month Toward Internet Bills

WHITESBURG, Ky. - The Federal Communications Commission says it's providing $50 a month direct payments toward internet bills to those who sign up …

From September to December 2020, intent to receive COVID-19 vaccination increased from 39.4% to 49.1% among adults from various demographic groups, says research from the CDC. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Critics: Vaccine 'Opt-Out' Bill Puts Kentuckians' Health at Risk

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Medical experts and health-care advocacy groups warn legislation to expand Kentuckians' ability to opt out of vaccinations against …

As of 2020, it's estimated nationally more than five million people cannot vote due to a prior felony conviction. (Adobe Stock)

KY Lawmakers Weigh Options for Expanding Voting Rights

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- State lawmakers are considering bills to restore rights for people with felonies in their past, as well as expand polling hours…

Supporters built a memorial in downtown Louisville, Ky. for Breonna Taylor, who was fatally shot by police during a no-knock raid in March 2020. (Wikimedia Commons).

KY Lawmakers Push for Statewide Ban on No-Knock Search Warrants

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- After the killing of Breonna Taylor by Louisville police, some states have moved to ban no-knock search warrants, and Kentucky …

Nueva Coalición busca promover la Educación Informada sobre el trauma en las escuelas

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Una nueva coalición estatal quiere que las escuelas y las comunidades se enfoquen en la educación y que cuiden a los …

Diabetes Prevention Program facilitators and participants at Juniper Health in Jackson, Ky. L-R: Bridget Turner, Rebecca Smith, Karen Kerr and Kathy Gay. (Parker Hobson)

Local Programs Help Eastern Kentuckians Prevent Diabetes

WHITESBURG, Ky. - Local diabetes prevention programs in many eastern Kentucky counties are helping people stay healthy and prevent pre-diabetes and …

Kentucky Secretary of State Michael Adams says after counting early in-person votes and absentee ballots requested, Kentucky is already at 84% of its total voter turnout in 2016. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Kentuckians Urged to Check Polling Locations, Know Rights

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- State leaders and voting-rights organizations say voters should be prepared before they head out to the polls today. Jennifer …

Research has shown spending time in nature during early childhood can shape a person's views and enjoyment of the outdoors into adulthood. (Adobe Stock)

KY Environmental Groups Focus on Diversity in Outdoor Spaces

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Environmental advocates and outdoor enthusiasts across the state are focusing on inclusion and diversity in hiking, camping and …

Day and night, protesters have gathered in downtown Louisville over the death of Breonna Taylor. (Nadia Ramlagan)

Demands for Police Accountability Continues as Louisville Pays Taylor's Family

LOUISVILLE, Ky. -- Six months after Louisville police officers shot and killed 26-year-old Breonna Taylor in her home, city officials announced this …

In 2019, Kentucky was one of six states that made reforms to end voter disenfranchisement for people who were convicted of felonies but served their time. (Adobe Stock)

KY Group Helps People with Past Felonies Register to Vote

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- More than 170,000 Kentuckians with past felonies have had their voting rights restored, but many may not be aware of the change…

State officials are gearing up for several general election changes this year amid the COVID-19 crisis. (Adobe Stock)

Early Voting, Mail-in Options, but Voter Outreach a Concern

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentucky residents concerned about possible exposure to the coronavirus will have the option to vote by mail in November's general …

KY Brain Cancer Survivor Speaks Out on Mask-Wearing

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Back in June, 39-year-old Louisville resident Ben Smith suffered a seizure and subsequently learned he had brain cancer. He says the …

Rep. Charles Booker speaks to residents of Corbin, Ky., on Saturday. (Travis Kitchens)

Young Kentuckians Headed to Polls See Hope in Booker

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Many young Kentuckians headed to the polls today say they plan to vote for state Rep. Charles Booker as the Democratic challenger …

U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., is the single objector to a bill that would make lynching a federal crime. (Gage Skidmore/Wikimedia Commons)

Public Outcry Grows Over Paul’s Blocking of Anti-Lynching Bill

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentucky Republican Sen. Rand Paul is the sole holdout in Congress on legislation that would, for the first time, recognize …

More Americans will likely be voting by mail in the 2020 elections. (Adobe Stock)

Safety of County Clerks, Poll Workers Means Fewer Voting Locations

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- The state has expanded absentee ballot voting to all registered voters for the upcoming primary election, and the deadline to …

Mike Broihier, a former U.S. Marine Corps officer and a farmer in Lincoln County, is the third Democrat to throw his hat in the race to challenge GOP Sen. Mitch McConnell in November. (Broihier Campaign)

Asparagus Farmer Running for Senate Gets Yang Endorsement

DANVILLE, Ky. -- A Lincoln County asparagus farmer and retired U.S. Marine who supports a universal basic income is running against long-time …

Deadline to Vote is Today; County Clerks Prep for Pandemic Voting

LEXINGTON, Ky. -- Today is the last day Kentuckians can register to vote, and county clerks across the state are preparing for a voting process that …

Around 40% of Kentuckians voted in the November 2019 gubernatorial election. (Adobe Stock)

Need a Photo ID to Vote? Good Luck Getting One in KY

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- If Kentuckians are able to cast their ballots for president in person this fall, they'll need a valid form of photo ID. Critics …

Amazon has received more than $1 billion in state and local tax subsidies nationwide. (Adobe Stock)

Critics of Amazon Tax Breaks Speak Out in Pandemic

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Amazon is seeing a surge in business as people shop at home during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company recently announced plans to …

People age 65 and older make up 16% of Kentucky's population, according to Census data. (Adobe Stock)

AARP Tele-Town Hall Informs Older Kentuckians on COVID-19 Resources

FRANKFORRT, Ky. -- Kentuckians age 50 and older spoke to officials on Monday about the coronavirus and the state's response to the public health …

Video conferencing technology, such as FaceTime and Zoom, are just some of the online tools people can use to stay connected during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Adobe Stock)

Social Distancing Doesn’t Have to Be Anti-Social

By Fran Korten Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan Reporting for the YES! Media-Kentucky News Connection Collaboration FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Over the …

Since the mid-1990s, more than 20 states have passed measures to ease voting bans for people with felonies, according to the Sentencing Project. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates Say Bills Could Determine Future of KY Voting Access

FRANKFORT, Ky. - Voting-rights advocates are calling for action on legislation that would make it easier and more convenient for Kentuckians to vote…

Nearly 1.8 million Kentuckians live with pre-existing conditions, including cancer, asthma and diabetes. (Adobe Stock)

KY Residents with Pre-Existing Health Conditions Worry Over ACA's Fate

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentuckians living with diabetes, cancer, asthma and other chronic health conditions are worried about the fate of the Affordable …

A Social Security card is one of the documents required for obtaining a REAL ID. (Adobe Stock)

No Passport? You'll Need a 'REAL ID' to Fly Starting Oct. 1

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- By this fall, Americans who don't have either one of the new "REAL IDs" or a valid passport won't be able to fly within the US or …

Of the more than 3 million registered voters in Kentucky, 42% cast their ballots to elect Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear in 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Voter Photo-ID Bill Clears KY Senate, Heads to House

FRANKFORT, Ky. - The Kentucky Senate has passed a bill that would require voters to present photo identification at the polls. Senate Bill 2…

The EPA's Science Advisory Board is an independent panel tasked each year with reviewing the agency's proposed changes to rules and regulations. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Panel Reviews EPA Rule Changes for Scientific Studies

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- An independent panel of scientists convenes this week to review rule changes proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency…

Supreme Court, court of appeals and district court judges are nominated by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. (Adobe Stock)

Rapid Confirmations Reshaping Judicial Branch

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Over the past few years, the U.S. Senate has confirmed 185 of President Donald Trump's judicial nominees, the majority of whom have …

Kentucky, Louisiana and Mississippi will hold gubernatorial elections Tuesday. (Adobe Stock)

KY Officials Watching for Voting Irregularities on Election Day

FRANKFORT, Ky. — On Tuesday, Kentuckians will cast their ballots for the next governor. And as the rest of the country will be watching for the …

Gov. Matt Bevin and his challenger, Attorney General Andy Beshear, appear at this year's Fancy Farm Picnic. (Scott Wegenast)

Ahead of Gubernatorial Debate, Poll Finds Voters Burdened By High Drug Costs

OWENSBORO, Ky. – A new poll from AARP finds 83% of Kentucky voters age 50 and older think drug companies have influence over their governor and …

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KY: Civic Engagement & Voting