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Around 2,250 adults with serious mental illness each year, on average, receive psychiatric treatment at the University of Louisville Hospital. (Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 16, 2024

DOJ report finds Louisville overuses its psychiatric hospitals

A U.S. Department of Justice investigation has found Kentucky is failing to provide access to community-based mental health services for people who …

Sheep graze on a solar field in Garrard County owned by Silicon Ranch Corp. (Silicon Ranch)

KY communities consider solar zoning ordinances

As Fayette County considers approving industrial-scale solar operations on farmland, more communities in the Commonwealth are considering special …

Beginning in January, new federal changes will cap out-of-pocket prescription drug costs at $2,000 annually for 56 million Americans with Medicare drug plans. (Adobe Stock)

Some older Kentuckians will save on prescription drugs next year

Around 60,000 Kentucky seniors will save more money on their medications in the New Year, according to a new AARP report. Under the federal …

The number of Kentuckians who had their power disconnected increased by 228% in 2022, compared to a 29% increase nationwide, according to a new study by the Energy and Policy Institute and Center for Biological Diversity. (Adobe Stock)

Experts: Utility disconnections in extreme weather harm communities

Housing advocates said they are seeing more Kentuckians affected by electricity shut-offs. In 2022, the number of Kentuckians who had their power …

The latest version of the Farm Bill would incorporate precision agriculture technologies into water conservation and irrigation efficiency practices, incentive contracts, and conservation innovation grants, according to the National Agriculture Law Center. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Stalled Farm Bill could see Conservation Title changes

Progress on the new Farm Bill remains stalled as members of Congress argue over price increases for commodity crops and proposed cuts to the Supplemen…

Nearly 60% of Kentucky Medicaid beneficiaries reported a lack of reliable and affordable transportation as a barrier to receiving health care services, according to data from the University of Kentucky. (Adobe Stock)

New KY Medicaid changes expand medical transportation access

Kentucky has made some changes to expand access to free transportation for people who need help getting to medical, dental and mental health …

Casi el 60% de los beneficiarios de Medicaid de Kentucky informan que la falta de transporte confiable y asequible es una barrera para recibir servicios de atenci�n m�dica, seg�n datos de la Universidad de Kentucky. (Adobe Stock)

Nuevos cambios en Medicaid KY amplían acceso al transporte médico

Kentucky ha realizado algunos cambios que amplían el acceso al transporte gratuito para las personas que necesitan ayuda para llegar a citas m…

Hunger Free America's 2023 Annual Hunger Survey found more than 400,000 people in Kentucky are food insecure. (Adobe Stock)

Kentucky clinic receives grant to battle poverty, food insecurity

A Kentucky community health center is one of eight facilities nationwide to participate in a program addressing food scarcity. The National …

In 2021, an estimated 352,000 children and adolescents younger than 20, or 35 per 10,000 U.S. youths, had diagnosed diabetes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Adobe Stock)<br />

Childhood diabetes becoming more common in Kentucky

Experts say sedentary lifestyles, food insecurity, and other factors are driving an increase in childhood diabetes in Kentucky. Research shows …

More than 80% of 65-to-69-year-olds are internet users, and two-thirds say they have broadband internet connections at home, according to data from The Pew Research Center. (Adobe Stock)<br />

KY to use $12M to boost internet access in underserved communities

Kentucky is set to spend $12 million over the next three years to boost internet access in communities across the state. The funding will go toward …

The National Association of Broadcasters said more than 82 million individuals tune in to AM radio. (Pixel-Shot/Adobe Stock)

Kentucky debates AM radios in cars amid electric vehicle shift

The "AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act" now in Congress would mandate all new cars in the U.S. be equipped with AM radios, and it is stirring a debate …

More than half of parents feel social media is affecting their children's development, from body image to self-perception, according to a recent CVS Health survey. (Adobe Stock)

Survey: 70% of parents report concern over child’s mental health

Across the nation, 70% of parents say they're now more concerned about their child's mental health than physical health, according to a new survey by …

The ballot amendment would add language to the Kentucky Constitution saying,

KY education activists campaign against public funds for private schools

A coalition of public education advocates has formed to oppose Amendment 2 on the November ballot, which would allow Kentucky public school funds to …

M�s de la mitad de los padres sienten que las redes sociales est�n impactando el desarrollo de sus hijos, desde la imagen corporal hasta la autopercepci�n, seg�n una encuesta reciente de CVS Health. (Adobe Stock)

Encuesta: 70% de los padres preocupados por la salud mental de sus hijos

En todo el país, el 70% de los padres dicen que ahora están más preocupados por la salud mental de sus hijos que por la salud fí…

Community Health Workers provide critical services for communities, including home visits, health education, and communicable disease control, according to WebMD. (Adobe Stock)

Thrive Roadshow aims to boost regional advocacy in KY communities

Experts are traveling across the Commonwealth to help community professionals better understand and advocate for policies that help Kentuckians needin…

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…

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…

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 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 …

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PNS Daily Newscast: Afternoon Update - September 19, 2024

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KY: Consumer