Source: Kentucky Teacher

Justin Padgett, the Kentucky School for the Deaf’s director of student life for the past three years, has been named the school’s new principal. He brings 18 years of education experience to the leadership role.

Chicken Salad Chick, a fast-casual chicken salad chain with growing operations in Kentucky, has been ranked the nation’s top emerging restaurant brand by YouGov in 2026. The company operates more than 340 locations across 25 states and continues expanding its Kentucky presence with new restaurants in Lexington, Louisville and other cities.

Kentucky women’s basketball finalized its 14-game nonconference schedule for 2026-27, featuring five NCAA Tournament teams including Sweet Sixteen participants Louisville and Virginia, plus 2026 WNIT champion Marshall.

Governor Beshear announced significant progress on multiple state initiatives including record-breaking economic investment, expanding medical cannabis access, and enhanced school safety measures with increased school resource officers.

Holly Daugherty, a youth services librarian at McCreary County Public Library in Whitley City, has been named one of six finalists for the 2026 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year award, which recognizes educators who strengthen family engagement in learning.

Kentucky’s annual school safety report shows 99.81 percent of public schools are meeting state safety requirements, with school resource officer staffing increasing 28 percent over the previous year since new state law took effect in 2022.

Central Kentucky’s housing inventory hit a seven-year July high with 4,399 homes on the market, yet median prices reached a record $310,000 as home sales climbed to the strongest level in five years.

Freeman Automation plans a $1 million investment in Graves County to construct a new 4,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at Hickory Industrial Park, creating 20 full-time jobs. The electrical control panel manufacturer will relocate from Carlisle County and expects construction completion in 2027.

Harrison Elementary reopened its preschool program this week following extensive renovations completed in December 2025, while also becoming a Visual and Performing Arts magnet school with new performance spaces and downtown arts partnerships.

Kentucky’s Teachers’ Retirement System achieved a 15.04% investment return for fiscal 2026, its fourth consecutive year of double-digit gains, and ranked in the top 4% of comparable pension plans over the past decade.