
This story was originally published by Stateline. Wildland firefighters were stunned when federal immigration authorities last week raided an active wildfire response in Washington state, arresting two firefighters and sidelining crews for hours. Wildfire veterans say the operation was nearly unprecedented, a breach in longstanding protocol that federal agents don’t disrupt emergency responders to…

Like most high desert towns, Madras, Oregon, is no stranger to extreme temperatures. Located about 2,250 feet above sea level in a dry valley surrounded by central Oregon’s Cascade Range, summers in Madras can reach triple-digits, and winters below freezing. Homes outfitted for both hot and cold days are necessary in this rural community…

By Melissa PatrickKentucky Health News Gov. Andy Beshear proclaimed September as Recovery Month in Kentucky at a Recovery Rally held Sept. 5 at the Kentucky State Capitol. Gov. Andy Beshear speaks at the Recovery Rally, held at the Kentucky State Capitol on Sept. 5. (Photo by Melissa Patrick) “Today we are celebrating hope, and…

By Melissa PatrickKentucky Health News The focus of September’s “Our Healthy Kentucky Home” initiative is obesity, which is a major concern in Kentucky. “Obesity is a complex and costly chronic disease with many contributing factors,” Health Secretary Steven Stack said at a Sept. 4 press conference. “However, if you struggle with your weight, there…

In an effort to dispel many of the nutrition myths that persist, Sophie Egan, with The New York Times, asked 10 of the top nutrition experts in the United States a simple question: “What is one nutrition myth you wish would go away — and why?” Here’s what they said. Myth No. 1: Fresh…

By Melissa PatrickKentucky Health News Six more Kentucky counties have been certified as Recovery Ready Communities, signaling that they have the services needed to help their residents recover from addiction. That brings the total to 31 counties out of 120. “Together, we are making sure no Kentuckian walks the road to recovery alone, by…

Social Security is one of the federal government’s biggest programs. Roughly 67 million Americans, most of whom are 65 or older, received Social Security benefits in 2023. An estimated 183 million workers paid the Social Security payroll taxes that provided the bulk of the nearly US$1.4 trillion in benefits that year, which consumed 21%…
Dr. Nicholas Biondi University of Kentucky It’s a feeling that can stop you in your tracks: a pain or strange feeling in your chest. The first question that pops into your head is, “Is this serious?” It’s easy to brush it off. Maybe it’s just something you ate, or you slept funny. But sometimes,…

By Melissa PatrickKentucky Health News Sen. Stephen Meredith, R-Leitchfield, received the Kentucky Hospital Association Award of Excellence during an Aug. 26 ceremony at Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center. KHA’s Award of Excellence is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to health care in Kentucky. “With a true passion for rural health…

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 8, 2025) — Looking for a flexible way to earn money, gain experience and build connections in Lexington? The University of Kentucky’s Stuckert Career Center, housed in the Office for Student Success, and UK Student Employment, will host the annual Part-Time Job Fair 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9, in the Gatton Student…