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Editors Note (Oct. 17, 2024) – In light of recent events, we are republishing this editorial. It was originally published on January 10, 2024. In Lexington, several incumbent councilmembers are breezing into their next term unopposed. These uncontested elections are a stark reminder of our faltering local democracy. It’s not just about the lack…
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Lexington, KY — A recent investigation by The Lexington Times has revealed substantial spending on dining by VisitLex, financed through the transient room tax assessed on hotel accommodations in Fayette County. This spending is part of broader financial activities that have raised eyebrows, including costly trips to Las Vegas, Italy, and an all-inclusive resort…
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Lexington, Ky. – The Lexington Social Services and Public Safety Committee is set to review the proposed Humane Pet Sales Ordinance on Tuesday. Spearheaded by Todd Blevins, Kentucky State Director of the Humane Society of the United States, the ordinance seeks to disrupt the notorious puppy and kitten mill to pet store pipeline that…
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LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington Convention and Visitors Bureau (VisitLex), a city government component unit tasked with promoting tourism and economic development in Lexington, has come under legal and ethical scrutiny following the allocation of substantial bonuses to its employees. The bonuses were funded through the transient room tax assessed on overnight accommodations in…
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LEXINGTON, Ky.–The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council’s recent work session has propelled a proposed new park tax into the legislative process, sending it to the Budget, Finance, and Economic Development Committee. Referred by Councilmember Whitney Baxter, this sets the stage for a committee meeting scheduled for 1 pm on March 19. This meeting could be…
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LEXINGTON, Ky.–The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council is set to consider a measure that would allocate $400,000 to provide housing stability services and pay rent assistance on behalf of homeless families with children in Fayette County Public Schools. “At Council’s request, the Department has negotiated a partnership with Goodwill to provide for payment of security…
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Two town hall meetings are planned later this month to give residents an opportunity to discuss what kinds of services Lexington needs to do a better job fighting the opioid epidemic. The meetings are sponsored by the Opioid Abatement Commission, a group Mayor Linda Gorton appointed to make recommendations on how to use funds…
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Lexington, KY – In an enthusiastic gathering Wednesday afternoon, Lexington’s Third District Council Member, Hannah LeGris, alongside local environmental groups, unveiled the new Lex Grow Trees campaign, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at revitalizing the urban tree canopy across Fayette County. This announcement marks a significant step forward in the city’s commitment to environmental stewardship…
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The annual legislative assault on Kentucky’s open government laws has commenced in earnest, but this year with a vengeance. It is no exaggeration to suggest that the future of the Kentucky Open Records Act is at stake. https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/law/statutes/statute.aspx?id=23042 https://apps.legislature.ky.gov/record/24rs/HB509.html Sponsored by Rep. John Hodgson (R-Fisherville), Rep. Jason Nemes (R-Middletown), and Speaker David Osborne (R-Prospect),…