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LEXINGTON, Ky. — The University of Kentucky’s Office of Undergraduate Research has recognized four outstanding students as Excellent Undergraduate Research Ambassadors, honoring their contributions to promoting undergraduate research opportunities across campus during the 2025-26 academic year. Austin Trotter, a neuroscience and psychology senior from the College of Arts and Sciences; Addison Witucki, a neuroscience…

Mental health professionals, advocates and community leaders across Kentucky are invited to join a statewide roundtable discussion on Tuesday focused on strengthening suicide prevention efforts and breaking down barriers to mental health support. The virtual roundtable convenes from 10:30 a.m. to noon on May 12, hosted by the University of Kentucky’s Building Bridges to…

By Lantern staff, Kentucky Lantern · May 7, 2026 Jane Stephenson, founder of the New Opportunity School for Women (photo provided) Jane Stephenson, founder of the New Opportunity School for Women and the longtime First Lady of Berea College, died on May 2, 2026 after a brief illness, according to her family. She was…

By McKenna Horsley, Kentucky Lantern · May 7, 2026 Gov. Andy Beshear speaks during and interview with MS NOW’s Ali Vitali. (Photo provided by MS NOW) Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said he’s “comfortable” with being among the names of potential Democratic candidates for the 2028 presidential election.  In a recent interview with MS NOW’s…

Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 4.2% in March 2026, according to the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet. The rate reflects continued stability in the state’s labor market, though recent months have shown mixed signals about job growth and workforce participation. The state’s unemployment rate has held relatively steady over recent months. In…

LEXINGTON, Ky. — A University of Kentucky-led initiative is using storytelling as a tool to strengthen community bonds and improve the flow of information between residents and local health and social service agencies, according to the project leaders. The Kentucky Engagement Project recognizes storytelling as more than entertainment—it serves as a bridge for connecting…

By Kelcie Moseley-Morris, Sofia Resnick, Kentucky Lantern · May 7, 2026 Mifepristone, one of two drugs approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to terminate a pregnancy before 10 weeks’ gestation, can be dispensed without an in-person visit to a healthcare provider under FDA regulations. Whether that provision will remain is the subject…

By Jonathan Shorman, Kentucky Lantern · May 7, 2026 Tennessee State Rep. Justin Pearson, a Memphis Democrat, speaks to a crowd of protesters on May 5, 2026, the first day of a special legislative session called by Republican Gov. Bill Lee to redraw Tennessee’s congressional districts. (Photo by Cassandra Stephenson/Tennessee Lookout) The day after…

BEREA, Ky. — Officials from Lexington, Scott County, Madison County and Berea announced the groundbreaking of the Triple Crown Business Park, described as the first public, multi-county economic development project in Central Kentucky, according to a media advisory from the City of Lexington Mayor’s Office. The groundbreaking ceremony took place at 3:30 p.m. Thursday…

Kentucky’s population grew by 2.2% over the past five years to reach more than 4.6 million, ranking 23rd among states, according to new Census data analyzed by the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy. However, the growth masks a troubling demographic shift: deaths now exceed births in the commonwealth, a reversal from the previous two…