News

Hantavirus is drawing increased attention internationally following a deadly cruise ship outbreak, but University of Kentucky medical experts emphasize the risk to Kentucky residents remains minimal. According to a detailed explanation published by Kentucky Health News, the rare but serious virus has been tracked by the CDC since 1993. Hantavirus is a family of…

By Melissa Patrick, Kentucky Health News · May 18, 2026 By Sarah Ladd Kentucky Lantern The Kentucky Department for Public Health is investigating reports of an unusually high number of brain tumors diagnosed in Eastern Kentucky children. Beth Fisher, a…

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky reached a significant economic milestone in 2025, with no county recording an unemployment rate at or above 10 percent, according to data released by the Kentucky Center for Statistics. The state’s annual unemployment rate for 2025 was 4.6 percent, slightly higher than the national average of 4.3 percent but representing…

LEXINGTON, Ky. — A University of Kentucky soil judging team exceeded expectations at the 2026 National Collegiate Soils Contest, placing seventh among 28 competing universities and qualifying an individual competitor for the international competition in China. The competition, hosted March 22-27 near Raleigh, North Carolina, drew more than 300 students in the largest national…

As families prepare to send their children to summer camp, the American Medical Association is urging parents to follow six key safety recommendations to ensure a healthy and enjoyable experience. The guidance, which originated from Kentucky Health News, emphasizes that with proper preparation, children can have fun while staying protected from preventable health risks.…

LEXINGTON, Ky. — A University of Kentucky College of Education faculty member has published a book aimed at transforming elementary mathematics instruction by connecting mathematical learning to core human values and virtues. Jonathan Thomas, Ed.D., professor of mathematics education and acting chair of the Department of Teaching and Learning, wrote “Exploring Human Virtue in…

By Berry Craig, Kentucky Lantern · May 18, 2026 John Marshall Harlan of Kentucky was the sole dissenter in the infamous Plessy v. Ferguson decision. (Wikimedia Commons) “There are obvious echoes between Louisiana v. Callais, in which Justice Samuel Alito’s majority opinion finished off the [1965 Voting Rights Act]…and the notorious Plessy v. Ferguson…

The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals has handed immigration attorneys in Kentucky a significant legal victory, ruling that detained immigrants must receive bond hearings rather than face indefinite detention without due process. The 2-1 ruling, issued Monday, May 11, by a panel of the Sixth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, applies to federal…

LEXINGTON, Ky. — Wind energy advocates are raising concerns about recently enacted Kentucky legislation that establishes a framework for carbon dioxide sequestration while simultaneously imposing stricter regulations on wind turbines and their operations, according to reporting from WUKY 91.3 FM. The new law creates pathways for carbon capture and storage projects in the state…

By Sarah Ladd, Kentucky Lantern · May 18, 2026 Josh and Shannon Ritchie with their sons, Jaiden, 15, (holding a photo of Colton) and Liam, 5, on May 12, 2026. (Kentucky Lantern photo by Sarah Ladd) Shannon Ritchie doesn’t remember the exact day she heard her son, Colton, speak for the last time.  The…