Free, AI-powered local news for Lexington, Kentucky
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A shortage of physicians in Kentucky reflects a worsening national trend over the last decade, and Kentucky, like the rest of the nation, is turning to nurse practitioners to fill the void. According to the Association of American Medical…
Kentucky health officials are urging Kentuckians to get vaccinated against measles as the state experiences more confirmed cases of measles in 2026 than in any year since 1991. “This is the largest measles outbreak Kentucky has experienced…
In recognition of Overdose Awareness Day, there will be a screening of the documentary “Shuffle” at the Kentucky Theatre in Lexington on Monday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m. “Shuffle’ was filmed over the course of three years and follows three young…
When most people think of epilepsy, they picture dramatic convulsions or seizures that affect younger individuals. In reality, epilepsy is increasingly common among older adults, yet it often goes unrecognized because the signs can be much…
This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call or text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. A Kentucky mom is closely watching a court case against Meta that could determine if the…
Extreme heat does not impact everyone equally, and that is evident in the lives of those who “grow our food, deliver our packages, and build our homes,” Jeremy Ney and Zoe Siegel report for American Inequality. Further, Ney and Siegel…
The Kentucky Academy of Family Physicians is on a mission. “Oh, we have lots of thoughts about how things are going in family medicine,” said Dr. Patty Swiney, co-chair of the academy’s advocacy committee. She has been a member since she…
August’s “Our Healthy Kentucky Home” initiative focuses on women’s health. “Women have unique health needs at every stage of life, but staying healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Small, healthy choices each day make a big difference,”…
Attorney General Russell Coleman has reappointed one member to the state opioid commission and appointed two new members, each serving two-year terms. “For too long, Kentucky has been at the center of the drug crisis. But we are also…
Kentucky public health officials announced Aug. 13 that a case of measles with a high number of community exposures has been confirmed in Christian County. Since then, a total of 13 cases have been confirmed. The Kentucky Department for…
Kentucky Health News The Kentucky Blood Center (KBC) is in urgent need of blood donors, saying in an Aug. 9 news release that it is unable to currently meet hospital and patient needs. The center said in the release that it is unable to…
The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky has announced the six organizations selected to receive funding through its Partnerships for Success program. The program supports organizations serving Kentucky communities with limited opportunities…
New research — which Kentucky participated in as a trial site — shows a combination of cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can help late-stage dementia patients feel less agitation. Dr. Greg Jicha, the director of clinical…
Kentucky Health News Kentucky’s medical schools have committed to providing at least 40 hours of nutrition education or an equivalent competency, integrated throughout all four years of medical school as part of a U.S. Department of Health…
Kentucky Lantern U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. traveled to Lexington on Wednesday to announce his office is firing a Kentucky organ donation organization accused of pursuing critically ill patients for their…
Artificial Intelligence – or AI – strikes a different chord with different people. There’s the argument of job displacement, the fear of environmental impacts and more. In healthcare, AI can make a huge difference in how patients receive…
As students prepare to go back to school, there’s no better time than National Immunization Awareness Month to remind folks that it’s time to make sure their children are caught up on their immunizations. Despite federal revisions to the…
The three CommonSpirit Saint Joseph Hospitals in Lexington are accepting applications for local nonprofit organizations to apply for grants aimed at working to improve the health and well-being of communities in their service areas. The…
By Nadia Ramlagan Public News Service Around 700,000 Kentucky kids will return to school in a few weeks, and experts said it is important to prepare them for the transition. While it may include a trip to the store for notebooks and…
As the director of the Center for Interprofessional and Community Health Education at the University of Kentucky, James Ballard knows firsthand about the physician shortage in the state and the all-encompassing efforts to change it. “Oh, we…
Kentucky Health News The Kentucky Medical Association (KMA) and its charitable arm, the Kentucky Foundation for Medical Care (KFMC), have received the 2026 American Association of Medical Society Executives Profiles of Excellence Award for…
Our lives are practically inseparable from smartphones nowadays. We communicate, learn, share, play, entertain and record with them. Unfortunately, our phones do not seem to have been designed with ergonomics in mind. Because of this, you…
Alice Thornton has spent more than two decades treating people living with HIV in Lexington, Kentucky. Her team tends to “cringe” anytime they hear about patients having to fill out lots of paperwork, like when applying for Social Security…
Plans for the state’s first osteopathic medical program at a public institution are underway at Eastern Kentucky University, aimed at creating a massive draw for Kentucky residents to become doctors in their home state. Brad Hall “And…
Saint Joseph Hospitals in Kentucky are incorporating CommonSpirit into their names and signage. The Lexington and London hospitals will celebrate this change on July 27, and the Bardstown, Berea, Mount Sterling and Nicholasville facilities…
Thanks to an “unanticipated” corporate income tax payment and revenue surplus, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Wednesday that Medicaid providers will not suffer a 4% reimbursement cut after all. Beshear said $255 million from the taxes, as well…
President Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, are cutting the federal budget for harm reduction initiatives that are meant to make illicit drug use less deadly, such as…
Kentuckians with disabilities and their loved ones and advocates came to Frankfort Friday, July 17, and pleaded with elected officials to find a way to protect the services they receive through Medicaid waivers. Several spoke during a…
A major new study shows that individualized treatment for babies born with opioid withdrawal can speed recovery and reduce time spent in the hospital, according to a Norton Children’s Hospital news release. The clinical trial, led by Lori…
Addiction Recovery Care, once Kentucky’s largest provider of addiction services, has reached a settlement with the federal government over “billing issues,” the Louisa, Kentucky-based company said in a July 16 news release. It also…
Three more Kentucky counties have been certified as Recovery Ready Communities, signaling that they have the resources needed to help their residents recover from addiction. That brings the total to 42 counties out of 120. “There is no…
If you or someone you know has experienced domestic violence, call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 1-800-656-4673. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233. You can also contact any of Kentucky’s 15…
Saint Joseph Hospital and Saint Joseph East have received the American Heart Association ’s Get With The Guidelines® – Stroke Gold Plus quality achievement award for their commitment to ensuring people experiencing stroke receive timely,…
Kentucky health officials are investigating a widespread outbreak of Cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness linked to ingesting food or water contaminated with the microscopic parasite cyclospora. The Kentucky Department for Public Health is…
Growing up in Grayson County, Hollie Hagan always knew she wanted to help people. She just wasn’t sure what that looked like. Like many students entering c ollege, Hagan originally envisioned a career in healthcare. She planned to study…
The Kentucky Attorney General’s Office has launched its long-awaited online dashboard that allows Kentuckians to see how opioid settlement funds are being spent. “ This is the first time we can accurately show what resources are coming into…
Local governments in receipt of opioid settlement dollars are sitting on most of the money, according to a June 30 analysis from The Kentucky Center for Economic Policy. The Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission ’s job is to…
Kentucky Health News Prompted by data that shows Kentucky’s young drivers are involved in fatal automobile crashes that are much higher than the national average, researchers at the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Transportation…
July’s “Our Healthy Kentucky Home” initiative focuses on substance use disorder, which is sometimes known as addiction, and harm reduction. Health Secretary Dr. Steven Stack explained in a Healthy Kentucky Home YouTube post that harm…
By Elizabeth Chapin University of Kentucky UK HealthCare has reached a new contract with Cigna Healthcare, restoring in-network access for patients with Cigna health insurance. The hospital and physician contract took effect April 27, and…
( StatePoint ) Root canal treatment is not only a tooth-saving procedure that preserves smiles and improves dental health, new research also suggests it can have far-reaching medical benefits that impact the entire body. While it’s long…
As the National Weather Service warns of dangerous record-setting heat across the central and eastern U.S. this week, including Kentucky, it’s important to protect yourself from the extreme heat and to recognize the symptoms of heat…
As cannabis use increases, “researchers are trying to understand what problematic use looks like and whether new habits and cultural norms could help prevent it,” Ariana Eunjung Cha reports for The Washington Post. Unlike alcohol, which Cha…
The majority of U.S. states will soon have to pay 5% to 15% of federal nutrition assistance benefits in their state, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture ’s June 24 release of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payment…
As summer in the U.S. heats up, people become more diligent about protecting their skin from the sun. Another option for doing so will soon be available. On June 9, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first new sunscreen…
About one in 14 Kentuckians who rely on food assistance have lost their benefits since the implementation of House Resolution 1, the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” according to the Kentucky Center for Economic Policy. Jessica Klein, senior…
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration ‘s advisory panel voted unanimously on June 18 to recommend Moderna’s mRNA influenza vaccine, mFlusiva, for adults 50 and older, Nathaniel Weixel reports for The Hill. “Moderna is seeking standard…
U.S. House lawmakers have reached a bipartisan deal on a legislative package to strengthen online safety and privacy protections for children and teenagers, Oma Seddiq reports for Bloomberg Government. House Energy and Commerce Chair Brett…
Elevated summer temperatures put Kentucky workers at risk, and without dedicated heat standards in place, education about heat safety is key to making sure workgroups understand the dangers, Olivia Evans and Connor Giffin report for the…
Drugs and the consequences of addiction are woven into the fabric of Jamie Madden’s life. Her earliest memory is of standing on the passenger seat of her dad’s car as a toddler, wearing a peach-colored blouse, while he drove from their…
Summer brings plenty of opportunities for kids to swim and play outside, but all that time in the water can also raise the risk of swimmer’s ear. Don’t let it interrupt your child’s fun. What is swimmer’s ear? Otitis externa, also known as…
( StatePoint ) Americans overwhelmingly say brain health matters deeply as they age, ranking it on par with — or even above — physical health. Yet despite this concern, most adults acknowledge they do not know how to protect or maintain…
Kentuckians will no longer be allowed to bring medical marijuana from other states into Kentucky, but will instead need to apply for a Kentucky medical cannabis card. Gov. Andy Beshear announced on June 11 at his weekly news conference that…
A week after announcing cuts to Medicaid, foster care and other social service programs, Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday he now believes he has the flexibility to move funds from elsewhere to support those programs. Beshear is now moving…
Eight Kentucky hospitals are among a list of over 500 hospitals nationwide that the Trump administration has warned are failing to provide transparent pricing information, the Associated Press reports. WKYT-TV reports that one of the…
As the weather warms up, kids grab skateboards, bikes, scooters and roller skates from the garage and head out into the sun. Although these things are great for healthy summer fun, your child should always wear a helmet to prevent serious…
Kentucky’s youth showed improvement in only one of the four categories the annual Kids Count Data Book measures to determine health: the percentage of children and teens who are overweight or obese. This category showed a decrease in the…
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched its framework for Medicaid work requirements on Monday, June 1, which are now required under HR-1, or the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act. The interim final rule, which allows the…
Tim Robinson, former chief executive officer of Addiction Recovery Care, was indicted in federal court on Thursday on wire transmission and “monetary transaction in criminally derived property” in “unlawful activity” charges. The…
Sam Adams with The Mountain Eagle tells the story of how a wrong turn ended up bringing two Canadian foot doctors to Eastern Kentucky in 2024, where they have since performed 3,000 foot and ankle surgeries – largely related to diabetes. Dr.…
Several social service programs in Kentucky are about to see cuts and reductions, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Thursday, June 4. Beshear, a Democrat, blamed the cuts on the two-year state budget passed by the Republican-controlled General…
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman expressed her appreciation for the nursing profession at the annual Kentucky Nurses Association Leadership & Advocacy Conference on Friday, May...
By Christian Honce University of Kentucky Researchers at the University of Kentucky, in partnership with colleagues at the University of Miami and the University of Arizona, discovered that adults living...
By Sarah Ladd Kentucky Lantern Louisville’s Maricia Richardson grew up hearing that she didn’t need to get vaccinated. She didn’t consider herself “anti-vax” — more like vaccine hesitant — and...
By Nadia Ramlagan Public News Service  Experts will discuss changes to federal safety-net programs during a series of upcoming Kentucky Thrive Roadshow events aimed at community professionals. The events will cover updates...
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News Just like the U.S., Kentucky earned a C grade in the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health’s latest annual report. The Policy Center says...
By Melissa Patrick Kentucky Health News As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, Gov. Andy Beshear highlighted the progress his administration has made in expanding access to mental...
By Dr. Jessica Lee University of Kentucky Every second matters when it comes to stroke. That’s why it’s important to understand both the warning signs of stroke and the steps...
Meta, the parent firm of social-media platforms Facebook and Instagram, settled a social media addiction lawsuit with Breathitt County on Thursday,  May 21. Ronald Johnson, a Louisville lawyer and the...
More than 300 schools across Northern Kentucky now have locked collection boxes where students and staff can safely turn in confiscated vaping devices, Katie Amrhein reports for WKRC-TV, based in...
By Sarah Ladd Kentucky Lantern Several Kentucky hospitals will get millions in disaster reimbursement funds for Covid-19 pandemic expenses, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Friday. Six hospitals and Kentucky Emergency Management...
Five Eastern Kentucky health departments have partnered in an initiative to fight chronic disease in the region, largely through preventive health care, shared resources and information sharing. Public health directors...
Kentucky hospitals ranked 22nd nationally in the percentage earning top "A" safety grades from The Leapfrog Group's spring 2026 evaluation, recovering from a previous decline to 36th place.
The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky is seeking nominations for its Healthy Kentucky Champion Award, recognizing individuals dedicated to improving health in their communities. The nomination deadline is May 29.
University of Kentucky experts say the risk of hantavirus to Kentucky residents remains extremely low despite a deadly international cruise ship outbreak, with only one travel-related case reported in the state since 1995.
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...
The American Medical Association has issued six safety recommendations for parents sending children to summer camp, covering sun protection, vaccinations, insect prevention, allergy management, nutrition and medication planning.
Kentucky's "Our Healthy Kentucky Home" initiative continues prioritizing teen and young adult health in May, promoting simple lifestyle changes including healthy eating, regular exercise and social engagement.
Kentucky's Office of Inspector General found the state's medical marijuana licensing process was fair, transparent and free of irregularities, clearing the way for the state's fledgling cannabis industry to expand.
A University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center study found that lung cancer screening rates among eligible U.S. adults have improved in recent years, but fewer than one in four are...
Dr. B. Mark Evers, director of the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center, has been named president-elect of the American Surgical Association and will assume the presidency in 2027-28.
The Kentucky Hospital Association released a report showing state hospitals generate $34 billion in annual economic activity, directly employ 95,000 people, and support an additional 77,000 jobs through indirect economic effects.
Dental specialists are promoting May's Save Your Tooth Month to encourage preservation of natural teeth through root canal treatment and proper oral care, emphasizing that these procedures are safe and effective alternatives to extraction.
Two University of Kentucky College of Public Health graduates completed the Rural Health Scholars Program, gaining practical experience in rural communities and committing to careers addressing health disparities in underserved areas.
The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky is accepting applications through June 15 for its Partnerships for Success grants, which fund evidence-based strategies to prevent alcohol, nicotine and vaping use.
Saint Joseph Health hospitals and care sites in Kentucky will rebrand to CommonSpirit Health in July 2026, while maintaining the Saint Joseph name locally. The change does not affect patient care or services.
A UK HealthCare pharmacist explains how to distinguish spring allergies from colds by identifying key symptom differences, including itchiness and mucus color.
Kentucky recorded a 22.9% decline in overdose deaths in 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year of improvement and bringing deaths to the lowest level since 2014.
A new Commonwealth Fund report shows Black babies in Kentucky are more than twice as likely to die as white babies, with significant racial disparities across multiple health metrics, amid concerns that federal policy changes will worsen the disparities.
Dr. Rachel Jonas of UK HealthCare explains in a health column when frequent throat clearing may signal a medical condition, noting that persistent symptoms lasting more than a few weeks warrant professional evaluation.
Kentucky awarded nearly $34 million in opioid settlement grants to more than 100 organizations, the largest disbursement to date, with funds supporting treatment, recovery, prevention and research initiatives across the state.
Kentucky received $94.4 million in its latest Tobacco Master Settlement Agreement payment, bringing total funds since 1998 to nearly $3 billion. However, none of the settlement money is specifically designated for tobacco prevention, prompting criticism and legislative efforts to redirect funds toward cessation and prevention programs.
Kentucky has joined UnitedHealthcare's Rural Payment Acceleration Pilot, which will accelerate hospital payments and reduce administrative requirements for five participating rural hospitals.
A landmark study of 11,000+ youth finds teenagers who use cannabis show slower cognitive development, particularly in memory and thinking skills, with THC appearing to be the primary culprit. The findings are especially relevant in Kentucky, where teen cannabis-related emergency visits have surged 43% since 2023.
Kentucky Republicans overrode numerous health-related vetoes from Gov. Beshear during the final days of the 2026 legislative session, allowing Medicaid reforms including new copayments and expanded legislative oversight to become law.
A global study involving University of Kentucky researchers found that environmental and social conditions like air pollution, green space access, and inequality impact biological brain aging more than individual factors alone.
The Kentucky Center for Smoke-Free Policy honored communities and individuals working to create healthier, smoke-free environments at the 2026 Kentucky Tobacco Control Conference on April 16 in Lexington.
An elementary school teacher's experience choosing a low-cost health plan highlights how many Kentuckians struggle to understand high-deductible health plans and the financial strategies available to manage them, including Health Savings Accounts.
The Foundation for a Healthy Kentucky is offering a free webinar on genetic counseling in cancer care April 22 as part of its Health for a Change training series for nonprofit professionals and health advocates.
A UK HealthCare physician explains the difference between ultra-processed and minimally processed foods, offering practical guidance for Lexington residents looking to make healthier dietary choices.
The 30th National Prescription Drug Take Back Day will be held Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at nearly 4,200 locations nationwide, including at least 60 sites in Kentucky, allowing residents to safely dispose of expired and unused medications.
University of Kentucky researchers have created RADOR-KY, a new surveillance system that uses artificial intelligence and real-time data to predict and prevent opioid overdoses, giving health departments and policymakers access to county-level insights to better target prevention efforts.
Kentucky's largest drug addiction treatment provider, Addiction Recovery Care, faces FBI investigation and state regulatory findings after former employees alleged the company systematically falsified billing records to overbill Medicaid for services never provided.
Governor Beshear has been processing health-related legislation during the veto period, signing bills on mental health and eating disorder coverage while vetoing a Medicaid oversight measure. The legislature returns April 14-15 to address the remaining 25 health bills on his desk.
Kentucky launched a Medicaid expansion providing one year of health coverage to eligible adults and juveniles released from state custody, marking a major reentry support initiative funded by federal demonstration program dollars.
Governor Andy Beshear has 25 health-related bills pending decision as Kentucky lawmakers prepare for the final two days of the 2026 legislative session, with one already signed and another vetoed.
Kentucky's "Our Healthy Kentucky Home" initiative focuses April on teen and young adult health, emphasizing nutrition, exercise and social connections. Health Secretary Dr. Steven Stack called these critical years for shaping lifelong wellness habits.