The Lexington Times

Free, AI-powered local news for Lexington, Kentucky

Coleman enters 2027 governor race as Senate contest shows momentum shifts

· Kentucky Lantern AI Generated

Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman announced her campaign for Kentucky governor Monday, becoming the first major candidate to enter the 2027 race to succeed term-limited Gov. Andy Beshear. Her candidacy opens a competitive Democratic primary that could be shaped by voter preferences visible in the state's contested U.S. Senate race.

UofL reconciles with Papa John's founder Schnatter after 2018 rift

· Kentucky Lantern AI Generated

The University of Louisville announced Thursday it is reconciling with Papa John's founder John Schnatter eight years after cutting ties over his 2018 use of a racial slur, saying it has gained new perspective on the circumstances surrounding his departure.

Kentucky Supreme Court limits public records access on private devices

· Kentucky Lantern AI Generated

The Kentucky Supreme Court ruled 4-2 that public officials do not have to disclose text messages and emails about government business conducted on private devices, dealing a blow to transparency advocates who warned the decision could undermine the state's Open Records Act.

Kentucky awards $34M in opioid settlement grants across 100+ organizations

· Kentucky Lantern AI Generated

Kentucky's Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission announced the distribution of more than $34 million in settlement grants to more than 100 organizations in its largest funding round to date, with local recipients like Recovery Cafe Lexington receiving significant awards to combat the opioid crisis.

Barnhart steps away from lucrative post-retirement role at UK

· Kentucky Lantern AI Generated

UK Athletics Director Mitch Barnhart has abandoned his planned $950,000-per-year post-retirement position as Executive in Residence for the Sports Workforce Initiative, citing public distraction just days after Gov. Andy Beshear criticized the university's decision-making.

Senate Republicans pass budget plan for ICE, Border Patrol funding

· Kentucky Lantern AI Generated

Senate Republicans approved a budget resolution Thursday on a 50-48 vote to begin funding ICE and Border Patrol through President Trump's term, with Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul joining only Alaska's Lisa Murkowski in opposing the measure.