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The Gibbs Foundation commits $4.5 million to establish a permanent endowment at the University of Louisville for lung disease research, transplant innovations and medical researcher training, fulfilling a pledge made in 2022.
Kentucky has approved nearly $5.3 million in state funding for industrial site development in four counties through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative, supporting projects in Trigg, Daviess, Bourbon and Nicholas counties.
Kentucky State University in Frankfort has unveiled a commemorative logo featuring green and gold colors and Jackson Hall to mark its 140th anniversary, with a yearlong celebration beginning in October. All uses of the logo require university approval.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Kentuckiana is seeking adult mentors for more than 500 youth waiting for matches, citing strong outcomes from its mentorship programs during Big Brothers Big Sisters Month.
The Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce has announced the Leadership Owensboro Class of 2027, marking the program's 45th year and one of its largest classes in history. The nine-month professional development program runs from September through June and brings together emerging leaders from across the Owensboro region.
Gov. Andy Beshear urged Kentucky small businesses to apply for the state's Small Business Tax Credit program by Nov. 1 to receive up to $25,000 in tax credits for hiring employees and investing in equipment or technology.
Kentucky event venues are capitalizing on corporate planners' shift toward purposeful, engagement-focused gatherings over traditional ballroom events, with planners increasingly seeking distinctive spaces that align with organizational goals while maintaining budget discipline.
UK Athletics and Heaven Hill Brands announced a multiyear partnership making Elijah Craig and Evan Williams the official bourbon partners of the Kentucky Wildcats, with branded hospitality spaces at major athletic venues and limited-edition co-branded bottles planned.
Amazon will open a 224,000-square-foot same-day delivery facility in Lexington in 2027, creating 150 jobs and introducing one-hour delivery service to the region for the first time. Full-time workers will earn an average of $23 per hour with comprehensive benefits.
Brown-Forman reported a 1% decline in first-quarter sales to $911 million, but ready-to-drink products and emerging markets, particularly Mexico, showed strong growth, even as traditional whiskey categories and developed markets remained under pressure.
Amazon plans a new 324,500-square-foot same-day delivery facility in Louisville that will create hundreds of jobs paying an average of $23 per hour, as the company continues to expand its Kentucky operations.
Louisville Gas and Electric Co. and Kentucky Utilities Co. earned Site Selection magazine's Top Utility award for economic development for the 13th time, supporting 92 projects that brought $5.7 billion in announced investment and 4,574 jobs to Kentucky in 2025.
Equip Exposition 2026 returns to the Kentucky Exposition Center Oct. 20-23, bringing thousands of landscaping and equipment professionals to Louisville for demonstrations, education and networking, featuring HGTV's Mike Holmes as keynote speaker and events across the city.
GE Appliances announced a $1 billion investment in its Louisville Appliance Park headquarters, including the return of dryer manufacturing from Mexico, creating 4,700 manufacturing jobs and positioning the facility as the nation's largest home appliance manufacturing site.
Kentucky VALOR and Sazerac launch the Industry Connections initiative to help veterans and military spouses pursue careers in Kentucky's tourism and hospitality sector, tapping into military skills for a growing industry.
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux opened its first Kentucky location in Lexington on Aug. 31, creating approximately 125 jobs and establishing itself as ESPN's #1 Sports Bar in America in the city.
Camco Chemical announced a new 130,000-square-foot warehouse and distribution center at its Independence campus, marking the third-generation family company's continued investment in Northern Kentucky manufacturing and supply chain operations.
Subtext has acquired land at 565 S. Limestone for EVER Lexington, a 520-bed student housing development near the University of Kentucky that will include ground-floor retail. Construction is expected to begin in fall 2026 and complete in summer 2028.
Louisville-based Yum! Brands completed the $1.5 billion sale of Pizza Hut to LongRange Capital, concluding a major strategic restructuring that values the complete divestiture at $2.7 billion and positions the company to focus on KFC, Taco Bell and digital innovation.
Astemo Americas announced a $112 million expansion of its Berea manufacturing operations that will create 114 jobs and potentially grow to $379 million with 282 jobs if fully implemented.
The Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky has launched #GiveAppKY, a regional campaign inviting nonprofits to participate in GivingTuesday on December 1 to boost charitable giving for Eastern Kentucky communities.
Unemployment rates fell in 87 of Kentucky's 120 counties from July 2025 to July 2026, with Cumberland and Woodford counties posting the lowest rates at 4.1% and Martin County experiencing the highest at 10.1%.
The Barren County Economic Authority broke ground on a 60,000-square-foot speculative industrial building at South Cooper Industrial Park designed to accommodate manufacturing, distribution and logistics operations, with completion expected in early 2027.
Voices of Hope will host Recovery Awareness Day on September 5 at Gatton Park featuring live music, speakers, health services and family activities. The free event aims to raise awareness about substance use recovery and connect individuals with support resources.
The Asphalt Institute names Tamara Davis, a former PriceWeber executive and veteran broadcast journalist, as its new vice president of marketing and membership. Davis brings two decades of communications experience to the Lexington-based trade association.
Kentucky completed the 11-mile Wolfe County widening segment of the Mountain Parkway Expansion, creating 32 miles of continuous four-lane highway. The final 13-mile Magoffin-Floyd segment, under construction since 2025, is expected to be complete by 2032.
BCTC receives a record $2 million gift from the James A. and Martha R. Brown Charitable Foundation to transform a former Amazon call center in Winchester into Kentucky's first regional workforce training center, with particular focus on expanding nursing education capacity amid state health care worker shortages.
The Franklin-Simpson Industrial Authority has appointed Meredith Wilson as its new executive director, effective Sept. 28. Wilson brings 13 years of economic development experience from the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce and will lead efforts in business recruitment and industrial site development in a region experiencing significant economic growth.
Governor Andy Beshear appointed more than 20 Kentuckians to state boards and commissions in late August, including leaders from business, education, health care, law and emergency services.
Leadership Louisville Center has named 65 business and civic leaders to its Class of 2027, the 48th cohort of the nationally recognized program. Humana and CenterWell are serving as presenting sponsors for the 10-month intensive leadership development program.
United Airlines is adding a fourth daily nonstop flight between Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and Newark starting Sept. 8, offering travelers enhanced connectivity to New York City and international destinations.
UofL Health opens a $25 million Brown Cancer Center in Bullitt County on Sept. 14, expanding access to specialized cancer treatment and research for rural patients across South, Central and Western Kentucky.
Boulware Mission in Owensboro is expanding recovery housing and treatment services with renovations and additional transitional living capacity, supported by a $50,000 contribution from PMI U.S.
Country music legend Crystal Gayle filmed episodes of the television series "Finding Kindness: Kentucky Strong" in Lexington and Winchester this month, highlighting local businesses, nonprofits and acts of community kindness.
Chicken Salad Chick, a fast-casual chicken salad chain with growing operations in Kentucky, has been ranked the nation's top emerging restaurant brand by YouGov in 2026. The company operates more than 340 locations across 25 states and continues expanding its Kentucky presence with new restaurants in Lexington, Louisville and other cities.
Holly Daugherty, a youth services librarian at McCreary County Public Library in Whitley City, has been named one of six finalists for the 2026 Toyota Family Teacher of the Year award, which recognizes educators who strengthen family engagement in learning.
Central Kentucky's housing inventory hit a seven-year July high with 4,399 homes on the market, yet median prices reached a record $310,000 as home sales climbed to the strongest level in five years.
Freeman Automation plans a $1 million investment in Graves County to construct a new 4,000-square-foot manufacturing facility at Hickory Industrial Park, creating 20 full-time jobs. The electrical control panel manufacturer will relocate from Carlisle County and expects construction completion in 2027.
Kentucky's Teachers' Retirement System achieved a 15.04% investment return for fiscal 2026, its fourth consecutive year of double-digit gains, and ranked in the top 4% of comparable pension plans over the past decade.
MegaFit Meals is investing $9.25 million to build a new 40,000-square-foot food manufacturing facility in Calvert City that will create 40 jobs and bring the company's Kentucky workforce to 140-plus employees.
Lexington physician Christine Ko has been named the 176th president of the Kentucky Medical Association, succeeding Jiapeng Huang. Ko, an internal medicine physician at Baptist Health, introduced a year-long initiative called "Your KMA" aimed at strengthening the association's support for physicians.
Five Kentucky business and community leaders have been named finalists for the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce's 2026 Young Professional of the Year Award, with public voting open through Sept. 4 and the winner to be announced Sept. 21 in Louisville.
Kentucky's medical cannabis industry reached the halfway point of its retail network with 24 dispensaries now operating, as patient registrations surpassed 24,000 and the industry generated over $1.87 million in July sales.
Kentucky business leaders are pushing employee ownership models as a solution to succession challenges facing more than half the state's businesses with owners aged 55 or older. TiER1 Performance and C-Forward demonstrate the model's success in Northern Kentucky.
The University of Kentucky will receive $26.7 million in additional federal funding for its Agricultural Research Service Forage-Animal Production Unit, bringing total federal support to more than $102 million. The facility, targeted for completion in 2026, will advance forage and livestock research critical to Kentucky's agricultural economy.
The University of Kentucky is hosting an equine farm management expo Sept. 10 in Lexington featuring sessions on facility design, nutrition and hay management for horse farm owners and professionals.
Kentucky will receive $358 million as part of a $17.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta, resolving claims about addictive platform design. The agreement also includes sweeping new child safety protections for Facebook and Instagram.
The University of Louisville received an $11.6 million federal grant to launch a new Nutrition and Metabolic Health Center focused on addressing chronic diseases disproportionately affecting Kentucky residents, where obesity and metabolic disorders rank among the state's top health challenges.
Valvoline Global Operations will move its global headquarters from Lexington to Cincinnati, but more than 400 employees will remain in Lexington as part of a new Americas Hub. The company's Lexington operation will continue to serve North American markets.
BE NKY Growth Partnership promoted Kimberly Rossetti to Chief Economic Development Officer, expanding her role in leading the Northern Kentucky economic development organization's efforts to attract businesses and foster regional prosperity.
University of Kentucky students gained hands-on experience in Scotland this summer through a program coordinated with the James B. Beam Institute for Kentucky Spirits, strengthening ties between Kentucky bourbon producers and Scottish distilleries.
Long John Silver's is adding hand-battered fried pickles and Old Bay ranch sauce to its nationwide menu starting Aug. 24, leveraging the seafood chain's signature batter to capitalize on the pickle food trend.
Kentucky's labor market showed no significant growth or decline in July, with employment essentially unchanged from the prior month while the unemployment rate held steady at 4.7 percent, reflecting a cooling hiring environment across the nation.
Louisville-based Republic Bancorp has been named to American Banker's 2026 list of top-performing banks in the $2 billion to $10 billion asset category, recognized for strong profitability, growth and operational efficiency.
Verst Logistics opened a new 20,119-square-foot Excellence Center in Boone County to consolidate executive operations and 75 employees, marking the company's 60th anniversary while continuing national expansion. The facility at CirclePort offers advanced technology and strategic access to major transportation networks including CVG airport.
The YMCA of Central Kentucky will acquire Proof Fitness's two Lexington locations in early October, providing continuity for High Street members before that facility closes on October 30 after more than six decades of operations.
University of Kentucky researchers are working with Kentucky golf course operators to study the annual bluegrass weevil, a destructive pest that damages turf. The research aims to help superintendents time pesticide applications more effectively, reducing unnecessary treatments and lowering maintenance costs.
Twenty-three law enforcement officers graduated from the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training's Madisonville academy as the state expands its law enforcement training presence in Western Kentucky.
The historic Kingfish Restaurant, which opened in 1948, is selling its two remaining riverfront locations in Louisville and Jeffersonville after 78 years of operation.
A five-year analysis of federal crash data shows August is Kentucky's deadliest month for fatal road crashes, averaging 75 annually, with summer overall proving significantly more dangerous than other seasons.
Kentucky ranks 10th nationally for strong-wind property damage per capita with $10,486 in losses per 100,000 residents between 2021 and 2026, according to a new study. The finding highlights the significant financial risks wind events pose to Kentucky property owners and businesses.
University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg has been ranked No. 2 nationally for affordable online doctoral programs, with an average tuition of $355 per credit hour and flexible asynchronous course formats designed for working professionals.
The Comfy Cow, Dairy Del, and Crank and Boom Craft Ice Cream represent Kentucky in The64.com's second annual America's Best Ice Cream tournament, a fan-voted competition launching July 16.
OneQuest Health opened a new outpatient behavioral health center in Louisville this week, expanding mental health services amid ongoing Medicaid funding cuts and workforce shortages across Kentucky.
Bank of America awarded a $50,000 grant to the Bluegrass Community and Technical College Foundation to fully fund tuition and materials for low-income and underserved Kentuckians pursuing careers in high-demand trades.
Kentucky received three federal transportation grants totaling $73 million, including funding to replace Frankfort's historic Singing Bridge, expand truck parking at interstate rest areas, and expand Paducah's main riverport.
Bullitt County's tourism sector generated $173.2 million in economic impact in 2025, with $32.2 million in labor income and $14 million in tax revenues, contributing to Kentucky's fourth consecutive record year for tourism.
Chizimuzo "Zim" Ekki, a University of Kentucky College of Nursing professor and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, has been named the 2026 Psychiatric Nurse of the Year by the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced a $45 million national settlement with CashApp and Block, with Kentucky receiving $556,445.47 for defrauded users and securing enhanced consumer protections.
Tourism in Frankfort and Franklin County generated $174.7 million in economic impact during 2025, a 6% increase from 2024, supporting 1,283 jobs and contributing $13.1 million in tax revenue. The achievement contributed to Kentucky's record-breaking year, with statewide tourism generating $14.6 billion in economic impact.
Cannabuzz, a Lexington-based THC-infused beverage manufacturer, launched its Champagne Blush drink at thirteen Kentucky liquor stores, marking the latest expansion for the pioneer in Kentucky's hemp beverage market.
A comprehensive collection of Colonel Harland Sanders personal memorabilia preserved from his Shelbyville home will be auctioned on July 28, along with the historic Claudia Sanders Restaurant property.
According to a Word Unscrambler analysis of Google Trends data, "empathy" is Kentucky's most-searched word definition in 2026, reflecting Americans' growing interest in understanding emotions and societal concepts.
The Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky, celebrates its 10th anniversary this month with special events featuring three NASA astronauts, prominent Christian speakers, and performances by award-winning artists.
Kentucky ranks 6th nationally for dependence on immigrant workers, with 80.1% of foreign-born residents of working age, according to an analysis by The Mendoza Law Firm. The state's immigrant population has a median age of 40.5, nearly four years younger than the national average.
Speakeasy Dispensary will open a new medical cannabis location in Corbin on July 9, continuing the company's expansion across Kentucky as the state's medical cannabis program grows.
Barren County's tourism industry generated $117.5 million in visitor spending in 2025, ranking 18th statewide and creating 930 jobs. The region's growth is part of Kentucky's fourth consecutive record tourism year, which totaled $14.6 billion in economic impact.
The Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation has secured $2.25 million in state funding to develop The Landing Entrepreneurship Center in downtown Owensboro, a new coworking hub designed to support entrepreneurs and remote workers in the region.
Northern Kentucky is positioning itself as a critical hub for aerospace and defense manufacturing, leveraging logistics infrastructure including CVG cargo operations, an existing ecosystem of suppliers including Safran Landing Systems, and regional workforce development programs.
Horse Soldier Farms, a $200 million bourbon distillery founded by former Green Berets and featuring bottles molded from World Trade Center steel, opened in Somerset on Wednesday. The facility is expected to generate 50 jobs and $100 million in economic impact for the Lake Cumberland region.
Kentucky State University received a $2 million Appalachian Regional Commission grant to establish a Center of Excellence for workforce training and land restoration in Eastern Kentucky coal communities.
Kentucky Power announced multiple assistance programs for customers facing higher electric bills during the current heat wave, including disconnection suspensions, flexible payment plans, and energy efficiency programs.
FCPS school resource officer Jeremy Day will be honored as the Hometown Hero at the Lexington Legends' Baseball & Boom Bash on July 3, and will later undertake a 50-mile walk across 29 elementary schools to raise $10,000 for back-to-school supplies for students in need.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's Kentucky president says patients can save significant money and time by choosing appropriate care settings for non-emergency medical needs, from urgent care clinics to ambulatory surgery centers instead of hospital emergency rooms.
The University of Kentucky has approved a record $9.6 billion budget for 2026-27, its largest ever, driven primarily by healthcare expansion and investments in student support and workforce growth.
Simon Sheather, dean of University of Kentucky's Gatton College of Business and Economics, retired June 26 after eight years that saw enrollment nearly double and the MBA program reach record national rankings.
The Humana Foundation awarded $12.2 million in grants to combat senior loneliness nationwide, with several major initiatives based in Kentucky including programs at the Frazier History Museum and support for housing and mental health services.
Eastern Kentucky University's College of Business offers six flexible, stackable business certificates designed to help students and working professionals build in-demand skills in areas like accounting, sales, supply chain management, and cybersecurity.
Dr. Derick Strode has been named the third director of The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University, beginning July 13. Strode, who previously served at the academy and most recently led WKU's regional campuses, will succeed Dr. Lynette Breedlove.
The University of Louisville Board of Trustees approved a record $1.96 billion Fiscal Year 2027 budget on June 25, a 9.4% increase driven primarily by research growth and state funding for the new Health Sciences Center Building.
Kentucky approved $6.1 million in development funding for five counties, including support for projects in Cumberland, Russell counties and the regional Triple Crown Business Park near Lexington.
The U.S. economy grew at a stronger pace than initially estimated in the first quarter of 2026 at 2.1 percent, driven by business investment and government spending, offering encouragement for economically lagging states like Kentucky.
Space Tango, a Lexington-based aerospace company, is investing $7.4 million to expand operations and add 25 jobs at a new facility at Greyline Station in Lexington.
Bluegrass Realtors reports that the central and southern Kentucky housing market gained momentum in May with sales up 5 percent, inventory reaching its highest May level since 2019, and home prices stabilizing after years of rapid appreciation.
Press Forward Blue Grass, a Blue Grass Community Foundation initiative, received a $125,000 grant from the national Press Forward coalition to develop public policy solutions supporting local journalism in Kentucky.
LG&E and KU's president defended the utility's data center expansion strategy, arguing careful planning and new safeguards can support Kentucky's economic growth while protecting ratepayers from cost increases.
Starbucks has commenced construction at Russell Centre in Russell, Kentucky, marking another milestone for the retail development anchored by Kroger and Lowe's Home Improvement.
Nearly 80% of Kentucky counties saw unemployment rise in the year ending May 2026, reflecting deepening labor market challenges across much of the state.
University of Louisville researchers discovered how urolithin A, a microbial metabolite derived from pomegranates and berries, activates a protective pathway that may help treat inflammatory bowel disease. The findings, published in Nature Communications, suggest new therapeutic approaches targeting specific immune pathways rather than broadly suppressing immune responses.
Target will open its first Frankfort store in July at The Paddocks development, creating nearly 200 jobs and serving as the company's 15th Kentucky location. The 128,851-square-foot store will be the company's first "Food Forward" location in the district, offering expanded grocery options.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky began production of the all-new RAV4 Hybrid and broke ground on a $922 million advanced paint facility as part of $2 billion in recent investments. The Georgetown plant, which employs nearly 10,000 workers, will also launch the Highlander Battery Electric Vehicle in September 2026.
Shelby County's tourism economy reached $103 million in 2025, surpassing $100 million for the first time, marking the fifth consecutive record year and doubling Kentucky's statewide growth rate.
Kentucky wins Area Development's Silver Shovel Award for the second consecutive year, recognizing major economic development achievements in 2025 including investments from Apple, Ford, General Matter and others that totaled $10.5 billion.
Space launch startup Sagittarius Logistics is considering Kentucky for a major manufacturing facility as part of its effort to meet growing demand for commercial orbital access. The company's evaluation comes as Kentucky Space Futures promotes the state's aerospace and space capabilities.
Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers discussed the University of Kentucky's role in advancing the commonwealth during a new "Behind the Blue" podcast episode, emphasizing research, economic development and workforce preparation.
Nine Kentucky historic sites will be reviewed Friday for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, including the Epping Bottling Works in Lexington and two notable Rosenwald schools associated with African American education during segregation.
As artificial intelligence transforms workplaces across Kentucky, mid-career professionals face pressure to continuously develop AI skills. Experts say traditional education models fall short, prompting calls for expanded access to flexible, workforce-aligned training programs.
Con Huevos, a Louisville-based Mexican breakfast and brunch restaurant, is expanding to Lexington with a new location planned for fall 2026 in Pleasant Ridge Commons, marking its first expansion beyond Louisville.
Lazenby Preserve, a new outdoor recreation community in Lee County, is now offering its first private home sites, with about 1,800 acres reserved for recreation. The development comes as Red River Gorge tourism continues to grow.
The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce will honor four alumni from its leadership programs during an Aug. 27 awards luncheon in Erlanger, recognizing their contributions to the region.
A University of Kentucky researcher led a study revealing dozens of hidden star clusters buried in cosmic dust within nearby galaxies, advancing understanding of how stars form and galaxies evolve.
The Greater Louisville housing market saw inventory surge 40% in May with 4,052 homes available for sale, while closed sales jumped 14.6% year-over-year despite modest increases in price appreciation and longer time on market.
EverPeak Insurance has launched workers' compensation coverage in Kentucky, backed by Pinnacol Assurance's century-plus of expertise, expanding its 18-state footprint and enabling brokers to write multistate policies through the Attune platform.
A new study from Clever Real Estate finds that new construction homes in Lexington cost nearly $183,000 more than existing homes, a 58% premium that far exceeds the national average of $52,565. New construction represents 12% of local home sales.
NetGain Technologies, a Lexington-based managed IT and cybersecurity services provider, has been named to CRN's 2026 Solution Provider 500 list, which recognizes North America's largest technology solution providers by revenue.
The Louisville Sports Commission elected new leadership and board members for the 2027 fiscal year, tapping Dr. Steve Hester of Norton Healthcare as board chairman and adding five new members and six returning directors.
Lexington construction firm Gray released a whitepaper documenting the growing adoption of design-build project delivery methods in industrial construction, finding the integrated approach enables better decision-making and project outcomes.
Airheads is offering a $50,000 grand prize through its "Imagine the ImPOOLsible" Sweepstakes, challenging social media users to create AI-generated dream pool designs for a chance to win funding to build them. The campaign runs through August 31 on TikTok and Meta.
EverPeak Insurance launched workers' compensation coverage in Kentucky, expanding to 18 states and enabling brokers to write multi-state policies through the Attune platform for small and mid-sized businesses.
The Louisville Zoo welcomes two new female Western lowland gorillas from Zoo Knoxville that will join the facility's Gorilla Forest exhibit and a male gorilla named Kicho.
Oak Grove and Hopkinsville celebrated record-breaking tourism spending for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, with Christian County visitor spending reaching $245 million and generating significant economic impact across the region.
Cleo Battle, president and CEO of Louisville Tourism, has won the 2026 Meeting Professionals International Industry Leader Award for his decades of service to the hospitality industry and his work expanding downtown Louisville's bourbon tourism attractions.
Jordan and Shellain Satterwhite have taken over ownership of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Lexington, expanding their existing Louisville franchise territory in the custom outdoor lighting business.
Western Kentucky University named Dr. Fadi Sibai as director of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, effective August 10. Sibai brings extensive experience in academic leadership, engineering education, and industry work with major technology companies.
Baptist Health Paducah announced a $19 million expansion adding two new robotic operating rooms and upgraded surgical facilities, expected to be completed in fall 2027 as demand for advanced surgical procedures continues to grow.
The Kentucky Small Business Development Center named Kayla Keeton as its 2026 State Star, recognizing her exceptional contributions to small business development across Kentucky.
Officials broke ground on the Commonwealth Center for Biomedical Excellence, a $125 million facility in downtown Covington that will house Northern Kentucky University's Salmon P. Chase College of Law and the University of Kentucky College of Medicine-Northern Kentucky campus, with construction expected to complete by the end of 2028.
University of Kentucky hires Michigan State athletics director J Batt as new AD and CEO of Champions Blue LLC, replacing retiring Mitch Barnhart after his 24-year tenure.
The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has established its inaugural Next Generation Leadership Council with 20 emerging business leaders from across Kentucky to address key economic issues and help shape the state's business future during the 2026-2028 term.
Graceland Portable Buildings of Cunningham announced the acquisition of ShedSync, a technology platform designed to help independent portable building dealers with inventory management, AI-powered marketing, and lead generation in an increasingly digital market.
The Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority has opened applications for its next president and CEO to replace Chris Girdler, who will transition out of the role after leading the organization since its founding in 2019.
Hendrickson Trailer is investing $13 million to expand its Somerset facility with a 15,000-square-foot addition that will create up to 30 jobs over three years, marking the company's fourth major expansion in the region since 2007.
The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has named Jim Page, a veteran chamber executive with 25 years of experience, as its new president and CEO, effective July 20, 2026. Page previously led the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama for 11 years, earning national recognition for his organization.
Kentucky's tourism industry reached record levels in 2025, generating $14.6 billion in economic impact and supporting nearly 97,000 jobs, marking four consecutive record-breaking years driven by bourbon, horse racing, state parks, and major events.
Equity Management Group named Jason J. Taylor as President, Lev Orlov as Chief Operating Officer, and promoted Bret Caller to Chief Executive Officer, reflecting the firm's commitment to operational excellence and growth.
Louisville-based MagnaWave PEMF unveiled its most advanced systems at the 10th MagnaCon conference, introducing the next-generation M Line PEMF system and the VyFy Recovery System, a multi-modality platform combining PEMF with light and oxygen therapies.
Kentucky's General Fund receipts fell 3.0 percent in May, but strong consumer spending—particularly in sales and use taxes—has put the state on pace to exceed its annual revenue estimate despite earlier predictions of a $156 million shortfall.
The Kentucky Nonprofit Network has appointed Aimee Jewell, a nonprofit leader with more than a decade of experience, as Director of Learning and Capacity, where she will develop statewide training programs and leadership initiatives for nonprofit professionals.
Senate President Robert Stivers was named a recipient of the 2026 Motion Picture Association Industry Champion Award for his leadership in advancing film and television legislation that has helped position Kentucky as an attractive destination for productions.
Lexington-based Gray Construction climbed to #15 among the nation's top telecommunications contractors, fueled by explosive growth in data center construction across the U.S., according to Engineering News-Record's 2026 rankings.
Western Kentucky University and Elizabethtown Community & Technical College have launched a new Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management, allowing students to begin at ECTC and complete their bachelor's degree at WKU in Elizabethtown. Registration for Fall 2026 is open.
The University of Louisville has selected Jessica Vodden, the former vice president for marketing and communications at East Tennessee State University, as its new vice president for communications and marketing, effective Aug. 17. Vodden brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education marketing and brand strategy.
UK HealthCare's Transplant Center performed Kentucky's first robotic-assisted kidney transplant using the Da Vinci Xi Surgical System, offering patients smaller incisions, less pain and faster recovery than traditional open surgery.
Lexington's city council approved a $546 million fiscal year 2027 budget emphasizing public safety, infrastructure improvements, and affordable housing, with heightened investment in snow and ice removal following winter storm criticism.
Governor Beshear extended his emergency gas tax reduction to 33 Kentucky communities through June 30, though Lexington was not included after local leaders declined to request the extension. Gas prices are expected to rise 10 cents per gallon June 11 in areas that did not request continuation of the relief measure.
Keeneland Library received the Thomas D. Clark Award of Excellence from the Kentucky Historical Society, recognizing its outstanding work preserving and sharing Thoroughbred racing heritage and reaching nearly 200,000 people globally in the past year.
Morehead State University has earned its fifth consecutive College of Distinction award for the 2026–27 academic year, recognizing its commitment to student success, hands-on learning, and strong faculty-student relationships.
Kentucky approved $750,000 in funding for the Floyd County Fiscal Court to develop the Allen Rail Site, a 125-acre property near Allen with rare flat land and railroad access designed to attract industrial investment and job creation.
Monster Self Storage opened its first Kentucky location at 15900 Shelbyville Road in Louisville on June 5, marking a milestone expansion for the company managed by Charleston-based Adams Property Group.
Commerce Lexington recognized 51 graduates from the 2025-26 Leadership Lexington program, the latest cohort in a nationally recognized initiative that has cultivated over 1,800 leaders since 1979.
Southwest Airlines celebrated the inaugural nonstop flight from Cincinnati's CVG Airport to Austin on June 4, marking the carrier's ninth anniversary at the airport. The new route is part of Southwest's 40 percent expansion of summer capacity at CVG, reflecting strong demand in the region.
The Salvation Army celebrates National Donut Day on June 5, honoring the legacy of Donut Lassies who served soldiers during World War I. The organization distributes donuts to veterans and first responders in Danville, Frankfort, and Richmond as part of its ongoing mission to serve vulnerable communities.
Wilson & Muir Bank & Trust Company hired Adam Brogdon as a loan officer at its St. Matthews office. Brogdon brings experience in commercial lending and relationship banking to the Kentucky-based community bank.
Covington's proposed $84 million Fiscal Year 2027 budget allocates significant resources to infrastructure, public safety, and community development while riding a wave of increased tax revenues.
Murray State University professor Dr. Jessica Pryor redesigned her graduate educational technology course to use Google Gemini Gems AI chatbots for content delivery while maintaining human grading and emphasizing ethical AI use.
McBrayer PLLC, a major Lexington law firm founded in 1963, has appointed Colby Blair as director of operations, positioning him to oversee organizational efficiency as the firm continues to grow. Blair, who has more than 20 years of operational and financial leadership experience, will work alongside the firm's CFO, CHRO and CMO.
McBrayer PLLC, a Lexington law firm founded in 1963, has hired former federal prosecutor Stephanie Zimdahl to enhance its white-collar defense and healthcare compliance capabilities. Zimdahl spent nearly 17 years as an Assistant United States Attorney specializing in economic, cyber, and healthcare fraud investigations.
Brown-Forman reports mixed fiscal 2026 results with net sales down 1% and operating income down 10%, though the Louisville spirits maker strengthened its cash position and returned record shareholder dividends. The company faces headwinds in U.S. markets while emerging markets drive growth.
Thirty-four professionals graduated from the Leadership Bowling Green Class of 2026, joining a network of community leaders dedicated to South Central Kentucky's future. The program, operated by the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, has cultivated engaged leaders for more than three decades.
Two University of Louisville medical students won Kentucky's largest college pitch competition with Claustrum Design, a medical device company focused on improving surgical procedures and patient care.