Kentucky state government continues leadership appointments while UK Athletics opens its 2026 season with competitive results across multiple sports.

State government

KDE launches leadership workshop series for new special education, early learning directors — The Kentucky Department of Education has launched OSEEL GUIDES, a virtual monthly workshop series designed to support new special education and early learning administrators as they navigate their leadership roles.

Beshear appoints experienced professionals to state boards — Governor Beshear has appointed multiple Kentucky professionals to state boards and commissions, including several Lexington residents and experienced members to the Parole Board with decades of law enforcement and corrections experience.

Sports

Kentucky dance: Ten UK Dance Team alumni join pro NFL and NBA cheerleading rosters for 2026-27 season — Ten former University of Kentucky Dance Team members will compete for professional NFL and NBA cheerleading squads in the 2026-27 season, with alumni representing six NFL teams and one NBA team.

Kentucky cross country: Women place second, men third at Tennessee Invitational season opener — University of Kentucky cross country opened its 2026 season with the women placing second and men placing third at the Tennessee Invitational, led by strong performances from Ann Lemirisho and Collins Kipngok.

Kentucky football: Game against No. 12 Alabama on Sept. 12 officially sold out — The Kentucky football game against No. 12 Alabama on September 12 has officially sold out, though verified resale tickets remain available. UK Athletics is warning fans about counterfeit tickets and encouraging purchases only through official channels.

Kentucky football: Tight end Willie Rodriguez named to Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List — UK tight end Willie Rodriguez has been named to the Jason Witten Collegiate Man of the Year Watch List in recognition of his leadership and community service, particularly his work supporting children with disabilities and caring for his sister who has Rett syndrome.

Kentucky Athletics: UK launches Kentucky Mobile wireless service with automatic donation support — The University of Kentucky launched Kentucky Mobile, a new wireless phone service that allows customers to automatically support UK Athletics, scholarships or campus programs with each monthly bill payment, in partnership with Collegiate Mobile.

Kentucky cross country: Teams open 2026 season Friday at Tennessee Invitational — The University of Kentucky cross country team opens its 2026 season Friday at the Tennessee Invitational in Knoxville, with men competing at 8 a.m. ET and women at 8:45 a.m. ET under the direction of second-year coach Tito Medrano.

Kentucky volleyball: Texas A&M match moved to ABC with earlier 1 p.m. ET start time Oct. 25 — UK volleyball's October 25 home match against Texas A&M has been upgraded from ESPN to ABC with an earlier 1 p.m. ET start time, underscoring the sport's surging popularity.

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