Good morning, Frankfort.

Franklin County will mark its 231st Birthday Bash on Saturday, May 9 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Lakeview Park with free food, games & inflatables as the Fiscal Court partners with local groups to host a family-friendly event.

UPS will close its Stanton terminal on June 1, putting 51 local jobs at risk.

Officials say workers may be offered positions in Lexington (or Prestonsburg or Hazard) as the community braces for the change.

A new report from the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education shows that 72 percent of dual credit students enrolled in college after high school compared to 53 percent of non-participants.

The study finds that combining high school support + college-level courses boosts enrollment and eases the transition to postsecondary education in Frankfort.

The Kentucky Education Association has launched a statewide survey for educators to anonymously share safety concerns — responses are due April 27.

The survey aims to guide future policy changes following over 25,000 safety incidents reported since 2021.

Governor Beshear criticized University of Kentucky leadership on social media for appointing Greg Van Tatenhove as law school dean without faculty support & urged board meeting attendance, while law students and professors preferred private talks.

Political expert Stephen Voss said the move adds to higher education debates.

Columbia Gas of Kentucky and the NiSource Charitable Foundation announced on Wednesday that seven local nonprofits—including two from Franklin County—were chosen to receive Environmental Action Grants supporting restoration and education projects, with grants of up to $5,000 each as part of a $250,000 statewide program.

On Wednesday, the governor publicly criticized the law school dean, and members of the UK community expressed concern over the remarks.

Educators and locals stressed the need to protect academic leadership free from government interference + called for respectful dialogue.

Gov. Beshear signed a bill to update student performance measures and school accountability.

Officials say the legislation will set new academic growth standards for schools across the region.

Gov. Andy Beshear announced that Kentucky joins the Rural Payment Acceleration Pilot program (by UnitedHealthcare) to help hospitals in rural areas get paid faster and cut paperwork.

Facilities in Cynthiana, Murray, Pikeville, Campbellsville and Glasgow will benefit from the quicker process.

Painted Clay Pot Mushrooms

11 a.m. — Paul Sawyier Public Library — Free entry — Get creative and add a whimsical touch to your garden with handmade clay pot mushrooms for all ages.

2026 River Rat Run 3K

6-8 p.m. — River View Park — Registration fees apply — Enjoy an evening of fitness and community at the River Rat Run 3K race.