Good morning, Frankfort.

Kentucky nonprofits will host a 24 hr online fundraiser on May 12 plus offer donation matches and prizes to boost local giving, organized by the Kentucky Nonprofit Network.

The Central Kentucky Community Foundation will add regional prize incentives as donors track progress at kygives.org.

FoodChain’s Neighborhood Green Grocery now welcomes Frankfort residents with local produce & grab-and-go items and other essentials.

The new store offers fresh food at affordable prices to the community.

Kentucky's unemployment rate held at 4.2 percent in March while nonfarm employment rose by 2,000 jobs compared to February, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS).

Fewer people were seeking work, which helped keep the rate stable.

Agriculture Commissioner Jonathan Shell announced winners of the annual Poster and Essay Contest for students celebrating Kentucky agriculture on Thursday; the winners, chosen from 711 entries, will be honored on May 30 at Gallrein Farms in Shelbyville and their work will be shown at the State Fair in August.

Franklin County Schools announced that Joey Thacker will be the new principal at Franklin County High School on July 1; he replaces Chris Tracy and has served in many roles at the school, and Thacker said he is honored to lead and support every student.

Gov. Beshear announced a pilot program yesterday to offer all-day pre-K for 4-year-olds in Rockcastle and Robertson counties—helping 700 students—after lawmakers declined his universal pre-K proposal.

He also approved an $850,000 grant to expand daycare at the YMCA in Owensboro and Daviess County.

Late frosts may risk spring plants this Mother's Day weekend in central Kentucky so gardeners should cover or bring sensitive plants indoors using a frost cloth & sheet, experts advise.

They stress moving new houseplants from stores to warm areas if temperatures drop below 40 degrees.

Kentucky's governor signed an emergency order to cut the gas tax by 10 cents per gallon starting Monday — the order lasts 30 days and stops companies from keeping the savings.

Beshear also called on Congress to suspend the federal tax for additional relief.

AVOL Kentucky is expanding its HIV prevention services by increasing testing and outreach at 17 recovery centers across the Bluegrass region today after federal funding cuts forced the University of Kentucky to close similar programs in July 2025.

UK infectious disease specialist Nicholas Van Sickels said that despite three cruise ship fatalities from Hantavirus, the risk to Kentuckians remains extremely low—serving as a reminder to secure areas where rodents may be present.

He noted the US typically reports 20 to 30 cases a year.

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.

Capital Expo Children’s Festival

10 AM – 2 PM — Lakeview Park, 112 Park Ave, Frankfort, KY — Free entry — A fun-filled day of hands-on activities, demonstrations, and exploration with community organizations and emergency vehicles.