Good morning, Frankfort.

The Kentucky Women’s History Alliance will host a women’s equality day celebration on Saturday, Aug.

22 at Liberty Hall. The event starts at 9:30 a.m. with a march from the Old Capitol plus continues with coffee, pastries, a storytelling program at 11 a.m., and lunch downtown with historic displays.

The Grand Theatre re-opened Aug.

1 after renovations upgraded seating, lighting, and sound in Frankfort. The venue hosted Cherry Poppin’ Daddies at the grand opening and will offer live concerts and movies in a refreshed space.

The Franklin County Career and Technical Center launched a new EMT program for high school students this school year.

Backed by a $79,000 grant, the course allows up to 10 students to train for certification — students must be 18 for ride-alongs with Frankfort Fire and EMS.

Bourbon County High School has banned backpacks in classrooms, so students use clear, stadium-sized bags for essentials starting Aug.

18, a move meant to reduce clutter (the school resource center will provide bags for those in need) and enhance safety.

Starting in 2027, House Bill 562 (which won bipartisan support) gives nearly 4,500 special education students in Kentucky a modified high school diploma instead of the usual certificate of completion.

Lawmakers say the change will help open job opportunities after graduation.

Gov. Andy Beshear renewed his call for universal pre-K after lawmakers declined funding during the 2026 legislative session.

His pilot now runs in four communities + more good news is expected as he pursues broader early childhood education.

A Feeding America report says over 200,000 Kentuckians face food insecurity with numbers rising 62% over three years — experts warn that SNAP cuts could further limit food access today.

NIOSH research shows that 32.5% of veteran underground coal miners in central Appalachia have black lung—a rate not seen since 1978.

Increased silica dust exposure is linked to the rise, putting miners in Kentucky, Virginia, and West Virginia at higher risk.

Residents in Central Kentucky are reporting increased allergy symptoms as high humidity and a late pollen bloom fuel irritation (pollen from weed growth due to summer rains) according to Dr. Greisner of Bluegrass Allergy Care.

The new sporting complex at Lakeview Park nears completion with a targeted finish date on Nov.

1 as county officials await weather conditions. The $14.2 million project will offer seven fields and extra facilities and plans a soft opening this fall.