Economy
IT glitch causing delays in flights, business operations globally
Air travel, banking, media and hospital systems are just some of the industries affected by a bug in a software update that has scrambled business operations for many globally Friday morning. Many of those who use Microsoft Windows are likely experiencing a “blue screen of death” or an error page. The issue is due to […]
How we owned a mine, or a brief history of Kentucky’s coal mining cooperative
For over 100 years, Himler House stood on a hill overlooking Beauty, formerly Himlerville, in Martin County. Once the site of grand Christmas parties and banquets, the house was eventually abandoned and fell to ruins. But few of the teens, vandals, and ghost hunters who frequented the abandoned mansion knew that it had been the […]
Federal regulator: Pharmacy middlemen appear to be raising prices, hurting patients
The federal trade watchdog has released an interim report Tuesday saying that sprawling health care conglomerates are driving out competition in the pharmacy sector and appear to be increasing prices in the process. The interim report comes after the Federal Trade Commission in 2022 announced that it was undertaking a sweeping investigation of pharmacy middlemen […]
Driving surge in demand for power, data centers eye Kentucky
LOUISVILLE — The boom in artificial intelligence is fueling a proliferation of new data centers — the computer clusters that power the internet — in “places that maybe we hadn’t thought of before,” an industry spokesman told utility regulators gathered in Louisville last month. Kentucky could be one of those places in the not-so-distant future. […]
Beshears traveling to Japan, Korea next week on economic development mission
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear will travel next week to Japan and Korea on what his office describes as “an economic development trip to bring new jobs to the state.” Also on the trip will be First Lady Britainy Beshear, Cabinet for Economic Development Secretary Jeff Noel, Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray and other members of […]
Dollar stores’ entry into rural communities adds to rural grocery challenges, says USDA study
The influx of dollar stores into the rural landscape can have a devastating effect on grocery stores and other small businesses in rural areas, research has found. When dollar stores move into a rural area, independent grocery stores are more likely to close, says a new study released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). […]
For child care workers, state aid for their own kids’ care is ‘life-changing’
SMITHFIELD, R.I. — Child care worker Marci Then, 32, looked over at two 4-year-olds in her care who were tussling over a toy plate in a model kitchen set. “Are we sharing?” she gently asked them. They both let go. Then works at Little Learners Academy child care center near Providence, Rhode Island. Her daughter, […]
Judge upholds Kentucky’s ban on ‘gray machine’ gambling devices
A Kentucky judge has upheld the legislature’s 2023 ban of so-called “gray machines,” agreeing with the attorney general that the law does not violate free speech or equal protection guarantees and isn’t unconstitutional special legislation. Franklin Circuit Court Judge Phillip Shepherd in his ruling Friday sided with arguments made by Attorney General Russell Coleman defending […]
Federal regulators approve controversial Louisiana gas terminal project
A massive and contentious liquefied natural gas export project in coastal Louisiana and an associated pipeline got a key approval from federal regulators Thursday. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission issued an order granting permission for Venture Global to build and operate the CP2 terminal in Cameron Parish along the Gulf Coast and construct and operate […]
Royal Theater revitalization focus of community discussion Tuesday in Louisville
Revitalizing the historic Royal Theater in Louisville’s West End will be the focus of a community discussion Tuesday afternoon. OneWest, a community development nonprofit, will host the event in collaboration with Luckett & Farley Architects. “Opened in the 1920s, the theater quickly became a cultural landmark, known for showcasing the latest films and hosting community […]
‘Free market health care:’ Boon or bane for rural Kentucky?
Experts and lawmakers continue to split over whether Kentucky should reform its controversial certificate of need process. Two Republican lawmakers on different sides of the issue — Sen. Stephen Meredith of Leitchfield and Rep. Marianne Proctor of Union — spoke Thursday during a meeting of the Interim Joint Committee on Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations. […]
Feds OK Kentucky plans to roll out $1 billion for broadband. Here’s what happens next.
Federal officials have approved Kentucky’s plan to deploy almost $1.1 billion to expand broadband, a key step toward connecting homes and businesses throughout the state. The funding was given to the state last year. Earlier this month the National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved the second volume of Kentucky’s proposed plans for using the money through […]