Andrew Lamparski

5 days ago | lex18.com | Andrew Lamparski

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Catholics around the world are continuing to celebrate the selection of a new leader of the church, including students at Lexington Catholic High School. Some Lexington Catholic students were able to watch the decision unfold in real time. "We put it up on the board, and we we're just watching this chimney to see if anything happens," said sophomore Abigail Turner. Cardinal Robert Prevost, of Chicago, made history as the first American to hold the Papacy, as Pope Leo XIV.

1 week ago | lex18.com | Andrew Lamparski

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — One of the latest executive orders to come from the White House could force cuts at public broadcasting organizations in Kentucky. In an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on Thursday, the administration is calling for all direct taxpayer funding to be halted for NPR and PBS, both of which have affiliates across the commonwealth.

1 week ago | lex18.com | Andrew Lamparski

KNOX COUNTY, Ky. (LEX 18) — A new report from the National Education Association revealed Kentucky continues to fall in state rankings for average teacher pay. The annual NEA report tracks average teacher pay and starting pay across the nation. Last year, Kentucky ranked 41st in the country. This year, the commonwealth fell one position to 42nd, with an average salary of $58,325. Kentucky ranks even lower for starting teacher pay, at 48th in the country.

2 weeks ago | lex18.com | Andrew Lamparski

(LEX 18) — A new Kentucky law aims to enhance safety in highway work zones, honoring the memory of Jared Helton, a 22-year-old from Magoffin County who died in a work zone crash out-of-state six years ago. The Jared Lee Helton Act of 2025, signed into law this year, allows the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to implement automated speed enforcement technology designed to notify police of drivers exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 mph.

2 weeks ago | lex18.com | Andrew Lamparski

LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — In response to statewide and federal restrictions on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the University of Kentucky will not host certain minority-focused graduation ceremonies this spring. This decision has prompted local community groups to organize alternative events to celebrate the achievements of Black students, LGBTQ+ students, and first-generation students.