Editor’s note:  The following message provided by the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education

Last night, the General Assembly passed a one-year budget to respond to Kentucky’s uncertain economic future in light of COVID-19.

I extend my appreciation to the General Assembly for their swift work, and wish them good health as they return to their families and communities.

This budget keeps higher education funding at its current level with no additional cuts.

The Kentucky National Guard has named two MSU alumni as its new Army chief of staff and Army deputy chief of operations. 

Col. Joe Gardner (95) was chosen as chief of staff, replacing Brig. Gen. Bryan Howay, who was recently promoted. He reports directly to the Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Hal Lamberton on Army National Guard matters and assists in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the organization.  

Unemployment rates rose in 59 Kentucky counties between February 2019 and February 2020, fell in 48 and stayed the same in 13 counties, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency of the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet.

Oldham County recorded the lowest jobless rate in the Commonwealth at 2.9 percent. It was followed by Shelby County, 3 percent; Fayette County, 3.1 percent; Hancock, Marion, Scott and Woodford counties, 3.3 percent each; and Boone, Campbell, Jessamine and Spencer counties, 3.4 percent each.

Kentuckians age 50 and older spoke to officials on Monday about the coronavirus and the state's response to the public health crisis.

Led by AARP Kentucky, the tele-town hall gave residents a chance to phone in questions about how to prevent the spread of the virus, the availability of masks and other supplies, and how to navigate grocery shopping and other daily tasks while maintaining social distancing.

It's estimated that 1 in 4 Kentuckians has undiagnosed Type 2 diabetes. Local prevention programs across the state are working to help residents control their blood sugar and decrease their risk for diabetes-related complications - especially amid the growing coronavirus pandemic.

According to the CDC, people with diabetes may be at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Mary Beth Castle, health educator with the Johnson County Health Department, teaches a weekly CDC-recognized diabetes-prevention class.

Kentucky Secretary of State Michael G. Adams today thanked state legislators of both parties for passing legislation that would grant the Governor, Secretary of State and State Board of Elections additional flexibility in the conduct of the 2020 primary election now set for June 23.                       

Adams testified before a Senate committee, asking for legislation to empower a change to the “manner” of an election in case of a state of emergency. Current state law permits the Governor and Secretary of State to change the “time” or “place” but not “manner” of an election.

In anticipation of a surge in COVID-19 cases, the Supreme Court issued new amendments today that strengthen the social-distancing order that has been in place in courts statewide since March 16. The order restricts dockets, jury trials and jury service during the pandemic.

Administrative Order 2020-16, dated April 1, 2020, replaces in its entirety Administrative Order 2020-13, dated March 26, 2020. The new amendments are in effect through May 1 and provide that: