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Trump’s new coal agenda will fund KY power plants already eyeing natural gas
A coal train idles near Kentucky Power’s Big Sandy natural gas-fired plant in Eastern Kentucky. Many of the coal-fired power plants slated to receive federal funds under President Donald Trump’s “clean, beautiful coal” plan are actively pursuing natural gas investments. (Austin R. Ramsey / Herald-Leader) PIKEVILLE, Ky. — At least three Kentucky coal-fired power plants actively pursuing natural gas improvements will receive a total $124 million in federal funds under a White H
Jun 6
As black lung surged, federal delays risked toxic dust buildup in Appalachia
In November 2010, Bruce Maggard called up to the top at an underground coal mine in Perry County to alert them that a car was coming back up the mine shaft. (Jonatahn Palmer / Herald-Leader file photo) PIKEVILLE, Ky. — It isn’t lost on Brandon Crum that the coal dust never really left him or his family. A fourth-generation miner who dug coal in Appalachia since he was a teen, Crum, now a radiologist, sits in Eastern Kentucky exam rooms, studying X-rays and lung scans, diagnos
May 11
Ongoing Coverage: Police use excessive force against autistic man in crisis
This pair of stories demonstrates the power of fast and efficient breaking-news coverage. I uncovered and broke this story and was able to quickly follow up by reporting about the real-world consequences of the officers involved. Police tape is pictured. (Royalty-free Getty Images) FBI asked to intervene after KY police reportedly slap mentally ill man following arrest The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office has asked the FBI to investigate the London Police Department following a
May 2
Ongoing Coverage: GOP top cop targets fish and wildlife board chair appointed by Dem governor
Outdoorsmen and women play a key role in the protection of Kentucky's natural resources, because the state funds its fish and game agency primarily through hunting, fishing and boating licenses. I made it a mission of mine at the Herald-Leader to engage with the little-known agency and give readers an inside look at how it functions. Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Commission Chair Chuck Meade speaks during a May commission meeting. (Screenshot / YouTube, Kentucky Department of Fi
Dec 31, 2025
EKY city to ask Supreme Court to upend the state's restaurant tax system
Hazard city officials plan to ask the Kentucky Supreme Court to consider their legal battle challenging the state’s defunct tier system for local restaurant taxes. (Ryan C. Hermens / Herald-Leader) The Kentucky Court of Appeals has denied a petition for a rehearing from an Eastern Kentucky city attempting to levy a 3% restaurant tax, but the city’s attorneys intend to appeal the ruling on the grounds the amended state law underpinning local taxing authority is unconstitutiona
Dec 19, 2025
Series: An Appalachian water district remains desperate for help
Rural Martin County, Kentucky, remains one of the most underfunded water systems in America, contaminated by a devastated coal slurry spill more than 25 years ago. I used this short series to shine light on efforts underway in the community to clear up the community's water and reputation. The Curtis Crum Reservoir in Martin County, Ky., is seen Oct. 2, 2018. Water is pumped from the Tug Fork River and stored here before being treated and delivered to residents. (Alex Slitz /
Dec 12, 2025
Lawmakers, Activists Spar Over Real ID
FRANKFORT, Ky. — Time is slipping away for Kentucky lawmakers. The General Assembly has until the end of this legislative session to bring the commonwealth into compliance with the federal REAL ID Act of 2005, which called for security upgrades to states' driver's licenses. Gov. Matt Bevin vetoed a measure that would have satisfied the regulations last year, giving in to pressure from tea party groups and the Kentucky ACLU. Now, Republican leaders in Frankfort are calli
Feb 26, 2017
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