Latest news with #ChristianAppalachianProject
Yahoo
05-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Bill ending DEI programs at Kentucky universities advances to House
FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — DEI: There is no shortage of debate around those letters and the politics of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that, in Rep. Jennifer Decker's (R-Waddy) view, 'Have made our colleges more divided, more expensive, and less tolerant,' as she told lawmakers on the House Postsecondary Education Committee Tuesday. Decker argues her proposal, House Bill 4, is an 'equal protection' bill. Bill ending DEI programs at Kentucky universities advances to House Christian Appalachian Project looks back on 60 years of service Kentucky troopers indicted for alleged civil rights violations A similar proposal she sponsored last year died in the Senate. This year's bill would prohibit Kentucky colleges and universities from considering race, national origin, sex, or religion in hiring, admissions decisions, or scholarships. It would also end any funding for DEI-related offices and prohibit any required or incentivized DEI pledges, statements, or trainings at colleges and universities. A committee substitute removed a private right of action for an individual to press charges and added a review process to be headed by the state auditor to regularly review if institutions are following statute or risk being ineligible for state funding. 'To say that we've been trying this for a few years and it's not working, well, we have many, many, many years that we have to go back and try to undo a lot of years of damage where we have excluded individuals,' Rep. Sarah Stalker (D-Louisville) said. 'Our low-income minorities are not on our campuses to the extent they were before all this started. What's to blame? I don't know. This hasn't helped. And if I were an advocate for the minority community, which I am, this is damaging to the minority community,' Decker said. Bill ending DEI programs at Kentucky universities advances to House Christian Appalachian Project looks back on 60 years of service Kentucky troopers indicted for alleged civil rights violations Decker argued there's a lack of return on investment for DEI programs improving enrollment and stated that the 2023 Supreme Court ruling ending race-based affirmative action in college admissions essentially makes DEI programs unconstitutional. Language in the bill specifies that none of the bill's provisions would apply to academic course content. Democrats questioned the correlation of enrollment data and argued that there is a bigger message being sent with this kind of bill. 'The historical indicators of what has occurred, particularly with people who look like me and other protected classes in our society. It's a really serious problem, and I think we're trivializing it. And that we're trying to say that this does not matter,' Rep. George Brown (D-Lexington) said. The bill passed committee on party lines and is set for a full House vote as soon as Wednesday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Christian Appalachian Project springs into action after Kentucky floods
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — As first responders continue conducting search and rescue after nearly all of Kentucky's 120 counties were hit with severe flooding, Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) is on standby, ready to do what they do best. 'We do truly believe that we are neighbors helping neighbors throughout the Commonwealth and that we come alongside of those families who've been impacted to say, we're going to be there. We're going to help you. You're not alone,' said CAP's director of communications, Tina Bryson. How to help 2025 Kentucky flooding victims Bryson said these floods hit particularly close to the organization's service areas, where many of its employees and volunteers live. 'This is not just a disaster that CAP is responding to; these are their friends and family,' said Bryson. But they're not letting the flood waters and now snow stop them. CAP has already delivered almost 150 generators each to Clay and Perry counties. Central Kentucky schools announce more closures Thursday after snowfall Christian Appalachian Project springs into action after Kentucky floods John Calipari makes donation to Kentucky flood relief: 'My heart breaks' These donations are part of their phased approach to helping flood victims. 'The easiest thing to do is to make a financial donation. And the reason for that is it allows for you to be nimble. CAP can then meet the immediate needs that people have. But as the needs change, you can change with that,' said Bryson. CAP encourages people to contact the Kentucky Flooding Cleanup Hotline at 606-268-0896. Bryson said that contacting the hotline gets people on a list to be helped by response groups. With homes wiped out, businesses destroyed, and streets impassable, there are clear needs that must be met. But there's one that Bryson said is often overlooked, and it's something you can't see. Lexington ranked 10th worst large city for football fans: WalletHub Kentucky receives failing grades in tobacco control report Kentucky ranks as 2025's worst state to retire in: WalletHub 'For many people who just lived through the 2022 flood. This would have been a very traumatic event. Many people suffer from PTSD from having gone through something like that,' said Bryson. 'So even just hearing water rushing or hearing all the rain that comes down can be triggering to people.' Mental health resources are also services CAP provides. Although the future remains uncertain as many Kentuckians work to build their lives back, one thing is certain: CAP will be there every step of the way. 'We're going to be there until the job is done. So as long as people need help, CAP will be there,' said Bryson. Latest central Kentucky weather forecast To find out more about CAP or to make a financial contribution, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
19-02-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
How to help 2025 eastern Kentucky flooding victims
LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56) — Just over two years ago, eastern Kentucky was ravaged by deadly floods that destroyed whole communities. On Sunday, eastern Kentucky felt the water rushing in again. The devastating floods have left many in dangerous and insecure situations, and now a winter storm is rolling in while flood waters are still high in some places, making a quick community response even more important. Death toll rises to 14 as Kentucky continues to assess flood damage as snow approaches Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Friday ahead of the storms. As part of the declaration, the Kentucky Emergency Operations Center was activated and Kentucky National Guard units were placed on standby. Kentucky's price gouging laws have also been implemented, protecting residents from overpriced goods and services in the clean-up process. Consumers should report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General. As of Tuesday, the death toll from the floods was estimated at at least 14. 'Let's remember that this 14 fatalities is not just a number. These are children of God. These are Kentuckians that are missed by their families and by their communities,' Beshear said. Gov. Beshear established the Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund to help those impacted by the floods and the severe weather. All donations are tax-deductible, and donors receive a receipt for tax purposes. Beshear said the first use of this fund is to pay for funerals so families don't have to wait for reimbursement. Kentucky flood map shows where water is rising to dangerous levels 'This fund is fully transparent and is subject to open records and legislative oversight. There are no administrative fees, so every dollar helps Kentuckians affected by this historic flooding and severe weather,' reads the fund website. Donations can be made online or by mail by checking out to the Kentucky State Treasurer. In the memo line note, the donation is for the 'Team Kentucky Storm Relief Fund.' Send the check to Public Protection Cabinet, 500 Mero Street, 218 NC, Frankfort, Ky. 40601. The Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) is an Appalachian-based non-profit that supports communities across 13 states in the Appalachian region. Christian Appalachian Project is working to provide food, water, and emergency supplies to those impacted by the flooding as cold weather rolls in. Kentucky cities brace for winter storm after devastating floods A constant battle: Irvine floral shop on edge with high waters near How to help 2025 eastern Kentucky flooding victims 'We are neighbors helping neighbors,' said Robyn Renner, CAP's director of disaster relief. 'The incoming weather will add to the challenge, but we are preparing now to begin assessments as early as Monday. We are heartbroken for the devastation we see all around and are ready to help families as soon as we can. CAP's Disaster Relief program will stand alongside people in need in Appalachia in the days and weeks to come.' CAP also needs volunteers to meet immediate and long-term needs to help families recover. To volunteer, email volunteermanagement@ The University of Kentucky is holding a donation drive to help students, employees, and university stakeholders who are impacted by the eastern Kentucky floods. The university's philanthropy office is also accepting financial donations. Needed items include: Non-perishable foods Paper goods (toilet paper, paper towels) Cleaning supplies Bottled water The university asks that everyone avoid donating clothing and used household items. Beginning Feb. 18 Gatton Student CenterStudent Government Association office on the first floor 160 Avenue of ChampionsLexington, KY 40508 Chandler HospitalPavilion A Information Desk1000 S LimestoneLexington, KY 40508. On Feb. 19 Before the UK Men's basketball game Donations will be accepted from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on High Street between the Hyatt and Rupp Arena. The Better Bussiness Bureau recommends verifying charities at and never clicking on links to charities on unfamiliar websites or in strange emails or text messages. Lexington ranked 10th worst large city for football fans: WalletHub Kentucky receives failing grades in tobacco control report Kentucky ranks as 2025's worst state to retire in: WalletHub Kentucky's price gouging laws have been implemented, protecting residents from overpriced goods and services in the clean-up process. Suspected price gouging can be reported to the Attorney General's Office by calling 502-696-5485 or by visiting Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
