Jan. 9, 2026

Budget takes center stage as 2026 legislative session begins

The Kentucky General Assembly gaveled in the 2026 regular session on Tuesday, launching a 60-day session dominated by the task of crafting a new biennial state budget.  



Lawmakers spent much of the opening week in legislative ethics training, with no committee meetings held, but legislative activity was brisk as more than 300 bills were filed across both the House and Senate.

Join us for the 2026 County Officials Legislative Reception

County officials and legislators are invited to join us as we honor members of the 2026 General Assembly at KACo headquarters in Frankfort on Wednesday, Feb. 11 from 4:30-7 p.m. EST.

Use the link below for more information and the registration form.

November 2025 unemployment report

Kentucky’s seasonally adjusted November 2025 unemployment rate was 4.7%, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics (KYSTATS), an agency within the Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet.



The November 2025 jobless rate was unchanged from September of 2025 and down 0.7 percentage points from one year ago.

Kentucky Housing Corporation launches newsletter focused on supply acceleration

Every county in Kentucky has a housing shortage, and the state shortage is projected to increase to 287,120 homes by 2029.

Each month, Kentucky Housing Corp will send updates through its newly launched Accelerator eGram on programs to bridge the housing supply gap, innovative solutions and upcoming webinars and events.

National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day

Thank you to all law enforcement officers for your dedication and service! Today and every day, we honor your efforts to keep our counties safe.

Preventing work-related back pain

Back pain is one of the most common work-related injuries, but it’s also one of the most preventable.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons breaks down simple, practical steps for lifting and shelving items safely, from knowing when to ask for help to avoiding twisting and overreaching. Read the full article from the National Safety Council.

Counties in the news: The latest headlines from across Kentucky

• Woodford County launches project to plant 30,000 trees by 2030
• Simpson County passes ordinance placing greater restrictions on data centers
• McCracken County Fiscal Court advances salary ordinance with sheriff's support
• Immigrant citizens would be barred from local, state offices in Kentucky under proposed bills
• Community pushes back against talks of public hospital's sale
• CASA of the Heartland announces 2025 impact and expansion into Hart County
• Louisville Metro Government taps AI to speed up permits, keeps humans in control
• Campbell County to buy specialized equipment for AJ Jolly Lake project
• Cable thefts amid rising copper prices having wide impact in Kentucky communities

This Week in Photos

Daviess County Judge/Executive Charlie Castlen provided an update on fiscal court activity during his State of the County Address this week.

Judge/Executive Mack McGehee presented the State of Muhlenberg County in partnership with the Greater Muhlenberg County Chamber of Commerce.

Lincoln County Attorney Daryl Day read a proclamation in honor of School Board Recognition Month.

Jefferson County Clerk David Yates and his team met with Jefferson County Election Center staff as they plan for the 2026 primary election in May. 

Calloway County Jailer Ken Claud recognized Jessica Childs on her five years of service as programs coordinator deputy.

Bullitt County Sheriff Walt Sholar, left, swore in Levi Fitzgerald for a position with the court security division.

The first full-time firefighters of the Warren County Fire Department were sworn in this week.

Lee County Judge/Executive Steve Mays delivered fire fighting foam to all eight county fire stations this week with funding secured through an EKSAFE grant.

Campbell County Fiscal Court honored Sarah Collins, who retired after a career of helping Campbell County families with housing needs.