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Kendall Staton

@kendallstaton.bsky.social

249 followers 43 following 58 posts

Master's Student @ American University {{Previously at the Lexington Herald-Leader, Cynthiana Democrat, Grant County News, Owenton News Herald, Anderson News, Woodford Sun, Midway Messenger, Kentucky Kernel}} email me: kendallstatonjournalism@gmail.com

Posts Replies Media

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 31/07/2025

Kentuckians! Help me out! For a story: Do you have to travel far for medical care? Are you a health care provider experiencing burnout? Talk to me! My email is: kendallstatonjournalism@gmail.com

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 23/07/2025

City council member Denise Gray announced her resignation from Lexington’s governing body Wednesday, effective July 31. Her term was set to end in 2027. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Lexington elected official resigns, leaving vacancy on city council

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton has 30 days to appoint someone to fill the open position.

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 02/07/2025

Private companies want to build solar farms in Fayette County, but they can’t. There are no local laws prohibiting solar farms in Lexington. There are also no laws allowing them. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/busines...

Solar farms face an uphill battle in Lexington. ‘Agricultural economy at risk.’

There are no local laws prohibiting solar farms in Lexington. But there are also no laws allowing them.

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 10/06/2025

The Lexington city council has added nearly $1 million in funding to Mayor Linda Gorton’s proposed budget to support transportation, technology and pedestrian safety. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...

Lexington city council adds nearly $1 million to budget. Here’s what’s new

The $540.2 million budget is the largest in the city’s history.

Reposted by Kendall Staton

Adrian Paul Bryant @adrianpbryant.bsky.social · 08/06/2025

6th District Councilmember Denise Gray just announced that she is *not* running for re-election in 2026. She cites the media cycle around her allegations of sexual assault against then 4th District Councilmember Brenda Monarrez as a major reason why she is stepping away.

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 05/06/2025

On the campaign trail, Donald Trump promised to lower the price of groceries on his first day in office. A five month analysis by the Herald-Leader shows groceries are actually more expensive in Lexington. ++ Story by me with help from @piperjhansen.bsky.social www.kentucky.com/news/busines...

President Trump promised lower grocery prices. Has he delivered in Lexington?

Since January, the Herald-Leader has been tracking prices monthly to see if Trump’s pledge is coming to fruition. Our finding: Local grocery prices are actually higher.

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

The National Weather Service in Louisville began tracking the storm at 5 a.m. over Hart County. That was between 50-75 miles away from the suspected tornado that hit Washington County around 6:50 a.m., meteorologist Chase Graham said. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/weather...

‘Unfortunate, perfect combination of ingredients’ in storm slams Central KY

Meteorologists had been tracking the “marginal” storm system that slammed into Washington County Friday morning, killing at least one and injuring seven.

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 30/05/2025

Days after her husband unexpectedly died in March 2020, Anita Courtney and her children went to Hisle Farm Park in north Lexington to find peace. Instead, she said, she was met with people clad in camouflage, yelling and holding guns. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Rubber guns and paintball: UK’s ROTC training disturbs Lexington park, citizens say

“I don’t feel like the parks are an appropriate place for military exercise,” citizen says.

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 28/05/2025

“These invaluable spaces are perfect for enjoying the outdoors and serve as a powerful reminder of why protecting our natural land in rural Fayette County is so important,” Councilmember Hil Boone said. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Calling all kayaks and canoes: Lexington opens first park with public river access

The 30-acre park has been in the works since 2019. It provides public access to the Kentucky River.

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Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

Connie Hajash played tennis for most of her life, from grade school until her 40s. But after she retired from her job as a pharmacy technician a few years ago, she needed something to do. That’s when she found pickleball. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

‘It’s an addiction.’ Lexington opens new pickleball courts near Fayette Mall

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America.

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Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 22/05/2025

The Hope Center is adding 72 units to its property on Loudon Avenue, expected to open in July. CEO Jeff Crook said the expansion will “drastically decrease” service delays for people who need help. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Lexington homeless shelter to open expansion after burst pipe caused delay

The Hope Center, which opened in 1993, runs many programs to help the homeless population in Lexington.

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

Lexington's newest park officially has an opening date. www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Gatton Park on the Town Branch in Lexington sets grand opening date

The park behind Rupp Arena has been in the works for nearly a decade, and will feature an amphitheater, playground, walking trails, public art, splash pad and more. Construction started in 2023.

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Reposted by Kendall Staton

Tessa Duvall @tessaduvall.bsky.social · 15/05/2025

Lexington city officials say a new state law means they can no longer consider public comment in new developments. But the state lawmakers who passed said law see things differently. From @kendallstaton.bsky.social with an assist from @austin-horn.bsky.social:

Does a KY law mean Lexington has to end public comment on new developments?

Lexington officials say a new state law eliminates the city’s ability to consider public input during the development process. Kentucky lawmakers who passed the bill say that isn’t so.

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 13/05/2025

Crystal Miller, who has over 20 years of experience in public health, will start as the health commissioner in July. She takes over from interim commissioner Steve Davis, who has been in the acting role since October. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/health-...

Lexington has a new health department director after 7 months of searching

The Lexington Fayette County Health Department has struggled to retain a leader since 2021.

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 12/05/2025

Lexington has to change its zoning laws to be in compliance with new state regulations by July 1. City council started discussing the legislation last week but, after nearly four hours of discussion, no changes have been approved. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Five things to know about why Lexington is changing its zoning laws

Lexington has to make changes to how it approves new construction projects to comply with state law. And right now, few support the vision.

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 07/05/2025

“It has put us in a difficult position,” Council member Emma Curtis said. “We are all looking for the best bad option.” Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Why no one is happy with state-mandated overhaul of Lexington zoning ordinances

Kentucky General Assembly passed HB 443 in 2024. The bill directed Lexington to make all planning processes objective and allow for staff review.

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Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 06/05/2025

Lexington will raise parking ticket prices for “safety violations” as part of its annual budget. That includes increased fines for such things as parking in a fire lane or intersection, or obstructing traffic. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Lexington to increase parking fines, monthly garage parking rates

Fayette County will increase fines for such things as parking in a fire lane or intersection, or obstructing traffic.

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

The museum has been on Short Street since its founding in 1990. Over the past five years, it has seen more than a 25% increase in yearly patrons. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Lexington Children’s Museum looks to move for the first time since founding

Executive Director Colby Ernest said Tuesday there are no concrete plans for when or where the museum will move, but programming has outgrown the museum’s current footprint, and it needs more space.

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Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 24/04/2025

In March, a child traveling through the state was diagnosed with the disease at a health care facility in Kentucky. They are not a U.S. resident, but because they received a diagnosis in the commonwealth, it will be counted as a Kentucky incident. www.kentucky.com/news/health-...

Second Kentucky measles case confirmed by state health officials

The person diagnosed is not a resident of the U.S., but because they received a diagnosis in Kentucky, it will be counted as a Kentucky incident.

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Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 23/04/2025

If you’ve had trouble updating your Kentucky license to be REAL ID compliant, you’re not alone. Limited appointment availability and long wait times have hindered Kentuckians trying to update their Kentucky driver’s licenses to REAL IDs. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...

Kentucky officials ask federal government for REAL ID extension in the state

Limited appointment availability and long wait times have hindered Kentuckians trying to obtain new state-issued REAL ID cards by May 7 deadline.

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Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 22/04/2025

House will participate in a student-organized program to replace the canceled events. “This is a way to celebrate the particular obstacles that a lot of minority graduates go through while in university,” he said. Read more: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...

KY author Silas House says UK seems ‘eager’ to cancel diverse grad programs

Students are organizing their own events to celebrate diversity after the University of Kentucky confirmed last week it canceled graduation programs honoring LGBTQ+, Black and first-generation student...

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 18/04/2025

UK will no longer host programs that honor LGBTQ+, Black and first-generation graduates to be “in accordance with state and federal law,” spokesperson Jay Blanton told the Herald-Leader. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...

UK cancels events for LGBTQ, Black grads amid Kentucky, Trump anti-DEI pressure

The University of Kentucky canceled the ceremonies to be “in accordance with state and federal law,” spokesperson Jay Blanton said.

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 17/04/2025

Negotiations with the Lexington Opportunity Fund could take months. If a deal is not reached, the city could choose another company or close the bid and go back to square one. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

After decades of trying, Lexington is one step closer to a new city hall

The Fayette County government is negotiating the terms of moving to a new government center in downtown Lexington

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 16/04/2025

The new facility at New Vista will help treat vulnerable populations and bridge the gap between emergency care and outpatient mental health care. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/health-...

Kentucky’s second mental health emergency room opens in Lexington

The facility is open to people dealing with addiction, depression, thoughts of suicide, anxiety, mood swings, or hallucinations.

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

The Community Paramedicine Program responds to non-emergent 911 calls, like when someone falls and needs help getting up. The program takes the burden off EMS, which responds to over 45,000 calls annually, cutting runs by around 6% Read more: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Federal funding cuts could be ‘detrimental’ to Lexington emergency response program

The program helps take the burden off of Lexington’s ambulance service, which responds to over 45,000 calls annually.

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Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 15/04/2025

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton Tuesday presented her proposed $539.2 million budget to city leaders. It includes more money for snow plows, $19.2 million for street safety and a 3% pay increase for non-union employees. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Lexington mayor: We need more money for snow plows, park improvements & street safety

Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton presented her proposed budget Tuesday, which includes $3.4 million to improve snow plowing and $19.2 million to improve street safety.

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 11/04/2025

Lexington Public Library has canceled its annual Teen Pride Prom as part of an effort to cut back on programming. The library is getting rid of programs deemed to be “under-performing,” said spokesman Dan Koett. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

LGBTQ+ community fears exclusion as Lexington library cuts Pride event

LGBTQ+ programming is not going away – only Pride Prom, a Lexington Library spokesperson said.

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

The Lexington Transit Center located downtown on Vine Street, which is where Lextran city buses make their connecting stops, will be closed for renovation starting this week. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Transit Center closes for renovations, relocates downtown bus loading

This is the first major renovation project at the Lexington Transit Center since it opened 34 years ago. Updates will include renovations to the restrooms, employee break room and customer service spa...

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Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 05/04/2025

The declaration allows Fayette County officials to provide and coordinate aid with other counties throughout the state and apply for federal aid if needed. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/weather...

Lexington declares state of emergency as more storms expected over the weekend

More heavy rain is expected for at least the next three days, with the potential for Lexington to see an additional 6 inches.

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Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

As Lexington gets ready for the 17th-annual pride festival this summer, the celebration is moving back outside after being held inside Central Bank Center for two years. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/entertainmen...

After two years inside, one of Lexington’s largest festivals is moving back outside

Over 15,000 people attended last year, according to the Lexington Pride Center which hosts the festival.

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Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 04/04/2025

“Resources in undervalued communities and low socioeconomic communities are important,” and this program will help bring accessible food to families with food insecurity, Councilmember Tyler Morton said at a press conference Friday. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

‘Hunger doesn’t take a spring break.’ Here’s where students can get free meals next week

Councilmember Tyler Morton will host the ‘Hunger Doesn’t Take a Spring Break’ program from April 7-11, which provides hot lunches and snack bags to children across the county.

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Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 26/03/2025

Known for his smooth tenor voice, this singer has sold 90 million records during his 30 year career. Read more at: www.kentucky.com/entertainmen... Read more at: www.kentucky.com/entertainmen...

Acclaimed Italian opera singer making first career stop in Lexington at Rupp Arena

He boasts a Golden Globe Award, seven classical BRITs, seven World Music Awards and more.

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Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 17/03/2025

Kentucky universities violate the open records act around 2/3 of the time an appeal is filed, a Herald-Leader investigation found. That’s the law that “provides an impetus for agencies to pursue the public good.” read my latest with @monicakast.bsky.social

‘Culture of resistance to transparency’: Kentucky universities regularly break open records law

The Herald-Leader examined 12 years of open records and open meetings appeals filed with the attorney general’s office. Universities were found to have violated the law on appeal about 65% of the time...

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 14/03/2025

Brace yourself: Big changes coming to New Circle Road for drivers and pedestrians Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Brace yourself: Big changes coming to New Circle Road for drivers and pedestrians

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet wants to widen part of New Circle Road and add pedestrian infrastructure.

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 07/03/2025

Lexington preserves DEI officer despite national, state efforts to ban similar positions Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Lexington preserves DEI officer despite national, state efforts to ban similar positions

As national and state governments target diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, Lexington city council voted to keep a position that champions those values.

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 03/03/2025

Council says Lexington mayor ‘extremely disrespectful’ for waiting to submit appointment read now: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Council says mayor ‘extremely disrespectful’ for waiting to submit vacancy appointment

Lexington-Fayette council members say elected officials should appoint commission members, and mayor should stick to the process in place

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

Neighbors object, council approves: Affordable homes coming to old Transy baseball field Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Neighbors object, council approves: Affordable homes coming to old Transy baseball field

Neighbors said the development will disrupt their way of life and worsen already existing problems, such as high traffic congestion and potential flooding.

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Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 26/02/2025

Lexington is holding a public hearing for a zone change to allow the construction of apartment buildings as part of an affordable housing redevelopment on what used to be Transy's baseball field. So far, it has been 4 hours long. A nice welcome to the city hall beat. Story tomorrow morning.

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 17/02/2025

“It hurts you when you see your town and your county, the place you grow up in, get hit like this again. It just hurts you when you see that, but we’ll dig out of it and come back like we always have.” Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/weather...

Deadly floods hit Kentucky over the weekend claiming 9 lives. Here’s the latest

Damaging floods swept across Kentucky over the weekend, with each of the commonwealth’s 120 counties taking on at least 3 inches of rain. Here’s what we know as of Monday morning

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Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 16/02/2025

Kentucky storm brings heavy rain, landslides, water rescues and flooded roads Read now: www.kentucky.com/news/weather...

Kentucky storm brings heavy rain, landslides, water rescues and flooded roads

Some counties in the Southern part of Kentucky have seen more than four inches of rain with more expected.

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Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

Lexington is stinky. The city set aside $8 million to fix it. But what’s been done? Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/a...

Lexington is stinky. The city set aside $8 million to fix it. But what’s been done?

Citizens who live near the city’s two waste water treatment plants, which treat Lexington’s sewage, have been complaining of a “rotten-egg” odor since late 2022.

Reposted by Kendall Staton

Adrian Paul Bryant @adrianpbryant.bsky.social · 12/02/2025

🚨COME WORK WITH ME!🚨 CivicLex is partnering with @nextcity.org to host a one-year journalism fellow to report on rural-urban dynamics & issues in Central KY. $53.5k salary + benefits, and hybrid work with only two days a month required in the CivicLex office. jobs.nextcity.org/job/equitabl...

jobs.nextcity.org

Equitable Cities Reporting Fellowship for Rural-Urban Issues

Next City and CivicLex seek a talented journalist for a one-year reporting fellowship examining urban and rural issues in Central and Appalachian Kentucky. In this role, you will pitch and report news...

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

Lexington officials say additional snow prep will help city avoid earlier woes Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/weather...

Lexington officials say additional snow prep will help city avoid earlier woes

Lexington is slated to get 3 to 5 inches of snow beginning early Tuesday and continuing through Wednesday. Rain is expected starting Wednesday afternoon.

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Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

Will Trump’s potential federal funding cuts affect Lexington’s next budget? Read here: www.kentucky.com/news/politic...

Will Trump’s potential federal funding cuts affect Lexington’s next budget?

Will the city be able to rely on federal funding for the upcoming year?

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

My latest!

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 30/01/2025

25 to watch in 2025: UK’s new head of research wants more transdisciplinary collaboration Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/know-yo...

25 to watch in 2025: UK’s new head of research wants more transdisciplinary collaboration

The University of Kentucky brought in $488 million in research funding in fiscal year 2024. The new acting VP for research will oversee all aspects of research at the university and help define guidin...

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

Man pleads guilty to murder, gets life in prison for killing sheriff’s deputy in 2023 Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

Man pleads guilty to murder, gets life in prison for killing sheriff’s deputy in 2023

Deputy Caleb Conley worked at Scott County Sheriff’s Office for four years and served in the U.S. Army for eight years before being fatally shot in May 2023.

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

25 to watch in 2025: Inclusion advocate will publish thesis on Black love Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/know-yo...

25 to watch in 2025: Inclusion advocate will publish thesis on Black love

University of Kentucky PhD. candidate Nigel Marcellus Taylor will publish his thesis on the effects media representation has on Black love and expectations.

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Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 28/01/2025

What’s being built at 17-acre Rupp parking lot in downtown Lexington? Here’s the plan Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/local/c...

What’s being built at 17-acre Rupp parking lot in downtown Lexington? Here’s the plan

The project was first announced in May 2022. It will take 36 months to complete.

Kendall Staton @kendallstaton.bsky.social · 23/01/2025

Cancer cases in Kentucky: American Cancer Society predicts increase across the state Read more at: www.kentucky.com/news/health-...

Cancer cases in Kentucky: American Cancer Society predicts increase across the state

The American Cancer Society predicts Kentucky to have 30,420 new cancer diagnoses in 2025 — but state experts disagree. The commonwealth has historically had the nation’s highest rate of cancer incide...