Kentucky students made gains in reading, graduation rates and postsecondary readiness in 2025-26, according to data released Thursday by the Kentucky Department of Education. Results in other subjects were mixed, and fewer schools earned the state’s top blue or green accountability ratings, largely because of weaker year-to-year progress scores while overall performance remained relatively stable. Changes to the accountability system take effect in 2026-27, so officials cautioned against direct comparisons
The Lexington Herald-Leader reports that 42 restaurants and bars have closed in Louisville so far in 2026. Its exclusive report includes a list of the businesses.
Kentucky voters will get live televised debates in Senate and House races, the Lexington Herald-Leader reports. The headline does not specify the candidates or debate dates.
No. 15 Kentucky (5-1, 3-1 SEC) visits Oklahoma (3-2, 1-1) in Norman on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 7:30 p.m. EDT. The Wildcats are coming off a 35-34 overtime win over then-No. 10 LSU, while the Sooners upset then-No. 1 Texas. It is the programs’ fourth meeting and first since Oklahoma’s 29-8 victory in 1982. SEC Network will televise the game.
Kentucky, 5-1 and ranked No. 15, saw several upcoming opponents post notable Week 7 results. Oklahoma beat No. 1 Texas 27-24 in the Red River Rivalry, while Vanderbilt lost 52-17 to Ole Miss and Tennessee edged Arkansas 24-17. Florida fell 38-19 to South Carolina in Gainesville and dropped out of the AP Top 25. Missouri beat Texas A&M 27-6, and Louisville defeated Florida State 44-20.
Oklahoma (3-2) will host No. 15 Kentucky (5-1) in Norman on Saturday, Oct. 17, in the teams’ first meeting since 1982 and their first as SEC opponents. The Sooners lead the all-time series 2-1; Oklahoma won the last matchup, 28-9, in Lexington. Oklahoma enters after a 27-23 upset of No. 1 Texas and has allowed just six points in home games this season. Its defense ranks first nationally in fewest first downs allowed per game.
Students in Scott County High School’s Jobs for America’s Graduates program visited Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky in Georgetown during October’s Manufacturing Month. The tour offered a firsthand look at car production and skilled, high-tech career options, followed by a question-and-answer session with employees. Scott County United says 58% of county workers are employed in some form of manufacturing.
Kentucky’s latest school report card places 38 of the state’s 53 lowest-performing schools in Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS). Reading scores improved in the district. The report also shows persistent performance gaps.
The listing identifies page 8 of Cameron Drummond in the Lexington Herald-Leader, but the supplied text contains no details about the subject or any news event.
The Lexington Herald-Leader listing is titled “Page 9 of Ben Roberts.” The supplied text contains no article details about an event, decision or location.
A Lexington Herald-Leader opinion piece says test scores capture a moment in time. It argues they do not measure a child’s worth or a teacher’s. The piece frames scores as limited measures, not judgments of people.
A Lexington Herald-Leader opinion piece argues that test scores capture performance at one point in time. It says scores do not define a child’s worth or measure a teacher’s value.
A Lexington Herald-Leader fact check examines what Ralph Alvarado did for nursing homes while serving in the Kentucky Senate. The headline does not state the fact check’s findings.
Powerball’s Oct. 14 drawing offered an estimated $566 million jackpot. The headline asks whether anyone won, but the provided information does not include the winning numbers or drawing outcome.