Last week, the Annie E. Casey Foundation released its 2026 KIDS COUNT Data Book, offering a snapshot of how children and families across the country are doing. For Kentucky, the message of this year's data is familiar but urgent: progress is happening, but it’s not happening fast enough. Kentucky ranks 36th in the nation for overall child well-being in the 2026 report. The ranking reflects a mix of improvements and setbacks across the [...]
This op-ed was originally published in the Kentucky Lantern on June 15, 2026. Judy and I just reviewed our youngest grandchildren’s report cards (Their older siblings mysteriously can’t find theirs!) and those Brooks kids seemingly are doing well. The documents were filled with “Os” and “Ss,” which I guess are now the new “A” and “B.” In-depth narratives – generated by either Ai or hard-working teachers – densely populated a couple dozen spaces. Those [...]
As the 2026 Kentucky General Assembly wrapped up in Frankfort, the election cycle in the Bluegrass state is well underway. May brings Primary Election Day in the Commonwealth – the first opportunity for Kentucky voters to weigh in on who will represent them across local, state, and federal elected positions. What to Know About Primary Elections in Kentucky Unlike the General Election that takes place in [...]
Patterns emerge all the time around us, whether watching the beautiful display of a spider spin its web in a meticulous, lattice-like fashion or the furiously fast movement of a hummingbird’s wings as nectar is consumed in a moment of time. Bottom line, if we are not paying attention then we just may miss a chance to bring to light what is happening. One pattern that caught my eye recently was a U.S. Census [...]
If you’ve read the previous blogs, you’ll know that the census isn’t just once a decade. It’s an ongoing process. Each year the Census Bureau releases data at different points during the year that cover different subject matter. Understanding the ACS In January, the American Community Survey (ACS) five-year estimates were released. These topics are the same as the one-year estimates released in September, but the five-year estimates are considered more accurate. For the one-year [...]
As the interim legislative session winds down and Kentuckians begin settling in for the holidays, the 2026 General Assembly is right around the corner. Like every even year in the Commonwealth, 2026 will bring a long legislative session that includes the passing of a new two-year state budget. Legislators will return to Frankfort on Tuesday, January 6th to kick off the 60 day session that will charge Kentucky legislators with considering proposed bills and crafting [...]
In the region of Kentucky where I grew up – the beautiful Appalachian mountains of Eastern Kentucky – communication is woven into the fabric of communities. The annual Swappin’ Meetin’ held each Fall at Southeast Community and Technical College would showcase that communication through storytelling, songs, and the many conversations of neighbors and friends. While the stories and songs will be saved for our beloved community gatherings, we want to hear from our Appalachian communities [...]
by Kelsey Raymer, Intern at Kentucky Youth Advocates Situated between Bullitt and Marion Counties, Nelson County is full of deep history, new educational opportunities, and diverse populations. As someone who grew up in the county, the most intriguing phenomenon to experience is the economic division, lack of resource accessibility, and educational growth within the county. In the Anne E. Casey Foundation’s KIDS COUNT analysis of Nelson County, two major indicators stand out. From 2013 to [...]
Nothing quite matches the pride of a new grandparent or auntie showing pictures of a new baby. At a meeting, at the grocery store, or after church, they are quick to pull out their phones and share a few pictures of the new bundle of joy. This year, I’ve been that auntie, showing off my sweet niece who was born this past Winter, when I’m catching up with friends. As much as we care for [...]
Every fall, data nerds rejoice, because it means the release of the newest American Community Survey one year estimates from the Census Bureau. While the one year estimates are not as thorough as the five year estimates that are released in December, they still provide a wealth of knowledge for many topics, including demographics, income, poverty, housing, and education. These estimates can help guide legislators, community leaders, and community members toward policies that work to [...]
