Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting (https://kycir.org/author/gambrose/)
Graham Ambrose is an investigative reporter covering social services and youth issues. He is a Report for America Corps member.
Kentucky’s rural post offices are threatened. Over the last decade, more post offices have been closed in Kentucky than in any other state, according to data from the U.S. Postal Service. Closures have hit every region, from coal towns in Appalachia to villages in the open fields of the Jackson Purchase.
Six cases of a rare coronavirus-related inflammatory condition have been identified in Kentucky youth since March, according to public records from the state. Case data suggest the syndrome is disproportionately impacting young people of color. MIS-C, or multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children, has been identified in Kentuckians as young as five and as old as 19. Symptoms of the rare but serious condition include the inflammation of multiple body parts, fever, rash or vomiting. The cause of MIS-C is unknown, though it’s linked to the new coronavirus.
There were 34% fewer bankruptcy petitions from the first to the second quarter of 2020, according to the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
Experts say the coronavirus pandemic is a “perfect storm” for child maltreatment.
State data suggest that around 90% of Kentucky students participated in non-traditional instruction. But the definition of participation was loose.
After three months of closures, child care centers have reopened in Kentucky with a full slate of new safety guidelines. There are temperature checks. Groups are capped at 10 kids. Playground time is staggered. The “lost and found” bin has been eliminated.
Crimes motivated by hate aren’t treated much differently than other crimes under Kentucky state law.