Central Appalachia Pulse

Education and Family Policy Updates

• 🔥 KY School Choice Override: Kentucky House votes to override Beshear's veto of school choice bill House...

• Affordable housing crisis top of mind in Tennessee, with proposal targeting rental costs.
• Focus on standardizing tax rates for rental properties,...

Local leaders react to 2026 GA end with budget worries ahead of April 22 reconvene:

• Stafford supervisors frustrated: No state aid amid decade of tax...

Election Commission voted 5-0 to dismiss County Commissioner Steve's election challenge at a special Wednesday morning meeting. Unanimous resolution ends local TN county dispute.

• Key impact for homes: AEP Ohio customers face $7.90 higher monthly bills starting April 1.
• PUCO approved unanimously just hours ago; commercial...

Historic recognition for over 100 women vets at the Virginia War Memorial during Women Veterans Week.

• VA leads nation with highest per capita women...

• House Bill 646 up for vote today: Creates Data Center Study Commission with lawmakers and experts to assess impacts on power grid, water, farmland,...

• Tax relief secured: Lawmakers approved a 5% personal income tax cut in the 2026 budget, a compromise from Gov. Morrisey's 10% push to avoid...

Ohio outdoor enthusiasts: Apply by March 31 for special spring wild turkey hunts and Cold Creek trout fishing lotteries.

• Turkey hunts at Eagle...

• Hundreds gathered in Capitol Square to protest proposed assault weapons ban, targeting Gov. Spanberger for veto.
• Expected thousands, but turnout...

Winners of the ‘Mountains Are Always Free’ contest showcase WV's state parks and forests:

• Matthew Marsh (Keyser): Elakala Falls at Blackwater...

Weekend travel alert for Louisville commuters: I-65 South off-ramp at Exit 136C to Jefferson Street closes 7 p.m. Fri, Mar 20 to 1 p.m. Sat, Mar 21...

• SB 257 requires SNAP agencies to review beneficiary eligibility monthly or quarterly to cut errors.
• Zero-income households and ABAWDs must...

• Core dispute: Data center tax exemptions – Senate Dems want end by Jan. 1; House wants to keep with green shift
• Impacts: Exemption saved $1.6-1.9B...

• House action: Kentucky House votes to override Gov. Beshear's veto of House Bill 1.
• Program details: HB1 provides Kentucky families access to the...

Potential budget win for TN families: Lawmakers propose ending the grocery tax to ease rising costs.

• Household impact: Targets relief for families...

Central KY parents criticize districts' snow/ice handling on March 17:

• Jessamine: Proceeded with school as buses rolled; safest to keep kids vs....

• March 31, 2026 ceremony at Charleston Coliseum honors six leaders: Charles Bearse (Blackhawk Mining), Michael Day (Eagle Summit), Robert Moore...

Kentucky lawmakers are advancing bills and resolutions to establish the funding framework for the state's six-year roadmap on constructing and maintaining roads and bridges. Key step for smoother central KY travel and development.

• Timeline: Lawmakers passed rec marijuana bill Friday; effective Jan 1, 2027 if signed by Gov. Spanberger (deadline mid-April).
• Opportunity:...