Kentucky Kernel

07/18/2025

Lexington participates in nationwide ‘Good Trouble: Lives On’ protest

On Thursday, July 17, over 100 people gathered at the Fayette County District Court to honor the passing of Civil Rights John Lewis through a peaceful protest and silent march. The nationwide protests commemorated the fifth anniversary of the passing of John Lewis. The “Good Trouble: Lives On” event sought to inspire a new generation of activists to speak out against injustices caused by the Trump administration, following in Lewis’ footsteps during the civil rights movement.

07/18/2025

Over 100 people gathered at the Fayette County District Court to honor the passing of Civil Rights leader John Lewis through a peaceful protest and silent march.

On Thursday, July 17, nationwide protests commemorated the fifth anniversary of the death of John Lewis, who died in 2020 at the age of 80 after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The “Good Trouble: Lives On” event sought to inspire a new generation of activists to speak out against injustices caused by the Trump administration, following in Lewis’ footsteps during the civil rights movement, according to Peaceful Bluegrass Resistance president Craig Blair.

“Something we’re seeing with this administration right now, they are just gleefully dehumanizing people, putting people in cages,” Blair said. “It’s that type of dehumanizing behavior that we want to highlight.”

The event, organized by the Peaceful Bluegrass Resistance and the Kentucky Action Coalition, featured a silent march stretching across downtown Lexington, live music and a series of speakers, including Lexington NAACP president Whit Whitaker and Bryan Station High School teacher Rian Davis.

Over 100 people gathered at the Fayette County District Court to honor the passing of Civil Rights leader John Lewis through a peaceful protest and silent march. On Thursday, July 17, nationwide protests commemorated the fifth anniversary of the death of John Lewis, who died in 2020 at the age of 80...

07/18/2025

A yellow and blue rubber bracelet is adorned with a white trout and a cross on an otherwise plain wrist. The words “Live Like Noah” sprawled across the bracelet speak volumes.

The message behind the phrase is one of kindness, one that always makes someone feel listened to. This message is one that encourages people to lead their lives selflessly, helping others. This message was inspired by University of Kentucky kinesiology major, Noah Tinch.

On June 12, 2025, Noah passed away after an accident while fly fishing during a visit to Colorado to help his grandparents.

Will Shresnker, Noah’s longtime best friend and freshman-year roommate, said despite Noah’s passing, he will forever be not only his best friend, but also a part of his family.

“He helped shape who I am today, and kind of influenced the person I was and who I became,” Shrensker said. “It was a blessing to have him by my side through it all.”

A yellow and blue rubber bracelet is adorned with a white trout and a cross on an otherwise plain wrist. The words “Live Like Noah” sprawled across the bracelet speak volumes. The message behind the phrase is one of kindness, one that always makes someone feel listened to. This message is one th...

07/18/2025

University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law professor Mark F. Kightlinger died “peacefully in the early morning hours” on Thursday, July 17, according to a Facebook post made by the college.

UK released the following statement today, written by James Duff, interim dean of the College of Law:

“We are deeply saddened about the loss of Professor Mark Kightlinger, an esteemed educator and thoughtful mentor to our students and alumni and a great friend to many of my faculty colleagues at the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law.

University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law professor Mark F. Kightlinger died “peacefully in the early morning hours” on Thursday, July 17, according to a Facebook post made by the college. The post commended Kightlinger as “a beloved educator and cherished colleague for more tha...

07/08/2025

On Monday, July 7, the University of Kentucky Police Department announced the investigation of a vehicle fire.

The incident occurred in a parking lot off Linden Walk and was reported to UKPD on Sunday, July 6. It was extinguished that day with the assistance of the Lexington Fire Department, according to a crime bulletin sent via email by UKPD to the campus community.

Further investigation shows an unknown subject approaching a Ford van and intentionally setting it on fire.

This is the second vehicle fire reported to UKPD in the past month, with the last one occurring on Sunday, June, 8.

According to Dani Jaffe, strategic communication associate director for UK, UKPD does not suspect the fires are connected.

On Monday, July 7, the University of Kentucky Police Department announced the investigation of a vehicle fire. The incident occurred in a parking lot off Linden Walk and was reported to UKPD on Sunday, July 6. It was extinguished that day with the assistance of the Lexington Fire Department. Further...

07/07/2025

On Friday, July 4, President Donald Trump signed a tax and spending bill into law, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto issued a campus-wide message on Monday, July 7, to inform students about the potential impact of the new legislation.

According to Capilouto, the university is still trying to fully understand the ramifications of the bill. However, they do know that there will be budget cuts to Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) funding, as well as student loans and grants.

“We are still analyzing the final package with respect to these important issues and will work closely with our students to provide counsel and support,” Capilouto said.

On Friday, July 4, President Donald Trump signed a tax and spending bill into law, known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.” University of Kentucky President Eli Capilouto issued a campus-wide message on Monday, July 7, to inform students about the potential impact of the new legislation. Accor...

07/04/2025

University Health Service physician Dr. Marites Buenafe, 62, went missing while hiking in Alaska on Tuesday, July 1.

Buenafe had disembarked from a cruise ship on Tuesday morning and texted family members that she was going to hike Gold Ridge to Gastineau Peak, according to a daily dispatch from the Alaska Department of Public Safety.

Buenafe's body was found on July 3 just before noon by an Alaska Army National Guard helicopter crew, approximately 1,700 feet below the ridge line of Gold Ridge, according to the daily dispatch.

A University of Kentucky Health Service physician went missing while hiking in Alaska on Tuesday, July 1. Marites Buenafe, 62, “a five-foot woman weighing about 118 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes,” was on her weeklong trip on the Norwegian Bliss, a cruise departing from Seattle, CBS News...

07/01/2025

A drag performer glitters in the sun, their outfit adorned with blue sparkles, catching the eyes of a crowd of people. Moving to the music, they lip-sync and dance, entertaining spectators with their animated expressions.

The sounds of upbeat pop songs echo through the busy street, with passersby donning Pride flags and singing along to the lyrics.

On a hot summer day, fighting back against a blazing sun, the same people gather along Oliver Lewis Way to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community at the annual Lexington Pride Festival on Saturday, June 28.

Amber Boling, a Lexington Pride Festival attendee, said the celebration was freeing for her, as it gave her comfort in knowing she wasn’t alone and had a whole community behind her.

“Coming here and seeing that it's OK to be the way I am and that there's other people like me, it just brings a sense of security and community,” Boling said. “I’m not the only one”.

A drag performer glitters in the sun, their outfit adorned with blue sparkles, catching the eyes of a crowd of people. Moving to the music, they lip-sync and dance, entertaining spectators with their animated expressions. The sounds of upbeat pop songs echo through the busy street, with passersby do...

07/01/2025

Seventeenth annual Lexington Pride Festival celebrates identity and inspires visitors

The 17th Annual Lexington Pride Festival transformed Oliver Lewis Way into a vibrant celebration of inclusion and love. The event served as a safe and empowering space for Kentucky’s LGBTQIA+ community. With music, drag performances and more, the festival reminded attendees that they are supported and never alone.

The 17th Annual Lexington Pride Festival transformed Oliver Lewis Way into a vibrant celebration of inclusion and love. The event served as a safe and empowering space for Kentucky’s LGBTQIA+ community. With music, drag performances and more, the festival reminded attendees that they are supported...

06/29/2025

The University of Kentucky named James Duff the interim dean for the J. David Rosenberg College of Law, effective July 1.

Provost Dr. Robert S. DiPaola announced on Monday, June 23, that Duff will serve as the new interim dean, replacing Paul Salamanca, whose interim appointment ends June 30, 2025.

Duff is a University of Kentucky graduate who earned his juris doctorate from Georgetown Law School. He’s worked in both public service and the legal field, with extensive experience in management, legal practice and education, according to DiPaola.

“I am confident that he will continue carrying on the tradition of excellence in scholarship and service for which the Rosenberg College of Law is nationally known,” DiPaola said.

The University of Kentucky named James Duff the interim dean for the J. David Rosenberg College of Law, effective July 1. Provost Dr. Robert S. DiPaola announced on Monday, June 23, that Duff will serve as the new interim dean, replacing Paul Salamanca, whose interim appointment ends June 30, 2025.....

06/28/2025

Former University of Kentucky student Sophia Rosing was released from jail last month, according to WKYT.

The Kentucky Department of Corrections told WKYT that Rosing was released early on May 11 due to good-time and pre-sentence credit. She served 7 months of her 12-month sentence.

Rosing was arrested after assaulting and shouting racial slurs at student worker Kylah Spring in Boyd Hall on Nov. 6. Rosing was convicted on four counts of fourth-degree assault, one count of disorderly conduct and one count of alcohol intoxication

The incident occurred in November 2022. Two years later, in October 2024, Rosing was sentenced to 12 months in jail, 100 community service hours and a $25 fine after pleading guilty in her original trial, according to the Kentucky Kernel.

Rosing is now permanently banned from UK.

Former University of Kentucky student Sophia Rosing was released from jail last month, according to WKYT. The Kentucky Department of Corrections told WKYT that Rosing was released early on May 11 due to good-time and pre-sentence credit. She served 7 months of her 12-month sentence. Rosing was arres...

06/23/2025

Lifting Spirits: The Everett McCorvey Story

Throughout his professional career, Everett McCorvey has worked to spread the joy and meaning of music through everyone he works with and performs for. As the founder and artistic director of the American Spiritual Ensemble, McCorvey is dedicated to continuing the performance and preservation of the American Negro Spirituals. He uses his position as Director of the University of Kentucky Opera Theatre to connect with aspiring performers and show them how to have a career where they are not “working in a silo.” McCorvey has had a successful career spreading his passion for music in many forms, from conducting the National Chorale at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City to conducting the crowds of Rupp Arena and Kroger Field in the national anthem.

Throughout his professional career, Everett McCorvey has worked to spread the joy and meaning of music through everyone he works with and performs for. As the founder and artistic director of the American Spiritual Ensemble, McCorvey is dedicated to continuing the performance and preservation of the...