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Opinion: Linda Blackford weighs in on FCPS woes, the government shutdown and more

Stories by Lexington Herald-Leader journalists, with AI summarization

These articles share a focus on issues affecting Kentucky’s political, educational and social dynamics. The Herald-Leader's Linda Blackford addresses challenges in education, government dynamics and economic struggles.

In one article, the possible loss of SNAP benefits underscores economic stress. Kentucky’s budget shortfall looms large as federal funding hangs in uncertainty due to the government shutdown. Leaders prioritize football games and prison construction over public welfare, which draws criticism for misplaced priorities. Another article reviews Amy McGrath’s third Senate campaign attempt against Senator Mitch McConnell. Despite her history of fundraising success, past defeats color public opinion. Democrats and critics question her repeated candidacy, indicating a disconnect with voters and a potential waste of resources.

Laura Hartke raises her hands in frustration during a school board meeting on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, at Fayette County Public Schools Central Office in Lexington, Ky. By Christian Kantosky

NO. 1: FANCY DINNERS, TRIPS ABROAD. WILL THE FCPS BUDGETARY MADNESS EVER END? | OPINION

Another week, another revelation about the incompetence and arrogance of the people running our school system. | Published September 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Linda Blackford

Bible teachings will be part of the reading lessons in some Texas school districts.

NO. 2: OLDHAM COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD STOPS THEOCRATIC EXPANSION AT CLASSROOM DOOR | OPINION

Bravo to the Oldham County school board, which on Wednesday voted 5-0 to stop efforts to turn our society into a theocracy. | Published October 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Linda Blackford

A Jameson mamba snake that lives at the Kentucky Reptile Zoo in Slade.

NO. 3: KY PARAMEDIC GETS PASS ON SAVING LIFE OF SNAKE-BIT MAN WITHOUT CORRECT LICENSE

Here’s a sentence you don’t get to write every day: | Published September 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Linda Blackford

University of Kentucky President, Dr. Eli L. Capilouto, addresses UK grads during the first of two UK graduation ceremonies at Central Bank Center on May 9, 2025, in Lexington, Ky. By Tasha Poullard

NO. 4: WILL KY UNIVERSITIES HAVE TO SIGN LOYALTY OATH TO TRUMP TO GET RESEARCH FUNDING? | OPINION

In the same week we learned found out the University of Kentucky was among 45 universities found guilty by the Trump administration of helping students based on their race, another list of universities were told to sign a “compact” in order to continue to get federal funding. | Published October 2, 2025 | Read Full Story by Linda Blackford

Mandi Fugate Sheffel signs copies of her memoir, “The Nature of Pain,” at her launch party in Hazard on Saturday, Oct. 4. By Janet Smith

NO. 5: MEMOIR CHRONICLES A KY WRITER’S ADDICTION JOURNEY AMIDST THE OPIOID CRISIS | OPINION

“Hale’s Branch is the safest place I have ever known ... | Published October 7, 2025 | Read Full Story by Linda Blackford

Newly announced Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Amy McGrath has run hard on her background in previous races, emphasizing her time breaking barriers as the first woman to fly a combat mission for the U.S. Marine Corps.

NO. 6: AMY MCGRATH’S SECOND SENATE CAMPAIGN LANDS WITH A THUD, NOT A BANG | OPINION

Amy McGrath hopes the third time is a charm for winning elected office in Kentucky by running as a Democrat in the US Senate race for Mitch McConnell’s seat. | Published October 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Linda Blackford

Board members speak during a school board meeting on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, at Fayette County Public Schools Central Office in Lexington, Ky. By Christian Kantosky

NO. 7: WHEN IT COMES TO FCPS LEADERSHIP, WE NEED A CLEAN SWEEP OF ... EVERYONE | OPINION

To read this column, click here: | Published October 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Linda Blackford

In this 2009 file photo, U.S. Sen. Mitch McConnell talks with US Rep. Hal Rogers before a private reception in Corbin, Ky. By Amy Wallot

NO. 8: KENTUCKY’S SNAP BENEFITS IN DANGER? NOT AS IMPORTANT AS FOOTBALL OR PRISONS | OPINION

Things are a tad dire around here. | Published October 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Linda Blackford

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.