RICHMOND, Ky. — Virginia legislators have finalized a recreational marijuana bill, ending an five-year effort to open licensed cannabis dispensaries in the state. Under the bill, up to 350 dispensary licenses will be issued, with the first dispensaries allowed to open July 1, 2027. Those interested in applying for a license can do so beginning in February. The bill increases the amount of marijuana residents can possess from one ounce to two ounces. But while possession will be legal, public consumption will be subject to a $250 civil fine. Marijuana sales will help boost the state’s coffers with a 6 […]

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by GOV. ANDY BESHEAR In the last few weeks, my administration received a number of calls and emails from Kentuckians concerned about painful cuts to Medicaid, behavioral health services and senior meals. These are very real and valid concerns that I want to address. First, I want Kentuckians to know that these cuts were completely avoidable. In January, I put forward a balanced budget that funded the needs of our Department for Community Based Services; maintained both the full funding and full services for providers like the Lee Specialty Clinic; fully funded Medicaid; expanded the number of Michelle P. Waiver […]

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PRESTONSBURG, Ky. — A Johnson County man has been arrested for charges connected to a fatal crash more than a year ago. Joshua Conley, 42, of Boyd Branch in Paintsville, is now charged with vehicular homicide, DUI and driving on a DUI-suspended license. The vehicular homicide charge is the most serious, punishable by 10-to-20 years in prison. He is accused of being under the influence when he was involved in a crash on U.S. 23 near Town Branch in Prestonsburg May 20, 2025. That crash eventually resulted in the death of Susan Pratt, 71, of Kingsport, Tenn., who died Sept. […]

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