Eastern Standard: Dec. 4th, 2025

Not only did it happen, but there were thousands of spectators and often a carnival atmosphere as lynchings were carried out in Kentucky well into the 20th century. Sonya Lea’s “American Bloodlines” is a reckoning with one such case, documenting the 1936 public hanging spectacle of a young Black man, Rainey Bethea, in Owensboro, Kentucky.

The gender gap in math widened during the pandemic. Schools are trying to make up lost ground. Education contributor Brigitte Blom gets details from Associated Press education reporter Annie Ma.

What’s happening on the federal level can leave you feeling helpless. But, while paying attention to national politics and government is wise, participating in local civic affairs is where you can make a real difference in matters that affect the governance of and quality of life in your community. Eastern Standard contributor Carolyn Dupont follows this thread with Rich Harwood, author of “The New Civic Path.”

A spicy condiment holds a prominent place in the 250-year history of Lexington, Kentucky. Amanda Higgins, Executive Director of the Lexington History Museum, joins us to explain how it became a favorite of the Queen of England.