LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – Happy Monday! We are tracking the potential for strong-to-severe storms moving into the ABC 36 viewing area over the next two days. This severe weather threat will come in multiple waves.
During the day Monday
Isolated-to-scattered showers and storms will be possible. The severe weather threat during the daytime hours on Monday will be lower than the threat overnight into Tuesday morning. A few of the stronger thunder showers and storms could feature some hail and strong wind gusts. Overall, Monday into Monday evening will be the lowest threat of severe weather over the next two days.
Monday night into Tuesday morning
Monday night starts off quiet but a round of strong storms will be moving in during the late night and early morning hours on Tuesday. This will feature the threat of damaging wind gusts and low threat of large hail and tornadoes. There is also a flash flood threat over the northern half of our viewing area, especially in areas under a Flood Watch. This round of storms could impact your morning commute so give yourself extra time as you head to work on Tuesday.
Tuesday afternoon and evening
Our severe threat increases Tuesday afternoon and evening. A Level 3 (Enhanced) Severe Risk is out for all of central Kentucky and most of eastern Kentucky. Damaging wind gusts will be the primary threat, but large hail and isolated tornadoes will also be possible. The isolated tornado threat will be highest in south-central Kentucky on Tuesday. There is also a flash flooding risk once again, particularly for northern and eastern Kentucky.
Chilly air moves in by Wednesday
The system sweeps a cold front through the region Tuesday night into Wednesday. This will drop our temperatures into the 40s for Wednesday and bring us off and on chilly rain showers. Temperatures will struggle to get out of the upper 40s during the daytime, with even colder air moving in by Thursday morning. A few flakes could mix in with the rain showers early in the day on Thursday as temperatures drop into the low 30s. Thursday will be the coldest day of the week with temperatures only reaching the mid-40s for most. We dry out to close out the workweek with temperatures returning to the 50s and 60s to close out the weekend.
Stay with the ABC 36 Weather Team for more updates.
PITTSBURGH, PA (WTVQ)- Kentucky men’s basketball’s 2024 NCAA Tournament run is at an end 40 minutes after it started. The Wildcats lost to Oakland University on Thursday in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania by a final score of 80-76.
UK shot poorly from everywhere on the court. Outside of the three-point arc, the Wildcats made a third of their attempts and were only 10 percent better from inside the arc.
The Golden Grizzlies lead at halftime 38-35 and kept their momentum going until the final whistle.
JACKSON COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) – A Jackson County, Kentucky couple is in the Detention Center there, facing charges they tried to sell their twin newborn daughters.
According to their arrest citations, Zackary Davis and Jacquilyn Keith are charged with Promoting Human Trafficking (victim under 18 years of age), after they offered to sell their babies to Davis’ sister and her wife, for $5,000.
The alleged incident happened on Monday (3/18).
The citation says Jackson County Sheriff’s deputies were alerted to the alleged offer of sale by Davis’ sister-in-law.
Deputies say the woman showed them screenshots of a conversation between her and Davis, as well as a recorded video, requested by police, to back up the allegations.
Both Davis and Keith allegedly admitted they had agreed to sell the little girls, but claimed they never intended to do so.
Davis and Keith are being held on $10,000 bond each at the Jackson County Detention center.
Their next court date is March 25th.
(ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky hunters, deer season is officially underway for the 2025–26 season, and officials say there are several key changes this year.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources says archery, crossbow, modern gun, muzzleloader, and youth hunts all have updated dates. A major change extends the Youth Firearm Season—giving hunters 15 and under an extra week. The season will now run October 11 through October 19.
There are also updates to Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) Surveillance Zones. That includes a new antlerless-only weekend on September 27 and 28, revised baiting rules, and mandatory check-ins in affected areas.
Hunters can also take part in the CWD Sampling Program by dropping off a deer head for testing. Each sample submitted enters hunters for prizes through the “Shoot for Samples” program.
For full season dates, regulations, and guidelines, hunters are encouraged to visit fw.ky.gov.
You can also pick up a copy of the 2025 Fall Hunting & Trapping Guide at any license vendor.
FLEMING COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A community is coming together in Fleming County after two juveniles were seriously injured in an accident on Thursday.
County officials shared a message on social media asking everyone to keep the young people in their thoughts and prayers.
They also expressed gratitude to first responders—including firefighters, EMS crews, deputies, hospital staff, and air medical teams—for providing critical care at the scene and beyond.
Leaders say friends and family have been gathering to support the children and their loved ones, adding that the community is at its strongest when it lifts one another up in difficult times.
RICHMOND, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Richmond man is in custody following a reported sexual assault on Eastern Kentucky University’s campus.
According to EKU Police, 21-year-old Logan Akers was arrested Wednesday and charged with two counts of first-degree rape.
According to officials, Akers admitted to forcibly engaging in sexual activity with a woman in an EKU dorm room early Saturday, August 30. At this time, it is unclear whether Akers is currently enrolled at the university.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Lexington woman accused of murder is set to appear in court Friday.
Police say 40-year-old Mia White is charged in connection with a deadly shooting that happened in May on Newtown Pike. Investigators said White fatally shot 24-year-old Elmer Eldridge during what they described as a domestic violence case.
Eldridge’s death marked Lexington’s sixth homicide of the year.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Rowan County man has been sentenced to prison after admitting he made threats against the Commonwealth’s Attorney who was prosecuting his case.
Attorney General Russell Coleman announced Friday that 48-year-old Michael Hall pleaded guilty to one count of intimidating a participant in the legal process, a Class D felony.
According to a release from Coleman’s office, Hall was recorded during a jail phone call in October 2023 making threats toward Commonwealth’s Attorney Ashton McKenzie, who at the time was prosecuting him for multiple violent offenses, including assault, attempted murder, and strangulation. Prosecutors said Hall admitted the threats were made in an attempt to influence the outcome of his case.
The release states that under a plea agreement, the Commonwealth recommended a two-year prison sentence. That time will run consecutive to Hall’s existing sentence from the original case.
“The Office of the Attorney General will protect those fine prosecutors who protect Kentucky families,” Attorney General Coleman said. “There will be zero tolerance for those attempting to tamper with justice and threaten our public servants who administer the rule of law.”
FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Governor Andy Beshear says Kentucky could be facing a projected revenue shortfall this fiscal year.
The governor explained Monday that two major factors are driving the concern. He said federal tariffs are directly impacting spending and overall economic activity. In addition, the state’s income tax rate reduction is cutting $359 million from revenues this year.
“Let me say I expect a shortfall. But I also expect that we can effectively — and we will effectively manage it,” Beshear said.
The governor added that he has asked the state budget director to meet with the Consensus Forecasting Group on September 16 to officially revise the state’s revenue estimates and verify the extent of the possible shortfall.
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LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A 32-year-old man is behind bars after authorities say he led police on a 30-mile chase that spanned multiple counties and ended when his vehicle went airborne off an I-75 ramp.
According to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested Ameer Salti on Thursday after the pursuit. Investigators say the chase began in Madison County when Salti allegedly sped away from deputies in a stolen black van on I-75.
During the pursuit, deputies say Salti drove recklessly, continuing even after spike strips damaged his tires. Authorities report he kept driving on the van’s rims, struck barriers in the median, and sideswiped a police cruiser.
The chase came to a dramatic end in Williamsburg, when deputies say the van went airborne from an I-75 ramp, landed in a grassy area, and came to a stop in front of traffic on State Road 92.
Salti is charged with fleeing or evading police, wanton endangerment, resisting arrest, and receiving stolen property. He is scheduled for arraignment on Friday.
A calm and mild start
We begin our day with temperatures to the south in the low 60s and to the north, in the low-mid 50s. Overall, very mild to begin our Friday. A few isolated showers have moved through S-SE KY, but most of us have been dry with a bit of fog. We’ll quickly warm up into the 70s by lunchtime and the mid-80s by the afternoon. We will be a bit on the muggier side today as humidity increases. This sets us up for our storm chances this evening
Severe storms will be possible
Late afternoon is when we start to see the possibility of a few cells popping up. These will become more likely moving through the evening and early overnight hours. These cells are likely to form a line of thunderstorms. Most of the bluegrass is under a level 2 severe weather risk. All hazard types are possible, with the most likely being scattered damaging wind gusts. We may see some instances of isolated large hail. Also not out of the realm of possibility is a spin-up tornado or two. This chance is going to be low, but not zero, so it will be important to stay weather aware tonight and have multiple ways to get alerts, such as the ABC 36 Weather App or a weather radio. Have a severe weather plan, especially if you have outdoor evening plans or are heading to high school football tonight.
A mild and much calmer weekend ahead
Scattered rain and storms will linger overnight behind the cold front moving through, and we may still see some sticking around through Saturday morning. By the afternoon, most of our rain chances will be in eastern KY, leaving many of us dry for the rest of the afternoon. Temperatures will be mild and may top out in the upper 60s, making for a fantastic Kentucky football forecast. By Saturday evening, we will all dry out. Dry conditions will persist through the rest of the weekend and into our next work week, with temperatures trending in the 70s.
Friday: Mostly sunny and warm, strong storms late. Highs in the mid-80s. Wind: SW 5-10 mph.
Friday Night: Storms ending, scattered showers possible. Lows in the mid-50s. Wind: NW 5-10 mph.
Saturday: Morning rain chances, drier by afternoon. Highs in the upper-60s. Wind: N 5 mph.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky Volleyball’s Sunday matchup against No. 1 Nebraska set TV records. The game had over 1.2 million viewers watch the game live on ABC, where the Wildcats gave the Cornhuskers a run for their money.
Kentucky took Nebraska to a five set thriller at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville this past weekend. The matchup between these two programs is the only matchup that will air on ABC all season until the National Championship game on Sunday December 21st.
The Wildcats will now head to State College, Pennsylvania, where they will begin a two match weekend tournament hosted by the Penn State Nittany Lions. Kentucky will face off against the hosts on Friday followed by a match with New Hampshire on Saturday.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky football’s defense had a strong showing last Saturday against Toledo, keeping the Rockets scoreless through the first three quarters.
However, the wildcats allowed two touchdowns in the last ten minutes of the fourth quarter.
“I was proud of how they rose up in the first half,” said defensive coordinator Brad White. “I was disappointed with how we finished in the fourth. It wasn’t reminiscent of how they played through the first three quarters. They played dialed in every time it was a one score game. But whenever it pushed to two scores, it was like there was this deceleration. Those will come back to bite you.”
“I did a bad job of that last week,” said senior cornerback JQ Hardaway. “This week, I really pride myself on playing a full four quarters of football.”
The Cats open SEC play this Saturday against No. 20 Ole Miss, a team that brings significantly more size and physicality up front than Toledo.
“Any time you face big, heavy bodies they are going to lean on you all day long and it’s going to take a toll on you,” said White. “Then you throw in the natural tempo of their offense, which is also going to wear you out. You combine the two of those, it’s going to really wear on the defensive line and stress the conditioning level. We are going to have to do our best to keep those guys fresh.”
Along with their size, the rebels’ offense plays with speed.
“I told them the tempo is going to be huge,” said senior linebacker Alex Afari Jr. “Not a lot of teams run that tempo like they do. I told our guys they got to get their eyes to the sideline.” Hardaway agreed, saying that “you definitely have to play with clean eyes.”
Ole Miss is known for their strong receiving core, a new group that had a combined 2,752 yards and 20 touchdowns at their respective school’s last season. However, their offense is predicated on running the football.
“Everybody knows the passing offense,” said White. “But they rushed for 295 yards on Saturday. This is a team that can rush the football.”
Kickoff is Saturday at 3:30 pm E.T. at Kroger Field.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Today is National Wildlife Day, and you don’t have to be deep in the wild to take part.
The day is meant to raise awareness about species across the globe as well as the ones living right in our communities.
There are plenty of ways to get involved locally, from visiting zoos, aviaries, and marine sanctuaries to joining seminars, educational programs, and volunteer opportunities.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — It will be the end of an era for one state senator, as he gets ready for retirement. Republican Jimmy Higdon will not be seeking re-election.
“Things have changed quite a bit, since then, mainly, social media has probably been the biggest change, where people can say pretty much, freely what they think,” said the senator.
Higdon a longtime lawmaker first entered politics in 2003 as state representative.
Later winning a special election to the Kentucky Senate where he has represented the 14th district.
He sends advice to those who want to follow in his footsteps, “remember why you were elected, you’re elected to serve the people, and don’t ever forget that, ’cause sometimes you get pulled away from that, but, you’re there at the pleasure of your constituents and you need to remember that.”
Higdon says he’s grateful he’s been able to pass over 50 bills, including the expungement bill that’s helped many.
Higdon also serves as co-chair of the Public Pension Oversight Committee, which was once ranked as the worst-funded pension systems in the nation. But now the state’s eight retirement plans are improving.
Higdon says it’s mainly because, “I’ve worked to put up some guard rails there to prevent things getting in legislation that weren’t well-vetted. Part of our pension problem is that people would put stuff in the pension plan, not really knowing what it was gonna cost and, the effects of it. We put rules into effect that any bill has to be vetted through the PPOB, any pension bill, and it has to go all the way through the system, no shortcuts.”
For the senator, what comes next is not clear, “I plan on working diligently for my constituents every day up until December 31st, 2026 and, I have a lot to do. I really appreciate my constituents that allowed me to stay here for 20, be 24 years when I retire,” said Higdon.
Senator Higdon finished with describing his time in one word, “awesome.”
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Health insurance through employers is expected to become more expensive next year, according to a new survey.
Employer benefits consulting firm Mercer found that workers can expect to pay an additional 6% to 7% in premiums on average in 2026.
Some employers say they will try to limit those increases, but that often results in higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs instead. Many companies are also offering workers more plan options, some of which feature lower co-pays depending on the provider.
The projected increase would be the steepest cost hike in 15 years.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Bluegrass Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help in its Crime of the Week investigation.
Police say officers were called to a home on Emerson Drive in reference to a burglary. The victim told officers she saw an unknown person entering her home on a security camera.
Authorities say the suspect was gone by the time officers arrived.
Detectives are asking anyone with information to contact Lexington Police or Blue Grass Crime Stoppers.
LETCHER COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Attorneys for former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines have filed a response opposing the Commonwealth’s request for a second mental health examination.
According to the filing, Stines’ defense argues that a second exam would be unnecessary and duplicative, noting that an initial court-ordered evaluation has already been completed.
Stines is facing murder and other charges in connection with the September 2024 shooting death of Judge Kevin Mullins. Mullins, who served as Letcher County Circuit Judge, was shot and killed inside his home. Stines, who resigned as sheriff, was later indicted by a grand jury on charges including murder, first-degree burglary, and tampering with physical evidence.
The case has already seen multiple pretrial motions, including disputes over bond, venue, and the handling of sealed filings. Prosecutors previously requested a change of venue, citing extensive publicity surrounding the case.
The court has not yet ruled on the Commonwealth’s motion for an additional mental health evaluation.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Fifth Third Bank has officially opened its new financial center at Citation Point in Lexington.
The branch, located near Publix off Georgetown Road, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday that drew dozens of community members.
Mayor Linda Gorton spoke at the event, highlighting Fifth Third’s contributions to the community.
Ashley Skelton, the new financial center manager, said she is excited to serve the area. Bank officials noted the center combines traditional in-person banking with expanded digital capabilities.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky Educational Television is cutting staff in response to the elimination of federal funding for public broadcasting.
In a release, KET said it has laid off 15 staff members and eliminated 21 positions.
Executive Director and CEO Shae Hopkins called the decision unavoidable, but emphasized that the network remains committed to serving the Commonwealth.
Earlier this year, KET attempted to manage the impact of budget cuts by holding open positions and using cost-saving measures.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky disaster survivors have received more than $100 million in FEMA aid this year to help cover losses from storms and floods.
That total includes $63 million for households impacted by February storms, $32 million for April’s severe weather, and more than $3 million for tornado damage in May.
FEMA funds help eligible residents with housing repairs, rental assistance, and other disaster-related expenses.
While the application period for these disasters has ended, FEMA says it continues to support survivors with recovery questions. For more information, residents can visit FEMA’s website or follow the agency on social media.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Governor Andy Beshear’s podcast is expanding to a national audience through SiriusXM.
Beshear emphasized that the move should not be seen as a signal that he is considering another job. He said the podcast is designed for all Americans “to take a breath and process.”
The governor added that joining national airwaves will allow him to share his message with a broader audience.
For his debut episode, Beshear will sit down with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries at SiriusXM’s New York City studio. The premiere is scheduled for September 10.
Thursday Night: A few clouds and pleasant. Lows in the upper-50s. Wind: S 5 mph.
Friday: Mostly sunny and warm, strong storms late. Highs in the mid-80s. Wind: SW 5-10 mph.
Friday Night: Storms ending, cooler late. Lows in the mid-50s. Wind: NW 5-10 mph.
WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Whitley County man is facing serious charges following a child exploitation investigation.
Kentucky State Police say 20-year-old Nathaniel Griffin was arrested Friday by the Electronic Crime Branch. Investigators allege he was sharing child sexual abuse material online during an undercover operation.
Police seized equipment from Griffin’s home, which is now being examined at a KSP forensic lab.
Griffin is charged with possession of material depicting a minor under 12 in a sexual performance and promoting the use of a minor online. He was taken to the Whitley County Detention Center.
The case remains under investigation.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The University of Kentucky has cut ties with assistant cross country and track coach Hakon DeVries as an investigation into his conduct continues.
According to the Lexington Herald-Leader, UK confirmed his contract has ended but declined to release further details while the case remains under review. Documents obtained by the paper show the university previously substantiated complaints from two athletes who accused DeVries of making inappropriate comments about their bodies.
DeVries joined UK in 2012 and helped develop multiple championship runners. He has not commented on his departure.
University officials say the investigation is still ongoing.
NELSON COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – One of the men convicted in the murder of Bardstown mother of five Crystal Rogers is now appealing his conviction and prison sentence.
Steve Lawson was found guilty in May after a four-day trial of conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence in connection to Rogers’ 2015 death and disappearance. He was sentenced on August 6 to 17 years in prison.
According to ABC affiliate WHAS 11, Lawson’s attorneys filed a notice of appeal Tuesday seeking to overturn both the conviction and the sentence. Officials say the judge has granted the defense’s motion to move forward with the appeal.