“Remember why you were elected, you’re elected to serve the people.”

Sen. Jimmy Higdon to retire at the end of term

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. His term currently runs through December of 2026. The senator spoke about some of the highlights of his time serving. “If you don’t take care of your…

Job based health insurance costs could rise

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…

Bluegrass Crime Stoppers Crime of the Week

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…

Defense opposes second mental health exam for former sheriff charged in Judge Mullins’ death

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…

Fifth Third ribbon cutting for new financial center

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…

KET makes staff cuts amid elimination of funding

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….

Kentucky disaster survivors receive $100M

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…

The Andy Beshear podcast joins SiriusXM

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…

More storms on the horizon to close out the week

A few of the storms could be strong to severe as another cold front moves through

We saw a wet and stormy Thursday across Central and Eastern Kentucky as the first of two cold fronts moved through the commonwealth. For the first time in several weeks most locations pick up measurable rain, which was very welcomed given how dry things have been across the area during the later half of the summer. A general quarter to half…

Whitley County man arrested Friday

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…

UK parts way with coach

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…

Steve Lawson files notice of appeal

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…

Powerball jackpot soars to $1.7 billion, third largest in U.S. history

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The Powerball jackpot has climbed to an estimated $1.7 billion after no ticket matched all six numbers in Wednesday’s drawing, according to the Multi-State Lottery Association. The next drawing is scheduled for Saturday night. It will be the third-largest jackpot in U.S. lottery history. The odds of winning the grand prize are about 1…

Former teacher back in court on hit-and-run crash

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A former Lexington elementary school teacher accused in a serious hit-and-run case is due back in court this morning. Jaime Caldwell, 29, is scheduled for a pre-trial conference at 10:30 a.m. She previously pleaded not guilty to charges including DUI and leaving the scene of an accident. Police say Caldwell struck a pedestrian on…

Lexington priest offers to cover funeral costs for infant in Laken Snelling case

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Lexington priest is stepping in to help cover funeral costs for the infant who died in a case involving University of Kentucky student athlete Laken Snelling. Father Jim Sichko posted on Facebook Wednesday that he would pay for the expenses, asking whoever is handling the arrangements to reach out to him directly. Categories:…

Lexington’s Roots & Heritage Festival returns this weekend with music, food, and parade

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Organizers are preparing for this weekend’s Roots & Heritage Festival in Lexington, an annual celebration of African American culture. The festival kicks off Friday and runs through Sunday, featuring live music on Elm Tree Lane, food vendors, and a multi-block parade. Meanwhile, Devine Carama with One Lexington is asking for volunteers to wear orange…

Firefighters rescue worker from flipped crane

SCOTT COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Georgetown firefighters rescued a worker from a flipped crane near the Toyota rail yard Wednesday. According to the Georgetown Fire Department, crews responded to a call about a worker in distress after a crane overturned, leaving its wheels in the air. Firefighters used the platform of a firetruck to safely bring the worker…

Lanes reopen after multiple vehicle collision

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Lanes have reopened in Laurel County after a multiple-vehicle collision shut down part of State Road 312 for hours. The Laurel County Sheriff’s Office says State Road 312 near Level Green Road reopened around 9:15 p.m. Wednesday. Deputies say the road had been closed since around 5 p.m. following a three-vehicle crash that…