Hot, Mostly Dry Weather Dominates Central and Eastern Kentucky

Ridge of high pressure brings sunshine, heat, and just a few isolated storms.

Another Hot and Mostly Dry WeekendThe last weekend of summer break for some students came with another round of hot and mostly dry weather across central and eastern Kentucky. Thanks to a stubborn upper-level ridge of high pressure, highs soared into the upper 80s and even low 90s in some spots Sunday afternoon. Factor in the humidity, and it felt…

Heat Holds On as the Weekend Arrives

Sunshine and Low Storm Chances Dominate Central and Eastern Kentucky

Summer Sizzle for SaturdayAn upper-level ridge of high pressure is firmly in control, setting us up for a warm and mostly dry August Saturday. Afternoon highs will soar into the low 90s for most of us, and with humidity near seasonal norms, it’ll feel just a touch hotter. That means if you’re heading outdoors—whether it’s the lake, pool, or backyard…

Lexington woman pleads not guilty after allegedly stealing puppy from pet store

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A Lexington woman accused of stealing a Shih Tzu puppy from a local pet store has pleaded not guilty to the charge against her. According to court records, 48-year-old Melanie McClure appeared in court Friday for arraignment. She is charged with receiving stolen property and is currently free on bond. Lexington Police say McClure…

Mainly dry across the region for the upcoming weekend

It will be hot with highs back in the low 90s

It was a classic early August day across Central and Eastern Kentucky to close out the week Friday. Sunshine mixed with a few scattered clouds pushed afternoon highs into the upper 80s to near 90°, with just enough humidity to make it feel a bit warmer. While a few isolated storms managed to bubble up in the afternoon heat, coverage…

Menifee County man charged with child sexual exploitation offenses, KSP says

DENNISTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Kentucky State Police have charged a Menifee County man with multiple child sexual exploitation offenses following an undercover investigation. According to KSP, 18-year-old Johnny Ray Shoopman was arrested on August 7, 2025, by the agency’s Electronic Crime Branch, which investigates online crimes against children. The arrest stems from an undercover Internet Crimes Against Children…

Lexington police seize 600+ pounds of marijuana, $210K in vape shop drug bust

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Lexington police say they’ve seized more than 600 pounds of marijuana and hemp flower following a series of raids at local vape shops earlier this week. According to the Lexington Police Department, detectives with the Narcotics Enforcement Unit executed search warrants on August 6, 2025, at four different vape shop locations suspected of trafficking…

Body recovered from lagoon in Frankfort identified

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The Franklin County Coroner’s Office has identified a man found dead in a lagoon earlier this week as 50-year-old Dwayne Chadwell, a resident of Frankfort. Officials say Chadwell’s body was recovered just after p.m. Monday, August 4, from a small lagoon at the Farmdale Sanitation District on Peach Tree Lane. There’s no word yet…

McDonald’s app orders support Ronald McDonald House Charities on RMHC Digital Day

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Ordering through the McDonald’s app today does more than just get you lunch — it helps families in need. As part of RMHC Digital Day, 20% of all app-based sales at participating McDonald’s locations will be donated to Ronald McDonald House Charities. Each RMHC chapter — including RMHC of the Bluegrass — will receive…

Deadline approaching for Kentuckians to apply for FEMA tornado assistance

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Kentuckians impacted by the May 16–17 tornado outbreak have just 14 days left to apply for FEMA assistance. The application deadline is Thursday, August 22. Homeowners and renters in Caldwell, Laurel, Pulaski, Russell, Trigg, and Union counties who suffered uninsured property damage are eligible to apply. Officials emphasize that applying for FEMA aid is…

Sunshine, Heat, and a Few Pop-Up Showers Ahead

Warm August days continue with mostly dry weather before storm chances return next week.

High Pressure Brings a Quiet FridayAs we wrap up the week, a high pressure drifting in from the west will set the stage for another pleasant day across central and eastern Kentucky. Expect a mix of sunshine and a few fair-weather clouds, with highs climbing into the upper 80s to around 90°. While most of us stay dry, we could…

Fugitive wanted for rape and child molestation in Louisiana arrested in Kentucky

GRAYSON COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A man wanted in Louisiana on serious sex crime charges has been arrested in Kentucky, according to the Grayson County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies say 45-year-old Juan Chavez-Trevizo was taken into custody Wednesday at a home on Cave Mill Road in Leitchfield. He was wanted out of Louisiana on charges of rape and child…

Three arrested on drug trafficking charges after Pulaski County home search

PULASKI COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Three people have been arrested on drug charges following a search of a home in the Bronston community, according to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies say 41-year-old Eric Gosser, 51-year-old Keith Taylor, and 33-year-old Megan Bennett were taken into custody Wednesday. All three are facing drug trafficking and possession charges. During the…

$1.5 billion uranium enrichment facility coming to Kentucky

PADUCAH, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Governor Andy Beshear is celebrating what he called a major milestone for economic development in Western Kentucky, as General Matter and the American Uranium Enrichment Company move forward with plans to build a $1.5 billion uranium enrichment facility in Paducah. The project, described as the largest investment in the region’s history, is expected to…

Green’s Toyota of Lexington gives back to local students

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Green’s Toyota of Lexington is helping local families gear up for the new school year by donating backpacks to students at Yates Elementary as part of a nationwide giveback effort. The dealership handed out supplies to 400 students through Toyota’s annual summer giveback program, which is part of a national partnership with the Kids…

Rotary Club of Lexington presents $25,000 check to Baby Health Services

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The Rotary Club of Lexington has donated $25,000 to Baby Health Services, the 2025 beneficiary of its annual Dancing with the Lexington Stars fundraiser. The nonprofit provides free medical care to children without health insurance, including well-child checkups, school physicals, sick visits, and medications—serving children through high school. Originally founded in 1914 as Mothers’…