ATF arrests suspect in arson of historic Kentucky building

ANNVILLE, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Federal authorities have arrested a woman in connection to a fire that destroyed a historic building in Annville, Kentucky. According to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Shelia Clemons has been charged in federal court with arson of property affecting interstate commerce. The charge follows an investigation into what officials say…

Lexington unveils ONE Lexington strategic plan during Cities United visit

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Lexington welcomed national nonprofit Cities United this week as part of its Leading the Way Tour, which supports community-driven efforts to reduce violence. The visit, according to the Mayor’s Office, also included the release of the updated 2025–2028 ONE Lexington Strategic Plan. Cities United is investing more than $100,000 into local youth violence prevention…

Wayne County woman arrested for assaulting grandfather, drug charges added, sheriff says

WAYNE COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A Monticello woman is facing multiple charges after allegedly assaulting her grandfather during a dispute over the use of his car, according to Wayne County Sheriff Tim Catron. Deputies were called to a residence on American Legion Road around 5:43 p.m. on August 6 for an assault in progress. When they arrived, they…

Apple to invest $2.5 billion in Kentucky plant for iPhone, Apple Watch glass production

HARRODSBURG, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Apple is making a major investment in Kentucky, announcing a $2.5 billion expansion of the Corning manufacturing facility in Mercer County. Apple CEO Tim Cook says the investment will significantly boost production of cover glass for iPhones and Apple Watches, with all new devices soon to feature glass made at the Harrodsburg plant. “I’m…

Crews battle stubborn fire inside sawdust silo at Pulaski County industrial site

PULASKI COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Fire crews in Somerset spent hours battling a challenging fire inside a sawdust silo at an industrial site on Race Track Road. According to the Somerset Fire Department, the fire broke out Tuesday afternoon and was difficult to extinguish due to the dense buildup of sawdust inside the silo. Crews remained on scene…

Sunshine Returns as Storm Chances Fade

Hot, Mostly Dry Stretch Continues into the Weekend

Mostly Dry Today with a Pop-Up Storm PossibleAfter a few days with scattered storms and patchy fog, we’re finally getting a break in the action. A ridge of high pressure is sliding in from the west, and that will help squash most of the shower and storm activity across the area today. Expect a mix of sun and clouds with…

Bald eagle population in Eastern Kentucky grows 20%, say officials

EASTERN KENTUCKY (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources says Eastern Kentucky’s bald eagle population is soaring, with a 20% increase in active nests documented in the region since the last survey. Biologists surveyed the area earlier this year as part of a rotating, statewide aerial monitoring effort that began in 2021. Officials say 41…

First man convicted in Crystal Rogers case sentenced to 17 years in prison

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The first person convicted in connection with the 2015 disappearance and murder of Crystal Rogers has been sentenced to 17 years in prison. Steve Lawson was found guilty in May of conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence in the high-profile case involving the Bardstown mother of five. On Wednesday, Judge Charles…

Heating up a bit heading into the late week

Afternoon highs will head back to average as scattered storm chances diminish

It was another warm August day across Central and Eastern Kentucky with a mix of sunshine and clouds, and highs settling into the mid-80s. A few scattered storms popped up during the afternoon, particularly in areas east of I-65, similar to Tuesday’s setup. For the spots that did see rain, it came down fast and heavy, leading to some localized…

UK football has deep receiving room

Four transfers bolster W.R. corps

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Despite the loss of Dane Key and Barion Brown to the transfer portal, the wide receiver room is still deep and talented. First year receivers coach L’Damian Washington is impressed with the four talented players the wildcats gained from the portal; Troy Stellato (Clemson), Kendrick Law (Alabama), JJ Hester (Oklahoma), and Ashton Cozart…

Montgomery County deputies searching for wanted man on rape and sodomy charges

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a man wanted on serious criminal charges. Officials say 40-year-old Raymundo Pelayo of Mount Sterling is wanted on a Montgomery County indictment warrant for one count of first-degree rape (incapable of consent/physically helpless) and one count of first-degree sodomy (incapable…

Pedestrian killed in late-night crash on Liberty Road in Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — One person is dead following a crash involving a pedestrian late Tuesday night in Lexington. According to the Lexington Police Department, officers were called around 10:45 p.m. to the intersection of Liberty Road and Liberty Hill Drive for a collision between a vehicle and a pedestrian. Police say the male pedestrian was pronounced dead…

Bardstown police seek help identifying ‘Little Debbie bandit’ caught on camera

BARDSTOWN, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Bardstown Police are asking for the public’s help identifying a man they’re calling a “snack bandit,” accused of stealing 10 cases of Little Debbie snacks from a storage unit. According to investigators, the man was seen on camera cutting a lock and loading the snack cakes—worth roughly $700—into a truck from a storage unit…

Madison County deputy’s cruiser hit in I-75 construction zone; driver sought

MADISON COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The Madison County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in locating a driver involved in a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 75. Deputies say the incident happened Monday in a construction zone between mile markers 88 and 90. A deputy sheriff’s cruiser was struck, and the other vehicle—a white 2006 to 2010…