Kentucky State Police competes in ‘Best Looking Cruiser’ contest — here’s how to vote

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 News Now) — Kentucky State Police is asking for your vote as they compete in this year’s national “Best Looking Cruiser” contest. This year, KSP is showcasing its impressive fleet: a sleek 2024 Dodge Durango Pursuit, a bold 2024 Mustang GT cruiser, and even a Bell Helicopter, proving they dominate both the road and the sky. Kentuckians…

Georgetown Police open applications for Citizens Police Academy this fall

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (ABC36 News Now) — Ever wondered what it’s really like to wear the badge? The Georgetown Police Department is inviting community members to find out by joining its Citizens Police Academy. The 10-week program begins September 9 and runs through November 11, with sessions held every Tuesday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at 550 Bourbon Street in Georgetown….

Gov. Beshear calls for compassion and aid for Texas flood victims

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 News Now) — Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is offering words of support and solidarity for families impacted by the devastating flooding in Texas, calling on the nation to come together in compassion. Beshear — who has led Kentucky through several natural disasters, including historic flooding in eastern Kentucky — said the images and stories emerging from Texas…

Indiana woman dies on Moonbow Trail at Cumberland Falls during holiday hike

WHITLEY COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 News Now) — A Fourth of July hike ended in tragedy Thursday when an Indiana woman died on the Moonbow Trail near Cumberland Falls. Kentucky State Police say 32-year-old Domnesha Scott suffered a medical emergency on the trail around 3:45 p.m. Emergency crews and park rangers responded, but she was pronounced dead at the scene by…

Lexington man charged with burglary, kidnapping due in court Monday

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 News Now) — A Lexington man accused of burglary and kidnapping is scheduled to appear in court Monday afternoon. According to court records, 22-year-old Julio Villeda Mendez is set for arraignment at 1 p.m. He was arrested Friday and booked into the Fayette County Detention Center. Jail records show Mendez is facing charges of burglary, wanton endangerment,…

Kentucky State Police warn of phone scam using trooper’s name

NORTHERN KENTUCKY (ABC36 News Now) — Kentucky State Police are warning the public about a phone scam where someone is impersonating a trooper and threatening arrest if victims don’t send money. According to KSP, the scammer is calling people and claiming to be “Lieutenant David Jones,” telling them they will be arrested if they don’t turn themselves in or pay…

Lexington Burger Week returns with $7 burgers and prizes at dozens of restaurants

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 News Now) — Lexington Burger Week is back, giving burger lovers a chance to sample creative, featured burgers at dozens of local restaurants — all for just $7 each. According to organizers, the weeklong event kicks off Monday and runs through next Sunday. Diners can also download the Lexington Burger Week app to track the burgers they…

Traffic alert: West High Street lane closure begins for speed table, drainage work in Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 News Now) — Lexington drivers can expect a lane closure on West High Street for the next couple of weeks as crews work on traffic and drainage improvements. According to city officials, one lane of West High Street — from Merino Street to Madison Place — will be closed starting Monday. Crews are installing two speed tables,…

Two men injured in North Broadway shooting, Lexington police investigating

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 News Now) — Lexington police say two men were hospitalized after a weekend shooting on North Broadway. According to the department, officers were called early Sunday morning and found two men with gunshot wounds. Both victims were taken to a hospital with what police described as non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators say they also located a vehicle damaged by…

One dead, 11 others hospitalized after carbon monoxide incident on Oxford Circle, fire department says

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 News Now) — The Lexington Fire Department says one person is dead and 11 others are recovering after a carbon monoxide incident early Monday morning on Oxford Circle. According to the fire department, crews were first dispatched to 1805 Oxford Circle around 4:51 a.m. for a report of an unconscious person. When firefighters arrived, they found multiple…

Stormy Stretch Ahead After Sizzling Weekend

Humidity climbs, storm chances increase, and the umbrellas come back out for the week ahead.

Sunday Brought the Heat—and a Hint of What’s to ComeIt was another steamy July day across Central and Eastern Kentucky as temperatures soared into the low to mid-90s. Combine that with increasing humidity and we saw heat index values flirting with or even topping 100° in some spots. We also saw the return of isolated showers and storms, a preview…

Hot and dry weather conditions through most of the holiday weekend

Humidity levels will slowly increase over the next few days

Independence Day delivered some truly fantastic weather across Central and Eastern Kentucky. Sunshine was abundant, highs topped out in the upper 80s and low 90s, and—despite the heat—it felt comfortable thanks to lower humidity levels. Evening fireworks displays around the region should go off without a hitch under clear and calm skies, wrapping up a near-perfect holiday. Staying Hot Through…

A fantastic start to the 4th & heating up into the weekend

Afternoon highs will climb near the low 90s

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – What a beautiful start to our Independence Day across central and eastern Kentucky! Early morning temperatures dipped into the comfortable mid-60s with light fog in a few of the valleys. The rest of your holiday will feature plenty of sunshine and seasonably hot temperatures — highs will climb into the low 90s by…

Body of missing UK doctor found in Alaska mountains after leaving cruise ship to hike

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The body of a missing University of Kentucky doctor who disappeared during a hike in Alaska has been found, according to the Juneau Police Department. Police said on Facebook that a National Guard helicopter crew located the body of 62-year-old Marites Buenafe on Thursday. Her body was discovered about 1,700 feet below the ridgeline…

Franklin County man indicted on sexual abuse charges, also facing arson and murder charges in deadly house fire

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A Franklin County man already facing arson and murder charges in connection to a deadly house fire has now been indicted on multiple counts of sexual abuse. According to an indictment filed July 1 in Franklin Circuit Court, Dustin Lynn Fields, 44, of Flat Creek Road in Frankfort, is charged with five counts of…