Somerset Assisted Living Home evacuated after fire

SOMERSET, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — An assisted living facility in Somerset was evacuated Thursday after smoke was discovered inside the building. According to the Somerset Fire Department, crews responded to a call in the 200 block of Norfleet Drive. When they arrived, smoke was visible, and staff members were actively evacuating residents from the facility. Firefighters determined the source…

Locks For Addiction Memorial Fence vandalized

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A heartfelt tribute to those lost to addiction has been left damaged after vandals targeted the “Locks for Addiction” memorial fence in Lexington over the weekend. According to organizers with the memorial, a number of locks were broken and debris was left scattered across the site. The fence is located near Oliver Lewis Way…

Two infants die from whooping cough in Kentucky; first such deaths since 2018

(ABC36 NEWS NOW) — State health officials have confirmed that two infants in Kentucky have died from pertussis, commonly known as whooping cough. The Kentucky Department for Public Health says the deaths occurred within the last six months and mark the first pertussis-related deaths in the state since 2018. According to officials, neither the infants nor their mothers had been…

Search continues for missing man in Elkhorn Creek

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Search efforts are on hold for a man who reportedly went under while tubing on Elkhorn Creek over the weekend. According to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office, the incident happened Saturday, prompting emergency response teams to the area. Officials say rising water levels — about three feet higher than normal Saturday night —…

Man due in court on tampering with evidence charges in case of missing Lexington teens

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A man charged with tampering with physical evidence in the case of two missing and presumed murdered Lexington teenagers is scheduled to appear in court Monday. According to court records, 47-year-old Jesus Reyes-Rodriguez is set for a preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. He and a 17-year-old suspect were arrested on May 15 after a…

Two suspects injured after fleeing police, falling off cliff in McCreary County

MCCREARY COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Two suspects are recovering in the hospital and facing a series of charges after falling off a cliff during a police chase involving a stolen tow truck. According to Kentucky State Police, 55-year-old Rex Vaughn and 40-year-old Thelma Travillian were taken to a hospital in Corbin Friday night after they were rescued from…

Lexington Councilmember Denise Gray announces she will not seek re-election

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Sixth District Councilmember Denise Gray has announced she will not seek re-election. Gray shared the news Sunday in a post on her official Facebook page. Her announcement comes nearly a year after she accused a fellow council member of sexual misconduct — a case that drew public attention and scrutiny. Gray did not mention…

Round of strong-to-severe storms Monday ahead of a dry mid-week

The strongest storms are expected to move in during the afternoon and early evening mainly south and east of Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – After a quiet start to the day, we’re tracking a round of potentially strong to severe thunderstorms later this afternoon into early evening. The Storm Prediction Center has placed much of central and eastern Kentucky in a Level 1 or Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe storms. The greatest risk for…

Lexington teen now facing second murder charge in connection to missing 15-year-old

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A 17-year-old already charged in the death of Ali Naqvi is now facing a second murder charge, this time in connection to the disappearance of 15-year-old Aoun Basboos. Lexington Police announced the additional charge on Friday, June 6. Although Basboos has not been located, investigators say they now presume him to be deceased. Police…

Unsettled weather pattern kicks in for the weekend

Take the rain gear along for outdoor activities just in case

The first week of June has brought plenty of sunshine and classic early summer warmth, with afternoon highs climbing into the low to mid-80s across Central and Eastern Kentucky. Friday kept that trend going but you could really feel the increase in the humidity. A stalled front just to our north did stir up scattered showers and storms—some of which…

Cancer survivors unite at Kroger Field for annual celebration

The 11th annual UK Markey Cancer Center Survivorship Celebration draws record turnout

  LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – On Friday, cancer survivors, current patients, caregivers, and families gathered for the UK Markey Cancer Center’s 11th annual Survivorship Celebration, a day devoted to honoring their journeys and the battles they’ve faced together. The event featured live music, guest speakers, and a variety of informational booths. “It’s such a special time and…

Berea woman charged in deadly DUI crash

BEREA, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A Berea woman is facing charges after a deadly crash in Madison County. According to court documents, 48-year-old Elizabeth Fox is charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence and DUI after a crash on April 9 that killed Victoria McQueary. A complaint warrant states that witnesses said Fox ran a red light at…

Car prices dipped slightly in May

(ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Despite new tariffs on imported vehicles and car parts, average new car prices in the U.S. declined slightly in May. According to new data from Edmunds.com, the average price paid for a new car fell 0.2% compared to April, even though automaker sticker prices rose slightly by 0.2% last month. Analysts say most of the vehicles…

Strong-to-severe storm threat Friday

Isolated showers and storms early will lead to more widespread rain chances later in the day

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – It’s another warm and muggy start to the day across Central and Eastern Kentucky, with scattered showers and a few thunderstorms already affecting parts of southern and eastern portions of the state this morning. So far, Lexington has managed to stay dry—but that won’t last forever. As we move into the afternoon and…

Two charged with attempted murder of Carroll County deputy

CARROLL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Two people are facing multiple charges after a Carroll County deputy fired shots at a fleeing vehicle during a confrontation Thursday morning, according to Kentucky State Police. KSP says 28-year-old Clinton Meadows and 34-year-old Holly Price are both charged with attempted murder of a police officer, fleeing or evading police, and other related…

Gov. Beshear files preliminary injunction against Trump administration

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Governor Andy Beshear says he joined forces with other state leaders to help secure a preliminary injunction against the Trump administration’s alleged efforts to dismantle AmeriCorps. In a post on Facebook, Beshear said the injunction was aimed at protecting the federal agency, which he says plays a critical role across the country — including…