Kentucky’s death toll from May storms rises to 20, Gov. Beshear says

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The death toll from Kentucky’s severe weather event in mid-May has risen to 20, according to Governor Andy Beshear. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Beshear shared the somber update Wednesday, writing: “Kentucky, I’ve got some sad news to share. The death toll from the May 16–17 severe weather event has now risen…

Rain and storm chances pick up to end the week

Expect a more unsettled pattern across the region the next few days

It’s been a welcome change of pace this week with several dry and warm days across Central and Eastern Kentucky—something we haven’t had a lot of this spring. Thursday kept the streak going with afternoon highs in the low to mid-80s, mixed clouds, and some sunshine. However, a stalled front just to our west sparked a few isolated storms, and…

Lexington ramps up summer meal programs as school break leaves thousands of kids without access to food

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — With school officially out for summer, thousands of children across Kentucky are at risk of losing access to the free or reduced-price meals they rely on during the school year. But local organizations and school districts are stepping up to help. God’s Pantry Food Bank says food insecurity increases during the summer months, especially…

Multiple fatalities in 3 vehicle McCreary County crash

MCCREARY COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Kentucky State Police is investigating a deadly crash involving a car, motorcycle, and ATV that happened Wednesday afternoon in the Parker’s Lake community along U.S. 27. Troopers say 77-year-old Linda Moncrief experienced a medical emergency while driving, clipped a motorcycle, and then crashed into an ATV that was in the emergency lane. Moncrief…

Laurel County fatal moped crash into car

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Kentucky State Police are investigating a fatal crash involving a moped that happened Wednesday afternoon on North Laurel Road. According to troopers, 74-year-old Ronald Begley was riding a moped when he crashed into the back of a car that had stopped to make a turn. Officials say Begley was not wearing a helmet…

Ribbon cutting for new community center in Davis Park

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A new community space is now open in Lexington’s Davis Park neighborhood, and city leaders hope it will provide valuable resources and positive opportunities for local families. Mayor Linda Gorton joined members of the Lexington Community Land Trust on Thursday for a ribbon cutting at the new community center on Deroode Street. The project…

Kentucky honors fallen officers at memorial ceremony

Gov. Andy Beshear joins families and law enforcement to remember two who died in the line of duty

RICHMOND, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – The Commonwealth paused to honor the lives of two Kentucky law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty on Thursday. At the Department of Criminal Justice Training Center in Richmond, a solemn crowd of officers, community members, and state leaders, including Governor Andy Beshear, gathered to pay tribute. The names of…

Man found guilty in Crystal Rogers case requests new trial

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS 11) — Steve Lawson is asking for a new trial less than a week after a jury found him guilty of all charges related to his role in Crystal Rogers’ disappearance. Lawson was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and tampering with physical evidence. A jury recommended that he be sentenced to 17 years in prison. In…

Hiker rescued in Powell County

POWELL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A hiker in distress was rescued safely Wednesday evening from the Low Gap Trail at Natural Bridge State Resort Park. According to Powell County Search and Rescue, crews were called to the area just before 5 p.m. after reports of a hiker needing help. Rescuers, along with EMS and park rangers, made contact…

Gov. Beshear pushing Universal Pre-K

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Governor Andy Beshear is launching a statewide push to expand universal pre-K access, aiming to prepare every 4-year-old in Kentucky for kindergarten. During a stop in Lexington on Tuesday, Beshear joined educators, parents, and business leaders to unveil the “Pre-K for All” initiative. According to the governor, nearly 54% of Kentucky children enter school…

Lexington man accused in 2023 homicide scheduled for sentencing

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A Lexington man who pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter in the 2023 death of an 80-year-old will soon learn his prison sentence. James Bradburn is scheduled to be sentenced Thursday afternoon in Fayette Circuit Court. He admitted to killing Arliss Stewart, his step-father, who was found dead in his home on Marshall Lane in…

Former Letcher County sheriff seeks to dismiss murder indictment in judge’s death

LETCHER COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Attorneys for former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines are asking a judge to dismiss his indictment in the high-profile murder case of District Judge Kevin Mullins. According to a report by ABC affiliate WHAS 11 News, Stines’ legal team alleges that prosecutors conducted an “off-the-record” meeting with grand jurors and failed to…

Man hospitalized after Pulaski County shooting

PULASKI COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A man was taken to the hospital following a shooting Monday night in the Science Hill area, according to the Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies say the victim was found suffering from a gunshot wound, though no further details about his condition or identity have been released. Authorities are asking anyone with information…

Bluegrass Fair returns Thursday with full security and family fun in Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The Bluegrass Fair kicks off Thursday at Masterson Station Park, with organizers promising enhanced security and plenty of entertainment for the whole family. The fair runs June 5 through June 15 on Leestown Road in Lexington. Organizers say safety is a top priority this year. Metal detectors will be in use at the entrance,…

Police investigating early morning robbery on Oak Street in Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Lexington Police are investigating an early morning robbery that left one person injured and sent to the hospital. According to investigators, the incident happened around 2:30 a.m. Thursday on Oak Street. Officers say the suspect did not use a weapon, but instead relied on physical force during the robbery. The victim was taken to…

Storm chances return as warm air sticks around

We'll shift back into a more unsettled pattern for the late week

Central and Eastern Kentucky soaked in another gorgeous early June day Wednesday, with plenty of sunshine, hazy blue skies, and temperatures soaring into the mid to upper 80s—a few degrees above our seasonal norms. A breezy south wind added to that summer feel, while the thin layer of wildfire smoke high in the atmosphere (from fires burning in Canada) once…

AAA warns of ‘100 Deadliest Days’ for teen drivers during summer months

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — While summer brings a break from school, AAA is warning it also marks the most dangerous time of year for teen drivers on the road. According to the organization, the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day — known as the “100 Deadliest Days” — sees a significant increase in teen-related crashes. Lori Weaver-Hawkins…

A.G. Coleman says FCPS tax hike was unlawful; FCPS superintendent responds

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman says the Fayette County Public Schools Board acted unlawfully when it approved an occupational tax increase without proper public notice. According to a news release from Coleman’s office, an official Attorney General’s opinion issued Wednesday found the school board failed to meet the state’s legal requirements for notifying the…

Former Lexington Councilmember announces for Barr’s congressional seat

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Former Lexington councilmember and local entrepreneur David Kloiber has officially launched his campaign for Congress in Kentucky’s 6th District. Kloiber, a Democrat, made the announcement Wednesday at Elite Graphics in Lexington, where he was joined by supporters. In a campaign speech, he said he plans to focus on jobs, healthcare, housing, and education. “We…