New technology expands access at Raven Run Park

Lexington debuts accessible trackchair for people with mobility challenges

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – New technology at Lexington’s Raven Run Nature Sanctuary is helping make the great outdoors more accessible. A new all-terrain Action Trackchair is now available for visitors with mobility issues, allowing them to travel up to five additional miles of unpaved trails in the sanctuary. Organizers say the Trackchair marks a major milestone for…

Somerset police searching for missing man last seen in East Saddlebrook area

SOMERSET, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The Somerset Police Department has issued a missing person alert for 34-year-old Robert “Robbie” Caddell, who was last seen around noon on Monday (4/21), in the East Saddlebrook area of Somerset. According to a post by the police department, Caddell is approximately 5’11” tall and weighing 160 pounds, with brown eyes and short brown…

Ribbon cutting held for one of Kentucky’s largest medical cannabis cultivation sites

CLARK COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Kentucky took a major step forward in its medical marijuana program Tuesday, as state and local leaders joined Cresco Labs for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at what will soon be one of the state’s largest licensed cannabis cultivation facilities. Governor Andy Beshear was on hand for the event in Winchester, where Cresco Labs unveiled…

Andy Barr announces run for U.S. Senate seat in 2026

The central Kentucky congressman joins a growing field vying to replace retiring Senator Mitch McConnell

RICHMOND, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Republican Congressman Andy Barr has officially launched his campaign for U.S. Senate, announcing his candidacy for Senator Mitch McConnell’s seat during a campaign stop in Richmond. McConnell, previously announced he will not seek re-election in 2026. Barr, who currently represents Kentucky’s Sixth Congressional District, including Lexington, also released a campaign launch video on…

Warming up Wednesday ahead of late week storms

Temperatures on Wednesday will push the upper 70s near 80 ahead of rain and storms late week

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW)  – It’s a chilly start across central and eastern Kentucky this Wednesday morning with some areas dipping into the low 40s early on. But don’t let the cool air fool you—temperatures are headed for a big warm-up this afternoon! We’re expecting highs to climb into the upper 70s to near 80° under mostly sunny…

Pleasant spring weather continues into the mid-week

A few isolated storms may pop up down south but otherwise Wednesday looks nice

It was a delightful day across Central and Eastern Kentucky on Tuesday with bright skies, a few high clouds and seasonably warm temperatures giving us the kind of spring weather we dream about. Thanks to high pressure anchoring over the Ohio Valley, winds were light out of the east and afternoon highs climbed into the low 70s—just a few degrees…

Troopers urge caution after fatal crash involving juveniles

Kentucky State Police say a 21-year-old was killed in an Easter Sunday head-on collision in Rockcastle Co.

ROCKCASTLE COUNTY, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Kentucky State Police are continuing to investigate a deadly crash that happened on Easter Sunday. Troopers say the collision occurred just before 4 p.m. on Brindle Ridge Road in Rockcastle County. According to investigators, two juveniles were in a Ford F-250 when a boy juvenile driver crossed the center line and hit…

FCPS High School placed on “heightened alert” after gun found in student’s backpack

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Bryan Station High School in Lexington was briefly placed on “heightened alert,” after a firearm was found in a student’s backpack, according to a letter sent to parents by the principal. According to the letter, the firearm was found by security ambassadors at the metal detectors. The letter states “appropriate disciplinary actions” are being…

Sean Woods named boys basketball Head Coach at Scott County

Woods fills the shoes left by former Head Coach Steve Helton

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW)- Former Kentucky player and college coaching veteran, Sean Woods, is the new Head Coach for Scott County’s boy’s basketball team. Woods, a former coach with seven NCAA programs, is tasked with turning around a Cardinal program that ended with a 6-21 record last season. His return to coaching comes after a two year break from…

Local leaders remark on the life, legacy of Pope Francis

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — As the world mourns the passing of Pope Francis, Kentuckians are remembering the pontiff’s legacy of humility, compassion, and inclusion — including reflections from Gov. Andy Beshear and Father Jim Sichko, a Papal Missionary of Mercy from the Diocese of Lexington. Pope Francis, the 266th leader of the Roman Catholic Church, was often referred…

Flags at half-staff in honor of Pope Francis

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Governor Andy Beshear has ordered flags across Kentucky to be flown at half-staff in honor of Pope Francis. According to the governor’s office, flags at all state office buildings will remain at half-staff until sunset on the day of the pope’s interment. Beshear is also encouraging businesses, schools, and other organizations throughout the Commonwealth…

Remembering Officer Kevin Chaney

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The Fayette County Detention Center is mourning the loss of one of its officers, who died unexpectedly over the weekend. According to the Department of Community Corrections, Officer Kevin Chaney passed away while off duty. He joined the department in June 2023 and was serving as a first-shift custody officer at the jail. In…

Laurel County man arrested on rape charges

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A Laurel County man is facing serious charges following his arrest Tuesday. According to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, 22-year-old Wyatt Collins was taken into custody on Blackwater Road near London. Deputies say Collins was arrested on an indictment warrant issued by the Laurel Circuit Court. Collins is charged with rape, sexual abuse,…

Nice stretch of weather ahead of rain and storm chances late week

Temperatures on Tuesday will climb into the low-to-mid 70s

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Skies will be clearing out nicely across central and eastern Kentucky as we roll into your Tuesday, setting the stage for a beautiful and seasonable spring day. Temperatures this afternoon will climb into the low-to-mid 70s across much of the area under partly to mostly sunny skies. We’ll keep things quiet tonight as…

Veterans honored with patriotic tribute

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Hundreds gathered in Nicholasville this weekend to pay tribute to America’s veterans during the Star-Spangled Veterans Celebration, held at East Jessamine High School. The event featured a moving program of music, prayer, and patriotic reflection. Retired Brigadier General Howard Hunt served as master of ceremonies, and attendees also heard from several state and national…