University of Kentucky study links obesity to breast cancer

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — New research from the University of Kentucky’s Markey Cancer Center could pave the way for groundbreaking treatments targeting obesity-related breast cancer. Scientists at the center have identified a protein called HSP47 that becomes more active in fat tissue during obesity. According to the study, this protein appears to support cancer growth and spread. In…

State grants available for clean up of illegal dumping

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Counties across Kentucky can now apply for state grants aimed at cleaning up illegal dumps and roadside litter. The funding comes from the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, which administers two environmental grant programs designed to reduce pollution, safeguard natural resources, and improve the appearance of public roadways. Since 2006, nearly 3,000 illegal dump…

New Kentucky Derby Museum fashion exhibit to open

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A brand-new exhibit at the Kentucky Derby Museum is putting the spotlight on over a century of iconic racetrack style. On Thursday, the museum will debut its “Derby Fashion” exhibit—celebrating more than 150 years of fashion that’s defined Derby Day. The ribbon-cutting and press conference are scheduled for 10:30 a.m., with special giveaways available…

William Wells Brown Elementary opens for first day of school

Excitement fills the halls as students return ahead of district-wide start

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — As students at William Wells Brown Elementary returned to class Wednesday morning, the energy in the building reflected the excitement shared by students, parents, teachers and staff. “We start our day with high energy, kids can’t wait to enter the building, and we can’t wait to get them here and sometimes you know…

Man killed in Knott County lawn mower accident, says KSP

KNOTT COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Kentucky State Police is investigating a fatal lawn mower accident that happened Tuesday afternoon in the Kite community. According to a release, troopers responded just before 3:00 p.m. to KY Highway 7 South after receiving a 911 call about a mower crash. The preliminary investigation indicates that 64-year-old Thomas J. Johnson, of Kite,…

Two sheriff’s offices relocating

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Two Kentucky sheriff’s offices are relocating this week, prompting temporary closures while they make the move. In Scott County, Wednesday marks the final day of operations at the current sheriff’s office on North Hamilton Street. The office will be closed Thursday and Friday, reopening Monday at its new location off Betsy Way, near Great…

Scott County Sheriff’s Office receives grant to boost safety

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The Scott County Sheriff’s Office is expanding its public safety efforts, thanks to a $10,750 grant from Norfolk Southern. The funding will support the department’s Aviation Program and allow for the purchase of new drone equipment, enhancing the office’s ability to respond to emergencies and monitor large-scale incidents. The grant was awarded through Norfolk…

Scott County Fire Department Battalion Chief Lou Zehnder retiring

GEORGETOWN, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A longtime leader in Scott County’s fire service is hanging up his gear. Battalion Chief Lou Zehnder has officially retired from the Scott County Fire Department. Chief Zehnder spent years serving the community, earning the respect of his colleagues and the gratitude of residents across the county. The fire department is recognizing Zehnder’s dedication,…

Two fishermen saved after flooding in boat

RUSSELL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A dangerous situation unfolded Tuesday morning near the dam in Russell County, when two fishermen were nearly swept into the turbulent discharge area after their boat lost power and began taking on water. The incident happened around 10 a.m. Emergency crews responded quickly, with help from Russell County Dispatch, Emergency Management, EMS, and…

Volunteers pack backpacks for YMCA back-to-school rallies across central Kentucky

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Volunteers are hard at work this week at the North Lexington Family YMCA, assembling thousands of backpacks to help local students head back to school with confidence. From 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day, volunteers are packing backpacks full of school supplies as part of the YMCA of Central Kentucky’s annual Back-to-School Rallies….

Hot and humid Wednesday ahead of a pattern change

Afternoon highs will climb into the low-to-mid 90s on Wednesday

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – The peak of our current heat stretch arrives today as temperatures surge well into the mid-90s across central and eastern Kentucky. With dew points hanging in the low to mid 70s, it won’t take much for heat index values to exceed 105° this afternoon, particularly in more urbanized areas and corn-laden farmland where…

London family rescued from flooded home as storms moved through Kentucky

LONDON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A London family is safe after being rescued from their flooded home late Monday night as heavy rain swept through Laurel County. Emergency crews were called to a home on Laurel River Road just after 10:30 p.m., after 911 dispatchers reported that residents were trapped by rising water. Rescuers from the Camp-Ground Fire Department…

Late July heatwave rolls along into the mid-week

A break from the hot and humid conditions is right around the corner

If you’ve been dreaming of cooler air, hang tight—relief is just around the corner. But for now, the intense summer heatwave that’s gripped Central and Eastern Kentucky over the past week continues to hang on. Tuesday brought another round of low to mid-90s for afternoon highs with heat index values topping out near 105° in some spots although a wave…

St Joseph named one of Kentucky’s best hospitals

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Three Saint Joseph Health hospitals have received national recognition in the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings. Saint Joseph Hospital in Lexington was named one of the top hospitals in Kentucky, coming in fifth overall. The hospital was also rated “High Performing” in several specialties, including heart failure, cancer care, and back surgery….

Franklin County Sheriff to retire after 28 years, Chief Deputy named successor

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — After 28 years in law enforcement, Franklin County Sheriff Chris Quire announced his retirement in a video released by the Franklin County Fiscal Court. Quire, first elected sheriff in 2018, will step down this Thursday. “I want to thank my wife Kendra, my children, and my family for the awesome support,” said Quire. “Thanks…

New MCHS school counselor and therapy dog

MOUNT STERLING, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Montgomery County High School has welcomed a new school counselor and her four-legged assistant. Rachel Davis, formerly of Camargo Elementary, joins MCHS this fall alongside Margo, her certified therapy dog. Davis and Margo live on a farm in Mount Sterling, where they raise cattle and sheep. Margo will split her time between Montgomery…