UK athlete pleads not guilty in Lexington infant death case

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – University of Kentucky athlete Laken Snelling pleaded not guilty in Fayette District Court Tuesday to charges connected to the death of her infant. Snelling was placed under a $100,000 surety bond and is required to live with her parents while the case proceeds. This comes after police arrested Snelling on Sunday, August 31, following…

Much needed rain chances pick up through the week

Widespread showers look possible into Thursday

After a nearly perfect long Labor Day weekend across Central and Eastern Kentucky with sunshine, afternoon highs in the low to mid-80s and just a few isolated pop-up storms down south on the holiday, it was a warm Tuesday as folks headed back to work and school. With a mix of clouds and sunshine, afternoon highs reached the low 80s…

Prosecutors seek change of venue in former Letcher County sheriff’s trial

LETCHER COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Prosecutors are asking for the trial of former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines to be moved out of the county, according to a petition for change of venue filed by the Commonwealth’s Attorney. In the filing, the Commonwealth argues that pretrial publicity and extensive local discussion about Stines’ case could make it…

Carlisle man accused in Bourbon County double murder back in court

BOURBON COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Carlisle man accused in a brutal double murder was back in court Tuesday for a status hearing. Nineteen-year-old Christopher Taulbee faces two counts of murder in connection with the April killings of Dixieana Brainard, the mother of his child, and a man she had been dating. Investigators say Taulbee shot Brainard and…

Berea building six new pickleball courts, completion expected this fall

BEREA, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Construction is underway in Berea on six new pickleball courts behind the Berea Intergenerational Center, with completion expected this fall. The $275,000 project is being funded entirely with local dollars, without state or federal grants. City officials say that allowed them to begin construction immediately. The new courts will feature timer-controlled lighting to conserve…

Students begin classes at Transylvania University

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Freshmen may have moved in last week, but now the real excitement begins at Transylvania University. Tuesday marks the official start of classes for the fall semester of the 2025–2026 school year. The first day back comes right after Labor Day, as students, faculty, and staff kick off a new academic year on campus….

September is National Preparedness Month

(ABC36 NEWS NOW) – September is National Preparedness Month, and FEMA’s Ready Campaign is reminding families that preparedness starts at home. This year’s theme focuses on the basics: knowing your risks, making a family emergency plan, building a supply kit, and getting involved in your community. FEMA says small steps taken now can save thousands of dollars later—and provide peace…

London City Council to appoint new member after resignation

LONDON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The London City Council is preparing to fill a vacant seat following the resignation of Council Member Charles Stacy Benge. Benge announced his resignation during a special-called meeting on Friday. Council leaders are expected to move forward with appointing a replacement. That item is listed on the agenda for Thursday’s regular meeting, which begins…

KSP investigating deadly shooting between father and son in Knox County

KNOX COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky State Police is investigating after a deadly shooting Monday in southern Kentucky. Troopers say the incident happened in the Flat Lick community and involved a father and son. Few details have been released at this time as the investigation continues. This is a developing story and will be updated as more information…

Franklin County Courthouse reopens after April flooding

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The Franklin County Courthouse is reopening Tuesday after being closed for months due to devastating flooding earlier this year. The courthouse on St. Clair Street has been shut down since April, when deadly flooding forced court hearings into temporary locations. Officials say the courthouse reopens to the public later in the morning. SEO Tags:…

Rain chances begin today and last through Thursday

Starting dry before afternoon showers This morning, we’re starting our Tuesday with mild and dry conditions. Temperatures are mild in the upper 50s to lower 60s, and we’ll have a few clouds. Cloud cover will build from the south around lunchtime, and that’s when we’ll see rain chances ramping up as well. The best chance to see some of these…

Rain Chances Return Midweek Across Kentucky

After a warm and mostly dry Labor Day, scattered showers and storms move back in by Wednesday and Thursday.

Labor Day Starts on a Warm NoteWe’re kicking off Labor Day Monday on a pretty good note across central and eastern Kentucky. Temperatures are climbing into the low to mid 80s, making it feel warm but still pleasant for outdoor gatherings. While most of us are staying dry, we’re beginning to see a few scattered showers and storms bubble up…

UK athlete arrested in connection with infant’s death in Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A University of Kentucky athlete has been arrested in connection with the death of an infant in Lexington. Police say officers responded around 10 a.m. last Wednesday to a residence on Park Avenue for a report of an unresponsive infant. The child was pronounced dead at the scene. According to investigators, 21-year-old Laken Snelling,…

Crews contain brush fire on Jones Knob Road in Pulaski County

SOMERSET, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Multiple fire departments responded Sunday to a brush fire on Jones Knob Road in Pulaski County. According to officials, the Ferguson Volunteer Fire Department was assisted by crews from Somerset, Burnside, Bronston, and Haynes Knob, along with the Kentucky Division of Forestry. Firefighters used chainsaws, rakes, leaf blowers, and water from tankers and brush…

Labor Day events in Lexington focus on workers’ rights and community support

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Labor Day events are planned across Lexington today as groups gather to advocate for workers’ rights and community programs. One event, hosted by KY 120 United-AFT, the Central Kentucky chapter of Kentuckians For The Commonwealth, and other organizations, will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Organizers say the three-hour gathering encourages solidarity for…

Lexington adjusts trash and recycling schedule for Labor Day

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Lexington city officials say curbside trash and recycling collection will be delayed today in observance of Labor Day. Residents who normally receive Monday pickup will have their carts collected on Wednesday, September 3. Carts should be placed at the curb after 4 p.m. Tuesday. Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday routes will not be affected. Businesses…

Kentucky officials remind families of water safety during Labor Day weekend

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – As families head to Kentucky’s lakes and rivers this Labor Day, officials are urging boaters and swimmers to make safety a priority. According to the latest data, 84 percent of drowning victims were not wearing a life jacket. Alcohol remains the leading contributing factor in boating-related fatalities. Authorities remind boaters to always have a…