Lexington Fire Department marks 10 years since historic Bluegrass Stockyards fire

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The Lexington Fire Department is marking the 10th anniversary of the Bluegrass Stockyards fire, the largest fire in Lexington in more than three decades. The massive fire broke out on January 30, 2016, at the Bluegrass Stockyards near downtown. The site was well known for its livestock auctions and cattle sales. The fire destroyed…

Lexington to host annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration next week

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Lexington’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration is set for next week, with events planned in downtown Lexington. According to organizers, the day will begin with the annual Freedom March on Monday afternoon. The march is scheduled to start at 1 p.m. in downtown Lexington. The march will be followed by a celebration event…

Muhammad Ali commemorative stamp unveiled in Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Postal officials in Louisville have unveiled a new commemorative stamp honoring boxing legend Muhammad Ali. According to ABC affiliate WHAS 11, the U.S. Postal Service printed 22 million of the stamps, which feature an Associated Press photograph from 1974 showing Ali holding up his gloves in a fighting stance. His last name appears in…

Kentucky confirms first measles case of 2026 after exposure in Fayette County

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Kentucky has confirmed its first measles case of 2026, involving an unvaccinated Jessamine County resident who was exposed while in Fayette County, according to state health officials. The Kentucky Department for Public Health announced Thursday that the person tested positive after being exposed to an out-of-state traveler who was infectious while visiting Fayette County…

Five hospitalized after head-on crash in Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Several people were taken to the hospital following a car accident in Lexington. According to the Lexington Police Department, the crash happened at the intersection of Man O’ War Boulevard and Trent Boulevard. Officers say two vehicles collided head-on, prompting the closure of one lane while crews worked to clear the scene. Authorities say…

January cold stays put with more snowflakes possible

Our best chance at some light accumulation may be Friday night

It was definitely a dose of reality on Thursday across Central and Eastern Kentucky on Thursday as a legitimate shot of cold air set up shop across the region. The scattered snow showers from late Wednesday went away leaving a mix of clouds and sunshine but the main story was the winter cold. Afternoon highs struggled to reach the upper…

Federal agency restores Narcan grant to Lexington two days after termination

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A federal agency has restored a Narcan grant to Lexington just two days after it was terminated. According to a release from Mayor Linda Gorton’s office, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has reinstated a $499,000 federal grant operated by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government. City officials say the funding was cut…

Two killed in Grant County head-on crash on Taft Highway

GRANT COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky State Police are investigating a deadly two-vehicle crash that claimed two lives in Grant County. Troopers say the collision happened just after 11 a.m. Wednesday on Taft Highway. According to investigators, an 81-year-old woman driving a Toyota RAV4 crossed the center line and struck a Chevrolet Silverado head-on. The driver of the…

Lexington police continue to look for information in deadly 2021 shooting

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Lexington police are continuing to ask for the public’s help in a deadly shooting that happened in the early morning hours of September 3, 2021. According to the Lexington Police Department, officers were called around 12:30 a.m. to the 300 block of Chestnut Street after reports of shots fired. When officers arrived, they found…

Robertson County schools cancels classes Thursday and Friday due to illness

ROBERTSON COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Classes are canceled Thursday and Friday in Robertson County as the school district responds to an increase in student illnesses. According to the Robertson County Schools, both days will be used as Non-Traditional Instruction days four and five. District officials say they’ve seen a rise in the number of students being sent home…

Investigation continues after apartment fire discovered during drug bust in Winchester

WINCHESTER, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — An investigation is ongoing after an apartment fire was discovered during a drug bust in Winchester. According to the Winchester Police Department, officers were executing a search warrant Wednesday at an apartment on North Main Street when they noticed smoke coming from underneath a bed. Police say officers evacuated the apartment and attempted to…

Former Boone County church music director sentenced to 15 years for sexual abuse

BOONE COUNTY, Ky.  (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A former church music director in Boone County was sentenced this week to 15 years in prison for sexually abusing a victim who was a teenager at the time. The victim, the defendant, and family members on both sides addressed the court during Tuesday’s sentencing hearing. “He sunk his teeth and claws into…

Thursday morning’s commute will be cold and possibly icy

Snow fizzles out, but a few slick spots remain Most of the roadways across the Bluegrass appear clear on Thursday morning, but this doesn’t mean that black ice isn’t present. Use caution through the morning, especially before sunrise. Most should have no issues with the morning commute, but some could see a few slick spots. Temperatures are the main issue…

Brutal cold settles in with wind chills and weekend snow chances

Cold Front Brings a Wintry Punch to the Region The day began on a soggy note as a cold front pushed through the area, bringing widespread rain during the morning hours. As the front continued east, colder air quickly followed behind it. Once that colder air collided with leftover moisture from earlier rain, conditions flipped fast — rain changed over…

Simple tips can help households cut energy costs as prices rise

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — As energy costs continue to rise, many households are looking for simple ways to lower their monthly bills without sacrificing comfort. With winter settling in and prices climbing, experts say small changes at home can make a noticeable difference. AAA says many energy-saving steps are easy, affordable, and don’t require special skills. “But a…

City activates emergency winter weather plan as temperatures drop

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The Office of Homelessness and Intervention is activating its emergency winter weather plan as colder temperatures move into the Lexington area. City officials say the plan will be in effect from today through next Tuesday. During that time, emergency shelters will operate with additional capacity, and Lextran will provide free rides to shelters for…

Kentucky Blood Center updates eligibility rules, allowing more cancer patients to donate

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — More cancer patients are now eligible to donate blood under updated guidelines from the Kentucky Blood Center. According to a release, the organization says it has lifted a longtime deferral that prevented many cancer patients from donating blood. Under the updated eligibility requirements, many donors who have completed treatment for certain cancers — including…