Laurel County man pleads guilty to gun thefts, faces 15-year prison sentence

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Laurel County man is facing 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to multiple firearm-related charges. According to the sheriff’s office, 42-year-old Christopher Mathis will serve a 10-year sentence for possession of a handgun as a convicted felon, along with an additional 5-year sentence for stealing firearms. Deputies say the charges stem…

Graves County man arrested after undercover child pornography investigation

GRAVES COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky State Police have arrested a Graves County man on child pornography charges following an undercover investigation. Officials say the case began after investigators discovered the suspect was sharing illicit images online. That investigation led troopers to execute a search warrant at a home in Mayfield on Thursday, where they seized electronic equipment…

Holiday gift card scams surge as officials warn shoppers to inspect cards carefully

(ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Gift cards are a popular choice for holiday giving, but officials are reminding shoppers to take extra steps to avoid scams. Authorities say buyers should always inspect physical gift cards before purchasing, ensuring the PIN is still fully concealed. If the protective film has been scratched off, scammers may have already copied the PIN and could…

Oreo to launch new zero-sugar cookies in January

(ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A new snack option is on the way for people looking to cut down on sugar. Oreo Zero-Sugar Cookies are set to debut in January, according to reporting from USA Today. Oreo’s parent company says it has spent the past four years developing the new sugar-free treat. Each cookie contains about 45 calories — nearly 10…

Lexington braces for dangerous icy roads as temperatures plunge

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Lexington is dealing with the messy aftermath of Friday’s winter storm, which dropped several inches of snow overnight and left many roads slushy and slick for the morning commute. Now, with temperatures falling sharply, city officials warn that conditions will worsen as wet surfaces freeze and create widespread icy hazards. Schools were closed Thursday…

Lexington activates emergency winter weather plan as temperatures drop

FAYETTE COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – As dangerously cold weather settles into the region, the City of Lexington has re-activated its Emergency Winter Weather Plan to help protect the city’s homeless population. The plan is now in effect through Monday. City officials say the plan includes expanded emergency shelter options as well as free LexTran rides to shelters for…

Multiple school districts out due to snow, dangerous road conditions

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Snow-covered roads and slick conditions have led to widespread school closures across central and eastern Kentucky on Friday. Fayette County Public Schools announced that Friday will be a traditional snow day, meaning students will not have NTI assignments. FCPS joins dozens of other districts across the region that have canceled classes due to the winter…

Snow and Freezing Temps Friday

Friday: Winter storm will diminish through mid morning hours.  Afternoon temps peak in the upper 30s/low 40s allowing for slight snow melting. Friday Night: Temps drop back to 20s, leading to re-freezing and black ice issues for travelers. Saturday: Temps climb to mid 30s.  Snow flurries in the late afternoon through overnight hours for areas mainly I-64 and north. Temps…

Winter weather system arrives tonight with hazardous travel and brutal cold behind it

A significant winter system arrives tonight with accumulating snow, hazardous travel, and a bitter Arctic blast on the way.

A Widespread Snowmaker Moves In Tonight A fast-moving winter storm is set to bring widespread accumulating snow to the region tonight into Friday morning, followed by another round of snow this weekend and the coldest air of the season arriving by Sunday. Today started on a cold but quiet note, with a brief bit of sunshine early before clouds quickly…

Man charged after head-on crash, admitting to drinking, and jumping from moving ambulance, deputies say

BOYLE COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A man is facing a long list of charges after deputies say he caused a head-on collision, admitted to drinking, and then jumped out of a moving ambulance early Sunday morning. Deputies were called to KY-34 near Old Bridge for a two-vehicle crash. A witness at the scene told investigators he smelled alcohol…

Lexington police search for wanted man accused of absconding from treatment

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Bluegrass Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help to find a man wanted on a warrant for absconding from court-ordered treatment. Officials say 32-year-old Brandon Barnett is currently wanted and remains at large. He is described as having brown eyes and brown hair. Anyone with information about Barnett’s whereabouts can submit an anonymous…