Bill would designate 4th Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) — At least 11 Kentuckians were part of the Tuskegee Airmen. Now, a bill would honor them by designating the fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day. House Bill 28 passed unanimously, by a vote of 95-0. “It is important we commemorate their sacrifice and determination during World War II. We must share and remember…

Bill would prohibit state universities from giving lifetime contracts to employees

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) — University of Kentucky head basketball coach John Calipari is the inspiration behind a new bill filed Thursday. The Courier Journal reported that Rep. Patrick Flannery (R-Olive Hill) filed a bill that would prohibit state universities from giving lifetime contracts to employees, citing Calipari’s contract. “Obviously there’s a basketball coach in this state that has a lifetime…

School safety experts address advisory council revising plan

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – The last informational meeting before the Fayette County Public Schools District Safety Advisory Council reworks its current 10-point safety plan. School safety experts ranging from a school resource officer and high school principal to a mental health professional and Assistant Fayette County Attorney spoke to the council about different facets of school safety that should be…

Moms Demand Action Rally in Frankfort for gun violence

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) — \most of the mothers in attendance held pictures of their loved ones victims of the growing problem. But a new bill has been introduced aimed at making communities safer. “This epidemic of gun violence is growing, and we want to remind our lawmakers that these are not faceless statistics,” said Cathy Hobart of Moms Demand Action….

Mayor Gorton announces new parking plan in downtown Lexington

New plan would allow free parking at downtown meters on weekends and after 7 P.M. on weekdays

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) — The Urban County Council tonight gave initial approval to a compromise agreement with LexPark to return to free parking at downtown meters on weekends and after 7 p.m. on weekdays, Mayor Linda Gorton announced. Gorton negotiated an agreement with LexPark to assist downtown businesses. Several downtown restaurant owners had expressed concerns after LexPark recently increased parking…

Quick reality check Friday as colder air returns

After heavy rain produced widespread 2"-4" totals and created some flooding issues, our spring-like air will feel more like winter to end the week

It turned out to be a very wet Thursday across Central and Eastern Kentucky as widespread moderate to heavy rain produced totals in the 2″ to 4″ range in many locations. As a result, we saw many locations dealing with high water issues with a number of closed roadways due to flooding. The severe storm threat was confined to our…

Sonny’s BBQ provides hot meals for Jessamine County Homeless Coalition team

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky (WTVQ)- The Jessamine County Homeless Coalition is known for providing needs to the area’s homeless. But Thursday, their needs were met instead. The Sonny’s Bbq Kindness Crew provided a hot cooked meal to the team of volunteers and some of their homeless residents. The meals included barbecue with all the sides, drinks and dessert. Hygiene items that are…

Case of woman accused of murder, multi-county pursuit sent to grand jury

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) — A woman who was shot by a Lexington police officer earlier this month after she allegedly hit a police cruiser, almost struck several firefighters and led police on a multi-county pursuit had her case sent to a grand jury in court Thursday. Lasielle White’s bond was also set at $75,000. According to Lexington police, on Feb….

Kids see legislative process through Military Kids Day at Ky. Capitol

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) — Thursday, the Kentucky General Assembly welcomed military kids and their families from across the commonwealth for the seventh annual Military Kids Day at the state Capitol. More than 100 military kids applied to participate in Military Kids Day, and when including family members, nearly 200 are expected at the state Capitol — a new record turnout….

Ky. Supreme Court keeps near-total abortion ban intact, sends part of case back to lower court

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky’s Supreme Court on Thursday refused to allow abortions to resume in the state, rejecting a request to halt enforcement of a near-total ban on abortion that has largely been in place since Roe v. Wade was overturned. The court, which was weighing challenges to the state’s near-total ban and a separate one that outlaws abortion…

KHA says HB 75 would allow outpatient Medicaid claims to be covered

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) — The Kentucky Hospital Association spoke about House Bill 75 Thursday to state lawmakers, saying the bill is necessary to ensure access to healthcare across the commonwealth. The association says the bill would allow adjustment of the hospital rate improvement program to cover outpatient Medicaid claims. The program makes it possible for hospitals to receive more federal…

Madison Co. residents to get ‘AlertFM’ emergency receivers

MADISON COUNTY, Ky. (WTVQ) — Madison County residents and business owners are set to receive new “AlertFM” emergency alert devices that notify of weather and chemical emergencies in the county. The devices will be on doorsteps beginning Feb. 27, according to the Madison County Emergency Management website. AlertFM is a small, white receiver that can replace the black box radios…

‘Lofton’s Law’ bill would make hazing a felony in Ky.

FRANKFORT, Ky. (WTVQ) — A proposed bill in the Senate could make hazing a felony. This comes after University of Kentucky student Lofton Hazelwood died in October of 2021 after his parents say he was hazed into over-drinking. Senate Bill 9 or “Lofton’s law” would establish both first and second-degree hazing as independent crimes and make first-degree hazing a felony….

Heavy rain and severe storms Thursday

Meteorologist Dillon Gaudet has a look at your Thursday forecast

Heavy rain and severe thunderstorms remain in the forecast for Thursday. A Level 3 (Enhanced) Severe Risk is in place for a large section of the viewing area. There is also a Flood Watch in effect for the southern half of the viewing area as well. Damaging wind gusts will be the primary weather threat today, while flash flooding and…