Mayor Gorton launches “Lexington’s Big Give” citywide food drive to fight hunger

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Lexington Mayor Linda Gorton is calling on the community to “give big” this holiday season as the city launches Lexington’s Big Give, a large-scale food drive to help families facing food insecurity. According to the City of Lexington, the effort is a partnership between the Mayor’s Office, God’s Pantry Food Bank, and several community…

Lexington Firefighter’s Toy Program kicks off Monday to help families in need

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The Lexington Firefighter’s Toy Program is officially kicking off Monday, helping bring holiday cheer to families in need across the community. The annual program collects and distributes donated toys to thousands of children each holiday season. Family sign-ups will be held November 10 through November 18 at the Fire Department’s “North Pole” location on…

Missing Laurel County teen found safe, police say

UPDATE: LONDON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The search for a missing Laurel County teenager is over. According to the London Police Department, 15-year-old Chesney Caldwell has been found safe. Officers say he was reported missing Wednesday morning. Police located Caldwell after pinging his phone, which led them to Whitley County. Investigators say he was found with two other juveniles…

Jessamine County man arrested after breaking into building, assaulting several juveniles

JESSAMINE COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Jessamine County man is behind bars after deputies say he broke into a building, assaulted several juveniles, and seriously injured one of them. The incident happened Saturday when deputies responded to a call about an assault. Upon arrival, they found multiple juveniles who had been attacked by a man later identified as…

Pedestrian suffers life-threatening injuries after being hit by car in Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Lexington Police say a person was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries after being hit by a car late Saturday night. The crash happened just after 11:30 p.m. near East New Circle and Eastland Parkway. Officers say the road was closed for a short time while they investigated the scene. Police say the driver remained on…

Dry and mild stretch before big changes arrive late weekend

After a soggy Sunday, a stretch of dry, mild weather takes over before another system brings rain — and maybe even a few snowflakes — by late weekend.

A Quiet Week Ahead After a Rainy Sunday Sunday started off gray and damp across the region, with scattered showers lingering through much of the morning and even into parts of the afternoon. Some areas even heard a few rumbles of thunder as the last of the rain pushed through. But by this evening, those showers are finally moving out,…

A chilly Halloween night followed by a mostly dry weekend with a few isolated showers

Temperatures dip into the 40s tonight, with a few isolated showers possible later this weekend before sunshine and milder air return next week.

A sunny and breezy Halloween Friday Friday brought a welcome change across the region as sunshine returned following the departure of our latest low-pressure system. Skies started off clear, allowing for plenty of sunshine through the morning before a few afternoon clouds drifted through. Winds were a bit gusty during the day, with some spots seeing gusts up to 20…

Experts share steps Kentucky families can take as SNAP benefits end

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – With SNAP benefits ending, many Kentucky families are searching for ways to manage food and resources effectively. Experts are offering several key steps to help households navigate the transition. According to officials, families should first check their EBT cards for any remaining funds. If there’s a leftover balance, that money will remain available even…

Kentuckians face losing SNAP benefits

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Food banks across Kentucky are preparing for a surge in need as federal SNAP benefits are set to expire Saturday if Congress fails to reach an agreement to extend funding. Once benefits expire, more than 600,000 Kentuckians are expected to be affected — many left wondering how they will afford food for their families….

Kentucky T-shirt campaign raises more than 58,000 meals as SNAP pause takes effect

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – As SNAP benefits are set to pause at midnight, leaving an estimated 600,000 Kentuckians impacted, people across the state are stepping up to help their neighbors. The Kentucky Shop has launched a “Kentucky Strong” T-shirt campaign that has already raised the equivalent of more than 58,000 meals in less than 24 hours. The effort…

London mayor warns against theft amid social media posts on federal benefit delays

LONDON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The Mayor of London is urging residents to seek lawful assistance after social media posts encouraged people to take groceries without paying if federal benefits are delayed. Mayor Randall Weddle says a government shutdown does not excuse theft and warns that anyone caught stealing could face arrest and criminal charges. Weddle adds that local…

Kentucky State Police share safety reminders for Halloween night

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – As families across Kentucky celebrate Halloween, state police are reminding everyone to stay safe while out trick-or-treating Friday night. Kentucky State Police urge drivers to slow down, stay alert, and watch for children crossing the street. Parents are encouraged to make sure kids wear bright or reflective costumes and carry flashlights or glow sticks…

Governor Beshear, Kentucky State Police expand efforts to protect children from online predators

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Governor Andy Beshear says the state is stepping up efforts to protect children from online predators through a new partnership between Kentucky State Police and Prevent Child Abuse Kentucky. Since 2019, KSP has arrested 474 people for internet-related crimes against children — including three major arrests just this month. The Governor says KSP’s Electronic…

Lexington Police searching for suspect wanted in hit-and-run investigation

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The Lexington Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect wanted in connection with a hit-and-run investigation. According to a post from the Lexington Police Department on X, 23-year-old Jacob D. Holland has active warrants for leaving the scene of an accident and tampering with physical evidence. Police say the…

SNAP benefits paused nationwide as shutdown impacts 600,000 Kentuckians

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A nationwide pause on SNAP benefits begins tomorrow due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, affecting hundreds of thousands of low-income Kentuckians. According to state officials, roughly 600,000 Kentuckians rely on SNAP to help put food on the table. Governor Andy Beshear says that during the suspension, the state is reallocating more than $9…