UK confirms Laken Snelling no longer a student or STUNT team member after baby’s death

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The University of Kentucky confirms that Laken Snelling, the student accused of concealing the death of her infant, has withdrawn from the university and is no longer a member of the UK STUNT team. University spokesperson Jay Blanton confirmed the withdrawal Friday. Snelling, 21, was arrested on August 31 and charged with abuse of…

Mother, stepfather of 10-year-old Jayden Spicer plead not guilty in murder case

BREATHITT COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – The mother and stepfather of 10-year-old Jayden Spicer were back in court Friday morning for their arraignments. Felicia Gross and her husband, Joshua Gross, both entered not guilty pleas. Felicia is charged with murder, while Joshua faces complicity to murder. Both are also charged with false reporting, abuse of a corpse, and tampering…

Kentucky’s 2025–26 deer season opens with new rules and extended youth hunt

(ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky hunters, deer season is officially underway for the 2025–26 season, and officials say there are several key changes this year. The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources says archery, crossbow, modern gun, muzzleloader, and youth hunts all have updated dates. A major change extends the Youth Firearm Season—giving hunters 15 and under an extra…

Fleming County community rallies after crash injures two juveniles

FLEMING COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A community is coming together in Fleming County after two juveniles were seriously injured in an accident on Thursday. County officials shared a message on social media asking everyone to keep the young people in their thoughts and prayers. They also expressed gratitude to first responders—including firefighters, EMS crews, deputies, hospital staff, and…

Richmond man arrested after reported sexual assault on EKU campus

RICHMOND, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Richmond man is in custody following a reported sexual assault on Eastern Kentucky University’s campus. According to EKU Police, 21-year-old Logan Akers was arrested Wednesday and charged with two counts of first-degree rape. According to officials, Akers admitted to forcibly engaging in sexual activity with a woman in an EKU dorm room early…

Lexington woman charged in May homicide due in court Friday

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Lexington woman accused of murder is set to appear in court Friday. Police say 40-year-old Mia White is charged in connection with a deadly shooting that happened in May on Newtown Pike. Investigators said White fatally shot 24-year-old Elmer Eldridge during what they described as a domestic violence case. Eldridge’s death marked Lexington’s…

Governor Beshear warns of possible revenue shortfall in Kentucky

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Governor Andy Beshear says Kentucky could be facing a projected revenue shortfall this fiscal year. The governor explained Monday that two major factors are driving the concern. He said federal tariffs are directly impacting spending and overall economic activity. In addition, the state’s income tax rate reduction is cutting $359 million from revenues this…

Laurel County man arrested after multi-county chase ends in dramatic crash

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A 32-year-old man is behind bars after authorities say he led police on a 30-mile chase that spanned multiple counties and ended when his vehicle went airborne off an I-75 ramp. According to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, deputies arrested Ameer Salti on Thursday after the pursuit. Investigators say the chase began in…

Kentucky defense faces big test as SEC play opens against No. 20 Ole Miss

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky football’s defense had a strong showing last Saturday against Toledo, keeping the Rockets scoreless through the first three quarters. However, the wildcats allowed two touchdowns in the last ten minutes of the fourth quarter. “I was proud of how they rose up in the first half,” said defensive coordinator Brad White. “I…

“Remember why you were elected. You’re elected to serve the people.”

Sen. Jimmy Higdon to retire at the end of term

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — It will be the end of an era for one state senator, as he gets ready for retirement. Republican Jimmy Higdon will not be seeking re-election. His term currently runs through December of 2026. The senator spoke about some of the highlights of his time serving. “If you don’t take care of your…

Job based health insurance costs could rise

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Health insurance through employers is expected to become more expensive next year, according to a new survey. Employer benefits consulting firm Mercer found that workers can expect to pay an additional 6% to 7% in premiums on average in 2026. Some employers say they will try to limit those increases, but that often results…

Bluegrass Crime Stoppers Crime of the Week

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Bluegrass Crime Stoppers is asking for the public’s help in its Crime of the Week investigation. Police say officers were called to a home on Emerson Drive in reference to a burglary. The victim told officers she saw an unknown person entering her home on a security camera. Authorities say the suspect was gone…

Defense opposes second mental health exam for former sheriff charged in Judge Mullins’ death

LETCHER COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Attorneys for former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn “Mickey” Stines have filed a response opposing the Commonwealth’s request for a second mental health examination. According to the filing, Stines’ defense argues that a second exam would be unnecessary and duplicative, noting that an initial court-ordered evaluation has already been completed. Stines is facing murder…

Fifth Third ribbon cutting for new financial center

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Fifth Third Bank has officially opened its new financial center at Citation Point in Lexington. The branch, located near Publix off Georgetown Road, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday that drew dozens of community members. Mayor Linda Gorton spoke at the event, highlighting Fifth Third’s contributions to the community. Ashley Skelton, the new financial center…

KET makes staff cuts amid elimination of funding

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky Educational Television is cutting staff in response to the elimination of federal funding for public broadcasting. In a release, KET said it has laid off 15 staff members and eliminated 21 positions. Executive Director and CEO Shae Hopkins called the decision unavoidable, but emphasized that the network remains committed to serving the Commonwealth….

Kentucky disaster survivors receive $100M

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky disaster survivors have received more than $100 million in FEMA aid this year to help cover losses from storms and floods. That total includes $63 million for households impacted by February storms, $32 million for April’s severe weather, and more than $3 million for tornado damage in May. FEMA funds help eligible residents…

The Andy Beshear podcast joins SiriusXM

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Governor Andy Beshear’s podcast is expanding to a national audience through SiriusXM. Beshear emphasized that the move should not be seen as a signal that he is considering another job. He said the podcast is designed for all Americans “to take a breath and process.” The governor added that joining national airwaves will allow…

More storms on the horizon to close out the week

A few of the storms could be strong to severe as another cold front moves through

We saw a wet and stormy Thursday across Central and Eastern Kentucky as the first of two cold fronts moved through the commonwealth. For the first time in several weeks most locations pick up measurable rain, which was very welcomed given how dry things have been across the area during the later half of the summer. A general quarter to half…

Whitley County man arrested Friday

WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Whitley County man is facing serious charges following a child exploitation investigation. Kentucky State Police say 20-year-old Nathaniel Griffin was arrested Friday by the Electronic Crime Branch. Investigators allege he was sharing child sexual abuse material online during an undercover operation. Police seized equipment from Griffin’s home, which is now being examined at…