Bengals win season opener 17-16 over Browns

CLEVELAND, Oh. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – For the first time since 2021, the Cincinnati Bengals have won their season opener, narrowly defeating Cleveland 17-16. That year also marked their last super bowl appearance. The Bengals offense produced just 46 yards on the ground, running back Chase Brown accounted for 43 of them and one touchdown. Quarterback Joe Burrow completed…

Wildcats fall 30-23 to No. 20 Ole Miss in SEC opener

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Despite striking first, Kentucky football ultimately fell 30-23 to No. 20 Ole Miss on Saturday. The cats defense had another strong showing following last week’s performance. Alex Afari Jr. had a team-lead-tying 10 tackles, including one tackles for loss. Ty Bryant matched those 10 tackles, along with two straight interceptions in the first…

London Mayor Randall Weddle impeached after council hearing

LONDON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – London Mayor Randall Weddle has been removed from office after the city council voted Friday to impeach him following hours of testimony, debate, and public scrutiny. The impeachment vote came after council members considered 14 charges against Weddle, including allegations of misusing police resources, failing to properly fill housing authority appointments, signing a $5…

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The University of Kentucky confirms that Laken Snelling, the student accused of concealing the death of her infant, has withdrawn from the university and is no longer a member of the UK STUNT team.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…