Spotlight: History of The Virginia and what's to come

The Virginia is a landmark in the middle of Somerset, and LEX 18 is spotlighting that landmark for its historic past and growing future.

Twin brothers walk across America to raise awareness for foster children

For the past three years, twin brothers have been walking across the country on a mission to shed light on what it's like for kids growing up in foster care and let them know they are not forgotten.

Last weekend to enjoy Lexington Restaurant Week special menus

Lexington Restaurant Week is wrapping up this weekend, giving diners just a few more days to experience unique menu offerings at local restaurants across the city.

Morehead teen's accused killer tried to enter U.S. 3 times since 2021, DHS says

"Gildardo Amandor-Martinez is a rapist and cold-blooded killer who should have never been in this country,” Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said.

Meet Luna: The new foster dog at the Lawrenceburg Police Department

It's another busy day at the Lawrenceburg Police dispatch center, where a new rookie recruit is making the rounds. She's Luna, a 50-pound German shepherd-mix.

Garrard County asks for patience as R-Cut construction finishes in a week

People demanding changes to an intersection in Garrard County that's been the scene of several fatal crashes. It's a story we've been following through on over the past year.

Garrard Co. asks for patience as R-Cut construction finishes in a week

People demanding changes to an intersection in Garrard County that's been the scene of several fatal crashes. It's a story we've been following through on over the past year.

Memorial rodeo honors Wyatt Cole, supports education through scholarship fund

This weekend, the Cole family will host the annual Lone Star Wide Open No Fear Rodeo in memory of their son, 20-year-old Wyatt Cole, who died in a 2019 car accident.

Federal jury awards $1M to wrongfully terminated Kentucky firefighters

Two former Harrodsburg firefighters were awarded $1 million after a federal jury determined they'd been wrongfully terminated.

Lexington is a stop for 2 brothers traveling the map for spotlight on foster care

Two brothers are walking in every state to raise awareness for foster care, and their journey has brought them to Kentucky.

'We'll see:' Gov. Beshear addresses presidential run speculation

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is gaining national attention as speculation grows about his political future, including a possible presidential run.

'We'll see': Gov. Beshear addresses presidential run speculation

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear is gaining national attention as speculation grows about his political future, including a possible presidential run.

As Hershey raises prices, Kentucky candy maker plans to keep prices sweet

While Hershey plans to raise prices, a historic Kentucky candy company is taking a more measured approach to inflation.

After 10 years Kentucky's Kim Davis continues to fight same-sex marriage

On Thursday, the Liberty Counsel announced it was asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review the case against Kim Davis and the Obergefell decision, which legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

Nicholasville Police, U.S. Marshals executing high-risk arrest warrant

UPDATE: According to the Nicholasville Police Department, the US Marshals office asked for assistance in apprehending a person with several warrants. It was determined, based on reports they received, that they would need the SWAT team to…

'High risk' operation cleared by U.S. Marshals in Nicholasville neighborhood

Nicholasville police advised residents in the area of Shelby Way to stay indoors as U.S. Marshals serve a high-risk arrest warrant.

'High risk' operation underway by U.S. Marshals in Nicholasville neighborhood

Nicholasville police have advised residents in the area of Shelby Way to stay indoors as U.S. Marshals serve a high-risk arrest warrant.

Luke Skywalker set to battle Sith on big screen at Kentucky Theatre

Star Wars fans around Lexington will be reminded that "a Jedi's strength flows from the Force" at the Kentucky Theatre this summer.

Nicholasville neighborhood reopens after police attempt 'high-risk' warrant

The Nicholasville Police Department and the US Marshals Service say they are attempting to execute a "high-risk" arrest warrant in the 100 block of Shelby Way in Nicholasville.

Nicholasville police, US Marshals execute high-risk arrest warrant in Nicholasville neighborhood

The Nicholasville Police Department and the US Marshals Service say they are attempting to execute a "high-risk" arrest warrant in the 100 block of Shelby Way in Nicholasville.

Franklin County man accused of killing sons in house fire set for September trial

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A Franklin County man accused of intentionally setting a house fire that killed his two sons and a family dog is now scheduled to stand trial. Court records show Dustin Fields is set for trial on Sep…

Trial date set for Dustin Fields

Categories: Featured, Local News, News

Defendants in Amber Spradlin murder case return to court ahead of December trial

PIKEVILLE, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Three defendants charged in connection with the death of Amber Spradlin were back in court Thursday for a status hearing ahead of their upcoming trial. Spradlin’s body was found in June 2023 at the Preston…

Amber Spradlin murder case suspects in court

Categories: Featured, Local News, News

Lexington group to stage ‘die-in’ protest against Trump administration budget proposal

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A local activist group is planning a symbolic street protest in downtown Lexington Thursday night in response to proposed federal budget cuts. Peaceful Bluegrass Resistance will hold a “die-in” demonstrati…

Die In protest

Categories: Featured, Local News, News

Kentucky Oaks to air on prime time television

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A major shake-up is coming to one of horse racing’s most storied traditions. Churchill Downs announced that the 2026 Kentucky Oaks will be held in primetime for the first time ever, with the race airing F…

Kentucky Firefighters win lawsuit

Categories: Featured, Local News, News

New documentary features Red Oaks Forest School

Categories: Featured, Local News, News

Kentucky suspect in Crypto kidnapping is granted bail

Categories: Featured, Local News, National News, News

Kentucky Congressman James Comer will sign Ghislaine Maxwell subpoena

Categories: Featured, Local News, News

Good Samaritans who saved KSP trooper's life honored by Gov. Beshear

The good Samaritans who helped save Kentucky State Police Trooper Jude Remilien's life after he was shot during a traffic stop at the Bluegrass Airport on July 13 were honored by Gov. Beshear.

Michigan man allegedly defrauded over $26K from UK Federal Credit Union

As a result of the fraudulent withdrawals, the credit union reported a financial loss of $26,642 to the police.

Corbin police seek help identifying man in vehicle theft investigation

CORBIN, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Corbin Police are asking for the public’s help identifying a man they want to question in connection with a recent vehicle theft. Investigators released a photo of the individual and are urging anyone who may…

WWE legend Hulk Hogan dies at 71 following cardiac arrest in Florida

CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) — Hulk Hogan, a mustachioed, headscarf-wearing icon in professional wrestling who turned the sport into a massive business and cultural touchstone, died Thursday at age 71, Florida police said. In Clearwater, Florida,…

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dies after suffering cardiac arrest: police

The wrestling legend was 71.

Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan dies at Florida home: reports

The wrestling legend was 71.

Lexington rolls out heat plan as temperatures climb

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – The ABC 36 Storm Team is reporting hot temperatures heading into this weekend. The heat is on for the Bluegrass, as many crank up the A/C and look to stay cool, the city of Lexington is rolling out Phase…

Gov. Beshear announces expansion of Alltech in Nicholasville with $4.6 million investment

Governor Andy Beshear announced on Thursday that Alltech will be expanding in Nicholasville with a $4.6 million investment, creating six new jobs.

Lexington man charged in second homicide now facing two murder counts

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A man already jailed for one Lexington murder is now facing charges in a second deadly shooting—and he’s back in court Thursday. Lexington Police say 25-year-old Deonte Carter has been charged in connectio…

Fayette County man in court for two different murders

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Pulaski County man back in court on murder charges

SCIENCE HILL, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A Pulaski County man accused in a brutal attack that left two family members dead and another seriously injured is back in Kentucky and expected in court Thursday for a pretrial conference. Austin Prath…

Lexington activating Phase One of heat plan

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Lexington Fire Department graduates 39 recruits

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — It’s a big day for nearly 40 new firefighters in Lexington. The Lexington Fire Department is set to graduate Recruit Class 74 on Thursday, officially welcoming 39 new members to the force after months of i…

WEKU working to resolve broadcast issues caused by storm damage

RICHMOND, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — WEKU Public Radio is still working to restore full service after weekend storms caused significant damage to its broadcasting equipment. According to station officials, engineers have already replaced sever…

WEKU broadcast equipment damaged by storms

Categories: Featured, Local News, News

Report: 2 KY firefighters fired for organizing union awarded $1 million by federal jury

The International Association of Fire Fighters reports that a federal jury awarded two Kentucky firefighters $1 million after they were fired for organizing a union.

Kentucky weather today: Heat index climbing near 100

Hot and humid on Thursday with highs in the low to mid 90s, but heat index values climb into the upper 90s and low 100s.

Nicholasville flooded with emergency vehicles after fake child abduction report

A woman was contacted by an unknown individual and made to believe her adult daughter was in danger, the police said.

Kentucky Oaks moves to primetime TV for the first time in 2026

The Kentucky Oaks is shifting to primetime for the 152nd edition of the race for 3-year-old fillies.

State Police investigating possible murder-suicide in Harlan County

HARLAN COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Kentucky State Police are investigating a suspected murder-suicide after a husband and wife were found dead outside their home in Closplint. According to investigators, the man allegedly shot and kille…

Nicholasville police say reported abduction was a scam

NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Police in Nicholasville say an abduction scare in the downtown area turned out to be a scam. According to the Nicholasville Police Department, officers responded to a report of a possible abduction on…

An abduction scam in Jessamine County

Categories: Featured, Local News, News

Lexington Police department hiring school crossing guards

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — The Lexington Police Department is now hiring school crossing guards to help keep children safe as they head back to school. According to the department, school crossing guards are part-time, non-sworn emp…

Motorcyclist taken to hospital after crash near Versailles Road in Lexington

Just after 2 a.m., Lexington police were called to the scene at the intersection of Parkers Mill Road and Versailles Road.

Kentucky Courts raise awareness about the uptick in scams

The Kentucky court system reports that the number of scams continues to rise across the Commonwealth.

Steamy Temps and Scattered Storms Take Control

Good Thursday, everyone. The steam is becoming rather rude as heat indices continue to climb. With the steam comes the increasing threat for scattered showers and storms into the upcoming weekend. If you’re looking for some more of the com…

Lexington Rescue Mission sees record surge in meal services

Lexington Rescue Mission is serving over 20% more meals than usual, with hundreds of people seeking food assistance daily.