New Madison County year-round overnight shelter open
Christmas came early to those who are homeless in Madison County.
Lexington, KY news for Dec 22, 2025
49 stories gathered from local outlets, traffic updates, and public safety coverage.
Golden Alert for 'missing vulnerable adult' in Lawrenceburg canceled
According to the agency, 30-year-old Marquise Jones was last seen just after 9 a.m. Monday. Jones is autistic and may be trusting of others; this is the first time he has gone missing.
Golden Alert issued for 'missing vulnerable adult' in Lawrenceburg
According to the agency, 30-year-old Marquise Jones was last seen just after 9 a.m. Monday. Jones is autistic and may be trusting of others; this is the first time he has gone missing.
Golden Alert issued for 'missing venerable adult' in Lawrenceburg
According to the agency, 30-year-old Marquise Jones was last seen just after 9 a.m. Monday. Jones is autistic and may be trusting of others; this is the first time he has gone missing.
Lexington nonprofit helps families with Christmas needs
One Lexington non-profit is working to give thousands of families across central Kentucky presents underneath the Christmas tree.
Monday Evening Look Ahead
Good evening, everyone. We continue to see showers and milder temps overspread the state. These will hang tough into the start of the weekend before a massive change blows in behind a true arctic front. The showers are already out there an…
7 Fayette County students selected to perform in 2026 Rose Parade with honor band
Seven students from Lafayette, Henry Clay and Paul Lawrence Dunbar high schools will march in the 2026 Rose Bowl Parade with the Bands of America Honor Band.
Attorney says Kentucky State University shooting was 'completely justified'
Attorneys for the parent accused of the fatal Kentucky State University shooting argues that pulling the trigger was "completely justified."
Kentucky's only medical marijuana dispensary pauses operations after selling out
After just over a week from its initial opening, Kentucky's only medical marijuana dispensary has closed temporarily after selling out of product.
Section of New Circle Road shut down due to downed power line across roadway
A section of New Circle Road is shut down in both directions due to a downed power line across the roadway, Lexwrecks reports.
Family spreads joy with Christmas carols at UK Hospital
A family of carolers brought holiday cheer to UK Hospital just days before Christmas, performing festive songs for patients, visitors and staff as part of a month-long series of free concerts.
Former helicopter pilot remembers former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle as a friend
The NTSB is still investigating a plane crash in Statesville, North Carolina, that killed seven people last Thursday, including former NASCAR driver Greg Biffle.
Nearly one year after fatal police shooting, no answers in Doug Harless' death
On Tuesday, LEX18 Investigates looks back on the case, its impact on the community, and what Justice for Doug Harless means to those who knew him.
Deputy's quick action saves elderly woman from Kentucky house fire
According to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, the fire was caused by a faulty kerosene heater.
Defense claims Jacob Bard acted in self-defense in Kentucky State University shooting
FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Attorneys for Jacob Lee Bard claim he acted in self-defense and in defense of his family during the deadly shooting earlier this month at Kentucky State University, as a Franklin County grand jury prepares…
Teen injured after collision involving horse and buggy in Caldwell County
A teen was thrown from a horse and buggy Monday following a collision along Hopkinsville Road in Caldwell County.
Georgetown police warn of drunk driving dangers during holiday season
December is Impaired Driving Prevention Month, and with holiday celebrations in full swing, the Georgetown Police Department is reminding drivers to make safe choices before getting behind the wheel.
Georgetown Police urge holiday party-goers to plan sober rides
December is Impaired Driving Prevention Month, and with holiday celebrations in full swing, the Georgetown Police Department is reminding drivers to make safe choices before getting behind the wheel.
Worker finds man dead in Rowan County
Authorities are investigating after a body was discovered on Monday in Rowan County.
Jacob Bard cleared by grand jury in Kentucky State University shooting case
Jacob Lee Bard's attorneys confirmed to LEX 18 that Bard posted a $100,000 bond, 10 percent of his initial $1 million, and was released from jail Tuesday morning.
Grand jury finds KSU shooting was self-defense, declines to indict Jacob Bard
Jacob Lee Bard's attorneys confirmed to LEX 18 that Bard posted a $100,000 bond, 10 percent of his initial $1 million, and was released from jail Tuesday morning.
Grand jury finds KSU shooting was self-defense, defense attorney reports
Jacob Lee Bard's attorneys confirmed to LEX 18 that Bard posted a $100,000 bond, 10 percent of his initial $1 million, and was released from jail Tuesday morning.
Jacob Lee Bard posts $100,000 bond, released from jail Tuesday morning
Jacob Lee Bard's attorneys confirmed to LEX 18 that Bard posted a $100,000 bond, 10 percent of his initial $1 million, and was released from jail Tuesday morning.
Man accused of deadly KSU shooting 'justified under the law,' attorneys argue in statement
Attorneys for Jacob Bard, the man accused of shooting and killing one Kentucky State University student and injuring another, said in a Monday afternoon press release.
Frankfort diner closed after owner's hospitalization: How you can help
Franklin County rallies for Tammy's Diner owners, Tammy and Dan, as they face closure due to Dan's hospitalization.
University of Kentucky's Turning Point USA chapter under investigation: 'Tensions are rising'
The conservative group is under investigation after a student reported threats and offensive remarks in its public group chat.
Cloudy future for bourbon has Jim Beam closing Kentucky distillery for a year
Bourbon maker Jim Beam is halting production at one of its distilleries in Kentucky for at least a year as the whiskey industry navigates tariffs from the Trump administration.
Kentucky farmer sentenced to over 4 years in prison for insurance fraud scheme
A Cave City farmer was sentenced to more than four years in federal prison for his role in a massive crop insurance fraud scheme that cost insurers nearly $10 million.
Cloudy future for bourbon has Jim Beam closing Kentucky distillery for a year
Bourbon maker Jim Beam is halting production at one of its distilleries in Kentucky for at least a year as the whiskey industry navigates tariffs from the Trump administration.
Holiday travel ramps up as millions hit the roads and skies ahead of Christmas
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – With Christmas just days away, millions of people across the country are already packing up and heading out, hoping to beat the holiday rush on highways and at airports. AAA estimates nearly 110 million pe…
Lexington woman charged with marijuana trafficking, wanton endangerment enters not guilty plea
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Lexington woman accused of trafficking large amounts of marijuana and putting others at risk with a firearm has entered a not guilty plea in Fayette District Court. Rachel Abner appeared via Zoom from th…
One dead, one seriously injured in early morning Laurel County crash
LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – One person is dead and another is seriously injured after a single-vehicle crash early Monday morning in Laurel County. According to the Laurel County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were called to Kentucky…
Lexington man charged with arson after hotel fire on North Broadway, citation says
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A Lexington man is facing felony charges after police say he intentionally set a fire at a local hotel, creating a dangerous situation for people inside. According to a Uniform Citation filed by the Lexing…
Man allegedly started fire in Lexington motel with 'at least 44 people' inside, police say
The citation noted that Britt put "at least 44 people" in danger by allegedly starting the fire.
Lexington woman accused of trafficking nearly 15 pounds of marijuana, shooting through apartment floor
A Lexington woman was arrested in the early hours of Sunday morning for allegedly shooting through the floor of her apartment into an occupied living room below, and was also allegedly found with roughly 15 pounds of marijuana.
Report: Man sentenced to 25 years for armed robbery in Whitley County
A man in Whitley County will spend the next 25 years in prison after being convicted of armed robbery.
Ex-sheriff expected to testify in lawsuit accusing Letcher County officials of sexually exploiting inmates
A former sheriff accused in the shooting death of a Letcher County judge may testify in a federal lawsuit accusing officials of being involved in the sexual exploitation of inmates.
Rockcastle County home destroyed in Sunday fire; no injuries reported
ROCKCASTLE COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A home was destroyed by fire early Sunday morning in Rockcastle County, according to the Brodhead Fire Department. Firefighters say crews were called just before 4 a.m. to a house fire on Sue Johns…
Car crashes into Lexington home; no injuries reported
LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Police are continuing to investigate after a vehicle crashed into a home Sunday afternoon in Lexington. According to Lexington police, the crash happened around 5:15 p.m. on Astaire Drive near Hollow Creek…
Vehicle crashes into pole and pedestrian bridge in Somerset, driver hospitalized
PULASKI COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – One person was taken to the hospital early Sunday morning after a crash involving a utility pole and part of a pedestrian bridge in Somerset, according to the Somerset Fire Department. Fire officials…
Driver dies after crash with semi on U.S. 25E in Knox County
KNOX COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – A 93-year-old man has died following a weekend crash involving a semi-truck in Knox County, according to Kentucky State Police. Troopers say the crash happened Saturday on U.S. 25E in the Gray community.…
Jim Beam to pause production at Clermont distillery amid supply and cost pressures
BULLITT COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Bourbon maker Jim Beam has announced plans to pause production at its main distillery in Clermont, citing a combination of supply concerns and rising costs across the industry. According to the compan…
Knox County Sheriff's Department announces death of veteran officer Pat Alford
The Knox County Sheriff's Department has announced the death of Pat Alford, a 56-year-old law enforcement officer who served Kentucky communities for more than three decades.
Knox County officials mourn passing of student resource officer
Deputies with the Knox County Sheriff's Department announced the passing of Pat Alford on Sunday after decades of working with multiple branches of Kentucky law enforcement.
Kentucky State Police Investigate Fatal Shooting in Owsley County
OWSLEY COUNTY, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — Kentucky State Police are investigating the death of a woman following a reported shooting Saturday afternoon. According to KSP, troopers were called just before 2 p.m. after the Owsley County Sheriff’…
Man dies from injuries in Knox County crash involving semi-truck
A man who was critically injured in a Saturday evening crash involving a semi truck in Knox County reportedly died from his injuries on Sunday, according to the Kentucky State Police (KSP).
Holiday Heat Miser ALERT
Good Monday to one and all. It’s a full-blown Heat Miser ALERT this Christmas week as much warmer than normal temps settle in. This will also bring periodic showers along for the ride with winter staging a comeback by this time next week.…
1 man dead after crash involving tractor-trailer in Knox County
According to the Kentucky State Police, a 93-year-old man is dead after a two-vehicle crash with a tractor-trailer on US-23 E in Knox County on Saturday.
1 man dead after crash with tractor-trailer in Knox County
According to the Kentucky State Police, a 93-year-old man is dead after a two-vehicle crash with a tractor-trailer on US-23 E in Knox County on Saturday.