Free, AI-powered local news for Lexington, Kentucky
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The Comfy Cow, Dairy Del, and Crank and Boom Craft Ice Cream represent Kentucky in The64.com's second annual America's Best Ice Cream tournament, a fan-voted competition launching July 16.
OneQuest Health opened a new outpatient behavioral health center in Louisville this week, expanding mental health services amid ongoing Medicaid funding cuts and workforce shortages across Kentucky.
Bank of America awarded a $50,000 grant to the Bluegrass Community and Technical College Foundation to fully fund tuition and materials for low-income and underserved Kentuckians pursuing careers in high-demand trades.
Kentucky received three federal transportation grants totaling $73 million, including funding to replace Frankfort's historic Singing Bridge, expand truck parking at interstate rest areas, and expand Paducah's main riverport.
Bullitt County's tourism sector generated $173.2 million in economic impact in 2025, with $32.2 million in labor income and $14 million in tax revenues, contributing to Kentucky's fourth consecutive record year for tourism.
Chizimuzo "Zim" Ekki, a University of Kentucky College of Nursing professor and psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner, has been named the 2026 Psychiatric Nurse of the Year by the American Psychiatric Nurses Association.
Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman announced a $45 million national settlement with CashApp and Block, with Kentucky receiving $556,445.47 for defrauded users and securing enhanced consumer protections.
Tourism in Frankfort and Franklin County generated $174.7 million in economic impact during 2025, a 6% increase from 2024, supporting 1,283 jobs and contributing $13.1 million in tax revenue. The achievement contributed to Kentucky's record-breaking year, with statewide tourism generating $14.6 billion in economic impact.
Cannabuzz, a Lexington-based THC-infused beverage manufacturer, launched its Champagne Blush drink at thirteen Kentucky liquor stores, marking the latest expansion for the pioneer in Kentucky's hemp beverage market.
A comprehensive collection of Colonel Harland Sanders personal memorabilia preserved from his Shelbyville home will be auctioned on July 28, along with the historic Claudia Sanders Restaurant property.
According to a Word Unscrambler analysis of Google Trends data, "empathy" is Kentucky's most-searched word definition in 2026, reflecting Americans' growing interest in understanding emotions and societal concepts.
The Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky, celebrates its 10th anniversary this month with special events featuring three NASA astronauts, prominent Christian speakers, and performances by award-winning artists.
Kentucky ranks 6th nationally for dependence on immigrant workers, with 80.1% of foreign-born residents of working age, according to an analysis by The Mendoza Law Firm. The state's immigrant population has a median age of 40.5, nearly four years younger than the national average.
Speakeasy Dispensary will open a new medical cannabis location in Corbin on July 9, continuing the company's expansion across Kentucky as the state's medical cannabis program grows.
Barren County's tourism industry generated $117.5 million in visitor spending in 2025, ranking 18th statewide and creating 930 jobs. The region's growth is part of Kentucky's fourth consecutive record tourism year, which totaled $14.6 billion in economic impact.
The Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation has secured $2.25 million in state funding to develop The Landing Entrepreneurship Center in downtown Owensboro, a new coworking hub designed to support entrepreneurs and remote workers in the region.
Northern Kentucky is positioning itself as a critical hub for aerospace and defense manufacturing, leveraging logistics infrastructure including CVG cargo operations, an existing ecosystem of suppliers including Safran Landing Systems, and regional workforce development programs.
Horse Soldier Farms, a $200 million bourbon distillery founded by former Green Berets and featuring bottles molded from World Trade Center steel, opened in Somerset on Wednesday. The facility is expected to generate 50 jobs and $100 million in economic impact for the Lake Cumberland region.
Kentucky State University received a $2 million Appalachian Regional Commission grant to establish a Center of Excellence for workforce training and land restoration in Eastern Kentucky coal communities.
Kentucky Power announced multiple assistance programs for customers facing higher electric bills during the current heat wave, including disconnection suspensions, flexible payment plans, and energy efficiency programs.
FCPS school resource officer Jeremy Day will be honored as the Hometown Hero at the Lexington Legends' Baseball & Boom Bash on July 3, and will later undertake a 50-mile walk across 29 elementary schools to raise $10,000 for back-to-school supplies for students in need.
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield's Kentucky president says patients can save significant money and time by choosing appropriate care settings for non-emergency medical needs, from urgent care clinics to ambulatory surgery centers instead of hospital emergency rooms.
The University of Kentucky has approved a record $9.6 billion budget for 2026-27, its largest ever, driven primarily by healthcare expansion and investments in student support and workforce growth.
Simon Sheather, dean of University of Kentucky's Gatton College of Business and Economics, retired June 26 after eight years that saw enrollment nearly double and the MBA program reach record national rankings.
The Humana Foundation awarded $12.2 million in grants to combat senior loneliness nationwide, with several major initiatives based in Kentucky including programs at the Frazier History Museum and support for housing and mental health services.
Eastern Kentucky University's College of Business offers six flexible, stackable business certificates designed to help students and working professionals build in-demand skills in areas like accounting, sales, supply chain management, and cybersecurity.
Dr. Derick Strode has been named the third director of The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science at Western Kentucky University, beginning July 13. Strode, who previously served at the academy and most recently led WKU's regional campuses, will succeed Dr. Lynette Breedlove.
The University of Louisville Board of Trustees approved a record $1.96 billion Fiscal Year 2027 budget on June 25, a 9.4% increase driven primarily by research growth and state funding for the new Health Sciences Center Building.
Kentucky approved $6.1 million in development funding for five counties, including support for projects in Cumberland, Russell counties and the regional Triple Crown Business Park near Lexington.
The U.S. economy grew at a stronger pace than initially estimated in the first quarter of 2026 at 2.1 percent, driven by business investment and government spending, offering encouragement for economically lagging states like Kentucky.
Space Tango, a Lexington-based aerospace company, is investing $7.4 million to expand operations and add 25 jobs at a new facility at Greyline Station in Lexington.
Bluegrass Realtors reports that the central and southern Kentucky housing market gained momentum in May with sales up 5 percent, inventory reaching its highest May level since 2019, and home prices stabilizing after years of rapid appreciation.
Press Forward Blue Grass, a Blue Grass Community Foundation initiative, received a $125,000 grant from the national Press Forward coalition to develop public policy solutions supporting local journalism in Kentucky.
LG&E and KU's president defended the utility's data center expansion strategy, arguing careful planning and new safeguards can support Kentucky's economic growth while protecting ratepayers from cost increases.
Starbucks has commenced construction at Russell Centre in Russell, Kentucky, marking another milestone for the retail development anchored by Kroger and Lowe's Home Improvement.
Nearly 80% of Kentucky counties saw unemployment rise in the year ending May 2026, reflecting deepening labor market challenges across much of the state.
University of Louisville researchers discovered how urolithin A, a microbial metabolite derived from pomegranates and berries, activates a protective pathway that may help treat inflammatory bowel disease. The findings, published in Nature Communications, suggest new therapeutic approaches targeting specific immune pathways rather than broadly suppressing immune responses.
Target will open its first Frankfort store in July at The Paddocks development, creating nearly 200 jobs and serving as the company's 15th Kentucky location. The 128,851-square-foot store will be the company's first "Food Forward" location in the district, offering expanded grocery options.
Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky began production of the all-new RAV4 Hybrid and broke ground on a $922 million advanced paint facility as part of $2 billion in recent investments. The Georgetown plant, which employs nearly 10,000 workers, will also launch the Highlander Battery Electric Vehicle in September 2026.
Shelby County's tourism economy reached $103 million in 2025, surpassing $100 million for the first time, marking the fifth consecutive record year and doubling Kentucky's statewide growth rate.
Kentucky wins Area Development's Silver Shovel Award for the second consecutive year, recognizing major economic development achievements in 2025 including investments from Apple, Ford, General Matter and others that totaled $10.5 billion.
Space launch startup Sagittarius Logistics is considering Kentucky for a major manufacturing facility as part of its effort to meet growing demand for commercial orbital access. The company's evaluation comes as Kentucky Space Futures promotes the state's aerospace and space capabilities.
Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers discussed the University of Kentucky's role in advancing the commonwealth during a new "Behind the Blue" podcast episode, emphasizing research, economic development and workforce preparation.
Nine Kentucky historic sites will be reviewed Friday for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, including the Epping Bottling Works in Lexington and two notable Rosenwald schools associated with African American education during segregation.
As artificial intelligence transforms workplaces across Kentucky, mid-career professionals face pressure to continuously develop AI skills. Experts say traditional education models fall short, prompting calls for expanded access to flexible, workforce-aligned training programs.
Con Huevos, a Louisville-based Mexican breakfast and brunch restaurant, is expanding to Lexington with a new location planned for fall 2026 in Pleasant Ridge Commons, marking its first expansion beyond Louisville.
Lazenby Preserve, a new outdoor recreation community in Lee County, is now offering its first private home sites, with about 1,800 acres reserved for recreation. The development comes as Red River Gorge tourism continues to grow.
The Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce will honor four alumni from its leadership programs during an Aug. 27 awards luncheon in Erlanger, recognizing their contributions to the region.
A University of Kentucky researcher led a study revealing dozens of hidden star clusters buried in cosmic dust within nearby galaxies, advancing understanding of how stars form and galaxies evolve.
The Greater Louisville housing market saw inventory surge 40% in May with 4,052 homes available for sale, while closed sales jumped 14.6% year-over-year despite modest increases in price appreciation and longer time on market.
EverPeak Insurance has launched workers' compensation coverage in Kentucky, backed by Pinnacol Assurance's century-plus of expertise, expanding its 18-state footprint and enabling brokers to write multistate policies through the Attune platform.
A new study from Clever Real Estate finds that new construction homes in Lexington cost nearly $183,000 more than existing homes, a 58% premium that far exceeds the national average of $52,565. New construction represents 12% of local home sales.
NetGain Technologies, a Lexington-based managed IT and cybersecurity services provider, has been named to CRN's 2026 Solution Provider 500 list, which recognizes North America's largest technology solution providers by revenue.
The Louisville Sports Commission elected new leadership and board members for the 2027 fiscal year, tapping Dr. Steve Hester of Norton Healthcare as board chairman and adding five new members and six returning directors.
Lexington construction firm Gray released a whitepaper documenting the growing adoption of design-build project delivery methods in industrial construction, finding the integrated approach enables better decision-making and project outcomes.
Airheads is offering a $50,000 grand prize through its "Imagine the ImPOOLsible" Sweepstakes, challenging social media users to create AI-generated dream pool designs for a chance to win funding to build them. The campaign runs through August 31 on TikTok and Meta.
EverPeak Insurance launched workers' compensation coverage in Kentucky, expanding to 18 states and enabling brokers to write multi-state policies through the Attune platform for small and mid-sized businesses.
The Louisville Zoo welcomes two new female Western lowland gorillas from Zoo Knoxville that will join the facility's Gorilla Forest exhibit and a male gorilla named Kicho.
Oak Grove and Hopkinsville celebrated record-breaking tourism spending for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, with Christian County visitor spending reaching $245 million and generating significant economic impact across the region.
Cleo Battle, president and CEO of Louisville Tourism, has won the 2026 Meeting Professionals International Industry Leader Award for his decades of service to the hospitality industry and his work expanding downtown Louisville's bourbon tourism attractions.
Jordan and Shellain Satterwhite have taken over ownership of Outdoor Lighting Perspectives of Lexington, expanding their existing Louisville franchise territory in the custom outdoor lighting business.
Western Kentucky University named Dr. Fadi Sibai as director of the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, effective August 10. Sibai brings extensive experience in academic leadership, engineering education, and industry work with major technology companies.
Baptist Health Paducah announced a $19 million expansion adding two new robotic operating rooms and upgraded surgical facilities, expected to be completed in fall 2027 as demand for advanced surgical procedures continues to grow.
The Kentucky Small Business Development Center named Kayla Keeton as its 2026 State Star, recognizing her exceptional contributions to small business development across Kentucky.
Officials broke ground on the Commonwealth Center for Biomedical Excellence, a $125 million facility in downtown Covington that will house Northern Kentucky University's Salmon P. Chase College of Law and the University of Kentucky College of Medicine-Northern Kentucky campus, with construction expected to complete by the end of 2028.
University of Kentucky hires Michigan State athletics director J Batt as new AD and CEO of Champions Blue LLC, replacing retiring Mitch Barnhart after his 24-year tenure.
The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce has established its inaugural Next Generation Leadership Council with 20 emerging business leaders from across Kentucky to address key economic issues and help shape the state's business future during the 2026-2028 term.
Graceland Portable Buildings of Cunningham announced the acquisition of ShedSync, a technology platform designed to help independent portable building dealers with inventory management, AI-powered marketing, and lead generation in an increasingly digital market.
The Somerset-Pulaski Economic Development Authority has opened applications for its next president and CEO to replace Chris Girdler, who will transition out of the role after leading the organization since its founding in 2019.
Hendrickson Trailer is investing $13 million to expand its Somerset facility with a 15,000-square-foot addition that will create up to 30 jobs over three years, marking the company's fourth major expansion in the region since 2007.
The Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce has named Jim Page, a veteran chamber executive with 25 years of experience, as its new president and CEO, effective July 20, 2026. Page previously led the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama for 11 years, earning national recognition for his organization.
Kentucky's tourism industry reached record levels in 2025, generating $14.6 billion in economic impact and supporting nearly 97,000 jobs, marking four consecutive record-breaking years driven by bourbon, horse racing, state parks, and major events.
Equity Management Group named Jason J. Taylor as President, Lev Orlov as Chief Operating Officer, and promoted Bret Caller to Chief Executive Officer, reflecting the firm's commitment to operational excellence and growth.
Louisville-based MagnaWave PEMF unveiled its most advanced systems at the 10th MagnaCon conference, introducing the next-generation M Line PEMF system and the VyFy Recovery System, a multi-modality platform combining PEMF with light and oxygen therapies.
Kentucky's General Fund receipts fell 3.0 percent in May, but strong consumer spending—particularly in sales and use taxes—has put the state on pace to exceed its annual revenue estimate despite earlier predictions of a $156 million shortfall.
The Kentucky Nonprofit Network has appointed Aimee Jewell, a nonprofit leader with more than a decade of experience, as Director of Learning and Capacity, where she will develop statewide training programs and leadership initiatives for nonprofit professionals.
Senate President Robert Stivers was named a recipient of the 2026 Motion Picture Association Industry Champion Award for his leadership in advancing film and television legislation that has helped position Kentucky as an attractive destination for productions.
Lexington-based Gray Construction climbed to #15 among the nation's top telecommunications contractors, fueled by explosive growth in data center construction across the U.S., according to Engineering News-Record's 2026 rankings.
Western Kentucky University and Elizabethtown Community & Technical College have launched a new Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management, allowing students to begin at ECTC and complete their bachelor's degree at WKU in Elizabethtown. Registration for Fall 2026 is open.
The University of Louisville has selected Jessica Vodden, the former vice president for marketing and communications at East Tennessee State University, as its new vice president for communications and marketing, effective Aug. 17. Vodden brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education marketing and brand strategy.
UK HealthCare's Transplant Center performed Kentucky's first robotic-assisted kidney transplant using the Da Vinci Xi Surgical System, offering patients smaller incisions, less pain and faster recovery than traditional open surgery.
Lexington's city council approved a $546 million fiscal year 2027 budget emphasizing public safety, infrastructure improvements, and affordable housing, with heightened investment in snow and ice removal following winter storm criticism.
Governor Beshear extended his emergency gas tax reduction to 33 Kentucky communities through June 30, though Lexington was not included after local leaders declined to request the extension. Gas prices are expected to rise 10 cents per gallon June 11 in areas that did not request continuation of the relief measure.
Keeneland Library received the Thomas D. Clark Award of Excellence from the Kentucky Historical Society, recognizing its outstanding work preserving and sharing Thoroughbred racing heritage and reaching nearly 200,000 people globally in the past year.
Morehead State University has earned its fifth consecutive College of Distinction award for the 2026–27 academic year, recognizing its commitment to student success, hands-on learning, and strong faculty-student relationships.
Kentucky approved $750,000 in funding for the Floyd County Fiscal Court to develop the Allen Rail Site, a 125-acre property near Allen with rare flat land and railroad access designed to attract industrial investment and job creation.
Monster Self Storage opened its first Kentucky location at 15900 Shelbyville Road in Louisville on June 5, marking a milestone expansion for the company managed by Charleston-based Adams Property Group.
Commerce Lexington recognized 51 graduates from the 2025-26 Leadership Lexington program, the latest cohort in a nationally recognized initiative that has cultivated over 1,800 leaders since 1979.
Southwest Airlines celebrated the inaugural nonstop flight from Cincinnati's CVG Airport to Austin on June 4, marking the carrier's ninth anniversary at the airport. The new route is part of Southwest's 40 percent expansion of summer capacity at CVG, reflecting strong demand in the region.
The Salvation Army celebrates National Donut Day on June 5, honoring the legacy of Donut Lassies who served soldiers during World War I. The organization distributes donuts to veterans and first responders in Danville, Frankfort, and Richmond as part of its ongoing mission to serve vulnerable communities.
Wilson & Muir Bank & Trust Company hired Adam Brogdon as a loan officer at its St. Matthews office. Brogdon brings experience in commercial lending and relationship banking to the Kentucky-based community bank.
Covington's proposed $84 million Fiscal Year 2027 budget allocates significant resources to infrastructure, public safety, and community development while riding a wave of increased tax revenues.
Murray State University professor Dr. Jessica Pryor redesigned her graduate educational technology course to use Google Gemini Gems AI chatbots for content delivery while maintaining human grading and emphasizing ethical AI use.
McBrayer PLLC, a major Lexington law firm founded in 1963, has appointed Colby Blair as director of operations, positioning him to oversee organizational efficiency as the firm continues to grow. Blair, who has more than 20 years of operational and financial leadership experience, will work alongside the firm's CFO, CHRO and CMO.
McBrayer PLLC, a Lexington law firm founded in 1963, has hired former federal prosecutor Stephanie Zimdahl to enhance its white-collar defense and healthcare compliance capabilities. Zimdahl spent nearly 17 years as an Assistant United States Attorney specializing in economic, cyber, and healthcare fraud investigations.
Brown-Forman reports mixed fiscal 2026 results with net sales down 1% and operating income down 10%, though the Louisville spirits maker strengthened its cash position and returned record shareholder dividends. The company faces headwinds in U.S. markets while emerging markets drive growth.
Thirty-four professionals graduated from the Leadership Bowling Green Class of 2026, joining a network of community leaders dedicated to South Central Kentucky's future. The program, operated by the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, has cultivated engaged leaders for more than three decades.
Two University of Louisville medical students won Kentucky's largest college pitch competition with Claustrum Design, a medical device company focused on improving surgical procedures and patient care.