The Lexington Times

Free, AI-powered local news for Lexington, Kentucky

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Kentucky sues prediction markets, online casinos over illegal gambling

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Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman has filed three lawsuits against online prediction markets and casinos accused of illegally operating unlicensed gambling businesses in the state.

Experts highlight medication safety for Kentucky children during June

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Kentucky health experts are highlighting child medication safety during National Safety Month in June, warning about the dangers of unintended pediatric overdoses and urging parents to properly store and secure prescription and over-the-counter medications.

Soccer fan opens Wandering Bock for World Cup viewing

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The Wandering Bock in Greyline Station is hosting World Cup viewers during the tournament, with its soccer-enthusiast owner inviting fans to watch matches at his bar.

Ky. retirees brace for Social Security shortfall by 2034

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The Social Security Trust Fund faces depletion by 2034 unless Congress acts, raising concerns among Kentucky retirees who depend on the program for retirement income.

Gorton aims for third term, touts record on homelessness and safety

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Mayor Linda Gorton outlined her campaign platform for a potential third term on WUKY radio, emphasizing her primary election victory and highlighting initiatives to address homelessness, improve public safety, and construct a new city hall.

Acting FCPS leader pledges transparency, stability during transition

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Dr. Bill Bradford, newly appointed interim superintendent of Fayette County Public Schools, vowed transparency and earned trust while pledging to prioritize students, support school staff, and maintain stability during the district's leadership transition.

Beshear pardons 43 for aiding enslaved people's escape

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Governor Andy Beshear posthumously pardoned 43 individuals convicted in the 19th century for helping enslaved people escape to freedom, with the pardons issued ahead of Juneteenth celebrations.

Lexington residents voice concerns over data center expansion plans

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Residents packed a Lyric Theatre meeting to oppose data center developments in Lexington after Texas-based DartPoints Operating Company purchased the former Lexmark facility.

UK names Jason Batt as new athletics director

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The University of Kentucky has named Jason "J" Batt as its new athletics director. Batt joins UK after one year at Michigan State and two years at Georgia Tech and will also serve as CEO of Champions Blue LLC.

Former Senate leader McConnell hospitalized

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Former U.S. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell was admitted to a hospital on Sunday, according to a statement from his office. No details were provided about the reason for his hospitalization.

Kentucky communities pump brakes on data center expansion

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Growing numbers of Kentucky cities and counties are considering moratoriums or stricter zoning regulations on data center construction as communities weigh economic benefits against environmental and infrastructure concerns.

Beshear ends out-of-state medical marijuana purchase option

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Gov. Andy Beshear is eliminating conditional pardons that previously protected Kentucky medical marijuana patients traveling out of state to make purchases, as the state's regulated cannabis program expands with new dispensaries and increased product availability.

UK, UofL tapped for national security technology pilot

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The University of Kentucky and University of Louisville have been selected for the Science to Venture pilot program, which focuses on developing national security technology through academic research collaboration.

Bradford named interim superintendent after Liggins placed on leave

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The Fayette County School Board placed Superintendent Dr. Demetrus Liggins on paid administrative leave, with Assistant Superintendent Dr. Bill Bradford immediately named interim superintendent. The move reportedly garnered support from both board members and parents.

Beshear uses budget flexibility to counter General Assembly cuts

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Gov. Andy Beshear is shifting state funds to counter budget cuts made by the Republican-controlled General Assembly, citing GOP leaders' comments as justification for the unusual move.

Lexington activates heat emergency plan as temperatures soar into mid-90s

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Lexington activated Phase One of its Heat Plan as temperatures climbed to the mid-90s, triggering city protocols to protect vulnerable residents through Thursday.

FCPS Places Superintendent on Leave, Names Bradford Acting Leader

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The Fayette County Public School Board placed Superintendent Manny Liggins on leave Wednesday and named Assistant Superintendent Bill Bradford as acting superintendent following a closed-session board meeting.

Nearly 2,200 Lexington residents to receive medical debt relief

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Nearly 2,200 Fayette County residents will receive notices that their medical debt has been forgiven in the third wave of a local medical debt relief initiative.

Kentucky tourism maintains strength despite national slowdown

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Kentucky's tourism industry is posting record numbers in 2025, bucking a national trend of declining international travel to the United States. The state's continued strength demonstrates the enduring appeal of its attractions.

Lexington playwright presents 'BORDEN' musical at women's theater fest

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Lexington native and NYC playwright Cavan Hendron brings his new musical adaptation of the Lizzie Borden story to his hometown as part of the Voices Amplified: Voices HEaRd Women's Theatre Festival.

Proposed Woodland Avenue development shelved after community pushback

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A proposed retail and apartment complex at the corner of Woodland Avenue and East High Street in Lexington has been cancelled following community opposition.

Beshear backs Dembo in 6th District congressional bid

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Gov. Andy Beshear and other Kentucky Democratic leaders held a rally in Lexington to support Sixth District congressional candidate Zach Dembo, demonstrating party backing for his bid for the U.S. House seat.

Fayette superintendent Liggins resigns amid financial turmoil

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Fayette County Public Schools Superintendent Demetrus Liggins has resigned amid renewed financial challenges in the district, according to WUKY 91.3 FM.

Lexington Council Halts Data Center Projects With Moratorium

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Lexington's Urban County Council voted to impose a moratorium on data center development while also passing the city's annual budget, citing concerns about infrastructure capacity and environmental impacts.

33 Kentucky cities, counties get gas tax extension; Fayette opts out

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Gov. Andy Beshear extended a gas tax reduction of 10 cents for 33 Kentucky communities, though Fayette County declined to request the extension, leaving Lexington residents subject to the full state gas tax rate.

Fayette schools may tap reserve funds before fiscal year ends

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Fayette County School Board members plan to use contingency fund dollars before the fiscal year ends, though the exact amount needed has not yet been announced.

Lexington proposes ban on vehicles stopping, standing in bike lanes

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Lexington is considering an ordinance that would ban drivers from stopping, standing, or parking in city bicycle lanes to improve cyclist safety and keep bike infrastructure clear.

Lexington may penalize pet owners for leaving animals in unsafe weather

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Lexington is considering amendments to its animal care ordinance that would establish new penalties for pet owners who leave animals outside during extreme or unsafe weather conditions.

Lexington city budget nears approval; bike lanes, animal welfare rules advance

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Lexington's city budget nears final approval while the city considers new bike lane restrictions and strengthened animal welfare protections during extreme weather, according to CivicLex discussions.

FCPS Considers Contingency Fund as Budget Woes Deepen

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Fayette County Public Schools is preparing to tap its contingency fund as the district faces mounting financial complications that have strained its operating budget.

Kentucky childhood poverty down but education gaps persist

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A new report from the Annie E. Casey Foundation shows Kentucky has made modest progress reducing childhood poverty, but pandemic-related learning gaps continue to challenge students across the state.

More Kentucky foster youth using college tuition waiver program

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More foster and adopted youth in Kentucky are using the state's college tuition waiver program specifically created for them, according to a new report, highlighting growing awareness and utilization of higher education assistance.

Ky. Republicans split on Trump's national intelligence pick

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President Donald Trump's nomination for director of national intelligence has drawn skepticism from some Kentucky Republicans, signaling potential opposition during the Senate confirmation process.

Kentucky lawmakers seek to regulate 'forever chemicals'

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Kentucky lawmakers are examining options to track and regulate PFAS, or "forever chemicals," synthetic compounds widely used in industrial and consumer products that resist degradation in the environment.

World's folklorists gather in Lexington for international conference

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Sixty international folklorists are gathering in Lexington for the annual conference of the International Society for Contemporary Legend Research, exploring topics ranging from Mothman to artificial intelligence.

Kentucky preparing for digital 911 modernization

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Kentucky is transitioning to Next Generation 911, a digital upgrade that will allow emergency calls via text, video and data in addition to traditional voice calls.

Lexington launches Juneteenth celebrations starting June 14

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Lexington will host a series of Juneteenth celebrations beginning June 14, with local organizers emphasizing how the events showcase the community's creative and resilient character during a politically divided time.

Dallas company DartPoints buys Lexington data center for $29M

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A former Lexmark and IBM data center campus in Lexington has been sold to Dallas-based DartPoints for $29 million, marking a significant transaction in the region's technology infrastructure sector.

Golisano Children's launches Dolly Parton book program

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Golisano Children's Hospital at UK has launched Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, a program that provides free books to children, bringing literacy support to young patients receiving hospital care in Lexington.

Lexington voters may decide on city council pay raise

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Lexington's Urban County Council has approved three ordinances for the November ballot that would let voters decide whether city council members should receive higher pay.

FCPS board chair, KEA challenge law barring some employees from board

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Fayette County Schools Board Chair Tyler Murphy and the Kentucky Education Association have filed a lawsuit challenging a state law that bars some district employees from serving on school boards in Kentucky's two largest districts.

Kentucky expands free summer meal programs for students

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Kentucky's Department of Education and school districts are launching the federally funded Summer Universal Nutrition Programs to provide free meals to thousands of students during the school break, addressing food insecurity concerns.

GOP Lawmakers Assail Beshear's 10-Cent Gas Tax Cut

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Kentucky Republican lawmakers are criticizing Gov. Andy Beshear's decision to cut the state gas tax by 10 cents and block a scheduled increase, citing damage to road fund revenues.

Beshear expands medical marijuana eligibility with executive order

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Gov. Andy Beshear has issued an executive order adding specific medical conditions to Kentucky's medical marijuana eligibility list, characterizing the action as a clarification of existing law rather than an expansion.

Randall Cobb Named to 2027 College Football Hall of Fame Ballot

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Randall Cobb, a standout wide receiver for the University of Kentucky from 2006 to 2009, has been named to the 2027 College Football Hall of Fame ballot by the National Football Foundation.

Kentucky joins multi-state push to speed death penalty cases

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Kentucky's top law enforcement official has joined more than a dozen states urging federal intervention to accelerate death penalty litigation, citing concerns about prolonged case delays.

Kentucky baseball season ends in 10-inning loss to West Virginia

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The University of Kentucky baseball team's 2026 season ended Monday with a 6-5, 10-inning loss to West Virginia, capping a year in which the Wildcats showed resilience through multiple challenges.

Beshear backs South Carolina in 2028 primary calendar debate

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Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, chair of the Democratic Governors Association, has advocated for South Carolina to be included in an early group of voting states for the 2028 Democratic presidential primary.

Lexington leaders craft AI governance policies as technology expands

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Lexington city leaders are developing policies to oversee artificial intelligence as the technology increasingly appears in municipal government operations, aiming to ensure responsible use while maintaining transparency and accountability.

Bevin's arrest warrant recalled again after missing court date

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An arrest warrant for former Gov. Matt Bevin was recalled for a second time after he again failed to appear in person for a family court date in Jefferson County, choosing to participate via Zoom instead.

WUKY Explores AI in City Government, Budget Issues

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WUKY 91.3 FM's CivicLex Chat featured a discussion with Aaron Mudd about artificial intelligence policies in Lexington city government, a new efficiency ordinance, and budget matters affecting the municipality.

18 Kentucky counties approved for federal aid after Winter Storm Fern

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President Trump and FEMA approved federal disaster aid for 18 Kentucky counties damaged by Winter Storm Fern in January, which killed more than 20 people across the state.

Lexington's first Civic Assembly prepares recommendations for council review

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Lexington's first Civic Assembly will present its recommendations to city council next week, marking a significant step in the city's implementation of deliberative democracy practices.

FCPS board approves budget, loan amid backlash over 120 layoffs

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Fayette County Public Schools' board approved a budget and short-term loan Wednesday as dozens of community members protested the firing of 120 employees, deepening divisions over how the district should address its financial crisis.

Kentucky students uncertain on college exam as state reopens bidding

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Kentucky students and families face uncertainty about which college entrance exam they'll take in 2026-27 as the state reopens its bidding process to select between the SAT and ACT.

Lexington Council approves amended budget with $2.75M in extra spending

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Lexington's Urban County Council has given initial approval to an amended city budget that increases spending by $2.75 million. The budget still requires additional council action before final adoption.

Lexington Human Rights Commission reports surge in cases amid budget cuts

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Lexington's Human Rights Commission reports a more than 33 percent increase in cases while facing budget cuts, creating operational challenges for the agency tasked with investigating discrimination complaints.

Second lawsuit targets KSU reforms amid state overhaul

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Kentucky State University faces a second lawsuit challenging state-mandated reforms aimed at overhauling the historically Black university's operations and finances.

Massie files for 2028, keeps options open after primary defeat

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Rep. Thomas Massie filed to run in 2028 less than a week after losing his Republican primary to Trump-backed Ed Gallrein, keeping his political ambitions alive without specifying which office he will pursue.

UK baseball claims fourth straight NCAA tournament bid

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The University of Kentucky baseball team has earned an NCAA Tournament bid for a school-record fourth consecutive season, marking a significant achievement in the program's history.

Lexington honors fallen service members on Memorial Day

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Lexington joins communities nationwide in observing Memorial Day with ceremonies and tributes honoring military personnel and public servants who died in service.

Frankfort historic homes launch joint events partnership

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Liberty Hall and The Ashbrook, two historic Frankfort residences, have announced a partnership offering exclusive event packages for private gatherings hosted at both properties.

Cattle virus could spread to humans, researchers warn

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Researchers at Ohio State University have determined that a strain of influenza found in cattle and pigs could potentially spread to humans as a contagious respiratory flu, raising public health concerns particularly for agricultural workers.

Meta settles social media addiction case with Kentucky school district

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Meta has settled the first lawsuit brought by a rural Kentucky school district seeking compensation for costs related to student mental health harms from social media addiction, marking the first resolution in what hundreds of school districts nationwide are pursuing.

New elementary school prompts rezoning for 750 Lexington students

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Fayette County Schools plans to open a new elementary school in 2027, with nearly 750 students potentially being reassigned through a rezoning process. Parents are encouraged to check district information for updates on which students will be affected.

FCPS leaders address budget concerns ahead of board vote

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Fayette County Public Schools officials held a community question-and-answer session Thursday to address concerns about the district's proposed $880 million budget ahead of a school board vote.

Beshear calls for constitutional amendment on voting rights

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Gov. Andy Beshear is calling for a U.S. constitutional amendment in response to recent gerrymandering activity and a voting rights court ruling, signaling concern about electoral manipulation and voting access restrictions.

UK raising bar for next athletics director with expanded job requirements

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The University of Kentucky is revising the job description for its athletics director position as it searches for a replacement, raising qualification requirements for the prominent role.

UK opens $60M agricultural sciences building for students

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The University of Kentucky is opening a new $60 million agricultural sciences building for the upcoming school year, designed to prepare students to tackle major challenges in food production and agricultural innovation.

Fayette County Schools cuts 120 support staff positions

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Fayette County Public Schools terminated 120 district-level support personnel as the school system implements budget cuts to address financial constraints.

Trump's influence dominates GOP as Massie loses primary

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President Donald Trump's endorsement of Ed Gallrein helped defeat incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie in Kentucky's GOP primary, reinforcing Trump's control over the Republican Party, though the race also revealed underlying tensions within his coalition.

Kentucky primary contests set stage for competitive Senate, 6th District races

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Kentucky's general election matchups are now set following primary contests: Charles Booker faces Andy Barr in the U.S. Senate race, while Ralph Alvarado will oppose Zach Dembo in the Sixth Congressional District contest.

Barr, Booker advance to Kentucky Senate showdown

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Republican U.S. Rep. Andy Barr easily won Kentucky's GOP Senate primary Tuesday, while Democrat Charles Booker narrowly defeated Amy McGrath in a more competitive Democratic race, setting up a general election matchup between a conservative Republican and a progressive Democrat.

Gorton faces Carter in Lexington mayoral general election

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Incumbent Mayor Linda Gorton and businesswoman Raquel Carter advanced from Tuesday's primary to face each other in November's Lexington mayoral general election.

Barr wins GOP nod for McConnell's Kentucky Senate seat

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U.S. Rep. Andy Barr wins the Republican primary for Kentucky's Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell, advancing to the general election in a significant generational transition for the state's GOP.

Engine detachment flaws went unreported before deadly UPS crash

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NTSB investigators found 10 previous failures of the same engine attachment components that caused a deadly UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky, with most never reported to the FAA.

Kentucky voters head to polls for primary election

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Kentucky held its primary election Tuesday as voters across the state cast ballots to select nominees for upcoming general election races.

Civil rights leader P.G. Peeples laid to rest

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Porter G. Peeples, the longest-serving president and CEO of the Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County and a prominent civil rights leader, was laid to rest Monday following funeral services.

City Council tackles park fees, police academy in latest votes

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Lexington city council recently voted on LexPark fee adjustments and a new police training academy while providing guidance for voters ahead of upcoming elections.

Massie faces test in pricey Fourth District primary

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Kentucky's Fourth District Republican congressional primary has become the most expensive U.S. House primary in history, with Rep. Thomas Massie facing a test of whether voters will support his independent approach once again.

Defense Secretary enters Kentucky race to challenge Trump foe

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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth campaigned in Kentucky to attack one of President Trump's Republican critics in Congress, marking an unusual political foray for the nation's top defense official and testing Trump's influence over GOP primaries.

Volunteers help Kentucky residents reach abortion care out of state

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Volunteer drivers are helping Kentucky residents travel across state lines to access abortion services as mail-delivered medication abortion alone doesn't meet all residents' needs under the state's near-total abortion ban.

Wind advocates worry Kentucky carbon law could stymie turbine development

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Wind energy advocates in Kentucky are expressing concerns about recently enacted legislation that creates a carbon dioxide sequestration framework while adding stricter regulations on wind turbines, potentially hindering industry growth.

UK partners with Compass Group on enterprise services deal

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The University of Kentucky has partnered with Compass Group for an enterprise services deal, with university officials pledging that affected employees will keep their jobs and benefits despite staff concerns about the arrangement.

Kentucky voters split between early voting, election day ballots

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Kentucky's no-excuse in-person early voting for the 2026 primary election runs through Saturday, May 16, with some voters opting for early ballots while others prefer to wait for Election Day.

GOP candidates seek McConnell's seat while keeping distance from legacy

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Kentucky Republicans running to replace retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell are largely avoiding public tributes to the longtime senator despite his historic legacy, reflecting divisions within the GOP over his institutional approach to politics.

Lexington's homelessness task force to hold public listening session

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Lexington's mayor's task force on homelessness will host a virtual public listening session to gather community input on addressing the city's homelessness crisis.

Kentucky driver's license offices to close for system transition

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Kentucky's regional driver's licensing offices will close temporarily in early June as the state transitions to a new computer system.

Chevy Chase residents challenge mental health clinic approval

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Chevy Chase residents have filed a legal challenge to a Board of Adjustment decision that approved a proposed mental health clinic on Duke Road in their Lexington neighborhood.

Louisville Democrat exits House race after mailer incident

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A Louisville Democrat running for the 30th state House district has ended their campaign following a controversy involving campaign mailers.

Nation's reading struggles persist, but math shows promise

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A comprehensive Education Scorecard shows U.S. states continue struggling with reading proficiency while reporting some gains in mathematics performance.

Trump's Support May Test GOP Primary for Kentucky's Massie

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Rep. Thomas Massie navigates a 2026 reelection bid in Kentucky's 4th District, facing potential challenges from a Republican base deeply loyal to Donald Trump while maintaining his independent conservative voting record.

Former congressman backs Dembo in 6th District Democratic race

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Zach Dembo won the endorsement of Ben Chandler, the last Democrat to represent Kentucky's 6th Congressional District, as he campaigns for the Democratic nomination in the general election matchup.

Kentucky gas tax cut takes effect; prices show modest decline

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Gov. Andy Beshear's emergency gas tax reduction took effect Monday, resulting in slight decreases in average gas prices across Kentucky, including in Lexington.

Early voting begins for Lexington's 2026 primary election

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Early voting begins this week for Lexington's 2026 primary election, where voters will choose nominees for mayor and a city council district seat ahead of election day on May 19.

Lexington Opera House launches 140-year celebration with Bernadette Peters

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The Lexington Opera House began its 140th anniversary celebration Sunday with a performance by Broadway star Bernadette Peters, kicking off a week of special events honoring the downtown venue's 140 years of cultural programming.

Study warns mass deportations could harm Kentucky economy

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A Kentucky Center for Economic Policy report warns that mass deportations could shrink the state's workforce and create labor shortages in restaurants and agriculture, two industries heavily dependent on immigrant workers.

6th District primary race enters final week as early voting begins

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Early voting begins Thursday for Kentucky's 6th Congressional District primary scheduled for May 19, with political observers calling the race wide open and highly competitive.

FCPS faces payroll crisis without emergency loan, officials warn

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Fayette County Public Schools officials warned the school board that the district cannot make payroll in July without an emergency loan, signaling a critical budget crisis for Kentucky's largest school district.

Paul Schedules COVID Whistleblower Hearing

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U.S. Sen. Rand Paul announced a committee hearing for Wednesday to receive whistleblower testimony related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Legal challenge filed against Kentucky State's polytechnic overhaul

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A lawsuit challenging Kentucky State University's proposed transformation into a four-year polytechnic institution has been filed, marking another legal obstacle for the controversial university overhaul.

Lexington explores AI tools for code enforcement, Complete Streets

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Lexington is exploring artificial intelligence tools to improve code enforcement operations through pattern-tracking capabilities, while also advancing updates to its Complete Streets program that prioritizes safe infrastructure for all users.

Nonprofit leverages $8M grant to bolster rural childcare in eastern Kentucky

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A Kentucky childcare nonprofit organization is using an $8 million grant to support rural childcare and early education services in Appalachian Kentucky, addressing workforce shortages in the region.

Democratic lawmakers demand leadership changes at Fayette schools

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Democratic state lawmakers are calling for resignations of top Fayette County Public Schools administrators due to financial problems at the district.

Kentucky health official reassures public amid cruise ship hantavirus outbreak

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Kentucky's top health official said there is little cause for concern regarding a hantavirus outbreak aboard a cruise ship that left Argentina in early April, citing existing public health safeguards and the rarity of person-to-person transmission.

FCPS board to consider $110M loan for capital projects

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The Fayette County Public Schools board will consider authorizing a $110 million loan at Monday's meeting, according to the published agenda.

Beshear launches twin pre-K pilot programs in two Kentucky counties

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Gov. Andy Beshear is launching twin universal pre-K pilot programs in two Kentucky counties as part of his effort to expand early childhood education access across the state.

UK project harnesses storytelling to unite Kentucky communities

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A University of Kentucky-led project is using storytelling to strengthen community connections and improve communication between residents and local health and social service organizations throughout Kentucky.

UK union workers protest outsourcing, centralization plans

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University of Kentucky union workers are protesting outsourcing and centralization initiatives, claiming the university administration has failed to adequately address their questions and concerns about the proposed changes.

Massie slams AI-generated attack ad as 'defamatory'

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Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie is condemning an AI-generated political attack ad that falsely claims he is working with progressive Democrats to obstruct President Trump's agenda, calling the advertisement "disgusting and defamatory."

Comer backs Lutnick after Epstein testimony sparks partisan divide

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Kentucky Rep. James Comer and other Republicans praised Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick's testimony about his Epstein ties, while Democrats expressed skepticism during a private House committee interview.

Derby winner Golden Tempo skips Preakness for Belmont prep

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Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo will skip the Preakness Stakes next weekend and instead prepare for the Belmont Stakes in June, trainer Cherie DeVaux announced Wednesday.

Federal dollars fuel Kentucky's abandoned mine cleanup surge

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Federal infrastructure funding is fueling a boom in Kentucky abandoned mine cleanup projects, restoring degraded land while creating jobs in coal communities affected by mine closures.

Four candidates clash in Lexington mayoral debate

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Four candidates for Lexington mayor debated Tuesday night on emergency preparedness, city hall infrastructure, and partisan divisions affecting local government, according to a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters and WKYT.

Kentucky utilities explore small nuclear reactors to meet data center demand surge

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Kentucky's two major utilities are exploring small modular nuclear reactors to handle power demands from expanding data center operations across the state.

Beshear announces emergency gas price measures

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Gov. Andy Beshear announced emergency measures to combat rising gas prices in Kentucky, which economists say is among the states most affected. The governor attributed the increases to federal policy decisions.

Cameron launches 'Kentucky First' tour to distinguish Senate bid

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Republican U.S. Senate candidate Daniel Cameron is launching a statewide "Kentucky First" Tour to distinguish his campaign from rival Andy Barr, who received President Trump's endorsement. Cameron is emphasizing his independence from Washington and focus on Kentucky-specific concerns.

Trump backs Barr over Cameron in Kentucky GOP Senate primary

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President Trump endorsed Congressman Andy Barr over former Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron in the Republican primary to succeed retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell, as businessman Nate Morris withdrew from the race.

Lexington tackles housing stability with eviction program, code enforcement updates

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Lexington officials are weighing funding for an eviction diversion program showing early success, while also advancing data-driven code enforcement and addressing parking fees and other civic matters.

Barr solidifies frontrunner status with Trump backing in Senate race

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Congressman Andy Barr solidified his frontrunner status in Kentucky's 2026 Republican U.S. Senate primary after receiving an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, as the race was reshaped by another candidate's exit.

Lexington honors firefighters, EMS on International Firefighters Day

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Mayor Linda Gorton signed a proclamation honoring Lexington's firefighters and EMS personnel on International Firefighters Day, recognizing their bravery and commitment to community safety.

18-year-old charged in deadly Berea bank shooting

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An 18-year-old suspect accused of fatally shooting two U.S. Bank employees in Berea is scheduled to appear in federal court following his capture after a multi-agency manhunt.

DeVaux makes history as first woman to train Derby winner

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Cherie DeVaux became the first woman to train a Kentucky Derby winner when Golden Tempo won the race Saturday at Churchill Downs in Louisville.

Always a Runner wins historic Kentucky Oaks under lights

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Always a Runner won the 152nd Kentucky Oaks on Friday night, becoming the first winner of the race to compete under the lights in prime time at Churchill Downs, marking a historic shift in how the prestigious event is presented.

Trump endorses Barr in Kentucky Senate race to replace McConnell

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President Donald Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. Andy Barr of Kentucky in the Republican primary for the Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Mitch McConnell, giving the Lexington congressman a significant boost in the competitive GOP race.

FCPS budget cuts face community pushback over staff dismissals

· WUKY 91.3 FM AI Generated Edited

Fayette County Public Schools faces community opposition to proposed budget cuts, including plans to eliminate its two-member Sustainability Team, as the district responds to a major financial shortfall.

Teen suspect identified in deadly Berea bank robbery

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State and federal authorities have identified 18-year-old Brailen Weaver as the suspected gunman in a deadly bank robbery in Berea, Kentucky, who allegedly posted on social media hours after the incident.

Trafficking awareness efforts ramp up as Derby Week draws crowds

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Law enforcement and advocacy groups are launching trafficking awareness campaigns during Kentucky Derby Week, warning that major sporting events create heightened risks for human exploitation.